🇨🇦 This Week's NOTL Highlights!

🎉 Happy Friday, folks! 🎉

I hope your week has been a great one! Witnessing the water turn that stunning shade of blue we all adore yesterday was a highlight, and it's left me eagerly anticipating a season filled with similar days.

🍻 Tonight, if you're in search of some fun, head over to Oast for their last "Barn Boogie" of the season! DJ Marinko will be spinning the tunes, and everyone is invited to join the festivities!

👉 In today’s newsletter:

1. What's the Scoop on Niagara's Finest Thai?

2. Check It Out: The Scotsman Hotel is Finally Open!

3. Uncovering the Story Behind Queenston Pottery

4. Win a $100 Harp Gift Card with This Month’s Final Trivia Question! (Last Chance!)

🍜 Niagara’s Finest Thai: Our Review

After reviewing a $5 burger from the Churchill Lounge last week, we decided to switch gears and sample some Thai cuisine. Who can resist a savoury Chicken Pad Thai?

I want to preface my thoughts by acknowledging that prices are on the rise across the board at almost any place you visit now adays. Any comments I make about the value at Niagara’s Finest Thai could be somewhat influenced by this economic climate, I’m sure. That said, if I had to summarize my recent visit in one word, it would be "expensive."

I appreciate that quality comes at a premium, and I’m generally willing to invest in it. Niagara’s Finest Thai had its highlights, but overall, I found it slightly different from other Thai places I've enjoyed in terms of quality and portion sizes. It wouldn’t stop me from visiting again, though. As you’ll read further along here, I think the quiet atmosphere was a nice changeup compared to other local spots that are usually packed.

We began our meal with an assortment platter for two, featuring some truly impressive peanut sauce—possibly up there with some of the best I've had—and delightful spring rolls.

The platter cost $30, which might seem steep at first glance. Is it just me, or does that feel like a lot for what was on the plate?

Despite the price, it's important to acknowledge that every item on the platter was delicious. I also admired the restaurant's open kitchen layout, which allows diners to watch their meals being prepared. There’s an undeniable charm to seeing where your food is being made and the care that’s going into it.

For my main course, I opted for the Chicken Pad Thai. Visually, the dish was quite appealing, featuring thin, light noodles that differed from the heavier versions that often leave me going home in a food coma.

The portion size seemed small again to match the $24 price tag, although the flavour was excellent.

In terms of ambiance, I’d rate the restaurant vibes at a solid 8 out of 10. The space was open and inviting, and the staff were friendly, clearly enjoying their work environment. This positive atmosphere significantly enhanced the dining experience.

Given this, Niagara’s Finest Thai strikes me as a good date night destination. It’s not always about finding the best deal or experiencing a meal that will leave you speechless. Instead, you would visit here for the nice atmosphere and the chance to enjoy a setting that’s a bit different from the usual local hangouts.

This makes it a great choice for a quiet, enjoyable evening out.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 The Scotsman Hotel: Now Open!

This week I came across a great video displaying the beauty of the newly opened Scotsman Hotel offering a blend of history and luxury that could captivate both locals and tourists alike.

After looking through their website, I thought it was very interesting that when originally opened in 1805, the building served as the town's post office before being transformed into The Post House Inn, before being now renovated into a five-room luxury inn that respects its historical significance while providing modern comforts.

The hotel's strategic location and architectural charm make it an excellent addition to the NOTL community, promising to enhance the local tourism scene by attracting visitors looking for a unique and upscale lodging experience.

Whether you're planning a romantic weekend or a peaceful retreat, this could be a great option for you!

For anyone interested in learning more about the history behind this newly opened hotel in town, this page does a great job of telling the full story on their website.

Uncovering the Story Behind Queenston Pottery 👀

I received an email from one of our readers this week suggesting that I should look into Queenston Pottery which I have recently found out was initially opened in 1978 by Eva and Frank Mlcak (pronounced muhl-chaak).

Frank has sadly passed, but his legacy continues through Eva and now includes second and third-generation family members.

This local treasure offers a unique blend of functional and decorative stoneware, each piece vividly hand-painted and fired in a reduction kiln.

Beyond exquisite pottery, the studio features a lovely two-level gallery and garden, and a variety of locally sourced items. They promise that a visit is not just a glimpse into the art of pottery but an immersive experience in local craftsmanship.

Pretty cool that we have a place like this in our own backyard, and although I haven’t yet visited it in person I will definitely be adding it to my list this summer!

For more details, check out the Queenston Pottery website.

🥳 Giveaway + Trivia

Alrighty folks! It’s week 3/3 to answer a trivia question to have your name entered for a $100 gift card to The Irish Harp!

To make sure everyone is on the same page, if you answered correctly last week you can answer again this week to have your name entered again. 😉

So here it is…

Niagara on the Lake is home to the oldest surviving golf course in North America. What year was it established?

a) 1875

b) 1895

c) 1910

d) 1925

If you think you know the answer, replying to this email with it to be entered into our draw! The winner will be announced next week on May 1st.

It’s our goal this year to have community members join us in curating some of the content we share with our audience. Do you know someone or something in our community that should be featured?

Please let us know by replying to this email or by sending their information to [email protected].

That’s it for today folks,

NOTL News