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30 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday October 6, 2006 www.oakvillebeaver.com Artscene Oakville Beaver · FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2006 Sharkey's moved from harbour to world stage By Melanie Cummings SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER If you come out of the washrooms at Sharkey's World Café & Lounge chuckling to yourself, rest assured it's a pretty typical exit these days, according to observer and owner Kevin Yates. That's because audiotapes of performances by comedians around the world are being piped into the restrooms. It's just one of several eclectic details that makes doing lunch or a night out akin to a mini-trip. After a year's absence from the Oakville scene, Sharkey's has again risen. The long-time eatery that was previously located downtown, has since been occupied by a controversial condominium project. However, in this latest incarnation, the restaurateur has brought world tastes, comedy, customs and flair to its successor, which is now located on Dorval Road and the QEW, at 220 North Service Rd. W. For example, Yates has borrowed a hospitality ritual common to Cambodia in presenting an orchid infused and jasmine scent- BARRIE ERSKINE / OAKVILLE BEAVER SHARKEY'S REBORN: Kevin Yates President The Sharkey's Group of Companies poses in the new Sharkey's World Café & Lounge on the site where The Keg used to operate at Dorval Drive at the QEW. ed cleansing cloth to diners so that they can wash their hands before mealtime. It's just another indication that diners are in for a pampered and relaxing vacation of sorts. The new Sharkey's is replete with teak wood, Indian silks, colourful photos of faces from far off places and a menu that culinarily reflects this global atmosphere. Wherever sharks roam, the corresponding fusion of cultures is represented in the Global Lounge. Authenticity remained a priority throughout the design of the décor and in creating the menu, said Yates. The menu is influenced by the best the world has to offer in exotic locales such as Morocco, Thailand, Cambodia, Brazil, Turkey and Costa Rica. There's salmon with mango butter, Fijian apple ribs, Thai pizza, curry burgers and also an equally tantalizing selection of food for the more sedate tastebuds. It's premium fare in a casual atmosphere, said Yates, a veritable feast for the eyes and mouth. "Food makes people happy the world over," said Yates. There's a conscience underlying the theme too. Fundraising for the Shinta Mani Hotel & Institute of Hospitality in Siem Reap, Cambodia is planned for November. The training centre gives at risk, impoverished young people an opportunity to study culinary arts for nine months, for free. In completing the course graduates have marketable skills to secure work in the industry. Students are also given a monthly stipend, uniforms, meals, study materials and a weekly supply of 4 kilograms of rice to take home to their families on weekends. The former Sharkey's location was a bustling business averaging 20,000 customers per week. In the two weeks that has transpired since reopening, already Yates has seen faithful followers coming into the newly inspired Sharkey's. He said that inevitably 'ooh' and 'ahh' reactions emanate upon entry and after that first bite of food, or sip from any one of the concoctions created by the resident bar chef. CJ's Café adds new art exhibit Adding and Subtracting in Form and Colour, a show by local artist Barbara Eglinton, is now on display at CJ's Cafe In Bronte. The opening reception was Wednesday. Eglinton's paintings will be on display at the café until Nov. 6. She has won awards for her abstract work, has shown extensively around southern Ontario, is a member of the Central Ontario Art Association and an elected member of Colour and Form Society. Her recent work consists of flowing expressive movement. "I enjoy the freedom of allowing a painting to appear rather than forcing a predetermined image on the paper or canvas. The medium itself dictates the creation whether it be with watercolour or acrylic," she said. "Frequently, I add collage or calligraphy giving me a more hands on interaction with the painting. I respond to both the colour and the texture, adding and subtracting until satisfied with the image." Eglinton started painting in 1986 with the introduction to watercolour with Elizabeth Pudsey at the Burlington Art Centre. She then completed Fine Arts studies at Sheridan College, Dundas Valley School of Art, the Oakville Art Society and the Burlington Art Centre. Eglinton's artwork will also be available for sale at CJ's Café, 2416 Lakeshore Rd. W. For businesses who want to buy the artwork, significant tax advantages apply since Eglinton is Canadian. Boats in Storms exhibit staged by extreme sailor Boats in Storms, a show by John Van der Hart, runs until Wednesday, Nov. 1 at the Oakville Art Society (OAS). Van der Hart, an experienced extreme sailor, shows his love of the sport through his paintings. Recently, Van der Hart fell from his mast and injured himself while sailing. The Oakville resident chose to let the show go on and while he recuperates, the Oakville Art Society is holding his show. Boats in Storms runs until Wednesday, Nov. 1 at the Oakville Art Society, which is located at 560 Bronte Rd. The official opening reception is Friday, Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m. Open Winter 2006 ­ Reserve your suite now! 905-521-0888 300 PLAINS ROAD W., BURLINGTON, ON L7T 1G4 www.burlington-gardens.net © 2006 H R Corp. 1984