The Aprile Entries
Welcome to the first installment of the Aprile Entries. In each issue, Celebrity Chef Claudio Aprile recounts casual conversations and experiences with people, places and events in the community. Otherwise, you’ll find him at one of his restaurants, or at home cooking, and creating recipes.
@ClaudioAprile1 | ClaudioAprile.com
I moved to Oakville a few years ago. Like so many people during Covid, I was seeking a change of scenery, a reset. I craved the excitement that lay within exploring a new city. Having moved from Toronto, my family and I were ready to find new local amenities. It was through this process that we discovered how many amazing gems there are in Oakville. From bakeries, ice cream shops, and coffee houses to even an incredible record store that rivals the best in Toronto.
Then, there’s the Moonshine Café on Kerr Street. I kept hearing about this establishment and would occasionally drive past it with a persistent sense of intrigue and curiosity. However, we’re all creatures of habit. We rush to get to work, to the gym, to school, home, and repeat. We don’t harness the moments. We miss out on experiences. Instead, we capture visual lapses in time on our curated social media feeds rather than being present. We’re all searching for that perfect filter and angle. I too am guilty of this.
Lucky for me, I got a backstage pass to the Moonshine Café. It was during a meeting with owner, Jane, that I discovered what this hidden gem truly means to its loyal patrons. So, what is it about this place that’s resonated with so many for nearly two decades? The answer is very clear. The late John Marlatt and his wife Jane Mackay’s passion for art’s profound ability to connect a community.
John and Jane met in high school and eventually became life partners. Their love for music, art and community brought them together and ultimately manifested into the Moonshine Café, which was built in 2006.
Their goal was to create a meeting hub that would showcase the art scene in Oakville. A place for musicians, poets, and independent artists to thrive. This was all realized in the most seamless fashion. The interior is stripped down to its essentials. The walls are adorned with pictures of all the musicians who have passed through and the times that John and Jane shared. Years and years of music, memories and emotions seep into the walls of the café.
When you walk into the Moonshine there’s a sign depicting John’s house rules. “We are here to listen to live music! Please be respectful of the artists, and gauge your volume accordingly. Bring your positive vibe,” it says.
As I sit in conversation with Jane, I’m overtaken by a sense of belonging, sincerity and genuine hospitality. This place is legendary. Bands from Canada, the UK and the U.S. have all taken the stage here, a place that is so completely unassuming from its exterior, most of us would pass by and never take notice. If you’re paying enough attention though, you might have caught a glimpse of John wearing a cowboy hat, sitting in the front of the Moonshine barbecuing with a cigarette in his mouth. He was lovingly known to many as “The King of Kerr.”
We’re all obsessed with our phones, and our screens have become our companions. At the Moonshine there are no televisions. Everyone is encouraged to be present, to enjoy what’s in front of them free from distraction. As someone in the hospitality industry, I keep an eye out for growing trends. Listening rooms are growing in popularity. The Moonshine was way ahead of the curve. At its core its ethos is universal. Be present, and revel in the fleeting moments that we all share.
The cliché that nothing lasts forever is true. John sadly passed away last year. Over 1,000 people attended his funeral. Parliament even acknowledged his passing. Jane was forced out of retirement to return to the Moonshine and continue to run the business. What struck me about Jane was her positivity and resilience. She is dedicated to keeping his legacy alive.
Sadly, like so many businesses, the lease at the Moonshine will expire at the end of this year, leaving its fate in question. So, I highly encourage you to visit this local bar, have a pint, disconnect from your devices and experience authentic moments through its live music performances.
