In the “Heartwood” of Owen Sound, where passionate artisans and craftsmen of delicious indulgences congregate, two maestros of mixology, Kaja and Brant, breathe life into the town’s social scene. Rhythmic clinking of glasses and the laughter that dances in the air—these are the signatures of their craft, each cocktail a note in the melody of Heartwood Hall and their sister restaurant Parkwood.
Kaja’s journey began six years ago, a tale that started in the regimented world of chain restaurants, which admittedly was not her scene. It wasn’t until she landed a gig at a local pub in her hometown of Oakville that her fascination with bartending truly ignited. Behind the bar, she found not just a job but a calling, which crescendo-ed with her move to Owen Sound landing her at Heartwood Hall where her mixology skills shined.
But this is not about a solo artist; on the other side of the bar with his female counterpart stands Brant, a veteran of the craft for 15 years. A decade and a half of navigating the intricate flavors and personalities behind the bar, he’s become a stalwart presence in Owen Sound’s hospitality scene at Heartwood Hall.
When asked what they love about the industry, Kaja describes the social tapestry woven behind the bar. The nightly tableau of diverse characters, each with a story to tell, creates an atmosphere where every shift is a new chapter waiting to unfold. The canvas of creativity is equally appealing—mixing drinks, for Kaja, is an art. Crafting cocktails becomes a thrilling challenge, a chance to raise the “creativity bar” and leave a mark on the libation landscape.
Brant, on the other hand, finds joy in the fast-paced rhythm of the service industry. The opportunity to create lasting positive memories for guests fuels his passion. In a town where everyone knows everyone, the impact of a bartender extends beyond the glass, shaping the very fabric of the community.
True to form we had to ask about the unavoidable pet peeves that come with the industry. Kaja’s frustration echoes through the clatter of disorganization and miscommunication. In a world where precision matters, the absence of a well-organized workspace can slow the symphony of service. Brant’s pet peeves are humbler, yet equally important—unstable tables and absent cutlery. In a town that prides itself on hospitality, these seemingly small details can set the stage for disappointment, a dissonance in the otherwise harmonious experience.
Kaja lights up when she talks about her favourite cocktails to craft; sours with egg whites. A sensory alchemy, the addition of egg whites transforms a cocktail into a silky experience, balancing bold flavors with finesse. At Parkwood, they’ve dedicated an entire section to these liquid marvels, an ode to Kaja’s love for pushing the boundaries of mixology. Meanwhile, Brant finds his joy in the art of layering cocktails. A skill honed in the early days of flair bartending, the visual spectacle of a layered cocktail adds a touch of magic and nuance to classic ingredients.
Extending beyond the walls of Heartwood & Parkwood, Kaja’s skills have leant itself to the creation of Shanny’s Kitchen cocktail menu. This time it wasn’t just mixing drinks; it was a leap in her mixology journey. Complete creative freedom and a mission to modernize classic cocktails laid the foundation for a menu that mirrors the cozy bistro style of the restaurant that just opened in the River District of Owen Sound. Out of her 20 plus concoction opus, six made the cut, now delighting patrons at Shanny’s.
In contrast, Brant’s journey in crafting cocktail menus led him to the heart of Owen Sound’s music scene. At the helm of Heartwood Hall’s menu Kaja and Brant navigated the challenge of infusing tradition with innovation, presenting a menu that captures the essence of the town’s craft cocktail spirit.
No conversation with a bartender is complete without asking for an anecdotal giggle. Kaja’s initiation into bartending involved a literal splash of excitement. A misstep while shaking a cocktail turned into an unexpected shared shower with a customer. Laughter echoed over spilled spirits, turning an accident into a bonding moment. Meanwhile, Brant’s tale involves an unexpected guest at the Trump Hotel during a TIFF festival—none other than Quentin Tarantino. A surreal evening of serving drinks after hours and discussing films with the acclaimed director became a highlight of Brant’s bartending career.
As the glasses clink and laughter reverberates through the air, these two cocktail aficionados continue to craft the narrative of Owen Sound’s drinking culture. In a town where simplicity meets creativity, their concoctions aren’t just drinks; they are chapters in the ongoing saga of the local bar scene. Here’s to the bartenders of Grey Bruce Simcoe, who, with every pour, infuse the town with a spirit that goes beyond the glass—a spirit that binds the community one cocktail or mocktail at a time. Cheers to the passionate cocktail creatives like Kaja and Brant who transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, one sip, one story, and one smile at a time.
Written by Krista Kulbach
Photos provided by Kaja Poplawski
Feature photo by Ashley Winters
