Boulevard Magazine - Dec 2016 / Jan 2017 Issue

DECEMBER DECEMBER 2016 2016 II JANUARY JANUARY 2017 2017

VICTORIA VICTORIA LIFE LIFE AT AT ITS ITS FINEST FINEST

spirit quest

A journey into Victoria’s tantalizing cocktail scene

DecaDeNt Desserts Pie in the sky and out of this world

La DoLce Vita Velvet, lace, ruffles — rich fashion for the sweet life

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FEATURES

On the cover Table setting and floral design by Vanessa Watters of Verbena Floral Design, Thorn & Thistle Flowers and Aranza Grant of White Events Studio. Photo by Don Denton

30 CLASSY AND COSY

Clean lines and a modern

aesthetic in a

contemporary home

By Angela Cowan

46 LA DOLCE VITA

Velvet, lace and ruffles —

romantic fashion that’s

perfect for the season

By Lia Crowe

52 LITTLE LUXURIES

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78 SPIRIT QUEST

A journey into Victoria’s

burgeoning distillery and

cocktail scene

By Hans Tammemagi

84 DECADENT DESSERTS

Pie in the sky and out

of this world

By Chef Heidi Fink

98 IN GOOD HEALTH

Local health experts look

Holiday gift guide

to 2017.

By Susan Lundy

By Pamela Durkin

and Lia Crowe

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CONTENTS DEPARTMENTS 12 OUR CONTRIBUTORS 16 EDITOR’S LETTER

24 INSPIRED PEOPLE

David Ellingsen

By Angela Cowan

Seasonal musings

40 TALKING

WITH TESS

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INSPIRED STYLE

The Royal Bay treatment

Rob Janus and

By Tess van Straaten

Kathy Bakony

By Lia Crowe

90 TRAVEL FAR

Paradise Found:

20 INSPIRED DESIGN

North Island, Seychelles

By Suzanne Morphet

Elements of style

22 INSPIRED CHEFS

Terry Pichor,

Villa Eyrie Resort

104 TRAVEL NEAR

Sparkling Wellness

Vernon

By Susan Lundy

112 FRONT ROW

What’s on this month

By Robert Moyes

122 SECRETS & LIVES

Fast friends

Shannon Drew

By Chelsea Forman

130 OUTTAKE

By Don Denton

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OUR CONTRIBUTORS

ANGELA COWAN

LIA CROWE

JEN CLARK

WRITER: INSPIRED PEOPLE

MAKEUP ARTIST: LA DOLCE VITA

PAGE 24

PHOTO STYLIST: IN GOOD HEALTH

PAGE 46 PAGE 98

“Interviewing photographer David Ellingsen was my favourite assignment this year. His passion for his work and the earth, and the captivating hybrid beings he created for Anthropocene were beyond inspiring.” Angela is a freelance writer, poet and acupuncturist, and regular contributor to Boulevard.

“The spectacular views at Villa Eyrie Resort left me breathless. Boulevard fashion stories are always works of ‘lifestyle fantasy’ for me. However this shoot really took the cake!” Jen is a freelance makeup artist, who has been working with Boulevard for several years.

Her work has encompassed many fields including commercial, TV, music, theatre, and special events.

DON DENTON BOULEVARD PHOTOGRAPHER: INSPIRED PEOPLE

PAMELA DURKIN

CATHIE FERGUSON

WRITER: IN GOOD HEALTH

PHOTOGRAPHER: DECADENT DESSERTS

PAGE 98

PAGE 84

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“Photographing another photographer is perhaps the most challenging of assignments. Local photographer David Ellingsen was, as it turned out, not only an extremely interesting man, but an easy and obliging subject to work with.

Keep an eye on this artist and his work.”

Don has photographed numerous highprofile events, including the Olympics, World Hockey Championships and a Royal wedding.

GROUP PUBLISHER Penny Sakamoto ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Mario Gedicke 250.891.5627 EDITOR Susan Lundy CREATIVE DIRECTOR Lily Chan ASSOCIATE EDITOR Lia Crowe DESIGN Lorianne Koch Michelle Gjerde Claudia Gross ADVERTISING Mario Gedicke Pat Brindle ASSOCIATE GROUP Oliver Sommer PUBLISHER

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"'It’s safe, really! It's hard to tip a canoe,' I shouted to my partner in crime, photographer Don Denton, over the sound of waves crashing on the beach.

His reply was a skeptical look and he made no move towards where I was preparing to launch said canoe off Gonzales Beach. Eventually he stepped into the canoe because sometimes, for the right photo (Simon Whitfield, In Good Health), it’s worth a little danger."

Lia is a stylist, photographer and writer.

“Creating and tweaking a new blueprint for enhanced wellness can be a daunting task. It was refreshing and insightful to hear the unique paths my interview subjects plan to follow to make 2017 their healthiest, most balanced year yet.”

Pamela is a freelance health writer and nutritional consultant whose work has appeared in Boulevard, Eat, Reader’s Digest, Alive, Spa Business and more.

CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION Sarah Dodd 250.480.3208 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Angela Cowan, Lia Crowe, Pamela Durkin, Heidi Fink, Chelsea Forman, Suzanne Morphet, Robert Moyes, Hans Tammemagi, Tess van Straaten CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Lia Crowe, Don Denton, Cathie Ferguson

“You might assume that the best part of shooting food is the part when we devour it afterwards... and that’s a correct assumption! Heidi’s such an amazing chef and I think her chocolate pecan pie is one of the most delicious desserts I’ve ever tasted!” Cathie is a Victoria based commercial and lifestyle photographer.

ADVERTISE Boulevard Magazine is Victoria’s leading lifestyle magazine, celebrating 26 years of publishing in Greater Victoria.

To advertise or to learn more about advertising opportunities please send us an email at info@blvdmag.ca Mailing Address: 818 Broughton Street, Victoria, BC, V8W 1E4 Tel: 250.381.3484 Fax: 250.386.2624 info@blvdmag.ca blvdmag.ca

Victoria Boulevard ® is a registered trademark of Black Press Group Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the publisher’s written permission. Ideas and opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Black Press Group Ltd. or its affiliates; no official endorsement should be inferred. The publisher does not assume any responsibility for the contents, both implied or assumed, of any advertisement in this publication. Printed in Canada.

Canada Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement #42109519.

OUR CONTRIBUTORS

HEIDI FINK WRITER: DECADENT DESSERTS

CHELSEA FORMAN WRITER: FAST FRIENDS PAGE 122

PAGE 84

“Pies are the dessert closest to my heart. They remind me both of cooking with my mother and of forging my own path as a cook and a chef. Writing these recipes, with their combination of basic pastry steps and glamorous ingredients, managed to fill me with nostalgia and excitement at the same time.” Heidi Fink is a chef, food writer and culinary instructor, specializing in local foods and ethnic cuisines.

SUZANNE MORPHET WRITER: PARADISE FOUND PAGE 90

“I was expecting North Island to be somewhat formal because of its exclusive price point and because it’s where Will and Kate honeymooned, but the resort couldn’t have a more laid-back, relaxed vibe.” Suzanne is a former CBC Radio News reporter who now focuses on having fun while writing and photographing destinations that deserve to be known and shared.

HANS TAMMEMAGI WRITER: SPIRIT QUEST PAGE 78

“My friends can’t believe the jobs I get, and this one — sipping classy cocktails and meeting the mixologists who make them — has inspired more jealousy than usual.” When sober, Hans writes articles and books about travel, environment, First Nations, and odd, quirky things. He has penned 10 books (one national bestseller) and writes for numerous newspapers and magazines in Canada and internationally.

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“Getting to interview Shannon Drew, Ecoasis’ vice president of corporate affairs and community initiatives, was an inspiring and enlightening experience. I uncovered her secret to a successful career and full life, built on a foundation of giving back and kindness.” Chelsea is a writer of all topics lifestyle. She has also recently completed her first young reader’s novel.

ROBERT MOYES WRITER: FRONT ROW PAGE 112

“Culturally minded Victorians have many gifts to unwrap this winter season, including the toe-tapping return of the ABBA-driven musical Mamma Mia!, the world premiere of the latest drama from BC playwright Joan MacLeod, and three evocative exhibitions at Winchester Galleries. Best of the season, indeed!” A born and bred Victoria native, Robert is a longtime freelancer and editor whose main focus these days is arts journalism.

TESS VAN STRAATEN WRITER: THE ROYAL BAY TREATMENT PAGE 40

“Growing up in Victoria, my family would drive by the big gravel pit at Royal Bay every Christmas Eve to visit a very special relative in Metchosin. I hadn’t driven by that spot in a couple years so imagine my surprise when I went to interview developer Russell Tibbles and saw the quarry gone and a tree-filled community taking shape. What a transformation!” A fourth-generation Victoria native, Tess is an award-winning journalist and television personality who has had the privilege of interviewing people for close to two decades.

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EDITOR’S LETTER

Shopping, dropping and seasonal musings

BY SUSAN LUNDY

PHOTO BY ARNOLD LIM

start. Writer Hans Tammemagi identified locally distilled spirits, quizzed the experts, and set himself up for cocktail tasting around town. Everyone at Boulevard envied Hans’ “spirit quest.”

Perhaps before delving into the cocktails, you might want to check out Chef Heidi Fink’s story on “decadent desserts.” It comes complete with pastrymaking instructions certain to soothe the angst of pastry-phobes everywhere.

Looking for something to wear? Stylist Lia Crowe and photographer Cathie Ferguson take readers to the beautiful Villa Eyrie Resort, where they captured sparkling holiday fashion amid a lavish backdrop. We found our highly talented feature chef, Terry Pichor, there as well.

Inspired Deign's table settings offer fodder for the holiday “buy” list; Front Row has some ideas for cultural escape, and speaking of escapism — our Travel Far section takes readers to the ultra luxurious honeymoon spot of Royals William and Kate. Closer to home, Sparkling Hill near Vernon offers wellness packages to aid in recovery from — or to avoid — holiday indulgence.

Also on the journey to better health, writer Pamela Durkin interviews some of Victoria’s healthiest citizens to see what their plans are for a robust 2017.

Rob Janus and Kathy Bakony reveal some inspired style; Royal Bay subdivision’s Russell Tibbles chats with Tess van Straaten; while photographer David Ellingsen shares the story behind his latest exhibit, and Ecoasis’ Shannon Drew provides the secrets behind her successful career.

And topping it all off, Satnam and Rov Dosanjh, of Rayn Properties, open the doors to their beautiful Fairfield home, showing us how clean lines, tall windows and geometric symmetry can result in a sleek, contemporary and efficient smaller-sized home.

We wish our readers all the joy of the season and a wondrous journey into the next year. Our hope is that you find peace and love and health. And don’t worry about me. I’ll just be around town, package-less, wandering from store to store, trying to shop while squinting at all the merchandise because I’m too embarrassed to wear my old glasses.

PHOTO BY LIA CROWE

H

ERE’S AN EXAMPLE OF ME shopping: It’s time for new eyewear and I’d like something that expresses my personality. Something wild and crazy and “out there.” (Ha, this is so NOT my personality). Maybe some red frames. At the very minimum, I want large frames that mark a defiant departure from my current mousey, wear-only-in-the-dark glasses.

So I wander into a store and start perching frames upon my nose. In the back of my mind, I’m envisioning all those beautiful, laughing bespectacled models I see in commercials.

They look so good in glasses. And so happy!

(Then — yikes! — I realize I’m picturing the sashay with which my husband’s ex-wife donned big, loud glasses. Really?) But I carry on with my mission.

Hmmm. Bold frames don’t actually suit me. I move towards the wire frame section and then, better, the frameless glasses.

Eventually, I realize I’m not beaming like those models; I don’t like wearing glasses. I even consider that perhaps the ex wife is an ex BECAUSE of her annoyingly loud eyewear. I exit the store without buying anything, deciding to stick with contact lenses.

I’m not a shopper. Inevitably, once I decide what I want to buy, find my way into a store and even identify something I like — I immediately fret that I’ll find something better, less expensive, more appropriate somewhere else.

I get purchasing paralysis.

On the other hand, my husband is a shopping machine. Once, when we first started dating, I accompanied him into a shoe store, made myself comfortable on a chair and, with a silent sigh, hunkered down for the wait. He marched over to a shelf, picked up a pair of shoes, tried on his size and, before I could say, “but what about …” he was at the counter and sauntering out the door, shiny bag in hand. It was dazzling to behold (even without my glasses).

As Christmas approaches, so does the shopping season and with it, the frightening action “shop-til-you-drop.”

Luckily for Boulevard readers, we make holiday shopping a little easier, working with fashion guru Elise Purdon to offer up some suggestions in our gift guide (she loves shopping), but also via the tempting wares displayed by our advertisers.

For those of you shopping machines out there — perhaps you’ve already shopped-til-you-dropped. And to get you off the floor, we have other holiday ideas in play. Cocktails might be a good place to

AS CHRISTMAS APPROACHES, SO DOES THE SHOPPING SEASON AND WITH IT, THE FRIGHTENING ACTION “SHOP-TIL-YOU-DROP.”

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Boulevard editor Susan Lundy is a former journalist and two-time recipient of the prestigious Jack Webster Award. Her award-winning stories have appeared in numerous magazines and newspapers.

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inspiredSTYLE

BY LIA CROWE WITH ROB JANUS + KATHY BAKONY ROB JANUS, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS FOR THE VICTORIA FOUNDATION AND KATHY BAKONY, MANAGER OF CORPORATE REAL ESTATE FOR COAST CAPITAL

S

itting in the back of a Jaguar limousine, and dressed in their finest, the lovely and stylish Rob Janus and Kathy Bakony chat about life, fashion, style and a 20-year Christmas tradition that’s all about the outfit.

“I’m having a bit of a renaissance with fashion as we’ve moved into the empty nest thing,” Rob says. “I’m a little more picky than I used to be, I take more time with it.”

Both passionate about travel, they agree Victoria is a great place to come home to.

“I love the scale of the city,” says Kathy. “Having grown up here, I like how the downtown is getting more exciting; how the culture is changing.”

Asked about style, Kathy says, “It’s about confidence, it doesn’t have to be something perfectly put together — just that you’re confident with it.”

“I think you can have confidence without style,” laughs Rob. “I’m open to a lot of different styles, but personally I like tailored looks — a jacket or pair of pants that fits just right.”

Although they may disagree about style, they do agree on their favourite Christmas tradition — and it’s all about pajamas. When their son was a year and a half during a particularly difficult time, they wound up spending all of Christmas day in their PJs. “It was the best Christmas we ever had. It was just such a lovely, peaceful, cosy time. So every year since Christmas day is all about the PJs.”

Special thanks to Gilles Proulx of Ascot Limousine Service for bringing his 1990 Jaguar, Daimler DS420 limousine — formerly owned by a Lord Mayor of Birmingham, England — to the shoot.

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FASHION & BEAUTY

UNIFORM: For work, a sheath dress; at home, skinny jeans and a Lucky brand jeans top. ALLTIME FAVOURITE PIECE: My Ports midnight blue tuxedo skirt, basically all the Ports clothes I owned … I still miss that store 20 years later. CURRENTLY COVETING: Prada sling back shoes at Nordstrom. FAVOURITE PAIR OF SHOES: Superga white canvas sneakers and basically most Italian shoes. FAVOURITE DAYBAG: Black Roots shoulder bag. FASHION OBSESSION: Sling back dress shoes and kitten heels. ACCESSORY YOU SPEND THE MOST MONEY ON: Coats — you can never have too many living on the West Coast.

NECESSARY INDULGENCE: Biotherm Body Milk for the lovely citrus scent. MOISTURIZER: Aveda Botanical Kinetics. MUST-HAVE HAIR PRODUCT: Weightless hairspray. BEAUTY SECRET: Good night’s sleep.

STYLE INSPIRATIONS

STYLE ICON: Jackie O., hands down favourite. FAVOURITE ARTIST: Jackson Pollock. PIECE OF ART: Any mobiles by Alexander Calder. FAVOURITE FASHION DESIGNER: Halston.

FAVOURITE MUSICIAN: Elton John. ERA OF TIME THAT INSPIRES YOUR STYLE: 1960s FILM OR MOVIE THAT INSPIRED YOUR STYLE: To Catch a Thief with Grace Kelly or Touch of Mink with Doris Day.

KATHY

LIFE

FAVOURITE LOCAL RESTAURANT: “We go to a lot of good ones but my favourite meal would start with salami parmigiano from The Whole Beast as part of a charcuterie platter we make at home.”

FAVOURITE COCKTAIL/WINE: “So many favourites because I like to experiment, but I always love a good margarita.” ALBUM ON CURRENT ROTATION: “I like lots of different music but my favourite song that gets me energized is Mony Mony by Billy Idol.” FLOWER: David Austin English roses in the garden. FAVOURITE CITY TO VISIT: Seattle … it is my second home.

FAVOURITE APP: Yahoo Finance.

FAVOURITE PLACE IN THE WHOLE WORLD: My backyard on a nice summer’s day.

READING MATERIAL

ONLINE: Pinterest, J.Crew catalogue. PRINT MAGAZINE: Architectural Digest COFFEE TABLE BOOK: The Jewel Box Garden

by Thomas Hobbs.

LAST GREAT READ: That Night

by Chevy Stevens.

BOOK CURRENTLY READING: Sweetland by Michael Crummey.

STYLE INSPIRATIONS

LIFE

STYLE ICON: Steve McQueen.

FAVOURITE ARTIST: Jimmy Wright. PIECE OF ART: Fish painting by Jimmy Wright hanging in my house. FAVOURITE MUSICIAN: Van Morrison. ERA OF TIME THAT INSPIRES YOUR STYLE: I don’t go by era, but I do appreciate the clean lines and simple masculinity in men’s fashion during the late ‘50s and early ‘60s. FILM OR MOVIE THAT INSPIRED YOUR STYLE: Bullet.

FASHION

UNIFORM: For work, Digel pants and dress shirt. At home, 34 Heritage FAVOURITE LOCAL jeans, navy T-shirt. ALL-TIME FAVOURITE PIECE: Omega dress RESTAURANT: Kathy and I have shirt. CURRENTLY COVETING: Strellson navy suit. FAVOURITE been enjoying taking cooking classes at both PAIR OF SHOES: Johnston & Murphy zip-up black boots.

Cook Culture in Victoria and the Dirty Apron in FAVOURITE DAYBAG: Crumpler Messenger bag. FAVOURITE Vancouver. FAVOURITE COCKTAIL/WINE: Mojito JEWELRY PIECE: I don’t wear jewelry except for my is my go-to cocktail, and I’ve been having a bit of a love affair titanium Eco-Drive watch by Citizen, which is always on me. with Amarone wines lately (Montresor… mmmmmmmmm).

ACCESSORY YOU SPEND THE MOST MONEY ALBUM ON CURRENT ROTATION: Come Away With ON: Coats. MUST-HAVE HAIR PRODUCT: Pliable Me by Norah Jones FAVOURITE CITY TO VISIT: Seattle.

Paste by Joico.

FAVOURITE HOTEL: Whatever Kathy picks. She’s a travel planning guru. FAVOURITE APP: Flipboard. FAVOURITE PLACE IN THE WHOLE WORLD: It’s a tie between home and Kauai, Hawaii.

READING MATERIAL

ONLINE: Flipboard (curated articles from a range of sources).

FAV PRINT MAGAZINE: Harper’s (my brother got me a gift subscription when I was 16; had it ever since). COFFEE TABLE BOOK: Visual Explanations by Edward R. Tufte. LAST GREAT READ: The Patrick O’Brian series.

BOOK CURRENTLY READING: Blue Latitudes by Tony Horwitz.

ROB 19

inspiredDESIGN Handmade ceramic dinnerware

by Kati Von Lehman $42, $48, $68 // Pigeonhole Home Store

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OF STYLE

Using stone, metals and crystals, celebrate this season with a modern table setting that highlights the unique beauty of raw elements.

Polished gold five-piece place setting by Vera Wang $155 // Bespoke Design

Omnia table with the ceramic top in the white marble by Calligaris $6,095 // Studio Y Design

Convivio round centrepiece with handles by Match Pewter $570 // Calla Design 20

SAVE

Stone and brass candle holders by Tom Dixon $175 — $938 // Gabriel Ross

Handcrafted, artisan napkin rings made in Leon Mexico.

Wide selection of amethyst, rose quartz, pyrite or rock crystal 2 for $40 or $24 each // Thorn & Thistle Flowers

$100 OFF* 1 pair EVEN MORE when you pick 2 or 3

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inspiredCHEFS

TERRY PICHOR EXECUTIVE CHEF, VILLA EYRIE TEXT BY SUSAN LUNDY PHOTOS BY DON DENTON

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QUICK FACTS:

• Grew up in Pine Falls, Manitoba • Trained in Vancouver BC • Just over a month at Villa Eyrie and before that, executive chef for seven seasons at Sonora Resort.

Lamb dish from Chef Terry Pichor at the Villa Eyrie Resort.

WHAT ARE YOU BEST KNOWN FOR AS A CHEF? Pacific North West cuisine.

WHAT ARE THE 10 OR SO MOST IMPORTANT INGREDIENTS IN YOUR PANTRY? Salt, butter, olive oil, vinegar, fresh herbs, garlic, onion, Parmesan cheese, wild mushrooms, any fresh seafood I can get my hands on, heirloom tomatoes in the summer and sunchokes in the winter.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE DISH TO COOK AND EAT ON A WET, WINTERY DAY? Risotto with braised beef cheeks and wild mushrooms or caramelized onion soup.

WHAT’S YOUR “GO TO” ITEM WHEN SAMPLING OTHER CHEFS’ FARE? Duck or scallops.

HOBBIES? Getting outside hiking on a day off.

CAN YOU SHARE AN EASY, SEASONAL RECIPE FOR A QUICK BITE THIS WINTER? MUSSELS AND CLAMS IN SMOKED-TOMATO FENNEL BROTH 1 pound mussels, scrubbed and de-bearded; 1 pound clams, scrubbed.

FENNEL BROTH 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced 1 Spanish onion, diced Pinch of saffron 2 heads of garlic, peeled and finely chopped 1 cup white wine 1/3 cup fish stock Salt and pepper SMOKED TOMATOES 1 puck alder wood chips, for smoking 1/3 cup + 3 teaspoons olive oil 4 Roma tomatoes FENNEL BROTH In a medium-sized saucepan over low heat, sweat the fennel, onion, saffron and garlic until soft. Add the white wine and cook until reduced by half. Add the stock and simmer for another 10 minutes. Season to taste. Set aside.

TO SMOKE THE TOMATOES Preheat the oven or outdoor barbecue to 250 F. Crumble the alder wood chips into the bottom of a perforated grill pan. Slice the Roma tomatoes in half lengthwise and lay the halves cut side down on the grill pan. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven or barbeque. Let the tomatoes smoke for 15 minutes, then remove the pan and set aside.

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inspiredPEOPLE

PHOTOGRAPHER DAVID ELLINGSEN: FACING “ANTHROPOCENE”

“THIS COLLECTION TIES INTO MY FEELINGS THAT IT’S CRISIS TIME WITH CLIMATE CHANGE.”

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We have your holiday dresses

PHOTOS BY DON DENTON

W

ITH SAND DOLLAR HEADDRESSES and disembodied lupine jaws, the newest photograph collection by David Ellingsen at the Winchester Gallery is shrouded in the slick smear of primordial algae and the whispers of wild heartbeats.

The images are studio-shot on a stark black background, offering nothing to distract from the eerie creatures Ellingsen has created in his collection, Anthropocene. Two bird skulls nestle in the eye sockets of a human skull; a turtle carapace takes the place of a brain; in yet another, the human skull is held in the predatory clasp of a sea lion’s pitted jaws. The images make your hackles rise. You may be standing in a white-washed art gallery, you tell yourself, but your wilder nature tenses its hamstrings, prepared to run.

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Ellingsen, who freelanced for years as an editorial and advertising photographer for New York Times Magazine, CBC Radio Canada, Men’s Journal and MTV/Nickelodeon, has been focusing exclusively on his art since 2013. Rife with environmental commentary, his collections have been exhibited worldwide, including being a permanent part of the Chinese Museum of Photography and Vancouver’s Beaty Biodiversity Museum. Nine photos from The Last Stand, a series of stump portraits, will be permanent fixtures at The Datz Museum in Seoul.

The seeds for Anthropocene took root when he first read the term in a news article.

“Based on global evidence that Earth’s natural systems have been irrevocably altered by human activity, this term redefines the current geological time period as being human-influenced,” he says in his artist’s statement.

For a species as young as we are — with civilization as we know it about 6,000 years old, and industrialization only ramping up in the 1800s — that is a monumental and vastly unsettling claim.

“It just shook me to my core,” says Ellingsen. “A lot of the time it’s a sort of visceral feeling that starts me off. This collection ties into my feelings that it’s crisis time with climate change.”

Though the term has been around since 2000, it was only on

August 29, 2016 that the Subcommission on Quaternary Stratigraphy recommended formalizing anthropocene as the current geological epoch. It was just one of many recent pointsof-no-return that the human race has passed in the last decades, leaving our future as a species more than uncertain.

To take that revelation and turn it into art was a natural next step for Ellingsen. Being tuned in to the health of the environment has always come second nature for the artist, having grown up on a farm on the remote Cortes Island.

“Growing up in a place like Cortes, the environment and the landscape is equally, if not more important than your family is,” he says. “You really see the balance of life and death.

When you’re slaughtering animals for food, you see what’s necessary to actually sustain another life. That isn’t bad or good, it just is.”

Seeing that balance irreversibly shattered by human influence, both on a local and global scale, spurred Ellingsen to action.

“I was looking at reintegrating nature back into humanity,” he says of Anthropocene. “We keep extricating ourselves from nature and putting ourselves above, and exerting dominion over it. We live on top of nature, not in it. But we’re still ruled by instinct and not reason.”

In life, the photos are expansive, bold statements on the gallery’s white walls. With no glass to separate them from the

“THE TECHNIQUE OFFERS A NEW LEVEL OF CLARITY THAT ALLOWS THE VIEWER TO SEE THE WORK IN A WAY THE HUMAN EYE SIMPLY CAN’T.”

ORIAN CONSTRUCTION INC. 250-812-1496 26

Photographer David Ellingsen at one of his favourite shooting locations, Trafalgar Park.

before

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Wow! to

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viewer, Ellingsen’s creatures seem almost to emerge from their black backgrounds and into the room. It’s a feeling of movement that’s emphasized by a startling level of detail, achieved by “focus stacking.”

“I don’t normally talk a lot about the technical aspects of my work,” says Ellingsen, hesitating at first to get into the jargon of photography.

“Normally, if you’re looking at me, you’re focusing on my eye or my nose, and the rest of my face is out of focus, and what’s behind me is out of focus,” he says.

With focus stacking, Ellingsen sets the focus on the closest point of his subject, and then takes a multitude of shots, changing the focus slightly each time, moving farther back with each shutter snap. The challenge is to then build an image using the sharpest parts of each.

The technique offers a new level of clarity that allows the viewer to see the work in a way the human eye simply can’t.

“I really do hope to poke and prod people into action,” he says, freely admitting this collection is not designed to make anyone comfortable. “There was an intention behind that abruptness. There are a few things I hope for. One is that people become aware of the term anthropocene because for me it’s so monumental.”

We will evolve and adapt, he adds, but at what cost? How can we as a species integrate our advancements in medicine, engineering and agriculture into a global lifestyle that also protects the planet?

But even through the undeniable threats of climate change, Ellingsen has a strong sense of hope for the planet, and for us,

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especially when he’s immersed in the natural world. Several of his other ongoing collections get him out into nature and at the ocean’s edge.

“It gives me a touchstone every day just to look at the ocean and the sky,” he says. “When I’m back here, I feel like the natural environment here feeds me in a way I can’t describe.”

“Sometimes this kind of work really stresses you out,” he says with a bit of a laugh. But with the completion of the Anthropocene collection, “I feel a sense of peace. I really do feel at peace with the idea of life and death, good and bad, the yin and yang of life.”

“We had seen David’s work from previous series,” says Elizabeth Levinson of Winchester Gallery, Ellingsen’s home gallery now that he’s moved back to Victoria from Cortes.

“His technical ability is superb, but we were attracted to what he had to say through his lens about the state of the planet, and about hope for its future. It’s been an honour to hold the international launch of the Anthropocene series.”

After spending much of his career in the breakneck pace of commercial photography, being able to step back and stretch his artistic muscles has been a welcome change for Ellingsen.

“It’s about slowing down and putting thought into it. Being an artist really dovetails into the way I was raised,” he says.

He’s able to spend the time needed to capture the essence of an idea — explore inspiration, and research stories and images from other cultures and peoples.

“Being a photographic artist now,” he says, “I feel completely at home.”

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Satnam Dosanjh in the airy living room of her and husband Rov Dosanjh’s beautiful Fairfield home.

30

HOT PROPERTIES

““WE WANTED TO DOWNSIZE TO SOMETHING MORE FUNCTIONAL. HERE, EVERY SPACE IS USED,”

DOSANJH HOME USES CLEAN LINES AND A MODERN AESTHETIC TO CREATE STUNNING-YET-HOMEY ABODE

BY ANGELA COWAN PHOTOS BY DON DENTON

31

S

ET ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE HISTORIC Ross Bay cemetery in Fairfield, Rov Dosanjh’s newest house pulls together clean lines, tall windows and geometric symmetry, bringing an infusion of modern aesthetic into the classic neighbourhood.

Dosanjh, owner of Rayn Properties, initially had an arts and crafts design in mind for the lot, but quickly fell in love with the modern blueprint after working with Kyle Leggett of Java Designs.

“We wanted to see what he came up with,” says Dosanjh.

“I’ve always appreciated this type of modern design.”

With a 10,000-square-foot lot, Dosanjh knew he’d need to build a sizeable house to fit the space. And since the lot was already zoned for a duplex, he worked with Leggett to come up with a multi-family plan that fit into his vision.

“We wanted to fill the space,” says Dosanjh. “We didn’t want it to be overpowering, but have it suit the property. I love the lines. I love the way it sits on the road. It’s not just a big box.”

A far cry smaller than their previous 5,600-square-foot home, the Fairfield house was designed with a little simplifying in mind, says Dosanjh’s wife, Satnam.

“We wanted to downsize to something more functional. Here, every space is used,” she says.

At 2,250 square feet, the new home is still roomy with three bedrooms and a den, five bathrooms and plenty of storage spread over three levels. A small media room downstairs offers a getaway for weekend movies.

And the kitchen has cupboard and counter space enough to satisfy any cook. But the most important feature is its independence from its other half, both in appearance and liveability.

“You can’t tell right away that it’s a duplex,” says Satnam.

Indeed, the angles of the house flow into each other so well, the building feels like one cohesive design.

“The most important requirement, I felt, was to have the two units completely independent from each other,” says Leggett.

Maximizing the corner lot, he was able to place the driveways and entrances not only at a distance from each other, but on separate roads. The Dosanjh’s front entrance leads off of Fairfield itself, while the other half of the duplex opens onto Arnold Avenue.

Further adding to the sense of independence is the impeccable soundproofing Dosanjh employed throughout the

“IT WAS IMPORTANT TO CREATE A MODERN AESTHETIC TO SUIT THE ARCHITECTURE OF THE HOME, KEEPING IT WARM AND COMFORTABLE WITHOUT MAKING IT TOO STARK OR UNWELCOMING.”

33

build. A wall of ICF — insulated concrete forms — extends from the basement to the roof, ensuring no sound travels between the two sides.

The build did present a few challenges, however, and one of these was figuring out how to keep the master bedroom on the main floor.

“I designed everything around that. We’re maxed out on the square footage,” says Dosanjh. “It was quite the balancing act with Kyle.”

“It was not a lot of space that we had to work with,” agrees Leggett.

With the master right next door to the great room, it was difficult to figure out the exact placing of the separating wall to ensure both rooms felt right. “I feel we nailed it with just the right-sized rooms, enormous ceilings in the great room, and custom details throughout the home.”

“For a small home, it feels and presents itself as quite spacious,” he says.

There was a similar balancing act with the interior design, say Tracey Lamoureux and Carley Petillion from Creative Spaciz.

“The homeowners came from quite a traditional home, which Satnam Dosanjh really gravitates to, but this home is quite modern,” says Petillion. “It was important to create a modern aesthetic to suit the architecture of the home, keeping it warm and comfortable without making it too stark or unwelcoming.”

A unique cantilevered structure overhangs the dining area, creating a bistro-like pocket of intimacy in the otherwise open design.

Drywall details frame the fireplace and television in the great room, creating a focal point. And touches of walnut throughout lend warmth in an otherwise cool grey and white palette.

The richly grained wood serves as hearth for the open-flame fireplace, lower cabinet base in the kitchen and in pocket shelving. To keep the kitchen from getting overpowered by the two-storey height ceiling, Lamoureux and Petillion also added a walnut “header” to the upper cabinets, again creating a feeling of subtle boundary in the open concept.

Other touches of wood — the cedar siding overlaying an angled ceiling above the kitchen and dining area, and the floating staircase treads made from structural beams — further ground the home with a sense of solidity and comfort.

What’s underneath it all is just as impressive.

From paints and glues to woods, and even the carpet underlay, Dosanjh used top-end environmentally

“FOR A SMALL HOME, IT FEELS AND PRESENTS ITSELF AS QUITE SPACIOUS.”

34

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““WE WANTED TO DOWNSIZE TO SOMETHING MORE FUNCTIONAL. HERE, EVERY SPACE IS USED,”

“I LOVE THE LINES. I LOVE THE WAY IT SITS ON THE ROAD. IT’S NOT JUST A BIG BOX.” Exterior of the Dosanjh’s Fairfield home.

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Dominion Securities Inc. is a member company of RBC Management, a business segmentcorporate of Royal Bank of Canada. ®Registered trademarks of RoyalInvestor Bank ofProtection Canada. Used under © RBC Dominion isSecurities a member company RBC Wealth Management, a business segment of Royal Bank of Canada. ®Registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence. © RBC Dominion Inc. 2016. Allofrights reserved.

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Optional Feature. Model shown: 2016 Discovery Sport HSE Luxury *Price shown is manufacturer Suggested Retail Price for the Discovery Sport SE. Supplies are limited. Excludes Freight charges, a $595 dealer documentation fee, Secure Drive Theft at $410 (optional), and taxes, all due at signing. Retailer price, terms and vehicle availability may vary. See Land Rover Victoria or call † 250 475 3313 for Model qualifications and complete ©2016 Jaguar Rover North America, LLC.Price for the Discovery Sport SE.Supplies are limited. Excludes $ D & D Charge destination/ Optional Feature.

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HSE Luxury *Price shownLand is Manufacturer Suggested Retail handling charge, tax, title, license, and retailer fees, all due at signing, and optional equipment. Retailer price, terms and vehicle availability may vary. See your Land Rover Victoria or call 2504753313 for qualifications and complete details. ©2015 Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC

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friendly materials throughout the entire home, building as “green” as he could. This commitment to sustainable building, as well as the impressive attention to detail, is undoubtedly why he was recently honoured with two CARE awards for the structure. The other half of the duplex recently won silver for best contemporary kitchen and for best multi-family project, and Dosanjh, who’s won a total of four gold and 10 silver CARE awards since 2008, intends to enter his own home into next year’s awards.

Leggett for one wasn’t surprised.

“Rov Dosanjh is an exceptional builder, and I love working with him creating amazing homes,” he says.

The Dosanjhs moved in with their two grown children in October 2014, quickly settling into their new digs. The family had previously lived mostly in quiet cul-de-sacs, and moving to a busier neighbourhood was a bit of an adjustment. But with topnotch soundproofing and café blinds lending privacy, the interior fosters a cosy, secluded atmosphere.

“When I’m in here, I don’t feel like I’m on a main road,” says Satnam as she sits in the great room. “And the convenience of everything is quite neat.”

“There’s lots of activity here,” adds Rov. “We’re a 20-minute walk from downtown, Dallas Road beach is steps away and so is Fairfield Plaza.”

And will the Dosanjhs stay put in their cosy-yet-modern nest, or will they build again?

“I love it here,” says Rov at first, and then smiles. “But there’ll be one more.”

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TALKING WITH TESS

THE ROYAL BAY TREATMENT PARK-FILLED COMMUNITY ARISES AT FORMER GRAVEL PIT SITE

BY TESS VAN STRAATEN PHOTOS BY DON DENTON

40

THE JOY OF GIVING

Russell Tibbles, president of Royal Bay Community LP, at the site of the Royal Bay development in Colwood.

Hillside Centre • 250.595.0426 The Bay Centre • 250.383.9188 annlouise.ca

41

“SO OFTEN ON THE COAST WE’RE UP AGAINST THE TREES AND IT CAN BE DARK, BUT HERE IT’S BRIGHT AND IT’S OUR JOB TO TAKE THOSE NATURAL ATTRIBUTES … AND TO FRAME THEM.”

C

RESTING THE HILL THAT USED to lead down to the old gravel pit in Colwood, I have a stunning view of the ocean and the Victoria skyline on my left. But it’s what I see on the other side of the road that is truly amazing.

“In the past year this place has taken a quantum leap forward and I’m grateful to be a part of it,” says Russell Tibbles, president of the Royal Bay Community Limited Partnership, which is developing the 419-acre waterfront site.

The huge gravel pit is gone and Royal Bay, a brand new, master-planned community that promises to be the new heart of Colwood, is taking shape.

“It’s been a big landmark on the West Shore — it’s been a gravel pit for 100 years — and it’s not very often that the opportunity comes up to build a master-planned community right on the oceanfront,” explains Tibbles, whose background is in resort and residential development.

“This is unlike any other site on Vancouver Island and I can’t think of anything else in Canada that’s comparable. To be able to develop 400-plus acres on the waterfront in a growing metropolitan area like Victoria, and establish a whole new community, that’s a once in a generation opportunity.”

42

After years of planning, people are now starting to move into the first Royal Bay houses, built by GableCraft Homes in a neighbourhood named The Meadow. But by the time the massive project is finished, there will be 2,300 houses and up to 80,000 square feet of commercial space, and more than 7,000 people will live here — that’s almost a 50 per cent increase in Colwood’s population.

“It’s a big job with lots of moving parts but that’s what makes it fun,” says Tibbles, who grew up in Nova Scotia and now calls the Comox Valley home. “But with this fantastic opportunity also comes a responsibility to do it right and that’s where my passion lies — it doesn’t just have to be master planned, it also needs to be master implemented.”

Far from a typical subdivision, Royal Bay’s mandate is to be a progressive and sustainable 21st-century community with bike lanes, trails and an extensive park system that includes a linear park running through the site providing habitat and storm water functions. Even more impressive, Tibbles says one fundamental mission of the planning team is to make sure every home is within a five-minute walk of a park.

“In the past, suburban developments tended to have large

“In the past, suburban developments tended to have large areas of residential segregated from large areas of commercial and you’d have to get in your car,” the 51-year-old explains.

“We’re seeking to have a vibrant community with shops, schools and recreation so you don’t necessarily have to get in your car if you want to do something.”

A quarter of the site, more than 100 acres, has been set aside as green space. That includes the development’s 1.3 kilometres of beachfront, which is slated to be a public park for everyone to enjoy.

“In BC, we’ve become really good at essentially privatizing waterfront and we didn’t want to do that,” Tibbles says.

With the development being done in phases and potentially spanning 15 to 20 years, it could be some time before the beach park is done.

In the meantime, a temporary Royal Bay Beach Park provides access to the waterfront, picnic tables, a play area, space for food truck vendors and kayak rentals and even two Olympic-size volleyball courts.

But Tibbles says his favourite feature is The Commons — which will be Royal Bay’s commercial core — along with the

ocean views and the “big sky” first noted by renowned painter Emily Carr as “a place of high skies, blue and deep.”

“In 1936, Emily Carr actually spent a summer camped out here and she painted,” Tibbles explains. “So often on the coast we’re up against the trees and it can be dark, but here it’s bright and it’s our job to take those natural attributes, like the water and big sky, and to frame them.”

It’s not always an easy job and over the years Tibbles has learned that when it comes to development, slow is fast.

“At first the process to build consensus seemed exceedingly slow when I was working on my last project, but I came to realize that it’s the only way to go,” he says. “A slow, deliberate approach actually gets to the finish line faster.”

And despite spending a lot of time in his car every week driving between the Comox Valley and Victoria, the father of two wouldn’t have it any other way.

“It’s an exciting project and it’s definitely worth the drive.”

“TO BE ABLE TO DEVELOP 400-PLUS ACRES ON THE WATERFRONT IN A GROWING METROPOLITAN AREA LIKE VICTORIA… THAT’S A ONCE IN A GENERATION OPPORTUNITY.”

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Blue lace and sequined dress ($445) by Adrianna Papell at Barbara’s Boutique; Swarovski crystal earrings ($110) by Karyn Chopik at Bagheera Boutique; Black “snake” pumps ($200)

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cutline goes here

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Dress ($199) by Part Two and Swarovski crystal earrings ($110)

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Elise Purdon wearing pajamas from her silk loungewear collection, photographed at the Fairmont Empress.

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Unlimited 2D & 3D films $ 5 Hollywood Films See it all on the incredible new, IMAX 4K Laser system. $ .25*

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250-480-4887 imaxvictoria.com * Includes many benefits. GST not included. Limited Quantities. Prices subject to change.

53

A

PASSION FOR SILK PLUS a penchant for pushing

fashion traditions inspired Victoria fashion guru Elise Purdon to create a line of beautiful loungewear.

“I’ve always loved silk,” says Elise, well-known for her A Piece of Elise online presence that includes a beloved fashion blog (apieceofelise.com), an Instagram platform (@ apoelise) with close to 42,000 followers and, of course, her silk loungewear collection at wearelise.com.

“My mom was really into fabrics, so I grew up with ‘textiles over style.’ There isn’t a more beautiful fabric than silk.”

She also notes: “I’m into wearing things inappropriately … if it’s dressy, I’ll go casual. If it’s casual, I’ll go over the top.”

How do pajamas fit into this scenario? “If they’re really tailored, I’ll wear them as a suit.”

Elise likes the androgynous aspect to silk pajama sets — they were originally created for men — as well as the fact they are traditional and luxurious. She spent seven months marrying the best silk and perfect cuts to create PJs that hang beautifully, draping the body in the best possible way.

“People fall in love as soon as they see them.”

The collection is available in Victoria at Bernstein & Gold or online via wearelise.com.

We at Boulevard think the ELISE collection of silk loungewear is the perfect place to start our holiday gift guide.

We also believe that Elise — with her Victoria fashion cred — is the perfect person to guide our guide. Finding the perfect gift for the different people in our lives can be a challenge, so with Elise’s help, we’ve pulled together a selection of suggestions. We think you’ll find there’s a little something for everyone here.

OUR GUIDE TO THE GUIDE — A FEW PIECES OF ELISE After growing up in Northern BC, Elise moved to Victoria with her family in time to attend Grade 10 at Glenlyon Norfolk School.

She undertook a year of schooling in Thailand; returned for a semester at UVIC, and then headed back to Bangkok, where she acquired a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration and Marketing.

During a fifth year in Thailand, she worked in corporate marketing for a hotel chain, and, more importantly started her blog, now famous as A Piece of Elise.

“I started the blog because I’m so obsessed with clothes,” she says. “Even as a kid growing up, I’d pile on my mothers clothes and make crazy outfits.”

Becoming a fashion “influencer” didn’t happen overnight, she says, and developing her significant online presence has been a lot of hard work: “I’ve put all of my spare time into it.”

She posts regularly both on her blog and her Instagram feed, which contains over 1,500 photos.

She says her following has grown because she is consistent and posts quality photos. ”Unfortunately, I haven’t done anything that’s gone viral yet — it’s been more of a consistent effort.”

Elise’s work life moves between some days hunkered down at the computer, others out and about doing fashion shoots — and of course exploring Victoria’s retail world.

“I really, really love what I do,” she says.

And so do we.

Now onto the gift guide ….

CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAY SEASON AT THE NEW FAIRMONT EMPRESS Enjoy the spirit of this festive season and celebrate the New Year in style at Fairmont Empress. Make this holiday one to remember and bring in 2017 the right way, with impeccable service, inventive cuisine, live music, dancing and, plenty of champagne to celebrate the most important night of the year.

DECEMBER DECEMBER DECEMBER DECEMBER

24: 25: 25: 31:

Three-Course Christmas Eve Dinner + Wine Pairing Five-Course Christmas Dinner + Wine Pairing Christmas Day Dinner Buffet | 3pm New Year’s Eve Gala at Q | 7:30pm New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet | 7:30pm JANUARY 1: New Year’s Resolution Brunch | 10am – 2pm For reservations or information please call 250-389-2727 or email emp.diningres@Fairmont.com qattheempress.com

54

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FINE CLOTHIERS SINCE 1862

1221 Government St. 250.383.7177 1210 Newport Ave. 250.592.2821 2348 Beacon Ave. 778.426.4446

Mon- Sat 10:00-5:30 Sun 11-4 Mon- Sat 10-5 Mon- Sat 10-5:30 wandjwilson.com

BOULEVARD’S HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE IN GOOD TASTE Seven-day juice cleanse, delivered fresh to your door across Vancouver Island

Congratulations Shelley Dr. Smith and the Clinic 805 team want to congratulate Shelley Clarke, R.N., on her recent designation by the Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board as a Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist (CANS).

Shelley has practiced esthetic nursing for over 16 years and will soon be launching Cutera® laser technology at Clinic 805, further expanding our non-surgical services to help meet the needs of all our patients.

Call today to book your appointment.

$399 // Good Life Juice

TEXT BY SUSAN LUNDY / ELISE PURDON PHOTOS BY DON DENTON

Six-month Roasted Bean Subscription delivered to your door $150 // Discovery Coffee

Blendtec Designer 625 $649.95 // Triangle Healing Products

DR. KENNETH A. SMITH CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON

250.595.3888 | 805 Fairfield Road www.clinic805.ca 56

A MAN’S WORLD

APSU fragrance by Ulrich Lang New York $145.00 | Citizen Clothing

Welcome Kathryn Oyster Perpetual DATEJUST 41, Rolex Watch $14,550 | Lugaro Jewellers

Dr. Smith and the staff at Clinic 805 are very pleased to be able to introduce the newest member of our team, Kathryn Woodcock, R.N. She has over 15 years of experience as a cosmetic nurse injector, utilizing both Botox and dermal fillers and has worked as a national trainer, teaching physicians and R.N.s basic and advanced injection techniques.

Kathryn integrates clinical expertise and artistic ability to enhance and restore the natural beauty of her clients.

Call today to book your appointment.

Two Bell Blackwatch tartan wax coat, heritage collection

by Barbour $550 // W&J Wilson

DR. KENNETH A. SMITH CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON

250.595.3888 | 805 Fairfield Road www.clinic805.ca 57

Ameli Bag with built-in charger and tracking by Mezzi

STYLIN’ IT

Oyster Perpetual LADY DATEJUST 28, Rolex Watch

$225 // Bagheera Boutique

Wallet by Hobo Bags

Two piece silk pajamas by É L I S E $235 // Bernstein & Gold

$128 // Cardinos Shoes

$10,450 // Lugaro Jewellers

Thank you for making us your Office OutfitterTM Think Monk... BUSINESS | RETAIL | INTERIORS | TECHNOLOGY 58

250.384.0565 | 1.800.735.3433 | monk.ca | sales@monk.ca

HAVE HAVE YOU GOT YOU GOTFOR ROOM ROOM MOREFOR WINE? MORE WINE?

QUALITY CUSTOM HOME BUILDER AND RENOVATOR

QUALITY CUSTOM HOME BUILDER AND RENOVATOR

terryjohaldevelopments.com | 250.418.1660

terryjohaldevelopments.com | 250.418.1660

ON THE HOME FRONT

Perfumed Tassels

by Agraria $59 // Calla Design

Staghorn Fern Mount, made with locally sourced fir and cedar and handcrafted

by Modern Bodger $75 // Thorn & Thistle Flowers

100% cashmere woven throw blanket

$895 // Black Goat Cashmere COSM_9303_BOULEVARD_NOVEMBER_X1a.pdf

1

2016-11-14

10:21 AM

YOU’LL APPRECIATE OUR LASER-LIKE FOCUS ON FLAWLESS SKIN BROWN SPOTS • UNWANTED HAIR • SPIDER VEINS SCARS • ACNE • MOLES • CELLULITE • SKIN LAXITY FINE LINES • ROSACEA • SKIN DISCOLOURATION

250.598.3300 | COSMEDICA.CA

60

BUY LOCAL

Gold and Bordeaux recycled leather watch

by BERG+BETTS $129 // bergandbetts.com

Curated gift boxes

by Victoria florist Tara McHugh Flora

Artisanal, local treasures all handmade in Canada and delivered in a keepsake wooden box, shipped across Canada. $119.95 and $128.95 // taramchughflora.com

Locally made “Favourite Mug”

by Hands on Clay Collective $32 // Picot Collective

Come in and play . . . . s u h t i w lets create something gorgeous that you’ll want to wear everyday!

I

Private parties and gift certificates available.

1033 Fort Street, Victoria 250.475.2632

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MAKING MEMORIES

Luxury Wellness Retreat at The Fairmont Empress February 17-19, 2017

$999 per person // Fairmont Empress

Gift certificate for two tickets to the Opera

$50 // Pacific Opera Victoria

TEXT BY SUSAN LUNDY / ELISE PURDON PHOTOS BY DON DENTON

2017 Annual pass to IMAX Victoria $54.80 // IMAX Victoria

Where service and quality exceed expectation.

102-6660 Butler Crescent, Saanichton BC • 778.351.3390 thomasphilipswoodworking.com Nominated for 4 2016 CARE Awards

62

Knee high socks

by Bonne Maison

STUFFING THE STOCKINGS

$36 // Head Over Heels

My Daughter Fragrance, using natural ingredients and made in Canada $85 // The Green Kiss

Style Stick, water soluble clothing glue $10 // Outlooks for Men

63

Quality. Honesty, Integrity.

Exceptional Custom Homes Built for Luxury Living.

“I get excited by the opportunity to work with my clients to create their dream homes. I feel proud when someone has put trust in me to be a part of a very important decision in their lives.�

Rov Dosanjh, Owner

250-661-0465 raynproperties.com

PROPERTIES LTD.

VICTORIA’S FINEST REAL ESTATE

L U X U R Y AT YO U R D O O R S T E P

Oceanfront Architectural Marvel 3051 McAnally Road, Victoria, BC $6,900,000 | MLS 370877 Architectural marvel situated on 1,350 feet of waterfront. A seamless merging of glass, modern luxuries and natural building materials constitute this magazine worthy abode. Encompassed by ocean and unwavering natural beauty, this unique residence is purely for the discerned buyers. 1.59 acres off the coveted 10 Mile Point Ecological Reserve.

Family Dream Home 6480 Torin Rd, Brentwood Bay, BC $2,400,000 | MLS 371307 An impressive 4 bedroom family home; beautifully landscaped offering privacy, sport court, putting green and ample patio space. The decadent kitchen is topped with granite offering a large wrapping island, Viking gas range, and custom rich-cream cabinetry. The notable master impresses with dual walk-in closets, vanity, 6 piece ensuite, gas fireplace and walk-out balcony.

Š2016 Engel & VÜlkers. All rights reserved.

Each brokerage is independently owned and operated.

735 Humboldt Street, Victoria BC, Canada V8W 1B1

The local real estate agent with the international network: vi.evcanada.com Scott Piercy,, Private Office Advisor Personal Real Estate Corporation 250-686-7789 scott.piercy@evcanada.com www.luxurybchomes.com vi.evcanada.com

Unobstructed Ocean Views

Private Oceanfront

Nature’s Wonderland

2540 Esplanade, Victoria, BC $2,988,000 | MLS 371658

2455 Tryon Rd, North Saanich, BC $4,950,000 | MLS 371714

6601 Razor Point Rd, Pender Island, BC $9,850,000 | MLS 360255

Unobstructed ocean vistas are presented from this home with a bright exposure year-round. Chef’s kitchen features stainless steel appliances. Warm Oak flooring extends throughout. The Master suite offers an ensuite and secluded balcony. Outside, abundant patio space and mature landscaped grounds. Clear panoramic views of the Olympics, Chatham & Discovery Islands; Oak Bay Marina & Cattle Point.

5.14 private oceanfront acres on stunning Curteis Point. Main home offers 4,000+ sq ft, ample space to develop; or renovate into your Oceanside dream. A fully renovated, selfcontained 2 bedroom, 1,300 sq ft Guest House.

The private beach is easily accessible to enjoy a multitude of water activities year-round.

Endless possibilities.

60 stunning acres with incomparable privacy & almost a mile of ocean frontage! Modern upgrades provide an easy commute via Seaplane or helicopter with a landing area at the tip of the point. Foreshore development includes an aluminum ramp & catwalk that leads to a 40x10ft concrete float to secure your boats. Behold nature’s wonderland.

Exceptional Development Opportunity!

4276 Gordon Head Rd, Victoria, BC $889,000 | MLS 371246 Exceptional development opportunity!! Value is in the land, this bright 3 bedrooms 2 bathroom has long term rental potential with great cash flow. With features such as coved ceilings, exposed brick and beams, this home presents the opportunity for personal design touches to transform it to a magazine worthy residence.

Situated minutes from beaches, UVic and easy access to Victoria’s amenities.

Ocean View Home

Modern Luxury Home

224 Becher Bay Rd, East Sooke, BC $1,895,000 | MLS 367969

1104 Timber View, Victoria, BC $1,400,000 | MLS 370479

A custom 5 bedroom /6 bathroom home with panoramic ocean vistas. Great room with 2 dualsided fireplaces and expansive deck. Kitchen with center island, seats 8+. Media room, study, and bedroom/office on the main. The upper level provides 4 bedrooms/4 ensuites. The noteworthy 2 level master has it all! Investment opportunity to subdivide 3 lots.

Artistically commissioned 4,000+ sqft home w/ clean lines & a bright backdrop, accentuated by the park-like setting and ocean views. Gourmet kitchen features premium appliances. Above the triple garage find a separate 1 bedroom suite for guests.

Outside, resort like setting with water features, expansive patio, manicure grounds, and unrivaled vistas.

©2016 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved.

Each brokerage is independently owned and operated.

735 Humboldt Street, Victoria BC, Canada V8W 1B1

The local real estate agent with the international network: vi.evcanada.com James LeBlanc, Private Office Advisor Personal Real Estate Corporation 250-812-7212 james.leblanc@evcanada.com www.luxurybchomes.com vi.evcanada.com

®

BINAB GROUP

290 King George Terrace 369221 $1,300,000

2518 Cavendish Rd 371136 $1,250,000

2417 Hamiota Street 369174 $930,000

375 Sunset Avenue 368897 $1,400,000

2424 Beach Drive 370833 $1,250,000

2951 Eastdowne Road 370177 $950,000

LUXURY BEAR M O U N TA I N TOWN HOUSE 113-2332 Cooper Rock Crt

3.05 ACRES ON CHALET ROA D 11195 Chalet Road

370138

356674

$1,350,000

$2,500,000

907-100 Saghalie Rd 371324 $950,000

332 Irving Rd 370445

3439 Salsbury Way 371444 $900,000

Cedar Walk 2 Units Left

ITALY

FRANCE

LONDON

$1,650,000

$800,000

CALIFORNIA

5009 Bonanza Pl 371217 $1,700,000

3-21 Ontario St 371737

GERMANY

$868,000

NEW YORK

P R I VAT E I S L A N D

OCEANFRONT PENTHOUSE

366808 $4,000,000

371106 $2,300,000

CL ASSIC UPL ANDS TUDOR

FABULOUS UPL ANDS BUILDING LOT

370264 $ 2 , 6 0 0 , 0 0 0

370134 $ 2 , 4 0 0 , 0 0 0

Mowgli Island

709-9809 Seaport Place

3020 Uplands Road

HONG KONG

MONTREAL

TORONTO

3165 Midland Road

CALGARY

VA N C O U V E R

VICTORIA

WLISA WILLIAMS GONZALES BEACH S

SONGHEES

SOutH OAK BAY

159 RobeRtson st.

108-66 songhees Rd

605 newpoRt Ave.

$3,780,000

$999,800

$1,998,000

CuStOm 4 bedrm, 5 bath ‘09 home on sandy SPACiOuS & open 2 bedroom home with Gonzales Beach! Beautiful finishing, exceptional beautiful views to the Inner Harbour, with huge views & private guest accommodation too! balcony, 2 parking spaces, and dog-friendly too!

ViCtORiA GOLf CLuB at your back door!

Stunning location steps frm the ocean, this rare .34 acre flat & sunny property is perfect for your new home!

uPLANDS

CADBORO BAY

LOCHSiDE

3225 Ripon Rd.

3705 CRestview Rd.

8261 LoChside dR

$3,638,000

$2,380,000

$1,998,000

SPACiOuS & luxurious 5 bedrm/ 5 bath Uplands home beautifully transformed top to bottom, on a gorgeous .72 acre, sunny & private property!

StYLiSH, & modern fully renovated, 4 bed/ 4 bath ocean view home in a private & quiet location, just mins from Cadboro Bay Village & beach!

BEAutifuLLY renovated 4 bedrm, 5 bath oceanfront home with chic, sunny design, exceptional views & delightful separate guest cottage!

DELIVERING THE HIGHEST CALIBRE OF PROFESSIONALISM & DEDICATED CLIENT SERVICE . . . IF YOU HAVE CONSIDERED SELLING YOUR HOME CALL LISA TODAY! c: 250•514•1966 L I K E N O OT H E R sothebysrealty.ca

Lisa.williams@shaw.ca Independently Owned and Operated

www.LisaWilliams.ca

Sylvia Therrien

1286 Fairfield Road Victoria, BC

Personal Real Estate Corporation

SO

SO

LD

LD

The Value of Experience

2802 Arbutus Road | $2,950,000

3125 Uplands Road | $2,500,000

5499 Forest Hill Road | $2,195,000

907 Oliver Street | $1,685,000

Uplands Character

PE

ND

IN

G

Sa L

E

Award Winning Executive Home in Wedgewood

Exquisite Updated South Oak Bay

SO

LD

6.3 acres | Elk/Beaver Lake Border

609 Oliver Street | $929,000 South Oak Bay Cottage

Coming Soon | $7,500,000 6 acres Peninsula Waterfront

Sylvia@SylviaTherrien.ca • LuxuryWaterfront.ca • SylviaTherrien.ca 250.385.2033 • Cell: 250.888.6621 • Toll-free: 1.888.886.1286

SAANICH PENINSULA

REAL ESTATE EXPERT Helping you make the right decision.

FE

AT

E UR

FEATURED PROPERTY

D

$1,698,000

11380 Nitinat Rd., North Saanich

MLS# 372009

Gorgeous 4 bed/5 bath home situated on a picturesque .94-acre lot with excellent sun exposure. Featuring a desirable floor plan with master on main and formal dining area, this 4649 sq ft home has been impeccably maintained. Highlights include beautiful wood cabinetry and stainless-steel appliances, large ensuite with walk-in shower, media room, wine cellar, hardwood flooring, and radiant in-floor heating. Outside you will find an expansive stamped concrete patio that’s perfect for entertaining, spectacular landscaping including koi pond and waterfall, flat and sunny yard, 3 car garage + 900sq.ft workshop with heated floors and bonus area above. Located a short drive from BC Ferries and the airport, this is an excellent opportunity to own a stunning, quality built, custom home.

$999,999

$1,498,000

10109 West Saanich Rd., North Saanich MLS# 371669 9135 Inverness Rd, North Saanich

Chace Whitson personal real estate corporation

· 250 818 9338 tel · 250 388 5882 cel

Chace@ChaceWhitson.com CHACEWHITSON.COM

MLS# 370503

Extraordinary Properties!

Unrivalled Experience and Expertise

UPLANDS OCEAN VIEWS! This elegant home is a masterpiece emulating the epitome of superior construction merged with classic modern design! Designed by Architect Sid Chow the home captures the spectacular ocean views from almost every room! The open plan features floor to ceiling windows with soaring beamed ceilings, filling the space with light from every direction. Special features include a German designed Poggenpohl kitchen with granite counter tops & bleached French white oak flooring. Offered at $3,595,000 MLS 370238

TEN MILE POINT OCEANFRONT

THE GREAT ESCAPE – EAGLE’S PERCH

Situated on a quiet byway, this compelling .68 acre oceanfront property offers spectacular 180 degree views framing Mt. Baker & sweeping across to the beautiful San Juan Islands. The original 50’s residence has been transformed with additions and renovations to present a flowing main floor ideal for entertaining and family living. The grounds, patios, fountains, koi pond & decks embellish this tranquil and private setting. Offered at $2,495,000 MLS 371690

This exceptional west coast retreat, Eagle’s Perch, sits high on a 3.5 wooded site with 180 degree views of the ocean and surrounding hills, offering a completely exclusive & gated escape into the West Coast Lifestyle. Large stone pillars, exotic woods & massive beams all contribute to the breathtaking presentation. Guest quarters exist above the garage.

Offered at $2,588,000 MLS 371711

MACDONALD REALTY LTD. 755 Humboldt Street, Victoria, BC | T 250.388.5882 | TF 1.877.388.5882 leslee@lesleefarrell.com | www.lesleefarrell.com

Call Leslee Farrell at 250.388.5882 for assistance with your local and global real estate needs.

Dallas Sells Victoria/Oak Bay

PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION

“My goal is to find your dream home and ensure that the decision you make stands as a wise investment over the long term.”

OAK BAY

NG

KI

LD

AS

SO AB

OV E

Ab ov eA sk ing

SO

LD

wi th 25 off ers

This beautiful home features a fabulous, 2009 kitchen with stainless steel appliances, new self-closing cabinetry, glass tile backsplash, new lighting, granite counters and oak floors. Oak floors in living and dining rooms too with mahogany inlay.

Updated bathroom on this level with 3 bedrooms. Down are 2 more spacious bedrooms and a large family room with 2nd fireplace. Gorgeous back yard (8,750 sq. ft. lot!) and double garage. New fibreglass roof in 2009.Wonderful neighbourhood close to schools, Estevan Village shops & Willows beach. $1,180,000

YOUR HOME HERE

OAKLANDS

2 bedroom, 1 bathroom bungalow with basement. Fireplace in living room. 5,500 sq. ft. west-facing lot overlooking Oaklands Park.

Coved ceilings, fir floors under carpet. Garage & central vac too! Close to buses, good schools and shopping at Hillside Mall. $459,900

BRENTWOOD BAY

This immaculate end-unit townhome has ocean views from the spacious living (w/fireplace) & dining rooms as well as the kitchen & master bedroom (all on the main floor). Den also on this level. Downstairs is a 3rd bathroom, 2 more bedrooms, a kitchenette & a family room.

Double garage. $685,000

With the market being extremely active, it’s the perfect time to sell your home!

LISTINGS WANTED!

For a FREE Market Evaluation call me at

250-744-3301

Dallas Chapple RE/MAX Camosun • Tel: 250.744.3301 • Toll Free: 1.877.652.4880 www.dallaschapple.com • Email: dallas@dallaschapple.com

Oasis in the City $3,300,000

5660 Lochside Drive, Victoria: Designed & built in 2003 with timeless appeal the 3,600+ sq ft home on 2.75 acres has an air of seductive comfort and impeccable taste.

Located on the Lochside walking and cycling trail it includes a 3 car garage & barn.

GLYNIS MACLEOD 250.661.7232

Personal Real Estate Corporation

gmacleod@sothebysrealty.ca

glynismacleod.com

I believe every home is a mansion, regardless of size, location or price.

Please call me if you are considering selling your home.

Magnificent Mansion $2,300,000

610 St. Charles Street, Victoria: Victoria’s only grand scale California Arts & Crafts home. Authentic to its 1912 roots & meticulously restored over 10 years, modernizing to the highest standards. 6,311 sq. ft. of masterful craftsmanship.

LOCAL EXPERTISE, GLOBAL CONNECTIONS

Country Chic $1,485,000

6540 Torin Road, Victoria: Idyllic Garden Gate family home of 4,218 sq. ft. on more than an acre in a community of fine homes. In addition to 4 bedrooms, the home includes a 3 car garage and in-law accommodation.

sothebysrealty.ca

Sotheby’s International Realty Canada, Independently Owned and Operated. E.&O.E.: This information is from sources which we deem reliable, but must be verified by prospective Purchasers and may be subject to change or withdrawal. Not intended to solicit properties already under agreement

Elegant Uplands Home

Gated Waterfront acreage

2475 Lansdowne Rd. $2,998,000

SO

Upper Terrace Estate

LD

SO

1175 Newport Ave. $606,000

SO

1081 Aspen Rd. $2,899,000

Lot 1 Trans Canada Hwy. $1,480,000

3470 Upper Terrace Rd. $3,200,000

LD

SO

LD

2332 Copper Rock Crt. $1,300,000

SO

3270 Beach Dr. $2,690,000

LD

LD

3185 Ripon Rd. $2,500,000

CALLAGHAN O’CONNOR 250-888-4579 • callaghan.oconnor@evcanada.com

www.callaghanoconnor.com

I TA LY

FRANCE

LONDON

C A L I F OR N IA

GERMANY

N E W YO R K

“Home is the Canvas on which you are free to Paint your wildest and most beautiful Dreams”

HONG KONG

F LOR I DA

MONTREAL

TORONTO

C A L G A RY

“Where we love is homehome that our feet may leave, but not our hearts.”

- oliver wendell holmes

Warmest wishes this holiday season!

Sharen Warde & Larry SimS

Susanna Crofton

service@WardeSims.com www.WardeSims.com

250-385-2033 BCSelectHomes.ca

250-592-4422

V IC TOR IA

Newport Realty

77

FOOD & DRINK

A JOURNEY INTO VICTORIA’S BURGEONING DISTILLERY AND COCKTAIL SCENE

SPIRIT QUEST TEXT BY HANS TAMMEMAGI

PHOTOS BY DON DENTON

V

ICTORIA, THE BIRTHPLACE OF CRAFT BREWERIES ,

is now a leader in classy, creative cocktails. A beer and peanuts kind of guy, I yearn to be cool and made a plan to learn about this hot trend.

“The Lighthouse” at Zambri’s.

78

Shawn Soole at the bar at Q in the Fairmont Empress Hotel with bartender Vinny Vanderheide.

THE PLAN

One reason for the revolution in alcoholic libation is a crop of new craft distilleries that are not shy about placing their own distinctive stamp on their products. I asked three local distilleries — Ampersand Distilling Co., Fermentorium Distilling Co., Victoria Distillers — to each nominate its best cocktail spirit. By coincidence, they each put forward a gin.

Another reason highballs are on the high road, I learned, is that bartenders are combining inventiveness and new flavours in concocting delightful drinks. And, of course, many bars and restaurants not only support, but encourage, this new movement.

My next step was to ask mixologists at three top Victoria cocktail bars — Agrius, The Q Bar at the Empress and Zambri’s — to concoct a unique cocktail using one of the selected gins.

country’s best bartenders, he has spearheaded the cocktail revolution in Victoria.

During his tenure at Clive’s Classic Lounge, it was twice nominated for Best Hotel Bar in the World, and Soole himself was nominated for Best International Bartender — prestigious honours indeed.

When we met he recognized my type immediately, and noted that being a good bartender is far more than pouring pints of ale.

“Creative bartenders,” he said, “are well-versed and skilled professionals who work long, hard apprenticeships. Their drinks are imaginative combinations of subtle tastes.”

I was chastened, but could hardly wait to get started.

SOOLE TOOK A SIP, CLOSED HIS EYES AND SAID, “THIS IS ADAM’S ETHOS IN A GLASS, WELL THOUGHT OUT AND PREPARED PERFECTLY.”

THE EXPERT

A novice myself, I sought out Shawn Soole to lend his formidable mixology expertise to my quest. Transplanted from Australia, where at the age of 21 he was named one of the

THE DISTILLERIES

• Ampersand Distilling Co., a family operation on a five-acre, organic farm in Duncan, nominated its Ampersand Gin. Jeremy Schacht, a chemical engineer, is the distiller. He, together with his father, an electrical engineer, designed and made the 1,000-litre pot still and the 500-litre column still.

Production began in 2014 with vodka and gin.

According to co-founder Jessica Schacht — who is also the 79

Agrius bartender Adam Bonneau makes the “Seasonal Diversion.”

co-creator of the gin — "Our Ampersand Gin is a take on the classic London dry gin, but with a contemporary twist.”

The Schachts wanted a versatile gin for martinis and negronis that is juniper forward with coriander, lemon peel and cardamom tones. Ampersand uses its own spring water, and has fewer botanicals than generic gins.

Jeremy Schacht summed up his philosophy, saying, “I needed a job after graduation so I combined my chemical engineering and my parent’s love of organic farming, and the distillery was born. Everything we do is organic.”

• Phillips Fermentorium Distilling Co, located in central Victoria, began producing spirits in 2014 using a 100-year-old 2,700-litre still and a new 500-litre still.

“We chose ‘Fermentorium’ because we wanted a whimsical name,” said Matt Phillips, the owner and driving force behind the distillery.

“I’m also the chief drinker,” he added with a smile. “We got into distilling because it’s a natural extension to beer, which we’ve been making for 15 years.”

Fermentorium nominated its Stump Gin. “Gin traditionally was an Imperial expression,” said Phillips.

“Wherever the Brits went, they brought back exotic herbs and botanicals for their gin. We’re exactly the opposite, remaining as local as possible. Juniper grows here. Citrus notes come from grand fir. Coriander is grown by my wife. Of course, we have hops since we’re a brewery. We also use bay laurel and lavender from the Saanich Peninsula.”

• Victoria Distillers, which has been making spirits for a decade, moved to an attractive location on the waterfront in Sidney in 2016.

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About 2,000 cases are produced each year using two pot stills of 200 and 900 litres capacity. The main spirit is Victoria Gin, but they nominated Oaken Gin for this project. Master Distiller Peter Hunt explained, “We had some whisky barrels, so we tried aging gin in them, and it tasted really great. Oaken Gin has a light brown colour and, furthermore, no one else on Vancouver Island makes it. Since it has whisky elements, it’s good for a Manhattan and an Old Fashioned.”

Hunt, who has a Masters degree in molecular biology, feels being a distiller is a nice blend: it requires scientific rigour, but also creativity.

THE BARS, MIXOLOGISTS AND COCKTAILS

I was delighted to enter Agrius, a French-cuisine-influenced restaurant, for it was recently chosen as the fourth-best new restaurant in Canada by en route magazine.

Head bartender Adam Bonneau greeted us and his enthusiasm, almost obsession, bubbled forth for seasonal, local ingredients, such as beet and carrot juice, apple cider and wild foraged sumac.

“I work closely with the restaurant’s chefs, who have taught me how to bring flavours forward by using acids, fats, creams, heat, cold, etc.” He has also developed a flare for presentation. I watched him prepare his special cocktail, Seasonal Diversion: 2 oz Ampersand Gin 0.4 oz Moderna Vermouth 0.6 oz wild foraged Sumac 2 Dashes of Scrappy’s Orange bitters

Bartender Rob Sage makes “The Lighthouse” at Zambri’s.

“MY GOAL WAS TO TRANSPORT THE DRINKER TO A PLACE WITH THE OCEAN IN VIEW AND THE FOREST BEHIND THEM.”

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“Dry Oak” at The Q Bar in the Fairmont Empress Hotel.

Orange mint garnished the cocktail glass with drops of quince jelly on the leaves.

Bonneau explained, “I wanted to let the Ampersand Gin shine in this cocktail and to be at the forefront on your palate.

I didn’t mask it with juices, tonics or syrups, so it would be simple, clean and elegant. I wanted to showcase local, organic and wild ingredients in their simplest forms, and highlight the wonderful and delicate flavours each one naturally possesses.”

Soole took a sip, closed his eyes and said, “This is Adam’s ethos in a glass, well thought out and prepared perfectly.” I liked it too.

At The Q Bar at the Empress Hotel, recently renovated with a bold purple theme, we met Vincent (Vinnie) Vanderheide, who epitomizes the new brand of dedicated, hard-striving bartenders.

He dreamed of becoming a bartender from an early age, and at age 18, he set up a home bar.

About his drink he said, “I felt the smooth, earthy flavour of Oaken Gin would combine well with the smokiness of tea, which comes from the drying process of the Lapsang Souchong tea leaves. It’s a mix of earthiness and smokiness.”

I watched as he mixed a Dry Oak, breaking occasionally to serve other customers.

2 oz Oaken Gin from Victoria Distillers 1 oz Noilly Prat Dry Vermouth 1/3 oz Lapsang Souchong syrup 3 dashes orange bitters 3 dashes citric acid Lemon peel garnish

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Gazing at the Q’s huge, partly abstract paintings of Queen Victoria, Soole took a slow sip. “This is a great cocktail, a traditional classic style martini with the inspiring addition of Lapsang tea. And the citric acid makes you want to have more.”

So I did.

We strode to Zambri’s, arguably Victoria’s top Italian restaurant, and met mixologist Rob Sage. Recently arrived from Toronto, he was hired to help Zambri’s become better known for cocktails, particularly ones using Italian ingredients.

We watched Sage prepare The Lighthouse.

1.5 oz Stump Gin by Fermentorium Distilling 0.5 oz Amaro Montenegro 0.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice 0.5 oz Cinchona Bark Syrup Egg whites “I wanted to make a cocktail using ingredients common in Italy,” explained Sage. “My goal was to transport the drinker to a place with the ocean in view and the forest behind them. A lighthouse represents this idea.”

Soole sniffed at the glass, then sipped slowly.

“Just complementary, after complementary flavours working with the Stump Gin,” he finally said, a satisfied grin etched on his face.

A smile creased my face too, for after three fabulous cocktails I was beginning to understand the enormous craftsmanship and creativity that stand behind them.

The thought of abandoning beer and peanuts even ran through my mind.

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DESSERTS PIE IN THE SKY … AND OUT OF THIS WORLD TEXT BY CHEF HEIDI FINK PHOTOS BY CATHIE FERGUSON

P

IE IS MY FAVOURITE DESSERT, and I find a way to make it any time of the year.

I happily throw together rustic fruit galettes in the summer and homey pumpkin pies in the fall, but the holiday season requires gorgeous, decadent desserts. Rather than complicate an already busy time of year by tackling a difficult recipe, I use some simple twists on my basic pie methods to make a celebration-worthy dessert.

It’s easiest first to focus on presentation. Something as simple as a beautiful garnish or complementary sauce can transform a basic pie into something special. My recipe for Crystallized Ginger Whipped Cream is a standout, but others such as vanilla- or citrus-scented crème fraîche, chocolate curls and candied citrus peel are easy to make and keep in the fridge, and can instantly make a pie or tart into a thing of beauty.

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FOOD & DRINK

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Chocolate pecan pie

Any pie recipe can be cut in half and baked in a tart pan with fluted sides, turning a basic dessert into something that looks like it was made in a professional bakery.

Finally, never forget the ingredients. The holiday season is a time for indulgence. Instead of fresh fruit, think rich chocolate, toasted nuts, fragrant citrus, custard and caramel.

With all this, it’s very important to make decent pastry, which is not nearly as difficult as most people think. The following recipe, with its detailed instructions, will be very helpful. For those who want an even simpler crust, my press-in shortbread crust for tarts always gets raves, and requires no pastry knowhow (see Cranberry Meyer Lemon Custard Tart).

BASIC PIE PASTRY Makes enough dough for one double-crust pie, or two singlecrust pies.

2½ cups all-purpose flour, measured by the dip and sweep method 1 Tbsp sugar 1 tsp salt ¾ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes ½ cup cold lard or shortening, cut into small cubes 7 to 9 Tbsp very cold water Food processor method: In the work bowl of a food processor, combine the flour, sugar and salt. Process for a few seconds to combine evenly. Remove the lid, scatter the butter pieces over the flour, replace the lid and process again, using 4 to 6 one-second pulses. Add the lard and pulse a few more times, until the fat is cut into the flour properly. The fat pieces should range in size between small peas and cornmeal, with fewer large pieces and greater smaller pieces. But make sure to leave some large pieces and some dry flour, because these two things help 86

with the flakiness. Transfer the flour mixture to a bowl. Toss with fingers to ensure an even balance of fat to dry flour.

Hand method: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar and salt. Whisk to combine. Add the cold butter pieces and use your finger or a pastry blender to cut the butter into the flour.

Rub the butter pieces gently between your fingers, coating them in flour, until they are half the size. Add the lard pieces and continue cutting in, until the fat is the right size, ranging in size from small peas to cornmeal. There should be a greater number of smaller pieces than big ones.

To finish either method: Slowly sprinkle in the water, one tablespoon at a time, using a fork or rubber spatula to mix the dough. Stop after 7 tablespoons of water, no matter what the dough looks like.

Turn the dough onto a counter. It will be very dry and crumbly at this point. Use your hands to gently gather the dough into a ball, using gentle pressure to make it hold together. If the dough is still too dry, sprinkle on a tablespoon more water and mix the dough with your hands again, until you can form it into a ball. In some cases, you will need to use the final tablespoon of water. Divide the dough in two and form each into a disk. This dough can be used immediately, or wrapped in plastic wrap and refrigerated or frozen for later use.

BEST APPLE PIE In this recipe, the true sweet-tart apple flavour really shines through. Note the subdued amount of spicing used. Feel free to use more, if you like, but I find that cinnamon and other traditional apple pie spices completely overwhelm the delicate apple flavour.

1 recipe Basic Pie Pastry 3 to 4 sweet apples (3 large or 4 medium) 3 to 4 sour apples (3 large or 4 medium)

1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice 1 cup to 1½ cups sugar (this depends on the tartness of the apples and on your preference) 1/8 tsp cinnamon 1/8 tsp nutmeg 1/16 tsp allspice 1 egg white 1 Tbsp sugar for topping Roll out the pastry, one disk at a time, using gentle even pressure from the centre to the outside edges. The dough should be about 12 inches in diameter and about 1/4-inch thick. Gently fold one dough circle into quarters and place in a pie pan, with the point in the middle of the pan. Gently unfold the dough and settle the dough into the pan. Place the other dough circle on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Refrigerate both rolled out dough circles while preparing the filling.

Peel the apples, quarter them through the stem (pole-to-pole) and remove the stems and cores. Turn apple pieces flat sideways and slice thinly crosswise. The slices should be about 1/8- to ¼-inch thick.

Place apples in a large bowl and toss with lemon juice. In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar and spices until thoroughly combined. Pour over the apples and toss to coat the apples evenly with sugar mixture.

Preheat oven to 425 F. Remove pie plate (with pastry) from the fridge. Fill shell with apple filling, tapping the plate gently to settle the apples in brick-like layers. Use all the apples. Apple slices should mound slightly in the centre of the pie. Use a paring knife to trim bottom crust flush with the edge of the pie

plate rim. Remove rolled out top crust from the fridge. Use a small star-shaped cookie cutter to cut shapes out of top crust for vents. Place dough over apple filling; make sure to leave a lot of slack and not to pull the dough too tightly. You want it to settle over the filling as it cooks, rather than stay in a stiff dome shape. Place cut out stars over the top dough in a decorative arrangement.

Cut the edges of top pastry to ½ inch past the edge of the pie plate. Fold the dough under the bottom pastry edge, tucking the pastry inside the edge of the pie plate as you go. Use your thumb and forefinger to crimp edges of the pastry. Brush the top crust and edges lightly with egg white and sprinkle with 1 Tbsp sugar.

Place pie in bottom third of the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes, until top begins to get golden. Reduce heat to 375 F, rotate pie and bake for 30 to 40 minutes more, until crust is a deep golden brown and the apples are bubbling and juicy.

Remove from oven and place on cooling rack. Let cool for at least 2 hours (preferably 4 hours) before eating.

CRANBERRY MEYER LEMON CUSTARD TART The combination of fragrant Meyer lemon with sweet custard and tart cranberries is to-die-for delicious! The presentation in a fluted tart pan makes this seem like a very fancy dessert, even though the use of a simple press-in crust and ultra-simple custard means this tart takes minutes to throw together. The recipe can also be made in an 8x8 inch square pan, or a 10-inch pie pan. Plan to eat this tart up within two days.

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Cranberry Meyer lemon custard tart

6 Tbsp cool butter ¼ cup sugar 1/8 tsp salt Finely grated zest of one Meyer lemon Preheat oven to 375 F. Butter the bottom and sides of a 9-inch fluted tart pan with removable bottom (or a 9- or 10-inch pie pan, or 8x8-inch square pan). In a large bowl combine all ingredients with your fingers until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. Butter should be completely incorporated. You can use a food processor for this step, if you like.

Place tart pan on a cookie sheet. Press crumbs (not too firmly, but firm enough) into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pan. Make sure to press into the edges where the sides and bottom meet so that the crust is not too thick in that area.

Place pan on lower-centre rack of the preheated oven. Bake for 15 minutes, until golden. Remove from oven and reduce oven heat to 350 F. Topping: ¾ cup sugar 1 egg 1 egg yolk 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour 1 tsp vanilla 1/8 tsp salt ½ cup light cream Finely grated zest of two Meyer lemons 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries While the crust is baking, mix the sugar, egg, egg yolk, flour, vanilla, salt, cream and Meyer lemon zest, whisking well to eliminate lumps. Stir in the whole cranberries (thaw the frozen ones first). Once the crust comes out of the oven, pour the 88

topping over it (the crust should still be warm). Return to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, rotating pan once back to front, until custard no longer jiggles and toothpick inserted in the middle comes out mostly clean. Let cool completely. Dust with icing sugar and cut into wedges to serve.

CHOCOLATE PECAN PIE Makes one 9-inch pie or two 9-inch tarts Just sweet enough, with a crisp golden crust and the rich flavour of toasted nuts and Dutch cocoa powder, this chocolate pecan pie is decadent in the extreme.

Crust ½ recipe Basic Pie Pastry Filling 1½ cups pecan halves ½ to 1 cup dark chocolate chips 5 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted 1 cup packed light brown sugar (yellow sugar) ¼ tsp salt 3 whole eggs 1 egg yolk ½ cup golden syrup 1 tsp vanilla extract ¼ cup Dutch cocoa powder Prepare the pecans first: Preheat oven to 350 F. Spread the pecans out on a rimmed baking sheet and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 5 to 9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until nuts are lightly toasted and fragrant. Remove the nuts from the oven and let cool. Once the pecans are cool, chop them into small pieces.

Instructions for crust: Follow instructions for pastry in the Basic Pie Pastry recipe.

Turn oven up to 400 F. Roll out the pastry using gentle even pressure. The dough should be about 12 inches in diameter and about 1/4-inch thick. Gently fold the dough circle into quarters and place in a pie pan, with the point in the middle of the pan.

Gently unfold the dough and settle the dough into the pan. Trim edge to 1/2-inch beyond pie plate edge, fold edges under and flute the edge with your thumbs and forefinger.

Using two long sheets of foil, line the pastry shell all the way up and over the edges. Fill the foiled-lined shell completely with ceramic pie weights or pennies (in a pinch, use dried beans).

Place the weight-filled pie on the bottom rack of the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, until the dough looks dry.

Remove pie from oven and reduce heat to 375 F. Carefully fold foil together and remove the pie weights by lifting the foil package up and out of the shell. Place the shell back in the oven and bake for 5 to 8 minutes more, until the shell is cooked but not golden.

You should be making the rest of the pie filling while the shell is baking, so that the filling is ready to go as soon as the shell is finished baking. If you want to use a pre-made crust, make sure to put it in the oven for several minutes before you add the filling.

Instructions for filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, the light brown sugar and the salt. Whisk in the whole eggs and the egg yolk, the golden syrup and vanilla. Whisk in the cocoa powder. Whisk until well blended. Just before the pie shell is ready to come out of the oven for the second time, stir the toasted chopped pecans and chocolate chips into the filling mixture.

As soon as the pie shell comes out of the oven, reduce the

heat to 300 F and pour the filling directly into the HOT crust (if you have used a pre-made crust, heat it in the oven for several minutes first). Return the pie immediately to the oven and cook for 60 minutes until the pie is just set. It will jiggle like Jell-O in the middle, but will be firm and slice beautifully after it cools.

Transfer pie to cooling rack. Let pie cool for 4 hours before serving (or it won’t slice.)

GINGER WHIPPED CREAM This is my go-to dessert topping, especially during the holiday season. It’s versatile enough to serve with desserts as simple as seasonal fruit, as homey as pumpkin pie, and as fancy as chocolate torte; and still delicious enough to eat on its own! ½ cup Australian crystallized ginger, chopped 1½ to 2 cups whipping cream Place the chopped crystallized ginger and about ½ cup cream in the work bowl of a food processor or blender. Puree, stopping to scrape down the sides as necessary, until the mixture is as smooth as possible, adding a bit more whipping cream, if necessary, to make the cream and ginger blend more easily. Set aside.

In another bowl, whip remaining cream until soft peaks form.

Scrape ginger-cream mixture from the food processor directly into the bowl with the plain whipped cream. Gently fold together until evenly mixed. If necessary, whip the flavoured cream a little more, to get the consistency you like.

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BAREFOOT LUXURY ON NORTH ISLAND, SEYCHELLES

BY SUZANNE MORPHET

R

OUNDING THE CORNER OF THE ISLAND,

the water shifts from dark blue to translucent turquoise. A wide beach comes into view with sand the colour of ivory. It stretches out before us, as straight as a ruler and book-ended by large granite outcrops.

As our motorboat slows, a few thatched roof buildings appear, set against a backdrop of tropical green jungle. The entire beach is empty except for two people who are waving to us. Our boat stops a few feet from shore and we clamber over the side, our bare feet sinking into the deep, soft sand.

We’ve arrived at one of the most exclusive resorts in Seychelles, if not the world.

Of course, you could arrive by helicopter direct from Mahé, as Will and Kate did when they honeymooned here in 2011. Mahé is the largest of the 115 islands that make up the nation of

Seychelles and it’s where the capital city of Victoria is located, along with the international airport.

Mahé has plenty of high-end resorts and some of Seychelles’ signature beaches, but for a haute Robinson Crusoe fantasy, or a desire to holiday like the Royals, North Island is it.

My reason for coming here is altogether different.

I’ve stayed at safari camps in Africa that are owned and operated by the same company that owns North Island — Wilderness Safaris — and appreciate its strong conservation ethic. The company’s sole raison d’être is to protect pristine wilderness, which it accomplishes through eco-tourism.

When I learned that the company owned an island in Seychelles, in addition to its numerous camps in southern Africa, I was intrigued. These islands are a long way from Africa — 1,600 kilometres off the continent’s east coast — so why

91

was Wilderness Safaris here? But now is not the time for big questions. At this moment, my 22-year-old daughter and I have a problem. We need to figure out how to do both everything and nothing in our short time here. We want to snorkel along the colourful coral reefs with their prolific marine life. We want to hike some of the island’s hills and trails and look for giant Aldabra tortoises.

We want to enjoy a spa treatment, check out the library and relax in the expansive lounge. And of course we want to stroll North Island’s exquisite beaches, including Honeymoon Beach, where Will and Kate liked to hang out. But once our personal attendant shows us our villa, we don’t want to budge from this private paradise.

A husband and wife architectural team from South Africa designed the 11 villas and the public areas at North Island. The couple lived on the site with their two children while creating and executing every detail, right down to the handcrafted wooden beds in the master bedrooms.

We enter our villa through a pivoting wooden door at the top of a long ramp. Expecting to be going inside, we’re surprised to find ourselves in a large furnished room that’s as much outdoors as it is indoors. One side is completely open, with panoramic views of the ocean. A soaring thatched roof ceiling provides shade and structure. One corner of the thatched roof is anchored to the floor by the upside down trunk of a takamaka tree. (We learn later that a number of these beautiful trees on the island had died and the architects chose to incorporate their trunks and branches in the design.)

Beyond the indoor-outdoor pergola, a private plunge pool and a curtained sala with a deep mattress and cushions beckon.

If space and privacy are the ultimate luxuries, it doesn’t get much better than this — 5,000 square feet of casual elegance to call our own, and not another villa or person in sight.

Dining at North Island is al fresco, naturally. That evening we drive our golf cart (there are no vehicles on the island) to West Beach where big waves roll in as the setting sun paints the sky the same shade of orange as our tropical fruit cocktails.

Eating freshly caught seafood by candlelight, barefoot in the cool sand, we savour this easy, outdoor life.

The next morning we’re up with the sun for a hike before breakfast and before it gets too hot. This is when we learn why Wilderness Safaris purchased North Island. C. J. Havemann, North Island’s conservation manager tells us this island was once overrun with rats, cats, cows and other exotic species, introduced when the island was a thriving coconut plantation.

“That whole mountain is basically invasive,” he says, pointing at Grand Paloss, the highest peak on the island at 180

IF SPACE AND PRIVACY ARE THE ULTIMATE LUXURIES, IT DOESN’T GET MUCH BETTER THAN THIS — 5,000 SQUARE FEET OF CASUAL ELEGANCE TO CALL OUR OWN.

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metres. He sighs, adding, “Coconuts take over the landscape.”

It’s hard to imagine the tropics without coconut palms, but they’re not native to the Seychelles. They smother endemic plants, they prevent birds from foraging on the ground for insects and they give rats easy access to birds’ nests and eggs. Populations of Seychelles White-eye and other endemic birds plummeted after rats arrived by boat in 1826, as did the number of Giant Aldabra tortoises. Tiny baby tortoises are no match for omnivorous rats.

In 2005, after a large-scale poisoning operation — imagine eight tonnes of poison dropped by helicopter over 40 days — North Island successfully eradicated the European black rat. It’s the largest tropical island with hills in the world to do so. Birds are now returning, although as Havemann points out, it will take 20 years for seabirds to realize the island is safe again.

“We’re patiently waiting,” he says.

The owners have also cleared large areas of exotic trees and replaced them with15,000 indigenous and/or endemic plants.

Happily, the tortoise population is recovering, if slowly. Havemann estimates there are now between 80 and 100 Giant Aldabra tortoises on the island, including a big, old male named Brutus.

“He was here during the farming days so we reckon he could be over 200 years old,” says Havemann as we approach a younger tortoise, which extends his long neck for a rub.

Returning to our villa by golf cart, we come across another tortoise lying in the middle of the road. Havemann stops, gets out and scratches the reptile’s back to urge him to move on.

“Tortoises eat so much fruit that it ferments in their stomach,” he explains, “and they get drunk, believe it or not, and pass out on the road!”

Clearly, we’re not the only contented creatures on this island.

And somehow, by the end of our visit, we’ve managed to do a little bit of almost everything, as well as an agreeable amount of next to nothing.

More information: www.north-island.com Rates: Villas 1 to 10 are 3,050 Euros per person per night The much larger Villa 11 (where Kate and Will stayed) is 4,800 Euros per person per night. Rates include all meals, drinks, alcohol and most activities including scuba diving, and PADIsanctioned dive courses.

WITH SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL.

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HEALTH FEATURE

FOR GOOD HEALTH REFLECTING ON WELLNESS IN 2017

BY PAMELA DURKIN PHOTOS BY DON DENTON

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Olympic athlete Simon Whitfield on his paddleboard in Gonzales Bay.

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OISED ON THE CUSP OF 2017, I’ve begun pondering how I want the year to unfold.

Although I eat a “clean” diet and exercise, I know there are some tweaks I need to make to enhance my overall well-being. To help pinpoint just what needs “shaking up,” I sat down with some Victoria residents, who are well-known for their healthy lifestyles — and for helping others adopt the same — to see how they planned to enrich their own lives in the New Year.

I hope their words will inspire you to map out your own unique blueprint for a salubrious 2017.

Simon Whitfield 4 x Olympian (Gold /Triathlon, Sydney), paddle-board/ adventure guide www.timelapseexplorers.com Going deeper into my yoga practice is going to be a focal point for me in the New Year — and that’s going to include taking an intensive teacher-training course. I’ve gotten heavily into yoga in the past two years and find it so powerful. It helps me feel physically and mentally better — it gives me a sense of peace and strength I haven’t found in any other sport.

This may surprise people, but I hardly run or swim much anymore and my biking is now done strictly as a commuter. Any need I have for competition now, which isn’t much, is met by a onceweekly soccer game. Paddleboarding is also a salient part of my life; I need that alone time out on the water — it’s invigorating but at the same time it gives me a sense of tranquility and being in harmony with nature. Along with all that, I am going to continue cutting down my online time — I don’t want to be “curating” every moment — I want to be living it.”

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“I’M NOT RULED BY ANY SPECIFIC DIET PLAN AND THAT WON’T CHANGE IN THE NEW YEAR. I JUST WANT TO CONTINUE TO BE GUIDED BY LOVE AND NOT FEAR.”

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Dr. Kevin Jackson Naturopathic Physician, past president of the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors I like to start the year off on the right foot so every January 1, I have a protocol I follow — a detox to eliminate the effects of the toxins we are routinely exposed to. I eliminate alcohol and sugar for a month and though I personally never touch caffeine, it is something I advise my patients to give up as well.

In addition, I bump up my raw vegetable intake, consuming at least two salads per day. Drinking eight glasses of purified water every day is a must too.

And to help things along, I take a “liver formula” to enhance the detoxification process. I also set myself up on a more rigid exercise routine and this year I am resolving to add regular steam baths and daily meditation to the protocol. Stress impacts the body in such a profoundly negative way and it’s often something we underestimate when we think about our overall health. We can’t always remove external stressors, but we CAN minimize their negative impact by incorporating stress reduction practices like daily meditation.

Rob Reid Businessman, (owner of Frontrunners, New Balance and Nomad Urban Lifestyle Store) In honour of Canada’s 150th birthday and Terry Fox’s great legacy, I’m planning to run for 143 consecutive days starting in January. Actually, I may do this twice and run for 286 days, running between 40-75 minutes daily — whatever these old legs can manage!

I’ve been involved with the Fox family for years, so this is a heartfelt project for me. That goes for my role as the chair of the Terry Fox Centre too — it comes from the heart. This year we’ll be finalizing a location in Vancouver — a home for the over 1,000 artifacts that depict Terry’s iconic run. The centre will also provide education and information on cancer research.

Locally, we’ll be hosting an exhibit at the Royal BC Museum in April, showcasing a lot of the artifacts — things the public hasn’t seen before. Again, this is all heartfelt stuff for me and that’s critical to my sense of well-being. I want to be less goaloriented in the sense of “performance” and just do things I truly enjoy, and which speak to me.

Even with running now I find I just enjoy the movement — I don’t worry about performance. Running is my therapy — my “medication.”

But I also want to spend more time paddle-boarding this year. We’re so fortunate to be surrounded by natural beauty on the West Coast that we often take for granted. We should all get out and enjoy it more; it’s a terrific antidote for stress.

A N N I V E R SA RY

Heather Cunliffe Co-Owner/Executive Chef at Bliss and Be Love I’m expecting my second child, so the focus of 2017 is going to be on being the best wife and mother I can.

Quality me-time is still important to me, but life just isn’t about that for me right now. I want to be present and in the

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“I’M TRYING TO BE MORE COMPASSIONATE WITH MYSELF TOO — I FIND WHEN I SET TOO MANY GOALS FOR MYSELF... IT DOESN’T SERVE ME WELL.”

moment to truly experience all the joys, all the challenges, of being a new mother.

I’m trying to be more compassionate with myself too — I find when I set too many “goals” for myself, too many unrealistic expectations, it doesn’t serve me well. I end up beating myself up if they aren’t met and that just robs me of joy. So many people expect me to be a paragon of virtue when it comes to my diet — given the sort of food served at my restaurants — but I’m not really.

I don’t have limitations or restrictions. I have given up the “musts” and “shoulds.”

I listen to what my body needs and I trust it and honour that; I’m not ruled by any specific diet plan and that won’t change in the New Year. I just want to continue to be guided by love and not fear.

Julia James Certified Life Coach and author of The Mini-Retreat Solution I plan to continue with some of the

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things that have proven to be successful for me — things that bring fulfillment to every area of my life.

I have a “recipe” that works for me.

Every morning I start my day by practicing qi-gong at the beach; it sets the tone for health, balance and connection to nature. I also bike or walk to most of my commitments — it provides ample movement so I don’t have to schedule time for more formal exercise.

I’m also passionate about consuming quality, locally grown food. My husband and I grow veggies in our backyard and also shop at local farmers’ markets and organic food stores — we find it connects us to the seasons and to this beautiful island on which we live.

Another important wellness factor I plan to incorporate in 2017 is limiting the amount of time I spend online.

I think it’s paramount to spend leisure time doing things that bring one joy — for me that means singing, dancing, spending time in nature and enjoying quality, playful time with my husband.

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M WALKING CLOCKWISE in a tiny, foggy chamber and moving to the sound of Bob Marley singing, “Don’t worry about a thing / ‘cause every little thing … gonna be alright.”

I’m trying to take Bob’s advice, but this is a cryotherapy cold sauna and the temperature is minus 110 degree Celsius.

A mask covers my mouth and nose; I’m wearing shoes, socks, bulky mitts, a headband, board shorts and loose T-Shirt. The temperature stuns me, but Bob and I are in this together for a full three minutes, so I try not to worry. About a thing.

One and a half minutes into it and my skin — which will ultimately drop to 5 degrees Celsius — is aching. The portion of my body covered by clothes is actually colder. I’ve been encouraged to remove my mitts and expose my hands, which suffer from arthritis, to the healing cold for the last 30 seconds, but I simply can’t do it. Five, four, three, two, one … a disembodied voice counts down and I stumble out, cold to the core, but also — a little proud of myself.

Cryotherapy is the signature treatment — unique in North America — at KurSpa, the 40,000-square-foot health and wellness centre at Sparkling Hill, located just south of Vernon.

The health benefits are overwhelming and people with chronic disease like rheumatoid arthritis, athletes with sports injuries and others merely seeking an immune-system boost, flock to this cold sauna.

For me, cryotherapy is just one of close to a dozen different treatments I’m experiencing during a custom-built, weeklong “Stay Young and Healthy” wellness package at Sparkling Hill.

At this point, a few days into it, I’ve been kneaded, oiled, baked, steamed — and frozen, of course. I’m relaxed, invigorated and on the path to whole body wellness. Perhaps, more importantly, I’ve grasped the concept of “mindfulness.”

The backdrop to all this is Sparkling Hill itself, the crystalinfused resort developed by Gernot Langes-Swarovski, patriarch of the Swarovski crystal family, who selected this spot overlooking Lake Okanagan as the place to bring Europeanstyle wellness to the rest of the world.

Opened in 2010, the $125-million resort and spa is truly a wonder of comfort and exclusivity, indulging every whim, pampering every contour of the body and ultimately offering a haven of relaxation. Nature is visible from every room, framed by huge windows like stunning pieces of art. The sweeping vistas capture the curve of the valley, the peaceful blue of the

Hot pool and view from the pool area.

lake, tree-lined hills and the occasional roll of fog.

And then there are the Swarovski crystals — $10 million worth. They’re everywhere, starting outside with crystaldecorated panels on the driveway and a massive crystal shaped window above the lobby. Inside, crystal chandeliers spill like gleaming waterfalls over public spaces. They line the stairwells, sparkle like stars above the pool and sit encased in glass — glimmering in a gentle fiery red — in the rooms. Even the spa reception computer glints with a crystal screensaver.

Each room features a two-person, crystal-shaped tub that overlooks either the lake or the valley, a walk-through, glass shower — also situated to capture the view — and sitting area.

There are four penthouse suites, a crystal-studded ballroom, conference rooms, library, fine dining restaurant, café/wine bar and lower-level pet friendly rooms with direct access to a 20-kilometre trail network, which encircles the resort.

WiFi is easily accessed everywhere inside, and soft classical music plays in many of the public areas.

Best of all? Guests are encouraged to mill about in the resort’s cosy white robes and slippers, eliminating the need to dress and undress between all that baking, steaming and freezing.

KurSpa sprawls across the main level of the resort; it’s a bright and spacious area filled with the scent of rich essential oils. It offers 100 treatments that range from acupuncture and reflexology, to mud wraps and hot stone massage, custom facials and pedicures.

There’s a small gym; a movement room (think yoga); a silent, “serenity” room; and a tearoom, where the view is enhanced by a stunning sculpture that changes colour as you move around it.

A year-round, outdoor infinity pool perches at the edge of a cliff above the lake, and from my room I can see people gently paddling about as early as 7 am, before light even dawns in the sky.

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lights, glimmers like red and blue phosphorescence as you move through it. Crystal lights twinkle on the ceiling and music plays beneath the water’s surface. There’s also a large hot pool and a healing Kneipp Waterway walk.

But if KurSpa is the heart of Sparkling Hill, the steam and sauna area is the heart of KurSpa. Here you can find exquisitely rendered themed steam rooms — rose, salt, crystal — and dry saunas (herbal, panorama, Finnish), Igloo and aqua therapy showers. The scents, the heat, the humidity. This is a little piece of heaven.

My weeklong Stay Young and Healthy package starts with psychiatrist Dr. Pieter Strauss, who — after chatting with me and studying my health form — determines a dazzling, mespecific array of 10 treatments plus the cold sauna. These are broken down into “body health,” including treatments like the detoxifying Fango mud wrap; “beauty,” which involves a turnmy-toenails-purple pedicure and custom-for-my-skin facial; and “massage,” such as my personal favourite — the crystal cranium neck, shoulders and scalp rub.

In between the two-a-day treatments, I hit the exercise room, float in the pools, luxuriate in the saunas and sip African tea in the tearoom. I hike a trail — admittedly much faster after seeing a “bear spotted in the area” sign — and savour local wine in the Barrique & Java café.

Dinners in the exclusive PeakFine restaurant and a daily buffet breakfast are part of the package. So, on top of everything else, I feast on divine flavours served up by executive chef Romaine Newell.

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with Dr. Strauss, who guides participants in an hour-long group session, tying everything together under the banner of whole body wellness and sending people home with techniques for maintaining health.

Strauss says there are four common issues among people participating in the Stay Young and Healthy group, which is geared to the over-55 set. These include: caregiver burnout, physical illness (heart disease, chronic pain) and subsequent stress around lifestyle changes; relationship angst; and various forms of loss — even that associated with retirement.

In the group session, Strauss presents several tips for ongoing wellness, but focuses on mindfulness, or the art of living in the

moment, as a way to diminish negative aspects of life such as worry or chronic pain.

“In mindfulness, you accept the pain, but as part of everything else. So you focus on other senses as well — the beauty of the visual, the smells and tastes. As you open up to everything else, the pain becomes smaller.”

Learning the lesson of mindfulness is made easy at Sparkling Hill as every sense is satiated, from the murmurs of music to the heavenly scents and flavours of fine dining. It’s a place to just relax and “be.”

And as I leave, Bob’s words strum in my head, and this time, they make sense. I’m not worrying … about a thing.

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NO ORDINARY JOES

After recently being substantially renovated and modernized, the elegantly renewed Winchester Galleries is mounting three individual exhibitions for December that should give many local art lovers some notable ideas for Christmas presents.

Ontario-born Winchester regular Joe Coffey grew up surrounded by farm animals, which have become the primary subject of his marvellously realistic paintings. According to Winchester gallerist Elizabeth Levinson, his current exhibition also features several fascinating portraits of people incongruously paired with an animal.

“There’s a particularly riveting painting of a woman holding a ferret that recalls Da Vinci’s famed Lady with an Ermine,” says Levinson.

And sticking with farm animals — and sometimes people — but shifting mediums, another of the exhibitions features the clay and bronze sculptures of internationally celebrated Saskatchewan artist Joe Fafard.

“This is our first-ever Fafard exhibition and we are honoured to have his work,” Levinson declares. “Collectors of Fafard feel like they are making an addition to the family … there’s a lovingness to his sculptures and it’s clear he has such an intimate connection with his subjects.”

The third show features the paintings of Antoine Bittar, famed for his moodily atmospheric landscapes and street scenes of his hometown of Montreal.

“He’s a beloved Quebec painter, and highly collectible,” says Levinson, who adds that she expects considerable interest from out-of-town buyers for all three shows. “All these artists sell well

… it’s hard to keep their work on our walls.”

Running from December 1-23 at 2260 Oak Bay Avenue.

For information, see Winchester Galleries.

GLOBAL GUITAR

International Guitar Night included Victoria on its small inaugural tour 16 years ago, and the event has grown from a small crowd in a Saanich church hall to a mostly full Farquhar Auditorium.

Clearly, this annual showcase of acoustic guitar virtuosity has now become a preferred way for up to 800 Victorians to start the new year. The globe-spanning IGN features four guitar greats performing both solo and collaboratively, and never fails to field extraordinary players — even if most people have never heard of them.

“There’ve been some amazing revelations along the way,” says Rod McCrimmon, a local professional guitarist, who has missed only two IGNs since they began. “We’re really lucky to get musicians of this calibre — and most of them would never play here otherwise.”

Although event founder Brian Gore has always hosted IGN, he is being replaced this year by gypsy jazz legend Lulo Reinhardt (yes, he’s the great grand-nephew of Django Reinhardt), an IGN veteran. He’s accompanied by Italy’s Luca Stricagnoli, a passionate player known for exuberance and a variety of unconventional playing styles.

A more tranquil counterpoint comes via Chrystian Dozza, whose fusion of classical and Brazilian is, according to

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McCrimmon, “beautiful and contemplative … he’s got really lovely tone.”

And then there’s the incomparable Debashish Bhattacharya, the East Indian slide guitarist known for blinding speed and emotional dazzle.

“You’ve got four great players with totally different styles, what more could you ask for?” says McCrimmon.

Performing January 29 at UVic’s Farquhar Auditorium.

For tickets, call 250-721-8480.

ABBA CONQUERS THE WORLD

ABBA, the world’s most insanely popular English-as-asecond-language pop band, hasn’t been on tour for over 35 years … but its music sure has. Mamma Mia!, one of the most successful musicals of all time, has been seen by over 60 million people worldwide in the last two decades.

The story — about a young bride-to-be wondering which of her mother’s three old boyfriends is her biological father — has emotional resonance, but it’s those 22 irresistibly upbeat ABBA songs that drive audiences wild.

“The music of ABBA has this universal appeal,” states Henry Kolenko, who is presenting Mamma Mia! for five shows this December.

The Victoria-raised Kolenko, who spent time on Broadway before starting his own company in Vancouver, presented the same tour here in 2012, with eight sellout performances that broke sales records at the Royal Theatre. And for someone who estimates he has seen the show up to 100 times, Kolenko is anything but jaded.

“I don’t necessarily watch it all the way through, but I always like to get into the audience at the finale,” he says. “People just get so involved in the music and the emotions … it’s a thrill.” It becomes clear over an extended phone interview that Kolenko has had a blast promoting a show that offers such pure joy to audiences. Then this busy presenter adds that he’s been working for five years on bringing Chicago to the Royal. “It almost happened last summer … we’ll see,” Kolenko says.

Running from December 14-16 at the Royal Theatre. For tickets, call 250-386-6121.

GROOVIN’ ON THE B-3

Jazz comes in a lot of flavours and styles, but it rarely gets so funky as when a Hammond B-3 organ is churning up a fat and bluesy groove.

Although its heyday was in the 1960s and ‘70s, the B-3 never fell fully out of fashion. And this January there is a great opportunity to hear four exceptional musicians celebrate this unique musical legacy.

“The B-3 defies common sense — they’re huge, they’re heavy, they break down … but they sound incredible,” says Patrick Boyle, de facto head of jazz studies up at the UVic School of Music.

Boyle should know what he’s talking about: the first of his four CDs was an organ trio where he played guitar and flugelhorn. He’s excited to call on two gifted UVic alumni — occasional bandmates Tony Genge and Kelby MacNayr – for Deep in the Groove, a “faculty concert” up at UVic. “It takes a

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lot of ability to play the organ well and Tony is one of the best in Canada,” Boyle notes. “You need complete control, because you’re doing the bass line plus accompanying and soloing. Only the bravest go there.”

And what was originally planned as a trio will now include award-winning tenor sax legend Phil Dwyer on several songs.

Boyle, who has played with Genge and MacNayr for over two years, says that being in an organ trio is “the fun-est thing you can do — our faces hurt from smiling so much!”

In short, these are jazz artists throwing a very special party.

“If you like to swing deep in the groove you should definitely be at this concert,” adds Boyle.

Although this sounds rather gruesome, it’s mostly a puppet show, and has obvious parallels to Grimm’s Fairy Tales. The music has a vivid Eastern European gypsy flair, led by accordion and violin, and will be performed by frequent Inconnu collaborators The Party on High Street. They will be sharing the stage with five singing actors and as many as 15 or 20 puppets, created with the help of master puppeteer Tim Gosley.

“Inconnu did mostly puppet work in our first decade in Victoria, so this is really a chance to get back to our roots,” explains Jevne. “I think the audience will enjoy both the performers interacting with all those puppets as well as the intoxicating music.”

January 21 at UVic’s Phillip T. Young auditorium. Tickets at the door, or call 250-721-8480.

Continuing until December 17 at 1923 Fernwood. For tickets, see Theatre Inconnu.

SUFFER THE CHILDREN

There’s a mischievous tone in the voice of Theatre Inconnu artistic director Clayton Jevne when he admits that their December production, the amusingly macabre Shockheaded Peter, “will add a nice balance to the sweetness of Christmas.”

An acclaimed 1998 musical by an eccentric trio of cabaret performers known as the Tiger Lilies, Peter is based on a 17th century German children’s book containing 10 rhymed stories, each with a heavy-handed moral illustrating the dire consequences to children who misbehave.

“The book’s narrative has been changed and in the musical all the children now die,” chuckles Jevne. “And kids in the audience really seem to love it.”

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CHRISTMAS WITH BACH

Commencing with those glorious tones of its opening trumpet fanfare, J.S. Bach’s Magnificat is one of his brightest and liveliest choral works, one brimming with a joyful sense of festive occasion.

Although it wasn’t originally a Christmas work, Bach later inserted some explicitly Christmas-themed choruses and created a newer, quite different version; a specially prepared hybrid of the two will be the centrepiece of a Baroque Christmas special performed by the Pacific Baroque Orchestra under the baton of Vancouver’s Alex Weimann.

“We’ll have about two dozen musicians from BC, Washington and Oregon who are all Baroque specialists in period

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performance practice,” says Weimann. “Plus there will be five international singers, who are all renowned soloists, but who will also sing passages as a chorus.”

Less monumental than Bach’s Mass in B Minor, the Magnificat offers a similar level of virtuosity but is lighter and more nimble.

“It’s a fast-paced series of short arias and duets and so on, with new musical ideas constantly emerging … it’s very entertaining, touching and captivating,” explains Weimann.

Also on the program is Bach’s Wachet auf, considered one of his most popular sacred cantatas.

“With its Advent text it is more liturgical in nature than the Magnificat,” adds Weimann. “Plus it’s extremely beautiful.”

Rounding out the program is Telemann’s Concerto for Three Trumpets and Timpani, which will be a silvery and delightful complement to Bach’s masterwork.

“I stumbled upon the Telemann a couple of years ago and it is simply a delightful piece of music,” Weimann says.

Performing December 17 at Christ Church Cathedral. For tickets, call 250-386-6121.

TAKING STOCK OF POLYGAMY

Nationally celebrated playwright Joan MacLeod doesn’t tackle themes so much as social issues, and her plays examine such thorny topics as refugee resettlement (Amigo’s Blue Guitar), police violence (The Valley) and high school bullying (The Shape of a Girl).

In Gracie, which is getting its world debut at the Belfry Theatre, MacLeod offers a complex response to the challenges presented by the polygamous community of Bountiful in southeastern BC. Polygamy has long been rare among Mormons, and its radical practitioners live isolated and sometimes paranoid lives.

Some sect leaders in the US are in prison for serious crimes, and Bountiful itself has been the subject of several criminal investigations. In particular, there is widespread revulsion that top church elders have scores of children from numerous wives — with many girls getting married off to much older men at a very young age.

“But it’s complicated,” explains MacLeod, who wanted to understand these people and not glibly demonize them. Her one-person play features Gracie, whom we see in five short acts where she ages from eight to 15.

“This is a girl who loves God and family, yet eventually she does start to question this closed religious community that is her world,” says MacLeod. “But there are good things about growing up in a place like that and I wanted to explore that aspect too.”

MacLeod, who’s taught creative writing at UVic for 13 years, hopes that her play gets people thinking about what’s going on in our province.

“There’s something very BC about utopian cults, and we have to start talking about it,” she says.

Running from January 20-February 19 at the Belfry. For tickets, call 250-385-6815.

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HE FIRST TIME I MEET SHANNON DREW, I’m at Victoria’s Bear Mountain, exploring the new development plans there. A statuesque blond in a designer suit, she is Ecoasis’ vice president of corporate affairs and community initiatives, and seemingly the kind of women to envy — beauty, brains, successful career.

But Shannon doesn’t evoke envy. She’s warm and engaging, one of those people who has you saying: “You and I are going to be friends, and we are going to start that friendship over a large glass of wine.”

When I get the opportunity to formally interview Shannon, I’m delighted. I get to ask her all those questions that might otherwise be considered inappropriate.

The first thing she tells me? “I think I’m quite boring.” But our conversation quickly dispels that theory.

A public relations specialist, Shannon has been in her current role with Ecoasis for just over three years. She is thrilled to be working with the company’s community initiatives, which allows her to focus part of her efforts on “giving back.”

“It’s amazing to be working for a development company, but still in a niche where I’m able to facilitate giving back. It’s fantastic. The community initiatives that we support through Ecoasis and Bear Mountain are very important and rewarding programs.”

Among the many programs are the Victoria Foundation’s Vital Signs Report, Wounded Warriors Canada’s COPE

Program, the Boys and Girls Club of Victoria and the Help Fill a Dream Foundation.

“These are all initiatives and organizations that help to shape our region,” Shannon explains.

“The owners of Ecoasis understand that significant good can come from understanding the needs and values of others.

They recognize the importance of giving back, not only in a philanthropic way but the importance of strengthening and building a community as well. That’s a significant part of who they are.”

Shannon grew up in Calgary, one of four children. She was enrolled in a French immersion program and graduated high school when she was just 16. Asked how she managed to graduate at such a young age, she laughs — “Well, delving back into my incredibly intelligent days, I skipped grade three.”

Independent and ambitious from early on, Shannon presented her businessman father with a “business plan” that included attending the University of Grenoble in France. Eventually he agreed it would be a “character building experience.” She was accepted into the school and, at just 16, Shannon was off for France.

“Now I have a 16-year-old daughter — and there is no way I’d let her do that! Still to this day I can’t believe my parents let me go,” she says. “But it was an absolutely incredible experience.”

“IT’S AMAZING TO BE WORKING FOR A DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, BUT STILL IN A NICHE WHERE I’M ABLE TO FACILITATE GIVING BACK.”

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“I’VE ALWAYS HAD THE GOOD FORTUNE TO HAVE MOTIVATING WORKENVIRONMENTS AND SUPPORTIVE BOSSES — INDIVIDUALS WHO WERE, AND ARE, MENTORS TO ME.”

Shannon Drew in a penthouse suite at the Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort & Spa.

The following year, she transferred to UBC in Vancouver, where she completed a Bachelor of Arts and stayed for four years after falling in love with the West Coast.

Then came a move back to Calgary and acceptance into a competitive, 30-seat public relations co-op program at Mount Royal College, now Mount Royal University.

She praises the curriculum as providing her with, “the best combination of academic and practical experience I could have ever asked for. When I immersed myself in that program I knew I had found my calling in communications.”

Shannon’s first job out of the program was as marketing manager of the Calgary International Children’s Festival, where she had completed one of her co-op terms. After making some excellent connections in Calgary media, she was offered a job at CTV television as the manager of community relations and sponsorships.

A tragedy struck Shannon’s young family, resulting in a move to Victoria, where her mother now lived. In 2002 life officially shifted course for Shannon — she was the single mom of a twoyear old girl, with a new perspective on life.

For the first few years in Victoria, Shannon did part-time contract work in order to be an attentive mom to her young daughter and to get her bearings in their new city.

“I was really lucky. I encountered some unbelievable people along the way. Almost every single person I met through my contract work played a key role in leading to new opportunities,” Shannon explains.

Shannon’s first fulltime job in Victoria was as the manager of community investment in corporate communications at BC Ferries. She later moved on to the Victoria Foundation where she stayed for five years as director of communications and

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marketing. Following that came a job with the Admissions Department at St. Michaels University School, where she spent three years travelling the world, recruiting students.

While the position was a change for her, Shannon notes one broad similarity — “all of the work I’ve done in my life has been based on communications and public relations. It’s all been about relationship building.”

Shannon has been able to navigate some amazing professional opportunities in a city that she has come to adore.

“I love Victoria. I’ve met great people here. It’s such a beautiful, safe place. That I’ve had such a colourful experience in terms of my profession has only added to my life.”

Shannon goes on to say, “I’ve always had the good fortune to have motivating work environments and supportive bosses — individuals who were, and are, mentors to me. I’ve been very privileged that way.”

Shannon explains what motivates her in her career, “It’s important to constantly grow as an individual and to contribute to other people in a meaningful way — helping to support and improve other people’s lives. Even the littlest things can make a big difference.”

So what’s Shannon’s secret?

“What you see is exactly what you get,” she laughs, “I’m as quirky in a business environment as I am with friends. I think it makes people comfortable, and when people are comfortable, you bring out the best in them and you really get to know who they are.”

By the end of our interview I feel like Shannon and I have known each other for much longer than we have — proving her secret is one to live by. I am inspired by her endless dedication to make a difference in other’s lives, and also more amused than ever that she truly thinks she is boring.

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Lexus Lx 570: Luxury, safety — and cooLers in the armrest Just a few months ago, Derek Sanderson, owner of Island IT and a prominent local philanthropist, purchased a Lexus LX 570, becoming one of the first people in BC, and the very first on the Island, to acquire the new model.

No stranger to the brand, this model is Sanderson’s fourth Lexus, and it was a blend of the inherent luxury and safety features that sold him on the LX 570.

“The 360-degree camera, lane departure and auto high lights all give us the safety and security and space we need for our work, family and recreation,” says Sanderson. “And this handles like a 387-Horsepower luxury vehicle floating on a cloud.”

The car has also been a hit with Sanderson’s 12-year-old step-grandson, Konor.

“[He] loves the fact he has his own HDMI input for Playstation, etc. on the large multi-positioning screen in his back seat,” says Sanderson. “He also loves the full cooler in the arm rest in the front to keep juice and snacks cold while we road trip.”

This purchase solidified Sanderson’s loyalty to not only the brand, but the Jim Pattison Lexus Victoria dealership as well, he adds.

“My next vehicle will be a Lexus and it will be from this local dealership,” he says. “Marcel, our sales rep, and the service team are the best in the industry. We had other high end luxury vehicles, but Lexus won us over with not just great sales and product, but service.”

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