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BRANDED
MEET OUR TEAM
FROM US TO YOU BRANDED was created to tell the stories of what is driving our city forward. In BRANDED, we want to celebrate everything that our city is and everything that it is becoming. It’s an exciting time in Calgary. A shift is taking place and we’re well on our way to being bigger and better. Our identity is no longer restricted to just one industry – we are becoming a cultural hub, our culinary scene is exploding and we have become one of the most desirable places to live in Canada.
MANDY BALAK Co-founder + Creative
Trigger Puller. Activator. Never Settles. Calgary Fan Girl.
This issue is entitled “The Catalyst.” A catalyst represents the point of change that leads to something greater. We believe the young working professionals within Calgary are the ones igniting the changes our city is about to see.
VERONICA POCZA Editor
Constantly Creating. Always Smiling. Story Hunter. Conversation Starter.
In this issue, we encourage you to be the facilitator of your own life. We feature stories of inspiration and revolution to offer a fresh perspective. This issue is about overcoming adversity and celebrating success. We’ve chosen to tell the story of a hometown hero, shed light on ways to change the game, and push our readers to reflect in the New Year. We are also presenting a special feature that is very close to the heart of our founder.
IVY TRUONG
The inaugural “Game Changers of 2014” tells 10 stories of Calgary’s finest. These are the individuals that have chosen to handcraft their own lives and challenge the status quo. These are the stories of those who are rising up in our community and making noise in their industries.
SHELBY STEWART Marketing
Design Perfectly Curious. Makes things pretty. Observant. Authentic.
Go-getter. Firecracker. Sasspot. Photoshop Junkie.
KIM NOSEWORTHY
BRONWYN HENDRY
Adventurer. Cutting edge. Model. Newfie.
Word Nerd. Dreamer. Consistently inspired and inspiring.
We’ve tossed in some fun stuff too. In our fashion and food sections, we encourage you to be a catalyst by facing the dreary weather with creativity and style, and we highlight some of the best unique takes on everyone’s favourite food. It’s time to act, young Calgary. When will be the moment you decide to go after what you want? We are challenging you to be the “The Catalyst” in your own life. We’ll see you on the other side!
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Bridging over the city, photo by Ty Graham. Read more about his photography in this month’s Insight + Inspiration feature, pg. 30
PITCH US. pitch@brandedyyc.com
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Exciting getaways Oil keeps people on the move. With 92% of our transportation needs fuelled by oil, it moves people, and the goods and services that drive our economy and improve quality of life. Find out more at More2theStory.com.
I N T H I S I SSU E
the game changers of 2014 Each year, we will feature ten stories of individuals, in various industries, that are forging the path of growth, innovation and achievement in YYC.
page
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love this city
what gives? PAGE 22 Calgary’s homeboy PAGE 24
changing the game Read about those who are taking things to the next level.
page
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INSPIRATION KEEPS YOU MOVING FORWARD. HERE’S HOW ONE GUY DOES IT.
W
O
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S
BY
A
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Alex is a 23-year-old accountant in the downtown core. He works the daily grind, but plans to forge his own path and never stop experimenting as a new writer. Keep up with his thoughts on his blog at thepantlife.com 16
BRANDED
APPLICATION
ABSORPTION
This kind of inspiration is the kind that you will experience during daily life. Maybe you read an article on the web written by some famous cat lady (any famous cat ladies out there? Genuinely curious…) and you become inspired with some brilliant idea – because maybe without this article you wouldn’t have realized that you too aspire to be a great cat lady, complete with 100+ cats of your own.
away from the distractions of an everyday routine and all of the familiar faces.
IS ALL
inspiration created equally? I’ve always wondered. All bursts of inspiration are important – no matter how big or small. Understanding how inspiration affects us can allow us to harness its power and, ultimately, live a life of epic proportions. As I write this, I’m in Denver, Colorado, enjoying one of the many “bizcations” I’ve had the pleasure of going on. There is nothing like going to new places, trying new delicious food, and enjoying the many luxurious amenities offered to you on the ol’ corporate card, am I right? Yes, I’m still putting in solid eight-hour workdays, but this is not like one of those fabled free lunches. Leaving home for a few days allows me to do some thinking
There’s nothing wrong with a little alone time. (Not that kind of alone time, you sick prick. Well, maybe a little, because hotel rooms have nice lotion. This is getting inappropriately off topic, back to real business…)
Absorption is exactly what it sounds like. It’s hearing the story of others who have gone through the cycle of trying, failing then succeeding. You’re an observer and a listener – you don’t have to do much to achieve inspiration from absorption.
In this alone time, I’ve been doing an absurd amount of reading. It ranges from books to the insane amount of articles I find on the Internet everyday. I’ve found that many of the authors and writers have inspired me.
This allows you to generate initial ideas. You can become quickly motivated entering the “go-getter” mode, but you need more to sustain the rush in order to follow through.
This inspiration is without a doubt helping me break completely free from the negative parts of my life to bring about my own happiness. In the process, I’ve noticed that no matter how much I read, it’s just not enough to push me over the edge.
Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s extremely important to read, listen and watch the stories that are out there, because it’s an opportunity to see things in a new light. But your goals must be complemented with another source of inspiration. Hold on, I’ll get to it...
I’m learning that there are countless sources of inspiration and it is a completely personal experience. However, I do think there are two general processes. 17
Now this is where the creativity comes in! Nothing can inspire you more than seeing your hard work come to fruition. By taking action and actually applying all the information you’ve absorbed, you are stepping onto a whole new playing field. Say you’re the ambitious cat lady (this analogy is getting out of hand, I know). Let’s say you’ve lined your house with catnip in hopes of attracting every stray in the city. Maybe this works out and maybe it doesn’t, but now you have momentum, you’ve made an action. Then, you’ve become inspired with another idea: A revolutionary mating call for cats! Hell yeah, cat lady! This momentum will then continue and lead to more ideas because it’s an example of being active rather than passive in your pursuit. Going after your goals and making mistakes is how you learn what doesn’t work and what does work. This is when you truly find yourself and what really matters to you. I’m realizing the power of this concept in my own life. Even the smallest of steps, such as starting a blog for myself (I want to start writing, who would’ve guessed…), is starting to have an affect. So go out and create something! What you create will always be greater than the idea that started it.
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face your fears of talking politics
let’s have a political party
When I left the hospital, my family wasn’t faced with tens of thousands of dollars, piles of medical bills or left in debt or bankrupt– the healthcare system was in place. Eleven months after acquiring my disability, I was able to return to school. University was still an option because I could still afford the reasonable tuition costs of that time. I was unable to work, but I received basic income support from the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped fund. All of this allowed me to carry on. Politics became very real for me, very quickly, after becoming a quadriplegic. I realized, first hand, how much the government programs and institutions that we have built together (like public education and public health care) matter. Talking politics is always relevant because it is through government that we can build a collective vision of what a reasonable society looks like for its citizenry. Without politicians caring about or speaking on behalf of our shared vision, we will not have a good government. I have been a member of the legislative assembly for the past eight years. Throughout this time, I have learned that the decisions made each day will affect individuals and groups of people in a number of different ways.
Kent Hehr, MLA, Calgary Buffalo
It’s important for everybody to understand that members of political parties have the opportunity to see how society is structured in many different ways. Doing your research, tracking what is going on and keeping in touch will help you decide which of these political parties best represents your value system – for both you as an individual, and how you view society as a whole.
Every issue we will feature the voice of a politician in a way that is both interesting, relevant and comprehensible. BRANDED readers are up-to-date and well informed, so let’s get to know the different voices of our city in each political party.
One key lesson I’ve learned from my experience on this earth so far – is that you may not be interested in politics, but politics are interested in you. The impact is real, it is visceral, and it can make the lives of many better if we just put forward the effort to become engaged.
I’ve always been somewhat aware that politics are important. My parents would always bring up politics at the dinner table, and talk about whatever was going on in the city, province, and country. That being said, when I was growing up, politics always seemed peripheral. Politics was something that happened “out there,” not right at the dinner table.
The daily news cycle and the political experts rarely focus on the things that really count, or the things that will really affect you – the citizens. The real action is in the political parties and the individuals that take on important causes to better our society.
I assumed schools, hospitals, roads, and hockey rinks would continue to be built, regardless of the political happenings of that day. I thought these things just magically appeared.
Those involved – the individuals, activists, politicians and community organizers, see things differently and make decisions differently, with society in mind.
I abandoned this way of thinking on one October night in 1991. I was coming home from Mount Royal University (then, it was still Mount Royal College) after a night out with my friends – and I was the victim of a random act of violence. While in my friend’s car, a bullet was fired at us and severed the fifth vertebrae in my spine. This resulted in my becoming a quadriplegic.
You can adopt this way of thinking, and apply it. If you’re game, get involved. @kenthehr calgary.buffalo.assembly.ab.ca
Every issue we plan to feature a letter from a politician that speaks to Calgary’s younger demographic. Want to speak up? Let us know @brandedyyc
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Envision a steakhouse and cocktail lounge unlike any other... An evolved steakhouse, in both cuisine and design.
BRANDED
# “You’ll show up to the bar early so that you can check your coat.”
“You have to set your alarm 15 minutes earlier, just to allow time for your car to heat up.”
C OM Shit Calgarian’s say.
We’ve all been there. Here are some of the things only Calgarians would understand.
“You base your plans around where the closest underground or heated parking is.”
IN
“We quickly turn from disliking country music to fully embracing it during the Stampede.”
“A never-ending hunt for a Car2Go can end up turning into a full tour of downtown Calgary.”
CAL
“Impromptu pub crawls following ‘just after work drinks’ because everybody has their own ‘favourite spot’.”
“You’ve used everything and anything to scrape ice off your car.”
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“We don’t pronounce the second ‘A’ in Calgary. If you do, you probably aren’t from here.”
BRANDED
“You think it’s a cop, but it’s just a peace officer.”
GA “We still BBQ in -30 degree weather.”
“In the winter you will take the long way if it means you get to stay within the plus 15’s.”
RY
“In the winter, you take up two seats on the C-Train because of your parka.”
tweet us @brandedyyc #commonincalgary selected tweets courtesy of: @PreppyCantrell, @WendyYPC, @maryinjune, @AloraBoutique, @kiiimmaaay, @everbraveca
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in the heart of kensington - 107 - 10a street nw ~ 403.670.6873
“You wear a blanket and jacket with sandals because you obviously don’t know what to expect from our weather.”
“You close your eyes and pray your truck won’t turn into a convertible when pulling into a downtown parkade.”
ModernSteakCA
“14th Street. If you know, you know.”
LUNCH • DINNER • LATE NIGHT
MON
@ModernSteakCA
“You’ve skipped work because it’s just too damn cold.”
ModernSteakCA
www.modernsteak.ca
“No matter how cold it gets – you’ll still wait in a long line to get inside a fun bar.”
“If you’re from the South and getting directions to somewhere in the North, you’ll always ask how close it is to Peter’s Drive In.”
MODERN STEAK
“Drivers merge at all yield signs, and yield at all merge signs.”
GIVE$?
WHAT
BRANDED
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ADAM WOODWARD, FOUNDER OF THE BIG GIVE PROJECT TELLS US WHAT IT’S REALLY LIKE, AND WHY THEY REALLY DO IT. CUT THE BULLSHIT. WORDS BY VERONICA POCZA
The story of the Big Give Project, founded by Adam Woodward, has touched the hearts, and reached the eyes of many – raising nearly 11.5K at their screening of the Big Give Documentary at the Calgary International Film Festival. There’s also the $500,000 plus that the project has already raised for the underprivileged student athletes after 15 years of giving. This is a pretty impressive outcome from something that started from two guys just giving “a couple hundred bucks” to a basketball team that couldn’t afford presentable jerseys or league fees. “It’s not a foundation, it’s not a charity,” – it’s simply a group’s effort to give back in a big way.
BRANDED
HOW IT REALLY WORK$
“The critical thing with us is that we don’t accept money from people we don’t know. People make donations on their own accord; they know our story, and know the kids or coaches. It’s easy for me to pick up the phone in these relationships, it’s not a cattle call.” This hasn’t always been how it’s operated –it’s been a trial and error process for Woodward to learn what works best for his vision of the project.
JUST ANOTHER GUY IN A $UIT?
“We were putting our money into the CBE for the first decade in an account with the school we were coaching at. The problem with this is that most of the money had to flow back down to the CBE headquarters, and the school takes liberties on the spending,” he says.
In getting to know Woodward – it’s clear, very quickly, that he doesn’t give into the image or shallow tendencies that often come with the glory of “signing a big cheque for a good cause.” He really just cuts the bullshit. What is it really like for the pockets of those who take on projects like this, and what keeps them going? Is it always to achieve the good image of “giving back”? “Let’s just say I right my wrongs,” Woodward laughs. Having grown up with his Grandparents, who “didn’t have much,” Woodward understands what it’s like to have financial setbacks. He relied on athletics and support from the community to send him to post secondary on a golf scholarship.
“WRITING BIG CHEQUES HAS BECOME THE NEW SHINY CAR.”
“The mandate and the intent is to give the resources to kids, no matter what the opportunity is (sports, arts, school) and give them the chance to do something they wouldn’t have been able to do. We just like to know the exact goals and how they will benefit the students rather than the money being needlessly spent by any department.” Woodward, who still coaches basketball at Forest Lawn High School, says a lot of teachers initially felt that we were “just a couple of guys in suits hoping to raise money to have a cool basketball team.”
He laughs at the accusations that have been made in the efforts of his project, including recruiting players to specific high schools by bribing them with new shoes.
Eighteen years ago, after the passing of his Granddad, Woodward moved back from school and reconsidered his plans for his future. He then started working at Earls Westhills, and “didn’t really know what he wanted to do.” In this time he met and hired Dave Wilder.
“I thanked the guy that accused us of that, without him, we wouldn’t have thought to extend our shoe program from one high school to provide over 550 shoes to kids in poverty across the city.” Yes, they indeed are a couple of guys in suits – but the stigma behind this comes from the common ways to “give” in Calgary, Woodward says.
THE DYNAMIC DUO
From there, the two of them began a lifelong working relationship. Four years after Woodward launched the Big Give, Wilder joined in, as “he’s the basketball nut.”
“Writing big cheques has become the new shiny car,” he says.
Wilder, co-founder of the Big Give and still business partner to Woodward as an investment advisor for Richardson GMP, is a “great for the face of the project” as it runs to this day.
His advice to those looking to really give? “Give your time before you give your money. Get to know the situation and the people involved, and then write your cheque after your volunteer service. It’s become very cool for people to write cheques and show them off as an egotistical thing, but they’ve never spent an hour in the organization.”
“It’s really Dave and our executive assistant Robyn that are the mechanics of the operation. I don’t like social media or awards and I don’t do it for the recognition. I hate all that shit. I empower people like Dave and Robyn to find opportunities to spend the money and then I quietly call our friends and partners that have been with us for 15 years and tell them about these opportunities,” he says.
Giving, in any sense, is great – but giving with the intent to be active is the real deal. 23
CALGARY’S WORDS BY KRISTIN HALLETT PHOTOS BY ZEV VITALY ABOSH HAIR BY HEDKANDI SALON STYLING BY DREW RUDICHUK LOOKS BY ESPY + MODERN MENSWEAR
BRANDED
HOMEBOY HE WAS BORN AND RAISED HERE, BUT HAS AN ENTIRELY NEW LIFE AS AN NHL HE WAS BORN AND RAISED HERE, BUT HAS AN ENTIRELY NEW LIFE AS AN NHL STAR.
STAR. KRISTIN HALLETT GETS JOE TO PUT THE JERSEY AND HOCKEY TALK KRISTIN HALLETT GETS JOE TO PUT THE JERSEY AND HOCKEY TALK ASIDE, AND TELLS
ASIDE, AND TELLS THE STORY OF CALGARY’S HOMETOWN FLAME. THE STORY OF CALGARY’S HOMETOWN FLAME.
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BRANDED
HE’S AT HOME, PL AYING FOR THE TEAM HE GREW UP CHEERING FOR.
LOOK BY MODERN MENSWEAR
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BRANDED
JOE COLBORNE is no stranger to the Calgary International Airport. It’s been the gateway to and from fleeting time spent with family, friends and summer training sessions.
Alas, that’s just the hockey. That doesn’t shed light on Calgarian Joe, who sits in his stall, day in and day out, talking to every last media outlet until he is the only player left in the dressing room.
On September 29, 2014 – like countless times before, Joe touched down on YYC’s tarmac. This time was different. This time, Joe landed as a Calgary Flame.
Covering the Flames full time, I am asked on a weekly basis, “who’s the nicest player on the team?” Well, that’s a tough call throughout the entire roster, especially when you’re up against the likes of Captain, Mark Giordano and Matt Stajan – but my reply is always the same. “I can’t answer that. But, what I will say is, if I’m having a bad day, I always, always go and talk to Colborne.” That’s the truth.
“I’ve been at that airport so many times but that’s when it all just started to hit me,” he recalls. A media swarm greeted him at baggage claim as a Flames’ staff member handed him his jersey. Colborne. #8. He was home.
At the end of the season last year, Joe was awarded the inaugural “Good Guy Award” created and presented to the most respectful, courteous and kind player towards the media. Since the legend’s retirement, that award has been renamed the Peter Maher Award. Joe winning wasn’t a contest.
A week later, it’s Calgary’s first game at home versus the Vancouver Canucks. Joe had played with the Maple Leafs in seasons prior – but had never suited up for the away team to play in Calgary.
Joe recalls meeting Jarome Iginla as a kid, and says Iginla is someone he tries to emulate in the way he carries himself in the media.
So it goes, the kid who spent every waking moment on his driveway, pretending to be another Joe (Nieuwendyk) was about to play his first game in the Saddledome. Well, his first official NHL game.
The Flames public relations rep, Sean Kelso, has marveled time and time again, that “this kid was raised right.”
“I played one time in the Dome when I was about sixyears-old. When you come out in-between periods for about three minutes and everyone just follows the puck,” Joe laughs.
In Joe’s words, “It comes from my parents, growing up and teaching us the right way to act. A lot of it has to do with respect.”
Not a bad dress rehearsal for a six-year-old. But, at 24, he can now grasp the weight of it all. The odds.
Since beginning his hockey career at 16 in Camrose, to Denver, a stint at Providence and then Toronto, Joe has never missed a Christmas with his family – even if it means just a short and sweet visit, usually less than 48 hours.
“Playing that first game in the Dome, with flames bursting as I was being introduced and stepped on the ice – that was something I had dreamt of my whole life. I had imagined it so many times when I was little. It was so cool, as a hometown boy, to finally fulfill those dreams,” he says.
This year, on Christmas, there will be no Joe Colborne hustling in and out of Calgary’s airport. He’s at home, playing for the team he grew up cheering for – and it has an even greater payoff around the holidays. He gets to have a few extra days around the fire with his sisters, Lauren, Mel and Claire – and Mom and Dad, Janice and Paul.
Joe lived out his childhood dream for the entire 2013/14 season. He finished with 28 points and a reputation as one of the best in the league at shootouts – aka, Mr. Joe “Dangles”. Joe fired up this season in the best shape of his life and, before being sidelined with a wrist injury, was tied with Ryan Getzlaf and John Tavares for most assists in the league early on.
*Kristin Hallett is the Flames’ host reporter. See what she’s up to with the team @Kristin_Hallett
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BRANDED
YO U C U T YOUR BEAUTIFUL CURLS, WHO GAVE
FAVOURITE ROAD CIT Y?
YO U TH E HA RDEST T IME A BOUT IT ?
“Chicago.”
“I got it from the guys on who are losing or have lost their hair already. They told me to take advantage of it while I can.” W H O WA S YOUR FAV E N HLE R A S A K ID?
“My favourite player, growing up, was Al MacInnis. When he was traded I was still really young and I remember balling my eyes out, because I didn’t understand what ‘getting traded’ meant. I just knew he wasn’t a Flame any more. Every year, for my birthday, my parents would take me to watch him play for St. Louis at the Dome.”
WHAT ARE YOU READ ING?
“I read a ton of different stuff. But, I guess, the political thrillers by Vince Flynn on his character Mitch Rapp.” SONG ON YOUR ITUNES YOU DO NOT WANT ANYONE TO KNOW?
“Party in the USA by Miley Cyrus. I just can’t bring myself to delete it.” WHAT IS YOUR CUTEST OR FUNNIEST FAN EXPERIENCE IN CALGARY?
W H AT D O YOU DO TO ESCAPE AND REL AX W H E N E VE RYBODY IS UP IN YOUR G RILL ?
“Naps. I can nap anywhere, any time. Couch, chair, bed – doesn’t matter.” W H AT D O YOU FIND MOST AT TRACTIVE IN THE O P P O S I T E SE X ?
“Independence, especially with my busy schedule.”
“Well, I was never the most outgoing kid. I was pretty quiet when I was younger. You see the kids who sprint up to you and are talking your ear off, and then you see the kids in the background, that was always me. The kid that wanted the autograph so bad but was too nervous. So, I always try and make sure I take care of those kids.”
LOOK BY MODERN MENSWEAR
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BRANDED
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOU T CALGARY?
“Stampede. The entire city comes together.” WHAT DID YOU MISS MOST ABOUT CALGARY WHEN YOU WERE AWAY?
“The mountains. I always took them for granted until I moved.” YO U R G O -TO ME AL IN CALG ARY?
“Fergus & Bix for the Teri-Hot Wings.” WHO WOU L D YOU SAY YOU ARE YO U CLO S E S T W ITH O N THE TE AM?
“I’m probably closest with Boums (Lance Bouma) and Monny (Sean Monahan), but we have a very tightknit team.” Want to see what Joe and the other Flames are up to? Follow @NHLFlames for your updates!
LOOK BY ESPY
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BRANDED
INSIGHT
We love unique photographers. Whether you’re behind the scenes, on top, or up-andcoming, we will track you down. Here’s who caught our eye this month.
+
INSPIRATION
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BRANDED
TY GRAHAM Switching it up to stay inspired. Variety is his spice. Instagram: liftedthought Age: 29 Instagramming for: 2 years
How would you describe your photography style?
Do you have a favorite photo you’ve taken in Calgary?
I would say I’m more of an urban or landscape photographer. However, I am always trying to challenge myself with new things. I started shooting portraits this summer and I really enjoy it. I’ve also had the opportunity to shoot my first look book with local brand 6Streets Clothing. Fashion photography has always been something I’ve been interested in, so working with them is a great way to break into it.
I haven’t shot Calgary in for awhile, but I really like this one peace bridge photo. I know, I know – the “typical peace bridge photo,” but I feel like I added a little twist to it and got lucky with the sunset with the moon in the background. I walked around with a friend for a few hours and we just stumbled across the photo opportunity – it wasn’t planned at all.
How does photography impact your life?
Do you see photography in your future?
Since I got into photography I see the world differently. I see the details in everything. I let my surroundings inspire me. It’s a much better way to live. It inspires me to want to see the world and not from a tourist point of view. When I used to travel, I would just go out or shop – but now all I want to do is explore.
It’s tough to say. Right now I work as a construction project coordinator and I’m used to the steady income. So, right now it’s just a side hustle. If I could ever turn it into a career and get out and do it everyday of course I would. Getting up and doing something you’re passionate about is the dream and the ultimate goal.
What sort of photography would you like to pursue as a career?
How did you get into photography?
For a career I think I would enjoy fashion or marketing photography. I’ve always been into fashion so it’s a natural fit. I will be opening a web page this winter too and selling limited edition prints. It’s the biggest compliment when my work is displayed in someone’s home.
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I actually grew up in a family of photographers – my mom and sister are both photographers. It’s always been around me. When I was younger, I actually loved to draw, that was my thing. When I was a kid I didn’t like photography because my mom was always trying to take pictures of me. My sister developed a unique style and I really admired that. She gave me my first camera when I was 27, a Nikon D80– it sat there for about two months because I didn’t know how to use it, then she started giving me pointers. It’s been just over two years and I now shoot a Nikon DF. We’re a Nikon family.
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BRANDED
game changers 2014
What does it mean to be a game changer? A game changer is someone who is not afraid to disrupt the norm and ask, “how can I do it better?” A game changer’s vision and innovation is built from the desire to do things differently. This is the inaugural year for our “Game Changers” feature. Each year we will feature those who are rising up and making noise in their industries. We are incredibly proud to tell the stories of these selected individuals. They have vision to create, take most in their pursuit to raise the bar. Creativity ignites change. With these game changers Calgary is in great hands. Calgary, it is our pleasure to introduce you to The Game Changers of 2014.
Photos by Krystal Boyd / Hair + Makeup by Hedkandi Salon
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Completing an engineering degree is not an easy task. Years of endless nights at the library will result in the respected P. Eng on a business card. A steady job in the field is usually the ultimate goal – as it allows security and the ability to apply that hard-earned knowledge and those fine tuned skills. Giving it up would be crazy, wouldn’t it? Not in the case of Kara Chomistek. She didn’t simply “leave engineering to work in the fashion industry” – she is applying her mechanical skills to handcraft and create Calgary’s fashion industry. She now has two full-time jobs doing something she loves. This isn’t work to her. The endless hours of commitment have paid off – literally. Chomistek and her business partner Jessie Li have grown from holding events that cost them $200 to creating beautiful productions that are worth over $400,000. It started with Chomistek’s decision to fill a void. PARK, (Promoting Artists Redefining Kulture) is a non-profit organization that allows emerging artists and designers to showcase their work. Before PARK – the creative industries in Alberta were forced to stay at a standstill without a collective and affordable space. Chomistek’s inspiring vision is infectious – spreading to a carefully selected staff of almost 30 volunteers. She’s created something bigger than herself that will change the history of fashion in our province. In an attempt to gain more experience in the field and extend styling opportunities, Chomistek founded Kara Chomistek Creative Services in 2012. She has created yet another trusted fashion service within the city and has worked with international and national companies – making crucial connections for PARK. She’s started an empire, completely on her own – to create an opportunity for others to do the same. She’s currently taking on selective services projects and managing the many happenings related to PARK. INNOVATOR. INSTIGATOR. RISK TAKER.
Her overall goal is to do PARK full time, offer paid positions to her dedicated volunteers, and to have the growth of her organization spark the change she wants to see. It’s her dream to have Calgary, in a fashion sense, “be the city she wants to live in.” As an engineer by trade – she knows how to problem solve, and she’s in the process of presenting genius and innovative solutions. She’s seven campaigns and 13 shows in, and PARK has officially made Calgary a catalyst in the movement to grow the creative culture in Canada.
KARA CHOMISTEK President & Co-founder of PARK, President/Founder of Kara Chomistek Creative Services Problem Solver 27
She’s made a leap of faith into fashion – and she hasn’t looked back since.
karachomistek.com / ourparkonline.com @karachomistek / @ourparkonline
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Wednesday. Phipps had no idea what a Bellini was – they weren’t exactly a top menu item among the whiskey and beer drinkers he had served in the past.
Phipps is the man who is bold enough to run a speakeasy-style bar above the city’s busiest beer hall. Thank to Phipps, customers can enjoy a moment of escape by stepping through the velvet curtains into this dimly lit vintage tavern.
It wasn’t until 2006, on a solo trip to Vancouver, that Stephen really fell for cocktails. As he was reading up on top venues during the plane ride, Phipps decided to treat himself and visit some of the top-notch spots. He would sit at the bar and was able to witness an entirely new world of bartending. It consisted of much more than just “pouring drinks” – it was inspiring and creative. After this experience, Phipps was set on bringing a heightened cocktail culture to Calgary. To this day, he is always visiting different cities and studying the food and drink scene to see what he can do next. He’s set on bringing this beer-drinking oil town to the next level.
The creation of National’s Bourbon Room stems from Phipps’ years of dedication committed to growing Calgary’s cocktail scene. He’s collaborating with the Canadian Professional Bartenders Association, and other great barkeeps in the city, in order to create the best of the best. The first time Stephen Phipps found himself behind a bar was 17 years ago at The Lighthouse Inn in Windsor, Ontario. Thanks to a job his “buddy got him,” he spent his summers during post secondary pouring rum and cokes, making Caesars, eating good food and chatting up Americans. After an impromptu road trip, Phipps ended up here in the big city with an opportunity to try out life in the corporate world. He quickly realized that “wearing a suit and shaving every day,” wasn’t really for him.
Although he’s focused on a unique goal, Phipps refuses to neglect the importance of a good customer experience. He’s not set on the “common rift” between customer and server – he works to make the experience something cool for both to enjoy. Phipps keeps things interesting by presenting a variety of themes into the Bourbon Room. It was recently The Bourbon Room presents: Vodka, and will soon shift into the Bourbon Room presents: The 80’s.
Taking a step away from the corporate life, Phipps applied at Moxie’s in Chinook Centre, but was thrown into the job on his first shift when a bartender no-showed. He was solo on the bar, and it was Bellini
With his knowledge, creativity and wild ideas, Phipps is here to make sure Calgary gets a taste of everything he has to offer.
FLAVOUR ASTRONAUT. GRIZZLY BEAR. PIZZAZ.
STEPHEN PHIPPS Barchitect of Bourbon Room and the Rum Room (opening in 2015!) Barkeep 36 ntnl.ca @NTNLBourbon
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In the year of 2014, an integrated innovative approach to advertising is the key to success. In an array of social media outlets and the growing skills in the creative industries, it can be tough to keep up. The fabulous Maria “RIA” Pacheco has decided to channel her variety of skills into building a comprehensive media service. She initially set out to pursue a career in photography, but instead she’s created an innovative media agency to bring her clients, and Calgary, to the next level. She’s the real deal – glamorous presence aside, she gets down with the business side of things and works endless hours to stay a step ahead of the rest. To her, it “isn’t a matter of making history as an entrepreneur, but as an entrepreneur to make history that matters.” With a background in business, sociology, and a whole lot of random night courses taken “just because” at Mount Royal University, RIA Media was founded in 2013. Pacheco quit school and work at the same time to pursue RIA Media, asking her parents to “sponsor” her in her endeavors so she could network – which really meant getting an allowance, and living in her parents’ basement at 23. She attended every event possible, even if it meant she had to volunteer as the “conference name tag handerouter.” She used these opportunities to soak up all the knowledge she could, but success didn’t happen over night. It took her three months to land a stable job in the nonprofit sector and gain momentum with RIA Media. In the past year and a half, RIA media has expanded into a crossfunctional team of media professionals and supporting resource technologies. RIA Media offers comprehensive media strategies. These services offer a modern combination of good ol’ risk mitigation through research, quality media deliverables, and traditional marketing models, geared towards new media platforms. She believes in delivering more than just an introduction for companies – she can tell a great story. Her life is a hustle. It usually consists of whiteboards, computer screens, sweating through media equipment inventory, or calling her business partner, Nicole Saxton, in a fit about “the million projects” they are taking on. Her phone seldom rings or beeps with a text about the weekend, but with a million e-mails about time-sensitive projects, which can be the result of pursuing a passion at a young age. She never turns off – if she’s not working, she’s scanning through Calgary for some kind of resource she can optimize. In her sacrifices, relentless work ethic and unlimited creativity, she’s taken it upon herself to tell the stories that will shape the voices of tomorrow. PASSION PUSHER. DISSEMINATOR. RELENTLESS.
ri a pac h eco Media 25
Multimedia Whisperer
ria-media.com @RIAmediaYYC
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from a single kitchen to numerous cafés and markets around the city. Although an amazing achievement, Fried didn’t stop there. In four short years, Sidewalk Citizen now offers catering, classes, and has teamed up with Sunnyside Natural Market to create a European-style bakery/deli market. He’s working on creating something larger than a bakery, and he’s in the right momentum to do just that.
The story of most reputable bakers includes culinary school, years of experience and a certification or two. Fried is walking proof that some of the best things are made from scratch. In the short five years he’s been teaching himself to bake, he’s launched and expanded one of Calgary’s most popular bakeries. Admitting his first loaf of bread “looked terrible and tasted terrible,” he continued to pursue his dream, and it resulted in one of our city’s most trusted brands – Sidewalk Citizen Bakery.
It’s no secret that Calgary is in the midst of a culinary shift – and Fried saw an opportunity to be a part of stepping up Calgary’s standards. Fried works hard to ensure his product is top quality. His Artisan bread and baked goods are hand made during a thoroughly calculated process, and always contain the best local products.
Although he doesn’t have the certified culinary experience of some, the success of Sidewalk Citizen Bakery isn’t a shock to those who know him. Fried is a dedicated learner, no matter the topic– he’s always looking to expand his education. He holds an undergraduate degree and masters to his name, in physics and biomedical engineering. Originally, Fried’s plan was to earn his PhD and continue researching physics in sports and athletics. He’s a passionate learner, and academia seemed the best route to take in order to learn something new and exciting every day. He must avoid his biggest fear – boredom. Fried thought this was his only option, until he realized he could dedicate his time toward teaching himself how to do something he loves.
The business has come a long way since Fried used to bake bread in his own kitchen, and deliver the products by bicycle. Although he still “loves to bike,” and is growing his own herbs and vegetables for future product – Sidewalk Citizen has become a well-oiled machine with a large team. Fried’s focus is to create an overall beneficial experience for everyone – customers, employees, the environment and the community. The growth is endless – because those who are the best at what they do will never stop at good enough, and Fried is on the road to making something great, even greater.
Fried’s baking skills are growing at the same rate as the demand for his product. Since 2011, his bread and baked goods have spread
BAKER. BIKER. GARDENER.
AV I V F R I E D 41
Owner, Sidewalk Citizen Bakery Bread Baker
sidewalkcitizenbakery.com @avivfried
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After completing business school, Jeremy Bryant landed an auditing job at a reputable firm. He had a steady paycheque with security and benefits. Oddly enough, he was far from settled. He needed to help people to feel purpose in his day. This is exactly what this non-profit does – for every “Mealshare Meal” purchased at a local restaurant, one is provided to a person in need. In just over a year, the program will have reached 160 restaurants, 42 communities and 10 major cities within Canada, and was recently recognized in winning the Community Impact Award during Calgary’s Small Business Week of 2014. Mealshare is different because it isn’t quite a charity – it’s more of a service. Plenty of charities are doing great things, but it’s no secret that funding is an issue. Bryant decided to use a different approach in designing a model that benefits restaurants and contributes to the community as a result. The community will always win if the businesses want to stay involved, so Bryant ensured that Mealshare met both needs. It’d be correct to say Mealshare started in Calgary, but the idea was actually developed as a result of travelling. Bryant and his cousin, best friend and co-founder, Andrew Hall, spent the majority of their childhoods “getting into trouble” – but their family trips would constantly remind them of “how lucky they are” when having to witness some of the hunger issues in other countries. The problem stuck with them, and they’ve always wanted to do something about it. Then, they carried on to business school – Bryant receiving his BComm from the University of Alberta in 2012, and Hall doing the same a province away at the University of Victoria. Bryant had heard that “going to business school, getting a job at a big firm, and climbing the ladder” was how to lead a happy and fulfilled life. After volunteering at a soup kitchen in Calgary, Bryant realized there are people in this city, not just abroad, that need help. Initially, the two thought of opening a split venue – half restaurant, and half soup kitchen. The venue would work as a “one for one” – with each meal purchased on the restaurant side transferring as a donation to the soup kitchen side. Realizing they are “terrible chefs,” they decided to keep the model, but offer it to local restaurants.
CONVINCER. “GET-SHIT-DONE’R”. PASSION PURVEYOR.
J E R E M Y B R YA N T 25
Calgary’s range of high-end restaurants, “mom and pop” diners, food trucks and local brands offer the perfect variety for Mealshare partners. Bryant is aware of restaurant owners and those in the food scene of Calgary wanting to give back, so this has been a perfect fit for everyone.
Co-founder of Mealshare Team Captain
mealshare.ca @Mealshareteam
In a city with cowboy mentality, the ability to give back and eat great will never go out of style.
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CONNECTORS. DREAMERS. CREATORS.
Jilaine beddoe +kailey beddoe 32, 27
Co-founders Inspiration Givers
junction9.ca @Junction_9
hours of teacher trainings and managed a number of studios in the city before deciding to team up with Kailey and open her own.
As one studio opens after another, Calgarians aren’t short of options when it comes to squeezing in a workout. The fitness community is on the rise in this city – and it’s important that it stays connected in order to be the best it can be. Rather than using a “better than” approach – these two have chosen to create a space that provides the opportunity to unite all fitness goers in the city.
Before making the move to Australia, Kailey earned her BA and MA in in international development and anthropology from the University of Victoria. Her plan was to live overseas. While living in Melbourne, Kailey started practicing Pilates. She describes the industry there as “ahead,” with Pilates studios offering flexibility in classes and ease in scheduling for those on the go – a service she hasn’t been able to find for Pilates classes, specifically, in Calgary. Being closer to family was Kailey’s reason to leave Australia, but the decision to open Junction 9 Yoga & Pilates was created as a reason to stay.
The concept for Junction 9 Yoga & Pilates was not created overnight. This carefully designed space, with an innovative approach to both exercise and community, is the product of Jilaine and Kailey’s varied life experiences – from years in post secondary, to corporate jobs, to traveling.
In order to perfect their vision, the two endlessly searched for the perfect studio space. Refusing to compromise for “good enough,” they found a beautiful space in one of Inglewood’s many characteristic buildings from the 1950’s. The open, detailed and energetic design (complete with in-house coffee bar!) of the studio showcases their attention to detail and willingness to create “a home away from home” for patrons.
After marrying Kailey’s cousin, Jilaine and Kailey built on their friendship and became family. Always “getting along like crazy,” the two stayed close during Kailey’s move to Australia to be with her husband. During their six years of separation, Jilaine explored a number of options for her future career. She tried the “nine to five life,” after completing a management diploma at Mount Royal University, fashion school in Vancouver, and three years of an international management degree. She has been practicing yoga for 12 years, and decided to finally dedicate herself to the practice because the happiness it supplies her is “hard to ignore.” By the age of 26, she had completed her first yoga teacher training. She now has over 500
Jilaine and Kailey are finally out of the planning phase. The studio is barely a month old, and set to do some great and out-of-the box things.
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GLOBETROTTER. VISIONARY. FACILITATOR.
ERIC TERMUENDE Gen Y Inc. 22
Co-Founder and Director of Connector
genyinc.com @termuende
in operation since January 2014. Hopping fully on board in May of 2014, Termuende has facilitated the creation of Canada’s first national “Emerging Leaders Network” – which is designed to connect the top Gen Y talent, of all industries, from coast to coast.
Eric Termuende is 22 years old, and plenty at this age are on the hunt for a “first big job.” This process can be discouraging for recent graduates, as the majority of positions require experience at the entrylevel. Instead of giving up, Termuende has decided to create the job he wants – but not just for himself, he’s going to do this for an entire generation.
Termuende’s counterpart Emerson Csorba set the foundation of Gen Y. The two met as fellow Student’s Union VP’s, Csorba for the University of Alberta and Termuende for the University of Calgary. They realized that between the two of them they were connected to 60,000 students.
It can be tough to compete with experience-based professionals in a city like Calgary. Termuende wants to open the opportunity to do business with those who don’t have as much experience – but have a different perspective. Termuende is taking the chance to do things in a way they’ve “never been done before,” aiming to create the trusted brand to highlight and connect the right talent. He’s accepting both the challenge and the opportunity to gain the experience he didn’t initially have.
Gen Y Inc. represents varied athletes, artists, musicians, entrepreneurs and anyone who is doing anything in his or her niche and excelling at it. Gen Y Inc. connects the talent to each other, to the community, and to associations or organizations. Gen Y Inc. is the platform for those who are vocal and want to make a difference. This network can communicate what the next generation is looking for in terms of work, flexibility, styles and behaviors.
On top of managing on a full course load at the U of C and putting in 50 hours a week overseeing an 18 million dollar budget as Student’s Union VP, Termuende worked to have Gen Y Inc. in a comfortable place for graduation. Essentially, he spent the past year working three full time jobs.
Termuende is working hard every day and through each night to ensure a horizon of possibilities for the next generation. He refuses to take his foot off the gas in fear of becoming “a static company.” It may be tough at times, but Termuende is determined to stay engaged in order to move this company, and the next generation, forward.
Gen Y Inc., a multigenerational culture consultancy that helps clients attract, retain and understand the next generation, has been 40
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Entrepreneurs are faced with adversity and the challenge of overcoming the unknown. The story of James Boettcher starts with a sinking ship. He was completely ignorant to the risk of taking on a failing company – but as a result, he’s ended up “somewhere he’d never expect.”
CREATIVELY CURIOUS. IDEA FACTORY. MANIAC.
JAMES BOET TCHER
In 2009, James was working on creative strategy for Fiasco Gelato when he was offered the opportunity to take over the business. With no investors and no money, he accepted the challenge out of his love for the company. After the business was lit ablaze three days prior to re-opening, and a lease renewal that was impossible to make sense of, James decided to shut the doors of the struggling gelato shop and started to re-build.
Fiasco Gelato + YYCFoodTrucks Caretaker 31
What may seem like an over night success is really the result of relentless commitment to do things differently. Not even five years later, Fiasco has become the premiere Artisan producer featured on hundreds of menus and specialty grocer’s shelves throughout the city. But this is not just a frozen dessert company – it is a catalyst for how business is done in Calgary. James’ mantra of “screw business as usual” and the company’s continuous hard work was highlighted in winning the Breakout Business Award of 2014 during Calgary’s Small Business Week, and being chosen out of 250 businesses across Alberta to be recognized by ATB as the 2014 We Grow Alberta recipient.
Web: @jamesboettcher
Boettcher’s secret? Simply, people before profit. His measure of success is in the strength and willingness of his team, which parlay into collaborations that connect our community. “Collaboration is the new competition” and true achievement is only possible with a group of like-minded individuals.
James is truly an idea maniac. His infectious energy and strong vision will often result in what his team refers to as “idea vomit” – a term for “an abundance of actionable ideas, without enough time, effectively creating nausea.” Taiko Taco, the latest idea that was put into action, is alongside partner and friend chef Darren MacLean. The concept was created to supplement “a gap in YYC Food Trucks cuisine offerings,” to bring a new concept seen in other big cities to the YYC. Ask James his “why”, and it’s “to enrich people’s lives”—whether that is with his approach to employment experience, brand strategy, design, tasty treats or community involvement. His willingness to “do whatever it takes” to re-shape Fiasco and make food truck culture in YYC a reality is what defines the man behind two of the most familiar brands and community creators in our city. Boettcher compares both of his business models to that of a farmer, as he has to “make hay while the sun shines” and sustain his businesses in a city where it’s winter for six months of the year. Instead of packing it in when the snow starts to fall, YYCFoodTrucks and Fiasco find creative ways to keep the dream moving. From seasonal collections, to the Home & Garden Show and their latest Commonwealth food window takeover, Boettcher and his team are just heating up.
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*We think James is a game changer, and it doesn’t hurt that our founder Mandy does too ;)
This concept birthed YYCFoodTrucks – a mecca for innovative street food culture in Calgary. YYCFoodTrucks is now the foundation for festivals, family friendly events and gatherings for good causes.
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Colin Smith likes to have a good time and “go with the flow,” but he’s anything but passive. He’s decided to take action to ensure the events in our city aren’t negatively impacting communities or the natural environment. He’s softening our footprint – one event at a time. As a self-proclaimed music festival lover – Smith has spent a lot of time traveling to different music festivals across North America. The range of approaches – from festivals doing “everything they can” to reduce their impact, to some not even tracking, or acknowledging their impact, shocked him. An electrician by trade, Smith spent a few years working in the oil and gas industry, but was “concerned by the lack of positive environmental action.” When Sled Island 2011 was approaching, one of Smith’s “fave live festivals” – he decided to take the chance and asked to help out. In the months leading up to Sled Island, Smith broke his arm in a snowboarding accident. Unable to work – he had no choice but to gear his focus toward developing environmental initiatives for the upcoming festival. This could be one of those cliché examples of “everything happens for a reason” – as Smith’s focus led to an award-winning environmental effort for the festival’s reduced impact, thanks to his bike-parking program for festival venues. The encouragement was great, but he wasn’t ready to take the leap into really “doing this” just yet. After his broken arm healed, Smith joined Village Brewery as a member of the events team. He had to attend more events for work, where he continued to witness a “lack of concern within his own community” in regards to recycling efforts, and this was his final straw. It hit him, and Green Events Services was founded in 2013. Thanks to a generous investment from his roommate, Smith began running quite the one-man show. You’ll see him biking around, toting a cart of waste behind him, or pulling up to a festival in a huge blue van, Green Event Services “unofficial recycling machine.” His efforts have provided patrons at events with free water stations and numerous recycling options. The Recycling Council of Alberta recently recognized Smith’s efforts by awarding Green Event Services the 2014 Waste Reduction Services Award. He’s officially too legit to quit. However, it is his fear that pushes him. What scares him the most is “the fear of the unknown”. He dreads a “big, global industry, that doesn’t have any concern for a community’s livelihood and spirit,” but he channels this fear by creating ways to make a difference right now. FORESTER. POWER HUNTER. COMMUNITY CONNECTOR.
COLIN SMITH Founder and Director of Green Event Services Trash Master 27 greeneventservices.ca @GreenEventsYYC 42
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The two have built on their collaborative relationship during their separate pursuits to succeed as artists.
Ruben Young and Justine Tyrell have made it through their own personal struggles on their path to success, and they are committed to growing the music scene in Calgary for other emerging artists.
In the summer of 2014, recently graduated Young introduced himself to the city through his inaugural 50 Days YYC campaign - an initiative “bringing the soulful, crowd provoking artist’s talent into the Calgary music scene for 50 straight days of live and online performances.” Out of 50, Tyrell made 10 appearances while balancing her new job as the Calgary Stampeder’s anthem singer.
Flash back to 2008 Canadian Idol auditions. As Young made it through, was flown off to Toronto and made it to the top 50 – Tyrell was left in Calgary due to her struggle with stage fright during her audition. She has the voice, but lacked the presence in her early years. She decided to use Idol as learning experience, and it was her fuel to come back bigger and stronger.
In their success comes great risk. Young has a finance degree, and he understands it’s probably “scary” for those supporting him to watch him pursue music in an oil and gas town. Although Tyrell feels so “full in other ways,” pursuing music in this corporate town really means risking security, and throwing the stability of a consistent paycheque out the window. It’s in the process of balancing out for these two, but they decided to go “all in” regardless of the risk.
On the opposite end – Young’s lack of experience and basic training was second to his charisma, determination and bold stage presence. Young’s never struggled with performing in front of a crowd, but he admits he didn’t even know what “pitch” was. By 2011, Justine had started singing again, after making “thousands of videos in her basement” and was starting to gig around the city. By 2012, she was named as one of the 25 cultural ambassadors for movement of music in Calgary.
Tyrell is currently balancing her gala and event performances with the pre-production responsibilities of recording her first album with her boyfriend and guitar player, Taylor Cullen. Young is working to write, create and is in the midst of developing projects to showcase Calgary’s talent in a new, strategic and opportunistic way. He’s also a do-gooder like Tyrell, as the ambassador for The Big Give Project, which levels the playing field for Calgary student athletes in need.
Young, determined to find his way in the corporate finance world, had shelved music as just a hobby – the perfect reason to throw a party, and “make girls think he was cooler than he actually was.” It wasn’t until a semester lost in Prague, Czech Republic that he became focused on making his passion for music his business.
As change makers and performers – it’s safe to say these two aren’t going to be quiet any time soon.
They decided to team up for a YouTube video in March of 2012. Their acoustic rendition of Rihanna and Mikky Ekko’s track “Stay” has reached over 40,000 hits – and has forever associated them together within Calgary’s growing music scene.
ARTISTS. GO GETTERS. “FEELIN’ LUCKY”.
R U B E N YO U N G + JUSTINE TYRELL 22, 24
Gong Shows
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“NOT YOUR DADDY’S BURGER JOINT!”
606 – 1 ST STREET SW, CALGARY, AB | 403.265.4230 | INFO@BLACKBETTYBWB.COM | WWW.BLACKBETTYBWB.COM MEETBLACKBETTY | BLACKBETTYYYC | #BLACKBETTYYYC
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TA S T I N G we love sharing PAGE 58
We wanna taco ‘bout it We’re zooming in on our city’s trendiest food.
page
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IT’S TACO TIME
words by Justin M. Wilson photos by Brittany Back
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Everybody loves a good taco. With plenty of fish, and traditional beef and chicken tacos out there, we searched for those who have stepped their game up. Here are the ones that have us drooling.
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THE PIG & DUKE fish tacos
1312 - 12 Ave SW Chef Evan Robertson 4 for $12 Flour Tortilla, Cod in Cajun Flour, Coleslaw, Apple Coleslaw Dressing, Fresh Salsa, Lime Juice
“People like to be able to chat and take those small bites. It’s a very social food, and it’s a social food that we like to give to people in a cool, fresh way. People don’t always like to be fiddling with forks and knives when they’re sitting with one another. Our customers love them because it’s just a friendly experience.” - Evan Robertson
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One of the Pig & Duke’s top three appetizer items, the fish tacos are inspired by chef Evan Robertson’s time growing up on Canada’s west coast. Robertson blends the freshness of Victoria’s pacific waters, his fine dining background and the easygoing atmosphere of a neighbourhood pub to create a flavourful experience with everything prepared in house.
braised beef and pollo achiote tacos
NATIONAL BOWL
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341 10 Ave SW Chef Adam Trotchie $3 to $4 each “It came with the introduction of a lot of Mexican style food into Canadian cuisine. Tacos are just fun to eat. They’re small little two or three bite things that are just packed full of flavour. And if those flavours are on point, people love them and I don’t actually think I’ve ever heard anyone say anything bad about our tacos.” - Adam Trotchie
The most popular thing at the National on 10 Ave. might be the lower-floor bowling alley, but the size and quality of the menu isn’t far behind. With their taco selection, they’ve leaned toward a more traditional Mexican style, taking great care and time to braise the meats and infuse loads of flavour into each of their taco selections.
Braised Beef: Salsa Rosa, Chili, Picked Red Onion Pollo Achiote: Slow Roasted Chicken, Annatto Seed and Chili, Lime Crema, Queso Fresco
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ANJU spicy salmon tacos 344 – 17 Ave. SW Chef Roy Oh 4 for $16 “The vessel, the taco shell, whether it be flour or corn, is such an easy way to eat.You just grab your food and everything is in that little package. All the flavours are there, and you’re not fussing with a knife or a fork. It’s casual food and it’s easy to eat.” – Roy Oh The eye-catchingly colourful meals produced by Roy Oh, and the team at Anju, are almost too nice to eat. Stemming from Korean influence, the spicy salmon tacos are served within a crispy wonton shell, carrying with it a distinct flavour differing from the traditional corn tortilla. The raw salmon complimented by Korean spices and sesame slaw creates a taco you won’t find anywhere else. Wonton Shell, Sesame Slaw, Wild Caught Salmon, Masago, Gochujang, Avocado Mousse , Seaweed, Sesame Seed, Nori
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DOWN TOWN FOO D pork belly tacos
628 - 8th Ave. SW Chef Darren MacLean 3 for $15
“People expect to see, and like to see, tacos on menus for a lot of the same reasons chefs like to put them on menus. It’s something that’s always packed with flavour. You’ll never put a taco on the menu that’s bland. You can use a bun, a tortilla, or a wonton and I think that people are excited by tacos because there are no hard, fast rules.”
Having been on their lunch menu for almost a year, with the core ingredients — including sous-vide pork belly — presented in a steamed bun, Darren MacLean, known around Calgary’s restaurant scene for his unique use of Asian flavours, first got the idea for Downtownfood’s taco in New York from chef David Chang at Momofuku Noodle Bar.
- Darren MacLean
Steamed Bun, 24-hour Sous-Vide Pork, Kimchi Slaw, Green Onion, Gochujang Glaze, Black Sesame
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SHIKI MENYA char siu tacos 827 -1 Ave. NE Chef Koki Aihara 2 for $7 “They’re just fun, you know? The toppings are endless, you can use whatever you want and they’re easy to eat. Tacos aren’t a Japanese food but we wanted to add those Asian flavours to an already existing thing. Like, we’re just trying to do something with a twist to something that’s already pretty cool.” - Koki Aihara
Having only been open in Bridgeland since April of 2014, Shiki Menya has already established itself as a community staple — proven by the prelunch service lineup regularly forming just outside their doors. Inspired by an experience with authentic Mexican cuisine in Puerto Vallarta, Koki Aihara’s take on tacos fuses the traditional Mexican idea with a modern Japanese twist. Doubled Corn Tortillas, Char Sui Pork, Cilantro, Queso, Pineapple Salsa, Dry Noodles, Cilantro Mayo
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THE FACE OF 4TH STREET SELECTION OF 200+ TEQUILAS OPEN AT 11AM... UNTIL LATE
HALFY HOUR 3PM – 5PM DAILY
1/2 PRICE ON ALL TEQUILAS & TACOS $5 MARGARITAS & BEERS
contemporary interactive cuisine 403.228.9830
sw, Calgary, AB · livingroomrestaurant.ca · 514 - 17 ave@livingroomyyc
587.353.2656 | #2, 2116 – 4th Street SW Calgary, AB anejo.ca | info@anejo.ca | 53
anejoyyc
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718 - 17 Ave. SW Chef Dave Bohati 3 for $16
MARKET
Scallion Pancake, Confit Duck, Charred Shallot Aioli, Pickled Shallot, Chopped Radish, Vinaigrette, Micro Cilantro
duck “taco” yaki
With a new take on tacos developed by sous chef, Brandon Dashnay, Market has taken the classic soft-shell idea and made it their own. Styled within a green onion, dashi broth infused, scallion pancake — developed completely in house — Market’s tacos provide an interactive dining experience. Included with each Duck Yaki order is a pipette containing a flavour enhancing vinaigrette to be used as much, or as little, as patrons desire.
“Tacos themselves are the perfect comfort food and they’re very easy to share. The style of cuisine that’s going on right now is very family oriented. There aren’t a lot of people that go out as just a group of two anymore. So, what better way is there to have communal dished than by bite sized things you can eat with your hands?” - Dave Bohati
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BRANDED
TAIKO TACO ginger beef tacos
Follow @yycfoodtrucks to find out where it’s at! Chef Darren MacLean and Owner James Boettcher 3 for $12 “Tacos are very approachable by a wide demographic. Everyone loves them, and they have an affiliation with street food, so naturally it makes sense to offer them on a truck. Our team wanted to take them to the next level, combining amazing Asian flavours and the approachability of a taco.”
With a menu designed by head chef of Downtownfood, Darren MacLean and the unwavering refusal to use anything but the best locally produced ingredients, in less than one year Taiko Taco has taken the Calgary streets by storm. Their Asianflavour inspired taco is a local hit. When asked how many tacos he estimated are sold in one week, without hesitation coowner James Boettcher simply replies, “all of them.”
- James Boettcher
Marinated Skirt Steak, Pickled Carrot, Pickled Onion, Honey & Ginger Glaze, Black Sesame
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AÑEJO
chicken, beef & crispy snapper “People are always looking at new and interesting ways to approach food. We’re not a traditional Mexican restaurant, but we’re traditional Mexican inspired and we focus on getting the best and freshest ingredients we can. I mean, our guacamole is made table-side with every order.” - Matt Davidson
Going through an estimated 1500 corn tortillas, 3000 flour tortillas and 3000 avocados in a given week, Añejo, located in Calgary’s bustling lower Mission community, takes inspiration from some of the most colourful forms of Mexican cuisine. For chef Matt Davidson, who utilizes modern presentation with traditional Mexican flare, it’s important to blend fun and excitement with the fine dining experience.
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2116 – 4 St. SW Matt Davidson 1 for $5, 3 for $14 or 6 for $26
Fillings: Chicken, Beef, or Crispy Snapper Toppings: Pickled Cabbage,Cilantro, Onion, Avocado and Jalapeno Salsa and Sauces: Pico de Gallo, Tomato Vaquero, Cholula, White Hot Mayo, Assassin, Frank’s Red Hot
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e v lo SH ARING Virginia Woolf said it best: “One cannot think well, love well or sleep well, if one has not dined well.” There is power in food. Some of the best memories we have involve breaking bread with family and friends – yet, so many people go hungry each and every day. We can help them. Mealshare is an easy way to give to those in need, while keeping your own hunger pains at bay. How? This organization has partnered with different restaurants throughout the city by creating Mealshare items, which are marked on each menu with an icon. You can enjoy your delicious food twice as much knowing a meal will be given on your behalf to a person in need. The meal will be donated to your community’s local charity partner, such as the Calgary Drop-In & Rehab Centre, or internationally through Save the Children. In addition, Mealshare’s partner charities work to provide shelter, education and opportunity to those in need. So, next time you’re deciding where to dine, why not make it a Mealshare date? Check out the Mealshare website for additional information. You’ll have a full belly, and a full heart – we like the sounds of that.
Look for
at these lo cat ions Anju Big Fish Blue Star Diner Bolero Brava Bistro Cottonwood Golf & Country Club Cucina Cilantro Dairy Lane Café
“ THERE’S NOTHING TO DO IN CALGARY ” [FALSE]
Fiasco Gelato Fraiche Catering Market Naina’s Kitchen Oak Tree Tavern Open Range Open Sesame Ox and Angela Perogy Boyz Food Truck River Café Siraia Smuggler’s Inn Tango Bistro Teatro The Coup + Meet The Libertine UNA Pizza + Wine Vendome Café Yellow Door Bistro
mealshare.ca
WE’VE GOT YOUR BACK EVENTS | DATE IDEAS | NIGHTLIFE W W W . I T S DAT E N I G H T. C O M
@DATENIGHTYYC
TUESDAY $1 Oysters BUCK-A-SHUCK 4pm to Late
Bar-c.ca / 403.984.3667 / 340 17th Ave SW / Tuesday to Sunday
Photo: Paul Zizka
Seize the Rockies
Capture a landscape. Or be absorbed by one. Ski, snowshoe or stay in and pursue new extremes of comfort. Our rustic mountain lodges energize the body and settle the soul.
Elev. 1,463 m Looking toward Mount Rundle, Two Jack Lake, Banff, AB 20 min from Buffalo Mountain Lodge
crmr.com
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livinG suits + tattoos PAGE 66 fitting in fitness PAGE 74
KEEP ON SPINNIN' We talk about where the spin craze came from, and why it’s alive in our city.
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keepin’ it real personal
Our personal lives often need the biggest overhaul. When you’re doing a shitty job at work, the repercussions come quickly – but you can’t be fired from your personal life. We often let our personal needs and commitments fall by the wayside, when some of the solutions are actually very simple. Want to be a better daughter or son? Make a resolution to skip your show (even just for one night) and spend 30 minutes calling your mom. Want to be a better partner? Pick one day a week as designated “we” time —no phones, no distractions, just some good oldfashioned quality time.
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January is a clean slate. A new year means a fresh start, and an opportunity to design a life you’re proud of. We are all guilty of setting resolutions that are just too lofty – causing us to feel frustrated and defeated when we don’t live up to our own expectations. It’s great to dream big – but this year, keep it real and make resolutions you can actually fulfill. Not only will you be less likely to throw in the towel, you’ll be amazed how impactful even the smallest changes can be. Baby steps, people!
words by Bronwyn Hendry graphics by Alana Hornby
fitness
If you’ve spent the last year sedentary on your couch, chances are you won’t become a body builder, a fitness model, or a tri-athlete overnight. If these are actually in your goals, good for you – but acknowledge that it takes time and some real diligence. If you’re simply looking to improve your overall health and wellness, there’s nothing wrong with starting small. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, or perhaps skip the Car-2-Go and walk to work instead. If you’re ready to get your sweat on, Calgary has some amazing gyms and fitness studios that keep it fun. From spin, to yoga, to Crossfit, the options are endless. Commit to attending once or twice a week, and build from there.
money
When it comes to goals and resolutions, the more tangible the better. Saying you’re going to “save money” is too vague. Put an amount to it and a by-when-date, and reap the benefits. Saving $5000 over the next six months might seem like a lot, but skipping your daily designer coffee for a home brew, or saying no to that new pair of shoes will make all the difference. We’re not saying you should give up your social life entirely—but cutting back on beers with the boys or another spa day with your girlfriends means more dolla bills in your pocket.
career
Longing for that promotion? Perhaps you want to improve in your current role? Things like networking, attending conferences, signing up for workshops, taking on greater responsibilities in projects, and asking for feedback will help prove your commitment.
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B.H.A.G. You’re probably thinking, “What in the world is a B.H.A.G?” The term stands for big hairy audacious goal. Half fear, half excitement— these are the type of resolutions that should give you butterflies. This goal should be externally questionable, but internally possible. Only you know what you’re truly capable of. What would you do if time, money or education were not an issue? Would you quit your job to travel? Run a marathon? Start your own company? Your B.H.A.G won’t always happen—but that’s the fun of it. Use your B.H.A.G as a catalyst to start training your brain to see beyond limitations into a world of possibilities.
?
why?
Why take our advice? Well, we get it because we’re young and figuring it out too. We plan on remembering the importance of baby steps this year. We all want to be perfect— but perfect can often be boring. So, cheers to 2015! And cheers to keepin’ it real with the resolutions.
Be The Perfect Plus One
The holiday party season is in full swing! It’s great to be on the invite list – but it’s a bonus when you can bring a plus one. The plus one option ensures that nobody will be left sulking in the corner alone. If you’re asked to be a plus one, you have a responsibility. Whether you’re “seriously” dating, the best friend, or the arm-candy – here are a few tips to make sure you make the perfect addition to an important night.
1.
Know your role
2.
Be on time and be on trend
3.
BE A CONVERSATIONALIST
4.
BE CHARMING
5.
AVOID DRINKING IN EXCESS
6.
PUT AWAY YOUR PHONE
7.
BE THE BEST WINGMAN
8.
THE NAME GAME
9.
DO YOUR RESEARCH
10.
As a plus one, it’s your job to make sure your date is having fun. Make sure to ask your host if there is a theme or a dress code for the event– it’s embarrassing to show up underdressed. Don’t follow your date around all night – get mingling! If you find yourself in a group of new people, don’t be shy to break the ice. Use what your mama gave you. Say “please” and “thank you”, whip out your best table manners and make proper introductions.
If it’s an open bar, that doesn’t mean recruiting people (especially your date’s boss) for shots is acceptable. You will come across as being bored and anti-social. Phones are no-go unless it’s for a photo-op! Compliment your date in front of friends and co-workers.
If your date doesn’t introduce you – it’s probably because they don’t know a person’s name. If it’s clear this is the case, save them and introduce yourself. If it’s a company party, do your your homework. One quick Google search will give you the background and related topics you’ll need for the dinner table. TREAT THE HOST
If you’re being taken out for a night on the town, return the kindness in paying for drinks or cover the cab fare. It’s a nice way to say thank you, and a good way to guarantee another invite!
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POP MORE BOTTLES
Increasing your income without increasing your salary. Catching up with Jeff Ber from ScotiaMcleod, one of Calgary’s top brokers to make sense of investing.
what is the risk?
What is asset allocation?
The majority of investors haven’t thought too much about risk. Sure, they know they don’t want to lose money when they invest. But that’s about as far as it goes. In essence, the higher return you want to achieve, the more risk you must take. This is primarily true in investing. Through in-depth research and analysis, you can hand pick the stocks with more of an upside without taking on as much risk as some of their peers. Figuring out your risk tolerance will help in your stock selection and guide you on your path to making money.
Simply put, it is a strategy for answering two basic questions:
What should you invest in? You should work with your advisor to develop a diversified investment portfolio that matches your risk tolerance. I encourage people to avoid investments that they do not understand, there are too many quality investments out there to waste time chasing something you don’t fully comprehend.
What are the different types of investments available? There are a variety of investments available in the marketplace. They can range from being as simple as a savings account to a complex structured product. The main investment vehicles are cash equivalents, fixed income, and equities. Public and private equities may potentially have a very good return and can make a lot of money, but might not suitable for investors with a low risk tolerance. Dividend paying stocks, preferred shares, and fixed income are other ways of increasing your income.
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1. What type of assets should I have in my portfolio? 2. How much of each should I have? I cannot overstate the importance of asset allocation when it comes to building a successful portfolio. Asset allocation provides you with a roadmap for selecting appropriate investments, and for re-balancing your portfolio before, during, and after market volatility. As such, it is one of the cornerstones of successful investing.
Is this guaranteed? Sometimes the best way to deal with risk in investing is to set both your expectations and limitations from the beginning. If you own anything other than a guaranteed investment, such as a GIC, you must open yourself to the possibility that your investments could fluctuate in value. The question for you is, are you going to let your emotions dictate your investment decisions or are you going to arm yourself with a strategy, an investment discipline and realistic expectations to get you to your goals? Make more from your cash – don’t just spend it at the bar. It might be time to step up your money game. Investment questions? Get at Jeff and your answers could be featured in the next issue of BRANDED. Direct your questions to: jeff.ber@scotiamcleod.com www.berwealthmanagement.com
See
Hockey Differently
}
Icing
Make memories — celebrate in a Calgary Flames Premium Suite. The Scotiabank Saddledome’s concierge service will help you plan the perfect event.
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xperience the exclusive hockey-night atmosphere of a private suite. VIP parking, personalized service, great sightlines and custom food and drink are yours when you celebrate with the Flames. Available on a per-game basis, all season long.
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SUITS + TATTOOS AT BRANDED, WE LOVE THE UNEXPECTED. EACH ISSUE WE FEATURE A YOUNG PROFESSIONAL IN CALGARY, IN ANY INDUSTRY, WHO IS SUITED UP BY DAY AND TATTED UP BY NIGHT.
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YEARS
PHOTOS BY ANDREW FURNESS
ARTIST
DOUG FINK BUSHIDO TATTOO
BRANDED
Who: Justin Bergeron Age: 40 Daily Grind: Learning + Development Advisor (Long View Systems)
What is your relationship with your artist? “Doug Fink (@Horihyo) is such an accomplished artist, and I sometimes think it would be cool to see what he would add to my sleeves on top of his older work. I think he’s the by far one of the best in the city, and he’s also just a really interesting person to talk to, which is important if you’re spending that kind of time with someone. My wife has a huge back piece done by him as well, which is amazing. I originally met Doug through some mutual friends back in the day. I haven’t seen him in a while, but when the tattoo itch hits and I want to get more done I’ll go back to him for sure.”
What are your thoughts on exposing tattoos in a corporate setting? Do you show yours? “I’ve been at Long View for eight years, and had sleeves for about ten. It’s a poorly kept secret – everyone on my team knows about them, but I always wear long sleeves. If I wanted to wear short sleeves I probably could, but I just choose not to. The whole corporate work atmosphere in Calgary seems to be getting a lot younger and open minded to people expressing themselves through style or tattoos. I think it has to do with the millennial generation really getting into tattoos and bringing some beautiful art into the workplace. I actually don’t feel that special anymore, having them – because so many people are tattooed, some show it and some don’t.”
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“For the dragon, I actually had a really bad tattoo on my shoulder that Doug covered, which we did as the last part of the sleeve. The funny thing about this sleeve is that Doug originally had a stencil, but it was too big so he ditched the stencil and actually drew this tattoo by hand with a sharpie, and it’s perfect. If you look at the scales on the dragon they are perfectly symmetrical – he’s so talented, he’s the man.”
What is the story of the second sleeve? “I wanted the octopus because it’s flexible for placement, it can kind of just be draped anywhere. This sleeve actually works around one of Doug’s older tattoos. I chose an octopus because they are intelligent animals – they are thinkers, they are deadly, but they aren’t hunters like sharks. They calculate every move. I also like the blues in the water and the heavier detailing to balance out the lightness and white space of the air on the other sleeve.”
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Do you have other tattoos besides your sleeves? “I have a bunch from when I was younger, but they are mostly covered up now. I have two tribal dragons on my back and two pinup girls on my chest – and if I had three months to hit the gym I would’ve been prepared to take my shirt off for this shoot. I also have my ribs done. I recently got an old piece on my leg covered up with a skull, blue birds and roses – it’s a modern, realistic take on American Traditional by Chris Moniz (@tattoomoniz) at AsteroidM Tattoos. Doug has done all of my other tattoos – so when I decided to do a sleeve, Doug was the obvious choice because he’s always been very well known for his work.”
What is the symbolism behind your tattoos? Do the “They are connected. My one sleeve, my first one – is built around a dragon, with wind and cherry blossoms – those are the three things that Doug was known for early in his tattooing career. The other sleeve is of an octopus in water, with a cliff and pagoda in the background. I really wanted the elements of wind and water – in a sense it represents balance.”
What is next? Will you add or are you done? “I always say I’m done – I get tattooed and I think, ‘ugh, this is brutal, why would anyone do this?’ Then the bug bites, and I’ll end up getting something else. All of the older tattoos I wanted covered up are now covered up so I’m kind of at a point where I really am wondering what I could do next. I’d like to connect my sleeves at one point with a chest piece – which I would get Doug to do for sure because he’d have to go around his own work and figure that out. It’d be cool to see what he would do.”
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ADVERTORIAL
Do Oil & Real Estate Mix?
Why the market shouldn’t scare you
show us your space!
What is the CK Effect?
We live in Alberta, we have declining oil prices – this should freak you out, not the housing market.
We love to see pride of ownership and what you have done to improve the look and value in your home. We will be taking in pictures over the next couple of months and giving a gift certificate of $100 twice a month in December and January. Please go to www.ckeffeckt.com and upload your pictures for your chance to win.
We are Cynthia Culhane and Barry Klatt. We believe that the “EffeCKt” on our clients and the real estate market is education. Whether it is your first home, an investment property or your long time awaited dream home, there is so much to know and understand when making the decision to spend your money. This where the CK EffeCKt comes into play.
In the housing market, it’s hard to stay focused on and base your decisions on what is happening in the market today. We need to focus on knowing and understanding the economics of the market. We all look at the housing stats as a gauge – but we need to remember that this is an example of what has happened, not what is happening.
We are native Calgarian’s that combined have over 20 years of real estate and business experience in order to help you. We are very well connected and cannot only help with the actual real estate transaction, but can extend the relationships required to complete your transaction, as well as the on-going maintenance of your palace.
Ensure you’re educated. It’s important to stay up to date on our city’s economic health – this will help you make better long-term decisions. Gretzky used to say his success was being where the puck was going to be, not where it was. It’s the same concept with real estate.
Come check us out: www.ckeffeckt.com
Cynthia Culhane Barry Klatt
www.ckeffeckt.com info@ckeffeckt.com 403-271-0600
Contact us for more details; we can help you make the decision that works for your life. 71
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homeowner mortgage Joel is a Mortgage Planner with Mortgage Architects, and has been helping Calgarians with their home financing for the past 7 years. Get at him @JoelOlandesca
T
his is the David and Goliath situation of Calgary. You’re most likely a David yourself. Being a “David” means breaking past the norms. The trend? The ability to go on the offensive and tackle the life of your mortgage! Eyes normally glaze over during this topic in conversation. However, if you’ve got access to the tips and tricks that work, ears perk up and questions get asked. “How are you doing that? Why are you doing that? Why didn’t I know about this sooner?” These days, there are many homeowners that can be proud of their financial accomplishments – and they should be. The pride of home ownership is nothing to take lightly. Having the ability to face your mortgage head on and paying it off sooner adds to the pride and heightens the experience of owning a home.
Most mortgage lenders will allow you to make additional lump sum payments within each year – sometimes up to 20%. Take a look at your mortgage document and review what features are available to you. Putting money towards your mortgage payment today means you’re saving interest on it today – and not letting it accrue over 25 years. An example? Take your yearly tax return and make an annual prepayment of $1000. You will see a savings of $26K and four years off your mortgage. Yes, four years. Another point for you.
The payment amount on your commitment isn’t set in stone. As mentioned, when you increase your payment amount it works in your favour. For example, the regular accelerated bi-weekly payment is $766. Rounding up the payment to $800 will save you almost $25K off your mortgage and four years off of your amortization. Besides, do you really think you’re going to miss that $34 every other week? Nah.
The difference between a 2.99% interest rate and 3.2% adds up to around $6K in interest over the life of your mortgage. It makes sense to take advantage of the lower rate, if possible. If you’re comfortable with your current payment – you want to keep your payments the same as they were with the higher rate. Right, two hits to Goliath’s throat – a lower interest rate, while paying less interest over the long term.
Oh, you just got a raise at work? Nice, the next round is on you! After celebrating, call your mortgage lender – and apply your raise to your mortgage. It doesn’t take much – an extra $10 or $20 will make a huge difference.
Load your slingshots ladies and gents, and get ready to attack with these few steps.
Side note: Yes, rates are low at the moment.
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Hitting your mortgage frequently allows for quicker results. Try monthly versus accelerated biweekly payments. For monthly: Take the standard monthly payments on a $324,130 mortgage (using the 2014 YTD average condo price in Calgary, minus a 5% down payment, with a current average rate of 2.99%) amortized over 25 years – you will pay $135K and change in interest. For bi weekly: Making accelerated bi-weekly payments (26 payments, or two extra payments a year) will shave three years off your mortgage and you will also save yourself $17K. A huge hit! Apply these actions, and you’re well on your way to winning the battle. Goliath’s days are numbered. Contact your mortgage lender, or your broker to develop a game plan. Let me know when you’re having that mortgage burning party, I’ll provide the matches.
V is for
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FITTING IN FITNESS WORDS BY SHAWN FREEMAN ILLUSTRATION BY MICHELLE VU
S
o, it’s funny that I quit my job in order to escape the monotony of working 40 hours a week. Now, as an entrepreneur – I find myself working 80 hours a week, often on evenings and weekends.
I own an IT services company in Calgary – spending most of my time meeting with clients, supervising installation sessions, answering emails and troubleshooting. I’m always out and about and each day is different. It’s really challenging to find a consistent time and place to exercise. I’m pretty confident that most young professionals are feeling the same way. We have limited time and energy – and showing up to an afternoon meeting in workout clothes isn’t an option. I find if you plan ahead and make use of what’s right in front of you, it’s easy to integrate a workout into your downtown routine. Here are a couple of options.
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CHOOSE A GENTLE CLASS AND SKIP THE SHOWER Yoga is a great option to beat the weekday stress. Eat your lunch at your desk to squeeze in a class over the noon hour. In the interest of saving time, choose a gentle class that won’t leave you too sweaty. You can probably get away with skipping a shower before heading back to work. TIP: Store a yoga mat and workout clothes under your desk. There are a few yoga studios sprinkled around the beltline, in the core – and plenty on 17th Ave. They usually offer a 50-minute class over lunch.
JOIN A CLUB THAT HAS EVERYTHING, OR JUST DROP IN
Joining an executive club is a bit more expensive than your run-of-the-mill gym, but you’ll kill two birds with one stone. I’m a member of the Bow Valley Club downtown – I can work out and network at the same time. Lots of business deals are done on the squash court. TIP: Clubs have a fully stocked change room – so you aren’t carting around your toiletries all day. If you aren’t ready to commit to a membership, try dropping in at the Eau Claire YMCA for 30 minutes on the elliptical or a swim in the pool. They’ll even loan you a lock if you forget yours.
PLAN AHEAD WITH ONLINE BOOKING
Spin and ballet barre classes are really hot right now, as we already know. Reserve your spot at one of the studios with an online reservation system, usually available in an app or on the website. You won’t have to go early to make sure you have a spot and the fact that you’ve paid in advance will be that extra push to actually show up. TIP: Book classes for right after work, then go for a post workout drink in one of the trendy spots nearby.
LACE UP YOUR RUNNERS AND GRAB SOME FRIENDS
Stash a pair of runners under your desk or in the back of your car and you’ll always be prepared for a quick run around the block. Convince your coworkers to come with you and turn the run into a friendly race along the river. TIP: Download MapMyRun, an app that plans your route along Calgary’s many paths and trails, and keep track of distance, speed and elevation.
Shawn is the owner of TWT Group, and enjoys the challenge of balancing his time between maintaining his fitness regime and spending his stacked up frequent flyer points.
gym and tonic BRANDED
Holiday celebrations are just around the corner. It’s important to align your fitness game with the unchallenged indoor sport of professional (and personal) existence: Drinking alcohol. My goal is to motivate you to show up for your (hangover modified) workout in spite of the awesome decision you made the night before, and the likely awesome decision you will make again in the not-so-distant future. Let’s first establish that working out is indeed worth pursuing in a slightly battered state. You may be thinking – “I don’t work out regularly, so this doesn’t apply to me.” Perhaps. However, I can promise that this content will prove useful for your mental game. Athletic performance begins in the mind. Why am I qualified to guide you during your hangover workout? Well, I am not a medical doctor, a nutritionist, or a magician but I used to be a competitive athlete and coach. I am now a marketer and fitness instructor. The combination of these two careers has presented the opportunity to be a part of two very different worlds. This means wrapping up an event with one client at 2AM and jogging with another at 7AM. I’ve been hustling at this pace, and so are you, young Calgary. Here are a few things I have learned as a member of both the fitness and drinking community.
FINDING THE BALANCE IN POPPING BOTTLES AND POPPING SQUATS. WORDS BY JOANNA MAGIK PHOTOS BY JACQUEY MORISON Joanna ‘Magik’ Majcherkiewcz is a local fit body, marketer and the founder of thesweatstyle.com and co-founder of oshiissurf.com. Every issue, she brings us ramblings from the fitness side of things.
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SEIZE (DON’T CAESAR) THE DAY
CHOOSE A LOW IMPACT WORKOUT & JUST DO IT
Visualize that nice feeling and good posture in your mind, then do it in real life. Your thoughts affect your perception of pain. You don’t have a hangover. You don’t. Put on a sharp outfit. Dress how you want to feel. You got this. We are all on a ticker to expire. Today is a day in your short precious life and you are present for it.
“Don’t bust your balls/boobs to make it to that 7AM Saturday class. You’ll get more out of the class and feel better if you clock at least seven hours of sleep the night before you exercise. There’s always a noon class somewhere,” says Keighty Gallagher, founder of Tight Club Athletics in Vancouver, who has a very fun and fresh approach to getting sweaty.
The moment you wake up (wherever that may be…) the game starts. Your mental game, that is. Your thoughts affect your perception of pain. First step – give yourself an expiry time for “feeling horrible.” One minute, maybe ten minutes – but make it short. Feel sorry for yourself only briefly. At the end of this timeframe, flip your switch. Don’t let your mind acknowledge it anymore and picture yourself feeling better.
This is a bad day to learn Parkour or to do your first “nightclub environment” spin class (even though I want you to come to my classes, so do come one day…). Avoid jumping, loud music or strobe lights. Choose a low-impact workout. Also, choose the right time to do your work out. I like to do it first thing in the morning so that I reset my day, but if it’s a weekend you have options.
“Also, slow it down. Those ‘dranks’ have dehydrated your body and your quick reflexes are slower than the slow jams you grinded to the night before. Choose a workout that is less about agility and stability and incorporate slower, more endurance based workouts to avoid injury.”
DRINK (WATER) AGAIN
There is no magical elixir to cure a hangover. Your best ally is water. It’s plentiful, affordable and sexy. The hangover is not exactly the scenario necessary for oral rehydration therapy in the form of sports drinks (which are not as plentiful, affordable or as sexy as water). There are many beverage options on the market that may make you feel energized temporarily, but they won’t eliminate your hangover. If you would like to explore an option other than water then consider raw green juice. This has been proven to help with symptoms of alcohol toxicity.
HANG AT HOME
If you are looking for a quick and effective hangover workout at home, bust out to a workout video. Kym Perfetto, a competitor on The Amazing Race and fitness personality, has an amazing hangover workout on her YouTube channel called “The Workout of Shame,” available online at kymnonstop.com.
“When your body is in a toxic state, your bloodstream is on the acidic side and you feel like garbage. You need to neutralize the acidity with something alkaline and raw green juice is super alkaline,” explains Naomi Le Bihan of local brand Cru Juice.
Combine this with a light ten-minute run as a warm-up. Keep your bottle of water close. You can see Kym do squats and dip her mouth into water at the same time. You just have to see it.
“Also, juice is absorbed into the blood stream within ten minutes, versus one hour for solid food. The repair process, and feeling better, is almost immediate,” she says.
YOU SURVIVED!
If you have done the above – then congratulations! You have invested at least 15 to 60 minutes of healthy exercise, with hopefully at least a six-hour sleep, and now you can enjoy the rest of the 1065 minutes of your day. This is a 1 to 71 ratio of pain to gain. You win! In my experience, being active optimizes your time on this blue and green spinning ball. The mental and physical rewards of sweat are countless, priceless and have a net positive result on you and those around you. So jump on it, sweaters.
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INDOOR CYCLING TAKES OVER CALGARY ’S FITNESS INDUSTRY
w o r d s b y m a x s h i l l e to
There are a lot more bikers in downtown Calgary. No, I’m not talking about the cyclists buzzing up and down the controversial new bike lanes, or tattooed bikers with mufflers that disturb your afternoon drink at a pub on 17th Ave. I mean the bikers who spend their time pedaling up a sweat indoors. Spin classes have transformed Calgary’s fitness industry, seemingly, overnight. New studios – which cater to anyone looking to get a good workout under a time crunch – have been popping up all over the city. From Kensington to Mission to Bridgeland, they’re in almost every BRZ. However, the question remains, will Spin go the way of fitness fads like “eight minute abs” and “Yogalates”, or are indoor cycling classes here to stay?
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THE HISTO R Y
TH E IN STRU CTO RS
Indoor cycling classes have actually been around since the late ‘80s. South African born Johnny Goldberg – better known as “Johnny G” – started teaching the first ever Spin class in Santa Monica, California.
However, much of the motivation in a class comes from the instructor. Instructors usually ride their bikes on an elevated platform, facing the class. While they’re riding along with the class, it’s also their duty to talk you through step by step.
Johnny started working in California as a personal trainer, while he spent his down time competing in endurance bike races. The idea to start training indoors came to him after being hit by a car during a nighttime training session on California’s winding roads. The crash inspired him to find a safer way to train. Thus, Johnny G’s Spinning Centre was born. Regular road conditions were simulated on stationary bikes, and Johnny developed motivational teaching techniques to inspire his riders. The hour long classes helped riders burn off around 600 calories in one session. Health-conscious Californians started to take note as they began to flock to Johnny G’s classes.
“One of the most important ingredients to a good Spin class is an instructor who knows how to motivate the class,” Jane Tallick said. Tallick teaches Spin classes at her fitness studio, Fit Republic – located in Bridgeland. “You want to push everyone, but you never want to single anyone out,” Tallick said. It’s also possible that Spin has become so popular because it’s a workout that you can do at your own pace. Most studios in Calgary are dimly lit, and all of the bikes face a large mirror so you focus on yourself. Stationary bikes also afford you the ability to adjust the difficulty to your own speed. While the instructors may be telling you to keep turning up the dial, you’re still the one in control.
TO D AY ’ S S P I N C L A SS Over a period of 50 minutes, classes are set up to give participants a full body workout. Those who put in a full effort can burn upwards of 800 calories. Class sizes can range from as few as ten participants and as many as 40. The 50 minutes are usually broken up by ten songs, each with a different style of riding. Races, runs, climbs, jogs are all incorporated to simulate different styles of bike riding while riding both on and off the seat. And if it wasn’t already tough enough, there’s one song spent lifting weights on your bike.
Gone are the days of the cliché Spin instructor barking orders at the class. Most of the instructors you’ll find in Calgary just want to help you through it.
“ I T ’ S N OT J U S T A SP I N C L A S S, I T ’ S A PLAC E W HERE Y OU C ONNEC T WIT H PEOPLE.”
– J E S S I C A O L S TA D, O N E C Y C L E
TH E MU SIC “Music is the backbone of all our classes,” Andrew Obrecht says. “Everything is based around the music.”
WORKIN G TO GETH E R While cardio training on a stationary bike is nothing new to Calgarians, modern day Spin classes, adapted from Johnny G’s earlier style, have only started to take off in the last couple years. As an instructor at One Cycle – located in Mission – Jessica Olstad has seen the popularity of her classes continually grow since she started teaching in 2012. “I think part of it is the community feel,” Olstad said. “Being in a room sweating with 39 other people, you tend to push yourself harder.” While a lot of group workouts are fueled by the participants’ desire to do better than each other, Spin is a little different. Your competitive nature isn’t detrimental to your success, but everyone in the class is working towards the same goal, doing the same thing and that helps foster a sense of community. Instructors often encourage their class to find inspiration in the people riding on either side of them. Sometimes this sense of community helps build relationships off the bike as well. “It’s not just a Spin class, it’s a place where you connect with people,” Olstad said. “After our classes a lot of the people will go out for coffee together.” 79
Obrecht teaches Spin classes and is one of the founders of Kensington’s YYC Cycle. He credits a fresh selection of music as a reason people keep coming back. “Indoor Spin is not a fad – it’s simply evolved,” Obrecht continues, “Music is a trend, and music is a fad. As long as we’re able to adapt to what’s new in music, we’ll always be able to evolve because we’ll be evolving with what’s current.” The music used for each class depends on the specific exercise the class is doing. Much like dance, you want to move your feet to the beat of the music. Climbing tracks – which is requires your legs to move slower to account for the heavier resistance – are usually set to songs between 125 and 170 beats per minute (BPM.) Upbeat tracks for race music will be faster and lighter – between 250 and 280 BPM. Instructors at each studio often collaborate with one another as they pick and choose from a large library of songs that are available to them. Jane Tallick took this process one step further. “For me, music is huge, huge, huge. I actually went to DJ school so I can make my own mixes,” Tallick said. “In general you have to cater to the masses. Depending on what your age group is, so for the most part it’s dance music, EDM, and some mixes of pop and rock music.”
Most instructors only get paid for their time in class, but a lot of the work they do is off the bike. “Our instructors take teaching to the next level,” Jessica Olstad said. “They don’t just show up, teach for fifty-minutes, and get off the bike. This is something they’re extremely passionate about.”
THE ST U DIO As many studios are charging nearly double the price of a drop-in class at the local Y, studio owners are always looking for different ways to keep people coming back. One of the key ingredients to the premium experience that Calgary Spin studios are trying provide is the ambience of the studio. From the lighting of the lobby, to the smell when you walk in, to what pictures or words they have on the wall, every Spin studio is different, and every aspect is very carefully thought out. Having friendly staff to greet customers, and a clean, organized studio are among the basic yet important qualities all Spin studios include. Everything else is a bonus – each studio is making the effort to reach out to the community in their own way, from charity donation classes to fundraisers.
SP I N I S F O R E V E R Y O N E Almost every regular at a Spin studio will tell you that the first class is the hardest one, and it’s downhill after that. It’s scary trying a new workout. If you wanted to you could make a list of excuses longer than this magazine, you probably could. You may think, “It’s only for elite athletes. I’m too busy. It’s a girl workout. I haven’t worked out since last February. The instructors are too intense. I’m too old. Everyone there already has a hot body.” And while everyone’s situation may be different, all of these excuses are bogus. When considering your first class it’s important to understand that there’s nothing to be afraid of. Classes are usually made up of a wide range of people from different walks of life. People who attend Spin classes differ in so many ways, but they’re all there for one reason. To sweat it out, yo. So get in there!
Max Shilleto is the Editor in Chief of The Calgary Journal, and covers a variety of topics within the city. He’s enjoys all things recreation, follow to see what he’s doing and writing @MaxShilleto
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For Him a. royal canvas bag
e. ted baker socks
b. heritage logo crewneck in tri grey
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c. field notes notebooks
g. mixing set
d. masakage brand knife
h. moustache wax and beard oil
$330, Modern Menswear This top quality 16 oz canvas bag is made with the finest A-grade leather. A laptop compartment and shoulder strap allow for easy travel and functional packing. It’s perfect hint for him to take you away to the mountains. Who said gift giving can’t be strategic, too?
$80, Camp Brand Goods This crewneck sweater will be his new best friend. Hailing from the Canadian Rockies, Camp Brand Goods are the cool, local kids on the block. Their products reflect their lifestyle of enjoying the outdoors and supporting those who do the same!
$10/three, The Uncommons We know his smartphone has a “notes” section, but sometimes old school just feels so right. Whether it’s for laundry lists, love notes or a sudden strike of inspiration, a good notebook always comes in handy.
$277, Knifewear An all around chef’s knife with a rock star finish—it’s the Ferrari of all knives. It will change his kitchen game for the better – which means home cooked meals for you, ladies. Who doesn’t love a sexy chef?
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$60/three, Espy Funky socks are the perfect way to mix up his otherwise conservative business attire, and he’ll have a little reminder of you throughout the day. It’s the little things that truly matter.
Prices vary, Vine Arts Is a Manhattan his drink of choice? Skip the bar scene—get him all the goods to make it at home. This gift set has whiskey, vermouth, bitters and cherries for garnish. Customize the basket with his fave labels. Bottoms up!
$216, Kent of Inglewood This set is perfect for the man who digs a classic cocktail. Includes a strainer, Japanese mixing glasses, tumbler, a jigger (an essential barman’s measuring tool), and a spoon. It ain’t just a regular spoon, it’s the most comfortable, beautiful spoon in the world. Or so they say!
$45, The Uncommons We are naming 2014 the year of the beard, but facial hair must be well taken care of. Utilizing the highest cosmetic grade all-natural ingredients, this is the perfect gift for the man with more than the mere five o’clock shadow.
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For Her a. custom leather tote bag
g. urban ears headphones
b. i love ugly samuel watch
h. cool material radio dock
c. charcuterie boards
i. handmade cards
d. produce candles
j. pallet coaster
e. instant print camera
k. fyxation leather bike wine caddy
$60, Luke’s Drug Mart Listen to your music in style. With rich sound, comfortable fit and an in-line mic for answering phone calls, these headphones are the perfect combination of fashion and function. They even have a socket to split beats with your friends. Sharing is caring, right?
$350, Little Lion Man Leather Laboured gear for fine men and women, local brand LLM creates handmade customizable leather goods in a variety of shapes, styles and colors. Why buy the run of the mill bag when you can get her something personally made? Brownie points for you, dudes.
$45, The Uncommons Transform your iPhone 4 or 5 into a vintage inspired radio. Connector can be pulled through the dock, allowing the device to charge. This radio dock is dripping in nostalgia— it’s the perfect gift for the gal who likes to kick it old school.
$110, Modern Menswear The ladies are rockin’ men’s watches these days. With a delicate silicone wristband and that black-on-black steeze, this watch is the ultimate in sophisticated simplicity.
$15/three, NourishCo. Skip the generic store bought card and opt for something original. Hand made by a local Calgary artist, these holiday themed cards are perfectly festive on the outside, but blank on the inside so you can say what you need to say.
$120/three, $50/one, Camp & City No matter how delicious the ingredients, charcuterie is nothing without proper presentation. These boards are perfect for entertaining, or for an intimate dinner for two. The way to anyone’s heart is through his or her stomach, right?
$60/four, Camp & City Add a little play to her preferred beverage. These handmade beauties add a touch of class to a cold beer, or a fancy cocktail. Complete the gift with a bottle of her favorite vice and you’ll maintain your spot on the nice list— unless naughty is more your thing.
$30, The Uncommons A cool spin on a classic gift, produce candles are inspired by the harvest. In unique scents like kale and beat root, they bring nature home—even if she’s a total city slicker.
$99, Fujifilm Instax Mini What’s old is new again, and we just can’t get enough of instant print pictures. Don’t let her photos get lost in the archives of social media. Make sure she masters that #selfie game, though — no delete button here!
$39, Vine Arts For the ultimate biker babe, check out this eco-friendly option for transporting her vino. She can store this away for fine summer times. Just no drinking and riding, please!
l. the mat
f. survival necklace
$68, Lululemon Athletica Is she a dedicated yogi, or just a beginner? Either way, she can’t hold the perfect pose without the perfect mat. Thin moisture absorbing top layer wicks away sweat, so she can get a grip. Hit up a class for a fun, healthy date together. Namasté.
$40, Camp & City These handmade necklaces are an intersection of urban and nature, with the symbolic match and coin. Custom stamping is available, making them perfect his and hers’ gifts that both of you will be proud to rock.
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s n o i t p i r c s b Su Give the gift that keeps on giving! Show that you know what they love by signing them up for a cool subscription. This is a great idea for a gift because it shows you want to make more than just one day special for them.
a. cru juice
e. studio revolution
b. fiasco gelato
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d. soma spa
h. yyc cycle
crujuice.com / @crujuice $190, Three-Day Juice Cleanse (Prices vary for home deliveries) Keep it real and raw with cold, fresh-pressed juice. Packed to the brim with some of the planet’s greatest super foods—this gift will make anyone look and feel like a million bucks.
fiascogelato.ca / @fiascogelato $50/month, Gelato Subscription This gift is a safe pick, because let’s get real—who doesn’t like gelato? Show that special someone you love them, one spoonful at a time. Includes four pints of test kitchen exclusives, hand-delivered to their door.
rossocoffeeroasters.com / @rossocoffeeroasters $435, 12 Month Coffee Subscription Coffee is the gift that keeps on giving—your special someone will receive two 340g bags each month for a year, so they’ll always have the good stuff on hand.
somacalgary.com / @somacalgary $100, Gift Certificate Offer the possibilities of pampering with a Soma gift certificate. This elegant spa is the perfect place to unwind after a stressful holiday season.
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studiorevolution.ca / @yycstudiorevolution $85, Five-Class Pack Calgary may be lacking an ocean, but there’s still a place to shred. Give the gift of surf with 45-minute classes that incorporate cardio, strength training and stretching—all on a wobbly surfboard.
sugarcubeyyc.ca / @sugarcubeyyc $30-$150, Monthly Candy Subscription (Prices vary per serving size) Tell your friend or lover you think they’re pretty sweet with a candy subscription. A sugary gift basket will be delivered to their doorstep each month.
vinearts.ca / @vinearts $150/Month, Wine Subscription Six carefully selected bottles of wine will be delivered to the recipient’s house or office during the first week of each month. They’ll even receive information and a link to videos with tasting notes and pairing suggestions.
yyc-cycle.com / @yyccycle $90, Five-Class Pack Give the gift of spin. Put the fun between their legs with five classes at YYC Cycle. It’s a great place to reach those fitness goals in the New Year. Buy some for yourself too, and sweat it out together.
POP UP SHOP NOW OPEN 4 1 1 1 1 t h Av e S E
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THE RULE OF SEVEN The infamous rule for dating younger? Half your age, and add seven. If you’re dating older, you subtract seven from your age then double that number. Whether or not this rule is accurate, it does create a ballpark range for what is and is not considered “socially acceptable”.
“He’s
Debra Macleod, a Calgary based Marriage and Dating Expert, believes age gaps are a deal breaker. “True love might exist within May-December relationships, but they are usually the exception to the rule.”
ten years older than me, and divorced,” I explained dramatically to my best friend, as I drove away from a coffee date with a cute artist. In all honesty it was a rather perfect afternoon. The conversation was stimulating and the spark was alive – but I just knew it wasn’t going to work.
They say age is simply a number, but when it comes to romantic relationships, do age gaps matter? There is something intriguing about what are known as “MayDecember” courtships. The term refers to a relationship in which the older partner is in the “winter” of their life, while the younger one is in the “spring” – learning, growing, and experiencing integral milestones for the first time. Think of Celine Dion and René Angélil, Woody Allen and Soon-Yi Previn, Beyoncé and Jay Z, and of course, the infamous (and rather comical) Hugh Hefner and Crystal Harris. Even my own sisters are with men ten and 15 years older than them. So why does it still feel so taboo? Does love really conquer all? Or are these relationships a breeding ground for misunderstandings and general disparity?
“An older man dating a woman who is significantly younger is basically the relationship equivalent to buying a yellow Ferrari. It gives them energy, makes them feel young again, and is fun to show off- but eventually that wears away,” she says. For women, dating older men often provides a much needed ego boost. “Guys their own age aren’t falling all over them because there are plenty other options for women just like them,” argues Macleod. But despite the words from the wise, the appeal is still strong. Women are often tired of dating men who aren’t looking for a serious relationship just yet. Older men embody an air of confidence that is alluring. They tend to have a greater awareness of what they want, making them more keen on settling down. In addition, they’re usually more established in their careers- providing a degree of comfort and stability that is enticing to young women. “There’s a lot to be said about dating someone [close to] your own age, as the frame of reference is more in line,” states Macleod. When asked her opinion on a healthy age gap, she argues couples should be no more than five to seven years apart.
1/2 AGE + 7 RELATIONSHIP RULE
DIFFERENT VALUES Dianne*, a 27-year-old PhD student at the U of C, gravitates towards older guys.
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“I’m an old soul – I’ve always been in a way, I relate to people, and conceptualize life. I need a partner who is the same way, and guys my age usually aren’t,” she explains. For the last year and a half, Dianne was in a serious relationship with a man 12 years her senior. However, an “undeniable connection” simply wasn’t enough to overcome their differences. “He’s a divorcée, and he wasn’t keen on getting re-married anytime soon. In the end I just wasn’t willing to compromise the things that really matter to me,” says Dianne. “I don’t think he had let go of the life that could have been. A lot of resentment and issues stem from that. We wanted and valued different things.”
A-OK TO DATE 60
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While it’s true that some people carry themselves more graciously than others, Macleod believes that genuine maturity can only be fostered through time, and the life experiences that come with each passing year.
THE COUGAR PROWL While it’s less common for women to date younger men, it does happen. Lynn*, a 37-year-old Calgary based yoga teacher, has been dating her 22-year-old boyfriend for nearly two years. Their 15-year age gap is significant not only in time, but also in the fact that it counters typical gender roles. “I don’t think Max could date someone his own age,” explains Lynn, as she believes his maturity level far surpasses that of the typical 22 year-old. But even so, she often has qualms about their relationship. “There are times when I feel like I’m robbing him of his twenties, even though he is an old soul,” says Lynn.
Calgary in the palm of your hands [The Date Night App]
Uncommon relationships, such as these, can often be difficult for outsiders to understand, and people can be quick to share their opinion. However – like most things in life – being told “no” strengthens the desire. The novelty of an age gap often comes from it being somewhat “off limits”. This creates a “star-crossed lovers” type situation where the partners believe their love will overcome any, and all future challenges. It’s not to say it can’t, but it does make for a rockier road. If a relationship is meant to be, it will be – regardless of age, right? Lynn explains her experience for success. “Communication. Any relationship needs check-ins,” says Lynn. She believes patience is also essential, as typical milestones and struggles are much newer to the younger partner.
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WHY AM I WITH THIS PARTICULAR PERSON?
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He may be an 18th century philosopher, but I like to think Immanuel Kant knows a thing or two about dating. His categorical imperative states that it is wrong to use another person merely as a means to an end, and that people must, under all circumstances, be treated as ends in themselves. So with all numbers aside, stop and ask yourself: “Why am I with this particular person?”
Is it for financial security? Or are you scared of being alone? Is it purely physical attraction? Or is this relationship rooted in genuine love and respect? Choose the latter – because with or without the age gap, the only relationships that truly last are the ones built on real love, understanding and mutual respect. Leave the math out of it. *Names have been changed to protect sources
www.i tsdatenight.com @datenightyyc
She Said
HE SAID
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from GendrTalk.com
I have a very weird problem. My jealous girlfriend created a fictional online character and contacted me through Tinder. Yes, I joined Tinder, but I did it to try and meet new people to party with because we had just moved to Calgary. This “character” she designed, matched all my preferences. I began talking with her through text and was honest that I was in a relationship. The texts did get a little hot and heavy, but she initiated. When I backed off, she kept pushing. Eventually I expressed dissatisfaction in my current relationship. That is when my girlfriend revealed that SHE was my online fantasy. Now both of us have trust issues. We’ve been together for four years. Should we forgive and forget? How can we do that? - Male, 29, in a relationship Douche moves. Yes, both at fault. Can we learn to act like adults and just talk to each other? YOU were on Tinder to meet new people and hang out? Bullshit. The fact that she went through all that trouble to catch you was bat shit crazy, but effective. To forgive and to forget? Now that is the question! I do think people give up on relationships too easily. You can both forgive, but unless you have a “Neuralyzer’” (the weapon from the movie Men in Black), you won’t be able to forget. You can, however, get uncomfortably honest with each other. Dig deep. We’re talking biggest hopes, dreams and fears. What do you want to get out of this life? Kids? Money? Have a life-changing talk. Do you think you can build trust again? If you are dissatisfied, then why do you want to be with her? Think about the “character” that matched all of your preferences, does she really exist? Move on and find the one that matches all of your preferences and satisfies you (almost) completely. Most people never talk about these things, or they do it when it’s too late. Yes, trust was broken, but it happens more than once in a relationship. A relationship is really tested when you are working to move through it. All it takes is commitment. Do you want to commit to making this work? If not, find the one you can commit to. And swipe right.
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BE PREPARED TO HOST EVERY PARTY, AND GUESTS THAT WILL NEVER LEAVE.
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JUST A LITTLE BRIT Gerard Yunker & Kara Chomistek present a story of style.
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Us Calgarians are graced with the crazy weather of the winter months. top outerwear trends of this chilly season. We take inspirations from This is how to look cool, cute, chic and sophisticated thanks to the
runway and suggest products for your daily wear. We featured some footwear too, because nobody likes cold feet!
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Fe w nd in i s Tr te ho y rs w ad ta s di pl the FUR Br ng e i o a Th nt fu n a ver a ri n a is – C n ov ll f qu th ne an th er ur al e “ w ( a e s ta ity B st pr da tr ize cla ilo L ra yl ice G im d ss rin or nta e f s v oo m co ic r o in at st g a Pi ” – i om ary se J gs . yl nd an s ) Ca a . e m ck fro is a w ad na e sp m a t d o e rin f gr ol, fr a G g/ all/ eat ha om oo su w tr s f h se m in an an ig m te si ta h er r t tio st o . na ic l
Be by rlut W in i d OO an co oes L O ar rpo th V ch ra e o ER ite tin ve C th At a ct g rc OA an m H ur cle oa T u qu run ore go al an t p S si tra ali wa aff Bo lh lin erf t ns y y, or ss ou es ec iti an th da ($ et an tly 10 on d is b te d . fro the ove le p 95) m las rco ric fa tin at e p ll in g s has oin to tyl b t wi e t oth nt o er .
R Bo oya o So t l R pa ft, s ($ epu he ire we 309 bli an avy d w arab .00 q G ea ru ith le ) ran sy bb a ge a H Ch co er wa nu W elly uk r i m s m n m ole t e l lin ate Ha ka ut w we ea “H ing rpr ns Tw e. i t e o e th d he ee su ell ke of n l r t V y i d rfa G ep le re n is ad in ce rip s ath anir s. m g. A ” r the er Bo ak ub fe w o es be et ith ts ( fo w r s a a $3 r ol rm fel 9.9 t e 9) gr , an ip d s s th lip e pe ry
MEN G se re a to so en i G e lik n fo s th RE e r m e c EN M D o oo th ior en! lou Ü se is H Tr r wa be Kn se om y of te r w as m he th uc rp ar on e ad e ( k ro m Pr le . sho to of d ic s S u e ou e s te ws do ter to t var rlin wn sh he y) g P ar in ell a cot ka te rio nd ton / 1 r. 00 ny % lon du ck
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STYLE STYLE HACKS HACKS FOR HIM & HER:
SAVE A SHRUNKEN SWEATER If an accidental run in with the dryer makes your favorite sweater the perfect hand-me-down, try this easy trick. Place the sweater in a small bowl with iced water and one cup of hair conditioner. The sweater will restore to its normal size.
BRIGHTEN YOUR WHITES Is your fave white tee yellowed with sweat stains? Spray under the armpits with a mixture of equal parts lemon juice, and equal parts water before throwing in the washing machine..
things your mama didn’t teach you
KILL ODOURS WITH VODKA Why stock up on detergent when you can stock your liquor cabinet instead? Pour some vodka in a spray bottle and spritz instead of a wash. The alcohol will eliminate any strong lingering smells by killing the odor causing bacteria. Any leftovers can be used for happy hour, right?
RELIEF FOR STICKY ZIPPERS Stubborn zippers are the worst. Before you go throwing out that favourite sweater or pair of pants, consult your office supplies. Rub both sides of the zipper teeth with a pencil. Graphite is a dry lubricant that will have that zipper zippin’ in no time.
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KEEP YOUR DIAMONDS FLAWLESS No time or money for a professional cleaning? Don’t let cloudy jewelry bring you down. Fill a jar up with 2/3 cups water and 1/3 cups household cleaner. Let your jewelry soak for several hours, rinse and brush with a soft bristle toothbrush.
WEATHER PROOF YOUR SHOES Winter weather means saying goodbye to your summer kicks – or does it? Cover your canvas shoes in beeswax and use a blow dryer to work it into the material, making them waterproof. Uh, huh honey.
hedkandisalon.com
BANKERS HALL
8TH STREET
HOTEL ARTS
#161 315 8th avenue sw 403 237 8458
#105 1301 8th street sw 403 215 3403
#146 13th avenue sw 403 215 8458
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J UST
A
L I TTL E
BR IT
photographer : GERARD YUNKER stylist: KARA CHOMISTEK editor: KIM NOSEWORTHY hair: MICHELLE LAZO makeup : LUCY MORRIS models: MICHAELA, SARA, DANNY (IMAGES)
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P h a s e 3 h a t ( No rd s t ro m) , Wa y f j a cket (Nordstrom)
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L E F T: 3 .1 P h illip L im co a t ( No rd s t ro m) , Op e n in g C e re m o ny s k i r t ( Le o B o u t i q u e) , M i c hael Stars t u r t l e n e c k ( Le o B o u t i q u e) , Smy t h e swe a ter (Coco & V i o l e t) , Ra g & B o n e b o ot s (G ra v i t y Po p e) , E x p ress socks R I G H T: b l a ze r ( No rd s t ro m) , Wo o d Wo o d turtleneck (Mo d e r n Me n swe a r) , B o n o b o s p a n t s ( Nordstrom)
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LE FT: C a n al i t u r t l en ec k ( Nord s t ro m) , Ze g n a s p o rt co a t ( Nord s t rom) M I DDLE : Ma s o n co a t (C o co + Vio le t) , M i s s i on i t u rt le n e c k ( No rd s t ro m) R I G H T: No rd s t ro m co a t, A l b e r ta Fe r re t t i d re s s ( No rd s t ro m)
LEFT: Free People coat (Nordstro m) , Tro u ve to p (No rdstro m), The Row s kirt (Oh h La La Bou t i qu e) RIGHT: Marc by Marc Jacobs dre s s ( No rd s t ro m) , Sam Ede l man boots (Nords trom)
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LEF T: Ronny Kobo dres s (Leo B o u t i qu e) RIGHT: Philosophy sweater (Oh h La La B o u t i q u e) , Helmut Lang skirt (Nordstrom), V i n ce C a m u to bo ots (Nords trom)
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L E F T: B o n o b o s p a n t s ( No rd s t ro m) , O u r Le g a c y b l a ze r ( Le o B o u t i q u e) , Un i te d Stoc k Dry Good s shirt (Le o Boutiq ue), Ba na na Re p ub lic b e lt R I G H T: M i c h e l l e Ma s o n to p (C o co + V i o l e t) , Re b e cca Ta y l o r ve s t (C o co + V i o l e t) , G e n e t i c Je a n s p a n t s (C o co + V i o l e t) , A l d o b o ot s
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HOLIDAY STYLE GUIDE WITH NORDSTROM
A black dress is always a safe choice for a holiday party. Look for one with a fashionable edge like on-trend feather detail and a mod cut. Try a small pop of colour, like emerald green shoes, for a subtle nod to the charm of the holiday season.
Tibi little black dress $654, Nordstrom gold plate necklace $78, French Connection clutch $75, Jimmy Choo Abel pumps $650
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Keep your holiday party look fresh this season with a classic white tuxedo shirt and black bow tie. Have fun with little
try a dress pant in a festive colour and accessorize with a great statement watch.
T
he most wonderful time of the year is often the most stressful, and figuring out what to wear for the season can sometimes be the biggest task of all. Luckily, our friends at Nordstrom know a thing or two about style and have offered up their tips on dressing for your corporate holiday party! John W. Nordstrom tuxedo shirt $110, David Bonahue bow tie $65, David Bonahue cuff links $375, Ted Baker belt $95, Ted Baker Pioneer Travel Trouser $225, Trafalgar suspenders $88, Hugo Boss watch $235, Magnanni dress shoe $415
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BRANDED
back bar ask the bartender PAGE 122 events calendar PAGE 124
it's bourbon time We’re giving you the 101 on the hottest old school liquor.
page
125
121
BRANDED
ASK THE BARTENDER FRANZ
SWINTON
FRANZ SWINTON IS OUR OFFICIAL BRANDED BARTENDER. HE SPEAKS TO THE CITY FROM THE INDUSTRY. YOU CAN CATCH HIM POURING AT AÑEJO ON FOURTH.
THE
OLD FASHIONED
OLD IS COOL AND HOT AGAIN
If you were to ask me which single drink is responsible for the cocktail resurgence of the last few years – I would credit the Old Fashioned. The Grand Daddy of all cocktails has recently become the leading trend for both those who are “in the know” and those who are just posing with the concoction as an accessory to a hot cocktail dress or tailored suit. Whether it’s Don Draper sipping one at the wood, eyeing his next conquest from across the bar, or Ryan Gosling stirring one up between heavily anticipated shirtless scenes – the Old Fashioned has been seen everywhere in the last few years. There’s something to be said about holding this piece of history in your hand, it kind of makes you feel like a bad ass, or a “bad bitch”, for that matter. Elegant, sophisticated and debonair are some of the descriptors that come to mind. So what is it about this simple drink that has every hipster’s toque in a knot and every esteemed professional lining up for the classic tipple?
SIMPLICITY At the heart of the Old Fashioned lies four basic ingredients: Spirit, sugar, bitters and water. We’ve all seen the new and old ways to make these cocktails – but in essence, these four ingredients are the lifeblood of a delicate drink that boasts so much depth and character. SOPHISTICATION This cocktail is a heavy booze base – we tend to be fairly particular about the type, brand and price of alcohol we like to use in our Old Fashioned. You don’t want to be that person using the cheapest whiskey in a plastic bottle available to mix drinks. What you want to be is the dame in the red dress calling for back bar bliss stirred into liquid goodness. A CUT ABOVE THE REST I know that liquor-forward cocktails aren’t for everyone, but it’s that “je ne sais quois” type of person that has developed a palate for fine spirits (and has consumed them properly – not mixed with a pint of coke). Few of us turn 18 and start drinking with the appreciation for hard alcohol. It usually takes a few summers of chasing white rum with OJ in the park behind your friend’s parents’ house to get to where we are. Some of us graduated from shots of Sour Jack and Fireball to sipping cognacs and boutique whiskeys…no hate to those who haven’t (feel free to make fun of me the next time I’m found sipping a sour jack). We all kind of desire to be like that distinguished “Uncle Gene” who only drinks the finest single malt neat. Whether you enjoy your Old Fashioned muddled heroically or stirred luxuriously – this cocktail will continue to evoke class and quality for years to come. So put on some Marvin Gaye and kick back, classics never go out of style.
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OLD FASHIONED
(SIMPLE MUDDLED VERSION) 1 sugar cube 3 dashes Angostura bitters 2 oz. rye or bourbon (or other spirit of choice, preferably brown liquor) Club soda Place sugar cube in an Old Fashioned glass then wet it down with three dashes of bitters and a short splash of soda. Muddle sugar, add large ice cubes, and pour whisky over drink. Garnish with your fave accompaniments (cherry, orange peel, orange slice). Serve with a stir stick.
OLD FASHIONED (STIRRED VERSION)
1 sugar cube 4- 6 dashes Angostura bitters 2 oz. rye or bourbon (or other spirit of choice, preferably brown liquor) Orange peel Place sugar cube on a napkin, saturate cube with bitters. Drop sugar cube in mixing glass, crush cube, add orange peel. Slowly add whisky and a little ice, stir. Continue adding ice and whisky bit by bit and stir until you have a fully combined drink. Strain into an Old Fashioned glass over fresh rocks. Garnish. Note: you can do this all in the Old Fashioned glass, but I prefer to pour over fresh rocks to slow dilution.
FRANZ’S
XMAS PARTY ETIQUETTE I’ve had the fortune and misfortune of bartending many Christmas parties over the years. Here are a few “guidelines” so that you can enjoy your holiday season. DON’T SHOW UP EMPTY HANDED. Always come to house parties with a small gift or a bottle of wine, it’s the giving season after all. If you’re attending a work party, don’t be the one person that ruins secret Santa for someone else. DON’T BE THE SKANK OR THE DOUCHE. I know the holidays can be a lonely time of year but don’t run around looking to hit on as many co-workers as possible, you look desperate. Monday is coming sooner than you think. DRINK, BUT KNOW YOUR LIMITS. Your impromptu shirtless karaoke rendition of Rick Astley’s “never gonna give you up”, although hilarious, will live down in infamy for years to come. DRESS FOR THE OCCASION, AND MAKE SURE YOUR DATE DOES TOO. It’s never bad to be “too dressy” but it’s always bad to be the person with the sweatpants or trucker hat at the ball. HAVE A REAL PLAN TO GET HOME. It’s Calgary, it’s cold, our cab situation is, how do you say...mediocre. Someone can suck it up and be the DD, call a town car, or preorder cabs the morning of. If it’s -30 outside on a Saturday as the bars are closing, you’re screwed and sorry my couch is taken.
A GREAT LUNCH IN INGLEWOOD Come by for a hearty sandwich & take home fresh sausage 1308 - 9 Avenue S.E.
ADVERTORIAL
INTRODUCING iHeat. advertorial
In Canada, the Forzani name is synonymous not only with on-the-field sporting prowess, but also with great success in the sportswear retail sector. Johnny Forzani is continuing the family tradition on both counts. While playing as a starting receiver for the Calgary Stampeders during the harsh winter football season, Johnny’s entrepreneurial vision for iHeat Gear was born. He saw a need for lightweight, yet durable, heated clothing to combat the cold and enable people to stay outdoors and active whatever the weather. To help bring his vision to life, Johnny joined forces with Jesse Galvon, a highly successful senior executive with considerable experience managing sales teams and business operations. Jesse played Division 1 golf at the University of San Francisco while pursuing two degrees in Business, and as a
result was able to recognize the great potential heated clothing has in the golf industry. He and iHeat Gear founder Johnny Forzani have been friends since childhood, and share a passion for delivering the most innovative heated clothing products on the market while providing industry-leading customer satisfaction. iHeat Gear is driving innovation in the heated clothing and wearable tech industry. Our starting product line of heated hand gear, including the iHeat Pro1 Gloves and iHeat Pouch, uses a patent-pending heating system with specialized microfiber technology to deliver heat to every part of your hand, providing more warmth than anything else on the market. Lightweight and slim-fitting, our heated hand apparel is designed to move with you while you work and play.
iHeat Gear is headquartered in Calgary, and our R&D team operates out of the worldrenowned MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), where they are already working on our next generation of hand gear to complement our current product line. We are also working with the Raynauds Association (to help those with cold hands syndrome) and are in the process of creating the Johnny Forzani Foundation; dedicated to helping provide disadvantaged children in local communities with sporting equipment that will allow them to participate in whatever sport they choose. You can find more information about the company and their innovative products at www.iheatgear.com
Jesse Galvon COO
Johnny Forzani CEO
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BOURBON 101
THE HISTORY
words by jesse willis
Bourbon is a category of whiskey produced in the United States. Although the majority of bourbon comes from the great state of Kentucky, it can legally be made anywhere in the USA. A key distinguishing factor of bourbon is the use of corn –which must comprise 51% of the blend of grains (also called the “mash bill”), with the remainder generally consisting of a blend of barley or rye. After distillation, bourbon must be aged in brand new, freshly charred barrels. It will then be bottled at no less than 40% alcohol (strong – just how we like it). Those labeled as “straight bourbon whiskey” must be aged for at least two years in the barrel before bottling, and cannot contain any artificial colouring, flavouring or any additional spirits. It’s straight up.
Jesse is the proprietor of Vine Arts Wine and Spirits, located in the heart of Victoria Park at 1310 1 St SW.
From humble beginnings in the American south, the popularity of Bourbon is skyrocketing – leaving distilleries scrambling to keep up with demand. There has been a recent surge in prices for the rare and older bottles. With all of the hype surrounding it, it’s easy to forget that bourbon really is just one of many distilled spirits produced around the world. So what exactly is bourbon? What makes it unique and where should an aspiring bourbon drinker begin? We’ve done our best to simplify things with the BRANDED Bourbon 101.
ADVANCED: Booker’s Small Batch Bourbon/$75 This burly, intense Bourbon is like a Burt Reynolds backhand to the palate and is certainly not for the faint of heart. Created in 1988 by master distiller Booker Noe, Jim Beam’s late grandson, it’s about as raw as they come. Bottled uncut and unfiltered, at a natural barrel proof of between 121 and 127 (60.5 – 63.5% alcohol by volume), Booker’s delivers bold flavours of charcoal, burnt sugar and smoky oak. With a touch of water this opens up to reveal flavours of mocha, caramel, roasted corn and freshly cracked pepper. It’s powerful whiskey, to be sipped slowly.
Whether you’re bourbon virgin or a seasoned veteran, here are three bottles we think are worth your while.
INTERMEDIATE: Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon /$46 Four Roses was introduced in 1888 and is currently owned by the Kirin Brewing Company of Japan. These whiskies were greeted with huge anticipation when they finally entered the Alberta market last year. The Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon is a blend of four of the ten recipes produced at the distillery. This ramps up the baritone with rich notes of manuka honey, maple and freshly buttered toast with a long, warming finish. Enjoy this neat, on the rocks or with a splash of water.
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BEGINNER: Buffalo Trace Straight Bourbon /$39 This is a great first bottle for any bourbon newbie. This is smooth enough to enjoy neat or on the rocks, and at this price you can use it in a cocktail without feeling guilty. Buffalo Trace is built from whiskies aged eight years or more, creating a lush texture and delivering flavours of vanilla, toasted oak and savoury spice.
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even ts cal endar
december 01
08
02
03
Flames vs. Coyotes
Speakeasy Cocktails
09
@ Standard Speakeasy
Flames vs. Sharks
@ Standard Speakeasy
07
12 14
18
15
16 Flames vs. Rangers
22
20
26
25
06
Speakeasy Cocktails
23
21
19
24
Flames vs. Oilers
11
10
13 17
04
05
Flames vs. Stars
29
28
Flames vs. Kings
27
31
Flames vs. Oilers
Flames vs. Oilers
Events calendar presented by ItsDateNight.com Never miss a good time. 126
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events cal endar
JANUARY
02
01
03 04
05
06
07 Flames vs. Red Wings
08 Flames vs. Islanders
09
11
Flames vs. Panthers
10
14
13
12
16
15
Live Music Rotations @ Raw Bar by Duncan Ly
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22 19
1ST ANNUAL
20
WINTER WINE FESTIVAL
21
THURSDAY JANUARY 22, 2015 4PM – 7PM $30 & $100 TICKETS AVAILABLE
27 Flames vs. Sabres
25
18
28
23
24
31 Flames vs. Oilers
29
26
Flames vs. Wild
Beer 101
Live Music Rotations @ Raw Bar by Duncan Ly
@ Wild Rose
Events calendar presented by ItsDateNight.com Never miss a good time. 127
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the little black book
AÑEJO RESTAURANT 2 2116 4 St SW anejo.ca
CUCINA 515 8 Ave SW eatcucina.com
FIT REPUBLIC 989 McPherson Rd NE fitrepublic.ca
MARKET RESTAURANT 718 17 Ave SW marketcalgary.ca
ANJU 344 17 Ave SW anju.ca
CILANTRO RESTAURANT 338 17 Ave SW crmr.com/cilantro
HEDKANDI SALON 315 8 Ave SW hedkandisalon.com
MODERN MENSWEAR 17 2500 4 St SW modernmenswear.ca
BIG FISH SEAFOOD & OYSTER BAR 1112 Edmonton Trail NE big-fish.ca
COMMONWEALTH BAR & STAGE 731 10 Ave SW commonwealthbar.ca
FRAICHE DESSERTS (CATERING) Available for order online fraichedesserts.com
NAINA’S KITCHEN 8 2808 Ogden Rd nainaskitchen.com
BLUE STAR DINER 809 1 Ave NE bluestardiner.ca
DAIRY LANE CAFÉ 319 19 St NW dairylanecafe.com
KENT OF INGLEWOOD 1319 9 Ave SE kentofinglewood.com
BOLERO 6920 Macleod Trail SE bolerocalgary.com
DOWNTOWNFOOD 628 8 Ave SW downtownfood.ca
KNIFEWEAR 100a 1316 9 Ave SE knifewear.com
NATIONAL BOURBON ROOM 341 10 Ave SW ntnl.ca
BOW VALLEY ATHLETIC CLUB 250 6 Ave SW bowvalleyclub.com
EAU CLAIRE YMCA 319 19 St NW ymcacalgary.org
LUKE’S DRUG MART 112 4 St NE lukesdrugmart.com
OAK TREE TAVERN level 2 124 10 St NW oaktreetavern.com
ESPY 1009 9 Ave SE espyexperience.com
LULULEMON (MISSION) 1708 4 St lululemon.com/ calgary/4thstreet
ONE CYCLE 2115 4 St SW one-cycle.com
BRAVA BISTRO 723 17 Ave SW bravabistro.com CAMP AND CITY Available for order online campandcity.com CAMP BRAND GOODS Available for order online campbrandgoods.com
FERGUS & BIX 2000 873 85 St SW fergusandbix.com
LITTLE LION MAN LEATHER Available for order online littlelionmanleather@gmail. com
FIASCO GELATO A20 - 416 Meridian Rd SE fiascogelato.ca
NOURISH CO. Available for order online etsy.com/nourishcompany
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NATIONAL BOWL 341 10 Ave SW ntnl.ca
OPEN RANGE CALGARY STEAK & STEAKHOUSE 1114 Edmonton Trail NE open-range.ca OPEN SESAME 6920 Macleod Trail SE open-sesame.ca
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the little black book
OX AND ANGELA RESTAURANT & TAPAS BAR 528 17 Ave SW oxandangela.com PEROGY BOYZ FOOD TRUCK 1210 1 St SW perogyboyz.com PIG & DUKE NEIGHBORHOOD PUB 1312 12 Ave SW pigandduke.com
TEATRO 200 8 St Ave teatro.ca THE COUP + MEET 924 17 Ave SW thecoup.ca THE LIBERTINE 223 8 Ave SW thelibertine.ca
RIVER CAFÉ 25 Prince’s Island Park river-cafe.com
UNA PIZZA + WINE 618 17 Ave SW unapizzeria.com
SHIKI MENYA 827 1 Ave NE shikimenya.ca
VENDOME CAFÉ 940 2 Ave NW vendomecafe.com
SMUGGLER’S INN 6920 Macleod Trail SE smugglers.ca
VINE ARTS WINE AND SPRITS 1310 1 St SW vinearts.ca
TAIKO TACO FOOD TRUCK 416 Meridian Rd SE taikotaco.com TANGO BISTRO 6920 Macleod Trail SE tangobistro.ca
Friends + contributors
THE UNCOMMONS 1325 9 Ave SW theuncommons.ca
YELLOW DOOR BISTRO 119 12 Ave SW yellowdoorbistro.ca YYC CYCLE 1117 Kensington Rd NW yyc-cycle.com
Alana Hornby, Alexander Cameron, Andrew Furness, Brittany Back, Brenna Hardy, Colin Canning, Connor Gould, Connor Queen, Courtney O’Reagan. Dallas Peck, David Cree, David Gleeson, Debra Macleod, Drew Rudichuk, Franz Swinton, Gerard Yunker, Hannah Cree, Hazel Anderson, Ian Davies, James Boettcher, James Carless, Jillian Frechette, Jeff Ber, Jennea Frischke, Jesse Wills, Joanna Majcherkiewcz, Joel Olescanda. John Fache, Jordan Smeaton, Justin Wilson, Kara Chomistek, Kent Hehr, Kelly Kask, Kevin Kent, Kristin Hallett, Krystal Boyd, Kelsey Knock, Lisa Davis, Lucy Morris, Max Shiletto, Megan Szanik, Michelle Lazo, Michelle Vu, Myles Queen, Jamie Owen, Leslie McNeilly, Max Shilleto, Malcom Bukenburger, Phaedra Godchild, Shawn Freeman, Tianna Stevenson, Ty Graham, Zev Vitaly Abosh Our friends at Commonwealth Bar & Stage, Our friends at National Bourbon Room
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see ya in feb.
we’ll be drunk in love.
#GETBRANDED
next issue february 1
@brandedyyc www.brandedyyc.com
RumChata
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