Vancouver Magazine March/April 2023

PLUS Our Favourite Plant-Based Restaurants in the City

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Muscle-melting massages, indulgent facials, high-tech treatments and more ways to relax this spring.

Omega-3 is di erent

Our omega-3 oil is extensively tested to ensure it is clean of contaminants. Our unique, 100% natural, enteric-coated, softgel capsules protect the omega-3 oil from stomach acid damage and prevent fishy aftertaste.

Why?

OMEGA-3 IS ESSENTIAL FOR ALL AGES

Omega-3 supports cardiovascular health.

Omega-3 reduces inflammation and is the most e ective in reducing triglycerides and LDL cholesterol.

Spring fresh.

Reserve your table online.

Thai Green Curry with Prawns

Culture

13

HOT TAKE

Spring has sprung and, with it, a whole new crop of outdoorapproved picks.

16

THE TICKET

Missy D makes music for all ages (and in two languages)—plus more hot culture picks.

20

ABOUT TOWN

Social events in review, according to everyone’s favourite attendee, Fred Lee.

22

ON THE RISE

Sevin Kasran brings traditional Indian design to modern luxury streetwear.

46

NIGHTCAP

ON THE COVER

Vancouver-based model Asel takes a swim in the Rosewood Hotel Georgia pool for our Chill Issue feature. Shot by Eva Grace Photography, this floating shot was trickier than it looks.

REVIEWS

Eating our way through a plethora of plant-based plates on Main Street.

24 28

CITY INFORMER

Here’s how to say “I do” to becoming a marriage officiant in B.C.

Transport yourself to Thailand with this basil-infused libation from Kin Kao Song.

Feature

33

FIND YOUR CHILL

There’s plenty to feel stressed about right now— luckily, our city has no shortage of anxiety antidotes to choose from. Here’s how to chill, from head to toe.

“Because we didn’t have a ladder on site, the stylist had to hold the model’s legs on the edge of the pool to keep her afloat, while Eva leaned precariously over the pool’s edge to get the perfect shot,” says art director Stesha Ho. “Fortunately, no one fell in.” Read more on page 33.

Editorial Director Anicka Quin

Art Director Stesha Ho

Associate Editor Alyssa Hirose

Associate Art Director Jenny Reed

Assistant Editors Kerri Donaldson, Dani Wright (on leave)

Editor at Large Stacey McLachlan

Wine & Spirits Editor Neal McLennan

Contributing Editors Frances Bula, Melissa Edwards, Amanda Ross

Editorial Interns Lydia Cotic-Ehn, Isabella Santamaria

Editorial Email mail@vanmag.com

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VANCOUVER MAGAZINE is published six times a year by Canada Wide Media Limited Suite 130, 4321 Still Creek Drive, Burnaby, B.C. V5C 6S7. Phone 604-299-7311; fax 604-299-9188. Copyright 2023. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the publisher’s written permission. Not responsible for unsolicited editorial material. Privacy Policy: On occasion, we make our subscriber list available to carefully screened organizations whose product or service might interest you. If you prefer that we not share your name and address (postal and/or email), you can easily remove your name from our mailing lists by reaching us at any of the listed contact points. You can review our complete Privacy Policy at Vanmag.com. Indexed in the Canadian Magazine Index by Micromedia Ltd. and

Getting Our Chill On

i know exactly how long it’s been since I visited Miraj Hammam. A group of friends treated me to an afternoon at the cozy, Middle Eastern-inspired spa for my 40th birthday— which, given that I’ve just passed another milestone birthday, makes for a nice round decade. But as I’ve come to learn, 10 years can fly by in an instant— and, wow, was I happy to return to Miraj this past winter. It’s a little gem of a spa: it draws on a tradition of hammam baths that goes back to the 17th century, and spending time there leaves you feeling like you’ve jet-setted away for a few hours. I had the steamy hammam to myself on this visit (the time you book is reserved just for you or your group—meaning no naked strangers to navigate) and I could genuinely feel deep wells of stress melting away. I promised myself I’d never let another decade—or even a couple of months—go by without returning there again.

This city is rich with spaces like Miraj Hammam—mini getaways designed to help us simply wind down for an hour or three. In this issue, we nod to our collective need to chill (page 33), and we’ve sleuthed out the city’s best places to do so, whether that’s a zen spa tucked into a medical high-rise in Fairview that pairs stunning views with Japanese hospitality, or a “floating peace” pod in Kits that gifted one of our editors with the best sleep of her life, or a Davie Street spot that offers a needle-free facelift (which means, yes, your therapist puts their gloved hands right in your mouth). Plus, our assistant editor Kerri Donaldson does a deep dive into the latest on mushrooms, CBD and more—everything you need to shake off whatever’s stressing you these days (inflation, anyone?).

Of course, we’re also here for those of you who prefer to get your chill from a steamy bowl rather than a steamy room: associate editor Alyssa Hirose heads to Main Street, where the plant-forward dining scene is taking root and growing like crazy. You’ll find her top picks on page 24; meanwhile, I hope this issue leads you to the recharge you need to lose the last of your winter stress and get ready to welcome spring.

Coming Up Next Issue

k Our 34th Annual Restaurant Awards

In celebration of our incredible, resilient restaurant industry, the Restaurant Awards return to our May/June issue—and the results are your playbook to dining in Vancouver for the coming year. Get ready to start lining up those reservations.

Great Local Getaways

We’re hitting the road this summer and tracking down under-the-radar getaways— from a tiny former utopia off the northern tip of Vancouver Island to a swoon-worthy golf course in Crowsnest Pass, Alberta. Plus—every new hot spot in Bellingham, Washington.

On the Web

The Best Frozen Pizza in the City

Lucky Vancouverites—our local restaurants have taken the frozen pizza game light years past Delissio. Writer Neal McLennan takes on the quest of discovering the very best of the bunch. Find his results at vanmag.com.

Anicka Quin editorial director anicka quin @ vanmag com @ aniqua

Culture

Everywhere we look, local makers, artists and chefs are proving you can have it all. This city is creating fashion that is stylish and sustainable, writing rap music in English and French, hosting events that are boozy and educational and serving dishes that are complex, exciting... and vegetarian. Read on for what’s hot (and cool) right now.

Island Time

Robin Briggs, former director of men’s design at Ralph Lauren, offes up the new Vancouverbased slow fashion brand Althyrea. Timeless sportswear, like the Tofino tunic, showcases ethical textiles and sustainability in handmade construction with PFC-free rain-repellent cotton. $225, althyrea.com

1. The Re:Down crop liner in Smoke Green by Adhere To Studios delivers locally designed style in recycled down, polyester and nylon—even the zippers are made from recycled materials. $360 , adheretostudios.com 2. Inspired by the rugged outdoors, Dior’s men’s grooming collection, Sauvage, introduces a new cleanser and mask infused with cactus extract for e ff icient cleansing and exfoliating. $55 , dior.com 3. The Serengeti tote bag starter kit by evolvetogether arrives as two microplastic-free, BPA-free and food-safe bags with built-in handles—perfect for farmers’ market runs. $30 , evolvetogether.com 4. Shoe maestro Christian Louboutin forgoes his signature red sole in favour of the limited-edition Neon Collection’s CL Moc Booty Dune in orange leather. $1,195 , christianlouboutin.com 5. The curious incident of the dog walk starts with a sleek Hermès dog raincoat in water-resistant technical fabric. From $1,050, hermes.com 6. Swimmer, meet underwater coach: Vancouver-based Form presents the world’s first augmented-reality swim goggles, which calculate metrics like distance, pace and even heart rate. $339, formswim.com

The Wine World

36 events

Something to please every palate!

International Festival Tastings

Four fantastic tastings featuring all 151 wineries and onsite BC Liquor Stores wine shop.

Wine and Dine 10 winery dinners – do business over great wine and food.

VIWF Trade Days - April 26-28 10 events exclusively for the wine and hospitality trade.

Tickets & Questions

VanWineFest.ca

604.873.3311 / 1.877.321.3121 boxoffice@vanwinefest.ca

Fundraising Benefiting

Major Partners

Culture The Ticket

That’s a Rap

Missy D makes music for all ages (and in two languages).

by Alyssa Hirose

When enough people tell you, “Hey, you kind of remind me of that Missy Elliott girl,” you embrace it. That (combined with the childhood nickname Didi) was how Vancouver-based hip hop/rap and soul artist Missy D got her name.

Missy D was born in Rwanda and lived in Côte d’Ivoire and Zimbabwe before moving to Vancouver. “I’ve always felt out of place, and I was pretty shy,” she remembers. Poetry was

her outlet—that is, until she wrote her first rap as a school assignment. “I realized I’m not as shy when I express myself through music,” she says.

And when you see Missy D live, you’re not likely to get a shy vibe. “If you come to my show, you’re about to have a little call and response, you’re about to dance, you might be shedding a tear or two,” she says. Her high-energy rap and soul music is bilingual (her

first language is French), and she’s gained popularity with an audience not usually associated with the genre: children.

The term “music for kids” might conjure up hellish replays of “Baby Shark,” but that’s not the case with Missy D. In fact, the upbeat, honest and unapologetic nature of hip hop makes it a perfect fit for younger crowds. “I love performing for kids,” says the artist. “I think they are smart individuals who feel their feelings.”

For children and adults, English- and French-speaking alike, Missy D’s songs tackle themes of identity, belonging and community. “My music is full of joy and full of heart,” she says. “It’s for the people.”

I realized I’m not as shy when I express myself through music.”

Live From Vancouver Follow hip hop/rap and soul artist Missy D on Instagram: @missydmusic .

Culture The Ticket

THE SCIENCE OF COCKTAILS

DATE April 27

VENUE Science World

COST From $185

It’s finally safe to drink and dome. Embrace your inner booze nerd at this cocktail-centred event. (It’s back for the first time in three years.) Expect 30 libation stations, food from local chefs and mind-blowing science demonstrations. scienceworld.ca

THE VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL

WINE FESTIVAL

DATE April 22 to 30

VENUE Vancouver

Convention Centre and other venues

COST From $49

This year’s wine fest events include a “Night in Tuscany” dinner at Carlino, a seminar on glass shapes and a kitchen party at the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts (plus lots more—check out their site for more varietals). vanwinefest.ca

HAPPY VALLEY

DATE May 25 to June 4

VENUE Firehall Arts Centre

COST From $25

A new play from Sydney Risk Award-winning artist Derek Chan, Happy Valley explores the historical, political and cultural context surrounding Hong Kong’s modern democratic struggles. It’s told in scenes, song, text and music: this is interdisciplinary to the max. firehallartscentre.ca

Local books for local bookworms.

2

OLD GODS

Conor Kerr

Get into the Métis mindset with this collection of poetry from Métis/Ukrainian author—and Vancouver local—Conor Kerr. The book explores both prairie nature (think magpies and porcupines) and modern burdens (aka Instagram). It drops April 29. irondogbooks.com

3

MERCY GENE: THE MAN-MADE MAKING OF A MAD WOMAN

JD Derbyshire

This debut novel from Vancouverite Derbyshire has been described as “dizzying.” It’s a genre-bending book tackling the brutal realities of psychiatric treatment—but expect to laugh your ass off, too. massybooks.com

WHITE RIOT: THE 1907 ANTI-ASIAN RIOTS IN VANCOUVER

cHenry Tsang

Learn more about a particularly dark chapter of Vancouver’s history through this new collection of essays and colourized photographs launching April 4. The project was born from the 360° Riot Tour, an interactive Chinatown walking tour created by Tsang. arsenalpulp.com

Wine, science and art to fill up your spring calendar.

Playwright Derek Chan

Measure Up Science meets spirits in the Science of Cocktails, returning on April 27.

Culture About Town

Fancy Feasts

After a pandemic pause, the St. Paul’s Foundation Feast of Fortune and the Vancouver Canucks Dice and Ice galas returned to their winning ways, raising important funds for medical research and children and families.

ST. PAUL’S FOUNDATION FEAST OF FORTUNE GALA

1. Committee member Helen Yu and Top Chef Canada’s Deseree Lo served up a tasty and very successful gala.

2. Vancouver mayor Ken Sim helped usher in the Year of the Rabbit at the 16th edition of the Scotiabank Feast of Fortune fundraiser.

3. Patricia Yeo and Sing Lim Yeo founded the charity dinner in 2008, when a modest $90,000 was netted. This year’s event raised a record-setting $3.58 million for a state-of-the-art research centre to be located on the new Jim Pattison Medical Campus.

4. Scotiabank district vice president Andrew Wilkins and Fiona Dalton, president and CEO of Providence Health Care, presided over the traditional lion dance held at the start of the evening to bring good fortune to the festivities.

THE SOCIAL CALENDAR

APRIL 8 S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Gala

Marking its 50th anniversary, the venerable dinner will see the return of Hong Kong pop stars. Proceeds to support social service programs for children, families and seniors. successbc.ca

APRIL 15

Daffodil Ball

The iconic gala in support of the Canadian Cancer Society returns with a fresh breath of optimism. This year’s theme of “flourish” is a celebration of hope in bloom. cancer.ca

CANUCKS FOR KIDS FUND DICE

AND ICE GALA

5. Honouring their son, Canuck Place parents Jordan and Kerena Letcher shared their story of love and loss with 800 guests, igniting an avalanche of donations ranging from $1,000 to $25,000.

6. After a pandemic pause, Vancouver Canucks owner Francesco Aquilini and Canucks for Kids Fund president Michael Doyle saw the return of the franchise’s marquee charity event.

7. Forwards Andrei Kuzmenko and Elias Pettersson scored photo duties mugging with fans before enjoying an evening of fun and games in support of the Canucks for Kids Fund.

8. Hockey Night in Canada’s Randip Janda and Sonia Aslam from City News hosted the 21st Dice and Ice gala at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.

APRIL 22

Bacchanalia Gala

An evening of incredible wine, fabulous food and unparalleled opportunities to stock your cellar while supporting Bard on the Beach. vanwinefest.ca

by Fred Lee

Your are here. Youarehome.

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Salmon Arm is a bustling city in BC’s interior, known for its world class businesses and an unmatched lifestyle. We welcome innovative enterprises and work hard to support the entrepreneurs who’ve already set up shop here. Our City is growing its reputation as a place not only great for living, but also for expanding your career. From its iconic ROOTSandBLUES Festival, thriving foodie culture and legendary network of trails, to a delightfully diverse downtown core and a laid-back lake lifestyle, Salmon Arm is a small city, with big ideas!

We know you are going to love living here as much as we do. Let us be the first to say, welcome home.

Visit saeds.ca to find your next adventure!

Culture On the Rise

Slam Dunk

Sevin Kasran brings traditional Indian design to modern luxury streetwear—and big names are taking notice.

by Alyssa Hirose

Basketball was a first love for both Sunny Basran and Kevin Khungay. The childhood friends grew up in Kamloops idolizing the pros: “Aside from God, we loved those players just as much,” Basran jokes.

In 2017, after they had both moved to Vancouver,

Basran and Khungay teamed up—not on the court, but in the design studio. “Fashion is ingrained in our culture,” explains Basran, noting that both he and Khungay have seamstress mothers who immigrated to Canada from India. The pair’s luxury streetwear brand, Sevin Kasran, is a play on the founders’ names, and a nod to both pro athlete fashion and their own traditional designs. “Nike has the check, Adidas has the stripes and we have our culture,” says Basran.

Sevin Kasran combines Indian typography, patterns and dye methods with

contemporary streetwear: think turmeric-toned bomber jackets with floral-patterned sleeves. It’s a signature style that’s gained attention from the very same athletes who inspired the brand: NBA players Chris Paul and Jayson Tatum have both been spotted wearing Sevin Kasran jackets (as has celebrity comedian Kevin Hart).

“These guys have the choice of anything in the world— they can wear anything they

want,” says Basran. “And for them to look at a garment of ours and say, ‘Yeah, I mesh with that’... that’s a big deal.”

Beyond earning some celeb recognition, the duo says they’re also eager to inspire kids in their community and to encourage creativity. “Beautiful design changes the world, it changes perspectives, it gives hope,” says Basran. “It’s more than finances and clout—this is a change of thought that’s powerful.”

The black semi sheer shirt (far left) and Indo canvas jacket (this photo) merge modern and traditional.

PLAY MAKERS Sunny Basran (left) and Kevin Khungay of luxury streetwear brand Sevin Kasran. sevinkasran.com

This wool bomber jacket ($700) elevates a classic silhouette with unexpected pattern —we’re justifiably obsessed.

Nike has the check, Adidas has the stripes and we have our culture.”

Culture Reviews

Going Veggie on Main

Long gone are the days when vegetarian Vancouverites were stuck with a green salad and a side of fries: plant-based options are now essential to any modern menu in the city. That’s especially true on Main Street, where chefs are making magic out of meat-free dining.

by Alyssa Hirose

The Acorn’s inviting bar; sunchoke with cranberry and agrodolce; rich lentil pâté with pickles; and the “Sounds

Even without limiting the geography to Main Street, it would be impossible to do a proper veggie-powered Vancouver tour without The Acorn. It’s like making a list of the 200 greatest singers of all time and not mentioning Céline Dion.

Despite being located conspicuously on a busy corner, the room has an intimate vibe thanks to a curtained, speakeasy-style entrance and tealights casting long shadows on dark wood walls. My dining pal and I were further warmed by thick slices of tangy sourdough topped with flaky sea salt—but, from there, the chef’s menu turned fresh and light: creamy hummus with radishes; rich lentil pâté with pickles on crunchy crackers; razor-thin slivers of rouge vif d’etampes pumpkin squash with hazelnuts and mint. The Acorn takes full advantage of the seasonal veggie rainbow, and every dish was as colourful as it was tasty.

And just when it began to feel a little too fresh, more coziness arrived: the flageolet beans with tomato and kombu pistou became my favourite part of the meal to that point, mainly due to the bull kelp, which brought an unorthodox umami twist to this perfect winter dish.

But the beans were soon bested—the sweet treat served at the end of the evening blew my mind. The Acorn’s corn ice cream is nextlevel: velvety and bright, embracing

all of the natural sweetness of the vegetable. It was unlike any dessert I’ve had before, and it proved that, in the right hands, veggies aren’t just versatile: they’re infinite.

Despite being located conspicuously on a busy corner, the room has an intimate vibe thanks to a curtained, speakeasy-style entrance and tealights casting long shadows on dark wood walls.

Tough Nut (Clockwise from right)

Like a Plum” cocktail.

Pizzeria Grano

3240 Main St. pizzeriagrano.com

This city’s veggie scene is so hot that the folks at Victoria Drive’s Via Tevere wanted a piece of the proverbial vegan pie: their 2020 opening, Pizzeria Grano, is now one of Main Street’s freshest 100-percent plant-based haunts. My partner and I grabbed the last two bar chairs on a Friday night, securing ourselves front-row seats to the Neapolitanstyle dough show. The preparation is artful, but the experience here is more fun than fussy: watching the team hand-stretch the dough and slide each pizza into the domed brick oven adds a theatrical element, and the pies (we went with the Bee Sting and the Gorgonzola) arrive accompanied by pizza scissors and an invitation for you to cut your own slices.

I find vegan “cheese” hit or miss, but the Bee Sting nails it with both the creamy bechamel and the bubbling mozzarella made from cashews working to balance out the heat from the Calabrian chili and plant-based pepperoni. And the vegan honey really leaves you wondering why every pizza doesn’t have an element of sweetness.

The Gorgonzola again delivers on the vegan cheese front, with cloudlike dollops all over. It’s a decadent pie thanks to a roasted garlic base and tons of caramelized onions, plus a crunchy “bacun” crumble.

It’s tough to stand up to Via Tevere’s celebrity status, but Grano is easily the Solange to Tevere’s Beyoncé—a little more indie, a little less awarded, but an icon in its own right.

Burdock and Co

2702 Main St. burdockandco.com

Even three weeks in advance, the only reso I could snatch at Andrea Carlson’s Burdock and Co was at 9 p.m. on a Thursday—this 34-seat restaurant was a tight squeeze even before it earned a Michelin star last October. Now, it’s positively buzzing. My partner and I weren’t seated until 9:30 (a glass of prosecco on the house made up for the wait), simply because the diners who were occupying our table didn’t want to leave. And who could blame them?

Now, Burdock isn’t strictly vegetarian, but it has been plantforward from the start: chef Carlson is a champion of local producers and seasonal veggies. My request for a plant-based version of the tasting menu was met with a breezy “Of course!” and the first dish was a stunning take on pâté made from butternut squash and drizzled with an earthy parsley root soubise. The next dish—a pillowy puffpastry topped with delicate slices of spice-poached Red Ace beets—absolutely floored

Making Pie From Plants

Pizzeria Grano’s Bee Sting (top right) and Gorgonzola (middle right) prove that no animals need be harmed in the making of an awesome pizza.

It’s tough to stand up to Via Tevere’s celebrity status, but Grano is easily the Solange to Tevere’s Beyoncé—a little more indie, a little less awarded, but an icon in its own right.

Star Struck Burdock and Co’s cozy Sieglinde potato (bottom) and a dish for non-vegetarians: caramelized sunchoke with cured ham and porcini broth (right).

Culture Reviews

me, even though I’m generally not a beet gal (sue me!). Our server explained that the process of poaching the beets in vinegar, black pepper and cardamom removes some of the “dirt” taste that typically turns offbeet-haters like me. This is the dish that little beets dream of becoming when they grow up.

Another highlight was the salsify (think parsnip’s cousin who loves alt music) in a rich miso-hazelnut sauce, served with a lovely little potato croquette—it was hearty and balanced and comforting and defied every negative “vegetarian” stereotype.

Despite the painstaking, Michelin-level planning and execution from Carlson and her team, the menu here demands a laidback vibe, and our dinner stretched longer into the evening than we had planned. Like the diners before us, we were caught up in the intimate, thoughtful, easygoing nature of the space, and the food was so good that time felt irrelevant.

Beet It

Burdock and Co’s Red Ace beet tart (far right) with wild rose sabayon is just as delicious as it is beautiful.

The Arbor

3941 Main St.

thearborrestaurant.ca

Can you even read the words togarashi fries and not order them? I can’t. The Acorn’s little sister serves up this spicy dish with kimchi aioli and plenty of green onions. It’s an excellent sidekick to the End of Days burger, which really shines thanks to cherry tomato jam from Vanmag Producer of the Year Klippers and slices of eggplant bacon that are about a hundred times better than they sound. (I’ve never been a follower of the church of eggplant, but this had me thinking of converting.)

Chickpea

4298 Main St. ilovechickpea.ca

Nary a basic dish to be found here: this restaurant has chill vibes but crazy-good food. Chickpea’s Mediterranean comfort food dishes are vibrant, hearty and fresh. The classic falafel, rice bowl-style, is my go-to (garlicky falafel plus fried eggplant equals plant-based satisfaction). Plus, a pitcher of one of their choose-your-own-spirit, no-frills classic cocktails ($29 for a 6-oz booze base) is an affordable way to get a little buzz on. Hey, we can’t have wine pairings with every meal.

Meet on Main

4288 Main St.

eatmeet.ca

Think your favourite bar food, but make it vegan: sweet chili cauliflower wings, fries with cashew-miso gravy and burgers that aim to do everything beef does and more. The burg topped with pickled jalapenos and mac and “cheez” is my pick (and is proof that vegetarian meals can leave you with the same holy-smokes-I’m-full feeling that non-veggie meals can).

This is the dish that little beets dream of becoming when they grow up.

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Culture City Informer

How Can I Become a Marriage Officiant?

dearest friends on their special day and aggressively steal their thunder, ideally while wearing some sort of statement-making robe. It’s the gig of a lifetime! You have everyone’s undivided attention and are very unlikely to get heckled. Plus, if you start to rap mid-ceremony, everyone will just assume the couple asked you to and so legally cannot stop you!

by Stacey McLachlan

Here’s the funny thing about weddings in B.C.: while you can ask anyone you want to marry you (kissykissy-wise), you actually can’t ask anyone you want to marry you (filling-out-thepaperwork-wise).

This distinction is downright infuriating for someone who would love nothing more than to have the opportunity to join my

But, sadly, the B.C. Vital Statistics Agency reserves this honour for a lucky and select few attention hogs. Unlike in the U.S., where a shocking 94 percent of sitcom sidekicks (source needed) are authorized to perform legal weddings, BCers can’t just hop onto Officiants2nite.biz and impulse-buy an officiant’s licence like it was an irresistibly priced pair of “swim culottes” from a drop-shipping fast-fashion brand.

Instead, a board of shadowy figures (assistant regional managers) evaluates applicants for rare commissioner job openings,

illustration by Byron Eggenschwiler

Home by McKinley Studios/photo by Ema Peter

Culture City Informer

striving to pick someone who will execute weddings with the appropriate dignity and grace: e.g., that special someone who is able to listen to the phrase “I can’t believe I’m marrying my best friend” 900 times a year without getting their eyes stuck mid-roll.

Vital Stats establishes a specific number of commissioner positions for each city in B.C., based on the area’s population. This totals around

applicants are “retired or semi-retired,” not involved in activities that could be a conflict of interest and are active in their communities. In other words: if you’re a busy divorce lawyer who just emerged from a decades-long entrapment in a bomb shelter (a.k.a. Blast from the Past syndrome), this might not be the side hustle for you.

Of course, there is another avenue toward making your wedding (administration) dreams come true: a little loophole I like to call “religion.” B.C.’s Marriage Act gives religious bodies the freedom to appoint their own reps—so if you’re interested in performing a wedding ceremony, maybe now’s the time to finally commit to a leadership role at the Sacred Circle of the Great Mystery Shamanic Society. Or if you don’t have time to explore the riddles of human existence, you can always pony up $2,500 USD for a fast-tracked six-month online course and become an ordained minister at the Canadian International Metaphysical Ministry.

370 across the province. Marriage commissioners are allowed to serve for 10 years, which means opportunities to apply for this plum role come up infrequently—who would want to walk away from $75 a gig plus bottomless wedding cake? Those are the sort of benefits labour unions across the world are fighting for.

Unlike the pay-to-play model that’s common in the States, our Vital Statistics Agency is looking for a very particular type of person. Successful

In sum: those of us without a passion for sacred shapes or spending half a year on Zoom at a “metaphysical university” will just have to apply the old-fashioned way, and then wish and wait for that special day when the government finally pops the big question: “Will you marry them?” Those who pass the interview process do have to complete a three-hour training session, which presumably entails listening to Lonestar’s smash hit “Amazed” on repeat to test your wedding fortitude.

But once you’re in, much like a marriage, you’re in it for life 10 years. Step down the aisle to your rightful place at the altar, finally the unapologetic Officiantzilla you’ve dreamed of being since you were a little girl.

Got a question for City Informer?

stacey.mclachlan@vanmag.com

The B.C. Vital Statistics Office is looking for someone who will execute weddings with the appropriate dignity and grace: e.g., that special someone who is able to listen to the phrase ‘I can’t believe I’m marrying my best friend’ 900 times a year without getting their eyes stuck mid-roll.

Construction on the largest hospital redevelopment in BC’s

The new St. Paul’s Hospital on the Jim Pattison Medical Campus will usher in a new era in health care that will drive innovation and save lives. Find out how it will transform health care for all British Columbians at helpstpauls.com/newstpauls

history has begun.

Between inflation and real estate prices and the climate emergency and civil unrest, there are plenty of good reasons for Vancouverites to feel a titch stressed right now. Luckily, we live in a city where there are equally as many ways to chill back out. From high-end body treatments that soothe the soul to surreally serene sound-bathing to sumptuous cedar tub soaks, consider this your ultimate guide to finding a moment of peace in these chaotic times.

WRITTEN BY KERRI DONALDSON, ALYSSA HIROSE, STACEY M cLACHLAN AND ANICKA QUIN ILLUSTRATIONS BY KATY DOCKRILL

The Five-Star Forest Bath

WILLOW STREAM SPA AT FAIRMONT PACIFIC RIM

1038 CANADA PL.

Nowhere but the Willow Stream would mud and salt feel like such luxurious balms. In the Fairmont Pacific Rim’s awardwinning fifth-floor spa, the Canadian Wilderness Retreat treatment (from $289) leans hard into the West Coast’s natural wonders. An invigorating hemp-and-sea-salt scrub is applied with fresh seaweed before your full-body massage with cedar-andorange infused Canadian Wilderness oil; the experience wraps up with a grounding foot mask of glacial clay and an ooh-that-tingles scalp massage. You’ll be invited to choose your soundtrack from a curated music menu, but ocean sounds are the way to go for this particular treatment: in the dark room, the scent of the rainforest and the crashing of waves is downright transportive. Don’t forget your swimsuit: the intimate Jacuzzi and mineral baths on the terrace, available two hours pre- or post-treatment, are worth the price of

admission alone. (Saunas and steam rooms are available, too.) There’s no wrong time of day to pop in, of course, but an evening treatment here, with those terrace pools lit up and the city lights twinkling below, feels at once cozy and luxurious... particularly when followed up with an Old Fashioned at the Lobby Lounge downstairs. fairmont.com

ESSENTIALS

THE RELAXATION TOOLKIT

Sometimes you need a little something in order to do a lot of nothing. These local picks are the latest in chill technology that encourages you to unwind and reset.

CHEERS AND CHILL

Mindset is a brand-new Vancouver beverage company that makes CBD-infused kombucha ($6.95 per can) in flavours like pink grapefruit, ginger turmeric and orange rooibos. The nonpsychoactive drinks just launched in March at BC Cannabis Stores. drinkmindset.com

MEDICATED AND DEDICATED

In 2023, we don’t ask why a stylish pill box—we ask why not. Vancouver-based Loba is working to destigmatize meds through this minimalist but mighty organizer ($175) and the accompanying app, which tracks your pills and reminds you to take them. shoploba.com

SPLISH SPLASH

Handmade in Vancouver, Ritual’s foaming bath bombs ($14 each) contain 30 mg of CBD. They’re made for relaxing, not getting high—though their unique ring shape might have you craving a post-bath doughnut. birchandfog.co

a DOWNTOWN DETOX Settling in for an afternoon at the Willow Stream’s pools—an oasis amid Coal Harbour towers—is an escape, even without a full-on treatment.

The Dream State

Meditation can be di ff icult and timeconsuming on the best of days—but a single 60-minute session under the Lucia N°03 meditation lamp ($147) may just o ff er a shortcut to getting in the zone. Lucia’s specialized tech incorporates flickering light at various speeds and intensities and a constant light at di ff erent brightness levels to create a hypnagogic or lucid dream-like experience, activating what some have called the third eye. Proponents of the practice say it brings you into a deep meditative state that might only otherwise be achieved after hours or even years of dedicated practice. Lay down on the heated amethyst tourmaline pad, eyes closed, and take in the gentle nature sounds from provided noise-cancelling headphones: the bright white lights from the Lucia will pulsate and intensify, causing you to see a vivid kaleidoscope of colours (not unlike a psychedelic trip) while your thoughts blissfully wander. Fully immersed in your own mind, the hour feels like 10 minutes; you’ll awaken from your trance feeling like you’ve just had a really great nap. A warning to those looking for a passive, less stimulating experience—this might not be for you. But for those wishing to tap into their subconscious, spark their creativity and accelerate their meditative practice, this light therapy could be the ticket. Experience it in pairs ($263), or with five of your friends ($900 per group); Sky Studio Lucia also o ff ers workshops that combine reiki, energy balancing, craniosacral or pranic healing with your light therapy. skystudiolucia.com

WHAT IS IT? Foraging for fungi does require some knowledge, of course, as some can be poisonous and even deadly (we’re looking at you, death cap mushroom). But with high risk comes high reward: this sometime pizza topping has been revered for its medicinal properties since the ancient Egyptians were calling it the “plant of immortality.” Medicinal mushrooms (the non-psychedelic kind) are linked to good stuff like helping to balance auto-immune conditions, brain health, adrenal support, calming anxiety and even living longer... not to mention they’re a delicious food, packed full of dense nutrients and minerals like vitamin B, potassium and copper.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME? Mushroom enthusiasts will try to sneak them into everything (drinks, oils, teas, supplements...). The key to optimizing those benefits is to take them every day. Also, different (tasty) species are known to have different benefits. Are you studying for an important test or need to improve your mental performance? Lion’s mane is the way to go. Want to be in peak physical shape? Cordyceps has been known to help. And wellness faves reishi and chaga are perfect for recovery, immunity and overall health.

WHERE CAN I GET IT? For something easy you can add to your coffee, tea, smoothies, elixirs or cocktails (no judgment), Rainbo has potent extract tinctures, like 11:11 ($55, rainbo.com) or lion’s mane ($47)—or try a package set like their Adaptogen Bundle, made up of reishi and cordyceps ($85). For a concentrated elixir powder you can make into hot cocoa or blend into smoothies, try 5 Mushroom Chocolate from Harmonic Arts to get plenty of mushroom bang for your buck ($30, harmonicarts.ca). Another tasty cocoa option is Blume’s Reishi hot cocoa blend ($25, itsblume.com), designed to help you unwind while you reap all the mushroomy health benefits.

The Sublime Soak

CHI, THE SPA AT SHANGRI-LA

If you’re a self-identified “bath person,” take heed: Chi, The Spa, tucked away on the fifth floor of Vancouver’s luxury Shangri-La hotel, is a soak-lover’s paradise. In the temple-like private suite, a roomy infinity bath awaits, filled to the brim with relaxing Lola Apothecary rose milk—the ideal medium for melting your cares away (and giving big Cleopatra vibes). But this is no ordinary tub: optional colour-changing lighting helps put you in a 30-minute meditative trance. This dreamy state carries through into your massage (signalled by a hand bell, because time does not exist in this space), which incorporates warm rose quartz crystals, soothing oils and hot towels to dissolve away any remaining stress. Then, turn your attention to your breathwork as you step into your eucalyptus steam shower, followed by a tea service (choose from a variety of organic teas, from herbal to black) that awaits to transition you out of your

blissful haze and back to relaxed reality. If your obsession with water-based activities is still not sated, soak a little longer in the spa’s terrace pool or hot tub—you’ll need a swimsuit for this one, though. shangri-la.com

d SOAK IT UP

Chi, The Spa at Shangri-La has an extensive menu of “journeys,” each of which (rightfully) incorporates an indulgent, ritualistic bath.

The Chillest Yoga Class

Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a firsttimer, hip Olympic Village yoga studio CMMN GRND is a community-focused, wellness-driven and holistically minded studio with o ff erings that will have you sweating your way to inner peace. Sure, it’s technically a boutique gym, but the menu of classes here feels spa-like in spirit, with o ff erings like breathwork, yoga and massage, and sound-bathing among the spin sessions and circuit training. For pure pre-bedtime chill, hit up the evening restorative yoga practice, Grounded ($26 for drop-in). The class feels like an adult sleepover: think meditative playlist, mood-enhancing soft lights and blankets, blocks and yoga bolsters to help you shed the day. Follow the dulcet-toned instructor through minimal poses meant to stimulate your parasympathetic nervous system and help you sink deeper into your mat and a serenity coma. If you managed to namaste awake to the end of the session, an Instagram-bait bathroom area awaits with plantbased amenities like the Mifa and Co. All Over Skin Dew (if you know, you know). You’ll be refreshed and ready to move on to your next appointment— most likely, your bed. cmmngrnd.ca

The Sound-Off

OTŌ HEALING

5.

Sometimes we can all use a good scream.

That’s just one insight you might take away from a sound bathing session with Otō Healing ($150), the sound therapy practice that lifestyle-journalistturned-branding-guru-turnedtrained-sound-therapist May Globus created in 2019.

Sound bathing, or sound therapy, is a meditative practice that uses sonic vibrations to help with the modernday plagues of our society—doing everything from treating pain and sleep disorders to relieving anxiety and promoting creativity. A session begins with an intake form that gets into how you’ve been feeling—tense? headachy?—which Globus goes over before the treatment to delve underneath how stress actually shows up in your body. Is it anxiety? Worry? Is there physical pain anywhere?

After a guiding you through a few deep breaths, Globus works with both a rattle and a drum to wake up your body and help it receive sound. It’s startling, but not unpleasant. Transition to a few qi gong sounds to centre the stomach, heart and body— even then, you can feel the vibrations as you repeat and chant along with her. She then moves to playing crystal bowls of di ff erent frequencies and harmonies, responding to both your earlier conversation and to whatever she senses as the session progresses. Globus looks for twitches in her clients’ hands and feet to signify tension release, and observes what notes she’s playing when a client breathes deeply—signifying an emotion coming up or releasing. Responding to the “throat” bowl, for example, could indicate that you may need to release some built-up tension.

c BOWLED OVER Globus, who calls sound-bathing “an art and a science,” is fascinated by both the neuroscience of sound and the ancient tradition of using music for both medicine and spirituality.

You’ll leave feeling floaty and deeply relaxed—and that’s part of the goal. And maybe you’ll be ready for that good scream, with your therapist’s permission. instagram.com/otohealing

16 E 5TH AVE.

The Needle-Free Facelift

ENHANCE ARTS AESTHETICS AND SPA

220 DAVIE ST. 6.

“Buccal fat removal” is the latest celeb cosmetic surgery trend, but Enhance Arts Spa advertises similar (non-invasive, non-permanent) results through simple massage ($189). The treatment includes facial cupping, gua sha, face sculpting massage and intraoral massage—yes, that means they massage the inside of your cheeks (wearing gloves, of course). You might not notice a huge change in the way your face looks after your first appointment (likely due to the fact that the practitioner is going easy on you—a less-firm method is used for beginners), but you will find that your jaw feels so much more relaxed. For people who clench or grind their teeth in their sleep, this is a godsend. And the inside-of-themouth massage is actually very soothing. Who knew. enhancearts.ca

ESSENTIALS

A FACE TIME

This super-hydrating (and delightfully pink) Beauté Majestique cleanser ($90) from Vancouver-based Okoko Cosmetiques works just as well as a face mask, so you can turn your evening scrub into an at-home spa experience. okokocosmetiques.com

jWHAT IS IT? These concentrated oils are nothing new (known frankincense fan Jesus probably had it diffusing 24/7), but the science is loose at best... still, essential oils are the lifeblood of the modern wellness community, and advocates put them in everything (including the air) to try to reap all the benefits they claim. Scented oils are used to elevate mood, treat acne, help with anxiety and sleeping, ease irritable bowel syndrome and even stimulate hair growth.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME? Drop your scent of choice right into a diffuser, or mix into a carrier oil (coconut oil is a popular choice) and massage on pressure points for a soothing effect. Fern and Petal founder and essential oil enthusiast Katie Derrick suggests putting lavender oil directly on the soles of your feet to help with sleep. Another essential tip from the oil insider: put eucalyptus oil in a bowl in your shower and voila! you’ve got yourself some spa-level steam.

WHERE CAN I GET IT? The key to essential oils is purity: don’t buy things labelled “fragrance oil” because it’s likely diluted with chemicals. And a dark container is best to protect the quality of the concentrated contents. Fern and Petal ( fernandpetal.ca) offers quality, locally made oils like bergamot ($11) and specially made blends like Breathe ($16), along with a lavender spray ($14) for spritzing your pillow or face before bedtime. (Derrick recommends not mixing more than three together for a blend.) If you don’t already have a diffuser, Saje (saje.com) has some stunning ones, like the blush taupe Aroma Nook ($76), which can freshen both the look and scent of your home.

A SMOOTH CRIMINAL Lotion gets the job done, sure, but there’s something extra-luxurious about moisturizing with a body oil. Just-launched Maater Cosmetics has an indulgent, plant-based illuminating oil called Beta ($60) that’s formulated and packaged in Vancouver. maatercosmetics.com

The Tokyo Drift

KIKU WELLNESS JAPANESE ZEN SPA

805 W BROADWAY

The Hidden Gem

7.

Is Absolute Spa located in a spooky abandoned underground corridor below the Hotel Vancouver? Sure. But just view this retreat to the underworld as a physical manifestation of your attempt to escape from your responsibilities. Besides, the lack of natural light doesn’t impact the sunshine-y nature of the seasoned staffhere—you’re in good hands with aestheticians like Kathy, who has been chilling out Vancouverites and visitors for 20-plus years. With the Ultimate Detox Reviver ($195), you’ll be expertely bu ff ed to a near-shine and then deftly massaged with grapefruit, rosemary and juniper oils. While a scrub may be a more active treatment than a customized aromatherapy massage, there is something deeply soothing about being tenderly flopped around like a rag doll and emerging, glowing and anointed with luxurious oils and potions, on the other side—back into the sun and the real world. But before you go, linger with almond tea and cookies (that’s right, no bowl of green apples here!) in the moody back-room lounge afterward to savour the out-of-this-world moment. absolutespa.com

Finding Kiku Wellness tucked away on the fifth floor of a Brutalist medical building in Fairview feels like discovering a treat, and when you open the nondescript door to enter the reception area, the reward is immediately apparent: the view is downright jaw-dropping, with unobstructed sightlines across False Creek to the city skyline and rolling mountains beyond. (We dare you to disrobe for your treatment without closing the shades: what other chance will you have to flash Grouse?) But you’re not here to admire Vancouver’s postcardperfect good looks; you’re here to be restored and rejuvenated, led by Kiku’s commitment to omotenashi— Japanese hospitality. It shows up in the little moments of delight: ask for water, and it comes artfully arranged on a tray alongside a crispy, light-asair cookie from Tokyo. Kiku bills itself as a “Japanese Zen spa,” and the Zen

Destress Signature face and body massage ($159) is executed with a tender and focused mindfulness by practitioners who intuit things from your body that you may not even be aware of: a tension in your scalp (“Do you do a lot of thinking?”) or inflamed pressure points in the arches of your feet (“Has your digestion been ok?”). Its 90 minutes will leave you both knot-free and totally seen... and not just by those mountains. Arigatou. kikuwellness.com

The Instant Glow

OO SPA

1428 GRANVILLE ST.

MORE WAYS TO CHILL WITH... CBD

WHAT IS IT? CBD, or cannabidiol, is a chemical compound found in the cannabis sativa plant. Think: marijuana’s more responsible cousin that won’t get you high. It comes in various forms (pills, dried herbs, oils, tinctures, salves, drinks, you name it) and has been praised for benefits like offsetting anxiety and depression, reducing PTSD, easing pain and helping with arthritis. Some studies are showing it can even help protect you from neurological disease.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME?

9.

First things first: don’t use Google Maps to find Oo Spa, the local outlet of the Tokyo-based spa chain. It’s one of the ground-floor shops of Vancouver House (and no, you don’t need to do loops of the bridge to get there—thanks Google). But you’ve found it, and you’re in the light-and-bright space to get glowing with a Luxe-Skin revitalizing facial ($235.80). A specialist will look at your skin under lights, and start a double-cleanse with the spa’s proprietary Myufull skin-care line, developed in Tokyo to deeply hydrate and work with your skin’s natural pH. But this isn’t your average cleanseand-repeat facial: it’s followed up with their high-tech wand, which quietly buzzes over your skin to promote collagen production and lymphatic circulation and to tighten the jawline—and damn if before-and-after photos don’t prove that to be the case. oojapanesespa.com

ESSENTIALS

A EYE CONTACT

These 100-percent medical-grade silicone reusable eye masks ($33) from local brand Jeumont Skincare make a major statement, both literally and environmentally: use them with your favourite moisturizer and eye cream and say F offto single-use plastic. jeumontskincare.com

The benefits are as extensive as the ways you can consume it. Beauty experts swear by CBD-infused facial oil for its anti-inflammatory properties and the glowing, clear skin it produces.

WHERE CAN I GET IT? To add CBD to your skincare routine, try Love Nectar’s CBD-infused facial serum ($60 for 30 ml, lovenectar.ca). If you’re struggling with anxiety, chronic pain or sleep issues, the full-spectrum CBD oil tincture from Honest Botanicals honestbotanicals.ca) can be put in drinks, teas or under your tongue for all the benefits. Have sore muscles? Get localized pain relief with their soothing organic CBD therapeutic balm ($38).

A HEAR ME OUT

DIY an acupressure treatment with these 24-karat-gold-plated ear seeds ($40 for a pack of 20). Guided by a miniature map, you place the stickers on your ears’ acupressure points and massage them a few times a day to treat pain and anxiety—downtown’s The Nest Clinic calls it “acupuncture to go.” thenestclinic.ca

The Old-School Indulgence

WEDGEWOOD HOTEL AND SPA

845 HORNBY ST.

Simply walking through the lobby of the Wedgewood Hotel has a soothing e ff ect: something about the old-world charm of the high-end, European-inspired decor makes your brain forget that modern distractions like cell phones even exist. From there, it’s up the elevator to the compact but tastefully appointed spa: wrap yourself in a robe (the first step in any day of indulgence, natch) and sip tea on the lounge’s tufted sofas or in the slate-clad eucalyptus steam rooms until you’re whisked away for your treatment. Pair a muscle-melting, deep-tissue Signature massage (from $180) with a detoxifying sea salt body scrub ($240) for a true forget-yourproblems day o ff : the post-scrub green tea and ginger root body wrap balances the skin while also invigorating the mind. Then throw that robe back on and continue to not think out on the spa’s sundappled secret garden patio. wedgewoodhotel.com

ESSENTIALS

The Magic Moment

MIRAJ HAMMAM 1495 W 6TH AVE.

It would be easy to take the magic that is Miraj Hammam for granted: they’ve been quietly brightening up their little corner of south Granville for over 20 years now. Thankfully, when founder Surinder Bains retired this past year, new owner Yen Thai grabbed the baton and has kept the magic going. And on a rainy Tuesday, there’s nothing better than stepping inside this little jewelbox. The hammam—a steam-filled room, lined with Jerusalem gold marble, that’s inspired by traditional Middle Eastern hammams—is yours and yours alone when you arrive. After your soak in the steam, a spa attendant exfoliates you from stem to stern with black Moroccan soap in mesmerizing movements toward your heart, a combo of both massage and skin-stimulating exfoliation known as gommage. And do gild the lily with a post-treatment massage ($235, massage with hammam and gommage) in a room lined with arched clerestory windows— you’ll practically melt into the velvet pillows of the lounge room afterward as you sip traditional tea and snack on biscuits. True bliss. mirajhammam.com

A ELECTRIC SUNSET

Vitruvi just released the ultra-soothing Glow di ff user ($85), a new design that emits soft LED light as well as whatever calming essential oil blend you choose to drop in—like, perhaps, the spring-y Golden blend ($29) made with grapefruit, lavender, ginger and peppermint. vitruvi.com

A BETTER LEATHER Indigenous-owned brand Manitobah calls their Cottager slippers ($140) a vacation for your feet—and whether or not you’re on the clock, this moccasin brings worry-free coziness. gravitypope.com

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The Heeling Pressure Massage The Oil Change

If you could start every day with warm oil drizzled down your spine—as it does when you take a Sensory Journey (from $630) at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia’s Sense spa—well, every day would almost certainly be excellent. The “journey” is a half-day session at the spa that covers Sense’s most popular treatments—from massage to facial to mani/pedi— with a recharge of a spa lunch at your midpoint (a mod Cobb salad loaded with healthy chunks of lobster, perfect avocado, eggs... and a blissful moment to dive into a rom-com novel, a warmed pillow resting on your once-tense shoulders). And what a journey it is. Once your therapist moves from the full-body massage to a double-cleansing facial, her fingers dancing like raindrops across your face, you’ll wonder why all massages and facials don’t come as a duo treatment by default. (Particularly when she revisits that knot behind your scapula as the enzymatic exfoliant does its tingling good work on your face.) By the time you’re tilted back in a zero-gravity chair for your soakless pedi three hours later, you’ll be as zen as a woman who started her day with warm oil poured down her spine—and ready to float down Georgia Street on your way back home. rosewoodhotels.com

If you’ve ever gone for a full-body massage and wished the time spent on your feet had been longer, run (don’t walk) to the Barefoot Oasis for their one-hour foot reflexology ($78). Disclaimer: you’ll never want your loving partner to rub your feet again. This isn’t just any foot massage; it’s a euphoric escape into tension relief that radiates all through your body. It also doesn’t tickle in the least bit, so don’t let that give you cold feet. After starting with the neck and shoulders, your massage therapist pokes and prods at your pressure points like a hired assassin whose target is strain (finding tight spots you didn’t even know you had) to get you primed for supreme relaxation. Meanwhile, your feet are soaking their cares away in a warm basin of lavender, tea tree oil and lemongrass. Then, you can ooze into your reclining chair, curl up under your blanket and roll up your pantlegs as your tension assassin lathers your feet in unscented lotion and coconut oil and skillfully tackles your toes, feet and calves with hands-on pressure—pushing, pulling, digging and tenderizing every joint and muscle to sole-crushing relief. Hot towels on your legs and feet mark the end of your reflexology massage (and your ability to hold tension in your muscles) as you Bambi-leg your way out of the chair and back into the world. But first, take a few sips of complimentary tea and enjoy your newfound spring in your step before you skip away into the rest of your day. barefootoasis.ca

The Zero-Gravity Peace Pod

Prior to actually trying it out, you might assume that floating naked in a zero-gravity pod full of Epsom saltwater is a living nightmare. But the genesis pods (80 minutes, $72) at Hälsa float spa aren’t scary at all: you have full control over the lights, music and, most importantly, the pod door (which opens very easily). Each pod is in its own private, spacious room, complete with shower for scrubbing offpost-float. In fact, you might spend the first 10 or so minutes not in fear, but in boredom— how are you supposed to entertain yourself for 80 minutes suspended in saltwater? But then, before you know it, a gentle voice is telling you that time is up. What seemed like it would be a stressful experience turns out to be so peaceful that it’s common to fall asleep—and have one of the best naps you’ve ever experienced. halsa.ca

Naked Malt Blended Malt Scotch Whisky Celebrates Versatility and Spirit

To understand the Naked Sour, one must first understand the conventional sour, a common and infinitely adaptable beverage that is routinely adjusted to reflect local tastes or ingredients. The concept can be expanded to use different fruits, juices, and flavour profiles, so long as it contains some essential building blocks. If a traditional sour’s formula is spirit + citrus + sugar = sour, the secret to success with Naked Malt’s Sour Strategy is to keep it simple: Naked Malt + citrus + sugar = Naked Sour.

Whether you love whisky or are whisky-curious, when you’re ready to drop the act and live in the moment—when you’re ready to #LiveNaked—you’re ready for Naked Malt Blended Malt Scotch Whisky. Its new take on a traditional favourite sends convention packing and encourages free-thinkers, risk-takers, and joymakers to live in the moment and enjoy life for its own sake.

Naked Malt is an award-winning, contemporary, premium blended malt whisky that is pushing boundaries with what it doesn’t bring to the table—pretention, rules or stereotypes. Instead, it pushes the possibility of whisky enjoyment with a unique blend of the world’s finest malts, carefully chosen and meticulously blended for a fresh and interest-piquing flavour. But that is only the beginning.

The blend is extra-matured in “naked” first fill Oloroso sherry

casks that have been selected among thousands to bring the right strength and character to Naked Malt. The casks are “naked” because they’ve never held whisky before, and the minimum six months maturation time gives the Oloroso sherry seasoning a chance to add a layer of rich and lively fruity flavour to the whisky. The result is an honest, free flavour that entices anyone open to new experience for the sake of it. Even Naked Malt’s packaging is liberated, with sleek and simple raised glass labelling that lets the quality shine through.

Naked Malt isn’t tied to conventional rules, instead, it invites savvy sippers to try it their own way—on the rocks, neat or in a cocktail. The whole point is to avoid feeling restricted by the usual whisky dos and don’ts, so Naked Malt has broken free with a signature serve line of sours that welcomes surprising flavours that live outside of the whisky-typical box.

More than 20 recipe ideas offer up Naked Sours that are crisp and refreshing, festive and punchy, or rich and decadent. For example, Naked Malt + grapefruit + lime + sugar = Naked Grapefruit sour, which will knock the socks off any sour connoisseur or delight the most enthusiastic newbie. Your passion, your choice.

Take a bold step off the beaten track. Don’t wait till the weekend… the time is NOW. Join the Naked Malt movement and #LiveNaked.

Naked Malt Whisky is confident, free, and comfortable in its naked state. Are you?

PHOTO: NAKED MALT

PHOTO: NAKED MALT

Beachy Green

For a sweet escape over ice, transport yourself to the breezy beaches of Southeast Asia with this basil-infused lime libation from Kin Kao Song. Spectacularly neon green, it balances the tang of the lime with mild, peppery basil for a cocktail that’s bright and not too sweet. Think of it as your passport to a moment of bliss.

THAI BASIL SMASH MAKES ONE GLASS

5 to 6 Thai basil leaves

1½ oz gin of your choice

1 oz lime juice

¾ oz palm syrup or simple syrup Ice

METHOD

1. Muddle 3 to 4 Thai basil leaves in a shaker.

2. Add remaining ingredients to shaker and fill with ice. Shake for 10 seconds.

3. Strain into an ice-filled glass of your choice and serve.

THE CREATIVE UNIVERSE AWAITS

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