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Joy by the Dozens
Not long ago, when a friend texted to ask what I was up to for the weekend, I told her that, in addition to the usual errands and social events, I was going to satisfy an irresistible urge to make cookies. That same friend also happens to proofread this magazine—Melissa Edwards’s eagle eye is something we’re all grateful for, along with her witticisms in the comments when she catches a particularly funny error. And, on the following Monday, she texted a picture of the mouth-watering opening page of our food feature this month and asked, “Is this what made you need cookies?”
Clearly, my subconscious mind was putting desire into action. It’s early October as I write this, but the team at Western Living has been in the holiday spirit since July, when we start planning this issue—and that’s also when our recipe developer, Lawren Moneta, pitched her ideas for the perfect Christmas cookie plate.
As one of those people who hosts an annual holiday cookie party (really, it’s more of a holiday open house, but the cookie theme gets folks excited about deciding which of their own personal favourites they’ll be adding to the many, many platters of sweet treats that amass in my apartment each year), I was all ears. One wild-card recipe that I’ll definitely be including this year: a savoury shortbread with caramelized onions (!) that’s a perfect counterpoint to the sugar overload we all experience at this time of year. Find the recipe for it and more starting on page 64.
Of course, we’ve included far more than cookies in these pages to help you invoke the holiday spirit. Flip through to find homes decorated up for the season, a gift guide for your most design-loving friends, festive wine pairing suggestions, local travel spots and more. I hope that, together, these ideas help spark some creative inspiration for your own seasonal adventures this year. For now, all of us here at the Western Living team are raising a cookie and a glass, and wishing you and your loved ones the very best of the holiday season.
Anicka Quin , Editorial Director anicka.quin@westernliving.ca
Anicka Quin portrait: Evaan Kheraj; styling by Luisa Rino, stylist assistant Araceli Ogrinc; makeup by Melanie Neufeld; outfit
Ca�elan
Bu�erfly Dining Table
The Butterfly table features a sculptural steel base, adding modern elegance to any dining room. Its sinuous design contrasts beautifully with the delicate glass top, creating a bold yet refined look. Available in different sizes and finishes. See store for details.
HOMES+DESIGN>
Spotlighting the best of architecture and design in Western Canada.
TRADE SECRETS
Designed by MICHELLE SANDER, R-EID Studio, Calgary
The Look: Corner Office
Usually, being cornered is a negative thing... but in the case of this charming, skylight-lit daybed, the corner placement is a huge part of the appeal.
“This was actually a happy architectural accident,” explains Michelle Sander, principal of Calgary’s R-EID Studio. After reworking the floor plan of the home with the architect team at Ward Studio, she found some extra space in the upper hall—an extension of the family’s bedroom wing—and got to work installing an inviting reading nook. The built-in seat was upholstered by Red Eight Workshop in supple, grass-green cut-cotton velvet, and is surrounded by open shelving crafted by Jeff Hunter Developments.
“It’s a little escape when the house is bustling,” says Sander.
Phil Crozier
HOMES + DESIGN GIFT GUIDE 2024
Design the Perfect Holiday Cheer
From the maximalists to the retro-loving old souls in your life— and all the modern eclectics, simple minimalists and organic naturalists in between—here’s a gift guide to suit every design lover on your shopping list.
1. Bound for Style Phaidon & Monacelli’s Love How You Live: Adventures in Interior Design ($84.95) is a design lover’s dream in hardcover form, perfect for adding inspiration— and style—to any coffee table. indigo.ca
2. Marble Marvel
The Marbleous Scallop bowl (7-inch $285, 11.8inch $575) is a luxurious statement piece that doubles as a functional dish— ideal for anyone who craves a touch of extravagance on the table. fullhousemodern.com
3. Bowled and Beautiful
Gather your clutter in style with the Mapa bowls by Gardeco (starting at $2,369) —a vibrant fusion of colour and texture for any surface in need of some va-va-voom. aeonhabitat.com
The Maximalist
For the person who knows that “more is more,” these gifts bring the drama, the flair and all the festive fun. Here’s how to thrill those who love to make a statement— whether it’s with bold colours, extravagant designs or luxurious details.
4. Brass Act For the incense lover with a taste for luxe, the polished brass 001 Stack incense burner ($620) by Populus Project is pure serenity. With three tiers—storage, ash catcher and a perforated lid for a mesmerizing smoke show—it’s as stylish as it is soothing. providehome.com
5. Rooted in Style
Who knew a Christmas tree holder c ould look this good? For the design lover who needs every detail to be on point, the Root Christmas tree stand (regular $475) is a gift that truly stands out. dadeloft.shop
6. Deck the Halls
Vancouver artist Zoë Pawlak’s Vessels & Muses oracle deck ($64) is both a stunning piece of art and a mystical tool for introspection— perfect for your sister who always knows everyone’s star sign. shop.walrushome.com
7. Hang Time
Give the gift of better hangs. Originally launched in 1953, the Herman Miller Eames Hang-It-All coat rack ($490) gets a fresh, colourful update with cast-glass balls in a playful new collaboration with Hay. informinteriors.com
8. Glow Getter Goals
Spark joy with the Papoa’kan Dream Catcher candle (10.5 oz $68) from Crowfoot Collective, an I ndigenousowned business based on Vancouver Island. This beautifully designed candle combines rich scents with stunning visuals—because who says you can’t have it all? holtrenfrew.com
9. Holiday Cheers
Add a splash of fun to the tree with this mai tai cocktail Christmas ornament ($30). themodernbartender.com
LE CHIC BOHÈME COLLECTION
KITCHEN - BLANC ÉLYSÉE
The Minimalist
They’re sleek, practical and perfectly pared down—because less is always more, even during the holidays.
1. Silent Night, Glowing Light
For tea lovers and anyone who appreciates a moment of zen, Molo’s chic Float tea lantern (small $320, large $380)—celebrating its 20th year—lets you watch the tea unfurl in the glass as you unfurl from your day. molodesign.com
2. Tray Chic!
Serve in style with Ligne Roset’s versatile drink tray ($55), featuring clean lines, a refined finish and clever finger inserts that make it a standout piece, hands down. ligne-roset.com
3. ’Tis the Season
A gift that’s simple yet refined: Kanel’s Minéral pure salt collection ($65) is all about elevating the essentials. jacksonsgeneral.com
4. Potted Joy
Give your indoor jungle an upgrade with Fable’s The Planter minimalist ceramic pots (small $85, medium $100, large $125). Cradle your giftee’s plant babies in monochrome style, complete with an extra-deep drainage tray to take the guesswork out of watering. fable.com
All I Want for Christmas
Sophie Burke
of Sophie Burke Designs, our 2024 Interior Designer of the Year
Early or Last-Minute Shopper?
“A bit of both. I try to be organized, but inevitably there’s last-minute shopping that happens.”
Best Holiday Tradition?
“I would have to say it’s putting up the Christmas tree. We always go as a family to choose our tree from the Scouts lot. The kids laugh at me because I have to see every tree before we make our final decision (and then usually pick the first one we pulled out). When it comes to decorating the tree, we light a fire, put on the same Christmas playlist and reminisce about all the cute ornaments that the kids made in preschool and all the other nostalgic ones that we’ve collected over the years.”
5. Curve Side Appeal
This exquisite, organic sycamore sculpture ($349) from Ethnicraft is the ideal gift for the art lover or the Scandi-chic minimalist who values natural forms with a hint of global sophistication. fullhousemodern.com
6. Baggy Chic
These versatile black cotton Peace pants ($185) from Vancouverbased Oge Ajibe are the ultimate wardrobe staple—classic, comfortable and designed for both l ounging and stepping out in style. u-e-l.com
7. Blushing
All the Way
Soft and simple, this Nude Mist glass vase in dusty rose ($299) is all about bringing subtle elegance to any room. atkinsonsofvancouver.com
8. Chill-Mas Vibes
Indulge in home-spa luxury with Obakki’s Discovery facial oil set ($88)—a simple way to pamper that minimalist with a skin routine to match. obakki.com
Sophie Burke: Pooya
Nabei
Blurring the line between home and gallery, artist designer Sabina Hill’s Live-in Gallery presents her new solo work, Sea Forest Collection.
Sabina Hill Design is a multi-disciplinary art and design studio. Sabina Hill’s expansive portfolio includes custom homes, renovations, interiors, landscape design, limited edition furniture and artwork.
above: Whale Pod Diptych
above: Sabina Hill’s Live-in Gallery
above: Giant Pacific Octopus Nine
photography: Barry Calhoun
The Modern Eclectic
1. Pawsitive Vibes Only
Add a playful touch to any decor with this Lucky Cat ($50), offering a modern spin on the iconic waving fortune cat—each colour attracting its own special kind of luck. foohungcurios.com
2. Bamboo Bliss
Roche Bobois’ Bamboo Mood candle holder ($820) is the perfect blend of Zen and glow, bringing a soothing fireside ambiance to your space. roche-bobois.com
For the person who loves blending styles, these gifts bring together the best of modern design with an eclectic twist.
3. Holiday Wrapping
Wilet’s linen long robe in deep juniper ($118) is the ultimate wrap for the relaxed eclectic—a rich, colourful linen dream that brings together maximum style and comfort. s hopwilet.com
4. More Than Just a Pretty Watch
Monitor your health without sacrificing style with the Withings ScanWatch smartwatch ($400). It offers cutting-edge features—like sleep tracking, heart rate monitoring, oxygen level tracking and more—all wrapped in a timeless, elegant design that doesn’t shout “smartwatch.” bestbuy.ca
All I Want for Christmas
Clinton Cuddington of Measured Architecture, our 2024 Architect of the Year
Hardest Person to Shop For?
“My wife. She is stone-cold practical.”
Best Gift Ever Given?
“I proposed to my wife on Christmas Day with the hope that I could consolidate wedding anniversary, Christmas and her birthday. She was born on December 25. I thought this was a great gift idea... This could also be the answer to the question ‘What is the worst present you have ever given?’”
Early or Last-Minute Shopper?
“Both. I’m a hopeless collector. I have a drawer that fills throughout the year, but there is always something to get in the final moments.”
5. Trophy Shelf
For your quirky friend with a taste for the eclectic, the Altitude wall shelf in walnut ($390) is a cool way to let them show off their niche treasures— whether it’s a troll doll collection or something equally, um, particular. cozey.ca
6. The Art of Oil
Bring a splash of colour to your countertop with the C olour Block River olive oil cruet ($110). It’s just the right blend of function and flair for any kitchen artist. thecoastgoods.ca
7. Rise and Grind
For the aspiring barista in your life, this bold KitchenAid semi-automatic espresso machine ($1,000) lets your giftee create their own café experience. In several beautiful colourways (red, white, black, stainless steel and juniper green), it’s also much quieter than a coffee shop. bestbuy.ca
1. A Modern Glow-Up
Gift the ambiance of a candle without the worry.
The Old Soul
For those who love a blend of nostalgic and new, these gifts are perfect for bringing retro vibes into the “present.” (See what we did there?)
The Wick portable lamp by Graypants (small $208, regular $222) delivers all the nostalgic charm of a Victorian chamberstick with modern convenience— for anyone who wants that Ebenezer Scrooge vibe (minus the nightgown and cap). lightformshop.com
2. Duck, Duck, Vest!
This stylish Flat Head Duck vest ($495) is a throwback to classic, r ugged fashion with a modern twist. privateandco.ca
3. Time Machine
Give the gift of quality time... keeping with this playful take on the classic cuckoo clock ($119) from Muji—a modern nod to a simpler era when clocks chimed without snooze buttons and TikTok was just the sound of a day well spent. muji.ca
4. Retro Bloom
Celebrating 60 years of flower power, the Unikko serving plate ($169) brings a touch of Marimekko’s classic design to the table—because who said plates can’t be iconic? marimekkovancouver.com
All I Want for Christmas
Brianna Hughes of Brianna Hughes Interiors, our 2024 Robert Ledingham Memorial Award winner
Best Gift Ever Received?
“Fitz [when he was 8] wrote me a fivepage letter, and it’s hands down the best gift I’ve ever received. I’ve turned his heartfelt notes into a beautiful album so I can keep them forever.”
Favourite Places to Shop?
“Montana Labelle is a Toronto-based brand that I love for design objects. I shop her sale to stock up on marble and stone pieces that are perfect for gifts. I also love Holt Renfrew—their gift selection is so great every year, and it makes it easy to find something special. Again, I love scent, so I go straight for the Byredo and Trudon candles. Aesop soaps, creams and scents are always good too.”
5. Taste of La Dolce Vita
A splash of Italy with a retro flair, Frances Mayes’s Bramasole olive oil (from $65) is for the foodie with luxurious taste who can’t help but romanticize their pasta. cocomain.ca
6. Picture Perfect
Capture memories the old-school way with this Pentax 17 half-frame 35mm vintage-style film camera ($680). londondrugs.com
Brianna Hughes: Sharon Litchfield
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The Natural
Spread joy to the world without harming it with these eco-conscious, simple and organic gift ideas that celebrate natural beauty.
3. Natural B eauty
1. Give from the Heart
The love knot talisman ($285) represents an endless bond. Handcrafted in Vancouver from 100-percent recycled metals, it’s a gift that symbolizes lasting love— for your special someone, and for the planet. pyrrha.com
2. Merry and Bright
Brighten up the holidays with clean-burning, non-toxic Illuminated Intentions candles ($34). Each is inspired by animals like the bear and the killer whale to make for warm and mindful gifting. totemdesignhouse.com
The Hewn vase ($288) from Propellor is a sculptural piece made from salvaged Vancouver street trees—an artful tribute to B.C.’s natural beauty. propellor.ca
4. Sweet Tradition
Wabanaki’s barrel-aged maple syrup ($25 for 200 ml) adds notes of vanilla, caramel and oak to a rich, buttery finish thanks to time spent in Kentucky bourbon barrels. This Indigenous and femaleowned business from Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation) has created a sweet way to elevate your giftee’s pancake game (or whatever they seek to sweet!). wcwildflowers.ca
5. Golden Rings
Help them ring in the new year in eco-friendly, uber-chic sustainable style with this slim, goldplated upcycled brass signet ring ($110) from Obakki. thecoastgoods.ca
6. Sleep in Heavenly Peace
Wrap them in the softness of nature with this Somn Comfort linen bedding set (double/ queen, $436)—a cozy gift for those who want to sleep soundly and sustainably. somnhome.com
Somn bedsheets: Mike Seehagel
7. Birds of a Feather Warm their hearts and homes with this cozy Kanata Velura throw ($66), featuring the beautiful Lovebirds design by Northwest Coast Indigenous artist Israel Shotridge—a stunning blend of culture and comfort. cedarhousegallery.com
8. Tree Hugger Fashionable, warm, sustainable—the men’s quilted Colville shacket ($108) from Tentree is also made from a blend of organic cotton and recycled materials, plus ten trees get planted just for buying it. It’s the gift of good karma. getplenty.com
9. The Sizzle Maker
A home chef’s secret weapon: the Kanatoko hand-forged iron frying pan ($550)— durable, beautiful and ready to bring the sizzle all year round. aiandomknives.com
Vancouver Island’s A Light Studio brings renewable wooden warmth to West Coast design.
By Sandrine Jacquot /
Photos by Lillie Louise Major
J LIGHTING UP THE ROOM
ennifer Kalman and Emily Wilson of Man and Son Design didn’t expect to bring their passion project to life so soon. Huddled together in their brightly lit woodworking studio, the architect and designer duo explain how they struggled to find the right lighting for their clients when they first launched their design studio in 2020. Most options were too expensive and were made from non-renewable materials, and they were rarely ethically or locally sourced. “One day we just said, ‘Okay, well, if we can’t find it, why don’t we make it?’ And that’s when we decided to start A Light Studio,” Wilson recalls.
Together, Kalman and Wilson design, prototype and manufacture wooden light fixtures in-house—all while continuing to run Man and Son. They source their materials as locally as possible, whether it’s metal from the manufacturer across from their workshop in Victoria, blown glass from Vancouver or repurposed fallen arbutus wood. This process grounds them in the community and offers both the designers and their clients the same creative control the pair once sought themselves.
Their custom, slow design process helps them be just as thoughtful about creating the final product as they are when they source their material. “Any sort of craft is inherently a long and slow process. It’s about a connection between the maker and the object. That takes a lot of patience and care,” Wilson says.
Making Wood Work
“The wood really tells us what shape it wants to be,” Wilson says, grabbing this flat wooden creation—the start of what would become the Loon pendant ($625)—from the tall wooden display shelf behind them. “There was this incredible grain on it,” Wilson adds. Thus, a simple shape was born that lets the beauty of the material speak for itself (without sacrificing reasonable pricing for a made-to-order product).
Their ethical practice includes being mindful in reducing wood waste. “What could give this piece of trash a new life as something that can be treasured?” Wilson says. Wood that’s too cracked or not big enough gets repurposed into their off-cuts collection of candleholders, wall hooks and dishes.
A Light Studio is not just rethinking how lighting can be made, but also what effect it can have on a room. “What does the lighting in a bathroom look like? Over the vanity?” Kalman reflects, emphasizing just how much variety and beauty there is in crafting smaller projects. Then, she jokes: “Let’s get rid of the boob light”—those builder-basic domed lights on many a ceiling—“and try to do something a little more interesting.”
Inspiration can come from anywhere, like nature or other products. “Sometimes I’ll see a bowl and I’m like, I really like the shape of this bowl. And then we flip it upside down and I’m like, that’d be a cool light,” Kalman laughs. But, ultimately, it comes down to proportions of scale and, if possible, finding that designer-client synergy that will help them craft something everyone will love.
“Homes should feel homey,” Kalman says. In contrast to stark minimalism and all-white features, this lighting exudes its own natural warmth. “It really can make a space feel much more human.”
BEAR HUG
This Whistler family home from Pure Design embraces a modern palette while preserving the ski and wildlife imagery classic to mountain living.
By
Alyssa Hirose / Photos by Janis Nicolay
Magic Touch
Texture abounds in the living room, from the linen curtains to the plush pillows to the sumptuous floor rug.
Ann Marie Platt and her family have spent the last 24 or so Christmases in Whistler. Even from indoors, the mountain views—snow-capped peaks, towering evergreen trees, wildlife ambling by—are synonymous with the season. “You get that whole snow-on-the-cedars feeling through the windows,” says Platt. So when it came time to renovate the family’s recreational property, Ami McKay of Vancouver’s Pure Design looked outside for interior inspiration.
“Classic Whistler is very chunky,” says McKay, who knew that the home’s original orange-y woods and thick detailing would have to go. Instead, the designer opted for a light, bright and warm ash to cover the floors and ceilings, complementing the more neutral colours found in the surrounding forest. “This is our weekend retreat, but also where we get the outdoors into our lives and escape the city,” says Platt, noting that her three adult children are all graduates of Whistler’s kids’ ski programs.
All I Want for Christmas Is Chew
The antlers placed on the dining table have an extra-rugged element thanks to Lou the dog (below). “I had it on the floor getting ready to style it and the dog chewed it,” McKay says with a laugh.
“Steve very much wanted a bear like the ones we see wandering up and down our street. It’s very sentimental... there’s a lot of emotion attached to all of this.”
Down the Chimney
“We always want to focus on the biggest visual story, and the main player is the fireplace,” says the designer. Woven baskets, carefully placed candlesticks and the round mirror are all meant to emphasize the wood-burning wonder.
Diamond in the Rough
The chalkboard was originally stuck over an awkwardly placed electrical panel, but during the reno, Kenny Gemmill of Kits Construction (the contractors for this project) preserved the sentimental black diamond drawing for Ann Marie Platt and her family.
There are whimsical nods to snow sports throughout the home: in the vintage skis leaning lazily against the living room wall, in the chairlift photographs perched on guest room shelves, in the chalkboard drawing hanging next to the dining table. The chalk sketch was doodled by Platt’s husband, Steve, who influenced every part of this project but sadly passed away of nonHodgkin’s lymphoma before the renovation was complete. “Steve had just scribbled it on there,” says Platt, “and now the little doodle is immortalized in the dining room.”
McKay points out that the cushioned dining chairs were Steve’s request, too. “They have beautiful meals where they all sit there and stay for a long time,” says the designer, “so it meant a lot to him to have chairs that were insanely cozy.” The minimalist dining room only needs a few festive details to dress up for the holidays: evergreen boughs framing the windows, fur throws tossed on the backs of chairs and a few pinecones, handmade vases and sculptural antlers on the table.
On any given night in December, the party eventually moves to the living room, where the dramatic vaulted ceiling dressed in that beautiful ash wood allows plenty of room for the family’s Christmas tree. “That’s where everybody migrates to—we carry our drinks in, our desserts; that’s where all the conversation is,” says Platt. McKay was more than happy to decorate the tree in playful, neutral-toned
Ring the Bells
The circular wooden baubles on the tree aren’t actually Christmas decorations at all—they’re napkin rings. Don’t tell Santa.
All Natural
There isn’t a lot of colour in this home—leave that to mother nature. “We wanted to give it less colour and more texture,” says the homeowner, “and just let the colour outside—the vivid greens and blues of the sky and everything—come in.”
decorations like pom-pom garlands, artificial mushrooms and metal stars. (She started her design career as a florist and says she’s had enough of decking out mansions that are “dripping Christmas.”) Some presents are wrapped with paper, but most have a more textural, luxury feel thanks to wrapping made from tea towels or cloth napkins. Many of the reusable linen packages have a small ornament attached, too. “You get multiple little gifts in just one present,” McKay points out.
Platt says the Croft House sectional is one of her favourite spots to relax, and, design-wise, it’s a win for McKay: “The base is forged in metal, so it sits really proudly off the floor,” she says. “It’s very sturdy, but also contemporary and clean and minimal.” For the homeowner, it’s the ideal vantage point to gaze out the black-andash framed windows. “When I’m in the house, I like looking out at the trees,” says Platt, “so I didn’t want a lot of distraction inside—I wanted it calm and airy.”
That meant the art on the wall was hung sparingly and with intention: that chalkboard drawing, Vancouver felt artist Chantal Cardinal’s birch stick series, the stunning bear painting by Squamish-based Mathias Horne, who is a friend of the family. “Steve very much wanted a bear like the ones we see wandering up and down our street,” says Platt. “It’s very sentimental... there’s a lot of emotion attached to all of this.” Inside and outside of Christmastime, this home is made of meaningful touches and deliberate details that honour both the wilderness and the people who adore it. “They have so much joy, naturally, in their family,” says McKay. “It was such a joyful project for me to work on.”
Bold, Not Big
The powder room is the only dark spot in the home, with woven, textural wallpaper that covers even the ceiling. “I love making little jewel box bathrooms,” says McKay.
Thursday, February 20 th , 2025 at King Living Vancouver, 3097 Granville St., Vancouver, BC 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Well Stocked
When designer Stephanie Brown put in her order for her custom Ffabb sofa, founder Celina Dalrymple (one of our 2024 Furniture Designers of the Year) threw in a set of stockings made from the sofa’s fabric offcuts.
“She is so creative and so generous,” Brown says.
360° CHRISTMAS
Interior designer Stephanie Brown levels up her Vancouver loft for the holiday season.
By Alyssa Hirose / Photos by Phil Crozier
A Case for Florals Nevefloral’s Anna Lambert dressed the stairway in a garland made from ferns and Leyland cypress, as well as dried gypsophila, mosses and alliums.
Arthur Erickson designed Vancouver’s iconic Waterfall building back in 1996, intending each unit to be a “blank palette” for future residents. So, when interior designer Stephanie Brown and her family moved in 25 years later—just in time for the Christmas season— the industrial loft’s sweeping double-height ceilings provided plenty of opportunity for holiday decor. One of the first items on the wish list was an extra-tall Christmas tree. “You have to think big, and really take advantage of that volume,” says Brown. Filling the cavernous, pragmatic space with warmth, texture and character became a personal project for Christmas and beyond.
To transform the loft’s original grey kitchen into a room fit for lively family gatherings and building gingerbread houses (seven-year-old Claire has mom’s design eye), Brown refaced the cabinets in a stained Douglas fir and replaced the dark backsplash with a leathered off-white marble.
“You can feel the veins and see the texture in it; it’s very muted and soft,” says the designer. Exposed shelving creates an airy vibe while a custom kitchen island hides away the clutter.
“The previous owners had a bar table there, but we need the storage—we’re a family, we have
Keep It Natural
“I have minimalist tendencies personally, so our home is very neutral and very calming,” says the designer. Instead of decking the halls the old-fashioned way, she gravitates toward unexpected seasonal touches like mosses and unusual dried florals in her garlands and wreaths.
Made for Entertaining
To
warm up the kitchen, Brown refaced the cabinets in stained Douglas fir, and the backsplash is now a leathered off-white marble.
A former bar table was replaced with a new custom kitchen island.
Tried and True
A perk of being an interior designer is that you’re always shopping for home furnishings—so when it came time to choose a pendant light for the loft, Brown was ready. “I’ve always had my eye on these Flos pendant lights; we’ve used them in other projects,” she says.
“Even though it’s an industrial loft, I just can’t get away from brass accents.”
Festive Fix
For a more vintage look, the designer ordered candle holders to clip onto the Christmas tree, but wasn’t happy when the package arrived: “They were the gaudiest faux brass, so I was like, ‘Okay, Claire, we have a craft!’” Brown recalls. She and her seven-year-old repainted the clips in a metallic bronze.
stuff,” Brown says with a laugh. For the holiday season, Vancouver-based Anna Lambert of Nevefloral decked out the staircase with earthy, organic greenery. “I wanted a more modern take on the traditional garland, with neutral tones,” says Brown.
The extra-tall tree embraces a warm neutrality, too: velvet and paper-mâché ornaments are muted but tactile, and decorative candlesticks bring on the nostalgia. The tree’s placement allows it to be seen from every angle— cuddled up on the custom Ffabb Home sofa, looking over the second-floor railing, seated at the carefully set dining table. “Even though it’s an industrial loft, I just can’t get away from brass accents,” says Brown, noting that her cutlery from The Cross completes the holiday tablescape (plates from Fable, serving bowls from Obakki and a handmade vase from Provide sit atop a linen tablecloth).
The loft has been renovated into a welcoming, serene home base, but the designer and daughter Claire spend much of the holiday season out of the house: holiday ice-skating, tickets to Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker and stays at the homes of extended family make up many of winter’s short days. Still, decorating for the season is essential. “We’re not always home right at Christmas, so it’s nice to have a pretty, enjoyable backdrop for the times that we are here,” Brown explains.
So while her seasonal decor leans more subtle, it’s still special. Collapsible paper honeycomb trees line the
Purrfect Place
Sarah the cat finds a cozy spot in the flex room, where honeycomb trees line the shelves. The stockings hung under the staircase (opposite page) match the living room sofa.
“You have to think big, and really take advantage of that volume.”
shelves in the home’s flex space, and wreaths (also designed by Nevefloral) are placed above the bed in the primary bedroom and over the console in the loft’s entrance. The latter welcomes in both guests and the home’s residents; Brown describes the floating millwork table as a “landing spot” with a drawer for each family member.
While the home is clean lines, understated elegance and modern elements aplenty, the family’s old Christmas tree (from the pre-loft times) hasn’t been forgotten. Each year it gets a place of honour in Claire’s room, where design sensibilities lean a tad bolder. “She’s a maximalist, and loves all the colour and all the things,” says Brown. “We let her go to town in her bedroom... it’s a colour explosion in there.”
Mother and daughter may have different preferences, but both are happy to fill their space with holiday decor that brings them joy, whether that’s in bright, glittery baubles or more pared-down, soft details... like stockings that match the sofa. Celina Dalrymple of Ffabb surprised Brown with the beautiful creations that now hang on the kitchen wall; they’re made from leftover fabric. To the designer, they’re a Christmas miracle: “Stockings that totally match the decor? Awesome.”
Quiet Palette
A quiet wreath from Nevefloral hangs above a CB2 bed in the primary bedroom (opposite page), which Brown had reupholstered. On this page, the Arthur Erickson-designed loft features many of the materials and designs the late architect was celebrated for, like boardformed concrete and floor-toceiling glazing.
Only Classicsthe
Designer Kimberly Jones refreshes a Victoria home with three trees and triple the Christmas cheer.
By Alyssa Hirose / Photos by Tina Kulic
Wax On Candlesticks, pillar candles and tea lights bring the home’s warmth to life. “Candles create such a magical atmosphere,” says designer Kimberly Jones.
Smells Like Christmas
There are three Christmas trees in this house, and all three are real: Jones (right) and stylist Vania Pecchia made sure the evergreen scent was part of the festive experience.
“When I look at these photos, I remember the smells,” Jones says.
“The addition of all those background elements and the neutral, natural pieces brought the room together,” says Jones.
Every guilty-pleasure Christmas movie has a character who loves tradition. Sometimes it’s the small-town heartthrob who’s destined to take over the family tree farm, or the cheeky grandma who won every holiday pageant in her youth. In this Victoria-based renovation story, the champion of tradition is interior designer Kimberly Jones of Kimberly Jones Lifestyle.
The city’s Uplands neighbourhood makes for a festive setting, too. “It has a classical, old-world feel— meandering streets, lampposts, deer walking across the roads—that just so naturally lends itself to Christmas,” says the designer. The clients, a young family of five, turned to Jones to transform the new-to-them 1947 house... but not to update it, exactly. Instead of stripping away the storied architecture, Jones and builder Novus Properties layered the existing design with elements that emphasized the home’s history—and created a cozy backdrop for traditions old and new.
“It’s
Peak Design
The gambrel roof is one of this home’s most distinct elements, and Jones and her team chose to enhance it whenever possible with mouldings and wallpaper. “It’s just such a unique architectural detail,” says the designer.
Trash to Treasure
Some of the one-of-a-kind art pieces and decor (like the candelabra on the coffee table in the great room) are from the Brimfield antique show, a sprawling outdoor market outside of Boston.
a hilarious antique fair; you bring a wheelbarrow and cash,” Jones says.
Less Is More
The home’s holiday decor—artwork, books, figurines, greenery—was all thoughtfully selected. “The clients didn’t want a lot of clutter, but love the warmth of Christmas,” says Jones.
“So it was a balance of bringing in the warmth, but not being too busy.”
Just Wing It
The den, for example, is a true nod to Christmas past: think dark walnut millwork, artful wainscoting, gold details and an aged stone fireplace. “It’s almost like what you’d see in old Christmas shows,” says Jones. When it came to styling for the holidays, the designer partnered with Vania Pecchia of Vania Pecchia Interiors and went for a playful woodland theme featuring pinecones, mushrooms and a tree filled with cute forest creatures (spot furry foxes and owls among the navy-blue baubles). “It’s not so tidy—it’s a lived-in, classical den for the family to get together in,” says the designer. The classic red-andgreen palette (often absent from contemporary Christmas decor) is on full display here: ribbons, candlesticks, books and garlands all embrace those iconic colours.
The great room keeps the holiday hues a little more muted, but it still nods to a vintage vibe. A 19th-century William Morris pattern (present on the stockings) informed the pink and seafoam details, like pastel green pillows and peachy pinstriped throws. The designer describes this room as having been “totally sparse” pre-reno, but strategic mouldings accentuate the gambrel roof and blush tiles give the fireplace added visual interest. “The addition of all those background elements and the neutral, natural pieces brought the room together,” says Jones. The tree here—the second one in the home so far, if you’re counting—leans more formal, with glass and copper ornaments, gold ribbons and more delicate decorations. The light-and-bright walls and oversized sofa are modern, but inviting. This is the room the family spends the most time in during the holidays, and best represents Christmas present.
The inspiration for the den was very traditional and borderline kitschy: Jones says she joked with the clients that “mallard” was the main influence. But the result is almost bird-free (except for a few owls on the Christmas tree).
Wish Upon a Star
The boys’ room is packed with adorable details (like the light-up star garland in the window, which glows from the inside out).
The garland above the stove plays into the English kitchen vibe, and looks effortless... even though it wasn’t. “It’s as if it’s just a nonchalant little garland that happened to be there—but it was actually really hard to make, because it was so prickly,” the designer says with a laugh.
Holly Jolly
And, like with those corny-but-charming movies, you can probably see where the story goes next: to Christmas future, of course. And for that, a third tree is needed. Upstairs, in the boys’ room, a sweet little sapling sits between the matching twin beds. It subtly complements the year-round decor (vintage trunk-turned-nightstand, model sailboat, glowing lantern) while adding a touch of holiday magic. Striped wallpaper, plaid blankets and cream-coloured curtains bring warmth and texture—it’s the perfect spot to anticipate Santa’s arrival and dream of Christmases yet to come.
The home is so festive and welcoming, in fact, that Jones says the clients’ extended family flooded in to celebrate Christmas. “The classic, layered, traditional feel really draws everyone in,” says the designer. “It was a nice compliment, I think, to know that everyone felt like this was the most fitting house to go to.” Luckily, the sprawling kitchen that doubles as a dining space has plenty of room for guests. The shaker-style cabinetry and irregular backsplash tiles are elegant but unfussy, as are the corbels above the stove and the arched kitchen nook. “There are so many classical elements in this kitchen that it could seem outlandish,” says Jones, “but presented this way, they actually bring the whole thing together.”
Instead of getting caught up in current trends, this home keeps its halls fully decked in historic architecture, nostalgic materials and timeless patterns. In fact, embracing some of the more old-fashioned details is what makes each room so stylish. “Classic is classic,” says Jones. “It’ll always come around.”
Kitchen Party
The clients love to cook, so Jones and her team turned a small bar area into a breakfast nook so even the smallest members of the family would have a comfy spot in the kitchen.
Get the Dirt
Instead of using a stately vase of flowers on the dining table, the team chose a pot of paperwhite narcissus. “That’s the vibe of this house—there’s a formality to it, but there’s also a lightness,” says the designer.
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FERN LEAF EARRINGS
The best recipes, menus and wine pairings for hosts with the most.
Just Desserts
Tradition is all well and good, but maybe it’s time to swap out that sugar cookie for something with a little more wow factor this year. Get ready to win the cookie swap—head to our recipes on page 64.
Nhâu or Never
Vancouver’s Good Thief cocktail bar is leading a respectful rebellion.
By A lyssa Hirose / Photos by Conrad Brown
Most younger siblings feel a pressure of sorts to live up to their older sibling’s reputation—and for Good Thief, a new cocktail bar launched by the co-founders of Anh and Chi, expectations were almost impossibly high. Anh and Chi is widely recognized as one of Vancouver’s best Vietnamese spots; it’s easy to identify via the line of eager diners that often snakes its way down Main Street. But the team knows a thing or two about family dynamics—after all, Vincent and Amelie Nguyen are a brother-sister duo themselves.
“Good Thief is like Anh and Chi’s cool, funky, rebellious, badass little brother,” says Vincent (who is, yes, the little brother). The Nguyens’ second restaurant aims to embrace sophisticated techniques and adventurous ingredients, but stays close to home where it matters. Literally—Good Thief took over the units next door to Anh and Chi, where a hair salon and framing store once stood. “Don’t ever build a restaurant where there wasn’t an existing one,” Vincent says with a laugh.
Read: the renovation was a beast, but nothing that the designers at Ste. Marie and builders at CDC Construction couldn’t handle. Guests enter Good Thief through lush, velvety curtains, and are greeted by a spectacular green quartzite bar dressed in warm woods and brushed brass. The lighting, custom made by a local designer, incorporates fabric that Amelie hand-picked from a market in Vietnam.
Good Thief is inspired by nhậu, a Vietnamese way of eating and drinking that embraces the laidback fun of snacking and sipping with friends and family. “We’re building to last,” says Amelie of their new venture. “Everything is intentional; everything is meant to be a tribute to where we come from.”
Well, not everything is intentional—barely a week after opening, customers were quick to point out that Good Thief’s green, retro interior reminded them of Pho Hoang, Vincent and Amelie’s parents’ original restaurant. “Even when you’re trying to step away, somehow your identity is still with you,” says Amelie.
LOOKING UP
One of Amelie’s favourite design elements is the large pendant lights. “The lighting is a nod to our Vietnamese roots, but it’s made by a local designer—that’s kind of our story, East meets West,” she says.
PICTURE PERFECT
The large photos peeking through the rattan in Good Thief were carefully selected—one, capturing a Vietnamese woman in a red áo dài dress, is symbolic of the restaurant’s rebellious nature.
THIRD DEGREE
Good Thief’s dining room is shaped like a triangle, making it an exciting creative challenge for the design team. The bar, table seating and booths all have a distinct vibe, ensuring a different restaurant experience depending on where the guest is sitting.
RAISE THE BAR
The modular bar incorporates cutting boards, ice storage, freezers and more to give the staff everything they need to produce complex drinks comfortably and at scale.
“When you’re in hospitality, that not only extends to your guests, but to your team,” says Vincent. There’s hidden storage aplenty in Good Thief—in the banquette seating, under the bar, in shelving above the tables, above the washroom ceiling.
“There’s no dead space in here,” says beverage director Ben Kingstone.
PHỞ DẶC BIỆT
“We really wanted to take the family atmosphere and put it into the drinks,” beverage director Ben Kingstone explains, “and there’s no better way to do that than to emulate Mom’s famous pho.” This cocktail uses bourbon washed in fat that’s skimmed off the top of Anh and Chi’s 18-hour beef stock pots, plus sake, pho seasoning and rice noodle amylase. “You’re left with this extremely savoury concoction,” Kingstone says.
THE GOOD LEAF The ultra-refreshing Good Leaf, fizzy with champagne and dusted with turmeric, is easy drinking—but it’s not so easy to make. “It’s a lime leaf pisco distillate. Everything is clarified together in a bottle, then we force-carbonate it,” says Kingstone. “So it’s not just the champagne that’s giving you those beautiful bubbles—we’ve actually carbonated all of the ingredients together.”
FROG LEGS M ẹ ’s fish sauce—an award-winning pantry staple by A nh and Chi—is reduced to a glaze and drizzled over crunchy fried frog legs in this fanfavourite menu item. “We don’t want people to come in and think this is a gag, or a dare,” says chef de cuisine Jonathan Lee. “We’re giving this ingredient the respect it deserves— because at the end of the day, it’s a delicacy.”
Photos by Juno Kim
THE NEW CLASSICS
There are recipes you try once and never again—and then there are the ones you reach for year after year. Our holiday archives are full of the latter, and we figure these undeniable dishes deserve another moment in the spotlight. Presenting three all-time faves from the last decade of decadent Western Living dining.
Chef Phil Scarfone’s Roasted Sweet Potato with Charred Scallion Crème Fraîche, Jalapeño and Smoked Bacon
all over with a fork and rub skin with salt and olive oil. Place on a parchment-lined tray. On a separate parchment-lined tray, place bacon slices in a single layer. Place both trays in oven.
When bacon is done (13 to 15 minutes), remove that tray from oven and place bacon on paper towels to absorb excess grease. While potatoes continue to cook, chop bacon finely, place back on paper towels, and set aside.
When sweet potatoes are tender (approximately 45 minutes to an hour in total), remove from oven, cool to room temperature and slice in half lengthwise.
Preheat oven to 400°F. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat, then add canola oil and a
small knob of butter. Melt butter until it foams, add a few pinches of salt to the pan, then add sweet potatoes, flat side down. Transfer to oven and cook for approximately 8 minutes or until surface of potatoes is golden brown.
Transfer sweet potatoes to a serving dish, flat side up. Add crème fraîche to cover most of the surface of the potatoes, followed by the scallions and jalapeño pepper.
Finish with bacon and some flaky sea salt. Serves 6.
Charred Scallion Crème Fraîche
½ cup scallions
1 ¼ cups sour cream
⅓ cup buttermilk
2 tsp chopped parsley
1 lemon, juiced
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper, toasted and ground
Preheat barbecue or grill pan to high heat. Grill scallions until char marks appear. Cool immediately and chop finely. Combine with remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly. Check seasoning, and reserve in the fridge until needed.
Lawren Moneta’s Green Polenta
2 garlic cloves
½ lb mixed green leaves, such as kale, spinach or Swiss chard, coarsely chopped
Salt, to taste
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
7 cups water
2 cups coarse or fine-ground polenta
¼ cup mascarpone cheese
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Place garlic cloves in a medium saucepan and fill with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, season generously with salt and stir in greens. Blanch uncovered until greens are tender (about 1 minute). Strain, discarding water, and allow greens and garlic to cool for a couple of minutes. Once cool enough to handle, place garlic in a food processor and squeeze out as much water as possible from greens before also adding to the food processor. Add a pinch of salt and ¼ cup olive oil and process, occasionally stopping to scrape down the sides of the processor, until a fairly smooth paste forms. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
Bring 7 cups water and 1 tsp salt to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat. Gradually whisk in polenta. Keep whisking until polenta starts to thicken. Reduce heat to low and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally until polenta is creamy and tender (about 40 minutes for coarse polenta and about 20 minutes for fine polenta).
Stir in remaining ¼ cup olive oil and greens purée before removing saucepan from heat and stirring in mascarpone cheese. Season to taste with additional salt and black pepper. Serve while warm. 6 to 8 servings.
WHEN TO MAKE IT
The green purée may be made a couple of hours ahead of when you plan on serving it. Finished green polenta is best made right before serving.
Photography: Clinton Hussey; food styling: Lawren Moneta
Food styling by Lawren Moneta; photos by Seth Stevenson; prop styling by Ryan Louis
Photography and food styling: Tracey Kusiewicz; background: iStock/Chih Chieh Hsiao
Chef Chris Whittaker’s
Roasted Fraser Valley Goose with Okanagan Apple, Squash and Cranberry Stuffing
Goose
1 goose, 8 to 10 lb
1 small orange, halved
12 sprigs fresh thyme
12 sprigs fresh sage
1 garlic bulb, halved crosswise 1-inch piece of fresh ginger
1 shallot, halved
1 carrot, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 onion, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 celery rib, cut into 1-inch pieces
¼ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup red wine
Salt to taste
Remove neck and any offal from cavity of bird and set aside. Rinse goose with cold water and pat dry with paper towel. Stuff goose with orange, thyme, sage, garlic, ginger and shallot.
Truss bird and flip wings under cavity for even roasting. Set breast side up on a rack in a heavy roasting pan, and add 4 cups of water to pan. Cover goose with parchment paper, then foil, sealing foil all around edges of pan. Set on stovetop and bring water to a boil, then reduce heat to low and allow to steam for 30 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. Season bird with salt and transfer the rack with the goose to a rimmed baking sheet. Refrigerate uncovered overnight to allow the skin to dry. Strain pan juices and keep refrigerated.
Preheat oven to 350˚F and place goose breast side up back on the rack in the roasting pan.
Roast until a meat thermometer inserted into the inner thigh reaches 155˚F, basting every once in a while. In a separate pan, roast carrot, onion, celery and reserved neck and offal alongside until they start to caramelize (about 45 minutes). Reduce temperature to 275˚F and continue to cook goose until temperature of the inner thigh reaches 170˚F. Remove from oven, place on a rack set over a tray and allow to rest for at least 45 minutes.
mer for 90 minutes and strain, reserving liquid.
While vegetables are simmering, pour off the fat from the goose into a heatproof container, then return ¼ cup of the fat to roasting pan along with the flour. Set pan over medium heat and mix until flour has absorbed the fat. Deglaze with red wine, then add remaining stock from the vegetables. Bring to a simmer, add thyme, garlic, shallot and sage from the cavity of the bird, and allow to simmer for 30 minutes. Strain, discarding the solids, and serve the gravy with the carved goose. Serves 4 to 6.
2 tbsp roasted pumpkin seeds
2 tbsp dried cranberries
1 cup diced roasted apples
2 tbsp mixed chopped herbs (equal parts thyme, sage, parsley)
1 egg
Salt and pepper
Goose or vegetable stock
Preheat oven to 350˚F. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients, adding just enough stock to moisten. Transfer to a greased baking dish and bake for 1 hour, or until golden and internal temperature has reached at least 165˚F.
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COOKIE PARTY!
Whether you’re ramping up for your annual baked-goods swap or prepping to host the whole family for a seasonal celebration, there’s one golden rule at this time of year: you can never have too many cookies on hand. But we can’t all live on rum balls alone— so consider this list of sophisticated-yet-snackable cookie recipes our gift to help you keep the baking season bright (and wildly delicious).
Recipes and food styling by Lawren Moneta / Photography by Mark Gibbon / Prop styling by Paris Forrer
Almond Raspberry Cookie Brittle
Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Cookie brittle is a snap, literally. It’s the fastest way we know to make a big batch of cookies without having to scoop or shape out individual portions. Once baked, a tray full of crisp cookie can be broken into whatever size you desire. Feel free to play around with the add-ins and flavour extracts to make your own unique cookie brittle creation that accommodates whatever you have on hand.
1 cup refined coconut oil, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp almond extract
Finely grated zest of 1 large lemon
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp fine sea salt
½ cup crushed freeze-dried raspberries
1 cup sliced almonds, toasted, divided Icing sugar, for dusting (optional)
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 18-by-13-inch pan with parchment paper and set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together coconut oil, sugar, extracts and lemon zest until well combined and smooth. Sift flour and salt over wet ingredients and stir mixture with a wooden spoon until just combined. Stir in freeze-dried raspberries and ⅓ cup almonds just to incorporate.
Press cookie dough evenly onto bottom of prepared pan. Sprinkle remaining almonds overtop and gently press into surface of dough. Bake brittle until golden brown and firm to the touch (about 20 to 24 minutes). Allow brittle to cool in pan on a wire rack to room temperature. Cut or break into desired size before dusting with icing sugar (if desired) and enjoying. Brittle may be stored refrigerated in an airtight container for up to one week.
Rye, Chocolate & Cherry Cookies
Yield: About 36 cookies
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Think of this cookie as the big sibling to a chocolate chip cookie: a little more complex and nuanced but just as charming. If you choose not to imbibe, this recipe is equally delicious when you replace the bourbon with either coffee or cherry juice. Take note that this recipe is best started a day before you plan on baking cookies.
3 cups dried tart cherries
½ cup bourbon (your choice)
¾ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1¼ cups granulated sugar
1½ cups + 1¾ cups dark chocolate, coarsely chopped, divided
3 large eggs, at room temperature
1 large egg white, at room temperature
1 tbsp vanilla extract
2 cups dark rye flour
1 cup Dutch processed cocoa powder
1½ tsp fine sea salt
1½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
½ cup cocoa nibs
Smoked flaky sea salt, for garnish (optional)
The night before you plan on baking cookies, in a medium airtight container with a lid, stir together cherries and bourbon. Cover and refrigerate overnight, stirring periodically.
The next day, in a medium heat-safe bowl, add butter, granulated sugar and 1½ cups chopped chocolate. Place over a medium saucepan filled with 1 inch of simmering water. (Take care not to let bowl touch water.) Stir mixture frequently with a wooden spatula until melted and almost smooth. Place a kitchen towel on work surface, remove bowl from saucepan and set on top of towel. Whisk in eggs, one at a time, making sure each is well incorporated before adding the next. Whisk in egg white and vanilla until combined. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together rye flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, baking soda and cocoa nibs. Make a well in the centre of dry ingredients and pour in butter mixture. Using a wooden spoon, stir together until just combined. Drain cherries, reserving any remaining liquid for another use (such as a cocktail), and add to dough along with remaining 1¾ cups chopped chocolate. Fold into dough until just incorporated, taking care not to overmix. Transfer dough to refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°F. Line two or three baking trays with parchment paper and set aside.
Using 2 tbsp of dough for each cookie, roll into balls and place 2 inches apart on prepared baking trays. Gently press down on each ball with the palm of your hand to create a disk half as thick as the original balls were. Sprinkle each cookie with some smoked sea salt, if using. Bake cookies, one tray at a time, until set around the edges (about 10 minutes). Let cookies cool for 10 minutes on baking tray before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely at room temperature. Cookies will last in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Bottle Swap 101
Nothing feels quite so special as taking a beloved and wholesome tradition like the cookie exchange and modifying it with the lure of fermented grape juice. In fact, a wine exchange is a great way to get yourself out of your drinking rut and expand your knowledge with a little bit of outside influence. Before you dive in, however, study these principals to guide you to a successful event.
By Neal McLennan
Set a price range. Somebody contributing a bottle of Oculus and bringing home a bottle of Mateus ain’t cool. Between $25 and $35 opens a broad spectrum of options from e very grape and every country.
Don’t trot out your old standby. You may love Meiomi, but it’s already widely known and will be a surprise to no one.
If you really don’t know wine, get some help from the staff at your local wine store. Tell them you like Meiomi and ask for something that has a similar taste profile but is from a different region.
Tap into your wine club if you have one.
Any bottle from your club will be great, as they’re tough to source for most people. Ditto that bottle you picked up on your road trip to the Okanagan last summer.
Be prepared to justify your choice. “I love chardonnay, b ut I discovered chenin blanc on a trip to South Africa.”
Despite all of these rules... this is fun, not a contest. When we drink new wine, everyone
A perfect sipper for the cookie exchange
Choosing a pairing that can run the gamut from ginger and molasses to the palest sugar cookie is no small feat. So, let’s harness the power of bubbles and riesling to create a wine with high natural acidity that will cut the cookies’ sweetness and some warm citrus tones that will balance mouthfeel. Tantalus pioneered the style, but they’re sadly not making it this year—luckily, the talented Anthony Buchanan has taken up the mantle with his Riesling Blanc de Blanc And it’s (almost) under $35 to boot!
Gingerbread & Tangerine Linzer Cookies
Yield: About 30 cookies
Prep Time: 3½ hours
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Instead of gingerbread men this year, try this fresh take on the classic gingerbread flavour. To ensure the cookies hold their shape and don’t shrink while baking, make sure the dough is very cold before placing in the oven. Feel free to play around with different cookie cutter shapes for this recipe, but take note that the shape may slightly affect the baking time.
5 large egg yolks
1 tbsp cornstarch
½ tsp fine sea salt, divided
½ cup + ⅓ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature, divided
2 tbsp finely grated tangerine zest
¾ cup freshly squeezed tangerine juice
¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp ground ginger
¾ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground allspice
¼ tsp ground cloves
½ cup packed light brown sugar
¼ cup fancy molasses
1 large egg
½ tsp vanilla extract
Icing sugar, for dusting
Start by making tangerine curd. In a large bowl, whisk together egg yolks, cornstarch and ¼ tsp salt until well combined. Set aside.
Cut ½ cup butter into cubes and set aside.
In a shallow sauté pan or large saucepan, continuously stir together zest, juices and sugar over medium heat until mixture starts to simmer. While whisking continuously, very slowly pour about three-quarters of the warm tangerine mixture into the egg mixture. Pour the now tempered egg mixture back into the sauté pan with remaining tangerine mixture and set over low to medium-low heat. Cook, whisking continuously, until mixture thickens and reaches 175 to 180°F on an instant-read thermometer (about 2 to 3 minutes). Take care, as mixture can curdle easily if heat is too high or you stop whisking.
Once mixture has reached the desired temperature, remove sauté pan from heat and immediately whisk in cubed butter one cube at a time, making sure each piece is fully melted and incorporated before adding the next. Pour curd into a heat-proof jar or bowl and cover with
plastic wrap or parchment paper so that it is touching the surface of the curd (this will prevent a skin from forming). Refrigerate while making cookie dough (or for up to one week).
To make gingerbread cookies, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, allspice, cloves and remaining ¼ tsp salt in a large bowl. Set aside.
In bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together remaining ⅓ cup butter and brown sugar until lightened in colour (about 3 minutes). Add molasses and mix to combine. Scrape down sides of bowl with a rubber spatula before adding egg and vanilla, mixing on low speed until well incorporated. Add reserved flour mixture and combine until just incorporated. Separate dough in half and form each half into a disk. Wrap each disk in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3 to 24 hours.
Line two baking trays with parchment paper and set aside.
Remove one disk of dough from fridge and place on a wellfloured work surface. Using a rolling pin, roll dough out to a thickness between ¼ and ⅛ inch. With a 3-inch fluted-edge cookie cutter, cut out disks of dough and place on prepared baking trays. Use a 1-inch fluted-edge cutter to cut out the centres from half the cookies. Repeat entire process with second disk of dough, then place trays in freezer.
Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°F.
Bake cookies, one tray at a time, until cookies are set around edges (about 8 to 10 minutes). Allow cookies to cool on baking tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely before assembling.
When ready to assemble, place all the centre-cut cookies on a baking tray and dust with icing sugar. Place a rounded teaspoon of tangerine curd in the centre of each full cookie and then sandwich it with an icing sugar-dusted cookie. Repeat with remaining cookies. While best the day they are assembled, gingerbread and tangerine linzer cookies will keep refrigerated in an airtight container for 4 days.
Hazelnut Meringue Kisses
Yield: About 40 cookies
Prep Time: 45 minutes + cooling time
Cook Time: 1½ hours
These two-bite, gluten-free treasures might just steal the show on the cookie tray. You’ll have more orange caramel cream than needed to fill these sandwich cookies. The leftover cream can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks and used however your heart desires.
8 tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup packed light brown sugar
¼ tsp fine sea salt
⅓ cup whole milk + more as needed to thin
1 tbsp finely grated orange zest
2 tsp vanilla extract, divided 2½ cups icing sugar, sifted, divided 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
¼ tsp cream of tartar
Pinch fine sea salt
½ cup granulated sugar
½ tsp ground cinnamon
1 cup toasted and skinned hazelnuts, chopped to a mix of fine and pea-sized pieces
Start by making orange caramel cream. In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, add butter, brown sugar and salt. Place over medium heat and let mixture melt together, stirring often with a whisk.
Once melted and well combined, increase heat to medium high and, continuously stirring, bring mixture to a boil. Remove from heat and slowly whisk in milk and orange zest. Return saucepan to medium high and, whisking constantly, bring mixture back to a boil. Remove from heat, stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract and set saucepan aside for 25 minutes.
Transfer cooled mixture to bowl of a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment. Add 2 cups icing sugar and mix on low speed, scraping down sides of bowl as needed, until mixture is smooth and creamy, with the consistency of frosting.
If orange caramel cream is too thick, add more milk, 1 tsp at a time, until you achieve a thick but spreadable consistency. Set aside.
To make hazelnut meringues, start by placing oven racks in upper and lower third of oven before preheating to 250°F. Line two baking trays with parchment paper and set aside. Prepare a piping bag with a large star or circle tip. (Take care to make sure piping tip is large enough for chopped nuts to pass through.)
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, add egg whites, cream of tartar and salt. Mix on medium speed until egg whites are loose and foamy (2 to 3 minutes). Increase speed to high and gradually add granulated sugar 1 tbsp at a time until egg whites are stiff and glossy. Add remaining 1 tsp vanilla extract and whisk until well incorporated. Remove bowl from stand mixer and, with a rubber spatula, add remaining ½ cup icing sugar and cinnamon. Gently fold in until mostly incorporated.
Add hazelnuts and gently fold until everything is just combined.
Transfer meringue to the prepared piping bag. Pipe scant tablespoon mounds of meringue onto prepared baking trays, keeping each meringue about 1 inch apart. Bake meringues for 1 hour before turning oven off and letting meringues cool in the unopened oven until crisp and easily removed from parchment paper (about 1½ to 2 hours).
When ready to serve, pair similar sized meringues together. Smear some orange caramel cream onto one half and sandwich with another meringue on top. Repeat with remaining meringues.
Hazelnut meringue cookies will last for up to two weeks in an airtight container. If they become soft, re-crisp them in an oven at 200°F for 10 minutes. Turn off the oven and let them cool in unopened oven for an hour or so.
Caramelized Onion Shortbread
Yield: About 14 cookies
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Shortbread is a classic holiday cookie offering. This recipe shakes up traditional shortbread by packing it full of savoury flavours, making them hors d’oeuvre worthy. A great make-ahead tip is to roll the dough out and refrigerate between pieces of parchment for up to two days. When you’re ready, simply cut out in desired shapes, bake and enjoy alongside soup, cheeses or a glass of wine.
1 tbsp + ½ cup unsalted butter, divided
1 tsp grapeseed oil
½ large yellow onion, diced
¼ tsp kosher salt
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
¼ cup icing sugar
2 tsp finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
1 cup + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tbsp raw pumpkin seeds
1 tbsp raw sesame seeds
1 tbsp poppy seeds
1 egg white
1 tbsp water
In a small frying pan, heat 1 tbsp butter and the oil over medium heat. Add onions and salt and cook, stirring often, until translucent and starting to caramelize (5 to 10 minutes). Add granulated sugar and continue to cook, stirring often, until onions caramelize further (another 4 to 6 minutes). Deglaze pan with red wine vinegar and cook until all liquid has evaporated. Transfer onions to a plate lined with two layers of paper towel. Set aside and allow to cool to room temperature.
In bowl of a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream together remaining ½ cup butter and icing sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add thyme, flour and cooled onions. Combine on low speed until a crumbly dough forms.
Dump dough out onto a large piece of parchment and press together with your hands. Top dough with another large piece of parchment and roll to just under ½-inch thick. Transfer dough from parchment to a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking trays with parchment and set aside.
In a small bowl, stir together pumpkin, sesame and poppy seeds. In another small bowl, use a fork to whisk together egg white and water to make an egg wash.
With a 2½-inch round cookie cutter, cut out cookies from chilled dough and divide rounds evenly among prepared baking trays. Brush top of each cookie lightly with egg wash and sprinkle with seed medley. Place baking trays in refrigerator for 10 minutes to chill, and then bake, one tray at a time, until edges are just barely golden brown (10 to 12 minutes). Allow shortbread to rest on tray for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Shortbread can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
NO SKIS? NO PROBLEM
Not-So Slippery Slope
Select chalet rooms at Wedge Mountain Lodge and Spa (pictured here) have private firepits for guests to indulge in. But all visitors can appreciate the floor-to-ceiling windows (right).
There’s a contingent of humanity who see “sliding down the side of a mountain” as a euphemism for “inevitable hospital visit.” If that resonates with you, here’s how I spent a leisurely, luxurious Whistler weekend, blissfully devoid of ski poles and sans goggle sunburn. BY KERRI DONALDSON
Friday 3:30 P.M.
CHECKING IN
Just north of Whistler in the WedgeWoods neighbourhood, the 12,000-square-foot paradise that is the Wedge Mountain Lodge and Spa (9120 Riverside Dr., wedgemountainlodge.com) promises pampering and spa-like relaxation without the immediate risk of tumbling down a mountain: perfect for a non-skier like me. Designed for groups of up to 20, the full lodge rents out starting at $6,500 a night, but prices can reach
up to $28,500 per night during the holidays—so yes, you could say it’s exclusive. And slightly swankier than my usual accommodations, sure, but they say you should do one thing every day that scares you so... let’s go.
On arrival, I’m greeted with a champagne sabring reception—an experience that screams “decadence” with an added dash of “potential for injury,” but it’s still safer than me navigating Blackcomb’s slopes. The glass-encased wine cellar at the entrance to the lodge is a shrine to boozy opulence. My suite, one of 10 chic
chalet rooms, has a private patio overlooking the coastal mountains. There’s no firepit here, like some of the other rooms have, but I’ll make do with the lodge’s private movie theatre, personal chef, pools (one heated, one cold-plunge), hot tub, sauna area and exercise room. Donning my cozy chalet robe and slippers, I immediately and happily abandon my former life in favour of this new Mountain Glamour Goddess persona. I’ll later fall asleep on top of my bed in that robe, but still.
WHISTLER
6:45 P.M.
HOME COOKIN’
Dinner is courtesy of our own private chef Bill Grimshaw, but there’s also top-tier staff here who float in the background to cater to any Peak Diva whims. (They’ll even laugh at your puns! Now this is five-star service!) The meal is a love letter to the region’s best local producers, and, more importantly, fondue: a great way to experience chalet culture while justifying the eating of So. Much. Cheese.
We feast on braised short ribs, fresh lemon-zest-dusted salmon roasted with veggies and another round of fondue—this time, of the chocolate variety and featuring fruit and house-made marshmallows. (Fondue is a major part of the Mountain Glamour Goddess lifestyle, I’m quickly learning.)
9:00 P.M.
TAKING THE PLUNGE
The best way to ward off a postfondue coma? By taking another kind of dip. If you’re a cold plunge die-hard, you can easily go from hot to cold in the 3,000-squarefoot spa here at Wedge Mountain. Challenge accepted. I move from the sauna to the ice-cold pool, Wim Hof-ing my heart out under the stars.
Take Me Higher
From top clockwise: The view from the Peak 2 Peak gondola; après-ing slopeside at Garibaldi Lift Co.; Whistler Village.
Saturday
10:00 A.M.
ON THE UPAND-UP
While skiers and boarders clomp around in their boots trying their best not to face plant on the stairs, I’m in my leisure-casual best, headed up on the gondola to experience the beauty of the mountains without the need to slide down them. The Peak 2 Peak gondola (whistlerblackcomb.com) is the perfect, easy ride between Blackcomb and Whistler mountains: I’m lucky to nab one of the special ones with a transparent glass bottom. It’s not for the height-wary, but I get to sit the whole time and I don’t need to know how to brake— gondola riders, 1; snowboarders, 0. After my peaceful high-flying mountain hop adventure is done, I grab an obligatory selfie standing triumphantly in front of the Olympic rings, partly because that’s as close as I’m ever going to get to them, and partly because I feel like a winner.
12:30 P.M.
ABOVE IT ALL
All that leisurely sitting at high altitudes works up an appetite, so a natural stop for both athletes and relax-thletes (coined it here first) is Steeps Grill (4853 Springs Ln., whistlerblackcomb.com), perched atop Whistler Mountain in the Roundhouse Lodge (we go Peak 2 Peak and Lodge 2 Lodge around here). The vibe is “busy chalet” meets “fancy mountain pub,” and the menu is about the same. The short-rib poutine ($28) is as good as it sounds: fries smothered in slow-cooked beef and squeaky curds (we relax-thletes need to carbo-load too), with some crispy kale snuck in for good measure. Then, after filling up on panoramic views and slow-cooked meats, it’s time for me to head down (not that way, though!).
1:00 P.M.
THE VILLAGE PEOPLE
Party central awaits at the foot of the mountain. This is the intersection of athlete and patio, where nightlife begins after lunch and college kids can be found dancing on tables in coordinating theme outfits (in this case, the theme appears to be denim). I’m not particularly in the mood to hop up there with them (is it the poutine or my knees? A lady never tells) so instead I stroll the Village promenade, popping into Ruby Tuesday (26a–4314 Main St., rubytuesdayaccessories .com) to peruse some glittery things—I’ve been flirting with the idea of an anklet for a while—and then Helly Hansen and The North Face (4295 Blackcomb Wy., hellyhansen.com; 32–4314 Main St., thenorthface.com) to
see the latest outdoor gear and fantasize about what my heli-skier alter-ego might wear, then Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory (210–4293 Mountain Sq., rockychoc.com) because chocolate. If shopping is a cardio experience, then maybe I am an athlete after all? Let’s call this a Mountain Glamour Goddess workout.
5:00 P.M.
HAPPIER HOUR
I have done no alpine activities today, so I’m not sure, technically speaking, that I can call my afternoon drinks “après,” but the locals don’t care when I join them at Garibaldi Lift Co. (4165 Springs Ln., garibaldiliftco.com) for some craft beers, socializing and comfort food. The prime-rib beef GLC burger ($24) on a scallion bun is ultimate comfort fare, particularly after adding blue cheese ($3), and the accompanying waffle fries are a revelation in this skinny-fries-obsessed world. I post up on the heated outdoor upper patio for some prime people-watching, a stiff but very ginger-forward Dutch mule ($18) as my plus-one, as we spectate the Village shenanigans like a sport before an après-après nightcap at the most exclusive cocktail bar in Whistler: my suite at Wedge Mountain Lodge.
Sunday
10:00 A.M.
CULTURE CRAWL
After pocketing some more Chef Bill scones for the road, I hop in our chauffeured van (fancy me!) and get whisked away to the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre ($25 admission for adults, 4584 Blackcomb Wy., slcc.ca) for a guided tour through the historical regalia and artifacts that reflect the rich heritage of the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations. The hand drum welcome song is the soundtrack to exploring stunning hand-carved canoes, totems (one recently completed by Lil’wat master carver Jonathan Joe) and historical garb, each accompanied by thoughtful storytelling and interesting facts. (Did you know there used to be a specific dog whose fur made up most of the local community’s textiles until it went extinct?) The short documentary Where Rivers, Mountains and People Meet plays regularly in the theatre, and gives me another glimpse at the beauty and heritage of the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations.
11:30 A.M.
ART SMARTS
Next on my culture crawl is the Audain Art Museum (4350 Blackcomb Wy., audainartmuseum .com)—the building itself is an architectural work of art hidden within the B.C. landscape. Inside, I find equally compelling art pieces, starting with the red cedar wall (The Dance Screen [The Scream Too]) that greets me. There are nearly 200 works by B.C. artists in the permanent collection here (Tom Thomson, Emily Carr, Stan Douglas), along with a significant Northwest Coast First Nations mask collection and a
showcase of many legendary and contemporary Indigenous artists. The one-hour public guided tour is well worth it (and is included with the $22 admission, so why shouldn’t I?) but just wandering through the building itself (all wood, slate and glass) connects me to the landscape in a way that makes the art resonate.
1:00 P.M.
TO THE SKIES!
Honestly, I’m anticipating the ziplining to be a nightmare experience. How many times can I express that I do not want to be hurled down a mountain this weekend? But the fearless leader of our Ziptrek Ecotours Eagle Tour ($129, 4282 Mountain Sq., whistler.ziptrek.com) straps me into a harness, carabiners me (that’s a verb, right?) to a giant rope and sends me flying through the air and over Fitzsimmons Valley... and the bird’s eye view turns out to be a (heart-pounding) joy.
It’s an adrenaline rush paired with an eco-education—an unlikely but delightful combo—as the staff educate me about the flora and the fauna in the area while I catch my breath from silent screaming my way across valleys. Five ziplines lead to four treetop bridges, so the whole experience lasts around three hours, and I’m grateful I grabbed an OG Box from Picnic (snack size, $15; 113–4368 Main St., picnicwhistler.com) before I zipped. The on-the-go charcuterie set is packed with local cheeses, meats, artisanal crackers and veggies along with a variety
of nuts, chutney and pickles: basically the Mary Poppins bag equivalent of snack box, and absolutely Mountain Glamour Goddess fare.
6:00 P.M.
A CHILL DINNER
My Whistler weekend culminates with a unique dining experience at Bearfoot Bistro’s “The Magic of Maple” pop-up (4121 Village Gr., bearfootbistro.com). The staff have donned their best plaids with blue jeans, which amuses the regulars but only reminds me of every boyfriend I had during the early 2000s. The Quebec-inspired popup includes a thoughtful multicourse meal (from $50) including (duh) maple-inspired cocktails, but the seasonally inspired regular menu here looks pretty good too (no offence to Chef Bill back at the lodge): think wagyu beef, Périgord truffles and Berkshire pork. Full on this maple feast, I descend for a tour of Bearfoot’s 15,000-bottle wine cellar and the Grey Goose Ice Room—the world’s coldest vodka tasting room, which was cooler than I thought it would be, pun very much intended.
10:00 P.M.
SWEET DREAMS
As I tuck myself in for one last night at the lodge, I feel both rejuvenated and downhearted. Rejuvenated because I’ve experienced the pinnacle of luxury... and downhearted because this Mountain Glamour Goddess has a sink full of dishes waiting for her at home. I can only hope this brief but beautiful taste of the good life hasn’t ruined me. Turns out I am an outdoorsy winter person—so long as a private luxury lodge is involved.
VINO IN THE VALLEY
The Fraser Valley, that is. Welcome to Langley wine country.
BY NEAL McLENNAN
There’s plenty we can learn from Hallmark movies, but no lesson has been more valuable than this: sometimes love is lurking in your own backyard, and you just need to have the courage to find it. I am, of course, talking about wine.
Much like the protagonist in 2012’s Hitched for the Holidays (starring a very grown-up Joey Lawrence), I have some trepidation as I point my car south down Highway 99. Not because I’m desperately looking for a partner to fool my parents before Christmas, but because I’m doing something with much higher stakes. Wine touring. In the winter. In Langley.
For Western Canadians, visiting wineries comes with a pretty specific set of criteria: it takes place in the Okanagan, during the summer, and it’s always crowded. The reward for this is excellent wine served up against a stunning backdrop. But the last few years have made this ritual more fraught—first with the ever-present wildfires, then with the less publicized but far more damaging winter cold snaps, which have ravaged the vines to an unprecedented degree.
Historically, the option at our doorstep— the Fraser Valley—got about as much respect from wine lovers as 2018’s Frozen in Love got from the Oscars. But in the last few years, the wines emerging from these temperate vineyards have been not just surprising, but standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the best in the country. The traditional challenge of getting the grapes here ripe enough has become a positive in the era of climate change and shifting tastes toward fresher wine. My first stop
Dreaming of a Wine Christmas Clockwise from top: Township 7’s tasting area; T7’s fabulous sparkling wine, Sirius; Chaberton Estate Winery’s excellent unoaked chardonnay; and high-end French barrels at Chaberton.
is Township 7, whose insanely good sparkling wine, Sirius, was the first to open my eyes to the region’s potential when it debuted a few years back. The turnoff from Highway 99 takes you through Surrey and past the Pacific Highway border crossing and, within five minutes, you’re a metaphorical miles away from any suburban bustle. Farms abut either side of the road, and you’re sharing the right of way with horses here, so the pace just seems to slow with each passing kilometre. By the time you turn into the winery, you’re already at peak mellow.
The modest tasting room—this isn’t Mission Hill, kids—is surrounded by the chardonnay and pinot noir vines that go into Township 7’s amazing bubbles. Most wineries scale back their hours in the winter, but T7, like most of the other spots in the region, keeps it going 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week (later on Friday and Saturday), in part because locals treat these wineries like their neighbourhood liquor stores, frequently stopping by on their way home from work to grab a bottle for dinner. Another lovely throwback to the early days of the Okanagan Valley boom? The tasting fees (that start at $10) are waived with the purchase of wine, a practice that seems to be waning as other wineries maximize all their revenue sources. T7 has the benefit of having a much larger winery and significant landholdings in the Okanagan, so my tasting also includes bold reds, which would be exception-
ally tricky to grow here. And while I go for the entry-level tasting, had I wished, I could have dropped a still pretty reasonable $30 to learn the art of sabring a bottle of bubbles and taken a deep dive into the history of sparkling wine.
If T7 has been moving the needle with its pricey bubbles, my next stop, a mere three minutes away, takes a more egalitarian approach to the art. Old timers will remember Domaine de Chaberton as the OG of Fraser Valley wineries, but a new ownership group bought the historic property in 2005, dropped the “Domaine” and did a full-on rebuild of the brand as Chaberton Estate Winery: new labels, new winemaking ethos, an investment in high-end French barrels and a doubling (or, to be honest, probably tripling) down on quality. That sort of glow-up is usually followed by a corresponding rise in price, but as I amble into the tasting room, I’m blown away by the old-school pricing—huge swaths of the varietal-specific bottles are priced at $18.95. And make no mistake, the wine is good (the unoaked chardonnay is one of the better deals I’ve seen) and it’s enabled Chaberton to quietly become the fourthbiggest winery in the province. That might, coupled with a long track record, allows the winery to secure excellent grapes from Okanagan growers so that, like T7, it can offer a full range of wine. But, after strolling 50 acres of vineyards, I’m most interested in the local grapes—so I make a beeline for the
gamay noir and it’s everything I want in a cool-climate red: juicy, crunchy, light and focused. And $21.95. Dee, the resident master of the tasting room, nods her approval.
My final stop, Backyard Vineyards, is a whopping seven minutes away at a leisurely 40km/hr pace of traffic. I pass several new vineyards that look to have just been planted: just babies compared to the 20-plusyear-old pinot noir grapes at my destination. Like T7, Backyard uses the pinot exclusively for a sparkling blanc de noir, but the winery also buys the hybrid grape Bacchus from some neighbouring vineyards, as well as some Okanagan grapes. It feels very much family-run—there’s a fire in the corner of the tasting room and, if you’re wined out, Backyard sell four-packs of the local Camp Brewing’s beer in the fridge. The vibe is very warm and fuzzy, not unlike the feel-good sentiment of A Cookie Cutter Christmas, filmed not far from here, which seems fitting.
WINING AND DINING
BAVARIA OVER THE BORDER
A trip to Germany might just be closer than it seems.
BY JOY PECKNOLD
Guten Tag
The city is known for its farmhouse architecture.
THE QUICKEST WAY TO GET TO A QUAINT BAVARIAN VILLAGE FROM VANCOUVER?
Drive across the U.S. border. After weaving through Washington’s scenic Cascade Mountains and reaching Leavenworth, the first sign you’ll see that it’s not a typical American town is, well, the signs—all writ in gothic typefaces. Then, German farmhouse-style buildings appear, some bearing hand-painted frescoes known as Lüftlmalerei. In the 1960s, to thwart a ghost town future and inspired by some geographical similarities, the city moved to model itself after Bemalte Fassaden, Leipzig and Munich. That means a biergarten-peppered landscape, year-round Christmas stores and a Nutcracker Museum—but with winery tasting rooms and notBavarian restaurants, it’s not all Kölsch and kitsch.
EAT
ALL THREE WINERIES have covered picnic areas and sell charcuterie platters (although this being friendly Langley, they’re more than happy for you to order a tasting flight of wine and Uber Eats some Thai food should you so desire—try doing that at Burrowing Owl and see how it goes). In addition, Chaberton Estate has its own well-regarded bistro that feels like you’re eating right in the vineyard and is open for European-inspired dining Wednesday through Sunday.
Start with the situational classics—sit-down schnitzel, spätzle or wurst at Andreas Keller (andreaskellerrestaurant .com), a family-run restaurant that’s been serving traditional fare since 1989. For those who don’t mind the cold or want German fare to-go, München Haus (munchenhaus.com) is a counter-service courtyard with a robust draft beer list (the owners also founded local Icicle Brewing), charbroiled sausages and more than a dozen specialty mustards. When a break from Bavaria is in order, there’s the Watershed Cafe’s seasonal menus of farm-to-table Pacific Northwest cuisine and regional wines (watershedpnw.com). Naturally, sockeye’s on the menu, but it’s their specialty meatloaf that’s most talked about. For handmade pansoti, bigoli and pappardelle alongside proper
cocktails, head down the alley behind the Stein beer hall to Larch (larchleavenworth.com).
STAY
Perched along the Wenatchee River, adultonly Posthotel (posthotelleavenworth.com) is a European-style Alpine spa resort right in the heart of town. Guests are encouraged to roam around the property in their bathrobes and slippers as they move between the pools, saunas and steam and treatment rooms. Within the 55 suites are white linen-clad king beds, marble soaking tubs, fireplaces and, in some, French wooden doors that open onto balconies and terraces with mountain views. It’s nearly all-inclusive too, with a buffet breakfast, light lunch and a few seasonal activities thrown in.
PLAY
About 40 minutes by car outside town is the oldest operating ski area in Washington, Stevens
Pass (stevenspass.com). Thanks to cooler easterlies, the resort enjoys drier snow than the West Coast average. The way its two major peaks meet means that all frontside runs funnel to the base, making it especially friendly for first-timers. Off Route 2 just beyond the resort is Scenic Hot Springs (scenichotsprings.com), a reservation-only spot reached by a three-kilometre uphill hike, which, during winter, requires snowshoes. In summer, natural spring water feeds into three man-made pools on a hilltop, with only 15 spots available per day. For a lower impact, still-high-reward activity, there’s Bavarian Walking Tours (bavarianwalkingtours .com). The Sip and Stroll option dispenses both town history and wein during stops at local wineries’ tasting rooms. Taking this tour November through February is particularly magical, as Leavenworth becomes “Christmastown” and gets dressed up in half a million lights.
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1 Design Fairs
Furniture lines and materials stick with me whenever I travel to a design show— I still specify Squid linen products from the Biennale Interieur expo in Kortrijk, Belgium —but it’s also about the lifelong friendships I’ve made during these trips. Those friends continue to support my work and feed my creative energy. 3daysofdesign in Copenhagen is next on my list!
3 Learning to Cook
I don’t always succeed, but I love the sense of completion with the effort involved in hosting friends and family. Last summer I visited a cooking school created by Vancouver ex-pat Julia Marr and her partner, Francesco Creanza: Everyone at the Table in the town of Altamura in Puglia, Italy It was nothing short of amazing. I cannot wait for their cookbook to come out.
2 Hotel Lobbies
I frequent the Ace (left) and other design-oriented boutique hotels whenever I can—even if I’m not staying there, I like to grab a drink in their lobby or dinner at their restaurant. The spaces are often inspired from a design perspective and attract likeminded guests and visitors who are interesting to chat with, and I love how they function day and night with a consistent concept and mood.
5 Things That Inspire Designer Denise Ashmore
4 Wandering
I am a curious traveller and I love the experience of just happening across places and exploring new cities. Matera, Italy, was my latest discovery: it’s a UNESCO heritage site Be sure to stay at least one night so you can experience the limestone streets when they’re quiet and witness the sunset at this amazing historic site.
5 Art Installations
I was lucky enough to tour interior designer and art collector Axel Vervoordt’s planned residential community Kanaal in Belgium : an industrial site that was converted into a live-work community. There are permanent galleries, green spaces and architectural curiosities—and I still refer to it today in my work.
Kari Henshaw of Insight Design Group and Denise Ashmore of Project 22 Design in Belgium.
