EDITOR’S MUSINGS
What’s new? So glad you asked! While Dabble’s mission to bring the world’s best design, travel and food to our readers will never change, we are committed to making meaningful improvements with each issue. To that end, Dabble is now being delivered to you on a new platform—one that allows for easier sharing, has a feature for bookmarking and note taking, and gives you the option to flip (turn the pages) or slide through the issue. The new features are easily accessed through a convenient toolbar. If you’d like to take a tour of the new features, please watch the video. The changes don’t end behind the scenes either. Team Dabble welcomes, the one and only (well, two and only) Moggit Girls, Janet Villeneuve and Joy Zaczyk. As the Quick Tip Chix they’ll bring us style on a budget. Christine DaCosta launches her new What’s Trending column and guest photographer Cherie-Lynn Buchannan snapped our stunning New Orleans feature. We can’t thank you enough for all of your support. Enjoy the end of summer and we hope the fall finds you dabbling in something fabulous. Follow me... t f
@kimberleyseldon www.facebook.com/KimberleySeldon
Kimberley Seldon
Editor in Chief
September/October 2011 dabble 5
SEPT/OCT 2011
Kimberley Seldon Editor in Chief
Simon Burn Creative Director and Principal Photographer
Cheryl Horne Managing Editor
Victoria Drainville Associate Editor
Bob Seldon Captain Crisis
Design Contributors Lisa Canning, Christine Da Costa, Nyla Free, Erin Mercer, Nicholas Rosaci, Janet Villeneuve, Joy Zaczyk
Travel Contributors Kathy Buckworth, Heather Greenwood Davis, Stephanie Gray, Beth Halstead, Anne Taylor Hartzell, Matt Long, Jennifer Weatherhead
Food Contributors Theresa Albert, Corey Burgan, Jameson Fink, David Laudenback, Fiona Van Alstyne
Design & Styling Team www.kimberleyseldon.com Kathy Seale, Bret Tinson, Linda Jennings
Media and Public Relations Tim Das, Aysun Kuck media@dabblemag.com
Advertising Inquiries aysun@dabblemag.com
Owned and Published by Kimberley Seldon Productions Inc. Cheryl Horne, Managing Director cheryl@kimberleyseldon.com
909 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto, Ontario M4P 2Z6 101 California Ave, Santa Monica, California 90403
www.dabblemag.com info@dabblemag.com While every effort has been made to ensure that advertisements and articles appear correctly, Dabble Magazine and Kimberley Seldon Productions Inc. cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused directly or indirectly by the contents of this publication. All material is intended for informational purposes only. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of its publisher or editor. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part prohibited without written permission from the publisher.
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y er ev in sue is 14 Dabble Here, Dabble There, Dabble Dabble Everywhere 15
On the Web
16
Dabble Digs
20
Special Feature CityLine
140 I dabble in... Kelli Catana 142 Just a Dab
DABBLE DOES NEW ORLEANS Join Dabble’s contributors as they search for the best design, travel and food the Big Easy has to offer.
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design HOME TOURS 38
Rough Luxe Kahi Lee
50
Honey I’m Home Deborah Wecselman
58
Aussie Ahhh Steven Stewart
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24
Take 3 Shelf Life
30
Quick Tip Chix Extend the Season
31
Reality Check Custom Area Carpet
37
DIY Guy Cover Ready
46
Special Feature Design Gives Back
57
What’s Trending Chevron
64
Industry Profile India Hicks
67
Infusion Michael Dizon
travel
FEATURED DESTINATIONS 70
Road Raves Eating Argentina
106 Snapshot Spotlight on Jordan
75
Travel Geek Apps and Gadgets
76
Dabble Dare Higher Ground
111 Room with a View Fall Colours 112 Best Places For Cruising 114 Exposure Camera Equipment
September/October 2011 dabble 11
food
FEATURED 124 Eat Like a Jamaican 134 Entertain Me Pajama Party
118 A Taste Of... Donuts 122 From Scratch Fresh Rolls 130 Dinner Date Trop Mignon, Too Cute 132 There’s an App for That Wine Pairings 138 Sindulgence Ginger Rogers
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CityLine
Sept 15
Kimberley hangs out with host Tracy Moore as guest design expert on CityTV’s CityLine. www.cityline.ca
Fall Home Show, Toronto
Sept 22-25
Watch for Dabble design contributors Janet Villeneuve and Joy Zaczyk (aka Moggitgirls) when they appear on stage at Toronto’s Fall Home Show. Make sure to say hello. www.fallhomeshow.com
Find out what Dabble’s contributors have on the go this fall.
! ck u L Good
Special shout out to design contributor Nyla Free who is one of eight finalists up for Western Living’s Designer of the Year Award.
Design Express 2012: Charleston & Savannah Join Kimberley Seldon for a truly unique travel experience. Immerse yourself in the land of southern hospitality. Enjoy 5 days and 4 nights in 2 amazing cities. $3,495 double occupancy* Space is limited, so register today. www.dabblemag.com *see website for complete details.
June 13-17
On the web...
Say hi... t f
@dabblemag www.facebook.com/dabblemag
Dabble TV
What's in Store... ...“Only the season’s hottest trend,” says Dabble’s Editor-in-Chief. Check out Kimberley’s day of industrial chic shopping at Domaine in Calgary, Alberta. Watch the video...
New Articl
e
Experience Thailand Building on her Thailand adventure, Beth Halstead shares her experience of hiking in the lush hills outside Chiang Mai province in northern Thailand. Read more...
in
Enter to W
Tomboy Tools Pink Diamond Kit Two lucky winners will receive a signature pink toolbox featuring a chrome plated top with a diamond pattern. Contains 15 tools, accessories and safety items. Enter for your chance to win!
Congrats!
Kelly Lewis of Ontario, Canada
Kelly is the lucky winner of this stunning area carpet from Hellenic Canada (value $1,500). The transitional pattern is an ideal way to add warmth to your home. Congratulations. September/October 2011 dabble 15
digs
Artful Walls High style is on a roll with these drop dead sexy papers by Trove. Enyo wallpaper, US$13-$16 sq/ft, Trove www.troveline.com
Design contributor Lisa Canning unearths these fab fall finds for design, travel and food enthusiasts.
PHOTO BY: Michael Dave Dizon
The Boss Sits Here This beanbag chair is a mighty fine seat and is available in a variety of colours and prints. Black Grey Plaid Beanbag Chair, CA$149, Bean Bag Boss www.beanbagboss.com
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n ig Des Carpet Love Wake up a tired seating arrangement with a flash injection of colour and pattern under foot. Emmeline red, silver, taupe area rug, CA$190, Korhani www.korhani.com Frame it Naturally Wood and linen frames are a natural for budding art collectors. Ash wood and linen picture frames, CA$24-59, Indigo www.indigo.ca
Fish Out of Water These frolicking koi are bound to make a splash at your place. Koi Fish Upholstered Cube, US$79, Cost Plus World Market www.worldmarket.com
Play Architect Where did Barbie find time to get her degree in architecture? Architect Barbie, US$14, Mattel www.shop.mattel.com
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l ve ra T digs Lunch Time Keep meals handy in these graphic reusable lunch bags. Lunchskins Sandwhich Bags, US$9, Container Store www.containerstore.com
Stay Hot Keep drinks warm en route to your next destination. Chantal Travel Mug, US$22, Chantal www.chantal.com
Cuddle On The Go Be ready when the next impromptu picnic or cuddle session breaks out. Pendleton Harding Blanket, US$248, Drake General Store www.drakegeneralstore.ca
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Luxury Laptop Think of this as a wrap dress for a most essential tool—the computer. Laptop Case, US$75, Diane von Furstenberg www.dvf.com Passport to Fashion Stylishly conceal travel documents in this sleek, leather pouch. Kenton Sorensen Leather passport wallet, CA$165, Mjolk www.mjolk.ca
Food Minty Smooth Luscious milk and decadent dark chocolate squares with a creamy mint centre. ‘Nough said. Mixed Mint Smoothies, CA$20, MThompson Chocolates www.mthompsonchocolates.com
Sweet Tea Lov With the coolest graphics and a wide range of organic flavours, it may be time to dump the coffee. Mint Green Tea, EU10, LOV Organic www.lov-organic.com
Double Duty Grind and store spices and herbs in a modern mortar and pestle that converts into a container. Mortar and Pestle, CA$24, Ricardo Cuisine www.ricardocuisine.com
Mini Maker Half the calories and twice the fun. Who’ll miss the extra size? PC Home Mini Cupcake Maker, CA$19 PC Home www.presidentschoice.ca
Say Cheese Make some room on your cheese platter for this trio of handmade Tennessee classics. Blackberry Farm Cheese Collection, US$50, Williams -Sonoma www.williams-sonoma.com
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es do e bl Dab
CityLine What didn’t we do on Dabble’s first CityLine show? Host Tracy Moore opened the show with Kimberley and Raleigh Seldon walking on stilts with Ben Block of Higher Ground. DIY Guy Nicholas Rosaci cut tables in half and turned them into bookshelves that Christine Da Costa decorated. Chef Corey Burgan grilled a caesar salad for a tailgate party and Kathy Buckworth took a ride on a flying trapeze.
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We asked our design contributors...
What is your favourite pattern and where would you use it in your house?
Photo: Angela Auclair Photography
Christine Da Costa
“I’m loving the chevron pattern right now. It adds a funky yet chic vibe to any room. I would use a chevron area rug in a foyer to create a dramatic entrance.” Christine is a certified interior designer who approaches each room like a woman’s outfit. “Decorate as you dress.” Buy timeless pieces that have longevity and accessorize with less expensive items. A design motto to hang your hat on.
www.decorbychristine.com @glamamama
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Joy Zaczyk
“I love a well-proportioned bold geometric pattern. Used as drapery in a living room, it can give the whole room punch!”
Janet Villeneuve
“I’m always drawn to a great graphic floral in muted tones, and love to see this pattern used on big smooshy pillows.” Joy and Janet are the co-authors of the popular tongue-in-cheek design blog moggit.com and the newly launched styleagency.ca. They are bonafide design junkies with a passion for all things gorgeous! www.moggit.com @moggitgirls
Lisa Canning
“My fave has got to be ikat. I love it in all textiles: drapery, pillows, rugs. Pattern makes a dull room totally lively. I’m obsessed with it.” Lisa Canning is an interior stylist in Toronto specializing in chic, contemporary, personalized interiors with a focus on condos and kids. She was over-the-moon when Dabble selected her as a design contributor.
www.lisacanning.ca @lisa_canning
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Take 3
Shelf Life PRODUCED BY ERIN MERCER AND VICTORIA DRAINVILLE WORDS BY KIMBERLEY SELDON
Oh dear. All those pretty little books lined up in rows and, still, you can’t find the one you’re looking for. Perhaps it’s time to really organize those shelves. Dabble’s in-house design team offers three stylish ways to catalogue and energize bookshelves.
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DESIGN
One English Lit Leather bound editions tell a livelier story when combined with vintage objects and toys. Dabble Savvy: To create order, label shelves with Scrabble letters, separating History from Current Events and Literature from Music. September/October 2011 dabble 25
TAKE 3
Design Tip
Forgo the typical family photo gallery and use bookshelves to display your favourite snaps.
Suspense and Mystery Everyone expects to find books on display, but it’s possible to add more interest by giving shelves a specific task. For instance, how about setting up the bar on a low surface as we’ve done here? Sleek labels offer flexibility as titles can change as needed.
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DESIGN
Two
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TAKE 3
Three
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DESIGN
Design Tip
Print category titles on scrapbook paper and place them in acrylic or plexiglass frames. The quirky bookends add personality to the mix.
Page Turner Provided shelves are adjustable, removing a few allows you to make a bigger design statement. At left, the central shelves are cleared to accommodate a collection of tall glass and shell bottles.
September/October 2011 dabble 29
Quick xTip Chi
Extend the Season WORDS BY Joy Zaczyk AND Janet Villeneuve
Autumn is a gathering time. We harvest, hibernate and hope for a few more days of life ‘al fresco’. Here’s how to squeeze every possible moment from outdoor living before the temperature falls.
1. Walk Right Out, Sit Right Down Upholstered seating provides added warmth, allowing friends and family to gather outdoors well into the fall. Buy patio furniture at summer’s end for steepest discounts.
Tip:
2. Turn up the Heat Hauser
Cozy up to an outdoor fireplace or portable patio heater. Your outdoor fireplace can do triple duty as a source of warmth, lighting, and as the perfect place to roast marshmallows for late season s’mores.
Tip:
3. Add Layers
Tip:
Who can resist the snuggle appeal of a blanket or throw? Keep a basket filled with throws by the back door for handy access.
4. Autumn Colours
Tip:
Pottery Barn
Mixing and matching different pieces of autumn-hued dinnerware is way more fun than one pattern sameness. Add visual interest to a set of solid colour dishes with dynamic patterns on side dishes.
5. Hot Toddy Guests will welcome a warm drink in one of the season’s newest, colourful mugs. Group them on a tray for serving ease. Add a cinnamon stick for stirring. It’s an inexpensive, stylish and delicious addition to any hot beverage.
Tip:
6. Light Show Next Modern Home
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Artificial lighting creates an inviting atmosphere, encouraging guests to linger. Hang inexpensive paper lanterns—perhaps in vibrant fall colours—from strings of white lights over the seating area for funky ambient lighting.
Tip:
DESIGN
Custom
WORDS BY NYLA FREE PHOTOGRAPHY BY LORI ANDREWS
area carpet
Craving added warmth and texture in your room? Though she considers purchasing a ready-made carpet, interior designer Nyla Free decides custom is best for her client’s family friendly great room. September/October 2011 dabble 31
REALITY CHECK
Nyla stands on the custom wool area carpet she designed through Kravet.
1.
Assess the Space
To maximize value, it’s critical to assess a carpet’s ability to meet the needs of the user. Is the space comfortable and casual or empty-nest formal? Casual rooms work well with loop pile while more formal settings typically feature tight, cut pile. Consider soft and plush for a child friendly space and low pile for pets.
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2.
Determine Size
One advantage of a custom carpet is its ability to be any size or shape. As a general rule, a larger area carpet gives the illusion of more space, embracing the full seating area. Save money, by cutting broadloom goods off the roll to produce an area carpet of virtually any size.
DESIGN
3.
Why Wool is Best
With wool’s inherent ability to repel stains, maintenance is easy and durability is high. Wool is resilient and vacuums like a dream, making it a great match for children and pets. For staircases, nothing has more lasting power. Manufacturers often blend wool with complementary materials such as silk to add glamour or cotton to create a more casual look.
“Consider a custom area carpet an investment, made specifically for your space.” September/October 2011 dabble 33
REALITY CHECK
4.
5. 6. 7. 34 dabble September/October 2011
Select Pattern
Unlike a ready-made carpet, where pattern and colour are predetermined by the manufacturer, a custom version has virtually unlimited options. The task is to select a pattern that suits the interior. For modern or contemporary rooms, designers often choose geometric or abstract patterns to inject drama and style. In traditional settings, patterns such as Persian, Aubusson, ikat and dhurrie are more appropriate. While an area carpet doesn’t need to “match” the room, its style should complement the interior.
Choose Colour
With the pattern determined, it’s time to select colours using ‘poms’, which are sample-sized tufts of carpet. Often, colours from existing fabrics are repeated in the area carpet to create a seamless flow. Conversely, it’s possible to create a dynamic piece of artwork for the floor, by selecting contrasting colours to draw attention to the design.
Strike-Off Sample
Once pattern and colour are selected, a strike-off (sample) is produced for the client’s approval. It takes approximately four weeks for the designer to receive the finished strike-off and many more weeks (sometimes up to six months) before the finished carpet is ready for installation. Although it’s not a fast process (like most design tasks), it’s thrilling to create a oneof-a-kind area carpet when budget allows.
Pulling it Together
With the new area carpet in place, furniture and style are added to the room in time for the client reveal.
DESIGN
Painting over the fireplace by Geoffrey Hunter courtesy of the Paul Kuhn Gallery. September/October 2011 dabble 35
Join in the Fun Twitter / Facebook
y u G Y DI
DESIGN
Cover Ready
Are your books tired, mismatched and lonely? “Here’s how to cover up your Nancy Drew blues,” says Dabble’s DIY Guy Nicholas Rosaci. MATERIALS REQUIRED Selected paper Books to cover Pencil Craft knife or scissors
1 2 3 4 5
Pretty in Paper
Select a cover paper that suits your style. A bold, solid is perfect for modern interiors, while a damask looks great in traditional settings. Glamouristas need bling, so reach for a metallic or glossy paper.
MADE TO MEASURE
Lay the paper on a table with the finish side facing down. Place a book on top of the paper and open it. Allow a minimum 3½" of paper on the left and right sides of the book, and at least 1" overhang at the top and bottom. Use a craft knife or scissors to trim paper as needed.
MAKE YOUR MARK
Use a pencil to trace a straight line along the top and bottom edge of the book; this is the fold line.
STEP AND REPEAT
Fold excess flap of paper over left side of book and crease firmly. Then, tuck the book’s cover inside the folded flap. Repeat on right side.
IT’S A WRAP
Separate the paper from the book and fold the remaining top and bottom edges in. Voilà. Your book is ready to wrap.
Trend Alert
UNION JACK PAPER
September/October 2011 dabble 37
rough
luxe “You’d expect to find drama in West Hollywood,” says interior designer Kahi Lee, “right?”
The photogenic LA designer is clearly ready for her close-up with this latest project for Jonas Brothers’ musician Nick, a penthouse suite that she describes as Rough Luxe.
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DESIGN
September/October 2011 dabble 39
HOME TOUR
Tasked with creating a modern masculine space, Kahi looked to Hollywood for inspiration. “Think Marlon Brando—the ultimate man’s man—elegant but rebellious.”
“I don’t do subtle,” says interior designer Kahi Lee. A handsome pair of tufted, black leather sofas dominate the living area, from their central perch on the shaggy area carpet. A large, pine topped coffee table services the seating.
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DESIGN
Floor-to-ceiling windows give way to three of Hollywood’s most famous sights: the iconic ‘Hollywood’ sign, Griffith Observatory and the conical Capitol Records Building at Hollywood and Vine.
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HOME TOUR
A faux fur throw is the perfect addition to this black tufted leather sofa.
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DESIGN
An adjacent sitting area (above) gets its own star treatment with a custom designed wall covering. “It’s a splurge,” says the designer, “but it really makes a powerful statement.” When asked, Kahi describes the condo’s style as, “Rough Luxe.” Though it’s masculine in appearance, it’s not without its glamour. Decadent touches include the faux fur throw on the living room sofa and the grass cloth covered walls with just a hint of iridescent sheen.
Dabble Savvy
Rough Luxe = Distressed + Vintage + Luxury
To create the look, pair a distressed leather sofa with a luxurious faux fur throw.
September/October 2011 dabble 43
HOME TOUR
Oversized lighting underscores the masculine drama. An “antler� chandelier shines above the dining table while a 70s grid illuminates the living room.
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DESIGN
Kahi recalls, “When I started this project, everything in the room was white, My mantra is, don’t be shy about using bold colours, especially on walls. Dramatic colour creates a powerful mood.”
: xe u L gh ou R Shop Timothy Oulton Eclectic elegance. H.D. Buttercup Affordable finds. Downtown Best selection of lighting. Tobi Tobin Dramatic Bohemian chic. Blackman Cruz Exceptional finds.
September/October 2011 dabble 45
DESIGN Design Gives GIVES BACK Back
10 designers, 10 great charitable organizations, 1 amazing furniture company.
ERINN VALENCICH GOLD FLECK COCKTAIL TABLE
Project Angel Food is an organization with the goal of feeding the body and spirit of people living with HIV/AIDS, cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. Volunteers and staff cook and deliver free and nutritious meals throughout the Los Angeles area. www.angelfood.org www.omniartedesign.com
ADAM HUNTER BOWERS DESK
The Foundation for AIDS Research is one of the world’s leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to the support of AIDS research, HIV prevention, treatment education and the advocacy of sound AIDS-related public policy. www.amfar.org www.adamhunterinc.com
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DESIGN
Design Gives Back is a philanthropic collaboration with some of North America’s top interior designers. The goal is to raise funds and awareness for various charities by asking each designer to sketch an item of furniture to be manufactured by Jonathan Franc. From July 1 to December 21, 2011, owners and brothers John and Frank Bossone are donating a portion of proceeds from all orders placed to the designer’s charity of choice. Purchases are exclusive to Jonathan Franc furniture showrooms. LEFT John Bossone, co-owner Jonathan Franc
linda allen josephine bed
The Dream Light Project focuses on the distribution of solar lights to communities where electricity is not available like Rwanda. Solar lighting allows people to work later in the evening, in order to earn a better income and improve quality of life. www.dreamlightproject.org www.lindaallendesigns.com
MARTYN LAWRENCE-BULLARD ZEBRA CHAIR
The Elton John AIDS Foundation is a nonprofit HIV/AIDS organization which supports prevention programs and efforts to eliminate stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS. www.ejaf.org www.martynlawrencebullard.com
September/October 2011 dabble 47
DESIGN GIVES BACK
SPENCER BARNES BRADSHAW WINE CABINET
The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America is a nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization that aims to cure Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life for adults and children affected. www.ccfa.org www.spencerbarnes.com
THOMAS SCHOOS TANSU CONSOLE
The Care-4-Families program at the UCLA AIDS Institute provides comprehensive care, education and psychosocial support for HIV-infected children. The C4F team also provides counseling and education for their families. www.uclaaidsinstitute.org www.schoos.com
ARIEL FOX MIA SHOE CABINET
Camp Kesem offers fun and support for children who have a parent affected by cancer. Children engage in camp activities such as sports and arts and crafts for a week and share their experiences with other children. www.campkesem.org www.arielfoxdesign.com
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DESIGN
BRUNO BONDANELLI VENEZIA MEDIA CABINET
Autism Speaks is committed to raising funds and public awareness to change the future for all those who struggle with autism spectrum disorders. They are dedicated to funding global biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments and cure for autism. www.autismspeaks.org www.bdg-architecture.com
CORY POPE MARVAN DINING TABLE
The Texas Court Appointed Special Advocates provides a voice for children who have been abused and neglected. When a child enters the foster care system, CASA advocates are appointed to ensure the child is welcomed into a safe and permanent home. www.texascasa.org www.corypope.com
JENNIFER POST MINIMALIST BENCH
The American Cancer Society is a nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer. The ACS funds and conducts research to help better understand, prevent and cure cancer. www.cancer.org www.jenniferpostdesign.com
September/October 2011 dabble 49
HOME TOUR
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DESIGN
HONEY, I’M
Home PHOTOGRAPHY BY Carlos Domenech
Charged with the task of transforming a 3,000 square foot oceanside property, Deborah Wecselman avoids the obvious cliché of blue and white. Instead, the Lima, Peru native infuses her client’s home with global style, honey tones and striking artwork. September/October 2011 dabble 51
HOME TOUR
Sunlight pours into the sleek kitchen, warming cool surfaces such as the calacatta gold polished marble, stainless steel cabinet frames and painted glass uppers. The stained walnut floors, which run throughout the condo, anchor the space handsomely, allowing the designer to introduce dark neutrals such as the custom ebonized pedestal table in the dining room and mink coloured leather upholstery on the banquette in the den (OPPOSITE).
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Taking advantage of all available space, Deborah positioned an upholstered banquette between built-ins to create a den. What might have been an unused corner is now a cozy conversation grouping. Large mirrors fill the corner space with sunlight from adjacent windows. As layers contribute a feeling of intimacy, a reflective sunburst sits on top of the existing mirror and mismatched decorative toss cushions soften the upholstered banquette. Rather than opt for a traditional coffee table, Deborah paired two square ottomans with two cube tables, creating a more flexible arrangement.
DESIGN
Taking advantage of every square foot of space allows for a den with plenty of seating. Vintage ceramic vases add colour to the space. September/October 2011 dabble 53
HOME TOUR
The floor to ceiling painting by Roberto Cortazar and the vintage candelabras by Dorothy Thorpe create major impact in the dining room. 54 dabble September/October 2011
DESIGN
Deborah Wecselman launched her career as a design associate with Polo Ralph Lauren. Under the tutelage of the vast creative empire, she learned the value of making a statement and creating truly individual style. She also learned that breaking the rules is sometimes the best way to introduce drama.
Breaking the Rules
1. The television is mounted on custom bronze posts and appears to float in the central window. A daring feature that draws admiration from visitors. 2. In the dining room, a floor to ceiling oil painting by Roberto Cortazar infuses the seating area with pure drama, an effect the designer enjoys. 3. Who says a carpet has to be rectangular? Deborah uses a round carpet to create a central focus in the living room.
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HOME TOUR
The Great Plains fabric on the chair is the showstopper in this master bedroom.
Emphasizing horizontal lines in the bedroom distracts the eye from the relatively low ceiling. The upholstered headboard and footboard are a custom DWD (Deborah Wecselman Designs) design. The plush red club chair and ottoman are by Ralph Pucci.
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An Ann Sacks mirror pairs beautifully with the freestanding wood vanity.
Statuario marble and taupe-brown limestone work in tandem with the mosaic wall trim to create a dynamic pattern in the small office bathroom. The dark wood vanity and mirror echo the walnut floors throughout the main rooms. “It’s important to create a seamless feel from beginning to end of a project,” says Deborah. “To accomplish that, I frequently repeat colours and materials and, of course, no room is really complete without luxurious detail.”
#what’strending WORDS BY CHRISTINE DA COSTA
Graphic prints are on trend. One of the hottest patterns out there is the chevron (think zig zag). See what design enthusiasts are blogging and tweeting about: Interior designer Krista Ewart layers on pattern with the lively Madeline Weinrub carpet in this bedroom.
Cool finds:
Bedding Crush Brittany from blog Harriette Interiors is crushing on this bedding’s fine lines. Organic Chevron Duvet Cover, US$79-$109, West Elm www.westelm.com
Chevron DIY
Easy Peasy Zig Zag Shelley Smith, DIY blog star of The House of Smiths, chevron'd an inexpensive IKEA mat. Find the instructions at: www.thehouseofsmiths.com
Wake Up Jill Rosenwald lights up a lamp base with zig zags and Peacock Moon Interiors blog took notice. Chevron Oval Lamp, US$395, Jill Rosenwald www.jillrosenwald.com
#chevron @tradeslive writes: Interior design trend spotting—chevron prints everywhere: Let’s take a look at how this hot print is being used... http://tinyurl.com/3wk5nbr September/October 2011 dabble 57
HOME TOUR
steven stewart aussie ahhhh
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KYLIE HOOD
Works by San Antonio based artist, Stuart Allen hang above colourful banquette seating.
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DESIGN
Designer Steven Stewart composes a stylish homeaway-from-home in Brisbane’s trendy Kangaroo Point.
Crown-cut New Guinea Rosewood accents the dropped ceiling, backsplash and dining table. A striking contrast to white cabinetry.
September/October 2011 dabble 59
HOME TOUR
“While the owners’ main residence is in another city,” says Steven, “they craved a place to flop when they’re in Brisbane for business or pleasure. Number one on their wish list? Create a holiday escape.” It’s always more of a “party mood” with an open floor plan. The modern living/kitchen/dining areas feature mid-century accents, warm woods and bright white. When asked about favourite design elements, Steven points immediately to the Eames walnut stools. Strikingly beautiful, they are also practical enough to provide extra seating or act as side tables. In the kitchen, the banquette seating, upholstered in a bold geometric pattern, energizes the compact eating area. “The fabric is based on a painting by New York artist Sarah Morris,” Steven explains. The sleek side chairs, made of fibreglass with solid wood dowels, are handcrafted in Los Angeles and available through Modernica. Rather than opt for ordinary pot lights, Steven selected Tubular Bells from Flos Lighting, which are suspended from the dropped ceiling.
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DESIGN
A stylish black sofa sits in front of a custom-built bookshelf. For styling, Steven subscribes to a ‘less is more’ approach. September/October 2011 dabble 61
HOME TOUR
The master bedroom features a custom-made headboard in crown-cut New Guinea Rosewood and built-in floating bedside tables. 62 dabble September/October 2011
DESIGN
Steven says, “We’ve minimized the finishes so the ambience flows seamlessly from one room to the next. The exciting part is adapting the finishes to the various types of surfaces.” This escape-to-Kangaroo-Point condo has a vibe that is sure to energize and invigorate the spirit of its owners and fortunate guests.
I dabble in . . . art. I am an extremely amateur and enthusiastic painter. One day I plan to lose the ‘extremely’. ~ Steven
September/October 2011 dabble 63
y tr us Ind file Pro India Hicks
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DESIGN
Regal is how you might describe the beautiful and poised India Hicks. She comes by the description honestly, having been born to Lady Pamela Hicks (her godfather is the Prince of Wales and she was a bridesmaid in Prince Charles and Lady Diana’s 1980 wedding). In addition her father, the legendary David Hicks, is design royalty. On a recent trip to Toronto, Associate Editor, Victoria Drainville met up with India, in town to promote her India Hicks Island Living collection for Crabtree & Evelyn.
I dabble in sports. There is so much you can achieve and it’s important to set goals. ~ India DAB: We know Island Living is inspired by your home in the Bahamas, but how did a relationship form with Crabtree & Evelyn? IH: I had just launched a fitness and beauty book called Island Beauty which was about getting back to your roots and finding a more natural way of living. Following the launch I was approached by Crabtree & Evelyn to be a spokesperson and our messages were very
similar. The partnership is a good one. In reality, I would go as far as to say a “marriage” and it’s been a very good marriage. DAB: Your children appear from time to time in photos and promotions. Does your family influence decisions when it comes to new projects? IH: They are the foremost part of my life. It would feel unnatural not to include them and yet, one does not want to over expose them. They are also a fair bunch of hooligans! DAB: How do you balance your career and your personal life? IH: I think that everything I’ve done happened in a natural way, a stepping stone to the next. I started a life on the Island with a “one day at a time” attitude and, 16 years later, we’re still there. I have 4 children of my own and one foster child. We definitely have a pack going on. DAB: When you are not working, what do you do for fun? IH: Lots of sports: marathons, waterskiing, bike riding. I climbed into the Grand Canyon and ran two races for charity events. I have a huge admiration for sports and I really hope that’s something my children will connect with. DAB: Who is your favourite designer? IH: Obviously, being the daughter of David Hicks, he has been a big influence on me. However, I am a bit less strong and committed in my views than my father was. If I wanted to have someone redecorate my house I would hire a great designer like Michael Smith. I would want him to make it feel like a home rather than something that feels overly decorated; that’s very important to me.
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INDUSTRY PROFILE DAB: Aside from the Caribbean, what is your favourite destination? IH: Alys Beach, Florida. I know it’s bizarre. It’s not far, which is the main attraction. But, it’s an extraordinary place. It was built very conscientiously; everything is white, there is incredible architecture, a laid-back vibe and yet, there is so much to do there. From a design point of view, I find it very appealing. DAB: Your home blends informal with formal. What is your secret for achieving a harmonious look? IH: It’s the same way you dress. I have a very high/low way of dressing. I’m wearing a shirt from Target and Balenciaga trousers. It’s the same way my father combined modern and antique furniture, and it works. DAB: What influence did your father have on your own design aesthetic? How are your design aesthetics similar to your father’s and how are they different?
India Hicks chats candidly with Associate Editor, Victoria Drainville.
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IH: I’m very decisive and quite an individual and my father certainly was. He always said, “Good taste in design should never depend on money,” and certainly I take that to heart. I am brave in the way that I will use shocking fabrics; I won’t shy away from it. My father always did tablescapes. At my house, I mass together similar objects, fabrics and colours. And the old and the new as well. My father had a thrill for geometrics and really pulsating colours. I shy away from that. But then again, when I lived in New York, I had a bright fire engine red apartment. Now that I live on an island, it’s a different atmosphere. If I moved back to the city, it would be very different. DAB: What new projects are on the go? IH: I just launched a website, Sugar Mill by India Hicks and it has been a huge undertaking. Next I want to expand the website and see where it takes us. There’s a lot that can be done with online shopping.
Infusion
DESIGN Fall might be just around the corner, but the warm weather isn’t gone yet. Victoria Drainville finds inspiration through Michael Dave Dizon’s photography.
Athenian Blue
Soar
Vanilla
Cinder Rose
Smoky Salmon
Sunset Beige
Candy Cane Red
With cool weather on the horizon it may be the perfect time to charge right up the mountain. Take a moment to breathe in the fresh air, embrace every ray of sunshine and pause long enough to admire the view.
texture
pattern
The canyons’ rough edges are surely the inspiration for these wood candle holders. Group in multiples of three and vary the height for interest.
Make sure there are blue skies on the horizon with this cheerful wallpaper.
colour
A splash of red never fails to energize a room. This rouge coloured bowl is a perfect complement to wood tones and earthy greens. September/October 2011 dabble 67
We asked our travel contributors...
Where have you never been, but always wanted to go?
Simon Burn
"Scottish Highlands. I love hiking in vast wild landscapes and enjoy the solitude that goes with this kind of experience." Simon is a creative director and photographer with 25 years experience, working throughout North America and Europe. He owns a branding and design studio, SDB Creative Group. Simon divides his time between branding and design consultations and travelling for Dabble.
www.dabblemag.com @sdbimages
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Cheryl Horne
“It’s actually my mom’s dream destination, but ever since she told me about it I have wanted to go with her to Churchill, Manitoba to see polar bears.” As Media Manager at Kimberley Seldon Design Group, Cheryl plans seminars, exclusive shopping events and luxurious trips. Now, as Managing Editor of Dabble, she has the added pleasure of working with a team of talented writers who are introducing her to a whole new world of design, travel and food on a daily basis.
www.dabblemag.com @cheryldabbles
Matthew Long
“When I was ten I read Michener’s Tales of the South Pacific, and ever since it’s been a dream destination.” Matthew, Editor-in-Chief and creator of LandLopers.com, has a true passion for travel. He shares tips from his travels on where to go, what to see and how to experience the best the world has to offer. Matt writes for Lonely Planet and many other travel sites.
www.landlopers.com @landlopers
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ROAD RAVES
Argent Eating
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TRAVEL
Heather Greenwood Davis takes a year to travel with her husband and two sons. Her adventure continues here in Argentina. I came for the culture. I figured I would learn to tango, marvel at the theatre and spend hours examining the art. My husband Ish wanted to wander the streets and attend the futbol (soccer) games. And the kids? Well, they wanted to be in the hotel pool. Ours is a family trip, which means that my vote is only one of four. And when you’re travelling with two kids under the age of 10, any adult split decision is deadly. The only place we could find true consensus: Meals.
ntina
And so we ate. Continuously. We’d wake with it on our mind at breakfast, wander aimlessly in search of lunch and be back in time for dinner. We knew limited Spanish— baños, gracias, amigo—but when it came to food the words we learned rolled off our tongues begging to be understood.
Dos chocolates caliente, gracias! Alfajores señora? Asado por favor? Café con leche? Every time we said it right we were rewarded with flavours. Who were we to ask them to stop?
WORDS BY HEATHER GREENWOOD DAVIS
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ROAD RAVES
“I am a carnivore by nature. And if you enjoy meat like I do, this is your country.”
Meat on the grill; the core of every meal.
For me the culinary love affair started with the meat. Argentinean beef is among the best in the world. The beef is raised naturally. It is not grass-fed, it is grass raised. There’s a difference. Cattle wander at their leisure and avoid the force-fed grain and hormones of some North American products. The result: A happier steer and in turn a tastier steak. I am a carnivore by nature. And if you enjoy meat like I do, this is your country. ‘Asado’ translates to barbecue but you should vanquish any images you have of hot dogs and burgers. This is a celebration of the animal with a feast to salute it. There are about seven courses to a meal and almost all of them involve meat. The animal is
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eaten almost tip to tail in a very specific progression. It is a serious affair. The cooking of it is precision-like and there are stalls in the market that sell personal sets comprised of a wooden plate, fork, steak knife and tin cup so that should you happen upon a barbecue you’ll be ready. In restaurants, the menu can be three-quarters meat; it can also be four quarters Spanish but one whiff of a sizzling platter going past in the restaurant and you can speak the language. “I’ll have what he’s having,” I say continuously in my best Spanish, which includes jabbing my finger discreetly in the direction of the table next door.
TRAVEL
Tango in San Telmo.
And the chefs and waitresses we encounter seem equally pleased by my enthusiasm even if my waistline is increasingly less impressive. It’s the one oxymoron of this place. The food is delicious; the people are healthy and gorgeous. Clad in high heels that click-clack down the cobblestone streets and trendy jackets and purses in gorgeous shades, they are almost always beautiful and they aren’t always 20. The couple performing the Tango in the square in San Telmo are a prime example. Dancing in the middle of the square surrounded by tourists and locals alike, they seem— once the music is on— completely unaware of our presence.
It’s part of what makes Buenos Aires such a sexy city. Unlike New York City, for example, the sexiness isn’t aimed at the young or even the young at heart. Age seems to be accepted and ignored. Women in their 60s exude as much radiance as those in their 20s—sometimes more. I have a theory that this age acceptance is attributed to the good food they’re eating, but it could also be the clothing. Almost everyone is wearing leather. When I comment to my friend Maria that there are a lot of leather products on the women in the market of El Tigre, she doesn’t bat a lash, “We eat a lot of steak.” Touché.
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ROAD RAVES Heather with her globetrotting family.
The Adventure
Globetrotting Mama, Heather Greenwood Davis, and her globetrotting family (husband Ish and sons Ethan, 9, and Cameron,6) are on a one-year adventure that will take them to more than 20 countries around the world. Their stops in South America will also include Ecuador (Quito and the Galapagos Islands) and Colombia before they head on to hit spots in Asia, Australia, Africa and Europe. Along the way Heather will be sharing insights from the world tour with Dabble Readers.
ďƒą
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Follow Heather on her journey at: www.globetrottingmama.com
Travel Geek Apps for the Road
TRAVEL
Fall into the hottest travel news, insider info and new gadgets from Anne Taylor Hartzell
On the radar...
These apps have more than hip names, they’re fun and functional too.
www.instagram.com Instagram iPhone app transforms an ordinary iPhone photo. With filters, create vintage or hip snaps then share with friends by uploading to Facebook, Twitter, or Flickr. Free.
• Mint
www.mint.com Want to keep on top of your finances? Have trouble sticking to your budget? There’s an app for that. Mint.com’s app for iPhone and Android helps manage personal finances in real-time and on-the-go. Track spending, check investments and manage budgets right from your phone. Free.
• Trover
www.trover.com With Trover, share travel experiences and discoveries with friends and fellow explorers. Log remarkable places by location with a simple snap of a photo and quick note. When friends search Trover for the cities you’ve been to, they can view your photos and map their location to experience your findings for themselves. You can also track and comment on other travellers’ experiences. Free.
MacBook Air, 13 inch www.apple.com
Tired of lugging a heavy laptop? The day the new MacBook Air was released, the collective shoulders of every road warrior relaxed. Ultrathin and ultralight with a beautiful sleek design, it weighs less than three pounds and runs like a dream. The 13 inch MacBook Air has improved functionality, with two USB ports, backlit display keyboard, and a seven hour battery. Prices start at US$999 for the 11 inch.
OneNote by Microsoft Office 2010 www.microsoft.com
Fall is a great time to get organized. The OneNote app for Microsoft Office 2010 is a digital notebook that helps you purge paper and keep important notes, pictures and documents in one place. As a travel tool, it allows you to budget your trip, capture notes and pictures and scan travel documents. Use as a web app or on your mobile device. Download a free trial.
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DABBLE DARE
First steps.
Getting dressed for the show. 76 dabble September/October 2011
Instructor Ben Block gets Kathy ready for her lesson.
TRAVEL
Higher Ground WORDS BY KATHY BUCKWORTH
“How much do you weigh?” And here I thought walking on stilts was going be the scariest part of my day. Apparently not. Despite my poundage, I feel like I’m ten feet tall. Mostly because I am ten feet tall once you add the five foot wooden sticks (okay, stilts) I have strapped to my feet. Yes, strapped to my feet and bound at the knee, and I’m being pulled up onto my new legs by Ben Block, artistic director at Higher Ground, a Toronto-based stilt walking company that emphasizes dance skills, lavish costumes and excitement. Ben and his sister, Mia Benight, come by their higher calling honestly. “My dad taught me to skip on stilts,” says Ben as he slowly leads me around the room, talking as though this were a typical father/son legacy. As I’m lurching (not skipping) like a newborn giraffe, I’m also trying to avoid looking at the wall length mirror and focus instead on lifting my knees in an unnatural marching stride.
The dare:
WALK ON STILTS
During my lesson Ben tells me stories about the parades, shows, and advertisements he’s been involved in as a stilt walker. I ask, “What’s the scariest part?” Without hesitation Ben responds, “The children. They all want to hug you.” Yikes. As a mother of four, and standing at my new elevation, I can imagine how terrifying a tumble might be.
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DABBLE DARE
“And now I’m going to challenge your strength,” Ben announces. Terrific. I have to have coordination and strength? He reaches up, grabs my hands and yanks me side to side in order to make me find a new balance, and also to engage some already complaining side abdominal muscles. “Now spin!” To my surprise, walking around in a circle on stilts is actually easier than standing still. In fact, it’s impossible to stand still without falling over... something I try to avoid. “You ready for some wings?” yells Mia from the sidelines. Not if they’re going to take me higher, I think to myself. But the wings in question are part of a costume. There’s also a huge pair of pants, the biggest I’ve ever seen (and don’t forget, I’ve owned maternity wear). As Mia dresses me (you try putting your 5-foot legs inside 7-foot trousers), it’s clear that, for her and Ben, lifting people higher, and having the audiences gasp and smile at the athleticism and showmanship which stilting involves, takes them to a higher ground as well. The best part? Turns out I have a freakish talent for walking on stilts. It’s either my tremendous coordination or some hidden circus gene. But now, thanks to Higher Ground, I actually have a skill I can use to run away and join the circus the next time I’m asked to do a Dabble Dare.
FOR LESSON INQUIRIES OR TO CHECK OUT A PERFORMANCE: Higher Ground www.stilters.com
Zero Gravity Circus www.zerogravitycircus.com
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TRAVEL
Dressed in devil costumes.
Kathy triumphantly completes her latest Dabble Dare.
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es do e bl Dab
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHERIE-LYNN BUCHANAN
New Orleans is a haunted place. However, it isn’t inhabited by ghosts and vampires as popular tours would have us believe. Instead, it’s steeped in a history so rich and vast the present pulses with it. We sent three Dabble contributors to walk NOLA’s celebrated streets, meet its unique characters and discover its historic and modern charms. Oh... and to have a little fun too.
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TRAVEL
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DABBLE DOES
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TRAVEL
Discovering the city’s best architecture, design and shopping is a dream job for Editor in Chief and interior designer, Kimberley Seldon. Our food expert, Dave Newton, feels similarly about his assignment, to sample NOLA’s finest culinary offerings. And Managing Editor, Cheryl Horne, says her task, to find adventure and excitement in New Orleans, is easy... Big Easy.
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DABBLE DOES
NEW ORLEANS DESIGN
The large, potato sack bag from Quince is an ideal cottage accessory. OPPOSITE An 18th century carved wooden angel is one of many finds at Piranesi.
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“Money’s like manure, it don’t do no good if you don’t spread it around.” Kimberley agrees wholeheartedly with this sentiment, uttered to her in deep drawl as she contemplates a purchase in one of Magazine Street’s tempting shops. Ultimately she relinquishes her credit card, an activity she performs repeatedly while shopping the Garden District.
4
TOP DESIGN
TRAVEL
BLOCKS ON
Magazine Street 1
Between Canal and Jackson: Specializing in tabletop, kitchen and gift items, just try to leave Quince without making a purchase. Nearby, Piranesi offers a tailored collection of continental antiques and objets d’art. Agora is a cooperative featuring several vendors and a tempting range of home finds.
2
Between Jackson and Louisiana: Antiques, vintage and contemporary furnishings are just up the front steps of Perch. At Neo Phobia, strains of the Partridge Family lure shoppers inside to find treasures from the 50s, 60s and 70s. Best store name goes to Belladonna Day Spa and Retail Therapy. Come for massage or browse the linens, candles and decorative toss cushions. When it’s time for a break, cool off in the mint green atmosphere of Sucré where you can try a decadent truffle or a grown-up milk shake like the Velvet Hammer with vanilla, brandy and nutmeg. 3
Between Louisiana and Napoleon: A visit to Maison de Provence is a virtual trip to the French provinces thanks to the well edited selection of owner Terri Goldsmith. Still more European antiques and garden statuary at Balzac Antiques. And, it’s a lucky day when you find Alex Williams at his Potsalot Pottery wheel turning out one-of-a-kind treasures.
4
Between Jefferson and Henry Clay: With a name like Pied Nu (French for barefoot) you’d expect (and will find) easygoing style and effortless chic. Don’t miss neighbouring Hazelnut for a wide selection of gift-worthy purchases.
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DABBLE DOES
Kimberley’s perfect
NEW ORLEANS ITINERARY
Stay
Staying at Soniat House is a bit like spending the week with your favourite great aunt. Provided she has fine European antique furnishings, a private courtyard and bubbling fountain and wakes you from a blissful sleep with homemade biscuits. Divine.
Eat
A courtyard table at Café Amelie is just about the best seat in town. Order a leafy green salad and tall iced tea if you’re ready for a break from heavier southern fare.
Do
Quite possibly my favourite way to learn about interior design and architecture is through historic home tours. I’ve visited Longue Vue more than once, its Classical Revival home and garden setting a delicious way to peek into the past. If you’re keen to step inside a 19th century French Quarter home, then put Hermann-Grima on your must-visit list. The horse stable and functional outdoor kitchen from 1830 are part of the reason it was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1974.
Courtyard at Café Amelie.
Walk
Stroll the Garden District to enjoy one of the prettiest neighbourhoods in the USA. While there, take in the eerily exquisite Lafayette Cemetery. Save Our Cemeteries offers knowledgeable and respectful tours.
Read
Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole or Lillian Hellman’s Pentimento are two page turners guaranteed to put you in a NOLA frame of mind.
Shop
Sure Magazine Street has the largest selection of home design, but there’s still plenty to shop in the French Quarter. Nadine Blake is a tiny gem. For antiques, Soniat House and Ann Koerner carry an impressive selection.
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Kate Palmer followed her passion post-Katrina with the Caption launch of Quince, a premier source for tabletop and event planning.
TRAVEL
Calvin Chapman elegantly serves breakfast in the Soniat House courtyard.
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DABBLE DOES
New Orleans
ARCHITECTURE
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TRAVEL
Shotgun
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button house
Garden District Architecture Take any Garden District tour and you’re bound to see where Sandra Bullock and John Goodman live. But the real stars are the homes that make up one of the most beautiful neighbourhoods in all of America. During the French and Spanish colonial periods, the Creoles established the French Quarter. But the Garden District was created by newly monied Americans who brought European revival styles to their new homeland. The most popular styles of Garden District architecture include the shotgun house (so named because you can shoot a shotgun through the front door and its pellets will exit the back door), two storey townhouses (classical, narrow façades), double-gallery houses (similar to townhouses, often larger with covered porches and wrought iron railings) and raised basement bungalows.
Centre Hall Bungalow
Tudor Style
Magnolia Mansion
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DABBLE DOES
NEW ORLEANS FOOD
Chicken and andouille Gumbo from Atchafalaya. ABOVE Rachel Jaffe, owner of Atchafalaya, gets behind the bar. OPPOSITE Dave shops for hot
sauce at the French Market.
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TRAVEL
“Great food and good music. Is there a better city to visit for this winning combination?” Judging by the grin on food contributor Dave Newton’s face, we think we found our answer.
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TOP FOOD EXPERIENCES
1
Pressed to choose a favourite dining experience in NOLA, “Make it Upperline,” says Dave. The impeccable service, homey atmosphere and personal greeting by owner, JoAnn Clevenger, contribute to his position. But, at the end of the day, it’s all about the food and there’s none better.
2
It’s difficult to argue with foodies who insist Central Grocery is still the best muffaletta in town. Join the lineup at this humble Sicilian grocer, order the famous stacked sandwich to go and share it with a friend once you find a vacant bench by the nearby Mississippi River.
3
Exceptional service (a uniformed waiter discreetly swaps a white napkin for black to avoid lint transfer to dark pants) and divine seafood make GW Fins a winner. The feast begins with buttery biscuits, so sweet it feels like having dessert first. Try the scalibut, a scallop topped halibut dish. PS. Thanks to our waiter, Karl, for recommending Two Sisters, an authentic soul food restaurant in Tremé.
4
If you’ve never heard of boudin stuffed quail, order it anyway. No visit to Atchafalaya is complete without this local dish. Husband and wife team Rachel Jaffe and Tony Tocco opened three years ago and there’s been a lineup ever since.
Dabble Savvy
Sure Bourbon Street is famous, but the locals know neighbouring Frenchman Street is equally musical and far less crowded. Head to the Apple Barrel or Snug Harbor and congratulate yourself for being smart enough to find music and a seat.
The mood is merry at Louisiana Bistro and maybe that’s because diners trust Chef Mars to dazzle the palate with his oft-changing menu. Order whatever the waiter recommends and enjoy a firstrate meal.
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DABBLE DOES
Dave’s perfect
NEW ORLEANS ITINERARY
Drink
In a town famous for its syrupy mixed drinks, the handmade, fresh fruit margaritas at El Gato Negro really stand out. Consider a contemporary combination of pineapple and cilantro or opt for muddled fruit like blackberry, blueberry or strawberry, which renders the thick straw useless. There’s a foodie in the kitchen, so stay for dinner.
Visit
History buff or not, a trip to the National WWII Museum is time well-spent. The museum is divided into two distinct sections—one focusing on the European effort and a second centred on the Pacific conflict. Beyond All Boundaries, a new film produced by Tom Hanks, shows daily on a 120-foot wide screen. On-site restaurants, American Sector and The Soda Shop, thrive under chef, John Besh.
New Orleans style sliders.
Do
Our Dabble contributors loved the hands on approach at New Orleans Cooking Experience. Most teachers are local chefs like Frank Brigtsen of Brigtsen’s Restaurant. Jackie “Boo” Macomber peppers her classes with colourful commentary and Chiqui Collier can only be described as a “hoot”.
Stay
First class is the only style available at the Hotel Ritz-Carlton. If you’re due for a splurge, add club level service to your bill and enjoy an open bar throughout the day, excellent breakfast, lunch and dinner bites and an attentive concierge staff. As you step off the fourth floor elevator there’s even a cookie bar. Heaven.
Musician
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TRAVEL
Upperline’s owner JoAnn Clevenger serves up “the best oysters in the world” says our food expert Dave Newton. September/October 2011 dabble 93
DABBLE DOES
NEW ORLEANS travel
A set of wheels from Big Easy Scooters gives you freedom to zip between the French Quarter and Garden District as often as you like. 94 dabble September/October 2011
Desiring a truly southern experience, travel contributor Cheryl Horne samples moonshine, buttery biscuits and the south’s liveliest music scene...and that’s just on day one.
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TRAVEL
TOP TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
1
For $60 a day, the adventurous can rent a Buddy 50 scooter—in bright pink or another sorbet colour—like Cheryl did at Big Easy Scooters. Expect to get some envious stares while zipping through the French Quarter and Garden District.
2
Honey Island Swamp Tours offers a two-hour boat tour that’s sure to satisfy the gator hunter in your family ($23 adults, $15 kids). Visitors to the Cypress River swamp learn about folklore, history and the ecology of the swamp and its inhabitants.
Jackson Square
3
Historically, Oak Alley Plantation served as a sugar cane estate before the Civil War. Its antebellum (Latin for “before the war”) mansion is typical of other estates along the Mississippi River, taking its cue from French Creole and Caribbean plantation design. Though disappointing to learn the slave quarters are not yet restored, its architectural and historical significance makes it a worthwhile visit. Check out Plantation Adventures to book a tour. 4
Moonshine
Dabble Savvy
Pick up a copy of Trosclair’s “Cajun Night before Christmas” and jazz up the holidays with a southern twist that reads: ‘Twas the night before Christmas An’ all t’ru de house Dey don’t a t’ing pass Not even a mouse’
“I’m a tourist,” says Cheryl, “Of course I have to take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the French Quarter.” Choose a floral adorned mare and a chatty driver from the lineup outside Jackson Square. “But wait for dark, when the ghost and voodoo stories seem eerily possible.”
5
For a $20 admission, visitors to Mardi Gras World in the Warehouse District get up close and personal with enormous parade floats while learning how they’re made and what’s involved in this annual tradition. Lead by a knowledgeable docent, the tour begins with a brief video and a slice of king cake (traditional sweet bun with colourful icing). Fun for the whole family.
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DABBLE DOES
Cheryl’s perfect
NEW ORLEANS ITINERARY
Eat
Those desiring a truly southern experience will surrender to the promise of moonshine served nightly at Cochon. Well-loved for their pork specialties, Cochon serves an authentic spread of Cajun and German dishes. Try the pork cheeks if you can get past the name, the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender. As for the moonshine...let’s just say it’s an acquired taste.
Stay
Worldwide, the W Hotel caters to a youthful fashionista set. In New Orleans there are two locations to choose from. W Hotel New Orleans on Poydras is just a little removed from the Bourbon Street fray while the W New Orleans - French Quarter is right in the centre of activity. Both have swimming pools and a lively bar scene.
Shop
Set beside the Mississippi River is the permanent location of the French Market, an ideal spot for souvenir shopping. If you love hot sauce, there’s a shop devoted to nothing but the spicy stuff. You’ll also find the feathered Mardi Gras masks for a lot less money than the same versions on Bourbon Street.
Visit
A short walk east of the Garden District is an intriguing art experience. Visitors are invited to complete the sentence, “Before I die I want to...” on a large, public chalkboard wall. Quotes range from: “travel without a destination” to “fall in love”; “save the wetlands” to “go bungee jumping”. When the wall is full, artist, Candy Chang, records the answers for a future book and wipes the wall clean.
Cool Off
On hot days the gourmet popsicles at Meltdown go down pretty easy. Show up early if you want the popular chocolate sea salt with pistachios. Or try the more adventurous cucumber, kefir and lime.
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Streetcar on Canal Street. OPPOSITE TOP Horse-drawn
carriage.
OPPOSITE BOTTOM Art Wall near the Garden District.
TRAVEL
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DABBLE DOES
Welcome to
BOURBON If you’re mining for big personalities and unique characters, then Bourbon Street is pay dirt. From the sublime to the surreal and everything in between, the action (and the alcohol) never stops.
Dabble Savvy
United Cab, which uses only licensed drivers, provides the most reliable ride in town.
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TRAVEL
STREET This street performer has the blues. OPPOSITE TOP There's always a lively crowd on Bourbon Street. OPPOSITE BOTTOM A soleful
jazz performance.
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DABBLE DOES
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TRAVEL
The Spirit of
NEW ORLEANS
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Dabble’s
1-2-3 days
in New Orleans
Day 1
MORNING If you’re staying at Soniat House or the Ritz-Carlton, breakfast is covered. Otherwise, head to the French Quarter and order a chocolate filled or straight up croissant from Croissant D’Or Patisserie. This will surely give you the fuel required to explore and shop the Quarter for the rest of the day. NOON The courtyard at Café Amelie is a perfect spot to lunch before continuing to prowl the Quarter. Once fortified, take a tour of Hermann-Grima house with its 19th century charm. Next, head to the French Market for souvenirs and end the afternoon with the best margarita in the world (yes, the world) at El Gato Negro. EVENING Taking the streetcar to Upperline is a trip highlight. Getting a warm greeting from the owner makes you feel like a local and a VIP.
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A quarter-mile canopy of giant live oak trees, believed to be nearly 300 years old, forms a welcoming “alley” leading to the Greek-revival style antebellum home of Oak Alley Plantation.
Day 2
MORNING Work up an appetite with a 40 minute stroll from the French Quarter to Magazine Street. Once there, breakfast is guilt-free, so stop at the first bakery. Or, cab it to Velvet and indulge in a Spanish latte and a tea cake (aka mini-cupcake). Either way, use the street-by-street guide on page 85 and shop ‘til you drop. NOON Sure, it’s a few blocks off Magazine Street but no obstacle is too great for a chance to eat at Atchafalaya. If fried green tomatoes sound intriguing, this is the place to try them. Don’t linger if you plan to see Lafayette Cemetery (in nearby Garden District) as it closes by 3:00 pm. AFTERNOON There’s more Magazine Street to explore and once that’s finished, stroll the adjacent Garden District with its antebellum homes and star appeal. EVENING Fish lovers should try GW Fins and pork lovers, Cochon. Either way, end the evening with the joyful music coming from Frenchman Street.
Day 3
MORNING Decision time...is it a day-trip to Oak Alley Plantation or a wander through the National WWII Museum? Oh heck, try to fit them both in. You can rest when you’re back home. Head to the plantation first, then take a cab to the museum and start the tour with lunch in one of the on-site restaurants.
EVENING Finish the New Orleans culinary tour with dinner at Louisiana Bistro. The inventive menu changes frequently. Post dinner, take one last stroll through the French Quarter and Bourbon Street if you’re so inclined. September/October 2011 dabble 103
DABBLE DOES
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SNAPSHOT
WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATT LONG
n a d or J
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Somewhere out there was Wadi Rum, one of the great natural treasures of the world.
TRAVEL
I don’t normally travel with a guide and driver, but I quickly got used to the convenience. We were flying along a desert road, leaving the legendary city of Petra behind us as we barrelled towards Wadi Rum. The driver was a necessity; I didn’t have months to spend in Jordan, and needed to get around the small Middle Eastern nation as efficiently as possible. If I had driven, I’m sure I would’ve been lost in the middle of Saudi Arabia before I noticed I had left the great Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The desert is unending and intensely hot, well over 100 degrees, as we make a sudden stop at a tiny shack in the middle of nowhere, catering to the lost or hungry on their way to anywhere but here. Nearby goats issue their displeasure as we approach the shady tent. Mahmoud, my driver, pulls out some white cheese, a delicious homemade variety local to Jordan. It has a savoury, salty taste, along with some of my favourite flatbread, like a pita on steroids. I gave my new friend a quizzical look and he just smiled and pointed to the stand. Watermelons, a lot of them and obviously in season. It all began to click as Mahmoud quickly assembled an impromptu picnic for us.
Wadi Rum
Bedouin coffee service near Dana Biosphere Reserve, Jordan
As I feast on the surprisingly delicious combinations of sweet and savoury, I look out over the desert with curiosity. Somewhere out there is Wadi Rum, one of the great natural treasures, not just of Jordan, but the world.
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SNAPSHOT
An hour later the compact car turns off onto a desert road and, before I know it, we are passing the mountain formation dubbed the Seven Pillars of Wisdom by a former Wadi resident, T.E. Lawrence, better known as Lawrence of Arabia. Lawrence based his operations in the desert plains of Wadi Rum during the Arab Revolt of 1917–18. Mahmoud knows the route well and with his typical zeal goes as fast as possible. Soon, we rest in front of a series of Bedouin style tents, assembled at the base of a rock formation in the middle of nowhere.
Captain’s Desert Camp, Wadi Rum.
Taking a break while on desert safari, Wadi Rum.
The Bedouin are a traditionally nomadic people who have called the great desert of Jordan home since man first stepped cautiously onto this barren land. Many still live a traditional lifestyle, herding goats and camels along as they eke out a living. Others though have taken a decidedly modern approach and cater to the thousands of tourists who visit the landscape Lawrence called, “vast, echoing and god-like.” I’m a hotel kind of guy, so my tent with a mosquito net bed is a shock at first sight. The temperature soars past 110 degrees and I join a few Jordanians inside a large tent in the middle of camp. We chat about nothing in particular, just happy to be out of the desert heat. As the sun makes its initial descent my new guide, Abed, turns to me and says, “Ok, let’s go.” I amble out to an old, somewhat derelict looking Toyota truck that is retrofitted to serve as a conveyance for tourists on a desert safari.
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TRAVEL
Adolescent camel
Wadi Rum mountains September/October 2011 dabble 109
SNAPSHOT
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I don’t know what magical abilities Wadi Rum may possess, but it instantly forms a fraternity between strangers.
Ancient rock engravings, or petroglyphs are preserved in the desert over thousands of years.
Driving away from the camp, I see the vast plains of Wadi Rum. Television and film producers from around the world use Wadi to film scenes of moonscapes, and not without good reason. It is flat and decidedly barren, and the sandy landscape is punctuated by stunning rock formations, mini-mountains I suppose, creating a network of canyons and overlooks. We stop a few times to observe in greater detail the vistas and even some ancient petroglyphs (rock engravings), the arid desert preserving them for centuries. Finally we stop in time to watch the famous sunset while sitting on a sand bluff with the desert stretching out before me. The conversation turns from the polite to the personal in a matter of seconds. Jordanians are just as well known for being blunt as they are friendly. We talk about our lives, our problems and what we hope the future will 110 dabble September/October 2011
bring. I don’t know what magical abilities Wadi Rum may possess, but it instantly forms a fraternity between strangers. At one point Abed looks at me and says, “You know this, this desert, Wadi Rum, it is my most favourite place in all of Jordan. This is where we are all from, this is our home. Some of us may live in cities and lead modern lives, but this is our birthplace.” The promised sunset comes and goes, and is indeed Mother Nature at her very best. The colours and hues of the desert rock are transformed from neutral to dynamic in a matter of minutes. As we ride back to the camp, the canopy of stars gradually comes into focus and I ask my perpetually good natured friend Abed if he ever worries about anything. “There is no need to worry,” he says, “what happens will happen. All I can do is enjoy my life.”
TRAVEL
th wi m Rooview a
Fall Colours
This fall, enjoy the colours of the season from these amazing getaway locations. There’s plenty to do and great views too.
Equinox Resort
WHO: Equinox Resort
WHO: Mirror Lake Inn
WHO: Deerhurst Resort
WHERE: Manchester Village,
WHERE: Lake Placid, New York,
WHERE: Huntsville, Ontario,
WHAT: Fall’s most resplendent
WHAT: Experience lakeside
WHAT: Located in the heart of
COST: Average room rate from
COST: Room rates from US$360.
COST: Average daily room rate
Vermont, United States
foliage surrounds this stunning Vermont golf course and resort. If golf’s not your game, consider archery, falconry or fly fishing—all on offer. There are even programs for children, which will leave mom and dad plenty of time to visit the luxurious spa. US$399 per night. Many specials and packages available.
United States
luxury in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains. This unique vacation spot offers casual elegance and peaceful ambiance as you enjoy the fall colours surrounding the lake. From campfires to canoeing to watching sunsets on the dock, this is the perfect weekend escape. Best deals are offered in their numerous getaway packages.
Canada
the Muskokas, this cottage country retreat offers something for everyone. The adventurous will love the hiking and horseback riding trails. Start early and you’ll be back in time for afternoon spa treatments and be able to finish the day with a locavore dining experience. from CA$200. Upgrade to condo style accommodation and enjoy the added in-room amenities. September/October 2011 dabble 111
for s ce la P Best
cruising WORDS BY HEATHER VISSER
Black Sea
Dreaming of a European cruise? Perhaps it’s time to move beyond the Mediterranean and explore the dynamic Black Sea region. Those craving a unique experience thrill to a submarine base in Sevastopol, Ukraine. Architect buffs are agog when they visit Istanbul, Turkey with its marble clad Topkapi Palace. Despite its rich history, Turkey is surprisingly modern, with friendly locals and knowledgeable guides. Don’t forget to bring your bathing suit as you’ll want to immerse yourself in local culture by visiting a Turkish bathhouse.
Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, Turkey 112 dabble September/October 2011
Heather’s Cruise Line Pick: Silversea’s Silver Spirit and Silver Wind offer Black Sea cruises in June, July and September 2012.
TRAVEL
South America
To choose a single destination in South America is nearly impossible. Do you want to see penguins? Then Stanley in the Falkland Islands is the destination. Or, opt for a more mainstream Buenos Aires experience, and tack on a short flight to Iguazu Falls to see the elaborate waterfalls. If you’re in the area, don’t miss seeing a tango show in the district of La Boca with its colourful houses and twirling couples doing the tango on the street. Heather’s Cruise Line Pick: Star Princess sails regularly from Buenos Aires, Argentina to Santiago, Chile from December 2011 through February 2012.
Iguazu Falls
Baltic
St. Petersburg, Russia is the highlight of a cruise to the Baltic. Itineraries which allow three days in St. Petersburg are ideal, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the city plus take a day trip to Moscow, a four hour train ride away. It’s worthwhile to see the views from the Amber Room in Catherine the Great’s Palace and equally satisfying to visit the elaborate gardens of Peter the Great’s summer palace. Of course, the Baroque Winter Palace (Hermitage) is a pilgrimage for art lovers. In the evening, take in a traditional dance show such as ballet or a livelier St. Petersburg Folkloric Show. Heather’s Cruise Line Pick: Seabourn Pride and Sojourn offer 7 to 12 day itineraries from May through September 2012, with a 3 day stop in St. Petersburg.
Alaska
St. Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow
Escape the scorching heat with a summertime Alaskan cruise. Adventure awaits with daytime excursions such as whale watching, dog sledding and glacier sightseeing by helicopter. All of these activities are best enjoyed during the summer months when visibility is best. If you are a Deadliest Catch fan, don’t miss the Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s tour in Ketchikan. Board Season 2’s Aleutian Ballad and watch as the crew bring up almost every kind of creature found in the Bering Sea. Oh yes, and don’t forget duty free shopping. Juneau and Ketchikan are like St. Thomas, but in the middle of snow-capped mountains. Heather’s Cruise Line Pick: Holland America has been cruising in Alaska for longer than it has been a state.
Dog sledding in Alaska September/October 2011 dabble 113
Exposure It was Albert Einstein who famously said “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” Relating to photography, he got it wrong says SIMON BURN, DABBLE’S CREATIVE DIRECTOR AND PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHER. On a recent shoot in Europe, I noticed how many people are checking out my camera equipment these days, actually coming up to me and asking what I shoot with. It’s happening more and more frequently. My answer usually is, “Does it matter?”
always have my camera close at hand. If my breakfast looks particularly good, I shoot it. If I stumble on a street hockey game, I snap a few shots. In this manner, you learn to play with various compositions.
Photography is a popular hobby and virtually everyone has a DSLR (digital single-lens reflex camera) with its promise to help you ‘shoot like a pro’. Hobbyists are easy targets for marketers that invent ‘essential’ accessories, widgets to diffuse the flash, revolutionary (and overpriced) camera straps, or phone apps too numerous to mention.
When people closely examine my camera equipment, they are amazed and often somewhat disappointed. The camera has black tape over the manufacturer’s logo and permanent marker scribbled over the model number for security reasons (the topic of next issue’s Exposure). My favourite lens is about 20 years old, smaller and more unimpressive looking than the extra large versions available today. I’m happy to keep shooting with my vintage equipment. It’s been good to me and helped me take great photos around the world. With the money I save on upgrades, I think I’ll take another trip.
To take great photos you don’t need the latest gizmo or even a flashy new camera. What you do need is: A. an understanding of the principles of photography (knowledge), and B. good ideas to capture creative images (imagination). If you truly want to be a better photographer, take a course to learn the basics and then, just grab your camera and shoot something—the family cat, a flower in the garden—any subject will do. I
About the photo
This is St. Paul’s Square in Rome on a late autumn afternoon. I ‘made’ this image; that’s right, I didn’t ‘take’ it. I used my knowledge of aperture control to get maximum depth of field. I walked around the entire scene to find a view I liked, one that no one else was seeing.
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Dabble Savvy: To capture an original photo, don’t stand where you see everyone else standing. Strike out on your own to capture a unique view.
Next, I considered my composition and used the horses to draw the eye into the centre of the frame, towards the building. By getting low to the ground, I was able to include the cobbled stone and dramatic shadows, which add foreground interest.
TRAVEL
Knowledge and imagination are more important than equipment. September/October 2011 dabble 115
We asked our food contributors...
What is your favourite fall flavour?
Corey Burgan
“Butternut squash. Its unique taste can be used in soup or, with a little honey and cinnamon, it can be eaten with a spoon.” Corey fell in love with cooking when he was 13 and has been in the kitchen ever since. His passion is hosting friends and family. It’s just a bonus that it’s also his career.
www.dabblemag.com @dabblechef
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Angela Lawrence
“My favourite flavour is butter. I especially love the aroma of baking with butter. For me there’s nothing more satisfying than a perfectly baked croissant or a slice of buttery pound cake.” As a seasoned communications professional Angela has worked for several magazines as an editor or freelance writer, including Style at Home, City Bites, Canadian Living, and CA Magazine. An avid traveller and amateur photographer, Angela is looking forward to her next trip...Turkey perhaps?
www.angelalawrence.ca
Jameson Fink
"Pumpkin. Cooked and puréed into a velvety soup and garnished with toasted pumpkin seeds. It's fall in a comforting bowl." After dabbling in the food and wine industry in Chicago, Jameson moved to Seattle in 2004 to pursue his passion for wine. Currently he is the European Wine Buyer and Social Media Director for Esquin Wine Merchants and consults for MadWine. He’d rather be drinking Champagne and eating popcorn right now. www.esquin.com @jamesonfink
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of e st ta a
doughnuts WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY FIONA VAN ALSTYNE
Gulab Jamun
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FOOD
Sweet or savoury, east or west, everyone loves fried dough. We suggest you brew yourself a large coffee and try all of our picks in the name of cultural research... Fact: Per capita, Canadians consume the most doughnuts, and Canada has the most doughnut stores. India and Pakistan These warm, sweet doughnuts are soaked in a fragrant syrup and served at weddings and other festive occasions.
Gulab Jamun 1½ cups sugar 1½ cups water 3 cardamom pods, crushed ½ tsp rose water Pinch of saffron ½ cup milk powder 2 tbsp flour ¼ tsp baking soda 1 tbsp butter or ghee, melted Oil or ghee for frying 2-4 tbsp whole milk Pistachios, chopped (optional)
Japan
These crunchy sweet bites are an Okinawan staple that reminds us of deep fried pound cake.
Sata Andagi 4 large eggs ¾ cup whole milk ¾ tsp vanilla 4 cups flour 2 cups sugar 3½ tbsp baking powder ¼ tsp salt Peanut oil for deep frying
Place oil in large, heavy bottomed pan or wok. Heat to about 350°F. In a medium bowl, sift flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. In a large bowl, mix eggs, milk, and vanilla. Add dry ingredients to egg mixture, and stir until dough is smooth. Carefully drop teaspoonfuls of dough into oil and fry until golden brown, about 6-8 minutes. Drain on paper towels and serve warm with a steaming cup of green tea. Tip: Cook doughnuts in small batches so the temperature of the oil doesn’t drop too much and make them greasy.
In a large pot, combine sugar, water, cardamom, rose water and saffron. Boil for a couple of minutes over a medium heat, without stirring. Set aside. In a large bowl, mix together powdered milk, flour, baking soda, butter or ghee and milk to form a soft dough. Allow to rest for 15 minutes, then gently roll into ¾ inch balls. Place 2" oil or ghee in large, heavy bottomed pan or wok. Heat over medium heat to about 300°F. Fry dough balls until golden brown, drain on paper towels, then soak in reserved syrup. Sprinkle with chopped pistachios to serve (optional).
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A TASTE OF
Tip
To bake instead of fry, place spoonfuls on a lightly greased baking sheet. Bake at 425°F for 20 minutes. Reduce heat to 350°F and bake for a further 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Italy Plan your next trip to il Bel Paese over a warm basket of these golden puffs.
Zeppole
1 cup water 1 stick butter 1 tbsp sugar ¼ tsp salt 1 cup flour 4 eggs Olive oil for frying ½ cup sugar 2 tbsp ground cinnamon Mascarpone cream and jam to serve
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Place butter, salt, 1 tablespoon sugar, and water in heavy bottomed pan. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Remove pan from heat and stir in flour. Return to the heat and stir for 3-4 minutes until mixture forms a ball. Transfer dough to the bowl of a stand mixer. Beat in eggs, one at a time until well mixed and smooth. Place 2" oil in large, heavy bottomed pan. Heat over medium heat to about 350°F. Carefully drop tablespoons of the dough into the hot oil. Turn the doughnuts once or twice, cooking until golden and puffed up. Drain on paper towels. Stir together cinnamon and sugar and toss with hot doughnuts. Serve warm with mascarpone cream and jam for topping.
FOOD
Germany These soft, sweet and cakey doughnuts can also be filled with jam (rosehip if you can find it) and dusted with powdered sugar to make a “Berliner.”
Schokoladenkrapfen
¾ cup whole milk 2 tbsp butter, melted 1 package (2¼ tsp) dry yeast 3¾ cups flour ¼ cup sugar ½ tsp salt 3 large eggs Canola or vegetable oil for frying 1 cup heavy cream, whipped and chilled 4 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped
Place milk and butter in medium pan. Warm to 110°F. Sprinkle yeast over milk and set aside until mixture is foamy. Place flour, sugar and salt in bowl of electric mixer fitted with a dough hook. Add yeast mixture and eggs. Mix until a soft dough forms. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth, about 2 minutes. Place dough into a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour. Place dough on lightly floured surface and roll out to ½ inch thick. Cut rounds out of the dough with a 3" cookie cutter. Place doughnuts on a lightly oiled baking sheet and allow to rise for about 10 minutes. Gather remaining dough and roll out again. Cut with cookie cutter and repeat until all dough is used. Heat 2" of oil to 375°F. Add doughnuts to oil and fry until golden brown on all sides. Drain on paper towels. To make the chocolate coating, place ½ cup whipped cream in a heavy bottomed pan. Heat until just boiling, then remove from heat and stir in chopped chocolate until completely melted. Cut doughnuts in half. Using remaining whipped cream, place a spoonfull (more or less as desired) on one side. Put the two halves back together. Top with chocolate sauce.
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h tc ra sc from
Fresh Rolls RECIPE BY COREY BURGAN
“Forget heavy wraps,” says Dabble’s resident chef Corey Burgan. “Try fresh veggies in light-as-air rice paper.” 122 dabble September/October 2011
FOOD
INGREDIENTS 12 rice paper sheets 2 cups vermicelli noodles 1 lime, juice and zest 2 tbsp coriander, chopped 1 yellow pepper 1 onion 1 carrot 1 celery stalk 1 lb shrimp, cooked Salt and pepper
Serves 4-6 Prep Time 30 min.
DIRECTIONS
Soak the vermicelli noodles in water for approximately 20 minutes. Drain and pat dry with a cloth to remove any excess water. Place noodles in a bowl. Marinate with lime juice, lime zest, salt, pepper and coriander. Let sit while vegetables are being prepared. Julienne or finely grate the pepper, onion, carrot and celery. Cut the shrimps in half lengthwise. Put aside. Fill a large bowl with warm water and place one sheet of rice paper in the water until it softens. Remove and lay on a cutting board. Place small amounts of vermicelli noodles and vegetables in the centre of the rice paper. Lay 4 or 5 pieces of shrimp in a row on top. Roll the rice paper by bringing the side closest to you up over the shrimp. Fold in the two ends and continue rolling the paper away from you. Serve with Thai or Hoisin sauce.
Tip:
For meat lovers, substitute shrimp with cooked chicken.
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eat like a WORDS BY angela lawrence PHOTOGRAPHY BY KORNELL SAMUELS
A roadside vendor weighs fresh fish in St. Thomas. 124 dabble September/October 2011
FOOD
As a child I knew the full-bodied flavours of Jamaican food long before I knew the island itself, which I visited for the first time when I was 10. Both my parents left Jamaica in their 20s to go to school abroad and brought with them their love of foods rich with spices and bold flavour. According to my mother, “Jamaicans like everything full of flavour. Meat must be salty, desserts and drinks very sweet and gravy greasy.” And all done with such flair that Jamaican recipes, like jerk chicken and beef patties, are known around the world. Growing up in a family where food is the great connector, I’ve learned the unspoken rules of eating like a Jamaican. One, you always have soup on Saturday. Two, you must always eat rice and peas on Sunday. “In my time if you served white rice with your Sunday dinner people would think you were lazy,” explains my mother. Three, you must always, and I mean always, season your meat with onion, garlic and spices the night before cooking it. And that also applies to chicken and fish so that every bite is memorable. Because, according to Mom, “Jamaicans don’t go for bland food.”
Riding the hills in St. Thomas.
“Jamaicans like everything full of flavour. Meat must be salty, desserts and drinks very sweet and gravy greasy.” Jamaican food will always be my comfort food. My toes curl when I eat a traditional savoury breakfast of ackee (the national fruit that’s more like a vegetable) and salt fish (salted cod), fried plantains and fried dumplings (round flaky biscuits used to sop up the ackee and salt fish). My heart tingles when I sit down in front of a big bowl of Saturday soup thick with beef, tropical pumpkin and yams. And my taste buds soar when I savour the peppery tang of a flaky escovitch fish.
Bunches of grapefruit hang in a fruit stall in Walkerswood, St. Ann.
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EAT LIKE A Fish prepared escovitch style is seasoned, fried and topped with a peppery dressing made colourful with julienned bell peppers, carrots and onions. And, everyone knows it tastes better the next day. No God-fearing Jamaican would be without escovitch king fish or red snapper on Good Friday. For me it’s the highlight of the Easter holidays. However, Jamaica is where I really learned what it means to eat like a Jamaican. Whether it’s Cosmos beach in Negril, Hellshire beach in Kingston or a roadside stall in Whitehall, eating fish straight from the sea leaves its mark. For me, nothing is more authentically Jamaican than eating fish caught only hours before and prepared to your liking on the beach: roasted, steamed or, of course, escovitched.
Fay’s Escovitch Snapper
Escovitch Dressing
4 whole red snapper 1 cup cooking oil Salt and pepper
½ each green and red bell pepper, julienned 1 medium carrot, julienned 1 small onion, sliced in rings 3 tbsp cooking oil (use leftover oil used to fry fish) ⅔ cup vinegar 10 pimento seeds (optional) ½ tsp salt 1 tsp pepper sauce ½ scotch bonnet pepper, seed removed and chopped
The day before serving, clean and scale the fish. Season with salt and black pepper and refrigerate. Set stove to high and add cooking oil to pan. Dry fish with paper towel and pan fry for about 5 minutes on each side. Take fish out of pan and place on paper towel to drain oil.
Cut vegetables and put aside.
PHOTO BY: ANGELA LAWRENCE
Put vinegar and oil into a saucepan and bring to a boil. Add carrots and pimento seeds and let simmer for about 1 minute. Add salt, pepper sauce and bell peppers and simmer for 1 minute.
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Add onion and simmer for about 3 minutes or until the onion is transparent. Add scotch bonnet pepper and stir. Place fish into serving dish and spoon dressing on top. Serves 4
PHOTO BY: ANGELA LAWRENCE
FOOD
Escovich Red Snapper.
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EAT LIKE A
“
Growing up in a family where food is the great connector, I’ve learned the unspoken rules of eating like a Jamaican. One, you always have soup on Saturday. Two, you must always eat rice and peas on Sunday.
1 can (19 oz) kidney beans with liquid 2 cups water 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1 small onion or 2 stalks scallion, chopped 1 tsp dried thyme 1 tsp salt ½ tsp pepper 2 cups long grain rice, rinsed and drained Pour kidneys beans and liquid in large sauce pan and add water. Add coconut milk, chopped onion, fresh thyme. Add salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil. Add rice and boil on high for 2 minutes. Turn heat to low, cover pot and cook until all water is absorbed. Fluff with fork before serving. Serves 6 to 8
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PHOTO BY: ANGELA LAWRENCE
“
Rice and Peas
Lush palms and a captivating coastline in Port Antonio.
FOOD
Juicy Fruit There’s nothing as good as eating fresh tropical fruit in season and in Jamaica that’s the norm. From mangoes, bananas and extraordinarily sweet pineapples to a bevy of unfamiliar exotics, Jamaica has it all. Here are a few unique and tasty island delights worth a try.
ep GI uloveinthe sweet and sour taste of guineps, which grow in bunches. Just crack open the thin green skin and inside you’ll find a soft flesh wrapped around a large seed.
Jack Fruit
k Fruit Jac The prickly green skin of this large fruit conceals a beautiful treat inside. Jack fruit tastes a little like pineapple but with a very different texture. Cut it in half and pluck the pods of flesh from inside.
aseberry NCalled sapodilla in Central America, a naseberry is round and has a reddish brown skin and a pearlike texture. When it’s ripe, the fleshy pulp is sweet and delicious.
Star Apple
tar Apple SWhen cut crossways, this fruit reveals a
dramatic star-shaped pattern. It’s called an apple but is similar in taste and texture to a persimmon and best eaten very ripe.
Sweet Sop
This perfectly named fruit has a peculiar appearance: the entire surface is divided into small, knobbly scales that separate when the fruit is ripe, exposing a creamy, sweet custard-like pulp. Sweet Sop September/October 2011 dabble 129
te da er dinn Trop Mignon, Too Cute Mignon is French for cute. Fortunately, says foodie David Laudenback, on a day when your wife is thinking of a different adjective to describe you this filet mignon recipe can change her mind.
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FOOD
Wife-warming Filet Mignon with Goat Cheese Topping INGREDIENTS
PREPARATION
2 5oz filets 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp granulated garlic Kosher salt Black peppercorn
Brush olive oil on the filets and sprinkle with garlic, salt and pepper.
TOPPING
In order to create a delicious crust, sear the filets in a non-stick pan on high heat for 2 minutes on each side. Remove the pan from the stove and place the filets in an oven pan.
½ cup goat cheese 2 tbsp breadcrumbs 2 tbsp French herbs 3 tbsp beer
INSTRUCTIONS Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix goat cheese, breadcrumbs, herbs and beer in a large bowl and place aside.
Divide the goat cheese topping evenly and top each filet with the mixture. Place the filets in the oven for 5 minutes. Place filets under the broiler for 1 minute to create a crusty top. Beer or Wine Pairing: Dark Beer or Napa Valley Cabernet
s nt oi P e ni BroAwlarge bouquet of flowers is sure to put a smile on her face.
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There’s an app for that
WORDS BY JAMESON FINK PHOTOGRAPHY BY FIONA VAN ALSTYNE
When faced with a diverse selection of tastes, choosing a wine to complement them all can be difficult. Thankfully, Dabble’s wine expert, Jameson Fink, is up to the challenge. Challenged with an assorted array of ingredients, you’ve got to pick one bottle of wine that works with all three toast appetizers. First, it’s ok to panic a little. Then, take a deep breath and think, ‘What do all these toasts have in common?’ Eureka, it’s salt! Sharp cheddar, prosciutto, and smoked sardines require a refreshing pour to cleanse powerful, and salty, flavours. Time for an Albariño, a refreshing grape from Spain’s Rias Baixas region. Perhaps the fact that its grapes grow close to the sea explains its affinity with salty foods. Ponder this (and more) as you alternate between sips of this bracing, lively dry white wine and bites of savoury toasts. 132 dabble September/October 2011
FOOD
The App
A selection of toasts prepared by Melissa Nyffler, chef and owner of Dinette in Seattle. Front to back: Rapini pesto with Beecher’s sharp cheddar and Mama Lil’s spicy pickled peppers; La Quercia proscuitto with fig and anchovy spread; and smoked sardine with peperonata and Laura Chenel goat cheese.
Jameson’s Pick
2009 Pazo Señorans Albariño
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ENTERTAIN ME
pajama party Let the popcorn fly. Tonight the girls are staying in. Watching chick flicks, experimenting with the latest face masks and catching up on gossip.
LEFT TO RIGHT Christine Horne, Tricia Mumby, Edi Heron, Dee Brun and Cheryl Horne.
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FOOD
Sweet Dreams Spritzer 1 oz Vodka ½ oz Raspberry Liqueur ½ oz Pomegranate Liqueur 2 oz white grape juice 4 oz Yellowglen Pink Combine vodka, liqueurs and white grape juice with ice and shake well. Strain into an 8 oz martini glass and top with Yellowglen Pink. RECIPE BY: DEE BRUN, COCKTAIL DEEVA
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ENTERTAIN ME
s ck li f k ic ch Fave Need a Laugh: Bride Wars Good Cry: The Notebook Evil Boss: The Devil Wears Prada Long Distance Love: The Holiday Love Conquers All: My Best Friend’s Wedding
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Laughter, a crucial ingredient to any girl's night.
FOOD
Pre-show Set the scene for a night of “no makeup” with an invitation assuring guests this is a “girl’s only” event. Be sure to add BYOP (bring your own pillow) to the invite. If budget allows, send a pre-party loot bag with cute slippers. Main Event Let emotions guide the movie choice. Need a good cry? Steel Magnolias and Ghost are classics that never fail to stir up tears and, more recently, The Notebook. If it’s true romance you are craving, The Holiday is sure to leave the girls sighing. In Serendipity, two people find true romance when they least expect it. Grab the popcorn, dim the lights and click PLAY. Sleep Tight If you have a bed for every guest, great. Otherwise, consider a blow up mattress or even a padded camping surface to provide additional sleeping quarters. Sweet dreams.
September/October 2011 dabble 137
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Ginger Rogers DABBLE FOOD CONTRIBUTOR THERESA ALBERT KNOWS THERE’S NO DANCING AROUND IT, WE WANT THE SWEET STUFF. BUT THERE ARE CHOICES WE CAN MAKE THAT WILL KEEP US LIGHT ON OUR TOES.
Serves 24 Prep Time 30 min. Preheat 375°F
138 dabble September/October 2011
FOOD
In celebration of a woman who could do everything her partner did— but backwards and in high heels— a small indulgence with big impact is in order. Ginger, in its dried and fresh forms, has wonderful powers. A traditional remedy for all things tummy, it’s also an anti-inflammatory. In an honest, chewy cookie its flavour astounds. INGREDIENTS
INSTRUCTIONS
2 cups all-purpose flour ½ tsp sea salt 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp ground ginger 1 tsp freshly grated ginger ½ cup unsalted butter 1 cup organic cane sugar 1 egg, beaten ¼ cup molasses 1 tbsp white vinegar
Lightly grease a baking sheet or use a silicon mat. Sift together flour, salt, baking soda, ground ginger and stir in grated fresh ginger. Use a blender to mix butter, sugar and egg together and then blend in molasses. Beat for 2 minutes. Stir in vinegar. Add flour mixture and blend thoroughly. Place into the fridge for 5-10 minutes to firm dough. Prepare a plate of sugar to dip balls into. Roll dough into 2" balls and roll in sugar before placing on baking sheet. To make crisp cookies, flatten with a knife. To make soft and chewy cookies, leave as balls. Place into oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until flattened and beginning to crack on top. Remove to racks to allow to cool. Serve with a shot of espresso and candied ginger.
September/October 2011 dabble 139
Check out Kelli’s blog
I dabble in... running “I’ve been known to run a race or two, and even belong to a self described ‘running gang’. We live in different cities so we travel to various races just to hang out and run together. The fitness aspect of it is a bonus. There is nothing better to clear my head than to get out of the house, disconnect from my online world and just run. “
“My blog is an extension of my voice and, like it or not, it’s all me. Blogging is definitely cheaper than therapy”.
I dabble in...
Kelli Catana is a blogger, gossiper, wife, mother of four and wannabe superwoman who has an insatiable appetite for anything and everything entertainment related. It was right about the time that Brenda Walsh laid eyes on Dylan McKay that her obsession with celebrity started, and it shows no sign of letting up. She can typically be found in a skating rink with her kids, in front of her computer, or watching anything that involves high school, cheerleading or a show choir. 140 dabble September/October 2011
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September/October 2011 dabble 141
. . . b da a Just