Goodlife Markham Holiday Edition 2015 by York Region GoodLife Magazine

| D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5

NOVEMB ER | DEC EMB ER 2 0 1 5

N O V E M B E R

GOODLIFEMAGAZINE.CA

Savour the season

Tradition meets trends in DIY appetizers GoodLife Markham, Richmond Hill, Stouffville, Thornhill Edition

meet our makeover

WINNER

Stage

Set the

for a memorable holiday dinner

SERVING MARKHAM, RICHMOND HILL, STOUFFVILLE AND THORNHILL

Introducing the all new 2016 Buick Enclave

CHEVROLET • BUICK • GMC

5336 Hwy. 7, Markham 905.294.1440 markvillechevrolet.com

Your Local Choice Since 1947

Visit our showroom at: 80 Bullock Dr. Unit #5 Markham, ON L3P 3P7

WindoWs • doors • roofing • siding • EavEstrough E

R TE

IV NT

10% OFF ON ALL PRODUCTS

905-4a7ll us for a 2-0276 F estimaREE te!

WINDOWS / DOORS SIDING / ROOFING January/February Installation Note: Not valid with any other specials/discounts

Visit us online @ EdmundsHomeImprovements.ca or email us: info@edmundshome.ca

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 3

Publisher Ian Proudfoot Regional General Manager Shaun Sauve Editor Lee Ann Waterman Contributors Emily Blackman • Bart Card • Jim Craigmyle • Daniela DiStefano Jennifer Ettinger • Cathy Hillard • Naomi Hiltz • Andrew Hind David Li • Joann MacDonald • Tracy Smith Advertising Director Maureen Christie Advertising Manager Mara Sepe Advertising Sales Pam Burgess • Dawn Chaykowsky • Stephanie Cornacchia Tyler Duncan • Alex LeClerc • Monika Madden • Ryan McCluskey Cathie Orban • Anita Phelps • Mike Sinainos • Judy Starr Shelley Thompson • Sitong Wu Regional Director, Production and Creative Services Katherine Porcheron

As a community-based media group reaching more than 300,000 households, we take seriously our responsibility to support community initiatives that help make York Region a great place to live, work and play. We support a wide variety of causes including health care and research, social services, education, arts and culture, community festivals, the environment, youth initiatives, volunteerism and much more.

Editorial Design Emily Ayranto Director of Business Administration Rob Lazurko Director of Distribution Carol Lamb GoodLife Markham, Richmond Hill, Thornhill and Stouffville is published by Metroland Media, York Region. Statements, opinions and points of view are those of the sources and writers and do not necessarily represent those of the publisher, advertisers or GoodLife magazine. Contents copyrighted. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any article, photograph or artwork without written consent from the publisher is strictly prohibited. Submissions are welcome from writers and photographers. We assume no responsibility for unsolicited material. GoodLife 115-50 McIntosh Dr., Markham, ON L3R 9T3 905-294-2200

4 | GoodLife • November - December 2015

The best Vette yet, no matter what your destination

Eastern Canada’s exclusive Callaway Dealer supercharging your Corvette, Camaro and full size GMC/Chevy trucks.

The Source.....Canada’s #1 Corvette Store! 10675 Yonge St. Richmond Hill • 905.884.0991 • 1.888.379.8888

wilsonniblett.com • corvettecanada.ca • camarocanada.ca GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 5

contents

10 10 Centre Stage 12 The Season for Green 18 Home Tour 24 Say Cheese 30 Savour the Season 36 We Like It

Cosy comfort for your home

Create a memorable table for your holiday dinner

Tips for spectacular outdoor containers

In designer Tracy Kundellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home, inherited pieces lay the foundation for traditional style

30 6 | GoodLife â&#x20AC;˘ September November -- December October 2015 2015

York Region cheese experts share their favourites and how to serve them

Tradition meets trend in these holiday appetizers

contents

40 Events 44 Portfolio 46

In the Kitchen

East comes west as Yu Garden opens first North American restaurant in Richmond Hill

Arts, culture and outdoor events for the whole family

50 Body + Mind 54 Makeover Madness 55 Travel 58 In the Crowd 64 Beauty Spot

Dance opens doors to creative life for Jorie Brown

Give the gift of beauty

Wish them a healthy New Year

Our contest winner gets a dramatic new look

Set sail in romantic elegance aboard the Royal Clipper

Mackenzie Health Foundation Gala Flato Markham Theatre Gala

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 7

editor’s note

Editor

In the final harried days of pulling together this holiday issue of GoodLife, I received a late night email from one of my writers that began: “Forgive me, but I may be losin’ it….” She remembered reading an email from me but couldn’t locate it. I felt in good company that someone I know to be competent, capable and reliable could have moments like that, too. “You’re not losing it,” I responded. “I sorta wish someone would email me to say the same thing.” The exchange got me thinking about the similarities between producing a magazine and celebrating the holidays. If you’re smart, you start planning well ahead—and you ask everyone for their input. As preparations begin, you start to get excited about the final product. You spend a few early mornings fussing over the details and some sleepless nights wondering if you’ve taken on just a bit too much. But somehow it all comes together and, if you’re smart, you take a few quiet moments just to enjoy it. This issue of GoodLife is brimming with ideas for the season. We’ve taken inspiration and advice from local designers, decorators, florists and gardeners on how to create a memorable table for your holiday dinner or a welcoming outdoor arrangement that will last all season long. And We Like It features gold, copper and bronze accents to warm up your home for the holidays. Writer Tracy Smith consulted three York Region cheese experts to ask about their favourite cheeses and how to serve them. Recipe developer Emily Blackman combines traditional flavours and the latest food trends in a selection of appetizers—perfect for your cocktail party. We also put the focus on beauty, with a gift guide from regular contributor Daniela DiStefano and the reveal of our Makeover Madness winner. I hope you enjoy this issue—and that you find moments of both excitement and peace this holiday season. We’ll be back in January.

LEEaNNWAteRmAN Editor

Contributors

goodlifeeditor@yrmg.com

Lee Ann Waterman

CathyHiLLARD writer

Cathy Hillard was born and raised in the UK, training as a journalist and working in both radio and newspapers before adventure called and she left for Africa. Living in South Africa, she started working in television production, a career that spanned two decades and three continents as she moved back to the UK, then Ireland and finally to Canada in 2006. She writes regularly for Metroland Media, York Region publications and lives in Richmond Hill.

8 | GoodLife • November - December 2015

traCysmitH writer

A freelance writer, health enthusiast and daughter of a general contractor, Tracy Smith loves writing stories that bring people together in their homes and community (and that have great before-andafter shots). Her work has appeared in national and local publications and she is a regular contributor to GoodLife magazine, covering the Rooms Gone Right column since its inception.

JoaNNmACDoNALD writer

A vegan food blogger and nature enthusiast, Joann MacDonald is the proud mother of two children and two beagle-mix rescue dogs. Fuelled by tofu and green tea, she has been writing for as long as she can remember and is a graduate of Western University’s journalism program. Visit her at womaninreallife.com.

JIMCRAiGmYLe photographer

Jim Craigmyle was born in London, England and grew up in Montreal. He had an early start to photography with his interest beginning at the age of 10. He studied photography at Dawson College and Concordia University and began his career in commercial photography in Montreal before relocating to Ontario in 1996. He began his own business in 1993 shooting stock photography. Much of his commercial work is represented by Corbis.

NaoMIHiLtZ photographer

Naomi Hiltz has been a commercial photographer and graphic designer for more than 15 years. She founded a photographic and graphic design company, specializing in product, food, family and real estate photography. Prior to this, she studied photography, graphic design and film production at York University. She has always wanted to be in visual arts and continues her love of creating and documenting life’s significant moments.

Respect. Trust. Enjoy.

Serpa BMW

Avante Mazda

87 Mulock Drive Newmarket, ON L3Y 8V2

10414 Yonge St. Richmond Hill, ON L4C 3C3

905-895-8700

905-780-9999

Toll Free:1-866-436-8700

Toll Free:1-888-282-6838

www.serpabmw.com

www.avantemazda.com

Start enjoying your visit to an automobile dealership again

We Like It

All that glitters Warm up this holiday season by introducing some gold,

copper and bronze accents into your home

by Lee Ann wAtermAn

10 | GoodLife â&#x20AC;˘ November - December 2015

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Champagne flutes $4 each | HomeSense Appetizer plates $13 set of four | HomeSense Table runner $15 | HomeSense Wood and brass rolling pins $20 each | HomeSense Crewel deer pillow cover $39.50 | Indigo Animal silhouette pillow cover $39.50 | Indigo Woodland animal lowball glasses $39.50, set of 4 | Indigo Kate Spade New York Hampton Street high ball glasses $50, set of 2 | Chapters, Indigo Salt shaker and pepper grinder set $20 | Marshalls Diamond weave basket $39.50, $49.50 | indigo.ca Bombe chest with gold antiqued finish (46 by 18 by 35 inches) $2,300 | Zilli Interiors, Vaughan

12 13 14

Carpe diem library stamp $29.50 | Indigo

Arrow drink stirrers $25, set of 4 | Indigo

Vinter candleholder copper, $4; gold, $3 | Ikea

Three-drawer gold chest (38 by 20 by 34 inches) $1,500 | Zilli Interiors, Vaughan

12 13

14 15

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 11

holiday tablescapes

Centre Stage CREATE A MEMORABLE TABLE FOR YOUR HOLIDAY DINNER by trACy SmitH | photography by nAomi HiLtZ

GoodLife asked three York Region experts in design and decoration to provide tablescapes inspired by a favourite holiday song.

12 | GoodLife â&#x20AC;˘ November - December 2015

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Wendy Neal, Wendy Neal Design

An elegant table with a contemporary vibe. Elements Light: bold candles, mini-lights intertwined through centrepiece Pink: end chairs, flowers, ornaments, painting Expert tip Look through your own decorations and see if there are any items that you can use; you may be surprised at what you already have to make a fantastic centrepiece. Adding greenery always makes for a more festive look and more is more when it comes to candles. Sources Table runner, napkins: HomeSense Mini-lights: Caruso’s, Aurora Placemats: Superstore

At a holiday dinner, I like… ”beginning with a toast. We have a rule in our house that we have to meet eyes with each person when we clink their glass;. It’s a great way to start a meal together.” GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 13

holiday|tablescapes

I’ll be Home for Christmas Andrea Henderson, saturday afternoons

A beautiful and cosy look, inspired by nature. “I tried to create an easy, simple everyday holiday look that could be dressed up or down depending on whom you are entertaining.” Elements Nature: greens, pinecones, flowers, cranberries, birchwood Simplicity: jute placemats, natural colours, barnwood boxed, white reindeer Sparkle: mercury glass, candles, ornaments, birds Expert tip “Start at the centre of the table and work your way out. Begin with a few simple items—pinecones, candles, barnwood—and layer them in one at a time; too much of one element can make the table look cluttered. It’s always easier to add items than to have to take apart a finished centrepiece.” Sources All items: saturday afternoons, Aurora

14 | GoodLife • November - December 2015

At a holiday dinner, I like… ”lighting the candles; it usually signals that it’s time to enjoy the food and drink wine.”

Silver and Gold A modern, chic design bursting with fun and colour. “I love the combination of green with pink; to me those two colours feel like a modern twist on the traditional green and red.” Elements Sparkle: chandelier, table covering, ornaments, candles, stemware, china Green and pink: Christmas trees, ornaments, pillow, fresh greenery Holiday cheer: bright colours, patterns, foil-covered table, disco ball ornaments

Expert tips Decorating your table in a bold and different way doesn’t have to be pricey. I used heavyduty aluminum foil to wrap the table for a modern look that would reflect light and add a huge sparkle at night and I found a great gold polka-dot wrapping paper that I cut out and used for placemats to add pattern. Leftover ornaments in bold and metallic colours are another really easy way to add glitz and glam to a centrepiece and adjacent tables.

Elise Volpe, EV Design

Sources Bar Cart: Klein Home, Aurora Floral Design: Karrie McFee, Inside Out Candleholders: CB2 Cheers sign, branch candelabra: West Elm Dishes Placecard holders, mirror balls, crystal candleholders, polka-dot vase, candles: Winners Glasses, decanter, green trees, napkins: Pier 1 Imports Ice bucket, polka-dot Kate Spade wrapping, spiked gold ball: Indigo

At a holiday dinner I like… “making my guests feel welcome, good food and quality time with friends and family.” GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 15

holiday|tablescapes DIY centrepiece:

The candle halo With a few tips from floral designer Karrie McFee of Inside Out, you can create your own seasonal centrepiece. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Select a wide candle or candle holder. Purchase a grapevine wreath or floral foam ring at your local craft store that fits around the base of your candle, usually 13 to 15 centimetres (five to eight inches). Place fresh cedar and eucalyptus clippings, one by one, in the wreath wherever they will fit, rotating the wreath as you go. Add faux mini pinecones and fresh waxflowers sparingly to add texture and colour. Let your arrangement take centre stage.

TIP: You can use different greens or accents, such as pine and boxwood, cranberries, mini ornaments or other fresh flowers to get a different look or to match your colour scheme

NEW HOMES

THE SEASONS ON LITTLE LAKE IN MIDLAND

he Seasons on Little Lake in Midland takes the concept of active living to a whole new standard. The master-planned community by Hanson Development is rich in all the amenities that facilitate a enjoyable, productive lifestyle. Set on 247 acres, The Seasons offers an active, outdoor lifestyle that caters to the desire for activities such as walking, hiking and bird watching. The community boasts more than 100 acres of protected woodlands and parks, ponds, a lakeside boardwalk and 13 kilometres of on-site trails connecting to a

16 | GoodLife â&#x20AC;˘ November - December 2015

larger regional trail system. During summer, residents can swim and enjoy passive water sports on Little Lake. The Seasons offers a full-rounded lifestyle within a walkable setting. Residents can grow flowers or vegetables in community gardens, socialize at the cafĂŠ or restaurant or shop at the convenience store. The central Members Club offers indoor/outdoor pools, fitness facility, tennis centre and recreational and social programs. An amphitheatre, set in a quiet area surrounded by trees, and will set the stage

A LIFE ENRICHING COMMUNITY BROUGHT TO YOU BY HANSON DEVELOPMENT

for concerts and theatrical performances close to home. The Seasons lifestyle is enhanced by the surrounding Midland community with its great regional amenities. Boat slips at a Georgian Bay marina, golf courses, ski hills, Wasaga Beach and Casino Rama are within close proximity. Active adults will find more than the beautiful setting and extensive amenities at The SeasonsonLittleLakeappealing:homeprices start at just $199,900 to cater to a wide range of homebuyers.

southern georgian bay’s finest new community defined by nature. designed for you.

Embrace the delights of each season – and savour the natural rhythms of life. Reside where healthy activities, family time, community, and tranquility all co-exist with the remarkable residential community of The Seasons on Little Lake.

take advantage of our pre-construction prices.

FROM $199,900 priority registration

SEASONSLITTLELAKE.COM T: 1.888.990.9120

A LIFE ENRICHING COMMUNITY BROUGHT TO YOU BY HANSON DEVELOPMENT Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice. Renderings are artist’s concept. E.&O.E.

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 17

holiday| container gardening

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Tis the season for

green b y An d r e w H i n d

18 | GoodLife â&#x20AC;˘ November - December 2015

Tips for spectacular

outdoor containers

Most gardeners put their containers away for winter and patiently wait for spring’s cheery arrival. But for savvy green thumbs, the same containers that hold vibrant annuals in the summer can be put to brilliant use during the yuletide season. A winter-themed container composed of evergreen boughs and other accents, displayed prominently on a front porch, announces the season to all and provides a warm welcome for visitors. It’s also a beautiful way to blend the spirits of the garden and the holiday season. Creating festive containers to greet guests in the chilly months isn’t difficult and is a fun and festive endeavour—it may even be the origin of a new holiday tradition for the family. Many garden centres make it easy by offering hands-on tutorials that guide you through the process. Your job begins with selecting the container. Many times, the container itself is important to creating a striking display. Pots and urns with distinctive colors or textures make a bold statement. Rustic containers or those with festive colors—reds, greens whites—work best for

a yuletide display. It’s best to keep away from anything too contemporary; Christmas is about tradition and nostalgia, after all, so anything too hip and modern will detract from the comforting spirit of the holidays. But selecting the container is not all about appearance. There are other considerations as well. Extreme temperatures make certain materials inappropriate for outdoors. “Terracotta and clay pots will crack and shatter in the winter, so use cast-iron, fibrestone or resin instead as all three are guaranteed to last over the winter,” cautions Amin Datoo, store manager at Sheridan Nurseries. “The size of the pot and of your design depends on your home as well. If the home is a bungalow, you probably want a smaller pot and a design that expands rather than extends up. A two-storey home, on the other hand, needs a larger pot and taller design to keep it in scale.” Proper preparation is equally important. “It’s best that soil not be used in the pot because it holds moisture that expands in freezing temperatures, potentially cracking the pots. No

one wants that,” says Karl Kohnen, owner of Black Forest Garden Center in King. “Instead, the safest thing to do is fill the pot with floral foam. Floral foam will freeze solid and ensures your display retains its shape. The disadvantage is that its light (you may need to add sand for weight) and you only get one or two shots to make your design because once you begin making a lot of holes in it, floral foam begins to fall apart and becomes unusable.” Purchase greenery for the arrangement from a garden centre or gather material growing in your backyard. If you choose the latter, make sure you harvest carefully and judiciously so don’t damage your plants or make unsightly pruning cuts that will come back to haunt you in the spring. “Design your container with a nice blend of textures and colours and cut boughs at different lengths to create a natural feel,” Datoo says. “Exotic branches like eucalyptus and magnolia, or branches with vibrant berries are very popular because they contrast with the greens of the pine, cedar and fir boughs.” » GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 19

holiday| container gardening

“

Design your container with a nice blend of textures and colours, and cut boughs at different lengths to create a natural feel.” The arrangement should be relatively large in relation to the pot, with a minimum of equal parts pot and boughs, but one-third pot to twothirds boughs is preferable. If the proportions are less, the pot will dominate and undermine the overall effect of the arrangement. Arrange different twigs in your hands to see what looks good together. Once you decide what you like, insert them into the floral foam in the pot. Finish your container with the tallest twigs and branches, then fill in any empty spaces and add the draping boughs. “There are so many options when it comes to holiday containers, so many looks you can achieve,” Kohnen says. “If the pot is up against a wall, for example, you only need to do a halfround design. Put the pretty stuff in front and maybe some tall branches with pretty berries or elegant peacock feathers at the back for height. Because the design is shielded somewhat by the wall you can do some things that you otherwise couldn’t. Let the choice of pot guide your design choices as well. If you have an exquisite pot, you

20 | GoodLife • November - December 2015

don’t want to hide it behind hanging boughs, but maybe you want a less formal look in which case the boughs can spill out over the sides for a more casual look. It’s all about using your creativity to create a look that fits the space.” Remember, displays don’t have to be limited to greenery. Cones and nuts can be used too. Garden centres carry a wide assortment of accents that may complement your creation— everything from grapevine shapes to artificial flowers, from dried mosses to ribbons. “Some people purchase small cedars and use them as a centrepiece in the container. Others use a twig obelisk or metal obelisk in which they weave in branches to serve as centrepieces. In either case, the small battery-operated LED lights can be used to add twinkling colour,” Datoo says. Ideally, your container should be placed in a sheltered spot outside away from strong winds and where boughs won’t be flattened by heavy snowfall but, if constructed sturdily, it will endure anywhere. For dramatic purposes, place-

ment by a front door or porch is ideal, serving to welcome guests to your home. “It’s best to wait until after Remembrance Day to make your container. As soon as Halloween comes down, people get excited about Christmas, but that’s way too early,” explains Kohnen. “You need day and night temperatures to be similarly cold; before about Remembrance Day, the days warm too much and you’ll end up with greenery that’s brown by Christmas.” Such containers can be used as interior décor, Kohnen says, but only for short periods. Evergreen boughs will begin to brown and begin to become unsightly within four or five days if kept away from heat sources (even sooner if near vents), dropping needles shortly thereafter. Regularly misting can prolong their longevity by a few days, but not much longer. The key to success is not to be intimidated. Let your creativity flow and experiment with various ideas and looks. A warm and welcoming Christmas container is sure to melt away the winter blues.

SWAROVSKI.COM

Upper Canada Mall Vaughan Mills Newmarket Vaughan 905-853-4551 905-660-4550 www.radiantfinejewellers.com

2563 Major MacKenzie Dr W Maple 905-832-2753 finchcentrejewellers.com

ÂŠ 2015 SWAROVSKI AG

NECKLACE DESIGNED WITH MIRANDA KERR

Collection from $89

3 elements for stunning containers Select greenery for your container using the principles of summer container gardening: Vertical accents Using tall boughs from shrubs with interesting texture or colour creates vertical interest and gives your arrangement stature. Examples include burning bush, dogwood, birch and variegated euonymus. Other intriguing choices that boast colourful berries are holly, winterberry, viburnum and bittersweet.

Fillers The remaining space between vertical and trailing plants should be packed with fillers. These add depth to container and give it personality. Try fillers like white and red pine (especially attractive because of its pleasant scent), cedar, fir and juniper.

SEE RED? SEE YOUR

DOCTOR.

Blood in the urine is the most common symptom of bladder cancer. Don’t ignore this warning sign. It could save your life.

FOR INFORMATION AND SUPPORT

VISIT

see - red.ca

OR CALL 866-674-8889

22 | GoodLife • November - December 2015

Trailers They’re invaluable in containers because they spill over the sides and mask the container’s hard edges, creating the illusion that the pot does not confine the arrangement. Trailers make the display look more natural. Evergreens are an excellent choice. Select branches that will drape loosely over the exterior of the container.

Whitchurch-Stouffville

Come Visit Us! The Hearty

lker • Bryn Wa e s • Cut Loo ns a e J • Yoga g n ii w h • Sc ots Winter Bo • Reflexan ger Designs Ran • Sheri St

Artichoke

6280 Main St. Stouffville 905.642.8643 • www.heartyartichoke.com

Jingle All the Way for Your Christmas Shopping Today! Going beyond the typical health food store | supplements • clothing • pottery • organic & gluten free products...

Whitchurch-Stouffville Whitchurch Stouffville Museum & Community Centre

A Candlelight Christmas Saturday, ay, December 12,, 6:30 p.m. p.m to 9 p.m. p. Decorated for or the season, season the Museum’s historic buildings come to life with the traditions of Chri Christmas past. Experience all that this enchanting ing evening v ing has to off offer with yo your whole family. Adults $16 +HST, Children under 12 $10 +HST Pre registration required. Call 905-727 Pre-registration 905 727-8954 727

AIRPORT EXPRESS LIMO

www.townofws.ca/museum

Providing a SAFE, RELIABLE & PROFESSIONAL service at a fair price. Call for more info:

Stouffville to Airport Airpor $75 Markham to Airport Airpor $60 Free 407etr with this coupon"

416-904-5840 Or visit us at: www.airportexpresslimo.net

ROYAL CACHET MONTESSORI SCHOOLS NOW OPEN 9921 Woodbine Ave. Markham 905-888-7700

160 Mostar Street Stouffville 905-640-8088

Ages: 3 Months - 9 Years • www.rcmschool.ca GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 23

home tour | Thornhill

A Curated Home Inherited pieces lay foundation for traditional style by L e e A n n Wat erman | photogr aphy b y Ji m Crai gmy le 24 | GoodLife â&#x20AC;˘ November - December 2015

In a home that is filled with inherited and collected treasures, Tracy Kundell keeps her holiday decorations simpleâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;lights, gold and greenery.

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 25

home tour | Thornhill

Carefully curated. Richly layered in warmth and textures. Tracy Kundell, interior designer and owner of Avalon Interiors, brings a sense of personal history to her home. The décor is decidedly classic and was dictated, in large part, by pieces she inherited from her grandfather, who was an art collector, and other family members. A large-scale oil of Napoleon, for example, takes centre stage on a wall that connects the formal living room and the dining room. “He makes a statement,” Kundell says. “I definitely wanted him in a prominent location.” The antique dining table and chairs are lit by a gold chandelier—which led Kundell to choose similarly warm metal pieces for other accessories, such as the shiny brass hardware on the kitchen cabinets (which have a finish called physical vapour deposition that is resistant to corrosion and tarnish, making it idea for wet locations like a kitchen or bath) and brass accent lamps. Despite its foundation in inherited pieces, the home still feels current. It’s the result of careful choices—such as the living room sofas, which have bench seats and clean lines, and occasional tables in painted finishes that provide contrast to the wood. Accessories include heritage items, including old hardcover books and cast iron weights, as well as items collected on travels—such as the set of six large Buddist monk candleholders that Kundell spotted in Thailand and had to have for her entryway. On the walls, inherited 1800s scenes share

26 | GoodLife • November - December 2015

space with more modern pieces. It is a testament to Kundell’s skill as a designer that the result is comfortable and welcoming, rather than cluttered. “I love them all,” Kundell says of her inheritances and souvenirs. “They make me happy.” And then, there’s the floor. Kundell’s favourite feature in the home is the reclaimed antique engineered quartersawn oak, laid in a herringbone pattern, on the main level. Installing and finishing the floor was a messy, multi-step process—but the result is both stunningly beautiful and durable. “I’ve not seen it anywhere else—which is saying something because I’ve been in a lot of homes,” she says. “I love it because I don’t have to worry about asking people to take their shoes off. You can just come in and live in the house.” The master suite, with its elegant and sumptuous bedroom and adjoining bath, perhaps best reflects Kundell’s evolving taste and is her favourite space in the home. It was part of a six-month renovation that added space above the garage and family room for the master suite as well as a 200-square-foot “bump out” at the back of the house that added space to the kitchen, dining room and powder room. The bedroom features a vaulted ceiling and a wall of custom cabinetry in a traditional style and painted finish that offers closed and open storage and houses a gas fireplace and seagrass carpeting. »

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 27

home tour | Thornhill

Shades of blue, in the bedding, on the armchairs and matching ottomans that sit in front of the fireplace and area rug, give the room a serene feeling. In the bath, a wall of mosaic tile in blues and browns is the star and provides the backdrop to a freestanding soaker tub and large glassenclosed shower stall. Again, the accessories provide interest—a large wood carving on a porcelain stool beside the tub. The second storey’s two other bedrooms were redecorated after the children left home and illustrate how texture can provide interest in simple spaces. In one, the neutral linen on the upholstered bed and arm chairs, as well as the nightstands, is accented with a brass nailhead trim. The warm metal is repeated on wall-mounted reading lamps and quatrefoil mirrors that flank the bed. The room’s only colour is pale pink, which appears in the bedding, including a quilted coverlet and duvet cover with a traditional scroll pattern and geometric accent pillows. In the other, greys and browns come together in a more masculine space that features a leather upholstered bed, a muted patchwork area rug, metal and tufted bench and matching horse lamps.

28 | GoodLife • November - December 2015

The Pave Collection by Feiss

SALE NOW ON!

9737 Yonge Street

(2 Lights South of Major Mackenzie)

905 737-7445

food |cheese

30 | GoodLife â&#x20AC;˘ November - December 2015

Cheese Formaggio Fromage Queso

Kaas 起司

with the approach of the holiday entertaining season, chances are you’ll be serving— and eating—cheese at least once or twice in the coming weeks. with that in mind, goodLife consulted three york region cheese experts to ask about their favourite cheeses and how to serve them. Say cheeeeeese! by trACy SmitH | photography by Jim CrAigmyLe

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 31

food |cheese

Our Experts

Albert Borgo Quality Cheese Inc., Vaughan

Quality Cheese was founded in the 1950s by Almerigo Borgo. Still owned and operated by the Borgo family, Quality Cheese manufactures mozzarella, ricotta, buffalo cheeses and brie at its facility in Vaughan. Its cheese is sold under brand names Albert’s Leap and Bella Casara at retailers across York Region, including Costco, Longo’s, Whole Foods and Loblaws.

Jane Kemp La Jolie Cheese Shop, Aurora

La Jolie Cheese Shop opened its doors earlier this year. Owner Jane Kemp and manager Michael Welsh share their passion for cheese with customers, explaining the history and folklore behind each cheese, the intricate ﬂavours and how best to enjoy it at home.

Evan MacDonald The Village Grocer, Markham

Originally a butcher shop, The Village Grocer has been serving Markham for more than 30 years. The family-run business prides itself on its quality products (homemade and local whenever possible) and great old-fashioned customer service.

d p, La Jolie one Kem Bndeudrg Le Jan by me recom

wd pleaser. in France, Le Burgond is a cro “From the Burgundy region sweet and d, mil a and th ear aroma of It has a seductive, yet gentle while the y, am texture is dense, yet cre nutty note on the finish. The .” nch cru like talrs a slight crys lovely orange-washed rind offe Texture: Semi-firm pears and a sparkling wine. Pair it with: Figs, apricots,

32 | GoodLife • November - December 2015

Buffalo Mozzarella

recommended by Albert Bor go, Quality Cheese “Buffalo mozzarella is made from buffalo’s milk (versus cow or goat’s milk). It is a sweet and mil ky cheese with an amazin g, clean ﬂavour.” Texture: Semi-soft Pair it with: Tomatoes, sala ds or pizza, add to charcuteri e boards or ser ve on its own with extra virgin olive oil, coarse sea salt, drizzled aged-balsamic vinegar and basil. Fun fact: Buffalo cheeses can often be tolerated and enjoyed by individuals who are allergic to cow’s milk.

la amemndebdabyzo C cer MacDonald, The Village Gro n Eva recom

ny. It is best cheese made in Germa “Cambazola is probably the of blue es not d mil its for wn is kno a blue-veined Camembert and “ t. richness of a Camember combined with the full-cream Texture: Soft drops of your uit, green grapes or a few Pair it with: A simple bisc vinegar. favourite well-aged balsamic

Burrata

recommended by Albert Bor go, Quality Cheese “Many people have not tried Burrata yet, but it is a must. Burrata is a semi-soft Italian cheese tha t combines mozzarella and cream. It has a solid mozzarella exterior tha t is filled with a softer mixture of mozzarella and cream that sort of melts out of it once cut ope n.” Texture: Soft Pair it with: Roasted grapes and garlic toasts. Burrata makes its debut: The Borgo family was introdu ced to this regional delicacy while visi ting relatives in southern Ital y and knew it had to be brought back to Canada. The family now ma nufactures this cheese by hand in its dai ry in Vaughan.

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 33

food |cheese

imolette p, La Jolie M recommended by Jane Kem

by a black nge colour and is covered “Mimolette has a ﬂaming ora as well as e anc with its striking appear wax coat so it stands out n ser ved whe y full der won ich contrasts its hard-to-brittle texture (wh alongside softer cheeses).” Texture: Firm g white. died chardonnay or sparklin Pair it with: Pinot gris, full-bo as substid use e onc e ese rounds wer Fun fact: These ball-like che . nce Fra of th nor the in s invader tutes for cannon balls against

Brie

recommended by Albert Bor go, Quality Cheese “Brie cheese is really versatil e for baking or for snacking on; it has a creamy texture on the insi de and our Brie incorporate s ﬂavours of light butter, mushroom and hazelnut.” Texture: Soft Pair it with: Unsalted cracke rs or crusty bread, ripe frui t, jam or a glass of wine. Fun Fact: Since its origina tion in France during the 8th century, brie was originally referred to as “king’s cheese” and late r, after the French Revolution, it was kno wn as the “king of cheese ” and savoured by people of all clas ses.

icn MaBcDoelnallad, TheVVillaitgeaGronocer amelsndeadmby Eva B recom

vinegar, six-year-old Italian balsamic “This cheese is immersed in of the te tas nds the light and fruity giving it a rich ﬂavour that ble ” gar. vine the tangy notes from cheese with the sweet and Texture: Semi-firm to firm oy on its own. Pair it with: Crackers or enj

34 | GoodLife • November - December 2015

Extra-Old White Cheddar

recommended by Evan MacDo nald, the Village Grocer “I just love munching on this with a glass of oaky chardo nnay.” Texture: semi-firm to firm Pair it with: a glass of oaky chardonnay

rey Owl p, La Jolie G recommended by Jane Kem

e, chalky soft goat cheese that is delicat “Grey Owl is delicious! It’s a x citrus ple com g clean ﬂavour yieldin and creamy with a lovely notes.” Texture: Soft e, such as or black olives, a white win Pair it with: Fresh figs, green rkling white wine. Vouvray or Sancerre, or spa list, Archie e to the famous environmenta nam in ed Fun fact: Dedicat ’s lands. ker -ma ese che the on in a cab Belaney (Grey Owl), who had

Get On Board Cheese boards are an easy and effective way to showcase and share cheese while entertaining. there are no hard and fast rules, but here are a few guidelines, from La Jolie Cheese Shop owner Jane Kemp to get you started. Cheese boards should be unique and reflect your personal taste and style—rustic, simple, fancy or grand, anything works. pICK a CaNVaS: wooden boards, a vintage plate or a granite slab are all great options.

ChooSE yoUr ChEESE: offer a selection that varies in texture and type; include a soft, semi-soft, hard and maybe a blue if you enjoy it. aCCLIMatIZE: bring cheese to room temperature for roughly 30 to 45 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to take on its true flavour and texture. arraNgE: Leave the cheese in its original round and rind to bring character and add a few foods sparingly that guests can enjoy with the cheese. figs, apricots, grapes and nuts go nicely with most cheeses.

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 35

Savour t he ﬂavour

food |holiday appetizers

Holiday traditions meet new food trends in this selection of appetizers rECIpES aND photography by emiLy BLACKmAn

36 | GoodLife • November - December 2015

Marinated Mediterranean Vegetable Parcels

Pomegranate Shrimp Ceviche

MaKES 12 parCELS

SErVES 6

INgrEDIENtS

1 zucchini

450 g (1 lb) shrimp

1 eggplant

6 lime leaves

4 large red peppers

1 lime, zest and juice

1 tub ricotta

500 ml (2 cups) water

30 ml (2 tbsp) fresh basil, finely chopped

15 ml (1 tbsp) honey

1 orange, zest and juice

5 ml (1 tsp) baking soda

salt and pepper

45 ml (3 tbsp) pomegranate arils

olive oil

1 grapefruit

chives

30 ml (2 tbsp) red onion, finely diced

MEthoD Set oven to broil. place peppers on a baking sheet and set under broiler. turn peppers every 3 minutes and remove from oven when skin is evenly charred. Set aside to cool. peel eggplant and slice in 1-cm (1/2-inch) slices. Liberally sprinkle with salt and set in a colander to drain. Slice zucchini in 1-cm (1/2-inch) slice. Season with salt and pepper. heat 30 mL (2 tbsp) olive oil in pan over medium high heat. fry zucchini on both sides until caramelized. Set aside to cool. rinse eggplant to remove excess salt and pat dry with paper towel. heat 45 mL (3 tbsp) olive oil in same pan over medium high heat. fry eggplant on both sides until caramelized. remove from heat, add orange juice and zest and allow to cool. remove skins from peppers and slice lengthwise to open up into flat sheets. remove seeds well. Slice each into 3 long strips. In a bowl mix together ricotta, salt, pepper, basil and a splash of olive oil. place about 15 mL (1 tbsp) of mixture on each pepper, spreading to cover. Slice eggplant and zucchini into small matchstick slices and place one of each in the centre of pepper. roll pepper up to make a little parcel and secure with a chive.

15 ml (1 tbsp) mint, finely chopped salt and pepper lettuce or endive

MEthoD In a large pot with a lid, bring to a boil water, lime juice and zest, lime leaves, honey and baking soda. add shrimp, remove from the heat, cover and let sit 9 minutes. rinse shrimp in cold water, dry and place in fridge. Using a sharp knife, peel skin off grapefruit and cut out half the segments. Chop segments into small pieces and set aside. Squeeze juice from rest of grapefruit into a bowl. Chop shrimp into small pieces and add to bowl. add grapefruit, pomegranate, red onion, mint and salt and pepper to taste. Store ceviche in fridge for half an hour to marinate, then plate and serve. Lettuce cups are a great way to serve the ceviche as an appetizer.

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 37

food |holiday appetizers

Short Rib Sliders MaKES 24 SLIDErS INgrEDIENtS 1.35 kg (3 lbs) beef short ribs or back ribs 30 ml (2 tbsp) olive oil 4 shallots, sliced 375 ml (1-1/2 cups) red wine 60 ml (4 tbsp) barbecue sauce 24 mini slider buns 24 small slices Camembert or blue cheese

MEthoD heat oven to 300 fahrenheit. In an oven-proof pan or Dutch oven, heat olive oil and brown the ribs, approximately 2 minutes per side. add shallots and cook for one more minute. Deglaze pan with red wine. Cover with a lid or foil and place in oven. Cook for 3 hours, or until the meat is falling off the bones. remove ribs from oven and as soon as you can safely handle them, shred beef. add barbecue sauce to shredded beef. (this recipe can be made ahead to this point.) Just before serving, reheat beef, assemble sliders, adding cheese slices.

Rosemary Chestnuts INgrEDIENtS 24 chestnuts 1 pkg rosemary sprigs

MEthoD heat oven to 400 fahrenheit. Score an “x” into the tops of chestnuts. place chestnuts on a bed of rosemary sprigs and roast in the oven, until they start to turn a deep brown, 15-20 minutes. Serve immediately.

38 | GoodLife • November - December 2015

Quinoa Arancini MaKES approxIMatELy 24 INgrEDIENtS

Citrus Chicken with Minted Yogurt Sauce MaKES 2 DoZEN

250 ml (1 cup) quinoa 1 l (4 cups) water

INgrEDIENtS

60 ml (1/4) cup flour

4 large chicken thighs, skin on

1 egg

1 lemon, juice and zest

salt and pepper

1 orange, juice and zest

1 ball of fresh mozzarella cut into 1-cm (1/2-inch) cubes

15 ml (1 tbsp) salt

500 ml (2 cups) panko bread crumbs

30 ml (2 tbsp) maple syrup

500 ml (2 cups) canola oil

pepper

1 can crushed tomatoes 2 shallots, finely diced 15 ml (1 heaping tbsp) pepperoncini (or your favourite jarred hot peppers) 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil

MEthoD heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. add shallots and fry until soft, about 2 minutes. add tomatoes and pepperoncini and simmer for at least 2 hours over low heat. place in a bowl ready for dipping. bring water to a boil in a pot. add quinoa, reduce heat to medium and boil uncovered for 15 minutes. Drain, cool under cold running water and drain very well. In a large mixing bowl, mix cooked quinoa, 1 egg, flour and salt and pepper to taste. place panko in a pie plate. for each ball, take a heaping spoonful of quinoa mixture and place it in your hand. push a small cube of mozzarella into the centre and form a ball. roll in panko and set aside. preheat canola oil in a large, sturdy pot or Dutch oven to 350 fahrenheit. place 6 arancini in the oil at a time and fry, turning to brown each side. place on a paper towel-lined sheet to drain any excess oil. Serve immediately with the spicy tomato dipping sauce.

yogUrt DIppINg SaUCE 250 ml (1 cup) goatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s milk yogurt 30 ml (2 tbsp) mint, finely chopped salt and pepper

MEthoD Cut each chicken thigh into 6 pieces, leaving the skin on and removing any bones. place in a container with a lid. Mix together juices, zest, salt, maple syrup and pepper and pour over chicken. Seal container and place in fridge for 3-6 hours. While chicken is marinating, mix dipping sauce ingredients and refrigerate until ready to serve. remove chicken from marinade and brush off any extra salt. place on skewers. Set oven to broil with a rack in the topmost position. place chicken on a baking sheet and broil, rotating skewers until evenly browned. reduce the oven to 350 fahrenheit and place chicken in the middle of the oven, cooking until chicken reaches 160 fahrenheit, 5-10 minutes. remove chicken from skewers and serve with dipping sauce.

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 39

in the kitchen|Yu Garden

EASTCOMESWEST Iconic Shanghai restaurant arrives in Richmond Hill by C ath y H i llard | Photogr aphy By Naomi Hi LTZ Anyone who knows anything about Shanghai knows about the iconic Yu Garden restaurant. More than a century old and sitting in the old town of this bustling mega city, this signature restaurant has been popular with local and foreign dignitaries for years, as well as being a draw for visitors. Now the first ever Yu Garden has opened on North American soil, in Richmond Hill. Although it only opened in September, the restaurant has already attracted a following, as word spreads that this is the real thing. “We didn’t even advertise, but after four

40 | GoodLife • November - December 2015

nights, we were turning over three dinners in one night,” explains Irwin Li, the Richmond Hill entrepreneur responsible for bringing the Shanghainese brand to Canada. Having grown up in Shanghai, Li says he always loved the food at Yu Garden and when returning to Shanghai with business clients, always took them there for their first lunch. He had the idea that the food would be well received in the GTA. “I was fascinated with the taste of the food and figured that a diverse city like Toronto would love it,” he says.

With the help of the Ontario Trade Mission to China in 2014, he clinched the deal with the parent company and, together with two business partners who have extensive restaurant experience, he plans to open 15 restaurants in five years across Canada and the United States. “I had only wanted to open one,” he admits, “but the parent company has seen such a good reception in Richmond Hill, that they want me to open more.” There will eventually be three in Toronto, but the restaurant at Bayview Avenue and Hwy. 7 is the first.

Shanghainese food is known for its diversity, as it reflects the diversity of the city itself. Once a small fishing village, the arrival of Europeans in the 19th century brought prosperity to the city and it quickly became known as the “Paris of the Far East.” This flourishing trade attracted people from all over China and so the food of Shanghai came to include dishes from north, south, east and west. “If you want to taste authentic Chinese food, then Shanghainese is the best bet,” Li says. The Yu Gardens area in Shanghai is the oldest part of the city, having been built in 1559. During the years of occupation, it was the only part of Shanghai that still belonged to China, which is why so many of the old buildings remain and why it is the natural place to go for traditional Chinese cuisine. When it opened in 1875, the Yu Garden was the first restaurant in the Yu Gardens and recipes dating back to these times are still found on the menu today. Its steamed buns are particularly famous and consistently attract line-ups of more than 100 people waiting to taste them. These same buns, made from a 115-year-old recipe, can be found at the new Richmond Hill restaurant. Keeping the authenticity of the brand is crucial to Li. “This brand offers over 100 years of history,” he says, “and I believe in the quality behind the brand.” In order to make sure the food is true to its Shanghai roots, Li has brought in a chef from the restaurant in Shanghai and intends to train Ca-

nadian chefs in the precise art of preparing the signature dishes. These chefs will, in turn, train chefs in the United States as the brand rolls out across North America in the coming years. But for now, Li is happy that the food has had such a warm reception in Richmond Hill. “Many people from all different backgrounds

Shanghai Fried Noodles

Yu Garden 8750 Bayview Ave., Richmond Hill (Loblaws Plaza) 905-597-0809

Makes 2 to 4 servings

INGREDIENTS for PorK

METHOD

170 g (6 oz) lean pork, sliced into 1/2-cm (1/4-inch) strips

Mix together pork and marinade ingredients. Set aside for 5-10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

3 mL (3/4 tsp) cornstarch 2 mL (1/2 tsp) light soy sauce 1/2 mL (1/8 tsp) dark soy sauce 5 mL (1 tsp) Chinese cooking wine pinch of sugar

INGREDIENTS for noodles 45 mL (3 tbsp) oil, divided 8 shiitake mushrooms (fresh or dry and soaked), thinly sliced 450 g (1 lb) Japanese-style udon noodles 12 mL (2-1/2 tsp) dark soy sauce or Shanghai Noodle sauce (available at Chinese grocers) 12 mL (2-1/2 tsp) soy sauce 1 mL (1/4 tsp) sugar Irwin Li is the Richmond Hill entrepreneur who brought the Shanghainese brand Yu Garden to Richmond Hill.

have been to Shanghai and so they know the brand,” he says. “I have been overwhelmed by the reaction.”

1 small bunch choy sum or baby bok choy, washed and trimmed

Heat 15 mL (1 tbsp) oil in a wok over high heat. Add pork and stir-fry until browned. Turn down heat, remove pork from wok and set aside. Heat 30 mL (2 tbsp) oil in wok, add mushrooms and sauté for 2 minutes over medium heat. Break up noodles gently with your hands and add to wok. Add soy sauces and sugar. Stir-fry everything together until noodles get an even, deep brown colour. If you’re not seeing the colour you want, add a little more dark soy sauce. Add greens and combine with noodles, stirring until wilted. Serve hot. Some people like to add a few drops of dark vinegar right before eating.

TIP: Omit pork for a vegetarian dish.

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 41

RESTAURANTS • FOOD entertainMent

DiNiNGgUIDE Voted MarkhaM’s FaVorite Bistro Over all casual Restaurants, Best Chef, Best Patio, and Best Food Call for reservations or for christmas catering inquiries Johnnybistromarkham.ca / 905.201.1433 5 Washington W Street, one street east of Markham rd. & Hwy #7 We are a strong supporter of Markham’s local charity events In business for over 13 years

Tuesday House Smoked Rib Night $ 95

Wednesday Roast Leg of Lamb All the $ 95

trimmings

Savour the aromas and flavours of Greece! Take out and delivery also available

For reservations call 905.471.4590 5308 Hwy 7, East, Markham ~ www.itaca.ca

Celebrate

Christmas and new Year’s eve with us

Specializing in

For reServationS call:

5402 Main n Street, Street Stouffville • www.stakeoutdin ing.co om 42 | GoodLife • November - December 2015

905-642-5557

EAT GREEK!...LIVE LONG!

Now opeN IN RICHMoND HILL

905-771-9800 Now Serving Breakfast on Weekends!!

MODERN GREEK CUISINE Dine In • Take Out • Delivery • Private/Corporate Events 3200 Dufferin St., Unit 22, Toronto, ON

416-901-8283

15% OFF

brunch Or dinner

9218 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill, ON

905-771-9800

Online Ordering...Now available!

with this ad

Excludes all alcholic beverages

w w w . k r y s t o s . c a

events

13 1

THINGS to DO

in your community

Molly Johnson - The Billie Holiday Project December 4 Flato Markham Theatre Vocalist Molly Johnson is a singer-songwriter, artist and philanthropist who has grown to become a Canadian icon in the jazz scene worldwide. Her luscious interpretations of jazz and blues standards speak to an emotional depth that few vocalists in any genre have ever reached. Information: markhamtheatre.ca

Jesse Cook One World Tour 2015 December 10 Flato Markham Theatre Juno-winning musician Jesse Cook has spent a lifetime travelling the globe absorbing sounds from cultures as diverse as Spain, Africa, Cuba, Egypt, France and Brazil. His exotic rumba flamenco is an intoxicating fusion of these musical traditions. Information: markhamtheatre.ca

Theatre of the Beat’s This Prison December 4 and 5 Nineteen on the Park This Prison is an absurd comedy about a deathrow prisoner who doesn’t realize he’s incarcerated and a well-dressed man who digs through the floor to save him; that is, if he can convince the prisoner to leave. Somewhere between Plato and Play-Doh, This Prison is a thought-provoking, fast-paced comedy filled with slapstick madness and tea-time philosophy. Information: 19onthepark.ca

Jingle Bell Walk December 12 Hollidge Tract, York Regional Forest Join merrymakers in a walk along a forest path. Learn about the holiday traditions of bells and Christmas trees. We provide the bells. Please bring a donation of non-perishable food for our local food bank. Registration required. Information: york.ca/forestevents

2 3

Olde Tyme Christmas December 4 to 6 Main Street Unionville Take in the Olde Tyme Christmas Parade and visits with Santa at the Millennium Bandstand, Saturday night, plus live music, ice sculpture demonstration, maple taffy snow stations and more throughout the weekend. Information: unionvilleinfo.com

Elves in the Workshop December 5 Whitchurch-Stouffville Museum Bring your little elf for a seasonal hands-on workshop where they will decorate freshly baked treats. Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies before heading out on a holiday traditions tour of the heritage buildings. Registration required. Information: townofws.ca/museum

Canadian Brass 44 | GoodLife • November - December 2015

6 7

Candlelight Christmas December 12 Whitchurch-Stouffville Museum Decorated for the season, the museum’s historic buildings come to life with the traditions of Christmas past. Enjoy a visit with Father Christmas, go on a horse-drawn wagon ride, taste traditional hot cider and baking and take in a reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. Information: townofws.ca/museum

Canadian Brass December 18 Flato Markham Theatre The game-changing brass quintet Canadian Brass has performed in virtually every major concert hall in the world, been seen by hundreds of millions of people on TV, sold two million of their approximately 100 albums worldwide and contributed nearly 600 new works and arrangements to the brass quintet repertoire. Information: markhamtheatre.ca

Leahy, the Next Generation December 19 Flato Markham Theatre Building on over three generations of Leahy musicianship, Doug Leahy, together with wife Jennifer and their children, are keeping those traditions alive through music, song and dance. All find a voice on stage through vocals, fiddle, cello, French accordion, piano and French-Canadian step-dancing. Their performances leave audiences in awe. Information: markhamtheatre.ca

Candlelight Christmas

Andria Simone’s Holiday Show December 23 Nineteen on the Park This 26-year-old singer-songwriter was born and raised in Toronto and is ready to take on the world. Dedicating most of her time to writing and recording, it is still the performance that captures Simone’s heart. “I would rather sing live than hear my songs playing somewhere,” she declares. “I really do leave it all there, on stage.” She is a charismatic and natural performer, as those who have caught her recent showcases can testify. Information: 19onthepark.ca

Ballet Jorgen’s The Nutcracker December 30 Flato Markham Theatre Holiday magic is made year after year by Canada’s Ballet Jörgen’s The Nutcracker, a Canadian tradition. Created by acclaimed choreographer and artistic director Bengt Jörgen, to Tchaikovsky’s well-loved score, this delightful classic is a family favourite that brings magic to the holidays. Information: markhamtheatre.ca

First Night Celebration December 31 Richmond Green Sports Centre A family-friendly New Year’s Eve Party, this celebration is specially planned for young families to offer an alternative to other late night events. The evening is filled with a variety of activities and entertainment that the whole family can enjoy. Information: richmondhill.ca/firstnight

The Perfect Match Until January 10 Markham Museum The Perfect Match: Sport Vs. Science is an interactive exhibition in which the whole family can participate. It features Canadian athletes and many types of sports equipment, new and old. Measure your speed. Test your form. Train for the competition. Will you make it to the podium? Information: markhammuseum.ca

online

Looking for something fun to do? Check out events on yorkregion.com

SCHOOL

Internationally recognized since 1961, TMS School delivers a seamless, internationally-acclaimed educational experience designed to inspire and challenge students, from 18 months to 18 years, to discover the best of who they are and to achieve their full potential. ouR ContRiBution to tHE CoMMunity

SECREt to ouR SuCCESS TMS seamlessly combines a flagship Montessori program for students from age 18 months to Grade 6, and an International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme for students from Grade 7 to Grade 12. The program focuses on more than mastering basic skills and knowledge, the students develop fully in academics, arts, athletics and citizenship. Starting at 18 months of age, TMS helps students to help themselves. Students develop confidence and higher level thinking skills necessary to make the most of whatever challenge they encounter. In TMS grades 7 through 12, individual student learning is globally benchmarked against other students in the IB program.

Bayview Campus 8569 Bayview Avenue Richmond Hill

Elgin Mills Campus 500 Elgin Mills Rd. East Richmond Hill

At all ages, our students learn to take action to make positive differences in the school, the community and the world. The Bayview and Elgin Mills Campuses are located in Richmond Hill. TMS is a member of CAIS (Canadian Accredited Independent Schools) and accredited by IBO (International Baccalaureate Organization), CIS (Conference of Independent Schools) and CCMA (Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators).

(905) 889-6882 Ext 2254 www.tmsschool.ca

ng t it ot ot al.”

portfolio |Jorie Brown

Dance opens doors to c b y Dav i d Li

Thornhill’s Jorie Brown is the head coach of the Toronto Argonauts cheerleading squad, a successful entrepreneur and a respected choreographer—and, perhaps most importantly, she serves as a prime example of the vast opportunities open to young dancers. The 33-year-old believes she’s able to indulge in her passions today because of her of involvement in dance growing up. “My parents would often see me dancing to music videos in front of the television, so they decided to enroll me in a dance class at a local school in Thornhill when I was three years old,” she recalls “I got started in ballet, jazz and tap. And, as I got older, I got into the competitive side of dance. I guess you can say that dancing has become part of my identity.” While Brown was attending York University in 2002, her father, Bob Brown, told her the Toronto Argonauts were holding open auditions for their cheerleading team. “Beyond her obvious love for dance, I knew it would introduce her to many new people and open doors to help her with a future career,” said the Thornhill dentist about his decision to recommend the Argos cheerleader audition to his daughter more than a decade ago. Thanks to her strong background in dance, Brown landed a spot that summer and says she has been on an “exciting and amazing journey ever since.” She would dance for the Argos from 2002 to 2005 before joining the Toronto Raptors Dance Pak for a brief stint. Realizing her heart was with the Argos, Brown returned to the team in 2010 as the head coach of the cheerleading squad. Although the Thornhill dancer identifies many highlights during her time with the Toronto football team, she says the two that stand out most came in 2004 and 2012 when the Argos captured the Grey Cup. “The wins in 2004 and 2012 were both very special in their own unique way. And it was just absolutely unreal to be on the sidelines and being part of the team’s success,” Brown says. 46 | GoodLife • November - December 2015

Jorie Brown with recording artist OMI.

“I still have the Grey Cup rings from those two victories, which I display proudly at home,” she adds with a wide grin. In her current role, Brown is also heavily involved in the public relations and business side of the football club, including scheduling and planning cheerleader appearances, organizing fundraising initiatives and overseeing the junior cheerleader program. Realizing how much she enjoys the business side of the sports and entertainment industry, Brown recently partnered with a longtime friend to start Cotton Candy Events Staffing, a company that provides brand ambassadors, street teams, host and hostesses, etc. to help clients promote their products or events. With clients such as popular apparel companies, Canadian and American financial institutions and notable movie studios already

on board, the business venture is off to a successful start. While football and business have evolved into passions for the Thornhill native over the years, she says choreographing keeps her connected to her roots as a dancer. “I remember being inspired by musicians through their music videos as a young girl, so it’s just great to have the opportunity now to work with recording artists and be able to share my vision of their songs through the choreography in their performances,” Brown says. One of her most notable assignments came recently when she was asked to come up with the choreography for an international chart topper at the 2015 Much Music Video Awards. “The opportunity was posed to me to create something unique and exciting for OMI’s debut at this year’s MMVAs. The song Cheerleader is a major international hit; so my goal was to put together a performance that would be memorable and would complement the song perfectly,” she explains. “We had to work in many elements, from his arrival car to the cheerleaders to the choreography and, at the same time, making sure all the camera angles worked, so it was a major project. But based on the feedback that I got, we nailed it,” adds Brown about working with the 28-year-old recording artist from Jamaica. The York University graduate recalls that growing up as a dancer, she often received feedback that there weren’t many opportunities in the field beyond a career as a professional dancer, but she says her own journey is proof that’s simply not true. “I’ve learned that there are so many doors that can open up because of dance,” she says. “Being involved in dance led me to work with the Argos and to start a business and, obviously, to choreograph. But for someone else, they can open up a dance studio or they can be a dance instructor or an educator and the list goes on and on. “So, it’s important for young dancers to understand that and just be open to all the possibilities.”

o creative life Jorie Brown’s… … favourite local restaurants. I love Laterna and Me Va Me. Those are my go-to places.

…best career advice. It would have to be from my dad. He’s a dentist, but never pressured my sister, brother or myself to pursue the sciences. He just told us to do something we love and that we’re passionate about and has always been supportive of my decisions. He’s been my biggest cheerleader.

… alternate career path. I would say teacher because I liked the idea of being able to help people grow and develop.

“

I’ve learned that there are so many doors that can open up because of dance.”

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 47

Fast Forward To Flawless

Welcome to Beauty on Main Street, where our Motto is “Fast Forward to Flawless” a newly established medical spa, coupled with traditional spa services in Markham. At our clinic, our team of highly skilled practitioners are dedicated to improving your well-being, by customizing your treatment to best fit your needs to improve your health and appearance. To complement our new menu of esthetics and medical services, we’re excited to announce that we are the only Medical Spa in Markham, Ontario, to offer our clients a skin care line from Beverley Hills, recently voted the #1 Skin Care line in North America, called ZO Skin Health and ZO Medical by Zian Obagi. This professional product line is exceptionally resultoriented, offering comprehensive and continuous solutions that treat a wide range of normal to chronic skin conditions, like severe acne, and skin rejuvenation by reducing wrinkles, while helping to support daily skin health. If you are into the Organics, in addition to our therapeutic Line ZO, we also carry the professional skin care brand Suisse Absolue, a restorative product line created with organic ingredients from the Swiss Alps. Composed of high-quality European ingredients, this beautiful product line offers amazing results while refreshing and relaxing the senses. While still offering our traditional spa services, our new selection of treatments include: body sculpting, cellulite treatment, weight loss solutions with our new state of the art Tri-Lipo treatments, a non-invasive Lipo treatment, with 100% guaranteed results.

39 Main Street, Markham North, Ontario, L3P 1X3 Hours of operation: Monday Closed • Tuesday 9am-6pm • Wednesday 9am-6pm

48 | GoodLife • November - December 2015

•

Under the medical direction of our in-house nurse, we offer a variety of medical treatments, including Botox, fillers and injectables, and advanced hair removal. Beauty on Main Street is under the Management of Lisa Borquez, who brings 38 years of experience in the spa and medical industry, and is also owner of our sister spas - Uxbridge Cosmetic Clinic (www.uxbridgemedispa.com) and the Uxbridge Manor and Spa (www.uxbridgemanorandspa.com), both located in Uxbridge Ontario. Stop in and visit our newly designed facility and receive a complimentary skin consultation and meet our team.

SERVICES BEING OFFERED • Botox • Fillers • Laser Hair Removal • Tattoo Removal • Massage • Facials • Hand & Foot • Microdermabrasion • Micro facials • Professional Chemical Peel Treatment • Micro Peels • Advanced ZO Signature Facial • Latisse Eyelash Treatment • Epilation (Waxing) • Dermapen™ • RMT & Relaxation Massage Service • Maximus Tri-Lipo • Fat Melting Treatment

WALK INS WELCOME!

• 905-294-2970 • www.beautyonmainstreet.com

• Thursday 10am-8pm • Friday 9am-6pm • Saturday 9am-4pm • Sunday Closed GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 49

beauty spot The year’s most-wanted gifts often come in small, pretty packages. From luxe lipsticks and the latest nail polishes to organic skin care and signature scents, we’ve pulled your guide to the chicest beauty gifts every make-up lover and glam girl should give and request this holiday season. These festive finds are at every price point AND are something the recipients will be appreciating well into 2016.

BEAUTY

GIVE THE GIFT OF

b y dani ela di ste fa no

Clarisonic Keith Haring Limited Edition Holiday Collection $180 | Hudson’s Bay The most luxe of beauty gifts is a cleansing brush that cleans six times better than regular face washing. By New Year’s Day, they’ll wonder how they ever lived without it.

50 | GoodLife • November - December 2015

NARS Magnificent Obsession Red Lip Set $60 | Hudson’s Bay Get rich, red lips quick with this three-way lip set of all-consuming crimson that will complete any holiday party look.

Maybelline New York Holiday Kit Gilded in Gold $20 | drugstores Palettes free up much needed real estate from a jam-packed cosmetics stash. The first ever holiday kit from Maybelline, this palette of bronze and nude blush and bronzer shades packs enough options for day to night looks.

Essie Winter 2015 Collection $10 | salons The season’s newest polish shades are always on a beauty lover’s holiday wish list. Pick one or all of the fun and holiday-themed colours from essie and give the gift of on-trend nails.

Estée Lauder Modern Muse Le Rouge $122 | Shoppers Drug Mart A New Year calls for a new signature scent and this fragrance packs a sexy contrast of roses and ripe fruits with dramatic velvety cream undertones.

Emjoi Micro Nail $60 | Shoppers Drug Mart Any DIY manicure lover will appreciate adding a gadget that can easily deliver perfectly shined and buffed nails to their nail care kit.

Moroccanoil Body Butter $56 | salons A super rich and unbelievably smelling body cream is a small daily luxury to clinch during winter months. The butter-like texture of this one will moisturize the driest skin with argan and olive oils.

Weleda Holiday Limited Edition Hand Cream $19.25 | well.ca Wrapping presents, baking and trimming the tree can leave hands feeling rough. This best-selling cream, made with natural ingredients, renews dry hands to a healthy and revitalized state.

OSiS+ Holiday Party Survival Kit: Volume Edition $30 | salons Your fine-haired friends will be forever thankful to find this volume-boosting duo in their stocking.

Enchanted Eve Brush Kit $63 | MAC counters A festive brush set is great to keep in your evening bag for touchups between family dinners, holiday cocktails and shopping trips.

Travel Safe Kit $45 | saje.ca When embarking on holiday travels, a kit of oils and ointments will help revive you post-flight and combat against things like germs, digestion troubles and skin irritations.

Limited Edition Perfect Balance Discover Collection $40 | paiskincare.com Help tame sensitive skin with Pai’s organic remedies for acne, eczema and more. The cleanser, tonic and day cream soothes and rebalances blemish-prone skin. GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 51

HOT DAYS PROMO MONDAYS

20% OFF FACIALS

BLISS “SPA” MANI-PEDI PKG (SCRUB, ANY POLISH & MASSAGE)

$75

TUESDAYS

THURSDAYS

$25 SHEL. MANI $30 BRAZILIAN WAX

NAIL TIPS / EXTENSION W/ GEL OVERLAY

$45

BLISS

BLISS CHOICE TREATMENTS

“HOLLYWOOD” PEDICURE (THE WORKS: ASK FOR NATURAL SELECTION)

$65

6050 Highway 7 East, Unit 6 Markham ON, L3P 3A9

905-554-8872

#blissnailbar #blissnailbar_markham #balancethebeautifulinyou #experiencethebliss

NOV-DEC SPECIALS

$99

EYELASH EXTENSIONS

$50

BLISS SPA PEDICURE

$99 FULL BODY WAX

POPULAR TREATMENTS

$30

SHELLAC FRENCH MANICURE

$60 SHELLAC MANI & REG. PEDI PKG.

body + mind

Wish them a HeALtHY new Year b y Je nni Fe r etti nger

aftEr a fEW WEEKS oN thE hoLIDay party CIrCUIt, SoME MarathoN ShoppINg SESSIoNS aND DINNEr WIth aLL thE trIMMINgS aND thE ExtENDED faMILy, yoUr LoVED oNES WILL WIth thaNK yoU for thINKINg of WayS to hELp thEM aLLEVIatE StrESS aND IMproVE thEIr WELL-bEINg. hErE arE thE gIft IDEaS that MaKE My LISt thIS yEar.

How about getting the kids away from the video games and into some fun and creative down time? The kit includes a Gaiam yoga mat, water bottle and a DVD featuring yoga instructor Jodi Komitor leading three fun-filled yoga practices for children aged five to eight. $27 | costco.ca For the man or woman who wants to have more style in their fitness trackers, Fossil offers a line of fashionable connected accessories that showcase the design excellence, expert craftsmanship and whimsy that defines all its products. The Fossil Q Dreamer is a fitness tracker and more that looks like one of your favourite bracelets—and goes with everything. Choose a leather band for work and a silicone band while working out. With gentle vibrating alerts and customized colour notifications for key contacts and apps, you’re sure to stay in touch, in style. $155 | Fossil

If you need music to get moving, how about a cable free workout with supreme stereo sound and a personal training system to move you forward? The Jabra Sport Pace will help guide your fitness programing, monitoring and evaluating your workout, and it is sweat, shock and weather proof. $130 | jabra.ca 54 | GoodLife • November - December 2015

The M4M Seamless Capri tights by New Balance are the talk of the season! I have been stopped numerous times asking who and what I was wearing! Why the buzz? Minimal seams and maximum mobility. With seams only in the inseam and the gusset, you’ll enjoy lightweight comfort with less irritation, plus incredible stretch and recovery to help you move freely. $90 | Sport Chek, Running Free

I predict the Rexist360 Bands will be one of the hottest fitness programs in months to come. Ditch the dumbells and give them a go to increase your strength, speed and endurance. You can target your abs, lower back, glutes, hamstrings, quads, calves, hip flexors, abductors and adductors—all with minimal strain on joints and ligaments. $105 | rexist360.com Jennifer Ettinger is a fitness and style expert. for more information, visit fityourstyle.com.

A c i t a m dra k o o l w e n

Meet our makeover winner

By Joann MacDonald | photography by Naomi Hiltz

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 55

beauty|makeover winner When your daily routine becomes just that, maybe it’s time for a change. For Lynn Kalinich, that change came in the form of a rather dramatic makeover. Winner of the Good Life Makeover Madness contest, Kalinich was brave enough to go with a whole new look for her hair and makeup. “I have never been afraid to try a different hair color or of cutting my hair too short,” she says. “Patrick at the salon was extremely helpful. I explained I wanted a style that was simple to maintain and I was open to colour.” Patrick Hupe, co-owner of Markham’s Great Lengths Hair Gallery, took Kalinich at her word, going for a daring hair colour in shades of red. “Lynn was extremely nice and

Walk Through

Your Life

very open-minded for a new look,” Hupe says. “I took her light brown hair and transformed it to a red mahogany overall colour with red and tangerine highlights to complement her skin tone and eye colour. For her haircut, I modernized her look. I took her layered bob and added an undercut and lots of texture to complement her facial features.” The overall effect is a youthful look that Hupe believes will be easy for Kalinich to style at home. “Patrick was very, very helpful with tips on keeping the colour longer, drying and styling,” Kalinich says. As an assistant manager for a retail store, Kalinich works a variety of shifts and says she is sometimes “lazy” when it comes to putting on make-up. Make-up artist Sandy Giutsos took her client’s busy lifestyle into consideration, coming up with a look she can duplicate on her own.

State of the art custom orthotics

Ingrown and painful toenails

Laser Treatment for fungal nails

Bunion and hammertoe surgery

Shockwave for Plantar Fasciitis (heel pain)

Diabetic foot care

Ultrasound & Magnetic Pulse for injuries

With Comfort We’ll help put you on your feet again!

905-470-2440 www.markhampodiatry.com 4997 Hwy 7. Unit 5. Markham Mews Plaza

Join Our Family and Smile We offer Comprehensive Dental Services at one Convenient Location

• Digital Dental Care • Crowns/Onlays Finished Onsite in under 2 Hours • Braces and Invisalign • Oral Moderate Sedation • Sleep Dentistry Available

905.70.SMILE

smilesonseven.com 6050 Hwy. 7 East

one block east of Markham Rd. on Hwy. 7

56 | GoodLife • November - December 2015

Certified Specialists Onsite • Pediatric Dentist (Young Children) • Periodontist (Gum Problems & Implants) • Oral Surgeon (Wisdom Teeth) • Dental Anaesthetist (Sleep Dentistry)

Crowns Finished in 2 Hours Using

Digital Impressions – NO MORE GOOP! –

“She wasn’t used to a whole lot of make-up, so I tried to keep it a little bit simple,” Giutsos notes. “I wanted to bring out the blue in her eyes with a warm plum palette.” Giutsos used a gel liner on top of the eyes for definition, while using eyeshadow only underneath the eyes for an open, smoky look. She did go in for a bit of drama, using false eyelashes to brighten and open up Kalinich’s eyes. For the lips, she chose a bold fuchsia to complement the makeover winner’s skin tone and create a bright, fresh look. “She was pretty surprised to see how different she looked,” Giutsos says. “The simple techniques I was taught from Sandy were very helpful,” Kalinich says. “Just basic tips for an informal and natural look. She showed me what colours would look better on me.” It’s not the first time Kalinich has been in the

makeover chair. “Many many years ago, I won a hair makeover and it was the first time I had ever had someone dye my hair red,” she says. “I thought I couldn’t be so lucky and win again.” But win she did and Kalinich was excited to find out that her prize went beyond hair and make-up. Thrilled with her new colour and style, Kalinich went on to enjoy a pampering one-hour relaxation massage from Discover Day Spa. She followed up her massage the same day with a visit to Markham’s Bliss Nail Bar for a spa manicure and pedicure. She says the day was so relaxing she hopes to return to these locations soon. “It has been a wonderful experience and everyone has been amazing,” Kalinich. says “I have had so many compliments about the colour and the style from the makeover. I received a lot of ‘wows’ from customers where I work, co-workers, family and the list goes on.”

Offer Expires January 15, 2015

Step into an Oasis at

Discovery Day Spa

Here at Discovery Day Spa, we want to help you de-stress from the hustle and bustle of life. Our 5,000 square foot space offers unparalleled comfort and luxury. We want you to feel welcome and at home with our large lounge area and complimentary refreshments. We take pride in our luxurious atmosphere, created by our beautiful, comforting space and our friendly customer service. We are like family, dedicated to keeping you stress-free. with full-service, registered health spa, offering replenishing and rejuvenating services including manicures, pedicures, facials, massages, waxing and reﬂexology. We offer premium services at value pricing, including weekly discount specials on our quality services. It is our mission to ensure that you leave happy, refreshed and relaxed.

5261 Hwy 7 at McCowan (S E Corner) • 289.554.8889 • www.discoverydayspa.com BLISS SPA MANICURE $35.00

BLISS SPA PEDICURE $50.00

Introducing our signature spa MANICURE for 40 minutes. ~ Quote promo: Bliss Ad (ends Dec/15)

Introducing our signature spa PEDICURE for 55 minutes. ~ Quote promo: Bliss Ad (ends Dec/15)

15% off Bliss MANI -------------------------------------Our Classic Manicure is $25.00

15% off Bliss Pedi

905-554-8872 www.blissnailbar.com

-------------------------------------Our Classic Pedicure is $30.00

6050 Highway 7 East, Unit 6, Markham ON, L3P 3A9 (north-east side of Highway 7 East & Markham Road)

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 57

travel|tall ships

set sail in romantic elegance by BArt CArd

Barcelona

58 | GoodLife â&#x20AC;˘ May November - June -2015 December 2015

Const

royal Clipper

Lyon

Ljubljana

Milan Turin

ouse

Genoa Marseille

orra

Florence

rcelona

Rome Rom e Naples

Palermo

Annaba Constantine

was 34 years ago, but seems like yesterday, that the Tall Ships Races arrived in Bermuda. The ships had travelled from across the globe, arriving in my native waters and awe-struck Bermudians could only watch, wonder and dream. It was 1976 and America was celebrating its bicentennial and the tall ships had set a course for New York City and July 4 to ring in America’s Independence Day. Some had started at Gdynia, situated between Poland and Zagreb the then Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, while the Europeans joined Bucharest the trek in Plymouth en route to the Canary Islands, at which time some Belgrade 48 ships were part of the race. From the Canary Island to Bermuda, the fleet was 92 ships strong. The July 4 parade up the Hudson River drew millions to watch the celebrations and later the ships dispersed to share the spirit of the age of sail with other Sarajevo American ports. Included in this fleet was the Kruzenshtern, a U.S.S.R. marvel built in 1926 that measured some 115 metres (378 feet) in length and carried 68 Sofia crew and another 168 cadets. Bermudians were fascinated as it nestled in Edirn Skopje our waters, with its menacing black hull. The Russians are coming, we would shout. Remember, it was a different world at that time. Tiranë You have to go back to 1902 to recall the largest, fasted sailing ship the world had ever seen: The legendary Preussen dominated the seas, only to Salonika be gone a few short years. And while the Kruzenshtern was a sight, it could not compare to the Royal Clipper, the world’s current most magnificent sailing ship. The Royal Clipper, whose design is based on the Preussen, has the proud distinction of being the largest and only five-masted, full-rigged sailing ship built since her predecessor was launched at the beginning of the last century. Growing up on the blue Bermuda waters, I’ve nurtured a life-long dream Athens to sail a tall ship, a dream that became reality during an 11-day cruise aboard the Royal Clipper, where I was joined by my wife Sarah Jane. »

Tunis GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 59

Valletta

travel|tall ships

Lyon

dazzling. They include a three-deck atrium that the flow of water along the sleek sailboat hull. And if you are waiting for the “small world”Bordeaux Milan Ljubljana funnels sunlight into the elegantly appointed, The Royal Clipper is named in the Guinness reference, how’s this one: The captain of the tri-level dining room offering delicious cuisine World Records as the “largest square rigger sailRoyal Clipper, Sergey Utitsyn, was a junior ofand a no-tie Turin dress code. A convenient marina ing ship in service,” but Star Clippers is curficer aboard the Kruzenshtern during its stint off Bilbao platform lowers from the stern for water sports rently building a new ship to take that title. It Bermuda in 1976. And Sarah Jane had boarded Toulouse Genoa and diving. will be modelled on the sailing ship France II, the Kruzenshtern during its time in Bermuda And the ultimate unique Royal Clipper exwhich was commissioned in 1911 and was at and toured its majestic construction. perience, the one-of-a-kind Captain Nemo that time the largest square-rigger in the world The Clipper is a splendid sight to behold. Florence Porto Marseille Lounge, is the site of the spa and health club with five masts. You might think she was an apparition from the Andorra with underwater glass portholes. We left Toronto for two days of relaxation and grand age of sail, but the Royal Clipper is as new As most are aware, every cruise line always sight-seeing in Rome before boarding the Royal as tomorrow, boasting state-of-the-art navigaMadrid includes an invitation from the captain to meet Clipper for an 11-day adventure on the Meditertion systems and every comfort and luxury one for cocktails. But not caring to tempt fate, and the summer and Lisbon could wish. For connoisseurs of sail cruising, ranean, which it sails during Barcelona afraid I wouldn’t get the chance to share stories fall seasons, before repositioning in the Caribthe 133-metre (439-foot) Royal Clipper offers Rome Rom e with Utitsyn, I invited him for dinner instead. bean during the winter and spring. the ultimate sea-going experience, balancing Generally, this is unheard of, but the good capThe Royal Clipper carries just 227 guests the grandeur, adventure and tradition of sailing Naples tain was delighted with the offer, and especially in luxurious style. A full 176 square metres with the superb service, amenities and accomValencia more so after I reminded him of, and he recalled, (19,000 square feet) of open deck and three modations of the finest modern yacht. his visit to Bermuda aboard the Kruzenshtern. swimming pools create a wonderfully spacious The inspiration of Swedish entrepreneur Joining Utitsyn were cruise director Frederic and expansive outdoor environment. Find your Mikael Krafft, Star Clippers’ fl eet includes the Sevilla Jansen and hotel manager Francesco Mazzoni. secret hideaway on one of the hidden balconies Royal Clipper, Star Flyer and Star Clipper, the These men are the best in the business – friendon either side of the bow. Or climb the mast only major true sail ships ever built where no ly, down-to-earth, caring and passionate about (with safety harness provided) to one of the passeaman ever needs to climb the masts to handle Palermo Málaga their work. They even took the time to explain senger lookout “crow’s nests”, where you’ll have sails. A simple button lays the propeller blades some of the work of the crew, including that of the grandest view of all. almost flat against the hull when the vessel goes Algiers Sabransyah Muhammad, Tunis a qualified sail-maker The Royal Clipper’s interior spaces are just as to sailing mode, largely eliminating resistance to

Annaba

Rabat

sablanca

60 | GoodLife • November - December 2015

Fès

Oran

Constantine

Valletta

Sousse

ana

lletta

metres (10,910 feet) high, though it should be All the ports were delightful with various tours and rigger who I had watched earlier that day noted that this varies with summit eruptions. that could be booked on board. If you wanted repairZagreb sails with a large sewing machine situated It is the highest mountain in Italy south of the something more leisurely, just walking around right on the deck. Bucharest Alps, and by far the largest of the three active the beautiful old towns was a wonderful way to Jansen is currently assigned to theBelgrade Star Flyer, volcanoes in Italy, being nearly three times the spend the day. whose home is now Tahiti and French Polyneheight of the next largest, Mount Vesuvius. We all had our favourite ports of call, for Sarsia. With his knowledge of six languages and Mount Etna is one of the most active volcaah Jane it was Kotor, Montenegro situated in the enthusiasm, he manages to inspire an interest Sarajevo noes in the world and is in an almost constant Bay of Kotor. The sail through the bay, which in the history and charm of all ports of call. His state of eruption. Although it can occasionally is much like a fiord, was truly breathtaking. role in making our Mediterranean cruise truly be very destructive, it is not generally regarded The Old City of Kotor is a well-preserved town memorable makes us long to sample the deas being particularly dangerous and thousands built Sofia between the 12th and 14th century. Melights of Tahiti. Edirne of people live on its slopes and in the surrounddieval architecture and numerous monuments With Mazzoni, I experienced the second Skopje of ing areas. of cultural history have made Kotor a UNESCO Istanbul my small world encounters on this trip. He was TiranĂŤ Ankara I have been sailing for more than 40 years and World Heritage Site. sharing his experiences and history when he thought I had seen it all. But deep down, after Our stop in Croatiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kurcola really stood out mentioned he had had the pleasure of working Salonika for me, walking along the waterfront and noticin one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most beautiful places. Of Bursa researching the Star Clippers before our trip, I knew we were in for something entirely special. ing the tables set up for lunch guests along the course, I had to ask where and should not have Just waking up at 5 a.m. and sitting deck-side, waterfront and its beautiful turquoise waters. been surprised when he said Bermuda; needwatching the sunrise and the sails raised was Fresh mussels and a tasty bottle of New Zealand less to say we then had many recollections to something to behold. Sauvignon quenched the palette, before Sarah share. He is the consummate professional, enI have been asked would I do the same trip Jane and I ventured to the local marketsIzmir to samsuring that all passenger needs were met, reconce again. Absolutely! And how romantic it ple fresh vegetables, breads and cheese. ommending wines and his favourite foods for Athens was that my wife was able to accompany me. Our trip would not have been complete withus to sample. Perhaps next time we can include my six chilout a visit to Mount Etna. This active volcano on Our ports of call included Italy, Sicily and dren, partners and 10 grandchildren. That has the east coast of Sicily is the largest active volGreece, Montenegro and Croatia before returnadventure written all over it. cano in Europe, currently standing about 3,326 ing to Venice, Italy and our flight back home.

Alepp

Nicosia

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 61

Beirut

Hom

ELGIN ELGINMILLS MILLS 10909 10909Yonge YongeStreet Street

(off Yorkland St.St. behind plaza) (off Yorkland behind plaza)

Check website forfor more details & current attractions at:at: Check website more details & current attractions ELGINELGIN MILLSMILLS CARLTON CINEMA SQUARE MALLMALL WOODBINE CENTRE CARLTON CINEMAMARKET MARKET SQUAREPROMENADE PROMENADE WOODBINE CENTRE 1090910909 YONGE ST. ST. 20 CARLTON ST. ST. 80 FRONT ST. E ST. E 1PROMENADE CIRCLE 500 REXDALE BLVD.BLVD. YONGE 20 CARLTON 80 FRONT 1PROMENADE CIRCLE 500 REXDALE

Rainbow Elgin Mills hashas 1010 auditoriums with digital Rainbow Elgin Mills auditoriums with digital projection and comfortable seating. projection and comfortable seating. TheThe cinemaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s multiple screens showcase mainstream cinemaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s multiple screens showcase mainstream Hollywood, Canadian and foreign films to to serve thethe rich Hollywood, Canadian and foreign films serve rich and diverse community of of Richmond Hill. and diverse community Richmond Hill. All All auditoriums have wheelchair access and assistive auditoriums have wheelchair access and assistive listening devices. listening devices. Matinees shows areare scheduled everyday. Matinees shows scheduled everyday. Tuesdays areare discounted at at $5.$5. Tuesdays discounted Group rates and two party rooms areare Group rates and two party rooms available forfor your movie going enjoyment. available your movie going enjoyment.

in the crowd MACKENZIE HEALTH FOUNDATION GALA Mackenzie Health Foundation held its Las Vegas Gala Oct. 24 at the Universal Event Space. The annual event is a major fundraiser for the foundation, which raises donations to advance patient care at Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital, as well as to raise the community portion of funding to build and equip the future Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital.

NAOMI HILTZ PHOTOGRAPHY 1.

Rita Borges, Lisa Pellegrini and Paul Pellegrini

Anna Venturo and gala co-chair Lee Zanetti

City of Vaughan councillor Alan Shefman and Francine Shefman

Mackenzie Health Foundation chair Glenn Beaumont, foundation president and CEO Ingrid Perry and Mackenzie Health board of directors chair John Mills

Robert Zanetti and Lee Zanetti

Domenic Ieraci and Mary Ieraci

Franca Gatto, Ross Gatto, Sandra Galassi and Yvonne Filippelli

Marcelle Perri and Lisa Perri

Gloria DiFolco & Sabrina Fiorellino

10. Peter Eliopoulos and Anna Eliopoulos, owners of By Peter & Pauls 11. CEO of Mackenzie Health Altaf Stationwala and Nasreen Vanat 12. Andrew Browne and Liz Siydock

13. Frank Boutzis and Roxanne Boutzis 14. Teresa Chu and Derrick Ho 15. Joe Tersigni and Caroline Tersigni 16. Frank D’Andrea, Mackenzie Health chief human resources officer Stav D’Andrea and Vanessa Lisi

17. Russell Jones, Margaret Jones, Nancy Brittyn and Bruce Fischer

64 | GoodLife • November - December 2015

in the crowd FLATO MARKHAM THEATRE GALA Performances by Canadian fiddle masters Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy were a highlight of the Flato Markham Theatre’s annual gala, held Oct. 17 at the theatre. The event, which was also a celebration of the theatre’s 30th anniversary, included dinner and silent auction. Funds raised support the theatre’s Discovery Program.

Mayor Frank Scarpitti, gala co-chair Patrick O’Hanlon, president of Kylemore Communities, and gala co-chair and City of Markham councillor Alex Chiu.

Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy with event attendees, including theatre general manager Eric Lariviere, 105.9 The Region host Mike Atom, City of Markham councillors Don Hamilton, Amanda Collucci and Nirmala Armstrong and director of culture Moe Hosseini-Ara.

Featured performers Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy.

WWW.KLEINBURGSTREASURE.COM

Backing OntO cOnservatiOn in kleinBurg

WWW.THEMODERNCASTLEOFYORK.COM

1.03 Acres. End of a court location. 7 min walk to Kleinburg’s Village w/shops & restaurants. 10,700 Sq Ft of living space. Designed to impress & family living. 22ft ceilings, open concept & modern finishes. Flooded with natural light. All principal rooms with conservation views. Re-modeled (2014/2015) with Calacatta, Rosewood, Hickory, nickel, quartzite & S/S accents.Artcraft kitchen with lrg island, S/S Quartzite espresso bar & open concept pantry. Master bdrm with dressing room. L/L well above grade walk-out with heated floors, wine tasting room, media rm & full kitchen. West exposure rear grounds w/fire pit, concrete pool maximum privacy. $4,675,000

PinewOOd estates

1.03 Acres. End of court location. Indoor/Outdoor pool w/ retractable roof & gym. Kitchen o/looks garden conservatory & has Quartzite, polished nickel & stainless steel accents, Swarovski hardware, wine & espresso bar. Phenomenal home automation sys w/ ability to control lights, TVs, music, heating/cooling & security from anywhere in the world. Calacatta floors w/wide plank walnut inlay. Main floor office w/ walnut floor-to-ceiling built-ins. 2 Master bdrms. L/L w/great rm, billiards rm, poker rm, wine tasting rm & nanny’s quarters. Radiant heated flooring & air handler sys. Basketball court. Koi pond. Security patrolled community. Easy access to Hwy 400 & Pearson Int’l Airport. $6,980,000

Emily Fusco & Christopher Fusco Emily Fusco, Broker of Record & Christopher Fusco, Broker

Discover the Difference Experience Makes www.avenuerealty.com

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 65

COMING JANUARY 2016

Contact a local multimedia advertising consultant today! 905-943-6100 (Markham, Richmond Hill & Thornhill) or 905-940-2612 (Stouffville)

York Regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Premier Toyota Dealership is Here.

Premium Service Without Premium PriceS

11240 Yonge Street Richmond Hill.

905-889-1189 www.richmondhilltoyota.com

Canada’s Largest Hyundai FaCiLity ProudLy serving tHe Community sinCe 1985

68 | GoodLife • November - December 2015