Goodlife Vaughan March/April Edition 2016

| A P R I L 2 0 1 6

MAR C H / APR I L 2 0 1 6

M A R C H

YORKREGION.COM/GOODLIFE

elevate your GoodLife Vaughan Edition

ENTRANCE ON TAP:

Spring is bock

FOREST TO TABLE

Cooking with wild leeks

SERVING VAUGHAN

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Vehicle(s) may be shown with optional equipment. Dealer may sell or lease for less. Limited time offers. Offers only valid at participating dealers. Retail offers may be cancelled or changed at any time without notice. See your Lincoln Dealer for complete details or call the Lincoln Customer Relationship Centre at 1-800-387-9333. For factory orders, a customer may either take advantage of eligible raincheckable Lincoln retail customer promotional incentives/offers available at the time of vehicle factory order or time of vehicle delivery, but not both or combinations thereof. Retail offers not combinable with any CPA/GPC or Daily Rental incentives, the Commercial Upfit Program or the Commercial Fleet Incentive Program (CFIP). *Bridge of Weir is a trademark of Bridge of Weir Leather Company Limited. **Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle. ©2015 Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited. All rights reserved.

We Celebrate our Award with our 383 Premier Realtors Located in our 6 Local Offices, serving 4,300 Families in 2015

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yorkregion.com/goodlife | 3 BROKERAG E, INDEPENDENTLY O W N E D AND OPERATED

It takes more than bricks and mortar

to build a great community

Publisher Dana Robbins Regional General Manager Shaun Sauve Editor Lee Ann Waterman Contributors Emily Blackman • Bart Card • Jim Craigmyle Jonathan Hiltz • Naomi Hiltz • Andrew Hind Robin LeBlanc • Joann MacDonald • Julie Miguel Chris Palmer • Tracy Smith ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Maureen Christie Advertising Manager Tanya Pacheco

We support the organizations that make York Region a great place to live, work and play.

Advertising Sales Mike Cudmore • Steve Fasciano • Nino Michela Joseph Montagnese • Tony Segreti Howie Taylor Regional Director, Production and Creative Services Katherine Porcheron Editorial Design Emily Ayranto Director of Business Administration Rob Lazurko Director of Distribution Mike Banville

Character Community Yellow Brick House Local Hospitals Women’s Centre of York Region Big Brothers Big Sisters

4 | GoodLife • March - April 2016

United Way

Chambers of Commerce

York Region Abuse Program

Canadian Cancer Society

OSPCA

and many more...

CHATS

GoodLife, Vaughan 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 29-8611 Weston Rd., Vaughan, ON L4L 9P1 905-264-8703

yorkregion.com/goodlife | 5

contents

12 20

12 Modern Update 14 Luxurious Log Cabin 20 Elevate Your Entrance 24 Rooms Gone Right 30 Rooms Gone Right 34 Backyard Living 38 38 We Like It Garden art

Young couple renovates Old Woodbridge home

Unique home in the woods is also close to amenities

Make a memorable ďŹ rst impression

Awkward bathroom now a contemporary, spa-like space

24 6 | GoodLife • March - April 2016

Designer brings sleek, functional style to dated master suite

3 tips for a multifunctional outdoor space

THANK YOU VAUGHAN! WE ARE HONOURED TO HAVE BEEN CHOSEN #1 IN THE VAUGHAN CITIZEN READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS

Voted Best Used Car Dealership

yorkregion.com/goodlife | 7

contents

42

40

44

40 On Tap 42 From Forest to Table 44 In the Kitchen

48 Picking the Right Path 52 Experiential Education 56 Events 59 Portfolio 60 Travel 62 In the Crowd 66 Warm Up to Spring

Ciao Roma serves up pizza al taglio

A meal for the season

Spring is Bock

How to choose a private school for your child

Now is the time to harvest wild leeks

Summer camp teaches kids about themselves

Arts, culture and outdoor events for the whole family

Gal Fridman gets kids ready to rock

62 8 | GoodLife • March - April 2016

Welcome to Spice Island

Vaughan in Motion South Beach Party

yorkregion.com/goodlife | 9

editor’s note

Editor

It was an unusual winter. I went running in capris and a T-shirt on Dec. 24 and didn’t get out on my snowshoes once all season.

On one Sunday in early February, I opened all the windows in my house to let the fresh warm air in and added another layer of mulch to protect my garlic, which had sent up 10-centimetre shoots. I didn’t keep track, but I am pretty sure our yard had more green days than white over the past three or four months—and the view out the back door was a constant reminder that I had neglected the fall cleanup of my perennial beds.

It wasn’t the kind of winter I wanted—think deep snow and lots of crisp, clear days—but, by early this month, I was still ready to bid it goodbye.

March is the month I plan for summer. I inventory my vegetable seeds, place an order or two with my favourite suppliers and sketch out my plots. I take note of any home and yard improvement or upkeep projects my husband and I should tackle. And I start working through the details of our summer vacation plans: trails to hike, restaurants to try, campsites and inns to visit.

This issue of GoodLife will help you get a start on your warm weather plans, too. With the help of York Region Arts Council, we’ve sourced some garden-inspired items from local artists for our regular We Like It feature. We offer advice for sprucing up your front entrance and ask handyman and television personality Chris Palmer for his tips in creating a multifunctional backyard.

If you’re looking for a new recipe to try, consider a trip to your local forest to harvest some leeks for a salad, risotto or gnocchi or let Emily Blackman inspire you with an early spring menu centred around lamb stew with roasted root vegetables.

I hope you enjoy this issue. We’ll be back in May. In the meantime, you can find us at yorkregion.com/goodlife.

LEEANNWATERMAN

Lee Ann Waterman

Editor

follow us@goodlifeyork | www.yorkregion.com/goodlife

Contributors

goodlifeeditor@yrmg.com

JULIEMIGUEL

food writer/photographer

Julie Miguel is a digital content producer with a specialization in food media.

Her experience includes hosting, food journalism, recipe development, branding, food styling and photography. She is not a trained chef, however, but a home cook with a lot of real life experience. She placed seventh on the inaugural season of CTV’s MasterChef Canada. Since then, she has made appearances on The Marilyn Denis Show as well as other local television shows.

10 | GoodLife • March - April 2016

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.

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.

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.

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 beforeand-after 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.

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we like it

art

garden

With the arrival of spring comes the urge to spend more time enjoying the out of doors. With the help of York Region Arts Council, GoodLife has sourced works from local artists that speak to the season—functional pieces for entertaining al fresco, items to add interest to your backyard or art that brings the outdoors in.

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3

12 | GoodLife • March - April 2016

1

This unique vase was smoke-fired in a barrel with combustible materials to add age and interest to the piece.

Helen O’Sullivan | $70 artistmarketplace.ca

2

The more tails a kitsune has, the older and wiser it is. This silver fox, which is just over a foot high, was carved from a curved piece of metal and finished with a clear coat to protect its finish.

Daniella Boerhof | $150 metallytwisted.com

3

About the size of the palm of your hand, these fish are designed to swim through your garden, with your potted plants or perhaps in a vase on your window sill. Each one is handmade from sheet metal and carries a personality of its own.

Daniella Boerhof | $55 metallytwisted.com

4

This functional clay pitcher in cheerful yellow can be used for water, juice, sangria—or as an interesting vase. It has hand carved detail at the base.

Helen O’Sullivan | $65 artistmarketplace.ca

5

Crafted by hand, every flower is unique and will bring a bright splash of colour and joy to any garden. A variety of colours, heights and styles are available.

No watering needed.

Daniella Boerhof | $45 to $85 each metallytwisted.com

6

“The petals of pansies always remind me of dancing skirts, swirling delightfully in the wind. I wish to capture the liveliness of these spring flowers as they dance in the breeze.”

Betty Wong | watercolour on paper wrapped around canvas and varnished, 18 by 24 inches | $500 artistmarketplace.ca

7

Enjoy your morning coffee or afternoon tea outside in one of these dishwashersafe clay mugs.

Helen O’Sullivan | $22 each artistmarketplace.ca

8

This hanging acorn birdhouse is a beautiful artistic piece that functions as a home for your feathered friends.

Daniella Boerhof | $300 metallytwisted.com

9

Made of a combination of fine and sterling silver, this fun little bird is sitting on three eggs in a nest. The ring is dynamic, allowing the bird to pivot on a riveted post.

Amanda Brittin | $120 artistmarketplace.ca

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yorkregion.com/goodlife | 13

home tour|Old Woodbridge

14 | GoodLife • March - April 2016

Old treasure gets a

mOdeRn

Update

By Julie miguel | PHotogRAPHy By Jim Craigmyle

yorkregion.com/goodlife | 15

home tour|Old Woodbridge

A great place to raise a family and a great space to entertain were the top considerations when this young couple went house hunting. Their find was a 30-year-old home in Old Woodbridge that they knew they could renovate to suit their style and meet their functional needs.

The location—close to family on a private court—and lot—a large backyard filled with mature trees—were perfect. And the structure was sound.

“The home has great bones,” the husband says. “So we were able to customize it without making major structural changes.”

While some might have been tempted to take down walls and create a more open space, this pair found the existing layout brought a cosy feel to the spacious home.

But they left their mark in other ways—which is obvious from the moment you open the front door.

The two-storey foyer features a stunning bay window that stretches to the ceiling and allows the afternoon sun to pour in. An open-riser staircase with glass railings, as well as glossy 24-by48-inch porcelain tiles in a creamy neutral, help give the entrance a grand and airy feel.

“When we bought the home, we knew that we were going to replace the traditional oak

16 | GoodLife • March - April 2016

spindles with a more modern approach,” he says. “We are really happy with the mix of glass, wood and drywall, it really makes a statement and we love the way it opens up the space.”

Throughout the house are touches that speak to the couple’s desire to hang on to some of the original charm, while bringing in more modern details. They saved the original plaster crown mouldings, but added seven-inch square-edged baseboards. They kept much of the original oak floors and refinished them with a darker, matte finish. A neutral colour palette showcases the home’s subtle architectural details, as well as their personal art and collectibles.

The kitchen, which the homeowners say is truly the heart of their home, was designed to be modern and functional with entertaining in mind.

“Our favourite feature in the kitchen is the large peninsula,” the wife says. “My husband and I find ourselves here eating breakfast every morning. Guests sit and have munchies while I’m prepping food. It really allows me to be present and part of the conversation when we are entertaining. As our family grows, it will become a place where our children can sit and do homework, eat breakfast and help with meal prep.”

The kitchen is predominantly white, with

grey-brown cabinetry on the peninsula adding some contrast. All the cabinetry is finished textured laminate, chosen for durability and minimal maintenance. The Caesarstone counters and porcelain tile floor can also stand up to regular use by the young family.

High-end stainless steel appliances—a sideby-side refrigerator, Wolf stove, canopy exhaust and double apron-front sink—were a must for a family that loves to cook.

But it’s the tile that really makes a statement— elongated rectangles of dolomite marble laid in a herringbone pattern provide subtle texture and a luxurious feel to this otherwise simple space.

A large eating area takes full advantage of the morning sun, with solarium-style windows. The homeowners chose a glass and chrome table and an airy atom-style chandelier to maximize the view from the kitchen to the backyard.

Off the kitchen is a spacious dining room space, which has been updated with seveninch oil-rubbed, hand-scraped plank hardwood flooring, for a relaxed yet elegant feel. A black caged light fixture adds a modern, industrial touch. The homeowners plan to incorporate a wine feature and butler’s pantry to this space in the future, but, for now, are happy with a comfortable space that works well for both formal

and family dinner parties.

The sunken living room—with plenty of cosy seating around a 62-inch modern gas fireplace— is where the family spends much of its time. The room also features a fully seamless media centre wall, with surround sound and a 60-inch flat panel television.

Their daughter, as well as nieces, nephews and friends, also makes good use of the play loft, which features wall-to-wall built-in storage and an open window to the main living room.

“Our daughter loves her new space. She has already hosted quite a few play dates,” says mom. “The built-ins allow us to keep her toys organized and out of the way when she’s not at play.”

Upstairs are four large bedrooms, including a completely updated master suite. The bedroom is a neutral relaxing space punctuated with colourful family photographs. The bath features a budget-friendly designer tub, glass shower and double vanity set against a feature wall of wavy porcelain tile in a high-gloss white.

With interior renovations behind them, the couple is eying updates to the backyard. But, for now, they are happy for the approaching warmer weather and a chance to appreciate the outdoor space as much as they are enjoying the inside.

yorkregion.com/goodlife | 17

home tour|Old Woodbridge

SoURCES Foyer Glass railing: Sierra Glass, Beeton Tiles: Cercan Tile, Woodbridge Kitchen Refrigerator: KitchenAid Stove: Wolf Exhaust: Vent-A-Hood Sink: Kohler Faucet: Moen Cabinetry: Nima Kitchens, Concord Counters: Caesarstone, Cornerstone Marble & Granite, Woodbridge Backsplash: Marble Granite Depot, North York Floor tile: Profile Tile, North York Table: UpCountry, Toronto Chandelier: Elte Market, Toronto Dining room Light: Structube Living room Fireplace: Heatilator Powder room Tile: Cercan Tile, Woodbridge Vanity: Nima Kitchens, Concord Faucet: Grohe, Lowe’s Sink: Kohler Master bath Bathtub: Zitta Sinks: Kohler Faucets: Rubinet Faucet Company, Concord Tile: Ciot, Vaughan Wall scones: West Elm, Toronto

18 | GoodLife • March - April 2016

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yorkregion.com/goodlife | 19

home tour|Schomberg

A LUXURIOUS CABIN IN THE WOODS

20 | GoodLife • March - April 2016

By DAWN RITCHIE

Many indulge in the romantic notion of one day living in a log cabin in the woods. The dream is often dashed however by the reality of the seclusion of remote locations. 4072 Second Line in Schomberg is neither a cabin nor is it remote.

This handcrafted executive log home possesses all the benefits of a private forested property, but in a prime locale close to every amenity.

“You can see our soldier trees from the 400,” says owner Thomas Giffin, referencing the immense towering white pines that stand at the foot of his driveway. “They are well over 100 years old. One was blasted apart by lightning and then just grew again, strong as ever.” With a constitution like that, it’s no wonder white pines have a life span of 400 years—and isn’t it fortunate that this superb home has been constructed from just such a timber.

Giffin has always been partial to a country set-

ting. His family has lived on farm properties for decades and bought here because the land offered a similar tranquility. A perpetual stream that runs near the property’s eastern boundary bring visitors including deer and fox to the land.

“The peace, the quiet and the wildlife are the main draws,” he says. “There are more dog walkers than there are vehicles that come up here, which is great.” But working in Toronto also required easy access to the city and the mere minutes to the 400 was a clincher. “The proximity to Hwy. 400 and Hwy. 9 is unparallelled. This close to the highway and as quiet as can be.”

Built in 1991, the residence was constructed on a severance lot from the Mills Farm. “It wasn’t usable farm land due to the slope,” Giffin says.

The severance took place in the mid-1980s, but the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority didn’t approve construction until 1989. »

yorkregion.com/goodlife | 21

home tour|Schomberg

“

The main section of the home is all magnificent hand hewn white pine logs, with mortar chinking outside and in.”

22 | GoodLife • March - April 2016

“I really appreciate the quality and craftsmanship of the home,” says Giffin, who works in the metal fabrication and combustion business.

“The full log construction, hand hewn beams.

This is not a post and beam home. There’s no wood siding. No drywall in the interior, other than the ceilings. The main section of the home is all magnificent hand hewn white pine logs, with mortar chinking outside and in.”

Ensconced by beech, white pine, hemlock and shagbark hickory trees, the home strikes an imposing figure on the crest of the hill. There is a discernible energy and hospitality in those grand wood beams. It is like the soul of the forest remains alive in the very structure.

At the base of the stairs that climb to the main entrance, a great red granite millstone embedded in the asphalt driveway is your welcome mat. “It came from a mill in Belfountain,” Giffin explains.

Flagstone steps take you up a level to the cedar wraparound deck that leads to the front door—the perfect spot for an evening nightcap when the tree canopy is lit. State-of-the-art, environmentally friendly landscape lighting was installed on the trees.

“They’re on photocells that trigger on when it gets dark. It’s a peaceful, easy feeling. People have actually stopped to say, ‘I can’t believe the lighting you have here. It’s magical.’”

Once inside, you step onto handsome Spanish mission red terra-cotta tile flooring that winds through the foyer all the way into the powder room and then on to the kitchen and dining room. Quiet music plays gently in the background as you drink in the calming atmosphere.

Industrial pendant lights hang from the soaring vaulted ceilings, providing evening light, though unnecessary during daylight hours. Premium European Sikora windows that tilt open from the top or swing open from the side are installed throughout the home. Two sport decorative etchings of wild geese and blue jays in the transoms above. They complement the wildlife art pieces Giffin has sprinkled throughout his home—including exquisite Walter Ruch bird carvings of Baltimore orioles, Canada geese and blue jays.

“My mother and father collected them over many years,” Giffen says. He was a famous artist from Muskoka.”

“

The soaring vaulted ceilings are somehow warm and comforting, like you are being held in the embrace of nature.

Taxidermy pieces include a red-tailed hawk in mid-flight attack atop an antique armoire.

“There’s a story behind that piece. The hawk was in hot pursuit of a mourning dove and the dove took a sharp left and the hawk did not.

It flew right into the sliding glass door, killing itself instantly.”

Red-tailed hawks are a protected species, so Giffin took the bird to Ministry of Natural Resources in Aurora where a conservation officer determined he hadn’t killed it and it was so tagged, allowing him to have it mounted. “I mounted it in a testament to the way it died, in attack mode. The taxidermist had to go to a game farm to acquire a pheasant as its prey because doves are also a protected species.”

The living room is filled with captivating antiques, including two unique dough boxes for bread making that act as side tables. A woodburning cast iron fireplace implanted in the brick fireplace surround that reaches to the vaulted ceiling provides warmth and atmosphere.

The white dining room set and light grey kitchen behind with Jenn Air stainless steel appliances, black granite counters and island bring a perfect break from all the wood.

Around the corner from the kitchen, you’ll find a lovely wallpapered powder room with vessel sink and granite counters as well as the generous master bedroom and en suite with California shutters. Double vessel sinks rest on a black granite countertop and the tempered glass spa shower with dark porcelain tiling holds a rain head shower.

Downstairs is a spacious living area, two more bedrooms, bathroom and laundry.

A well-loved open loft on the second level is the location of the home office and reading area.

Overhead fans spin above the oak-pegged hardwood floors, dressed with an elegant Indo Tabriz rug in understated grey and rose tones. Antique stone picture chairs and a carved leaf table delight the eyes. The dowelling in the beams is visible from this angle and the immense windows at either end of the loft along with two dormers provide tremendous views of the forest beyond.

“You can see the whole world from those chairs,” says Giffin, who tells the story of how his forest fills with thousands of blue jays for two weeks every year when the beechnuts ripen. “It’s something to witness. They clean out the forest and then they’re gone.” yorkregion.com/goodlife | 23

home dĂŠcor|entrances

Paint, Dutch Tulip, Benjamin Moore Aura Grand Entrance

24 | GoodLife • March - April 2016

ELEVATE

YOUR ENTRANCE By traCy smith

As visitors arrive at your home, the front entrance is the first thing they encounter and the first impression they will have of you, your home and what awaits them behind your closed doors. Amazing entrances have a way of welcoming guests in and making them feel at home before they’ve even stepped foot inside. Whether you are imagining a grandiose entryway or decorating a simple stoop, here are a few helpful hints to make your entrance memorable.

A way to get there It might sound super simple, but providing visitors with a way to get to your front door is important.

Guests want to know how to get to your entrance: Are they walking across the front lawn? Do they go to the side door? The front entrance should have a very clear route to get to it and the area should be clean and accessible; tromping through muddy grass or tripping on an uneven piece of pavement is not a great way to begin a visit. Stone paths, steps that widen out from the front door, hedges and lighting can all assist in guiding visitors to your entrance.

Make it pop Front doors are a great place to add a pop of colour and bit of glamour to your home.

“We are big advocates of having a nicely painted front door to set the tone for the rest of the house,” says Shima Yazdan, operations manager at Niche Decor in Aurora. “Any shade from a vibrant red to a rich, glossy black. It shows you care about your home and it’s an

opportunity to make a great first impression and have some fun.”

But what colour to choose? Picking a palette for the exterior of your home is as important as picking one for the interior, says Katherine Porath of Katherine Joy Interiors in Newmarket.

“Take the time to get it right and recruit professional help if you are not sure,” Porath advises. “Consider all of the exterior elements, including windows, garage doors, fascia and eaves, and the colour of your stone or siding. Having more than three colours working together often becomes too chaotic and distracting.”

Paint brands offer a myriad of colours to choose from. Benjamin Moore recently introduced its Aura Grand Entrance collection with 32 custom colours dripping with character, class and beauty. Formulated specifically for front doors, the paint has a luxurious and smooth finish, is easy to apply and clean up, plus it is reinforced with urethane for outstanding durability, says Sharon Grech, colour and design expert at Benjamin Moore.

Finish off the look with the right lighting (see sidebar), an urn or container with some seasonal greenery and accessories such as street numbers, a doorknocker, mat and mailbox.

Choose items that complement one another in style, colour or material and add to the architectural features of your home. For example, if your house is very traditional in style, a sleek and modern silver mailbox may clash with your look, but a classic black metal one may hit the mark perfectly. »

yorkregion.com/goodlife | 25

home décor|entrances

Paint, similar to Venetial Sky, Benjamin Moore Aura Grand Entrance

Paint, similar to Viennese Café, Benjamin Moore Aura Grand Entrance | Mat, saturday afternoons, Aurora

Classic Colours that impress Interior decorator Katherine Porath shares her favourite paint choices for 2016 from Benjamin Moore’s Aurora Grand Entrance Line.

“Blackened Moss is a deep green with a hint of black that would look great with most red-brick homes,” she says.

Blackened Moss

26 | GoodLife • March - April 2016

10 Downey Street

English Scone

Impressionist Ruby

Paint, Aegean Teal, Benjamin Moore | Mat, saturday afternoons, Aurora

Paint, Stuart Gold HC-10, Benjamin Moore | Mat, saturday afternoons, Aurora

“

When choosing a bold colour for your front door, celebrate it in one spot, but don’t go overboard by adding it to shutters or the garage door.”

Notting Hill Blue

Port of Call

Viennese Café

Wild Blueberry

yorkregion.com/goodlife | 27

home dĂŠcor|entrances lighten up Lighting serves both practical and esthetic purposes at your front entrance. Mary Lou Sorce of Prima Lighting in Vaughan offers the following tips for choosing the right light for your home.

Get the details right. Fixtures are meant to create a glow not an unnatural spotlight. If a fixture calls for multiple 60-watt bulbs, use 40-watt to soften the look. Junction boxes for lights beside a single door should be hung at approximately two-thirds the height of the door (usually 72 to 80 inches). For double doors or single doors with sidelights, fixtures should be located at approximately threequarters the height of the door. For overhead pendants, the fixture should hang above the top of the door or, if there is a window above, in the middle of the window.

Make it a focal point. The front entrance light should be a statement maker and be larger than garage and side-entrance lights.

Size should be substantial and large enough to be seen from the street. Pick a style that complements rather than competes with your exterior style. (Lights shown available at Prima Lighting.)

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Locations Throughout Southern Ontario 28 | GoodLife • March - April 2016

LOVE YOUR LANDSCAPE Since 1965, Best Way Stone has made being a family owned and operated company a central tenet in how we do business. This family approach to service has been the foundation for building loyal and lasting relationships with our customers, allowing the company to thrive within the community. Best Way Stone is deeply rooted and proud to be serving the Greater Toronto Area and beyond while staying committed to continuously providing the greatest quality and most innovative products. For information about our products, contact us at 1-800-BESTWAY (237-8929) or visit us at bestwaystone.com

yorkregion.com/goodlife | 29

rooms gone right|wet room wet room: A bathroom in which the shower is completely open or placed behind a single glass panel and the shower floor is flush with the rest of the room and water drains through a linear drain in the floor.

30 | GoodLife • March - April 2016

All Wet Awkward bathroom now a contemporary, spa-like space

By Tracy Smith | photography by Jim Craigmyle Quite often, after purchasing a home, new owners are left scratching their heads when inspecting some of the design and construction choices that were made before they arrived on the scene.

Take the Lee family’s upstairs bathroom.

“It was all wrong in its layout,” Nympha Lee recalls. “The room was long and narrow and the shower was placed in the middle, enclosed with walls and a bulkhead. There was a porthole window that was completely blocked from view.”

After finishing other parts of the home and living with the awkward layout for a decade, Lee decided it was time to tackle the second-floor bathroom.

She tried to figure out a new floor plan on her own, but given the odd dimensions of the room and the complexities of plumbing and wiring, her vision kept coming up short.

On a referral from a friend, she contacted Aurora-based design consultant Jackie Venneri in hopes of getting some professional assistance with the plan.

“I was stuck and didn’t know how to solve our bathroom problems,” she says. “From Day 1, Jackie was amazing and thought of things that I would never have been able to on my own.” » yorkregion.com/goodlife | 31

rooms gone right|wet room The concept of a wet room—a bathroom in which the shower is completely open or placed behind a single glass panel and the shower floor is flush with the rest of the room, with the water escaping through a linear drain in the floor— was appealing in that it would make use of every single centimetre of space.

Venneri explains that additional elements, like the monochromatic colour scheme, large mirrors, large tiles and wall-mounted vanities, were specifically chosen to create a spacious, spa-like bathroom.

“The new layout made the room feel huge and the design was really contemporary and chic— perfect for my two daughters as they enter the teen years,” Lee says.

Before

StyLE goAL

BARgAINS

A contemporary look with a spa-like feel.

“We took advantage of trade prices at Restoration Hardware and HomeSense for some of the accessories, including the toilet paper holder and hooks, ” says design consultant Jackie Venneri.

WHy tHE CHANgE? • • • • •

Awkward and narrow layout Wear and tear Blocked window Poor drainage Builder-grade products

RENoVAtIoN CHECK LISt • • • • •

Eye-catching, contemporary design and layout Two sinks Added storage for two daughters and guests Window visible Durability

SPLURgES “There are some things that I didn’t want to cheap out on, because they are integral to a great washroom,” says homeowner Nympha Lee. • Soaker tub • Tiles • Lighting • Heated floors

32 | GoodLife • March - April 2016

REACtIoNS “I love the new bathroom because I have my own space,” says Hannah Lee, 15. “With two sinks, a huge mirror and lots of drawers, my sister and I, or even my friends when they are over, can share the bathroom, but still have our own spots to get ready.”

“I love the heated floors. My feet are always cold and the new floor in the bathroom is so cosy,” says Caden Lee, 11. “Oh and I really like the rain showerhead. It’s like a waterfall dripping from the ceiling.”

SoURCES Contractor: Step Toe Carpentry, Newmarket Design: Jackie Venneri, Style it With Jackie Lighting: Union Lighting Tile: Ciot, Vaughan Custom vanity: Imperial Cabinetry Paint: Intense White Benjamin Moore OC-51

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rooms gone right|master suite

Clean Mode

Designer brings sleek style to dated mas

By Lee Ann waterman | photograph

In the bedroom, panels of dark-stained walnut provide a dramatic backdrop to the bed. The dĂŠcor is minimal: simple nightstands with matching lamps, wall-mounted television, lucite table, director-style chair in white leather, a framed wedding portrait.

34 | GoodLife • March - April 2016

an + dern

sle e k, functional master suite

photography by Jim Craigmyle

yorkregion.com/goodlife | 35

rooms gone right|master suite StyLE goAL Clean and modern, yet functional and comfortable master suite

WHy tHE CHANgE? Existing space did not work with the homeowners’ sense of style or functional needs.

“It wasn’t us,” homeowner Sandi Meisels says.

RENoVAtIoN CHECK LISt • • • • •

Remove giant tub.

Build a large shower.

Eliminate one water closet.

Raise the ceilings.

Add sleek, modern finishes.

FAVoURItE FEAtURES The floor-to-ceiling walnut wall behind the bed: It took the cabinetmaker two attempts to achieve the look Tom Meisels wanted— panels with the woodgrain flowing between them and no visible nails.

SoURCES Floor tile: 12 by 24 Escarpment Light Honed, Ciot Wall tile: Mosaique Lamelle Argille, Ciot Freestanding soaker tub: Slik Portfolii Plumbing fixtures: Taps Custom-made bed: Whittington Furniture Co. Fabric for bed: Avant Garde Venice, 610 Mill work: Avalon Interiors design, custom fabrication by California Kitchens

To hear Sandi Meisels describe the state of the master suite when she and husband Tom Meisels bought their Thornhill home seven years ago, you have to marvel a little at their confidence and vision.

She depicts a space dominated by a room-forfour jacuzzi-style tub and featuring two water closets, a cramped shower, minimal closet space and multi-coffered ceiling.

It was going to take more than a fresh coat of paint and new tile to take the space from dated and dysfunctional to sleek, modern and practical.

The Meisels hired Tracy Kundell, designer and owner of Avalon Interiors, to oversee the transformation.

Her first step was to bring the room back to bare bones, removing fixtures and some interior walls. A little investigating proved the coffers were not structural, which meant the ceiling could be raised several feet, instantly adding a sense of spa36 | GoodLife • March - April 2016

ciousness and grandeur.

The new layout had to accommodate a large skylight in the centre of the room. The Meisels wanted to preserve this feature for the natural light it brought to the space. The solution was to relocate the plumbing, construct a separate water closet and build a wall that stopped several feet short of the newly raised ceiling to separate the closets, sinks, shower and tub from the bedroom.

The bathroom/dressing room side of the suite is accessed via a pair of barn-style doors.

Meisels admits to deferring to her husband and Kundell on the finishes. “They can see how things will come together. I don’t have that gift.”

Matching vanities in a honed limestone are joined by a lower make-up table, all lit by dramatic vertical scones.

A wall of mosaic tile in a modern linear pattern runs behind the soaker tub and expansive shower built for two, with matching showerheads featur-

ing rainfall and handheld options.

Custom maple cabinetry with a rich warm stain houses clothes, shoes and accessories, towels and toiletries with room to spare.

In the bedroom, panels of dark-stained walnut provide a dramatic backdrop to the bed.

The décor is minimal: simple nightstands with matching lamps, wall-mounted television, lucite table, director-style chair in white leather, a framed wedding portrait.

Meisels is also quick to point out the practical elements of the room, too: the full-length mirrors on the backs of the barn doors, the floating nightstands and vanities that make cleaning the floors a breeze, the mirror inside the shower for shaving.

The overall look is modern but not trendy, sleek but still warm. “I didn’t want it to be dated, I didn’t want to be doing this again in 10 years,” Meisels says.

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yorkregion.com/goodlife yorkregion.com/goodlife | 37

home improvement | outdoor spaces

{3

tips for a multifunctional outdoor space make the most of your backyard B y Chri s pa lme r

When the warmer weather hits, the backyard becomes a “one-size-fits-all” for the entire family. It’s an extension of your home that fills many roles: a space to entertain friends, a playroom for your kids and, if you’re at all like me, a workshop. And while we may retreat inside during the winter months, there’s no denying the urge to spend every possible moment in the outdoors while we can.

So why not create a space that you can use for any occasion? here are three tips to create the ultimate multi-functional backyard retreat that will help you save pennies and space.

1 Choose furniture with versatility Multi-purpose outdoor furniture is not only fun to experiment with, it maximizes your space. I’m an advocate for getting the most function out of every piece—especially those you can make yourself. My DIY go-to is the perfect addition to your yard—a multi-functional raised box that can be used as planter, bench and storage box.

38 | GoodLife • March - April 2016

The beauty of this piece is that it allows you to switch up its utility based on your mood or activity. With yards getting smaller, planters are increasingly becoming the top choice for gardening enthusiasts short on space. This planter easily transforms into a bench, giving you additional seating for outdoor entertaining.

I’m also a huge fan of hidden storage. While

yards were made to get messy, too much clutter can take away from the natural setting. An outdoor storage box gives you a pot to stash those toys or gardening tools at a moment’s notice or store blankets for those cooler summer evenings spent lounging on the deck.

You can find detailed plans for this multi-use box at handcraftedbychrispalmer.com.

2 stick to one surface material If your yard has multifunctional spaces, using one material will help create a cohesive aesthetic. And if you’re dealing with a small yard, a single colour can create the illusion of a bigger space. It will also give you a blank canvas to play with and allow you to change up the look of your backyard at a moment’s notice. Get creative with your backyard accessories, incorporating items such as upcycled furniture to add a personal touch.

MicroPro Sienna (pictured) is my material of choice for outdoor projects. It’s a pressure-treated wood that is environmentally friendly and certified low VOC and comes ready-to-build in a beautiful brown tone, without initial staining. It can be used above or below ground and in fresh water—giving you the versatility to use it on a variety of projects. It’s suitable for big jobs like decks or docks, but also a great option for fun DIYs like raised planters or even children’s play sets.

3 invest in simple pieces You wouldn’t skimp on a bed or dining room table inside your house, so don’t pinch the pennies for those important purchases for your yard either. Just like a good quality couch, certain staple pieces can bring function and style to your outdoor space.

Simplicity is key when selecting those anchor items. Invest in a harvest table, for example, and you’ll automatically inject some versatility. Its look can be elevated to host a formal dinner party with a nice table runner and some quality dishware or used as a buffet table for serving up veggie platters and mini-burgers at your child’s birthday party.

A good outdoor living room set can go far, especially with the increasingly popular “chat and chill” model of furniture. You can get the best bang for your buck by investing in furniture with a variety of configurations—comfy lounge chairs and sectional pieces that can be grouped with ottomans, coffee tables or side tables or separated off into intimate vignettes.

Ultimately, your backyard is the most coveted room of your house once the warm weather hits. Don’t let the space go to waste! Invest in simple anchor pieces and materials that can be complemented by multifunctional items and clever use of accessories. This will help boost the functionality of your outdoor space and open up its potential year after year.

Often billed as Canada’s favourite handyman, Chris Palmer creates custom projects through his company Handcrafted by Chris Palmer. He made his television debut on the hit HGTV show Canada’s Handyman Challenge and is now a regular guest expert on Global Morning Toronto. See Palmer at the GoodLife Home & Outdoor Lifestyle Show, April 29, 20 and May 1 at the Markham Fairgrounds. For more information, visit handcraftedbychrispalmer.com. yorkregion.com/goodlife | 39

in the kitchen|Ciao Roma Pizzeria

When in Ciao Roma...

Vaughan restaurant serves up pizza al taglio St o ry and Photograph y by Juli e Mi guel

Owner Rob Federici

40 | GoodLife • March - April 2016

stuffeD pizza roll INgREDIENtS 450 g (1 lb) pizza dough 1 mild Italian sausage 1 bunch rapini 22 mL (1-1/2 tbsp) extra virgin olive oil 1 mL (1/4 tsp) fine sea salt

Pizza al taglio—or by the cut—was a concept that Rob Federici, owner of Ciao Roma Pizzeria, felt Woodbridge was missing. In his pizzeria, large rectangular pizzas are cut in half lengthwise, then in strips of varying sizes, which are sold by weight.

Growing up in a Woodbridge Italian household where cooking as a family was an everyday occurrence, Federici learned young how to prepare Roman and Calabrese cuisine.

The family- and self-taught chef also credits his travels—he has visited 20 countries—as inspiration for his cooking and Italy, naturally, as the most significant part of this story. Federici has travelled to the country of his ancestors every year of his life. At 10 years old, he found himself in Rome eating pizza al taglio, an early life experience that later influenced his decision to open Ciao Roma.

At 24 and a recent university graduate, Federici began to develop his business plan.

As the first stepping-stone in his journey, he returned to Rome to discover the best pizza al taglio in the city. After a two-month search, he found what he was looking for—and persuaded the pizzeria owner to let him hang around awhile. Federici paid the pizzeria to work and learn, putting in four 50-hour weeks beside

head pizzaiolo Valerio Chiapparelli, who now practises his craft at Ciao Roma.

He returned to Canada and spent the next 11 months planning. He chose the location at Weston Road and Highway 7 because it is surrounded by businesses as well as residential neighbourhoods and was, he felt, lacking in lunch spots.

The week before the official opening, Federici gave away pizza for free. He knew once people tried his pizza, they would tell their friends and they would all come back for more. He was right. Five years later, customers come in droves to this hot little pizza shop in the centre of the city.

The menu features classic Italian pizza ingredients—olive oil, garlic, salami, prosciutto, Parmesan, mozzarella, tomato, arugula and rapini.

The restaurant, which Federici designed, features cobblestone floors and an open kitchen and speaks to his idea of an authentic Roman pizzeria.

Ciao Roma Pizzeria 12A-28 Roytec Rd., Woodbridge 905-264-2121 crpizza.ca

pinch garlic powder 1 mL (1/4 tsp) chilli flakes salt and pepper to taste

MEtHoD Heat oven to 450 F. Heat 15 mL (1 tbsp) of olive oil in frying pan.

Remove sausage from casing and add to pan, breaking up into small pieces. Saute until golden Bring pot of water to boil and add rapini, cooking until stems are soft. transfer to bowl of cold water to cool. Drain and squeeze to remove excess water. Add to frying pan with cooked sausage.

Flavour sausage mixture with 7 mL (1/2 tbsp) extra virgin olive oil, salt, garlic powder, black pepper and chili flakes. Sauté together for a minute or two.

Spread dough into a rectangle. top with stuffing, leaving space on one edge.

Starting from the edge with mixture, tightly roll the dough. Brush edge with extra virgin olive oil to help seal. twist the ends Place on greased baking sheet and place in oven.

When the roll starts to brown, brush with extra virgin olive oil and continue cooking until golden, a total of 20-25 minutes.

yorkregion.com/goodlife | 41

on tap|spring beer

Spring is ‘bock’ Salute its arrival with this fantastic and traditional beer style B y roBi n leBla nC The days are getting a little longer and the temperature is, bit by bit, getting a little warmer. At this time of year, I like a beer that strikes the balance between dark, warming notes of caramel and roasted malts to fight the cold and a lighter body to refresh during the warm moments. In such cases as this, bock is my go-to spring beer.

Originally brewed as an ale in the town of Einbeck, Germany in the 14th century, bocks

were later adopted by Munich brewers and altered as a lager. There are several theories on how the bock style—which translates to “billy goat”— received its name. Many believe that the Bavarian dialect altered the name of the beer’s place of origin so “Einbeck” was pronounced “Ein Bock.” Another theory is that it was due to the beer being primarily brewed in the winter months, ruled by the star sign of Capricorn.

Whatever the origin, bocks, as well as their offshoots, are unquestionably the traditional beverage to celebrate the coming of spring.

With that, it’s a good thing that Ontario has both local and international options to help bring in the season properly.

Robin LeBlanc is an award-winning beer writer, owner of thethirstywench.com and co-author of The Ontario Craft Beer Guide, to be published in May.

1. Celebrator Doppelbock Ayinger Brewery

1.

ABV: 6.9% LCBO#: 254656

2.

This Bavarian brewery has been operating since 1877 and has been making this award-winning, world-class beer for about as long. Doppelbock translates “double bock,” which means it tends to pack a punch flavour-wise and, boy, Celebrator does that. Molasses, coffee, chocolate, dark fruit and berries dance together in a creamy mouth feel with a light-bodied, dark chocolate finish.

3.

2. Captivator Doppelbock Tree Brewing Co. ABV: 8% LCBO#: 288951 Since 1996 this Kelowna, B.C. brewery has been delivering fantastic beers and, by making frequent appearances on LCBO seasonal shelves, has become very familiar to Ontario residents. The Captivator Doppelbock is a boozy tribute to the bock’s monastic history, where it was a substantial meal substitute during Lent. The beer pours a coppery brown and contains sweet bready aromas and distinct flavour notes of plum, fig and caramel with an earth-like, biscuity finish.

3. Bock Me Gently Big Rig Brewery ABV: 7.2% LCBO#: 443408 Award-winning Big Rig Brewery is one of Ottawa’s fastest growing breweries, thanks to the star power of its co-founder, Ottawa Senators defenceman Chris “Big Rig” Phillips, and the talent of brewmaster Lon Ladell. While originally brought in during the winter months, local LCBOs and Beer Stores have been carrying this beer well into the spring. Called a Copper Bock because of its distinct colour, Bock Me Gently has beautiful sweet, bready flavours with toffee and roasted malt, paired with a light, earthy mouth feel and a crisp finish.

42 | GoodLife • March - April 2016

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We are looking for rooms and homes to feature in future GoodLife magazines.

Email: goodlifeeditor@yrmg.com yorkregion.com/goodlife | 43

food|wild leeks

44 | GoodLife • March - April 2016

now is the time to harvest wild leeks By anDrew hinD

W

oodlands will soon be bursting with broad green leaves shooting up among last autumn’s fallen leaves. From a distance, they look something like trilliums that have yet to burst into bloom, but they are, in fact, something far different, something far more flavourful. The shoots blanketing the forest floor are wild leeks, also known as ramps, a cousin of the leek found in supermarkets.

Full of garlic-y flavor, wild leeks provide a unique taste to dishes. Why not head out into the woods to eagerly—but judiciously—harvest ramps to sample nature’s bounty yourself?

Wild leeks are usually one of the first things you see sprouting in the spring forest, typically in areas where the soil is sandy and moist.

They have broad, smooth, vibrant-green leaves, easily distinguished from other plants by the burgundy or purple tints at the base of the stem.

If in doubt, tear a leaf and take a sniff—there should be a strong onion scent.

Wild leeks are harvestable for three to five

weeks, starting around late April. Most people are after the scallion-like bulb rooted within the moist soil, which can be used in any number of dishes, ranging from bruschetta to a Camembert leek sauce for escargot. They can be used interchangeably with onions, though they are slightly stronger is taste and scent.

Harvest the scallions no later than Mother’s Day, by which time they usually dry out. Always wash leeks thoroughly as they will have dirt and grit within their folds.

Be careful harvesting bulbs. If you pick an entire patch, they will not return the following year; a leek is a bulb and will divide naturally, but if an entire patch is harvested it will take years to recover. As a result, it’s best to sparingly harvest a scallion here and another there to keep the population healthy.

While a wild leek scallion is treasured, most people, inexplicably, discard the leaves, when in fact they are versatile and tasty. And harvesting just the leaves ensures the plant returns the following year. When the stem is burgundy

at the base, it’s mature and can be cut. Simply wash and pull off any brown bits.

Use leek leaves in a salad mixed at a oneto-two ratio with lettuce. For a great spring salad with lots of taste, crumble in English blue cheese, add some sundried cranberries and maple walnuts and toss with a light vinaigrette.

Want to make use of both the leaves and stem? Consider making wild leek butter. It’s perfect for making garlic bread and oh-so easy.

Simply blend equal parts chopped leek and soft butter in a food processor until smooth.

The butter can be refrigerated and used at your leisure for months.

In recent years the local food movement has grown rapidly, almost exploding, as more and more people become passionate about buying locally sourced food. It doesn’t get much more local than the wooded hill outside your kitchen door, does it? Nor does it get more flavourful in the case of wild leeks. Grab a knife, pull on your boots and head off into the woods to do some shopping. »

yorkregion.com/goodlife | 45

food|wild leeks

Briars Wild Leek and Parmesan Gnocchi with Heirloom Tomato Relish By treVor leDlie, exeCutiVe Chef at the Briars resort Serves 4 to 6

gnoCChi ingreDients 500 g (17-1/2 oz) ricotta cheese 225 g (8 oz) all purpose flour 1 whole egg 2 cloves of roasted garlic, pureed 200 g (7 oz) finely sliced and cooked wild leeks 125 g (4-1/2 oz) Parmesan cheese (grated) salt, pepper and nutmeg to taste 250 mL (1 cup) cornmeal for rolling

methoD Put a pot of salted water on to boil.

In a large stainless steel bowl, place ricotta and Parmesan, making a well in the centre. Sprinkle with 200 g (7 oz) of flour. Crack egg into bowl.

Season with salt, pepper and nutmeg. Add roasted garlic and leeks. Mix thoroughly with a spatula or wooden spoon until the mixture starts to cling to the edges of the bowl. If the mixture is too wet or soft, add more flour. If the mixture is too dry, add a little milk or cream.

Sprinkle mixture with a light dusting of flour and cover with a damp cloth. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Roll dough into desired size and cut into equal parts, using a palette knife. Place separately and dust with cornmeal.

Blanch gnocchi for 2 to 3 minutes or until they begin to float. Using a slotted spoon, remove gnocchi from water and cool on a greased tray.

tomato relish ingreDients

methoD Combine first four ingredients. Mix with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving. to finish and plate Sauté gnocchi in a hot pan with butter or olive oil or both. top with the tomato relish.

3 heirloom tomatoes, finely diced 2 shallots finely diced 1/2 clove garlic puree 4 leaves basil, finely chopped 15 mL (1 tbsp) olive oil salt and pepper to taste

Pickled Wild Leeks By anDrew hinD ingreDients

methoD

5 bunches of wild leeks

Combine all ingredients and 1 L (4 cups) water in a container that fits nicely in the refrigerator.

As these are cold pickled, they must be kept refrigerated. Cover tightly with a lid or plastic film. Let leeks sit for at least one week, though it’s best if left for two weeks before consuming.

2 L (8 cups) vinegar 500 mL (2 cups) white sugar 250 mL (1 cup) kosher salt 125 mL (1/2 cup) pickling spices (I use dried anise, cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, cardamom, mustard seed, garlic, onion, rosemary and pink peppercorn)

46 | GoodLife • March - April 2016

Ontario Mushroom and Wild Leek Risotto with White Balsamic Reduction

bY Trevor Ledlie, executive chef at The Briars Resort Risotto Ingredients 30 mL (2 tbsp) extra virgin olive oil 60 mL (4 tbsp) butter 250 mL (1 cup) wild leeks, sliced 60 mL (1/4 cup) red onion, diced 1 fresh bay leaf 1 clove garlic, minced 2 mL (1/2 tsp) jalapeno, minced 500 mL (2 cups) arborio rice 500 mL (2 cups) white wine 12 snow peas, sliced thin 1 yellow zucchini, diced and cooked 1 tomato, diced 5 mL (1 tsp) truffle oil (optional) Serves 6 appetizers or 3 main courses.

Mushrooms INGREDIENTS 15 mL (1 tbsp) butter 15 mL (1 tbsp) olive oil

Balsamic Jus Ingredients

5 mL (1 tsp) white balsamic vinegar

500 mL (2 cups) white balsamic vinegar

1,250 mL (5 cups) vegetable stock, hot

250 mL (1 cup) vegetable stock

salt and pepper to taste

125 mL (1/2 cup) brown sugar 1 garlic clove

500 mL (2 cups) mushrooms, sliced 1 mL (1/4 tsp) garlic, minced 2 mL (1/2 tsp) jalapeno, minced 5 mL (1 tsp) thyme, chopped

125 mL (1/2 cup) grated grana podano

METHOD Combine all ingredients in saucepan and reduce by half over medium heat.

15 mL (1 tbsp) white wine salt and pepper to taste

METHOD Heat oil and butter in large frying pan over medium to high heat. When butter foams, add mushrooms and sauté for 3 minutes. Add shallots and garlic. Sauté for 20 seconds and deglaze with wine. Add thyme, season and set aside.

METHOD Heat olive oil and 30 mL (2 tbsp) butter in a large heavy saucepan on medium heat. Add onions, bay leaf and garlic, cover tightly and cook for 2 minutes.

Stir in rice and sauté, stirring constantly for 2 minutes. Stir in wine and wait for bubbles to appear. Add 250 mL (1 cup) of stock and vinegar, cook and stir until all the liquid is absorbed.

Repeat, adding 125 mL (1/2 cup) of stock at a time, until risotto is creamy but still al dente.

Fold in mushrooms, snow peas, wild leeks and zucchini, add remaining butter, jalapeno, chopped tomato, truffle oil, chopped thyme and podano.

Season to taste and serve in a hot bowl with a drizzle of balsamic jus.

“

Ramps are the first sign of spring and the first real local green of the year. We add them to quite a few dishes. I have always wanted to pickle some, but there are never any left….”

— Trevor Ledlie, executive chef at The Briars Resort

yorkregion.com/goodlife | 47

food|warm up to spring

WARM UP TO SPRING RECIPES AND PHotogRAPHy By emily BlaCKman

Spring is the time to slowly introduce a more colourful and lighter style of cooking.

While stews and dense breads are warming as winter fades, the brightness of a lemony chopped salad and brown butter scallops hint at the warmer weather to come.

48 | GoodLife • March - April 2016

Chopped Salad with Simple Lemon Vinaigrette ingreDients 1/2 head iceberg lettuce 2 cups spinach, chopped 1/2 onion, sliced 10 cherry tomatoes, halved 4 mushrooms

Vinaigrette 1 lemon, zest and juice 80 mL (1/3 cup) olive oil 1 mL (1/4 tsp) pepper 2 mL (1/2 tsp) salt 10 mL (2 tsp) honey 5 mL (1 tsp) Dijon

methoD to make the vinaigrette, place all the ingredients into a mason jar, screw on the lid and shake.

Chop lettuce into strips then chop strips in half or thirds, depending on the size of the head.

Place lettuce in serving bowl, add spinach and toss.

Add onions, cherry tomatoes and blue cheese. top with dressing and serve.

Note: this salad can be made with whatever vegetables you enjoy. But be sure to add iceberg lettuce for a nice crunch. the simple lemon vinaigrette will complement any vegetables you love.

Brown Butter Scallops with Parsnip PurĂŠe Serves 4 to 6

ingreDients 680 g (1-1/2 lb) scallops 15 mL (1 tbsp) olive oil 60 mL (4 tbsp) butter 1 lemon, zest and juice 2 parsnips, peeled and cubed 30 mL (2 tbsp) whipping cream pinch of nutmeg salt and pepper

methoD In a small pot, steam the parsnips until they are very soft.

Place parsnips in a food processor or blender and add cream, nutmeg and a little salt and pepper.

Blend until smooth. Check seasoning and add more cream, if necessary. If there are any remaining chunky bits, pass though a fine mesh sieve.

Heat a skillet over medium high heat. While the pan is heating, pat the scallops dry.

Add olive oil and sear scallops on one side, season with salt and pepper. Flip when they start to brown and add butter. Scallops only take a few minutes to cook and should be finished as soon as the butter starts to brown. Add a squeeze of lemon and remove from heat. to plate, spoon purĂŠe on to plate and place scallops on top. Drizzle with butter and top with lemon zest.

yorkregion.com/goodlife | 49

food|warm up to spring

Whole-Grain Soda Bread ingreDients 450 g (1 lb) coarse whole-wheat flour 50 g (1-3/4 oz) rolled oats 5 mL (1 tsp) salt 5 mL (1 tsp) baking soda 30 mL (2 tbsp) maple syrup 450 mL (2 cups) buttermilk, or milk with 15 mL (1 tbsp) lemon juice 15 mL (1 tbsp) melted butter

methoD Preheat oven to 400 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Whisk together dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl and make a well in the middle.

Stir maple syrup into buttermilk until well mixed, then pour into the well and, very quickly, stir together with your hands until you have a soft, sticky dough.

Form dough into a round and place on baking sheet. Cut a deep cross on top of the dough.

Bake 50 minutes to an hour, it, until crust is golden and loaf sounds hollow when tapped underneath.

Brush with melted butter and leave to cool slightly before serving. It is best eaten soon after baking.

Lamb Stew with Roasted Root Vegetables Serves 4 to 6

ingreDients 900 g (2 lbs) lamb shoulder, cubed 2 onions, coarsely chopped 2 white turnip, peeled and cubed 6 small carrots, peeled and halved lengthwise 5 small beets, peeled and halved 60 mL (4 tbsp) olive oil 250 mL (1 cup) chicken stock 250 mL (1 cup) Sawdust City Red Rocket Stout 4 fresh bay leaves 30 mL (2 tbsp) maple syrup salt and pepper

50 | GoodLife • March - April 2016

methoD In a large skillet or dutch oven, heat 30 mL (2 tbsp) of olive oil over medium high heat. Add lamb shoulder and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Brown meat on all sides and remove from pan.

Add onions to pan and cook until softened and starting to brown. Deglaze the pan with beer, then add chicken stock, lamb, bay leaves and maple syrup. Reduce heat to simmer and let cook for 1-1/2 hours.

While stew is simmering, heat oven to 400 F. Place beets, turnip and carrots in roasting pan.

Keep beets separate from the other vegetables as they will turn everything bright red. top with remaining 30 mL (2 tbsp) of olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast for 45 minutes, until vegetables are soft and starting to brown. Set aside.

When stew has cooked for 1-1/2 hours, add vegetables and simmer gently for 30 minutes.

Serve hot with a piece of buttered soda bread.

Buttermilk Whisky Pie ingreDients

methoD

125 mL (1/2 cup) butter

Combine 100 g (3-1/2 oz) of flour and salt in bowl of a food processor. Pulse twice to incorporate.

Spread butter cubes evenly over surface. Pulse until no dry flour remains and dough begins to collect in clumps, about 25 short pulses.

Use a rubber spatula to spread dough evenly around bowl. Sprinkle with remaining 75 g (2-1/2 oz) of flour and pulse until dough is just barely broken up, about 5 short pulses. transfer dough to a large bowl.

Sprinkle with water then, using a rubber spatula, fold and press dough until it comes together into a ball.

Wrap tightly in plastic and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Roll out dough and place in a 23-cm (9-inch) pie plate.

Preheat oven to 350 F. Cream together softened butter and sugar. Mix in remaining ingredients. Pour into crust and bake 45 minutes, until top is golden.

Wait until completely cool to slice.

310 mL (1-1/4 cup) sugar 30 mL (2 tbsp) flour 3 eggs 250 mL (1 cup) buttermilk 5 mL (1 tsp) vanilla 15 mL (1 tbsp) whisky 5 mL (1 tsp) nutmeg zest of half a lemon

Crust 5175g (6 oz) all-purpose flour 5 mL (1 tsp) kosher salt 5 mL (1 tsp) sugar 160 mL (2/3 cups) unsalted butter, cut into cubes 60 mL (4 tbsp) cold water

Whisky Lemonade with Honey and Mint Serves 1

ingreDients 1/2 lemon, juice and zest 10 mL (2 tsp) honey, local if possible 30 mL (1 oz) whisky 2 sprigs mint, plus one for garnish 30 mL (1 oz) water ice cubes

methoD Using a peeler, remove a long piece of zest off the lemon. Slice into thin strips to use as a garnish.

In a shaker, place room temperature whisky, honey and lemon juice. Shake until honey is dissolved.

Add three ice cubes and two sprigs of mint.

Shake until shaker is cold to the touch and drink is thoroughly mixed.

Strain into a tall glass over more ice and garnish with the lemon peel and mint. yorkregion.com/goodlife | 51

education|private schools

Picking the r

How to choose a private school for your ch

52 | GoodLife • March - April 2016

right path

ur child

B y traCy s mi th As parents, we want the best for our kids— including the best education. In Canada, we are fortunate to have access to one of the top-ranking public education systems in the world (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development’s Program for International Student Assessment findings). In addition, in Ontario, there are also more than 700 private and independent schools offering instruction to approximately 5 per cent of the province’s students.

why private?

According to Ontario’s Private Schools: Who Chooses them and Why?, a 2007 study conducted by the Fraser Institute, parents choose to send their kids to private school for a variety of reasons, including: class size; the dedication of teachers; morals, values and religion; emphasis on academic quality; supportive, nurturing environments with individualized attention for each child; safety; character development, increased independence and confidence building; and disappointment with public or separate schools.

“We switched our two sons to private school because one of our sons needed additional support that his old school couldn’t provide and our other son needed more of a challenge,” says Aurora resident Brad Smith. “We switched to a private school so our children could receive the attention they needed; at their new school, they are viewed as individual people to develop and are flourishing as a result.”

finding ‘the best’ school Committing to a private or independent school is a choice that will impact your child, family, routine and, undoubtedly, pocketbook, so making the right choice is important.

“The most important question isn’t ‘Which is the best school?’ rather it’s ‘Which environment will my child be the most successful in?’” explains Glen Herbert of Our Kids Media. “These questions won’t have the same answers and bestschool lists cater to a very one-dimensional view (i.e. top athletic results, best academic scores or

most famous graduates). These lists fail to paint the whole picture of what a school has to offer and it’s important to remember that what works well for one child may not work at all for another.”

To find the best school for your child, you will need to devote some time to research. Consider some of the following criteria: • large school with countless facilities and amenities or a smaller, family-like setting • a strict academic focus or a well-rounded education of the entire child • co-ed or not • day school or boarding school • rural or urban setting • athletic options • teaching methods • school philosophy and values • class sizes • specific extracurriculars or leadership opportunities “When we were choosing a private school for our boys, we knew we wanted an environment that focused on a well-rounded student—academics, leadership and extracurriculars,” Smith shares. “It was also important to us that our boys be in separate homeroom classes and the school we chose had to be large enough to accommodate this.”

financial fit Annual tuitions can vary by tens of thousands of dollars between private school options, so a discussion surrounding the costs you are willing to put aside for school is important. Ask schools about additional fees that may be expected or required in addition to annual tuitions, including athletic fees, uniforms, books, technology rentals, instruments and donations.

philosophical fit While every school’s philosophy speaks to excellence and development of students, the approach will vary and you’ll need to find the right fit for your family. » yorkregion.com/goodlife | 53

education|private schools The Hill Academy in Vaughan, for example, is an independent high school designed for dedicated student athletes that focuses on athletics and academics, university scholarships and peak performance.

“I switched to the Hill Academy because the university I am attending next fall (Harvard) believed it was a much better balance of academics and athletics for me,” explains Dalton Follows, who will graduate in 2016. “I am constantly inspired by the culture of passion, dedication and hard work that is reinforced at the Hill. I know I will miss my time at the Hill Academy, but the lessons I have learned here, I will carry with me for the rest of my life.”

Some families seek an academic environment that reinforces religious values and tradition.

Villanova College, a co-ed independent Catholic school in King City, has a mission that includes spirituality and Augustinian values are a cornerstone of its approach.

The Montessori self-directed approach to learning is the guiding principle at several schools in the region, including TMS in Richmond Hill, Trillium School in Markham, Aurora Montessori School and Unionville Montessori School (UMS).

“The heart of the Montessori method tells us to ‘follow the child,’” explains Rosemin Remtulla, director of education at UMS. “Under the guidance of the teacher, students at UMS are given the opportunity to learn at their own pace and to understand concepts fully before moving on to a new lesson; we teach to each student individually rather than to the entire class as one. By allowing and encouraging children to develop independence and self-discipline, Montessori sets a pattern for a lifetime of good work habits and a real sense of responsibility.”

54 | GoodLife • March - April 2016

the essential school visit “The single most important thing any family can do during their decision-making process is to visit the school they are interested in, with their child, during the school day,” says Michael Roy, director of admissions, marketing and business development at St. Andrews College in Aurora, Canada’s largest all-boys boarding school.

“By visiting during school hours, parents and prospective students get to see the campus in action—what it looks like, feels like, what everyone is doing, what activities are going on, how the teachers and students interact—and they have the opportunity to decide if they could really see themselves attending there.”

Background check All private and independent schools are not created equal and it is important to look into each school’s accreditations. Principals and teachers at non-public schools are not required to be certified by Ontario’s College of Teachers; educators may have higher levels of degrees and experience, but with no official requirement, it is important to find out more about staff credentials. There are a number of different associations and accreditations for private and independent schools—CAIS, The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS), the International Boys’ School Coalition, the Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators (CCMA) and the Association of Christian Schools (ACSI)—that can help identify what professional standards, requirements and attributes certain schools attain.

Private school expos, fairs and open houses are held on a regular basis during the year and are great ways to get to know more about the schools you are interested in. Check your local newspaper, school websites and ourkids.net/ school/events for upcoming events.

private versus independent the terms private and independent are often used interchangeably when referring to any non-public school, however the terms can mean different things. According to the Canadian Accredited Independent Schools’ (CAIS) website, independent schools are generally not-for-profit organizations that are accountable to a board of trustees and because of their charitable status, donations may be eligible for tax receipts; private schools are for-profit organizations and have many different and varying management structures. Both types of schools do not receiving funding from the government.

extracurriculars one of the benefits of private schools is students are exposed to subjects, interests and activities that they might not otherwise have the opportunity of learning about.

Interested in radio and television arts?

Pickering College has the only CRtClicensed school radio station in Canada.

Students can also take equestrian training and compete in horse shows. Unionville Montessori offers Mandarin, ballet and cooking classes after school. At St. Andrew’s, there are programs ranging from squash to the pipes and drums band.

p r e s e n t s

Home & Outdoor Lifestyle Show

April 29th, 30th & May 1st, 2016 Markham Fairgrounds Friday 12:00 pm to 8 pm

SatUrday 10 am to 6 pm

SUNday 11 am to 5 pm

admission: $5 - adults, $3 - Seniors, Children & parking FrEE

Lots of great prizes including: Traeger BBQ Pellet Grill provided by Markham Home Hardware

Come meet local businesses offering a wide range of exciting Home, Backyard & Cottage products and services.

Guest Speakers & More Prize info will be available soon!

over

100

Exhibitors, Guest Speakers & How-to demos!

www.markhamhomeshow.com

For more information call 905-943-6116

education|summer camps

Experiential education

summer camp teaches kids about themselves B y Joa nn maCDona lD

you can’t blame a kid for being happy when school lets out for summer. But two months of freedom means something different for parents. Challenged to keep children active, safe and entertained, parents turn to summer camps. thankfully, summer camps are not merely babysitting opportunities for working parents— the right camps offer a wealth of experiences, learning opportunities and skills.

56 | GoodLife • March - April 2016

“Campers can benefit from social interactions and make new and sometimes lifelong friends,” says Lauren Steckley, manager of recreation programs for Richmond Hill’s community services department. The town offers summer camp programs for children and teens ages four to 18 in a wide variety of interests, including crafts, sports, dance, theatre and science.

“Campers can experience new things, such as specialized sports or photography, and learn new skills, such as cooking or computer programs,” Steckley says. “Campers can also benefit from physical exercise and activities and enjoy fresh air when they play outdoors.”

Steckley says young campers gain independence when participating in programs without their parents. And camp staff may act as positive role models for children.

“Experiences at camp could give campers positive memories that last a lifetime,” she says.

Summer camps may offer some children a chance to further explore a subject they enjoy and feel they don’t get enough exposure to at school. Donna Burwell-Stevens, an artist-in-theschool at schools throughout York Region, offers art programs to children ages seven to 13 in her

Newmarket home each summer. She believes a summer arts program can give children with an aptitude for art an opportunity to shine.

“I tell parents of kids who love art, ‘Encourage them, because art is a form of expression and, for some, it’s their form of release, so if they have issues or problems, art is therapeutic. It can be a lifelong passion.’”

Art practice also increases fine motor skills, a benefit that’s not just for toddlers.

“It’s something that people can become more adept at when they’re practising,” Burwell-Stevens says. “There are a lot of techniques that can be learned. Art programs offer children the ability to express themselves through art—having fun, experimenting, trying art techniques and materials.”

“School teaches you information that you memorize and learn. Camp teaches you about yourself and others,” says Heather Heagle, executive director of the Ontario Camps Association (OCA). A voluntary, non-profit organization, OCA is devoted to maintaining high standards for organized camping.

Heagle says the member camps share a vision to enrich the lives of children and families and

to nurture values such as honesty, fairness and integrity. She believes that camp experiences can help kids recognize and protect the worth of every person, including themselves.

“Building relationships and demonstrating concern for others is important,” she says. “There is so much technology today that children don’t learn this piece as much. Camps put the onus back on the child to build that relationship, to build the care and concern.”

While some parents are fearful of sending their child to overnight camp, Heagle urges them to reconsider.

“Homesickness is a good thing, because it teaches the child about themselves, teaches them independence,” Heagle says. “We’re not happy all the time. Parents today want to shield their children. They can’t find the tools they need to get back to happy.”

Heagle says that most children who feel homesick don’t actually want to go home. They simply want to talk to somebody about their feelings.

To minimize the odds of a child giving up on the camp experience, Heagle advises allowing the child to have a say in what camp he or she attends. »

yorkregion.com/goodlife | 57

education|summer camps 10 tips for succesSful overnight camp The Ontario Camps Association offers this advice to help your child mentally and emotionally prepare for an overnight camp experience.

1. Visit and tour the camp with your child prior to the first day.

2. Call other parents whose children attend the camp for information and references. Schedule a get-together so your camper can get to know their camp friends.

3. Get excited with your child. Mark the first day of camp on the calendar, talk about what to expect and how they can cope with different situations they may face.

4. Don’t schedule a significant family event for when your child is at camp. The disappointment of missing a family celebration will outweigh the positive camp experience.

5. Tell your child that homesickness is normal and encourage them to talk to other campers or counsellors about their feelings.

Even the most tearful will eventually adjust. Don’t promise to pick your child up if he/she is homesick. Communicate confidence in your child’s ability to handle being away from home.

6. Pack a favourite item or send your child to camp with a friend to ease homesickness. When writing to your child, don’t dwell on how much you miss them or what they are missing at home.

7. Write your child letters (even a few days before camp starts so they’ll get them in the first few days).

8. Talk with your child about what to expect at camp. Are calls home allowed? Is there a time for parents to visit?

9. After your child returns home, encourage them to practice their new skills and encourage them to maintain friendships through emails, letters or phone calls.

10. Ask the camp director for a list of essential items to pack, as this will vary from camp to camp, depending on the activities.

Find more tips at ontariocampsassociation.ca.

58 | GoodLife • March - April 2016

Camps to Consider Camp Arowhon Encourage your little urbanite to put down that personal electronic device and explore the vast wilderness of Algonquin Park. Camp Arowhon is set deep in the interior of Algonquin on Teepee Lake.

“Camp Arowhon’s social safety tool kit ensures the emotional and social well-being of every child, in a community where kids take on safe challenges and grow self-confidence,” says director Joanne Kates. Campers enjoy water sports such as sailing, canoeing and windsurfing, plus horseback riding and outdoor adventures such as climbing, ziplining, canoe trips and exploring nature. If that isn’t enough to capture your child’s attention, there’s archery, arts and crafts, drama, guitar, fitness, tennis, basketball and frisbee golf.

Information: camparowhon.com

Camp Huronda Owned and operated by the Canadian Diabetes Association, Camp Huronda is located on the beautiful shores of Lake Waseosa in Huntsville The camp is one of 12 D-Camps across the country for children living with Type 1 diabetes. Nestled on over 110 acres of land, Camp Huronda offers traditional summer camp activities like pottery, mountain biking, canoeing, kayaking, archery, climbing, outdoor living skills, art, drama and land sports, as well as a sense of community and belonging. Camp Huronda allows living with diabetes to simply be part of the day while helping kids thrive and become their own advocates.

Information: dcamps.ca/summer-camps/camp-huronda

Olympia Sports Camp Your sporty child is sure to love this Muskoka waterfront sports camp. Olympia boasts more than 90 sports and activities. Campers receive focused instruction in their chosen specialty.

“At Olympia we believe every camper embarks on a hero’s journey, where they don’t just improve in their sport or activity, but they become the best versions of themselves,” says marketing coordinator Michelle Stockstill. “We help campers set goals and give them the tools and guidance they need in order to achieve them.”

The camp has over 45,000 square feet of indoor training space, including six indoor pro basketball courts, a yoga studio, a weight room and an aerobics floor. Set on 40 acres of land, Olympia’s outdoor space includes three full-size playing fields, two beach volleyball courts, rope courses and a 40-foot tall, four-sided climbing tower.

Information: olympiasportscamp.com

events

11

THINGS to DO

8

Four Winds Kite Festival April 30 and May 1 Kortright Centre for Conservation, Woodbridge Enjoy kite flying demonstrations, springtime activities and wind-themed interpretive hikes.

Information: kortright.org

1

Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival Until April 3 Kortright Centre for Conservation, Woodbridge A much-anticipated annual event with activities for the whole family. Enjoy guided tours of the sugarbush, syrup-making demonstrations, pancakes with fresh maple syrup and more.

Information: maplesyrupfest.com

2

9 Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival

On Paper Until May 1 McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg Most great works of art begin with a drawing.

Ideas come out on paper first. There is a degree of intimacy and immediacy that is inherent with works on paper and this exhibition aims to celebrate these qualities in art. Highlights of this exhibition include a comprehensive exhibition of Clarence Gagnon’s original artworks for Maria Chapdelaine, a diary/sketchbook by Emily Carr, David Milne watercolours, including a never-before publicly exhibited watercolour called Morning Paper, watercolours by AJ Casson and more.

Information: mcmichael.com

3

For Every Season Until May McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg Celebrate Canada’s four distinct seasons through beautiful landscape paintings by great Canadian artists. This exhibition presents painted works by artists such as Emily Carr, Clarence Gagnon, David Milne, Lawren Harris, J.E.H. MacDonald and others from the permanent collection. Four of the McMichael’s lower level galleries are each dedicated to one of the seasons: spring, summer, fall and winter.

Information: mcmichael.com

4

Field Trip: Sarah Anne Johnson Until June 5 McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg Part of the Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival, Field Trip: Sarah Anne Johnson shows the artist’s latest project about Canada’s outdoor music festivals. Johnson sees these festivals as a forum for a community of people coming together to create a modern day Dionysian celebration through a connection to nature, music, dance and the rejection of social norms.

Information: mcmichael.com

5

For Every Season

High Style, Low Maintenance May 4 Vellore Village Community Centre, Vaughan Can a beautiful garden be simple to achieve?

It’s easier than you might think. Learn how to choose the best plants, follow healthy garden practices and incorporate design elements that make your garden easier to maintain.

Information: york.ca/seminars

10

The Joys of a Rain Garden May 12 Kortright Centre for Conservation, Woodbridge Rain gardens are beautiful outdoor spaces with a lot going on just below the surface. Their special design absorbs excess rainwater, filtering it as it returns to the soil. Be inspired by an outdoor tour while learning how to create the right rain garden for your property.

Information: york.ca/seminars Vaughan Film Festival

Vaughan Chamber of Commerce Business Achievement Awards April 7 Universal Event Space, Vaughan Enjoy cocktails, dinner, presentation of the chamber’s annual Business Achievement Awards and guest speaker David Chilton, Canadian author, investor and television personality.

Information: vaughanchamber.ca

6

Gran Gala D’Opera Italiana April 10 St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Vaughan The Rotary Club of Woodbridge presents a spring concert featuring maestro Gianmario Cavallaro, tenor Aaron Caruso, soprano Sara Papini and 25 Elements from the Toronto Opera.

Information: portal.clubrunner.ca/1169

7

Franklin Carmichael (1890-1945), Farm, Haliburton, 1940, oil on hardboard

in your community

Hand in Hand Gala April 30 Copper Creek, Kleinburg A memorable evening in support of Cedar Centre (formerly the York Region Abuse Program), featuring cocktails, dinner, dance, live entertainment and live and silent auction.

Information: handinhandgala.com

11

Vaughan Film Festival May 16 to 19 The Vaughan Film Festival is an exciting four-day event that showcases multi-genre short film, providing independent film another platform in which to present their work. Public screenings of Canadian and international cinema are followed by sensational social events. As a nonfor-profit organization, the festival supports arts education by granting various scholarships and bursaries to young filmmakers, art students and educational institutions in the city.

Information: vaughanfilmfestival.com

online

Looking for something fun to do?

Check out events on yorkregion.com

yorkregion.com/goodlife | 59

portfolio |Gal Fridman From left: Instructor Holt Stuart-Hitchcox, Omer Karo, Tami Sorovaiski, Roee Yehezkel, Eric Fridman, Joey Hodes and Rockstar music founder Gal Fridman.

READY TO ROCK Gal Fridman puts his own spin on music classes b y J o n ath a n hi ltz | PHOTOGR APHY B Y NaOMI hi ltz

Gal Fridman grew up in a musical family. His mother is a classically trained pianist and his father plays guitar.

They were his first teachers—his mom taught him piano at a young age and his dad showed him his first chords on the guitar—on his path to becoming a musician.

“There’s just something about seeing your dad play the guitar when you’re a kid, you see him as some kind of superhero,” Fridman says. He was also influenced by his mother, who he watched teach group piano classes at a local community centre in his native Israel.

In 1998, when Fridman was eight years 60 | GoodLife • March - April 2016

old, the family moved to Canada, settling in Thornhill. His mother quickly picked up where she had left off teaching piano and young Gal was recruited make flyers and post them all over the community.

Fridman continued to study music and also develop his business sense and build a network

of people who shared his passion. He earned a master’s degree in business music and technology from the Berklee College of Music in Boston.

His primary instrument is guitar, although he also plays bass, drums, keyboard and ukulele and works behind the scenes recording and producing.

In 2012, with the opening of the Schwartz/ Reisman Centre, a Jewish community centre located in Maple that offers social, cultural, spiritual, educational and physical activities, Fridman saw an opportunity to put his own spin on music classes.

Rockstar Music was born.

Led by university education musicians, teachers and recording industry professionals, Rockstar takes a less than traditional approach to teaching kids how to play guitar, keyboards or drums. Fridman recognized that most students are not interested in learning musical theory; they just want to play the music from their favourite bands.

“I knew that if the kids didn’t love it, they would drop it,” he says. “I wanted to make learning music as fun as making music itself.”

Rockstar offers rock band programs and inhome private lessons across York Region—as well as regular jam sessions.

“The jams are all about learning music, making friends, building confidence and performing live,” Fridman says.

Students are placed into a band based on age, level and instrument (guitar, drums, bass, keyboard and vocals). The instructors take them through the entire production process, from picking a set list to performance techniques.

“It’s very hands on,” Fridman says. “The students pick the songs, they learn to create arrangements, they learn applied theory and rhythm, they learn to improvise and solo. Students interested in song writing will compose an original song in their clinic band sessions.

“We teach music as a language, meaning students don’t have to study theory for a year before they can play,” he continues. “They experience playing music and jamming right from day one.

“The main goal of Rockstar Music is to inspire a love of music in every child.”

Rockstar’s teachers, he says, play an integral role in building that love.

“We take time to develop our instructors and provide them with the proper resources to be successful. Our network of teachers truly loves music and we are always looking for people passionate about passing the baton to the next generation.”

While Rockstar does offer one-on-one lessons, it emphasizes group learning.

“Imagine learning to play soccer and only ever playing the game with your coach,” Fridman says. “The private aspect of music instruction is important, it’s where you learn the skills, however, without jams, there would be no point.”

Fridman has plans to bring Rockstar to more community centres, creating a multi-arts hub with other partners in York Region, all the while continuing to develop current programs.

Rockstar Music Schwartz/Reisman Centre, 9600 Bathurst St., Maple rockstarmusic.ca 647-JAM-ROCK (526-7625)

yorkregion.com/goodlife | 61

travel|Grenada

Welcome to

Spice Island

by BarT Card

As a native Bermudian, I’ve certainly experienced my fair share of the Caribbean. I’ve criss-crossed the Islands, in fact, spending time in Bermuda, Barbados, Jamaica and all points in between. Yet the nation state of Grenada, in the West Indies, has remained a tiny parcel of the Caribbean I had yet to have the opportunity to fully explore.

62 | GoodLife • March - April 2016

Y

es, I do recall a quick stint in Grenada once—a stay that lasted all of one day. I was a passenger on a Holland American Line Cruise some 20 years ago and we dropped anchor and took a tender in to St. George, the island capital. A submerged volcanic crater forms St. George’s naturally deep harbour. One of the most picturesque in the region, it is a port of call for several cruise lines, yachts, ferries, cargo and other boats. I do, of course, remember this as if it were present day because I have the scar on the bottom of my right foot to prove it.

As other passengers dashed off the Holland American to conduct their shopping and take a trip to the local market, my eye caught a glimpse of the brilliant white, hot sand of the Grand Anse Beach. The two-mile beach was to become my first Grenada experience. I couldn’t wait to stroll along Grand Anse and enjoy a dip in the cool blue waters before joining my fellow passengers shopping.

Yet my agenda was quickly cut short as I suffered a slight injury— something sliced my foot and I knew in an instance that it couldn’t be the work of a seashell. Looking down, I noticed a discharged and shredded 50-calibre shell casing.

Upon further inspection, of both my bloodied foot and the shell casing, my mind raced back to 1983 and 1984 when a military faction within Maurice Bishop’s New Jewel Movement took control of Grenada. As a former solider in the British Army, I’m always fascinated with wartime activities. The turmoil and purported threat to the United States medical students stranded on the island served as the catalyst for the famed rescue mission by U.S. forces a short time later. The overwhelming support for the action by the Grenadine population was evident from the start and has not subsided today.

Grenada is one of the best-kept secrets of the Caribbean. Its three islands of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique are located in the eastern Caribbean between St. Vincent and the Grenadines to the north and Trinidad and Tobago to the south.

Once home to Arawaks, Ciboneys and Caribs, it was sighted by Christopher Columbus on his third voyage in 1498. Following colonial wars in the 18th century when France and Britain traded the island back and forth, it became solely under British control in 1783 and achieved independence in 1974. »

yorkregion.com/goodlife | 63

travel|Grenada This time around, there was no rush for me to head to the Grenada beaches for I was prepared to spend a relaxing week on the island soaking up the sun in addition to Grenada’s rich history, fine food and accommodations.

I quickly settled in for the majority of my stay at the Secret Harbour Resort. This tremendous facility has all the ingredients for a perfect tropical getaway, offering superb vistas of the sea from every deluxe suite. The Old World Mediterranean ambiance is felt in sweeping patio arches and sunny, tiled terraces bordered with bougainvillea. This is a hotel with atmosphere and charm, a hotel made for romance.

Close by is The Moorings, a spectacular marina where people fly in from across the world to board their yachts for outstanding sailing. Sailors find themselves drawn by the picturesque harbours lined with sun-drenched beaches, waterfalls cascading amidst lofty mountains perfumed by fragrant spices. It is here at The Moorings you sense the pastoral country life of the people—an easy-going spirit that greets your first step on these sparkling sands. Grenada is one of the few Caribbean destinations where eco-tourism is a main attraction.

Every article I have ever read concerning this beautiful destination makes reference to Grenada as “Spice Island” and yes, the smell of nutmeg does hang in the air. Grenada is the world’s second-largest nutmeg producer, but aside from the spices, Grenada is so much more. It is the friendliness of the locals and the popular activities—ranging from savouring the local cuisine to enjoying the resounding sound of steel bands. A pastel rainbow of dockside warehouses surrounds St. George’s harbour, while the Carenage on the waterfront has duty-free shops that offer great bargains. Other stops to note include the Concord Waterfall, Dougaldston Spice Boucan, Leaper’s Hill, Morne Fendue Plantation House, the Levera National Park and the River Antoine Rum Distillery.

You mustn’t forget to drop by Camerhogne Park on the Grand Anse Beach for First Impressions’ whale and dolphin tour. And if diving is more your style, the underwater scenery in Grenada is every bit as breathtaking as it is above the waves. From lazy drift dives over coral gardens to an eerie and challenging exploration of the wrecks of the Bianca C, these waters are captivating more and more visitors each year. The farthest site is around Kick ’em Jenny and Isle de Rhonde, where the underwater visibility is unparalleled and the sea life magnificent. Divers can easily do two dives a day for a week without exhausting Grenada’s dive sites.

Perhaps one of the finest resorts in Grenada is Laluna Hotel, an exclusive, Italian-owned romantic hideaway in Morne Rouge. Featuring 16 one and two-bedroom cottages, the resort combines Indonesian elements with open-styled Italian architecture. Bedrooms with king-sized beds open onto large verandahs, creating unique indoor/outdoor living rooms.

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If enjoying the exclusive hand-made soaps and lotions from a monastery in the Italian Alps haven’t kept you from venturing out, partake in a special dinner in the intimate environment of the thatched-roof dining room. Situated directly on the beach, the restaurant offers a great experience, with tempting dishes prepared by the hotel’s European chef, popular Italian wines and romantic views of the bay.

Laluna has recently expanded its accommodation options, adding the luxury villas of Laluna Estates.

Back home in Ontario, recalling my Grenada adventures, I smile to myself as I sit in front of my laptop, out of the corner of my eye I can see 50-calibre shell casing I stepped on years ago. From its original home on the Grand Anse Beach, the Grenada souvenir is

now housed on my office bookcase. I guess I have come full circle, where Grenada is concerned. I’m content to share my pleasant memories of this beautiful Caribbean island— instead of my first, more painful recollection.

For more information: grenadagrenadines.com, secretharbour.com, laluna.com

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in the crowd VAUGHAN IN MOTION Vaughan in Motion held a South Beach Party, Feb. 5 in support of the volunteer-run organization’s ongoing goal of providing funds and equipment for cancer care in the community.

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Judi Borgatti and Frank Borgatti

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Dr. Matilda Ng, Amy Macaluso, Eric Wong and Margaret Wong

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Steve Kerwin and Larry Calhoun

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Sebastian Garofalo and Lisa Garofalo

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Michael Peri and Chanel Granzotto

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Angelina Gushue, Melissa Mazzuca and Antonella Trichilo

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Lorella Fiorini and Fani Molent

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Adrianne Cataneo, Dr. Greg D’Orio, Deanna Cataneo and Matthew Carinci

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Phil Mendoza, Onett Mendoza, Frank Fernandez, Larry Calhoun, Steve Kerwin, Leonard Lyn and Nancy Lyn

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10. Saidamir Mukhitdinov, Chanisse Ursini, Meagan Lo and A.J. Fox 11. Vaughan in Motion co-founders Dr. Greg D’Orio and Peter Bidali and Frank Peri 12. Vaughan in Motion co-founders Dr. Greg D’Orio and Peter Bidali, Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua, Regional Councillor Mario Ferri and Regional Councillor Michael DiBiase 13. Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and MP for King-Vaughan Deb Shulte 14. Iyden Naderi and Sharon Hou 15. Andrea Wilde, Jennifer Graham, Tammy Reilly, Arleen Hammond and Ashley Bell

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yorkregion.com/goodlife | 67

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