GoodLife Barrie March/April 2014

M A R C H A P R I L 2 0 1 4

MAR C H / APR I L 2 0 1 4

SERVING BARRIE | SPRINGWATER | ORO-MEDONTE | INNISFIL & AREA

Gluten Free Recipes

Don’t DIY

Suite Dreams

SPRING HOME EDITION

GoodLife BARRIE Edition

REAL MEXICAN

CUISINE LIVING COMFORTABLE IN INNISFIL

www.goodlifemagazine.ca

WAYS TO

ENJOY SPRING

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Experience the difference experience makesâ&#x20AC;?

Publisher Ian Proudfoot Regional General Manager Simcoe - Muskoka Shaun Sauve Editors Lori Martin Elise Allain Advertising Sales Manager Kim Harrison Director of Production Kent Feagan Graphic Design Nick Bornino Advertising Sales Representatives Angelika Crisp Sharon Crolly Kevin Healy Christine Murray Marcia Munce Mary March Stacy Rand Stacey MacDonald Debbie Halikas Carolyn Brayiannis Stefanie Manton Vic Dellamora Photography Contributions Ellie Kistemaker Nat Kay Bart Card Brian Muller Stan Howe Mike Guilbault Photography Editorial Contributions Katherine Elphick Colleen Winter Alaa Yassin Bart Card Leigh Blenkhorn Gordon Stimmell

21 Patterson Road, Barrie, ON L4N 7W6 Phone: 705-726-0573 Fax: 705-721-8859 for advertising inquiries please email goodlife@simcoe.com or call 705-726-0573 ext. 250 DIGITAL EDITION: www.goodlifemagazine.ca follow us twitter.com/goodlifebarrie

Statements opinions and point of view expressed are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent those of the publisher, advertisers or GoodLife. GoodLife Barrie edition is published six times per year: January/February, March/April, May/June, July/August, September/October, November/December (Holiday Edition) For further information regarding all our products we invite you to call us at 705-726-0573

4 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - March April 2014 â&#x2013;

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•

contents •

10 Comfortable and Customized

This newly built abode was designed to fit this family’s lifestyle

22 Countryside bungalow grows with family

A luxurious mater suite was central to this home renovation

63 The Best Beans

30 In the Doghouse A 2,800-square-foot room for romping was created for these best friends

70 Spring into a Glass of Wine

Savour a Sip of locally roasted coffee

Selections for the season

Don’t DIy These 6 Projects hire an expert for professional results

6 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - March April 2014 ■

76 Portfolio

Norma Jacobs draws life’s inspirations

34 Chalet Chic

44 In the Kitchen

A timeless design in the Blue mountains

With laurie Warwick of Warwick hughes

51 Gourmet@Home Gluten-free mania: local food producers, shops and restaurants are catering to this growing market

79 Beauty

EVENTS Festivals & events around Simcoe county

Spot

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in your Beauty Bag?

90 All Natural Mexican Food

olivia newton-John hits casino rama may 1.

in the Kitchen with Alba lisa

89 Travel 99 Coffin Ridge

A visit to the vineyard

go wild in Kenya

110

In The Crowd hospice Simcoeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s from the heart gala

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 7

• E D I T O R ’ s n ote •

As Canadians, and particularly Simcoe County residents, we can all agree March arrived like a lion. Whether or not it plans on wrapping up like a lamb is anyone’s guess.

FACIALS •Microdermabrasion •Photofacial • Custom Thalgo Facials

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In traditional true north fashion, however, we will cautiously celebrate the end of a long, cold winter and, while there is still snow on the ground, we will patiently wait to replace our snow shovel with a garden rake in coming weeks. As well as looking forward to sunshine and warmth, we give you another reason to celebrate the season with our GoodLife Spring issue packed full of home inspiration. In this issue we take you inside three very different styles of homes from the area. Our first is a sprawling, open-concept bungalow in Innisfil. With its meticulous design and a cozy factor off the charts, we promise to inspire you and have identified many local businesses throughout this home tour to help you find the same products to replicate in your own home. Our second home (cover photo) is located in the Blue Mountain region and boasts a sleek, Scandinavian influenced design with warm wood tones, sophisticated neutrals and clean lines, perfect for full-time living or as a vacation retreat. Finally, we asked local designer Cyndie Jerome to share a recent project on expanding a bungalow to better suit a growing family. This master suite design is a luxurious escape, and fulfills both form and function. Cool blue tones, along with exposed natural wood, create a spa-like bath, and a carefully thought out walk-in closet shows the possibilities in this often ignored space. Moving outside, we decided to find projects we feel are best left to the professionals. All too often, the best laid plans and motivation can quickly fizzle once hidden costs and exhausting, physical labour take the fun out of home improvement projects. We spoke with some local professionals who share how they can save you both time and money when you hire a pro. Animals, particularly rescued dogs, are close to my heart. As the adopted mother of two boxers, a story pitched about a 2,800-square-foot doghouse piqued my interest. Local company Georgian Contracting was hired to build this heated barn in Oro-Medonte for a family of seven adopted boxers, a bulldog and their owner, a recent transplant from California. We explore the exploding world of gluten-free food with recipes and information to further explain this way of eating that is gaining popularity in mainstream cuisine. In addition, we tour a few local coffee roasters with suggestions on finding your favourite bean. Finally, take a safari with us as travel writer Bart Card whisks you away to exotic Africa with photos that bring you up-close and personal with wildlife that is rarely seen outside of a zoo. We hope you enjoy all we have packed into this Spring edition of GoodLife. Watch for us again this May!

28 Ross Street, Barrie (above Red Hair Studio) Free parking at back of Sophia

705-725-8558 renuuaesthetics.com

Mention the Goodlife magazine & receive a FREE GIFT on your next visit! 8 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - March April 2014 ■

Elise Allain goodlife@simcoe.com follow us @goodlifebarrie www.goodlifemagazine.ca Digital edition now available for tablet and iPad.

• f E aT u R E - h O m E T O u R •

Comfortable

Customized Living in Innisfil

By AlAA YASSin | PhoTogrAPhy By MikE GUilBAUlt PhotoGRAPhY

Custom building allows homeowners to tailor their newly built abode in the way that best fits their family’s lifestyle. Big on entertaining, David Grummett and Sandra Idone designed their Innisfil home to accommodate large gatherings of friends and family. As the owner of GCD Construction, Grummett was able to customize every detail according to their liking.

10 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - March April 2014 ■

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 11

• f e a t u re - h o m e to u r •

The bench, along with a solid wood table and another backless wooden bench, were purposely placed at this end of the kitchen to overlook the gorgeous view of the outdoors.

The built-in storage cabinets beneath the window seats on both sides of the fireplace is a great use of space. A reclaimed barn beam was used as the mantle above the fireplace, to create a refined rustic feel.

Right from the exterior the finest details were considered. The timber trusses above the entrance and the middle garage add a Swiss chalet style. And the earthy stonework, done by J. Bailey Enterprise and supplied by GP Masonry of Barrie, adds rich elegance right from the outside. Once inside, the open concept living space is simply perfect for entertaining a large group but also designed to be a cozy family space. The cultured stone wood-burning fireplace is immediately a focal point that adds architectural interest to the vaulted 12-foot ceiling. Inspired

by nature, the couple decided to create a refined rustic feel by adding a reclaimed barn beam, from Untiqued of Oro-Medonte, as a mantle. To complement the style, two more reclaimed ceiling wood beams connect two sides of the great room. Mocha stained seven-inch white oak hardwood floors, from Majestic North Floors in Barrie, were hand scraped and wire brushed to balance the rustic style and make the floors forgiving for kids and pets. “The great thing about this oil finish is that if the floors get damaged they can be easily fixed,” said Grummett. “We wanted the fireplace to be the focal point

12 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - March April 2014 ■

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• f e a t u re - h o m e to u r •

The Restoration Hardware dining table and chairs complement the refined rustic style found in the rest of house.

Past the sliding French patio doors, a stunning outdoor wood-burning fireplace is part of the raised deck. Around it, another completely covered seating area is perfect for entertaining in warmer months.

14 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - March April 2014 ■

rather than the television,” said Idone. That’s why the TV screen was hidden behind the middle section of the media unit. When the children want to watch their shows while Sandra is busy in the kitchen, with a click of a button the screen is raised from behind the cabinet. But when guests are visiting the television does not need to be visible. Another great use of space in the living is the built-in storage cabinets beneath the window seats on both sides of the fireplace. “They’re great for hiding some of the kids’ stuff,” she said. Overlooking the living room is the open kitchen, which was completed by The Mills Group of Barrie. The cabinets were painted in Benjamin Moore’s White Dune and the island stands out in Ashley Gray. Dark granite countertops in Cosmic Black were installed by Artistic Stone Design in Barrie to add some contrast to the lighter shades in the kitchen. Attached to one side of the island is a bench

seat that was upholstered by Idone during a workshop at Fabric Smith Custom Upholstery in Stroud. The bench, along with a solid wood table and another backless wooden bench, were purposely placed on this end of the kitchen to overlook the gorgeous view of the outdoors. Past the sliding French patio doors, a stunning outdoor wood-burning fireplace is part of the raised deck. Around it, another completely covered seating area is perfect for entertaining in warmer months. For a more formal sit-down dinner, a slightly enclosed dining room with an interior window opening towards the foyer is adjacent to the kitchen. In there, the Restoration Hardware dining table and chairs complement the refined rustic style found in the rest of house. When hosting gatherings, Idone brightens the room with colourful floral centerpieces arranged by Jennifer Matthews of Barrie Flowers. While designing this exquisite residence, Idone found inspiration through various pic-

• f e a t u re - h o m e to u r •

The ensuite bathroom is their true sanctuary. With a window above the soaker tub overlooking the expansive backyard, this space is all about relaxation.

16 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - March April 2014 ■

“I know what I like and what I don’t like, but it’s good to have someone else for a second opinion” vanity because theirs didn’t actually fit in this space,” said Idone. Wanting to have a distinct design contribution, Idone worked on her own DIy projects. When it came to furniture, she upholstered a few more pieces in addition to the kitchen’s bench seat. She picked up the wingback chairs in the living room at a hotel liquidator place in Toronto. Then she upholstered them with a solid colour on the seat and print fabric on the side. “I just wanted to do something more modern and fun with them” said Idone. She also upholstered the headboard in their daughter Julia’s bedroom. “Although she still sleeps in the crib, her grandma loves sleeping in this bed when she visits,” said Idone. Knowing that Julie will soon grow out of the crib her princess bed was dressed with Pottery Barn bedding that match the lilac drapes. Since their son, Lucas, was born in Ohio, the colours of the American flag were an inspiration for his room. “I guess it’s okay since he’s a dual citizen of Canada and the United States,” she

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tures in her favourite magazines. In the master bedroom, however, her inspiration came from the patterned fabric she picked up from Tonic Living in Toronto. She used the fabric to create the drapery and chose a teal blue and yellow palette to match. Knowing the style she wanted but not completely sure how to implement it, she used the expertise of Melissa Palmer Designs. “Melissa is a colour and design consultant who I worked with for 10 years. She chose all my paint colours,” said Idone. And when it came to some furniture choices and arrangements, she consulted with Simone Frank of New Leaf Décor. “I know what I like and what I don’t like, but it’s good to have someone else for a second opinion,” she said. In addition to the spacious walk-in closet by the master’s entrance, the ensuite bathroom is their true sanctuary. With a window above the soaker tub overlooking the expansive backyard, this space is all about relaxation. The sink vanity was custom made by Grummett. “It’s basically a replica of Restoration Hardware’s Logan

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• f e a t u re - h o m e to u r •

The most creative and luxurious addition to the basement is the Irish pub style bar that was completely designed and constructed by Grummett. “It was kind of my New Year’s Eve project. It took just a week-and-a-half,”

18 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - March April 2014 ■

INTRODUCING Coco Tashi Before Again Cocco Bella said with a chuckle. The bunk beds create extra space that’s great for when friends or family stay over, she added. But that’s not it for guest space. In the basement, there are two extra guest bedrooms. One decorated in a light lime green and beige palette while the other is dressed in black and white with red accents. Both rooms are cozy and simple in décor. Just outside those bedrooms is the children’s play area. It’s a slightly enclosed space filled with lots of toys. “When we have our friends over, this is where the kids almost always end up,” said Idone. The most creative and luxurious addition to the basement is the Irish pub-style bar that was completely designed and constructed by Grummett. “It was kind of my New year’s Eve project. It took just a week-and-a-half,” he said. The bar is open to the recreational space, which the couple designed to be their family room. With another television and comfortable couches in close proximity to the play area, this is a key functional space for the entire family. Despite all the details and delicate finishing touches involved in this exquisite residence, it only took about six months to design and another six months to build. “We always knew which style we liked, it was just about getting it all done,” said Idone.

DowntownBarrie.ca

Accessories that define you...

CREATING A LOOK…... Our fashion advisors are here to help you.

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CANADIAN DESIGNERS & GOLDSMITHS

76 Dunlop St. East ∙ 705-722-3772 ∙ Downtown Barrie www.metzgerstudio.com

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 19

•

Q & A - Z U Z U Fa s h io N J e w e l r y & A c c e s s o r i e s •

What’s

ZuZu

your splurge

Fashion Jewelry & Accessories accessories t h at define you 39 Dunlop St. E. • Downtown Barrie 705-481-1231 • www.zuzufashionjewelry.com

uZu Fashion Jewelry & Accessories is an eclectic mix of clothing, jewelry and accessories. We offer a selection of unique handbags, hats, handmade silk scarves and an amazing collection of fashions from around the world, including beautiful Italian clothing. I love fashions that are timeless, classic and sophisticated yet relaxed. Our fashion advisors are here to help you “create a look.”

20 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - March April 2014 ■

WE’RE READY FOR

Spring!

BRANDS/PRODUCTS YOU CARRY: Fashion jewelry includes; Merx, Myka, Anne Marie chagnon, TWOA, seraglio, shelly and Kameleon. Our new Fashion room includes canadian & Italian labels.

HOW/WHEN DID YOU START YOUR BUSINESS?

Men’s, Women’s & Children’s

Our two-year search for a new venture led us to Dunlop street east and the launch of ZuZu in November 2012.

Clothing, Sandals & Swimwear

PEOPLE ARE SURPRISED TO KNOW:

Stand Up Paddle Boarding Kiteboard Windsurf Snowboard Skateboard & Longboard

People are surprised to know that ZuZu is our first retail Venture. Previously, my husband and I worked in wholesale/distribution.

DESCRIBE YOUR SHOP’S VIBE: Our store has a very high energy, friendly and fun atmosphere. ZuZu is where friends gather.

SALE ON ALL WINTER ITEMS!

WHAT’S THE MOST UNIQUE PRODUCT IN YOUR SHOP? Jewelry by Artist Karyn Armour features handmade Moose and elk beads, combined with semi-precious and hand-crafted sterling silver beads.

DowntownBarrie.ca

Q& &a

The Original

WHERE DO YOU SOURCE YOUR PRODUCTS?

SurfShop

Our search for products always starts in canada, favouring canadian designers and canadian products. We have successfully sourced in Barrie.

42 Dunlop St., E. 705-725-8833 | www.tropicalnorth.ca

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO OPEN?

We wanted a fun business. It was obvious that my passion for fashion and my husband’s love of business could be realized in retail.

WHAT’S YOUR BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY?

Our store is about unique offerings, beautiful space, friendly and helpful service, having fun, and affordable prices.

Nostalgica Italian Cuisine

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE NEIGHBOURHOOD TO SHOP IN?

Downtown Barrie is my favourite area to shop.

WHAT’S THE SECRET TO YOUR SUCCESS? We would like to think our success during the first year is the result of ZuZu meeting a need and our passion for fashion being recognized.

WHO IS YOUR TARGET CLIENTELE? Our target clientele is a broad range of Women with a desire for unique and interesting products that are beautiful and affordable.

PEOPLE TO KNOW . PLACES TO GO . THINGS TO TRY, TASTE OR BUY!

Splurge

Pick up your complimentary copy at select local retailers

Capturing the Essence of Old World Authenticity made with Freshest Ingredients Spectacular year round view of the lake!! Open for Lunch & Dinner Tuesday to Friday Open for Dinner only Saturday & Sunday

SIMCOE COUNTY | MUSKOKA | GREY-BRUCE

See page 93 for a list of locations in Barrie to pick up your copy or find the digital edition at www.simcoe.com

31 Dunlop St. E.

or enter from the rear street 735-9595 w w w. i l b u c o r i s t o r a n t e . c o m

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 21

Suite

Dreams

22 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - March April 2014 â&#x2013;

• f e a t u re - h o m e to u r •

Countryside bungalow grows with family

By Alaa Yassin | Photography by Nat kay

There are only a couple of options to consider when your family grows to the point that your home seems to be busting at the seams. For Barbara and David Maedel, however, the passion they had for their home, combined with the desire for more space, made it easy to decide to expand rather than search for a new place. The Maedels transformed their countryside bungalow so that it could function better for their family of four. “With the boys growing to need their own space, we wanted more room for us,” Barbara explained. And while they were considering the growing needs of their family, the couple addressed a need of their own and added a secluded master retreat. In July 2012, David won a two-hour design consultation with Cyndie Jerome Design at a silent auction fundraiser. This prize presented

the perfect opportunity to meet the interior designer who would bring their impeccable master suite to fruition. “Cyndie was really great,” Barbara said. ”After our initial consultation, she came back with paint samples and fabric swatches for us to choose from.” The result is breathtaking. Upon entering the master bedroom, the cozy bed immediately demands your attention. The exposed pine ceiling brings an interesting, natural, outdoor feeling to the room. »

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 23

• f e a t u re - h o m e to u r • text -->

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3+ Extrao

$68

4 Estate

$99 RIGHT: Details were certainly considered when designing this custom walk-in closet. Wanting to make use of the entire space with the vaulted ceiling, Jerome added rustic baskets that are perfect for storing small seasonal items.

3 Estate

$69

3 Captiv

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4 Specta

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Vie

ww 24 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - March April 2014 ■

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• f e a t u re - h o m e to u r •

The ensuite exudes the feeling of being in a spa. Seafoam blue cabinets topped with white Bianco Carrara marble countertops, from Di Pietra Design in Barrie, add a sophisticated elegance to the space.

26 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - March April 2014 ■

The mosaic tiles were used in various blue tones to create a permanent rectangular rug-like shape in front of the vanity. To the right of the entrance, two wingback chairs upholstered in a leaf-print fabric with grey and blue tones beckon readers to get cozy with a book. The two chairs are set around an elegant gas fireplace with a charcoal grey slate surround from Erth Coverings in Woodbridge. Adjacent to the seating area, glass sliding doors lead to the outside and a hot tub just steps away. In order to protect the hardwood flooring in the room, Jerome added Flor carpet squares at the sliding doors. It’s a fairly new innovation that allows you to assemble 20-by-20 inch squares to achieve a desired look. The real advantage of using this system, however, is its practicality. Cleaning is a breeze as each square can be removed and then reattached. On the opposite side of the master suite sits the ensuite bathroom. To achieve a sense of calmness inspired by the natural outdoors, they settled for a palette of greys and blues. “We actually found the mosaic tiles first, and that’s how the inspiration for the palette came about,” said Barbara. The interesting mosaic tiles were used to create a permanent rectangular rug-like shape in front of the vanity. The same tiles are seen again in the shower with the rain head faucet. The ensuite exudes the feeling of being in a spa. Seafoam blue cabinets topped with white Bianco Carrara marble countertops, from Di Pietra Design in Barrie, add a sophisticated elegance to the space. Double sinks and a custom glass shower »

he Barrie Lasik Centre opened in 2007 and has been providing leading vision correction procedures to an increasing number of patients throughout Barrie and Northern Ontario ever since. Dr. Tayfour, who originally founded the Windsor Laser Eye Institute (WLEI), saw the need for high-level eye services north of the GTA and chose Barrie as the optimal place to provide the kind of quality patient care he had already provided in over 70,000 eye surgeries throughout his career.

“Barrie has the infrastructure of high quality eye care professionals including optometrists and ophthalmologists so that patients receive the entire cycle of care within Barrie. They no longer need to travel to Toronto,” said Dr. Tayfour. His Co-Management Program with optometrists throughout Ontario, allows patients to have pre- and post-operation care, initial complimentary, no-obligation consultation with Barrie Lasik, pre- and post-operation care with their existing eye care professional, and the highest level of care available in the industry. Dr. Tayfour draws patients from throughout North America based on his reputation as a leading-edge laser surgeon and his drive to stay in the forefront of laser technology and the many benefits it provides to his patients. For more information on Barrie Lasik and how to book a complimentary consultation, see www.barrielasik.com. 5 Quarry Ridge, suite 106, Barrie, ON, 705-797-1700 or 877-230-2020

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 27

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• f e a t u re - h o m e to u r •

“It was nice to have Cyndie bring in David’s love for clocks throughout the design,” from Accurate Glass and Mirror of Barrie create quite the retreat. Opposite the vanity is another linen cabinet with a full set of drawers on the bottom to hold towels. The artwork above the toilet, which came from PI Creative Art in Toronto, mimics the look of Georgian Bay. Being only about 20 minutes from Collingwood, this print seemed to be quite the complementary piece, said Barbara. Modern lighting fixtures from the Glass and Lighting Gallery in Barrie bring a trendy feel to the space. Every small detail was considered when designing this luxurious area. Inspired by David’s grandfather and great-grandfather’s craft as clockmakers in England, Jerome found Paris clock-shaped knobs at The Door Store in Toronto to embellish the vanities. Clocks are placed throughout the area. Above the fireplace hangs a wrought iron clock and just outside the bathroom a console displays David’s watch collection beneath four interesting photographs of clocks. “It was nice to have Cyndie bring in David’s love for clocks throughout the design,” said Barbara. To hold more of their personal belongings and collectibles, a dressing room was added to the side of the ensuite bathroom. Details were certainly considered when designing this custom walk-in closet. Wanting to make use of the entire space with the vaulted ceiling, Jerome added rustic baskets that are perfect for storing small seasonal items. On the other side of the closet, she designed glass cabinets so that the couple could display their collection of hats. It’s a convenient space for items that are not needed on a regular basis, she added. When there is a need to reach up for the higher shelves, the couple can use the built-in ladder. With the look of an old vintage library, the sophistication of the design adds a touch of elegance to the simple storage space. In order to make use of every square foot added to the property, the couple created an entertainment room using the extended basement space below their newly added master suite. Adding the extra square footage allowed the family to fall in love again with a house they already called home.

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If reincarnation does exist, we should all hope to come back in our next life as one of Keith Russell’s dogs. The screenwriter, who recently moved to Oro-Medonte from California, has built a 2,800-square-foot dog barn for his seven boxers and one bulldog. “When I was living in California I got involved with boxer rescue,” said Russell. “I started rescuing dogs so when I moved back I wanted to bring them with me.” Stephen McNaughton of Georgian Contracting worked with Russell to design and build what eventually ended up being the size of a barn. “When Keith and I were discussing plans for the doghouse, I was thinking eight by ten [feet]. But Keith kept saying ‘bigger, bigger.’” One of the reasons for the large size is Russell’s requirement that each dog have a certain amount of space in the kennel. The resulting building, that includes a large workout area from which Russell can either watch the dogs or look out over the flood-lit natural pond, is as good as it gets in a dog’s life. The central area that houses the kennels has in-floor

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 31

• f e at u r E •

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heating with a high-end boiler, a wash station and an extra cage for when one of the dogs needs a time-out. Individual doors lead from each kennel to the inside play area. The play area is designed with ceilings high enough to throw a ball and has 16 inches of sand on the floor. The building also has ICF foundations, air conditioning and is wired for security so that Russell can watch the dogs from the house. A 50-foot by 60-foot outdoor fenced pen is accessed from the indoor area and a garage with a heated floor that gives Russell a place to store his BMW. The entire property is on a back-up generator. As well as being great companions, the dogs are an important part of Russell’s writing process. “The dogs are my buffer zone. They keep me in a setting that is conducive to being a writer.” His initial film script, Vampires in Vietnam, landed him an agent. Today he is working on The Last Dragon master, an action film set in the Chinese Triad societies. As a screenwriter, he needs to spend time alone so he can write. “I can’t have lots of people over for long periods of time.” His property covers 40 acres and gives him plenty of room to walk with the dogs. “I believe it’s important to give back but it sometimes feels like I’m not doing anything at all to help the dogs since they give me so much in return.” Russell got his first boxer as a pet while in California and fell in love with the breed. After talking to a woman at the vet who worked at the boxer rescue, Russell began fostering dogs that were waiting for adoption. He would get a new dog every few days.

“At first, the dogs would be very skittish but when you would see them a couple months later and they are much calmer, it was pretty rewarding.” In California, dogs are euthanized much sooner after arriving at a pound. “A lot of the time, you’re not just giving the dog a home, you’re saving its life.” When sisters Tia and Brindle came along because the adoption agency was struggling to keep them together, Russell raised his number of in-house dogs to three. He followed the trio with three puppies – Mayhem, Hunter and Danny. Mayhem was born with a crooked paw and, thanks to six months of vet care, can now walk normally. The sand in the inside play area is gentler on her paw than firm ground. Jackson was the final boxer added to the pack and was eight months old and harder to place when Russell adopted him as an older dog. He had a degenerative bone problem but after treatment is now the strongest of the group and jumps five feet off the ground when excited. “He’s a happy, happy dog,” said Russell. “Though boxers are generally happy dogs.” Trinny, the bulldog, was not a rescue and blends in with the seven energetic boxers. For certain dogs, he has developed a doubledoor policy so the dogs are never in the same room. Before the barn was built, he had to install deadbolts on each door in the house since they had lever handles that were easy for the boxers to open. Russell has tried to anticipate every need, every desire of his best friends in the design and construction of their new sprawling home.

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Royal Image is now on site providing select spa and aesthetic services. Massages are performed by a RMT and receipts are issued for insurance and benefits purposes. Please call Josie at (705) 720-2339 to make an appointment. The Brentwood now has 1 chair to rent if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re tired of giving half your money away and want to be your own boss! $150/wk. Call David at 705-735-2204 for info. The Brentwood Salon 50 Dunlop Street East, Barrie, 2nd Floor (705) 735-2204 thebrentwoodsalon.com

• f e a t u re - h o m e to u r •

Chalet chic meets urban modern with a timeless design at the Blue Mountains By Alaa Yassin Photography by Erica Prinn-MCCarthy

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Bringing the best of metropolitan style to the rich chalet town, this magnificent home was designed and built by Solcorp Developments. With a stunning view through both the front and back end of this Blue Mountains residence, large windows were an absolute necessity, said owner Anne Solomon. As you pull into the driveway, you are immediately swept away by the beautiful urban design of the exterior. The unique, all-glass, two-storey front entrance welcomes you into the residence. The beautiful view of the mountains–is unobstructed from inside the glass entrance. Ample sunlight shines through the front foyer and into the rest of the open-concept main floor. Past the entrance and into the living space, a seating area wraps around the elegant two-storey wood-burning fireplace with limestone tile surround. “We decided to go with this look because we wanted to decorate with elegant simplicity using clean straight lines,” said Solomon. »

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 35

• f e a t u re - h o m e to u r •

The rich walnut hardwood flooring brings a trendy yet timeless style complemented by walnut cabinets with a similar stain.

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Separating the kitchen from the living space is a large harvest dining table that seats 10 comfortably. On the opposite end of the great room is the open kitchen. With two separate white quartz stone waterfall islands, two sinks as well as the oversized side-by-side fridge and freezer, this high-end kitchen was designed with kosher cooking in mind. Separating the kitchen from the living space is a large harvest dining table that seats 10 comfortably. The rich walnut hardwood flooring brings a trendy yet timeless style complemented by walnut cabinets of a similar stain. Tasteful neutral hues are used all around. A palette of taupe and grey is brought in through the chalet chic and modern furniture arranged by Habitat Interiors in Thornbury. Benjamin Moore’s Revere Pewter was the main colour of paint used throughout the house. “The bright light shining through the windows in the great room give it a lighter tone on the main floor in comparison to the darker basement,” said Solomon. Grand oversized windows expose the serene view of the ravine, which is all part of the private backyard. The seven-foot patio is great for entertaining a large group in addition to the open concept main floor. Located conveniently on the main floor but secluded from the rest of the house is the master retreat. “It’s one of two master bedrooms in this home,” said Solomon. Across from the bed, a gas fireplace with a textured porcelain surround adds sophistication to the space. However, the ensuite is where true luxury awaits. The modern style freestanding Victoria and Albert soaking tub is placed beneath a large window with a soothing view of the mountains. The high-end tub offers clean lines and functionality with a modern twist to the Victorian silhouette. Adding reverse blinds can give homeowners the outmost privacy while enjoying the spectacular view, said Solomon. Double sinks are fixed within a floating vanity, similar in style to the kitchen islands. This allows the flair to flow easily throughout the entire house. The airy look beneath the vanity adds to the spacious feel of the ensuite.

» GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 37

• f e a t u re - h o m e to u r •

Across from the bed, a gas fireplace with a textured porcelain surround adds sophistication into the space.

BOTTOM LEFT: The modern freestanding Victoria and Albert soaking tub is placed beneath a large window with a soothing view of the mountains. The high-end tub offers clean lines and functionality with a modern twist to the Victorian silhouette. BOTOM RIGHT: Double sinks are fixed within a floating vanity.

Adjacent to the tub is a steam shower with double rain showerheads on opposite sides. With a built-in bench this private hideaway serves as the ultimate relaxation spot. Located just outside the ensuite bathroom sits a built-in vanity that makes the perfect makeup nook and a spacious his and her dressing room. Back in the hallway just before the entrance, double pocket doors lead into a spacious room with the same spectacular view of the mountains. “This room could be furnished as an office or an enclosed family room,” said Solomon. Owen Sound Ledgerock complements the floating staircase by the front foyer. Set in a linear horizontal pattern,

38 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - March April 2014 ■

the lines bring a continuation of scenery from the outside to the inside. More limestone is seen throughout the foyer, creating lots of visual interest by combining both smooth and coarse materials. The glass and steel railings supporting the floating staircase add create an architectural interest while maintaining the openness of the grand entrance. Above that an urban modern style chandelier, from Universal Lighting in Toronto, hangs from the twostorey high ceiling. On the other end of the hallway beyond the front entrance is the powder room. The walnut vanity is covered with the same white quartz previously seen in the kitch-

B Finding Closure.

Resolving Conflicts with Compassion and Dignity and Moving On With Life. The loss of any relationship can be traumatic and emotional whether it is couples separating or the death of a family member. However, decisions made at this critical time can have lasting effects from a financial and legal standpoint. While many people head to the court system to settle their disputes, Tom Dart, Kim Kieller and Doug Manning of Barriston Resolution Services have developed an effective suite of Mediation and Arbitration services that can save conflicting parties the stress and expense of long, drawn out court battles. In mediation, conflicted parties make a deliberate decision to enter a dispute resolution process. The parties control the choice of mediator, the timing for the mediation, an agenda to determine the issues that are in dispute and the rules of the mediation. And while a mediator provides direction, they do not make decisions for the conflicted parties. The mediator is a facilitator with special skills and experience to guide the parties in their negotiations in a fair, compassionate, and impartial manner. “We want to get at the specific needs of the situation and try to get people to step into each other’s shoes,” said Kieller. “We aren’t there to tell them what to do. We ask them how they would like to resolve the issues and give them education. Mediation is a more efficient and much more fulfilling process.”

The three principals of Barriston Resolution Services, Tom Dart, Kim Kieller and Doug Manning are the most qualified and accredited professionals in the region and together possess 87 years of combined experience as family law lawyers and over 25 years of experience as mediators and arbitrators sanctioned by the Ontario Association of Family Mediation and the ADR Institute of Ontario.

When conflict erupts, mediation is a civilized approach to getting help.

“The unique solutions often required in these situations can’t be found unless someone has the experience and knows the potential ramifications of different solutions,” said Tom Dart. “An experienced and accredited mediator will make sure it is a fair process and that the solutions are beneficial for everyone now and in the future.” No one ever envisions the end of their marriage by separation or divorce or the bitter battles that erupt at the death of a loved one. Barriston Resolution Services, which also provides commercial resolution services, is an alternative path for solving disputes that can produce a satisfying, negotiated settlement with all parties in agreement and with their dignity intact. For more information, visit www.barristonresolutions.com or call 705-792-9200.

In arbitration, the parties in conflict refer their issues to a qualified arbitrator who will, after hearing evidence and reviewing the law, make an enforceable decision for the parties. Conflicted parties choose arbitration for several reasons. Firstly, the parties can choose an individual who has the experience and is accomplished in the area of law referred to for arbitration, whether it is family or estate law. For example, they can choose the form of arbitration procedure that meets the needs of the case and is convenient to all parties, therefore saving important time and expense; and since the process is not hampered by judicial scheduling or regular court hours, a resolution can be reached faster and more efficiently. “Barriston Resolution Services was developed to get conflict resolution out of the court system. It is more efficient, economical and results in a far better outcome for the conflicting parties,” said Doug Manning.

Principals Doug Manning, Tom Dart and Kim Kieller

www.barristonresolutions.com 705 792 9200 BARRIE

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BRACEBRIDGE

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COOKSTOWN

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HALIBURTON

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HUNTSVILLE

• f e a t u re - h o m e to u r •

TOP: Owen Sound Ledgerock complements the floating staircase by the front foyer. Set in a linear horizontal pattern, the lines bring a continuation of scenery from the outside to the inside.

RIGHT: An open pathway from the staircase overlooks the great room and divides the second floor into two sides.

40 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - March April 2014 ■

en. But the focal point here is the sleek and clean glass tile backsplash that surrounds the vessel sink. Throughout the house straight lines and lots of subtle geometric shapes create visual interest. The interior design mixes an exquisite masculine feel with a tasteful feminine touch. The main floor is designed to be spacious enough for a couple to spend the weekend without needing to use the second floor or the basement, said Solomon. But if more space is needed for the children or guests to spend the weekend, additional bedrooms are available on two more levels. An open pathway from the staircase overlooks the great room and divides the second floor in two. To the right is three more bedrooms. One of them is another master suite. “With its own ensuite bathroom this room is perfect for the in-laws,” said Solomon. Each bathroom in this bountiful residence was designed to create a sanctuary feel. With heated floors, glass and porcelain tile finishes complemented with modern Riobel faucets, each bathroom blends the same clean sleek style found throughout the home. On the other end of the pathway is a grand sunken media room. Placed at the front end of the house, this room shows off the stunning mountains view. Equipped with an attractive gas fireplace surrounded by dark slate stone and a wet bar nearby, it’s the perfect space for hosting movie nights. The laundry room is conveniently located on the second floor. However, if homeowners choose to have the laundry on the main floor, the rough in by the mudroom will make it possible, said Solomon. But that’s not it for square footage. There’s still plenty of space in the basement. A large open entertainment recreation space is completely brightened up by the oversized windows all around. Down here, there are three other rooms; all waiting to be assigned as bedrooms, fitness room or even a play area for children. In addition to the generous space, there are still plenty of storage closets in the basement. Every possible design detail was considered when constructing this luxurious getaway abode nearby the private Craigleith and Alpine ski clubs. The unique design is a signature style for Solcorp Developments. “Our homes are always designed to fit a variety of different lifestyles,” said Solomon.

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with diverse backgrounds – but sharing a mutual passion for their line of work, have teamed up to launch a new business overlooking Kempenfelt Bay. Colleen Brazill and Laura Bartlett have teamed up to open Behold Design at 4 Checkly St., near Bradford Street and just off of Simcoe Street. Brazill grew up on a dairy farm in northern Ontario, Bartlett in the centre of Metropolitan Toronto. Both women obtained diplomas from interior design schools and have spent years learning and perfecting their craft in a variety of settings, in Canada and overseas. Brazill describes herself as a “a perfectionist, a list maker and an organizer with a keen sense of colour coordination.” Bartlett says she is “drawn to a contemporary sleek design style and the look of clean surfaces, without clutter and simplicity are my preference. I met Colleen four years ago and she and I have a certain ‘fit’ that’s hard to explain. Our styles are different and our tastes are varied. We disagree and we debate. We are both only children and we see each other as the sister we didn’t have. We genuinely care and support each other – it’s a sisterly love.”

“I feel fortunate to have found a business partner who shares my interest in kitchen, bath and cabinetry design,” Brazill says. “During our past four years together, Laura has introduced and mentored me in other areas of design: fabric wall coverings and soft furnishings. Together, we envision a friendly, inspiring showroom atmosphere for our clients.” Locating Behold Design in Barrie benefited both women. For Bartlett, it’s an easy weekend commute back to Haliburton where she owns a restaurant and a cottage. “This showroom is just what we wanted,” Bartlett says. “It’s a downtown location near the waterfront.” “Barrie is just a great place to raise children,” Brazill says. “It’s a city that offers a lot of activities and amenities. My husband, Michael, said, ‘We’re never moving again!’ We live near downtown. It’s great to live within five minutes of work.” The partners examined the housing trends emerging locally, too. “The Barrie market is evolving from just young families to more empty nesters,” Bartlett says. “The condo market is growing. More people are asking themselves why spend ‘x’ number of dollars on a 1,200 square-foot condo in Toronto when for the same price, you can get a 2,000 square-foot condo in Barrie? After living in Europe for six years, I learned you can get a lot in a small space.” “Part of our job is to keep up on the latest products and recommend them to our tradespeople and clients,” Brazill says. “We like sourcing items and letting people know what’s out there,” Bartlett adds. “What sets us apart is we can offer full service to our clients. We learn their likes and dislikes and we work directly with our tradespeople and suppliers. We’re here to consult and give advice.”

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in the kitchen • W arwick h u ghes

44 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - March April 2014 ■

•

IN THE KITCHEN • WARWICK HuGHES

by their first names. most of her customers laurie Warwick greets to customer ir suggestions. “Thanks And she listens to the a prepared food d from a baker y café to feedback, we’ve evolve ,” explains the light lunches and treats market that also ser ves ghes Food market. hu d owner of Warwick an f che old ar-ye 43 cheery with the downtown life reporter sat down on a cold day, this good ar-old business. chat about her seven-ye to ur ne pre tre en rrie Ba colate and a ’s Dairy steamed hot cho ler mil of cup s ou lici de Over a hing from the recent ne, we discussed everyt pear and cranberr y sco ’s Sweet Treats & siness (formally laurie name change of her bu fresh and frozen and the shop’s line of exp to ns pla r he to fé) ca prepared foods.

in the kitchen with laurie Warwick

By kAthERinE ElPhiCk | PhoTogrAPhy By ElliE kiStEMAkER GL: You recently changed your name from Laurie’s Sweets Treats & Café to Warwick Hughes Food Market. Why? LW: We rebranded the business, so we decided to flip the name. We switched to my last name (Warwick) and added Hughes because that’s my husband’s and my two sons’ last name. We added food market because that’s what the business had evolved into. The evolution was driven by our customers who kept wanting more prepared food. They would say, ‘Laurie why don’t you sell frozen prepared soups and dinners? Why don’t you make bread? Why don’t you carry eggs, milk and bacon?’ We listened to our customers and just rolled into what they wanted. We bought a big freezer and a big fridge and just started filling them. To sum it up, we moved from treats and light lunches to treats, light lunches, prepared food and grocery staples.

GL: Did the evolution from bakery café to food market surprise you? LW: Absolutely! It’s funny because prepared food wasn’t anywhere near the original business plan [laughs]. Today, prepared food is our biggest focus and represents up to 80 per cent of our sales. It started with our frozen soups and then it snowballed from there with customers asking for more. GL: Why are your prepared foods so popular? LW: Many people just don’t have the time, skill or ambition to prepare homemade, healthy food. We create foods that people don’t have the time to make themselves, but still want to eat. »

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 45

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in the kitchen • W arwick h u ghes

GL: What’s on offer these days? LW: We serve bakery items, fresh breads on Thursdays and Fridays (or to order) and offer a daily light lunch in our 24-seat dining room. Our frozen prepared foods (soups, lasagna, various pastas, chili, curries, shepherd’s pie, chicken pie, quiche, chicken tagine, meatloaf, macaroni and cheese, etc.) line the freezer and we also have staples like fresh milk from Miller’s

GL: What are your signature items? LW: Chicken pot pie is one of our biggest sellers. Our PMS bars (made of chocolate and caramel) are quite legendary and we offer a glutenfree version as well. We are also famous for brownies, s’more bars and butter tarts. Scones are super popular; you can’t come in and not have a scone. We make both sweet and savoury scones. We bake our sweet scones with seasonal

GL: What led you to open a food market in Barrie? LW: Basically, I’ve always just loved food. I grew up in Markham/Unionville and did plenty of cooking as a child. Later, I attended George Brown College for culinary arts. When the opportunity came along for me to have my own place, I decided to go for it. The kids were old enough and my husband convinced me to take

Chicken pot pie is one of our biggest sellers. Our PMS bars (made of chocolate and caramel) are quite legendary and we offer a gluten-free version as well. Dairy, organic free-range eggs, bacon, whole frozen chickens, sausages and local frozen meats (from Edencrest Farms – edencrestfarms.com and Twelve Farms – staynermeatpackers.com) and so on. Pantry items include local honey and maple syrup. GL: Tell me about the dining room menu. LW: We offer light healthy lunches with homemade soups, salads, panini grilled sandwiches, pizzas and a daily quiche. Sometimes we do stuffed and loaded buns and quesadillas. We always post our daily specials on Facebook and Twitter. Folks also come in for a cup of fresh coffee and a scone, or a treat from our dessert case. We also do a lovely Miller’s Dairy steamed hot chocolate. Everything we serve is made inhouse from scratch.

46 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - March April 2014 ■

items from the local harvest from strawberries in the summer to pumpkin spice in the fall. Our savoury scones range from veggie to ham and cheese or pulled pork. Lastly, our organic red fife and honey bread is just taking off. GL: Your century home location offers a very comfortable and cozy atmosphere. There is definitely a homey feeling to this place. LW: We love this historical building. People really feel at home here, and I like that. We make a point of knowing everyone’s name, and what they like to eat. It has a real neighbourly, small town feeling with a nice ambiance. Most of our customers are repeat customers. Once people discover us, they come back again and again.

the plunge. So I did. I have a type A personality so being my own boss is important to me [laughs]. GL: You’re open for breakfast and lunch? LW: We’re open daily (excluding Sunday) from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. It’s early enough for people to come in and grab a coffee and a scone on their way to work, and late enough for people to grab an early supper, or a cheater from the freezer for dinner. Our dining room is open all day for lunch, or for a coffee and a sweet treat. GL: What would you order for me? LW: For breakfast, I would suggest a cup of French roasted coffee and a sweet scone. For lunch, if you gave me free reign, I would make you a funky veggie panini with our sweet potato hummus and aged balsamic caramelized onions.

GL: What’s your food philosophy? LW: Food should be simple, tasty and easy. It shouldn’t be complicated. Use good ingredients and let them shine and be the stars of the show. GL: Do you cater? LW: We can cater for breakfast and lunch. We can host bridal showers, baby showers, business meetings, birthday parties and so on. GL: Do you cater to patrons with special dietary needs? LW: We’ve got quite a few gluten-free items on the menu. We are constantly evolving and now we are offering vegan dishes. We have a lot of vegetarian items on the menu. We will actually modify and adapt a recipe for people who are looking for special orders. For example, we make spelt crackers upon request.

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GL: Other than Warwick Hughes, what’s your favourite foodie destination? LW: I just love to go and bum around McEwen Grocery (mcewan.mcewangroup.ca )in Toronto. Wondering around McEwen’s is my dream day off! As for a Barrie restaurant, I love to eat at Tara Indian Cuisine (taracuisine.com) in downtown Barrie.

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GL: What’s your favourite meal to cook at home? LW: I love to experiment with breakfast. Stuffed French toast is really big with my family these days. My younger son likes Nutella and banana, and my husband and older son like provolone and prosciutto. I find so many possibilities with breakfast. I just love it GL: Do you have any specials? LW: We are always creating and thinking of new possibilities, so follow us on Facebook and Twitter. On Thursdays and Fridays, we offer a soup and bread combo for $13, which includes a 32 oz container of takeout soup and a loaf of peasant bread. GL: What does the future hold? LW: Our focus right now is prepared food. We have a lot of frozen food, but we want to move into fresh prepared food. In the future, we want to have dishes that you can buy, take home and consume immediately. Our second goal is to turn our cooler into a ‘farmacy.’ We »

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•

in the kitchen • W arwick h u ghes want to create recipes whereby every ingredient has a function or a purpose. For example, we will add fresh rosemary to our dishes because rosemary is a natural inflammatory. GL: You’ve got the ear of thousands of local diners. Anything else you’d like to add? LW: I want people to keep checking back in with us because we are always evolving. We are always trying to stay ahead of the trends, if not a bit beyond . WARWICK HUGHES FOOD MARKET 34 Ross Street, Barrie 705-725-0600 Twitter @WHFoodMarket Facebook: Warwick Hughes Food Market

RED LENTIL SOUP This tasty recipe is courtesy of chef Laurie Warwick of Warwick Hughes Food Market in downtown Barrie. 2 Tbsps olive oil 4 medium onions, peeled and chopped 4 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped 4 tsps ground cumin 1 tsp ground cinnamon 4-1/4 cups red lentils 1 - 28oz can diced tomatoes 1 - 28oz can crushed tomatoes 4 Litres vegetable stock (or chicken stock) 1- 12oz can coconut milk 1/4 cup honey 2 limes, zest and juice 1 tsp each salt and pepper, or to taste. PREPARATION: 1. Heat olive oil in a large 8 quart pot. Add onions and sauté until softened and lightly browned; add garlic, cumin and cinnamon and cook over low heat for 5 minutes. Add lentils, tomatoes and stock. Stir and simmer on low heat (with the cover on) until lentils are cooked (about 45 minutes). 2. Remove from heat and purée until smooth with an immersion blender (my favourite kitchen tool!). Stir in coconut milk, honey, lime zest and juice. Season with salt and pepper. 48 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - March April 2014 ■

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GlUteN-FRee MaNia local food producers, shops and restaurants are catering to this growing market By KATherine elPhicK | PhoTogrAPhy By ElliE kiStEMAkER

The gluten-free market is booming. And many local bakeries, restaurants, food shops and producers have taken note. “Whether out of necessity or a desire to be in step with the latest food craze, more people are buying gluten-free products,” says Jen Mayrl of Cakes By Design in Barrie. Mayrl has seen the demand for gluten-free bakery items skyrocket since opening the bakery 10 years ago. To cater to this burgeoning market, the local bakery serves up tasty gluten-free cakes, cupcakes and cookies. “It used to be unheard of to find gluten-free products in small town bakeries, but now it’s commonplace,” she explains. Gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye, is blamed for many digestive problems. A small percentage of consumers eat gluten-free out of necessity, among them people with celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten, and people who have non-celiac glutensensitivity. Just how big is the market? “Research suggests that Canada’s gluten-free market reached $458.9 million in 2012, according to a recent report from Packaged Facts,” says communications specialist Tricia Ryan, who founded the Gluten-Free Agency in Toronto in 2012 to assist companies in marketing their products to those who adhere to a gluten-free diet for medical reasons and those who have chosen to remove gluten from their diet. “Reports also show a 10-per-cent growth of gluten-free sales until 2018.” »

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 51

• G o u r m et @ Ho m e • GLUTEN-FREE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES Jen Mayrl and Michelle Doo of Cakes By Design in Barrie tested more than 100 glutenfree chocolate chip cookie recipes before settling on this fantastic version. All Club House vanilla (both artificial and pure) is gluten-free. *While the local bake shop prefers to use Nature’s Own Bakery’s gluten-free all purpose mix, any gluten-free all purpose mix can be substituted, says Mayrl.

3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened 1-1/4 cups packed brown sugar 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1 large egg 1 tsp pure vanilla extract 2-1/4 cups Nature’s Own Bakery gluten-free all-purpose baking mix* 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp salt 1-1/2 cups semisweet or milk chocolate chips PREPARATION: 1. In a medium bowl, cream butter and sugars together with mixer on low. Gradually add egg and vanilla. 2. In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose mix, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Using wooden spoon, stir dry ingredients into butter mixture until blended. Stir in chocolate chips. 3. Using a teaspoon, drop cookies 2 inches apart on baking sheets prepared with nonstick cooking spray, or lined with parchment paper. 4. Bake, in batches, on middle rack of 375F oven 6 to 8 minutes or until edges are light brown. (Do not overbake.) Cool on baking sheet 2 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely. 5. Store cookies in airtight container at room temperature for 5 days, or freeze between wax paper up to 2 weeks. Makes about 40.

52 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - March April 2014 ■

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The enormous appetite for gluten-free products is creating a new world of high-quality, ISSUE tasty and accessible choices. It’s even gone mainstream, with companies like Robin Hood and Betty Crocker selling gluten-free baking products. Before the market boom, gluten-free goods were hard to find, expensive and often considered tasteless or sawdust-like. Julian Daniel of Local Foods Mart in downtown Barrie agrees that consumers are gravitating to gluten-free. “Demand is growing, not only for those who have gluten intolerance but there’s a big move by many people to reduce the amount of wheat in their diet,” explains the local business owner. “Reducing gluten often leads to better eating habits because it forces people to make healthier choices.” In other words, instead of munching on a cookie, people might opt for an apple. To feed this growing trend, Local Foods Mart stocks countless preservative-free, gluten-free items such as flour and basic ingredients to create your own gluten-free flour mix. Shelves are also lined with a number of certified gluten-free alternatives, including seeds like chia and quinoa, and a line of pastas (not certified glutenfree, but for those avoiding rather than those on a medical gluten-free diet). Gluten-free artisanal breads are also on offer. “We sell gluten-free loaves that look and taste delicious, along with baguettes, bagels, wraps, pizza crusts, focaccia and bread crumbs too,” says Daniel. Local Foods Mart also stocks gluten-free savoury pies, lasagnas, various other heat-n-serve meals, fresh pastas and various desserts. Inhouse chef Vince Galati takes customers’ needs into account when preparing menu items uses gluten-free ingredients whenever possible. Dining out choices are also increasing. » GoodLife BARRIE/MIDLAND Edition

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Strong consumer demand for gluten-free options is reflected in the retail environment. “There are projections suggesting five to 10 per cent of wheat-based grocery categories (breads, cereals, crackers, cookies, snack foods, etc.) will become glutenfree alternatives in the next three to five years,” explains Ryan.

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• G o u r m et @ Ho m e •

local news • local events • local sports • local contests • local business

your local newspapers online

GLUTEN-FREE SWEET CORN BREAD MUFFINS This delicious recipe is courtesy of Daniel Clements, chef technologist with Georgian College’s School of Hospitality, Tourism and Recreation, and vice-president of the Muskoka and District Chefs’ Association. “This recipe uses a combination of rice flour, tapioca flour and xanthan gum to replace wheat flour.” 1/2 cup cornmeal

PREPARATION:

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease either muffin pan or small loaf pan, and dust with rice flour.

6 Tbsps rice flour 1-1/2 Tbsps tapioca flour 1 Tbsp cornstarch 1/4 tsp xanthan gum 2 tsps baking powder

1/2 tsp vanilla

3. Fill muffin tins 3/4 full and bake muffins for about 18 to 23 minutes, or until the tops spring back when lightly pressed. If using a mini loaf pan, bake for about 25 to 30 minutes.

1 large egg, beaten

4. Serves 6 to 8.

1/2 tsp salt 1/2 cup soy milk 4 Tbsps butter, melted

keeping you in the know in

2. In a medium bowl, combine dry ingredients. Slowly mix in milk, melted butter, vanilla, and already beaten egg.

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• An estimated 2.3 million Canadians require gluten-free products for medical reasons (300,000 suffer from celiac disease, while approximately 2,000,000 suffer from some level of gluten sensitivity). • Celiac disease is on the rise. It’s four times more common today than it was in the 1950s, and expected to double every 15 years. • 71 per cent of consumers buy at least some gluten-free food/beverage products and 51 per cent will continue to purchase.

• Gluten-free consumer inquiries are the second most requested ingredient question for retailers and food service establishments (peanuts top the list). • Family members and those seeking a glutenfree diet for its perceived health benefits add approximately 9,000,000 to the goal number of Canadians looking to buy gluten-free products.

Courtesy of

www.thegluten-freeagency.com 54 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - March April 2014 ■

Catch 22 Fresh Market Grill in Wasaga Beach is working hard to cater to this market. Along with various gluten-free friendly items, its menu also highlights dishes that can be converted into gluten-free friendly options. “Our diners are constantly asking about glutenfree friendly meals so we try to offer plenty of innovative and delicious dishes,” says chef/ owner Bob Bickmore, who also stocks glutenfree breads and pastas. Even Catch 22’s daily gourmet (gluten-free) hamburger can be ordered on a gluten-free friendly bun. Alba Lisa Gourmet Foods in Alliston, which specializes in all natural Mexican food, offers a line of gluten-free menu items along with artisanal soups, condiments, tortillas and tortilla chips. “When developing new products, we are very sensitive to the growing gluten-free market,” says owner Alba Lisa de Quinn. To cater to this snowballing market, chef technologist Daniel Clements of Georgian College’s School of Hospitality, Tourism and Recreation says cooking professionals and home cooks need to understand a bit of food chemistry when preparing gluten-free food. “The cook needs to comprehend what gluten is and what it does in the recipe to be able to make substitutions that will still give you a palatable product,” explains Clements, who is also the vice-president of the Muskoka and District Chefs’ Association. “Sometimes a gluten-free accommodation is as easy as omitting flour from a recipe or cooking technique. Other times, it requires a combination of other ingredients to achieve the desired results.” Gluten-free cooking can be tricky because gluten can be hidden in various processed foods and ingredients. “For example, many people don’t know that soy sauce contains wheat gluten,” explains the chef. In short, it helps to know where gluten may or may not have been used. On a final note, while people with celiac disease must follow a strict diet, Clements believes going gluten-free isn’t the answer for everyone. Products can be more expensive and some processed gluten-free foods are made with substitute starches that provide little nutritional value. “There can definitely be nutritional concerns,” says Clements. “If not balanced properly, a gluten-free diet can lack vitamins, minerals and fibre.” With all this gluten-free talk, here are three delicious gluten-free recipes to enjoy. » GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 55

• G o u r m et @ Ho m e • FETTUCCINE POMODORA & MOZZARELLA STUFFED WILD BOAR MEATBALLS

PREPARATION:

This delicious recipe is courtesy of chef Vince Galati of Local Foods Mart in Barrie. The recipe serves one, but ingredients can be increased to serve more people. All ingredients can be purchased at Local Foods Mart.

2. Preheat oven to 400F.

120 grams ground wild boar 30-50 grams mozzarella cheese (grated or cubed) for meatballs 30-50 grams butter 1/2 large red onion, diced 1 large tomato, diced into small pieces 1 clove garlic, minced and finely diced 1/2 cup white wine 112 grams gluten-free pasta (fettuccine or spaghetti) 3 small coloured carrots, cut into ribbon strips (use a mandolin or vegetable grater) 30 grams arugula 2 leaves basil Ground black pepper, to taste Sea salt, to taste Parmesan cheese for garnish

ALL BUT GLUTEN™ PANZANELLA SALAD

PREPARATION:

This rustic, Italian salad made with day old, All But Gluten™ Focaccia bread, fresh tomatoes and basil is courtesy of Tricia Ryan of the Gluten-Free Agency. 4 cups All But Gluten™ Rosemary Focaccia, slice or break into 1/2 inch cubes 1/4 cup red wine vinegar 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 3/4 tsp Kosher salt pinch cracked black pepper 1 small red onion, thinly sliced 2 cups red cherry tomatoes, halved 2 cups yellow cherry tomatoes, halved 1/2 cup whole pitted black olives 1/4 cup capers (optional) 1 bunch fresh basil, torn into small pieces

56 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - March April 2014 ■

1. Preheat oven to 325F. Place the All But Gluten™ Focaccia cubes on a baking sheet and toast for 5 minutes. 2. Whisk together the red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, Kosher salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Add in the toasted focaccia cubes and toss with your hands. Squeeze and tear the focaccia until the cubes are broken into smaller pieces. 3. Add the red onion, tomatoes, black olives and capers to the focaccia mixture; let stand for 30 minutes at room temperature. 4. Toss the basil leaves with the focaccia salad just before serving.

1. Fill appropriately sized pot with water and bring to a boil, add sea salt.

3. Stuff boar meat with mozzarella cheese – with clean hands, form meat around cheese cubes and form into meatballs. Season meatballs with salt and pepper, set aside. 4. Place skillet on high heat; add 2 teaspoons of butter and brown. Sear meatballs in brown butter on all sides, then put meatballs on a baking sheet, finish in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes. 5. While meatballs are in the oven, finish your sauce. In the same pan you seared the meatballs in, brown one tablespoon of butter. Add diced onion and tomato; sauté for one minute. Then add garlic, sauté for one minute, but be careful not to burn it. Add wine, cook for one minute. Shut off heat. 6. Boil pasta in salted water, as per package instructions. While pasta boils, arrange meatballs on your plate. 7. Drain pasta and add to sauce, add raw carrot ribbons, arugula, basil and stir together with tongs, serve and enjoy. Top with Parmesan cheese or any cheese of your choice.

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GREAT HAIR IS JUST THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG Hairdressing is an occupation that dates back thousands of years. Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics depict queens, pharos and general members of society having their hair styled. In the early 1600s, hair styling was considered an esteemed profession. Wealthy men and women wore elaborate, heavily adorned hairstyles that towered several feet above their heads. In France during the 1600s, the ﬁrst hairstyling school was opened to the public and by the 20th century, beauty salons became extremely popular worldwide with the advancement of electricity and thermal styling tools. Now, in the 21st century, hairdressing is expected to grow faster than all other occupations at a staggering 20 per cent.

According to Wikipedia, a professional is “someone who has completed formal education and training in one or more professions.”

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Regardless of the history, hairstyling today is still not viewed by the general population as a skilled trade or true profession. The lack of respect for beauty professionals is cited as the main reason why stylists today are unmotivated, employee turnover rates are high and qualified new graduates are so hard to find. Suzanne Martin, founder and creative genius of Three Small Rooms Hair Salon, has been stylist for more than 45 years and is considered a titan in the industry. Martin is a highly accredited Master Hairstylist who opened Three Small Rooms 25 years ago. It has been Martin’s lifelong dream to change this misconception and elevate professionalism in the hair industry. In November of 2011, Martin’s daughter, Miranda Fox, became a partner in the business. This dynamic duo decided it was time to put those dreams into reality and the thing to do would be to find a way to be radical. Their mantra is “In order to be relevant we have to be radical!” Over the next year, Three Small Rooms Hair Salon initiated some pretty “radical” changes. Martin had the foresight to see that changing the business model from commission to teambased pay would immediately change the culture in the salon, not just for staff but clients. Stylists are paid hourly so they can give their undivided attention to their client’s hair needs, without the added pressure of squeezing in another cut, which can overwhelm a stylist and forces limited attention to detail and care.

With all these added services, clients were feeling pressure to tip each and every person who served them. Martin had been thinking about removing the burden of tipping from clients for years. She felt that if hairstyling was going to be returned to an esteemed profession, we would need to start acting like professionals. Tipping is generally reserved for employment positions that do not require formal training. Ontario’s hair stylists must complete high school, attend college and complete a two-year apprenticeship. Martin believed continuing to accept tips would only further the idea that hairstyling is a “Plan B” career. With the addition of HST adding more taxes to hair services, there seemed no better time to put an end to tipping. Martin and Fox made the decision to eliminate tips and offered staff an increase in their hourly wage to soften the transition. It was not a surprise to the staff as it has been a hot topic for several years. It took some time for staff to adjust to these changes but 90 per cent stayed with the salon. Nearly two years later, clients are thankful that the pressure of tipping is gone and the salon is prospering. Staff feel respected as true professionals and morale is high. It hasn’t been easy, but doing what’s right isn’t always easy. Martin and Fox stand behind each and every radical decision and love the idea that, one day, hairstyling will again be a career that is revered. Three Small Rooms, 110 Anne Street South, Barrie ��

Martin created a skill certification program that ensured each stylist was training and growing during their career at the salon. She trains the staff bi-weekly on the latest hair trends and even back to the fundamentals. Clients can be sure that if a stylist is performing a service, she has been thoroughly trained and skill certified ahead of time. The salon implemented up-front written quotations before any service to alleviate pricing confusion. Clients can rest easy during the service, knowing exactly what the final amount is going to be. This was paramount. Clients love knowing the exact amount of their bill before the service begins and It takes away the worry of budget constraints. They added heated neck wraps, makeup touch-ups in the styling chair and hand massages, complete with ring cleaning. Clients used to arrive to the salon during their lunch break or right after work starving, so the salon opened up an on-site cafe. Warm, grilled paninis, soup, quiche and gourmet muffins are brought in daily from Holly’s Sweets and Eats. You can also enjoy a cold premium beer or glass of wine during your visit, as the cafe is fully licensed. Three Small Rooms was the first salon in Canada to get a liquor license.

THREE SMALL ROOMS EXCLUSIVELY CARRIES THE FULL LINE OF BUMBLE AND BUMBLE PRODUCTS.

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Since its creation in 1994, Prycon Custom Building & Renovations of Barrie has led the way in construction of residential and $ commercial buildings and renovations. From ngles from the 500’s SALES OFFICE luxurious lakefront living to redefining the top ft. tier of commercial space, Prycon founders 00’s SALES OFFICE Stephen and Matt Pryce have continually raised -9666 the bar as they build and renovate some of the best homes and businesses in our region. Mon - Thurs: 1pm - 8pm Sun & Hol: 11am - 6pm “Our Sat,business has been built on reputation Friday by appointment and referrals,” Matt explained. Whether it’s a first or fourth home, just starting out, expanding or retiring, numerous homeowners have worked with Prycon to d achieve their ideal vision. “One of the really unique things is the creativity that comes out of Prycon,” office manager Judy Sadler said. “Often clients will come in with an idea at the conceptual stage FT and Matt works wonders in drawing out of people exactly what their vision is and then delivering on that vision.” Projects vary in size and scope – building a nt custom 10,000-square-foot farmhouse, creating a waterfront castle or totally updating a 1970s bungalow. There is no limit to what Prycon will tackle. The Prycon team of skilled, fulltime staff and a range of well-respected contractors works King St. S. King St. N.

Bradford St.

Sideroad 5

Sales Office

400

407

400

407

401

Mon - Thurs: 1pm - 8pm Sat, Sun & Hol: 11am - 6pm by appointment

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Queen St.

King St. S. King St. N.

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401

through concept development and approval to building completion. A project manager is provided to oversee the process and a design specialist tailors the job to a client’s particular tastes, whether it’s rustic, traditional or contemporary. The Pryce brothers also care about building community and show it through their support of groups such as the Barrie Women’s Shelter, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Barrie & District and Gilda’s Club Simcoe Muskoka. Since inception, Matt has been a co-chairperson of the annual Base Borden Run to benefit the Operation Hero scholarship program at Georgian College, to help students from Canadian military families. To date, more than $80,000 has been raised for this fund. Matt is also a co-founder and sits on the committee of the annual Simcoe County Home Builders’ Association Ice Fishing Tournament, which celebrated its eighth anniversary Feb. 15. Since inception, it has raised well over $200,000 and donated this money to many charitable organizations in the community. “We’re very proud and residing members in the Simcoe County area,” Stephen said. “We do give a lot back to the community. We believe strongly in that.” Prycon has also been widely recognized over

the years by the community and province with numerous awards, including, in 2013: the Ontario Home Builders’ Association Award of Distinction for Most Outstanding Home Renovation (in Ontario, over $500,000). First prize in the Simcoe County Home Builders’ Association, Awards of Creative Excellence (ACE) prestigious Judges Choice Award for best home addition and best custom home under 2,500 square feet. Prycon’s goal is to create living and working environments that are “simply better living” – which has become their slogan. “What we’re most proud of is our reputation of high-end quality and service that Prycon has been able to provide to all its customers whether it be on the residential or the commercial end,” Matt said. To find out more about Prycon, please visit their website at www.prycon.com or call Matt Pryce directly at 705-739-0023.

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 61

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62 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - March April 2014 ■

• f E aT u R E •

the BeSt BeaNS

Savour a sip of locally roasted coffee By kAthERinE ElPhiCk | PhoTogrAPhy By ElliE kiStEMAkER

DEsPITE ThE K-CuP CRaZE, PlEnTy Of fOlKs sTIll EnJOy a CuP Of fREshly ROasTED COffEE. luCKIly, ThE lOCal aREa Is hOmE TO vaRIOus On-sITE ROasTInG COffEE COmPanIEs. fROm BEan TO CuP, hERE’s a samPlInG Of OuR REGIOn’s BEsT Java ROasTERs. »

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 63

• f E aT u R E •

ASHANTI COFFEE CAFÉS AND ROASTERIES Thornbury: 39 Bruce Street South 226-665-2525 collingwood: 510 First Street 705-293-3013 www.ashanticoffee.com Coffee lovers would be wise to check out Ashanti Coffee with cafés in both Thornbury and Collingwood. Not only does Ashanti roast and distribute its own java, it actually grows it. “This makes us unique in that we are the only truly grower-direct coffee in Canada,” says David Wilding-Davies, who runs the business with his wife Amy. “From our 100-acre farm in Zimbabwe to our roastery in Canada, we offer a genuine ‘farm to cup’ coffee.” From farming to hand-roasting and distributing their own coffee beans, the couple has complete control from start to finished product. “The result is a brilliant cup of coffee,” explains Wilding-Davies. Along with specialty coffee and tea, guests at Ashanti Cafes can enjoy locally baked treats, hot chocolate, wireless Internet, daily coffee bean roasting on-site, along with light and

GROUNDED COFFEE COMPANY 292 King Street, midland 705-527-5997 www.groundedcoffee.ca Before Scott Campbell bought a commercial coffee roaster, he found innovative ways to roast coffee. “I’d use popcorn machines, modified gas barbecues … you name it, I’ve tried it,” laughs the owner of Grounded Coffee Company in downtown Midland. “Because all I really ever wanted to do was roast coffee.” In 2010, Campbell got his wish when he bought his beloved 900-pound roaster and opened up the local coffee shop with his wife Nicole Di Pinto. “Nicole is the baking expert and I’m the coffee guy,” explains Campbell, who was busily roasting and grinding coffee during this entire GoodLife interview. Located in a downtown historical building, complete with an antique hammered tin ceiling, Grounded Coffee specializes in sourcing quality green coffee beans, custom roasting and blending. “The beans we source are 99-per-cent 64 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - March April 2014 ■

fair trade organic.” Grounded Coffee customers can enjoy various baking items (including some glutenfree), soups, salads and traditional Italianstyle sandwiches. Visitors can also sample the shop’s fresh fruit and vegetable smoothie bar. Most menu items are sourced from local farms. Shelves are also lined with 30 different types of fair trade tea. But it’s the freshly roasted coffee that brings most customers into the shop. “We have an espresso machine that doesn’t sit still all day long. Our coffee is the real deal.” All specialty coffees are made with milk sourced from nearby Sheldon Creek Dairy. Daily blends on offer include a light roast, a dark roast and a flavoured coffee. “Our dark roast is probably the most popular,” admits the business owner who roasts about 16,000 pounds of coffee per year. In coming months, visitors to this local java joint can enjoy its living wall. “We are going to be growing sprouts, kale and spinach (inside)

healthy lunches. The African-themed cafés feature wicker chairs, overhead fans, pictures of their farm and farm staff, as well as a book that shows how they grow coffee. “We have tubs of our freshly roasted coffee and encourage people to try our different roasts,” explains the local business owner. By producing great tasting coffee “from farm to cup,” Ashanti Coffee’s philosophy focuses on meeting business and community needs. “We believe that providing good employment and a good workplace benefits everyone,” explains the award-winning sustainable coffee grower. “We consistently strive to achieve this in both Africa, where our coffee is grown, and in Canada, where it is roasted, distributed and promoted.” Whether you prefer to grind your own or have it ready to go, Ashanti Coffee offers both fresh, in medium and dark roast, in two convenient sizes (227 or 454 gm). Ashanti Coffee is available online and in various restaurants, grocery stores and gourmet foods shops across Canada. “Our dark roast is our most popular. People love the rich taste without any bitterness or aftertaste.”

for our salads and shakes. How cool is that!” Grounded Coffee Company coffee can be purchased on-site, online and at Local Foods Mart in Barrie.

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 65

• f E aT u R E •

HAMLEY’S TEA AND COFFEE 190 minet’s Point road, Barrie 705-719-1008 www.hamleysteaandcoffee.com For the past nine years, Mark Hamley has been catering to local coffee and tea lovers. “I got interested in the business after spending time working abroad at Harrods in the tea and coffee department in London, England,” explains the owner of Hamley’s Tea and Coffee in Barrie. “I just loved it.” After returning home, he decided that Barrie needed a specialty coffee and tea store with an on-site roaster. And so, he set up shop. Hamley’s sells more than 70 different types of loose-leaf tea and 20 varieties of freshly roasted coffee. “We bring in coffee from all over the world, which we roast and blend in-house,” he explains. “We offer something to suit everyone’s taste.” As for his java philosophy? “We believe in what we source, what we roast and what we 66 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - March April 2014 ■

prepare. And fresh is key.” Coffee rarely sits in the shop for longer than a week after it has been roasted. The local shop uses the highest quality arabica beans and offers light, medium and dark roasts. While customers can always pop in for a cup of take-out tea or freshly roasted coffee, Hamley’s isn’t a full-service café. “We aren’t baristas; we are coffee roasters who focus on selling whole beans or ground coffee.” The shop even creates individual blends for customers. “Roasting coffee is half-art and halfscience. As a roaster, you can put your own mark on the coffee by sourcing different beans and trying new roasting techniques.” After years of roasting, the local business owner says he’s still coffee crazy. “Once you get hooked on good coffee, it’s hard to give it up,” he says with a smile. Hamley’s Tea and Coffee products are also available online.

You!

It’s all about THE CREEMORE COFFEE COMPANY 65 Simcoe Street, collingwood (705) 444-7633 www.creemorecoffee.com An avid birdwatching hobby led a local couple to the coffee business. “It’s kind of a bizarre story,” laughs Dave Nesbitt, who owns and operates the Creemore Coffee Company with his wife Karen. “We heard about bird-friendly coffee and, with our interest in migratory birds, we got drawn in.” Bird-friendly coffee comes from shade-grown organic coffee plantations. These plantations play an important role in the conservation of migratory birds, which find a sanctuary in their forest-like environment. Ninety per cent of Creemore Coffee is either certified bird-friendly or certified as shade grown. “Our specialty is environmentally responsible coffee,” explains the local roaster who’s been in the coffee business for the past 14 years. Java lovers can enjoy a cup of Creemore Coffee at its coffee studio in Collingwood. Along with 20 different blends of hand-roasted coffee (they roast off-site near Singhampton in an old stone church), visitors to the artsy café can enjoy more than 35 different types of loose-leaf organic tea, various baked goods (including gluten-free items), soups, sandwiches and salads. Most of the coffee blends are named after birds or animals. “Typically, they are named after the birds or animals that live in the area where the coffee is grown,” explains Nesbitt. For example, ‘Black Jaguar’ – Creemore Coffee’s specialty blend – comes from Bolivia, which is home to jaguars. Twenty-four different types of fair trade organic hot chocolate are also on offer. “We have anything from toffee or chocolate mint to crazy flavours like bubblegum and cinnamon buns,” says Nesbitt with a smile. English high tea, complete with scones, finger sandwiches and desserts, is served on the first Sunday of every month (reservations are recommended). Creemore Coffee is also available online and in local stores including Nicholyn Farms (Barrie), Wild Birds Unlimited (Barrie), Seasons (Creemore) and the Hundred Mile Store (Creemore).

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Trademarks owned by IGM Financial Inc. and licensed to its subsidiary corporations. GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 67

•

Q&A - BrABAry •

What’s

Brabary

your splurge

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rabary - where our goal is to ensure you select the right lingerie for your comfort and purpose. The selection of a world-class boutique is now available to you north of Toronto. Featuring specialty sizing bras, custom bras, fine lingerie, swimwear, bridal party essentials, sports bras, hosiery, maternity bras and breast prosthesis offered in a broad range of quality brand names. Privacy and individual attention are our two main priorities at Brabary. let us find you the perfect fit.

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HOW DID YOU START YOUR BUSINESS?

I found the experience of shopping in a boutique specializing in plus sizing and selection was amazing! The personal care, attention to detail and expert bra fitting made all the difference in my lingerie and the way my clothes fit.” My dream has been to make a bra boutique accessible right here in Barrie for all sizes.

PRODUCTS YOU CARRY:

To name of few lingerie lines we carry chantelle, lise charmel , empriente, PrimaDonna, simone Perele, Felina, Antinea, Marlies Deckkers, lejaby to name a few. loungewear and sleepwear by christine Vancouver, Mary Green and more.

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I was so surprised and honoured to be nominated and then selected as the 2013 Business Woman of the year.

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PEOPLE TO KNOW . PLACES TO GO . THINGS TO TRY, TASTE OR BUY!

Splurge SIMCOE COUNTY | MUSKOKA | GREY-BRUCE

68 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - March April 2014 ■

Pick up your complimentary copy at select local retailers See page 93 for a list of locations in Barrie to pick up your copy or find the digital edition at www.simcoe.com

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Visit our website for great deals & promotions www.ftpainters.ca GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 69

• f E aT u R E - w I n E •

By GoRD StiMMEll

SPRiNG into a

glass of wine

We are just emerging from a profoundly deep tunnel of winter, and spring is joyfully on our minds. The barbecue will emerge from its 10-foot snowdrift, the planks on our decks will shed their cloak of ice and, best of all, friends and neighbours will emerge from their caves to frolic outdoors.

MY TASK:

Great wines for spring. For every winner I discover, I have tasted and rejected more than 100 wines, so these are special. The quality is very high, the price tag very low. Now that’s a recipe for dancing through the forsythia and lilacs. Just don’t tell everyone about them; we don’t want them to sell out! Enjoy! 70 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - March April 2014 ■

Stunning seafood white: L’Argolle 2012 Sauvignon Blanc / Viognier $11.95 (France) dishes up a bouquet of lilacs and floral pink grapefruit and zingy honeysuckle and anjou pear flavours. And then there’s a clover blossom, nectarine, peach and tangerine finish. lcBo #348904. rating: 90+

Gentle patio sweetie: Gustav Schmitt 2012 Niersteiner Spatlese $10.95 (germany) unveils a spring-like bouquet of jasmine, honeycomb and peach. The flavours are sweet from latehanging grapes, with honeyed apricot, yellow apple and peach. Super elegant, full of delicate floral accents. lcBo #262337. rating: 89+

Sexy Canadian choice: Peninsula Ridge Top Bench 2011 White $13.95 (niagara) is a brilliant yet playful blend of sauvignon blanc, chardonnay and gewurztraminer showing spicy pear and candied lychee aromas with spiced apple and mellow pear flavours. lcBo #226803. rating: 89+

Bring out your steaks and burgers: Rutini Trumpeter 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon $12.95 (Argentina) boasts a cheerful bouquet of big cherry, vanilla and vanilla pod with big flavours featuring cocoa bean, cedar and black cherry with a hint of ripe raspberry. intense fruit. lcBo #218842. rating: 89+/90

Backyard barbecue city: Caliterra Reserva 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon $9.95 (chile) presents plump plum, black cherry and a hint of mocha in the aromas, with flavours of tangy black cherry, vanilla, plums and a hint of cedar. A mellow style with a rich finish. lcBo #257329. rating: 89+

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• f e at u r E •

Foster Lawn & Garden LTD.

HIRE AN Expert

Don’t DIY these six projects By Colleen Winter

Landscape Planning When planning a new landscape design often one of the most important tools of the project going forward is the plan itself. With the project laid out in detail ahead of time, it provides a visual guideline to the owner as well as the contractor as what to expect for the end product. “[During landscape projects] there are always

At the start of any home improvement project there is always the choice of whether to do a project yourself or to hire a professional. Both sides have their benefits but for those unwilling to face the unexpected surprises and consequences of doit-yourself projects, GoodLife sat down with a few professionals to find out what they have to offer.

a lot of unknowns,” said Andrew Beattie, HLT, of Ideal Landscape Services. “If you have a plan and need to alter it, you can always refer to the plan and sketch in the changes. It’s important to have a dynamic plan that can be altered.” Laying out the design beforehand helps to provide an idea of the space that is available and how it will work for the owner and fit with their lifestyle. Designs costs are typically 5 to

15 per cent of the total project and with design decisions made at the outset it can prevent project creep during construction. “Depending on the designer, the design may be a two dimensional drawing, an elevation, or a 3D rendering. The design is a great tool for the client and the designer to have an understanding of the project before the shovels break ground.” » GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 73

• f e at u r e •

True North Contracting

“Many home owners are surprised how affordable it is for us to build versus them doing themselves.”

Foster Lawn & Garden LTD.

WorldWide Turf (Canada)

Unistone Stone work is a home improvement that appears fairly simple but in order for the installation to look professionally finished and have greater longevity it is necessary to have the experience and knowledge of what needs to be done. Design of proper drainage is at the top of the list of considerations along with understanding the condition of the top soil and whether the site has good compaction. “There are a lot of unforeseen things that an owner can’t imagine,” said Ray Foster, of Foster Lawn and Garden. Specific equipment may be required to complete the stone work and owners will end up renting a stone cutter and then a table saw for the finesse work. “People will discount a lot of the costs of a project in the initial stages but will end up having to pay for tree removal and to remove the excavation products,” said Foster. “By the

74 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - March April 2014 ■

time they’re halfway through the project they’re thinking ‘I should have hired someone.’” The Unistone products available have changed dramatically over the last few years and a professional will know what is available and be able to advise on the best choice for a specific project.

Fencing

Fencing is a home improvement project that has the potential to use up precious summer hours and strain relationships between neighbours when projects costs aren’t paid up by one side of the fence. A professional fence installer can have a fence completed within two to three days and that includes the gates and post caps as well as removing all the dirt from the post holes and cleaning up the lot. “You’ll never know we were there,” said Joe Kubas, of True North Contracting in Barrie.

Kubas and his team also manage the payments so that all parties involved in the fence installation pay him directly which avoids any awkward neighbour meetings. Along with convenience, a professional installer has the experience to install posts below the frost line to prevent heaving and to ensure the right hole to concrete ratio so that the concrete isn’t too high where the frost can grab it. The contractor can supply premium lumber at a lower cost than the customer can find and knows to use the proper nails so the fence doesn’t show rust after the first season.

Window Cleaning

Everyone believes they can clean their own windows but having them done professionally can be an eye-opener for many homeowners. “When we’re done the frames are clean, the ledges are clean and we also detail the corners,” said Claus Abel, president of Alpha Entreprises Corp. Detailing the corners means they use a separate rag to remove any runs. Professionals also don’t leave streaks. They use higher quality cleaning products and squeegees that are designed not to streak so when the sun comes out owners see nothing but clear glass. Their products clean up smoke and cooking grease that retail products often can’t remove. Safety is also a big issue. The cleaners at Alpha all have ladder training and can save homeowners from teetering on a ladder to get

Drysdale’s Family

homeowners from teetering on a ladder to get that hard to reach second storey window. An average newer bungalow that is two storeys with no basement ranges $175 to $185 for windows inside and out with the job done in approximately two hours.

EASTER EGG Hunt

Artificial Turf While once restricted to use on backyard patios, over the last three or four years artificial turf has come into its own. “We’re into our fourth generation of artificial turf,” said Steve Halbert of WorldWide Turf (Canada) Inc. “It really has changed.” One of the biggest benefits of using artificial turf on a larger scale in yards and around pools is the reduction in maintenance. Artificial turf requires no pesticides or watering, eliminates weed problems, avoids brown spots in the hot summer months, and removes the need for a lawn mower. Designed with drainage holes, it is well-suited for pets and can avoid the mud traps that backyards can become in the spring. Installations run between $8 and $10 per square foot that includes removal of the old grass or $6 to $8 per square foot for the turf alone. “It’s no different than laying paving stones. If you do the base properly the turf will look good. If it’s a bigger area that requires seaming a professional installation would be required.”

April 18, 6, 197,&820 April at at 10 10 a.m., a.m., 12 12 p.m. p.m. and and 22 p.m. p.m. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to Hunt Email info@drysdales.ca Email info@drysdales.ca Phone to register or pre-register or phone to website register online at our www.drysdales.ca

ANNUAL SPRING CLEARANCE SALE!

The Evergreen Store

SPRING STORE-WIDE

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Spring, Easter, Garden Christmas & Home Decor

NEW MERCHANDISE ARRIVING DAILY!

Gift Bag for all participating children For your entertainment: Zoo Tek - wildly exciting animal shows Magician from PickPocketMagic Face painting, train rides, wagon rides, holiday maze! Refreshments available.

Driveway Sealing

Donations of non-perishable items gratefully accepted for the Barrie & area Food Banks

ANGUS N

County Rd. 10

BARRIE

HWY 90

COUNTY RD. 21 BAXTER

ALLISTON

HWY 89

THORNTON

COOKSTOWN

HWY 400

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SIMCOE RD.56 (CON 7)

Driveway sealing can be a hot, sticky job and there are many reasons to leave this home maintenance task to the professionals. “The driveway gets an even spray when done professionally with the proper material used to ensure longevity,” said Chris Ferreri of Road Readie Paving. Oil-based coatings moisturize the asphalt and help keep its elasticity. Many retail sealants that are available are acrylic that will dry out pavement quicker and make cracks appear sooner. “Pavement needs to maintain its elasticity since we have a deep frost line and the pavement needs to be able to fluctuate with the frost,” said Ferreri. Sealants protect pavement from sunlight and UV rays that can break down pavement over time. Regular seal coating every two to three years can more than double the life of an asphalt driveway. A pavement sealing company can have the job done during the day while the home owner is at work rather than having the driveway blocked off for the weekend.

705-424-9719 6635 Simcoe Road 56, RR#1 Egbert, ON L0L 1N0 info@drysdales.ca • www.drysdales.ca Contact Us For Information On Weddings & Corporate Events

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 75

• PORTfOlIO •

Drawing on life’s inspirations

NORMA JACOBS By lEiGh BlEnkhoRn There is not much space left on Norma Jacobs’ walls. “I like to surround myself with my work,” said the Midhurst artist while walking through her home studio. A little bit of everything – figurative, still life, landscape, abstract, even animals – adorn the walls. “I have lots of interests and like to explore and experiment. I also like to be challenged. I find different subjects inspire me but my favourites would have to be animals and the play of light on flowing water.” Jacobs studied with a few art teachers before applying to the Ontario College of Art as a mature student in 1983. In 1984, she was awarded the Dorothy Stevens Scholarship for drawing. After graduating in 1985, Jacobs 76 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - March April 2014 ■

continued her education with various instructors along with classes at the Whitby Art Gallery and Seneca College. Jacobs also taught pastel painting classes at the Cedar Ridge Studio Gallery in Scarborough. Today, Jacobs is a member of the Barrie Art Club and the Bayside Artists. She shows regularly at the club at The Edge Gallery and has also shown at the Markham Theatre and the Zephyr Gallery in Orillia. “Being a Bayside Artist has been most beneﬁcial. As a group we are able to have shows in many different venues. The artists are very supportive of each other and will offer assistance when needed.” Among Jacobs’ awards is the prestigious best drawing award at an annual OAS juried exhibition at the John B. Aird Gallery, Toronto.

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Although Jacobs is a veteran artist, she said she is always learning. “Even though I love to draw, I also love to paint, especially with oils. I like the texture and also that you can rework it. Besides drawing with graphite and painting with oils, I also have worked with silverpoint, pastel, watercolour and I am now experimenting with acrylics painting abstracts.” She has travelled extensively, ﬁnding this a source of inspiration for some of her work. Her travels include trips to Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Taiwan, Spain, France, New Zealand as well as travels here throughout Canada. Today, she is settled in Midhurst. “It’s now three years since I moved to Midhurst. As a member of the Barrie Art Club, we come quite often to Midhurst for our Plein Air painting. I have also taken many photos of the Midhurst landscape to use in my paintings.” Jacobs said every painting starts with jotting an idea down in her sketch book. “Sometimes I may then make thumbnail sketches to determine shapes, value and colour. When I’m satisﬁed with these, I would then proceed with my painting. I admit I don’t always do this, but then I spend a great deal of my time adjusting my painting.” Ideas can come at any time. “The way the light falls on objects; a beautiful sunset; sunlight and shadows on the snow. There are so many ways to be inspired.” For more information, visit normajacobs.com.

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While you’re spring cleaning, tossing old items (and habits) for all things new and improved, don’t forget to address your beauty kit. Adding these fresh products, timesavers and innovative technologies will give your beauty routine a revamp for gorgeous hair, hot nails and glowing skin, just in time to greet the warmer weather.

Next generation curler: Babyliss Pro MiraCurl

Cleansing brush: Clarisonic Plus This small but mighty gadget will take your skincare regimen to the next level thanks to an oscillating brush head that removes six times more dirt, oil and makeup than regular cleansing. Pore-clogging dead cells are gently brushed away to clear up acne, minimize large pores and transform uneven, dull skin. use it a couple times per week with your favourite cleansing product and your serums and moisturizers will be able to penetrate into skin better to give you a radiant glow. (clarisonic.ca)

if you never did get the hang of curling your hair, you’ll be enthralled by this invention. The automatic curling machine gently draws a 2.5-cm (one-inch) section of hair into the chamber and curls it in less than 12 seconds. you can choose the heat setting, direction of the spiral and the tightness of the curl without the worry of having hair get twisted or tangled in the machine. once you get the hang of using the miracurl you can achieve the curled look in about 15 minutes. (tradesecrets.ca)

No mix home hair colour: L’OrÈal Mousse Absolue DIy hair dye just became a lot less intimidating to first-timers and veterans alike with what might be the easiest and most efficient at home hair colour system ever. Ten years of research and technology has created ultra-sophisticated packaging that keeps the colour and developer separated until they are released and mixed into a thick, no-drip mousse that coats the hair. The result is a rich pigment and high shine that lasts for eight weeks. What’s even better is that you use only what you need and can save the rest of the bottle to touch up your roots. (lorealparis.ca)

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 79

• f e a t u re •

Lash and brow serum: Prevage Clinical Lash + Brow Enhancing Serum Mascara ad-style lashes and Brooke Shields-level brows have been at the top of the beauty trends for the last few seasons. But what’s a girl to do if she needs help in the growth department? This clinically proven serum from Elizabeth Arden is designed to treat brittle, sparse and thinning lash and brow hairs with a blend of vitamins and antioxidants to speed up the growing process. It’s gentle enough for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. Fuller and longer lashes and brows can be seen after two weeks and results will continue with daily u s e . (prevageskin.com)

Long-wearing nail polish: CND Vinylux Weekly Polish Gel manicures are popular for their glossy longevity, but the commitment and tough removal process is not for everyone. This new range of polishes from the makers of Shellac can double or triple the length of your regular manicure without the fuss and added expense. The Weekly Polish is formulated just like regular polish, but the special Weekly Top Coat increases chip-resistance and durability as your nails are exposed to indoor and outdoor light. It even dries super fast (under 10 minutes) and can be removed easily at home with regular polish remover. (cnd.com)

80 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - March April 2014 ■

Pain-free hair minimizer: Inhibitif Body Serum Hailing from the United Kingdon, this minty-smelling serum helps reduce the prominence and density of body hair without any painful or costly procedures. Spray it twice a day on shaved, waxed or even stubbly skin and after eight weeks hair will appear finer and grow back slower, and continuous use will maintain the results. (inhibitif.com)

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GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 83

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Ways to

BY lEiGh BlEnkhoRn

enJoy SPring

around Simcoe county

chorAl FeST 2014 mAr. 23

sTuaRT mClEa mAr. 27 & APr. 3

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Reunite with Vaudeville. Talk is Free Theatre presents The Wakowski Brothers at The mady centre For The Performing Arts through march 29. eight years after splitting their act, Canadian vaudeville legends Jimmy and conrad Wakowski reunite for this one-night tribute performance. Tickets start at $37.41. 705-739-4228 or tift.ca.

Make it feel like the first time. casino rama welcomes Foreigner for this two-night concert series march 21 and 22. Foreigner is known for i Want to Know What love is, Cold as Ice, urgent, waiting for a girl like you, Feels like The First Time and Juke Box hero. Tickets start at $35. casinorama.com.

hear the choir sing. choral Fest 2014 – featuring Bravado, King edward choir, lyrica and the huronia Symphony orchestra – is march 23 at 4 p.m. at W.A. Fisher Auditorium at Barrie central collegiate. The concert features a wide range of music. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors, $10 for students and $5 for kids under age 13. 705-739-4228.

Vamp it up. South Simcoe Theatre presents Dracula march 27 to April 13 in cookstown. lucy Seward, whose father is the doctor in charge of an english sanatorium, has been attacked by a mysterious illness. Dr. van helsing believes the girl is victim of a vampire. The vampire

is found to be a certain count Dracula. 705-458-4432 or southsimcoetheatre.com.

A trip to the Vinyl Café. canadian radio broadcaster Stuart mclean, known for his cBc radio program The vinyl Café speaks at the orillia opera house march 27 and the georgian college Theatre in Barrie April 3. Tickets for the orillia show are $53 for adults and $35.50 for students. Tickets for the Barrie show are $53.50 for adults, $48.50 for pod seating and $33 for students. barrie.ca or orilliaoperahouse.ca.

Something sweet and sticky. celebrate an uniquely canadian tradition in a distinctly canadian landscape march 29 to 30. Sweetwater harvest Festival, at Wye marsh Wildlife centre in midland, is the season’s first maple syrup festival in the region and features an all-day pancake breakfast, live animal shows, vendors, sugar shack demonstrations and more. wyemarsh.com/happening/ events.

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 85

• EvEnTs •

Green with envy. The irish rovers hit casino rama march 29. The band is known for Wasn’t That A Party, The unicorn and whiskey On a Sunday (The Puppet Song). Tickets start at $25. casinorama.com.

Evolve in orillia. mariposa Arts Theatre presents inherit The Wind at the orillia opera house April 3 to 13. Based on the 1925 Scopes monkey Trial in Tennessee, when a high school teacher was charged with teaching evolution contrary to state law, this powerful American classic retains immense relevance in today’s world of Wikileaks and renewed fundamentalism. Tickets are $25 for adults. 705-326-8011 or orilliaoperahouse.ca.

suDDEnly mOmmy, APr. 13 circle Theatre, Allistion

Party like it’s the 1980s. casino rama presents rock of Ages April 4 to 5. This hilarious hit musical comedy is a hilarious, feel-good, rock-n-roll love story told through the mind blowing hits of Journey, night ranger, Styx, reo Speedwagon, Twisted Sister and more. Tickets start at $30. casinorama.com.

take a step back in time. good night and may god Bless: A red Skelton Tribute is on stage at the georgian Theatre April 5 at 7 p.m. This family comedy show features all of red’s characters brought to life by Tom mullica. Tickets are $44.64. 705-739-4228.

Uncover a gem with tiFt. Talk is Free Theatre presents Floyd collins April 10 to 19 at the mady centre. in 1925, while chasing a dream of fame and fortune by turning a Kentucky cave into a tourist attraction, Floyd collins himself became the attraction when he got trapped 200 feet underground. Tickets start at $37.41. 705-739-4228 or tift.ca.

OlIvIa nEwTOn-JOhn mAy. 1 casino rama

86 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - March April 2014 ■

kisses and hugs at Rama. Trisha yearwood rides into casino rama April 12. The country star is known for xxx and OOO’s (an American girl), She’s in love With The Boy, georgian rain and Per-

fect love. Tickets start at $35. casinorama.com.

laugh until it hurts. crazy Pants Theatre presents Suddenly mommy, April 13 at the circle Theatre in Alliston. This hilarious one-woman show takes us through every mom’s experience of good times, bad advice, and trying to do it all. Tickets are $20. crazypantstheatrecompany.com.

Fall in love with opera. Brookside music Association presents la Boheme at the midland cultural centre April 16 at 7:30 p.m. Puccini’s la Bohème takes you to the heart of the artistic ferment that rocked Paris in the early 19th century. Tickets start at $40 for adults and $20 for students. midlandculturalcentre.com.

Get a little bit country. The orillia opera house welcomes gordie Tapp and Friends April 17 at 7 p.m. gordie Tapp performed over 25 years on hee haw, country hoedown and main Street Jamboree. he is joined by nashville recording artist Debbie Bayshaw. Tickets are $28. orilliaoperahouse.ca

Feelin’ sunny. catch Joe nichols at casino rama April 17. Known for Sunny and 75, gimmie That girl, Tequila makes her clothes Fall off and What’s A guy gotta Do, nichols will play all his hits and new favourites. Tickets start at $35. casinorama.com.

Spend a day with a climatologist. The A Day In The life series welcomes David Phillips, senior climatologist at environment canada, to the midland cultural centre April 17 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $10. midlandculturalcentre.com

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• EvEnTs •

Experience Beatlemania. casino rama welcomes Beatles tribute band The Fab Four April 19. The show features note-perfect renditions of classic Beatles songs. Travel back in time with this creative act. Tickets start at $25. casinorama.com.

laugh out loud. Back by popular demand, John Pinette has been entertaining audiences around the world for over 20 years. he returns to casino rama April 24. he has enjoyed a long career in stand-up, Tv, film and stage. Tickets start at $35. casinorama.com.

20 Joe nicholS APr. 17 casino rama

have circles danced around you. The orillia Dance festival takes over the orillia opera house April 24 to 27. See dance students of all ages and skill levels perform. orilliaoperahouse.ca

hear a rumour. note for note, cut for cut, classic Albums live present Fleetwood mac’s legendary 1977 album, rumours, will be presented in its entirety April 26 at the georgian Theatre. The album features go your own Way, Dreams and Don’t stop. 705739-4228.

Get real. Bill maher hits casino rama April 26. maher hosts hBo’s real Time with Bill maher, setting the boundaries of where funny, political talk can go on american Tv and earning 21 emmy nominations for his humour and sociopolitical commentary. Tickets start at $45. casinorama.com.

Spring into art. The Barrie Spring Art Tour takes over a number of studios in the city April 26 and 27. This annual tour showcases the talents of a number of local painters, sculptors, jewelry makers, potters and more. barriespringarttour.ca

Perry mAy. 3

Get physical. Songstress olivia newton-John hits casino rama may 1. Known for her chart-topper Physical, new-

casino rama

88 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - March April 2014 ■

ton-John will also perform hits from grease, including you’re The one That i Wan and hopelessly Devoted To you. casinorama.com.

Spell it out with kCP. The Kempenfelt community Players present The 25th Annual Putnam county Spelling Bee may 2 to 11 at the georgian Theatre. The show is the hilarious tale of overachievers’ angst chronicling the experience of six adolescent outsiders vying for the spelling championship of a lifetime. Tickets are $26.25 for adults. 705-739-4228.

Be serenaded. Crooner Bobby vinton returns to casino rama may 2. Known for his hits Blue velvet, Roses are Red and mr. lonely. Tickets start at $35. casinorama.com.

they’re not done. casino rama welcomes The Band Perry may 3. The band will perform all their hits, including Done, Better Dig Two, Postcards from Paris and If I Die young. Tickets start at $40. casinorama.com.

Catch the stars. Theatre By The Bay presents its annual Stars come out show at the georgian Theatre may 5. The show features songs, music and dance performed by the stars of popular Toronto theatre shows. vIP tickets are $126.13, orchestra seats are $51.13 and pod seats are $26.13. 705-739-4228.

Watch tV come to life. A Tribute to the ed Sullivan Show hits the georgian Theatre may 14 at 8 p.m. This tribute features comedians, singers, acrobats, animal acts and, of course, ed Sullivan. Tickets are $40. 705-739-4228.

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in the kitchen • A lba L isa

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AlbaLisa Mexican Food — In the kitchen with Alba Lisa. By Katherine Elphick | Photography by Ellie kistemaker When Alba Lisa opened an all-natural Mexican food company in Alliston in July 2013, her plan was to serve the wholesale market and offer a few retail items. That all changed, however, when folks started wandering into the downtown tortilla and tortilla chip factory asking for menus. “I would tell them that I didn’t serve food, but if they could wait a minute, I would make them up a delicious quesadilla and sell it to them,” explains the cheery entrepreneur who co-owns the business with her husband Ted Quinn. “We listened to our customers, and that’s how the take-out business started.” Today, the popular Mexican food factory, located on Victoria Street, is busier than ever and is getting ready to grow by adding customers seating and an expanded prepared food section. Recently, this GoodLife reporter caught up with the 43-year-old Mexican-born foodie to chat about her popular food factory and take-out counter. Let’s set the scene for readers. This interview is being conducted in a downtown Alliston shop that’s been converted into a factory. We are surrounded by bags of tortilla chips, industrial tortilla chip-making equipment, and a prepared food fridge stocked with gourmet soups, condiments, along with flour and corn tortillas. There is no seating (seats will be added soon), but a sign at the front cash posts a tiny menu listing AlbaLisa’s take-out items. In the back, staff is making Mexican food in an industrial kitchen. »

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in the kitchen • A lba L isa

Since we’re (in Alliston), we are trying to develop a tortilla chip made with a combination of corn and potato.

GoodLife: The space isn’t fancy, but hungry customers are flocking to your place in droves. What’s the secret to your success? Alba Lisa: Our Mexican food is made from scratch and has a homemade taste. We keep our menu small so everything is fresh and authentic. Every single recipe I’ve developed is based on my own personal childhood memories of what the food tasted like to me growing up in Mexico. GL: What’s on the takeout menu? AL: Other than our all-day special (Alba Lisa tortilla chips with cheese, salsa and sour cream for $5, add guacamole $2), there are five items on our menu. We serve tacos (beef, pork or veggie), quesadillas (beef, chicken or veggie), nachos (beef, chicken, pork or veggie), burritos (beef, chicken or veggie) and chilaquiles. All specials are $9 each and include a beverage. GL: What retail prepared foods do you make and sell? AL: We specialize in retail and wholesale Mexican cooking items. We focus on

92 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - March April 2014 ■

making organic, GMO-free, preservative-free, corn and wheat flour tortillas. We also make a line of artisan tortilla chips that we sell in bags at the shop. Our vegan (and gluten-free) soups are also available at the store and they come in various flavours such as sweet potato, mushroom, tomato, broccoli, and potato chive. We also sell various salsas and Mexican condiments. Fresh products are very important to us so we try to make and sell our packaged products within one week. Our tortillas are vacuum packed for freshness. GL: I understand your jalapeño cream salsa is very popular. AL: I developed this salsa as a marriage between Canada and Mexico because Canadians eat a lot of dairy, and I wanted to combine the base of sour cream and cream cheese with pickled jalapeños. People seem to love it and it’s my best-selling salsa. The National Post gave it four stars, and it was recently nominated as one of the most innovative food products by SIAL Canada, the international food and beverage trade show.

Your Local Garden Centre GL: Let’s backtrack a bit. You grew up in Monterrey, Mexico. How did you end up running a Mexican food company in Alliston? AL: It’s a long story [laughs], but here’s the short version. Twenty-one years ago, I met my husband Ted (who is Canadian) when we were both working as teachers in Mexico. After years of teaching both abroad and in Mexico (where the couple owned and operated a private school), we decided to move back to Toronto in 2007. The idea was to start some type of Mexican food company because I’ve always been interested in cooking. In 2008, we discovered the Toronto Food Business Incubator Program (tfbi.ca,) which is an independent non-profit organization that nurtures and assists entrepreneurs and small enterprises. They have an amazing mentoring program, which helped us develop our business from the ground up. Before long, our products were being sold in gourmet food shops like Pusateri’s and Rowe Farms. In July 2013, we graduated from the program and moved the business to Alliston. And here we are. Today, we have more products on offer (the company’s first two products were corn and wheat tortillas) and we sell in about 80 stores and cafés across Ontario.

41- 63(

GL: What led you to Alliston? AL: After living in Toronto for a few years, we wanted to move to a more rural setting. Geographically, Alliston is a perfect location for us to grow our business because we can easily reach areas beyond the GTA. Today, we are selling in gourmet food shops in Collingwood, Midland, Barrie, Guelph, Toronto, Ottawa, Stratford and so on. Delivering our products to these areas is much easier from our current location. Besides, Alliston didn’t have any Mexican food until we showed up [smiles].

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GL: Sounds like Alliston has been good to you. AL: We see lots of happy faces coming through our doors, and the community has been so supportive and welcoming. Since we’re here, we are trying to develop a tortilla chip made with a combination of corn and potato. We love the idea of using local food and taking advantage of the nearby potato fields.

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A Gallery of Interiors Barrie Core Wellness Centre Beauty Supply Outlet Behold Design Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers Bourbon Brabary Bravo Fine Lingerie Cakes By Design Chatters Salon & Beauty Chelsea Chocolates Colour Now (Allandale Decorating) Comikaze Crock & Block Designers Plus Direct Buy Dominion Lending Downtown Barrie B.I.A. Dr. Mingming Yan Dr. Stacie Weber Edge Gallery English & Miller Femme Fatale Day Spa Fresh A Fare Glow Day Spa Holly’s Sweets & Eats Il Buco Ristorante KoHyang House Laser Health Works Liberty North Maclaren Art Centre Martin’s Rejuvenation Centre Melanie Adams -Sunlife

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GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 93

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in the kitchen • A lba L isa

I believe in making a connection with the food we make and serve. There’s a lot of care put into the items we prepare. big family meals with my sister. I came from a big family (six kids) and, by the time I was eight, I could make big pots of beans and rice, homemade tortillas and would even cut up whole chickens with an ax. My mother would let me because she didn’t enjoy cooking [laughs]. I’ve never had any formal training, but I’ve always been very comfortable in the kitchen. GL: Was cooking important during your teaching years? AL: Absolutely! Wherever we travelled, I would bring my tortilla maker and teach the kids how to cook Mexican food. Also, when we had our private international school in Mexico, cooking and learning English was part of our curriculum. We designed the program ourselves — the concept was to teach children how to speak English through cooking. GL: What’s your cooking philosophy? AL: Food has to taste homemade — that’s very 94 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - March April 2014 ■

important to me. All of the recipes that I’ve developed have to taste like the food I remember from my childhood. Nothing can be bland. It has to be well seasoned and tasty. Finally, I believe in making a connection with the food we make and serve. There’s a lot of care put into the items we prepare. GL: What should I order from your menu? AL: All items sell equally well so we don’t really have a specialty dish. However, if you are a firsttime customer, I would suggest a quesadilla. It’s a nice, big quesadilla served on a fresh organic flour tortilla (or corn tortilla) and it comes with beans, cheese, meat or chicken. The mix of ingredients is really delicious and it comes with a side of guacamole. GL: Do you cater? AL: Yes, we do. We don’t advertise our catering services and we don’t have any menus, but if you call us we can help you out.

GL: Does your husband Ted work here? AL: He helps out a lot! He takes care of customers, deliveries and funding. We are both entrepreneurs and he’s currently busy with his board game (that he developed with other partners) called The Game of Things (thingsthegame.com). It’s a very popular game that is sold all over the world. GL: How do you cater to diners with dietary restrictions? AL: Other than our wheat flour tortillas, everything we sell is gluten-free. It’s easy for Mexican food to be gluten-free because corn, our staple, is naturally gluten-free. All of our soups are vegan and gluten-free, which is important to many of our customers. All of our takeout food can be turned into gluten-free dishes by substituting the corn tortilla for the wheat tortilla. The mayor of Alliston is a big supporter and regularly comes in for gluten-free tacos. »

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GL: What do you cook at home? AL: I’m a vegetarian, so I stick to Mexican food. I eat a lot of pasta, soups, beans and eggs. I love entertaining, so when friends are over I go all out with lots of interesting Mexican food.

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FLOUR TORTILLA QUICHE This quick and scrumptious recipe is courtesy of Alba Lisa of AlbaLisa Mexican Food in Alliston.

GL: Beyond your own place, what’s your favourite foodie destination?

12 AlbaLisa Par-baked Flour Tortillas

AL: I love visiting the gourmet food stores that sell our products. I really enjoy shopping at Midland’s Ciboulette et Cie (cibouletteetcie. ca) and McEwan (mcewan.mcewangroup.ca) in Toronto. I also enjoying checking out Rowe Farms rowefarms.ca in Toronto.

2 eggs

GL: Let’s hear about the future. AL: By the end of the year, we will expand our factory and open a larger take-out place (in a new building). The expansion will still give customers access to the factory. So come on in, see how tortillas and tortilla chips are made and have a free sample. GL: You’ve got the ear of thousands of local diners. Anything you’d like to add? AL: Thank you for welcoming us! We are committed to preparing the best Mexican cuisine in Alliston. Even though it’s fast food — it’s food that is fresh and natural, and we’d love to have you stop by and try it.

Oil spray 1 cup milk salt and pepper, to taste Filling: Your choice of cherry tomatoes, basil, sautéed mushrooms, jalapeños, black beans, bacon, ham, parmesan or cheddar cheese. PREPARATION: 1. Preheat oven to 375F. Grease a muffin tin lightly with spray oil. Place tortillas in each cup. 2. In a medium bowl, blend eggs, milk, salt and pepper and transfer to a pitcher or a measuring cup with a spout. 3. Fill each tortilla with your choice of filling and add the egg mixture. Bake for 10 minutes or until eggs cook.

Alba Lisa All Natural Mexican Food 96 Victoria Street East, Unit 5, Alliston (647) 346-1463 albalisagourmetfood.com Open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday (for retail items) Open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Saturday (for takeout)

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• f e a t u re

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Local Day Trip to

Coffin Ridge Vineyard by Katherine Eliphick

As the first commercial winery in Grey County, Coffin Ridge opened its retail store in 2008. “An out-of-control farming hobby led my family into the winery business,” admits general manager Mike Todd with a smile. “My stepfather Neil Lamont and my mother Gwen bought a 100-acre farm and decided to grow grapes. After a bumper crop, we opened the winery, and the rest is history.” Coffin Ridge’s philosophy is to produce high quality, small batch wine made primarily from hand-planted, handpicked Grey County grapes. The boutique winery also focuses on giving visitors a unique winery outing starting with daily complimentary tastings by knowledgable staff. “From there you can retreat to the fireplace for a glass of wine and our vintner’s picnic made up of local artisanal breads and cheeses which have been specifically paired with the glass of wine you are drinking,” explains the local wine maker. The vintner’s picnic costs $21 and serves two. “Visitors can also take the vintner’s picnic home or use them for gifts because they come

in reuseable Coffin Ridge bags. Many people buy them as holiday gifts.” Enjoying the stunning views at Coffin Ridge is part of the winery’s experience. “We overlook the crystal blue water of Georgian Bay and we’re in the shadow of the Niagara Escarpment – the setting is stunning. Our modern tasting room has massive windows so the outside really comes in.” Guests can also enjoy cross-country skiing, hiking or snowshoeing on 25 acres of trails. During the warmer months, visitors can enjoy a glass of wine and the local scenery from the tasting room’s large outdoor deck. The winery also offers tours and can accommodate group functions for up to 75 people. Coffin Ridge’s three signature wines: Into The Light White, Back From The Dead Red and Resurrection Rose express the Grey County terroir exquisitely. Wines and Coffin Ridge’s Forbidden Fruit hard cider can be purchased

at the winery’s tasting bar, online and at select LCBO locations. For winery visitors selecting just one bottle, Todd recommends picking up a bottle of Red Marquette. Crafted by head winemaker Steve Byfield, this varietal has won many awards. “With this red, we have found the new standard cold climate red grape variety,” explains Todd. Hours vary. Call ahead to confirm.

COFFIN RIDGE VINEYARD & WINERY 599448 2nd Concession North, Annan (near Owen Sound) (519) 371-9565 www.coffinridge.ca

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•

Q&A - Il BUcO •

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101-31 Dunlop St. East • Downtown Barrie 705-735-9595 • www.ilbucoristorante.com • Ilbuco@live.ca

or years, Il Buco ristorante has captured the essence of Old World authenticity with nostalgic Italian cuisine. The authentically Italian dishes, made with freshest ingredients, are created by a master chef whose influence is ever-present, whatever the inspired selection on the menu. sharing a great bottle of wine with family and friends over dinner is a wonderful experience! relax and enjoy the casual attitude while indulging in a bottle of vintage wine from our carefully selected wine list. For lunch you can enjoy an Italian three course lunch for only $14.95. Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday - Friday and dinner only on saturday and sunday.

Q& &a

HOW DID YOU START YOUR BUSINESS? enrico has been in the restaurant business for over 30 years starting in Toronto and then in Muskoka. When the opportunity to open in Barrie came along at such a great location with the lakeview patio he couldn’t pass it up.

HOW DID YOU PICK THE NAME? Il Buco means “the hole”. We came up with the name from our front entrance at 31 Dunlop street east as it is hard to see us from our small entrance but we open up to a large restaurant with one of the best lake views in Barrie.

PEOPLE ARE SURPRISED TO KNOW: That we carry a large selection of popular and vintage wines. sharing a great bottle of wine with family and friends over dinner is a wonderful experience! Wine can be very intimidating, as there are so many countries producing so many different varieties, that even professionals don’t know it all. We can guide you in choosing the perfect vintage for your palette. People are also surprised to know that they can enjoy a gourmet Italian three-course lunch for only $14.95.

WHAT IS YOUR SIGNATURE DISH? Our signature dish would have to be enrico’s Famous roasted Garlic. Once you have it you will understand why. It is topped with a creamy goat’s cheese sauce with pine nuts and sundried tomatoes.

WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT YOU: This is a “go to” Italian restaurant. Bringing a little bit of Italy to Barrie and while dining on the wonderful food and wine choices you honestly forget where you are. A must!!!

FAVOURITE QUOTE: Buon vino fa buon sangue. Good wine equals good health or good wine is the secret to good health.

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100 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - March April 2014 ■

Pick up your complimentary copy at select local retailers See page 93 for a list of locations in Barrie to pick up your copy or find the digital edition at www.simcoe.com

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• T r a v e l •

An unforgettable Kenyan safari Story and Photography bY BART CARD

Kenya

is the country where the safari originated. It is where one comes to discover a beautiful diversity of landscapes, myriad of animal, bird and plant life, and fascinating traditional culture and warrior tribes. Almost every known landform – glacial ice to arid desert, mountain massifs to sprawling savannahs, large lakes and dense forest – is found in Kenya. The Great Rift Valley, its floor littered with beautiful lakes and extinct volcanoes, cuts through this land from north to south. Mt. Kenya, at 17,058 feet, is impressive with its snow-capped peaks; it stands above the rolling grassland plains and the intriguing semi-desert wilder-

102 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - March April 2014 ■

ness much further to the north. Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa and source of the Nile, dominates the southwest of the country. To the south, Kenya meets the Indian Ocean in a brilliant blaze of blue, where the waters meet the fine white sands and amazing coral reefs. However, Kenya’s ultimate attraction, of course, is its concentration of spectacular wildlife found in the 48 national parks, reserves, marine parks and game sanctuaries. That was the purpose of my latest visit. I’m awestruck, at times, during my forays to Africa and, as I trek through Kenya and recall some of the country’s earliest explorers – Denys Finch Hatton, Karen Blixen, Lord Delamere, Elspeth Huxley and Ernest Hemingway. All have

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• T r a v e l •

Samburu National Reserve

Pair of courting lions overlooking Masi Mara.

Alert Leopard

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Beautiful Masi woman tends the goats in the Masi Mara.

To odolortin utpat venibh ero commolore delesse dolorem velenia mconum dolore core voluptatin utat aliquam, conumsa ndiam, veliquat wiscilis nostie delendre min enibh To odolortin utpat venibh ero commolore delesse dolorem velenia mconum dolore core voluptatin utat aliquam, conumsa ndiam, veliquat wiscilis nostie delendre min enibh

The reserve offers plenty of water, trees and shade to attract wildlife that includes elephant, lion, the reticulated giraffe and the Grevy zebra from the surrounding savannah plains.

experienced the excellent variety of privately owned bush homesteads, small hideaway lodges and nights under canvas in exclusive permanent or mobile camps. It is truly possible to experience the magic of this country as it was done in days before. I enjoyed a long, yet relaxing flight on Air Canada from Toronto to Zurich and then on to Nairobi, where Annabella of Maniago Safaris â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the company that I always use when in Kenya â&#x20AC;&#x201C; met me. I consider Maniago to be the best because they best understand the clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs. The same driver/ guide has been with me for many years and I consider him a friend now. He always manages to position me in the best spot for that perfect picture. After energizing my battery and gathering some steam following the long journey, it was off to Samburu National Reserve, 325 kilometres north of Nairobi and located in the hot and arid fringes of Kenya. The reserve offers plenty of water, trees and shade to attract wildlife that includes elephant, lion, the reticulated giraffe and the Grevy zebra from the surrounding savannah plains. Leopards are also regularly spotted. There are more than 350 varieties of birds. Samburu is often grouped together with the Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserves as they lie so close together. These include the famous Somali ostriches (distinguished by their unique purple/blue legs during mating season), kingfishers, humming birds, eagles, guinea fowls and vultures.

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• T r a v e l •

Elephants have a a dirt bath at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Nairobi

Masi Chief and Elder with Bart Card the travel writer and photographer.

106 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - March April 2014 ■

For most of the year, Samburu National Reserve is under the unsympathetic equatorial sun.

While on the reserve, we stayed at Elephant Bedroom Camp situated on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River and so named because of the number of elephants that frequent the area. It is a small, exclusive camp, nestled in the shade of the doum palm trees. Elephants roam the gaunt hills, which punctuate the scrubland and where occasional clusters of the vividly coloured desert rose challenge the arid surroundings. These elephants seek solace and contentment in the shallow waters of the river and, from time to time, a visitor finds herds bathing and drinking in a spectacle of unconscious pleasure. The river is at its best in the reserve, broad and sluggish with a large population of crocodile seen on sandbanks at almost every bend. In the lower reaches, where permanent pools have formed as a tributary joins the river, are hippos. The river is fringed with giant acacias, figs and doum palms all of which provide shade and sustenance to the wildlife, that comes to water. For most of the year, Samburu National Reserve is under the unsympathetic equatorial sun. Relief comes from the wide swathe of the Ewaso Ngiro River which rises hundreds of kilometres to the west on the foothills of the Aberdares and which vanishes beyond Samburu in the recesses of the Lorian swamp. From here it was off to Elsa’s Kopje, located basically next door to the Samburu National Reserve in Meru National Park. Often described as Kenya’s best-kept secret, it is a hidden jewel in the untamed wilderness of Meru National Park and made famous by the book and film, Born Free, and named after Elsa the Lioness. The lodge is built on the site of George Adamson’s first campsite, with each of the nine individually designed and luxurious cottages offering complete privacy and the ultimate room with a view. Invisible to the eye as you approach, »

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 107

• T r a v e l •

Baby elephants are still being taken from the wild for sale to unsuitable destinations, including Chinese circuses and zoos. TOP LEFT: A male Impala keeping an eye out for predators TOP RIGHT: Cape Buffalo is the second most dangerous animal in Africa BOTTOM: Dinner is served at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Nairobi

108 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - March April 2014 ■

98TH ANNUAL

the lodge offers stunning 360-degree views over Do you have Meru’s landscape of giant baobabs, doum palms a unique business and hot bushland, interwoven with lush springs in one of the and myriad of rivers. This is home to the rare following northern desert species of Beisa oryx, Grevy’s categories? zebra, reticulated giraffe, lesser kudu as well as large herds of elephant, prides of lion, cheetah • Health and leopard. The elephants of Africa are still very much • Wellness under threat. Culling continues, due to claims • Cosmetic/Beauty that increasing numbers threaten to destroy the • Fitness habitat and trample other species. Elephants are • Food still at risk for their ivory, which is even on sale • Sweets presented by in some duty-free airport lounges. Unfortunate• Travel ly, there is no end in sight to the unhappy situation into which all elephants are born. Baby elephants are still being taken from the wild for sale to unsuitable destinations, including Chinese circuses and zoos. One of the highlights of every safari I take in Kenya is a visit to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to see the tremendous work that continues to be done in the conservation, preservation and protection of wildlife. These include anti-poaching, safeguarding the natural environment, enhancing community awareness, addressing animal welfare issues and providing the veterinary assistance to animals in need. An important part of the trust is the rescue, handChurch Campus rearing and rehabilitation of elephant and rhino Mapleview Community �� orphans, as well as orphans of any wild species. As you can imagine it is a wonderful experience to be able to visit and see all the amazing work additionto to our our done to rehabilitate these orphans. InInaddition fabulous fabulousexhibitors, exhibitors, The trust has grown over the years and exalso featuring wewe willwill also be be featuring sizzling panded its conservation programs considerably sizzling fashion shows, demos, fashion shows, demos, under the Sheldrick. The elephant orphanage seminars, a sweet table, seminars, giveaways is world-renowned with the work subject to giveaways and and much more! much more! countless documentaries. It’s as simple as this: Cosmetic/Beauty the work saves motherless baby elephants that cannot survive on their own for the first three years of their life. Contact us to find out how you can Overall, Kenya is a destination you must reach hundreds of women targeted to your experience and one you will never forget.

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GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 109

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Gala committee (l to r) Teresa Zadra, MJ Adams, Patti Jameson, Wendy deGravina, Kim Kirkpatrick (front) Krista Swain

11. Event co-hosts Sandra Dunham and Dr. Joe Zadra and (centre) event Platinum sponsor Sab Ravalli, Prodomax

golf course. Supporters attended the black-tie fundraising event that featured a menu by awardwinning chef ian Brown, entertainment by the marlon gibbons Band and a luxury silent auction.

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12. Doris Davis and Garrett Lambert

Gala co-chairs MJ Adams and Wendy deGravina

13. Hospice Simcoe nursing staff

Joe Dyer and Sandra Dunham, Hospice Simcoe Executive Director

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Live entertainment and fabulous live and silent auctions.

Java Cup Co. COFFEE AND TEA

Special features presented by:

The Farmhouse BRAZIL

Groovy Tuesday’s Bistro IRELAND

Liaison College

$99.00 (Includes HST and a $45.00 tax receipt)

ARGENTINA

Gio’s Italian Ristorante

Special feature and other event details at:

ITALY

www.tastetheworldbarrie.com

Christie’s Mill Inn & Spa

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CARIBBEAN

Houston Avenue Bar & Grill MOROCCO

2014 Emcee A Kempenfelt Rotary fundraising gala supporting event partner

Tony Grace

KoHyang House

CTV

KOREA

and many other community groups

STEM

W I N E G R O U P I N C.

mAPle

Crème Brulee i can rarely resist the crème brulee when i’m out for dinner and i still talk about a version flavoured with pure maple syrup i ate years ago. To recreate it at home just required the right tools and a little tweaking of a classic recipe. ingredients 500 ml (2 cups) heavy cream 1/2 vanilla bean 125 ml (1/2 cup) maple syrup 1 egg 3 egg yolks white or maple sugar for topping

By lEE Ann WAtERMAn PhoTogrAPhy By DAViD WEBStER

method

Preheat oven to 325 Fahrenheit. cut vanilla bean in half lengthwise and scrape to remove seeds. Add seeds and pod, cream to a heavy saucepan over medium heat. heat until bubbles start to form around edge of pan. remove from heat. in large bowl, which together maple syrup, egg and egg yolks until well-blended. Add cream, a little at time, whisking continuously. Strain mixture (to remove vanilla bean) into a large measuring cup. Place 6 125 ml (4 oz) ramekins in a baking dish. Pour mixture into ramekins. using hot tap water, fill baking dish until water reaches halfway up the ramekins. Bake for approximately 40 minutes. custard should be set but still tremble when shaken. remove baking dish from oven and ramekins from dish. cool, then refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight. To serve, sprinkle sugar evenly over the top of each custard (about 10 ml or 2 tsp per). using a torch, melt the sugar to form a crunchy top. allow the crème brulee to sit for a few minutes before serving. note: Although you can use your oven’s broiler to melt the sugar, i recommend a torch for the best results.

112 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - March April 2014 ■

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PAINTERS HALL

Barrie‘s best kept secret! Behind an unassuming doorway on Clapperton Street, just up from the five points in downtown Barrie, those in the know gather throughout the week at a little gem named Painters Hall Bistro. A long hallway showcasing many of Barrie‘s best artists affords two options. Candlelight mellows the refined rustic front dining room while the back lounge buzzes, offering a fantastic small plate menu and terrific wines by the glass or bottle from an unpretentious, approachable wine list. Stop by “The Hall” you will be glad you did, and so will we!

17 Clapperton St, | 705.797.8844 | | www.PaintersHall.ca

DONALEIGH‘S

Donaleigh‘s is located east of Barrie‘s historic Five Corners. This landmark property has undergone extensive renovation to bring you Barrie‘s premiere Irish Public House. Whether it is a stool at the bar, a table in the library, a cozy booth or in the summer a spot on one of our two awesome new patios you will find a place that is just right for you and your friends. Serving authentic Irish ales, lagers and stouts along with quality pub fare prepared from fresh ingredients by our amazing kitchen staff and served promptly with a smile from our friendly staff. Donaleigh’s Irish Public House carries on the fine Irish tradition of great food, quality ales and, genuine hospitality.

28 Dunlop St. East | 705.252.7733 | www.donaleighs.com

RAWLICIOUS

Raw, Vegan, Fresh Organic Cuisine Gluten & Dairy Free

Barrie’s only full service vegetarian-vegan-raw restaurant, featuring a full menu of local and organic quality ingredients that leave you satisfied and pleasantly surprised. Delicious food is handmade and served in a comfortable atmosphere. At Rawlicious you can feel good about what you eat. The unique menu delights with specialty smoothies, appetizers and entrees. Where else can you eat homemade pizza, tacos or pasta while optimizing your health? For dessert, the signature blonde macaroons are a favourite, as are the brownies and cheesecake. Some call it clear conscience eating! Visit our website to learn more about our cooking classes, workshops and the Raw Food Challenge. LLBO, lunch and dinner service, with patio.

50 Dunlop St. E., Barrie | 705-739-1001 | www.rawlicious.ca

THE FARM HOUSE

Specializing in home grown, home cooked meals. At the Farmhouse we only use sustainable fish & the freshest meats & vegetables. We are animal lovers & tree huggers. We even grow our own herbs & spices so they are always fresh. Situated on Kempenfelt Bay is a top choice for family dining. Featuring a Kids Menu, the farm fresh food appeals to all ages . Bring your large party, the more the marrier, we have setting for over 100 guests & a beautiful private upstairs room. We can even do a Pig Party with a whole suckling pig. Your party may be in the mood for a 4lb Halibut. Or choose a 6lb Farm Organic Chicken

268 Bradford St. | 705.737.0522 | www.thefarmhouse.ca

KOHYANG HOUSE

KoHyang House is Barrie‘s First Korean Cuisine restaurant. KoHyang House offers Korean cuisine as well as Japanese cuisine. It is located on Bayfield Street, just north of the Five Points. We recommend the Dolsot Bi Bim Bap, a dish of mixed vegetables and a choice of chicken, beef or tofu, served on a bed of rice. It is Korea‘s signature dish. The restaurant has dishes from other parts of Asia as well. There are teriyaki and tempura choices and a sushi bar, along with bento box combinations. Check us out on our website!

33 Bayfield Street, Barrie | 705.726.8989 | www.kohyanghouse.com GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 113

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IL BUCO RISTORANTE Old world charm meets great tasting cuisine! Spectacular view of the lake!! Relax and enjoy fine Italian Cuisine with a casual attitude. Enjoy vintage wine from our carefully selected wine list. Appetizers, Desserts, Italian, Mediterranean, Seafood, Steak, Tapas/small plates and Vegetarian. 31 Dunlop Street East, Downtown Barrie | 705.735.9595

THE NORTH RESTAURANT AND WEST EVENT CENTRE In 2012 The North moved into its existing larger two-storey Victorian building with private party rooms for catering and special events. For large scale catering Chef Marco has opened The West Event Centre, suitable for any event or corporate function for up to 250+ people. Still offering his signature dishes in banquet style menus, Marco and his team assure the highest quality of food, awesome presentation, and impeccable service. The West is ideal for baptisms, Christmas parties, Bar Mitzvahs, weddings, and any special occasion.

49 Mary Street, Barrie | 705.812.2192 | www.TheNorthRestaurant.com 146 Toronto Street, Barrie | 705.792.3411 | www.TheWestEventCentre.com

FOX’S BAKERY AND DELICATESSEN

Buns, breads, pastries, cookies - gluten free products go to Fox’s Bakery & Deli in Barrie Fox’s Bakery has been proudly baking their best for over 27 Years with only the finest ingredients. Kaiser Buns, Hot Dog and hamburg, multigrain rolls and breads, pizza shells, just to name a few of the over 80 varieties baked daily. We also carry gluten free products, Kawartha Dairy Ice Cream and a wide selection of fresh meat and cheeses. Pre orders are always encouraged, no matter how small or large at no additional cost. “Only the best from Our Family to Yours”

96 Victoria St. | 705.737.4646 |

Liberty North - LN to go

Liberty North, is more than just a deli for people who need to grab a quick meal. While the business offers a fresh selection for lunch and dinner to go from Monday to Friday, LN to go also offers a catering service at your doorstep anytime. Intimate private dinners – where a LN Executive Chef prepares the meal at your home – are becoming just as popular as the on-site service. The Executive Chef can customize any meal for your guests. Feeding a hungry crowd for special occasions like anniversaries or weddings is also not a problem, no matter where you live. If you are pinched for time but still want fresh, spectacular food, call LN to go.

100 Caplan Ave, barrie | 705.728.3877 | www.libertynorth.ca

MYLAR AND LORETA‘S RESTAURANT Mylar & Loreta‘s restaurant is located in the quaint village of Singhampton, Ontario, just a few kilometres south of Collingwood. Famous for its true “home-cooked” meals, Mylar & Loreta‘s is conveniently located close to hiking trails, snowmobile trails and golf courses, and is a popular stop for year-round outdoor recreational enthusiasts, tourists, and for those just looking for a great home-cooked meal. People drive for miles to enjoy our Saturday & Sunday Prime Rib nights.

Grey County Road 124, Singhampton | 705.445.1247

114 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - March April 2014 ■

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Platinum Art Decor Ring, S/1-G and I1-G European cut diamonds Estate $11,800.00

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Columbian Emerald, 1.50ct, shoulders weigh 0.34ct each. 20 round diamonds. 5.0 gram 14 Karat white gold. Estate $13,900

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Platimum Halo Engagement/ Wedding Ring Set 8.8 grams. Strong I1-G 1.00ct. with 71 additional brilliant cuts. Estate $6,550.00

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