Goodlife Georgian Bay Summer2013

SUMMER 2013

G E O R G I A N

B AY

Craigleith Beauty

Artist Profile: Peter Adams

Events in Georgian Triangle

Fabulous SUMMER SHOPPING CHALET HOME

LIVING

IN THORNBURY

GO ITALIAN www.goodlifemagazine.ca

Trusted, Experienced and Connected .

Selling Collingwood, Blue Mountain, Thornbury and Beyond.

SNOWBRIDGE This beautiful 3 bed, 2 bath townhome is in immaculate condition. Large separate dining area with cathedral ceiling, open kitchen/living room concept, large deck off living room with fabulous views of the golf course. Gas fireplace. Oversized master with huge ensuite bath with separate shower. This suite has never been in a rental program. $386,000 MLS®20132634

CHARMING INSIDE AND OUT and totally refurbished throughout! 3 bedrooms, 2 baths. Spacious main floor plan with new kitchen, large living and dining areas, 30 x 25 addition with 9’ ceilings, main floor master with ensuite and main floor family room. Quality of workmanship is evident.

Popular Maple Street in Collingwood. $285,900. MLS®20130520

LIGHTHOUSE POINT - 3 bedroom, 2 bath condo conveniently located close the tennis courts, rec. centre and waterfront.

Bright, spacious suite with 9` ceilings in living areas. End unit offering many windows for added light. Kitchen recently renovated with new cupboards, granite counter tops and stainless appliances. Gas fireplace with tile surround. $309,000. MLS®20130465

SNOWBRIDGE - Spacious 4 bdrm with oversized kitchen, open living/dining room area and stone gas f/place, wide plank hardwood floors. Beautifully landscaped yard, inground sprinkler system, and hot tub to enjoy. $659,000. MLS®20130880

VERY PRIVATE CRANBERRY! One of the largest units, overlooking golf course, 4 bedrooms, end unit, gas forced air, a/c, wood burning fireplace, roomy open concept recently updated. $249,000.

MLS®20130508

EASY ON THE POCKETBOOK! End unit 3 bedroom, 2 bath townhome in Classic Cove. Fully finished basement with family room and separate den. Great as starter home or retirement in central Collingwood. $139,500. MLS®20131229

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GEORGIAN BAY Regional Vice President & Publisher Ian Proudfoot Regional General Manager Shaun Sauve General Manager Carol Lamb Advertising Sales Manager Patsy McCarthy

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Editors Lori Martin Elise Allain Scott Woodhouse Director of Production Kent Feagan Graphic Design Nick Bornino Lu-Anne Turner Advertising Sales Representatives Pamela Amero Dawn Clare Kate Harcourt Jen Martin Margot Minardi Wendy Sherk Patti Young Photography Contributions Magna Arnott Nat Kay Ellie Kistemaker Sandy Poitras Meagan Young Editorial Contributions Trina Berlo Leigh Blenkhorn Bart Card Holly Crawford John Edwards Katherine Elphick Maija Hoggett Gordon Stimmell Colleen Winter Alaa Yassin 11 Ronell Cres.

Collingwood, ON L9Y 4J6 Phone: 705-444-1875 Fax: 705-444-1876 for advertising inquiries please email pmccarthy@simcoe.com or call 705-444-1875 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 Good Life Georgian Bay. Good Life is published four times per year: Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter.

For further information regarding all our products we invite you to call us at 705-444-1875

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 5

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contents •

10

28

Country & Modern

We Like It!

This Craigleith beauty has plenty of space to entertain extended family and friends

Great summer must haves!

31

Gourmet @Home Delicious dips from local chefs & foodies

38 Designer

23 In the Kitchen

Profile

Farrow Arcaro Design

with Simona Bonelli

44

Events Lots of local events going on this summer!

58

Travel Australia

COVER PHOTO ELLIE KISTEMAKER 6 | GoodLife Georgian Bay | Summer 2013

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 7

• E D I T O R ’ s n ote •

Whenever I visit a small town, one of my first priorities is discovering where the best place is to eat. Outside of my mother and grandmothers’ kitchens, some of the most memorable meals I have had are those created in independently-owned eateries.

When we were planning our summer issue of GoodLife, we knew we had to talk about the stylish and inviting SiSi Trattoria. Thornbury’s residents and visitors just have to try the homemade pasta for an unforgettable, authentic Italian experience.

For those looking forward to entertaining this summer, we feature Delicious Dips from chefs and foodies, complete with recipes. These are easy to prepare and guaranteed to transform the average appetizer into something special your guests will remember.

We walk you through a craftsman-style chalet with a perfect fusion of modern and country for this month’s home tour. Located at the bottom of the ski hills in Craigleith, this cozy and elegant property will show how good a space can feel bringing these two styles together.

In addition, we had the chance to talk to Dr. Kellie Leitch, our MP, to find out some personal tidbits in our Person of Interest feature. Who would have thought she starts every day with a cup of hot chocolate?

Finally, we visit Australia for an interesting and informative tour of a magnificent destination and an intimate look into the culture of such a vast county.

We hope you enjoy this edition as much as we did planning it. If you are looking for ideas to keep you busy this summer, make sure you check out our event listings, packed with activities to keep you and your family busy virtually every weekend until fall.

Enjoy the weather, enjoy the summer and keep on living the GoodLife!

See you September!

Elise Allain

goodlife@simcoe.com follow us @goodlifebarrie www.goodlifemagazine.ca

8 | GoodLife Georgian Bay | Summer 2013

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10 | GoodLife Georgian Bay | Summer 2013

COUNTRY MODERN A BEAUTIFUL CHALET STYLE HOME SITS AT THE BOTTOM OF CRAIGLEITH’S SKI HILL WITH THE PERFECT MIXTURE OF COUNTRY AND MODERN, HOLDING PLENTY OF SPACE TO ENTERTAIN EXTENDED FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

BY ALAA YASSIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY NAT KAY

When Rob and Sonya Wedgbury decided to leave the hustle and bustle of Toronto and move to a calmer environment up north, they wanted to keep the cozy style of a northern chalet infused with the upscale touch of the city.

The craftsman style exterior sets the country flair of this home right from the moment you pull into the driveway. And a modern upscale French country style is followed throughout the inside.

The two-storey foyer opens up to an elegant great room with exposed wooden beams and a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace. All keeping a cottage feel to the space. The openness of the area makes the entrance to the home feel spacious and grand. »

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 11

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The backyard offers a gorgeous resort-like pool and deckside space perfect for entertaining, day or evening.

12 | GoodLife Georgian Bay | Summer 2013

The craftsman style exterior sets the country flair of this home. » And the cherry wood flooring adds richness to the space. Builder, Jerry Patten, had the family contribute in beating and smashing the floor with steel chains and other tools. The couple wanted to give the wood an aged rustic feel, when the house was built back in 2008.

“The kids didn’t believe we were asking them to do it and they loved it,” said Sonya Wedgbury with a chuckle.

Despite the open feel of the main floor, Rob and Sonya wanted to make sure that there’s still some privacy on the main floor.

So one key feature that the couple wanted was a family studio. It was an idea they had seen in a previous model home. It’s sort of a hideaway area on the main floor behind the kitchen, said Wedgbury.

“We like to think of it as a multi-use space that keeps the mess away from the kitchen and the entertaining area,” she said. There’s space for a mini home office, a laundry nook, a powder room and an island counter for the children to get their homework done.

The stone floor family studio is connected to the mudroom with a staircase to the second floor and the basement. This is an additional staircase to the one by the foyer. The couple decided it was a convenient addition. “When the kids are dripping wet from the pool they can run up these back stairs without wetting the rest of the main floor,” said Wedgbury.

Right outside the family studio, there’s the modern French country kitchen. All white cabinets with a stone backsplash. A wooden island with a sink can comfortably seat four people. The country style legs at the seating side of the island give it an elegant dining table look, rather than an ordinary kitchen counter.

Farrow Arcaro Design designed the kitchen and other parts of the main floor. It’s an interior design studio run by Marina Farrow and Katherine Arcaro out of Collingwood. “These ladies were so pleasant to work with and they’ve »

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GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 13

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Right outside the family studio, there’s the modern French country kitchen. All white cabinets with a stone backsplash. A wooden island with a sink can comfortably seat four people. The country style legs at the seating side of the island give it an elegant dining table look, rather than an ordinary kitchen counter

A rustic dining room offers the perfect setting for family meals

14 | GoodLife Georgian Bay | Summer 2013

» done some awesome stuff for us,” said Wedgbury.

Adjacent to the kitchen is the butler pantry.

It’s sort of a divider between the kitchen and the enclosed dining room. The couple uses it as an area to serve guests and store beverages. It’s also right behind the powder room that’s always kept pretty and well decorated for their guests.

The Wedgbury family love hosting gatherings of family and friends. So having enough space to entertain large groups was a complete necessity in designing the floor plan.

“It’s nice to have different spaces for adults and children,” said Wedgbury. This is why they added a small-enclosed dining room on the main floor. It’s a quiet space for adults to enjoy their meal while the kids have fun together, she said as she pointed to the other eating area with the rustic table surrounded by eight chairs.

Since the Wedgbury family enjoys hosting guests overnight, they decided to have their master bedroom on a separate floor. So Rob and Sonya’s suite is conveniently located on the main floor with stunning views of the outdoors.

Their generously sized his and hers walk-in closet leads into the ensuite bathroom, where there’s his and hers vanities. Sonya pointed out how her side of the counter is lower than Rob’s.

“So it’s comfortable enough for me to reach,” she said.

The stacked stone veneer shower wall gives a spa feel to the bathroom. But the family’s true relaxation getaway is right outside their master bedroom.

Directly from their suite, Rob and Sonya can walk out the French glass doors to their backyard. Out there a sanctuary waits. There’s a salt water swimming pool, a cabana, a seating area with a large stone fireplace and of course the outdoor sound system calls for a couple lounge chairs. All of this at the foot of Craigleith ski hill, minutes to Wasaga Beach and the Village of Blue Mountain.

But they’re not the only ones with a great view. The children, Emma and Robbie’s rooms are overlooking the same gorgeous sight from the second floor.

Both rooms have their own three-piece ensuite bathroom. And to avoid having boxed rooms, each bedroom has a unique sloped ceiling, which definitely enhances the experience of the space and makes the area feel cozy. »

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The two-storey foyer opens up to an elegant great room with exposed wooden beams and a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace. All keeping a cottage feel to the space.

The openness of the area makes the entrance to the home feel spacious and grand.

16 | GoodLife Georgian Bay | Summer 2013

Adjacent to the kitchen is the butler pantry. It’s sort of a divider between the kitchen and the enclosed dining room. The couple uses it as an area to serve guests and store beverages.

» Emma’s room complements the French country style of the rest of the house with a feminine touch of vintage and a burst of pink and lime green accents.

On the other hand, with dark blue colours and a soccer theme, Robbie’s room can hardly be mistaken for anything but a boy’s room. An interesting feature he’s got is the hideaway closet underneath the angled ceiling. The door to this closet is only about three feet high. So it sure is only big enough for children. It’s where Robbie hides so many of his toys.

And when their friends come over, they’ve got the bonus television room on the second floor, said Wedgbury. “It’s the hang out space,” she added. With a large-screen TV and a couple couches there’s plenty of space for many of Emma and Robbie’s friends.

When the family moved up north they wanted to make sure that their home was also their loved ones’ home away from home. “We wanted people to come visit and spend the night, or even stay a little longer,” said Wedgbury.

So guest suites were a high priority in designing the second floor. There are two guest rooms, both footsteps from a bathroom with a double-sink vanity.

“One of them is usually locked up with grandma’s stuff, so it’s ready for her to come up anytime,” said Wedgbury.

And if both of these rooms are occupied, that’s no problem. In the basement there are another two bedrooms, one of them with its own bathroom. It’s where Rob’s sister usually stays when she comes up from Toronto. They wanted to make sure that when their guests sleep over they are comfortable in privacy. “We didn’t want anyone sleeping on pull out couches or air mattresses”, she said.

The basement is also the family’s getaway space. With heated flooring throughout, the area is warm and cozy year round. The surround system in the large recreation room means the family can enjoy a great movie with a large group.

“When our kids have a lot of friends over, this is where they usually end up,” she said.

The basement recreation area is so spacious.

Sometimes I actually find Robbie playing fullon soccer down here, said Wedgbury with a giggle.

But when the adults are around, it’s also a perfect space to entertain. With a mini kitchen »

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The master suite is located on the main floor with stunning views of the outdoors.

The generously sized his and hers walk-in closet shown above leads into the ensuite bathroom featuring a stacked stone veneer shower wall and his and hers vanities.

18 | GoodLife Georgian Bay | Summer 2013

» around the corner and a couple pub style tables by the staircase, the gathering can stay in the basement without the need for trips to the main floor.

It’s not all about entertainment though. Another appealing feature is the in-home fitness room. With all the right gear and equipment in place, this room is such a great addition to the home.

And since the family and their friends love outdoor activities such as skiing in the winter and bike riding in the summer, they’ve created a storage room in the basement to keep all their equipment. “We often have our friends store

their things here for when they come up next,” she said.

The Wedgbury family did not just take part in designing a flawless home; they created a place with the ultimate convenience. “We wanted it to be home for all our extended family members,” said Wedgbury.

There’s no doubt the family has thought of every little detail to make their home cozy and perfect. But now they’ve decided to move closer to the children’s schools. So they’ve listed their gorgeous home on the market, waiting for another family to fall in love with it as much as they did.

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PERSON OF INTEREST •

1. The Love of Chocolate I have one or two very large hot chocolates every day, and always with milk. One of them is first thing in the morning since I don’t drink coffee and I like a warm beverage. There’s a New England Journal of Medicine study that says having chocolate every day puts you in a better mood and my staff particularly like that.

2. Expanding the Mind

Dr. Kellie Leitch

By Colleen Winter | Photography by Ron Howden

Dr. Kellie Leitch, MP for Simcoe-Grey, has achieved many things, often at an age earlier than her peers. As a pediatric orthopedic surgeon, she has plenty of opportunity for public service by improving children’s health but when the opportunity came to run for the federal seat close to home and potentially have an impact on the lives of even more people and families, she couldn’t resist. A tireless worker she was kind enough to share a few of the perks and passions that drive her day.

20 | GoodLife Georgian Bay | Summer 2013

I set aside time to read every day and am usually reading two or three books at the same time. I diligently read The Economist and will also read further on issues I find there. Right now I’m reading The Quest by Daniel Yergin about energy security. I’ll also read autobiographies on individuals who have been leaders and how they made decisions under different circumstances.

3. Staying in Touch I’m still maintaining my medical licence so I go to teaching rounds at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario in Ottawa. It provides a balance and gives me access to a large cross-section of people with very different needs which is quite humbling. It’s like running a small focus group every week. It’s also something I really enjoy.

3rd

Annua l

Saturday, January 25th

4. Seeing the World Before I was elected, my father and I travelled together quite a bit and we’ve been all over the world. I have to say both Barcelona and London are amazing cities. London for the history – and my father loves history – and Barcelona for the architecture. I’ve been reading this book on the Spanish architect Gaudi [who is prevalent in the architecture of Barcelona.]

5. An Added Touch When I graduated from orthopedics, I was 32 and looked younger than the residents so I started wearing suits to clinic under all circumstances. I had bought two French cuff shirts because I thought they were interesting but then the kids started liking the cuff links.

It’s become a bit of a game especially with the 3-6 year olds.

6. Looking Up Carol Stephenson, the Dean of the Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario, was willing to take risks on people who she thought could achieve and age was not a barrier. It is largely thanks to her that I had the opportunity, at 38, to be the Chair of the Centre for Health Innovation and Leadership at Ivey.

Dr. John Wedge is now the former Chief of Sur-

gery at Sick Kids Hospital. He is another person who was willing to take a risk on me when I was young. He allowed me to do an M.B.A. instead of the mandatory two years of research and he also encouraged me to return to the University of Western Ontario. He thought I could become their first Chief of Pediatric Surgery and I did at the age of 34, mainly because of his vision.

7. Keeping Moving I initially started running while in residency to control stress. I would do five to ten kilometres a day. Unfortunately I tore my ACL skiing at Devil’s Glen before I was an M.P. It was stable until I twisted my knee shooting a hockey puck at a fundraiser. I don’t run as much any more.

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8. Standing Firm People tell me I’m like Margaret Thatcher. In my surgical training you learn to take action and be decisive. Sometimes you make mistakes but it’s about evaluating and taking action. She did that and lived with the consequences.

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• i n t h e k i t c h e n • S i S I T r at to r i a •

the

KITCHEN with

SiSi Trattoria

By Katherine Elphick | Photography by Ellie Kistemaker

Born and raised in a small seaside Italian village, chef Simona Bonelli brings her passion for authentic Italian food to Thornbury’s stylish and inviting SiSi Trattoria.

Recently, this GoodLife

reporter caught up with this 40-year-old energetic and spikyhaired foodie to talk about her appetite for cooking, languages (she’s fluent in four) and travelling. »

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 23

• i n t h e k i t c h e n • S i S I T r at to r i a •

» GL: I understand you’ve just returned from Italy.

SB: Just for a brief vacation. We had a very busy winter here at SiSi’s, so it was nice little break.

I visited my home town of Terracina, which is about an hour south of Rome on the west coast.

It’s a very pretty town, with great seafood and a fabulous beach. My family is there and I lived there until I was about 25.

GL: Is that where you learned to cook?

SB: It sounds like a cliché, but when you live in Italy you start cooking at a very, very young age. My mother used to wake me up early every Sunday, so she could teach me how to cook.

She felt it was a skill I had to learn, and I was taught step by step. I also grew up in a family that was completely immersed within the food industry. My grandfather was a baker, my dad was in the meat industry and some of my uncles were fishermen. Growing up, I was exposed to some really great food, and I’ve always been very passionate about cooking. While I never 24 | GoodLife Georgian Bay | Summer 2013

attended cooking school in Italy, as a teenager I did an apprenticeship at one of the local restaurants in my hometown. At university, I studied languages and attended a school for interpreters and translators in Rome.

GL: How many languages do you speak?

SB: I can speak Italian, English, German and Spanish. My languages, plus my passion for cooking and travelling have culminated in the career that I have now. I’ve lived and cooked all over the world, and ended up in Canada about six years ago. I’m a big runner and cyclist and I simply love the outdoors. As a result, the Thornbury area is perfect for me.

GL: Tell me about SiSi Trattoria’s menu?

SB: It’s simple Italian food. I start with a traditional recipe and transform it by adding colours, twists and new flavour combinations to make it more funky and interesting. That’s probably the best way to explain the food at SiSi’s. Overall, the menu features a selection of homemade pastas, grilled meats, fish and pizza.

thestylestudio

Boutique

GL: How do you transform a traditional recipe?

SB: Take my Caprese Salad, a staple at most Italian restaurants. Rather than the traditional combination of buffalo mozzarella, tomatoes and fresh basil, my recipe also features eggplant purée, roasted fig and micro greens drizzled with olive oil and aged balsamic. I added eggplant simply because I love it, and because it doesn’t get the culinary attention it deserves.

We also feature a kale Caesar salad that people are just crazy about. It’s crunchy, delicious and bursts with intense flavour.

GL: Explain how your heritage has influenced SiSi’s menu.

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SB: When creating new dishes, I always go back to the flavours of my childhood and the teachings of my mother and grandmother. I also keep track of the latest culinary trends in Italy.

For example, a more modern type of cuisine is developing, and that’s kind of what I’m trying to do here. It’s all about respecting basic Italian recipes, while adding your own touch, colour and personal creativity.

GL: Would that also describe your cooking philosophy?

SB: I believe in starting with a simple recipe, adding something interesting to it, and only using the best ingredients possible. Food isn’t just fuel. My goal is to give people a memorable experience by offering a celebration of great flavours.

GL: Given SiSi’s warm and rustic atmosphere, your food is set against a stylish backdrop.

SB: SiSi’s decor and ambiance is truly beautiful. It’s rustic, yet elegant with exposed brick walls, funky lighting and features plenty of unique woodwork. When I wrote the menu, all of these factors were taken into consideration. I believe that the menu compliments SiSi’s decor perfectly. »

All the freedom, none of the chores Isn’t this what retirement should be about? Enjoying the activities you want rather than worrying about snow-shovelling, yard work and the leaky roof? Let us take care of the maintenance and housekeeping – even the cooking if you’d like – while you do the things you want to do. After all, you’ve earned it!

Call Lorree at 705-429-8626 to book a tour and discover the freedom a Waterside lifestyle can offer.

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GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 25

• i n t h e k i t c h e n • S i S I T r at to r i a •

» GL: Let’s talk about wine. I understand that SiSi’s has its very own winery.

SB: That’s right. Terry and Noel Neelan, who own SiSi’s (along with the Mill in Thornbury) co-own Solo Contigo, a vineyard in Mendoza, Argentina. This winery features a super-premium malbec as well as a delicious sauvignon blanc and an outstanding torrontes. We serve these wines at SiSi’s and I also feature them in some of my recipes.

GL: Is SiSi’s the second Canadian restaurant you’ve worked at?

SB: I came to SiSi’s in December 2012. Before that, I was a sous chef at Oliver and Bonacini at Blue Mountain (Westin Hotel) for five years.

I’ve also worked as a chef in Denver, Bermuda, London (England) and Italy.

GL: What are some of the house specialities?

SB: I simply love making homemade pastas, and I try to have at least one or two on the menu along with a weekend special. For example, right now we have a rabbit ravioli, which has been a big success. I also experiment with different flours to make various homemade noodles.

We also have a fantastic local trout dish served with caramelized onion and rosemary agnolotto, quail croquettes, cauliflower and truffle 26 | GoodLife Georgian Bay | Summer 2013

cream. Another house speciality is our grilled branzino (Mediterranean sea bass) served with an eggplant caponata, and a salsa verde, which is a very fresh-tasting sauce made from parsley, anchovies, garlic, and lemon juice. The dish is topped with a fennel herb salad. Finally, our seafood linguini is also super popular.

GL: What about specials?

SB: We offer different specials, usually one during the week, and a couple of new ones on the weekend. Dishes have included speciality pastas, braised duck, salted cod, and lamb dishes -to name a few. Compared to other restaurants, we don’t have a huge menu because most of our diners come on the weekends. I like a smaller menu that I can execute perfectly.

GL: What about diners with special dietary needs?

SB: Customers with special requests or dietary restrictions are always encouraged to talk to me directly. That way, I can find out what they are looking for and make them happy.

GL: Tell me about SiSi’s desserts.

SB: Since we are a small restaurant, I don’t have a set dessert menu. Lately, we’ve been making a pistachio crème brûlée with sour cherries topped with a Tuscan rice fritter. We also have

tiramisu with a modern culinary twist and a gluten-free chocolate torte. I’m planning some fruit-based desserts for the summer months.

GL: I see you have a wood fired oven.

SB: We have one pizza on the menu, but during the colder months SiSi’s transforms into a pizzeria on Wednesday nights. We up the number of pizzas to five or six, and we offer a special deal -- one pizza and a beer, or a glass of wine for $18 (plus applicable taxes). Not sure if we will be offering this deal during the summer, but it will return in September.

GL: You’ve got the ear of thousands of area diners, anything else you’d like to mention?

SB: Being born and raised in Italy, I was taught to have this great passion and respect for food.

My goal at SiSi’s is to transfer that passion so that every SiSi diner can enjoy a memorable meal. Beyond that, we’ve got a great new menu, and our beautiful outdoor patio will be open (weather dependent) in mid-May.

SiSi Trattoria is located at 27 Bruce Street South in Thornbury. For more information call 519-599-7769, or visit www.sisitrattoria.com.

You can also find SiSi’s on Facebook and Twitter SISI_Trattoria.

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 27

WE LIKE

BY MEAGAN YOUNG

IT!

SUMMER FUN HAS BEGUN!

1

6

1

Floral Bowl and Floral Salad Plate

Outdoor dishes with an orange floral pattern.

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Picnic Time Metro Insulated Basket

An orange basket insulated to keep food and drinks cold for a summer picnic.

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Patio Lantern and Candle Holder

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Pink and Yellow Necklace

A beautiful pink and yellow necklace.

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Magenta Red Coral Top

A top to wear all summer.

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Ladies Hat and Beach Bag

Pink and white ladies hat and a striped beach bag.

Available at: Stuart Ellis Pharmacy 169 Hurontario St., Collingwood 705.445.4711 Price: Hat $9.99, Bag $7.99

3-in-1 Bag

Description: The middle insert of this purse comes out letting you choose between clutch, purse and beach bag.

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Amego Stream Electric Bike

Pink electric bike for getting to all the summers events.

Brand Name: Amego Available at: Little ED’s Ski and Bike Shop 15 Balsam St., Collingwood 705.444.5488 Price: $1,199.00

28 | GoodLife Georgian Bay | Summer 2013

3

4

5

6 1 2 1

Candles

7

Product description: Smokeless, dripless, long-burning candles from the Netherlands are a sure way to brighten up the night and day.

Brand: Bolsius Available at: Home Interiors, 65 Hurontario St., Collingwood, ON 705.446.9992 Price: From $5

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Gourmet Sauces

Product description: Made in Ontario, the steak splash, 4 pepper and 2 olive preserves are best sellers.

Brand: Ontario Garlic and Rootham Available at: Home Interiors, 65 Hurontario St., Collingwood, ON 705.446.9992 Price: From $22

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Fire Burner

Product description: For spring nights with a bit of a bite to them, these fire burners are very popular and great by the patio or pool.

Powder coated for outdoor use, with no scent, fumes or smoke.

Available at: Home Interiors, 65 Hurontario St., Collingwood, ON 705.446.9992 Price: From $22

3 8 GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 29

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30 | GoodLife Georgian Bay | Summer 2013

Delicious •

GOURMET@HOME •

DIPS DIPS TO DIVE FOR

BY KATHERINE ELPHICK PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELLIE KISTEMAKER

Growing up in the ’70s, a popular homemade dip consisted of a package of dried onion soup mixed with sour cream and mayonnaise. Served up with some ridged potato chips, this creamy delight held centre stage at every party.

While this classic recipe remains a perennial favourite for many, today’s dips have evolved into gourmet masterpieces bursting with flavour and colour. From creamy guacamole and zesty salsa to a fresh batch of hummus or roasted squash dip, it’s easy to find a recipe to dive into. » EGGPLANT CAPONATA See page 33 for recipe.

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 31

• GOURMET@HOME •

“Giving guests the option to double dip is something we love to offer” » “When entertaining, you can’t go wrong with a great dip,” says Angela Pidutti of Cravings Fine Food Market and Catering in Barrie.

“They’re perfect for grazing over during conversation.”

When serving dips, the local foodie recommends offering both dairy and non-dairy based varieties. “That way you’ll appeal to everyone’s tastes and dietary needs.”

Homemade dips are packed with flavour, easy to make and often lower in fat and calories.

“Many of those supermarket dips taste great, but most are just loaded with fat,” says Beth Hunt of The Globe Restaurant in Rosemont. “When you look at the calories (in those supermarket dips) it’s just mind-blowing.”

The good news is that healthy dips are easy to make. “Use low-fat yogurt, or low-fat sour cream for any cream-based dips,” suggests Hunt.

Another tip includes using puréed roasted vegetables as the key ingredient. Think pumpkin, squash, eggplant, zucchini, peppers and so on.

Chickpeas, beans, tomatoes and avocados also deserve special mention.

Don’t forget, dip-diving requires an edible paring and the choices are numerous – toasted pita bread, chips, crackers, raw veggies, fruit, crostini, or breadsticks – are just some of the

possibilities. “Be sure to offer gluten-free options such as rice or polenta crackers” suggests Pidutti.

Homemade dippers should also be considered, advises Hunt. And she rhymes off this easy recipe for readers to try: thinly slice a baguette, brush lightly with balsamic vinegar, place slices on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, and then put in the oven at 325F for 15 minutes.

Once the time is up, turn off the oven – leaving the sliced bread inside to cool fully. “So easy, yet so delicious,” says the Rosemont chef.

You can use the same baking instructions (just omit the balsamic vinegar) for various other homemade dippers, suggests Hunt. “Try banana bread, raisin bread, hot cross buns, bagels, cranberry bread– any of them would work.”

As for serving suggestions? “Presentation is a critical component of making food appealing to your guests,” says Julie Carter of Men with Knives Catering in Collingwood. Here are a few things to keep in mind. “Use your ingredients as much as possible,” suggests Carter. “There’s an old adage: anything you put on a plate or platter should be edible.”

As such, take advantage of fruit, bread and vegetables to create your serving vessels.

“A few of our favourites include using mul-

tiple hollowed out peppers (red, yellow, orange and green) for herb vegetable dip and serving up fruit kebabs with a Kahlua yogurt dip in half of a honeydew melon,” says the Collingwood Caterer. “Antje Pahmeier, an artisan baker from Meaford, bakes a variety of breads which can also be hollowed out to make great vessels for warm dips.”

Because different sized bowls and vessels line the shelves of Men with Knives Catering, they pick and choose the size and shape to match the food and dips being offered. For example, when serving skewered foods, they opt for long white olive dishes so the food can make as much contact with the dip as possible.

“Giving guests the option to double dip is something we love to offer, as well,” says Carter.

“To do so, we suggest serving your dip in individual shot glasses, small ceramic vessels or Mason jars. This works great when serving shrimp, flatbreads and vegetables.”

With all this talk about dips, here are three recipes guaranteed to get the party started. Interestingly, none of these dips include dried onion soup mix, sour cream or even mayonnaise.

Enjoy!

HOMEMADE TORTILLA CHIPS Easy to make and delicious for dipping.

INGREDIENTS: 1 package corn tortillas (smaller size) 2 Tbsp canola oil sea salt, to taste

PREPARATION: Preheat oven to 350F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly oil the parchment paper.

Using a pastry brush, lightly coat the top side of each tortilla. Stack the tortillas oiled side up in an even pile. Using a pizza cutter or serrated

32 | GoodLife Georgian Bay | Summer 2013

knife, cut the stack into eighths (start with cutting it in half, then into quarters, then into eighths).

Separate, and then arrange the individual triangular pieces oiled side up onto the baking sheet.

Bake each tray for about 10 minutes, or until the chips are crispy and just beginning to brown lightly. The chips cook very quickly, so watch closely to prevent over-baking or burning. Remove from oven. Using a spatula, remove chips and place onto a large plate lined with paper towel (to absorb any excess oil). Repeat baking process, until all chips are cooked. Season to taste with sea salt.

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EGGPLANT CAPONATA This delectable dip is courtesy of Angela Pidutti of Cravings Fine Food Market and Catering. “This recipe is one of my favourites because it’s so versatile,” says the chef. Along with spreading the caponata on crackers, pita chips or crostini, this dip has plenty of culinary options. Try it as a tasty topping for goat cheese, grilled fish, or pizza. “You can even stuff a chicken breast with it,” says Pidutti.

INGREDIENTS:

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Meanwhile, in a medium-sized pot, stir together garlic, capers, black olives, sugar, balsamic vinegar, and red wine vinegar. Over lowheat, while stirring occasionally, cook for 20 minutes to reduce mixture.

Stir together both mixtures and place in a refrigerator to cool for at least four hours. Makes about 2 cups.

Note: after refrigeration, bring the caponata to room temperature before serving.

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• Gourmet@Home • GUACAMOLE Having returned from Costa Rica just days before writing this story, adding a guacamole recipe was a must. After all, avocado trees were simply everywhere in this Central American country. While vacationing, I happily chowed down on this creamy appetizer at least once a day.

There are several secrets to making perfect guacamole. First, ripe avocados are essential.

Secondly, fresh limes and cilantro must make the ingredient list. In other words, resist any ideas of using bottled juice or dried herbs.

Finally, the consistency of the dip should be slightly chunky rather than perfectly smooth.

If you want to really impress guests, serve with a batch of homemade tortilla chips.

They’re easy to make and super tasty. While you can deepfry these chips, I opted to bake them. (see recipe on page 32)

INGREDIENTS: 3 ripe Hass avocados 2 Tbsp lime juice

⁄ ⁄

12

tsp sea salt

12

tsp ground cumin (optional)

2 Tbsp green onion, diced 1⁄2 small green jalapeño chile, stemmed, seeded and minced

2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced

⁄

14

cup chopped cilantro

1 clove garlic, minced

PREPARATION: Halve the avocados, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a medium bowl. Stir in the lime juice, salt, cumin, onion and jalapeño chile. Mash all ingredients together with a potato masher (or a fork), until well combined but still slightly chunky. Stir in the tomatoes, cilantro and garlic. Adjust seasonings to taste, if necessary.

Guacamole can be covered with plastic wrap, pressed right on the surface on the dip, and refrigerated up to 1 day. Remove the plastic wrap at the last moment, before serving. Makes about 2 cups.

34 | GoodLife Georgian Bay | Summer 2013

ROASTED SQUASH HUMMUS “Hummus isn’t just about chick peas anymore,” says Beth Hunt of The Globe Restaurant in Rosemont, who provided this recipe. Serve this tasty dip with toasted pita, vegetables, tortilla chips, or with homemade toasted crostini or other homemade dippers. (see recipe ideas in text of story)

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1 medium butternut squash, halved and seeded 1 tsp olive oil (for brushing on squash) 1 Tbsp brown sugar 3 Tbsp tahini 3 Tbsp lime juice 1 tsp ground cumin 2 tsp olive oil 1 tsp salt (or to taste) 1⁄8

tsp red pepper chili

3 cloves garlic, chopped 3 Tbsp chopped fresh flat leaf parsley 2 Tbsp toasted pumpkin seed kernels, toasted (optional) extra salt and pepper for seasoning

PREPARATION: Preheat oven to 400F. Place squash halves (flesh side up) on parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Using a pastry brush, brush olive oil onto the squash. Sprinkle the squash with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for about 35 to 40 minutes, or until flesh is fork tender.

Remove squash from oven and scoop out the flesh. Place squash and brown sugar in a food processor, or blender and process until smooth.

Add tahini, lime juice, cumin, olive oil, salt, red pepper chili and garlic to the squash mixture in the food processor or blender and process until well combined. Add parsley; pulse until blended. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Place in refrigerator to cool.

Place hummus in a serving bowl and sprinkle with pumpkin seed kernels. Makes about 21⁄2 cups.

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GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 35

• PORTFOLIO •

Oh Canada

PETERADAMS

BY MAIJA HOGGETT

MULMUR ARTIST CAPTURES CHANGING LANDSCAPES As an artist in tune with his surroundings, the rural landscape of Dufferin and Simcoe counties has provided Peter Adams with a lot of subject matter over the years.

From rolling country roads to neglected barns and snow-covered fields, the Mulmur-based oil painter has been capturing the changing local scenery for more than a decade.

Adams was born in Scotland, but has spent most of his life in Canada. He started working with oils in high school and has painted part-time for more than 20 years. About five years ago he started painting full-time, and up until recently had a studio in Collingwood (he closed it to open a studio at his home south of Creemore).

“My work has always represented a response to my immediate surroundings. Since moving to Mulmur Township 15 years ago, my work has focused on the beautiful landscape of Dufferin and Simcoe counties, but I’ve focused much attention on the changes that are happening to this rural landscape,” Adams says. “It’s always been about responding to what I experience in my own backyard. Similarly, my kids keep creeping into my paintings, and often provide an intriguing contrast to the changing landscape in the background.”

36 | GoodLife Georgian Bay | Summer 2013

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amond mines of Canada, Russia and South Africa.

“Although this represents a departure in subject matter for me, the series is the result of research conducted in response to the proposed mega quarry of nearby Melancthon Township. I’m still thinking about changes to the local landscape in this series, just stepping back a bit and considering the larger industry of resource extraction,” Adams says.

The Red River Series, which Sunset On Lot 31 gets its name from Bob Dylan’s love song the River Shore, is his most recent and focuses on the Yangtze River in China. Last year its waters ran red, inspiring Adams to continue exploring the “ecological discourse” of his Earth Scar Series.

“I was inspired by a Maclean’s article about China’s Yangtze River turning bright red last September. I have yet to read any official explanation for this change, but it has provided an intriguing (and symbolic) visual for how humans interact with this planet,” he says, adding there are more paintings to come in this series.

As Adams pushes himself to explore new subject matter, he is also pushing his boundaries with the mediums he’s putting on the canvas.

“In the last year or two, I have started developing my own mixed-media technique, using acrylic washes, paint markers, oil sticks, as well as the oil paints I have always used,” he says.

Adams’ work is getting attention locally. It has been featured at galleries in Creemore, Collingwood, the Dufferin County Museum and Archives, and more.

In 2012 he won the Best of Show in the South Simcoe Arts Council’s Juried Art Show. That accolade led to an exhibit at the Gibson Centre in Alliston entitled Wetlands and Waterways. For the spring show, Adams’ work was featured alongside fellow award-winning artists Diana Harding-Tucker and Lora Childs.

The “Caithkin Family “ is committed to supporting each child’s individuality, meeting their needs, and idi f d i h

Keeping a keen eye on the changing scenery, the Melancthon mega quarry proposal sparked a series of paintings for the environmentally conscious artist.

While the company behind the 2,300acre limestone quarry proposal eventually withdrew its plans last year, the idea of a mega quarry on prime agricultural land had already planted the seed for Adams’ Earth Scar Series, which focuses on the di-

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38 | GoodLife Georgian Bay | Summer 2013

• DESIGNER SHOWCASE •

life where

happens

BY ALAA YASSIN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NAT KAY

If there is one room that requires the most attention during the designing process, it’s definitely the kitchen. That’s why Marina Farrow and Katherine Arcaro treat the kitchen as the prime focus of any house they design.

The two interior designers have worked in the business for over 20 years, both with a strong specialty in space planning and kitchen design. Under their business name Farrow Arcaro Design, also known as FAD, they design spaces that work for every homeowner, depending on their lifestyle and needs.

The kitchen is the room where life happens, explains Farrow. It has to allow for cooking space, food storage, entertainment and a comfortable dining area. “But often it’s not just about food, my son loves doing his homework in the kitchen,” said Farrow.

Both Farrow and Arcaro believe that a kitchen needs to be designed as a custom space, outfitted especially to suit each homeowner’s needs differently. If well thought-out, the right designs can make time spent in the kitchen more enjoyable for the whole family.

This is why before they start thinking about design they get to know the homeowners very well. “We talk to the client, we listen, we watch and we try to find out what they want to achieve so that we can make it happen,” said Farrow. »

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 39

• DESIGNER SHOWCASE •

BEFORE

AFTER

40 | GoodLife Georgian Bay | Summer 2013

Come Share Our Passion For Fine Food Visit us on » With their expertise in space planning, they are able to improve the functionality of new or existing spaces by moving walls or making small adjustments.

That’s exactly what they did with a recent project near Collingwood. “It was special to us because it was such a transformation from what it was to what it became,” said Arcaro. The fifty-something year-old Viceroy home was very dated and ready for some uplifting.

“Viceroy designs were progressive way back then, so it was easy to see when you walked in which lines to preserve and which to update,” said Arcaro.

In this case, it was a matter of moving the walls and reconfiguring the space to make a spectacular kitchen. And that helped design the rest of the space in the home more effectively.

The kitchen, which was originally two rooms, was extended into one large space, with multiple working stations. The focus was to convert this home from closed rooms to a completely open-concept design, said Arcaro. There was a lot that went on there, you were never able to look through the kitchen, now you can, she added.

Since the husband is a chef, the kitchen had to be well thought-out in terms of how they could both work in there and enjoy it, said Arcaro. The wife also had a lot of housewares and china that were special to her. So they wanted to give her enough storage space, she said.

They also added an ensuite bathroom to the master bedroom and made the dining and living area open-concept. “The space that was there was just chopped up and so not as usable as it is now,” said Arcaro.

The openness of the space now allows for a view of the stunning outdoor scenery from every angle of the house.

The yellow pine walls were painted white to take the house away from the old-cottage look to a contemporary year-round home. The neutral colours definitely gave the house a clean and rich taste.

And to make the space work with the style that they had in mind, new furniture was bought to bring in a more contemporary feel.

However, some of the homeowner’s classic furniture was upholstered with the right fabrics to blend in with the new. »

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• DESIGNER SHOWCASE •

“

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42 | GoodLife Georgian Bay | Summer 2013

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» Every project they tackle comes with different inspirations. In this home, the owner had purchased a chandelier before any of the designing process even started, and right then they knew that was the inspiration for the contemporary feel of the home, said Arcaro.

Falling for an item or a piece of accessory is great because it helps designers understand the client’s taste. “It happens a lot in the store, clients come in and start picking out things they like and then we know their style,” said Farrow.

Because the two are always attending tradeshows throughout North America, they are able to bring a variety of unique pieces to their showroom in Collingwood. And often their interior designs include items from their store.

Having studied interior design in Italy - Farrow in Milan and Arcaro in Florence - they both bring a sophisticated European style to their designs. This is definitely evident in their selection of furniture. Yet they still manage to marry that with the style perceived by the builder.

Sometimes they use the architect’s design as their inspiration. “The client already loves something about it, so we try to make it all work together,” said Farrow. It’s about creating harmony between the outside and the inside, she added.

Despite how fabulous it all looks in the end, the whole process takes a long time and throughout that, the two usually become quite close to the client. “We usually end up being friends for life,” said Farrow.

They treat every project as if it’s their own home. Up to the last minute, they focus on all the tiny details, from making the bed to filling the fridge. “One time our deadline was right before the client’s Christmas dinner, we had to put the turkey in the oven for them,” said Farrow with a chuckle. “That’s how personal we get,” she added.

But letting go is always the toughest task.

“You get so passionate about your design that when it’s time to hand over the keys, you feel like a little of you is lost in the moment,” said Farrow. Despite how hard it is for them to give it up at the end, they always leave it with perfection.

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A Victorian retreat by the river in the beautiful setting of Georgian Bay. Hosted by: Milan & Paula Stepan 212 Miller Street, Meaford, Ontario, Canada N4L 1G9 For reservations & more information: 519-538-0941 • www.millhollow.ca GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 43

• EVENTS •

EVENTS

June

July

August

salsa at blue June 21 - 23

Blue Mountain Village

BLUE MOUNTAIN

june Salsa at Blue June 21-23 Blue Mountain Village

Muy Caliente! The very hot Ontario Salsa tour returns to Blue Mountain.

A family friendly showcase of Latin Life with pulsating music, passionate dancing and lessons, fiery foods, sizzling night life & fireworks!

Voted one of the Top 100 Ontario Events.

True Country Show June 29 - 7:30 p.m.

On stage at the Marsh Street Centre, Clarksburg, featuring Lavender Rose, Bettyanne Bray-Cobean and special guest. Tickets, phone the box office 519-599-7837.

Canada Day Weekend June 29-July 1

Clarksburg, Thornbury, Blue Mountain Village celebrate Canada Day weekend with tons of free family activities - street performers, Movies Under the Stars, fireworks, and live music all weekend including legendary band Lighthouse.

july July 1 Canada Day Celebrations, Clarksburg, Thornbury

Pancake Breakfast, Parade, Music and the 3rd Annual Beaver Crawl.

Join in the parade/and or Beaver Crawl and register online at visitbluejuly1.org

44 | GoodLife Georgian Bay | Summer 2013

Jazz on the Mountain July 5-7 Blue Mountain Village

It’s Canada’s newest Jazz festival! Over 30 free and ticketed concerts, master class workshops and the late nightclub series. See iconic Canadian songstress Holly Cole, legendary saxophonist Kenny Garrett, British pop/ jazz phenomenon Swing Out Sister just to name a few!

collingwood elvis festival July 26 - 28

Jazz by the Bay Sundays July 7 - August 18 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Thornbury Bayview Park: Sunday evenings for 7 weeks at the Pavilion. Bring a lawn chair.

Refreshments available.

Supported by donations. www.JazzbytheBay.ca

Relay For Life July 12 - 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Beaver Valley Community School.

Join the Canadian Cancer Society Relay for Life. To volunteer or be a participant, sign up on the web at www.cancer.ca/relay

PedalFest July 13-14 Blue Mountain Village

All for the love of the BIKE! Enjoy the kids bike parade, bike demos, bike vendors, unicycle demos, bike movies, live music and guided rides including Centurion training rides.

Blue Mountain Village

Garden Tour - Clarksburg July 13 - 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

St. George’s Anglican Church, Clarksburg www.bmts.com/~stgeorge

Shakespeare in the Square July 16 Blue Mountain Village

Bring your friends and family and gather around the Village Plaza for a magical evening of theatre under the stars featuring “As You Like It” by the Humber River Shakespeare Co.

7th Annual ARTSburg Day Clarksburg July 20 - 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

A day of celebration for all the arts related galleries, shops and studios in Clarksburg. A great opportunity to meet local artists and see many works inspired by the area. www.clarksburg.ca

Raspberry Festival July 20 - 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

The Farmer’s Pantry, Clarksburg

Come and celebrate the raspberry season by playing games, picking raspberries, participating in a raspberry pie-eating contest, having a water balloon fight, pony rides, live music, face painting, a silent auction and lots of other activities! www.raspberryfestival.org

Famarama festival July 20-21 Blue Mountain Village

Come celebrate the family all weekend with amazing shows and activities including Groove Dancing, The Silly People, Incredibrent, Fire Dancing and the hilarious Second City Family Show

tall ships 1812 tour August 16-18 Collingwood Harbour and throughout Collingwood

wakestock August 9-11

Millennium Waterfront Park Collingwood Harbour, Collingwood. info@cedarrun.ca www.cedarrun.ca

Country Music & Rodeo Weekend August 24-25 Blue Mountain Village

Dust off your boots and hat and get ready for a weekend of live country music and country groove dancing! Don’t miss the Rawhide Rodeo all weekend in nearby Clarksburg.

Collingwood Elvis Festival at Blue July 26-28 Blue Mountain Village

All hail the King! In co-operation with the Collingwood Elvis Festival, the Village plays host to the hottest Elvis entertainment including Tim E, Bruce Andrew, The Tonettes and the Sunday morning gospel show.

august BluesFest August 10 - 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Marsh Street Centre, Clarksburg

Bognor Jam Productions in conjunction with Marsh Street Centre presents The Bear Cats and the award winning Mackenzie Blues Band. Show hosts Bill Murdoch and Arnie Clark. Tickets $25 available at the Centre 519-599-7837, Thornbury Pharmasave or Fromager Music, Owen Sound.

marshstreetcentre@rogers.com www.marshstreetcentre.ca

Lions Club Day In The Park August 17 - 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Lions Park, Clarksburg

Fun for the whole family! Vendors, Games, Animals, BBQ and more.

Duck Race at 3:00. Tickets $5.00 each. First Prize $1000.00 trowatt@sympatico.ca www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/tbv

Cedar Run Rodeo Weekend August 24-25 318 Clark Street, Clarksburg

International Professional Rodeo presented by Rawhide Rodeo with competitors from 4 different countries, Kids’ Zone and Live Bands.

Qualifier for the International Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Largest rodeo event in the Georgian Triangle.

Summer Sundown and Fireworks August 31-September 2 Blue Mountain Village

Bid farewell to summer with a weekend of World Music. Enjoy live music, street performers, family activities and fantastic fireworks.

collingwood

july The 19th Annual Collingwood Elvis Festival July 25-28

The Collingwood Elvis Festival is a four-day celebration of the life, music and career of Elvis Presley.

Annually re-creating the nostalgia of an era, the Collingwood Elvis Festival delivers family-friendly, multi-generational music programming centred around a household name and musical icon, all in an effort to promote Collingwood and its surrounding region as a leading tourist destination. www.collingwoodelvisfestival.com

august Collingwood Arts & Music Festival August 3-4

Presented by the Blue Mountain Foundation for the Arts (BMFA), at The Station Museum, this show features an amazing mixture of artists including fine art, pottery, jewelry, woodworking, wood turning, stained glass, metal sculpture and fibre art. Music by the Jim Kinnear Trio with guest artists Collingwood’s own Greg Gibson and Deb Fitzsimmons. Art demonstrations will take place all weekend long including “Spirit of the Stone, Travelling Native Art Gallery”, with artist Kris Nahrgang who will be carving a totem pole. A children’s watercolour workshop will take place Saturday afternoon from 2 p.m.-3 p.m. admin@bmfa.on.ca, www.bmfa.ca

Wakestock August 9-11

Action sports and music festival featuring the world’s best wakeboarders and wakeskaters competing in the WWA World Series of Wakeboarding, plus pro skateboarding demos and contests, nightly parties, the Miss Wakestock bikini contest and music by Silver Sun Pickups, Death From Above 1979, The Sheepdogs, Less Than Jake, and more. Millennium Waterfront Park Collingwood Harbour, Collingwood. www.wakestock.com »

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 45

• EVENTS •

Tall Ships 1812 Tour de - JuneAugust 22 16-18 Big Band Legends: a A Tributeand to Crooners Collingwood Harbour throughout & Songbirds Music Hall of fame Downtown June 26 to July 13 kes a stop to perCelebrate the War of 1812 King’s Wharf Theatre, f his number-one Bicentennial inPenetanguishene Collingwood! g kiss An Angel

Experience theInbreathtaking the tradition of the ng and Crystal power and beauty of authentic popular Legends series comes tickets start at an visit original Drayton EntertainTall Ships as they Collingwood Harbour sinorama.com mentaboard production honour the August 16-18! Step for a to deck great crooners watch the and songbirds of n June - tour Juneof22the ships, time, by anland all-star Parade of Sail, our enjoy the backed War of 1812 ia orchestra. the icons are all here: activities, interactive displays, live musical ena large boater frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and features a fabuBing Crosby, Ella fitzgerald, Nat ed boat contest. king Cole, tony Bennett, Neil ree to the viewing Diamond, Paul Anka, Doris Day, Bobby Darin, Michael Bublé, 4 Harry Connick, Jr. and more. www.draytonentertainment.com e! - June 22 or 705-549-5555 Orillia

Permanent Hair Removal tertainment, and special activities throughout Downtown. www.visitsouthgeorgianbay.ca

MEAFORD

june Meaford Museum - Canada at Play June 5 to July 28 This exhibition takes a look at our favourite games and toys over the past 130 years. Presented by the Meaford Museum in collaboration with the Royal Ontario Museum. www.meafordmuseum.ca

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Bradshaw also teaches weekly art classes at her studio inattentionn: Barrie and hosts workshops for know what is going on in your students. renovators, neighbourhood, from anywhere Know Bradshaw’contractors, s work can be seen at a number of what is going on in your neighbourhood, from anywhere Simcoe County Galleries, including Mad and landscapers, Noisy in Creemore, diy’ers This fall, she has shows set for Ottawa and Montreal.

Her trip to The Louvre has also led to upnews coming shows planned for Shanghai and Barcelona. community events “I’m also looking at getting more into the US local sports markets,” she said. contests When asked if she has any regrets about leaving the hustle and bustle of Toronto, Bradshaw business news answers with a simple “no.” columnists & opinion “I don’t miss my old life at all,” she said. digital editons “What I am doing, and where I am now is much more satisfactory than that old life ever video & photo galleries could have been. I’m happy as an artist.”

Pauline Bradshaw’s studio is located at 75 WeSt., want see your before & after Collier reartoentrance. projects.

Send usMonday a couple photos The studio is open to of Friday from and if your project is chosen, you may noon to 6 p.m. Appointments would be apprebe featured in an upcoming edition of ciated.

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For more information, call 705-828-6782 Email - goodlife@simcoe.com or visit www.paulinebradshaw.com. www.goodlifemagazine.ca 46 | GoodLife Georgian Bay | Summer 2013

Meaford Municipal Farmers’ Market Fridays, June 7- October 11 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Meaford Rotary Harbour Pavilion A family and friends event under the Rotary Pavilion at the Harbour. Local, high quality produce, direct from our farmers. You can expect fresh, seasonal fruits & veggies, premium meats, and other unique local products.

Stay and treat yourself to a home-style meal prepared with local ingredients. www.meafordfarmersmarket.ca

Meaford Hall Dinner on the Terrace Complete with a casual catered dinner, refreshing cocktails and LIVE music! Advance tickets by reservation only – call and get yours now! Just $25 includes dinner, dessert, coffee and great local artists!

Cocktails and music start at 5:30, dinner at 6:30.

Canada Day Celebrations Friday, June 28 - Monday, July 1 Join us this year for an unforgettable Canada Day Celebration! The four day event begins on Friday, June 28 with the ever popular Farmer’s Market at the Rotary Harbourside Pavilion. Saturday, June 29 will see the return of the 2nd Annual Soap Box Derby ~ Your adrenaline is sure to roar!

Throughout the weekend event, enjoy engaging activities, entertainment and displays as downtown Meaford comes alive with excitement! A fireworks show will be offered in Leith on Sunday, June 30, followed by another full day of activities in downtown Meaford on Monday, complete with parade, flag raising ceremony, cake, car show and more.

The Great Meaford Duck Race June 29 - 2 p.m.

2500 Bright Yellow ducks will be dropped off the bridge on Sykes St. making their way towards the harbour! Our mayor will be waiting to grab the ducks from the finish line as they cross, announcing the excited winners of this year’s race. Over 90 prizes to be given away, only 2,500 tickets available! Tickets are 3 for $12 or $5 each and can be purchased in advance until race day at 1:30 p.m. at The Shoe Tree, Pharmasave, Grandma Lambe’s and Scotia Bank. This fundraising event is to help children keep on learning! All Proceeds go to the Meaford Co-operative Preschool. Racing ducks for learning!

Meaford BIA Downtown Street Sale and Scavenger Hunt June 29 Everyone is welcome to celebrate the Canada Day weekend in Meaford’s historic downtown for some great sales!

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 97

Summer Sunday Concert Series

The Friends of the Library is pleased to present the Summer Sunday concert series at the Rotary Harbour Pavilion. Come down and hear some wonderful local talents on the following dates: June 30: Waverley Rice and Bayview Country July 7: Mike Robertson July 14: Beverly Taft July 21: Jennifer Robertson July 28: The Valley Concert Band August 4: Allan Johnson August 18: Martin Rice August 25: Bored of Education

july Day on the Bay July 6

A fundraising event for the Meaford Hospital Foundation organized by the Reef Boat Club.

A $75 per person donation gets you a scenic afternoon cruise on the bay and a casual après sail BBQ back at the RBC clubhouse. www.reef boatclub.ca

canada day celebrations July 1

Town of Wasaga Beach

Georgian Hills VINEYARDS

Wine Tastings

Our grapes come from vines growing on the hills overlooking Georgian Bay. Enjoy the beauty of our vineyards, taste some of our award winning wines and linger a while...

Wednesday – Sunday 12pm-5pm, July & August open 7 days a week 12pm-5pm

Tasting is Believing 496350 Grey Road 2, Blue Mountains (at Victoria Corners)

www.georgianhillsvineyards.ca • 519 599 2255

AWARD WINNING WINES

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 47

• EVENTS •

august Meaford Rotary Annual Fish Fry August 2 - 5p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Meaford Harbour Pavilion

Keep this date open for Meaford’s premier summer event. Includes a generous portion of fresh Georgian Bay fish, baked potato, choice of freshly made salads, roll, butter, beverage and a slice of delicious Grandma Lambe’s freshly baked pie. Plan to come early enough to browse Meaford’s Farmers’ Market.

Tickets on sale June 1.

Visit www.meafordrotary.ca

Georgian Bay Regatta August 3

You won’t want to miss coming out to the breakwall and watching all the beautiful sailboats coming into our harbour from their annual race. Race information dates and locations are listed at: www.georgianbayregatta.ca

1st Annual 100 Mile Stomp August 3 - 12p.m. - 8p.m.

In its first year, a celebration of Stompin’ Tom Connors music at the Meaford Harbour. To inquire about taking part, email stompinmeaford@gmail.ca.

Leith Country Market August 10 -11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

‘Under The Tent’ our Outdoor Country Market - Seasonal produce; local Crafts, Writers and Visual Artists; “Second-time Around” booth; refreshments, traditional olde tyme music, all at the Leith church. Come and visit the Country Market. www.leithchurch.ca

Meaford Hall - Catherine MacLellan / Indie/folk/acoustic August 15 - 8 p.m.

at Muxlow’s Pharmacy, Stuff to Read and from Lions Club members. All proceeds to community projects.

WASAGA BEACH

june June 22-23 Wasaga Beachfest

This two day action packed festival is a great way to kick off the summer. Live entertainment, buskers, games, and much more along Beach Drive. www.wasagabeachfest.com.

Hear Catherine MacLellan, multiple ECMA & Canadian Folk Music award-winner, live in the intimate Opera House for a show you won’t forget. Tickets are $25.

july

Mammoth Chicken BBQ August 21 - 4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Trinity United Church, Annan

The Town of Wasaga Beach will be celebrating Canada’s birthday at the Stonebridge Town Centre from noon until 6 p.m. including fireworks at dusk. www.wasagabeach.com.

A fun community event with arguably the best chicken and pie in town!

Reserve your tickets early!

Lions Fish Fry August 24 Meaford Harbour Pavilion from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: adults $14, children under 8 $7, available

July 1 Canada Day Celebration

July 2 Marketplace

Season opening of the Wasaga Beach Marketplace.

Continues every Tuesday until August 27. Come experience the revamped Marketplace. Vendors from across Simcoe County will be selling fresh

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48 | GoodLife Georgian Bay | Summer 2013

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fruits and vegetables, baked goods, organic products and more. Taking place outside at the RecPlex from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Visit www.wasagabeach.com.

July 2 Jazz in the Park

Opening Night for Jazz in the Park. Continues every Tuesday until August 27. Jazz in the Park will be returning for its 12th season.

Located at the Oakview Woods Gazebo or the Rotary Band Shell behind the RecPlex from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. come sing, dance and experience the best jazz has to offer. www.wasagabeach.com.

Nancy Island, Wasaga Beach

August 10-11 Back to The Beach

July 6-7 Not So Pro Beach Volleyball

The tournament takes place at Beach Area One and is open for residents to join.

Check www.notsopro.com.

July 24 Wasaga Midway

WASAGA UNDER SIEGE August 16-18

Come experience the lights and excitement of the midway until August 7. Celebrating its 20th year in Wasaga Beach this year is set to be the biggest and best yet. Open every afternoon and evening. www.wasagabeach.com.

A new family festival packed with live music, buskers, acrobatics and the Guinness World Records organization longest bikini line. www.beachbooster.com.

August 16-18 Wasaga Under Siege

Come to Nancy Island and relive one of Wasaga’s most exciting historical reenactments; The War of 1812. www.wasagaundersiege1812.com.

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GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 49

Et M • o n• t O h eN m aTrH ke • ARKET

•

$325,000

WELCOME TO THE MARLWOOD GOLF COURSE COMMUNITY

Beautiful, spotless home ready to move in. Open concept liv/din/kit. Gas fireplace, central air, walkout to large deck, main floor laundry. Relax in your soaker tub. Beautifully landscaped & inground sprinkler system. Inside access to garage! Ideal for retired couple or family. Potential for 2 more bedrooms. This one is a gem!

MLS 20131931

Cathy BRADFORD Sales Representative

$599,000

IMMACULATE YEAR ROUND WATERFRONT HOME

60 ft of shoreline. Enjoy spectacular views of Georgian Bay and fantastic sunsets. This home offers 4 bdrms, F.A. gas heating, central air, large kitchen w/seperate dining rm, w/o from kit to large deck across back of house. Large patio w/BBQ. Full, high basement w/cantina. Double garage and parking for at least 10 cars. A must see.

MLS 20131202

Cathy BRADFORD Sales Representative

OFFICE

OFFICE

705-429-2121 Millennium Inc., Brokerage

DIRECT

705-888-1031

$319,900

BACKING ONTO MINISTRY LAND

This beautiful, well maintained home offers 1730 sq ft on main floor with lots of upgrades and quality features, 3 bedrooms, bright eat in kitchen, open concept to family room with cozy fireplace. Large master bedroom with walk in closet and private 3pc ensuite. Basement has bedroom, 4pc bath, rec room and HUGE workshop.

Call Alison to view.

Alison ROBINS

Sales Representative

705-429-2121 Millennium Inc., Brokerage

$145,000

C UTE AS A BUTTON

This 3 season cottage has it all. Lovely 50’ x 100’ lot is a stone’s throw from Nottawasaga Bay. See the sunsets and relax in the tranquility. Enjoy your vacation time in this one of a kind one bedroom hide-a-way. You can even invite friends to stay over. There’s plenty of room as the Bunkie/Trailer sleeps 6. Move right in!

MLS 20132741

Carol WOOD Broker

OFFICE

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50 | GoodLife Georgian Bay | Summer 2013

Alison.robins@century21.ca www.alisonrobins.com

DIRECT

705-888-1031

705-429-2121 Millennium Inc., Brokerage

carol.wood@century21.ca www.carolwood.ca

• on the market •

spectacular

views F

inding the right property is often

about location and that couldn’t be more true than for this two-hundredfoot deep property located near Wasaga Beach in Tiny Township. Located directly on Georgian Bay, this property offers spectacular views of the Bay and the second-to-none sunsets across the water. Sixty feet of shoreline provides exceptional access to the water with the beach only steps from the back door. A large, wood deck spans the back of the house and a paved path leads through the treed backyard to the concrete patio that overlooks the water.

A brick barbeque is located at the back corner of the patio with a shaded picnic table for a few moments of shade during the heat of the day or enjoying the cool breezes off the beach in the evening.

The 1,600-square-foot home is located back from the road with a long, wide driveway that has plenty of parking for weekend guests and entertaining. Beautifully maintained, the

two-storey home includes a double-car garage and a covered porch at the front door. Inside, both the large kitchen and the separate dining room look out over the water with the kitchen providing easy access to the lake through the walk-out to the back deck. Four bedrooms are located on the top floor, two with views of the water, as well as a four-piece bathroom.

The basement provides an area for spacious living with 9-foot-high ceilings and a built-in cantina.

Another element of this property’s location is that it is within a short driving distance of Barrie, Midland and Collingwood and provides great access to the outdoors whether for golf in the summer, skiing in the winter, or hiking the Bruce Trail in the fall. There are few activities that this area doesn’t provide and this property is located to access whatever one suits the need.

Listed with Cathy Bradford, Century 21 Millennium Inc. for $599,000.

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 51

•

f e at u r e •

GOLFWINE &

By Gordon Stimmell

Suddenly the world is awash with celebrity wines. And golfers more than any other class seem to be getting in the swing with vineyards and making wines.

It’s not a matter of stars cashing in on their fame. Sure, a known name always helps to sell a wine. But charities often lie at the heart of famous golfers’ wine passions.

What golfers make great wine? It’s almost a who’s who of the world of golf. The posh club includes Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Greg Norman, Ernie Els, Nick Faldo, Gary Player, and of course, our own Mike Weir.

We recall Weir making Canadian golf history when he triumphed at The Masters tournament in 2003. Flash forward a decade to 2013, and there was Weir, again battling gamely with the world’s finest players through the first round, only to face the axe in the second round.

The 2013 Masters winner turned out to be Adam Scott, ending 50 years of Masters drought for Australians. Scott’s golf mentor, Greg Norman, made four runs at the Masters, and never quite triumphed.

“I was, and am, very excited to be a part of the Canadian wine industry,” says Weir, “ and I enjoy introducing people from all over the world to Canadian wines.”

Greg Norman’s wines can be found across Canada. Although The Shark’s wines have sold out in Ontario for now, his chardonnays from both his Australian and California vineyards are always richly layered whites.

Ernie Els makes reds in South Africa that rise into stunning levels. His cabernet sauvignons are especially powerful and at press time, only a couple of bottles were still on LCBO shelves. They are not cheap but often will merit a 90 score or more in my ratings.

However, it is our own Mike Weir’s wines that command the most prolific golfer wine presence in our market. They are

52 | GoodLife Georgian Bay | Summer 2013

Presents

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reasonably priced, and represent a wide range of grape varieties.

Weir founded Mike Weir Estate Winery in 2005, two years after his Masters moment of glory donning the green jacket. We caught up with Mike from his Utah home.

I wondered whether Weir’s passion for wine came from dining in swank golf club dining rooms or was it sparked in his Niagara Falls childhood.

“I first became interested in wine from my grandfather,” Weir says. “My mother is from Niagara Falls and we would visit my grandfather a lot. He made his own wine – he was passionate about it, ironically using Niagara grapes.”

And Weir’s passion for the grape did stem from actual childhood. “My grandfather would always make sure my brothers and I had a glass, no matter what age we were.”

His passion and curiosity grew with him.

“When I hosted the Champions dinner at the Masters in 2004 it was important that I used 100-per-cent Niagara wine,” Weir says. “And by that time I was blown away by how far the industry and the wine quality had come.”

“I actually have a small vineyard in front of my house in Utah, all sangiovese vines, and my wife and I grow, tend to, and crush those grapes at my house – although we did bring some of my winery staff down to help this year!”

Billy Bishop Goes to War

Mike Weir wines were made by the award winning team at Creekside in the early years, but recently Chateau des Charmes winemakers have become the designated hitters at their large winery in Niagara.

However, Weir has big plans for his own facility.

Forever Plaid

“On the winery side, I simply can’t wait to get our new retail and hospitality centre open. I have been involved in the plans and think it will be a big boost and an exciting time for my winery,” he says. “It will definitely take us to the next level.”

www.enclavedesign.ca .enclavedesign.ca

put more in your life! 2013 Summer Theatre

July 10th–20th

On A First Name Basis

July 30th–Aug 4th

Aug 14th–24th

Same Time, Next Year Sept 18th–28th Performance Location:

Phone:

705.445.2200, 1.866.382.2200

Email: info@theatrecollingwood.ca or visit www.theatrecollingwood.ca

“It’s been long overdue and something I always envisioned having. I love the old EastDell location and I am pushing my brother Jim to speed the process up!”

All proceeds from the sales of Mike Weir wines go to help fund the Mike Weir Foundation, which is dedicated to helping with the physical, emotional and educational welfare of Canadian children.

“I have a goal to raise $10 million for my Foundation and children’s charities in Canada. We’re about halfway home.

My wife Bricia and I are committed and proud of what we have been able to do for charities … and we will do as much as we can to reach that goal.”

The Mike Weir wines don’t need any handicaps, as they consistently rack up solid scores. And unlike some celebrity wines, they are not overpriced.

“I was, and am, very excited to be a part of the Canadian wine industry,” says Weir, “and I enjoy introducing people from all over the world to Canadian wines.”

FUN & UNIQUE TOYS, CRAFTS, GAMES AND BOOKS FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES SUMMER CRAFT CLASSES FOR AGES 4 & UP. CHECK ON-LINE OR IN THE STORE FOR MORE DETAILS 27 Hurontario St., Downtown Collingwood

705-445-6222

Monday-Friday 9:30-6:00, Saturday 9:30-5:00, Sunday 11:00-4:00

www.mindsalive.ca

Like us

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 53

• F E AT U R E • S H O P G O L F •

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The performance pack includes center cut leverage discs built to optimize swing footwork, a handled exercise ball targeting rotational speed and Inside 80, a resistance training system for increasing flexibility and synchronization in your golf swing.

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➪ ➪ Nexbelt Go-In! $50 Belt technology may be as staid as a grey suit, but Nexbelt strives to take the science of keeping waists happy to the next level. Their PreciseFit tightening system eliminates yesteryear’s punched holes which have a tendency to scuff and lose their shape, while facilitating size adjustments in quarter inch increments. The belt won’t shave any points off your score by coaxing long putts hole-ward bound using an onboard buckle tractor beam as the “Go-In!” name seems to allude, but the face niftily flips down to reveal a magnetic ball marker. Off the course, Nexbelt’s quick release clasp comes in handy in airport security lines, or at the end of a long day.

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54 | GoodLife Georgian Bay | Summer 2013

Nike TW Stripe Polo The TW Stripe Men’s Golf Polo is made with strategic perforations and faded print detail on sweat-wicking jersey fabric for comfort and modern style on the course.

Available at Golf Town

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➪ Welcome to the new face of spin. 588 RTX CB Wedges combine the legendary performance of 588 with added forgiveness and the breakthrough Rotex Face – Cleveland Golf’s most advanced spin technology ever.

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Footjoy M-Project Shoe: $149.99 Constructed of proprietary M:Spec leather by Pittards, the FootJoy Men’s M Project Spiked Golf Shoes provide a thin, supple, comfortable feel. The P.I.N.S. spike system comes with thinner spike receptacles and Stealth cleats by Softspikes, and the ProTekt toe guard is designed to provide abrasion resistance in a key wear area.

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Tour-proven around the globe, the new Titleist 2013 Pro V1 Golf Balls combine exceptional distance, consistent flight, very soft feel, and Drop-And-Stop greenside control. The multicomponent construction of the Pro V1 golf ball utilizes soft-compression ZG Process Core technology and features a responsive ionomeric casing layer and an improved highperformance Urethane Elastomer cover system with a 352 tetrahedral dimple design to deliver unparalleled performance.

Available at Golf Town

Odyssey Versa Putters: $179.99 The Versa line of putters offers Odyssey’s latest breakthrough innovation, Visionary High Contrast Alignment. The black and white contrast accentuates the face angle at address, through the stroke and at impact, improving concentration and allowing you to align your putter more accurately to the target. In addition to offering this innovative alignment technology in our mallet and progressive style putters, this technology has been applied to our blade-style putters, providing a functional alignment aide to a traditional style putter. Coupled with a new and improved White Hot insert, the Versa line provides options for every player type.

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Titleist Pro V1: $53.99

➪

ClicGear 3.5 Push Cart: $229.99 The ClicGear Model 3.5+ Push Cart is a compact, reliable, and easy-to-use push cart that makes walking the course a breeze. The ClicGear Model 3.0 was a hugely popular push car model when it was released due to its easy-to-use folding frame, multiple convenience features, and wide selection of available colors. Now, ClicGear has released the Model 3.5+ with loads of updates based on customer feedback.

Available at Golf Town

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 55

G eorgian Bay M A R K E T P L A C E •

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GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 57

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Australia

Kingsford Homestead

58 | GoodLife Georgian Bay | Summer 2013

By Bart Card Photography courtesy of South Australia Tourist Board and Bart Card

Of all the countries in the world, there is only one that is, without a doubt, on everyone’s bucket list.

Those lucky enough to visit this vast and beautiful country, return home with a sense of wonder, awe and culture. Âť

L e a v e s Yo u W a n t i n g M o r e GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 59

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Kingsford Homestead

Above photos: Charles Melton Winery, Barossa 60 | GoodLife Georgian Bay | Summer 2013

» Everyone has seen the tourism ads featuring beautiful friendly people, blue skies, vast open spaces and a unique abundance of flora and fauna. Usually accompanied by a theme song featuring at least one didgeridoo, most people would think these ads look just a little too good to be true. When it comes to Australia, I can honestly say, they are completely true.

Known for its uniqueness; a number of tag lines usually accompany conversation about this dry and vast country. Those tag lines go something like this: all of the world’s most poisonous snakes are Australian, it is the only country that is also a continent, it is the least populous nation (per mile) in the world, there are more than 150 million sheep in Australia and only some 20 million people, and last but not least, Australia is the fourth-largest exporter of wine in the world.

As a young man I lived in Australia for four years, helping to build the railroad that now connects Sydney to Perth. Since then I have been lucky enough to visit numerous times.

Despite all of the time I have spent in this magical country, I have still not had my fill, and have certainly not seen all there is to see. Unless you are a backpacker with months to spare, Australia is much too vast to tackle all in one trip.

On my most recent adventure, I had the pleasure of visiting South Australia, exploring the Great Ocean Road, Melbourne and the wineries speckled in between.

Planning a trip to Australia can sometimes be

overwhelming. Most people dream of exploring this fantastic destination, but are scared off by the flight or the sheer size of the country itself.

The first decision that must be made is where to go. Once that has been decided, the question becomes how do I get there? There are several ways to get to Australia. On this particular trip I took American Airlines from Toronto to New York then Qantas to Los Angeles. From there it is a direct flight to Sydney, then on to Melbourne. This time I was lucky enough to be in business class. Although getting there can be relatively harrowing, in the end it is always worth the trip.

I arrived in Melbourne and checked in to Sofitel Melbourne. After such a long trip I took the rest of the day to catch up on some much needed sleep. The next morning I made my way to Federation Square for a walking tour of Melbourne. Known as one of the world’s most liveable cities, Melbourne has a unique culture of fashion, food, sport and entertainment.

With a deep history and heritage, the arts are celebrated through a plethora of museums and galleries.

If walking isn’t your thing, Real Melbourne Bike Tours offers bike tours in and around the city. In a few hours you can see more than most see in days. From a bike you can soak up the atmosphere and explore the bohemian backstreets, lively markets cafes, hidden arcades, bike paths and bluestone laneways. »

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 61

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S.O. Lodge Kangaroo Island

Hanson Bay -Kangaroo Island

» After a few days in Melbourne, we were off to start the second leg of our tour. Melbourne is the gateway to regional Victoria, which offers myriad of opportunities in a very compact and accessible area. Whether its deserts, alpine ski resorts, mighty rivers, great lakes, wildlife, or the unparalleled spectacle and beauty of the world-renowned Great Ocean Road, Victoria is all about quality experiences.

Many of the state’s regional attractions, including valleys of vineyards and international surf beaches, are less than a two-hour drive from Melbourne. But with more time to spare, the entire state offers a variety of scenic routes ideal for self-drive and personalized tours.

In the morning we packed up our gear and headed to the Mornington Peninsula for a horseback winery tour. What better way to enjoy the scenery than on horseback. The day was spectacular. We rode through the beautiful vineyard region of Red Hill, stopping only to taste some of Australia’s finest wines and enjoy a gourmet BBQ by the lake. The day was com62 | GoodLife Georgian Bay | Summer 2013

plete when we arrived at Peninsula Hot Springs for a well-deserved soak.

Our next stop was a walking tour of the Twelve Apostles, which was much needed after hours in the saddle the day before. As one of Australia’s most recognizable natural features, the Twelve Apostles were formed by harsh weather conditions from the Southern Ocean gradually eroding the soft limestone below and forming caves in the cliffs. Eventually these caves became arches which in turn collapsed; leaving rock stacks that measure up to 45 metres in height. The site was known as the Sow and Piglets until 1922 and was renamed the Twelve Apostles for tourism purposes, even though there have only ever been nine stacks.

From the Twelve Apostles we boarded a helicopter for a tour over the Great Ocean Road.

Listed as an Australian National Heritage site, the 243-kilometre stretch of road along the south-eastern coast of Australia connects the Victorian cities of Torquay and Warrnambool.

The road was built by soldiers between 1919

and 1932, and is the world’s largest war memorial; dedicated to casualties of the First World War. It is an important tourist attraction in the region, which winds through varying terrain alongside the coast, and provides access to several prominent landmarks. The awe-inspiring flight over some of Australia’s most beautiful scenery really provides a unique perspective and is highly recommended for anyone hoping to truly experience this vast landscape. After a few wonderful days of walking, biking, riding and flying, I was certainly ready for the next portion of the trip: wineries in the Adelaide Hills.

Driving from Melbourne to Adelaide, we stopped for lunch at the Royal Mail Hotel in Dunkeld and I was not disappointed. The Royal Mail Hotel is a unique rural destination set among native gardens and fruit orchards with stunning views of the Southern Gramians Ranges. Accommodation, an awardwinning restaurant and wine cellar, café, public bar, meeting and conference facilities and the historic Mt. Sturgeon Estate and homestead are all available to explore and enjoy.

That night we checked into the Baroka Downs, in Halls Gap, located approximately halfway between Melbourne and Adelaide.

The Boroka Downs offers truly five-star selfcontained accommodations. There are just five architecturally designed luxurious and exclusive residences with sweeping views of the surrounding nature. In the morning I opened the curtains and was greeted by a troop of kangaroos. You can’t get much more Australian than that.

After a few more days in the Adelaide Hills we made our way into the city. Checking in to the Adelaide Hilton, I spent the afternoon exploring the Adelaide Central Market. Buzzing with sounds, colours and wondrous smells, the Central Market is truly a destination for food

lovers. It is no secret that I love outdoor markets and having visited some of the world’s best, Adelaide did not disappoint. Offering not only fresh fruit and vegetables, the market also offers one of the largest ranges of meat and fish along with the gourmet specialties.

Our stay in Adelaide was short-lived. The next day we were back on the road – headed for Kingsford Homestead, a stunning 1856 two-storey sandstone Georgian homestead that has been superbly renovated and is now home to seven luxury suites. We woke early and headed to the Barossa. With quality food and wine, an abundance of wildlife and spectacular postcard scenery around every bend, the Barossa is the heart of Australia’s wine industry, the home to gourmet delights and an area blessed with a rich cultural heritage. At just over an hour’s drive north of Adelaide, the Barossa thrives on a living heritage, food markets, quality wines, old preserved buildings, and a wealth of culinary pleasures. There is a strong sense of cultural identity and community spirit, which adds to the appeal of the region.

While working in the outback as a young man, we drank a lot of wine. I vividly remember the mornings when we would wake up in the heat and regret all the cheap wine we had consumed the night before. The smell alone would kill any flies that landed on us. Needless to say I did not have the chance, in my younger days, to visit the Barossa or any of the wineries it is now famous for; luckily that all changed on this trip.

Once in the Barossa, we were lucky enough to be accompanied by John Baldwin, a wine specialist tour guide and owner of Barossa Daimler Tours. John’s extensive local knowledge, uncanny ability to recognize individual tastes, and restored 1957 Bentley made for a fantastic experience that I will not soon forget.

We spent the morning visiting Yalumba Wines for a tour and wine tasting. Samuel Smith founded Yalumba in 1849 after purchasing a 30-acre parcel of land. Six generations and more than 150 years later, Yalumba, Australia’s oldest family-owned winery, remains one of the most popular wineries with tourists because of its beautiful landscaped gardens and the winery’s Clock Tower (circa 1906).

In the afternoon, we made our way to Penfolds for a Make Your Own Blend Experience.

Acting as winemaker for an hour we tried our hands at the craft. A fascinating and satisfying »

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GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 63

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For more information about South Australia visit: www.southaustralia.com OTHER WEBSITES OF INTEREST: Sofitel Hotel Melbourne www.sofitelmelbourne.com.au

Mitchell’s Gully

» experience, blending to suit your own personal taste, and even more fulfilling to take the wine home.

After a fantastic day in the wineries we were off again, this time to Kangaroo Island. On arrival we were met by a representative from Exceptional Kangaroo Island Tours, who then accompanied us on a full day of touring. Kangaroo Island is one of Australia’s great natural wonders, as well as one of its best, and most surprising, tourism destinations. It’s a wildlife sanctuary without fences, where visitors can see Australian animals in their natural habitat.

Around 30-per-cent of the island is protected as parks, and its 541-kilometre coastline includes excellent swimming and surfing beaches, a spot where visitors can walk among sea lions, spectacular cliffs and amazing rock formations such as Remarkable Rocks. The island also has a growing reputation as a food and wine region, renowned especially for its honey, eucalyptus oil and sheep dairy farms.

While on Kangaroo Island, we stayed at the Southern Ocean Lodge. Designed to float amongst the dramatic coastal beauty of the island’s south west coast, the world-class lodge offers unrivalled luxury in a uniquely Australian setting. Organic-luxe suites feature lavish sleeping areas, sunken lounge, glass walled ensuite and breathtaking ocean vistas.

Planning a trip to Australia can at first be overwhelming and somewhat ominous. The travel time and sheer size of this great nation is often all it takes to dissuade perspective visitors.

If I have any advice it is to identify what you want to do, research where to do it and then focus on one region or location. This will allow you to fully experience the people, culture and feel of a place, without ever being overwhelmed or stressed. It is impossible to experience the whole country in one trip, but if you plan properly there will always be a reason to return!

Bart Card is a Travel, Wine & Food Editor – bartcard@rogers.com

Real Melbourne Bike Tours www.rentabike.net.au/biketours/ Horseback Winery Tours www.horsebackwinerytours.com.au Peninsula Hot Springs www.peninsulahotsprings.com Bothfeet Walking Lodge – Great Ocean Road www.bothfeet.com.au 12 Apostles Helicopters www.12ah.com Royal Mail Hotel www.royalmail.com.au Boroka Downs www.borokadowns.com.au Hilton Adelaide www.adelaide.hilton.com Kingsford Homestead www.kingsfordhomestead.com.au Barossa Daimler Tours www.barossadaimlertours.com.au

Carrot, artichoke, sunflower and garlic

Penfolds Winery www.penfolds.com.au Yalumba Wines www.yalumba.com Exceptional Kangaroo Island www.exceptionalkangarooisland.com Southern Ocean Lodge www.southernoceanlodge.com.au

64 | GoodLife Georgian Bay | Summer 2013

in the crowd Collingwood Chamber of Commerce

Business Excellence Awards Gala:

1 2

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN EDWARDS

GEORGIAN BAY

The Collingwood Chamber of Commerce held its annual Business Excellence Awards at Cranberry Resort’s Bear Estate. Local businesspeople enjoyed live music, a delicious dinner and a silent auction before the best in business were recognized at the evening gala.

1.

The Small Business Award was presented to The UPS Store on behalf of TD Canada Trust. Small Business Advisor Mary Gibson, Commercial Relationships Manager Brad Miller, UPS Store owner Mary-Ann Biersteker, Branch Manager Chrystal Robertson, Area Manager for Small Business Banking Karen Ritchie.

2.

The Innovative Business Award was presented to Auto Pilot by Walker Aggreates. Rosemary Ackerman of Walker Aggregates and Auto Pilot owner Phillip Miller.

3.

The Customer Experience Award was presented to Sinton Transportation by Gaviller & Company.

Presenting the Award was Janet Currie from Gaviller & Company to Holly Mischuk, Christine Johnson, Lynn Cooper, Shane MacLaughlan and Linda Palumbo of Sinton Transportation.

4.

The New or Renovated Business Award was presented to Elephant Thoughts Global Development Initiatives by the Small Business Entertprise Centre of South Georgian Bay. Gillian Fairley, Belinda Boucher of the Small Business Entperprise Centre, Kelly Cambridge and Lisa Farano of Elephant Thoughts and Bill Wall, chair of the Small Business Enterprise Centre.

5.

Services, Industry and Trades Award was presented to Collingwood Vaccum Centre by RBC Collingwood.

Andrew and Meghan Berofski, owners of the Vaccum Centre were presented the award by Kate Larmand, Erwin Dick, Alex Huffey, Mary Joe Million, Kheangan Claasse, Treena French and Geoffrey Belisle of RBC.

6.

The Accomodation and Tourism Award was presented to Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain by Blue Mountain Go Karts. Rebecca Dunphy presented the award to Lesley and Rob Cederberg.

7.

The Not-For-Profit Award was presented to Hospice Georgian Triangle by Johnson Inc. Presenting the Award were Trish Irwin and John Alsop of the Collingwood Chamber of Commerce to Barbara Hockley and Patrice McCammon of Hospice Georgian Triangle.

8.

Restaurant or Food & Beverage Business Award was presented to The Iron Skillet by: Simpson & Co. Insurance Brokers operated by Secure Insurance Solutions Group Inc. Len Weatherall present the award to Tony and Doris Sensenberger.

9.

The Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Matt McLean by The Connection. Editor Scott Woodhouse, Matt McLean and Connection General Manager Carol Lamb.

10.

The Chamber Business of the Year was presented to Georgian Life by OLG. On hand for the presentation were Suzanne Turner of OLG, Bryan Davies, Selena Blais, Dave West of Georgian Life and Wayne Allicock of OLG.

3 4

5 6 7 8

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GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 65

in the crowd Hospice’s Second Annual

The fourth annual Bowls for Beds fundraiser was held at the Toronto Ski Club to raise funds for the Home Horizon Transitional Housing Program, which helps local families find a place to live and get back on their feet. Hundreds of local students decorate soup bowls and more than 20 restaurants supply soup for the event. For $25, residents can taste soup from the top local chefs and help raise money for this worthy cause.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVE WEST

GEORGIAN BAY

‘Bowls for Beds’ Gala:

2 3

1

5

6

4 1. Kathy Jeffery 2. Dustin Stone and Melissa Goldmintz of Rusty’s at Blue

7 8

3. Nancy Jungkind, Elke Huycke, Leslie Stone.

4. Paula Stickley, Sylvia Wilson, Rhonda Morby 5. Ellan Jarman, Ken and Margaret Adolphe 6. Jessica Dieckow and Dana Calder 7. Eric Madden, Julie Le Blanc and John Eaton 8. Annie Smith of Oliver and Bonacini 9. Jay Klink, Tanya MacNeil, Matt McLean and Melissa Bennett

9 66 | GoodLife Georgian Bay | Summer 2013

Personal

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Personal

See our listings online at

MEAFORD

COLLINGWOOD

THORNBURY

96 Sykes Street North (Hwy 26) Meaford

330 First Street (Hwy 26) Collingwood

27 Arthur Street West (Hwy 26) Thornbury

519-538-5755

705-445-5520

519-599-2136