March/April 2013

S E RV I N G C O M M U N I T I E S I N F O R E S T H I L L , L E A S I D E , R O S E DA L E A N D L AW R E N C E PA R K

Marketing His Art

march/april 2013

Sketches of Old Montreal draws Forest Hillâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Anthony Batten into new career

Laughing in Leaside Colin Mochrie and Debra McGrath have plenty to love about their neighbourhood

100 Women Who Care Rosedale philanthropic organization goes beyond monetary donations

IT’S GO TIME.

PLEASE CALL FOR CURRENT PROGRAM DETAILS.

THE NEW2013

RX 350

COMPLETE LEXUSPRICING

47,080*

PLUS HST

LEASE OR FINANCE FOR UP TO 48 MONTHS

2.5%

* PURCHASE PRICE INCLUDES FREIGHT/PDI ($1,995), EHF TIRES ($29), EHF FILTERS ($1), A/C ($100), AND OMVIC FEE ($5). TAXES AND LICENSE ARE EXTRA.

SALES 416.391.1600 SERVICE 416.391.1668 WWW.LEXUSONTHEPARK.CA 1075 LESLIE ST., TORONTO (LESLIE & EGLINTON) FORMERLY THE ‘INN ON THE PARK’ SITE

PROUD TO BE OF SERVICE TO THE HEART OF TORONTO

Introducing

All New

2014 Forester

Publisher Ian Proudfoot General Manager Marg Middleton Editors Antoine Tedesco Julie Caspersen Alan Shackleton Retail Advertising Sales Manager Angela Carruthers Director of Production Katherine Porcheron Graphic Design Julie Caspersen Story Contributors Hilary Caton Holly Crawford Katherine Elphick Tara Hatherly Daniela Piteo Lisa Rainford Justin Skinner Antoine Tedesco Photography Contributors Ellie Kistemaker Irvin Mintz Dan Pearce Nick Perry Mike Pochwat GoodLife magazine is a lifestyle magazine published six times per year: January/February, March/April, May/June, July/August, September/October, November/December by Metroland Media Toronto, a division of Metroland Media Group Ltd. It is delivered to 20,000 households in the Forest Hill, Leaside, Rosedale and Lawrence Park neighbourhoods of Toronto, to households served by The City Centre Mirror or The East York Mirror. GoodLife magazine is also available at select retail locations in that area. Statements, opinions and points of view expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent those of the publisher, advertisers or GoodLife magazine. All rights reserved. Any reproduction of this publication in whole or in part must be approved by the Publisher.

ÂŽ

Well equipped starting from $25,995* Willowdale Subaru 5840 Yonge Street, Willowdale, ON

416-221-8876 www.willowdalesubaru.com Price is plus Freight/PDI $1,595, Admin fee $195, OMVIC $5 and all taxes.

4 | GoodLife Toronto | March April 2013 â&#x2013;

Ian Proudfoot Publisher Marg Middleton General Manager Peter Haggert Editor-in-Chief Warren Elder Director of Advertising Debra Weller Regional Director of Classified, Real Estate Mike Banville Director of Circulation Katherine Porcheron Director of Production Mailing address: Metroland Media Toronto 175 Gordon Baker Rd. Toronto, ON M2H 0A2 For further information regarding all our products, please call us at 416-493-4400

Inventory Clearout Sale

UP TO

70% OFF

KILIM: Assorted hand-woven all wool kilims

CHOBI: Assorted hand-knotted all wool Chobi rugs

the regular price!

GABBEH: Assorted hand-knotted all wool Gabbeh rugs

PERSIAN TRIBAL: Assorted handknotted all wool Persian tribal rugs

LASHAR RUGS ��

�� Free pickup and delivery. We offer professional cleaning, stain removal, fringework, repair patchwork and more.

�� GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 5

contents

13 Canadian Gothic! Meet Colin Mochrie and Debra McGrath

17 Preserving the past Leaside looks back on its 100-year history

20 Local cuisine earth Rosedale a destination for sustainable dining

23 Sweet on sour Lemon fresh recipes to tempt your tastebuds

26 Artist profile 20

6 | GoodLife Toronto | March April 2013 â&#x2013;

Sitting in with Rosedale painter Mary Tuck Corelli

34 At Home Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a family affair for a local design and build company

41 Health

Midtown fitness with personal trainer Tara Day

45 Getaways St. Augustine, Florida: history, charm and decadence

52 Goodwill

100 Women Who Care: Uniting for some great causes

57 Fashion forward Branksome Hallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Majka Skopek preps for the eco-catwalk

57 GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 7

• EDITOR’S NOTE •

‘T

here are generations in this neighbourhood. You see people buying homes up the street from their parents, who lived across the street from their grandparents.” Wow. What a ringing endorsement for the quality of life in a community. Those are the words of Canadian star entertainer Debra McGrath, who with his equally talented husband, Colin Mochrie, have chosen Leaside as their home. These are folks who could probably live and work just about anywhere. But they know the importance of community, the importance of home. This is the first edition of GoodLife magazine, featuring neighbourhood life in Forest Hill, Rosedale, Leaside and Lawrence Park. We hope you enjoy it. Communities in Toronto have their own distinct personalities. We hope within these pages you find a little piece of your world. Your life, your hopes and your dreams. Perhaps you’ll see the people you know, the shops you frequent or the events that pique your interest. It’s that community personality that lead Ca-

nadian stars Colin Mochrie and Debra McGrath to call Leaside home. It’s enriching to read their story and shed a little perspective on why life in our neighbourhoods is preferable to the hustle and bustle of elsewhere. Their story is on page 13. Community life is about celebration. It’s about people coming together with common interests to enjoy each other’s company and enrich their community. The 100 Women Who Care know exactly what that’s all about and we hope you find our feature story on page 52 enlightening. Community life is about milestones – and Leaside is celebrating a big one this year. What started as a concept with Councillor John Parker has turned into a massive year-long spectacular, celebrating 100 years of Leaside, marking achievements in the past and accomplishments bound for the future. Our feature on page 17 helps to celebrate the story of this fabulous Toronto community. In our business, it’s all about reaching people with information that can inform, entertain and progress community life. Increasingly we like to reach people in the manner they’d like to receive

information, whether it’s community newspapers like The East York Mirror or The City Centre Mirror, our www.insidetoronto.com website, or Facebook pages and Twitter accounts in support of our information platforms. Sometimes we have to step back and appreciate it’s a good life we live here in Toronto. It’s the beautiful tree-lined streets. It’s the clean public spaces. It’s the opportunities we’re all thankful for that have brought us to where we are today. As always, please let us know how you enjoy this magazine. We hope you look forward to our next edition, distributed in early May.

Peter Haggert Editor-in-Chief phaggert@insidetoronto.com www.goodlifemagazine.ca

This year why not make it an...

EASY EASTER or PASSOVER FEAST!

$180 $150

Passover: Prime Rib Roast dinner package Easter: Glazed Ham dinner package

Want to be a FASHIONISTA with Fresh New Looks at Affordable prices then visit Email us at info@peppertree.ca to find out about our

UPCOMING EVENTS &PROMOTIONS

Leaside 416-913-2881 Forest Hill 416-481-2778

PEPPERTREE KLASSICS Women’s Fashions, Footwear & Accessories

SPRING has SPRUNG... the Colors are

HOT HOT HOT!!! www.supperworks.com 8 | GoodLife Toronto | March April 2013 ■

Mention this ad to receive

regular prices

OPEN 7 Days a Week and Holidays 137 Main St. N., Markham

905.294.3882 www.peppertree.ca

“Our goal is to keep families happy for years to come.”

Manufacturers of Custom Kitchens 142 Bermondsey Rd, North York Tel: 416-750-4441 • Fax: 416-759-9884 www.distinctivebydesign.ca

KITCHEN & BATH BOUTIQUE

Locally Owned and Operated We are one of Toronto’s leading providers of residential plumbing ﬁxtures, vanities, bathroom accessories and more. Monday – Friday 9:30 – 5 • Saturday 9 – 4

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM 142 Bermondsey Road, Toronto • 416.750.0043 www.tapsandstone.com

• SHOPPING •

MOISTURE SURGE The new Nuxellence Jeunesse from Nuxe Paris uses an array of floral and botanical extracts including the patented use of the passionflower, anchusa and poppy to repair mitochondrial DNA, visibly recharging skin for women of all ages. This quick-acting “youth and radiance revealing fluid” will show signs of improvement after the first use, with skin appearing noticeably rejuvenated by week four. Available in a 50mL pump-bottle for $64 at The Bay and Shoppers Drug Mart. americas.nuxe.com/en

Precious minerals and botanicals like white water lily and malachite provide long-lasting moisture in Bath&Body Work’s collection of Sleep Body Lotions. The ultra-creamy, nourishing formula helps to calm and relax in the four scents Night Time Tea, Honey Vanilla Dream, Lavender Vanilla and Lavender Chamomile. From $13 at Bath&Body Works. bathandbodyworks.com

Moroccan argan oil and Brazilian phyto-keratin are the stars of the new 2chic hair and body care line from Giovanni Eco Chic Cosmetics. If you’re looking for versatility try the Ultra-Sleek Hair and Body Super Potion. Fragrant and moisturizing, this two-in-one leaves both hair and skin glowing. Available for $9 at Whole Foods Market. giovannicosmetics.com

Combine skin care and makeup with Clarins new BB Skin Perfecting Cream with SPF 25. Protecting, revitalizing and evening skin tone in one easy step, the formula is rich yet lightweight, naturally minimizing imperfections while protecting skin with Clarins’ exclusive AntiPollution Complex, SPF 25 for UVB protection and a PA+++ to help protect against UVA rays. Available in March for $43. clarins.ca

Give your locks weightless, replenishing nourishment with the Biolage ExquisteOil Collection from Matrix. The trio of products including Micro-Oil Shampoo, Oil Crème Conditioner and a Replenishing Treatment all contain moringa oil which is used to restore, replenish and protect your hair. Products are available exclusively at salons for $17 to $22. matrixcanada.com 10 | GoodLife Toronto | March April 2013 ■

Hydration, nutrition, oxygenation, protection and regeneration: these are the five things that your skin needs in order to look its best, and for 27 years Clarins has been formulating the perfect product to fit these needs. The Double Serum [Hydric + Lipidic System] revamps past Clarins Double Serum formulas based on new research, using 20 plant extracts from fruit, seeds, leaves, roots and sap to ensure your skin has the elements it needs to stay healthy. The staying power of this product alone is all the proof you need. Available for $85. clarins.ca

Do you want to look up to 10 YEARS YOUNGER? Stop the signs of aging before it's too late!

As seen on....

Soft lift ™ is a customized treatment of wrinkle smoothing injections made of natural occurring sugar molecule and puriﬁed soluble proteins to instantly refresh your look in less than an hour.

Venus Freeze™ treatments for: • Inch Loss • Skin tightening • Wrinkle reduction • Cellulite reduction For the face, neck, stomach, love handles, arms buttocks and thighs. Eliminates capillaries, rosacea and sunspots Skin Tightening™ tightens skin on face & body up to 90%. It reduces ﬁne lines & wrinkles. Hair removal FDA approved to remove all colour hairs.

www.skinvitality.ca

10 Free Units of BOTOX® CALL NOW 1.800.797.9518

LIMITED TIME ONLY!

Get one FREE* Skin Tightening™ or Venus Freeze™ Treatment

CALL NOW 1-800-861-7940

We treat half your problem areas first so you can see the difference immediately! *Limited time offer. Some restrictions apply.

• MILESTONES •

usband and wife duo Jimmy Karellas and Francesca Rocchetti are celebrating the 20th anniversary of Francesca Salon & Spa. A trendy, tri-storey, 4,000-square-foot, onestop-shop for hair, beauty and spa treatments situated in upscale Forest Hill Village, the salon was initially bought by Rocchetti, who got a tip from a nearby restaurant owner the salon owner was looking to sell. Fast-forward a few months, she owned the salon, met Karellas and the pair decided to join forces and never looked back. The secret to their business’s success: topnotch customer service. “We don’t believe in a typical salon where you wait there for three hours for your service,” Karellas says. Clients are treated like celebrities to ensure not a minute of their time is wasted. According to Karellas, from the moment a client walks in, he or she is escorted to their appointment where one of 30 staff members is ready to help. Clients are offered a number of yummy extras including their choice of lunch, espressos and biscotti while waiting for their style to take shape.

Salon and spa turns

fantastic francesca BY HILARY CATON PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICK PERRY And if need be, staff will top up the parking meter and walk you to your car, umbrella in hand, so you don’t mess up your freshly coiffed do. Despite their success of expanding from one floor to three and offering clients more than just

NEW

a cut and colour, the pair says they don’t feel the need to expand and set up shops across Toronto. They’re both in love with the location on Lonsdale Road. It “has everything you need,” Karellas says. “What we love most about the village, besides the people, is the convenience. I can walk outside and have great restaurants, a choice of cafe...great schools are around. It’s an amazing pocket.” Karellas and Rocchetti are two of the lucky few Torontonians who can walk to work in less than 15 minutes. “Who doesn’t want that?” Karellas asks. Having been at the same location for 20 years, Karellas has seen the neighbourhood go through some changes from a business perspective. “That’s the sad part,” Karellas says. “When we were first here, there were more mom and pop shops and over the years, rent has become very high so a lot of good stores had to close down that were here for many years.” But the pair doesn’t plan on leaving: “We’re modest hard-working people,” Karellas says. “We don’t chase the limelight or different celebrities. I don’t have the time. My clients are my celebrities.”

Winter’s Here. Protect Your Vehicle. www.krown.com

Special Offer Salt Eliminator

Bring this coupon into the Krown Downsview location to receive a Krown MR 35 Salt Eliminator application for $20 (Value of approx. $40) with the purchase of a Krown application at the regular retail price.

SAVE $4.00*

ON ANY ORDER CODE: SCAR1214

Coupon Expires March 30th, 2013. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Offer valid at Krown Downsview only.

BERRY CONFETTI CUPCAKE ™ Cupcake-shaped pineapple dipped in gourmet chocolate with sprinkles 6039 Yonge Street, North York

Organic leaders for 29 years! Natural Food Market 416.466.2129 Wholistic Dispensary 416.466.8432 info@thebigcarrot.ca 348 Danforth Ave. www.thebigcarrot.ca the_bigcarrot thebigcarrotnaturalfoodmarket

12 | GoodLife Toronto | March April 2013 ■

416-229-2295

2943 A Bloor Street West, Etobicoke

416-239-2397

3110 Kingston Road, Scarborough

416-267-2676

*Offer valid at participating locations. Valid on arrangements and dipped fruit boxes. Offer expires 06/30/13. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Offer code must be used when placing order. Containers may vary. Arrangements available in a variety of sizes. Delivery not available in all areas. Patents Pending. EDIBLE ARRANGEMENTS® & Design and all other marks noted are trade-marks of Edible Arrangements, LLC. ©2012 Edible Arrangements, LLC. All rights reserved.

Krown Downsview 3693 Dufferin St. Call (416) 633-1993

Protect. Maintain. Save.

• people •

leaside laughs

colin mochrie and debra mcgrath: Leaside’s first family of comedy shares quips about making merry in midtown

BY justin skinner photography by nick perry

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 13

• people •

rom the quiet street on which they live to the bounty of shops and restaurants nearby, Colin Mochrie and Debra McGrath – Leaside’s first family of comedy – have found plenty to love about their neighbourhood. They had lived in Scarborough upon returning to Toronto from Los Angeles, but knew that was just a temporary home. “We had just moved back from Los Angeles having gotten beaten and bitter over time there,” Mochrie says. “We stayed at Sheppard and Pharmacy because that was all we could afford at the time. It was great having our son’s grandparents around the corner, but we didn’t want to stay there.” After their careers took off – Mochrie parlayed his success on Whose Line Is it Anyway? into parts on historical comedy series Blackfly, news spoof This Hour Has 22 Minutes and others while McGrath did plenty of voice work leading up to her signature role as Mayor Popowitcz on the hit sitcom Little Mosque on the Prairie – they were able to find a place that suited them better. McGrath had grown up in Toronto and knew Leaside was on a short list of Toronto communi14 | GoodLife Toronto | March April 2013 ■

‘There are generations in this neighbourhood. You see people buying homes up the street from their parents, who lived across the street from their grandparents.’ – Debra McGrath ties in which she would like to settle. “I gave Colin three options: Riverdale, the Beaches, and Leaside,” she says. “We looked in all three places and when we looked around Leaside, he fell in love with it right away.” Part of Leaside’s appeal came because they knew the area had great schools and their son, Luke, was six years old at the time. “He went to Northlea and it was a great time there,” McGrath says. “There were great teachers and it was a very spirited and involved school.” Mochrie and McGrath met through Second City, where McGrath was directing the touring

company. Mochrie had just moved to Toronto from Vancouver at the urging of his friend and Whose Line co-star Ryan Stiles. “Deb was the one who hired me for Second City,” Mochrie recalls. “Deb loves to laugh and she put together a great group. Second City was a great place to grow up comedically because you’re out on the road and have a chance to improvise these classic Second City scenes.” McGrath notes that Mochrie stood out right away and while it was hardly love at first sight, she was instantly impressed with his stage presence. “He was the guy on stage doing less than anyone else and yet you couldn’t stop looking at him,” she says. The couple had an arrangement where, when one of them was getting more work, the other took care of the home. “I sucked it up (earlier) and he sucked it up now,” McGrath says, to which Mochrie adds: “There’s been a lot of sucking up in our marriage.” They installed a big stone façade with leaf-green stucco to complement oak columns and added a stained glass element and thistle-shaped sconces to recognize Mochrie’s Scottish heritage. >>

• people •

>> They

also turned their second bedroom into a dressing room, added a pool and a steam room, installed heated floors, doubled the size of their driveway and put a gazebo in their backyard. Their front yard consists of a massive garden space and the property is rife with perennials. “We literally made the house livable for us – it’s our perfect home,” McGrath says. While much of the house bears McGrath’s touch, Mochrie led the way when it came to designing the kitchen, which they turned into an open-space concept. Mochrie wears the apron in the relationship, and he wanted to have a say in its aesthetic. “I love when we get to entertain,” he says. “For me the kitchen is the place I go to relax. I wake up and the first thing I do is go to the kitchen and think, ‘what should we have for dinner?’” While the comedic couple has considered downsizing, they have always balked at the idea. Part of the reason is that they adore both their house and the neighbourhood. “If we moved, I’d be worried someone would tear our house down and put up a monster home,” McGrath says. “Those monster houses

leave me cold.” They also plan on remaining in the area to be around McGrath’s aging parents. While her mother’s mind is sharp, she is in a wheelchair and her father can’t care for her. When not enjoying their dream home, Mochrie and McGrath love spending time out and about in Leaside. They visit all the haunts and have even come up with names for some of the community’s more notable areas. “We love going out to Longos Town and then there’s Fakey Town, which is what we and our friends started calling the big area with the Home Depot because it’s like its own little town in the middle of the city,” McGrath says. Mochrie recently took up golf and has become a regular at Golf Town, as well. They are always keen to hit up some of the area’s smaller, more independent venues, frequenting Amaya – The Indian Room, Celestin and Riz for dinners out, hitting Horticultural Design for décor ideas. Even as Toronto has changed in recent years, they have noticed that their pocket of the city has remained relatively untouched by intensification. “We’ve really noticed a change in traffic

around the neighbourhood, but as soon as you drive across Eglinton it’s, ‘ahhh, it’s quiet again,’” McGrath says. “There are generations in this neighbourhood. You see people buying homes up the street from their parents, who lived across the street from their grandparents.” The couple was tabbed to host Leaside’s 100th anniversary celebrations later this year, but Mochrie had a scheduling conflict, meaning McGrath will now co-host with colleague and ACTRA president David Sparrow. “I couldn’t believe it when I heard Leaside was 100 years old, but when you look around at it, you think, ‘yeah, that makes sense,’” McGrath says. Mochrie and McGrath are working on a live improv show of their own, the Colin and Deb Made-Up Show. In the meantime, they will continue tending to their home and loving the Leaside lifestyle. “There are still some times I can’t believe I own a home – I’m kind of in denial at my age,” Mochrie says. “But when I’m on the road, I love the feeling as my car drives up to the house. It’s ‘oh, I’m home.’” GL

A HOME WELL LOVED. A LIFE WELL LIVED. 3190 Ridgeway Drive - Unit 21 Mississauga, ON

905.820.3443

www.emdesign.ca

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 15

Midtown Centre for General, Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry

Making Healthy Smiles a RealityTM Dr. Jay Niman & Dr. Ted Margel

416.920.8800

Your Smile is your best Professional and Social Asset. We can make you look and feel your best Your Smile is your best Professional and Social Asset. We can make you look and feel your best

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Cosmetic Dentistry Preventive Care Periodontal Care Digital Radiography Dental Implants Tooth Whitening Crowns and Bridges Oral Surgery Invisalign Clear Braces Root Canal Therapy Same-day Emergencies

New Patients & Referrals Welcome! Walk-ins and Emergencies are Welcome! We invite you to call us for an appointment or consultation and look forward to meeting you soon. We are steps away from St. Clair Subway station and close to your workplace and home.

Contact Us • 416.920.8800 65 St. Clair Avenue East • Suite 100 • Toronto, ON • M4T 2Y3 Info@stclairdental.ca • www.stclairdental.ca

• LEASIDE 100 •

The Leaside train station was one of the busiest in Canada for 75 years. Photo supplied by the Leaside 100 Committee.

BY tara hatherly he Town of Leaside has come a long way in the last 100 years. No longer a town, the east Toronto neighbourhood is marking its 100th anniversary this year with celebrations and a look back at the past. Now part of the megacity of Toronto, with a population in the millions, the Town of Leaside was incorporated on April 23, 1913 with 43 residents. Governed by its own mayor and council until the mid 1960s, Leaside officially became part of the Borough of East York on Jan. 1, 1967. In 1998, East York was amalgamated with Metropolitan Toronto’s five other municipalities to form the current City of Toronto. Before becoming a town, Leaside consisted of agricultural land and a post office, located in the home of namesake William Lea. Through all those changes, Leaside

has maintained its own unique identity. “The independent and distinctive character of the community of Leaside has survived all of that,” says Don Valley West Councillor John Parker, who represents Leaside, and is spearheading efforts to honour the neighbourhood’s centenary anniversary. “Leaside has always had a character that is part of, but distinct from the surrounding Toronto neighbourhoods ... We’re perched right in the Don Valley and we have all the benefits of being close to that natural setting. So on the one side we’ve got urban life and all its glory, and you turn and take a few steps in the other direction a n d

you’re back to nature.” Leaside’s 100th anniversary celebrations will kick off with a party Saturday, April 27. Tickets for the Leaside 100 Gala are on sale now at www. leaside100.eventbrite.ca/. Donations in support of the event, and other anniversary initiatives, can also be made through the website. The gala, hosted by David Sparrow and Deb McGrath, features a champagne and martini reception with hors d’oeuvres and gourmet dinner and dessert, along with the Toronto All Star Big Band, a live DJ, and 1913 dance demonstration and lesson, as well as the chance to be photographed with a Leaside-built vintage Durrant automobile. Lending a Leaside feel to the gala, the hall will be decorated with live trees. Leaside’s centennial will also be marked throughout this year with historical walking tours and a heritage exhibit, a choral concert and much more. Local residents and groups are encouraged to mark the milestone with their own events. “My hope is the spirit of the celebration >>

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 17

• LEASIDE 100 •

>> infects all of the residents and businesses of Leaside, and that everyone comes up with their own way of celebrating the year and marking the occasion, so that when you put all of the efforts of all of the individuals and groups together, we will have a year of spontaneous celebration that will take many forms,” says Parker. “And I’m encouraging everybody to make generous use of the emblem that we’ve established for the year, so I’m hoping we see a lot of it over the course of the year.” The emblem, created by Parker’s daughter, is green and features a large tree, reflecting the neighbourhood’s natural attributes, which will get a boost this year. The maple trees that make up the area’s lush tree canopy were all planted around the same time, and are coming to the end of their natural lives. “Just when the Leaside trees are at their most notable and most significant, we face the prospect that they’re going to start dwindling in the years ahead,” Parker notes. “I want to make this a year where we recognize the value of those trees, where we acknowledge the challenges that we face with our tree canopy, and get on top of addressing that right now. So that means planting replacement trees, and planting additional trees, so that we can increase our tree canopy and make this a year where we really go to town on growing, and enhancing and encouraging the tree canopy in Leaside.” Along with more trees, Leaside will also get new street furniture this year, as well as a new NHL-sized ice rink at Leaside Memorial Community Gardens arena. The building of the second ice rink at the arena is the biggest community project in Leaside’s history. A neighbourhood filled with hockey and figure skating enthusiasts, Leaside residents came together to make the dream of a second rink a reality. Community members raised $2.5 million to begin financing the project, with the City of Toronto covering the remaining $7.5 million cost with a recoverable loan that will be reimbursed by revenue from the facility. Prime Minister Stephen Harper helped build the rink, contributing $1,000 to the project. Harper, born in Leaside, played hockey as a child at the arena; a photo of him in his Leaside hockey uniform hangs inside. Harper hopes to attend the rink’s opening this fall. Thorncliffe Park, built by the Town of Leaside in the mid 1900s, will also see changes during Leaside’s centenary year, including restoration or replacement of the stone monuments that

18 | GoodLife Toronto | March April 2013 ■

Photo by Dan Pearce

Parkhurst Boulevard, between Bayview Avenue and Rumsey Road, is being considered for a Heritage Conservation District designation. Top photo, Parkhurst in an archival photo supplied by the Leaside 100 Committee.

bookend the Overlea Boulevard median. Established by William Mackenzie and Donald Mann, owners of the Canadian Northern Railroad, who purchased 1,000 acres and hired planner Frederick Todd to develop the town around their railroad yard, Leaside is a much different place today, and faces much different challenges. While the area once faced the problem of isolation, before roads were built across the Don River and Don Valley, Leaside now faces congestion. “The biggest challenge that every Leaside resident feels every day of the week is the increase of traffic on our streets,” Parker says. “One of the benefits of the location of Leaside is that it’s close to the heart of the City of Toronto. The flip side of that is that there’s a whole lot of people who live all around Leaside who find Leaside a convenient short cut ... the pressures on Leaside traffic have been growing for years, and continue to grow, and it’s entirely because

the City of Toronto is growing around us.” As Toronto continues to grow around the community, residents also face the challenge of maintaining Leaside’s heritage. As land prices in the much sought-after neighbourhood continue to rise, many people who purchase property remove original homes to put in modern houses more reflective of the properties’ values, but less reflective of the community’s character. “We’re seeing a lot of good homes lost to the wrecking ball and replaced with something that is of a scale that is out of step with the original built form of Leaside,” Parker says. “We are doing everything we can to resist that change and to encourage new development to fit harmoniously with the original development, and we are successful in the case of a lot of builders, and a lot of new homeowners, but we face a lot of speculators who will snap up a piece of property and then build according to a plan that comes off their shelf and was not developed with the character of Leaside in mind.” >>

• LEASIDE 100 •

‘My hope is that the spirit of the celebration infects all of the residents and businesses of Leaside, and that everyone comes up with their own way of celebrating the year and marking the occasion.’

EVERY NEW LINCOLN COMES FROM A SHOWROOM…. SALES SHOWROOM

SALES SHOWROOM

– John Parker Photo by Jose Armando Villavona

Ideally, Parker and many Leaside residents would like to see the area designated a heritage conservation district – a process residents would need to fund – that would protect structures’ streetfront designs. “If you look up and down the street, we have an area of a particular type that we all decide is desirable and we don’t want anyone messing with it,” he says. “But so far no one has put forward a budget for advancing an application, and we’re many steps away from executing a project.” Some homes in Leaside already have individual heritage designations protecting them, while a separate process to designate a stretch of Parkhurst Boulevard a heritage conservation district is being considered by North York Community Council. Another threat to the community’s identity is big box retail stores. Built around factories that made wartime ammunitions and supplies, and then cars, the area now increasingly centres

around big box retail and its homogenous design and massive parking lots. “That was a huge mistake to allow that kind of development into a place like Leaside,” Parker says. “We are not a car-oriented community, we are a pedestrian-oriented community, we’re a community of lawns and gardens and trees and pedestrians, and increasingly cyclists, and we should not encourage any development in the Leaside area that features a sea of parking lots.” Parker and the community are pushing back against such developments, requiring new projects to better conform to the area’s character. Though Leaside, like any community, has its challenges, it remains a strong and proud neighbourhood 100 years after its incorporation as a town. Since then, it has housed an airport, a racetrack and more, but most importantly, it housed a spirit that still remains today, and that’s cause for celebration. For information on Leaside 100 celebrations, visit www.leaside100.ca GL

WHY NOT BRING IT BACK TO A SHOWROOM….

INDOOR INDOOR

SERVICE SHOWROOM

THE DONWAY DIFFERENCE Family owned and operated for more than 54 years Convenient midtown location New state of the art facility Factory trained technicians Full detail centre

2013 LINCOLN MKZ

2013 LINCOLN MKS

2013 LINCOLN MKX

2013 LINCOLN MKT

www.donwayford.com

VICTORIA PARK

EGLINTON AVE.

DONWAY FORD LINCOLN

WARDEN

416-751-2200

HWY 401 LESLIE AVE

1975 Eglinton Ave. E

BAYVIEW AVE

The Leaside Airfield in an archival photo supplied by the Leaside 100 Committee. The airport made history in June 1918 when it was the first to receive Canadian airmail postal service from a flight that originated in Montreal.

DON VALLEY PKWY 404

2013 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 19

• in the kitchen •

earth

down to Ed Ho is owner of earth Rosedale restaurant (along with the Globe Bistro). Ho and chef Dan Sanders dish about location, local ingredients and sustainable dining. BY ANTOINE TEDESCO Photography by Nick Perry

earth restaurant owner Ed Ho

20 | GoodLife Toronto | March April 2013 ■

GoodLife: Why open a restaurant in Rosedale? Ed Ho: The opportunity presented itself; it had the three things I look for in a restaurant: 1) neighbourhood, that isn’t downtown; 2) potential patio space; and 3) there’s parking nearby. Rosedale is a great neighourhood, it’s a fantastic community. We have great places here – there’s Pastis up the street, the Rosedale Diner is a stalwart in the neighbourhood. There was room for one more. This space had been under-loved for years and years and years. Before we got here there were seven different concepts in 10 years. GoodLife: ‘Think global, eat local’ – how hard is it to source local? Ed Ho: When we started seven years ago, it was a lot more unique, there was a handful of chefs doing it, Jamie Kennedy being one of them, Michael Stadtlander. There weren’t a lot of people focusing on that. Since then, I wouldn’t say everybody’s doing it, but it’s become more mainstream and I’m happy it’s more mainstream, but it’s sort of diluting it. Doing it in Ontario has actually gotten easier in the sense that there are more middlemen, small distributors who specialize. But doing it in Ontario is also tough because we have four months of summer, eight months of winter makes it more challenging.

GoodLife: Globe Bistro has its own beehive. Are there other things you’re doing completely in-house? Ed Ho: We started growing our own herbs at earth Bloor West, and experimenting how big we can go with it, and we’re going to do a lot more this year.

‘We use the whole animal from head to toe...’ GoodLife: You work with the whole animal? Ed Ho: We use the whole animal from head to toe, and use the bones to make fantastic stock with it. All of the off-cuts, we’ll grind and make sausages or meatloaf. Our elk farmer, he’s got a pretty big farm (a hundred-plus head), but he can’t give us more than a whole elk every two weeks or so because he can only birth so many a year and he has to maintain his herd. GoodLife: You have your own house wines. Ed Ho: We have five wines now. We have the Earth Chardonnay from Cave Spring; we have the Globe red from Rose Hall Run in Prince Edward County; and the Bistro series from Hidden Bench: a Pinot Grigio, an oaked Chardonnay, and a rosé. >>

• in the kitchen •

GoodLife: Have you seen a shift in what’s grown locally? Dan Sanders: About three years ago, farmers started producing soy beans, local edamame. It expands what we’re able to do locally. More people are producing lemongrass, bok choy and a lot of Asian ingredients we can now source locally.

earth Rosedale chef Dan Sanders >> GoodLife: How did it feel to be honoured by the Ontario government for supporting local farmers? Ed Ho: It was quite something. In doing this I wanted to do the right thing, treat everyone nicely, and have fun doing it. And to get the recognition along the way has been a strange thing. It was never part of the motivation to be recognized for anything I have done. The fame and notoriety is a strange thing. I’m still not used to it.

GoodLife: You left Bay Street for East Street. What drove you into it? Ed Ho: Toward the end of my Bay Street career as a money manager, as a passion and for amusement, I was taking some courses in wine at George Brown (College), taking some food courses, some cheese courses. At 4 o’clock, the market would close and colleagues would go for drinks and I would say, ‘I have to study, I have a class I have to go to for 6:30.’ I was doing more and more of that. (Bay Street) was interesting and fulfilling work, but that’s not where my passion was. It took a little more soul-searching. Change is hard, and to leave a good job to do a business that, on average, is doomed from the outset is not a logical choice. GoodLife: You like to get your hands dirty. Ed Ho: I can show you the burns on my arms from (Valentine’s Day). I wanted to own a restaurant, run a restaurant. There’s a big difference between being an owner/operator and investing

in a restaurant. I am a cook, but not a professional chef. I jump in and shuck some oysters – whatever it takes to make sure things go forward. GoodLife: How would you describe the cuisine at earth? Dan Sanders: It’s local Canadian contemporary. A lot of local ingredients with a Canadian style of cooking, which is very multicultural, and some nouveau styles of cooking, like sous vide: you vac-pack a piece of meat or whatever and cook it at a very low, precise temperature for a long period of time in a water bath.

GoodLife: In the kitchen, how do you make sure earth remains earth-conscious? Dan Sanders: We deal with a lot of whole animals. The time of just buying prime cuts and who knows where the rest of the animal goes is kind of a dying thing. We bring in the whole animal as much as possible and utilize every bit of it so that there is almost zero waste. We try to minimize the waste by utilizing pretty much everything. To see the whole animal and utilizing the whole thing, you gain much more respect from understanding that you took something’s life and this is what we eat. GoodLife: Earth Day is coming – what do you have planned? Dan Sanders: I have some kind of ideas like something baked in clay. I am thinking of getting a whole pig and wrap it in hay, then wrap it in clay or a salt crust so it’s very much from the earth, baked in the earth. But who knows... GL

earth Rosedale is located at 1055 Yonge St. For more information, visit www.globeearth.ca

GoodLife: Do you have any local places you like to shop? Dan Sanders: The most local are the beehives at Globe. Sometimes when we need things I head to Whole Foods and All The Best, just up the road.

Above, autumn beet salad (golden and red beets, kale, walnuts, goat’s cheese mousse); left, pig bits and more (house made charcuterie).

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 21

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE:

• Complete Cosmetic Plastic Surgery • Titan and Pearl Fractional Skin Tightening and Rejuvenation • Laser Hair Removal • Laser Treatment of Vascular Lesions, Spider Veins, Telangiectasias, Sun/Age Spots • Wrinkle Injections • Dermal Fillers • Facial Treatments • Medical Grade Sun Screen/Block • Medical Grade Skin Care Products

The Clinic of Dr. Tim Sproule, MD, FRCSC Board Certified Reconstructive, Microsurgical, Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon. Founder, The Canadian Reconstructive Surgery Foundation. Dr. Sproule is recognized as one of very few plastic surgeons that perform post massive weight loss surgery and diep flap breast cancer reconstructive surgery (using a patient’s own tissue).

605 McCowan Road Scarborough, ON M1J1J9 P: 416-439-1766 or 416-439-1718 22 | GoodLife Toronto | March April 2013 ■

www.TimSprouleMD.com www.EvolutionLaser.ca

• gourmet @ Home •

Luscious Lemon Attention lemon lovers! Get ready to pucker up. Zingy flavour aside, lemons are the perfect kitchen companion because they’re available year-round and can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. These yellow fruits are also rich in vitamin C and have low sugar content. Along with the flavourful rind, lemon juice is used in countless recipes. Because the citrus fruit produces more juice when warmer, always juice lemons when they are at room temperature or place them in a bowl of warm water for several minutes before juicing. Be sure to load up on lemons and try the recipe on page 24.

By Katherine Elphick | Photography by Ellie Kistemaker

Your House Can Save Over $800 Each Year 1

All it takes is a switch to the most efficient and quietest furnace you can buy2, the SLP98V Variable-Capacity Gas Furnace from Lennox.

CALL FOR FREE ESTIMATE

AIR CONDITIONERS

AIR PURIFIERS

Precise Comfort™ technology adjusts fan

HUMIDIFIERS

speed, heat and airflow capacity in increments as small as 1% for the ultimate in temperature control.

SilentComfort™ technology delivers the ultimate in quiet, consistent heating—up to 7 times quieter than competitive models.

Residential & Commercial · SALES · SERVICE · INSTALLATION

Variable-capacity operation similar to the

cruise control system of high-performance automobiles, automatically making adjustments to allow maximum fuel efficiency.

ICOMFORT TOUCH THERMOSTAT

WATER HEATERS

746 Warden Ave, Unit 11 Scarborough M1L 4A2

Variable-speed motor provides a quiet and

consistent flow of air for an ideal balance of temperature and humidity in your home.

24-HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

FURNACES

camheating.com

416.750.4363

We make your life comfortable

1) Potential energy savings you can expect from the SLP98V furnace, versus older furnaces with lower efficiency ratings. Criteria used in this example are 2,000 full-load heating hours, with a 60,000 Btuh heating design load and $1.368 ccf for gas. Your actual savings may vary, depending on the weather patterns in your local area, local fuel rates and your individual lifestyle. 2) icomfort Wi-Fi™ Touchscreen thermostat must be installed with an icomfort-enabled indoor unit for maximum performance.

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 23

• gourmet @ Home • LEMON SQUARES This yummy recipe combines two of my favourite things: a shortbread cookie crust and a tart lemony filling. You will need about five lemons for this classic recipe.

CRUST:

3/4 cup butter, softened 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup icing sugar 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract 2 cups all-purpose flour

TOPPING: 5 large eggs

1-2/3 cups granulated sugar 2 tbsps finely grated lemon peel 1/2 cup (plus 1 tbsp) fresh lemon juice 2 tbsps milk 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 1 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp salt icing sugar, for dusting

PREPARATION: Line a 13x9-inch (3.5L) metal cake pan with parchment paper, leaving 2 inches (5 cm) extending over long edges for easy removal handles. If you make the parchment handles too short the lemony filling will bubble over and end up under the crust. Set aside.

centre is set. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack. Using parchment handles; lift out. Dust with icing sugar and cut into 2-inch squares. Lemon squares can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to four days. Makes about two dozen. GL

For the crust: Preheat oven to 350F. In a medium bowl, beat together butter, sugars and salt until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla until well combined. Stir in flour and combine until mixture looks crumbly. Press evenly with your hands into a prepared pan. Place pan in a refrigerator for 20 minutes. Bake until slightly golden, about 16 to 18 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool in pan. Topping: Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, beat eggs with sugar until pale and thickened (about five minutes). Stir in lemon peel, lemon juice, milk, flour, baking powder and salt. Pour evenly over prepared crust. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes or until edges are slightly golden brown and

More lemon recipes, like this lemon poppy seed loaf, online at http://bit.ly/13uZlYb

GEORGIAN BAY PRIVATE ISLANDS-SANS SOUCI There’s nothing quite like an Island on Georgian Bay! Conﬁdential, personal and successful Real Estate services to the Sans Souci area since 1993. Huronia Mall, 9225 Hwy #93, Midland, Ontario L4R 4K4 Bus: (705) 526-4271 Fax: (705) 526-0361

Sans Souci Area Representative Isabel Islands B220 GEORGIAN BAY PRIVATE ISLANDS Island: (705) 746-5881 (seasonal) Pager: (705) 526-4271 Res: (519) 940-9090

email: islandsforsale@csolve.net • www.georgianbayislandsforsale.com

Ewing Island, Georgian Bay

$1,750,000

A fabulous and very rare private 4.5 acre outer island. Three sleeping buildings and a large family cookshack all that are just full of character or enjoy them while building your dream cottage overlooking the open waters of Georgian Bay.The island has a beautiful protected harbour and a natural beach with the crystal clear waters that make you believe you are in the Bahamas .

Island B229, Georgian Bay

$1,200,000

Isabel Island B 220, Georgian Bay A fabulous 1.7 acre island with adjoining 2.15 acre property (for a total of 3.85 acres) in a very desirable area of Sans Souci. An absolutely turn key, three bedroom vacation island home in mint condition. Fabulous long views to the open waters of Georgian Bay with a deep water, protected harbour and a 60 foot enclosed ﬂoating boathouse in excellent condition.

A rare and unique 1.5 acre island in the exclusive Sans Souci area of Georgian Bay. 360 degree views, sunsets, sunrises, deep water and a protected harbour with a covered ﬂoating boathouse. Renovated Georgian Bay Cottage with stone ﬁreplace and a guest cabin that sleeps four .Workshop and in deck hot tub for leisure times. Asking $1,295,000 CDNfunds.

Call Rick Tomlinson for a list of all available listings or a personal tour. 24 | GoodLife Toronto | March April 2013 ■

466 Speers Road, Oakville www.kcabinets.com 905.339.2223

CABINETS THE KITCHEN EXPERTS

• portfolio •

ARTISTprofile

BY LISA RAINFORD photography by dan pearce

Mary Tuck Corelli

eteran artist Mary Tuck Corelli says her daughter likes to tell the story of how when she was little, she woke up one morning to find her mother perched on the edge of her bed sketching her. However, in this day and age, portraiture is a dying art, says Corelli wistfully. “Interior decor has a lot to do with what

26 | GoodLife Toronto | March April 2013 ■

people hang on their walls these days. I think portraiture is extremely elegant. It’s something you hand down to your children,” the longtime Rosedale resident said in an interview from her home. “There’s some immense talents who find it difficult to pay the bills.” Fortunately for the prolific Corelli, her skills extend beyond painting portraits to watercolour, oil and acrylic as well as mixed media art and some pen and ink drawing. Her >>

Reduce glare and choose your degree of privacy from sheer to total blackout, all with the quietest blind and drape system on the market.

A TAG Co.

2899 STEELES AVE. WEST, UNIT 17, TORONTO, ONTARIO TEL: (416) 736-8600 FAX: (416) 736-8601 www.taggroup.ca

• portfolio •

>> artistic abilities led to a career as an illustrator for 16 years and as she was raising her four children alone, a three-decades-long vocation as a professor at the Ontario College of Art and Design. Corelli, now 84, cannot remember a time when she didn’t put brush or pen to canvas or paper. “I’ve just always had a compulsion to draw,” says Corelli, who began her professional career

as an artist in her early 20s. “My dad used to worry about me because I wanted to become an artist. He says, ‘You’ll waste your life making skating rinks for flies.’” To this day when Corelli is in the midst of hanging her work in preparation for a show and is polishing the glass of a framed piece, she recalls her father’s words with a smile. One of only six women first admitted to the Arts and Letters Club, a meeting place for pro-

fessionals in the arts, Corelli has a penchant for painting “en plein air.” “I have for many years loved plein air painting, going out and sketching and painting on the spot,” she says. A vacation home on Prince Edward Island provides plenty of stimulus. Corelli has called Rosedale home for the past 45 years. She still lives in the house where her children grew up. They affectionately coined it the ‘Mary Poppins House’, in a nod to the popular Disney classic of the same name. “A friend of mine told me there was a wonderful old house that a friend of hers was listing,” recalled Corelli, a graduate of Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick, who furthered her studies at the Chelsea School of Art in London, England. “I had just taken my four kids to see Mary Poppins.” Now, it’s just Corelli and her little dog who inhabit the home whose walls are covered in her art. GL

victoria shaw interiors

LIFETIME

TRANSFERABLE WARRANTY

HAVE A WET BASEMENT?

WATERPROOFING & UNDERPINNING Voted Toronto’s #1 Waterproofing & Foundation repair contractor

SERVICES INCLUDE: Interior Exterior Commercial Foundation Crack Repairs

• WATERPROOFING & UNDERPINNING • BASEMENT LOWERING • WET BASEMENT REPAIR • BASEMENT WATERPROOFING • DRAINS

CALL US FOR A FREE ESTIMATE

416-283-5500

www.citywidegroup.com 28 | GoodLife Toronto | March April 2013 ■

is an award winning interior design firm, based in the Greater Toronto Area, that offers services for new builds and renovations starting from concept to finishing details. We also specialize in custom kitchens & baths for a complete design service. Being very passionate about what we do transcribes into every level of design, making it as unique as each of our clients.

victoria shaw interiors www.victoriashaw.ca

(416) 453-3037

Victoria Shaw ADID, ARIDO (int), IDC, NKBA Principal Designer - victoria shaw interiors

• portfolio •

atching up with an old high school chum at a wedding in Nova Scotia recently, artist Anthony Batten says the two recalled how their parents didn’t want them to pursue the kinds of careers they were interested in. “My parents were adamant that I didn’t go into anything related to the arts,” says Batten, who grew up in Oxfordshire, England and moved as a teen to Montreal where his father relocated for a job. And so he began his young working life in marketing at the chemicals manufacturer Canadian Industries Limited (CIL). When his employer discovered he was spending his free time drawing in Old Montreal, CIL commissioned Batten to create a map of the city and its historic sites. In the 1960s, few people called the dilapidated area home. The map, which was widely reproduced in both official languages, was the catalyst for Batten selling his pen and ink drawings as souvenirs.

BY LISA RAINFORD photography by mike pochwat

ARTISTprofile Anthony Batten “I was always drawing – I knew I was fairly good at it,” said Batten. “I had a lot of friends who wanted to buy my drawings or I’d give them as gifts.” Early in his teaching career, when teachers had to go to school themselves during the summer, he and two friends decided to spend their only two weeks vacation in Europe. Money was tight, but Batten had an American Express card on which they purchased their big-ticket items, airfare and hotel stays. When they returned, a hefty bill was waiting for them. “The envelope was so thick – I knew it was trouble,” he said with a laugh. But, colleagues, who were interested in purchasing his paintings, asked him to bring some of his pieces to school. Before he knew it, the

paintings were sold and his part of the bill was taken care of. Batten’s paintings are part of some notable exhibits, including the Royal Collection at Windsor Castle. For the past nine years, he has painted predominantly acrylic on canvas. He especially loves painting historical parts of Toronto, but doesn’t take photographs beforehand. Instead, he relies on sketches and admits he takes artistic liberties. He describes his paintings as Romantic Realism or scenes in “soft focus.” For the past 45 years, Batten has lived on the border of the Forest Hill and Deer Park neighbourhoods. From his three-bedroom apartment terrace, he has views of downtown, Lake Ontario and Upper Canada College. These days, he likes to travel with a group of four artists whom he met as art heads at the Scarborough Board of Education called the PORDS. Together, they embark on painting excursions three to four times a year. In March, Batten will exhibit his work as part of a solo show at the Westmount Gallery in Etobicoke. GL GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 29

• WINE •

Five winners

he key to matching food and wine is finding a flavour bridge between both. For instance, many California chardonnays have coconut BY GORD STIMMELL notes from American oak aging. So you want a main morsel, like shrimp, that goes any way with chardonnay, and add coconut crusted to the equation to make a flawless match. It gives me a chuckle when editors suddenly confide that the food matches have made them hungry. This happens to me too! The Hogue Riesling reviewed on this page is one of five winners in the latest Vintages release of 110 or so wines. Rieslings make a great foil for spicy Asian cuisine in general. But the honeycomb and beeswax aromas drove my choice of honey chicken stir fry. Battered fish or simple chicken fingers dipped in honey sauce would work equally well, but I wanted a spice component at play, too. The food pairings with my other four winners echo this methodology, based on decades of playing in the kitchen with French, American, Italian, Indian, Chinese and Southeast Asian cuisines and going crazy sometimes

trying to find flawless wine matches. Meanwhile a special new release of Tuscan wines, including 13 reds and one white, is underway at Vintages stores. Frankly, it is disappointing. The only wine to merit a 90 score is the Poliziano Montepulciano reviewed on this page. Yes, at $25.95, it’s too pricey, but it’s still a fine wine. Average score of the other Tuscans ranged from 83 to 88, with only two nudging excellence: Antinori Badia A Passignano 2007 Chianti Riserva (#384552, $44.95, 89+) showing stylish blackberry, mocha and blueberry tart flavours; and Castello D’Albola 2006 Chianti Classico Riserva (#315150, $22.95, 89+) delivering medium weight minty blueberry and black cherry depth. Worst performer? The expensive ($57.95), Altesino 2007 Brunello Di Montalcino (#994095, 78) which showed an alarmingly oxidative brownedged hue and sported barnyard flavours. Mind you, some wine experts adore cow poo scents and flavours in their reds. To me, offal odours are indeed awful. GL

and food to go with them

The Hogue Cellars Genesis 2010 Riesling $18.95 (Washington State)

In Situ Signature 2011 Chardonnay/Viognier $15.95 (Chile)

Clean, bright and charming. Exotic aromas of honeycomb, jasmine and a whiff of subtle petrol cascade into a slicingly peachy, sweet/sour delivery of delicious flavours. (LCBO #309666) Food suggestion: Honey chicken stir fry. Rating: 90

Floral accented viognier grapes make up 40 per cent of this blend. The nose shows lemon zest, white flowers and slightly buttery apple with guava and mango-chutney accents. (LCBO #311746) Food suggestion: Coconut milk poached sea fish. Rating: 90

30 | GoodLife Toronto | March April 2013 ■

Palacios Remondo 2009 La Montesa Rioja $17.95 (Spain) This blend of mainly garnacha and tempranillo has a bright red plum core, but blackberry, blueberry, mocha, vanilla and smoke notes dance in the aromas and flavours. (LCBO #674572) Food suggestion: Flank steaks marinated in plum sauce and soy. Rating: 89+

Fairview Caldera 2008 Grenache/Shiraz/Mourvedre $22.95 (South Africa)

Poliziano 2009 Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano $25.95 (Italy)

Real power in this Rhône grape-styled red. Aromas of violets, blackberry, cedar and mocha precede mellow rich flavours displaying black cherry, chocolate and coffee bean notes. (LCBO #301333) Food suggestion: Coffeerubbed rib-eye steaks. Rating: 90+

A perfect red for those who adore smooth-textured wines. Expressive, elegant vanilla and black cherry aromas and flavours, with a black licorice undertone echoing the Tuscan origins. (LCBO #988055) Food suggestion: Penne arrabiata. Rating: 90

www.sunnysupermarket.com

Sunny Supermarket 115 Ravel Road (Finch/Leslie) North York, ON M2H 1T1 Tel: 416.498.0057

Torontoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first large foodmart to have halal meat counter. Sunny Foodmart (Don Mills & Eglinton) 747 Don Mills Rd., Unit #60 North York, ON, M3C 1T2 Tel: 416.900.1699 Fax: 416.429.1700

Sunny Foodmart Markham Store 7700 Markham Road, Markham, ON L3S 4S1 (Markham Rd/ 14TH) Tel: 905.201.2988 Halal Meat Available

Sunny Foodmart

Etobicoke Store

1620 Albion Rd, Toronto, ON M9V 0A1 (Finch Ave. W. / Albion Rd.) Tel: 905.201.2988 Halal Meat Available

Customer as our God

Great food at good price as our Commitment

The stores of Sunny Group are increasingly welcomed by more and more consumers of various ethnic, for their outstanding, acclaimed images, clean and stylish stores, multicultural foods and products, innovative ideas, and good customer services. We will also continue to exert ourselves to provide a better service to our customers.

Sunny Group provides a wide, growing and multicultural range of products and services to our consumers.

• CALENDAR •

March 3 Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle Christ Church Deer Park, 1570 Yonge St. Time: 4 to 6 p.m. Tickets: $25 to $30 www.torontoclassicalsingers.ca Email: tickets@torontoclassicalsingers.ca Call: 416-443-1490 Despite its title, this work is not petite and isn’t really a mass, and it most certainly is not solemn. It is sparkling fun, and was composed by Gioacchino Rossini, the master of comic spirit. Presented by Toronto Classical Singers. March 3 Jan Lisiecki Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor St. W. Time: 3 p.m. Tickets: $20 to $29 Website: www.performance.rcmusic.ca/event/jan-lisiecki Email: tickets@rcmusic.ca

Call: 416-872-1212 Canadian comedian Mary Walsh has created a new show that incorporates all the characters she has played over the years, including the warrior princess Marg Delahunty. Recommended for audiences 15 and older.

Coming up in April at Muse Gallery is Anne-Laure Djaballah. Here is her ‘Shuffle Tumble,’ a mixed media piece on canvas. Call: 416-408-0208 The Royal Conservatory of Music presents 17-year-old Canadian pianist Jan Lisiecki. March 5 to 24 Mary Walsh: Dancing With Rage Panasonic Theatre, 651 Yonge St. Tickets: $25 to $79 Website: www.mirvish.com Email: info@mirvish.com

March 7 to 28 David Lidbetter: wanderings Muse Gallery, 1230 Yonge St. Website: www.musegallery.ca Email: contact@musegallery.ca Call: 416-974-9986 Muse Gallery specializes in fine art painting and sculptural pieces by both established and emerging artists. Next: Anne-Laure Djaballah, Non-Places, April 4 to 25. March 14 Ghost Tracking Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace Time: 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets: $26.96 adults, $15.95

children Website: www.canadasmosthauntedmedia.com/casa-loma Call: 416-923-1171, ext. 205 or 215 Does Casa Loma have ghosts? The evening will begin in the library for an introduction of haunted tales, a sneak peak at the hosts’ paranormal equipment and perhaps listen to some of the EVPs (electronic voice phenomena) captured during investigations that have taken place at the castle. Continues to March 16 FULL CIRCLE Exhibition WORKshop Gallery, 80 Bloor St. W. Website: www.workshoptoronto. com/current Email: info@workshoptoronto. com Call: 416-925-1323 FULL CIRCLE is the fifth show pre-

You don’t live in our building, we work in your home. At Delmanor our caring staff caters to your comfort and security while supporting an independent and active lifestyle. Come home to Delmanor. Every week we hold special events. Join us: learn something, play something, do something, make something. Visit our website or call for details. Discover Tridel inspired retirement rental residences. • 1 and 2 bedroom rental suites • Hotel-style services • The assistance of a concierge • Healthcare professionals on staff • Piano, pub and fireplace lounges • Dining room with table service • Serenity Spa and massage • Personal LivingWell coaching • Housekeeping and laundry services

(416) 331-9797 187 Wynford Drive at Eglinton

Visit delmanor.com for all our GTA locations. 32 | GoodLife Toronto | March April 2013 ■

• CALENDAR •

sented by WORKshop, an experimental design centre focusing on research, product design, and exhibitions. March 17 The Original Wedding Soiree Intercontinental Yorkville Toronto Hotel, 220 Bloor St. W. Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets: $30 to $39 Website: www.weddingsforher.ca A curated and themed wedding showcase for the elite and modern clientele featuring vignettes and installations. It features a bridal beauty bar, high tea seating as well as inspirational vignettes and live mood boards. March 20 The Glenn Gould School Opera Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor St. W. Time: 8 p.m. Tickets: $20 to $29

Website: www.performance.rcmusic.ca/event/glenn-gould-schoolopera-1213-1 Email: tickets@rcmusic.ca Call: 416-408-0208 The artists of The Glenn Gould School vocal program and the Royal Conservatory Orchestra in their annual performance. March 22 U of T Festival of Dance Hart House Theatre, 7 Hart House Cr. Time: 7:30 to 10 p.m. Tickets: $10 to $12 Website: www.harthouse.ca/ festivalofdance Call: 416-978-8849 Canada’s largest university dance festival is a celebration of the diversity of the U of T dance community. Past events have included more than 60 different dance pieces, more than 200 performers and a variety of dance forms including

more artists, with the intention of bringing new voices and unique perspectives to the dialogue on painting in Toronto.

Nora Sturges, ‘Platform,’ oil on MDF. Sturges is one of three artists exhibiting at Lonsdale Gallery until April 7. jazz, ballet, ballroom, modern, hip hop, musical theatre, Irish, Latin and Egyptian belly dancing. Continues to April 7 Katherine Mann, Ali Miller, Nora Sturges exhibit: New Painting Lonsdale Gallery, 410 Spadina Rd. Website: www.lonsdalegallery. com Email: info@lonsdalegallery.com Call: 416-487-8733 New Painting features the work of three Washington D.C. and Balti-

April 7 Cameron Carpenter with the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor St. W. Time: 3 p.m. Tickets: start at $35 Website: www.performance.rcmusic.ca Email: tickets@rcmusic.ca Call: 416-408-0208 Cameron Carpenter will perform his Scandal for organ and orchestra as well as solo pieces and spontaneous improvisations.

Compiled by Julie Caspersen. To get your item in the May/ June edition of GoodLife, please send your info to jcaspersen@ insidetoronto.com

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 33

• at home •

Ramtin Sotoadeh and his son, Michael, of RS Homes Photo by Dan Pearce

ALL IN THE FAMILY BY DANIELA PITEO PHOTOGRAPHY BY nick perry

Ramtin Sotoadeh turned a hobby into a thriving family business based on the core values of quality, style and respect for clients

ith more than 30 years experience in building and design, Ramtin Sotoadeh knows that two of the key elements in any successful project are the location of the house and its kitchen. The Iranian born Canadian citizen brings his decades of expertise and experience to his family run business, RS Homes. After graduating in 1984, Sotoadeh’s career began in industrial construction with his company LSI Engineering. His days were devoted to completing large-scale projects – highrise buildings, shopping malls and plazas – but in the evening he began taking on extra work designing residential spaces. This evening work quickly developed into a much-loved hobby that demanded more time and energy. As Sotoa-

deh’s supplementary work became profitable, RS Homes emerged as an important and integral division of his company. “I treat every home as if it were my own,” Sotoadeh says. Each home that bears the Sotoadeh signature is based on expertise, trust and confidence, he says. Each home carries with it the business name and, according to Sotoadeh, must be treated with the same care he would provide his own home. RS Homes maintains an emphasis on creating a home, not just building a space, he continues. “I want to encourage people to call us, talk to us and ask us questions,” Sotoadeh says. “I might not have all the answers, but with my team, we can find a solution.”

34 | GoodLife Toronto | March April 2013 ■

Sotoadeh’s team is his family. Literally. His brother, son and other relations are key members of the staff, but ‘the family’ also includes the architects, designers and sales representatives he feels a strong sense of kinship with. His son, Michael, who recently joined the business, echoes the importance of maintaining a familial relationship in the operation of the business. “We want our customers to trust us like they would their own family,” Michael says. “I decided I wanted to work in real estate and it works hand in hand with this company. We want to be a full service custom home building company.” Michael helps both potential clients and RS Homes find existing homes on land that can >>

• AT HOME •

>> be developed to suit the needs of each individual buyer. From the company’s base in the Eglinton Avenue and Mount Pleasant Road area, it’s no surprise the North Toronto market is one of keen interest to RS Homes. “We’d like to see the business expand, especially in the Toronto area,” Michael says, noting he feels confident the Toronto market will continue to see strong growth. According to Michael, the housing market is different from the condo market – as seen with the recent emergence of 24,000 condominium units dotting the city. “Toronto will always maintain a hot market,” Michael predicts, even if the condo market slows down. As part of the team, Michael advises new customers to thoroughly research a target location for their first home. “I’ve seen people buy and no more than two months into their new home, they are complaining about the neighbourhood,” Michael says. RS Homes’ sales and account management staffers, John Craig and Zafar Ahmad, also note

An RS Homes project in the Lawrence Park neighbourhood.

the importance of location when it comes to selecting the site for a buyer’s purchase. Trends in design may wax and wane, but location is para-

mount when an investment is being made. According to Craig, whether clients are looking to build or buy, their location is a key part of >>

I T’S S A P ER R F EC C T DA AY F OR R A D RIV V E. Introducing Instinctive All Wheel Drive.TM

Foul weather is fair game for a Jaguar with Instinctive All Wheel Drive.* Go where you want, when you want, comfortably and conﬁdently. And do it without sacriﬁcing any performance. Visit your Jaguar Retailer and learn more about the only AWD vehicles with the instincts of a Jaguar.

Jaguar Thornhill 434 Steeles Ave West. Thornhill, ON, L4J 6X6 905-889-0080 www.jaguarthornhill.com

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 35

• AT HOME •

Renovations are often a preferred way of changing a house in a cherished neighbourhood to meet the needs of the homeowner. A renovation also gives designers the opportunity to work with existing features and maintain some of the original home’s character, says Sotoadeh. >> the decision they are making. “A lot of people want to stay in the same neighbourhood, so the biggest thing for us is completing additions and renovations.” Craig says. “We do a lot of kitchen and bathroom renovations. We are also seeing a lot of people add another floor to their home or digging out their basements to create higher ceilings.” Ahmad agrees many people desire to make changes to their home while staying in the same neighbourhood. However, he said a successful home renovation requires lots of work and consultation and television shows about home renovation should not be used as guidelines. “We are here to offer design solutions, but we also deal with city bylaws and zoning regulations,” Ahmad says. “It is our duty to ensure each project complies with city standards.” RS Homes, while they offer to design and build homes, tend to focus on renovations and remodelling. Sotoadeh says renovations are often a preferred way of changing a house in a cherished neighbourhood to meet the needs of the homeowner. A renovation also gives designers the opportunity to work with existing features and maintain some of the original home’s character. “I prefer doing renovations over design builds,” Sotoadeh says. “It is much easier to build something new. There is more challenge in taking something old and making it new. It’s also more of a surprise when our customers see what can be done with renovations.” According to Sotoadeh, building new is often an expensive alternative as hidden costs can easily

36 | GoodLife Toronto | March April 2013 ■

creep up and destroy a family’s budget. “A renovation can be done in stages,” Sotoadeh says. That’s not only a great way to spare the bank account, but it also helps the environment, as the reuse or repurposing of the site can be considered. “We strive to come up with something different, something that has been improved. My biggest challenge is I don’t want to build the same thing over and over again. I want to come up with something different,” Sotoadeh says. “It doesn’t have to be crazy, but we want it to have curb appeal.” The effort RS Homes has put forth to create different and beautiful projects has been recognized and rewarded over the last decade, with more than a dozen accolades. Craig says the awards speak to the company’s vision and reputation for respecting their client’s needs. “Suburbia is for cookie cutter homes. When people build or renovate their homes, they are building a home to suit their lifestyle and reflect their style and personality. One of the beautiful things about Toronto is it is so diverse, there are so many different cultures here that we see elements of design from different countries,” Craig says. “It’s not just North American styles, but we see European and Asian influences. As the city grows, it will constantly change so we are not always stuck back in the 1900s, we can always advance our houses along with the times.” With nearly 30 years in business, Sotoadeh can assert that many things change, but noted with a laugh, that one thing seems to stay the same: happy wife, happy life. “The lady of the house is

usually quite clear on the three most important elements of a good home: the kitchen, the kitchen and the kitchen,” Sotoadeh says. “The kitchen is often the focal point of the house and equally important to the entire family.” Most home renovations start in the kitchen, but end up moving into the bathroom and the rest of the home, Sotoadeh says. Trends come and go, but the kitchen always stays important. Along with keeping the family members happy, a good kitchen is also a key selling point in most homes. Done right it adds value. Done poorly and it could negatively impact buyers’ perceptions of the entire house. Designer Nataliya Mitt works specifically >>

Leaside’s 100th Anniversary Celebration Gala Event with celebrity MCs

David Sparrow and Deb McGrath When : Saturday, April 27th, 2013 Start time is 5:30pm Where : All Canadian Self Storage, 1 Laird Drive, Courtesy of Hal Spradling • Champagne / Martini Reception with hors d’oeuvres • Vintage 1913 Dance demo & lesson • Photo op with Leaside built vintage Durant automobile • Gourmet Buffet Dinner & Dessert • Entertainment provided by The Toronto All Star Big Band • DJ and dancing

Purchase tickets online at leaside100.eventbrite.ca Media Sponsor

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 37

• AT HOME •

on designing kitchens for the company. “An increasing interest in entertaining at home and our changing lifestyles mean that now, more than ever, kitchens are one of the key features of any home,” Mitt says. “A kitchen that has been renovated to the tune of $25,000 but in bad taste could adversely affect the sale of the house.” According to Mitt, not only does the kitchen augment a home’s value, but it also becomes the focal point of the entire house. For this reason, kitchen renovations and rebuilds demand a high level of attention and thought. Mitt also points out that design is moving past esthetics alone. “Our houses are smart homes,” she says. “We can control the heat, lights and sound remotely.” Sotoadeh, along with Mitt, Craig and Ahmad agree that technology has played a significant role in home renovations of late. “Our homes are fully automated,” Craig says. “We can use a small electronic panel, like an iPad, to control our homes electronically.” This element of design, according to Ahmad, has shifted the importance of rooms such as home offices and game rooms and moved toward efficient living. It’s a growing part of the home design and renovation business as technology continues to progress. “We excel in logistics. We just have to make it better, more useful. Trends change, new technology emerges,” Sotoadeh says. “We add an extra element in our work, we go one step farther, no matter what changes, we are here to help the customer make the changes they want.” The company deals with jobs of varying sizes, and Sotoadeh says working within each client’s budget is a given. “Don’t be afraid of telling us your budget. We are here to work with what you have so you can get what you need. We design based on your budget. We’ve been in this business for almost 30 years now, and we’ve seen many different styles come and go.” What will never go out of style, though, is quality. That lasts forever, Sotoadeh says. GL >>

‘We strive to come up with something different, something that has been improved. My biggest challenge is I don’t want to build the same thing over and over again. I want to come up with something different. It doesn’t have to be crazy, but we want it to have curb appeal.’ – Ramtin Sotoadeh Photos on this page are of the RS Homes studio office near Mount Pleasant and Eglinton avenues. (courtesy RS Homes) 38 | GoodLife Toronto | March April 2013 ■

OAKVILLE LAKESIDE BEAUTY! Nestled amongst multi-million dollar estates, this exquisitely renovated executive home is all dressed up and ready to go! Approx. 6,700 SqFt of living space. Maple hardwood throughout. Crown mouldings. Floor to ceiling stone fireplace. Brand new gourmet kitchen with centre island, Wolf double oven, sub-zero fridge, granite. Professionally landscaped mature lot. Gunite pool. Walk to Lake.

WHEN ONLY THE FINEST WILL DO!

2 acres Kingscross estates. 7,500 SqFt plus finished walkout basement. Cathedral ceilings, glass panelled elevator. Wrought iron staircase. Designer kitchen - a chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dream. Right out of the movies! Home theatre, games room. Eye catching features throughout. Luxurious spa-inspired master retreat. Indoor waterfall. Electric gate. In-ground pool.Tennis court. Rolling lot with lush landscaping. Featured in magazines!

EXECUTIVE RETREAT!

10 MINUTES TO MISSISSAUGA!

Ultra custom 5,000 SqFt executive home with Hollywood style indoor pool oasis. Dream gourmet kitchen. Cathedral ceilings. 5+1 bedrooms. Backing onto forest. Outdoor ponds, fountains, streams. Minutes to 401. Country living, City life!! $1,699,000

• health •

FIT & FAB

Taya Day is a Forest Hill realtor and personal fitness trainer, and the author of ‘The Balanced Approach to Total Wellness’. She can be reached at info@tayaday.com

food stores, making eating healthy easy e know a great city and convenient. Whole Foods, Pusateries when we see one. Toand Noahs are great examples. The Everronto isn’t just ranked green Brick Works Farmers Market is one among the top cities in the world of my favourite places to pick up fresh because of its abundant opportuproduce, free of pesticides and brought in nities, livability, spirit of innovaby local farmers. I simply love shopping at tion and cosmopolitan appeal. this market. It celebrates everything that is What really makes Toronto great about our city – diverse communities a wonderful place to live is its working together to offer sustainable prodstrong and vibrant neighbouructs, food that is free of genetically modihoods, art, culture, great cafes fied organisms and fair trade. and restaurants and outdoor activities that seem to be evFitness and recreational erywhere. equipment: We are fortunate to be able Midtown, which into have fitness and sports equipment and cludes the communities recreation providers in midtown. Formost of Forest Hill, Rosedale, Fitness on Eglinton Avenue has been servSouth Hill, Summerhill and ing the community for more than 15 years, Yorkville, is one such great and has earned a reputation for neighbourhood. Consider the The fitness ac- excellent customer service for following about midtown: commodations residential and businesses cliWorld-class gyms: are perfect for ents. Whether you are just starting the on-the-go Private trainers: In this out or you’re a professional professional healthy, active town, you’ll also athlete, you can find great gyms around town includ- with numerous find private trainers to help ing Equinox and the Gran- opportunities you get into shape, fight stress and meet your fitness goals. As ite Club, among others. for classes, someone who has spent considThe fitness accommodations are perfect for the including yoga, erable time as a professional fitness trainer, the opportunity to on-the-go professional pilates and be fit and healthy with the help with numerous opporcycling. of a professional can increase tunities for classes, inthe quality of your life. cluding yoga, pilates and cycling. Track Fitness in Forest Hill, which Healthy restaurants: Many of us has the best circuit classes I have enjoy setting off for weekly local gastroever been to, including great yoga, nomical adventures. In midtown, there is spin and personal training, is always no shortage of great choices to eat healthy. on my weekly to-do list. AdditionOne of my favourites is earth Rosedale, ally, residents can find opportunities which changes its menu season to season, for skating and swimming at places satisfying even the pickiest of palates. like the Granite Club, situated on a beautiful 22-acre site bordering Hiking trails: Blessed with natural the Don Valley. If yoga is more beauty, the area is filled with great trails, your scene, consider The Ecoincluding Evergreen Brick Works, a wonfriendly Roots Yoga Studio or the derful place for nature lovers, families and 889 Yoga studio that offer everykids. Here, visitors will find the Koerner thing from classical hatha to teen Gardens, a 20,000-square-foot area that yoga classes. showcases sustainable urban greening. Additionally, midtown has beautiful, worldOrganic grocery stores class golf courses (Rosedale). I also love and farmers markets: the variety of tennis clubs that are family Midtown has an abundance of friendly and offer events and classes. GL fresh produce and organic

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 41

• health •

feeling

Fitin Forest Hill Sebastien Lagree brought Lagree Fitness from West Hollywood to the Canadian market for the first time at his Spadina Road studio that opened in February. Sebastien’s workout combines strength training, cardio, endurance, balance, core and flexibility.

42 | GoodLife Toronto | March April 2013 ■

Top, Sebastien Lagree takes the lead at the new studio; left, Chris Binet takes an exercise class; above, studio owner Lynde Greco works out.

photography by nick perry

Does your child’s school get a passing grade?

Grades

7-12

Currently interviewing For the 2013-2014 Academic Year

We know educators with the right attitude can profoundly impact a student’s entire life. If your child isn’t being encouraged and challenged at his or her current school, make an appointment to speak with us.

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 43

• getaways •

St. Augustine Where history, charm & decadence meet & mingle

The Castillo de San Marcus National Monument consists of a 20-acre site that includes a reconstructed section of the walled defence line surrounding the city of St. Augustine. Construction began at the site in 1672, and it is the oldest masonry and the only existing 17th Century fort in North America. Photos courtesy FloridaHistoricCoast.com

by Holly Crawford

tepping off the plane in the northern part of Florida state I wasn’t sure what to expect. My destination on this visit to the sunshine state is St. Augustine, population about 13,000 and about an hour’s drive south of Jacksonville. Located on the northeast coast of Florida, St. Augustine is closer to the Georgia state line than the infamous streets of South Beach. While it doesn’t share the notoriety of Ocean Drive, it boasts a rich history that dates to the first Spaniard stepping off his ship and laying claim to the lush land of “La Florida”. The entire state will raise a glass to toast its birthday as Florida celebrates a major milestone in 2013. This year will mark the 500th anniversary of Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon’s landing on the state’s east coast, somewhere near where St. Augustine stands today. A year of celebrations and special events are planned throughout the state, and St. Augustine will play a major role. The city is the oldest in the United States, officially the oldest continuous European settlement in the country, and will itself soon cel-

ebrate its 450th birthday. The settlement here was founded in 1565 as a way to protect the investments of Spain in the New World. The Spanish Admiral Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles was sent by King Phillip II to explore and colonize what is now the state of Florida, instructing him to rid the area of pirates and nonSpanish settlers. Menendez de Aviles arrived on the coast on the Feast Day of St. Augustine with 600 soldiers and settlers. He named the village St. Augustine in honour of the day and its namesake. It’s a city with many a tale to tell. From the Spanish and the English, and the Native inhabitants they met, to more modern day entrepreneurs, set out to make their mark on the world. As the American Civil War was coming to an end in 1865, the prosperous area drew land developers to Florida for the first time, spawning the beginning of the tourist industry. One of the men of dreams to arrive was Henry Flagler. He was enticed by the city’s warm climate and in 1885 started to build his version of a winter resort and playground for wealthy

Northerners to visit during their summer vacations. Flagler was a co-founder of the Standard Oil Company along with John D. Rockefeller, and put his bank accounts to work building his vision. Construction began on the 540-room Hotel Ponce de Leon and it opened in January 1888. The grand building featured ornate hand-carved wood, panels of imported marble, elaborate murals, and Tiffany stained glass windows. The hotel was an immediate success with guests being required to book the entire “season” to secure their suites, regardless of the amount of time they wished to stay at the hotel. A stay at the hotel was an extravagant holiday, with season rates at the time being up to $250,000 in today’s funds. Today the storied original Hotel Ponce de Leon is home to the campus of Flagler College, housing students and all their daily requirements, along with some very prestigious historical elements and preserved spaces. A tour is well worth the time to sneak a peek into the vast spaces that once played host to the elite for their >> GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 45

• GETAWAYS •

Views of the old city of St. Augustine. Leave the car behind and explore on foot quaint street after street of eclectic shops and historic stops. Clockwise from top left: Boutiques and restaurants on Aviles Street; art galleries on Aviles Street; diners at Bistro de Leon; shoppers exploring St. George Street.

46 | GoodLife Toronto | March April 2013 ■

For over 30 years, Almira Fine Furniture has been a staple in the Markham area, helping our customers furnish their homes with taste and style. As we started in manufacturing, we work hard to find companies who meet or exceed our quality standards. With that in mind, over 90% of our fine furniture is Canadian-made, solid wood. Referrals from satisfied customers is proof of our commitment to offer you the finest in customer service. Isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t it time you discovered the Almira difference.

FINE FURNITURE & INTERIOR DESIGN 4747 Highway 7E, Markham, ON - 905.477.5524 - www.almira.com

• GETAWAYS •

The magnificent Spanish revival style architecture in St. Augustine: Casa Monica Hotel. >> entertainments. It is a working college campus, and it’s an intriguing play of new against old with students grabbing lunch in the dining hall and it’s soaring architectural elements along with some of the original dining room chairs.

Where to Stay We arrive in St. Augustine mid-afternoon and make our way directly to the historic Casa Monica Hotel to check in. It seems like any other typical small city, until you enter the old city. Quaint streets lined with shops and galleries extend from the central square; lined with live oaks, Spanish moss dripping from their broad branches. The Casa Monica is tucked into the centre of the old city along a pretty stretch of fashion boutiques, gourmet food shops and art galleries. The entrance is subtle, with guests now walking through the cobblestone alley that once was the drive for carriages and automobiles, to the guest entry and a waiting valet. This property was initially developed as competition to Hotel Ponce de Leon – just across the street – by architect Franklin W. Smith. The Casa Monica Hotel opened in 1888 with just three 48 | GoodLife Toronto | March April 2013 ■

guests, and was sold to Flagler a few months later. Flagler renamed the property Hotel Cordova (a slightly less grand place to stay than his jewel Hotel Ponce de Leon) and it thrived, along with his third, the Hotel Alcazar. The building has undergone several uses in its lifespan, and was lovingly restored to operate as a hotel once more by The Kessler Group. The large lobby was restored to its original 1888 grandeur prior to its reopening in 1999. Once inside the Casa Monica of today, it’s all sumptuous materials, rich colours and fine detail in carvings and ornate decoration. The rooms have been renovated to be very comfortable and functional guestrooms with all the modern requirements of a traveller, with a touch of the rich baroque style the hotel was originally fitted with. It’s an impressive site to walk up to – much like walking up to your own Spanish castle.

Where to Dine The charm of the old city of St.Augustine continues to the food scene. Strolling through town there is another charming cafe or pretty bistro on every street, along with plenty of pubs and bars to spend the latter hours of the evening.

The brillant thing about St. Augustine is that you can walk everywhere. From the Casa Monica’s central location, it’s a mere few minutes stroll – even in sky-high heels – to the evening’s meal. Check out Bistro de Leon for classic French fare prepared by Chef Jean Stephane Poinard, a fifth generation chef from Lyon, France. Sitting in this little bistro, polishing off a glass of Beaujolais, looking out across the city square, it’s easy to imagine you might be in a quaint European village, save for the occassional palm tree. GL

If you go St. Augustine general info Check the site for information and offers to celebrate Florida 500 in 2013. floridashistoriccoast.com

Casa Monica Hotel casamonica.com

Bistro de Leon bistrodeleon.com

Flagler College Check out the site for information about tours of the college campus, the former Hotel Ponce de Leon. flagler.edu

NORTHLAND PAVING

When First Impressions Count...

PAVING • INTERLOCK • WATERPROOFING

Complete Interlock Packages for as little as $115 per month O.A.C. (416) 286-4292

70 Minuk Acres

www.northlandpaving.com

• PETS •

hen soft spring breezes begin to blow, our four-legged friends – just like us – feel the desire to spend more time in the outdoors. After a long winter it is important to ensure your pet is prepared for everything that comes with the change in weather. So whether you’re gardening, doing home improvements or just enjoying the day, remember to keep your pet’s health and safety in mind.

pet prep A Springtime CheckList for Pet Parents BY BARBARA STEINHOFF

• Bugs can be nasty pests for our pets. Ensure your pet is on heartworm preventative medication, as well as a flea and tick control program.

• Ensure your pet gets ample exercise. Just like us, our pets may have gained a few extra pounds over the long winter.

• Prevent unwanted litters by ensuring your pet is spayed or neutered. In addition to population control, the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association notes that spaying and neutering can eliminate or significantly reduce the risk of an animal developing numerous health problems. Book an appointment with your local vet or the Toronto Humane Society’s affordable public vaccine and spay neuter services.

• Add one more item to your spring cleaning list and give your pet’s cage, carrier and toys a thorough cleaning.

• Update your pet’s vaccines. There’s no better time. • Be careful what you plant. Some popular plants – including rhododendron and azaleas – are highly toxic to pets and can easily prove fatal if eaten.

50 | GoodLife Toronto | March April 2013 ■

• Book a grooming appointment. All pet parents know spring is shedding season. • Check out your yard: watch for damaged fences, remove any areas of standing water, and remove any hazardous material that may have blown in over the winter.

• Go organic! Fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides may help to keep our plants and lawns healthy and green, but they can be fatal if your pet ingests them. And remember to watch out for pesticide-treated lawns when on walks. • Check your dog’s leash for wear and tear and ensure your dog’s collar fits well. • Prevent unwanted falls from open windows by ensuring screens are snug and secure. • Microchip your pet to increase the chances of them being returned should they wander off.

Barbara Steinhoff is the executive director of the Toronto Humane Society.

• GOODWILL •

100 dollars F

our hours, four times a year and $400 dollars: it is a modest commitment that lays the foundation for a great cause.The charity changes at each annual quarter, but the organization, 100 Women Who Care, remains static throughout the year. The Rosedale-based group 100 Women Who Care, organized by Jennifer Wootton Regan, isn’t the first of its kind. The concept, which origi-

52 | GoodLife Toronto | March April 2013 ■

women

nated in the United States, brings together 100 women (or more) with a common goal of helping their community. “It struck me as a brilliantly simple idea,” says Wootton Regan of 100 Women Who Care. “It is a great way for women to have a fairly significant impact without spending a lot of time or money.” The idea came from a book Wootton Regan

Thousands of reasons to applaud the ‘100 Women Who Care’, a rosedale-based group that can turn $100 into $10,000 in a matter of hours, says Jennifer Wootton Regan, organizer of the Toronto chapter of philanthropists

BY DANIELA PITEO photography by irvin mintz

picked up at an airport bookstore en route to a family vacation, Be the Miracle: 50 Lessons on Making the Impossible Possible. In the book, author Regina Brett devotes a chapter to the power of joining forces, or specifically, a collective group of people coming together for a single purpose. This group, based out of Cleveland, Ohio, was the first 100 Women Who Care and the inspiration Wootton Regan drew upon to create a >>

‘The neighbourhood has a high philanthropic atmosphere and we are in a privileged neighbourhood. People with influence can help sway positive change.’ Toronto chapter of the organization in March 2012. “I decided to reach out to 15 women who I thought would be interested in this project,” says Wootton Regan. “I then asked those women to reach out to 15 other women.” Fifteen women quickly (and ultimately) grew into Toronto’s first chapter of 100 Women Who Care. “We meet four times a year and each meeting is one hour long,” says Wootton Regan. “Every woman nominates one charity that will receive $100 from each member of our group.” The donations are based on a lottery system. Each woman submits the name of the charity of her choice and at every meeting three names are drawn for consideration. When the name of a charity is pulled from the hat, the woman responsible for submitting it must speak about the organization: what they are, what they do and what impact they have on the community, she says. “After the presentations have been made and a question period has followed, we bring it to a vote,” continues Wootton Regan. “The two charities that were not selected return to the hat. Then each woman writes a cheque for $100 to the charity that was chosen.” In one hour, approximately $10,000 in pledges has been collected. “This is a great way for a grassroots charity to receive a sizeable donation,” Wootton Regan says. “Through the power of joining forces, we can turn $100 into $10,000 in just one hour.” Wootton Regan established the quarterly annual meeting place within her own neighbourhood at Rosedale United Church. “I am fortunate enough, through my job, to live (in Rosedale). It’s close enough to the green belt, it is a gorgeous neighbourhood and proximate to downtown,” says Wootton Regan. “The neighbourhood has a high philanthropic atmosphere and we are in a privileged neighbourhood. People with influence can help sway positive change.” The women who gather come from beyond the central Toronto neighbourhood, with members from the west end of the city and the Beach Stuck in your lease? Get LeaseBusters. joining the group. in in your lease? LeaseBusters. Stuck inyour your lease?Get Get LeaseBusters. “There is a real sense of community within a large city,” Wootton Regan Stuck Stuck lease? LeaseBusters. LeaseBusters.com is your contract-related says. “100 Women Who Care is a great model organization for a large city roadside assistance. As the contract-related largest vehicle LeaseBusters.com your with many different needs.” Stuck in your lease? Get LeaseBusters. LeaseBusters.com isisyour contract-related LeaseBusters.com is your contract-related leaseroadside takeover websiteAs inthe Canada, help assistance. largestwe’ll vehicle The concept has grown around the province, with chapters forming in roadside roadside assistance. As the largest vehicle assistance. As the largest vehicle you lease unlock your lease and you step takeover website in let Canada, we’ll away help takeover website in Canada, we’ll help London, Middlesex, Windsor and a new group emerging in Ottawa. Even leaselease LeaseBusters.com is in your contract-related takeover website Canada, help you unlock your lease and let you we’ll step away from your commitments. you unlock your leaseAs and you step away roadside assistance. thelet largest vehicle the Toronto chapter is set to expand with potentially two new groups form- you unlock from your commitments. your lease and let you step away from your commitments. lease takeover website in Canada, we’ll help ing in the west end and the Beach. from your commitments. you unlock your lease and let you step away “I hope to see this concept grow around the country,” says Wootton from your commitments. We’ve got theRight RightCar CarFor For You. Regan, who believes the positive effect 100 Women Who Care goes beyond We’ve gotthe theKeys Keys to to the You. We’ve got the Keys to the Right Car For You. monetary donations. Call usus for 1-888-357-2678 Call forfree freeconsultation consultation 1-888-357-2678 “There is a wonderful sense of camaraderie within the group,” Wootton Callgot usor for free consultation 1-888-357-2678 We’ve the Keys to the Right Car For You. or visit us visit uswww.leaseBusters.com www.leaseBusters.com Regan says. “We are learning about the needs of our city and the people or visit usconsultation www.leaseBusters.com CallCall us for free 1-888-357-2678 us for free consultation 1-888-357-2678 who live here.” or credit? visit us or visit uswww.leaseBusters.com www.leaseBusters.com Bad credit? No Check out our Second Chance Credit Solution. To date, the Toronto chapter has raised money for Street Haven at Cross- Bad credit? No credit? Check out our Second Chance Credit Solution. Bad credit? No credit? Check out our Second Chance Credit Solution. roads, Sheena’s Place and the Christian Resource Centre’s 40 Oaks ProBad credit? No credit? Check out our Second Chance Credit Solution. gram. GL Bad credit? No credit? Check out our Second Chance Credit Solution. >>

It’s aa sign sign that It’s that It’s aa sign thatout It’s sign that you should get you should get out It’s a sign that you should get out you should get out of your lease. of your lease. you get out of your lease. lease. ofshould of your lease.

We’ve got the Keys to the Right Car For You.

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 53

• around town •

World Stage 2013 Visit Harbourfront Centre and take in productions and artists from Canada, Germany, Côte d’Ivoire, Brazil, Australia, China, Norway, Belgium, Portugal and the Netherlands. Continues to May 26 at Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W. Tickets $15 to $50 www.harbourfrontcentre.com/worldstage

Toronto ComiCon ComiCon returns for a second year of celebrity presentations, Q and As, autographs and photo sessions plus exhibitors and retailers. See Patrick Stewart (Captain Picard), Jonathan Frakes (Cmdr. Riker), LeVar Burton (Lt. Cmdr. La Forge), Michael Dorn (Lt. Worf), Marina Sirtis (Counsellor Troi), Brent Spiner (Lt. Cmdr. Data) and Gates McFadden (Dr. Crusher).

The National Home Show Canada’s longest-running consumer show featuring exhibits, high-profile industry personalities and the latest trends to keep consumers stimulated, motivated, and educated about their home improvement projects.

March 9 and 10 at Metro Toronto Con-

March 15 to 24 at the Direct Energy

Toronto Silent Film Festival Watch some of the world’s finest silent films paired with music, improvised and played live by accomplished artists. The films screened at the Toronto Silent Film Festival are part of cinema history that stretches from the late 19th century to the present.

Centre, 100 Princes’ Blvd.

April 4 to 9 at various locations.

Visit www.nationalhomeshow.com

Visit www.torontosilentfilmfestival.com

Total Health 2013 A convention providing 200 booths and 60 speakers in the field of natural health and traditional healing. Visit a spa oasis for relaxing massage and organic facials. Eat organic healthy gourmet foods, coffees, juices and teas at the Cafe Oasis. Attend lectures by experts in the field of natural health.

Bloor St. W., The LOT (Lower Ossing-

Canada Blooms Canada’s largest flower and garden festival is made up of five main areas of special presentations: flowers, education, a marketplace, feature gardens and sponsor features

ton Theatre), 100A Ossington Ave.,

March 15 to 24 at the Direct Energy

Toronto Storytelling Festival The 2013 Toronto Storytelling Festival celebrates its 35th anniversary with storytellers from Toronto, Canada and around the world. Guests include Sandra Shamas, Jay O’Callahan (U.S.A.) and Canadians Eric Michaud (Quebec), Corin Raymond, Matthew Byrne (Newfoundland) and three great First Nations tellers: Ron Evans (Metis), Louis Bird (Omushkego) and Gayle Ross (Cherokee).

Randolph Theatre, 736 Bathurst St.

Centre, 100 Princes’ Blvd.

March 16 to 24 in multiple locations.

Front St. W.

www.torontosketchfest.com

www.canadablooms.com

Visit www.torontostorytellingfestival.ca

www.totalhealthshow.com

Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival TOsketchfest 2013 will host more than 40 sketch troupes from across North America. This is the largest independent comedy festival in Canada, highlighting the best live, scripted comedy in North America. March 7 to 17 at the Comedy Bar, 945

54 | GoodLife Toronto | March April 2013 ■

vention Centre, North Building, 255 Front St. W. www.comicontoronto.com/tickets

April 5 to 7 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, North Building, 255

• around town •

ReelWorld Film Festival ReelWorld promotes racially and culturally diverse artists who are emerging within the film industry. Watch dramatic features, shorts, music videos or industry panels. Tickets on sale March 13. April 10 to 14, Canada Square Theatre, 2200 Yonge St.; www.reelworld.ca

Young Frankenstein – The New Mel Brooks Musical Based on the Mel Brooks classic comedy masterpiece, ‘Young Frankenstein, the New Musical’ takes it to a whole new, wicked level. Presented by The Alexander Singers. April 11 to 14 and 18 to 21 at the Al Green Theatre, 750 Spadina Ave. Call 416-324-1259 or email tickets@alexandershowcasetheatre.com

Green Living Show North America’s largest consumer show dedicated to workable solutions for leading a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. Shop from 450 companies and green businesses offering the latest products and services across all lifestyle categories. Learn from world-class speakers discussing current affairs, trends, health and innovation. April 12 to 14 at the Direct Energy Centre, Exhibi-

consumer feature

Bigger and better at Willowdale Subaru

After years of providing the GTA with new and used Subaru sales and service from their 5840 Yonge Street location, Willowdale Subaru is planning to move just up the road to 222 Steeles Avenue West this June. General Manager Joseph Ng sat down to explain how their big move is going to provide even bigger deals, more selection and better services to their customers.

Q A

What is the reason for moving your business? It will be in the same area, just two kilometers from where we are right now. Over the

Fundraising Concert for SickKids Foundation Features pianists Ricker Choi, second prize at the Berlin International Amateur Piano Competition (2010), and Anson Hui, winner of the Canadian Music Competition. Net proceeds will be donated to SickKids Foundation.

What services do you provide aside from selling Subarus? A lot of customers need to actually show their vehicles to the service advisor here to

explain what is wrong. Now they don’t need to go back outside, especially in the rain or in the winter. Everything is inside and that is a big plus for the customers.

Q A

With 45 per cent more space do you plan to carry a greater variety of vehicles? Definitely. There is another feature we added and that is an indoor delivery area.

We can park two or three cars so when customers come in to pick up new or used cars they

years our business has grown so much that our

will be indoors in a clean environment. The can

property can’t handle our traffic. We moved to a

inspect the vehicle indoors and that is a big plus

bigger location that has more parking spaces for

for customer service.

customers and is about 45 per cent bigger.

tion Place, 100 Princes’ Blvd. www.greenlivingonline.com/torontoshow

Q A

How will a new location enhance the products and services you offer? We will display our products better in our new location. When customers come in

Q A

Is there anything new in the Subaru lineup arriving this year? The 2014 brand new Forester. It looks like a totally new vehicle that is coming by the

spring this year. It’s a totally new design from the

it will be easier to park their cars but the big-

engine to the styling. Every year our dealer-

gest advantage is in the services we offer. We

ship has a tradition in August when we have a

will now have a drive-through area for service

customer appreciation event we call the Auto

customers. They will drive to an indoor facility

Show and Food Festival. This year because we

April 13, 7:30 to 10 p.m., Glenn Gould Studio, 250

and don’t need to park outside and walk through

are moving that event will also become a house

Front St. W.; www.rickerchoi.com

weather.

warming party as well.

Hot Docs Documentary Festival Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival is North America’s largest documentary festival, conference and market. Each year, the festival presents a selection of more than 180 cutting-edge documentaries from Canada and around the globe.

For more information about Willowdale Subaru, call the dealership at 416-221-8876.

April 25 to May 5 in multiple locations. www.hotdocs.ca

Bicentennial Commemoration of the Battle of York April 27, 2013, marks the 200th anniversary of the Battle of York. April 27 from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Events take place in multiple locations. www.toronto.ca/1812/events. htm

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 55

Find your

PERFECT

match! Why use HomeFinder.ca? • 77,000 listings to browse from • 45,000 agents to connect with • Offers the best demographic and local info • Notifications when new homes are available that meet your criteria • Follow a listing and get updates

• Flexible search parameters • Advanced mapping technolgies

a division of Metroland Media Ltd.

• sociable •

Runway eady R

Branksome Hall Grade 7 students Lizzy Belittchenko, left, and Eda Ozdemiri stay in touch backstage before the start of the school’s annual Green Fashion Show with designs and modelling of the eco-friendly clothing by members of the student body. Proceeds from the Feb. 22 event went to support Environmental Defence. Turn to page 58 for more earth-friendly fashion. Photography by Mike Pochwat

Bye Bye Winter

SALE With Spring on the way there’s no better time than now to refresh your home, get ready for summer and save in the process. So come into Living Lighting today, take advantage of great prices and say hello to a new look at home.

Save on a selection of chandeliers. A variety of table and floor lamps on sale.

Great prices on select semi-flush lights.

WE HONOUR ANY ADVERTISED SALE PRICES IN THE GTA ON IDENTICAL IN STOCK MERCHANDISE

1841 Queen St. E. • 416.690.2544 beaches@livinglighting.com

in the Beach

Visit our on-line catalogue at www.livinglightingbeaches.com GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 57

• sociable •

Clockwise from top left: Anthea Denny is picture perfect in a paper dress; Christeen Pan is ready for the weather; Lizzy Belittchenko is ‘heart’ to miss; a young model goes back to nature for inspiration. 58 | GoodLife Toronto | March April 2013 ■

Tuscan Cellars Handcrafted Wine Rooms

A wine cellar is considered a significant architectural addition to a home. More and more wine enthusiasts are looking to convert and dedicate an existing room in their home for their wine collection. At Tuscan Cellars our team of knowledgeable wine cellar experts are at your service to capture your vision and work with you to bring your dream cellar to fruition. From the initial meeting with our designers and engineers we will gather your design criteria - from the initial concept, to material selection and bottle count requirements to lighting needs and cooling specifications. We are certain you will be impressed with our wine cellar expertise and capabilities along with our professional and detailed approach to ensuring that all your design and installation needs are met and exceeded.

2899 Steeles Ave. W. Units. 16-18

416-661-9463 (WINE) www.tuscancellars.ca