HOMES
DESIGN
LIVING
SHOPPING
FOOD
HOLIDAY 2013
www.ottawaathome.ca $3.99
The Joy of Giving
OTTAWA’S BOOMING RETAIL SCENE 2014 DECOR TRENDS GIVING THE GIFT OF LIFE
25 TIPS
HOLIDAY DÉCOR FOR CONTEMPORARY & TRADITIONAL SPACES
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A Kitchen Created Just For You!
60A Colonnade Road, Ottawa, Ontario K2E 7J6 Phone: (613) 288-1449 Fax: (613) 288-1451
www.copperstonekitchens.ca
4 ottawaathome.ca HOLIDAY 2013
CONTENTS Holiday 2013
14 8 EDITOR’S NOTE:
Meaningful giving
> HOME 10 DESIGNER AT HOME:
Good design happens within an apartment on the canal
14 INSTYLE:
Two longtime friends go all out with Christmas décor
20 COVER STORY
NEW BUILD: Sophisticated family space opened up to support Hospice Care Ottawa
26 HOMES FOR
THE HOLIDAYS: A look inside the homes on the 11th annual Homes for the Holidays Tour
29 STEP INSIDE:
The Austrian Ambassador to Canada shares traditions and his support for the Viennese Ball
31 TRENDS:
2014 décor trends through the CHEO Lottery Minto Dream Home
> LIVING 32 PROFILE:
The past, present and future of Ottawa’s four major shopping malls
35 BEAUTY:
Stuffing stockings with beauty
37 NEW & NOTABLE:
39
10
From trends in décor to meaningful donations
46 GIVING BACK:
A family’s tragic loss brings life to others
> FOOD 39 FOOD THOUGHT:
A hearty appetizer from leftover stuffing
40 COOKS GIFT GUIDE:
Holiday shopping for the cook on your list
43 EVENTS:
20
Party planning tips from a sommelier
44 PAULA’S BITES:
A classic cookie gets dressed up for holiday gift giving HOLIDAY 2013 ottawaathome.ca 5
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Mary Taggart
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Tanya Connolly-Holmes
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Jane Whiting
FOOD EDITOR
Paula Roy
FOOD CONTRIBUTOR
Korey Kealey
WRITERS PROOFREADERS
Catherine Clark Vera Cody Sandy Connell Melissa Shabinsky Paula Roy, Krystle Kung
PHOTO EDITOR
Mark Holleron
WEB EDITOR
Olivia Taggart
ADVERTISING
Karen McNamara Donna Roney Lori Sharpe Jennifer Tackaberry
PRODUCTION
Sarah Ellis Renée Depocas
ADMINISTRATION
Susan Ross
PUBLISHER
Michael Curran
FOUNDING PUBLISHER Caroline Andrews
• Renovations and new builds from concept to completion. • Personal builders – our unique and transparent approach allows us to clarify your vision, develop a plan and do all that needs to be done to create the home of your dreams.
PUBLISHED BY
Great River Media Inc. 250 City Centre Ave., Suite 500 Ottawa, ON K1R6K7
CONTACT US
General inquiries: editor@ottawaathome.ca
ADVERTISING
sales@ottawaathome.ca
CIRCULATION
30,000 copies printed 5 times per year 5-issue subscription $19.95
• Find out what’s special about ReNew Homes – call us for a free consultation. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Mark Sutcliffe PRESIDENT Michael Curran CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Donna Neil VICE-PRESIDENT OF SALES Terry Tyo
Info@renewhomes.ca 613-878-7999 6 ottawaathome.ca HOLIDAY 2013
Contents © 2013. Reproduction of advertisements or articles appearing in Ottawa at Home, in whole or in part, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher. Ottawa at Home and Great River Media Inc. shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of an advertisement. The publisher’s liability for other errors or omissions in connection with any advertisement is strictly limited to publication of the advertisement in any subsequent issue or the refund of any monies paid for the advertisement.
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EDITOR’S NOTE
Meaningful giving
I
am a gift giver! Everyone who knows me can attest to this and many have likely reaped the benefits of my generosity – sometimes awkwardly so – as I have been known to pick up a gift for someone just because . . . And, being a shopper as well, this giftgiving fancy strikes often! Even my children have told me to tone down the giving this Christmas, so my goal this year is to find each of my family members one special present. It’s a challenge, especially when work took me into major malls and local boutiques — all in the name of research — for our holiday shopping issue. With this issue, we seek to inspire the spirit of generosity with ideas for everyone on your list. Our food section looks at gifts for the cook, the beauty scene takes things more personally, and I tackle ideas for various family members. I have always felt that gift-giving is fun and it can sometimes be frivolous, but recently I was struck by a deeper meaning to the term of gift. Our publisher Michael Curran and his wife Catrina lost their eldest child to tragedy this past summer. Emerson Curran was a 20-year-old philosophy student at the University of Ottawa when he passed away. His thoughtful approach to life led him to express his desire to his mother for his organs to be donated. During their pain, Catrina and Michael shared the gift of their son’s organs with others, telling their story to Catherine Clark in her Giving Back feature. Again this year, Ottawa at Home is proud to be the magazine sponsor for the Homes for the Holidays tour, in support of Hospice Care Ottawa. A short while ago, a close friend of mine found herself in hospice care and I was able to see first-hand the incredible gift of bringing peace into a person’s final days. It teaches us a valuable life lesson on what a gift really means. We salute the families for opening their homes to a parade of visitors drinking in the festive décor and the decorators who share their talents. You can read more about them in our Homes for the Holidays section. May you all find time this season to pick up a meaningful gift or two for someone special, because I know it brings such joy to see the glint in the eye of a person who has received a gift that was meant just for them. We hope you’ll find inspiration on our pages to make your holiday shopping a little less stressful. And may you also be enlightened by the various aspects of generosity and gift-giving, so that the true spirit of the season doesn’t get lost amidst the festive frivolity. In the spirit of giving,
p.s. Click ottawaathome.ca Mary Taggart, EDITOR IN CHIEF
VISIT OTTAWAATHOME.CA tap into the local scene. 8 ottawaathome.ca HOLIDAY 2013
for blogs, video, bonus features and images.
CONNECT WITH ME: Twitter @Ottawaathomemag COMMENTS: mtaggart@ottawaathome.ca
Merry’s MUST-HAVES
TEEN BOY
BROTHER/ BROTHER-IN-LAW
Show your charitable side with Paul Smith Movember mitts in support of men’s health, $50, Holt Renfrew
The Self Made Man Dopp Kit takes care of grooming needs at home or on the road, $46, Sephora
YOUNG GIRL
Lighthouse Keeper Lottie Doll, $19.99, Tag Along Toys
SPECIAL LADY
Raw-cut Swarovski crystal neckpiece by Canadian designers TwoAJewelry, $298, available at, Stunning! Fashion Accessories & Then Some
STYLISH GUY
Stay connected in style with a Jack Spade iPhone 5 case, $40, Holt Renfrew
MOM & DAD
Nothing but the best for mom and dad! Eisch 10 Carat wine decanter, handmade in Germany with a Swarovski crystal-filled handle, $349.95, HALF FULL Glassware & Accessories.
HOSTESS STYLISH GIRL
Tej Patha earrings of lightweight brass are antiqued to highlight the veins of a bay leaf, $29.99, www.chobhi.com, or Viens Avec Moi Boutique.
YOUNG BOY
Perfect for the active child, Tubbs Storm snowshoes, $84.99, Canadian Tire
Everything looks better bathed in an amber glow! 10% of profits from these sustainably grown soy wax candles go towards animal rescue, $30, Holt Renfrew. HOLIDAY 2013 ottawaathome.ca 9
HOME Designer At Home
Delighting IN THE SURROUNDINGS WRITTEN BY MARY TAGGART
S
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
owcasing personality, eclectic style and good design within the relatively confined space of an apartment on the canal is no easy feat, but designer Yvonne Potter, of Yvonne Potter Interior Design, (formerly CKY Design) has accomplished this. The two-bedroom unit offered decent storage, which was a plus, but the views and proximity to nature are what pushed Yvonne and her husband, Richard Urquhart, to call the place home.
With the addition of personality pieces including large artwork (most done by Yvonne), statement lighting and a few vintage items, like the cabaret gal that greets you at the entrance, the place is an expression of both experimentation and functionality. Using wine crates for storage is one element, but
10 ottawaathome.ca HOLIDAY 2013
as a furniture designer Yvonne relied on some of her own pieces to work effectively within the unit. With an eye for Italian style, she leans towards clean lines and believes that simplicity is the root of good design. Her creative side infuses warmth and character throughout the home and she offers up this piece of good
advice: “Be aware of what you love, what speaks to you and mostly what delights you; those are the pieces you want to surround yourself with on a daily basis.” Comfort is not forgotten within the space. A long sofa in the living room allows the couple to indulge in their passion for movie watching. While there is intrigue throughout the space, there is also simplicity and cohesiveness so that objects speak to each other, rather than competing. Yvonne advises using the “80-20” rule so that 80 per cent of your surfaces are a base colour while the other 20 per cent are complementary. In the apartment, she used a base of ivory and complemented with varying tones and shades of greens and yellow to work with the view of Queen Elizabeth Drive, outside their windows. Yvonne was introduced to industrial design while studying architecture in Edmonton. Her passion for materials, art and technical details led her to product design, and today she designs furniture for both individual clients and mass-production companies. Her latest design is the Toronto Chair for Maryland-based furniture firm David Edward. “I saw a hole in their furniture line for a modern swivel lounge
“I saw a hole in their furniture line for a modern swivel lounge chair and presented it to the owner at a trade show in Toronto, hence the name.” — YVONNE POTTER
GOOD DESIGN CLOCKWISE: A WARHOL INSPIRED PAINTING, BY YVONNE, KEEPS WATCH IN THE LIVING ROOM; DINING IN SIMPLICITY; YVONNE’S WORK HANGS ABOVE THE BED IN THE MASTER; THE TORONTO CHAIR.
chair and presented it to the owner at a trade show in Toronto, hence the name.” Her furniture designs are also well represented locally. The Vivian bar and counter stool is sold through Phillip Van Leeuwen and the Black Cat Bistro and SIDEDOORContemporary Kitchen & Bar have them in their bar areas. Working with clients who are open to experimenting and learning about something new spawns her creativity. While the goal may be to achieve a look of simplicity, the process of achieving this in design takes work and Yvonne’s apartment is an excellent example of the process: surrounding space that delights and complements what lies within. HOLIDAY 2013 ottawaathome.ca 11
Live in the heart of Westboro
TOWNHOMES NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION Summer 2014 occupancy Have you dreamed of living in a gracious brownstone townhome in a vibrant, established neighbourhood, surrounded by family, friends and amenities? Have you wished for something in Westboro, without the old house hassle or high-rise lifestyle? A private enclave of 19 freehold towns just two blocks from the heart of Westboro, stunning open concept two- and three-bedroom homes from 1,360 to 1,948 sq. ft. including such features as direct access from underground garage, twostorey galleries and open lofts, ample storage, private rear terraces and roof-top decks.
Artist’s Concept
Presentation Centre located at 329 Richmond Road (corner of Churchill and Richmond)
613-825-0080 Choice locations still available. Prices from $609,900. PRESENTATION CENTRE HOURS
Monday to Friday Noon to 6 p.m. Weekends and holidays Noon to 5 p.m. PRESENTATION RD CENTRE ND MO H RIC
RavenhillCommon.com
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Unique in Westboro: Welcome to Ravenhill Common from Springcress, a spectacular new concept in an old setting. At 450 Churchill Ave., one block south of Byron at Ravenhill, these contemporary brownstone townhomes take full advantage of the area, including incorporating a century-old brick church into the design. The concept is an example of urban intensification, collaboration and community involvement, says Springcress President David Spillenaar. Church, school and neighbours worked together to develop a plan which would enhance the area, not crowd it. This private enclave of only 19 freehold townhomes was designed by Barry J. Hobin and Associates Architects in harmony with heritage and contemporary design. The two- and threebedroom homes range from 1,360 to 1,948 sq. ft., featuring
The former Westboro United Church, built in 1913, forms part of the enclave, and will house the new Bluesfest offices, while the basement will be available for community use. The heritage features have been preserved and the church remains a warm and welcoming landmark.
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
85 74 99
direct access from underground parking, two-storey galleries, open lofts, private rear terraces and rooftop decks. Homes are modern, in terms of the open styling, brilliant designs and up-to-the-minute conveniences, but they blend seamlessly into charming Westboro, and match the pedestrian-friendly community. Here you can walk to the Ottawa River and its wild shores, enjoy the unique shopping to be found on Richmond Road, bicycle along the many pathways and side streets in the area, or hop onto Carling Avenue and be at Carlingwood Mall or downtown in minutes.
“I grew up in the neighbourhood and attended Churchill Avenue Public School, and was frequently in the church when it was the major community resource,” says Hobin. He and Spillenaar wanted to develop a design compatible from a form and use perspective, not wanting to overwhelm the original building with a large development. The homes themselves are designed in a clean, open concept style. Oversized windows maximize natural light. On the main level nine-foot ceilings increase the sense of space and the rooms flow naturally. Bedrooms have full bathrooms and on the top floor the master bedroom boasts a gorgeous ensuite. Underground parking and a beautiful roof deck on the third floor complement the total appeal of these well-designed homes. The developer, Springcress, is most recently known for its commercial and office development expertise, such as the appealing The Chambers of Terry Fox and the soon to be built The Chambers of Prince of Wales. Now Springcress has turned its team’s expertise back to residential housing, and they are thrilled with the style and modest grandeur of this unique project. RavenhillCommon.com HOLIDAY 2013 ottawaathome.ca 13
10/24/13 8:53:10 AM
HOME InStyle
A MAGICAL
Christmas WRITTEN BY JANE WHITING PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
C
hristmas holds many timehonoured traditions for Rita Lauks. It starts early by decorating her stately Rockcliffe Park home to host the annual office party for her husband Imants, followed by the happy arrival of their three daughters from far and wide to celebrate the season. Even though Lacy, Sasha and Becky are in their 20s and live in Vancouver, England and Toronto, Rita says, “they always come home for Christmas and still get so excited about it.” No wonder, because their elegant French Chateau home has all the holiday sparkle of a fairy-tale castle! With the help of her close friend and professional decorator Karen Grand, the home is adorned with stunning decorations and comes alive with a legion of magical nutcrackers.
HOLIDAY SPLENDOUR THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE: THE FRONT FOYER SETS A GRACIOUS TONE: RITA LAUKS (LEFT) AND KAREN GRAND; THE FAUX GARLAND HAS THE LOOK OF REAL GREENS AND BERRIES WITH LASTING APPEAL. FACING PAGE, CLOCKWISE: THE RIBBON TREE; CARIBBEAN CHRISTMAS IN THE SUNROOM; THE GIRLS’ TREE
14 ottawaathome.ca HOLIDAY 2013
“Rita saw the bow tree in a magazine and we started creating the silk bows together many years ago using every colour imaginable.” — KAREN GRAND THE GRAND SPARKLE Built originally in a Tudor design, the house was transformed inside and out after the Lauks family moved in 15 years ago. During a visit to the south of France, the couple fell in love with the majestic architecture of the French manors and had it recreated in Ottawa. The formal living room is filled with antique furniture and features the classic characteristics of open archways with intricate plasterwork
and trim detailing. For the holidays, a traditional wreath hangs over the fireplace mantle and a magnificent tree of bows takes pride of place. “Rita saw the bow tree in a magazine and we started creating the silk bows together many years ago using every colour imaginable,” says Karen. Rita adds that they now have hundreds of bows and it’s a very time-consuming job. Fortunately, she says Imants likes to trim the tree and takes great care with the bows.
In the dining room, a fresh tree is covered with all the treasured family decorations, including the “must-have” childhood ornaments made by the girls. A select group of nutcrackers stand on the sideboard, highlighted by the warm glow of an opulent crystal chandelier. The main entry is also a high-impact area for Christmas decorating. It begins outside with a natural door wreath and the fresh holiday planters that Karen HOLIDAY 2013 ottawaathome.ca 15
“Each one (nutcracker) brings back memories and I never get tired of them. I like to decorate early and have time to enjoy Christmas with my friends and family.” — RITA LAUKS
FRENCH COUNTRY KITCHEN A SMALL PART OF THE NUTCRACKER COLLECTION SITS ON THE KITCHEN ISLAND. 16 ottawaathome.ca HOLIDAY 2013
“(The girls) always come home for Christmas and still get so excited about it.” — RITA LAUKS is famous for in the village. For Rita, she creates planters featuring giant twig balls wrapped in lights and a door wreath with greenery, magnolia and gold ribbon. “Everyone’s holiday planters are different,” says Karen, who has a very natural signature look. “I like to make the indoor decorating an extension of the outside, so that it all relates with a style or colour of ribbon and the type of materials used.” Inside, a green garland with ribbons and flowers drapes up the staircase banister, and guests are greeted by a full-sized Santa statue along with his guard of nutcracker friends. While the effect in each room is dramatic, the traditional decorating enhances the classical style of the home with just a few unique touches.
A NUTCRACKER FAMILY The common Christmas element throughout the home is an army of nutcrackers that march everywhere. In addition to the main living areas, a special collection of musical nutcrackers gather on the upstairs landing and the more athletic ones, such as the skier, hang out in the
Delight in the magic of unexpected décor! spacious sunroom. Rita estimates she has a collection of at least 50 and the number continues to grow. “My daughters and friends always pick one up when they see a new nutcracker that would be great for my collection. And we have some landmark ones from when we used to live in the States.” As a woman who loves to cook and entertain, it’s no surprise that her favourite nutcrackers keep her company in the French-country kitchen. Her top 10 line up on the counter of the nine-foot-long centre island, beneath an impressive garland-wrapped chandelier. The chef nutcracker stays the closest to Rita with his own spot by the stove. Karen and Rita laugh at the suggestion that she has quite a magical relationship with her nutcrackers and agree that Rita should start custom-designing some
of her own. The friends obviously share a love of holiday decorating, with Karen often buying something that she knows will fit into Rita’s home and to add some new elements. It works well because, as Karen notes,“traditional is always in and never goes out of style.” For Rita, Christmas decorating also requires a lot of organizing. She has a basement room piled with containers of decorations and confesses that she finds it increasingly difficult to remember which nutcracker goes where every year. Yet, it never affects her strong attachment to them all. “Each one brings back memories and I never get tired of them,” she says fondly. “I like to decorate early and have time to enjoy Christmas with my friends and family.” And that includes her expanding family of nutcrackers! HOLIDAY 2013 ottawaathome.ca 17
— ADVERTORIAL —
Meaningful support
‘We can’t fix what we can’t see.’ By acquiring one of a few PET-fMRI machines in the world, The Royal’s neuroscientists will be able to increase their ability to identify mental illness and define more effective treatments. “This machine will be the only one of its kind in North America dedicated solely to mental health research and it will open the door to a new era of getting more people better faster,” notes Andrée. “The PET-fMRI brain imaging technology is a holistic solution that will allow our research scientists to look at the brain at a molecular level, seeing in real-time how treatments are affecting the brain. It’s like a biopsy on a living brain and it will allow a deeper understanding of why the brain isn’t functioning properly, leading to more effective diagnoses and treatments.” — Patrick Nicol 18 ottawaathome.ca HOLIDAY 2013
— ADVERTORIAL —
I
t was just over a year ago that Patrick Nicol was introduced to the incredible people at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre (The Royal) who are changing lives every day. He attended The Royal’s fifth annual Leaders for Mental Health Breakfast and was overwhelmed by what he learned. “I came away with a profound appreciation for the impact that mental health issues can have on everyone,” says Patrick. “People may look like their lives are perfect on the outside, but we don’t know what is really going on underneath. We are often afraid to speak up for ourselves or for those around us, so we need to chip away at the barriers and stigma around mental health. The Royal is really leading the charge on this in a big way and I knew right away that I wanted to help make change happen.” Not only did Patrick decide to make a multi-year financial commitment to support The Royal, but he also chose to join the committee organizing this year’s Leaders for Mental Health Breakfast. “Having spent the past year talking with people all across the region about the need to support The Royal, I felt really invested in helping to make the fundraising breakfast a success. We had over 600 attendees, which is double the number at the first breakfast. It’s exciting to see an important event like this grow and flourish.” This year’s Leaders for Mental Health Breakfast raised close to $400,000, bringing the six year total for this event to $2.8 million. It may sound like a hefty sum, but The Royal has big plans that necessitate this kind of fundraising. “Philanthropy enables transformational mental health research and care which will see The Royal become a global centre of excellence,” explains Andrée Steel, president and chief executive officer of the Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health. “One of our most exciting priorities is to establish a brain imaging centre with state of art equipment that will unlock the deepest secrets of the living brain. Leading edge PET-fMRI technology will be an incredibly powerful research and diagnostic tool for us, but we won’t get there without the philanthropic support of our community.” A keystone of The Royal’s $25 million fundraising
campaign, the imaging priority’s tagline is simple: ‘We can’t fix what we can’t see.’ By acquiring one of a few PET-fMRI machines in the world, The Royal’s neuroscientists will be able to increase their ability to identify mental illness and define more effective treatments. “This machine will be the only one of its kind in North America dedicated solely to mental health research and it will open the door to a new era of getting more people better faster,” notes Andrée. “The PET-fMRI brain imaging technology is a holistic solution that will allow our research scientists to look at the brain at a molecular level, seeing in real-time how treatments are affecting the brain. It’s like a biopsy on a living brain and it will allow a deeper understanding of why the brain isn’t functioning properly, leading to more effective diagnoses and treatments.” As Patrick explains, this tool will help doctors assess mental illness beyond the question ‘how are you feeling today’. “This machine will change things in a significant way, and I am determined to see The Royal meet its fundraising goals,” he adds. “It’s great to think big – both in terms of the potential for advancements in treatment for mental health and also in terms of how we as individuals can help the medical teams do their work. So what has Patrick learned about mental health in the past year? “The statistics say that one in five people struggle with mental health issues and, of course, that means the people around them are affected so it literally impacts everyone, in a wide variety of circumstances,” he says. “That is why we need to get the word out there that it’s ok to ask for help and why helping raise funds and awareness for The Royal has become such a passion for me. I never feel like I have to be pushy when asking others for support; mental health is a cause that resonates with so many people.” Patrick is modest about his contributions but admits that he hopes in sharing his experiences, it will inspire others to do the same. When asked why philanthropy matters, his answer is brief. “I don’t really think about it that way – I just think about how crucial it is to bring the issue of mental health into the spotlight. I want to make it okay for everyone to talk about it.” To find out more, please visit www.theroyal.ca. Contact Patrick at pnicol@dundeewealth.com or www. nicolandassociates.ca. 613.727.8821 x239. Note: This article was prepared solely by Patrick Nicol who is a registered representative of HollisWealthTM (a division of Scotia Capital Inc., a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund and the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada). The views and opinions, including any recommendations, expressed in this article are those of Patrick Nicol only and they have not been reviewed or approved by HollisWealth. TM Trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia, used under license. HOLIDAY 2013 ottawaathome.ca 19
HOME New Build
“Cohesion came from applying geometric fabrics in the living room and reflecting this in an adjacent space on a different surface such as the stairwell wallpaper.” — LEONHARD VOGT, MICHAEL COURDIN DESIGNS
SOPHISTICATED
FAMILY LIVING 20 ottawaathome.ca HOLIDAY 2013 WRITTEN BY MARY TAGGART
PHOTOGRAPH
Nestled within a park setting, a modern home blends into the natural environment and is sharing all of its glorious bounty with the Homes for the Holidays tour. WRITTEN BY MARY TAGGART
HOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
T
he product of renowned local architect Barry Hobin, the design is sleek and cool but the vibe is warm and inviting to house a growing young family. The floor-toceiling windows create a dramatic openness, while the décor grounds the space with warmth. The cleverly executed décor is the work of Leonhard Vogt of Michael Courdin Designs. Rich, velvet fabrics contrast the glass and slick architecture to strike just the right balance. The annual tour, which supports Hospice Care Ottawa, takes visitors into spectacular homes dressed for the holidays. This Island Park house is a showstopper decorated for New Year’s Eve with a design that lends itself to a chic celebration.
>
A SLEEK WELCOME
The entry is cool with an open staircase greeting guests from the front door to set the contemporary
tone. To the left, the living room is awash in green tones to reflect the close proximity of nature’s influence, a key component in the décor. Leonhard embraces this with pea-green velvet fabric on the sofas, and in the adjacent dining area, adds a hint of glamour with a stunning modern chandelier and pops of silver for a festive flair. There is a cohesiveness felt throughout the home and it’s HOLIDAY 2013 ottawaathome.ca 21
NATURE’S REFLECTION PREVIOUS PAGE: CUSTOM DESIGNED CARPET IN THE LIVING ROOM BY LEONHARD, WHO ALSO DESIGNED THE DINING ROOM CHANDELIER. THIS PAGE CLOCKWISE: THE NEO FORUM KITCHEN FEATURES DARK BAMBOO CABINETS; THE KITCHEN TABLE COMBINES GLASS WITH NATURALLY FELLED AND SUSTAINABLY HARVESTED WOOD; RICH JEWEL TONES ENHANCE THE SPACE IN THE FAMILY ROOM TO ADD PERSONALITY TO THE CONTEMPORARY DÉCOR.
established from the entrance with thoughtful elements. “Cohesion came from applying geometric fabrics in the living room and reflecting this in an adjacent space on a different surface such as the stairwell wallpaper,” explains Leonhard.
> HANGING AROUND SPACE The open-concept kitchen/family room incorporates the needs of a
22 ottawaathome.ca HOLIDAY 2013
young family with oversized comfy furniture and ample workspace found in the Neo Forum kitchen. Timeless and sophisticated design elements will grow with the homeowner’s family. Round shapes and comfortable surfaces were incorporated in keeping with this thought process. The kitchen table with a round glass top and wood base is a good example of the form and function philosophy.
> WORKING TOGETHER An open-concept layout is something that the homeowners wanted from the start and it was the catalyst for doing a full build, as opposed to the popular housing infills found in central neighbourhoods. They selected Barry Hobin for the design, in part because of the openness of his modern designs, and Terra Nova was their builder. With Michael Courdin Designs working in conjunction with the homeowners to pull the look together, the overall effect is stunning. Leonhard emphasizes the key role a homeowner plays in the process: “Our philosophy at Michael Courdin Designs has always been to inspire and guide the client to achieve a style that reflects their personality; this is what makes a house a home.”
F
or fresh, new ideas & creative solutions, visit our newly renovated bed, bath & home decor boutique for a wide selection of quality linens & accessories.
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ALLEGRA CHAIR $919
ROOM B
• USE NATURAL ELEMENTS WHENEVER POSSIBLE; VASES WITH BRANCHES, DECORATED WITH SIMPLE GLASS BALLS, MAKE A STATEMENT
La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries room A was “high”.... Fabric grade makes a difference! HOMES
DESIGN
LIVING
SHOPPING
FOOD
HOLIDAY 2013 ottawaathome.ca 23
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HOME Homes for the Holidays
Showcasing FOR A CAUSE WRITTEN BY MARY TAGGART
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
Ottawa At Home is proud to be the magazine sponsor for the 11th annual Homes for the Holidays tour in support of Hospice Care Ottawa, which provides compassionate and dignified end-of-life support to patients and their families. This year’s fundraiser on Nov. 15, 16 and 17, showcases six spectacular homes dressed for seasonal celebrations, like Christmas Eve, Christmas morning and New Year’s Eve. Homeowners have dedicated the weekend and their homes to this event, while florists and designers offered time, talent and goods to magically transform each home to be tour-worthy for the cause. THE HOMES >8
THORNTON AVE.
A Glebe-area residence with modern architecture and funky furnishings provides a fitting backdrop for the whimsical décor style of Tinseltown Christmas Emporium. The owners’ personality-filled furnishings, such as the unique dining table with chairs carved and painted as replicas of each of the family members, make this house a fun stop. The spirited furnishings and eclectic mix of funky and traditional decorations work to create a fun-filled Christmas celebration.
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< 104
BLACK MAPLE PVT.
Step into a home where chic flair and glamorous décor play a leading role. The homeowners have set the tone for a truly grown-up party with their soothing, sophisticated colour scheme and touches of glam. Imagine seeking refuge from a stormy night by sipping champagne, noshing on fine cheese and crudités while seasonal sounds play in the background. Mood Moss Flowers and Jacobsons create the quintessential Christmas Eve within this contemporary home.
> 494
LANSDOWNE RD. N
The residence of the Swiss ambassador to Canada is inspired by European architecture and influences, so it’s only fitting that Tivoli Florist is tasked with decorating this splendid home. Inside the entrance, guests are greeted by a dramatic red wall that leads into the living room, where collections tell stories of a well-travelled life. Ambassador Ulrich Lehner and his wife Federica have embraced their diplomatic lifestyle and the years spent around the world are evident in their treasures, including a blue hand-blown glass collection from Egypt and Bedouin silver jewelry from the Western Desert.
HOLIDAY 2013 ottawaathome.ca 27
> 13
Presented by
MASSEY LANE
A gracious family home in Rothwell Heights with inviting spaces is a perfect house for the talents of Stoneblossom Floral Gallery. With large welcoming rooms, the home lends itself to easy family living. The colour scheme shows a fun side with splashes of purple and turquoise and is complemented with décor influenced by nature, such as the muted tones in moss and birch bark. Inspired by the enchanted forests Stoneblossom wows tour-goers by embracing nature’s beauty with dramatic décor to suit the wide-open spaces.
HOLIDAY SHOPPING NIGHT AT ALSO ON TOUR
RIDEAU CENTRE
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5TH, 7-9 PM $50 donation to TeamBFF and you will
receive a $50 store credit to spend that night
< 512 ISLAND PARK DR. See page 20 for more details.
900 COLONEL BY DR. A stately home on the canal that combines old and new offers Mill Street Florist the opportunity to showcase its talents by blending traditional décor with modern influences.
Join Dancing with the Stars Derek Hough at Bust a Move, at the Ottawa Athletic Club
February 22, 2014
www.ottawacancer.ca/michaelkors.aspx IN SUPPORT OF THE
28 ottawaathome.ca HOLIDAY 2013
IRISH EMBASSY POP-UP SHOP, 291 PARK RD. The shop, set up within the residence of the Irish ambassador to Canada, offers a chance to recharge during the tour. Start your holiday shopping with local wares and enjoy the refreshments.
HOME Step Inside
CELEBRATING Austrian
Luna Necklace by Lirical Jewellery
traditions in Ottawa WRITTEN BY VERA CODY PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
C
elebrating an Austrian Christmas and being the patron of the annual Viennese Opera Ball in Ottawa are two important traditions for His Excellency Arno Riedel, Ambassador of the Republic of Austria, his wife Loretta and their children Julian, 16, and Annachiara, 14. Over the holiday season, they will be hosting parties at their Rockcliffe Park residence. Later on Feb. 1, they will proudly participate in the elegant Viennese Opera Ball to showcase Austrian culture. HOW WILL YOU CELEBRATE THE CHRISTMAS SEASON IN OTTAWA? Christmas in Austria starts with the feast of St. Nicholas on Dec. 6 and ends with the feast of St. Stephen on Dec. 26. We are looking forward to sharing our special family customs with our new Canadian friends and introducing them to Austrian food and wine specialties. WHY DOES THE CHRISTMAS TREE HOLD SPECIAL SIGNIFICANCE? In Austria, the tree is ceremoniously unveiled on Christmas Eve and is filled with candles, garlands, ornaments and candies. At our home here we will alter the schedule and start decorating a few days earlier. Our children are actively involved with the decorating and each of us has brought special ornaments from home that hold warm memories for us. The tree is a mixture of different styles, incorporating homemade and cherished ornaments as well as new ones. HOW DID THE VIENNESE OPERA BALL TRADITION COME TO OTTAWA? The Ball’s origin goes back to the 18th century when Empress Maria Theresa opened up her palaces for the public to have some entertainment. In 1996, the Austrian Embassy and the AustrianCanadian Council organized the first
10% of all jewellery sales in November will be donated to Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Support Programs.
Viennese Ball in Ottawa. ANY EXCITING CHANGES FOR THE UPCOMING 18TH VIENNESE OPERA BALL? The February event is being held in the Ballroom at the Château Laurier. The title sponsor is RBC Royal Bank. There is also a new orchestra entertaining the guests this year that will play favourite Viennese waltzes – the Viennese Ball Orchestra. This is an important charity event that gives back significantly to the community and in the past 17 years over $700,000 has been raised. This year, the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation and Orkidstra are beneficiaries.
IN THE HEART OF WESTBORO VILLAGE 358 Richmond Road 613.729.0003 GALLERY & FRAMING | WALLSPACEGALLERY.CA
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF THE EVENING? It is always the opening and then the dancing – I am not a good dancer but I love to dance. The evening begins with a cocktail reception and guests are announced to dinner with a fanfare of trumpets. The excitement builds with the opening Polonaise that features female student debutantes wearing flowing white gowns and their cavaliers dressed in tuxedos, showing off months of hard work in the dance studio. For more info, vienneseoperaballottawa.com HOLIDAY 2013 ottawaathome.ca 29
BUSINESS PROFILE
MyReno411 – harnessing the Internet for home renovations Pre-Internet, homeowners had to rely on word of mouth referrals to find out which companies provided the best goods and services. Now, powerful search engines on the web make accessing information easier, but how can you tell if the business you are looking at is reputable and reliable? That’s where MyReno411.ca comes, in with its repository of over 130,000 Canadian companies with home renovation skills. Visiting MyReno411 is like asking a trusted friend for advice. Many people now see user-review sites as a go to source of information, with consumer experts Nielsen reporting that 70 per cent of buyers trust online consumer reviews. The site was founded after local businessman Alex Beraskow discovered that the process of finding and working with reliable contractors was not straightforward when he decided to rebuild his home. “In reality, finding contractors became a major task,” says Alex, founder of MyReno411.ca. “I didn’t know best practices for work, contracting and project management. The information I needed was hard to find: who was good, who was keen and available, and who was affordable. The supply was large and varied, and some contractors were not even listed in the phonebook.” While Alex did get his house rebuilt within six months, he came to a big realization along the way. “Had all the information I needed been more readily accessible, the project could have happened in a much better way. Having run several professional services firms, I was used to the concept of bidding on work,” he explains. “I 30 ottawaathome.ca HOLIDAY 2013
thought, wouldn’t it be wonderful to be able to carry out my own reference checks and find reliable contractors for the job?” Alex envisioned a process that was far more effective and efficient to serve the Canadian renovation marketplace, given that one in five homeowners completes a home renovation every year (an industry that is reaching the $100 billion mark annually in Canada). “I decided to start MyReno411 to help all homeowners find the best available contractors, and help the best contractors find homeowners with jobs. It was obvious to me that there is a much better way to do it.” MyReno411 was launched several months ago and is well-positioned as the go to site in Ottawa for home renovation, providing a comprehensive source of information. Over 3000 Ottawa businesses are listed, with details being added daily. “We are now asking homeowners to help their family, friends and neighbours by visiting the site and reviewing the work on contractors that they have used for home renovations. Our review process is the best in the industry, by far,” says Ian MacNeil, Vice President of Client Acquisition. These user reviews are honest, first-person accounts of working with individual contractors. Contractors know that the best advertising is a complete profile, such as email information as well as photos of completed projects, along with many reviews. “While the majority of our visitors are seeking information on contractors close to home,
MyReno411 is particularly useful if you are looking to have work done on a vacation property in another city or province, or if you want to help get work done on your aging parents’ home located elsewhere,” notes Alex. “Companies across Canada that want to enhance their presence on our site can register with us and provide comprehensive details about their skills and services as well as their insurance, warranties and more.” In time, MyReno411.ca will boast over 10,000 photographs to inspire home renovation projects along with hundreds of tips on how best to manage the overall process. Visit the site as this web service continues to evolve. The goal is to have happy homeowners and happy contractors, doing home renovations in the very best way possible. Visit MyReno411.ca and help your friends and neighbours by reviewing the work of your contractor. Take the opportunity to promote great contractors while identifying ones that are subpar. Get started on planning your next home renovation project today!
MyReno411.ca 613-763-0060
HOME Trends
GOLD FAUCETS
FLIRTY PERSONALITY
CHEVRON PATTERN
DREAMING ON TREND
SPA BATH
TURQUOISE
It’s time to show true colours with home décor; trends are focused on the vibrance of colours like turquoise, that work beautifully with neutral shades. Add a little animal print and a chevron pattern, as well as a good dose of global influences, and you’re on the right path! Kiss Design Group incorporated all the forecasted trends into The 2013 CHEO Lottery Dream Home, in Minto’s Oak model, with stunning effect. Gold faucets, flirty personality and spa-inspired baths are all a part of dreamy décor for the upcoming year. dreamofalifetime.ca
GLOBAL INFLUENCES
ANIMAL PRINTS HOLIDAY 2013 ottawaathome.ca 31
THE MALL SCENE:
Past, Present & Future WRITTEN BY MARY TAGGART
RIDEAU
LIVING Profile
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
T
Bayshore Shopping Centre opened in Ottawa’s west end in 1973 and has seen constant renewal since the beginning, but none as dramatic as now. The third floor was added in 1986 and currently the entire building structure is being reworked to launch the mall’s new phase for the next 20 years. General manager Denis Pelletier is enthusiastic about the renovations and additions that will make the mall a go-to destination for shoppers from all over the city, primarily drawing from the west and beyond the city limits. The savvy retailer calls it the “people’s mall,” with stores that cater to middle-income earners with a penchant for style. Bayshore has recently attracted stores such as H&M, Zara and Victoria’s Secret to complement staples like The Bay, Winners and HomeSense and fixtures like Tip Top Tailors, which has been in the mall since ’73, to offer just the right balance for price-sensitive shoppers looking for current trends. While some malls 32 ottawaathome.ca HOLIDAY 2013
BAYSHORE
here was a time when the Ottawa retail scene was a little dull; variety was not the spice of life for shopping in the capital. But thanks to a healthy local economy, Ottawa is being recognized as a stable market in which to set up shop. Amidst a plethora of strip malls and boutique shopping areas, the four largest shopping centres in the capital are carving out their share of the market. Place d’Orleans, St. Laurent Centre, Rideau Centre and Bayshore Shopping Centre each have their own identities and are enjoying growth and positive change with recent exciting happenings.
offer more than just a shopping experience, Bayshore sticks to the business of shopping. Denis calls it the “mother/daughter shopping experience.” The easy access, free parking and simple mall layout take away unnecessary stress so that shoppers can get their work done.
Rideau Centre, the downtown mall that sits in the heart of the capital’s tourist area, opened in 1983 as part of the attempt to revitalize the downtown core to the east of the canal, has clearly accomplished its mission! It began as an upscale shopping centre and continues to grow in that direction. Best-in-class retailers including Michael Kors, Coach and Harry Rosen, to name a few, have found success within the Ottawa market at the Rideau Centre. Their success is attracting even more high-end stores, with names like Nordstrom, J.Crew and Simons coming along in the near future. Thanks to Ottawa’s appealing demographics and stable local economy, high-end retailers are looking at the capital in the same way they look at Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary, and the Rideau Centre is the choice destination for this market. General manager Cindy VanBuskirk claims that “our retail mix is outstanding and has been thoughtfully planned to reflect how people shop ... our goal is to provide best-in-class retailers at both ends of the spectrum.” The downtown mall has both the challenges and luxuries of being considered a tourist destination and a transit hub, which means it is open 20 hours a day to allow for transit traffic and on statutory holidays. The addition of light rail transit will make it even more accessible to the younger shoppers it is targeting.
ST. LAURENT
“Our success is based on tapping into Ottawa’s talented creative community, including bloggers, social media, fashion, art, and design.” — BERNICE RACHKOWSKI
shopping experience: “There is always something going on at St. Laurent Centre! We are known for our one-ofa-kind special events, VIP customer experiences (like the Gatsby Lounge we created in May), unique fashion events (our Style Squad is well-known in the city) and engaging our customers in a unique digital experience. Our success is based on tapping into Ottawa’s talented creative community, including
In 1979, a relatively small shopping centre that included a Dominion store opened in Ottawa’s east end. It has since expanded twice to become the Place d’Orleans of today. The community was relatively undeveloped at the time of opening and there was no need for a largescale mall, but as the area grew, so did its shopping needs. The centre, which sits in the heart of the growing Orleans community, prides itself on servicing the entire family and makes a conscious effort to serve the neighbourhood in a variety of ways. Marketing manager Caroline Joanisse states that the mall is committed to east-end charities, which often extend to the community at large. “We help over 300 local organizations per year with a number of initiatives. The most current being a Movember Awareness program which will run during the entire month of
November with a mall-wide campaign that engages shoppers to offer them the chance to support the cause while shopping in the mall,” says the mother of two teenage sons, who believes in the importance of creating awareness for testicular cancer. Given that the surrounding area is a relatively affluent market, the selection of retailers includes The Bay Home Store, Aéropostale and Tommy Hilfiger Outlet, catering to meet the needs of young families with style. And now with the addition of Target the mall is well-positioned for success: “The first two weeks created a dramatic impact for the centre which we hope will continue to gain momentum,” states Caroline. The mall takes the familyfriendly experience to a greater level, with a playcare for children to escape from shopping parents, as well as a nursing room. The overall environment is inviting, with wide sunlit aisles,
a skylight and the mall’s trademark fountain to add a touch of elegance.
PLACE D’ORLEANS
In 1967, James Button, president of Simpsons-Sears Canada posed with a local beauty queen to launch the construction of Ottawa’s largest suburban mall. Promising convenience with free parking and easy access, St. Laurent Centre has progressed along a steady path and has grown into an 866,938 sq. ft. shopping centre. Marketing director Bernice Rachkowski describes St. Laurent as a
bloggers, social media, fashion, art, and design.” The Centre Court area has hosted grand events including Cirque de Soleil, Canadian Idol auditions and JUNO Fan Fare, and shoppers can expect an interactive Santa set during the holiday season. But retail still plays a leading role in the mall, with fashion being a focus. Ottawa’s Erica Wark has partnered with the mall to enhance its stylish image, showcasing accessible fashion like Joe Fresh and BCBG in a wildly successful advertising campaign. Progress continues with the mall, which is still reaping the success of a 1996 renovation and more recent additions, including all-access Wi-Fi and store openings such as Justice, Bench and American Eagle.
HOLIDAY 2013 ottawaathome.ca 33
Visit la-z-boy.com/catalog to download our free interactive catalog app.
You know La-Z-Boy makes comfortable recliners, but I’ll bet you didn’t know they looked like this. That’s right—just like our sofas, sectionals, chairs and other furniture, they’re available in great-looking fabrics and leathers and can be customized for every taste—even yours. Ottawa-East • Ottawa-West • Kingston © 2013 La-Z-Boy Incorporated
34 ottawaathome.ca HOLIDAY 2013
lzb.ca
LIVING Beauty
Stocking
ST FFERS
WRITTEN BY MELISSA SHABINSKY IMAGES SUPPLIED
Good things come in small packages, so treat the beauty junkie on your list to compact beauty treats. This year’s favourite gift just might be found hanging from the mantle, not under the tree. CLOCKWISE: Lipstick Crayons by Ilia Beauty, $24, ORESTA Organic Skin Care Confectionary; Michael Kors nail lacquers, $20, The Bay; Love & Toast Dew Blossom Body Butter, $9, terra20; padded emery shaper by Quo, $3.50/2-pack, Shoppers Drug Mart; Bath Retreat Vitality Sugar Scrub, $9.49, Shoppers Drug Mart; Diorshow Backstage Hero Kit, $62, Sephora; Deck the Halls with Ribbons hair ties, $12, Sephora; YSL Beauty Sparkly palette $74, Holt Renfrew; ZaYé one-of-a-kind stocking made of recycled fur, silk ties & velvet, $80, Ottawa Originals Christmas Craft Sale, or www. Zaye.ca HOLIDAY 2013 ottawaathome.ca 35
Parkdale Market
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HOMES New & Notable
What’s new From finding the perfect gift to discovering craft fairs in your hood, there is a little something for everyone. Stay on top of what’s new on the local home, food and living scene. Know about something new & notable? Contact us: editor@ottawaathome.ca. WRITTEN BY SANDY CONNELL
IMAGES SUPPLIED
GIVOPOLY
UNIIVERSE
For the perfect gift for that hard-to-buyfor person, visit Givopoly.com. Givopoly has a huge selection of local gift ideas and offers fast delivery in the greater Ottawa area. Its gift concierge service works with locally owned businesses to ensure your purchases benefit our community. givopoly.com.
THE SHOEBOX PROJECT
A not-for-profit company, founded by sisters-in-law Caroline Mulroney Lapham and Jessica, Vanessa and Katy Mulroney, The Shoebox Project recognizes women who spend their holidays in a shelter. With the collection of small, useful gifts, packaged in shoeboxes, the project allows women in need to experience the simple joy of opening a gift on Christmas morning. Visit: shoeboxproject.com
Think of Uniiverse as the “eBay for activities”! This free app for iPhone has created a social, local marketplace to allow its users to find out what’s going on in their area. Uniiverse offers a broad variety of activities and services, including foodie events, craft workshops, music lessons, pet sitting, bikes to borrow, and yoga sessions. Uniiverse recommends events, based on what users like or what their friends are doing.
DELFINA FALCÃO DESIGNS
Delfina Falcão is an Ottawa artist who produces one-of-a-kind, non-porous, stain-resistant backsplashes that are works of art for everyday enjoyment. She addresses each client’s personal tastes to come up with the perfect piece. Visit her workshop at 24 Inverary Dr. in Kanata or delfinafalcao.com.
HOLIDAY 2013 ottawaathome.ca 37
Nuovo is open. Open to your ideas, dreams and inspirations. At Domicile, we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t believe in treating everyone the same. Of course, everyone receives the same high level of service but we also appreciate that everyone is unique. You are different to the couple next door, the guy two floors down and the lady across the hall. You have your own style, personality and preferences and you deserve a home that is truly yours.
Create your nuovocondo.ca 38 ottawaathome.ca HOLIDAY 2013
Nuovo Sales Centre 445 Preston St. 613-728-7873
BLOG
FOOD Food Thoughts FESTIVE STUFFING CANAPÉS PREP TIME: 20 minutes COOK TIME: 20-25 minutes MAKES: approximately 24 canapés STUFFING: 1/4 cup (50 mL) butter 1/2 cup (125 mL) minced onion 4 cups (1 L) white bread, cubed and dried 1 tsp (5 mL) each: dried thyme and oregano leaves 1/2 tsp (2.5 mL) dried ground sage 1/4 cup (50 mL) cream or milk, additional if necessary 1 – 2 tbsp (15 – 30 mL) butter for frying GARNISHES: Cranberry sauce, shaved turkey, pea shoots or baby arugula
Left-over decadence CREATED BY KOREY KEALEY
T
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
hese colourful, festive and fabulously simple appetizers are a clever way to use up leftover stuffing. Depending on the type and dryness of the bread you may need additional liquid to ensure a bit of a gluey consistency.
ONE Mix stuffing ingredients
TWO Sauté the coins
In small saucepan melt butter and sauté onions until soft, about 5 minutes; let cool slightly. Meanwhile, in large bowl combine cubed bread and herbs; mix well. Add cream and onion mixture. Using hands, mix bread, onions, melted butter and cream well until the mixture is sticky and holds together. Add additional cream if necessary so the mixture sticks together. Reserve saucepan for frying the canapés. Form one tablespoon of stuffing mixture into a coin, pressing and flattening to about 1/4 inch thickness while smoothing the sides. Repeat with remaining mixture. In reserved saucepan, over medium heat, melt 1 tbsp butter and sauté coins for 2 minutes each side until golden brown. Add additional butter if required. Top each stuffing coin with a couple of pea shoots, a small slice of turkey and a small dollop of cranberry sauce. Repeat and arrange on serving platter. Serve warm.
KOREY’S TIPS
Make stuffing coins ahead and freeze for up to 2 months in airtight container layered between parchment paper. Bake at 350F for 15 minutes on parchment-lined tray to reheat. Cranberry mayo can replace the cranberry sauce: combine 2 tbsp (30 mL) mayonnaise to 3 tbsp (45 mL) cranberry sauce.
THREE Add toppings to each coin HOLIDAY 2013 ottawaathome.ca 39
cook’s GUIDE SELECTIONS
FOOD-FRIENDLY
Handcrafted in Vietnam from strips of bamboo, these solvent-free bowls are both environmentally and food friendly. $68.00 for a large Bibol, Kitchenalia.
A CUT ABOVE
There’s a sharp new product line in town with the arrival of Montreal’s favourite fancy knives. Made in France by Opinel, options include chef’s knives and folding blades, as well as the functional Bon Appétit table/steak knives with colourful handles to mix and match with any décor. Set of four table knives $79.99 at Domus Housewares.
PUT THE SQUEEZE ON ME >
The handy little Lékué Citrus Sprayer is the perfect tool for adding a quick spritz of lemon, lime or orange juice to salads, cocktails and more. $19.99 for a set of two at Grace in the Kitchen.
WRITTEN BY PAULA ROY • IMAGES SUPPLIED
40 ottawaathome.ca HOLIDAY 2013
SEAL OF APPROVAL
Inspired by nature, these attractive suction lids and food covers by Charles Viancin create airtight, watertight seals for storing and reheating food. Eco-friendly and reusable, they’re freezer, microwave and oven-safe. Made from top-grade silicone, they come in a pretty array of sizes and designs including lily pads, poppies, snowflakes and more. $9.95-$19.95 at C.A. Paradis.
THE THRILL OF THE GRILL
This compact, programmable counter-top grill makes it easy to get superb results whether you want perfectly-seared shrimp or a juicy, rare steak. It comes with a great recipe book and its nonstick plates are a breeze to clean. $179.95 at C.A. Paradis.
SHAKE IT UP, BABY
Youngsters and adults alike will have fun with the Zoku Slush and Shake Maker. The chilled cylinder turns almost any beverage into a thick, semi-frozen treat in just minutes. $24.99 at Kitchenalia.
A HELPING HAND >
A great invention from Ottawa! The Staybowlizer is like having an extra hand in the kitchen, serving as a welcome replacement to the “damp-towel” method of bowl steadying so commonly used by chefs the world over. Made of heat-resistant silicone, you can also place the Staybowlizer on the rim of a saucepan and add your mixing bowl to create a double boiler. $24.95 at Grace in the Kitchen.
HOLIDAY 2013 ottawaathome.ca 41
42 ottawaathome.ca HOLIDAY 2013
FOOD Events
Digging into
DEBBIE TRENHOLM’S Holiday Style
WRITTEN BY PAULA ROY
D
ebbie Trenholm is the vivacious head of Savvy Company, a culinary events organization that has brought many wine and food occasions to the nation’s capital. Before she became a sommelier, she worked in high tech and travelled a lot. When out at a restaurant, often entertaining clients, she played it safe, ordering the house wine, not knowing she was missing out on so many incredible tasting opportunities. Now, Debbie throws parties for a living, but also loves to invite guests to enjoy good food and great wine with her at home.
HOW DO YOU LIKE TO ENTERTAIN? The events that I organize with Savvy Company tend to be large scale, so my get-togethers at home are much smaller. Sometimes they are themed — I recently had a bunch of sailing friends over and each dish had rum as an ingredient as we sailors love our rum. Sometimes I like to incorporate ingredients I have found at the farmers market or in my garden; other times I will simply have an impromptu ‘wine & cheese’ where I call friends to come over to enjoy some wine I’ve just discovered and they are invited to bring a chunk of their favourite cheese. WHAT ABOUT SIT DOWN DINNERS? Mostly, I just love to play with my food and wine. My dinner table is always set with at least 2 different bottles of wine so we can try to see which wine goes best with the different dishes of the meal. This experimenting of wine and food pairing easily becomes a fun part of the conversation with guests.
DEBBIE’S ENTERTAINING TIP: Serve your guests a glass of bubbly when they arrive. The sound of the corks popping always raises eyebrows and the look of bubbles flowing up a glass creates smiles. Bubbly – of any kind – sets the mood for a party. THEME PARTY SUGGESTIONS: • Craft Beer & Artisan Cheeses – a natural pairing…really! • Port, chocolate & blue cheeses – all the heavenly things in life! • A Sweet Finish - invite friends over for icewines. Serve with roasted nuts, charcuterie (prosciutto, salamis – these salty meats are striking with the sweet dessert wines), chocolate truffles, fresh berries and pineapple pieces along with artisan cheeses. Offer everything from a late harvest wine, red icewine and white icewines made from different grapes. Round out the tasting with a port-like wine. HOLIDAY 2013 ottawaathome.ca 43
FOOD Paula’s Bites
The gift of
HOMEMADE GOODNESS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
H
andmade, edible hostess gifts will make you a favourite guest at any holiday gathering. Jazz up a classic shortbread by dipping them in melted chocolate and sprinkling with pistachios, dried cranberries and crushed peppermint candies for an easy yet elegant gift.
Paula Roy,
FOOD EDITOR
WHITE CHOCOLATE DIPPED SHORTBREAD COOKIES > COOKIES 1 cup (225 grams) butter, softened 3 tablespoons (25 grams) cornstarch ¼ cup (55 grams) white sugar 1 ¾ cups (315 grams) all purpose flour
> TOPPINGS
10 ounces (285 grams) white chocolate, melted 1/2 cup (60 grams) shelled pistachios, toasted and chopped 1/2 cup (60 grams) dried cranberries, chopped 1/2 cup (60 grams) peppermint candy, coarsely crushed
> METHOD • Preheat oven to 275F (140C). • In a large bowl (use a stand mixer if you have one), beat butter until fluffy; gradually beat in cornstarch, then sugar. • Gradually beat in flour, about 1/4 cup (50 mL) at a time. • Once all flour has been added and dough is starting to come together, use your hands to shape it into a ball and remove the dough from the bowl.
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• Place the dough on a piece of plastic wrap and press it into a disk about 8” (20 cm) wide by 1” inch (2.5 cm) thick. Wrap tightly and chill in refrigerator for 30 minutes. This will make the dough easier to roll out. • Put the chilled dough between two large sheets of parchment paper and roll it out to ¼” (5 mm) thickness. • Using a 2” (5 cm) round cookie cutter, cut out cookies. Reroll dough as needed to get approximately 4 dozen cookies. • Place cookies on parchment lined baking sheets and gently prick the surface of each one 3 times with a fork. Freeze until firm. (Shortbread can be prepared to this point and stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one month) • When ready to bake, place frozen cookies on baking sheet. • Bake in preheated oven for 35 – 40 minutes until firm and just barely beginning to turn golden brown. • Remove cookies from baking sheets and let cool on wire racks. At this point the cookies can also be frozen; be sure to thaw them before dipping. • To top baked shortbread, place cookies on a wire cooling rack. • Melt white chocolate in the top of a double boiler (or in a heatproof bowl set over a simmering pan of water – just be sure the bowl does not touch the hot water). Stir often as it melts. When no lumps remain, you are ready to dip but if the chocolate seems too thick, gradually stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to thin the chocolate slightly. • Dip the tops of the cookies, one at a time, into melted chocolate and place back on the wire rack. Let sit until slightly set, about 2 - 3 minutes. • Sprinkle with chopped pistachios, cranberries and/or peppermint candy. I like one type of topping per cookie but you can mix and match if you like. • Let stand at room temperature until chocolate hardens completely, about 20 minutes. If they are not hardening, put in the fridge for 5 – 10 minutes.
Makes 4 dozen cookies
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LIVING Giving Back
MICHAEL CURRAN WITH HIS WIFE CATRINA AND THEIR FOUR CHILDREN (LEFT TO RIGHT) GRAEME, EMERSON, (FRONT ROW) LAUREN AND LIAM CHRISTMAS, 2012.
The GIFT OF LIFE WRITTEN BY CATHERINE CLARK
E
merson Curran was 20 years old. He was the eldest of four kids in a tight-knit family, a respectful, bright, footballplaying guy who could be both serious and goofy, a good talker and a good listener. On Aug. 23, 2013, Emerson was spending his final night in Yellowknife, where he had worked all summer, before heading home to resume his studies in philosophy at the University of Ottawa. But he never made it home. In a nightmare scenario that no parent ever wants to contemplate,
Emerson was severely beaten on that last night, and sustained injuries so profound that he was left in a coma. He was flown by air ambulance from Yellowknife to Edmonton, where doctors at the Royal Alexandra Hospital determined that he would not live. This was the devastating news that greeted Emerson’s parents, Michael and Catrina Curran, as they arrived at the hospital, directly off the first flight they could arrange from Ottawa after the 4 a.m. call that had shattered their lives.
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Most of us would crumple and fall into an abyss at the news that our eldest child was gone, no longer to bless our lives with their presence and their love. Undoubtedly, this is what happened to the Currans too in those initial moments after they received the news. But what they did next was brave and remarkable – they asked to have Emerson’s organs donated. “Emerson had been doing some comparative religious studies at school, studying different perspectives on life and the afterlife,”
recalls his father, Michael. “He had a long conversation with his mom last spring about what happens when someone passes, and he said without hesitation that he wanted to donate his organs.” So Michael and Catrina Curran set about respecting those wishes. Within one hour, a nurse by the name of Karen from Alberta’s Human Organ Procurement & Exchange (HOPE) Program arrived at Emerson’s bedside in the intensive care unit and proceeded to work tirelessly for hours, from a chair directly outside Emerson’s room, to find suitable recipients for his organs. When her shift ended, she was replaced by another nurse and the work continued, with regular updates to Emerson’s family. “People focus on the good that comes when someone receives an organ, but in a terrible situation like this, a situation of intense pain for the family and friends, organ donation can provide comfort and a bit of meaning,” explains Michael. “The big emotion is the senselessness of it all, the ‘why did this happen?’ and the organ donation helped not to answer
those questions, but to ease their sting and hurt,” he continues. The Curran family knows that Emerson’s heart, lungs, liver, pancreas and both kidneys, as well as tissue, were successfully transplanted, and it comforts them to know that Emerson’s last act was to give the gift of life to dozens of sick people. “It feels good to know that some of Emerson is still living,” Michael concludes. “It’s not him, it’s not his soul, it doesn’t solve the situation, it doesn’t take away the pain, but it’s comforting, and it’s a way for us to continue to honour Emerson’s memory, and keep his spirit alive.” To register yourself as an organ or tissue donor, please visit www.BeADonor.ca Catherine Clark is the host of the national television show Beyond Politics on CPAC. Twitter at @ catherinejclark.
Catherine Clark, COMMUNITY VOICE
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