HOMES
DESIGN
SUMMER 2013
LIVING
SHOPPING
FOOD
www.ottawaathome.ca $3.99
Cottage Style
vintage, coastal & natural décor inspirations
CHRIS PHILLIPS: WHAT’S HE GOT BREWING ON THE SIDE?
just launched!
luxury towns by domicile Architecturally bespoke homes beside Little Italy, steps from Dow’s Lake, and customized just for you.
Hello.
Call us to tour these architecturally unique townhoms during construction, and see how 2600+ sq.ft. of space can be perfectly designed to suit you.
Urban condos by Domicile · 613.728.7873 · domicile.ca 2 ottawaathome.ca SUMMER 2013 2K13091_hom_Ottawa_at_Home_Jun5_V.indd 1
13-06-03 3:06 PM
:06 PM
39
CONTENTS Summer 2013
44
46 END NOTE:
Vintage style
> LIVING 22 STEP INSIDE:
Welcome to the oldest house in Ottawa with walls and furnishings that have stories to tell
27 LIVING MY WAY:
Ian Tamblyn’s never- ending adventures
28 PROFILE:
Summer road trips – shop, eat, sleep in Perth, Merrickville and Manotick
36 NEW & NOTABLE:
28
Memories and décor making their way on the local scene
37 GIVING BACK: 6 EDITOR’S NOTE:
Life is a highway; take a road trip
> HOME 8 DESIGNER AT HOME:
A mother/daughter decorating duo tackles the family cottage
12 COVER STORY RENOVATION:
A stunning new cottage on the Big Rideau Lake
16 IN STYLE:
8
Starting to put out fires at fifty; one woman’s inspiring story
38 #SUMMERLUDE: Highlights from #Ottawa’s best patio tweet-up
> FOOD 39 FOOD THOUGHTS:
Gourmet popsicles
40 DINING OUT:
Checking out Ottawa’s finest patios for summer dining
A backyard renovation offers quality family 44 LET’S DISH: time What’s Chris Phillips doing on the sidelines? 21 CAPITAL COLOURS: Tackling the great 45 FRESH BITES: outdoors in cottage An innovative Elgin St. country eatery SUMMER 2013 ottawaathome.ca 3
TOM FORD
SEE DIFFERENTLY
English & French Service Eye exams booked online | Licenced Opticians
optical studio
Open 7 Days/Week 237 Elgin Street (near Cooper) | 613.216.6076 www.eyemaxx.ca | maxxmail@eyemaxx.ca
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Mary Taggart
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Tanya Connolly-Holmes
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Jane Whiting
FOOD EDITOR
Paula Roy
FOOD CONTRIBUTOR
Korey Kealey
WRITERS
Catherine Clark Vera Cody Sandy Connell Andrew Downward Diana Fisher Alexia Naidoo Kristy Strauss
PROOFREADER
Paula Roy
PHOTO EDITOR
Mark Holleron
WEB EDITOR
Olivia Taggart
ADVERTISING
Karen McNamara Donna Roney Lori Sharpe Jennifer Tackaberry
PRODUCTION
Sarah Ellis Renée Depocas
ADMINISTRATION
Patti Moran
PUBLISHER
Michael Curran
FOUNDING PUBLISHER Caroline Andrews 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
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Mark Sutcliffe PRESIDENT Michael Curran CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Donna Neil VICE-PRESIDENT OF SALES Terry Tyo
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.
4 ottawaathome.ca SUMMER 2013
SUMMER 2013 ottawaathome.ca 5
EDITOR’S NOTE
Life is a highway
VINTAGE INSPIRATIONS Accessories that take inspiration from days gone by are a must for cottage décor. Fabrics from Crown Fabrics & Wallpaper work perfectly; find them at Elite Draperies & Home Decorating.
“The traveller sees what he sees, the tourist sees what he has come to see.” — G.K CHESTERTON
I
have often joked that my ideal vacation would be to park a lounge chair in the middle of NYC’s Fifth Avenue and soak up the bustling vibe. Relaxing around a pool at a swanky Vegas hotel also sounds like a good time, and big European cities excite me. Yes, I love action! Although, while city life is the life for me, that changes when it comes to summer vacation. Hitting the road and being swept up by the charms of a small town – and just letting what comes, come – holds a long-standing appeal. As a special summer feature, Ottawa at Home took to the back roads and checked out a few towns outside the city where we met interesting people living their dreams in a lifestyle of choice (pg 28). We clocked mega mileage taking in the landscape, drinking up the scenery and hunting for all things “cottage.” Being in the process of building a new family cottage, workdays became like a mini vacation where I could work and play at the same time! I even picked up a few of the fun vintage finds we unearthed for our readers. Chatting with the locals about their passions and lifestyle made me rethink my idea of the perfect vacation. Perhaps it’s my stage of life, or maybe I’m getting caught up in a trend to let go of the hectic passage of time, but taking in the simplicity of small town life seems idyllic. Photographer Mark Holleron appears to have jumped on board with this thinking too, and his knack for capturing every story in pictures shines in our summer issue. The talent of Creative Director Tanya Connolly-Holmes to turn images and words into inspiring pages has allowed this issue to read like a mini vacation. And we hope our readers will take a few road trips this summer to discover what we have seen and find treasures of their own. Dedicated city slickers can hit some of Ottawa’s chicest patios (pg 40), but they may also want to slow down a little to dip their feet in the water and enjoy a frozen, gourmet treat (pg 39)! No matter where your summer self lies, Ottawa At Home has a little something to appeal to everyone’s vacation persona. Hit the road like a traveller, not a guided tourist, and maybe even consider taking the road less travelled!
Mary Taggart, EDITOR IN CHIEF
VISIT OTTAWAATHOME.CA tap into the local scene. 6 ottawaathome.ca SUMMER 2013
> MARY’S MUST-HAVES
Tag striped tea towel, Mrs McGarrigles, Merrickville; Le Creuset French press, Manotick’s Peppermill, Manotick; LOVLIG vase, Ikea.
p.s. Click ottawaathome.ca
for blogs, video, bonus features and images.
CONNECT WITH ME: Twitter @Ottawaathomemag COMMENTS: mtaggart@ottawaathome.ca
SUMMER 2013 ottawaathome.ca 7
HOME Designers at Home
Getting fresh WITH MOTHER & DAUGHTER DUO
C
itrus colours and vintage inspiration come together in a classic cottage on the Big Rideau. A hammock in the trees, a bunkhouse and a screened-in porch surround the framework of the Cross family gathering place. It sleeps as many as seventeen on a weekend when the lake seems to call the entire family as meals are shared, games are played, books are read and happy hour starts early! The living is easy – but stylish too. The cottage décor has a rustic feel that tastefully embraces vintage charm. Fabrics in florals, plaids and stripes mix with bright coloured solids to create a fresh look. When asked for one tip that Jennifer Cross can offer to achieve the same look, she half jokes: “Gallons and gallons of white paint.”
8 ottawaathome.ca SUMMER 2013
WRITTEN BY MARY TAGGART PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
“We’ve had to be extremely innovative with furniture and space; sofas pull out & fold away-cots magically appear from under beds.”
CLASSIC COTTAGE STYLE FACING PAGE: Create vignettes by combining useful items with ornamental décor; Cobi Ladner’s cobi style accessories move easily from room to room. THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE: a toss pillow from Home Depot speaks for the space; a chair that was in Jennifer’s grandmother’s bedroom adds to the vintage vibe; classic bedding found at Home Sense works for the bunk house; painted furniture is an easy way to add colour. SUMMER 2013 ottawaathome.ca 9
EXPERT TIPS
The clever mother/daughter duo clearly has a flair for cottage décor and offers up tips on how to get the style right.
VERSATILITY: Choose indoor-outdoor
furniture and fabrics so seating can easily move from inside to out, as needed.
BARGAIN WISELY: It’s okay to buy inexpensive accessories but don’t skimp on fabrics, good quality goes a long way when crowds are using a space. LET GO OF THE PAST: Cottages often have history that is part of their charm, but there comes a point when you need to let go and start to purge to make room for function. ROOM FOR EVERYONE: Creating multiple
seating areas let guests relax without being on top of each other.
START IN NEUTRAL: Begin with a neutral scheme and add pattern and colour as the space allows.
Judie Cross left, and Jennifer relaxing on the screened-in porch. 10 ottawaathome.ca SUMMER 2013
Jennifer’s company, Juniper Lane Interior Design, specializes in cottage décor. Her decorator mom, Judie, owns Interiors by Judie Cross in Perth, and has worked on several client cottage projects. She agrees with Jennifer about using white as a backdrop. ”White or ivory is definitely my first choice for walls as it is light and summery and maximizes all of the natural light coming in and provides a blank canvas for all other colours used. It can hide flaws and unify spaces and works with all styles of decorating,” Judie affirms. For their open-concept family cottage, they used a base of white throughout to allow for easy pops of vibrant colours like bold yellow, blue and green. It’s a scheme that works well, with the fresh feeling of bringing the outdoors inside. Judie and Jennifer also have plenty of creative ideas to maximize minimal space. “We’ve had to be extremely innovative with furniture and space; sofas pull out & fold awaycots magically appear from under beds,” Jennifer discloses. In the narrow bunkhouse, three beds lined up in a row are all dressed with tasteful striped bedding from Home Sense. It’s a camplike setting where you can almost see flashlights under the quilted covers and hear the tall tales and ghost stories – with just a peek inside. The kitchen has the same campy feel with open shelving revealing dishes, cookbooks and accessories in bright colours and patterns, which provide double duty as a decorative display. Every corner offers function and décor working together; cottage-coloured towels hang from hooks in the back hall, rain boots take on a decorative flair when positioned next to a gardener’s nook, food and beverages are always on offer. Contact: Interiors by Judie Cross, 613-267-4344; Jennifer: Juniper Lane Home, 613-862-3804, twitter:@JuniperLaneHome
SUMMER 2013 ottawaathome.ca 11
HOME Renovations
Seaside summer AT THE LAKE The words “This is the Life” hang on the wall of a beautiful new summer home in the Rideau Lakes. And it certainly is for the owners who have built an idyllic retreat on a private island that has been a summer haven for generations of their Ottawa family.
NATURE’S PALETTE NAVY & TAN COMBINE FOR A CLASSIC COASTAL COLOUR SCHEME
12 ottawaathome.ca SUMMER 2013
WRITTEN BY JANE WHITING PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
COASTAL CONNECTIONS As parents of two young children, the couple wanted a cottage that was big enough to grow with them for years to come and function for their future grandchildren. With five bedrooms, spacious living spaces, plus all the bells and whistles of any new house, the cottage could easily be a second home for year-round living. Yet, it permeates with the true essence of a seaside summer home. It’s not surprising that the feel of the East Coast breezes through the cottage style and design, as one of the owners has roots in Nova Scotia. With a vision of a cottage on the north shore of NS, the couple had plans drawn up by Ottawa architect Barry Hobin. He has designed other family cottages on the island and knew instinctively how to shape their ideas into a structure that worked for the site and maximized full use and views of the waterfront. The summer home replaces a former 100-year-old cottage and was built by John Riley Construction. John has also worked on different cottages
FACING PAGE: Nautical inspired furniture from Newbury Interiors. THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE: Gray cabinets add a touch of sophistication in the shaker style kitchen; whimsy in the front hall, floors from Logs End; Dan Edmund at Flux works designed the stair railing; colour me happy muskoka chairs around the fire pit. SUMMER 2013 ottawaathome.ca 13
THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE: A round dining table is perfect for lively conversation; nautical touches; seaside pink in a little girls room; the window wall system lets porch doors open and close as weather requires.
“The folding and sliding glass doors that go from the kitchen and dining area to the screened porch are awesome. It makes the space feel like one big room.” on the island over the years, and is credited with being able to read the minds of his clients. In return, he praises the meticulous thought that went into the project and mentions a few excellent features that particularly impress him. “The folding and sliding glass doors that go from the kitchen and dining area to the screened porch are awesome. It makes the space feel like one big room.” John adds that the stone fireplace and the Weatherwall system in the porch are clever touches that are perfect for 14 ottawaathome.ca SUMMER 2013
cool evenings and extend the use of the room.
EASY INDOOR TO OUTDOOR LIVING To call the vast screened-in room a porch is a little misleading. It functions as a stylish, all-season great room with an A-frame ceiling, slate flooring and lower walls lined with cedar shingles to mimic the exterior finish. The Weatherwall system consists of panels that close over the screened windows to protect against wet, cold and windy conditions.
Two wood-burning stone fireplaces bookend the main floor from one end to the other and, with the glass doors open, the gigantic area transitions almost magically from indoor to outdoor living. The decorative ceiling beams also work to provide a base to hang unique lighting fixtures and old-style fans on a pulley system, which were inspired by a trip to the Bahamas. A well-planned lighting scheme was designed throughout the home by Marc Letellier of LWG Architectural Interiors. It allows for a variety of practical uses and changes of ambience, with chandeliers that can be dimmed for candlelight dinners or to enjoy the glow of the fire. Pot lights provide highlighting effects and LED lights shine in the recessed coved sections of the peaked ceilings. The quiet charm of the home is continued with bringing in natural and environment-friendly materials such as reclaimed wood from the Ottawa River for most of the main level flooring. Limestone covers the basement floor and basket-weave granite is featured in the main bathroom to platform the stunning soaker tub under the picture window. An open-concept kitchen design flows into the indoor and outdoor living spaces with unobstructed views of the lake. Combined with the splendid slate-grey Muskoka Kitchen cabinetry, high-end appliances and a long island with a sit-up counter, cooking for the family never seems like a chore. For more casual get-togethers, the stone fire-pit surrounded by colourful Muskoka chairs is a favourite gathering spot. It evokes fond memories of big fires by the ocean, and the couple continue the tradition of inviting family and friends to bring guitars to play and sing around the fire to prolong the warmth and fun of a long summer evening. Yes, the owners agree that they have created the serene summer life that we all want to live. With their special touches and collected treasures that hint at East Coast influences, both inside and out, you can almost smell the sea on the shores of the lake.
stair & railing systems hardwood flooring stair recaps stair parts
nds Vintage Architectural Fi
SPRUCE IT UP!
145 Spruce St
613-688-2800 URBANSTAIRS.COM 165 COLONNADE RD. S.
Take Scott or Albert to City Centre Ave. – turn left on Spruce St. Tuesday–Saturday 10:00 am–5:30 pm
(613) 722-1510
www.architecturalantiques.ca
• Reclaimed and River Recovered wood flooring • Specialists in wide plank flooring • FSC Bamboo
www.logsend.com SHOWROOM - 1520 Triole St. Ottawa, Ontario
613-738-7851
SUMMER 2013 ottawaathome.ca 15
HOME InStyle
family style 16 ottawaathome.ca SUMMER 2013
WRITTEN BY KRISTY STRAUSS PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
P
aul Rushforth and his wife Rhonda always dreamed of having a Nordic spa right in their backyard – and that’s exactly what they’ve created. The high-school sweethearts, along with their three children, frequently enjoy family time and an active lifestyle on their two-acre paradise in Navan. “We wanted a little more privacy, a larger lot and we wanted to make the house our own,” explains Paul, an Ottawa-area realtor. When he played professional hockey, the family lived all over the globe. They returned to Ottawa in 2004 and settled in a subdivision, but wanted more space. So, the savvy realtor and his wife moved their family to Navan and got to work renovating the house – as well as its backyard. “It was basically just an ugly, hilly, grassy yard,” Paul laughs. But, he adds, it was important for the home and yard to suit his young family’s active lifestyle. “I wanted to make sure that they had a lot to do, and we had a lot of amenities,” he says as his children were used to playing regularly with kids on their
suburban street. Solace Landscaping drew up the backyard’s design from scratch, and the duo immediately fell in love with the spa-like concept. It features layered rock with a wood bridge that extends over the pool area. In addition to a huge deck, there is also a second level complete with table and chairs, plus a granite-topped tiki bar by the pool for entertaining. Lights throughout the yard illuminate all the features, which also include a tree fort for the kids, an in-ground spa and fire pit. An indoor hockey rink was built for nine-year-old Hunter to enjoy with his brother, four-year-old Chase. But, the backyard also keeps him busy in the summer and one of Hunter’s best memories is having all of his friends over for a Canada Day
FACING PAGE: Tranquility in a Zen inspired space under the deck. THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE: the backyard offers a park like setting; Paul with Chase, Rhonda, Hunter and Taylor; Victor Murphy General Contracting created a whimsical bridge to join the play yard to the pool area.
SUMMER 2013 ottawaathome.ca 17
“I find it peaceful and very familyconnecting. I love sitting around, listening to the crackling of the fire, watching my children roast marshmallows.� THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE: Relaxing by the pool; the stone hot tub is a spa retreat created by Solace Landscaping; the outdoor kitchen is fully equipped with refrigerator and prep space; the fire pit is a family gathering spot.
18 ottawaathome.ca SUMMER 2013
pool party. Big sister Taylor says the pool is also her favourite summer spot. As a synchronized swimmer, the pre-teen often uses the pool to practice, but also likes to swim with her friends. “I normally have friends over – and I get to hang out in the pool with them and have a barbecue.” Rhonda declares her favourite place is the fire pit – especially since it brings the whole family together. “I find it peaceful and very familyconnecting. I love sitting around, listening to the crackling of the fire, watching my children roast marshmallows.” Paul is grateful for the extra family time in his backyard haven. He particularly enjoys entertaining poolside, soaking in the hot tub and relaxing on the cozy bed swing with his children. Throughout the warm season, the backyard transforms into the family’s second dining room. “Because we have a barbecue and fridge, we can actually make family meals out there together in the summer,” Paul explains. “It’s beautiful having a yard like this that we can share with family and friends.” Paul’s main advice to others who would like to renovate their backyard is: “You have to design to your style and to your surroundings.” Living in the country, there were already plenty of trees and green space surrounding the realtor’s home, so he wanted to balance the backyard features with the natural environment. “That was very important to us,” says Paul, who notes that the design and style might be quite different for a city location with more shrubs and plants. However, the conscientious homeowner also throws out a reminder about staying within budget when maximizing backyard space with the warning that, “these things can cost a lot of money!” While cost was a major factor, Rhonda adds that the family time she has with her husband and three children is priceless. “I want my children to grow up with amazing childhood memories. This backyard will do just that – it’s private and allows us to connect as a family.”
Wall Space Gallery presents
Brian Harvey and Marcel Guldemond
World class customized travel itineraries for families, individuals or groups. Great for honeymoons, anniversaries, snowbird longstay holidays and family & backpacking safaris.
Australia • New Zealand •Tahiti Cook Islands Fiji • Southeast Asia • Africa June 6 - 30, 2013
The Downunder Experts 1338 1/2 Wellington St. 613.288.1399 aussietravel.ca
IN THE HEART OF WESTBORO VILLAGE 358 Richmond Road 613.729.0003 GALLERY & FRAMING | WALLSPACEGALLERY.CA
50014014
Moving Soon To A New Location 925 Belfast Rd Ottawa 613.244.4315 eurotilestone.com SUMMER 2013 ottawaathome.ca 19
New. Tailored. Space. The Kavanaugh is an urban architectural gem with inspired spacious layouts, customized for you. Your closet is only the beginning.
• Construction underway •
Visit our Sales Centre featuring two fully furnished models
Urban condos by Domicile thekavanaugh.ca • 222 Beechwood Avenue • 613.868.7597 20 ottawaathome.ca SUMMER 2013 2K13075-Domicile_Kavanaugh_Ott_at_Home_Summer_13.indd 1
13-05-10 1:50 PM
:50 PM
HOME Capital Colours
Deep colours such as black have an amazing ability to ground a space, especially if the space is divided and varied. Bold, dark colours also make a space seem smaller, and in this case, more intimate. — ANDREW DOWNWARD
Summer
RETREAT WRITTEN BY ANDREW DOWNWARD
A
h, summer! Who doesn’t love it? I don’t think there is any country in the world that celebrates this season more than we do. With lake country close to town, celebrating is relaxed and easy. My favourite summer memories are the times I spent at my family cottage. It was more of a shack, really, with a resident mouse family (or two), a gopher, raccoon and porcupine, that all seemed to make a comfortable life for themselves underneath the cinder block foundation. Despite its shortcomings, it was paradise, an escape. Today, many traditional cottages and cabins are being torn down and
PHOTO BY GILLIAN JACKSON
replaced by stunning homes, both for permanent residences and vacation properties. And it’s not cheap – waterfront properties today are equally as expensive as city homes. Additionally, people who are building face a very distinct balancing act: how to have the home you want and be respectful to the place you love? This was the conversation I had when Lesley and Mark called me up to choose the exterior colours for their new lakeside build. Traditionally, when choosing colours for the exterior of a home I consider the colours that are already present. The colour of the shingles, bricks and mortar,
as well as the colours of existing homes in the neighbourhood, all act as precursors to any exterior colour choices. Lesley and Mark were adamant about making their new home on the lake a reflection of their belief that they are guests on this land, and that their home should complement the beauty that already existed. With this in mind I offered up some bold suggestions! Firstly, the size of the house and its many architectural features offered me some flexibility. For instance, I was able to use black as the main colour of the board and batten. Deep colours such as black have an amazing ability to ground a space, especially if the space is divided and varied. Bold, dark colours also make a space seem smaller, and in this case, more intimate. The black stain I chose was a matte finish to allow other features of the home, such as
the wooden front and garage doors, to really pop with a natural and soft gloss finish. White windows and a neutral roof completed the palette. This fall, Lesley and Mark are set to retire to their beautiful home on the lake, a migration that is being repeated over and over again across the country. Many of the new homes being built in traditional cottage country are simply stunning – they are tasteful, creative and dynamic. So, we genuinely are building homes that we want while being respectful of the place we love!
andrewdownward.com SUMMER 2013 ottawaathome.ca 21
LIVING Step Inside
Grete and Gay prepare for a luncheon
OTTAWA’S OLDEST HOME and most beloved sisters WRITTEN BY VERA CODY • PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
S
isters Grete Hale and Gay Cook are two of Ottawa’s most accomplished and beloved icons. As two of the four Morrison daughters, they were taught by their father (who started Ottawa’s first bakery in 1911 and co-founded the Morrison-Lamothe Bakery) to continue his tradition of service to the community. Cecil’s deathbed wish was for his daughters to be contributors and they have honoured his words with passion and commitment. Recently, they were both awarded the Mayor’s City Builder Award to acknowledge their significant contributions to the betterment of Ottawa with their work and tireless volunteering for numerous organizations. Gay’s passion for cooking has taken her all over the 22 ottawaathome.ca SUMMER 2013
world and is showcased in her book, Mrs. Cook’s Kitchen: Basics and Beyond. Grete’s storytelling skills were captured in her book, Baker’s Daughter: The Story of a Long, Rich and Very Canadian Life. These two energetic go-getters believe sisters are God’s greatest invention and vow to never stop learning, travelling or being thankful for their families and communities. Living in the same heritage home where they grew up, Grete and Gay are surrounded by memories and family history. The expanded and restored stone farmhouse, built by Scotsman George Bayne 185 years ago, is recognized as Ottawa’s oldest home.
WHAT WAS IT LIKE GROWING UP IN THIS HOME? Grete: this was such a
The original well
wonderful and busy household. There were always people around our dining room table. We were surrounded by caring Canadians and that started right here in our family. Our parents had a love affair that lasted until they died. We did things together as a united family and there were such happy days here.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING TOGETHER? Grete: cooking for guests and our family. We auction gourmet dinners for our charities where Gay cooks and I serve. There is so much history to this house and guests love to ask questions and listen to stories about the family. It creates a lovely atmosphere.
WHY DECIDE TO RENOVATE THE KITCHEN? The kitchen used to be in the basement. There was a dumbwaiter that went up into the pantry to bring up the food. Mother planned to build what she called a decent kitchen, but my father was wiped out in the Depression and there was no money to build it. Twenty five years ago, my late husband Reg and I used our savings to build a kitchen in her memory. Last year we felt it was getting a little dowdy and made the joint decision to update it because we love to entertain and the kitchen is the heart of the home.
Doug Stuewe
Sales Representative
Stuewe
The
Team
At home in your neighbourhood!
HOW IMPORTANT IS THE BACKYARD GARDEN? Gay: mother created the rock garden 80 years ago and there are apple and pear trees on the property. Our sister Jean Pigott planted a horse chestnut tree here on her wedding day. The garden is organic – with many varieties of herbs used in my recipes. I enjoy sitting near the fish pond and looking at the beauty of my mother’s gardening vision. She supported Ottawa charities by giving them grounds access for their summer tours. 10,000 visitors would come through every year.
WHAT LEGACY WOULD YOU LIKE FOR YOUR HOME? Grete: It is a home first and foremost. We trust our families will make the decisions together for whoever comes next. It is important to have a caring family around you. Love is the oil, the grease. It is the magic of living.
1096 Bridge Street Manotick ON K4M 1J2
613.868.2623 dougstuewe.ca
10095 Shaw Road
5038 Nichols Island
61 CJW Lane
10095shaw.com
5038nicholsisland.com
61cjwlane.com
Immaculate century stone home on 80 acres. Includes a 3 bedroom guest house, in-ground pool, hot tub just 35 minutes from Ottawa. Quality & Value
Manotick: 2004 cozy waterfront property with granite, slate and hardwood. Brilliant views of both the main channel and back channel. Style, class and functionality and two boat docks!
Exceptional 4-season waterfront O/L Sand Lake on the Rideau River system. Breathtaking views, well built and well maintained and just 1½ hours from Ottawa.
SUMMER 2013 ottawaathome.ca 23
Upgrade yo U r L i f e !
The ENERGY STAR速 mark is administered and promoted in Canada by Natural Resources Canada
24 ottawaathome.ca SUMMER 2013
SUMMER 2013 ottawaathome.ca 25
ADVERTISEMENT
SUMMER TO-DO LIST
Sparkle Spa
ON SALE
NOW!
Nikon Monarch 3 binoculars
$3o0ff
Celestron SE and CPC Telescopes up to
IN T S OCK
20%
off
200
different models
of Telescopes, Binoculars, Spotting Scopes, Microscopes and Monoculars.
Mobile Spa Parties for Children & Teens Child-friendly Facials, Manicures & Pedicures
We only use Natural & Organic Products
All models are inspected and tested. Low prices are a feature.
WWW.SPARKLESPA.CA • 613.614.0216
FOCUS SCIENTIFIC (1975)
sparklespaparty@gmail.com Contact: Lori Simpson
Bring your questions to our showroom. 911 Carling Ave • Ottawa ON • K1Y 4E3
(613) 723-1350 • focusscientific.com
Cobi Ladner’s cobi style accessories now available
VISIT OUR NEW WESTBORO LOCATION! 320 Richmond Rd., Ottawa, ON K1Z 6X6 613 695-0174 www.dreamweavergifts.ca 26 ottawaathome.ca SUMMER 2013
LIVING My Way
NEVER ENDING
ADVENTURE WRITTEN BY ALEXIA NAIDOO
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
T
ucked away in the Gatineau Hills, Ian Tamblyn’s home looks out to the forest and flora in full bloom. It seems like the perfect retreat for this creative soul to gather his thoughts, write new lyrics, and prepare for his next adventures. Best known as a Juno awardwinning folk singer and songwriter, Ian also has an impressive body of work as a playwright, record producer, and music composer for theatre, film, and television. But his list of creative endeavors doesn’t stop there. Now this artist, who has made a career painting nuanced musical pictures of our natural landscape and its human counterparts, has segued into a new vocation as a sought-after outdoor adventure guide. It might not be the typical career path but, for Ian, taking the road less travelled makes perfect sense. Growing up in Thunder Bay, Ian sang in the church choir as a child and took up guitar in high school. He started writing stories early on but he says, “They told me you can’t really read short stories at the coffee houses; you need to write some songs. So I started writing songs.” Knowing that he would pursue a career in music, Ian was attracted to Ottawa, where he says a lot of creativity can be found, particularly in the surrounding regions. When he moved here in the 70s, artists like Bruce Cockburn were a big part of the music community and there was a whole list of coffee houses in which to play. In the following decades, the musician made a name for himself both at home and abroad. While Ian loves playing for the Ottawa community, travelling from coast to coast has allowed him to share his
“When you’re traveling across the country, you get to see all the changes that are going on.” music far and wide. “I don’t consider myself in the music business, but in the troubadour world,” he says. “When you’re traveling across the country, you get to see all the changes that are going on. In Saskatchewan, you might see an abandoned town with grain elevators falling down and 50 miles away they’re fracking for gas and you see a brand new town. It was while touring that Ian’s career as an outdoor adventurer first presented itself. “A group of Americans heard me out in Bamfield (a small town on the west coast of
Vancouver Island) at the end of the road. A lot of interesting things happen at the end of the road, which is why you should seek it out,” he says with a grin. They asked Ian to be a writer in residence, and that translated into several other journeys, culminating in a trip to Antarctica. “I did an album about that and a bunch of radio shows. Then adventure companies started to approach me, assuming I knew something about that part of the world. And I couldn’t say no.” Since then, he’s worked as an expedition leader, driving zodiacs, telling stories, sharing his music and love for the natural world. He enjoys every detail of the areas he gets to explore, and is equally enamored with everything from the eerie beauty of icebergs to a teeming black cloud of mosquitoes over a herd of caribou. This summer, he’ll be accompanying Adventure Canada and Students on Ice (a group that takes high school students to the polar region), and will be making his way to places including Scotland, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Greenland, and Baffin Island. Exploring these rugged parts of the world clearly feeds both his music and his soul. But he says he’s worked doggedly hard for this. “When people say I’m so lucky to go up to the North, I tell them that the first time I went up there, I’d gotten my diver’s license two days before and jumped off the stern of a ship. If you want to do it, go up there and jump into the Arctic Ocean off the back of a ship. You just have to say yes.” Now in his sixties, Ian is determined to keep leaping into life’s challenges for some time to come. “I still enjoy playing, I still enjoy touring, and I still feel vital. I’d like to do what I started doing when I was 17 – I’d like to write stories and I’d like to keep writing songs. And, most of all, I’d like the adventure to continue from now until I can’t.” SUMMER 2013 ottawaathome.ca 27
LIVING Profile
RoadTRIP
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
Perth
MANOTICK
BY MARY TAGGART
S
BY LAND OR BY WATER The Rideau Canal waterway makes Ottawa and its surrounding areas a go-to summer destination. Add the collection of lakes, rivers, canals and locks to your vacation plans to take in the charms of small town living.
Kemptville
Smiths Falls
er
PERTH
u ea
Riv
MERRICKVILLE N
Rid
W
E
S
28 ottawaathome.ca SUMMER 2013
everal roads and a waterway will lead you from Ottawa to Perth in just one hour! It’s an historical town oozing with charm and forward thinkers who have progressed to living at a slower pace to enjoy what matters most to them. George McMillan and his obstetrician wife decided that family time and embracing passions was important enough to move from Montreal to Perth. At Black Duck Studio, 2896 Rideau Ferry, he has established a business where you will find a stunning display of awardwinning decoys. There is also an art studio where George and other local artists teach the craft of creating your own decoys, starting from a simple block of wood. This gem of a place is worth a visit, but be sure to call first as hours are flexible – in true “living the dream” form! 613-267-3872.
Who doesn’t hunt for the best bakery delight when making a small town visit? We think The Sunflower Bake Shop, 100 Gore St., just might be the best little bakeshop and café on this, and the other, side of Ottawa! Add some whimsy to your day with a stop at Ground Waves located in Code’s Mill, 17 Wilson St. Find the perfect hostess gift if you’re a cottage guest or maybe just the right trinket for your own place. While in the Mill, head to the back and check out the Gallery Perth to view lots of local artistic talent. Across the street from Code’s Mill is John A. Stewart Park featuring a life-sized bronze statue of local resident, world show-jumping champion Ian Millar, and his horse Big Ben. Grab a take-out lunch from Sweet & Savory Traditions on Herriot St. (which leads to the park), and enjoy the ideal picnic spot under the weeping willow tree. The entire town is a treasure trove of finds with an assortment of shops and restaurants. Many are found along the main street housed in stone buildings, with so much more tucked in and around the town. If a day trip is too rushed, spend the night in the historical and restored Perth Manor Boutique Hotel, 23 Drummond St. W. 613-267-3872. Gallery Perth
Black Duck Studio
The Sunflower Bake Shop
John A. Stewart Park
Ground Waves
Perth Manor
SUMMER 2013 ottawaathome.ca 29
The Dusty Magpie
Merrickville BY DIANA FISHER
K
nown as one of Canada’s bestpreserved 19th century villages, Merrickville is a must for daytrippers this summer. Find more than your average tourist-trap boutique in a town where artisans not only sell their wares, but many make them on site. Everything from garden delights to gourmet kitchenware and trendy clothing can be found as you stroll the streets. Thinking a day might not be enough? B&Bs are plentiful too – book a room for the weekend of July 13 and take in the Merrickville and Area, House & Garden tour.
The Dusty Magpie at 195 Davis Rd. is off the beaten path but worth it to find up-cycled items. Finds turn into unique pieces of art as tin from an old roof, and legs off a broken chair, become a whimsical dragonfly. A handful of vintage house keys make a charming wind chime. Old glass bottles decorate window ledges.
Miller’s Gray Art Glass
Mrs McGarrigles
for decorative “Witch Balls” and “Trees of Life,” but decanters and oil lamps are among their best sellers for the cottage set.
Miller’s of Merrickville at 323 St. Lawrence St. is known for its wide selection of playful signage for your deck, garden and pool. Discover an array of delicate linens and window treatments that complement modern cottages and rustic cabins. The garden centre features ornamental and functional birdhouses, table lamps and fire pots.
Gray Art Glass at 635 St. Lawrence St. offers demos every day from 10am to 5pm. Watch original pieces being made, then take some home. They are known 30 ottawaathome.ca SUMMER 2013
Mrs. McGarrigle’s at 311 St. Lawrence St. is a Merrickville must-see, with local cheese, pâté, olives, bread, charcuterie and homemade specialty mustards to bring some pizzazz to cocktail hour. Head upstairs to find table linens and unbreakable glassware – perfect for the boat, deck or dock. Shopping is thirsty work, so head to Gad’s Hill Place at 118 St. Lawrence St. for a pint. Enjoy the Dickens-inspired menu in the cool indoors or sit on the patio and watch the world go by.
Gad’s Hill Place
Heritage Mica Days
Classic Theatre Festival
We’ll take you back to the early 1900’s as you explore the underground Silver Queen Mine, experience the life of the early mica miners, enjoy heritage music and local foods and celebrate at Music Nights!
A short hour away! Enjoy Canada’s top theatrical talent in professional summertime productions from the golden age of Broadway and the London Stage in heritage Perth: Neil Simon’s The Star-Spangled Girl & Leslie Stevens’ The Marriage-Go-Round.
613-267-5340 www.heritagemicadays.ca
1-877-283-1283
Perth & District Garden & Grounds Tour
Perth Manor Boutique Hotel
This summer, visit the largest colony of lady slipper orchid blooms in Canada, hike to the highest point in the county or be inspired by our public, private and commercial gardens.
613-267-3200
www.perthchamber.com
Built in 1878 on an acre of property in historic, downtown Perth. Perth Manor is your opportunity to step back in time with all of today’s luxuries, including on-site personal and corporate special event planning.
613-264-0050
Champlain Trail Museum and Pioneer Village
Get a sneak peek into the turn-of-the-century era of the Ottawa valley and help celebrate the 400th anniversary of Champlain’s journey down the Ottawa River. The original astrolabe lost by Samuel de Champlain in 1613 near Cobden will be on display at the Museum on June 13th and 14th, during the Museum’s four-day Champlain 400th anniversary event.
613-735-0517
www.classictheatre.ca
www.champlaintrailmuseum.com
www.perthmanor.com
Madawaska Valley
Located less than two hours from Ottawa and 40 minutes from Algonquin Park the Madawaska Valley is your destination for wilderness adventure, cottage life, unique cultural experiences and one of a kind artisan shopping.
613-756-5885 www.madawaskavalley.ca
Marmora Inn Bed and Breakfast
Take a few days to explore quaint Marmora and Lake and enjoy our charming Victorian inn, adorned with an eclectic local art collection. Enjoy a fully licensed dining room offering fine European fare and a delectable array of preserves made in-house.
613-472-6887
www.marmorainn.com
Stuart Log Cottage
Take time for a romantic getaway or family adventure and explore the old growth forests and whitewater rivers of the Ottawa Valley with Stuart Log Cottage as your host. The authentic log cabin sits within a beautiful wooded setting just steps from the lake shoreline. Guided nature walks are available.
613-628-3311
www.stuartlogcottage.com
SUMMER 2013 ottawaathome.ca 31
The Miller’s Oven
Lilou Organics
Manotick BY MARY TAGGART
A
suburb of Ottawa with oldworld, village charm, Manotick is 25km outside the city on the Rideau River. It’s the perfect place for a half-day trip. Shopping is quaint, restaurants are friendly and so are the people. Watson’s Mill at 5525 Dickinson St., is a picturesque setting in the centre of the historical part of the village. Park the car and spend some time enjoying the scenery surrounding the old grist mill, then walk to the rest of the village to shop and grab a bite. Mill Street Florist is a popular place and well worth the drive to pick up holiday décor, fresh flowers, or a tasteful decorative trinket. Step back in time with a lunch stop at The Miller’s Oven, 1137 Mill St. The kitchen is in full view and its cheerful staff greets the regulars while working towards raising funds for seniors’ activities. End the meal with a slice of mile-high lemon meringue pie and a cup of tea. Next door, the Play Time Café offers gourmet coffee, ice cream, baked goods, soup and sandwiches, and a place for children to play both 32 ottawaathome.ca SUMMER 2013
indoors and out — perfect for a family outing.
Manotick’s Pepper Mill is a kitchen store on Manotick’s Main St., with high quality kitchenware and gift items including unique linens from Sweden. Find a vast selection of Le Creuset cookware and, of course, a wide range of teapots and peppermills. Manotick’s Main St. hosts three stores in one, which are dedicated to health and wellness. From front to back, start at Lilou Organics for a good selection of all natural cosmetics including sunscreens. Then move on to the middle section where Green Spirit Eco Living & Wellness offers spiritually-inspiring wares including cushions, books and clothing items. Move to the back to FUK Flour for a wide selection of gluten-free products. A small town jaunt isn’t complete without a trip to the farm and Miller’s Farm, Market and Garden Centre, 6158 Rideau Valley Drive N., won’t disappoint. The family-run operation offers year-round quality goods. In the summer season, the garden centre is bountiful with certified horticulturalists on hand to help. Berry picking starts in mid-July, making this a fun family excursion.
Pepper Mill
Millers Farm, Market and Garden Centre
SUMMER 2013 ottawaathome.ca 33
— ADVERTORIAL —
PASSIONATE PHILANTHROPIST
Patrick Nicol “I was blown away with the stories that I heard and I thought that each and every one of us can relate to this. The follow up by The Royal after the event was quite amazing. I was invited for a tour of the facility by Nancy Stanton, The Royal’s Director of Philanthropy, and I was very impressed with her and what they are trying to accomplish there. I knew right away this was the organization that I would like to partner with. It’s very timely; we have had several recent events in our community that have touched us all and I believe the issue of mental health is something that is important to everybody. It is also sometimes a hidden problem and I believe it’s vital to get people talking so I hope that my involvement helps to do that.” — Patrick Nicol
34 ottawaathome.ca SPRING 2013
— ADVERTORIAL —
M
illions of Canadians make financial contributions to a wide range of deserving charities every year. While every donation, regardless of size, is valued, there are some donors who take bolder action and whose charitable spirit shines a bit more brightly. Ottawa’s Patrick Nicol falls into that special category, thanks to his recent longterm commitment to hand over five percent of his pay to the Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health. “I have been exposed to the tremendous power of charitable fundraising for a long time, having worked for years in the banking world,” he explains. “I have always supported and participated in charity events. It was never structured or deliberate but just as people asked. I feel extremely lucky to do what I love every day, and want to be able to give back and help people that are maybe less fortunate.” For the past two years, Patrick had been casually looking for a charity to support in a more meaningful way when a good friend invited him to The Royal’s annual “Leaders for Mental Health” breakfast. “I didn’t know exactly what it was about but went with an open mind; it ended up being very emotional and impactful,” he recalls. “I was blown away with the stories that I heard and I thought that each and every one of us can relate to this. The follow up by The Royal after the event was quite amazing. I was invited for a tour of the facility by Nancy Stanton, The Royal’s Director of Philanthropy, and I was very impressed with her and what they are trying to accomplish there. I knew right away this was the organization that I would like to partner with. It’s very timely; we have had several recent events in our community that have touched us all and I believe the issue of mental health is something that is important to everybody. It is also sometimes a hidden problem and I believe it’s vital to get people talking so I hope that my involvement helps to do that.” As an investment advisor with DWM Securities Inc., Patrick focuses on helping a select group of business owners, professionals and executives take control of their financial affairs; his clients are those who view wealth as a tool with which to secure a high quality of life for themselves and their families. “My strategy with every client is to try to make things hassle free,” notes Patrick. “I was looking for the same relationship with my chosen charity and The Royal has been so easy to work with.” ‘The Royal’s goals are simple and clear: to get more people suffering from mental illness
into recovery faster,” says Nancy. “This is being accomplished not only through the excellent care that the dedicated staff at The Royal provide to clients every day, but also through leading edge research. The Royal’s Depression Research Centre is focused on transforming the lives of people with depression by building a better understanding of the mind and discovering better ways of diagnosing and treating this debilitating illness.” “Today there are no blood tests nor scans that can diagnose mental illness - we literally rely on the answer to the question ‘how do you feel today?” says Dr Zul Merali, president of The Royal’s Research Institute. “This limited insight is unacceptable when you consider that there are so many people suffering from mental illness. This is why The Royal has brought together some of the world’s best researchers to investigate the inner workings of the brain and why we are working to bring brain imaging technology to Ottawa which will truly expand our understanding of the mind and help us to transform the way major depression is diagnosed and treated.” Patrick has chosen to make a significant, ongoing commitment to the Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health because he believes he can do the most good in this way. “I think awareness is crucial. We seem to be able to talk about just about anything except mental health. If I can get the message out to even a few of the many people I meet each week, then I hope to be helping to break down the stigma of mental health issues.” The team at The Royal hope that Patrick’s generosity will be inspiring to others. “If the community lends its full support to The Royal’s $25M Campaign for Mental Health, we will be able to do the things that we have set out to do and ultimately transform the way mental illness is diagnosed and treated,” says Andrée Steel, the Foundation’s President and CEO. “This is history worth making and we encourage everyone to contact us to learn how they can help make a difference.” To find out more, please visit www.theroyal.ca. Contact Patrick, pnicol@dundeewealth.com, www.nicolandassociates.ca, 613-727-8821 x 239. Note: This article was prepared by Ottawa at Home for Patrick Nicol who is a registered investment advisor with DWM Securities Inc., a DundeeWealth Inc. Company. This is not an official publication of with DWM Securities Inc. and the views (including any recommendations) expressed in this article have not been approved by, and are not necessarily those of, with DWM Securities Inc.
SPRING 2013 ottawaathome.ca 35
LIVING New & Notable
What’s new
Vintage Inspirations, Memory Making & Décor.
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
COBI LADNER & DREAM WEAVER Local retailer Dream Weaver specializes in Canadian made, all-natural products for home and décor. It is now the exclusive distributor in Westboro for home décor by Cobi Ladner – and if the name sounds familiar – it’s because Cobi is the former editor of Canadian House & Home magazine. Cobistyle is a new lifestyle brand built around Cobi’s personal style and spirit, with her vision of creating approachable, comfortable and happy homes. It’s about finding a way to personalize your home. Dream Weaver is at 320 Richmond Rd. in Westboro.
SUGAR POST Located in the charming village of Merrickville, Sugar Post is a familyowned, vintage-inspired shoppe. It features local artisans, antique rentals, vintage décor, handmade and recycled pieces, and more. They offer a range of services that include event styling, hourly rentals, item sourcing and delivery, pick-up and tear down. Visit at www.sugarpost.ca.
COOPER STREET PRODUCTIONS Document your family’s milestone events or give a family member a gift they will cherish forever. Cooper Street Productions is a new media company focused on making videos for any family event– birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, funerals – the list goes on. Their goal is to have families celebrate each other with a video reminder. Cooper Street will take existing photos and videos and edit them together with high-end graphics and music to create a professional, yet emotion-filled product. Alternatively, they will attend a special event and make a cinematic movie of it without losing the essence of the event itself. Contact them at www.cooperstreet.ca. 36 ottawaathome.ca SUMMER 2013
LIVING Giving Back
FIREFIGHTING at fifty WRITTEN BY CATHERINE CLARK
B
renda Tirrell is the kind of person you want to have around. She’s a warm outgoing mom, an avid volunteer and a hardworking smallbusiness owner. And she knows how to put out fires – the real kind! She recalls the 2008 article that sparked her interest: “I read about the need for volunteer firefighters in the Stittsville News and I thought, ‘Wow – I think I could do that!’” Brenda had spent
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
“I think it’s important that women know there’s nothing they can’t do – that what might seem out of reach is actually attainable.” decades volunteering in her community through coaching, Scouts and Girl Guides, as well as fifteen years at the helm of the Stittsville Community Association. But volunteering to become a firefighter at the age of 50 seemed
like a leap into the unknown. During the intake interview, however, Brenda realized that her age and gender were assets. “I recognized that my life skills, the things I do in the community and the fact that I keep active, were the
things that would get me, and keep me, the job.” And sure enough, she was right. “Of course, I didn’t think they’d put a 50-year-old woman on a roof with a chainsaw,” she says with a laugh. “Sure enough, that was my first call.” As a volunteer firefighter, Brenda is always on call. She doesn’t sleep at the fire hall, but responds from work or home. “I am really fortunate to own my own business, because I work from home and can respond anytime, day or night,” she notes. “All of my things are ready in the front hall, and everyone knows not to park behind me,” she explains. Despite the long days and occasional sleepless nights, Brenda finds her role as a volunteer firefighter deeply fulfilling. “It’s about giving back to my community,” she emphasizes. Brenda is also committed to ensuring that other women consider firefighting as a professional option. She is in her third year of volunteering
with Camp FFIT – Female Firefighters in Training – which is a partnership between the City of Ottawa and Fire Service Women of Ontario. It offers young women aged 15-19 the opportunity to spend one summer week learning what it’s like to be a firefighter. “I think it’s important that women know there’s nothing they can’t do – that what might seem out of reach is actually attainable” she says. “I started at 50, and if I could it, then you can do it,” she concludes. Hopefully, it’s a message that will spread like wildfire. For more information on Camp FFIT contact campffit@ottawa. ca.on June 19. For more information or for tickets visit: www.agriculture. technomuses.ca or call 613-998-9245.
Catherine Clark, COMMUNITY VOICE
SUMMER 2013 ottawaathome.ca 37
2013 Ottawa’s superlative patio tweet-up, #summerlude, gathered the capital’s savvy social networkers to the Hard Rock Café on June 2nd for the third annual event. Babes4Breasts performed while guests sipped sangria, tweeted and put faces to avatar. Visit the Ottawa At Home facebook page for more photos.
Ottawa At Home Editor-in-chief Mary Taggart with Mayor Jim Watson, Penny Thompson (Pennies for Penny) and Ottawa At Home food editor @paulajroy
LEFT TO RIGHT: Ottawa At Home columnist @CatherineJClark; Ottawa At Home Food Thoughts contributor Korey Kealey (@foodthought); Julie Findlay (@MomInTheKnow) , Nicole Duguay (@theTBBs, @solaceinteriors), CTV Morning Live host Lianne Laing; Rebecca Hollingsworth (@ottawa_ lawyer) Ottawa At Home account executive @JenTackaberry and CTV Ottawa producer Carolan Wadsworth-Lesaux (@cwadsworthCTV).
LEFT TO RIGHT: @ottawaathomemag, Ottawa At Home beauty contributor @MelShabinsky, Ottawa Citizen life and fashion editor @JanetDWilson; Ottawa artists Andrew King (@twitAndrewKing) and Alison Fowler (@Alicatart); Magic 100 radio host Katherine Dines with @Michelles_Art.
LEFT TO RIGHT: Ana Miura (@babes4breasts) and Meredith Luce performing; Hard Rock’s white wine sangria ; Susan Richards (@Givopoly) handing out a prize with #summerlude host @liannelaing 38 ottawaathome.ca SUMMER 2013
FOOD Food Thoughts
COCONUT BERRY
BLISS POPS WRITTEN BY KOREY KEALEY CONCEPT & FOOD STYLING BY ALEXA SPAS MODELED BY ELLA EDMONDSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVEN DARBY
This creamy mixture is a cooling snack that kids of all ages will love! Simple seasonal ingredients blend together then added to a Popsicle mold are the perfect summer party snack. Make several in advance and transfer to a storage container for up to one month. To serve, fill a clean stainless steel bucket with ice and either lay popsicles on their sides or wedge into the ice. PREP TIME: 10 minutes FREEZING TIME: Will vary depending on size of Popsicle molds MAKES: approx. 3 cups (750 mL) 1 1/2 cups (375 mL) raspberries 1 1/2 cups (375 mL) sliced strawberries 1 12 oz can coconut milk 1/4 cup (50 ml) honey or agave syrup
KOREY’S TIP Dress it up! Sophisticate your popsicles by adding a few drops of rose water or food grade essential oils like lavender. After freezing, let the popsicles sit out for 5 minutes then roll in flaked coconut.
STEP ONE: Gather Ingredients
STEP TWO: Blend all ingredients
Put all ingredients into blender and liquefy on high speed until very smooth or desired consistency. Pour mixture into molds; place in freezer for 1 hour or until frozen solid. * Something extra: Reserve 1-cup (250 ml) berries; add to mixture after blending for chewy bursts of berries when eating Coconut Berry Bliss Pops.
STEP THREE: Pour into Popsicle molds SUMMER 2013 ottawaathome.ca 39
FOOD Dining Out
PATIOS
WITH PANACHE
WRITTEN BY PAULA ROY
PHOTOGRAPHY MARK HOLLERON
There’s nothing better than cold drinks, great food and a chic patio in the summertime. Across the city, there are loads of al fresco options, whether you’re looking for burgers and beer or something a bit more upscale. Ottawa at Home offers three picks for patios that are particularly pleasing for a memorable outdoor meal.
40 ottawaathome.ca SUMMER 2013
LE CAFÉ The National Arts Centre’s le café has a gorgeous patio in one of Ottawa’s most enviable locations. Nestled on the banks of the Rideau Canal, just a stone’s throw from the Ottawa Convention Centre, Parliament Hill and the ByWard Market, the 100seat terrace offers a relaxed setting with high-calibre meals. Le café is proud of its efforts to promote Canadian food and wines via its innovative kitchen. Specializing in contemporary Canadian cuisine and international dishes, the menu is adjusted seasonally but always includes a wide range of local and regional products, explains Executive Chef John Morris. “Because of the scope of our operation, we are also well positioned to
accommodate a wide variety of dietary needs,” he adds. Delicious desserts and tasty, nutritious salads have starring roles at le café in the summer. This year, Chef Morris has crafted a collection of new patio offerings featured on a special “8 for 8” menu consisting of eight fun tapas-style plates priced at eight dollars each. Choices include: tempura prawn po’ boys; lettuce wraps with barbequed duck or tofu; crab cakes; herb-breaded boconcini and sauce; “fish ‘n chip” pogos; pulled-pork tacos; and a grilled cheese “lambwich.” Le café’s terrace is well designed to suit Ottawa’s temperamental spring and summer climate, with a canvas roof to deflect rain and stowable transparent walls offering a windbreak when needed.
a welcome breeze during the heat of the summer,” explains Ida Firestone, the restaurant’s co-owner. “We have seating for 50 people up here, but we can reconfigure the space to accommodate up to 75 for a private event.” Patio pleasers from the extensive Italian-themed menu include crispy zucchini
ribbons which are great for sharing, as are the pizzas, antipasto platter and flatbread dip. While the kitchen consistently earns high praise, the bar keeps pace with a great selection of wines – including many by the glass – along with lots of local and imported beer as well as a legendary cocktail list.
“Not only does our terrace offer great views, it is also a perfect place to catch a welcome breeze during the heat of the summer.” STELLA Stella has earned its reputation as a year-round Ottawa hot spot thanks to a great atmosphere complemented by inspired food and attentive staff. Their street side patio and elegant third floor terrace serve to double the restaurant’s size during the summer season. The upper terrace at Stella is one of the ByWard Market’s hidden gems, perched above the bustling Clarence Street. Comfortable couches, high-top
tables, a granite bar and funky lighting illuminating the exposed brick wall, all add to the patio’s ambiance. The chic, welcoming décor is at first reminiscent of Miami, but when the lights go down it takes on more of a New York City nightclub vibe. On Friday and Saturday nights, there’s even live music in the restaurant as well as a DJ on the terrace. “Not only does our terrace offer great views, it is also a perfect place to catch
SUMMER 2013 ottawaathome.ca 41
MURRAY STREET KITCHEN WINE CHARCUTERIE The hidden, leafy patio at Murray Street is best described as an urban oasis. This popular and inventive restaurant features a vine-covered arbour, where the multi-level space accommodates up to 50 guests. Potted plants, strings of white lights, barnwood accents, stone flooring and opaque privacy screens create a tranquil patio aura. The Murray Street menu is very seasonally influenced and changes often. Chef and co-owner Steve Mitton is a passionate locavore who espouses a snout-to-tail cooking philosophy that makes for some creative – and spectacularly delicious 42 ottawaathome.ca SUMMER 2013
“I like to say that everyone should start their visit here with a cocktail. It’s like an appetizer for the palate.” – plates. Many dishes are composed of ingredients that have just been picked, including salads that are packed with flavour. And the menu consists of a nice range of playful and family-friendly options. Not to be missed is their house-made charcuterie – including such treats as smoked duck breast, kielbasa, wild boar rilettes and terrines – served up with chutneys and cheeses. A very progressive cocktail list makes Murray Street a popular
destination for appetizers and drinks. “I like to say that everyone should start their visit here with a cocktail,” says co-owner Paddy Whelan. “It’s like an appetizer for the palate.” He notes that a perfect bookend is one of their famous desserts – such as a unique take on the famed “Jos Louis and a Pepsi” combo. The kitchen serves up their full menu until 10 pm and charcuterie is available until midnight, making Murray Street’s patio a great late night option.
Coming this fall
DECORATING IN YOUR 20’s, 30’s, 40’s AND BEYOND. From chic condo living to functional family space our fall decor and design issue has something for everyone.
STAY CONNECTED. Travel with Ottawa At Home this summer to stay connected with local decor, food and living issues.
STAY INSPIRED visit ottawaathome.ca to read the summer issue and check out bonus images, video and blogs. TWEET WITH US @ottawaathomemag LIKE US ONFACEBOOK SUMMER 2013 ottawaathome.ca 43
FOOD Let’s Dish
BROTHERHOOD AND BEER WRITTEN BY PAULA ROY PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
C
hris Phillips is known to many as one of the Ottawa Senators’ most valuable players. Since being the top NHL draft pick in 1996, Chris – dubbed Big Rig by his team mates thanks to his Fort McMurray roots – has played a key role both on and off the ice in Ottawa. With his wife Erin, he serves as honorary co-chair of Ottawa’s Candlelighters children’s cancer support charity, and he’s also a partner in Big Rig Brewery. Ottawa at Home shared a pint with Chris to talk about his fondness for the popular brewpub.
WHAT PROMPTED YOU TO GET IN THE RESTAURANT BUSINESS? I’d been involved in other restaurants before and have always enjoyed it. Some friends and I started talking about opening a place like this and as soon as we met our brewmaster Lon Ladell, it all came together. It was a lot of work to get the doors open but I really enjoyed it, having had a strong vision of the kind of space I wanted this to be – industrial, but also warm and friendly – the kind of place people want to visit often.
WHAT ROLE ARE YOU PLAYING IN THE BIG RIG ORGANIZATION? I’m kind of an ambassador for the Big Rig brand. I visit the restaurant as often as I can, just to walk around and chat with customers. I’ll also be promoting the beer at events, especially now that we are selling our Big Rig Gold through the LCBO. I particularly enjoy the beer side of our operation and enjoy working with Lon, tasting and giving feedback on the different beers he is crafting.
WHAT KINDS OF BEER DO YOU LIKE? I usually look for local, craft beers wherever I go. When Big Rig first opened 44 ottawaathome.ca SUMMER 2013
a year ago, our ByWard Brown was my favourite, but now I’m partial to our flagship Gold beer. I’m even working on growing hops for this brew on my Manotick farm.
distribution side. I know a lot of folks in Alberta who would like to get their hands on Big Rig beer!
DO ON-ICE EXPECTATIONS OF YOUR FANS AFFECT YOU ANY MORE NOW, KNOWING THAT SOME ARE WATCHING FROM SCREENS AT YOUR BAR? They do, but it’s not
Yes and no. There are a million details that cannot be anticipated, but I find myself getting more drawn into it as time goes on. There is so much I want to learn, especially about the brewing process. It’s been humbling to see the operation have so much success – I was pretty excited the first time I walked into an LCBO and bought a six pack of Big Rig beer. I feel like the brewing world, especially in Ottawa, is a lot like hockey. It’s a true brotherhood and I really love that about it.
a distraction – it actually adds to my joy of being involved in Big Rig.
DO YOU SEE EXPANSION IN THE FUTURE, THINKING DOWN THE ROAD TO YOUR RETIREMENT? We would certainly like to expand, particularly so we can increase our brewing capacity. We’d also like to look at growing our beer
IS THE HOSPITALITY BUSINESS WHAT YOU EXPECTED IT TO BE?
FOOD Fresh Bites FASHION created by women, for women
HANGING OUT
with Matt Charmichael WRITTEN BY PAULA ROY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
M
att Carmichael’s new Elgin Street eatery, El Camino, represents the culmination of a dream for one of Ottawa’s most celebrated chefs. “This is the first time I’ve had the opportunity to shape a restaurant from the ground up,” enthused Matt. “I have always wanted to create the kind of place in which I’d like to hang out; an everyday, unpretentious spot with great food.” The décor is a strippeddown version of the popular industrial-chic look. Concrete floors and walls are offset with dark wood accents, including a long, irregularly-shaped bar with seats for 26 which occupies much of the eating area. Stools with steel bases are anchored to the floor, and a scattering of tables and elevated booths line the fringes of the room. An old-school pinball game winks merrily from one corner, and all the action in the gleaming stainless kitchen is visible through a large window. Matt paid special attention to the lighting as he helped shape El Camino’s spare, sleek design. “Obviously you want soft lighting to help set the mood but, at the same time, it’s really important to be able to see all the great colours on your plate. We’ve got adjustable
SUPPORTING THE FIGHT FOR THE CURE
THE WHOLESALE OUTLET 1877 INNES ROAD
613-748-6605 MON-SAT 10-5 Ladies fine clothing and fashion accessories
barn-door shades on our pendants so we can focus the illumination exactly where it’s needed without making the space too bright.” This attention to detail is typical of Matt; he takes the same care with his food. “I deliberately crafted a smaller menu so we can be very nimble with it,” he explained. “There is enough variety to appeal to a broad range of diners, but the emphasis is on using the freshest ingredients we can find so it will change often.” Thai curries, quesadillas and fish tacos are highlights, as are the raw bar offerings, which vary according to what’s available and might
include a scallop crudo or spot prawn tartare. Papaya salads and an authentic, delicious Caesar salad are sure to please. So are the light, but lovely, dessert selections. While El Camino is only open for dinner, the take-out window will feed the hungry lunchtime and possibly late-night crowds. Matt is well-known for his impressive exploits in the kitchens of Eighteen, Social and Sidedoor restaurants. What does he hope visitors to El Camino will say? “This is a fun spot. Let’s come back again soon.” El Camino is at 380 Elgin Street.
“Selling Fine Homes... Building Community”
OTTAWA REALTY BROKERAGE
Independently Owned & Operated
Team Elder Home Sales Martin Elder, Broker
613-236-5959 Cell: 613-296-8065
Investing in Ottawa’s Cornerstone Women’s Shelter SUMMER 2013 ottawaathome.ca 45
END NOTE Vintage Inspirations
Vintage Inspirations A pink vintage-inspired garden chair has been aged to perfection and is just one of the many treasures found at The Dusty Magpie in Merrickville.
46 ottawaathome.ca SUMMER 2013
Freehold townhomes in the heart of Westboro 50% Sold NoW uNdeR CoNStRuCtioN
Artist’s Concept
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?
For sales information, call 613-825-0080. Choice locations still available. Prices from $609,900. Summer 2014 occupancy. Sales centre to re-open soon in the former Westboro Sports location, corner of Churchill Avenue North and Richmond Road.
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 1,930 sq. ft. including such features as direct access from underground garage, two-storey galleries and open lofts, ample storage, private rear terraces and roof-top decks.
RavenhillCommon.com designed by
SUMMER 2013 ottawaathome.ca 47
48 ottawaathome.ca SUMMER 2013