H O M E S D E S I G N L I V I N G S H O P P I N G F O O D
WINTER 2015
ottawaathome.ca $3.99
EXOTIC SOIREES, WARM WINTER NIGHTS, DECADENT DESSERTS LAUREEN HARPER ON WHAT COMPLETES THEIR FAMILY SWINGING IN CHELSEA, QUEBEC
ENTERTAINING ISSUE
Thomas and Susan d’Aquino’s Iconic Style
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NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION Historic industrial meets artistic modern in the heart of Ottawa's hippest neighbourhood. Steps from an eclectic mix of galleries, boutiques and eateries, Tamarack Wellington's design pays homage to the history of Hintonburg, for an industrial loft look that's crisp, urban, and unabashedly modern.
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Starting From $271,900 • 52 Units over 6 floors in first phase • Designed by Barry J. Hobin Architects • Next to the old Grace Hospital
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ALE 84
CONTENTS Winter 2015
8 EDITOR’S NOTE
Celebrating good times in the capital
> HOME 10 ENTERTAINER AT HOME
Entertaining is easy with good food and a passion for people
12 CAPITAL COLOURS
Bring some optimism to your walls
14 TRENDS
Mad for Marsala
16 COVER STORY
IN STYLE Iconic décor in a Sussex Drive condo
22 RENOVATION
A firefighter rebuilds a log home with love and fun for his growing family
> LIVING 28 AT HOME
Laureen Harper shares the secret to what completes her family
29 EVENTS
Exotic themed party food and décor at this year’s FurBall
43 What’s hot for spring 2015
50
cannot ignore their cell phone at the dinner table!
40 GIVING BACK
From living on the streets to working in the kitchen – one man pays it forward
42 OPENINGS
What Ottawans can expect from the opening of Nordstrom
> FOOD
28
36 NOTABLE OPENINGS
The Glebe gets an upscale taco eatery
44 FOOD THOUGHTS
A simple, versatile sauce is a creative way to dress up food for last-minute entertaining
47 LET’S DISH
From opera singer to bagel slinger, Liliana Piazza comes home to her roots
49 PAULA’S BITES
A luscious Marsala sauce is enhanced to create a delicious dessert
50 DINING OUT
Board games, pinball and music – the Ottawa scene is creative and vibrant
54 END NOTE
An exotic centerpiece
33 PROFILE
Behind the scenes at Winterlude and the Tulip Festival
H O M E S D E S I G N L I V I N G S H O P P I N G F O O D
WINTER 2015
ottawaathome.ca $3.99
EXOTIC SOIREES, WARM WINTER NIGHTS, DECADENT DESSERTS LAUREEN HARPER ON WHAT COMPLETES THEIR FAMILY
37 NEW & NOTABLE
Craft beer, flag-waving, music and comfort in the nation’s capital
38 STEP INSIDE
SWINGING IN CHELSEA, QUEBEC
What to do when a guest
ENTERTAINING ISSUE
Thomas and Susan d’Aquino’s Iconic Style
COVER PHOTO BY MARK HOLLERON
22
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ALE 845 Ottawa at Home Ad Fall2014_Layout 1 8/19/14 12:27 PM Page 1
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Mary Taggart
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Tanya Connolly-Holmes
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Jane Whiting
FOOD EDITOR
Paula Roy
FOOD CONTRIBUTOR
Korey Kealey
WRITERS COPY EDITOR
Catherine Clark Vera Cody Sandy Connell Andrew Downward Alexia Naidoo
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Contents © 2015. 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
CELEBRATING,
> MARY’S
MUST-HAVES
because we can!
O
ur winter issue is themed around entertaining in preparation for a host of spring celebrations – weddings, showers, graduations – all events that seem best celebrated when the weather warms up and flowers start to bloom again. But winter entertaining does hold a certain charm of its own. There is a forgiveness of informality and food gets served with heaping platters of comfort to hungry crowds who are gathered after skating, skiing or sledding expeditions. Whether you take it indoors or out, the National Capital Region offers a variety of ways to entertain and be entertained during the winter season. The simplicity of hosting out-oftown guests with a skate on the canal is not something any of us take for granted. We proudly show off the world’s largest outdoor skating rink, embracing a celebration that offers world-class entertainment and puts Ottawa on the global map as a seasonal tourist destination. In this issue, we go behind the scenes at Winterlude, as well as spring’s Tulip Festival, to appreciate the efforts that go into pulling these events together in a city that doesn’t always offer reliable weather conditions. Our food editor Paula Roy hunted down a few hip spots to drink in nighttime entertainment – you know, the fun things like pinball, board games and music! And with that in mind, I have decided that House of TARG might be the next place to hang with my kids, who recently took me on a bowling expedition, which I loved. Now it’s my turn to show them that I still have a bit of pinball wizard left in me from my teen years! In the following pages, you will find some expert tips on hosting and how to behave whether you’re entertaining or a party guest. We also check out some really cool homes. There’s one where the kids
End the meal with the sweetness of icewine. Pair it with cheese, drizzle over ice cream or fruit, or simply serve as dessert in a glass and leave the bottle on the table – it’s that cute! smalltalkvineyards.com
even get to swing indoors and another where some slick events take place and the owners showcase furnishings from world travels. We also stop in at 24 Sussex Dr., where we were greeted by a few of Mrs. Harper’s furry friends, who she says make her family complete. Our first issue for 2015 confirms that Ottawa is an endless source of inspiration, no matter the season or occasion, and for that reason alone, we celebrate!
The Seletti hybrid china collections combine classic eastern and western china patterns in a creative design. Find the cake stand and other pieces at Jacobsons, 141 Beechwood Ave.
Cheers!
OttawaAtHome.ca facebook.com/OttawaAtHome twitter.com/Ottawaathomemag youtube.com/ottawaathome Instagram maryktaggart
Combine rustic style and practicality with Norrmade’s Bottlight tea light holder. Use it indoors or out. Find it at The Modern Shop, 541 Sussex Dr.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 6 AT 9:30 A.M. RIDEAU CENTRE Come as you are. We like your style.
Learn more @ ca.nordstrom.com
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HOME Entertainer At Home
ALL ABOUT THE TASTE THIS PAGE: SUSAN JACOBSON’S HOME IS A TREASURE TROVE OF INTERESTING COLLECTIONS, EACH WITH A STORY TO TELL AND A STORY TELLER READY TO SHARE WITH VISITORS.
You can’t
MAKE FRIENDS with salad!
BY MARY TAGGART PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
O
n a recent visit to London, England, Susan Jacobson saw a sign saying: Drink Wine – No Good Stories Were Ever Told Over Salad. She thought this reflected her entertaining style nicely, as gathering friends around the table with wine and good cheese is a go-to entertaining strategy for this consummate hostess, who is a well-known local purveyor of fine cheese and gourmet food items.
As the owner of Jacobsons in New Edinburgh, Susan’s Beechwood Avenue store is an offshoot of the main import and distribution business, which seeks out the best in specialty food items from around the world and then supplies the goods to more than 1,500 customers across Canada. The home décor enthusiast has a passion for folk art and early, primitive Canadian furniture. Susan grew up in Quebec and started her career as an
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PICKLED ONIONS
CALABRIAN FIG BALL
SOPRESETTA
PROSCIUTTO WILD BOAR PATE
CHIRIZO
CHEESE PLEASE! LEFT TO RIGHT: BELLAVITANO MERLOT, MIMOLETTE, DOMAINE DE BEAULAC, COLSTON BASSET STILTON, FOU DE ROY
SUSAN JACOBSON’S SUCCESSFUL PARTY TIPS: 3 Embrace simplicity 3 Relax and enjoy your guests 3 Do not discount the value of candlelight 3 Serve good food and wine 3 Encourage guests to bring conversation and a sense of humour, not a hostess gift!
antiques dealer, then moved on to teaching and eventually moved to Ottawa and started DoveTale Collections and Jacobsons. Her daughter and son-in-law have joined the business and she considers all of her staff members to be like family. Family is reflected within Susan’s home with inherited heirlooms. Her home is a warm reflection of hospitable style that offers an air of eclectic, much-loved furnishings. This flair transfers to her approach to entertaining, which can be either formal or informal depending on the occasion. But no matter the size or style of the gathering, Susan’s advice is
to relax and relish guests with a good sense of humour. Humour takes many forms in Susan’s Beacon Hill home, which is filled with fun whimsical pieces that each have a story to tell. The fact that she enjoys people and is inspired by creative energy likely goes a long way towards her success, both at home and in business. “I love people and live for inspiration and creativity and the discovery of something new and exciting,” says Susan. Noting with caution that nothing lasts forever and there are no guarantees in life, Susan encourages people to “continue to evolve and to welcome new opportunities.” WINTER 2015 ottawaathome.ca 11
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CIL DEEP GARNET 12 ottawaathome.ca WINTER 2015
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HOME Capital Colours
Optimistic
COLOUR TRENDS BY ANDREW DOWNWARD IMAGES SUPPLIED BY CIL PAINTS
is with paint. Bold neutrals will work o you feel it? A general sense very well in most homes since most of of optimism and well-being is us already have a neutral palette. For breathing a blast of fresh air into instance, pair a gold/beige neutral room the colour market. Three years of bright, with a grey-blue accent wall. Up for a sharp and rather intense colour trends are dramatic shift? Try CIL’s Lakefront and melting away and a bolder neutral palette accent this cool blue with crisp white trim is now en vogue. In an epic struggle and accents. Remember to use a flat finish against all that is cold, structured and in the blue or any deep base accent, so as technological, a new minimalism has not to reflect light and distort the colour. emerged and natural neutrals are here to Finally, try pairing great combinations save the day! of 2015 colours such as CIL Providing relief for an Deep Garnet with Quiet overworked, stressed-out Hideaway or Sherwinpopulation, colour trends Williams Aqua-Sphere for 2015 should provide a with White Hyacinth. BENJAMIN MOORE perfect escape and refuge. Not up for that much GUILFORD GREEN These confident neutrals are drama? Try my all-time fantastic colours that I love favourite trick and play because their monochromatic with the paint formula. palette is simple, clean and oh Paint two adjoining walls so easy to use. If you like a more in Benjamin Moore’s Guilford subtle and elegant blend of tones Green and the other two in the for your paint and design projects, these same colour but using a diluted formula. beautiful, soft hues in relaxing shades of The contrast will keep you in the same blues and greens or rich reds will help tones, but the effect will create depth and make 2015 a wonderful year for colour. interest in your space. I am not usually a big fan of jumping Now start painting and enjoy! “all in” when a new trend comes along; however, colour trends for 2015 are certainly not looking for shock and awe. Instead, the colour trends for this year are downright sensible and chic. With that in mind, I have a few ideas of how to incorporate some of these colours, which should inspire you to go right out and buy a gallon or two of paint! There are many ways to use the latest colour trends in your home, but the simplest and most cost-effective way @andrewdownward
D
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Marsala
HOME Pantone
FROM ICONIC DÉCOR TO FASHION AND BEAUTY, THE PANTONE 2015 COLOUR OF THE YEAR IS SHOWING ITS SUBTLE STRENGTH IN ALL ASPECTS OF STYLE. CLOCKWISE: CLASSIC TOILE FABRIC, LÛXE HOME INTERIORS; SOS WOMEN’S FUR RIBBED HAT, SPORTING LIFE; PURE MARSALA MATTE LIP CREME, SEPHORA+PANTONE UNIVERSE COLLECTION, SEPHORA; TIMBERLAND WOMEN’S EARTHKEEPERS SAVIN HILL TOE-CAP BOOT, SPORTING LIFE; HANDTUFTED WOOL FLAT-WEAVE CARPET, LÛXE HOME INTERIORS; TONGUE CHAIR, ARNE JACOBSEN
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SPRING 2015
THE RENOVATION & RESTORATION ISSUE Contractors, renovators, builders, designers & decorators this is your chance to showcase your projects within our special advertorial section. The spring issue of Ottawa At Home is a keepsake with images and inspirations for readers looking to renovate, restore or to simply update their space. To book an ad and learn more about special pricing packages, contact Jtackaberry@ ottawaathome.ca
FIND IT AT MAGS & FAGS AND ALL TAMARACK HOMES SALES CENTERS
Sneak Peek! Colin & Justin, the global design duo from Cottage Life Television, are guest contributors sharing their own cabin renovation in our spring issue!
APRIL 24, 2015 WINTER 2015 ottawaathome.ca 15
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HOME InStyle
POWER H 16 ottawaathome.ca WINTER 2015
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R HOUSE in the Capital
BY ALEXIA NAIDOO PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
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“When you walk through this space, you might think, ‘Gosh, these guys are obsessed with grey.’ But it was this idea of having something that is soothing.” — TOM D’AQUINO
ICONIC COLLECTIONS PREVIOUS PAGE: HORSE STATUE IS A MINIATURE OF JOE FAFARD’S RUNNING HORSES THIS PAGE: ONE OF THE “LIVINGSTONES,” FOUND IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE, SERVE AS SECONDARY SEATING IN THE LIVING ROOM FACING PAGE: MIES VAN DER ROHE DINING CHAIR; CONTEMPORARY CHIC IN THE POWDER ROOM
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P
enthouse One at 700 Sussex Dr. is not your traditional downtown office. The two-storey suite, blending both office and entertainment space, is every bit as unique as you’d expect from a couple like Tom d’Aquino and Susan Peterson d’Aquino. Tom is best known for his three decades of work leading the Canadian Council of Chief Executives, while Susan is a former senior official in the Privy Council Office, the Department of Finance, and the Department of Canadian Heritage. They both now volunteer their time with the National Gallery of Canada, Tom as chair of the gallery’s foundation and Susan as chair of the Friends of The Print Room. While they maintain their residence in Rockcliffe at the Hart Massey house, Susan and Tom jumped at the chance to create a multiuse space, including a guest apartment, in the heart of downtown Ottawa. “When I knew that this project was going up I thought this was ideal,” says Tom. “How many national capitals in the world can you get a space like this that’s only 100 yards away from Parliament?” While the suite is in the busy centre of Ottawa, looking out on the Government Conference Centre, the Shaw Centre, the Château Laurier and the National War Memorial, its design creates a visual oasis. The rooms
are open and spacious, with clean lines and monochromatic colours – mostly gentle greys. “When you walk through this space, you might think, ‘Gosh, these guys are obsessed with grey.’ But it was this idea of having something that is soothing,” says Tom.The furnishings are decidedly modern, with significant pieces from designers such as Mies van der Rohe and Cassina. “We’re architectural buffs and great admirers of Mies,” says Tom. Every lighting element has also been hand-picked by the d’Aquinos, including unique Tolomeo, Tizio and Nestore pieces. . The penthouse is equipped with a sleek kitchen, specially designed for them by the Italian firm Valcucine, whose cabinetry was also used in the office area. “What I thought was really important here was to take these greys and extend it just as you would do in a garden – a very successful garden requires a sweep of something, rather than a dit, dot and that – so we swept this into here,” says Tom. “And even though these were originally designed as kitchen elements, we took them in to keep the consistency.” The d’Aquinos enjoy the southern exposure of the suite through floorto-ceiling windows. “I’m a passionate collector of prints,” says Tom, who points out a piece from the Champlain diaries and the famous and iconic Taking of Quebec.
There’s also a collection of Spy prints, including one of Sir Wilfrid Laurier and a very rare one of Winston Churchill. ”But the thing with prints is that you can’t expose them to too much light.” To protect them a double-blind system and ultraviolet shielding were added to the windows. Reflecting the couple’s world travels, there is a stunning collection of cosmopolitan artwork throughout the penthouse. More contemporary pieces include a Robert Motherwell, but there are also nods to past eras. Ancient Roman pottery tops the bookshelves and there’s a 17th-century WINTER 2015 ottawaathome.ca 19
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“What I thought was really important here was to take these greys and extend it just as you would do in a garden – a very successful garden requires a sweep of something, rather than a dit, dot and that – so we swept this into here. And even though these were originally designed as kitchen elements, we took them in to keep the consistency.” — TOM D’AQUINO
ITALIAN INFLUENCE THE SLEEK VALCUCINE KITCHEN WAS CUSTOM DESIGNED FOR THE D’AQUINOS
Japanese painting they brought home from a monastery. The overall theme is urban. But Tom says his esthetic sense has also been influenced by a love for nature, which he got growing up in Nelson, B.C. next to the glacier-fed Kootenay Lake. “As a rite of ritual we used to go into the lake every May 24th weekend and that was just after the ice had gone. When I think about it, it was so crazy. You know when
you’re in water so cold you can hardly breathe? We’d jump into the water and swim like mad to stay warm,” laughs Tom. In the main seating area of the penthouse is a collection of pebbleshaped cushions that look as though they’ve been swept in by a glacial spring. The d’Aquinos found these “Livingstones” in the south of France. Having easily movable seating is perfect for entertaining, explains Tom. “The design is such that you can have 100 people in here for a reception. Earlier this year, we combined with Zita Cobb, who is at the other end of the building, to do something in support of a charitable hospice event. They said that night there were about 300 people in total.
Between her place and my place, it was a breeze.” Two walls of the luxury condo, which the d’Aquinos call their “Rogues’ Gallery,” feature photos taken with various business leaders, prime ministers, presidents, and monarchs – some from visits to other countries and some taken here at home. “One of the aspects of Ottawa that I don’t think people fully appreciate is what an interesting city it is. If you think about it, you have people who are elected to political office, you have members of the public service, you have diplomats,” says Tom, adding that there’s a “rich, cultural scene” here. “I think it’s one of the best places in the world to live.”
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速
速
速
速
0 20 80 0
0 10 40 0
0 5 20 0
100 70 0 30
PRODUCED BY
PROPERTY OF
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HOME Renovation
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IGNITING
inventive ideas BY JANE WHITING PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
T
here is a certain irony to a firefighter losing his home in a fire. But it takes the creative force of a firefighter like Corey Gladish to turn the fiery destruction into a blaze of innovation. Which is exactly what happened when Corey overcame the ravages of a fire to rebuild a log home in Chelsea, Que., with wonderfully inventive new spaces and fun features for his young family. BURNING DOWN . . . The devastating fire
took place six years ago, as Corey and his wife Christal were flying home from a working trip and vacation in Africa. They knew something was wrong when they were met by their upset family at the airport. Immediately assuming someone had died, they were almost relieved to hear the bad news was only that flames had gutted their home! “Everything inside was gone,” says Corey, explaining that the exterior walls were still standing as it takes about
SWINGING IN CHELSEA FACING PAGE: SWINGS ENTERTAIN NELLIE AND OLIVER IN THE BASEMENT THIS PAGE: EDDIE PEEKS IN ON OLIVER’S BEDROOM; FIREPROOF STEEL DOOR FOR THE BATHROOM; OLIVER, CHRISTAL, COREY AND NELLIE GATHER IN THE KITCHEN WINTER 2015 ottawaathome.ca 23
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“But his favourite phrase when we were building this home was ‘trust me’ ... and I did.” — CHRISTAL GLADISH
24 hours to burn through the solid logs. He was told that the probable cause of the roof fire was a rodent’s nest that ignited when it was built next to the hot pipes of the wood stove. With no prior experience, Corey decided to design and build a new log home himself, with the help of local experts and Christal’s approval of his
ideas. “I studied a friend’s do-it-yourself design program which is similar to Google’s SketchUp. As the foundation of the house was still good, I used the same footprint and just played around with walls and features.” He adds that the only difference from the original size was filling in a 75-square-foot corner of the house and adding a new loft level. Described as chink-style log construction, the home was rebuilt with white pine logs, beams and posts that came from a Mont Ste-Marie sawmill. A Wakefield craftsman did the dovetail log work and timber-framing. The expanded one-and-a-half storey provides two mainfloor bedrooms with an open-concept master bedroom and bathroom, plus an office in the loft. With two preschool children, Nellie and Oscar, and a baby on way, the extra space is a bonus. RISING ABOVE AND BEYOND Having lived in the older log home for five years, the couple opted for a more contemporary, lighter interior. “I wanted a change from the cottage-style log home, and (to) go for some modern touches with a few industrial-style features,” says Christal. With this plan in mind, they used a clear stain on the logs and added more and bigger windows to the design. Corey then came up with some innovative ideas that combined practical efficiency with contemporary elements in a fun way. At first, Christal dismissed a few of the ideas as crazy. “But his favourite phrase when we were building this home was ‘trust
FOUND TREASURES COREY USED STEEL WOOL AND ARM STRENGTH TO SAND A FOUND WORKBENCH TO BRING IT BACK TO LIFE AS A COFFEE BAR; THE STEEL TUB COMES FROM VERACRUZ MEXICO, WHERE COREY USED TO LIVE. 24 ottawaathome.ca WINTER 2015
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me,’” she recalls with a laugh. “And I did.” One of the “trust me” moments came when Corey brought home a sliding steel door that he found on a training exercise. It was an industrial fire door with a weight on a rope that would burn through during a fire, so that the weight would fall to close the door and protect the room. It now has pride of place as a show-stopping door to the main-floor bathroom. Another interesting feature is the incorporation of a tree into the construction of the wood and steel stairs that lead to the loft level. “We needed to modify the stairs to make them wider, but had nothing to anchor them,” says Corey. “So I used a fallen beech tree which is mounted to the ceiling.” Christal readily admits that his ideas are really cool and have turned out well. She notes proudly that his economical and attractive construction of the stained-concrete countertops and island in the kitchen has made him the go-to guy to help his friends. In addition, he researched passive house concepts and laid concrete floors in the entrance, bathrooms and basement, which are all heated underneath by the boiler’s water pipes. Not only are the floors warm, but the low-maintenance concrete is non-slip and dries quickly when the kids get out of the bath and come in with wet boots. In the amazing playroom in the basement, the concrete floor has been painted blue with the look and texture of water. A real maple tree acts as a structural post and swings hanging from the ceiling complete the outdoor playground effect to ensure hours of fun for the kids. It’s clear that the parents had fun too in the creation of their lovely home. Corey was excited to discover an online site for Big Ass Fans and has a 10-footwide fixture hanging from the high loft ceiling. At a slow speed, it gently but effectively moves the hot air around to keep an even temperature in the house. Which all helps to keep things cozy when Corey and Christal relax in the tub under the cathedral window in their bedroom to enjoy the moonlight view outside, while the happy family is warmly tucked inside. For fire safety information for your home, visit Ottawa Fire Services online at: ottawa.ca/en/residents/emergencyservices/fire-services/ottawa-fire-services
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— ADVERTORIAL —
Gemstone Developments redefines elegant urban living
W
ith a proud family history as owners and managers of commercial real estate in Ottawa, Gemstone Developments is now leveraging its business experience to focus on creating some of the region’s most gorgeous living spaces. Working side by side with you from start to finish to translate your ideas into the home of your dreams is the hallmark of the Gemstone experience. The company’s deep local roots inform every aspect of its business. “We appreciate the value of living and working in the nation’s capital – arguably one of Canada’s most attractive cities – and want to contribute to making Ottawa a more attractive place,” notes Josh Zaret, vice
president of Gemstone. “Our approach is very purposeful and methodical, leaving us plenty of room to incorporate your unique requirements and expectations. Our goal is to create homes with superb functionality and which are also breathtakingly beautiful.” “We have almost a decade of specific development expertise with urban infill that we are pleased to share with our clients,” says Josh. “We are excited to help enhance the character of some of Ottawa’s most desirable communities.” With Gemstone, the process begins with finding the right property, then creating the perfect home for that space. “We look for unique properties where we can execute bold and innovative designs and we have a knack for
finding exceptional urban lots in Ottawa,” explains Josh. Gemstone engages each client as early as possible in the planning process, making sure the client’s objectives are understood, often before construction begins. “We ask directed questions to gain a good understanding of your lifestyle, your must-have items as well as what you’d include in an ideal wish list,”
he says. “We make sure we have a shared vision before the design process starts; constant communication
keeps everything on track throughout the building phase. The same process applies if you wish to add
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— ADVERTORIAL —
“We have almost a decade of specific development expertise with urban infill that we are pleased to share with our clients. “We are excited to help enhance the character of some of Ottawa’s most desirable communities.” — JOSH ZARET, VICE-PRESIDENT, GEMSTONE custom elements to a build already in progress.” The opportunity to fashion a home right from square one is very appealing to Gemstone’s clients. “They are confident that we will look after every single logistical detail, yet at the same time they relish having the opportunity to participate in the creative journey, rather than simply purchasing an alreadycompleted house.” One of Gemstone’s recent projects involved building two spacious, contemporary houses on Roosevelt Avenue in Westboro; they are a perfect example of how the company’s attention to detail yields superior results. From the gently-pitched rooflines to gorgeous masonry which creates loads of curb appeal, the homes are representative of the craftsmanship that goes into every Gemstone project. “From the outset, we
wanted to develop something that fits the classic streetscape, while creating an interior that’s very sleek and modern,” explains Josh. “In keeping with the character of the community, these homes are appropriately sized to their lots and have generous backyards. We chose a mix of exterior finishing materials, respecting the traditions of the builders who have been working in this neighbourhood for several generations.” In each home, the contemporary interior includes a skylit entrance foyer as well as open concept living and dining spaces. A private den at the front offers a quiet retreat, while high ceilings and large windows fill the back areas with warmth and light. “The highly functional kitchen is ideal for entertaining; we partnered with Irpinia Kitchens and their work is truly outstanding,” says Josh.
The second storey incorporates a master suite, two additional bedrooms and a bathroom along with a spacious laundry room. The master includes his and hers walk-in closets as well as a spalike ensuite bathed in natural light. It features a double vanity, large glass shower, private water closet and a large soaker tub. The basement is a beautiful open space with lots of windows; it’s perfect for a media room, man cave or guest suite. “The opportunity to work with us to shape the finished look of the space was extremely appealing to the buyers of both these homes, and they enjoyed making fully customized selections in terms of all the finishes,” says Josh. “In addition to welcoming the homeowners’ ideas, we are able to offer a wonderful selection of possibilities from trusted
suppliers, using local talent whenever possible.” With Gemstone, the proof is in the details; one look at their work is often all it takes to bring a new client on board. “We have a number of building sites in various stages of completion at the moment and are always on the lookout for lots that are suitable for our style of development,” says Josh. “As part of our collaborative process, it’s exciting to be able to show prospective homeowners the select properties we have available; we are always eager to begin work to create unique, custom homes which complement the communities in which they are located.” As a Gemstone client you will have the pleasure of working with a small, responsive firm and interacting with creative experts, including some of the city’s most respected architects and interior designers. You will
also enjoy the process of watching your new home take shape, knowing that your input will be welcomed every step of the way. Building a house can be stressful, but the Gemstone team makes it easy for you to achieve the home of your dreams. Visit Gemstone Developments at gemstonedevelopments.com or contact 613.739.7696.
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HOME At Home
FAMILY PETS GYPSY THE CAT IS RIGHT AT HOME IN THE SUNROOM AT 24 SUSSEX DR.; LAUREEN SNUGGLES CHARLIE.
YOU COMPLETE US BY MARY TAGGART PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
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he entrance to the prime minister’s official residence on Sussex Drive is a welcoming space that sets a contrasting tone and immediately creates a feeling of vibrancy. Artwork by the late Canadian artist Ted Harrison provides a lively element, but perhaps the most remarkable feature of the foyer is the cage that houses Sandy the guinea pig! Sandy is a rescue pet that is being fostered by the PM’s wife Laureen Harper. Sandy’s cage is perched on the foyer’s console table so that Laureen can interact regularly with the fearful pet as she goes about her daily activities. The need to socialize a rescue animal is part and parcel of caring for a foster pet and is just one aspect of the significant contribution that Laureen makes as a supportive volunteer with the Ottawa Humane Society. Laureen’s dedication to animals and their well-being is something that she attributes to her roots in rural Calgary, where she grew up on a farm with animals as part of her daily
life. Now, while her home is an elegantly dressed space set for formal entertaining, it also holds an air of animal-loving warmth. Her two cats clearly hold prominent positions on the luxurious furnishings and the family pet, an adorable chinchilla named Charlie, takes up space on the dining table! The Harper home has always been animal-friendly, but Laureen is quick to admit that like many family households the duties fall on her. She allows that while her children Ben and Rachel love the pets, the care for them is done primarily and with great enthusiasm by her. Their pets have always come to them via adoption, as buying an expensive animal doesn’t hold any appeal for Laureen. She believes that their family would not be complete without animals in it and says, “I think it’s a beautiful ending to a story when an animal is discarded and then adopted by another family to complete their home.” Laureen Harper is the honorary chair for the Ottawa Humane Society’s FurBall,
“I think it’s a beautiful ending to a story when an animal is discarded and then adopted by another family to complete their home.” —
LAUREEN HARPER
a fundraiser that aspires to raise $150,000 during a swanky, fun-filled dinner at the Shaw Centre on April 11. Bruce Roney, the Ottawa Humane Society’s executive director for the past 15 years, explains that funds raised go into the organization’s many areas of need, including education. He adds, “If we don’t invest in the future, we will continue to spin our wheels.” This year is the 11th FurBall and Bruce claims that each year the event gets better and better. With a Moroccan Nights theme, he is excited to see it all come together and experience the enthusiastic response. “The guests always get into the spirit and theme of the evening – it will be fun to see how they embrace the Moroccan theme!”
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EVENTS Fur Ball CLOCKWISE: INDIVIDUAL CINNAMON CHEESE CAKE, MANGO COULIS, PISTACHIO CRUMB; EVENT PLANNER STEVE HANNIMAN; SPICED ORGANIC CHICKEN BROTH, LENTILS, SPINACH AND DUCK CONFIT; MOROCCAN CHICKEN BROCHETTES WITH DATE GLAZE
PARTY LIKE ROYALTY BY MARY TAGGART PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
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he Moroccan theme is a popular trend on the party scene and brings with it a touch of the exotic. Flavourful cuisine, glamorous candlelight, rich jewel-toned fabrics all exude a sense of the royal treatment, which is just what guests can expect from this year’s FurBall Gala Dinner, a fund raiser for the Ottawa Humane Society (OHS).
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TAKE THE JOURNEY Steve Hanniman from Creative Edge Studio worked with Jenna Glover from the Ottawa Humane Society to implement the Moroccan Nights theme. The rich cultural climate is recreated with tented shimmering sheer fabric and swaying palms to give off an outdoor, airy feeling. Mosaic lanterns at each table enhance the look. Guests are in for a treat, Steve says, adding that, “it’s our job to take guests on a journey from the moment they enter the room to the moment they leave.” To order tickets to this year’s Fur Ball, visit ottawahumane.ca/furball
TABLE WITH LUXRIOUS LINENS FROM GROOVY LINEN
MOSAIC LANTERNS AT EACH TABLE ENHANCE THE LOOK. 30 ottawaathome.ca WINTER 2015
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FUSION FLAVOURS On April 11, the Trillium Ballroom at the Shaw Centre will be transformed into an exotic Moroccan-themed event to raise money for the Ottawa Humane Society. The annual FurBall is reputed to be one of Ottawa’s most entertaining nights. Executive chef, Geoffrey Morden plays up the theme with an exotic menu that includes a full vegan meal. Geoffrey says that he worked to integrate a variety of flavours into the menu. “ I chose a fusion menu, influenced by the event’s Moroccan theme, to appeal to a broader taste palate.”
THIS PAGE, TOP TO BOTTOM: CHILICUMIN BRAISED WELLINGTON COUNTY BEEF SHORT RIB, TOASTED MOROCCAN COUSCOUS AND TAJINE VEGETABLES, ROMESCO SAUCE; MARKET FRESH GREENS AND SPROUTS, DRIED APRICOTS, RAISINS AND TOASTED ALMONDS, FIG-BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE; GEOFFREY MORDEN
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TOPS CAR CARE Keith Henry has been in the car care business for 28 of the 43 years his family has owned Tops Car Wash. As the company’s president, he knows how to get the job done! Winter can be tough on a vehicle, both inside and out. Maintenance is crucial to keep your car in top shape. Waiting to maintain your car until the better weather arrives can do irreversible damage. Maintenance is a yearlong affair.
WINTER TIPS > INSIDE AND OUT
There are two sides to your car. Both interior and exterior need maintaining.
> PREP WORK
Rinse and vacuum interior mats to keep salt and dirt out.
> SCHEDULE TIME
A full-service car wash only takes 10 minutes; even once a month in the winter makes a big difference.
> GETTING TO THE BOTTOM
Regular winter washing helps with undercarriage and wheel well dirt buildup. The Tops or Works package will take care of that and give you the “Tops Ultimate Clean and Protect System” to help deep -clean and protect the paint on your car.
> MOISTURE BE GONE
Vacuuming during the winter helps to keep the moisture out of carpets. You’ll have less salt buildup and be much happier with the result of your spring clean if you give them a little maintenance through the winter.
> CLEAR SIGHT
Improve driving visibility by keeping the windows clean all winter long with regular washing.
> LOOKING GOOD
When your car looks good, you look good! It’s less expensive to wash the car than to dry clean your coat after brushing against a dirty vehicle day-in and day-out.
> THE WHOLE WORLD’S SMILING
A clean car is like a ray of sunshine on a winter day. Put a smile on your face - wash your car. You’ll feel great driving in a spotless vehicle!
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LIVING Capital Celebrations
WHATEVER the WEATHER BY MARY TAGGART IMAGES SUPPLIED BY OTTAWA TOURISM
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interlude is Ottawa’s famed winter celebration. It began in 1979 as a tribute to Canada’s unique northern climate and culture and continues to celebrate Canadian achievements and traditions through a range of activities. From sporting events to concerts and culinary inspirations, visitors can count on high-quality entertainment both indoors and out during this wintry festival. The ice sculptures are a majestic aspect of the event, with elaborate carvings by sculptors from around the world decorating Confederation Park. Look for Winterlude’s legendary official mascots, the Ice Hogs family, at the Snowflake Kingdom in Gatineau. There is fun folklore behind the existence of these furry friends and it is said that their annual visit to Ottawa is considered to be the snowloving creatures’ version of a tropical getaway. The primary essence of an outdoor festival is that weather plays a leading role, which is part of the charm, according to Denise LeBlanc, a communications adviser with Canadian Heritage. “If there is one thing we’ve learned over the years, it is that Canadian winters are unpredictable,” she remarks. “That’s what makes them so charming!” This year marks the 37th edition of Winterlude and highlights include a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Canadian flag, The Year of Sport in Canada and the bicentennial of Sir John A. Macdonald’s birth. Debriefing and planning for Winterlude 2016 begins on February 17, the day after this year’s event ends.
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Fast facts WINTERLUDE 2015 DATES: Jan. 30 to Feb. 16 WHERE: Three primary sites are the Rideau Canal Skateway, Confederation Park and Jacques-Cartier Park NUMBERS: Approximately 600,000 people take part in Winterlude activities VOLUNTEERS: 700 volunteers put in more than 10,000 hours ECONOMICS: $160 million in economic activity for Ontario and Quebec, including $49.5 million in direct spending in the capital OFFICIAL FOOD: The BeaverTail. In February 1981 Pam and Grant Hooker, the creators of the pastry, served the first BeaverTail on the Rideau Canal Skateway Weather: Monitored hourly so that contingency plans can be put into place as necessary
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Fast facts TULIP FESTIVAL FOUNDED: May 1953 SYMBOLISM OF THE TULIP: Represents the friendship between Canada and the Netherlands TULIP LEGACY 2015: 70th anniversary of the liberation of Europe and the Dutch people TULIP NUMBERS: More than 1,000,000 blooming bulbs in 60 varieties within 30 flowerbeds VOLUNTEERS: 55-plus languages spoken by volunteers to festival guests
BLOOMING SUCCESS PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
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he Canadian Tulip Festival blossomed at the suggestion of photographer Malak Karsh, who wanted to create a festival within the capital during the month of May. As the official flower of Ottawa, the tulip is a symbol of peace and serves as a constant reminder of the relationship between Canada and the Netherlands. The bond between the nations happened when Canada became a safe haven for the Dutch royal family during the German occupation of the Netherlands. It was during this time that Princess Juliana gave birth to Princess Margriet at the Ottawa Civic Hospital. As a gift of gratitude, Princess Juliana sent thousands of tulip bulbs to Canada during her 30-plus years as the queen of the Netherlands. The Tulip Festival opens the weekend before Victoria Day and runs through to the evening of the holiday Monday. The event is organized in partnership with the
National Capital Commission. Emerging artists and performers are all part of the ambience that makes the festival unique. Each year, the team seeks to find an interesting addition to the array of outdoor sculptures and topiaries; this year, the unveiling of a 10-foot bronze Tulip Legacy Sculpture will create intrigue, with the artwork to later find its permanent home at the Shaw Centre. Cold weather is OK for blooming tulips, but a freeze is not. So nerves are fragile and a team is at the ready with drastic measures to coax the flowers to
open in time for the showy event! Laura Brown Breetvelt, the artistic and executive director of the Tulip Festival, tells of these extreme tactics to deal with the event’s weather woes. “We are increasingly experiencing more volatile weather patterns and this has and can be challenging when you’re running an outdoor Canadian garden festival in May. Tulips like cold weather, but they don’t like frost or snow, and I was told the story that on many an opening day the directors have been found in the tulip beds with hair dryers and heat lamps!” WINTER 2015 ottawaathome.ca 35
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LIVING Notable Openings
SIMPLE FOOD done right BY PAULA ROY PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
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aco fans in Ottawa can now get their fix at a fun new taqueria which just opened in the Glebe. Encino Taco Shop is serving up authentic, freshly made tacos in a hip, inviting space that offers both sit-down and takeout service. A fiery red awning beckons hungry patrons in off bustling Bank Street near Fifth Avenue, just a few blocks from Lansdowne Park. Inside, a wall of westfacing windows floods the restaurant with natural light and rough-hewn wood gives the place a cosy, organic feel. The décor is effective and appropriate since Encino isn’t just a place in California, it’s also the Spanish word for a variety of majestic West Coast oak trees. Everything is prepared in-house, from scratch. “As proud local business owners, we are committed to working with area suppliers to provide our guests with the freshest, most flavourful ingredients. For example, we’ll be getting all our meat from Stéphane (Sauvé) at the Glebe Meat Market, to ensure quality and consistency,” notes owner Eli Saikaley. Corn and flour tortillas come topped with a variety of tasty fillings, including chicken, beef, pork, fish and vegetarian options. The bill of fare also features burritos, salads and more. “We wanted to keep the menu relatively short so we can focus on doing a really good job of preparing everything to perfection,” explains Eli. “We’ll certainly consider adding other items such as breakfast burritos once we’ve had a bit of time to make sure everything is running smoothly.” Eli is leveraging not only his 30-plus years of local business experience as the
FAMILY BUSINESS ELI SAIKALEY (LEFT) WITH HIS SON SEBASTIAN.
“As proud local business owners, we are committed to working with area suppliers to provide our guests with the freshest, most flavourful ingredients. For example, we’ll be getting all our meat from Stéphane (Sauvé) at the Glebe Meat Market, to ensure quality and consistency.” — ELI SAIKALEY, OWNER owner of Silver Scissors Salon, located next door to Encino, but also his family’s decades of history as restaurateurs in Ottawa. “I worked in restaurants when I was younger and have lots of relatives in the business whom I can rely upon for good advice,” says Eli. He’s also enlisted a talented business partner for this new venture – Abbis Mahmoud, whose stable of successful local bars and restaurants includes Izakaya and the Moscow Tea Room. While Eli focused on getting Encino opened, his son Sebastian is now serving as the restaurant’s general manager. He’s a recent business graduate of Carleton University and has worked in several Mexican restaurants. Encino has just under two dozen seats, including a communal table, a windowside counter with stools and a collection of lofty perches on an interior balcony. For now, Encino is open from 11 a.m. to 11
p.m., but will keep longer hours when there are events on at nearby TD Place. Eli wisely started paperwork and planning six months ago, so Encino had its liquor licence by opening day. The months of preparation included a flurry of construction work to strip down and rework the space, transforming what was previously Whole Foods’ Ottawa administrative location prior to the store’s opening last November. “We are proud to offer an experience that is unique, and feel we can do so because we are not a franchise or part of a big restaurant chain,” notes Eli. While its vibe is intensely casual, Encino is no mere taco shack; visit and you’ll find a slightly more upscale experience thanks to the calibre of the food and the fun ambience of the busy little restaurant. Funky music adds an appealing counterpoint to the sights and sounds of delicious food being prepared in their efficient, open kitchen.
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LIVING New & Notable
THE LOCAL WINTER SCENE is vibrant!
Know about something new & notable? Contact us: editor@ottawaathome.ca. WRITTEN BY SANDY CONNELL IMAGES SUPPLIED
R & B QUEEN Canada’s queen of R&B, Jully Black, is coming to Ottawa! CARE Canada and I Am Powerful Ottawa are hosting a fundraising concert by the multiple Juno-award winner and international recording artist on Saturday, Feb. 28, 7:30 pm at the National Arts Centre Theatre. This concert will raise awareness and funds for CARE’s ARNI project to improve the health and nutrition of vulnerable women and children in Ethiopia. Tickets are available through the NAC and Ticketmaster or at care.ca/events.
GOLDEN GLORY CHEERS! > Love local craft beer? Check out Brew Donkey, a fully licensed craft beer home delivery service and brewery tour operator. For just over a year, entrepreneur Brad Campeau has been delivering beers from several different local craft breweries to homes. A delivery fee applies and orders must be placed 48 hours prior to delivery. Brew Donkey will also pick up any empties and provide a full deposit refund at your door. Take your passion for beer on the road with one of Brew Donkey’s tasting tours of Ottawa-area breweries, brewpubs and craft beer bars. Tours are offered most Saturdays and the various tour packages are outlined at brewdonkey.ca. Private tours are also available – perfect for a bachelor or bachelorette party!
LUXURY IN A WRAP > A fine collection of cashmere combines passions for Nepal, Canada and the well-being of children. Karma Cashmere is an Ottawa-based online boutique started by husband-and-wife duo Dave and Praj, who discovered the beauty of the fine fabric while in Nepal. They now bring the luxurious products to Canada and the U.S. and donate a portion of each sale to their Karma Fund, which supports the education of girls in the mountain regions of Nepal. Visit karmachasmere.com
Unknown to most Canadians is the fact that the “Maple Leaf” hasn’t been our flag forever. On Feb. 15, Canada will celebrate the 50th anniversary of National Flag Day. This date marks the day in 1965 when our red and white Maple Leaf flag was first raised over Parliament and in hundreds of communities across Canada. For those who remember, the choice of the Maple Leaf flag was one of the landmark decisions in our almost 150 years as a country. National Flag Day is a celebration of the selection of the Maple Leaf as Canada’s flag and what it has come to mean to all of us – an enduring symbol of our nationhood flown proudly across the country! Join fellow Canadians at Winterlude to celebrate Red and White FlagFest! ottawastart.com/events/ red-and-white-flagfest WINTER 2015 ottawaathome.ca 37
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LIVING Step Inside
the ethics of
ENTERTAINING
Manners are what to do, etiquette is how to do it, protocol is when to do it and ethics is why we do it.
BY VERA CODY PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
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rowing up, Julie Blais Comeau wanted to fit in and be one of the popular girls. Self-conscious about her eczema, she was reluctant to raise her hand in class to answer a question. But the 12-year-old Julie was determined to get past her social discomfort and searched for ways that would help her gain selfconfidence. After reading the Dale Carnegie book, How to Win Friends and Influence
People, she became a keen observer of how people carried themselves, dressed and spoke, and read etiquette books to educate herself about the power of body language. Julie’s interest in studying people led to a successful 20-year executive management career in corporate human resources and operations. With achievement came longer hours and less time spent with her husband Richard and two children, Christopher and Alexander (now 27 and 22). On a rare day off while driving to the mall, she was involved in a harrowing car crash. This wake-up call caused her to reboot her life and she resigned from her company shortly afterwards. With her training and development background, she wanted to teach people to achieve their life’s goals and created Etiquette Julie, which has helped more than 5,000 people with their career aspirations. A graduate from the prestigious Protocol School of Washington, Julie initiated an international network of colleagues that links her to clients around the world. As a recognized etiquette expert, she is a frequent contributor to CBC Radio and CTV programs, as well as to local and national newspapers and magazines across Canada. Her popular weekly blog Sticky Situations is featured on The Huffington Post Canada, and in 2013 she published her book Etiquette: Confidence & Credibility – You at Your Best @ Work: Business Intelligence Plus Solutions to Sticky Situations. When it comes to personal entertaining, Julie applies her own set of ethics, morals and values while attributing her style to influences from her mother’s more formal, yet always welcoming approach. HOW DO YOU ENTERTAIN AT HOME? I love all of the preparation – the anticipation, the setup, the way the room is going to look, the flow of the evening, the music, the lighting. Careful planning and attention to every detail is integral to the success of a party. My mother’s entertaining style was formal, but what I learned from her is it is not about lavishly showing off. It is all about making everyone feel very welcome in your home. I prefer an informal evening starting at the island in the kitchen with finger foods, tapas or mussels. With close friends and family I encourage
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Looking for home décor advice from a local expert? everyone to pitch in to create a fun and relaxed atmosphere where everyone gets involved. WHAT SHOULD EVERY HOSTESS KNOW TO HAVE A PERFECT DINNER PARTY? Think about the safety of your guests. If it is wintertime, are the front steps cleared of ice and snow? How will guests get home if served alcohol? Choose your guest list carefully knowing how they will all interrelate. Ask if there are any food allergies or specific meal preferences. Think about the conversation and prepare subjects ahead of time. Remember you are the hostess but your guests are the stars of the evening.
Join Mary Taggart for inspiring style and decor tips with host Jasmin Rose on Ottawa Experts, March 2nd and April 20th, 9 p.m. Rogers TV, Ottawa Cable 22 Mary Taggart EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, OTTAWA AT HOME
OTTAWA EXPERTS MONDAYS AT 9PM
THE IMPORTANCE OF AN RSVP? When you get an invitation, reply promptly. When you don’t RSVP it shows a lack of respect towards your host/hostess. Always remember it is a privilege to be invited.
165 Colonnade Rd S Jasmin Rose
HOW DO YOU HANDLE CELLPHONES AT YOUR DINNER TABLE? Place all guest phones in a basket prior to the meal. Whoever reaches for their gadget will be part of the dishwashing team. Tell your guests you have turned off your phone to focus on them and the evening. Set the example. If a guest has to stay connected, have them put their phone on vibrate so they can quietly excuse themselves. When they return they should not ask what they missed as every interruption changes the dynamic.
HOST, OTTAWA EXPERTS
613-727-0680
ottawavalleyhandrailing.ca
HOW IMPORTANT ARE THANK-YOU NOTES? This sets you apart from everyone else. Handwritten thank-you notes will live on. Even an email thank-you or text is appropriate if you are friends. HOW ABOUT E-VITES? As etiquette has evolved, invitations now come in all forms. E-vites are acceptable and it also reflects our times where we are all more environmentally and ecologically conscious. HOW DO YOU DEFINE ETIQUETTE? Simply put, when in Rome, do as the Romans do. Manners are what to do, etiquette is how to do it, protocol is when to do it and ethics is why we do it. WINTER 2015 ottawaathome.ca 39
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LIVING Giving Back
TURNING the tables BY CATHERINE CLARK PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
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obert Lahaie had reached “the bottom of the barrel” when he turned to the Caldwell Family Centre for help several years ago. Abusing alcohol and drugs, his life was in a progressive downward spiral. “I had to beg for food for the first time in my life,” he recalls. “I had lost everything, I had nothing left.” Located in one of Ottawa’s largest public housing neighbourhoods, the Caldwell Family Centre has been providing services to low-income and newcomer residents for more than 30 years. But when
Robert first walked in, he had no idea what to expect. “I was so sad and scared I had to wear sunglasses to hide my tears,” he recalls. He was approached immediately by Maurice Courchesne, the manager of the centre’s food bank, who offered comfort and reassurance that life would get better. Then Robert was put to work. “The first job I had was helping with the food bank truck deliveries and then I moved to serving people food downstairs,” he explains. Robert also started using his tech savvy to teach people basic computer skills to
help improve their lives. He soon started to improve his own life too. “I was tired of the life I was living, so I decided to go back to school.” Enrolling in a hospitality training course, Robert fulfilled a lifelong dream to become a cook. “A week after I got out of school, I knocked on the door of every restaurant on Preston Street.” He got a job and has never looked back – now he’s working full-time at Ottawa’s Da Santino Ristorante. Yet Robert has not forgotten the place that gave him a second chance at life. He returns to the Caldwell Family Centre weekly to teach a cooking class for men, using donated food from the Ottawa Food Bank. “I teach men from all walks of life, facing anything from illness to poverty to addiction,” he says. “I’m helping to feed them nutritious food when they’re hungry, but they’re also learning new skills, talking
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“I teach men from all walks of life, facing anything from illness to poverty to addiction. I’m helping to feed them nutritious food when they’re hungry, but they’re also learning new skills, talking to each other, getting support, feeling less alone.” —
ROBERT LAHAIE
to each other, getting support, feeling less alone.” When Robert first turned to the Caldwell Family Centre he thought his life was over. Now, he’s helping give other people a chance when they need it most. “These people saved my life,” he affirms of the centre. “It if weren’t for them I wouldn’t be around, and I wanted to give back.” For more information on the Caldwell Family Centre, visit caldwellfamilycentre.ca.
Catherine Clark is the host of Beyond Politics on CPAC. @catherinejclark WINTER 2015 ottawaathome.ca 41
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LIVING Openings
Meeting
MR. BANKS BY MARY TAGGART PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
Ottawa has a stylish influence coming on the scene with the opening of Nordstrom at the Rideau Centre in early March. The new store manager, John Banks, has made his way from Minnesota, California and Miami, Fla. to Ottawa, and brings with him a style of his own that includes comfort and blends in nicely with the local flavour. “I want to feel comfortable in the clothes that I wear, whether it’s a lazy weekend, going out to dinner with friends or even social events. Although the occasion may change, having clothes that I feel good in is important to me.” He and his partner Saul and their dog Ginger have adapted to the climate change and can be seen strolling through local neighbourhoods and discovering new restaurants and cultural experiences. Sidedoor Contemporary Kitchen & Bar in the ByWard Market is a favourite, along with Little Italy’s bustling restaurant scene. John started his career within the restaurant business and began his time at Nordstrom in 1999 as the regional manager for the retailer’s cafés across Southern California before transitioning to the retail side. It is only fitting that
discovering Ottawa’s vibrant food scene be a part of his acclimation to the city. A self-proclaimed extrovert, John is optimistic about his ability to collect a team of people to give Ottawans a shopping experience that will connect them to Nordstrom and the staff; “I have a real need to be with people – interacting and supporting them to be their best. I love the business aspect as well, but my focus is always taking care of our employees and our customers. Our hope is to deliver a great shopping experience to customers every time they shop with us,” he states. First impressions of local style are worth noting and John says he sees a lot of style and passion for fashion in the capital. He is confident that Nordstrom can deliver the variety in merchandise to appeal to the Ottawa shopper craving new and exciting choices and aspires to have the retailer deliver a sensational retail experience. John notes that he is appreciative of the warm welcome he has received upon his arrival. “From the first time I visited Ottawa back in March, I felt a connection with the city. The people, the architecture and the overall beauty of the capital is breathtaking.
CITY VIBE GINGER TAKES JOHN AND SAUL FOR A WALK ALONG PRESTON
I’m also looking forward to improving my French speaking skills. Everyone has been very welcoming and encouraging – it truly feels like home.” When asked to look ahead to spring fashion, he offers up that colour should be making its way into every man’s wardrobe with something as
simple as a vibrant pocket square and printed shirt. Women can add colour to their footwear for an added pop. What to get rid of? “Winter boots!” After a winter in Ottawa, John expects to gain more patience with the slow transition from winter to spring. Nevertheless, style in the capital is about to
get a good injection of optimism as John leads his team to offer up the retail experience Ottawans have been craving bringing highend brands like Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik, Alice + Olivia, Burberry and M Missoni to the Rideau Centre. Welcome to the capital, Mr. Banks!
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LIVING Events
TED BAKER LONDON
G STAR VEST, ZANEROBE SHIRT, DIESEL JEANS
ELIZABETH AND JAMES TOP, VINCE CAMUTO PANT
WHAT’S HOT!
NORDSTROM WINTERLUDE FASHION SHOW REVEALED WHAT OTTAWANS CAN EXPECT WITH THE MARCH 6TH OPENING AT THE RIDEAU CENTRE PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON HAUTE HIPPIE DRESS & SHORTS, JOIE TOP
HELMUT LANG JACKET, T BY ALEXANDER WANG BUSTIER & SKIRT
EACH X OTHER JEANS, JIMMY CHOO SHOES
KATE SPADE
FINALE PARADE WINTER 2015 ottawaathome.ca 43
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FOOD Food Thoughts
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SIMPLY SAUCY
Winter entertaining with a versatile and simple Marsala sauce CREATED BY KOREY KEALEY, @FOODTHOUGHT PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
W KOREY’S TIPS Buy 1 litre of whipping cream; divide into four 1-cup (250 mL) portions and freeze for quick cream sauces.
inter calls for casual entertaining with little fuss and preparation so that hosts can take part in activities too. When ingredients are kept simple and readily on hand creating a delicious meal after a skate on the canal or day on the slopes can be done with ease. Creamy sauces are the key ingredients to the comfort food we
SIMPLE MARSALA SAUCE PREP TIME: 5 minutes COOK TIME: 15-20 minutes MAKES: 1 cup (250 mL) INGREDIENTS: 1 cup (250 mL) 35% whipping cream 1/3 cup (75 mL) Marsala wine 1 oz dried wild mushrooms (like morels, chanterelle, oyster or shiitake) 2 cloves garlic, minced
crave after a day in the fresh winter air. A simple Marsala sauce is versatile and turns an everyday meal into a gourmet feast. Dress up basic meals with this always available cream sauce. Delicious with a grilled steak, as the base for mussels or even a decadent pasta dish, Marsala wine adds a deep rich brown colour and subtle sweetness.
1 tsp (5mL) maple syrup (optional) Salt & freshly ground pepper, to taste METHOD: In small saucepan combine all ingredients and bring to boil over medium-high heat. Reduce to low and simmer 30 minutes or until sauce has slightly reduced and thickened and mushrooms are tender. Options are to remove mushrooms and serve on the side, or chop mushrooms finely and return to sauce, or using a blender, purĂŠe mushrooms in cream sauce. Serve with steak or chicken, use as a fancy sauce for poutine or mussels, or as a base for pasta.
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e r ’ u o Y us o e g or G IN GREENS
OUR HEALTH STARTS HERE® PREPARED OPTIONS FEATURE NUTRIENT-DENSE PLANT FOODS. LOOK FOR THE LOGO!
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Lansdowne Park - 951 Bank Street - Ottawa 2015-02-02 11:37 AM
FOOD Let’s Dish to raise our children close to family just as my father Vince was ready to reduce his workload at the store. It was the right time to come home.
Food is the
MUSIC OF LOVE BY PAULA ROY PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
L
iliana Piazza definitely knows a thing or two about entertaining. After a short but successful career as an opera singer, she stepped off the international stage to return to her roots and take over the reins of her family’s Ottawa Bagelshop with her husband, Matthew Troncale, also a trained musician. One of the city’s most popular gourmet food emporiums for more than 30 years, the Ottawa Bagelshop was founded by Liliana’s father Vince, modelled after his brother-in-law’s internationally famous St-Viateur bagel shop in Montreal. While the parallels between opera and gourmet food are subtle, she says that her entertaining style
is definitely influenced by her life experiences. Although managing a business and caring for their children – Oliver, 2, and baby Ophelia – keeps her very busy, Liliana loves to entertain. She admits that her passion for opera is too much of a distraction to share with her guests, so Matthew’s
go-to rock music takes centre stage when they host friends and family. WAS IT A DIFFICULT DECISION TO RETIRE FROM SINGING? No – it was a choice made for love. I was based in Pittsburgh and pregnant with our first. Matthew and I realized we wanted
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT THE FOOD BUSINESS? I love being able to help people with their entertaining, thanks to the range and calibre of products we offer. Gourmet food is excellent for wintertime as it tends to be rich and filling, perfect for warming everyone up. For an après-ski buffet, I would offer such things as our scratch-made chicken or beef bouillon along with a platter of assorted cheeses – some of my favourites include Balderson cheddar, Saint-André or La Sauvagine, Bleu d’Élizabeth, Oka, Sainte Maure – and pâté served with True Loaf bread, nuts, and dried figs. Also a smoked salmon platter (smoked salmon, cream cheese, lemon wedges and capers) looks as great as it tastes. DO YOU ENJOY COOKING FOR PEOPLE? It can be tempting just to grab prepared items from the store, but I am sometimes inspired to cook from scratch. When I do, it has to be with the best ingredients possible. I like making a strata, featuring top-quality Gruyère and prosciutto. If you start with good ingredients, a dish will
taste so much better. DO YOU ENTERTAIN BASED ON A THEME? I am intrigued by people who can pull that off, but it’s not really my style. We do tap into our roots, though. Matthew is from the Southern U.S. so we’ll sometimes do pulled pork or authentic barbecue.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR INDULGENCES? I have a huge weakness for Ma’s Kitchen Crunch – a nut and chocolate candy – but don’t really entertain with it because I simply cannot share it. My other go-to treat is smoked salmon. It’s so versatile and can work in different capacities for brunch, lunch or dinner. DOES MUSIC PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE WHEN YOU ENTERTAIN? For me, it’s all about the food and the company; music is a secondary element. I tend to leave it up to Matthew to choose the music. With his background as a drummer he favours classic rock, but we also like Mahler’s symphonies for a dinner party. We have a very eclectic music collection and tend to choose based on our mood, rather than trying to use music to create a certain atmosphere. But we don’t play opera because I find it too distracting – I get so into it that I would ignore our guests! WINTER 2015 ottawaathome.ca 47
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Beyond the page
ottawaathome.ca H O M E S D E S I G N L I V I N G S H O P P I N G
FOOD
BLOGS SLIDESHOWS RECIPES BONUS IMAGES VIDEO
February 16th UPCOMING VIDEO WITH
Steph the Grilling Gourmet WINTER GRILLING RECIPES AND TIPS ottawaathome.ca
FOR THE LATEST IN LOCAL HOME DÉCOR , DESIGNERS, LIVING, EVENTS, PHOTOS AND VIDEO FOLLOW US ONLINE facebook.com/OttawaAtHome twitter.com/Ottawaathomemag youtube.com/ottawaathome
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FOOD Paula’s Bites INGREDIENTS: 2 medium ripe, but firm, pears with stems attached (Bosc or Forelles are best) 1 cup (250 mL) Marsala wine 1/2 cup (125 mL) water 1/2 cup (125 mL) white sugar 1 cinnamon stick 2 strips orange peel 2 inches x 1/2z inch (5 cm x 1.25 cm) 2 cups (500 mL) fresh or frozen cranberries 3 tbsp (45 mL) mascarpone cheese 1 tsp (5 mL) white sugar METHOD: Peel pears with a sharp knife or peeler, leaving stems attached. Using a grapefruit knife (or other sharp, small knife) carefully cut cores from bottom, leaving pear intact. In a small pot just large enough to hold the pears on their sides, add Marsala, water, ½ cup / 125 mL sugar, cinnamon stick and orange peel. Bring to a boil to dissolve sugar. Reduce heat to medium low and add the pears, then add cranberries, distributing between and around both pears. Simmer, uncovered, on medium to mediumlow heat for about 25 minutes or until pears feel tender when gently pierced with the tip of a sharp knife. While pears are poaching, very gently turn them over once or twice for even cooking. Remove cooked pears very carefully and set them upright on a plate.
MARSALA PEARS with whipped mascarpone BY PAULA ROY PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
W
ith Marsala as Pantone’s 2015 colour of the year, this elegant dessert is right on trend. Adding cranberries to boost colour and flavour, as well as a cheesecake-inspired mascarpone accent, gives this classic dish a contemporary update.
Strain the poaching liquid through cheesecloth or a fine sieve. Clean out pot and return the liquid to the pot. Cook over medium heat until it is reduced by half and thickened (about 10 minutes). While syrup is reducing, whip mascarpone and 1 tsp / 5 mL sugar together with a fork. To serve, place pears on individual plates. Drizzle with warm syrup and garnish with a dollop of sweetened mascarpone. Make ahead: Poach pears up to 6 hours before serving and keep at room temperature. Do not reduce sauce until just before serving time as it will gel due to the pectin in the cranberries. Serves 2. WINTER 2015 ottawaathome.ca 49
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FOOD Dining Out
Entertaining
EATS BY PAULA ROY PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
T
he trend towards accessible, allages venues that mesh food and fun is really beginning to take off. Ottawa At Home looks at three hip spots that are sure to offer a memorable and entertaining day or night
out, and they might just be the perfect place for your next private party.
THE HOUSE OF TARG It’s only been open for 10 months, but the House of TARG on Bank Street in Old Ottawa
South is drawing rave reviews for its trifecta of arcade games, live entertainment and a short, but sweet, Ukrainian-influenced menu. Owners Paul “Yogi” Granger, Mark McHale and Kevin Birger are enticing a wide range of guests to their 180-person venue, where they also played host to more than 150 live performances last year. “We have been pleased to welcome great local acts as well as providing a space for touring artists that might otherwise overlook Ottawa,” says
Paul. We’re open to lots of different genres and intentionally keep our cover charge low to encourage people to come out.” While the live entertainment and pinball games are definitely drawing cards, the food and drink are equally impressive. They are centred around the venue’s delicious house-made perogies and inspired by the traditional recipes Paul grew up with. “Our best sellers are the roasted kale and smoked Gouda, with the mushroom shallot a close second. On the weekends,
we also serve up a delicious, hearty Rustic Brunch, where we offer classic breakfast items along with perogies and kielbasa.” House of TARG’s well-stocked bar showcases local craft breweries along with wine, cocktails and Angry Orchard Har Cider. Named for one of the first video games Paul acquired, the House of TARG is popular with everyone from young kids to older folks. “It’s all ages till 9 p.m.,” explains Paul. “We have over 30 pinball, arcade and video games – it’s nice to see people
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“Our best sellers are the roasted kale and smoked Gouda, with the mushroom shallot a close second. On the weekends, we also serve up a delicious, hearty Rustic Brunch, where we offer classic breakfast items along with perogies and kielbasa.” —
PAUL ‘YOGI’ GRANGER, CO-OWNER, HOUSE OF TARG
enjoying the games. We’re especially busy on nights where we charge a $5 cover and all the machines are on free play.”
PRESSED There’s something intrinsically appealing about rustic, small spaces that serve unassuming yet impressive food. Pressed on Gladstone in the Centretown West neighbourhood offers just that, along with fantastic side helpings of eclectic entertainment. Throw in some vintage furniture and fairly traded coffee from local darling Equator Coffee Roasters and you’ve got all the ingredients for a great outing at
a spot that bills itself as an urban gourmet sandwich bar. Pressed’s menu includes a variety of sandwiches with something for everyone, from carnivores to vegans. There are gluten-free options and a kids’ menu, as well as salads, impossibly delicious sweet potato chips and a variety of desserts. Not to be missed is the eatery’s weekend Waffle Brunches. Pressed is also licensed, with a short list of beer, wine and cider options as well as specialty coffees. “Most items are made in-house, including our smoked trout, wild boar, and chicken and vegetables,” says
owner Jeff Stewart. “We happily bring in desserts from Eden Cheesecake, Auntie Loo’s and Bread and Roses.” When Jeff found the space that Pressed now occupies, he immediately added music to the mix. “I decided to build the stage when we were
OLD SCHOOL FACING PAGE: TRADITIONAL PEROGIE WITH STANDARD SIDES, BEET SALAD, SAUERKRAUT AND DILL SOUR CREAM. THIS PAGE: PINBALL LINEUP AT HOUSE OF TARG; CANNOLI AND LATTE AT PRESSED
“Most items are made in-house, including our smoked trout, wild boar, and chicken and vegetables,” says owner Jeff Stewart. “We happily bring in desserts from Eden Cheesecake, Auntie Loo’s and Bread and Roses.” —
JEFF STEWART, OWNER, PRESSED WINTER 2015 ottawaathome.ca 51
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“It can get pretty lively in here and it’s fun for our staff to engage with guests. They are game experts and can help you choose a game and explain how to play it.” —
MIKE HOPKINS, CO-OWNER, THE LOFT BOARD GAME LOUNGE
fitting the place up and discovered there are a lot of niche bands out there very appropriate to our space, so it’s fun to offer music a couple nights a week.” As for each Monday’s serving of bluegrass, Jeff adds that he’s always been a fan of that feel-good genre and it’s definitely grown in popularity over the past year.
THE LOFT BOARD GAME LOUNGE A fun newcomer to the ByWard Market’s vibrant scene, The Loft Board Game Lounge offers a great environment in which to enjoy good food and drink along with a library of more than 800 board games. A nominal $5 “stay and play” charge ($2.50 for kids) makes for a very affordable outing
and helps ensure the games inventory can be replaced or refreshed as needed, according to owners Mike Hopkins and Alessandro Argentina. Mike admits that he was a fan of video games rather than board games when he was younger but, like many of his customers, has come to appreciate the value of gathering
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over a game. “It’s very social. We offer a screenfree environment that encourages people to connect and interact with each other,” he says. “It can get pretty lively in here and it’s fun for our staff to engage with guests. They are game experts and can help you choose a game and explain how to play it, which many guests prefer over having to read a rules booklet.” The Loft’s attractive décor is complemented by a large mural and cozy fireplace; games not suitable for young children are tucked behind a striking red curtain. The food is definitely
not an afterthought; from tasty pizzas to substantial sandwiches, soups and decadent dessert waffles, there’s something for everyone. Not to be overlooked is The Loft’s creative cocktails, along with wine, beer, coffee and more. A visit to The Loft is like a having a games night at home, only better, notes Mike. “We have all your favourites, plus games people have never heard of. It’s a great way to discover something new and give it try before you buy it – and you’re sure to have a fun time.”
“We have all your favourites, plus games people have never heard of. It’s a great way to discover something new and give it try before you buy it – and you’re sure to have a fun time.” — MIKE HOPKINS, CO-OWNER ADVERTISEMENT
WINTER ENTERTAINING GUIDE
HOLIDAY 2014 ottawaathome.ca 53
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END NOTE
GLOBAL entertaining style
TAZIM LAL AND SIMRUN NARULA CREATED AN AUTHENTIC INDIAN CENTERPIECE WHERE FLOWERS FLOAT IN LARGE COPPER/BRASS URNS TANTALIZING THE SENSES WITH FLORAL FRAGRANCE TO BRING SMILES TO GUESTS.
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presents
“I've always believed that one woman's success can only help another woman's success.” -Gloria Vanderbilt Join in the Celebration of Ottawa's Business Women of the Year. Nine Finalists. Three Recipients. All deserving. Reception Dinner Member pricing: Guest Pricing: Corporate tables of 8:
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