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
SUMMER 2015
ottawaathome.ca $4.99
Staycation: Global dining in Ottawa, road trips, arts & entertainment
COTTAGE STYLE playful u sentimental u inspirational
MEET ROYA SHAMS, WHO FLED AFGHANISTAN AND FOUND A HOME WITHIN OTTAWA’S ASHBURY COLLEGE OAH_SUMMER 2015.indd 1
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TOUR 33 townhome and single family model homes across Ottawa
ORLÉANS - 8 Models 1123B Old Montreal Rd Ottawa, ON (613) 830-8467
ORLÉANS 3 Models
129 Chaperal Private Ottawa, ON (613) 837-1511
KANATA 7 Models
1870 Maple Grove Rd Ottawa, ON (613) 831-1357
BARRHAVEN 7 Models 507 Egret Way Barrhaven, ON (613) 692-0500
OTTAWA SOUTH 8 Models
2894 Findlay Creek Drive Ottawa, ON Singles: (613) 822-8764 Townhomes: (613) 247-0081
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Quick Occupancy Homes Available Visit our website or Facebook Page to learn more about our homes and the communities we’re building them in.
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UPGRADE YOUR LIFE SUMMER 2015 ottawaathome.ca 3
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ALE
27 CONTENTS Summer 2015 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
SUMMER 2015
ottawaathome.ca $4.99
Staycation: global dining in ottawa, road trips, arts & entertainment
> LIVING 30 STEP INSIDE Meet Ottawa’s first Riverkeeper
36
32 BEAUTY
COTTAGE STYLE playful u sentimental u inspirational
Road trip ready beauty finds
MEET ROYA SHAMS WHO FLED AFGHAN AND FOUND FAMILY WITHIN OTTAWA’S ASHBURY COLLEGE
COVER PHOTO BY MARK HOLLERON
8 EDITOR’S NOTE
Embracing the journey
> HOME 10 DESIGNER AT HOME
When family becomes the client for a cottage in Norway Bay
14 INSTYLE
A cottage with historic charm on Blue Sea Lake
18 COVER STORY
NEW BUILD Building a dream cottage on the Big Rideau
25 CAPITAL COLOURS
Tips on wood staining
27 GET THE LOOK
Cottage décor style in a soothing palette
32
34 LIVING MY WAY
Kimothy Walker shares her angst over her only child leaving home
36 ROAD TRIP
Step back in time just an hour outside of Ottawa
40 PROFILE
Norway Bay carries summer memories from generation to generation
43 NEW & NOTABLE Packing it in for summer with totes and artistic inspirations
45 GIVING BACK The story of a young Afghan girl who fled her country to find more than an education in Ottawa
54 END NOTE
Summer in the woods
> FOOD 46 FOOD THOUGHTS
Creating dessert in a jar
47 PAULA’S BITES A refreshing summer salad 49 DINING OUT
Global dining right here in Ottawa
52 LET’S DISH Summer entertaining doesn’t have to include meat…
10
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ALE 1006 Ottawa At Home_Hardwood_FNL 6/1/15 2:47 PM Page 1
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
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EDITOR’S NOTE
“LIFE IS A JOURNEY, NOT A DESTINATION” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
> MARY’S ROAD
TRIP MUST-HAVES Make travel a little easier by having a few handy items with you.
R
oad trips and summer go hand in hand. And Ottawa and its surrounding areas offer myriad routes to find some adventuresome fun. A drive down Bank Street to Morrisburg brought us back to a time when bread came fresh from the oven and wool blankets were made straight from the sheep as we visited Upper Canada Village. We explored the area and discovered there was so much fun to be had just an hour outside of Ottawa – where water and land come together in a quintessential summer setting. Our summer issue also packs in heaps of inspirational cottage décor. You can check out a variety of vacation homes that not only offer chic décor ideas, but also feature the sentimental elements that make them a retreat for their owners. I always look forward to the opportunity to step into summer spaces to discover what makes people so excited to pile into their cars and journey to their vacation places with the trace of a smile the whole ride there. Most of us hold on to summer memories from our youth and some are able to recreate them year after year, from generation to generation. We took a drive up to Norway Bay, a town reputed for its idyllic charm, where cottagers cherish their past and strive to preserve it for themselves as much as for their children. Holding on to memories in hopes of recreating them for our descendants is an important part of summer for many. There is just something about a summer road trip that helps time to stand still. No matter how slick the ride, we still all have hints of days gone by as we climb into the car to head out on the open road to discover something new, while recreating something old. Whether it’s a car game from our youth, a retro playlist or simply the ability to open the window and breathe in the seasonal air, it transports us to a more carefree
Pack a meal to go and store it in this handy picnic knapsack from Walmart. $34.88
existence and reinforces the importance of taking time to smell the roses. Having uninterrupted time in the car to collect thoughts, share stories or simply spend quality time is perhaps the most meaningful element of many a journey. Be it long or short, never discount the significance of time spent on the open road with nothing to stop the flow of conversation and the freedom of thoughts.
Clif Organic Trail Mix Bars are the perfect on-the-go snack.
Cherish the journey,
OttawaAtHome.ca facebook.com/OttawaAtHome twitter.com/Ottawaathomemag youtube.com/ottawaathomevideo
Spot it! Splash travels wherever you do! This waterproof matching game is packed with summer fun. Find it and other travel games at Tag Along Toys.
instagram.com/maryktaggart
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HOME Designer At Home
COTTAGE LIVING THIS PAGE: KAREN CARRIES BEACH TOWELS TO THE CREW READY TO TAKE THE PLUNGE. FACING PAGE, CLOCKWISE: THE IKEA KITCHEN WITH BUTCHER-BLOCK COUNTER COMBINES STYLE AND FUNCTION; A VINTAGE CHAIR IS PAINTED RED FOR A POP OF COLOUR; THE KITCHEN FAUCET CARRIES ON THE COUNTRY-STYLE DÉCOR; DINING CHAIRS FROM WAYFAIR.COM
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DESIGNER in the house BY MARY TAGGART PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
When Dan Kelly enlisted the help of his daughter to design the cottage he and his wife Lorrain were building in Norway Bay, he did what any proud father would do – he took her first design and ran with it! Interior designer Karen Chadwick recalls she was a little taken aback with his impulsiveness. SUMMER 2015 ottawaathome.ca 11
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“Before I even knew what was happening my dad had taken my concept to the local builder who promptly got a permit. I was worried because my concept was rough, but they started building with it immediately.” The Kellys were Karen’s first clients even before she had completed her two-year interior design program at Montreal’s LaSalle College. The whole project turned into a family affair when Karen’s sister jumped on board to help with some of the furnishings. But Karen was the professional and had free rein to design and execute the build. With the budget established and a specified timeline, Karen worked diligently to play up the natural attributes of the lot, which sits right on the Ottawa River. The Kellys had purchased a waterfront cottage and originally considered renovating, but with no family history to the dwelling or the area, the decision to build from scratch was easy. The only sentimental element was the deck, which was built by Karen’s late uncle, and she credits contractor Eric Pilon for incorporating the old deck into the new design. “The contractor did a great job of allowing us to keep the deck intact. It is a nice reminder of good times with my uncle, who my father was very close to.” The views from the year-round cottage are impressive with an overall layout that plays up the location. A NanaWall system of folding glass doors allows for the water to become the focal point, and the river is visible from all aspects of the three-bedroom cottage. Expansive windows create a light, airy feel
KAREN’S DOS & DON’TS FOR WORKING WITH FAMILY MEMBERS 3 Be clear about budget and make
Flooring the way nature intended
no assumptions.
3 Ensure that non-negotiable sentimental items are clearly identified.
3 Trust the professionally trained family member. 3 Have fun with the process and give honest feedback, even if the service is “free” for family.
3 Designers should respect project time frames 1520 Triole St., Ottawa 1-613-738-7851 logsend.com
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and communication as they would with other clients. A project shouldn’t drag on indefinitely just because it’s for family.
3 Nudge parents through changes rather than bowling them over with radical makeovers. Contact Karen Chadwick Interior Design at kkellychadwick@gmail.com
and the whitewashed pine walls keep the look fresh. Fabrics have a cottage vibe and pay tribute to the laid-back lifestyle that is enjoyed within. A cottage-style dĂŠcor includes some vintage-inspired pieces such as the dressers in the master bedroom and the dining table and chairs. Ceiling beams and floors are from Logs End, using reclaimed wood from the Ottawa River. A touch of contemporary styling comes into play in the grand upper bathroom that combines
modern fixtures with country fabrics. The cottage now serves as a family gathering place and really comes alive during the holiday season with Karen, her sister and their families all enjoying the space. In true Norway Bay spirit, the Kellys entertain and keep their doors open to all who wander by. A large centre island in the kitchen functions as the main social hub, which is right in character for a newly built cottage in a community known for serving food and drink whenever the mood strikes!
CALMING SPACE WHITEWASHED WOOD OFFERS SOOTHING WARMTH THROUGHOUT THE COTTAGE; CONTEMPORARY MIXES WITH COTTAGE-STYLE IN THE UPSTAIRS BATHROOM; THE MASTER BATH SHOWS COUNTRYSTYLE DETAILING. SUMMER 2015 ottawaathome.ca 13
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HOME InStyle
Classic & chic
COTTAGE BY JANE WHITING PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
W
hen you step inside the flagship Shepherd’s store at the Ottawa Train Yards, you’ll find some unique items for the home along with classically chic clothing and accessories. The beautifully decorated store is a perfect showcase for the owner’s celebrated sense of style and highlights Marlene Shepherd’s twin loves of fashion and home décor. Marlene’s passion for spending summer days at the cottage with family and friends is also a high priority in her life. So when she inherited the family cottage eight years ago, she applied her styling skills to a major renovation that successfully combined her two passions. The century-old cottage on
COTTAGE CHARACTER FACING PAGE, CLOCKWISE: THE KITCHEN WAS RENOVATED IN CLASSIC COTTAGE-STYLE DÉCOR; WEDGEWOOD BLUE WALLS IN MARLENE’S MOTHER’S BEDROOM; A REFURBISHED CHAIR FROM A COLLECTION OF FURNISHINGS THAT MARLENE’S FATHER ACQUIRED FROM THE LORD ELGIN HOTEL. THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE: CLASSIC ANTIQUE PIECES COME TOGETHER IN THE DINING ROOM, INCLUDING THE ORIGINAL GREEN STOVE; THE IRON CHANDELIER ADDS A TOUCH OF WHIMSY. 14 ottawaathome.ca SUMMER 2015
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Quebec’s historic Blue Sea Lake has been restored to retain its traditional character while creating a carefree, designer décor for easy living.
FACTS & FOLKLORE Marlene’s father bought the cottage in the mid-1940s from a prominent Ottawa family who were wellknown for their social presence on the lake. “They had lots of personality, so it was party central with big Saturday night dances every summer,” says Marlene, who recalls the common folklore that the previous owner lost the cottage in a gambling debt! More than 100 years ago, Blue Sea Lake became a popular destination for families who could
travel up high into the Gatineau Hills by train from Ottawa. Families stayed for the whole summer, while husbands and fathers would commute there on weekends. This traditional atmosphere permeates throughout the cottage where Marlene has fond childhood memories, along with decades of happy summers with her husband Francis LeBlanc and their two kids Robert and Rachel, who are now young adults. “It’s on one of the best lots on the lake – perched up high on one acre with wonderful views and great sunsets,” says Marlene. “The cottage is not winterized and there’s no TV,” she adds with a conviction that emphasizes classic cottage life. It was important for Marlene SPRING 2015 ottawaathome.ca 15
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let
NATURAL STONE
accentuate your home’s beauty Cohen and Cohen now boasts a fine collection of masonry and landscaping products to create a stylish and unique outdoor environment
Visit our centrally located, fully stocked yard with drive-thru facility and let our eager staff help realize your outdoor vision 92 BENTLEY AVE. (OFF MERIVALE), OTTAWA 613.225.9111 OPEN MONDAY TO SATURDAY cohenandcohen.com 16 ottawaathome.ca SUMMER 2015
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SUNSHINE & HAPPINESS COFFEE ON THE PORCH AND SUNNY COLOURS MAKE THE COTTAGE A CHEERFUL PLACE FOR FRANCIS AND MARLENE TO SPEND TIME.
and Francis to keep the same footprint for the cottage to maximize their enjoyment of the outdoors. “We have a lovely garden with a hedge of white hydrangeas and a big firepit to gather around for after-dinner storytelling and music.” This relaxed, feel-good approach is evident in the cottage décor, which is themed in a Sarah Richardson palette of butter yellow, blue and white. The furnishings are designed for stylish yet comfortable living with sofas and chairs covered in chintz prints and denim-blue cottons, coupled with old pine furniture, treasured antiques and family heirlooms.
RESTORING & REFURBISHING The renovation of the two-storey, sixbedroom home was carried out by Gilles D’Aoust, a master carpenter. Marlene praises his excellent craftsmanship and attention to detail that respected the building’s heritage and restored the charm of the era with low-maintenance materials wherever possible The process included reinforcing walls, installing a new roof and all-new doublehung vinyl windows. Yellow vinyl siding was used for the exterior and the wraparound deck was redone with synthetic wood. A large screened-in gazebo was built off the kitchen to entertain big groups and it’s Marlene’s favourite place to hang out. “This is where we eat most of our meals. It’s the coolest spot outdoors with a good breeze
and we’re protected from the sun and bugs.” Inside, the kitchen was completely gutted and the outside door was repositioned for easy access to the gazebo. It features customized white wood cabinets with open shelving to display antique plates, plus a built-in buffet and pantry. There’s a cozy upholstered window seat for resting and plenty of space for Marlene and friends to dance in the kitchen! Character detailing is on full display in the spacious living areas, with high ceilings, wainscoting, crown mouldings and footwide baseboards. The red-brick fireplace was rebuilt as a two-sided feature between the living room and dining room, and all the original wood flooring was stained white. Marlene’s special touches are evident in the elegantly casual furnishings and distinctive pieces such as the wrought-iron
rooster chandelier over the pedestal diningroom table. Antique oak-framed photos of local landscapes hang on the walls and a lovely old Findlay stove stands proudly in the dining room. Two of the upper bedrooms have balconies overlooking the lake. One is off the master bedroom and the other, decorated in blue and white toile with board and batten walls, is reserved for Marlene’s mother. It’s another true reflection of how the cottage shares the classic Shepherd’s style of combining simple elegance with casual comfort. SUMMER 2015 ottawaathome.ca 17
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HOME New Build
HOMECOMING on the lake
BY MARY TAGGART PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
It was the call of the lake that brought Mike and Jacqui Wilson home. After living in Boston for 10 years, the Wilsons were lured back to Ottawa during one of their summer visits to Jacqui’s parents’ cottage in Horseshoe Bay on Big Rideau Lake. Jacqui grew up in Ottawa and says, “We were living in Boston with four young children and would often spend our summers on the lake, staying with my parents. It was these summers that made us realize we needed to move back to Ottawa.”
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DREAMS COME TRUE Knowing that a cottage would be an important part of their life in Ottawa, Mike and Jacqui sought to find their own place – and, of course, it had to be on the Big Rideau. Their search brought them to a lakefront property in a bay not too far from Jacqui’s parents and offered an ideal location for them to build a year-round vacation home. Perched on a hill, the Wilsons now have their dream cottage that offers the best of cottage living for their young children.
FUN & GAMES The property offers plenty of adventure-seeking space that includes room to roam for Coco the dog and a firepit for sharing stories and roasting marshmallows. Days at the cottage embrace friends and family gathering for casual barbecues and water activities, with a dock where the family spend much of their day. The indoors offer plenty of fun too, with a giant chessboard calling players to the table, a loft space with oversized beanbag chairs and loads of board games, as well as gaming space in the basement. Overnight guests are easily accommodated with welcoming bedroom space upstairs and down.
COTTAGE VIBES FACING PAGE: JACQUI HAS A WATCHFUL EYE ON WATER ACTIVITIES WITH EXPANSIVE WINDOWS SURROUNDING THE COTTAGE. THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE: COLOURFUL CHAIRS INJECT FUN INTO A PATIO THAT CALLS FOR GOOD TIMES; IAN BUSHER ARTWORK FROM WALL SPACE GALLERY. SUMMER 2015 ottawaathome.ca 19
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SOOTHING TONES FACING PAGE: A CALMING COLOUR PALETTE IN THE GREAT ROOM WITH FURNITURE FROM CADIEUX INTERIORS AND CARPET FROM AVENUE ROAD TORONTO. THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE: CAPE COD INFLUENCES ARE FELT WITHIN ARCHITECTURAL DETAILING; AN ANDREW BERKS PAINTING FROM KOYMAN TAKES A PROMINENT POSITION IN THE LIVING ROOM; A VINTAGE CART SEPARATES THE LIVING ROOM FROM THE KITCHEN.
STYLE MERGE With the help of Andre Godin Design, Maberly Housing and Cadieux Interiors, Jacqui was able to combine Cape Cod influences with Canadian cottage-style décor. The results are stunning and Jacqui is credited with creating a style that is both welcoming and elegant. A relatively neutral palette combines shades of blue with creams and medium wood tones for a restful feeling that permeates the cottage. Water views dominate the background, but the treed lot brings in a woodsy vibe to add some rustic appeal to the stylish space.
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ENTERTAINING SPACE The cottage is designed with entertaining in mind. A large kitchen island begs for conversation, food and drink. An oversized blue leather sofa in the great room welcomes lounging and provides enough space for the whole family to gather together for movie watching. The dining table amply seats a crowd with a combination of comfy chairs and bench seating to create a stylish dining spot. Additional seating is found in a more formal arrangement next to the kitchen, with linen sofas from Cadieux Interiors that complement two midcentury modern leather chairs. The furnishings all co-ordinate nicely with a rustic coffee table brought home from Boston and a quirky Indonesian-inspired turtle accent chair.
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THOUGHTFUL SPACE The cottage is spacious enough to provide the family of six with room to spread out and enjoy it individually. Jacqui offers, “The kids love to read a book on a beanbag in the loft first thing in the morning. We love to have our coffee in the early morning in the screened-in porch. But my favourite spot is on my paddleboard with my dog Coco watching the sunrise (visiting my sister at her cottage in Horseshoe Bay). Coco sits on the front as I paddle out into the lake and around to the next bay.”
CASUAL ELEGANCE THIS PAGE: A GORDON HARRISON PAINTING ADDS A POP OF COLOUR TO THE DINING ROOM. FACING PAGE, CLOCKWISE: KITCHEN BY BCR WOODWORKING; CEILING FAN FROM BIGASSFANS.COM; VINTAGE SINK IN THE CHILDREN’S BATHROOM ADDS CHARACTER TO THE SPACE; SILVER COLLECTIONS ON A TREASURED COFFEE TABLE BROUGHT HOME FROM BOSTON.
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IT’S WHAT’S ON THE
SURFACE THAT COUNTS. Especially when what’s on the surface is Emerald ® paint
© 2015 The Sherwin-Williams Company
by Sherwin-Williams. The best dressed homes wear Emerald.
sherwin-williams.ca 24 ottawaathome.ca SUMMER 2015
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HOME Capital Colours
Take the pain
OUT OF STAIN! BY ANDREW DOWNWARD
@andrewdownward
S
ummer is such a fabulous time of year. The birds are singing, the plants are growing and people are out and about, flocking to every patio and park in the city. To celebrate this spectacular season, I pick one thing I really want to do for fun around my house. Last year I purchased one of those big floating lounge chairs for the pool. You know, the one with two (not just one) beverage holders! I also choose one household job that can only be done in the warm weather – this year I will be staining my house. I really enjoy working with stains because they are absorbed into the wood rather than just sitting on top of a surface. Stains are also easier to apply than latex or oil paints because of their watery consistency, which gives greater movement during application. The wood siding
on my home (and wood in general) is warm and inviting and allows me to change the colour of my home by adding a solid stain every four to five years. Stains come in a variety of different products and create very different effects when used as a way to enhance natural wood. I use a solid stain, which completely covers the surface of my wood panelling, much like paint would.
STAIN BY THE RULES
ENHANCING THE WOOD If you are using stain on a natural wood surface, there are a few things to remember. Firstly, stains are applied to enhance the natural grain and patina in wood; it does not provide protection for your surface. Most stains will require a protective coat to be applied after the stain has dried. Stains come as an oil base, water base, or a combination of the two.
CONSIDER THE OPTIONS Oil stains allow for greater application times, but have a very strong odour. Also, oil stains do not raise the wood grain, which can take away from the overall finish. Latex is much more user-friendly, but because latex dries quickly it’s really hard not to get lap marks in the finish. The water in latex stains raises the grain in the wood and creates a much more dynamic effect.
When applying stain, follow these rules to achieve a professional result. Firstly, always sand wood surfaces before applying any stain. Use a medium grit sandpaper (#120, and working your way to #220). Clean the surface, then apply with either a bristle or foam brush. Apply liberally and never leave any unabsorbed stain on the wood. Once stain is applied, remove any excess with a clean cloth. Remember that the longer you leave the stain on, the darker the finish will be, so use a tester piece and time the application. I prefer to apply a second coat if I want a darker finish. Once stain has been applied, apply a clear finish to protect the stain and the wood. Good luck on your staining project this summer. I’ll be thinking about you as I float on my double-drink holder pool lounge!
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— SPONSORED CONTENT —
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OPEN HOUSE Meet us at the lake
What do you hear when nature calls? The call of the loons, rustle of the wind, lapping of the lake, or simply your thoughts? Come find out at Otty Woods. Is it time to consider moving closer to nature? Build your custom dream home in a wooded area just outside of Perth, on one of eastern Ontario’s most pristine lakes. Choose from one of 26 two-to five-acre lots along the south shore of Otty Lake. Find out more with a fun-filled open house
Sunday, July 26, 2-5 pm at the Otty Woods waterfront gazebo by Otty Lake, with refreshments by the Perth Brewery. Follow Gore Street south out of Perth, which becomes Rideau Ferry Road, turn right onto Elm Grove Road, then turn right onto Lumberjack Trail at the Otty Woods sign, just before the McKay Farm Road.
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HOME Get the Look Cottage-style décor varies in colour scheme and detailing, but one constant remains — comfort rules
< The look for this upscale cottage living room is implemented with a neutral palette that combines creamy whites with varying shades of blue. Wood elements add texture and an urban vibe. The Andrew Berks painting is from Koyman Galleries, sofa from Cadieux Interiors.
PRODUCED BY TANYA CONNOLLY-HOLMES
@TANYALOVESART
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DESIGNING WINDOWS & ACCENTS ruthkmax@gmail.com Kanata / Stittsville 613-327-4481 EUROPEAN GLASS & PAINT 1750 Woodward Drive Ottawa 613-232-4861 LINEN CHEST Free Shop-at-Home Service 1-800-363-3832 ext. 231 LYNN’S INTERIOR DESIGNS lynnsinterior@sympatico.ca Ottawa 613-297-4232 MANOTICK WINDOWS & DOORS 5549 Ann Street Manotick 613-692-0623 MORE THAN DESIGN 10 Byward Market Ottawa 613-824-1767 ROSE DRAPERIES & INTERIORS 371 Athlone Avenue Ottawa 613-728-0339 WESTBORO FLOORING & DECOR 195 Colonnade Road South Ottawa 613-226-3830
Effective from May 1st to August 31st, 2015.
† Purchase a minimum of 4 Silhouette® with UltraGlide® and receive a $250 rebate. Also, when you purchase any number of these additional shades, you’ll receive an extra $50 for each. Valid at participating retailers only. The rebate will be issued in the form of a Hunter Douglas Prepaid American Express® Gift Card. THE PROMOTION CARD is a trademark of The Hunt Group. All Rights Reserved. THE PROMOTION CARD is a Prepaid American Express® Card issued by Amex Bank of Canada. ® Used by Amex Bank of Canada under license from American Express.
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LIVING LIVINGStep Step Inside Inside
A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT
BY VERA CODY PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAUL COUVRETTE
After holidaying in Florida as a young girl where she “spoke” to the dolphins, Lara InglisVan Loon knew she wanted to be a marine biologist. Born in Halifax, her family moved to Shediac, N. B. a few years later where Lara discovered her passion for water and nature. Her academic studies at Dalhousie University and then York University focused on the environment and biology. PAINTINGS BY CHRISTOPHER GRIFFIN DECORATE THE WALL BEHIND LARA.
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In 2001 she was hired by a grassroots group of concerned citizens, ecologists and river sports enthusiasts to become Ottawa’s first Riverkeeper, as part of the Waterkeeper Alliance network led by Robert Kennedy Jr. Lara helped to facilitate the sharing of dialogue and information between researchers on both sides of the river to continually improve the water system. Six years later, Lara moved to the east coast with her husband James and their twin daughters. She was hired as the outreach co-ordinator for the Nova Scotia Nature Trust, which works to save natural areas threatened by resource use and development. It was thrilling to work alongside Margaret Atwood and Farley Mowat, who donated his land to the trust so it would be permanently protected. The family returned to Ottawa in 2009 and Lara became a board member of Ottawa Riverkeeper, stepping off the board just last year to help lead the Riverkeepers Gala. An adventure sports enthusiast who in the 1990s placed third in snowboarding for all of Canada, this active mother of three girls has completed the YMCA personal trainer program and has her level 1 as a Zumba instructor. An avid dancer, she loves to party for the river that gives her inspiration and solace. She remembers growing up slogging through the rivers on the Miramichi in New Brunswick and returns there every year. She maintains her commitment to Riverkeeper because she wants to make our rivers swimmable, drinkable and fishable for others to enjoy for generations to come.
“I want to make our rivers swimmable, drinkable and fishable for others to enjoy for generations to come.” — LARA INGLIS-VAN LOON
River on Albert Island. This was significant as this is the site of the ambitious plan for urban redevelopment of the former Domtar lands into a residential, retail and commercial community to be called Zibi – an Algonquin word meaning river. It will also be the first time in a century that the Chaudière Falls will reopen to the public. How can individuals help? There is no single government agency responsible for the health and future of this river that is the source of drinking water for over two million people covering an area as large as England. Start by drinking a glass of water. Then it just gets more interesting from there. Water is part of all of our lives. Ottawa is our capital city and we want to have the cleanest capital river in the world.
165 Colonnade Rd S
613-727-0680
ottawavalleyhandrailing.ca
How has Riverkeeper evolved since 2001? For the past 11 years Meredith Brown has been the Riverkeeper and an effective go-between with all government levels to protect, promote and improve the health of the river. She has made huge strides in sewage treatment issues by working with City of Ottawa and Gatineau officials who oversee conditions of the Ottawa River. Why is the Riverkeeper Gala important? Since 2013, $440,000 has been raised to help us achieve our goals. The event attracts business and philanthropic leaders who understand the importance of monitoring and restoring a healthy river. This year we worked with award-winning interior architect and designer Tania Kratt, and held the gala in a raw industrial building and courtyard in the middle of the Ottawa SUMMER 2015 ottawaathome.ca 31
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BEAUTY Natural Choices
SUMMER BY MELISSA SHABINSKY
Glowing skin and barely-there makeup are the keys to effortless summer beauty
NUDE EYES
Nine neutral shadows to create both day and night looks. A handy Glamour Guide is included to help you apply like a pro. Natural Matte Eye Palette by Too Faced, $45, Sephora.
SAVING FACE
Coola SPF 30 Cucumber Matte Finish facial sunscreen combines organic evening primrose and linseed oils to reduce inflammation, even skin tone and balance moisture, plus acai oil for antioxidant protection. $42, ORESTA Confectionery.
BOWTIE BEAUTY
Keep your makeup stashed away and stylish in this Ted Baker London “Nellyy” small cosmetic bag. $50, Nordstrom Ottawa.
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ZAP IT
local love TINTED LOVE
Purple Urchin Zit Stick has honeysuckle extract and essential oils to kill bacteria, minimize redness and swelling and speed up healing. $5 at Whole Foods, Terra20 and purpleurchinsoap.com.
A powder, a stain, an illuminator and colour all in one. Beach Tint Shimmer Soufflé by BECCA, $33, Sephora.
“Natural ingredients like oils and butters help keep your skin hydrated and nourished throughout the summer months.” — MELISSA SHABINSKY
@melshabinsky
GLOW ON
Create the perfect flush of pink with this sheer, natural-looking blush tint for lips and cheeks. Dior Cheek & Lip Glow, $39, Nordstrom Ottawa.
local love
MOISTURE TO GO
Moisture on the go with vitamins A and E, antioxidants and essential fatty acids with a stick that also helps to relieve dry, chapped skin almost instantly. Butter Me Up by Demes Natural Products, $12, Herb & Spice Wellness Shop.
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LIVING My Way
The long
GOODBYE IMAGE SUPPLIED
BY KIMOTHY WALKER PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
O
LIKE MOTHER, LIKE DAUGHTER CLOCKWISE: KYRA AND KIMOTHY AT VERSAILLES IN FRANCE; CLIMBING THE COULONGE CHUTES IN QUEBEC; STROLLING IN THE ARBORETUM IN OTTAWA. IMAGE SUPPLIED
n August 21, 1997, my life gained a new purpose. The birth of my daughter gave me my proudest title: “Mom.” That eight-pound baby changed my career path, changed my heart and made the rest of the world second only to her. After Labour Day weekend this year I face the fear of letting that go . . . Kyra will leave home for university. For most of her life we were a family of two. I am also an only child and we fostered the kind of relationship that mothers and daughters dream about. There were colourful moments. She bit me in the thigh as a toddler. Hard. I pretended to bite her back. Softly. She never bit again. And that was our pattern. She pushed across the line, I showed her why it wasn’t such a good idea. For a time I let her wage “legal arguments” to convince me I was wrong about something if she wanted her way. She almost always won. I cancelled the program. She became a fixture in my work life at CTV Ottawa where I was the weekend anchor. Whenever we arrived, she ran through the newsroom door and into the arms of Max Keeping – later sitting with him and helping him produce the news. She loved it there, her home away from our home. She started co-hosting the CHEO telethon at six months old, the youngest anchor in history. She continued for 17 years. I included her in community events. That made it possible for me to carry on as a single mother working odd hours. Everything revolved around her. She wasn’t spoiled. In fact, she will tell you, I was very hard on her. I was – that is true. But she was well protected and nurtured. Since the age of 12 she wanted to go away to university. I considered it a horrible failing. Why did she want to leave me at barely 18 years old? What had I done wrong? I looked back at the international travel,
the backpacking, the hiking, the cruises, beaches and aid missions to Kenya and Nicaragua. What, indeed, had I done to raise a child who wanted to spread her wings? I had travelled with her to indulge my own wanderlust. It totally backfired. Now she is travelling to the end of Canada to go to school, in one of the most beautiful regions in the world. What was I thinking? I should have limited her travel to four city blocks! I want time to stand still. I want my daughter under my roof every single night. I do not want the urban hijinks and dark underbelly of Antigonish, N.S., population 4,500. I don’t want them to get their hands on my daughter and woo her with their fish dinners, beaches and lighthouses. The town
doesn’t even have a Starbucks! How can those people be trusted? But here we are. We are buying prom dress fabric and planning a backyard barbecue. We are talking about final marks and summer jobs. We have plane tickets and hotel reservations. My girl is leaving home. I cry whenever I think about it – the kind of crying where your eyes leak but your face doesn’t move. I can’t help it. It just starts. Close friends who have watched our relationship over the years are empathetic. But I think they are all secretly
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hoping to be out of town when my plane lands and be compassionate by phone. Nobody wants to see that mess. Now, I would like to take this moment to apologize to every single person I know whose child has gone off to university and for whom I did not come over to immediately console you with coffee cake and/or wine . . . and/or tequila. I truly did not understand the life-changing moment that was upon you! In searching for answers I am forced to listen to some of the lame advice I have given to my daughter over the years. We’ve all doled it out. It’s summarized differently, but the bottom-line message is always “Make lemonade when life gives you lemons.” What a stupid sentence. Lemons are equated with bad things . . . things that suck. Well, this certainly sucks, but for her I will try to make lemonade. And I will do some of the things I counselled her to do in kindergarten. • • • • • • • •
•
I will try to be brave in the face of change. I will try to make new friends. I will try not to cry. I may learn to paint and I will read more I will remember to put my underwear on under my tights. I will not take my frustration out on other people. I will know she is just a phone call away and that I am loved. I will run across the room and throw myself into her arms the next time I see her. I will never do well in math (unrelated to this current matter but worth mentioning).
And I will remember how many times I told her “I love you more” and she responded, “That’s not possible.” And so it seems that I have been learning to let her go since I started to teach her to let me go – to eat on her own, to walk, and talk, to go to school and to embrace change. We have a private saying: “We’re not lost, we’re just on another adventure.” In fact, it’s tattooed on my body, but that’s another story. Come on! Who doesn’t take their kid to the tattoo parlour? I am not losing her. We’re just on another adventure. My relationship is now with an adult. But she is still my child. I will miss her. Kyra is going away to university. If you see me around town in September leaking from the eyes, now you’ll know why.
CALLING ALL BUILDERS, DESIGNERS, RENOVATORS + CONTRACTORS Builders, designers, renovators and contractors book your ad for our fall home and design issue. We feature local projects. Our readers are your clients too! The Ottawa At Home creative team will work with you to showcase your projects.
TO ADVERTISE CONTACT JENNIFER TACKABERRY: jtackaberry@ottawaathome.ca
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LIVING Road Trip
Driving
IN REVERSE BY MARY TAGGART PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
DAYS GONE BY The town of Morrisburg along the St. Lawrence River is just an hour outside of Ottawa and offers the opportunity to experience life in the 1800s. Upper Canada Village does an excellent job of recreating an authentic days-gone-by era when horse and buggy delivered bread from the mill to the bakery, and men drank at the tavern while women stayed home and tended to the children as life passed by at a slower pace. Throughout the village, staff dressed in period costume stay in character as they go about their day and chat with guests. Three fully functioning mills represent the progress that took place in the 1860s. The woollen mill, sawmill and flour mill each show the influences of technology, with automation improving the efficiency of the production of bread, woollen goods and lumber. Staff members are on hand with thorough demonstrations of the products that
are made and sold on site. Strolling through the village is a sensory experience with the sights, smells and sounds authentic to village life in the 1800s. The periodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s architecture is recreated through relocated buildings including Christ Church and Robertson House. The white frame church was built in 1836-1837 and served as a landmark for river traffic on the St. Lawrence. It was moved to Upper Canada Village in 1957 to represent congregational worship in the 1860s. The Robertson family, from just west of Cornwall, inhabited the yellow timber frame house until 1957, when it was relocated to the village to represent a middle-class family home in the mid1800s. Gardens are bountiful with both ornamental and vegetable plants in open display. Take a stroll through Loucks Farm and include a visit to the farmhouse kitchen on your trip.
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UPPER CANADA VILLAGE UPCOMING EVENTS MURDER MYSTERIES & HAUNTED WALKS AT UPPER CANADA VILLAGE Select nights in July & August Join Eddie May Mysteries and Haunted Walks Inc. for fun nighttime entertainment throughout the summer. Visit uppercanadavillage. com for details.
FOOD LOVERS’ FIELD DAYS August 15-16 Sample the best of regional food along with offerings from beer and wine artisans showcased on the village fairgrounds, as well as treats authentic to the 1860s. Cooking demonstrations and the Iron Pan competition make this a foodie favourite.
In the mid1800s the church was a meeting place for young people seeking a partner.
HORSE LOVERS’ WEEKEND September 5-7 Celebrate the 350th anniversary of the arrival of the Canadian horse with horsemanship demonstrations and a mock horse auction.
1860S FALL FAIR WEEKEND, QUILT SHOW AND UPPER CANADIAN BEARD CHAMPIONSHIP September 19-20 With facial hair currently making a comeback, this event that features a beard-and moustache-growing championship is sure to be a hit! Join the fun with old-fashioned games, a showcase of agriculture and dairy products, vegetables, flowers and fine arts.
PUMKINFERNO Select nights from October to November 1 An evening event that shows off thousands of artistically carved pumpkins, a word search wall, the Hall of Horoscopes, and several other intriguing life-sized exhibits.
ALIGHT AT NIGHT Select nights from December 4 to January 2 Feel the spirit of the season with more than one million lights decorating Upper Canada Village. Classic entertainment with wagon rides, Saint Nick, carolling and turkey dinners make this a traditional family favourite during the holiday season. SUMMER 2015 ottawaathome.ca 37
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— ADVERTISING FEATURE —
JUST OVER THE BRIDGE… Surprises!
© 2015 The Sherwin-Williams Company
If you have only ventured across the Ogdensburg-Prescott International Bridge into northern New York State to get great deals at a box store or mail a package, you’re in for some surprises. St. Lawrence County — just over the bridge — not only has affordable shopping, it has affordable golfing. Fantastic cultural attractions and performing arts offerings, too. Throw in some special events, and an array of dining and lodging options, and it’s easy to see that a quick trip just over the bridge means an easy, memorable getaway this summer. The St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce will help you plan your itinerary: visit www.NorthCountryGuide.com or call 1-877-228-7810. Here are some highlights to help get you started. Affordable Golf, Beautiful Greens Bring your clubs across the border and find out why St. Lawrence County is a golfer’s paradise. The St. Lawrence State Park Golf Course is on Route 37, minutes east of the international bridge. Go west on 37 from the bridge and it’s about a 30 minute drive to the Massena Country Club. Both of these greens are on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, offer-
ing beautiful vistas of the river and beyond. Within 30-plus miles south of Ogdensburg are more outstanding courses — the Partridge Run Course and St. Lawrence University Golf Course in Canton, and the Potsdam Town & Country Club. Visit www.NorthCountryGuide.com for course details. World-Class Art and Theater The Frederic Remington Art Museum in Ogdensburg is truly a local jewel, home to an internationally renowned collection of sculptures, paintings, and illustrations by one of the most recognizable and beloved American artists. (That’s Remington’s famous sculpture, The Broncho Buster, that holds a place of honor in the U.S. President’s Oval Office.) Personal belongings of this St. Lawrence County native are also on display in the museum. (www.fredericremington.org) In the mood for some theater? It will be hard to beat the July line-up of the Community Performance Series at the State University of New York at Potsdam (just under 30 miles from the Ogdensburg-Prescott International Bridge) in July. Into the Woods, the acclaimed Stephen Sondheim/ James Lapine musical that weaves together classic fairy
tale themes, will be performed July 6 - 11. And on July 20 - 25, the Series brings Chicago — the longest-running American musical in Broadway history — to the Potsdam stage. Tickets for both musicals are on sale now; visit www.cpspotsdam.org for more information. When you go, make a pretheater dinner reservation at the 1844 House on Route 11 to Potsdam. This American bistro uses many locally sourced products in its highly praised fare. Reservations are recommended: www.1844house.com, (315) 268-1844. Stroll and Shop St. Lawrence County’s villages and college towns are home to one-of-a-kind treasure stores. Only about 10 minutes from the international bridge, on State Street in the village of Heuvelton, Pickens General Store is located in a historic renovated opera house known for the baskets, quilts, and furniture made by local Amish artisans. (www. pickensgeneral.org) Dekalb Junction is known for its street of antique shops, from furniture, to home décor, tools and kitchen items. Some 20 miles from Ogdensburg, Canton is home to TAUNY (Traditional Arts in Upstate New York), an incredible
store and gallery on Main Street featuring traditional North Country arts items, Adirondackstyle home décor, quilts and much more. (www.tauny.org) Potsdam — some 10 minutes from Canton and home to Clarkson University and SUNY Potsdam — has a downtown lined with unique boutiques and food shops. Don’t miss the new 3 Bears Gluten Free Bakery & More, 51 Market St., and Jernabi Coffeehouse, 11 Maple St. for outstanding locally roasted coffees and treats. Experience A Shared History Ogdensburg’s French colonial roots come to life each summer with Founder’s Weekend at Lighthouse Point. The weekend is a tribute to the 1749 founding of Fort de La Présentation, and features land and water re-enactments of the Battle of the Thousand Islands, the last conflict of the French and Indian War. Re-enactors from Canada and the U.S. descend upon Ogdensburg for mock battles and a colonial trade fair. Mark your calendars for this year’s event, July 18 and 19. (www.fort1749.org)
SO NEAR, SO EASY NEW YORK plan your trip: 1-877-228-7810 OGDENSBURG BRIDGE & PORT AUTHORITY
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ANTIQUATED DELIGHTS Cruise down Bank Street south on the way to Morrisburg to find a gem of a town: Williamsburg, population 547. It was named for the son of Dr. Mahlon Locke, whose local clinic brought in visitors from as far as Europe seeking treatment for rheumatism and arthritis during the 1920s to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;40s. Williamsburg cherishes its historic roots and is worth the stop, if only for a pop into The Village Antiques & Tea Room. At this quaint bed and breakfast you will step back in time to when big-band music played in the background and meals were served elegantly. Proprietors Victor Dupuis and Marcel Allard are gracious hosts, always ready with local lore and generous hospitality. Spend the night and combine your stay with a visit to the Upper Canada Playhouse to catch one of their summer theatre shows.
BY LAND OR BY WATER If your mode of transport is by water, the Crysler Park Marina offers docking facilities and plenty of activities to round out your stay. The park is open to the public so land lovers can enjoy the marina experience too. Pack a picnic, bring your bikes, rent a kayak and enjoy life on the St. Lawrence!
Crysler Park Marina is the boaterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s access point to Upper Canada Village
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LIVING Profile
Where summer
PEOPLE GATHER BY MARY TAGGART PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
O
ne of the benefits of living in the nation’s capital is its proximity to cottage country. There are lakes dotted with vacation homes in every direction. Each community has its own charms and merits, but there is one town that holds a place in the hearts of many Ottawa families who return each summer to recreate generations of memories and pass the torch of summer celebrations to their children. That place is Norway Bay, a town just an hour outside of Ottawa in western Quebec’s Bristol area, which is rich in history and deep in pride. The small community on the Ottawa River was first settled in 1828 on 43 acres of land. Lots were divided into three sections – waterfront, centre and rear – all nestled into a wooded area with a beachfront for water sports and activities. While history is strong for the community and many cottages hold onto their origins, there are a number of newly constructed houses. However, there is little evidence of overdevelopment, with lots of indication of preserved character. Driving through Norway Bay’s few streets, an idyllic cottage lifestyle is clear and playfully named cottages catch the eye. Imagine the late-night homecoming that must happen at a cottage named “Tumble Inn,” or perhaps the settled feeling that looms over “Dunn Roamin,” and of course if the “Love Shack” is rockin’, don’t go a-knockin’, but maybe try your luck over at “The Shamrock.” A sense of community radiates from the area. Brian Booth, the treasurer of the Norway Bay Municipal Association “married” into
RICH IN HISTORY ABOVE: TWO LOTS WERE PURCHASED FOR $300 FROM S.S. CUSHMAN IN 1922 UNDER THE STIPULATION THAT A CHURCH WOULD BE BUILT ON THE LAND. FACING PAGE, CLOCKWISE: TOWN ROAD SIGN; BRIAN BOOTH; A VINTAGE TRUCK SPOTTED DOWN THE RIVER ROAD.
Norway Bay and now lives there year round with a greater appreciation for the pros and cons of the “summer people” within a cottage community. He notes that the lifestyle in the Bay is a far cry from downtown Toronto, from where he moved, but says it’s a great place to get some peace and quiet – except, of course, for the summer months when the place becomes a whole different world and culture.
“When I was a summer resident only, I used to be taken aback when local inhabitants would say that they looked forward to September when the summer people would leave so that they could get the Bay back to themselves. Now I know what they were talking about. But as I said then, and I still do, without the summer tax base there ostensibly would be no Norway Bay as
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BRIAN BOOTH
“It’s that feeling of timelessness, tradition and history that add to what makes Norway Bay so special to me” — TRISH LYNCH, PRESIDENT OF THE NORWAY BAY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
we know it.” Dedicated volunteers run the Norway Bay Municipal Association to recreate and enhance much of what the area offered them in their youth. Trish Lynch, president of the association, grew up summering in Norway Bay and it continues to be an integral part of her life. Trish says that many of her closest friends today are the people with whom she spent her childhood summers with and she feels privileged that her kids get to grow up with that same experience. “It’s that feeling of timelessness, tradition and history that add to what makes Norway Bay so special to me,” says Trish who speaks for many when she passionately describes her younger days: “I love that I grew up taking lessons and participating in the events as a kid; then as a teenager I taught the swimming program; and now as an adult I help to organize these same activities and give back a bit. And I get to see my own kids participating and benefiting from all that Norway Bay has to offer.” SUMMER 2015 ottawaathome.ca 41
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— SPONSORED CONTENT —
TOPS CAR WASH ROAD TRIP READY
School’s out, summer’s in, and you’re ready to hit the road! Make sure that your vehicle is prepped too.
> EASY RIDER
The ride will go much smoother if your car is well-prepared to handle the adventure. Just as you ensure your routine car maintenance is up-to-date before a road trip, you’ll want to make sure the vehicle is clean too.
> TIMING
Work car detailing into your prep plans. If steam cleaning is in order, keep in mind that some drying time is required. Try to schedule cleaning at least two days before the trip.
> A GOOD FEELING
Regular maintenance feels good. Working a regular car wash into your schedule will ensure that your car looks good at all times. With a road trip ahead of you, everyone will feel better in a clean, well-organized space.
> BUG OUT
Hit the car wash on the way home as well, to ensure that road film and bug residues don’t become permanent fixtures on your vehicle.
> REGULARITY
Get into the habit of keeping your car cleaned with monthly visits to Tops and you’ll always be ready when you hear the call of the open road!
> START THE ENGINE
Have snacks on hand in easy-store containers. Always have wipes and a garbage bag at the ready. Fill the car with gas and enjoy the adventure with a clean view of the road ahead.
Keith Henry- President, Tops Car Wash
979 Richmond Rd 613-728-4232 Topscarwash.com
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LIVING New & Notable
Travel totes &
ARTISTIC TALENT
Creative finds this summer include totes for travel and artistic workshops for adults and children to explore their talent. Know something New & Notable? Contact: editor@ottawaathome.ca BY SANDY CONNELL IMAGES SUPPLIED
< COLOUR WORKS Amie Talbot is an Ottawa-based artist who produces beautiful images with colour pencils. Her work has been featured at the National Colored Pencil Exhibition and various local shows and galleries. Her art focusses on texture and reflection – an unexpected dimension of this medium. For a unique and special gift idea, Amie also does pieces for commission. Budding artists can take her introductory workshops in colour-pencil drawing. The five-week course
includes instructional videos, drawing template, materials and online critiques. When she’s not actively creating new works of art, she writes the Q&A column for the Colored Pencil Magazine. Visit Amie online at www.amietalbotvisuals.ca.
< TALENT DEVELOPMENT Looking for a summer activity for the budding thespian, singer or dancer in your family? Let them “Reach for the Stars” at Stagecraft Children’s Theatre School. This Vancouver-based company is now offering programs in Ottawa. Artistic director, Rachel Cushnie, whose background is in musical theatre in London, England, says that upon moving to Ottawa she recognized a need for a comprehensive program offering instruction in all three elements of musical theatre. The program is designed to give children of all ages a broad base of experience in singing, dance and drama. Performing is the focus and participants will experience the journey from audition through rehearsal to the final performance. Stagecraft has one central aim: to enable all children to experience the fun, excitement and challenge of performing while developing their own talents, strengths and qualities. For more information, contact Stagecraft at ottawa@stagecraft.ca or www.stagecraft.ca.
< TRAVEL TOTES Get organized on the go with colourful, handmade totes. The water-resistant liners and flat-bottom fabric baskets will cart belongings with you wherever you go! Ottawa-based friends and business partners, Shauna Rae Saroufim and Hon Voong offer reasonably priced, useable and practical items promoting the notion of keeping things tidy and towable. For more information visit www.mystow-n-tow.ca or find them at the Ottawa Farmers Market.
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Our floorplans make sense. IN K A N ATA S O U T H
AT BA RRH AV E N AT K A N ATA L A K E S
Built for real life. CARDELHOMES.COM
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LIVING Giving Back
The voice of
OPPORTUNITY BY CATHERINE CLARK PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
R
oya Shams always had big dreams growing up in Afghanistan, and she owes most of them to her father. Roya’s dad stood out from other fathers in their community because he believed that men and women were created equal, and he insisted that both his sons and daughters receive an equal education. While his beliefs about education and equality seem perfectly normal in a modern North American setting, they were neither typical nor accepted by the Taliban
and other insurgent forces that waged campaigns of violence and intimidation against anyone attempting to educate Afghan women and girls. Despite all of this, Roya went to school. She was a quick learner, and by the age of 11 she started to give back by teaching older women how to read and write, as well as offering them tutorials in the basics of English, which she herself could barely speak. “I wanted to educate women about their rights, so that they could not be
abused by men, or humiliated by them,” Roya recalls. But everything changed in July of 2011 when Roya’s father, a police officer, was brutally killed by insurgents, and Roya herself began receiving death threats. “I was told I had to stay in,” Roya says quietly. “If I left my home I would be killed.” Six months after her father’s assassination, Roya fled Afghanistan with the help of Toronto Star war correspondent Paul Watson and editor Michael Cooke, accepting a full scholarship to Ottawa’s Ashbury College. It was an exceptional opportunity, but her grief was still profound, and she was leaving behind her home and everyone she knew for a new country. “I had no idea about Canada, what it was like,” she remembers. “It was very hard.” However, Roya remains determined to make a positive change in the world around her. As a boarding student at Ashbury, she has studied diligently and speaks often to various organizations about her experiences at home in the hope of raising awareness about the plight of women and girls in Afghanistan. “My hope is to get a good education, a law degree and to become a politician – to become a voice for voiceless people, someone who can give back power to those who have talent but no opportunity,” says Roya, who will begin attending the University of Ottawa on a scholarship in September. “My education belongs to all of the people who are suffering – my opportunity belongs to them.”
Catherine Clark is the host of Beyond Politics on CPAC. @catherinejclark
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FOOD Food Thoughts
Simply sweet
TASTES OF SUMMER
local love
CREATED BY KOREY KEALEY @FOODTHOUGHT PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
LEMON MERINGUE POTS
The simplicity of summer carries over to entertaining with desserts that embrace the ease. Mason jars filled with ice cream, puddings or whipped creams along with fresh berries are a fun treat that look festive on the picnic table. Toss in crumbled meringue & baking crumbs for layered sweet crunchiness and the recipe is practically foolproof!
SERVES: 4 PREP TIME: 10 minutes ADVANCE TIME: 2 hours INGREDIENTS: 1 cup (250 mL) chocolate baking crumbs 2 meringue nests, broken into pieces 1 cup (250 mL) lemon curd or pudding 1 cup (250 mL) fresh berries, sliced if large METHOD: In four 1 cup (250 mL) Mason jars, layer 2 tbsp (30 mL) dessert crumbs. Top with 1/4 cup (60 mL) lemon curd, 1/4 cup (60 mL) fresh berries, 2 tbsp (30 mL) meringue pieces. Finish with a dollop of lemon curd, a sprinkle of dessert crumbs and one berry.
KOREY’S TIPS Make it gluten free with enerjive Chocolate Dessert Crumbs, found at Farm Boy & Natural Food Pantry. Find store-bought meringue nests in the ice cream topping sections of major grocery retailers. Make a “dessert in a jar” bar and let guests create their own special concoctions with a variety of ingredients to choose from. 46 ottawaathome.ca SUMMER 2015
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FOOD Paula’s Bites
SUMMERY SHRIMP
salad with melon and tomatoes BY PAULA ROY
@PAULAJROY PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
INGREDIENTS: 1/4 cup (60 mL) butter, melted and cooled but not resolidified 2 teaspoons (10 mL) pure vanilla extract Pinch piment d’Espelette or cayenne 12 large shrimp, thawed, if necessary; peeled and deveined 4 cups (1 L) mixed arugula and spinach 1 tablespoon (15 mL) freshly-squeezed lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 mL) pure vanilla extract 1 tablespoon (15 mL) honey Dash each salt and pepper 2 tablespoons (30 mL) olive oil
While you might think of vanilla as a seasoning for baked goods, it’s also fantastic with savoury dishes, particularly salads and seafood. This method of gently poaching the shrimp ensures it will stay tender and sweet. You can prepare the greens, vegetables and fruit ahead of time, then dress the salad and cook the shrimp right before serving for an easy, impressive lunch or dinner party appetizer that is as colourful as it is delicious.
2 cups (500 mL) cubed honeydew melon 1 cup (250 mL) halved cherry tomatoes 1/2 cup (125 mL) chopped orange or yellow pepper METHOD: In a broad, flat dish, combine the butter, vanilla, piment d’Espelette and shrimp. Let sit for 10 minutes while you prepare the vegetables and fruit for the salad. Refrigerate if marinating longer. Wash and dry arugula and spinach; put leaves in a big bowl. Combine lemon juice, vanilla, honey, salt, pepper and olive oil in a small jar with a tight lid. Shake to combine well. Drizzle dressing over greens and toss well so the leaves are thoroughly coated. Divide dressed leaves among serving plates. Top with melon, tomatoes and pepper. Bring 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) of water to a boil in a medium saucepan just large enough to hold the shrimp in a single layer. Reduce heat to medium low and scrape the shrimp and butter mixture into the pot. Cover pot and cook shrimp at a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are cooked through, 5 to 7 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, immediately transfer shrimp to the salads, arranging evenly, and serve. Serves 2 for a main course or 4 as an appetizer.
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FOOD Dining Out
STAY HOME and DINE THE WORLD BY PAULA ROY PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
There is much merit to the nouveau-chic staycation concept – we’ve built our oases at home with pools, spas, outdoor kitchens and all the comforts that we might miss at some travel destinations. But if you are craving a little international flair with your made-in-Canada holiday, Ottawa is a cosmopolitan city that boasts a wealth of excellent world cuisine – so much so, that you can circle the globe while staying within city limits.
THE SOCA KITCHEN – A SPANISH GASTROPUB South American cuisine is diverse and SOCA – named for the second harvest of the sugar cane crop in Venezuela – brings many satisfying tastes and textures to its West Wellington eatery. Owners Gustavo Belisario and Daniela Manrique are partners in every sense of the word and SOCA represents a labour of love, not only in its creation, but also its cuisine, says Daniela, who serves as chef. Ceviche prepared using sustainable albacore tuna gets a kick of flavour thanks to aji amarillos (Peruvian chilies). Arepa, a corn dough flatbread, comes
THE SOCA KITCHEN
stuffed to the brim with meat, vegetables and pickles. A traditional congri made of bomba rice and black beans is livened up with pico de gallo, plantains and hearts of palm. Thanks to the nearby Parkdale Market, SOCA does a great job of constantly refreshing its menu throughout the growing season. The atmosphere is ultra-casual fine dining that includes seating at the central bar, to take in all the action.
HAVELI INDIAN After more than three decades as one of Ottawa’s leading Indian restaurants and catering companies, the folks at Haveli can speak with certainty about our
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PETIT PERU
TOPKAPI
GLOBAL NOTE: Ceviche is seafood that
is cured to the point of being cooked in tangy lime broth city’s fondness for Indian food. Named for the gracious mansions with large, central open-air courtyards for which India is famous, a visit to Haveli in the ByWard Market gives many glimpses into the atmosphere and flavours that make India so unique. Familiar dishes such as butter chicken, tika masala and tandoori chicken dot the menu, along with some outstanding house specials such as shrimp Haveli, lamb Madras, and chicken Dilruba, also available in vegetarian and seafood versions. Gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options are plentiful, notes owner Ravi Narula, who adds that those wishing to sample a broad range of dishes may enjoy the reasonably-priced table d’hôte offerings. Between the delicious food, charming décor, authentic music and attentive service, a visit to Haveli might make you feel like you’ve been transported out of the country, if only for a few hours.
TOPKAPI TURKISH RESTAURANT Fancy a trip to the intersection of Eastern and European cultures? Turkish food is not as well known as some other global cuisines, yet it’s comforting, accessible fare that offers a lot of possibilities whether you’re a daring or less adventuresome diner. Named for a lavish palace that was home for centuries to Ottoman sultans, Topkapi is a charming small spot in Little Italy whose kitchen produces stellar, authentic Turkish dishes. Co-owner Chantal Erdogan declares that the meats are marinated and cooked to tender perfection, while vegetables are judiciously seasoned and plentiful. Some of the house specialties include the Centick Kebabi, a combination of shredded fried potatoes, yogurt and thinly sliced steak. The vegetarian Topkapi Sebze Tabagi is a generous portion of marinated and grilled vegetables served over rice and potatoes. Their Turkish coffee is thick, rich and sweet, and like the short but excellent dessert
menu, it is not to be missed. Saturday nights at Topkapi include a special bonus: live bellydancing.
PETIT PERU Eight years of success as a catering company and food purveyor in Gatineau led Jorge Bahamonde and his Peruvian team to open a tiny, cheerful eatery on Somerset West at Booth Street. Often identified as the standout cuisine of South America, thanks to its nuanced flavours and emphasis on freshness, Peruvian dishes – especially those at Petit Peru – are delightful and feature some exceptional sauces. Peruvian-style Ceviche (seafood that is cured to the point of being cooked in tangy lime broth) is probably one of the standouts, but their menu is replete with other great options including empanadas (stuffed savoury pastries) and causas
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ÃN VIETNAMESE CUISINE
RAON KITCHEN
RAON KITCHEN
GLOBAL NOTE:
Fresh salad or summer rolls and spring rolls are the fun roll-your-own rice wraps, known as Bánh hoi
(potatoes seasoned with Peruvian spices then layered with fish or meat). Inventive and wildly popular kid-friendly dishes are there, along with authentic Peruvian desserts, including dulce de leche-filled churros on the weekend. While the venue is small, service is warm and friendly. Take out is also available.
No need to fly halfway around the world to taste the nuanced flavours of Korea. Building on the success of its condiment stand at the Ottawa Farmers’ Market and its popular downtown food cart, Raon Kitchen has launched a takeout venue near Hunt Club and Merivale. The centrepiece of the menu is the famous Korean dish called bibimbap, composed of rice, vegetables, meat or tofu, as well as delectable garnishes including sliced omelette, kimchi (fermented cabbage pickle) and flavourful sauces. Other sides include dumplings and jeon (Korean pancakes). “People enjoy the opportunity to adjust the ingredients and heat to suit their tastes,” explains owner and chef Hana Jung. “Our sauces and kimchi, which are also available for sale here, come in varying intensities and all are very flavourful.” Hana adds that Raon is looking forward to expanding its menu this year, driven by customer demand as diners become better acquainted with the authentic, delicious taste of Korean cuisine.
ÃN VIETNAMESE CUISINE West-end residents rejoiced when a new restaurant opened in Stittsville a few months ago. Offering a menu that emphasizes
Vietnamese fare along with influences of Thai, Chinese and Japanese, Ãn is a lovely spot with gracious service and a quiet ambiance. Fresh salad or summer rolls as well as spring rolls are among their best sellers, as are the fun roll-your-own rice wraps, known as Bánh hoi in Vietnam. Naturally, pho, broth soups garnished with meat, noodles, vegetables and fresh herbs are also in hot demand. “As people become more familiar with Vietnamese cuisine, they are definitely becoming more adventuresome,” says Kim Lu, who owns the restaurant with her chef husband Cuong Tran. “Ours is a very healthy menu, offering many vegetarian and gluten-free possibilities. Because most dishes are made fresh when ordered, we can easily customize them.” Whether you eat in or take out their food, she insists you should try their delicious, sweet iced Vietnamese coffee, the perfect finish to a meal at Ãn.
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FOOD Let’s Dish WEST DE CASTRO’S ALL SUMMER LONG SALAD This salad combines a bright vinaigrette with loads of fresh vegetables and delicious grilled tofu. Not a fan of tofu? West suggests substituting legumes sautéed with shallots and olive oil, or sliced hardboiled eggs. She notes that the best salads are composed of lots of elements, including salty or briny, crunchy, acidic, sweet, fresh and herby, as well as lots of different textures. VINAIGRETTE Zest and juice of 1 lemon 1 small shallot, minced 1/4 cup white Balsamic 2 teaspoons honey 2 teaspoons Dijon 1/2 cup grapeseed or canola oil Salt and pepper to taste Combine all ingredients except oil in a small bowl. Gradually whisk in oil. Season to taste.
A flexitarian
BACKYARD FEAST BY PAULA ROY PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
C
hef West de Castro has spent years cooking for everyone from vegans to omnivores, so she understands the need to keep things simple while offering variety. As summer cooking starts to leave the kitchen and hit the outdoor grill, West shares her thoughts about summertime menu planning to make your backyard entertaining appealing and flexible for varying appetites.
Slice tofu lengthwise into four portions. Place on paper towel and blot to remove excess moisture. Combine vinaigrette, garlic and Dijon; coat tofu with this marinade. Grill on medium-low heat for 4 – 5 minutes per side. SALAD 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved 3 baby cucumbers or one English, thinly sliced 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced and soaked for 15 minutes in cold water 1 fennel bulb, cored and sliced thin 1 sweet pepper, julienned 1/2 cup pitted black olives, halved Fresh herbs, chopped: basil, chives, parsley, to taste, divided Vinaigrette (above) 1 cup feta, crumbled 1/4 cup toasted quinoa
YOU’VE BECOME WELL KNOWN FOR YOUR INNOVATIVE DISHES - HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN INTERESTED IN FOOD? I lived in the Philippines until I was eleven and, believe it or not, I was a really picky eater. Food was not on my radar at all. I just remember eating rice three times a day! When we moved to Ottawa, it definitely took some time for me to adjust to North American food. In my early twenties I started to explore various ethnic restaurants here and that fuelled a desire to learn how to cook.
TOFU 1 block extra firm tofu 1/4 cup vinaigrette (above) 1 small clove garlic, minced 1 teaspoons Dijon Salt and pepper to taste
SO YOU’RE MOSTLY SELF-TAUGHT? Yes, I just started playing around and cooking for my friends. My first big dinner party was a Pan-Asian menu, nine courses, which took me days to shop for and prepare. I was actually working in kitchen design before I attended Algonquin’s culinary program
In a large bowl, toss all prepared vegetables, olives and half the fresh herbs with the remaining vinaigrette. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Divide among four serving plates. Top each with grilled tofu and feta. Garnish with remaining fresh herbs and toasted quinoa. Serves 4.
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to get industry accreditation and then became a cook.
YOUR REPUTATION HAS GROWN SINCE YOU OPENED CLOVER LAST YEAR. ARE THE DISHES YOU COOK AT RESTAURANTS SIMILAR TO WHAT YOU’D SERVE AT HOME? My partner Danielle was a vegetarian when we met, so for a long time I’d cook two different meals – meat for me, other proteins for her. We realized this was not sensible, so we switched things up a little. We’ll eat vegetarian or vegan most nights, but with some fish or sustainably sourced meats occasionally. I guess you could say we’re flexitarians.
WHAT WOULD A BACKYARD BUFFET LOOK LIKE AT YOUR HOME? It would definitely include a couple of salads but not necessarily green ones. I like hearty combinations, featuring ingredients like quinoa, grilled vegetables, pasta or sweet potato. I enjoy keeping things raw if I can; I’m also a big fan of slaws. Usually I go to the market and walk around to see what’s beautiful and bountiful and let the ingredients drive the combinations. I also enjoy serving dishes that are different temperatures and have different textures. Nuts and seeds are great for crunch, and things like feta cheese and pickled onions can be great for salty and briny touches. If I want some grilled protein, I’ll usually choose fish and I’ll marinate it for a while then cook it on a cedar plank for extra flavour.
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WHAT ABOUT A LIGHTER MEAL, IF YOU JUST WANT TO SERVE A FEW NIBBLES? I love to prepare an antipasto platter – Ottawa has some great Italian stores where you can get fantastic olives, peppers, cured meats and more. Charcuterie is so popular and there are some wonderful local sources now. I might also make a bean dip and grill up some flatbreads to tear apart and serve with it. It’s so easy and tasty.
ANY SUGGESTIONS FOR DESSERT? I love a nice refreshing, flavoured semifreddo, which you can make ahead. For something quick, you can grill just about any fruit, drizzle a little honey on it and it tastes fantastic.
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END NOTE Summer
the road to
ADVENTURE is never far PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
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