VOL 21 FEBRUARY 2022
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February 2022
EDMONTON’S PREMIER DIGITAL GUIDE TO LUXURY AND LIFESTYLE
ADVERTISE WITH US TODAY HELLO@ MODERNLUXURIA.COM | PHONE 780-906-7235
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Highlights Note Love is in the air in the February edition – Editors’ note 8 Profile Mastering the skills of acting for over three decades – a conversation with Lorraine James 10 Women's Fashion From vintage to current designer trends, Blogger Armoire brings the most exclusive items to the Edmonton market 22
Auto Step into the better-than-ever ’22 Acura MDX and get ready for a whole new ride experience 32 Cuisine Captivating dishes and creative cocktails balance the old and the new at XO Bistro 42 Culture Keri Zwicker – the queen of the harp scene 50 Health and Wellness Five steps to build healthy and functional relationships by Dr. Ottawa 58
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February 2022
PUBLISHED BY MODERN LUXURIA LTD. FOUNDER Elsa Amorim GRAPHIC DESIGNER CONTRIBUTORS
Brandy Belitsky
Brandy Belitsky EDITORS-IN-CHIEF
Mona Butler
Jelena Bojic
Twyla Campbell
Heidi Johannson
Natasha Dixon Jenny Jean
MANAGING EDITOR
Steven Hope
Beryl Bacchus
Vanessa Ostrosser Janine Sebastian
COPY EDITORS
Tom Sedens
Margaret Crowe
Tatyana Semenova
Lucie Oosterveld
Emily Welz
BRAND AMBASSADORS Marlenie Arana Gordana Bosiocic Serap Ozturk Tracy Sestito
COVER Photography by Steven Hope
78 0 42 8 65 65
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February 2022
" All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt. — CHARLES SCHULTZ
"
PHOTOGRAPHY BY TREVOR TSOI
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Editors' Note IT'S
almost an impossibility to think
of color, and the importance of being in The Porter,
about the month of February without
the original series by CBC, inspired by real events and
associating it with Valentine’s Day. Although we
set in the roaring 1920s. The story follows the journey
connect the day with love and romance, it wasn’t
of a group of characters on and off the railway that
exactly the most charming and heartfelt of
crosses North America. Even though her role is more
beginnings. A Christian martyr named Valentine
of a background character, James says it’s important
and yes, there was more than one, was executed on
to note as this is a Canadian show, and representation
the 14th of February for secretly marrying soldiers to
matters, both in the background and main roles.
their beloved. Before his death, he left a love letter for the daughter of the jailor and it was signed “From
Ever since Carrie Bradshaw made it incredibly popular,
your Valentine.”
the Cosmopolitan cocktail has been a must-have on many cocktail menus and house parties. If you’re
Valentine’s Day has evolved and morphed over the
looking for a great new recipe, look no further! We
centuries, but remains to be one of the most romantic
bring you a Cosmo with a new twist, so check it out
days of the year. But love has many meanings to many
on page 38.
people. Growing beyond the traditional day for lovers, it has become a celebration and an opportunity to
If you’re thinking of a new place to try for that special
say, “I love you.” Whichever relationship is giving you
Valentine’s Day dinner, take a moment to explore
joy, be it friends, family or even your pet, Modern
XO Bistro & Bar with two locations, downtown and
Luxuria is helping you say it with love! This issue will
south side, for a great menu, cocktails, and a cool
get your heart beating and fluttering for all the right
decor including a cherry blossom tree which will
reasons as Edmonton offers many ways to celebrate
have you feeling like love is actually in the air! Their
this heart shaped day!
menu is a celebration of food and friendship, says Thuy Dinh, the owner of the modern Vietnamese
Check out the Valentine’s Day feature for inspiration,
bistro restaurants.
as you plan your gift giving; from traditional gifts like chocolate and flowers, which are always a good idea,
This month brings us a lot to celebrate; from
to dried arrangements that last forever, and simply
Valentine’s Day to Lunar New Year as we enter the year
beautiful terrariums that add freshness and color
of the Tiger, known for being brave and confident. So
to any space.
let’s celebrate those, and all other days in between. We are happy to bring you a little piece of Edmonton
Our mission is to feature Edmontonians who are
in every edition of Modern Luxuria, and look forward
doing interesting and engaging work in all areas
to the next rendezvous!
of life, and it was a real pleasure to connect with
— Heidi & Jelena
a local actor, Lorraine James. She shared her story and passion for acting, what it’s like to be an actor -9-
February 2022
Lorraine James reflects on her three decades of acting and how happy she is to see Black Canadians' history being shown on the screen WORDS BY REBECCA MEDEL PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
Cashmere Knit Sweater Jacket - Lardini Merino Wool Crew Neck Sweater - John Smedley 100% Silk Printed Pocket Square - Isaia 100% Salvedge Denim - Rehash Newbury Chelsea Boots - Crockett & Jones
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VERSATILE
actor Lorraine James spent her teenage years in Edmonton after moving here
from her hometown of Winnipeg. She polished her acting skills at the Citadel Theatre School and Walterdale Playhouse and has been acting for three decades now on the stage, film, television and improv. Now she’s involved in the upcoming CBC series The Porter, about the lives of Canada’s Black railway porters and the creation of the first Black railway union in North America. Lorraine shares with us what goes on in the mind of an actor, what she’s learned in the biz, and the things that bring her joy in life.
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February 2022
What drew you to acting?
Did you know much of the story about Canada’s
None of my family was interested in performing,
railway porters before this project?
especially acting. I think it was just a matter of having
The little bit I did know I found out when I did a show
so much fun in drama class that when somebody
about the Winnipeg General Strike of 1919. I had to
said, ‘Hey, did you ever think of becoming an actor?’,
work on a character whose husband was a porter. I
because I kept talking about drama class this and
didn’t learn anything about it in school and it was never
drama class that - I thought, that’s not a bad idea. I
really mentioned anywhere else. I’m not surprised that
started off wanting to be a movie star when I was a
there’s still a lot of history that hasn’t been discovered
teenager, and then the more I appreciated acting,
in the Black community and that there’s more Black
the more I realized that I love theatre.
history to Canada than people realize or are willing to admit.
How would you describe yourself? I’ve heard the word ambivert—one who is an introvert
Can you talk about your role in The Porter?
and extrovert—I don’t know how true that is. I’d always
The only two roles I had were background roles. One
been more of a shy kid, but then once I discovered
was a townsperson walking back and forth. And my
drama, I think it brought out what extrovert there is
favourite was being a choir member of a church. We
in me. I try too much to be an extrovert and I’m really
filmed some church dance scenes at the end of a
an introvert.
long day, so to dance at the end of it was rejuvenating.
You’ve performed Shakespeare, dramatic acting,
You’ve said that normally actors don’t mention
improv and directing. Those are all such diverse
if they’re in a background role, but because this
forms; can you explain the difference between
production is so important to you, you're very excited
improv and more dramatic forms of acting like in
to talk about it.
The Porter?
I’ve done lots of background work and there’s a sort
With improv I did theatre sports mostly and that’s a
of rule that if you’re trying to eke out a career as an
different set of rules. But with scripted work your focus
actor, you don’t need to put background work on your
is elsewhere, and even in film versus live theatre, it’s
resume. There have been film and television shows
how you project. It’s how you try to communicate the
out there that have had Black characters, but you
story and your character. There are times where I get
don’t see them advertised enough. And it seems like
the two confused or I try to do one thing for everything.
you have to turn to American television to see more of
I think if you have one area of performing that’s the
that. The importance of this show is that it’s Canadian.
strongest, you should focus on that one. But I do like the idea of being as flexible as possible. Not just to get
How do you prepare for a role?
as much work as I can, but I just love acting that much.
Reading it over and over again. I always try to figure out what the story is, what’s the point of the story. You have to convince people that there’s something
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February 2022
SCENES FROM THE PORTER
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here worth seeing, and I’ve never seen anything
play and I remember I wasn't that nervous because
like this before. I try to imagine the uniforms and
it was only three minutes and we had very few lines.
where they lived and what they went through. There
It was a Samuel Beckett play so it opened me up to
are many interesting stories about Black people’s
playwrights. Being an actor, I’d wanted to focus on
contributions to Canada. People are hungry for this
actors but then I got interested in playwrights and
kind of knowledge. As important as something like
their different styles. Venturing out as an actor has
The Book of Negroes is, there have got to be more
been quite an adventure for me.
stories about our history within Canada that come after What was it like beginning your acting career in
slavery. What happened next? How did we survive?
Edmonton? What might people not realize about being an
LJ: The first theatre I went to for an audition was the
actor of color?
Walterdale Playhouse. I was in A Night of One Acts
LJ: Sometimes when you’re a person of color,
and did a Samuel Beckett play called Come and Go.
stereotypes come into play. And then it’s up to me as
The next play I did was You Can’t Take it With You.
the actor to try to make them as three-dimensional
That was the last play I did before I moved back to
and as relatable as possible. I feel like there are a lot
Winnipeg. I also took some acting classes at Citadel
of people out there, especially younger generations,
Theatre School, which was different from drama class
who will be able to see something like The Porter
in high school. These types of acting classes were
and maybe they’ll be able to understand where their
more geared toward preparing you for the idea of
heritage came from. And even if they came from
becoming an actor.
another country, they’ll be able to see that someone like them planted roots here in Canada and what
What were your favourite parts of Edmonton?
they went through to make sure that someone like
LJ: It took me a while to adjust because I’d never lived
us—someone like me—had a better life.
outside of Winnipeg before and I felt homesick. But after a while I made new friends. But I will say that
What’s been your most memorable performance?
seeing people get dressed up for Klondike Days, at
LJ: It would have to be my last one. I did a tour through
first I thought, do I have to dress up like that? I was
the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre and it was The
worried because I thought where am I going to get
New Canadian Curling Club. I never thought I'd ever
an outfit like that?
perform for the RMTC. I was also usually used to being the only minority in the show. But in this one
What are your top three luxuries?
there were [a number of us]. I don’t often get to be in
LJ: My iPad, my ear buds, and my bike. It’s a road bike
situations like that.
and right now I have it on a bike trainer and I exercise on it. With the snow all over the place I’m not one of
Another one would have to be my very first show
those people that rides my bike in the winter!
Come and Go at the Walterdale Playhouse. It was me and two other performers in a three-minute
WWW.LORRAINEJAMES.WORDPRESS.COM
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February 2022
Valentine's Romance
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Creating an alluring bespoke evening or heading out for a candle-lit dinner? Don’t forget to pamper yourself before treating your special loved one to an unforgettable moment of romance.
FASHION & STYLING BY EDDIE'S MENSWEAR PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY WELZ MODEL RICHARD DREGER AGENCY CHAN INTERNATIONAL MODEL & TALENT AGENCY WWW.EDDIESMENSWEAR.COM
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February 2022
Leather Jacket by Torras Leather Cashmere Turtle Neck by Lorenzoni Wool Vest by Empire (made in Canada) Green Pants by AG Denim Suede Blucher Shoe by Brother Frere
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Sport Coat by Empire Made in Canada Wool Shirt by Samuelsohn Made in Canada Alberto Denim Pocket Square by Stenstrom Boots by Brother Frere
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February 2022
Suit by Jack Victor Made in Canada Casual Shirt by Danini Belt by Benchcraft Made in Canada Pocket Square by Dion Made in Canada Multi Suede Shoe by Masciotra
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Eddie’s Men’s Wear has been helping men look their best since 1958 with a focus on quality and personalized customer service.
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February 2022
For the Love of High Fashion Fashion of the past for the future, Edmonton based Blogger Armoire curated 4 classic designer looks for Modern Luxuria. FASHION & STYLING BY BLOGGER ARMOIRE PHOTOGRAPHY BY TATYANA SEMENOVA MODEL MARTHA SZUMOWSKA AGENCY PATTI FALCONER AGENCY
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WWW.BLOGGERARMOIRE.COM
Balenciaga Shearling Lined Leather Coat Armani Silk Blouse Brunello Cucinelli Layered Tulle Skirt Louis Vuitton Star Trail Combat Boot
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February 2022
Dries Van Noten Tulle Dress Dries Van Noten Brocade Silk Heels Issey Miyake Lilac Pleated Top
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Valentino Red Silk Volcano Dress Forte Silk Pant Hermes Birkin 30 in Gris Etain Leather
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February 2022
Blogger Armoire’s luxury designer resale showroom and e-commerce platform carries the finest in classic designer pieces like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, and Prada just to name a few. They focus on providing the market with the accessibility to the most exclusive and coveted of designer goods from both current season and archival collections from times past.
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Chanel Double Cuff Tweed Jacket Chanel Tweed Fringe Skirt Chanel Multi-Strand Pearl Chain Heart Necklace Alexander Wang Boot Chanel Classic Caviar Bubblegum Flap Bag
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February 2022
Tanzanite Trilliant Necklace An 18K deep purple tanzanite, with a melee diamond bead-set design crowning the stone, on a yellow and white gold pendant. The design was created around the trilliant stone so that the white of the diamonds brings out the deep color of the tanzanite.
Shipwrecked Silver Coins Mould Silver bars salvaged from the 1622 shipwreck of the Spanish Galleon Atocha off Key West in 1985 have been turned into moulds of the treasure that can be used for gold or silver jewellery. It’s a one-of-a-kind idea for cuff links or a pendant. A 2000 year-old coin with an image of Alexander the Great could be another conversation starter.
Marquise Diamond Ring A mix of an 18K white gold and 14K rose gold band and a 2/3K fancy cut marquise diamond make for a stunning and unique-looking ring. Diamonds come in assorted cuts, colors, clarities and carats, so if there is a certain type of diamond ring you just can’t put your finger on, give Tom a call.
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From Shipwrecks To Sparkle Kline Custom Jewellery and Design is an Edmonton landmark, having opened its first set of doors on Jasper Ave in 1917. You can now find it nestled in the historic LeMarchand Mansion on 100 Ave. The customdesign jewellery shop has a base of loyal customers who know who to talk to when they’re looking for that special something—they call up Tom. Owner Tom Towns has worked at Kline since ‘92, but returned to his first love of art in ‘85 after retiring from the then-named Edmonton Eskimos. He’s been designing jewellery for more than 30 years. Here are a few special pieces to consider for Valentine’s Day.
WORDS BY REBECCA MEDEL PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
WWW.KLINECUSTOMJEWELLERYANDDESIGN.COM
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February 2022
PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
A Profession of Love The simplest of gestures have withstood the test of time. Dating back to the 17th century, flowers and chocolates became part of the Valentine’s Day traditions. These tangible expressions of love can be as simple and classic as the ever popular red roses - dependable and yet still a showstopper. But here at Modern Luxuria, we discovered some of Edmonton’s very best ideas that take us outside the proverbial “heart shaped” box when it comes to this long-established love day. Experienced through the senses of taste and smell, give your friends, lovers and family all the feels with these incredible and unique takes on a time honored gesture. Add in a love letter, poem or short devotion to these tried and true sentiments of the heart. They will be sure to solidify your valentine’s adoration.
Jacek Chocolate Couture Assorted Chocolates
Fabloomosity
Lovella
Love you Forever Preserved and Dried floral bouquets, last forever!
Fresh Vase Arrangements
The Violet Chocolate Company Candy Heart
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" The best gift is giving from your heart. — KEVIN HEATH
"
Fabloomosity
The Violet Chocolate Company
Lovella
Bloombox available in 2 sizes, in designers choice floral or dozen roses
Assorted Chocolate Bars in Ginger Chai, Fruit Crunch, Caramelized Cocoa Nibs, Honey Rosemary and Cranberry Coconut
Floral Heart Box
Lovella
Jacek Chocolate Couture
Valentine's Day Floral Heartbox, Fresh Floral Arrangement and Bouquet
Valentine's Day Collection
Fabloomosity Getting’ Jiggy With it Jigsaw puzzles with custom designs
WWW.FABLOOMOSITY.COM | WWW.JACEKCHOCOLATE.COM WWW.THEVIOLETCHOCOLATECOMPANY.COM | WWW.LOVELLALIFESTYLE.COM
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February 2022
New Style, New Tech, New Luxury Sophisticated and stylish, Acura’s allnew 2022 MDX is better than ever WORDS BY TOM SEDENS PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
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February 2022
Acura's venerable MDX is all-new for 2022, redesigned inside and out. The new exterior showcases a longer hood, muscular and aggressive sculpting, Acura’s fantastic signature diamond pentagon grille and massive 20-inch rims. LED lighting is found everywhere from the Jewel Eye LED headlights to the fog lights and tail lights. The spacious cabin is masterfully crafted, using highend materials ranging from stitched and textured soft plastics to genuine wood and metal trim. The customizable ambient lighting is fun and looks great. Sitting in the perforated Milano leather seats is a delight - they’re heated and ventilated, very comfortable and well bolstered for sportier driving. Overhead is a huge panoramic sunroof. In front of the driver sits a beautifully rendered digital dash. It changes its appearance and “attitude” based on the driving mode you’re in and the driver can also customize its content. A huge screen juts out of the sculpted dash. Controlled by a touchpad on the console, it handles your phone, navigation and the outstanding 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D sound system. Driver and passenger safety is of utmost importance and Acura’s full suite of driver assistance technology is included. The MDX is a 7-seater - you’ll find three seats across in the second row and two seats in the third row.
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Acura’s flagship SUV has always been a smart, powerful and reliable vehicle and all of that remains with the all-new 2022 MDX.
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February 2022
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The second row, with heated outboard seats, boasts comfortable and spacious seating. Getting to the third row is easy, although the space is mostly suited for kids. Accessing the large trunk is done with a powered and hands-free tailgate. Under the hood lurks a powerful 290 HP 3.5L V6. Its power is sent through a 10-speed automatic to all four wheels thanks to Acura’s SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive) system. The transmission is activated with a modern push-button gear selector. The transmission always feels like it’s in the right gear and is quite intelligent, interpreting the driver’s needs and reacting instantly. Ride quality in the MDX is outstanding. It’s smooth, comfortable and luxurious, thanks to an active suspension system using adaptive dampers at all four corners - standard equipment in every trim of the MDX. The handling is also excellent, and the MDX becomes sportier the harder you drive it. It will surprise drivers in terms of how athletic it can feel in the corners. The Integrated Dynamics System allows the driver to choose from several driving modes by turning the silver dial on the dash – Comfort, Normal, Sport, Snow and the customizable Individual mode are all available. The MDX’s handling and ride firmness, steering and throttle response, shift patterns and even the (simulated) engine sound are all adjusted to reflect the driver’s choice of driving mode. Acura’s flagship SUV has always been a smart, powerful and reliable vehicle and all of that remains with the all-new 2022 MDX. It balances modern styling, luxury, cutting-edge technology and safety equipment; a family-hauler utility and refinement in a package that will please anyone in the market for a three-row SUV.
WWW.ACURA.CA
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February 2022
WORDS BY BRANDY BELITSKY PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
The Cosmo Is Bringing Sexy Back It's a retro drink with a bit of a foggy history, but The Sexy Cosmo is making a sweet return and we've got the perfect recipe
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February 2022
THE
Cosmopolitan, a cocktail hit from
color, anything can be made sexy with the right
the late 90's, is a perfect example of
intentions. For Tara, what makes a drink sexy is
how a trendy TV show can impact booze culture.
that it's balanced, made with quality ingredients
Sex and the City, a romance series following four
and served in an intentional way. She added, "I love
friends as they explore the Manhattan dating
sipping cocktails out of unique vintage glassware.
scene, famously made the pink cocktail popular in
That automatically elevates the experience for me.”
the show's second season when one of the main characters ordered one at a wedding bar. The
Speaking of quality ingredients, Tara also suggested
drink made reappearances throughout the show,
some great local distilleries for the perfect vodka
sparking a trend of people enjoying Cosmos while
to use for Cosmo crafting this Valentine's Day. MD
they watched the show.
Distillery makes a lemon vodka that would pair well with the cranberry juice, or you could try Black
This past December, Sex and the City made a
Diamond's Spiced Cranberry Vodka which is a
controversial return with a reboot titled, "And Just
seasonal vodka they offer in the winter. If you don't
Like That", where three of the original title's main
want to use a flavoured vodka, Tommy Bahama has
characters are navigating New York life in their
just released a vodka with slight citrus undertones
fifties, and since then the Sexy Cosmo has been
which would also work well.
making a resurgence. The Cosmopolitan didn't start with Sex and the City though. It's not entirely clear where the fruity drink originated. Some sources point to a bartender by the name of Neal Murray who claims MD Distillery Lemon Vodka
that he invented the drink at the Cork & Cleaver steak house in Minneapolis in 1975. Some say that it came from the gay community in Provincetown, a small town in Massachusetts that was famous for growing cranberries. Several other bartenders also claim to have invented the drink, but no one seems to really know for sure where it originated. We spoke with Tara Smith, the manager of Boudreau Wines in St. Albert, to get the scoop on the Sexy Cosmo and to find out why it's the perfect drink to sip on this Valentine's Day. When asked what makes the Cosmo such a sexy drink, Tara tells us that other than the pink
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Here's how to make a Sexy Cosmo: 2.5 ozs aforementioned Vodkas (or any
high quality Vodka will do the trick)
1 oz Cointreau (put the triple sec away! Cointreau is where it’s at) 1 oz Cranberry Cocktail 0.5 ozs fresh squeezed lime juice (take the time to squeeze fresh limes instead of using a concentrate) Orange twist for garnish
Ensure the glass you use is chilled (fill it with ice and water while you mix the drink) Shake all ingredients vigorously in a cocktail shaker (a few shards of ice won’t be a bad thing) and strain into your now empty, but chilled glass. Give the rim of the glass a quick rub with the citrus twist and float the twist in your cocktail!
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/BOUDREAUWINES
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February 2022
XO Bistro finds the balance bet
Captivating dishes and cre menu at this modern
WORDS BY TWY PHOTOGRAPHY B
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tween the old and the new
eative cocktails are on the n Vietnamese bistro
YLA CAMPBELL BY STEVEN HOPE
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February 2022
Edmonton boasts an impressive number of places to enjoy Vietnamese dishes, but rarely will you find one that offers a modern take on traditional fare. XO Bistro is an exception to the rule. Thuy Dinh opened the downtown bistro in 2017 with the hope that her menu would not only appeal to devotees of Vietnamese food, but to curious customers as well who are less familiar with the flavours of her ancestral nation.
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February 2022
While it’s hard to sway loyalists from pho or vermicelli bowls jam-packed with grilled meats and fresh herbs, unexpected plates like oxtail topped fries and sizzling chicken wings coated in a sweetened fish sauce captivated a legion of diners dipping their toes into the waters of southeast Asian flavours for the first time. Those same customers returned, venturing more daringly into bowls of spicy bun bo hue and banh xeo, a pancake filled with shrimp, vegetables and bean sprouts. It was risky, but in taking that chance, Thuy Dinh accomplished two things: she pleased the veterans and converted the wary. Perhaps the cocktails helped. The Good Morning Vietnam, a mix of gin, soho, lychee puree and hibiscus syrup, and the Hennessy-based Emperor Kaffir Mule are delicious accompaniments to any dish, be it appetizer or meal. If you’re wondering about the name of the bistro, the XO is a nod to the popularity of XO Hennessy in Asian countries.
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Of course, “xo” is also the symbol for a hug and a kiss and while love is in the air for February, Dinh, true to form, decided to forego a romantic nuanced menu. Instead, she is celebrating, in general, the love of food and friendship - two important aspects of which to be reminded of during this point in history. Diners won’t be disappointed with the menu any time of the year, thanks to input from staff and partners that Dinh joined forces with to open a southside location in 2021. “Our partners at the second location have helped tremendously in terms of design, introducing new menu items, marketing, and daily ops,” she says, adding, “Hopefully we will only get better with time.” Striving to improve is admirable. Dinh and her partners are keenly aware of the importance in maintaining customers’ interest by offering enticing dishes and good service. Keeping popular items on the menu helps patrons stay loyal, but offering new fare, like the sweet and spicy tamarind prawns, entice first-time customers through the door. Coffee and dessert are worth the mention, too. If you’ve been to Hanoi and tasted the egg coffee specific to that city, you’ll be pleased to know it’s on the menu at XO Bistro. And the Saigon Affogato? Well, you’ll need to try this dessert to fully understand its seductive appeal.
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February 2022
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Sit at the bar under the canopy of the cherry blossom tree or snuggle into a booth by the wall. While the MacTaggart location is still sleek and shiny at not even one year old, the older downtown location is undergoing a reno, hopefully complete by the time of this article. Change is good - as long as it doesn’t happen to the rice paper spring rolls, that is. One bite was all it took to make a loyalist out of me. www.XOBISTROBAR.COM
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February 2022
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Queen of the Harp Scene Teaching, touring, and private events; Keri Zwicker does it all and more with classical notes and Celtic flair WORDS BY MONA BUTLER PHOTOGRAPHY EMILY WELZ
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February 2022
ONE
would assume that, with as many harp-related hats as Keri Zwicker wears,
she had been born plucking the strings of a harp. Although she grew up in a musically inclined home, with her parents and both grandmothers as avid amateur musicians, it seemed originally that she may grow up to be a woman with a career in STEM. She had been in the WISEST program in high school, she recounts from her Harp Shack - a small, cozy, harp-filled shed built in her yard and set up as a space to tutor budding harpists, but the program didn’t quite have the desired effect. “I played at a tea in honor of Dr. Armour before she passed away. I just had to confess to her that I was a dropout from her program!” Her musical roots were more so in piano and in vocals. As she began developing an interest in Celtic music, she wanted an instrument with which to accompany her vocals and she almost picked up the accordion instead! “Could you imagine how different my career would have been!”, she laughs. She found out she could rent a harp through her program at the U of A and she made the switch from piano to the harp halfway through her education. Keri fell into the harp at a time when there was no one more advanced than her, which left her to figure out a lot on her own, but also with a lot of opportunities to play in university concerts. Keri’s harp career has many branches, all of which have contributed to her ability to sustain herself as a musician. She tours with Cowboy Celtic, is one of the few Suzuki Method Harp Tutors in Canada, does private events such as weddings, and plays second harp for the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. These many branches also meant she had the ability to pivot as needed and stay active during COVID.
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“I always tell people that I haven’t worked a day in my life that wasn’t as a self-employed musician. It keeps it interesting! If I was just touring, it would start to feel like a grind. If I was just teaching, it would start to be boring.” When asked if she has a favourite branch, she says that they have all provided her with incredible amounts of satisfaction in different ways. They are more so defined in their standout memories. With the Cowboy Celtic, Keri played a week of shows at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, D.C., and she can boast that she has visited nearly every state. When Princess Margaret visited Edmonton to hand out the Duke of Edinburgh awards, she had the privilege of being there, witnessing the proceedings from behind her harp.
“One day I’ll be playing for seniors, and I’m playing for the Lieutenant Governor at the Alberta Order of Excellence Awards! It’s always different and fun!” Touring and large events have, of course, been brought to a halt thanks to COVID but there are some hopeful plans being made that would bring her back to the stage wearing two of her harpist hats. This particular event is doubly exciting for the fact that, though Cowboy Celtic is an Alberta-born band, they have had very few opportunities to play here in Edmonton. “The Edmonton Symphony has expressed interest in doing a performance with Cowboy Celtic sometime this Spring, and we are hopeful it will happen, what with COVID potentially having an impact.” WWW.HARPCHICKCANADA.COM
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February 2022
Creating an Unforgettable Dinner to Celebrate Love WORDS BY KAITLYN DEGRASSE CREATIVE DIRECTOR AT SPECIAL EVENT RENTALS PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
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This Valentine's Day may look different. Maybe your province is in lockdown, indoor dining is restricted, or you would rather just stay home. This does not mean the night needs to lose all its romance. Look at it this way: you lose the stress of booking a reservation for an overpriced pre-set menu months in advance. Special Event Rentals will help you create and style the picture-perfect romantic Valentine's Day dinner for you and your partner. Here are some tips and tricks to creating an unforgettable dinner for two:
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February 2022
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1.
The Perfect Setting
this candle combination around the entire area surrounding the dining table. Depending on the
Start by creating a playlist, choose songs that bring
number of candles used, remember to make sure
back good memories, then sit back, relax and
you leave enough time to light everything before
reminisce.
your partner arrives. There's nothing that beats a dimly burning flame.
Cook foods that give off the most amazing smells
4.
while wearing a chef's hat. Make it fun!
2.
Setting The Table
Dress To Impress
Don't forget about yourself in all of this! Set a dress code, get all dolled up for your partner, and dress for
Start by picking a linen color. Choose something
success.
significant like your wedding color or your partner's favourite color. Let us help you choose a different
How can your partner not be impressed at this
plate for each course, similar to what you would
point? Seeing you all dressed up is just the icing on
experience in a restaurant, and remember, do not
the cake.
be afraid to mix and match the dinnerware. Use
5.
large plates, bowls, and different glassware. This is the time to think outside the box, and maybe use
Valentine's Day is all about sweets! Chocolate-
a martini glass for a small appetizer or salad and
covered strawberries, candy hearts and delicious
layer everything together right on the table. This
baked desserts. If you're not a baker, why not create
will create a beautiful spread, appealing to the eyes.
a dessert spread? Pick up all the favourites and place everything on a wooden board like you would
Last but not least, the centerpiece - fresh floral, is
with meat and cheese. You can pick at this all night
always recommended. Keep the floral low and
long and trust us, this will be a hit!
minimal so not to disturb your view, and don't forget to tell your florist the color palette you're working
To make things less overwhelming, use local
with, as you want the floral to compliment the table
companies to help plan this perfect night. Rent
decor.
3.
Treat Yourself
your tableware, glassware and decor, purchase
Let There Be Light
fresh floral from your local florist and use the help of a bakeshop for something sweet.
Soft, flickering candlelight is an absolute must, and there is no such thing as too much. The soft light
I hope these tips help you woo and charm your date.
that a candle gives off will completely transform the space and create the most romantic atmosphere.
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Use a combination of different mercury votives, tapered candles holders and various vases. Place
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February 2022
EVERLASTING LOVE "My passion to help couples find a new way together is at the heart of the counselling work that we do at New Start Counselling Services.” - Dr. Ottawa Easingwood MCPP-RPC
WORDS BY HEIDI JOHANNSON PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
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WE
take our cars in for tune ups, hit the
If the concept of counselling, as it relates to couples,
dentist chair twice a year and find
is challenging to admit, don’t fret! Dr. Ottawa equates
time for nail appointments and haircuts. But our
relationship and marriage counselling as, “a norm just
relationships? Well, sometimes those are put on the
like getting help with anxiety.” She also shares that
back burner. As time passes, if issues aren’t addressed;
everyone today is aware and more honest that our
they are left to fester and seep into the layers of a
relationships and marriages can and do have troubles
union. Let’s be honest, relationships are work! But
at various times. That honesty, where appropriate, can
there are, without question, rewarding results that
be expressed with the simplest of responses. “We are
come with that effort.
having a rough patch and we are getting some help” or, “We have had some relationship troubles and we
With over 25 years of counselling experience, we
are working on it.”
turned to expert, Dr. Ottawa Easingwood - MCPPRCP of New Start Counselling Services to discuss
Being proactive in our relationships in the form
the challenges of conscious coupling. She shared 5
of counselling has become more familiar for the
tips that can get us started on the road to creating a
younger generation. “It has become accepted as a
healthy, functional, day to day relationship:
norm to their lives. When there are concerns, we are seeing younger individuals reaching out for advice
1. Spend at least 15 minutes every day talking to each other. It is important for both of you to talk about things. One of you will talk more than the other, however it does not give us an option to not talk. Talking is non-negotiable.
and help. As relationships become more serious or one of commitment, they are wanting to address issues. Especially as they consider marriage, many want to address those areas so it isn’t a liability to the relationship. This also then becomes a great time to do pre-marriage counselling to look at other areas
2. Learn how to control your anger and frustrations. Anger is a cycle that is very destructive which often leads to fighting.
that could also become potential problems.” For modern and traditional lovers alike, we asked Dr. Ottawa for a couple of tips to turn up the heat this
3. Learn not to personalize things. When we personalize things we become defensive. Remember that your partner’s behavior or mood is not always about you.
Valentine’s Day. “Stay out of fighting. Table the difficult conversations for another day and make the plans a priority - follow through.” WWW.NEWSTARTCOUNSELLINGSERVICES.COM
4. Make time for each other and do things that you both enjoy. Include laughter in your day. 5. Set your intention to believing that your partner has good will towards you.
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February 2022
East Coast Country Living Meet Big City Sensibilities Marie Hebson brings a little bit of cottage, a little bit of city, and a whole lot of reasons this house can be a home
WORDS BY MONA BUTLER PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
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February 2022
LIKE
usual, it all started with a floor plan and a moodboard, but when working with Hillview Master Builder, Marie Hebson has room to work thanks to the
trust they have built over multiple projects. Hillview leans away from contemporary or the hyper modern and so with that in mind, she went to work.
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“I usually try to put two different style genres in a home and I like to put a spin on the combinations. This Jagare Ridge Modern East Coast has a bit of modern in the lighting, some of the plumbing fixtures and the upholstery, but we have that beautiful pop of color and the accessories are leaning toward more country. Just little hints here and there like the pattern on the floor that's geometric and a little art nouveau.”
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February 2022
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Marie loves fit & finishes, like cabinetry and tiles but
The key to designing and decorating a home that
acknowledges that they are also a lot of money to
looks like the ideal dream home while also being a
replace. Unlike working with an individual client with
space that potential buyers can come in and picture
specific tastes, a showhome must be designed to look
themselves unwinding at the end of the day on the
like a curated space while also being neutral enough
couch or doing art projects with their kids, is the
for people to be able to move in their own furniture
accessories. It’s all in the balance of too much or not
and art after the showhome furnishings have been
enough. When the perfect accessory cannot be found,
moved out.
or something arrives at her home office not looking as expected, Marie takes matters into her own hands.
“I try to make those as absolutely timeless as I can. We all know this floor plan, it’s not new. You know,
“With all the white flowers that are on the wall, I
you walk in and there’s a little home office on the way
wanted to add more depth, so I hand painted them
to the living room. What was new is that we created
with gold metallic paint. I also did all the silk flower
this little London telephone booth with the doors on
arrangements myself, as well as the little succulent
the corners. It really opened that space up and gave
arrangements. I can’t have a house without flower
it character and personality.”
arrangements! There’s also a little cookbook holder in the kitchen that when it arrived, it wasn’t the
Another gorgeous example of this is in the ceiling in
light blonde color I was expecting. It was more of
the foyer. Instead of using the same tile from the floor
an orangey, red color, so I sprayed that matte black
on the ceiling, which would have been distracting and
instead.”
restricting, Marie traced the pattern from the floor WWW.INTERIORSBYDESIGNAB.CA
tile and repeated it on the ceiling but in black, tying it all together without limiting a future homeowner’s options.
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February 2022
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February 2022
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