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July 2022
Highlights Note Live in the moment as much as you can– Editor’s Note
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Profile Building out the business of Canadian hockey – Bob Nicholson 8 Fashion Modern Luxuria’s inaugural Edmonton’s Most Fashionable Contest 14
Auto The 2018 Porsche GT3 sports car perfection Cuisine Biera is in a league of its own
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Arts & Culture The life of art and travel -and the endless inspiration of Gene Prokop Health & Wellness The science of quality of life
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PUBLISHED BY MODERN LUXURIA LTD. FOUNDER Elsa Amorim EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jelena Bojic CONTRIBUTORS MANAGING EDITOR
Mona Butler
Beryl Bacchus
Twyla Campbell Marcia J. Hamm
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Nev Ostoin
Brandy Belitsky
Kaden Sczesny Tom Sedens
COPY EDITOR
Jay Walker
Lucie Oosterveld
Emily Welz
BRAND AMBASSADORS
Modern Luxuria is a digital magazine and is published
Marlenie Arana
monthly.
Gordana Bosiocic
For subscription inquiries email:
Serap Ozturk
hello@modernluxuria.com
Kristen Patrick
No part of this magazine, including text, photographs,
Tracy Sestito
illustrations, advertising layouts or other graphics may be reproduced in any way without the prior written consent of the publisher. Modern Luxuria Magazine is not responsible for loss, damage or any other injury to unsolicited manuscripts, unsolicited artwork (including but not limited to drawings, photographs, or transparencies) or any unsolicited material. By accepting and publishing advertisements, Modern Luxuria Magazine is in no way endorsing or guaranteeing the quality of service or product with those advertisements.
COVER Photo by Nev Ostoin
July 2022
Beryl Bacchus Managing Editor
Beryl Bacchus has had an extensive career with over 20 years in the fashion, events and entertainment worlds. Spending time in Montreal, Toronto and New York, she moved to Edmonton just over a decade ago and is excited to bring her passion for community to Modern Luxuria Magazine and help showcase the talent and vibrancy of Edmonton from a fresh perspective.
Contributors Twyla Campbell is a freelance writer
Jay Walker was born and raised in
and food columnist for CBC Radio
Halifax but eventually made his way
(Edmonton). She is a seasoned traveler
out west. His passion for photography
who seeks unique destinations both
started 12 years ago while on climbing
local and abroad. A proud supporter of
trips. He has travelled the world shoot-
Canadian wine and sustainable food
ing everything from street photogra-
producers, Twyla is a regularly sought
phy to cycling and running events.
food panelist and judge for culinary competitions in Canada. Nev Ostoin is a lover of the outdoors, and winter being her favourite season
Emily Welz is an internationally
makes her a perfect fit in Edmonton. Her
published photographer and stylist.
passion is capturing every-day moments
Before running her photography
around the city, obsessing over perfectly
studio full-time, she worked in media communications and literacy
framing each shot. Nev's favourite
advocacy. Her passion for storytelling
transportation method is her bike, and
inevitably led her to pursuing
she can be found enjoying coffee at Kaffa or a good glass of wine at Rosso.
photography, creative direction,
Her photography focus is always on and
modelling, styling, and set design.
the camera is always within arm's reach. Mona Butler is originally from
Tom Sedens is a husband, father of 3,
Vancouver, Mona brings with her to
lover of pie and a world traveler that
Edmonton a background in lifestyle
has explored over 50 countries. He is
writing within the luxury realm. When
an accredited member of AJAC
not working or training for her next
(Automobile Journalists Association of
strongman competition, she can be
Canada) who loves driving anything,
found exploring the restaurants and
anytime, anywhere.
coffee shops of Edmonton or taking her dog, Pixel, on adventures.
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Editor's Note "
Living your life consciously, aware that each moment you breathe is a gift " — OPRAH WINFREY
allowing my son to process and store these memories properly, in a spot where they will never be accidentally deleted – his heart. While I’m writing these words, my son has just graduated from high school. Mixed emotions would
I hope you can find many opportunities this month
be a way to describe feelings; from wondering where
to live in the moment, and we at Modern Luxuria
the time went, to how exciting it’ll be to see his next
always aim to bring you ideas and aspirations on how
chapter. He’s moving to pursue soccer and post-
to find luxuries, big and small, that could enrich your
secondary education opportunities, and his soccer
life. Whether it’s a refreshing cocktail at your next
coach gave a wonderful speech at the goodbye party
backyard get-together, trying out a new restaurant,
the club organized for him. I was immersed in lovely
redoing your outdoor living spaces, or looking for ideas;
words of support and recognition, and only after
our mission is to bring you Edmonton’s great scene of
the fact realized that I forgot to record it. Already
fashion and lifestyle right to your inbox each month.
emotional, I teared up again as I was telling him I didn’t record anything, and he said, “Don’t worry Mom, I’m
We hope you take your time reading through the
glad you were in the moment. I’ll never forget those
magazine, enjoy all the benefits that summer in
words anyway.”
Edmonton has to offer, and live in the moment as much as you can.
There it was! A learning moment for me, as a parent,. It’s totally okay to live in the moment, not to worry
— Jelena
about capturing everything on my phone, and
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EDMONTON’S PREMIER DIGITAL GUIDE TO LUXURY AND LIFESTYLE
ADVERTISE WITH US TODAY HELLO@ MODERNLUXURIA.COM | PHONE 780-906-7235
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WORDS BY BERYL BACCHUS PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAY WALKER
Building Out the Business of Canadian Hockey The Gentle Genius of Bob Nicholson
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AWARDED
the Order of Hockey in Canada in 2016, Bob Nicholson has overseen Canada winning 86 medals in international competition since 1990, including 53
gold. He has overseen operations for competitions that Canada has participated in internationally, including the Men’s and Women’s Olympic Games and Sledge Hockey for the Paralympics. During his tenure with Hockey Canada, Bob instituted developmental programs for male and female hockey players, as well as coaching and refereeing programs that are now used in over 40 countries.
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Talk about your childhood and your passion for hockey.
I started to develop the National Coaching Certification and the BC Junior Olympic Program (which is the
I grew up in Penticton and started playing hockey at
base of what now is the World Juniors). In 1989, Murray
four or five years old. My dad got me playing hockey,
Costello came at me hard to be the Vice President of
baseball, soccer…golf. I played all of the sports, but I
Canadian Amateur Hockey. Dennis McDonald had
really had a love for hockey and was fortunate to play
just left to be the Assistant GM with the Winnipeg
all of my minor hockey in Penticton. We had some
Jets. I went in there to oversee the junior programs,
great years winning provincial championships at the
start the women’s program (very first women’s world
midget level. I think there were eleven of us that went
championship), and I launched my national and
right from midget to junior A in Penticton which is
international career from there. Really, Dave Andrews
unheard of. I had great teammates - Grant Mulvey and
gave me the break to get into administration so I owe
Bruce Affleck, who went on to have great NHL careers.
a lot to Dave. And then, my main mentor was Murray Costello. I never thought I’d become president and I
We won the provincial championships twice. We
ended up being President & CEO of Hockey Canada.
lost out in the Canadian semi-finals my last year. Then I went to Providence and got to play under Lou
You’ve left a significant mark on every organization
Lamoriello who was the coach. Bryan Burke and Ron
you’ve worked with. Did you walk into these roles
Wilson were teammates there too.
with a clear vision and goal?
And then I was fortunate to get a job in Victoria running
When I went in as Vice President of Canadian Amateur
a sports complex where I looked after the arena. I
Hockey, it was really to hit the very first women’s
started a program called the NHL Novice Hockey
tournament. Where was women’s hockey? I remember
League for Kids Ten and Under. It was really to
how we picked that team. It was like a dart board
de-emphasize competition and work on skill
because we had no data, so I was helping to develop
development. The first year, we had 35 or 40 youngsters
a whole new program for females in this country.
playing. The next year, we had 300. It was new to the system and Dave Andrews, head of BC Hockey, who
My first year at the World Juniors was a disaster and I
I knew very well, invited me to come and talk about
remember coming back and the key people I reported
hockey. About a month later, he hired me to start
to said, “Hey Bob, you’ve got to get this right. This isn’t
development of hockey with him in British Columbia.
good enough.” I was thinking I could be in-and-out
I did that and about four months later, Dave left to
there. I made a bunch of changes to that program
be the head coach of the Victoria Cougars, so I really
and won five straight World Juniors after that.
took over.
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For Hockey Canada, the number one was about
to talk to you.” And it was Wayne Gretzky. They were
developing and getting boys and girls to play the
so excited. All Wayne talked about was, “Hey you’re
game, but you are still evaluated very heavily, especially
playing in the arena where the men got beat out.
by the public on winning gold medals. I think now,
Now go out and win the gold medal.” And they did
that any time a young boy or girl puts on a Canadian
just that. I still look at that as being really, really special.
jersey, the expectation is to win gold. I know it’s a lot of pressure, especially junior kids under 18, but that’s
And then to finalize that after winning double gold
what Canada is and that’s what separates Canada
in Vancouver, and then going to Sochi in Russia and
from the rest of the world. Others celebrate silver and
doing it again.
bronze. We celebrate gold. Is there anything you would like to share with You’ve travelled all over the world and touched so
Edmonton Oilers’ fans?
many lives. Do you have favourite memories? It was a huge transition to come here. I really got to It’s on the international stage. Winning the very first
know Daryl Katz in ’89 and he talked to me about it
gold medal in fifty years for the men in 2002 in Salt
and I thought, no. I want to do the Olympics and I
Lake was absolutely huge, and winning the first
have to get the best president’s job in hockey with
women’s gold in Salt Lake was so, so special. Flip
Hockey Canada. And then when I retired, he was all
forward to 2010 and doing that on home soil, which
over me to come. Daryl’s vision is what did it. I was
is so tough to do, and winning both the men’s and
coming for a year to just sort of help him look at his
women’s.
vision, and a year later I was the CEO of everything the building, the Ice District, Ford Hall. And now I sit
Another key one for me was 2006, when the women
here and look at it. You saw what happened in the
dominated and won the gold. The men had a
playoffs. Daryl’s vision is coming to life with thousands
disappointing finish so I went back to the first year
of people watching the Oilers’ games.
we took over sledge hockey. I told the players we would treat them like the men’s and women’s Olympic
It’s going to be even better next year because more
team if they would train like the men’s and women’s
is going to be developed. We have the best arena in
Olympic team, so it was a whole other level they had
the world. We have the best hockey players in Connor
to commit to. The men's team was playing Norway for
McDavid and Leon Draisaitl and having a Hall of Famer
the gold medal game. We had never beaten Norway
like Ken Holland as the General Manager really helps
and I can remember in the dressing room we could
us. He helps attract players, he makes all the players
hear Norway saying, “Canadians think they own this
feel comfortable, so I think we are in a really good spot.
game of hockey. We‘re going to kick their ass“; and I
Making the playoffs and winning in the NHL is very
was just listening to all of this. I put a speaker phone
tough. Only half the teams make the playoffs each
in the middle of the room and said, “Someone wants
year. No other league is like that. But we made a huge
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step this year and the future is really bright for the Oilers. I would be remiss if I didn’t talk about the Oil Kings because they are a big part of this city. Our general manager, Kirt Hill, and our head coach, Brad Lauer - they have been hidden though Covid. They had great teams that never got to go to the playoffs. And now they are sitting here going for the Memorial Cup. That’s another big part of what we do. It extends down to Bakersfield, the development side of hockey, and the Oilers’ fans. We really look at all of that. It’s pretty exciting to see where hockey and entertainment is going in the Oilers Entertainment Group, and it’s a big part of the engine to bring Edmonton back to where we should be and bring people downtown. WWW.NHL.COM/OILERS
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WORDS BY BERYL BACCHUS PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY WELZ
This month, Modern Luxuria celebrates the winners of our first ever Edmonton’s Most Fashionable Contest - 14 -
July 2022
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CHARLOTTE KIRCHNER
www.modernluxuria.com
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Occupation: Educator Fashion Philosophy: If you love it, wear it. I typically don’t buy things unless I can wear them with three other things in my closet. I truly have a rule of three. No matter how much I love something, I don’t buy it just because it is on sale. Hobbies: Shopping, Travel, Family, Volunteering I volunteer in my spare time. I work with adolescents and diagnose them in their reading challenges, then support them in their learning. It’s a passion for me. What do you love about Edmonton? We boat in the summer, so I love that the lakes are close. I love the community, both in St. Albert where I live, and Whyte Avenue. I spend a lot of time on Whyte Avenue as my daughters own a business there. Where did your passion for fashion come from? I’ve always been really interested in it. There was a time when I lived in Quebec for a little bit and I fell in love with fashion there. I happen to be lucky and have three girls and we have all kind of grown together in our love for style.
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I’m not really a trendy dresser, but I dress the trend.
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Do you have favourite pieces or must-haves in your wardrobe? Yes, my favourite piece is a black boyfriend blazer that goes with everything. And a great pair of stiff denim. I don’t like stretch denim, it has to be stiff denim. I love Mother Denim. Favourite trend this season: Full length wide leg, and the mid-rise. I am happy we are moving away from the rib cage. Favorite Stores: Bella Maas in St. Albert, Bamboo Ballroom. I prefer to shop local for my classics and then, a box store for something that is super trendy. I turn my closet over two or three times a year and do a closet sale. Before Covid, people would line up at my front door, first come - first served. During Covid, I started doing it online, but it’s way more fun and community minded to do it in person. My friends will say, ‘save this’, but I don’t save anything. If you are there at 9:00 in the morning when I open my front door, you get to pick. It is really truly building a community in the style world. @WHATCHARWORE
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Occupation: Personal Fitness Trainer I’m mostly known for aesthetic transformations, whether it be fat loss or muscle building. I’m very big with the mindset approach and really encourage my clients to enjoy the journey. Why do you want to train? Everybody has a different definition of health. If you can train the mind and really have a positive approach, then your body will respond. I’m simply there to guide and coach. Fashion Philosophy: What makes you feel good? There are always trends in fashion. There are always looks that come back. Classics never go out of style. It’s just what makes you feel good. Hobbies: Salsa dancing. I danced professionally for about seven years. What do you love about Edmonton? Edmonton’s art scene is incredible and immense, and not many people know it until they find themselves here.
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JORGE RODRIGUEZ
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“
Fashion is an extension of your personality and who you are. I’m really embracing that
“
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Where did your passion for fashion come from? Many years ago, I was in financial services and I was told by one of my mentors that because I was young, I needed to really know my stuff and also to really dress the part. One thing that stood out to me, is he told me to pretend I was going to go out and meet million dollar clients. How are you dressed? How are you presenting yourself? Because I do believe fashion is a part of or an extension of you; it’s kind of like your introduction. That always stuck with me - leaving that first impression. Do you have favourite pieces or must haves in your wardrobe? I think a good fitted T-shirt is very underrated. I love my button-up shirts. I love how you can go from dressing it up or dressing it down. Add suspenders or a bow tie and change the whole dynamic of the look. A nice pair of dress shoes. Or if you have a nice pair of runners or everyday shoes, you can mix and match. It also depends on the season - I love my pea coat in the winter, I’m also known for wearing hats. I love accessories and wearing my watches and my beads. Something so simple can go so far. I’ve really been into plaid. Plaid dress pants and a tucked in shirt. A lot of my fashion recently has been inspired by Peaky Blinders. Fashion is still an art - just like the way I dance and am able to express myself. I like to experiment and have fun with it, but I’ve always loved the whole gentlemen look. So even my friends joke around that if they are going for a coffee with me, I am not going to show up in sweats. @FITBYJORGE
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PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
A Scent of the Past Vintage fragrances are making a comeback. Delight in the individuality of these classic perfumes and colognes Symbols of the nineties are resurfacing again. Stores are filled with t-shirts emblazoned with the gang of Friends. Baggy jeans and scrunchies fill the check outs. Hearing the name Versace takes us on a nostalgic trip of the talented designer surrounded by his muses Yasmine Ghauri, Naomi Campbell and Christy Turlington, as Calvin Klein with his muse Kate Moss. George Micheal’s Too Funky blasted the airwaves and we collected fragrances. Join Modern Luxuria on a trip down memory lane with these scents of the past.
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1. Nautica - Blue 2. Armani - Eau Pour Homme 3. Calvin Klein - CK One 4. Issey Miyake - L'eau D'issey Pour Homme 5. Ralph Lauren - Polo Sport 6. Calvin Klein - Eternity For Men 7. Chanel - Allure Homme 8. Tommy Hilfiger - Tommy 9. Aramis - Aramis For Men 10. Ralph Lauren - Polo 11. Calvin Klein - Obsession
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12. Giorgio Armani - Acqua Di Gio
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1. Clinique - Happy
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2. Guerlain Paris - Shalimar 3. Escada - Born In Paradise 4. Paloma Picasso - Eau De Toilette 5. Yves Saint Laurent - Opium 6. Ralph Lauren - Romance 7. Lancôme Paris - Trésor
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8. Lanvin Paris - Arpège 9. Lancôme Paris - La Vie Est Belle 10. Calvin Klein - Eternity
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WORDS BY TOM SEDENS PHOTOGRAPHY BY KADEN SCZESNY
The 2018 Porsche GT3 - Sports Car Perfection A Track-Ready Icon - 32 -
July 2022
THE
Porsche GT3 isn’t big on compromise. It does not make for the perfect daily driver and it does not put comfort and luxury at the top of the priority list. As a matter of fact, it requires your full
attention. It demands that all of your senses are in tune. The GT3 aches for speed - it is a singularly focused Teutonic track-ready weapon, chiseled to perfection to eke every last ounce of capability from the chassis.
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July 2022
The engine, a naturally aspirated 4.0L flat-six that puts out 500 HP at a soaring 8,250 RPM, is so eager to rev through the gears, that you can barely keep up. The cable-actuated shifter is blessed with short throws and a tight, mechanical linkage making it easy to find your gear and impossible to miss a shift. Straight-line acceleration is not what this car is all about, yet 100 km/h arrives in less than 4 seconds. Where the GT3 really excels, is delivering that power on roads that are far from straight - the adaptive suspension combined with rear-wheel steering makes for an exquisitely balanced performer. The steering is perfectly weighted, has razor-sharp turn-in and a flawless connection to the car and the road. The massive front splitter and rear wing are not for show - they provide this veritable rocket with the necessary downforce for the ultimate control at unimaginable speeds. And when it comes to hauling things back down to earth, the gargantuan brakes provide breath-taking stopping power. Inside, there are all the creature comforts that the GT3 needs to be a commuter or a road-tripper. All amenities you need are there of course, but you’ll never forget that this is a race-car at heart. Fire it up and the engine barks to life - accelerating sends the exhaust note to a feverish hair-raising crescendo. The carbon fibre bucket seats offer enough bolstering to keep the driver and passenger in place during the highest speed manoeuvres and there’s a fire extinguisher in front of the passenger seat. This car is not a pretender.
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July 2022
Although the GT3 is detuned enough from its
vehicle brands. Of course you can visit them right
track-bred racing roots to work as an everyday car,
now in their current space at the same address, but
it reminds you constantly of its potential. It wants
the future of Sherwood Motorcars will be opening
nothing more than to stretch its legs, to be taken to
its doors at the end of August.
its limits and to bring you along for the ride. But the real substance comes from Sherwood This rare gem is available now from Sherwood
Motorcars’ people. Staffed by driving fanatics, the
Motorcars. To say Sherwood Motorcars is something
vibe is welcoming and unpretentious the second
different is an understatement. Their jaw-dropping
you walk through the doors. Aside from the warm,
inventory would be any car aficianado’s dream
open feel at the business itself, Sherwood Motorcars
world,
Lamborghinis,
goes to great lengths to connect to the car culture
Porsches and Bentleys to G-Wagens and even
and the community around it, frequently organizing
classic muscle cars - there is something for every
and attending local events like their famous “Cars &
enthusiast.
Coffee” that sees hundreds of attendees.
They are currently building their long-term vision - a
Whether this Porsche GT3 is your jam, or you’re
stunning space that quadruples the current square
after a $1.3 million Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, or
footage - combining a showroom big enough for 38
you just want to dream for the future, Sherwood
vehicles, a customer lounge and bakery, detailing
Motorcars will be happy to oblige. It is much more
bay and even a turntable to show off vehicles. It’s a
than a car sale though - to the staff here, it’s the
feast for the eyes, combining sleek urban materials
beginning of a friendship, a long-term relationship
like steel beams and brick, ultra-cool offices in
and a connection through the joy of driving.
ranging
from
Ferraris,
stacked sea-cans and even street art. The enormous service bay next door is licensed to work on all exotic
WWW.SHERWOODMOTORCARS.COM
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WORDS BY TWYLA CAMPBELL PHOTOGRAPHY BY NEV OSTOIN
Biera Is In A League Of Its Own Next level pub fare courtesy of Christine Sandford
FIVE
years ago, Greg Zeschuk opened the doors to Biera and set diners’ tongues wagging. While the gleaming tanks in one section of the
space verify that this is a brewery, the restaurant within that space is certainly not a brew pub. Not in the way that most would think, anyway. In the kitchen is Christine Sandford, a Culina alumnus, who lived for 18 months in Belgium working at the now closed, Michelin-starred In de Wulf, and its sister restaurant, De Superette. Sandford also has impressive butchery skills, courtesy of time spent in Italy learning from the masters there. She was practising those skills at Acme Meats in the Ritchie neighbourhood at the same time Greg Zeschuk hit a bump in his plans to build a brewery across the street. The city would only approve plans for a brewery if a restaurant was attached to it. Zeschuk offered Sandford the position of head chef. He sealed the deal with the promise of a slick kitchen and a charcoal grill, like the one at De Superette, and Sandford began creating “pub food”, the likes of which most Edmontonians had never experienced.
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July 2022
“We were breaking new ground,” Zeschuk says.
wildly popular beef tartare is imbued with smoked
“’Brewery’ denotes a more casual environment. The
beef fat emulsion and horseradish, and served with
service model is casual, yes, but the food is quite
sourdough toast.
elevated.” The bread here should not be overlooked, and if “Some dishes might sound intimidating, but
you stop by on Saturday or Sunday afternoon, the
everything is approachable,” Sandford offers. “Once
sourdough nuggets with the featured cheese is an
you taste the food, you’ll find something familiar in
absolute must.
the flavours.” For instance, everyone knows pizza, but Biera’s pizza crust is made from sourdough and
Many of Sandford’s dishes use locally grown, seasonal
served Alsatian-style, known as flammkuchen. Chili
ingredients. The B.C. pear and chicory salad on the
chicken is on the menu, but the pieces are grilled
summer menu is dressed with a charred orange and
rather than deep-fried and served in lettuce wraps
apple vinaigrette—refreshing on its own, but even
with a preserved lime aioli. Dumplings are stuffed with
better when partnered with the wood-fired Berkshire
Fromage Blanc made locally by Fleur Jaune, and the
pork shoulder.
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The flavours in the tuna tataki may be bold, but the dish is a prime example of Sandford’s skill in marrying flavours while practising restraint. The tuna is grilled rare, dressed in a serrano and lime dressing, and topped with mint leaves and slices of Pink Lady apple. The liquid offerings are just as interesting. Wines made with minimal intervention feature prominently in the rotation, but above all else, the wines need to go well with the dishes. The same goes for the Blind Enthusiasm beer, all of which are balanced and complex enough to keep things interesting, but pair well with the food regardless of it being a light summer salad or a robust steak with black garlic sauce. “Everything should fit together with the menu and be delicious,” says Zeschuk. “If it doesn’t work, we don’t use it.” After five years, I’d say things are working quite well at Biera, and if you haven’t been yet, its west-facing patio is calling your name—beer and bread are only two reasons to go to Biera. There are countless others. WWW.BIERA.CA
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WORDS BY MARCIA J. HAMM PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
Put Some Spice in Your Life Three Spiced Rums For Summer Cocktails
THE
origin of spiced rum is unknown; however, it was thought that Islanders (meaning Islands of the Caribbean where most rum
is made) have been adding spices to rum for centuries. The original purpose of adding spices was to cool new make rum and make it more palatable, likewise for medicinal purposes. It wasn’t until the Captain Morgan brand put spiced rum on the international stage that it became popular. Like gin, white or dark rum that has been flavoured with natural herbs and spices creates spiced rum. Spices are added either during the distillation process, or afterwards. The spices are generally derived from seeds, roots, dried fruits, barks, or leaves. Typical flavours are baking spices, star anise, cardamom, orange peel, ginger, and pepper. It’s important to note that spiced rum doesn’t mean the spirit has to be “spicy”, but rather, the flavours coming through to enhance the molasses and sugar cane from which rum itself is made. Spiced rums can also use fruit such as pineapple, mango, citrus, and coconut, which will add the fruity nuances; however, the spices must always dominate. High quality spiced rums always use natural flavours as opposed to just aromas or sweeteners.
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Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum Likely one of the most popular names in spiced rum today, this was crafted in honour of Norman ‘Sailor Jerry’ Collins, father of the “old-school” tattoo. He spent his time on the island of Hawaii, tattooing WWII soldiers before they headed off to war. Blended in the USA with only the finest Caribbean rum and natural spices, try Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum in the classic Daiquiri, which typically uses white rum. Using this spiced rum will enhance the flavour dramatically.
Nickel 9 Island Diaz Spiced Rum This Canadian distillery located in Toronto imports raw rum, adds the spices, and ages it right here in Canada. This rum will perhaps remind you a lot of “Christmas” with its highly aromatic spices. Loads of cinnamon, clove, sarsaparilla, coconut, and vanilla. Try Nickel 9 Island Diaz Spiced Rum on the rocks or with a ginger beer for a Dark ‘N’ Stormy. Keep this rum around for the cooler weather and use in a Hot Buttered Rum.
Plantation Pineapple Rum Plantation Distillery is a collection of some of the finest rums in the Caribbean, with the founder being schooled in Cognac. If you were given a pineapple while visiting an Islander’s home, it was a symbol of welcome and hospitality. The rum is made with pineapple rinds infused in the white rum, while the fruit itself is infused in the dark rum. Distilled again, then blended to create a rich and delicious pineapple bouquet accented by smoky and clove notes, the extra kick of pineapple will surely enhance a piña colada!
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Piña Colada
PHOTO BY MARCIA J. HAMM
2 oz Plantation Pineapple Rum 1 ½ oz coconut cream 1/2 oz pineapple juice Put all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Strain into a highball or tiki glass, and garnish with a pineapple wedge. Alternatively, use real pineapple, put all ingredients with ice in a blender and blend well. Other classic rum cocktails (using spiced rum) to try this season: Mai Tai, Rum Punch, Rum Sunset, and Rumrunner. Cheers to summer!
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Deep Rooted Love For The Art The life of art and travel – endless inspiration for Gene Prokop
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PHOTO BY JAY WALKER
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July 2022
The start of our conversation sounded more like I was talking to a travel blogger that an artist and Gene Prokop could probably be both; he travels the world and loves to do so almost as much as he loves painting. A real connoisseur of art and the world, Prokop plans his time around exhibitions, teaching art in different parts of the world, and enjoying Edmonton, his home base. A painter with rich history both locally and internationally, Prokop has been interested in arts since he was a child and remembers getting his hand slapped for drawing during math or social classes. Fortunately, a high school teacher who had an eye for talent recognized Prokop’s gift and asked him to focus on it as much as possible. After going through four years of art school, Prokop was ready to create a life that would allow him to do what he loves most. Annual trips to Europe where he would tour the museums, art galleries, and historical sites helped him develop a vision for the art, and start creating. Over the years, he was commissioned to do work for many well known organizations; Royal Glenora Club, World Gymnastics and World Wrestling, Royal Alex Hospital, Alberta Hospital, just to name a few. Contemporary art shows in Paris and New York add to the long list of his events and exhibitions. ‘My whole life has been painting, teaching, traveling the world, and visiting top museums and art galleries’ says Prokop.
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Growing up as one of seven kids, Prokop says they couldn’t afford much, so he learned how to build at a very young age. At 17, he was already building houses with his godfather, so when the time came to own his own home, instead of buying, he decided to build. Later, Prokop decided to design and build a few more homes, even going as far as winning the Best Home award in the Best Homes Magazine. Artistic influence is prominent in the homes, and nothing is cookiecutter; angled walls and ceilings, winding staircases, and particular features make these homes unique spaces to enjoy. When it comes to inspiration, Prokop never has a lack of it. ‘Old buildings, history, romantic scenery, still life, portraits, you name it, I never have a challenge finding inspiration’. And that’s how the mind of an artist works; there’s beauty in everything, but not everyone can see it. Prokop’s talent is also reflected in his love of teaching, and he does that all over the world. Some of the most notable workshops happen in Argentina where he travels twice a year to teach and enjoy the liveliness and beauty of Buenos Aires. Favourite thing about Edmonton? Its great variety of coffee shops. For Prokop, coffee is a social ritual where no paper cups are allowed. Great coffee and a light breakfast, while connecting with friends, are a part of the European lifestyle he brings back with him and keeps alive here in Edmonton. WWW.GENEPROKOP.COM
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July 2022
WORDS BY MONA ROSE BUTLER PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
The Science of Quality of Life Dr. Brown, owner of True Balance Medical Spa, treats not only the outward appearance of his patients, but also their health and longevity thanks to Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy When considering where to go for hormone-related concerns, a medi-spa may not typically be on the top of the list. But for those who may suffer from hormone fluctuations, a visit to Dr. Brown at True Balance Medical Spa can be the solution to feeling run down and inexplicably depressed. Though the treatment has suffered from a bad rap in the eyes of most conventional health care professionals, Dr. Brown shed a new, more positive light on this life-changing treatment he says is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to life-improving, and life-extending therapies.
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www.modernluxuria.com Dr. Brown began his medical career in the small
and on top of this, hormone replacement therapies
town of Mundare, AB as a general practitioner, but
suffer from an unfortunate reputation which has clung
later transitioned to specializing in OBGYN. In 2000,
on through the years, even though the controversies
he attended a conference in Toronto where his wife
have since been debunked.
was pitched by a laser hair removal machine sales rep. While Dr. Brown was skeptical of the concept, his wife
There are three primary groups who see Dr. Brown for
did her own research and presented the evidence that
BHRT. The perimenopausal woman who suffers from
a service such as this would be in demand.
anxiety, poor sleep, low energy and even sometimes,
“We had the third laser hair removal machine in
depression and weight gain. The menopausal woman
Edmonton way back in the year 2000. My wife,
who is suffering from hot flashes and vaginal dryness
along with a family member, ran the clinic and I was
who has lost energy and libido, and her overall quality
the medical director. As these things go, laser hair
of life has seriously plummeted. And finally, he sees
removal moved into esthetic injections and fillers, and
men who’ve felt much better 5 - 10 years ago and think
expanded to laser resurfacing and all the machines
it's a result of the reduction of testosterone over time,
and treatments an esthetics clinic would usually
and want to go back to feeling the way they once did.
provide,” Dr. Brown said.
Typically in all of these groups, it only takes about 4 - 6 weeks to see significant improvement.
About 14 years ago, Bioidentical Hormones piqued his interest and he went for training at the Academy
For Dr. Brown, hormone replacement therapy is
of Anti-Aging Medicine and became Board Certified.
an underrated treatment that is only the tip of the
Dr. Brown believes that he has the largest bioidentical
iceberg when it comes to treatments that can improve
hormone and testosterone replacement program in
longevity and quality of life. “We are like where the
Canada and has even written a book on the topic.
computer industry was when the personal computer
“The problem with the training is that they used
was first out!”
Suzanne Somers as a medical reference and as nice and clever as she is, she doesn’t come from a medical
The latest technology he finds most exciting, is the
background. I found it disconcerting to be telling
ability to tell your true age, or methylation status. And
people to read her stuff to support my point of view
with that, see how much longer you may live currently
and my practice, so I decided to write a book.”
and calculate how much longer you will live based on the lifestyle changes you plan on making. Considering
Dr. Brown searched medical literature to find the
quitting smoking or a change in diet? You’ll be able
evidence needed to properly educate the public on
to see the exact impact it will have on you.
BHRT and has since rewritten it in order to include
“It will allow interventions to happen on a relatively fast
updated research on testosterone replacement
basis, and people will be able to track their methylation
therapy. The evidence compiled in his book has
age in relatively real-time. There are so many things
served as an education for potential patients who
coming, it is truly staggering.”
may have felt dismissed by their own doctors who are unfamiliar with the treatment. Bioidentical Hormone
WWW.MYTRUEBALANCE.CA
Replacement Therapy is not taught in medical school - 56 -
July 2022
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A Place for Disk Golf to Call Home In only 2 years, Calvin and his business partner have seen their online business, Gander Disk Golf, outgrow their homes and become a community hub for the Edmonton Disk Golf Community
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July 2022
WORDS BY MONA ROSE BUTLER PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
For most sports, you can expect to find a hub where the community gathers and a place you can visit to get advice and buy equipment that works best for your play style. Until 2020, there was no such thing for the niche-but-growing sport of Disk Golf. Players had to order their equipment from Vancouver or the States, and the only place to learn from each other was to strike up a conversation on the field. “Much like other sports, there’s a lot of value in feeling the equipment in your hands. You want to see if you like the feel of the plastic or the exact color that it is. People in disk golf can be very particular about color, feel, and brand. The season in Edmonton is very short; you play from the moment the snow is gone. So if you order disks, it takes a while to arrive, and you never have them for as long as you’d like,” Calvin explains.
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The concept for Gander Disk Golf was born during
“Outside of the actual disk golf courses which are
a post-game conversation about how cool it would
usually in public parks, there wasn’t really a spot for
be if someone in the city sold disks. The next day,
disk golfers to get together as a community aside
Calvin was on the phone with suppliers to figure
from people's homes. We see a lot of connections
out how they might make that happen. From this
happening in the store. Families come in together
textbook example of taking matters into your own
and people are getting to know each other which is
hands, Gander Disk Golf was formed. In June 2020,
a really big part of this.”
the conversations began and by September of that As the business grows, they hope the sport will grow
very same year, the site was launched.
with it, and vice versa. While the sport is steadily Gander quickly outgrew the pair’s garages, where
growing here, there’s still quite a bit of catching up
they were packaging orders and leaving them
to do.
in lock boxes outside of their homes for their “South of the border, disk golf is a completely
customers to pick up.
different thing. Here in Canada, if you’re a 16 to 17 “We needed space either way and when we looked
year-old disk golfer and you’re really good,there
around, it made a lot more sense to have it so that
aren’t really any tournaments that pay out a lot of
people could come in and pick up their orders if
money. There are not a lot of people or companies
they ordered online. There’s also a big collectible
who can promote you so you can get sponsorships
aspect to disk golf, so there’s a lot of value in people
and make a real career. That is what we want to
being able to see and feel what they are buying.”
change in Canada.” WWW.GANDERDISCGOLF.CA
During COVID, they didn’t get to interact with people as much, but with the storefront, all that has changed. It’s become a place where people can go to learn how to play, choose disks, and even attend events in the store and warehouse.
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WORDS BY MONA BUTLER PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
Grilling Up Perfection For those looking to ‘up’ their barbecue game this summer, Barbecue Country is serving up the tips, tricks, and tools you need
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July 2022
THE
outdoor cooking season is short but sweet in Alberta, so it’s imperative that you make the most of it. Whether
you’re beginning to dabble in barbecuing or taking it more seriously, Ryan Pankow says that Barbecue Country has been watching the trends in outdoor cooking and has what people need at every interest and skill level. “We cater to everything for cooking outdoors. Mostly, of course, that entails barbecue, but over the years we’ve worked with the trends like smokers, which is the big thing right now. People are even returning to the old-school charcoal; there’s a lot more interest again.” Aside from hardware and accessories, Barbecue Country carries local spices and sauces, like award winning Motley Que. “We try to do a lot of local support when we can for people who are part of the barbecue community, like pros competing in barbecue competitions. The most famous one recently is Motley Que out of Edmonton which won an award for the world’s best sauce down in the States a couple of years ago. We couldn’t keep it on the shelves when that happened!” When shopping for a grill or smoker, evaluating the quality of the materials used in the unit is the most important part of shopping for your dream cooker. There are a few names that have become renowned as household brand names, but you want to look at the various models by each brand for signs of a high-quality piece, as well as what warranty is offered.
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“If you’re looking at North American made, they
For those looking for the ultimate experience, there are
actually have really good warranties. In our store in
clients that want completely stainless steel machines.
terms of the grills, we deal with Broil King, which is a
They would want Crown Verity or Lynx Grills.”
Canadian company. They have some facilities in the States as well where they make and manufacture
Though our barbecue season is short, there’s always
barbecues. For a long time, they were seen as a starter
a way to push your ability to cook outdoors into the
brand, but they have warranties that can last up to
fall or winter. It simply requires a few adaptations and
15 years.”
considerations when choosing your grill and how you cook. We often think a barbecue with high BTUs is
On the higher end, people often opt for Weber or
better, but those high BTUs don’t matter if the unit
Napoleon, and they’ll build them into an outdoor
can’t hold the heat.
kitchen setup rather than have a stand-alone grill. For those looking for even heavier duty, you can even shop
“We’re big on grilling year-round! Even if you have to
commercial-grade cookers for your home. When you
set your grilling station up a little closer to the house,
shop high-end or commercial-grade, you can expect
if you can shovel a little path, you could get to the grill
the quality of the materials to match the price tag.
quickly. Having a product that is a little more insulated helps, as you don’t want a cheap barbecue with lots of holes where the heat can escape.”
“They’re creating a complete stainless steel unit. When you’re looking at your barbecue, you might have plastic handles or plastic sides - maybe just the
WWW.BARBECUECOUNTRY.COM
barbecue grills or the burners are stainless steel.
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PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
Curated Outdoor Entertaining in the Hot Summer Sun 1
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1. Abbott Iridescent Stemless Wine Glass Heart Of The Home
7. Basil Olive Oil + Strawberry Balsamic Evoolution
2. Plaid Cotton Blend Woven Throw Plum Home
8. Indaba Fancy A Gin Doormat Shop Chop
3. Provisions Peach & Apricot Jam Plum Home
9. Gourmet Village Mojito Mix Jilly's Boutique
4. Roca Woven Stool Outdoor Rooms Without Walls
10. Le Present Industria Planters Outdoor Rooms Without Walls
5. Faded Blue Diamond Toss Cushions Outdoor Rooms Without Walls
11. Swig Party Animal Stemless Wine Cup Jilly's Boutique
6. S'more Roasting Set Jilly's Boutique
12. Willa Woven Placemat, Pink Plum Home
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