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COVER
Thank you
Photography by Daniella Lucier
Editor's Note
What excites you about February? Is it the prospect of chocolates and flowers and all that comes with the most romantic day of the year? Or perhaps you’re looking forward to joining in an Asian New Year celebration? I think many of us are rejoicing the waning of winter’s chill, now that we’re in the homestretch towards spring. Those warm days sure feel good.
February packs a lot into its short frame. It’s a month that asks you to open your hearts as well as your minds. We have one day to shower (more) attention on our significant other, but a whole month dedicated to learning more about Black history. You can never go wrong in staying open to love or learning.
On the second day of February, we celebrate Groundhog Day and on the second Sunday, we join millions of football fans—yes, even us Canadians!—to watch the Super Bowl and hopefully celebrate the outcome. There’s a lot to focus on in the here-and-now but February is also the month to plan, so go ahead and daydream. Squeeze the most out of this precious life. Maybe you’ll visit foreign lands. Or maybe you’ll connect more with community, here at home.
Renowned author, Anaïs Nin, said this of the second month: “February is a reminder to practice self-love and prioritize our own well-being before spreading love to others.” Wise words worth heeding. This month, let’s give a little love to ourselves, so that it flows to those in need. It’ll last longer than a dozen roses, it’s calorie free, and best of all, it won’t even cost you a dime.
Here’s to making the most of the next 28 days.
– Twyla
Contributors
Erin Walker is a professional food photographer, recipe developer and food stylist, with clients in Edmonton and across North America. When she’s not spending time behind the lens or in the kitchen, you can find her reading, gardening and enjoying everyday life with her husband and her two busy boys.
Francesca Roznicki is a creative entrepreneur and mom of two boys. Passionate about interior design, she has worked exclusively within the interior design and home building industry in Edmonton. When she isn't shuffling kids to sports practice and writing for her clients, she's scouring real estate listings and diving into decor magazines with a piping-hot Americano in hand.
Tom Sedens is a husband, father of three, lover of pie and a world traveler that has explored over 50 countries. He is an accredited member of AJAC (Automobile Journalists Association of Canada) who loves driving anything, anytime, anywhere.
Brandy Belitsky is a mom, wife, graphic designer, photographer, writer, and singer. Her passion for art an design has kept her busy in both the working world and in play. If she's not working, she's spending time with her family, creating something, singing, or cooking delicious meals in the kitchen.
Myah Juneau is an Edmonton-based writer and communications and marketing specialist with a passion for storytelling and good journalism. Aside from writing, Myah enjoys drawing, painting, and playing hockey.
Fontaine Lewis is a portrait and headshot photographer with a focus on blending fine art and commercial portraiture. His work has attracted a diverse clientele from around the world including professional athletes, performers, and business owners.
15 YEARS OF IMPACT.
For 15 years, the 1000 Women initiative has been removing barriers to education and empowering students to achieve futures beyond their dreams. By supporting 1000 Women, you are making a difference in the lives of students who need it most.
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Publisher's Note
Honouring the past, embracing the future 10
Profile
Morrel Wax: the power of giving 12
Trends
Unwrap confidence and intimacy with Curated Lingerie 20
Auto
The Genesis GV80 Coupe: luxury in motion 28
Cuisine
The Butternut Tree’s unique culinary journey 36
Drinks
Italian sparkling rosés to sip this Valentine’s Day 44
Arts & Culture
Jennie Vegt’s art captures the magic of weddings 48
Publisher's Note
In a world that’s constantly changing, I find comfort in holding onto the traditions and values with which I was raised. Growing up as the youngest of seven siblings with a strict mom, I developed a strong work ethic and learned early the value of integrity. These beliefs are so deeply ingrained that they guide me every day in work and home life. I believe in appreciating what you have, giving as much as you get, and offering love and support because that energy always returns tenfold.
“Integrity is the seed for achievement. It is the principle that never fails.”
- Earl Nightingale
A conversation I recently had with a business owner really struck a chord. His honesty was both humbling and eye-opening. Owning a business and navigating the best ways to promote your product is not for the faint of heart. Hearing about the challenges that businesses face, especially in our own community, reminded me of the importance of celebrating not just the grand achievements of the names that people recognize, but the talent and passion of smaller-scale companies that can sometimes be overlooked.
Our mission is to connect readers with the heart and soul of Edmonton. By showcasing the innovative spirit found right here in our city, we provide a platform for local businesses, artists and visionaries to share their stories with the world. We take great pride in uncovering those stories and using our artistic abilities to visually present them to you.
Every month, we commit to doing our best. We hope you can take the time to read the latest issue, share it with a friend, and like and follow us on our social pages. It’s through your support that we continue to highlight the extraordinary people, places and things around us.
– Elsa
PHOTO BY TATIYANA SEMENOVA
Moments of Meaning
How
Morrel Wax builds bridges between donors and community needs
WORDS BY FRANCESCA ROZNICKI PHOTOGRAPHY BY FONTAINE LEWIS
Inspired by the generosity of multiple benefactors, Morrel Wax has dedicated his life to connecting donors with the causes that matter most. His role at the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation as the vice president of Fund Development and Stakeholder Engagement is not just a job but a calling—one that aligns with both his personal experiences and professional aspirations, touching lives through the hospital’s focus on inner-city medicine, Indigenous health, and elder care. Here, we uncover Wax’s journey to make a profound impact in a community that has become his own, driven by the belief that shared narratives unite us all.
Tell us about your career path that led you to Edmonton.
Growing up in Omaha, Nebraska, I never imagined my journey would lead me here. After finishing grad school, I initially worked at Miami University, where I managed corporate relations. I loved connecting corporate partners with students and using my business skills to foster community support. This curiosity led me to explore the impact of giving, particularly among minority alumni. I became passionate about bridging the gap between donors and community needs. While presenting at a conference, someone suggested I consider a career in Canada. After some thought, in 2016, I moved to Edmonton to work at the University of Alberta, where I delved into Canadian culture and fund development work.
In Canada, I faced the challenge of building affinity for educational support in a system often seen as the government's responsibility. My role was to connect people with causes they cared about and demonstrate the value of their contributions to the university and its students. For three years, I dedicated my work to student scholarships and programs that uplift marginalized communities, particularly people of colour.
Then, an opportunity at the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation came knocking. My current boss asked if I'd considered a career in healthcare. Despite my American background and limited knowledge of the Canadian healthcare system, I was drawn to the hospital's focus on inner-city medicine. My personal experiences with mental health and addiction, and supporting my aging mother, fueled my interest. I transitioned from the university to the hospital, embracing the opportunity to learn and grow. After two and a half years, the pandemic struck, and my boss was promoted to CEO. When her successor moved on, I stepped up as the vice president of Fund Development and Stakeholder Engagement.
Now, I lead a group of amazing people, amplifying voices that are dear to me and my team. The Royal Alex is renowned for its expertise in eye and heart health, women's health, mental health and addiction, child and adolescent mental health, frail elderly care, and bone and joint health. I cherish my role because it aligns with my passion and purpose. Overseeing donor experiences, I work with individuals eager to support the hospital, making a meaningful difference in people's lives through their generosity.
In addition to your position at the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation, you also run a business called Moments by Morrel. Can you tell us more about that?
Moments by Morrel began as a heartfelt endeavour to help people express gratitude in meaningful ways. During the pandemic, I saw an opportunity to support businesses in showing appreciation to their clients and staff. Recognizing that traditional gifts like wine or chocolates weren't always enough, I wanted to create something more personal and memorable. This led to the development of unique gift boxes that, once emptied, could be watered to grow herbs or flowers, incorporating sustainability into the gifting experience.
As the business grew, it became clear that scaling required a shift from purely gifting to curating immersive experiences. These experiences are tailored to the needs of our clients, whether they're looking to thank staff, impress corporate partners, or host intimate home gatherings with a personal touch. By focusing on creating memorable moments, we aim to make gratitude a lasting impression, helping businesses to connect deeply with those they appreciate.
I've always aimed to bridge diverse worlds—like
uniting creative artists with affluent communities eager for unique experiences. My involvement across various communities allows me to connect those with resources to the needs within healthcare and beyond. This alignment lets me fulfill my passion and purpose in both my professional and personal endeavors, which is truly rewarding.
What is the most important factor when it comes to raising money for businesses and foundations?
In the world of business, attracting and retaining viewership is paramount. To capture attention, you must offer something compelling and relatable. Ask yourself: Does your team reflect the audience you wish to engage? Are they as passionate and connected to their purpose as your CEO is? Hiring individuals with a strong sense of purpose—a "why," is key to success.
Building genuine relationships goes beyond authenticity. It's about making your audience the hero of your story. Without their support, meaningful work and change wouldn't be possible. It's important to resonate with your audience's stories, aligning your mission with theirs. This connection is where true magic happens—not through sales pitches, but through shared narratives and the impact they create together.
In addition to these roles, you also give back to the community through multiple volunteer positions. What opportunities are taking up most of your time these days?
I volunteer at a model train club, which is a delightful escape for me, offering a chance to disconnect from my day job. The club is not only about the trains but also about the joy it brings to visitors, especially kids with autism, whose eyes light up at the sound of a train whistle. It's heartwarming to see parents enjoy a brief respite as their children become captivated by the trains. Additionally, I serve on the board of the YMCA and volunteer with YEG Good Brothers, a group of African American men committed to making a positive impact in our city. We focus on creating spaces for Black men to support each other's mental health and community involvement.
I often have the opportunity to be a mentor and coach individuals starting out in fund development. I aim to encourage others to be unapologetically themselves, helping them find purpose and passion in their work. I believe in guiding people to lead effectively from where they are, embracing
discomfort to learn about themselves as leaders. Resilience is key, and understanding that challenges offer opportunities for growth is crucial in navigating change and conflict.
What has been your favourite thing about living and working in Edmonton so far?
I often say I'm American by birth but Canadian by choice, and to me, Edmonton is a welcoming and supportive place for new ideas, art, and culture. While it may take some time to warm up to new things, once embraced, the city's diverse cultural scene rivals any in the world. Though times were perhaps easier financially a few years ago, Edmonton's spaciousness and unique blend of small-town charm and big-city opportunity make it special. Since moving here in 2016, I've been humbled by the recognition I've received and grateful to contribute to the community through my work with Moments by Morrel and the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation.
WWW.MOMENTSBYMORREL.COM | WWW.ROYALALEX.ORG
Allure, Romance and Handpicked Designs
Lingerie that speaks the language of love
PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
This February, enhance your Valentine’s Day with our thoughtfully selected collection pieces from Curated Lingerie. From delicate lace bralettes to luxurious silk sets, these pieces are designed to inspire confidence and celebrate intimacy. Whether you're gifting a partner or indulging yourself, these stunning styles promise to add a spark of romance and a touch of magic to your life—day or night. WWW.CURATEDLINGERIE.CA
Rya Collection Stunning Chemise
HANRO Favourites Lounge Set
Rya Collection Darling Cover Up
Rya Collection Or Chemise
Mey Naela Pajama Set
Montelle Bust Support Chemise
Mey Floral Paisley Pajama Set
Mey Coco Cami Tap Set
Luxurious Sporty Flair
The Genesis GV80 Coupe takes luxury to a new level with its sporty design and performance to match. The result is the ultimate expression of muscular and athletic elegance with a highly unique design, dynamic ability on the road, and SUV practicality and ruggedness.
The eye is immediately drawn to the fresh silhouette—sleek yet powerful with a coupe roofline and signature parabolic line that Genesis hopes will make it instantly recognizable from any angle.
Dark Chrome details along the belt line and door handles highlight the GV80 Coupe's sportiness while hinting at its mysterious abilities and character.
Up front, the expressive Double G-Matrix Patterned Grille takes the signature Genesis style to a whole new level. This bold front end is made even more stylish by its additional Dark Chrome moulding and mesh.
Continuing the use of Genesis signature features, Two-Line Micro-Lens Array headlamps are elongated at the front and sides of the front quarters, sitting at the same height as the grille. Flanking that already eye-catching grille, the lights serve to enhance the aggressive sport styling of the vehicle, giving it a look all its own while still making it unmistakably Genesis.
In the back, the same design is used for the rear lamps and creates a sense of unity with the front end for a seamless and graceful look. The Coupe-exclusive spoiler lives above the trunk lid for added aerodynamics and a striking visual detail, and combines with dual exhaust tips to make for an imposing and muscular back end.
Completing the visual package are massive 22-inch aluminum wheels with bold, geometric spokes.
Genesis says the GV80 Coupe's engine and platform were engineered to push the limits of SUV performance beyond the practical, and into pure driving fun.
Under the hood is a 3.5L twin-turbo V6 with a mild-hybrid 48V e-Supercharger, a system that provides low-speed torque and additional power in any driving situation, aiding with engine responsiveness. The powertrain produces 409 HP at 5,800 RPM and 405 lb.ft of torque starting at a low 1,300 RPM. It is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission controlled by a rotary gear selector or sporty shift paddles and all-wheel drive.
Handling is taken care of by the electronically-controlled suspension with Road Preview that analyzes surface conditions with a front-facing camera, adjusting the suspension as constantly and as needed. There is also an electronic limited-slip differential and Drive Mode Select, allowing the driver to choose between Comfort, Smart, Eco, Sport, Sport+ and Custom. The GV80 Coupe also has Flex Brake, giving the driver options for braking: Comfort mode offers comfortable, stable braking, while Sport mode provides a quick response speed and linear braking for safer driving.
The refined interior of the GV80 Coupe sets the tone for every drive. The sleek, modern styling combines a stunning 27" OLED Instrument Cluster and Navigation System with slim air vents, creating a clean and elegant visual presence.
The heated and ventilated front and rear seats are upholstered in sumptuous Nappa leather. Adding to the bespoke look of the cabin are the upholstered panels on the dash and the door, and the massive panoramic sunroof overhead.
Behind the track-inspired steering wheel is the Cluster High Performance Gauge that gives the pilot insight into their driving.
Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard and are directed through the magnificent 18-speaker, 1,400-watt Bang & Olufsen Sound System.
Passenger comfort and safety are provided courtesy of a three-zone climate control system and a full suite of passive and active safety features which include Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go and a full Surround View Monitor camera system.
There is no lack of practicality with the GV80 either. The powered hands-free liftgate and 40/20/40-split second row deliver ample storage and flexibility to accommodate any task you throw at it.
With comfortable seating and convenient touches, luxurious styling and world-class power, the GV80 Coupe is the perfect combination of athletic style and practical comfort to thrill and delight everyone inside—and outside, too.
WWW.GENESIS.COM/CA
With views of the picturesque Legislature Grounds and High Level Bridge, The Butternut Tree has been a special place for a meal since its opening in 2017. Today, it balances its reputation as a fine-dining destination with a welcoming atmosphere for casual visits. “We’ve carved out a unique space,” says owner Scott Downey. “You can come here for a six-course tasting menu or just drop in for wine and charcuterie. It’s about curating an experience for everyone. It’s still a special occasion restaurant for many people.”
What has always defined The Butternut Tree is Downey’s commitment to developing an identity for Canadian food. Downey's professional journey took him to some of the most renowned restaurants around the globe, including (now-closed) Noma in Denmark which profoundly influenced his philosophy. “At Noma, I learned to embrace the idea of cooking with what grows around you,” Downey says. “René Redzepi [chef and coowner of Noma] once told me that each ingredient is like a letter in the alphabet. The more letters you have, the richer your stories. That idea has stuck with me. Something that really excited me was the exploration of putting Canadian products first, having something from every province and every territory, representing local farmers and their products that they're growing. There are lots of restaurants in Canada that have a similar focus, and I think it's really exciting to have so many places in conversation about what defines Canadian cuisine.”
One of the dishes served at The Butternut Tree that Dowey thinks is most emblematic of Canadian cuisine, is a reimagining of beer-can chicken in cabbage form. Cabbage is steamed with beer, roasted, and served with caramelized whey, roasted hazelnuts and ricotta. “It looks like a nest of noodles but carries the richness and smokiness you wouldn’t expect from a cabbage,” Downey says. “This dish represents what The Butternut Tree is. It takes something that's extremely relatable, but presented in a different, high-end way.”
Sunday nights at The Butternut Tree offer a unique menu item—beef Wellington for two. “It’s a more relaxed approach, but executed at the highest level,” Downey explains. “We wanted to create a Sunday roast concept, elevated with our touch.”
Downey credits much of the restaurant's success to his partnership with co-owner and fiancée, Jillian Fonteyne, who brings her extensive hospitality background to the table. Having managed luxury dining establishments across England and Ireland, Fonteyne’s expertise complements Downey’s culinary vision. “Jillian was the first person I hired when I moved back to Edmonton,” Downey recalls. “Everything clicked from the start—not just in running the restaurant, but in life. Now we have two kids, and it’s a joy to raise them in the city that shaped us.” Even though Downey and Fonteyne have extensive experience internationally, they’ve chosen to build their lives in Edmonton, with a commitment to its culinary scene—in 2024, Downey and Fonteyne purchased The Marc, a beloved downtown restaurant. “Coming back to Edmonton felt right,” Downey says. “We’ve travelled and worked in incredible places, but Edmonton is home. The support here has been amazing, and being close to family is invaluable.”
Ultimately, The Butternut Tree is more than a restaurant—it’s a testament to Canada’s culinary identity. “When people ask, ‘What is Canadian food?’, we want to give them an answer beyond stereotypes like poutine or Caesars,” Downey reflects. “Through our menu, we hope to start a conversation about the flavours, culture and potential of Canadian cuisine.”
WWW.THEBUTTERNUTTREE.CA
Exploring Rosé Sparkling Wines
From Italy with love
WORDS BY MARCIA J. HAMM PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
Rosé wines get a lot of love during the summer months, but February is the perfect time to drink the pink, too, especially if it’s sparkling—and especially if you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day. If you’re looking for a bottle of bubbly, go for a sparkling rosé, specifically from Italy. Below are three beauties just waiting to be shared with the one you love.
Cuvage Rosé Brut is made from 100% nebbiolo, often called the king of grapes. Its beautiful light pink colour is the first invitation to have a sip. The nose is bursting with wild strawberries, cranberries and pomegranate with undercurrents of brioche and pastry. The palate boasts bright acidity, small red berries and hints of orange zest to make this bubbly the perfect aperitivo.
The wines from the Lambrusco family of grapes are enjoying great success and are still trending high. Many might choose the dark, frothy wines made from Lambrusco Grasparossa, but for a pink option, go for sparkling wines made from the Lambrusco di Sorbara variety. Emilia-Romagna is home to the Lambrusco family of grapes and the Paltrinieri Piria is a great introduction to this tank-method sparkling wine. Wines made with Sorbara give flavours of crunchy red fruit like cranberry and rhubarb with mouth-scrubbing acidity that cleanses the palate, making you want to take another bite of your food, and more importantly, another sip of wine. Also, inside the bottle is another one of the Lambrusco grapes: Salomino, known for providing elegance and power to Sorbara. The Piria is perfect as an aperitivo or a match for charcuterie or a pasta dish like tagliatelle with Bolognese.
Franciocorta, a variety from the Lombardia region of northern Italy, might very well be considered the Champagne of Italy. Unbeknownst to many, the traditional method sparkling wines of Italy have far longer ageing requirements than those of Champagne which gives the wines more texture, flavour and complexity. In addition, although Franciocorta (and other high-end sparkling wines of Italy) may not have the caché of Champagne, they are elegant, luxurious and more budget friendly than their famous French counterpart. Barone Pizzini has been family-owned since 1870, and is a winery of firsts: they were the first to be registered as a DOC, a quality designation within Italy; the first to produce an organic Franciocorta, and the first to win best organic sparkling in the world with the Barone Pizzini Rosé. Made from 100% Pinot Nero, notes of blueberry, red currant and rose petals are interwoven with rich flavour, structure and acidity. A perfect wine to share with your sweetie on Valentine’s Day.
Painting Love
Jennie Vegt turns weddings into masterpieces
WORDS BY BRANDY BELITSKY PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
At first glance, weddings and live painting might seem an odd pair. Yet for artist Jennie Vegt, the two merge into a singularly enchanting art form—a mix of tradition, emotion, and creativity captured in real time. Vegt showed promise as an artist from an early age, even receiving a scholarship offer for art school from a high school teacher. She initially dismissed the idea. "I didn’t want to be a poor artist," she recalls. Instead, she pursued a commerce degree, only to find herself miserable and unable to resist her true calling.
Encouraged by her mother, who recognized Jennie’s love for art, she shifted gears, enrolling in art school and diving head first into her craft. Her journey led her to early successes. A residency at City Hall and murals displayed around the city established her in the local art scene.
One of Vegt’s most heartfelt projects emerged from her work as a recreation assistant, where she developed a portrait program for seniors. Over time, she completed 70 portraits, while spending time with and getting to know the residents. “It really hit me how much it impacted them,” she says. This experience aligned perfectly with her pursuit of psychology, a field she entered during the pandemic by enrolling for a master’s degree. Her thesis, exploring arts and mental health, has since propelled her into pursuing a PhD, where she analyzes how art serves as a powerful medium for healing.
Simultaneously, Vegt’s live event painting business has flourished. Among her most popular offerings are her wedding paintings, where she captures the joy of a couple’s big day with a brushstroke of sentiment. Couples often collaborate with her to choose meaningful moments to immortalize—from the first kiss to the first dance—and her work transforms these events into personalized keepsakes.
Vegt describes the process as exhilarating, noting how she thrives on the adrenaline of working live and connecting with the emotions of the event. "I’ll be nervous until I sit down at the easel," she admits. "But once I’m in the zone, it’s like everything clicks into place." Her paintings often reflect the couple’s unique love story, incorporating special details like family members, beloved pets, or even whimsical requests—she’s painted everything from cherished dogs to a Pokémon cameo in wedding scenes.
Now at a crossroads, Vegt dreams of combining her academic research with her artistic endeavours, creating space for both stability and creativity. As she notes, “The arts and mental health field is such a new horizon. There’s so much potential to help people express their experiences in deeper, more powerful ways.”
WWW.JENNIEVEGT.COM
From Far Apart to Forever Together
Arsh Hazrah and Kelli McCord’s love story
WORDS BY MYAH JUNEAU PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIELLA LUCIER
After being together for four years, Arsh Hazrah knew it was finally the right time to propose to his long-distance girlfriend, Kelli McCord. Shortly after she said yes, they set the date for July 13, 2024.
McCord and Hazrah first met while attending the University of Alberta in Edmonton. Their relationship became a long-distance one when Hazrah finished his PhD and moved to Frankfurt, Germany, to research making potable water from salt water. At the same time, McCord graduated and relocated to Houston, Texas, to focus on cancer T-cell research. The chemistry lab brought them together, but now years later, their careers in science have kept them thousands of kilometres away from one another.
Despite the distance, the couple still makes an effort to see one another every six weeks, but admits that the space between them is noticeable. “It’s hard, especially with the time change,” McCord says. The separation is temporary, though; a realization that keeps their spirits buoyed.
The night before she was expected to marry her fiancé, McCord tried on her dress to find it didn’t fit as it should. Desperate, she ran to her neighbour, Hazrah’s aunt, who happened to be a seamstress. McCord had the dress tailored to her exact proportions just in time for her to walk down the aisle a day later.
The pair was so elated to be in the same country with one another that hardly anything else mattered to them. Hazrah’s mother, Goldie, was happy to step up and help plan the wedding, as well as the seven days of events leading up to it. “At the core, we knew what we wanted,” says McCord. But ultimately, the pair just wanted to be together and celebrate with friends and family.
With a keen eye for detail and luxury, Goldie Hazrah brought the couple’s Pinterest board to life. The elegant, bright white decor showcased McCord’s charming personality paired with a delicate, timeless look. Current wedding trends didn’t heavily inspire McCord’s original approach to design and planning. As a bride of modern times, she predicts that more couples will ditch traditional plans, including having a wedding party of bridesmaids and groomsmen at the altar, as they did.
Aside from the frantic last-minute alterations to her dress, McCord and Hazrah don’t have any complaints about their wedding or the week of events leading up to it—a feat which they credit to the wedding planners and coordinators, as well as their supportive families. Monsoon Bistro & Bar provided Indian and Western cuisine for nearly every event held during the week of the wedding, including a dinner for over 450 guests. Photographer Daniella Lucier expertly captured the ceremony and reception. Appearing in many of the photos are delicate white lilies, lovingly selected by McCord as a nod to her new husband’s favourite flower.
As for their future together, McCord and Hazrah aren’t concerned with where they might end up living once they’ve completed their research. Both are applying for jobs in their respective countries, stating, “We don't care where we are as long as we're together.”
Wondering Where to Go for Your Next Vacation?
We’ve got a book for that
WORDS BY TWYLA CAMPBELL PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
If you’re daydreaming about being somewhere warm and tropical, or feeling the urge to roam the globe, we’re here to help. We’ve scoured the aisles for coffee table books to help pin down your next holiday destination. These big, beautiful books are not only informative resources, they can act as decor pieces, too. They also make great gifts, so if you’re looking to win someone’s heart this Valentine’s Day, start with one of these impressive tomes. It might just result in the two of you planning an adventure together in a magical place, far, far away.
The Travel Book
Lonely Planet
If you have no idea where you’re going, let Lonely Planet help. This fourth edition of The Travel Book takes you through every country in the world with details on the culture, when to go, and what to do. As expected, the 408 pages are filled with fantastic photos.
Mexico City Assouline
Mexico City is far removed from the all-inclusive resort destinations that many travellers are accustomed to visiting, and for that very reason, worthy of your holiday consideration. Often referred to as CDMX on social media (abbreviated from its Spanish name, Ciudad de México), this is a city of wonders—one with beautiful architecture, scores of museums, festivals, and delicious food from award winning restaurants like Pujol and Quintonil to bustling taquerias and street food vendors. Authored by renowned writer and photographer, Aleph Molinari, this is one of several stunning books from publisher Assouline’s travel collection.
Dominican Republic:
A visual journey into this country
Kimasagu Studio
A beach vacation is the physical reset many of us coldclimate residents need this time of year, and if you’re looking for some of the best beaches in the world, you’ll find them in the Dominican Republic. Flip through these 300 pages and you can almost smell the suntan lotion. Get the book and start packing. Your dream starts here.
Italy
Gray Malin
“This book is the story of my love affair with Italy,” says author and photographer Gray Malin. If you, like so many of us, have a wanderlusting crush on this beguiling country, then let Malin lead the way to the cliffs of Cinque Terre, the sun-drenched hills of Tuscany, the coast of Amalfi, and beyond.
1,000 Places to See Before You Die
Patricia Schultz
Still need inspiration? Here are 1,000 places to put on the list. Patricia Schultz plants readers in the centre of captivating locations with her thought-provoking prose and spectacular photographs. This is an exhilarating yet contemplative visual journey of some of the most incredible—yet, often lesser known—destinations this wonderful world has to offer. Pick one, start packing and let the journey begin.
Stemware for Bubbles
What to use for the ultimate sensory experience
WORDS BY TWYLA CAMPBELL PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
If you’ve ever wondered the importance of glassware, try drinking Champagne out of a travel mug. It can be done, sure, but it won’t be as pleasurable an experience as it could be because you’ll be missing out on the nuances that make partaking of this type of wine so pleasurable.
A glass is more than a vessel to hold liquid. It is the conduit between the product and each of your senses. The proper glassware allows you to not only taste what’s inside, but it also allows you to see it, smell it, touch it, and in the case of effervescent wines, hear it.
If you’re planning on popping some bubbly to celebrate Valentine’s Day this month (or any time of the year), having the right stemware is a vital part of the process.
Speaking of stems: use a glass that has one. Holding a glass without a stem allows the heat of your hand to transfer to the glass, and when a wine warms, it loses a lot of its character, including taste, smell and feel.
The bubbles are the star of the show, so how they’re managed is most important. You want the bubbles to stay as long as there is wine in the glass and that means the shape of the glass matters.
The three most common shapes for sparkling wine glasses are flute, coupe and tulip.
Flutes are classic and everyone has them. They look great and do the job but are they the best vessel for sparkling wine? Recent studies suggest not. If you’ve ever found yourself squinting while taking a sip of bubbly, it’s because the shape of a flute—that being tall and narrow—makes the bubbles rocket straight up and out in a direct line to your face. And while your nose is also in the line of fire, the aroma of the wine isn’t allowed to fully bloom, again, because of the narrow shape—and as we know, the bouquet of a wine is a beautiful thing to behold. More importantly, though, is that if you miss out on aroma, you also miss out on taste because those two senses are intrinsically connected.
Flutes are pretty, though, and if you’re set on staying with them, you have many options. What you want to look for is weight, height and craftsmanship because how that glass feels in your hand is also part of the experience. Thick stems or oddly shaped stems on these glasses are a no-no.
A coupe may be classy and reminiscent of the Golden Age of Hollywood, but the shape harkens to the mid 1600s when Champagne was first made, and bubbles, believe it or not, were considered a flaw. A wide-bowl cup in those days was functional, but times have changed and so have the methods used to make sparkling wine. Today, bubbles are very much a treasured part of the product, and the shape of a coupe is now the flaw because it allows the bubbles to escape too quickly, risking the chance of the wine going flat before it’s consumed. So, best to keep the coupe for cocktails.
The shape that works best for bubbly is the tulip, a glass that has a wider, round bowl that narrows slightly to the top. This shape allows the aromas to release different layers as they work their way out of the bowl and up the sides to where they exit at the top. As well, the shape prevents the bubbles from escaping too quickly so that you can enjoy seeing them dance longer in the glass.
You’ve got the glasses, now you need the wine. Check out our drinks feature for three terrific sparkling rosé recommendations. Wrap up these items with a bow and you’re guaranteed to be in the pink with your special someone when Cupid comes calling this February 14.
Luxury On Tap European elegance on the prairies
WORDS BY FRANCESCA ROZNICKI PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
Best Plumbing’s light-filled showroom in Edmonton’s west end greets visitors with an array of fixtures and brands that tell a story. "We pride ourselves on our customer service," shares Narine Grigoryan, plumbing sales consultant. "It's not just about selling; it's about helping our customers find what truly serves their needs." In the 45 years of being in business, customers’ needs have changed. These days, what Grigoryan notices for many is a penchant for luxury touches.
One of Best Plumbing’s most luxurious lines is the House of Rohl, where every piece is a masterpiece, crafted with care, precision and a passion for the uncommon. The items in this collection exude high level artistry with stunning finishes and designs that range from modern to traditional. Within the House of Rohl are products from Perrin &
Rowe, crafted in Britain with traditional gold and brass finishes that reflect the charm of their European origins. The unlacquered brass finish, with its promise of a rich patina over time, caters to those who cherish the classic and traditional aesthetic.
Beyond the traditional, Rohl delves into modern minimalism with lines that boast a simplified, yet sophisticated design. Fixtures with satin gold finishes, some adorned with intricate ridged details included in the Tenerife collection, or faucets with unique tap-turning mechanisms from the Eclissi collection add a touch of contemporary elegance to the bathroom. Customization is at the heart of these collections, allowing homeowners to select from an array of handles and finishes, ensuring their fixtures are as unique as their personal style.
The story of luxury also extends to their Victoria + Albert line, which offers a sculptural range of sinks and exquisite tubs available in a range of colours. These body hugging basins are the perfect complement to the high-end fixtures available in their other lines. The tubs are handcrafted in South Africa using volcanic limestone, which not only adds weight and durability but also retains heat for a long-lasting, luxurious soak. Keeping minimalist style in mind, some tubs are available without traditional and unsightly overflow holes, instead utilizing a smart drain system that senses water levels. Their sinks, available in perfect circles or organic ovals, are also customizable in a variety of colours with either a glossy or matte finish.
Each collection within House of Rohl offers matching fixtures that ensure a cohesive aesthetic throughout the space. Customers can immerse themselves in a world of finishes, with an extensive palette available for customization. Whether it's a speckled gold tub or a champagne-hued tap, the possibilities are as varied as they are beautiful.
Find House of Rohl products at Edmonton’s largest plumbing and lighting showroom, Best Plumbing, located at 17111 118 Ave NW in Edmonton.
