VOL 12 MAY 2021
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Highlights Note A message from the Modern Luxuria team 6 Profile Dentistry and entrepreneurial spirit of Dr. Dwayne Olatonade 12 Women’s Fashion May 2021: Hue, Intensity, Glow! 16 Men’s Fashion May 2021: Fast Forward to Florals 22 Food Cinco De Mayo – celebrating the red, white and green 42 Wellness Skincare session with one of the city’s top dermatologists, Dr. Thomas Nakatsui 46 Art The glass alchemy with Keith Walker 50 Decor Three designers, three summer patio ideas 52
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“I know that our bodies were made to thrive only in pure air, and the scenes in which pure air is found.” John Muir
Modern Luxuria’s eleventh edition is here, with the
Welcome these glorious sunlit evenings with Huber’s
same vision and mission as the first one; to discover
2019 Blanc de Blancs. This bubbly takes you up and
big and small luxuries and bring them to your
over the idyllic Austrian landscape. Experience the
mailbox each month. We work with a creative and
peaks, valleys and crisp mountainous air with each
engaged team that is dedicated to telling the stories
surprising sip.
of exceptional individuals and businesses that call Curbside pick ups can be made super easy if you
Edmonton their home.
consider riding a super cool scooter. VespaYEG offers The fresh, crisp air greets us each morning and as it
rentals to explore all of Edmonton’s little treasures
continues to warm throughout the day, we can’t
and if you are completely committed to an easy-going
contain our excitement for patio season. For your
commute, why not purchase one from Alberta
home oasis, three local designers create three
Cycle? Either way, it’s a fabulous way to experience
distinct outdoor spaces. If it’s a blank slate or simply
our city!
new furniture configurations, we have you covered.
Finding inspirational Edmontonians is always our
Appreciate your new patio with a side of pico de gallo
goal, so in this edition, we got to sit down with
or any of the other authentic Mexican specialities
Dr. Dwayne Olatonade, who has been delivering
from three places we are featuring this month to
dental care at Oliver Park Dental since 2017. He shared
celebrate Cinco de Mayo: Huma, Tres Carnales and
his story and how he developed his interest in the
Cerdo Tacos + Tequila.
art of dentistry.
www.modernluxuria.com
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY WEI WONG
Another notable Edmontonian makes his way to
is showcasing C’est Sera + Kelly Wollf and Eddie’s
these pages discussing his boundary pushing craft.
Menswear. Bold, beautiful and elegant, it’s all about
Keith Walker shares his passion for glass blown
quality and value as well as supporting our local
sculptures.
fashion community.
As always, we bring you the season’s hottest fashion
We hope this edition will inspire you to explore new
trends, made possible by local stores, so this edition
adventures in our city!
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PUBLISHED BY MODERN LUXURIA LTD. FOUNDER Elsa Amorim ART DIRECTOR
CONTRIBUTORS
Helis Podnek
Ambar Azcorra Brandy Belitsky
MANAGING EDITOR
Jelena Bojic
Heidi Johannson
Jessica Laccetti, Ph.D Joe Gurba
COPY EDITOR
Spencer Gatt
Lucie Oosterveld
Tara Wildgoose Trevor Tsoi
BRAND AMBASSADORS
Wei Wong
Marlenie Arana Serap Ozturk Tracy Sestito
COVER Photography by Trevor Tsoi Model - Dasha Kovaleva
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Floss like the Boss PHOTOGRAPHY BY TREVOR TSOI
A five year old Dwayne Olatonade accompanied his mother on a ‘Take Your Kid to Work’ day. She’s a photographer, who at the time created slides for the Dentistry/Pharmacy Centre at the University of Alberta. Seeing hundreds of dentists practicing in the same place left a lasting impression on the young Olatonade. It was his unwavering determination that saw him graduate from that exact department with a Doctorate in Dental Surgery in 2007. After years of providing dental services abroad, Dr. Dwayne Olatonade always had an inkling he’d return home to Edmonton and open up a practice of his own. He has been proudly providing dental care to the Edmonton community for over 10 years.
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It’s incredible that one moment in time can put
but I have a lot of support and I’ve learned a lot. I have
your life on such a trajectory. Was it always that
a great team in place.
straightforward?
Speaking of team, tell us about the one you have
I’ve always been really geared towards healthcare,
at Oliver Park Dental.
and dentistry was something that I’d always been
We have a really good vibe and everyone is really
keen about. It was always the primary goal. There’s
focused. The dentist office isn’t always everyone’s
also an entrepreneurial aspect that motivated me to
favourite place to go so we try to keep it as light as
dentistry versus something like medicine. You have
possible while striving to provide the best care that
the flexibility to set up a business, to help motivate
we can. Our patients are the most important. It’s
people to realize their vision and their growth as well.
humbling and awe inspiring how we learn from each
Oliver Park Dental has been open since 2017.
other. It takes time to get the right team in place. We
How has the process been of opening up your
have a diverse group that has the same ethos and
own practice?
mentality. It works really well.
Dental school is a piece of cake in comparison. I
There are a lot of amazing areas in Edmonton. You
graduated quite young, at 24 and took the time to
chose the community of Oliver. What makes it
work in a lot of different dental offices, seeing what
so special?
works and what doesn’t work. I was able to implement
With the new Ice District, there have been a lot of
that into Oliver Park Dental. It comes with challenges
positive strides. Oliver is such a great community;
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there’s a little bit of a renaissance happening and I
therapeutic purposes. But a lot of what we’re seeing
love being part of the growth in that area. It’s only going
now is naturally correcting teeth with orthodontics
to get better and diversify.
such as Invisalign, as well as demands for whitening smile design. We customize and work through every
You are situated in the heart of the city which is significant and reflective of your philanthropic efforts.
little detail. It’s definitely a collaborative effort. And it’s
Can you speak to these projects?
exciting to see your patients smiling bigger.
Our team is really passionate about giving back.
What does “Out of the Office” mean for you?
‘Homeless Connect’ is one such organization that
Definitely travelling to areas closer to the equator
provides mentorship to dental students who provide
and finding activities to decompress. I’ve recently
dental services for homeless Edmontonians. We are
picked up golf with friends. I love swimming and
able to treat a lot of patients. Some are emergency
yoga, tennis and all kinds of water sports.
based but we also have an education component that
For the record, I hear you have a sound vinyl collection?
focuses on the importance of dental hygiene. I also
I grew up in a house filled with music. My Mom
sit on the board of ‘Cause to Smile’, an Alberta-wide
listened to Steely Dan and Fleetwood Mac - my Dad,
initiative to help those in need of dental health services.
everything from Bob Marley to West African music.
We have a fundraising drive in the summer so
My mom gave me her record player when I moved
hopefully we can get out there and grow that aspect
out after dental school. My collection started with
of interest.
a few records and now I have more than I need. It’s
You demonstrate a community and environmental
a bit of an addiction. Some of my most treasured
conscience. How is your dental practice minimizing
records would include a limited edition Miles Davis,
its carbon footprint?
Kind of Blue, classic original press, and DJ Nightmare,
We are always looking for a homeostasis with the
which was the first record I bought.
environment. There’s a lot of waste in the medical
We have to ask. How often do you brush and floss
and dental process. We try to limit as much waste
your teeth each day?
as possible by moving towards an eco-conscious digital dentistry. For example, with digital impressions and x-rays, our team is always looking to implement
I love to travel, I love swimming and I love boats. I
always optimizing the technologies that take us
could eventually see myself enjoying some sort of
forward to reduce a lot of that waste.
yacht life. A goal would be practicing dentistry from
Let’s talk about the cosmetic and artistic side of
a boat, purely philanthropic. Doing charity missions
dentistry. What are some of the trends that your
on different islands, training other dentists and their
patients are requesting?
teams, in the Caribbean or in Africa. I want to give
The great thing about general dentistry is that it’s quite wide open. If you have the skills and education, requests from veneers to Botox for aesthetics and
day. (He really does floss like a boss!) What does Modern Luxuria mean to you?
new ways to keep things as green as we can. We are
you are free to practice what’s in your scope. We get
I brush three times and floss once sometimes twice a
back to my Nigerian roots as well. I think I’d do ok on a yacht for a little while. www.oliverparkdental.com
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PANT SUIT - IRIS SETLAKWE SUIT JACKET - MOROCCAN RED CAMISOLE - SOAKED IN LUXURY CLARA
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WORDS BY JELENA BOJIC PHOTOGRAPHY BY TREVOR TSOI MODEL - DASHA KOVALEVA OF PATTI FALCONER AGENCY HAIR & MAKE UP BY AMBER PREPCHUK
Hue, Intensity, Glow! be o r d r a w r u o to y o j g a r n i e k S r Spa t C’est a
If you consider yourself a fashion enthusiast, spring and summer fashion season unveiling is the most exciting time of the year. We wait with excitement and anticipation to see the new trends, colours, and styles, and this year it seems to be even more intriguing as the winter fashion season experienced a bit of a quieter year. Our visit to C’est Sera + Kelly Wollf is all about the colours. The influence of a few different fashion decades is apparent, as the store brings the best of local and international fashion finds. Spring and summer are all about flowy dresses, and we are so into this sorbet pastel coloured, bleached aqua dress. The soft silhouette, structured slightly with a belt, makes this a perfect spring piece for a romantic and elegant look. Go all out this spring with these fantastic layering pieces. The key is finding a perfect base outfit and then the layering of different jackets comes easily. The vibrant Desigual Buny skirt and a lacy tank top in bright blue are a perfect spring layering outfit, Whether you feel like adding a classic moto leather jacket or a bold pink denim jacket, it’s all about bright colours, layers, and having fun. When it comes to making a statement, a red suit is at the top of the list. Let’s be clear you can rock this suit any season of the year, but if you’re thinking of adding a bold look to your wardrobe this spring, this may be it. This double-breasted tailored jacket, paired ▶
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SKIRTPANT - LUUKAA FLORAL TOP - MEAVE & WREN, KELLY WOLLF
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with a simple black lace top and high rise, straight pants with a clean finish at the waist is both chic and versatile. When worn together or broken into separates, this outfit is sure to embrace elegance and the current style of the season. For layering techniques, skirt pants are the perfect trend that’s everywhere right now and great for those tough decisions between pants and skirts. Layer them with a fun top, such as the Australian tribal floral top designed by Kelly Wollf, then add comfy sneakers and fun accessories for the ultimate, relaxed spring and summer look.
▶ SKIRT - DESIGUAL BUNY TANK TOP - CREAM CLOTHING DENIM JACKET - HUNTER JONAH LEATHER JACKET - PART TWO ELAIA
▶ DRESS - B.YOUNG GRACIE NECKLACE - TWISTED BAUBLES
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LEATHER JACKET - TORRAS FLORAL SHIRT - HAUPT GREY DRESS PANT - RIVIERA
WORDS BY JELENA BOJIC PHOTOGRAPHY BY TREVOR TSOI MODEL : ALBERTO REIS
Fast forward to florals Men’s fashion trends you need to know about There’s a general sense of satisfaction putting that parka away for the season, not to mention winter boots and snow shoveling equipment. Going through your wardrobe, thinking about new, upcoming trends, last year’s styles that you really enjoyed and want to bring back - lighter, airier fabrics, colours and textures - makes things exciting. ▶
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Helping men look their best since 1958, we thought Eddie’s Menswear would be a perfect place to visit for the newest trends in men’s fashion. After all, they have a team of experts who share a passion (or maybe an obsession?) for clothing, high-end fashion, and helping you enhance your wardrobe. A well-dressed man doesn’t have to follow the most recent trends ▶
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SUIT - JACK VICTOR DRESS SHIRT - STENSTROM TIE - STENSTROM POCKET SQUARE - MIRTO BELT - BENCHCRAFT WOVEN BLUE LEATHER SHOES - MASCIOTRA PATTERNED SOCKS - PANTERELLA
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- the associates at Eddie’s will tell you to focus on
Is it a single-breasted jacket, a three-piece suit, or a
quality and value, and on clothes that make you feel
double-breasted jacket? Do you prefer Mad Man or
good.To help you move in the right direction, we’ve
Peaky Blinders? So many details to think about, and
put together a few ensembles. From the light
that’s why Eddie’s Menswear is a great place to shop.
weekend getaway look, to formal and casual, we are
They can help you find your perfect next suit, and
hoping this gives you inspiration for spring and
teach you a thing or two about wearing and caring
summer trends.
for your purchase.
It’s all about a good dress shirt—floral, bold, colourful—
Breezy outfits that fall in the ‘business casual’ dress
versatile and enjoyable. This item brings essential
category are always in style, mostly because they
style, design, and purpose together. Whether you’re
are appropriate for various settings; office, meetings,
planning a weekend trip or a business casual meeting,
patio dining and so much more. These looks show
the shirt is an essential part of your wardrobe and
us it’s great to wear the suit’s separates in a more
deserves a staple title.
unstructured, relaxed look by pairing them with light
There’s not much more we can say about a well-tailored suit that hasn’t been said already. What suits you? www.modernluxuria.com
leather jackets, paisley sports jackets and linen shirts. www.eddiesmenswear.com
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▶ BLUE PAISLEY JACKET - EMPIRE TSHIRT - ROBERT BARAKETT DENIM - AG TELLIS POCKET SQUARE - DION BOOTS - SOFTINOS
▶ SUIT - JACK VICTOR DRESS SHIRT - STENSTROM TIE - STENSTROM POCKET SQUARE - MIRTO
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WORDS BY JESSICA LACCETTI, PH.D PHOTOGRAPHY BY TARA WILDGOOSE
Vita
La Dolce www.modernluxuria.com
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Downtown Edmonton, on one of the many benches with a view of the river valley, on a picnic with your person or as an after work treat, this spring weather just beckons a lick of an artisanal gelato.
in Edmonton Indulge in authentic Italian gelato
After several tastes of the real deal in Florence, Fatima Haymour and her business partner, Dr. Kusai Abuhamed decided a great way to give back to the city that gave them a supportive community would be to invest in businesses. Growing up on the northside of Edmonton, Haymour’s parents inculcated a love of the local area and a drive to engage with and grow the businesses there. For Haymour, one way to reciprocate that good will has been to enable residents to get more of what they need. Initially this came in the way of establishing two medical clinics: one in the rural area of Morinville and one in the Old Scona area. When Haymour and her business partner focused on what could bring “more happiness” to people, they settled on opening La Carraia. This venture is Edmonton’s go-to for ▶
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authentic Italian ice-cream. All the ingredients are either sourced locally (like the milk and the fresh fruits) or come directly from the original gelateria in Florence. That’s right folks, this is the real deal! You can find it in the heart of YEG at the base of The Mayfair on Jasper: 10067 - 109 Street. This Edmonton location is a franchise of the original 1990 gelateria established in Florence by a wife and husband team who, like Fatima and her business partner, wanted to bring back the best part of the tradition. The gelateria in Florence is named after one of the oldest bridges there, Ponte alla Carraia which has five arches and stretches across the Arno river. The bridge also metaphorically links Edmonton with a tasty and historic Italian side and is continuing to link Canada and the U.S. with soon to be opened locations in Vernon, BC and Long Island, New York. Auguri! As Fatima aptly noticed, “Have you ever seen someone upset when eating an ice cream cone?” We haven’t! You can try it in a cone or in a cup, and amble along some walking paths, or
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take a carton home and enjoy later with the family as some staycation fun. Satiate your sweet tooth and spoil yourself with any of the 24 luxurious tastes of real Italian gelato while enjoying the best of what Edmonton has to offer. www.lacarraia.ca
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No sting but all the buzz WORDS BY JESSICA LACCETTI, PH.D PHOTOGRAPHY BY: AMBER AZCORRA
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DISCOVER EDMONTON’S DOWNTOWN, HIDDEN GEMS, AND INSTA-WORTHY CITYSCAPES FROM YOUR OWN RETRO RIDE - 33 -
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‘Andiamo ragazzi!’ is the quintessential Italian call to
Samuel explains they are privy to a bit of history
‘get going’ with friends. It’s the reminder to head off
(Piaggio made Vespas first in 1946), and then outlines
and hop on your scooter and on to the next adven-
a safety course. All you need is a car license and some
ture. While Vespa means wasp, these scooters don’t
operational practise with Samuel and his team for
sting! Their slim build means you can get to 60km/h
about 15 minutes (or longer if needed), and you’ll be
and feel that prairie sun on your face. The Italian
ticking this amazing experience off your bucket list.
laid-back vibe is here with VespaYEG. It’s your turn to explore Edmonton’s downtown or cruise around your
Samuel and business partner Michael serendipitously
neighborhood. In fact, co-owner Samuel Duperre
met the owners of Alberta Cycle. As luck would have
explains that there are tours that feature Edmonton’s
it, a business plan was hatched for Alberta Cycle to
best views of the skyline and also stop at the Alberta
sell their Vespa inventory and Samuel and Micheal to
Legislature Grounds, the High-Level Bridge, and the
implement their idea for rentals and tours in the YEG
University of Alberta. Even if tours aren’t running, you
area. With Alberta Cycle’s resources and Samuel and
can enjoy a private rental. Each rental starts with a
Micheal’s “expertise and energy,” as Samuel says, they
complimentary coffee. As riders sip their drinks,
created a home base at District Moto. Not only have
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Samuel and Micheal brought a great way to see all those Instagram-worthy murals and sites in Edmonton, but they give back to their University of Alberta community too. They make a point to hire students and then guide and mentor them. If riding a Vespa, enjoying local restaurants, finding hidden gems, and making all your IG followers envious sounds good to you, then know you can also purchase a sweet two-wheel ride! Samuel explains that half the inventory sold out last summer by June so now is the time to find your own iconic scooter! Explore the city on your own terms! Andiamo ragazzi! www.vespayeg.com - 35 -
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WORDS BY JOE GURBA
Rare Wine Report Many Albertans outside of the drinks’ business don’t realize how good we have it here for wine selection. We live in one of the best wine markets in the world. Every week we see a new wave of lovely and limited wines appear in our shops, however briefly, until those in the know snap them up. For this patio focused issue of Modern Luxuria, we have turned our attention to an Austrian grape variety that deserves more shine than it gets, as a brilliant wine to pair with vitamin D: Grüner Veltliner. This peppery, bright, versatile variety is the handy standby of the world’s best sommeliers and the next-big-thing for everyday wine drinkers to finally discover in full. Here we do our little part to highlight just a few of the incredible examples available in Alberta, presented in three very different styles: the hyper-traditional, the radically inventive, and some pristine bubbles. Prost!
Markus Huber is the leading winemaker in Austria’s Traisental DAC, a tiny appellation southwest of Vienna, sprawled across the postcard foothills that tumble out from the towering Alps. The loess and limestone soils here combine with the cooling mountain winds and continental altitude to create the ideal conditions for growing sparkling wine. This region sees a long, cool ripening period every fall that intensifies phenolic complexity while keeping acid levels high and sugar levels reasonably low. That’s Bubbles 101. The Traisental's wunderkind is Herr Huber himself, winner of 2015’s “Falstaff Winemaker of the Year,” the Oscar of the Austrian wine industry! He’s also taken home best white wine producer at the International Wine Trade Fair, and earned best Grüner Veltliner producer at the IWC in London. In short, he’s a comet! Markus is a 10th generation grower, sure, but having inherited only four hectares, this winery is truly his baby now. He’s grown the property to fifty hectares and now boasts vines in a number of erste lages, Austria’s equivalent of premier cru sites. As is a méthode champenoise bubbly made from hand picked, fruit pressed whole-bunch, made with only the free-run juice, and sees 12 months in the bottle resting on the lees. Its effervescence tickles the nose with aromas of anjou pear, quince, and flaky croissant. Grüner’s signature white peppercorn note comes through more like fresh cut hay, joining the orchard’s fruit profile to mimic a meadow of wildflowers. Something about this aroma is calmingly redolent of unfurling fresh linens over your bed with the windows wide open after spring cleaning. There is a lingering savoury finish that begs for some chevre spread over a fresh baguette or a sushi & sashimi picnic. In the warmth of May, a bubbly like this cannot disappoint.
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Huber 2019 Blanc de Blancs Brut Sekt Grüner Veltliner. Traisental DAC, Austria. $40 - $45 Still available at: Color de Vino, deVine.
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Cue up Strauss’s blauen Donau and hear tell of one of the world’s most precious regions for white wine. Say you followed the emerald hued Danube 75 kilometers west from Vienna, you would suddenly alight on a thin strip of alluvial plains spread before steeply terraced hillside vineyards that round a sun-bathed, south-facing bend. This is the Wachau, a slice of earth where Bavarian monks first planted vines a millennium ago. Here sprouts the most lauded (if not the best) examples of Grüner Veltliner. Domäne Wachau is a bit of a strange bird for today’s Wachau, where most wine is grown and vinified by the same family. Here we have a micro-negociant that works with eleven farmers who deliver beautifully grown grapes into the hands of Heinz Frischengruber and Roman Horvath MW, one of only 416 Masters of Wine in the world. Their cooperative has been named best in the world, and is the only winery in the Wachau to nurture parcels in every cru of the Wachau. The Kellerberg plot is arguably the most illustrious, arising on the steep terraces just behind Domäne Wachau’s palatial cellars. This is their Smaragd bottling, the Wachau’s highest tier for grape ripeness, producing wines with the highest alcohol and thereby fullest body and longest aging potential. The nose on this liquid work of art abounds with mysterious notes of papaya and mead-like honeyed complexities, accompanied by honeydew and a panoply of whispered spices too symphonic to tell apart, like walking past a spice shop just as someone swings the door open. The finish is more closely oriented toward Grüner Veltliner’s signature pear and white pepper dynamic. Classic. This wine calls for bacalao or frog legs or some insane shellfish recipe like lobster thermidor. A treat that you can drink now or cellar another five years.
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Domäne Wachau 2016 Ried Kellerberg Smaragd Grüner Veltliner. Wachau DAC, Austria. $50 - $60. Still available at: was just restocked, request from your favourite boutique.
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As our third example of Grüner Veltliner’s majesty, let’s turn to the most punk iteration, a bombastic beauty from the iconoclastic winzer—yes, the Deutsch word for vigneron is winzer (!)—Johannes Zillinger. This is a very different Ried Kellerberg, lying some 100 kilometers east, just outside the Slovakian border in Austria’s largest appellation, the Weinviertel. This region is best known for spicy, bright, cheap & cheerful Grüners you pound at some Vienna tavern after a long day with Klimt & Schiele at the Belvedere. But Zillinger’s Grüner is something else entirely. This wine is mesmerizing, subversive, and ecstatically irreverent. Zillinger is a madman. He’s a 5th generation wine farmer who up and went to Georgia to pick up on the most ancient winemaking techniques extant. His father was already among the first in Austria to convert to organics (in 1984!). But when Johannes was given the reins in 2013, he took it to the next level, converting to the witchy woo-woo ways of biodynamics, seeking total harmony with nature. He then shipped in a bunch of Georgian qvevris, the massive clay amphoras the Georgians have buried underground and used for wine production since time immemorial and started employing them alongside numerous other unconventional techniques. To make this single-vineyard Grüner, Johannes hand-picks the grapes from vines interplanted with herbs and lavender, then puts a tenth of them directly into the qvevri whole cluster, allowing for skin-contact with the juice, an orange wine technique that brings a savoury and spicy element to the wine. For the remainder of the cuvée, Zillinger puts half the juice into stainless steel and half into barrels made from their local acacia trees rather than the usual French or Slovenian oak. He then utilizes lees stirring to enhance the texture and round out the acidity of the wine. The result is a beguiling joy! A savoury salinity of peppercorn heaven floating over rich poached pear energy and an elusive charm, something like ‘fernweh’, a Deutsch word with no English equivalent: ‘missing somewhere you’ve never been.’ Pair this with thinly shaved, imported mortadella from the Italian Centre for possibly the most simple yet successful pairing of your life.
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Johannes Zillinger 2019 Reflexion Ried Kellerberg Grüner Veltliner. Weinviertel DAC, Austria. $30 - $37 Still available at: Color de Vino, Millbourne, and by request at your favourite store.
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WORDS BY JESSICA LACCETTI, PH.D PHOTOGRAPHY BY SPENCER GATT
Uno, Dos, Tres: Cinco de Mayo in Edmonton Celebrate Mexican history by exploring authentic flavours Feliz Cinco de Mayo! On May the 5th, we celebrate a Mexican military triumph. What better way to honour and acknowledge that history than by sharing in the tastes of Mexico?! Edmonton has some perfect picnic spots with plenty of space for your culinary homage to the red, white, and green of the Mexican flag. You might be thinking nachos and guacamole with a delicious margarita. That sounds fine but have you tried Edmonton’s best authentic restaurants? Here are three gems we recommend for a salubrious fiesta. Huma. The two owners, Mariel Montero Sena and Humberto (Beto) Hernandez Cordova, added their spin to the Edmonton Mexican cuisine scene in 2015. The humble exterior is balanced with a festive interior and the food is delicioso! For a picnic on ▶
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the banks of Hawrelak Park, we recommend the delightful Aguachile (shrimp in zesty lime juice), copious helpings of the fresh Ceviche, and fish tacos topped with a mayo that packs the heat. Tres Carnales literally specializes in “street eats” and has been an Edmonton staple since they began in 2011. The three owners have shared their memories of enjoying authentic tacos on a bench or beachside somewhere. Why not channel those vibes and recreate your own Mexican adventure by finding a spot on #YEG’s accidental beach or one of those amazing tree swings hidden in river-side parks. Hint: one of our picks is the Capilano River Swing, tucked down the trail by the Highlands Golf Course. For this type of outing, we recommend trying Tres Carnales’ spectacular Papas Fritas - think Mexican poutine; chunks of potatoes that are slathered in amazing queso fresco, chimichurri, and cilantro. ¡Olé! Cerdo Tacos + Tequila. Need we say more? Well, how about roof-top patio and artisanal margaritas?! Enjoy a warm evening breeze with your person while gazing over the cute patio and the charming Perron District. Indulge in the Street Corn dripping with the flavour powerhouse ancho spread. There are tacos which are great, but if you really want to wow your tastebuds, dig in to the fresh, bursting with flavours, shrimp and avocado salad. While our spring weather might blow hot and cold, these Mexican eateries are solid in their classic and authentic offerings. This Cinco de Mayo is the perfect time to support local, while celebrating the history of this holiday; and what’s more luxurious than the opportunity to do both? www.humamexicanrestaurant.ca www.trescarnales.com www.cerdo.ca
WWW.SCANDIAFURNITURE.COM • 13513-156 STREET • EDMONTON, ALBERTA
WORDS BY JELENA BOJIC PHOTOGRAPHY: TREVOR TSOI
Our skin is very sensitive to the world around us, and as winter is leaving this winter city we call home (well, maybe a few surprise visits are still in the books for us), it is time to make some adjustments to our everyday skin care routine.. For those of you who take skincare seriously - from the 10-step regime including serums for days and nights, jelly masks, to all other things in between - we are talking to one of the top dermatologists in the city, Dr. Nakatsui, for tips on preparing our skin for warmer months.
Transitioning our skincare routine: From winter to spring/summer Get that honeymoon skin glow with advice from Dr. Nakatsui
www.modernluxuria.com
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In terms of our skincare routine, Dr. Nakatsui says
If you are considering adding retinol to your skincare,
that as we transition into the spring season, we are
Dr. Nakatsui points out that retinol is a type of vitamin
less exposed to the dry, cold air outside and the dry,
A derivative, available in over-the-counter products.
heated air inside our homes. It's now important to
They help improve wrinkles, acne, and lighten dark
switch to agents that aren’t as heavy since our skin
spots by stimulating collagen production, increasing
doesn’t require as much protection. Another thing
cell turnover, and unclogging pores. “The prescription
that’s important to our routine is exfoliation as one
version of retinol is called Retinoid,” explains
of the steps we shouldn’t skip. “While it’s important
Dr. Nakatsui, “and it’s stronger and more effective.”
to exfoliate, it’s also important not to overdo it. Use a gentle exfoliating cleanser rather than a harsh scrub;
One of the terms we’ve been hearing lately is “baby botox” so we had to ask Dr. Nakatsui about that. “It’s
be gentle to your skin and watch out for excessive irritation.” He recommends a gentle exfoliating agent
a trend where lower doses of Botox are used to relax but not immobilize the target muscles. Instead of
twice a week.
using 25 units in a given area, I might only inject 12 Nothing we do at home can replace a professional
units, which decreases the activity of the muscles
facial treatment, and one of the most popular treatments at Nakatsui Dermasurgery is a HydraFacial MD. The name alone sounds like something spectacular and hydrating, so we wanted to hear more. “You may have heard of microdermabrasions, which are good
without immobilizing them too much. This can be used to prevent lines with younger patients, decrease the risk of side effects, and can be more affordable as fewer units are required.”
treatments, but we have transitioned to HydraFacials, which are a step up, as they exfoliate and hydrate,
Finally, Dr. Nakatsui wants you to remember the
leaving your skin rejuvenated. We were happy to be
following skincare recommendations, for that glowing
the first in the city to bring HydraFacials MD, and now
and healthy skin:
many facilities offer this great treatment.”
• Wear sunscreen, practice sun protection, and start
Moving on to moisturizers, Dr. Nakatsui’s advice is
early. The younger you start, the better off you will be
to find one that’s not too thick, and preferably
in the long run. Not all things in life are guaranteed,
water-based. With spring, the humidity level rises,
but if you protect your skin from the sun, I can virtually
and we tend to sweat more, so our skin is naturally
guarantee that it will look younger for longer
oilier, meaning light moisturizers are the best choice.
• Unless you have oily skin, hydrate it frequently and
Another step that shouldn’t be missed is sunscreen.
use a lighter product in the spring and summer to
More than 80,000 cases of skin cancer are diagnosed
avoid clogging your pores
every year, so this step is particularly important. There are many good sunscreens out there, and the active components are divided into chemical and physical
• Exfoliate gently but remember to avoid harsh exfoliants
sunscreens. “Theoretically, physical sunscreens such
• Don’t underestimate the power of water – make
as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide may be the best
sure you are drinking ample amounts of it!
type of sunscreen but can leave a slightly white residue on the skin. Choose a sunscreen that is at least 30 SPF, but preferably 50 SPF or higher.” www.modernluxuria.com
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WORDS BY JESSICA LACCETTI, PH.D PHOTOS SUPPLIED
A breath of hot glass
Glimpse Keith Walker’s imagination and his exclusive creations
Molten glass, pipes, and bubbles - three things that when combined with a classically trained Glasssmith like Keith Walker, result in beautiful sculptures and cups. Walker explains his craftsmanship as a “drive to create a presence and evoke personality.” With his boundary-pushing crafting, Walker says he can “mix his dexterity with creative ideas.” How’s that for alchemy? Clicking through Walker’s website reveals spectacular collections that are both useful (glasses, decanters) and sculptural (these are ‘experimental’ and one-of-a-kind). Following his training, Walker began his practise in Edmonton as a volunteer at a local Glass Happens Studio. Along with this mode of accruing experience, Walker had the opportunity to participate in Salem State University’s month-long glass residency and many international classes. The Alberta Craft Council, Alberta Branded, and Sabrina Butterfly Designs currently represent him. You can also enjoy a series of Walker’s work on display at the Edmonton International Airport - the Skilsaw Umbrella Series - or the installations at the Central Lions Seniors Recreation Centre and the Muttart Conservatory. If you’re planning on staying outdoors, explore the permanent glass installation of
glass pieces are part of the lights along the road so they both light up the way as well as one’s spirit.
204 hand-made glass pieces along downtown
For Walker, this creative play is built upon years of
Edmonton’s Capital Boulevard which links the Alberta
practice and continual refinement of his craft.
Legislature building with MacEwan University. These
His process of “dream, think, draw, make,” highlights
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the role of experimentation and trial and error. Walker notes, "the profound importance of seeing glass as an elusive prey so that his unquenchable thirst drives him to push the boundaries of the medium and to never stop exploring new ideas and techniques.” It’s no bad thing to heed that reminder to keep discovering. And seeing Walker’s designs is one such invitation to journey through the handmade opus that is Keith Walker’s pursuit. www.keithscups.com
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WORDS BY BRANDY BELITSKY PHOTOS SUPPLIED
Designers, Summer Patios We asked three local interior designers to come up with the ideal summer patio for a condo, lakehouse, and backyard. Here’s what they dreamed up.
KATIE MENON Stephenson Interiors Lake House Patio
Growing up, Katie Menon’s family moved around a lot. In each new home, Katie would completely overhaul her bedroom space and design her new bedrooms with fully realized concepts. It was here that her dreams of becoming an Interior Designer began. Tell us about your lake house patio design We wanted to showcase how different styles of furniture can work together to create a more interesting outdoor room. You wouldn’t choose the same two chairs with
Which local businesses would you source your furniture/items from? a matching sofa for your indoor living room, so why
All of the items are sourced directly through us!
would you do that for your outdoor space? Combining
We have spent years sourcing our favourite brands
different collections with mixed materials for outdoor
and have partnered with them to be able to serve our
furniture makes for a more interesting look. Designing
clients through our full-service offerings. We stay on
a floor plan with versatility in mind was also a key
top of trends and innovations across all sectors of the
component to our concept. We’ve created multiple
design world, including those in the furnishings and
conversation areas and included swivel chairs for
decor departments so that our clients are always
flexibility in how users can interact with each other
presented with the most unique, highest quality
and the space. Just spin yourself around to check out
products for their projects.
the lake view in peace and quiet or rotate back into a social scene on the patio.
www.stephensoninteriors.ca
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JEHAN HAMDAN Modern Era Design Backyard Patio
This mother of three found her passion for interior design after renovating one of her husband’s rental units. Jehan loved the entire process of renovating from demolition to completion. Over the years she also became captivated with new construction homes. After building two custom homes with a local builder, Jehan decided to take the Residential Interiors Program at the University of Alberta Faculty of Extension. She completed the program in 2015 and since then has worked on various commercial projects, high-end custom-built homes, and decorating projects. Tell us about your condo patio design
keeping nature in the background as colour. Also, my vision for the patio is to have a space where one can entertain, work, relax and enjoy it year-round. Zoom backgrounds have been a huge thing now since the pandemic. So, creating a beautiful background such as a metal decorative screen is key. Also, having different zones is also important to keep your home interesting.
My inspiration for this design is a calming retreat,
My philosophy is to have an experience in each room.
a livable outdoor space, keeping privacy in mind. I
One needs to keep motivated and feel like it’s a treat to
don’t want all the pieces to look like patio furniture,
walk into a beautiful, well-planned space. It’s important
instead I want the pieces to feel like furniture that
to have a hot spot to reflect on health - mentally and
could be used indoors. I used a neutral palette,
physically, especially during these crazy times.
www.modernluxuria.com
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Which local businesses did you choose to source your furniture/items from? I used Design Loft, Outdoor Rooms Without Walls and www.moderneradesign.ca
Bountiful, Hideaway Screens
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MAY 2021
Sovereign Style Interiors Condo Patio
GENA HEYDANUS Gena is a homebody and a firm believer that everyone should have a home that makes them feel comfortable and relaxed. She wanted to pursue design because she loved how just a few - but often necessary - changes could positively alter the look and feel of a space. Tell us about your home patio design The design I came up with was globally inspired. Since many of us aren't able to travel at this time, I thought it would be fun to bring some tribal elements and nomadic spice to my patio design. I used neutral muted colours with a few splashes of colour, lots of greenery, inspiring textures, shapes and conversation pieces.
www.modernluxuria.com
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Which local businesses did you choose to source
and a place that I have sourced my furnishings from
your furniture/items from?
for years. Professional and knowledgeable, my clients
Most of the pieces are available through my design
and I have access to many amazing, high quality
business ‘Sovereign Style Interiors’ and from my
products that you may not see every day.
design trade showroom, ‘Design Loft’. It's a locally operated trade resource center owned by two sisters,
www.sovereignstyleinteriors.ca
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