WINTER 2012
Winter 2012
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ICON Okanagan The Premier Lifestyle Magazine Volume 2, Issue 1 PUBLISHERS Olaf Robrecht robrecht@icon-okanagan.com Julian Snarski jsnarski@icon-okanagan.com ADVERTISING SALES Trevor Lessard DESIGN/PRODUCTION Olaf Robrecht CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Monika Mal, Stace Lynn Zeman, Christian Lambros FOOD EDITOR Deb Johnson EDITORIAL ADVISORS Angelika Jaeger Andrea Burke ICON PHOTOGRAPHY Sonia photography O. Robrecht FOR ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES ph: (250) 826 0400 Email: ads@icon-okanagan.com
Welcome to 2012 everyone! We hope that your holiday season and New Year’s celebrations were everything that you desired and more. Relaxed and rejuvenated from our little break, we are ready to take on this new year with a clean slate and clear resolve. With 2011 and all of its economic hardships behind us, we hope that we have seen the worst and will experience steady growth from now on. The Okanagan with its large retail sector relies on financially sound consumers, locals and visitors alike, and is affected considerably by fluctuations in the markets. Add a rather short summer with fewer tourists, and we can all feel the effects. But that’s the past, we are thinking positive and looking forward to the upcoming months. At ICON we are starting the new year with a lot of innovations. First of all our new website is finally online and has several new features including a wine blog as well as a travel blog. The magazine itself has acquired a few new sections, and we are very excited and equally proud to welcome famed comic artist John Delaney as a new contributor. Yes, ICON now has its very own comic! “An Okanagan Minute” is another new column, where we will present you with news and updates from around the Okanagan. We are also very busy working on something extremely exciting for you. Make sure you check out our next issue for full details on this awesome undertaking. We really hope you enjoy our wonderful mixture of lifestyle topics in this winter issue. We have truly enjoyed putting it together! How could we not? From test driving four beautiful vehicles, to snowmobile adventures, wine tastings and some tough lingerie photo shoots ... what don’t we do for our readers? Now get out there and enjoy our Okanagan Winter Wonderland!
www.icon-okanagan.com All rights reserved. No part of ICON Okanagan Magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the expressed written consent of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject any editorial or advertising material. The views expressed in ICON Okanagan are those of the respective contributors and not necessarily those of the publisher or staff. Although all reasonable attempts are made to ensure accuracy, the publishers do not assume any liability for errors or omissions anywhere in the publication or on the website. ICON Okanagan reserves the rights to ads produced for advertisers.
ISSN 1925-2390
Olaf Robrecht
Julian Snarski
ICON Okanagan Published four times each year.
Printed in Canada
Olaf Robrecht
Julian Snarski
PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE
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INSIDE ICON Wow did we ever have some fun this time around. From checking out the newest and hottest products and snowboarding gear at Island Snow to testing out the entire line up of SUV’s at Kelowna BMW, we were extremely busy these past three months. We also had the opportunity to check out an incredible custom home in the upper Mission loaded with a ridiculous list of incredible features. Wait, it just gets better. Not only did we have several awesome photo shoots, and interview an artist who has history with the Hoff and Chris de Burgh we also got to enjoy some really great events around the Okanagan Valley. Hey! It’s a tough job, but somebody’s got to do it! On the cover: Model: Kerry Ward Snowboarding Gear: Island Snow Car: Kelowna BMW
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OUR FEATURES La Dolce Vita 12 A Tuscan Style Mansion
NEW! An ICONic Cartoon The Ultimate Playground Snowmobiling in the Okanagan
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Private Eye Spy Danny Littlemouth
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The X-Files 27 The BMW line of SUVs
The Virtual Screen 32 The ITG WideView TV Goggles
Gear Up! 34
The Newest Gear for Snowboarding
Enter to WIN! 36
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Your Chance to win some cool prizes!
Heart’s Aflame ... not just for Valentine’s Day!
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Under a Copper Sky 50 Copper Sky, West Kelowna
The Chef’s Corner 54 The Must Have Kitchen Essentials
The Ultimate Health & Fitness 101 64 Excercise and nutrition tips
Control the Experience 66 Universal Remote Controls
OUR PROFILES Banner Recreational Products 23 The Powersports Dealers in Kelowna & Vernon
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Santé Bar & Grille 26 Dine in Style, Big White
The View Winery 39 A Charming Boutique Winery in Kelowna
Imagination to Existence
Nuthing Shocking Design Studios, Kelowna
Invisible In The Fast Lane The Art of Danny McBride
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OUR REGULARS ICONIC APPAREL 6 The stuff you really want
SMILE! 8 22nd Annual Inkeeper’s Celebration
ICON travels the World 24
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The ICONic Pause 24 Book Review 38 The Colour of Death
Book Review 43 The Third Industrial Revolution
SMILE! 48 Tap a Keg
An Okanagan Minute 53 Local News and Updates
ICON at the table
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The Tasting Note 60 SMILE! 62 Dress For Success Fashion Show
Your Guide to Okanagan Wineries Exploring the Wines of the Okanagan Valley Winter 2012
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1. THE MAGIC LIGHT-LIGHT No, you do not need the magic wand to make this work, as there is nothing magical about it. Created by a designer, and a mechanical and electrical engineer, the Light-Light uses a clever floating technique, employing the very latest LED and electromagnetic technology. You have to see it to believe it. Sometimes less is more, right? Available in 2 shapes and shades. www.light-light.com
The Stuff You Really Want
2. THE RC-COOLER Gone are the days when you had to yell across the room, begging the wife, husband, or kids to bring you a cold one. Just sit back, push the joystick, and the RC Cooler will get the job done. Insulated sides keep up to 12 drinks cold for the big game, and if not in use it collapses completely for easy storage. You are welcome! www.rccooler.com 3. THE SKY-BAR CHILLER Now here is a way to entertain in style! Whenever you are ready for a glass of wine, it is just the press of a button away. The SkyBar is the only at home wine system that chills to the ideal serving temperature, pours and uses a patented vacuum technology to naturally preserve your wine for up to 10 days. Available for one or three bottles in several finishes. www.skybarhome.com 4. THE PILLOW CLICKER With this gizmo you will never lose or leave the remote control out of reach again. The Pillow Remote Control features a built-in 6-in-1 universal remote control with a database containing codes for over 500 devices. It has easyto-click fabric buttons and a powersaving auto shutoff feature. www.brookstone.com 5. THE MAGIC WAND REMOTE Universal remotes are pretty boring these days. So why not do it the Harry Potter way and change the channels by waving your magic wand around? Just flick it up or down to change the channel, or turn it to fiddle with the volume. The button-free Wand can ‘learn’ up to 13 infrared codes from your existing remote. www.thewandcompany.com 6
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6. THE DJ CAT TURNTABLE Are you looking for the coolest way to entertain your cat? Give it some exercise without shredding anything and everything in its path? This it it! Made out of 100% cardboard, the DJ Cat Scratch Turntable will surely provide you with more than just one great photo opportunity. And yes, the deck actually spins and the tone arm is even movable. www.perpetualkid.com
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8. THE TRON MOTORCYCLE Yes, it is street-legal! This cool illuminated motorcycle is inspired by the computer animated cycle from Tron: Legacy and powered by a fuel-injected Suzuki 996cc, 4-stroke engine. The hub-less wheels are former truck tires, and the rider lies almost horizontally on the bike with their feet on foot pegs that control its 6-speed manual constant mesh transmission. Designed for casual cruising, all motorcycles are built to order. www.parkerbrotherschoppers.com
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7. THE SNO-WOVEL It looks like a joke but it really works! The innovative Wovel snow shovel utlizies a large wheel to provide leverage, and helps reducing back pain and the risk of injury. And – it outperforms most snow blowers, and is 2-3 times faster and way more efficient than shoveling. The Wovel has a folding frame for portability and convenient storage! www.wovel.com
9. THE MISSISIPPI DISTILLER Ok, it is more of a conversation piece than a useful machine, but this distiller actually works. Made mainly out of copper, with heat-resistant borosilicate glasses and tubes, the Missisippi (yes, they spelled it wrong!) Distiller not only looks pretty cool, it will also allow you to bottle your own perfume...and perhaps, even your own moonshine. www.hammacher.com 10. THE NEW COMMODORE C-64 What? Is it the 80’s again? Not really, but the epic, very clunky and horribly beige home-computer is back! It has an all-new operating system, and the base model comes with a dual-core Atom processor, 2GBs of RAM, a multi-format card reader, and USB support. www.commodoreusa.net www.icon-okanagan.com
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ICON Okanagan on Tour 22nd Annual Innkeeper’s Seasonal Celebration
Hotel Eldorado December 6, 2011
The 22nd Annual Innkeeper’s Seasonal Celebration, hosted by the Nixon Family and the staff of the Hotel Eldorado, is a yearly fundraiser to support the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation in their mission to enhance the delivery of healthcare to the patients of Kelowna General Hospital and its associated facilities. The proceeds of this year’s Celebration will support the “Take Care, Take Part” campaign, launched in September 2010 to purchase equipment for the new Centennial Building, which is scheduled to open in May of 2012. The new 6-storey patient care tower will consist of a new Emergency Department, 4 times size of the current facility, and an expanded Ambulatory Care Department.
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The event once again offered an amazing array of delicious food as well as a variety of beverage stations, generously supported by local vendors. New this year was the inclusion of the upstairs Eldorado Great Room and Terrace Bar, where guests could enjoy some great live music. For more information about the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation and how to support it, please visit their official website: www.kghfoundation.com
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Becky, Kim Danin, Shauna, Eleonora Laura, Ulrich Christine, Ben Steven, Brenda, Holly Alyssa, Joan, Jen Kevin, Trisha, Norval, Ted Sheldon, Rick Joel, Cathy Kevin, Anne Karl, Jennifer Linda, Brad Aaron, Lindsay Boyd, Jacquie Brent, Connie Ann-Marie, Natalie, Bernie Ryan, Miriam Ken, Carol, Tera, David 19. Kim, Down, Vince
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HTC is an audio-video and data company. We specialize in residential sound and video as well as commercial installations. We offer solutions to ease the struggle of today’s modern technology, while simultaneously providing our clients premier, worry free service. Give us a call and stop by our showroom. www.hometheaterconcepts.ca Claymasters is the sole dealer for American Clay in the Okanagan Valley. Gerry Monty has taken his knowledge and skill of paint and texture and applied this to earth plaster finishes. Gerry and his crew work with nature not against it. They will help you with your individual vision and explain the finishes that can best achieve that vision. www.claymasters.ca We accommodate your design budget in Kelowna for window blinds, drapery, shutters, motorized blinds and for all other areas of your home including custom upholstery! With our 20 years experience as interior designers we are specialists in window coverings for Kelowna. P: 250 765 4045 Our new sculpture gallery is now open and features a selection of Jock’s smaller works suitable for home or office settings. We also feature a few works by Sculptor Pat Field, and painter Yvonne Goldberg. Come visit our gallery at 1302 St. Paul Street. www.jockhildebrand.com Everyone deserves the opportunity to have unique decor and design, and this can be achieved on any budget. No flooring should look the same; be it hardwood, ceramic tiles, or cork. The last thing you want is to find out that everyone in your apartment building, subdivision, or even a friend living across town has exactly the same flooring as yours. It doesn’t have to be that way. Book your consultation today. P: 250 860 2019 Engineered in Germany and made in Canada, Innotech offers high-performance Tilt + Turn Windows and Exterior Doors for discerning homeowners and builders. For more information visit: www.innotech-windows.com We are a local family business in operation for over 39 years. Our owner, operator, Dave Way learned the trade of blacksmithing from an Austrian blacksmith named Otto Egger. Dave works with hand tools and century old skills, to create exquisite designs, rosettes, vines, leaves, serpents, and geometric forms. If you can think it, we can design it into any house hold furniture or architectural detailing. www.loganvalleyforge.ca At Pine Lighting, you will find everything you need to light your home and projects. Our expertise covers small renovations, new home construction, restaurants, hotels and multiple unit townhouse and condominium projects. We offer a full range of miniature to standard incandescent and commercial grade recessed lighting, decorative interior lighting, dining lights, ceiling fans, floor and table lamps. For exteriors, we provide many different decorative and functional landscape lighting choices. www.pinelighting.ca We have one of the largest bathroom showrooms in the Okanagan. Whether you are looking for kitchen sinks, faucets, toilets, shower doors, bathtubs, bidets, steam generators or professional advice – We will be here to serve you. Canadian owned since 1992 featuring Canadian and European manufacturers. We offer high end quality at wholesale prices and installation of our frameless glass showers. www.bathsbydesign.net When you work with kit.biz, kitchen cabinetry is designed to meet your individual style and family’s needs. We work with contractors, architects, interior designers and the sub-trades involved in your kitchen project to make sure that all goes smoothly and efficiently. www.kitbiz.ca 10
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Winter 2012
Join us for our Grand Opening Event on Friday, January 27, 2012, 4PM - 9PM (RSVP 250.712.6388 Ext. 8)
1302 St. Paul Street, Kelowna (Cultural District)
www.factorykelowna.com Winter 2012
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la dolce vita
There is a chill in the air...the sky hangs gray over the valley, winter is upon us and so we are seeking warmth, comfort, and an escape from the bitter reality that awaits us just outside our car. It is almost hard to believe that anyone would want
to seek solace indoors with all the beauty that surrounds us in the Okanagan Valley, but in all honesty pulling up at 4860 Tuscany Lane there couldn’t possibly be anywhere else we’d rather be. Juxtaposing the conditions surrounding us, the opulent dwelling standing proud before us exudes a welcoming sensation drawing us in; tempting us to explore the luxuries that so evidently lay within. Jutting out of the adjoining terrain, the home radiates a sense of solidity, as if the Earth itself had meant for it to be there. Surrounded by elegant and timeless landscaping, the home emanates outstanding craftsmanship from every corner of its exterior while strategically placed lighting highlights every angle and line perfectly. Passing through the oversized solid wood custom entrance door, we are welcomed into a stunning circular foyer. From the ceiling towering above us, seemingly miles away, hangs a massive chandelier, bathing the space in its warmth. Beneath our feet lie enormous slabs of elegant travertine, adding to the hospitable ambiance of the space. Following the curved steps upstairs, as we stand upon the suspended catwalk we are met with sweeping views of our beautiful valley and Okanagan Lake. To the left nestled into the hills lays Peachland, directly in front of us Casa Loma, and to the right the W.R. Bennett Bridge, downtown and the Westside. This home truly offers an all-encompassing view of why we all love the Okanagan so much. Directly to our left is a fully equipped home gym. Stained maple hardwood and loads of natural light highlight the space, while a floor-to-ceiling mirror offers a bit of insight into whether or not those workouts are really making a change – the space also offers a host of entertainment options from music to television, for when training becomes a little monotonous. Fully wired, this smart home offers separate temperature controls for each living space; integrated audio with several source Winter 2012
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doors that lead to yet another lake-view deck, we found ourselves with a view that would be perfect to enjoy the Canada Day fireworks show. Moving down the stairs to the main level, we progress through the foyer and to our immediate right is an enormous study, airy and well lit; this is a sanctuary within the residence, a space where one can be free of the distractions that are always inevitably present within the home.
options including mp3, Sirius, DVD, AM/FM Tuner; intercom; video surveillance; and control of everything from lighting, fireplaces and fans on your iPhone, iPad, or computer. It is absolutely astonishing to see these systems work in unison, giving the home a heartbeat of its own. Through the adjoining four-piece ensuite bathroom, complete with elegant custom cabinetry and accented with a gorgeous black granite countertop, lays the first of several stunning bedrooms. Again flooded with natural light, the space offers a massive walk-in closet and French door access to a large deck appointed with stamped concrete and breathtaking lake and valley views. Across the catwalk on the opposite side of the home is the second bedroom on the upper level. This space also offers a large walk-in closet as well as a four-piece ensuite bathroom, boasting elegant travertine flooring, custom cabinetry, and beautiful granite. Through the French
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Immediately across the hallway from the office is the Tommie Award winning master suite. This massive retreat offers private deck access, and indoors, a beautiful lake-view sitting area; somewhere to contemplate and discuss the events of the day, or relax and read next to a custom fireplace that soothes and warms the soul on those chilly evenings. If you want to escape into your own little slice of heaven, the adjoining five-piece ensuite bathroom covers all the bases. Heated travertine flooring leads to an enormous raised soaker tub complete with jets, where one can simply drown away the days aches and pains. Just past the tub stands a colossal custom walk-in shower offering nine different showerheads and ensuring enough firepower to leave no nook or cranny untouched. Just behind, lays a stunning custom vanity, complete with a beautiful curved travertine marble counter, under-mounted his and hers sinks, motion detecting accent lighting, and even a lowered makeup counter for her. Beyond the washroom is a
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generously sized walk-in closet, where custom cabinetry abounds, with enough space for even a fashion icon’s wardrobe. There is even something fancy in here for the guys: a dress shirt carousel to make your selection for the day just a little bit easier. Leaving the master suite we are led directly into the astounding open plan living room and kitchen area. The centerpiece of the entire space is an incredible custom two storey floor to ceiling fireplace. Expansive windows bathe the area in natural light and offer extensive lake, valley, and city views. From here access to the view deck and outdoor dining area is simple and quick. As we head towards the kitchen, we are met with beautiful wrought iron doors, showcasing a wine and liquor room perfect for displaying or sampling some of your favourite bottles, and most prized vintages in style. Adjacent is the main floors two piece powder room, complete with a fabulous black granite vanity top as well as striking top mounted sink. Just behind, lays the formal dining room, highlighted with a beautiful alternative modern light fixture, offering the perfect space for an intimate meal at home. Among its many Tommie Awards, this home received excellence in Kitchen Design. With striking custom maple cabinetry, a solid single slab granite island, ultra highend appliances, including dual wall mounted Thermadore convection ovens, a Thermadore Induction cook-
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top, dual Meile Dishwashers, as well as a fully equipped Butler’s Pantry – no feast is too large to tackle whether it’s a quick lunch or a holiday dinner for 30. Just off of the kitchen, yet again offering amazing valley and lake-views, is the breakfast nook, perfect for a smaller get together or a family meal. Back through the solid wood pocket doors of the Butler’s Kitchen we find a large, fully equipped laundry room featuring energy star appliances and plenty of room to get that folding and ironing done. Straight through the mudroom we find an enormous 3 car garage, appointed with non-slip flooring surfaces, as well as a great work bench area for those of you that love to tinker and “fix” things. Back in the foyer, we follow the curved staircase down to the terrace level, where the focus is relaxation and entertainment. Flowing seamlessly to the covered outdoor
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patio, this space is perfect for those summer pool parties. Just beyond the family room area, nestled in the corner and separated by a stunning three sided gas fireplace, is an exceptional wet bar featuring custom cabinetry, granite counters, an ice maker, drink chiller, and even a large high definition television. A set of counter level folding windows allow easy service for the outdoor entertaining areas, while those playing a game of pool need only take a seat at the sit up bar to grab a beverage. If you have a taste for the finer things in life, we ran into something you will really be interested in. Just to the right of the staircase is a large thermostatically controlled wine room with an oversized solid wood door, custom cabinetry, enough storage for even the most seasoned wine-o, and curved walls clad in chiselled natural limestone while the flooring is a rustic slate tile. Worried about the kids bringing in all sorts of wet cloth-
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ing and muck from the outdoors? So were we... until we stumbled upon another mudroom downstairs. Here the kids can drop off their wet bathing suits and gear in the laundry and then hit the shower before heading into the fully equipped movie theatre. This state of the art media room offers a real cinema experience. With a massive projector screen, top of the line electronics, a tray ceiling offering indirect mood lighting, and even a beverage bar only steps away from six fully reclining, cup-holder equipped media room chairs, watching movies at home will never be the same. If the intensity of Dolby Digital Surround Sound isn’t exactly your cup of tea and you are interested in a more serene experience, why not check out the spa room? This tranquil space offers the perfect getaway for those seeking relaxation and solitude, and maybe a little massage. Why head out to the spa if you can enjoy it in the comfort of your own residence?
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When you have a home in the Okanagan, you can expect to be entertaining on a regular basis, and oftentimes it may be for a little bit longer than you’re comfortable with. If that is the case then this home is equipped to deal with that dilemma easily. The terrace level is essentially self sustaining with all the entertainment options a guest could possibly ask for and more. Not only that, they even have their own living spaces, with two large bedrooms offering oversized walk in closets and full ensuites...they could move in and you wouldn’t even notice.
electric cover that transforms into a gazebo, sheltering you and your guests from the elements. All you need is a cocktail, a little jazz, and voila! Paradise! With so much to offer this spectacular home is one of the most complete packages we have seen on the market. Sweeping valley views, enormous living spaces, a gourmet kitchen appointed with the finest appliances, outdoor entertainment options, and the finest electronics available integrated throughout the residence truly make this a home fit for royalty.
Outdoor living and entertaining spaces are a must in the Valley, and this home boasts some epic options. Whether you are interested in tanning, swimming, relaxing in the hot tub or cooking up a storm, the terrace offers all these and more. With an outdoor dining space and grill as well as spectacular salt water pool flanked by gorgeous water features, lush landscaping and custom outdoor audio – this truly is quite the retreat. And for those cooler nights the hot tub offers an insulated FEATURES AT A GLANCE:
Multi Tommie Award Winning Home Lot size: 0.34 acres, 112 ft x 167.32 ft Age: Built in 2010 Finished Area: 8819 sq. ft. Main: 3430 sq. ft. Above Main: 1496 sq. ft. Below Main: 3893 sq. ft. Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 7, 6 full and 1 two-piece
Fireplaces: 4 gas fireplaces Garage: Attached 3 car garage Exterior: Acrylic Stucco Roof: Clay Tile Roof Heating/Cooling: Natural Gas Forced Air plus central air conditioning, 3 high efficiency furnaces, heat pump
Coldwell Banker Jane Hoffman Group #14 - 1470 Harvey Avenue Kelowna, BC Office: 250-860-7500 Email: jane@janehoffman.com
PLEASE NOTE: Although the information herein is believed to be from reliable sources, prospective buyers should satisfy themselves as to its accuracy. All measurements are approximate. Winter 2012
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New! Detective Private Eye Spy Danny Littlemouth We are extremely proud and excited to introduce the newest feature in Icon Okanagan Magazine, from now on all of our valued readers and supporters will be able to look forward to a brand new original comic series... The chronicles of Detective Private Eye Spy Danny Littlemouth is an original comic series created, written and illustrated by professional comic book artist (Justice League Adventures, The Simpsons, Futurama, Superman VS Lobo) John Delaney. The series follows a hard boiled investigator with an inability to speak because of a childhood accident that created a black hole in his stomach, and creates a massive suction vortex every time he opens his tiny mouth. The comic follows Danny Littlemouth as he deals with cases involving the strange and monstrous denizens of Kreature Town and the ups and downs of his supporting cast of characters. Enjoy!
continued on page 67 Winter 2012
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Snowmobiling in the Okanagan
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icturesque mountains, unexplored backcountry, and hundreds of kilometres of beautiful trails: this is what the Okanagan has to offer and it’s no wonder then that winter sports and activities are a huge part of our lifestyle here. The natural beauty of British Columbia is unparalleled, and for those of us with an adventurous side there are countless ways to explore that beauty. If we have aroused your interest, well then it is time to do your homework and ask the professionals. With that in mind we were really excited to visit Banner Recreational Products and learn a little bit about an activity we find particularly interesting: SNOWMOBILING! Having experienced snowmobile culture on our last visit to Idabel Lake for New Years 2011 we really wanted to figure out the ins and outs of this thrilling sport; watching the guys tear across a frozen lake at full throttle, take huge jumps, and venture into the great unknown really peaked our interest. Derek Bannister, owner of Banner Recreational Products in Vernon and Kelowna, is an avid snowmobiler himself and has had the good fortune of riding the Okanagan Valley and its mountains and trails for years. We met with Derek at his store in Kelowna and not only did we look into the newest machines, we also got to chat with him about this fascinating sport. Here is what he had to say: ICON: Derek can you tell us what exactly makes snowmobiling in the Valley so special? Derek: Well, I would suggest that what the Okanagan Valley offers that is different from other riding areas across Canada is the incredible views, moderate climate, and the best all around riding conditions for riders of any skill level. Our winter riding can last well into May and it is not uncommon to see snowmobil-
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Winter 2012
ers riding into June. This area also boasts a huge variety of terrain; you can find simple trails, hills, water, and some awesome climbing terrain for the extreme type rider.
ICON: Alright, so we’ve got all the necessary training and equipment...on to the most important part. What kind of machine do we need?
ICON: So can you just head out and ride wherever you want, or are there specified parks, trails, or areas?
Derek: Again, that really depends on the kind of riding you are going to be doing. For family outings and simple trail riding, Banner Recreational Products offers some fantastic machines in the Renegade, Touring, and the Expedition line up, these offer seating for one, two, or three in comfort. For the more extreme riders, you want to look into the Summit line; anything in the 600-800cc range is great for the adventurous thrill seeking type.
Derek: There are several mature clubs and organizations in the area that maintain trails and riding terrain on a volunteer basis. These people do an amazing job, but the exciting part is this sport can be all about adventure and if you’re a free spirit there is plenty of back country to explore as long as you are well trained, and prepared. ICON: Speaking of training, what kind of courses are available for those of us interested in getting into the sport? How do people get started in this? Derek: Honestly, for the most part, people are introduced to the sport through family and friends. Families will go out on trail rides and explore, in the process, children, friends and neighbours get introduced to the sport and that is where it all really starts. In terms of courses and training, the British Columbia Snowmobile Federation (BCSF) offers a variety courses along with a partnership with CAC, Canadian Avalanche Center, to educate riders in avalanche awareness and backcountry safety. In my opinion, although they are readily available, these resources are extremely underused by today’s riders; it is extremely important to get educated before you head out for both your friends and families sake. ICON: It seems that while snowmobiling a rider could inevitably encounter many unexpected situations; not only is it an extremely physically demanding activity, riders are consistently subject to the elements. What can you expect and what gear will you require?
ICON: How do those machines differ from one another? Are there specific sleds for specific terrain? Derek: Definitely, the type of terrain you are going to explore will dictate the type of machine you are looking for. If you are looking to tour, trail ride, and or family ride, you will be looking for a machine with a shorter track, less aggressive lug profile, possibly a wider ski stance for stability, and comforts like a taller windshield. If you are looking for deep or steep snow conditions, you will be looking for a longer track, deeper lug profile, taller handle bars, and a narrower ski stance for greater ease in deep snow conditions and greater floatation. ICON: Earlier you mentioned that we have some well established snowmobiling clubs and organizations in the area. If we are interested in getting together with local snowmobilers who should we contact to get more information? Derek: Give us a call at Banner Recreational Products and we will set you up with well organized and established clubs not limited to Penticton, Kelowna, Vernon, Lumby, Enderby, Sicamous, etc. Remember, “the world is our playground” and our intent is to help you enjoy it to its fullest. ICON: Derek, thank you for all the valuable insight into this incredible sport! We can wait to get out there and hit the trails ourselves.
Derek: Well that all depends on the kind of riding you are doing. If you are heading out with the family for some simple trail riding, make sure you prepare for cooler weather, dress warm and always make sure you have plenty of water, etc. in the event of an emergency. Obviously educating yourself about the trails and terrain you are going to explore is of upmost importance so you don’t run into any surprises. If you are into the extreme stuff then you have to be prepared for the worst. On top of the typical equipment, make sure you’re always carrying an avalanche bag, shovel probe, a beacon, and of course plenty of water and food. Winter 2012
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2012 Ski-Doo Summit SP 800 “This radically light mountain sled takes advantage of the best industry’s power-to-weight ratio for unmatched deep snow performance and manoeuvrability.” - BRP Loaded with unbelievable power and handling, while maintaining an extremely lightweight design, the Summit sled will have you sidehilling, boondocking and hillclimbing like no other. Gear up, jump on, hit the throttle and own the mountain. -REV-XP platform -SC-5M rear suspension -NEW Multi-function Analog/Digital Gauge -16 x 146/154 x 2.25 inch non-ported PowderMax track -Lightweight chromoly front suspension lower A-arm -NEW Pilot DS skis -Narrow ski stance, adjustable -Brembo brake with braided stainless-steel brake line -RER electronic reverse -NEW 2.5 inch lug non-ported PowderMax II track -163.9 hp engine -Dual air intake
2012 Ski-Doo Expedition Sport A.C.E 600 The Skidoo Expedition model is ideal for markets around the globe where snowmobiles are used as transportation and trails are either primitive or non‐existent. An Expedition sled can be an adventure vehicle or an errand runner when the roads are impassable. It won’t be stopped by deep snow, rugged terrain or even heavy loads. It’s that versatile. BRP builds the Expedition snowmobile with a totally unique feature set making it an outstanding trail touring sled, a competent off‐trail explorer and a capable work vehicle. -REV-XP platform -SC-5U articulating rear suspension -Charger 16 x 154 x 1.5-inch track -NEW Pilot DS skis -Adjustable ski stance -Driver heated visor outlet -eDrive clutch -Analog gauge with display -Front and rear 12V power outlets and heated visor outlets -ROTAX 600 A.C.E engine w/ 420 watts -NEW Locking Mechanism on one side for articulated suspension -Electric start 22
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The Apache 360 Track Kit Oftentimes, during the winter we seem to have a one track mind (pun intended). The snow falls and the first thing that comes to mind is...load up the truck, throw the sleds on the back, and head for the hills. But people seem to forget ATV’s are still part of the picture when it comes to fun in the snow; after all that is where they get the name “all terrain vehicle.” If you’ve ever thought to yourself, “I can’t get the same type of traction or floatation, or go the same places with my rig as I could with a sled,” check out the Apache 360 Track Kit from Can-Am. This incredible accessory gives you the ability to completely transform your all terrain vehicle for maximum snow performance. It is definitely the best overall kit on the market rocking the highest ground clearance and lowest steering effort of any track set up available. With reduced friction and vibration, due to heightened rubber overmold wheels, as well as new track design and rubber for more traction in snow or any other type of ground surface this Apache 360 Track Kit will have you going places you never imagined possible, with ease and comfort. The changeover is quick and easy, so within 20 minutes and you can hit the snow and have some fun.
Banner Recreational Products At Banner Recreational Products they strive to be recognized as one of the most respected powersports dealers in the industry and for the industry. They accomplish this by providing premium brands and products, an unrivalled purchasing experience, and are supported by an exceptional staff that is industry trained.Banner Recreational Products offers two locations; one in Kelowna and one in Vernon to better serve your needs, whether it’s a sea-doo, ski-doo, atv, motorbike, or sled you’re looking for they can help you out. Additionally, they offer a massive selection of parts and accessories as well as top notch service technicians. Drop by next time you’re in the market for a new machine! Banner Recreational Products is a proud supporter and supplier of Search and Rescue. Kelowna: 819 McCurdy Rd.
Vernon: #3 3001 43rd Ave.
Phone: (250) 979-2889 Fax: (250) 448-5716 email: bannister@bannerrec.com
Phone: (250) 542-0418 Fax: (250) 448-5716 email: bannister@bannerrec.com
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ICON travels the world Nassau (BS) Sebastian, Canada Salt Lake City (UT) JT, USA
Sundance (UT) Michelle, USA
Barcelona (ES) Natalia, Canada
If you are going on a vacation, or have relatives in other countries we would love to see your pictures! Just email us your pictures to info@icon-okanagan.com Maybe you will see your picture in the next issue! We’ve got something for you to really get excited about! All of us have great aspirations of travelling the world and visiting foreign and exotic countries but often it is just not a possibility. Well, we caught up with an old friend and she is doing just that...travelling the world. We are lucky enough to have her on board with us now, and she will be blogging about all of her adventures on our brand new website. So if you’ve got the itch to travel and explore but just can’t make it a reality right now, follow Monika on her escapades at www.icon-okanagan.com and experience the world through her words!
The ICONic Pause New on www.icon-okanagan.com
“Greetings! My name is Monika. I was born in Vancouver and raised in Kelowna. I studied at the University of British Columbia and have a degree in English Literature and Philosophy. I currently live in the Middle East, in a little place called Dubai. I am working as a flight attendant and traveling the world. I spend a mere 24 hours, sometimes more, in places abroad and I head to a new destination almost every week. I explore, I observe, I feel, I wonder and then, I write. These are the breaths I take out of an otherwise transient and chaotic life. These are my Iconic Pauses.” 24
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Santé Bar & Grille Dine in Style at Big White
You don’t have to drive all the way down to Kelowna after a great day of skiing if you want to dine in style. Located slope-side in the White Crystal Inn, just steps from the top of the Gondola, you’ll find Santé Bar & Grille. Chef Vincent Denis, who operated the Copper Kettle Grille for more than eight years, launched this new and exciting restaurant just before Christmas 2010. Specializing in eclectic Canadian cuisine, the Santé Bar & Grille opens at 7.30 am for your à la carte breakfast menu, featuring five different styles of Eggs Benedict. Pumped up for the day you can then hit the slopes and let Chef Vince and his team prepare their delicious lunch, which includes their great signature burgers and Santé-wiches. Make sure to try the “Snow Ghost,” an 8oz charbroiled cheeseburger sandwiched inbetween a UFC (Ultimate Five Cheese) sandwich and seasoned steak fries! Believe us – you’ll definitely have to hit the slopes again after that! The best time to experience Chef Vince’s cuisine is definitely for dinner. Even if you are not a skier you should come up one night to enjoy a very different dining experience. Park your car in the main parking lot and take the Gondola to the Village. It’s a whole different world, and it will make your dinner a very memorable one. Choose from mouth-watering ribs, seafood dishes, and the finest cuts of steak. “Canadian cuisine doesn’t have a specific direction, so we’ve had to steal from other cultures,” Chef Vince explains. “We bring a little bit of Asian, a little bit of Southwest and
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combine it all and make it our very own eclectic Canadian cuisine.” You will also find a great selection of affordable Okanagan Valley wines, and there’s even an extensive kid’s menu for your children. Vince, who has been in the food industry for 29 years now, spends his entire winter up at Big White working nearly double-time to be able to have the summer months available for his other passion – triathlon. Vincent Denis is actually a six-time Ironman finisher and came in 13th at Ultraman Canada 2011. He discovered triathlon 5 years ago and has been hooked ever since. “The Okanagan is a great place for this sport, it’s amazing, we have so many triathletes here and many great local races.” So next time you are up at Big White, make sure you visit the Santé Bar & Grille and find out for yourself why it is their premiere dining establishment. And should Chef Vince have a free minute, he will gladly share a story about either of his passions.
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THE X-FILES The BMW line of Sport Utility Vehicles Winter is here! For many of us, that means early morning commutes with less than ideal driving conditions in the cold, ice, or snow. Getting out of the house seems to take a bit longer as you nuzzle in the warmth of your comforter, add a few extra minutes to that nice hot shower, or plant yourself in the kitchen with a steaming cup of coffee, not yet ready to face what lies beyond those doors leading to the outside world. Wouldn’t it be just perfect if the commute to work, back, or for that matter any trip was just as pleasant and as relaxing as being in the comfort and safety of your own home?
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That may be why many of us start to wish for a slightly bigger, safer, and more comfortable and luxurious vehicle when we hit that first patch of ice. ENTER BMW.
To say the least, BMW has an incredibly diverse, stable of vehicles, and this definitely applies to their newest line of SUVs. Stacked with everything you could possibly expect and more, the Bavarian auto maker has hit the nail on the head with their stylish X1, and X3 crossovers, and the brawny and sexy X5, and X6 models, each easily catering to a specific audience in their own special way.
with a smile and a grin. We were fortunate enough to enjoy all of these vehicles out in the real world, having some fun in the city, off-road, in the snow, and yes even in the grocery store parking lot.
BMW is on top of their game with the latest technologies and creature comforts ensuring every second spent in one of their luxurious automobiles is one marked
Kelowna BMW
2530 Enterprise Way Kelowna www.kelownabmw.ca
Toll Free: 1-866-577-1BMW (269) Tel.: 250-860-1BMW (269) Fax: 250-860-1868
2012 BMW X1 They’ve done it! You can now get behind the wheel of an all-wheel-drive BMW for less than $ 40,000 with no compromise. The brand-new X1 should be called an X2 and can be yours at a starting price of $38,500; it (arguably) looks even better than the more expensive 328i wagon. The X1 offers the aggressive and sporty look that has become synonymous with Bimmers of late, and it often takes a second look to figure out if it is an X1 or an X3.
The engines? Well, there’s only one at this point. A nice one – a new 2.0-litre four cylinder that, thanks to a single, twin-scroll turbocharger, offers 241 hp and acceleration from 0-100 in 6.7 seconds. Not too shabby – it is actually quicker than the wagon or the non-turbo X3 SUV! What we want to point out here is that this baby really looks, feels and drives like a real BMW! Yes, agreed, some of the interior materials may feel
So what’s the difference then? Not much, to be honest. Let’s stick with the 328i wagon as a comparison – The X1 comes with the same xDrive all-wheel-drive system, pretty much the same interior and a fantastic eightspeed automatic transmission. Add better ground clearance, and remove some cargo space (not much, though) and you’ve got the feisty little X1. Winter 2012
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lists along for the ride. Thumbs up: This all-wheel-drive BMW is anything but “tiny”. It does everything the wagon can do, but comes with some extra ground clearance and even saves you a couple bucks.
slightly less luxurious, but boy does it come equipped. Not only is it astonishingly spacious, you can even option a panorama sunroof as part of its bargain-priced premium package, which also includes a heated steering wheel, satin-aluminum roof rails and auto-dimming mirrors. Bluetooth is standard equipment, the sound system pounds the tunes, and you will even find an iPod/Phone or BlackBerry connection so you can bring your play-
2012 BMW X3 BMW has just recently redesigned the X3, complete with significant changes to the interior, exterior as well as under the hood. They’ve even made it less expensive! Yep, you read right. The X3 gains 3.3 inches in overall length, with an added 0.6 inches on the wheelbase, an extra 1.1 inches of width and 1.4 inches in height. This results in more legroom and more storage space. The vehicle’s new aggressive and sexy body contours make it appealing to the young professional, or even the young adventurer.
cargo space, and comfortable seating for four adults this mid-sized bad boy is the perfect cross-over for those who are just not inspired by the idea of a hulking SUV in the city. The BMW X3 is available with two inline six-cylinder engines. Starting at $37,625, the X3 xDrive28i receives a 240-horsepower naturally-aspirated unit, whereas the
With top notch interior materials throughout, ample
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$41,925 X3 xDrive35i adds a turbocharged powerplant rated at 306 horsepower. Both models come with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the latter version featuring automatic stop-start technology.
And don’t you worry; it definitely goes like snot and handles very well.
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2012 BMW X5 (with some nice exterior add-ons and an adaptive drive sport suspension).
The BMW X5 is one of the most popular luxury midsize SUVs (although BMW call it a “SAV – Sport Activity Vehicle.”) Reviews always name it one of the best-driving, best-handling SUVs on the market - and one of the sportiest.
The top-of-the-line xDrive50i with a twin-turbo V8 comes standard with a four-way lumbar support for its front-seat occupants as well as navigation. It starts at $63,800. And for those of you looking for the ultimate X5, you will definitely be after the BMW X5 M.
It comes in three trim levels, starting with the $47,200 xDrive35i with a turbo six-cylinder and features like
all-wheel drive, adaptive cruise control, 10-way poweradjustable leatherette front seats and a 10-speaker AM/ FM/CD player with iPod and USB adapter. Next is the xDrive35d six-cylinder diesel, which comes similarly-equipped at a $4,600 price premium over the base xDrive35i.
The interior feels “rich,” with low-gloss finishes, padding along your knees and elbows, and real wood and aluminum trim. Leg and headroom is excellent, and thanks to its large windows, visibility is too. Typical for all BMWs, the seats leave little to desire, but contouradjustable seats and bolstered sport seats can be ordered as well. There is an optional third row which works well for smaller children, but will not sit adults comfortably. All in all the X5 lives up to BMW’s luxury reputation and offers sharp styling with great utility and an excellent interior. We love it!
You can also opt for the xDrive35i Premium or Sport Activity, depending on the type of extras you want. The Premium starts at $54,800 and will get you three-stage heated front seats upholstered in real leather, slightly larger wheels, a panoramic sunroof and a power tailgate. Opting for the $57,300 xDrive35i Sport Activity will give you standard 20-inch wheels and the ability to add the $5,650 M Sport Package 30
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Ok, so your garage isn’t big enough for everything you really want: A sporty coupe, a roomy van for the family, an SUV to get you up the ski hill and a truck for towing the boat. Enter the BMW X6. The Bavarians have once again created something most of us could hardly imagine – they built a 4x4 that thinks it is a coupé and acts
finish. You can even get fourzone climate control with separate settings. Technology at its absolute finest. The X6 comes with two engine options, and both incorporate direct fuel injection and turbo-charging. The xDrive35i uses a 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder with one turbocharger, while the xDrive50i uses a twin turbo-charged 4.4-liter V-8. You can also get the performance-oriented X6 M (with 555hp and torque rated at a ridiculous 500 lb.ft.) or a hybrid model.
2012 BMW X6 like both – and it is stunning!
Based on the X5 platform it is dubbed a “SAC” - a “Sports Activity Coupé,” and beautifully combines the racy look of a coupé with the luxury and ruggedness of a prestige SUV.
Safety features include four-wheel-disc anti-lock brakes, traction control, an electronic stability system, side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags for both rows with a tip sensor that ensures they deploy in the event of a rollover.
A coupé -like roofline, a one-piece hatchback and the fact that it is longer, wider and lower than the X5 make it look very aggressive. It also means it has less room than the X5, seating only four with two individual seats in the back (there’s an option for a fifth seat, though). The legroom is fine but, unfortunately, due to the sloping roofline, you won’t find as much headroom as you would in the X5.
Bottom line: By far our absolute favourite, and a game changer in the SUV...sorry SAC market. It just looks so sexy and cool! It must be the most stylish SUV on the market, with ample power across the board, and handling that feels as though you’re glued to the road, this machine is definitely an all-in-one solution. It’s what the Bavarians call an “Eierlegende Wollmilchsau” (try to pronounce that!) ... a “jack of all trades device.”
The cockpit is all BMW, just the way we love it. The shelved dash clearly demonstrates kinship with its brothers – stylish and well structured with a superb fit and
Get on the horn now, call Kelowna BMW and book your test-drive, we promise you’ll leave with a smile, and possibly a new set of keys!
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The Virtual Screen The ITG-WideView XL Edition TV Goggles It’s a Saturday night, you just bought the newest Blu-ray out, the popcorn is popping and a cold one is waiting for you. Yes, it’s movie night! So grab your universal remote, dim the lights, and switch on the beamer or your wide screen TV. You don’t have a beamer? And your TV is only a 32”? No reason to panic, we found the perfect solution for you: TV goggles! They will give you a virtual big screen display, are comfortable to wear and even come with 3D stereo sound. For our review we decided on the ITG - WideView XL Edition, one of the newest models on the market. The sleek looking shades only weigh 80 grams and come with a built-in multimedia player with 2GB of memory (up to 32GB with a Micro SD card), allowing you to store your media content directly inside the glasses. The WideView XL Edition also comes with wire-free operation and up to 5 hours of continuous play on a single charge. It even supports A/V input for external devices such as a DVD player or your favourite gaming device. What really sets these goggles apart from other models is their aspect ratio. The WideView actually displays a wide screen, allowing you to watch movies in the typical 16:9 wide screen ratio we know from home TVs but on a huge virtual 72” screen! Does this really deliver the same experience? Let’s find out! Once you have turned the unit on, you are welcomed with a menu screen which allows you to choose and browse through your files. Navigation is easy, and if you want the full wireless experience, just transfer your picture and video-files to the unit. It’s really easy. For the test we decided to
connect it to a DVD player and were truly amazed. The picture quality is surprisingly crisp, way better than what we expected from a 432x240 screen resolution, the colors are vivid, and the virtual screen is huge. Is it 72 inches? No idea, but these iTVGoggles give you a true big screen experience and the sound is equally good. We watched a full movie, and not once did we have an uncomfortable feeling or problems with the picture quality. Our conclusion ... this is a very cool product. For the price of a no-name 32” TV you will get the ultimate portable private theatre. The only thing is – you will need a little practice training yourself to eat popcorn or slurp your drink with the glasses on.
WIN! Want the ultimate movie theatre experience? With some luck you could have it for free! ICON Okanagan is raffling off one pair of ITGWideView XL Edition TV Goggles. Just go to our website, fill out our little questionnaire, and you may become the proud owner of these cool new TV goggles.
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WAYNE S WORD THE “MUST HAVES” FOR SPRING 2012
ADVERTISEMENT
by Wayne MacDermott
Fashion can be intimidating for some, it’s always changing and hard to keep up with. Let me eliminate the grey area, and shine a light in the right direction. Look the best possible!
www.macdermottsonbernard.com
A plain leather belt works with just about anything but is boring. Try one of these belts from Leather Island, and wake up your outfit with some real style and attitude! Your wardrobe has been in hibernation! Winter is dark enough. Look forward to spring and punch things up a notch with a shot of colour with one of these killer skinny ties from Ted Baker. Think watches have become obsolete with your almost implanted smart phone? Think again - this is where a man really accessorizes, unless you’re sporting some Jersey Shore type bling. Accent your outfit, and try a watch with some colour.
Did you know ... ... that we have our own in-house tailors at MacDermott’s? You pick your clothes, we make them fit you perfectly. That’s what makes the difference!
Not just silver and gold anymore. Cufflinks now come in some fun and great colours. A perfect gift this Valentine’s Day for that special guy in your life. A couple of years ago colourful socks were reserved for only the most flamboyant of personalities. Not anymore! Break up the monotony of day to day office garb. Have a little fun and go for it!
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gear up! Now that winter is here we headed down to Island Snow to check out the newest gear for the season. Having been around since snowboarding first began in the Okanagan, Island Snow has been providing Kelowna’s snowboard community with the best brands and selection of snowboard gear since the mid 80’s ... and this year is no exception. Whether it’s a new board, boot and binding setup, a new snowboard jacket & pant combo, new gloves, helmet, goggles, a toque or tools and accessories … Island Snow has it all from the best brands in snowboarding. With a friendly staff offering a ton of knowledge and expertise you’ll definitely get set up with the proper gear ensuring your season is nothing short of epic good times. Whether you are a newbie, your wallet is a little thin, or you are a seasoned veteran and want the absolute best gear…Island Snow has got you covered!
Here are a few tips to make sure you grab the right stuff: Snowboards This is the magical piece of equipment that started it all and revolutionized the ability for us experience the freedom of surfing… on snow. Snowboard technology has progressed leaps and bounds over the years allowing us as riders to improve, progress and have more fun each year. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate, a pro, a guy, or girl and no matter where you ride on the mountain or what style of riding you like to do…there is a board made for you and the friendly staff at Island Snow will gladly help you select the right one.
Bindings Purpose: Keeping you attached to the board and to enable you to efficiently transfer the energy & movement from your body to the board itself. Bindings come in different sizes and varying degrees of stiffness/flexibility to suit your skill level and style of riding.
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Helmet Purpose: To absorb excessive energy caused by impact that (if you weren’t wearing one) would go straight to the dome. Your brain, your most important asset in this sport and all others. A good quality helmet will better dissipate and absorb this energy so that your head won’t have to. In addition to protection, helmets also provide warmth and in some cases have built in headphones to plug into your iPod or smart phone allowing you to listen to your favorite tunes while riding or sitting on the chair.
gear up! Boots
Purpose: Built for snowboarding and designed specifically to best fit the rider while providing warmth, comfort and support. Snowboard boots are one of the most important purchases when selecting snowboard gear so proper time, knowledge and attention are essential to ensure a great fit resulting in happy dry feet that allow you to ride all day long!
First Layer & Mid Layer (Tops, Pants, Socks) Purpose: The first and mid layers main functions are to provide the insulation you need for warmth and the ability to wick moisture away from your skin. Standard cotton t-shirts, hoodies and socks fall short here. Purpose built layers containing fabrics such as polypropylene and wool will keep your butt (and the rest of you) warm and dry!
Outerwear (Jackets, Pants, Mitts/Gloves)
Purpose: Quite simply to keep you warm and dry! To do this your outer layer needs to keep the wind and moisture out of your jacket or pant while allowing any moisture caused from sweating to escape and be wicked away from your skin to the outside of your jacket or pant . The more waterproof and breathable your outer layer is, the better ... moisture is the enemy.
Goggles Purpose: Protect your eyes while allowing you to properly read the terrain in front of you….and (depending on the tint) creep a peek without getting caught. The two main features to consider when selecting a goggle are the frame size and the lens tint/colour (to best match the light conditions that you are riding in). Models: Shea & Kayla Photography: Sonia Photog - Sonia Nicholson MakeUp: Gmehn Makeup Artistry by Nicole Germaine www.gmehn.ca Winter 2012
112 - 1876 Cooper Rd. Kelowna Call Toll Free: 1-877-301-7669 www.icon-okanagan.com
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LIBTECH ATTACK BANANA: All Terrain Freestyle Board LibTech’s EC2 is C2 Technology enhanced, EC2 is elliptical! LibTech has added elliptical Camber, shortened contact lengths and a smoother, more powder oriented tip and tail entry. The boards elliptical camber moves the apex of the camber inward (closer underfoot), it helps distribute tip and tail pressure more evenly, provides a more focused pop, and creates better suspension to absorb big landings. With slightly shorter contact lengths this board is more nimble and easier to ride on hardpacked snow and powder. The board we are giving away in this contest is a 159W, so make sure it suits your height and riding style before you enter to win!
enter to win !! Your favourite magazine is DOING IT AGAIN ... OH YEAH! How do you take part? It`s simple - just go to our website www.icon-okanagan.com Good luck!
ITG-WideViewXL TV Goggles: Quite possibly the best and most complete set of TV Goggles on the market today. Developed by iTVGoggles; these bad boys offer a built-in multimedia player as well as storage. The onboard interface is able to organize and play your videos, images, music and text files without any need for a source unit such as a video game system or Blu-ray player. These amazing goggles offer a 72” Wide Screen virtual display, and wire-free operation should you desire it, they also supports A/V input to be used with a wide variety of external devices.
PRIZES: One LipTech Snowboard, one pair of TV Goggles. SELECTION OF WINNERS: Winners will be selected on March 30, 2012, in a random drawing from among all eligible entries received. The drawing will be conducted by ICON Okanagan Magazine, whose decisions and interpretations on all matters relating to the Draw and these Official Rules are final and binding in all respects. ICON Okanagan reserves the right to disqualify any participant or winner and may refuse to award any prize to a person who is ineligible or has violated any rule, gained unfair advantage in participating in the Draw, or obtained winner status using fraudulent means. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. Potential winners will be notified by Email and must meet all eligibility requirements. Return of a prize or prize notification as undeliverable, or inability of ICON Okanagan Magazine to contact a potential winner within seventy-two (72) hours of selection, may result in disqualification of such potential winner, and an alternate winner may be selected by random drawing at ICON Okanagan’s discretion. In the event a winner declines a prize, ICON Okanagan may, at its discretion, select an alternate winner by random drawing. 36
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THE COLOUR OF DEATH by Michael Cordy When I heard that Michael Cordy, one of my favourite authors, had a new novel in the works I was overjoyed, ecstatic to say the least. Having read all of his books, I knew I would be in for a treat. Cordy’s unique blend of suspense, mystery, and adventure story telling has always appealed to me. By combining these genres, with incredible character development, interesting plot structure, and creating a fascinating setting that is both believable and intriguingly abstract, Michael has always had the ability to draw me in for the wild ride that his stories are. Cordy’s newest novel, “The Colour of Death,” tells the tale of a very special young woman, who inexplicably senses atrocious acts of evil occurring within the walls of a home in a residential community in Portland, Oregon. After uncovering a gruesome crime scene and suffering trauma induced amnesia she is not only a mystery to the police, but also to herself. Ravaged by horrific hallucinations, the appropriately christened Jane Doe, undergoes treatment from a talented forensic psychiatrist named Nathan Fox. Drawn to one another by an enigmatic link, the two delve into an adventure marked by the paranormal, occult, and forensically inexplicable. While solving a string of seemingly unrelated brutal murders, Jane and Nathan, are given insight into the
hallucinations afflicting her and ultimately confront the truth behind both their pasts while challenging Nathan’s black and white preconceptions of the human experience. From the first sentence on, Cordy draws you into an adventure shrouded in mystery and the inexplicable, concluding with a shocking and terrifying revelation. The Colour of Death Hardcover: 384 pages Publisher: Bantam Press ISBN-10: 0593060679 ISBN-13: 978-0593060674
About the Author A British novelist born in Ghana, Michael spent most of his childhood years in Africa, India, and Cyprus. Educated at Kings School in Canterbury and the universities of Leicester and Durham, he spent ten years in marketing and advertising, while dreaming of becoming a writer. Backed by his wife (as long as his first book was completed within one year), Cordy gave up that lucrative career to follow his dream. His first novel, “The Miracle Strain” took him two years to complete; however, he claims to have written all the necessary words in the aforementioned twelve months, “just in the wrong order.” This novel has since become a bestseller around the world, selling more than a million copies, with the film rights even being purchased by Disney for $1.6 million. Enjoying international success from four follow up novels; “Crime Zero,” “Lucifer,” “True,” and “The Source,” and having recently published “The Colour of Death,” Michael is hard at work on his seventh novel and is busy working on his first screenplay. He has been dubbed by the Press as Britain’s answer to Michael Crichton and his work has been compared to Dan Brown’s “The Da Vinci Code” – even though he was published years before that novel hit the shelves. Michael currently lives in London with his wife and daughter. 38
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THE
Welcome to ...
A Charming Boutique Winery in Kelowna No wonder we love our wineries here in the Okanagan, especially the smaller ones, the boutique wineries. They are all so different, so unique. Take The View Winery. The first time we came in contact with this winery in South Kelowna was when our wine editor picked one of their wines for our “The Tasting Note” review. It was the label that caught our eye and made it stand out from the other bottles while we waited for the photographer to take pictures. The label displayed a pump stuffed into a wine bottle, and an overturned glass beside it, all in a greyish hue excluding the red heel and the red wine in the glass. Classy. We love it. But - what does this have to do with the winery? It shouldn’t take too long to find out... President Jennifer Molgat
The View Winery is one of the newest wineries in the Okanagan ... but with a long and rich history that spans 5 generations here in the Valley. Established in 2006, the winery is situated on a property that has been in the Turton/ Ward family for ages. Originally tree fruits were grown on the land, primarily apples. In the mid 1990’s a transformation began and some of the fruit trees were replaced by vines. The sandy loam soils and the exposure of the property made it ideal for growing cool climate whites and early ripening reds. Spartan and McIntosh apple trees made way for Gewurztraminer, Ehrenfelser, Riesling, Optima, Baco Noir and Pinotage vines. The next big step was made when the rustic and charming historic packinghouse, built in 1922, was converted into a winery. Today, only a few years after their first 500 cases of wine had been bottled The View Winery has almost 50 acres planted. They are producing about 4,000 cases this year under the direction Winter 2012
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of President Jennifer Molgat and the skilled eyes of master winemaker Bernhard Schirrmeister. A Dry Riesling, together with the Distraction Rose and a sparkling wine have been added to the portfolio, and with several naConnie Parker - Wine Shop Manager , Sales tional and interand Marketing Assistant and the inspiration national awards behind the “Shoe Pairings!” this charming boutique winery is looking forward to a very bright future. We recently visited The View Winery following a very special and exciting occasion - an exclusive tasting of their new releases! Oh yes, we love our job! But before we had the pleasure of sampling some splendid wine, we sat down with Jennifer Molgat to hear more about the unique story of The View Winery. ICON Okanagan: Jennifer, The View Winery is a very young boutique winery, which originally started as an orchard. When did you or your family make the decision to replace apple trees with vines?
our old fresh market apple varieties with European cider apple trees. Until 2006 we merely squished the apples and provided the apple juice which was fermented at another location. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, we lost access to the location to ferment the juice, and so my father approached me with an idea. He said “ You once told me you wanted to start a winery. Well, get us a winery license so we can make our cider and you can start a winery right here on the family property!” What can I say - a good girl does what her father says! ICON Okanagan: Absolutely, and I am sure you don’t regret it. But you are not a wine maker, are you? So I guess you got some help with this project? Jennifer Molgat: Oh no, I don’t regret it at all. What a great opportunity! I got right down to work. We obtained a winery license later that year and the cider project was saved. We also got started with creating our quality table wines. Our first vintage was in 2007 when we tested the waters with just 500 cases. In those days we only made Gewurztraminer and Pinotage. It was very well received which really boosted my confidence to bolster forward in an increasingly competitive market. Although I decide the direction we take with our wines and love being in the cellar, I leave the winemaking up to the experts. Bernhard Schirrmeister is a master winemaker with over 25 years of experience in the wine industry and can boast many award winning wines in national and international competitions.
Jennifer Molgat: My father started to replace fruit trees with vines in the 1990’s. A local winery asked him to grow Gewurztraminer, ICON Okanagan: Ehrenfelser and Optima for them. As Quite amazing, from 500 cases far as the winery goes, it was actually a in 2007 to now 4,000 cases. Winemaker Bernhard Schirrmeister dream that my husband and I shared. We both love wine and we had a shared vision to start Jennifer Molgat: our own boutique winery when we retired. Well, it And we have room to grow! We still provide other seems we couldn’t wait. To be honest it was a decision wineries with premium grapes for their own products. made due to circumstances. In the early 2000’s my father Chris Turton became involved in producing premium ICON Okanagan: apple cider with a local company. He replaced some of Well, the wine lover surely likes to hear that. At this 40
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it was, an overturned glass beside it, an image of our own making. It spoke to us of our love of wine, and it was born by accident during a fun and carefree moment. We stopped, grabbed the camera, snapped a picture and gave it to Kelowna artist Julia Tropps, and asked her if she could re-create it on canvas. It was done in a flash. Within weeks it was on our wine bottles for The View’s first release of table wines. The shoe fits and we’re wearing it! Afterall, shoes and good wine make everything fine! point it seems you sell a lot of cases to restaurants, so where can the enthusiast find your wine? Jennifer Molgat: Yes, we deliver to many restaurants, and we have our wines at a lot of retail locations. The best is to go to our website at www.theviewwinery.com where you will find a list of retailers in BC and an online order form. And for those who live here in the Okanagan - just come by the winery! Tastings are complimentary and we love to chat! ICON Okanagan: Ok, the label. So what’s the story with the red heels? Jennifer Molgat: Ok, you want the true, blue story of The View’s Red Shoe? Here it is. After months of tinkering, back and forth with a graphic artist The View Winery and Vineyard was poised to print up a wine label featuring a faded sketch of our lovely view. The inviting image was to be surrounded by bold black and gilded framing. It was a label that would not look out of place beside any established wine label. For a new winery, fitting-in seemed important. Then came that evening, a wine expert describing the pitfalls of choosing the wrong label for a wine. My husband Kent and I looked at each other. We realized we had just dug ourselves a pit, and were about to fall in. We knew we needed something truly our own...
ICON Okanagan: What a great story! We can truly see and feel your passion for wine and your winery. So what will be next? Jennifer Molgat: We were really busy last season and realized that we need more room for our guests so we will be making a few changes and expanding our tasting area. Oh, and there is a reason for our name: The view from the upper floor is spectacular! Who knows, you just might see a funky Tapas Bar up there one day! ICON Okanagan: Jennifer, thank you very much for the insights and the tour of the winery ... and now we are really looking forward to our exclusive wine tasting!
The New Releases Now that we have heard so much about The View Winery and their history, we couldn’t wait to find out what all the buzz about their wine is about. Jennifer took us to The View’s wine cellar to get a first and exclusive tasting of the new releases.
We went dancing that night until my red pumps started to pinch. Back home we finished off a bottle of Merlot, and my husband Kent playfully removed my shoes and stuffed the heel of one shoe into the empty bottle.... and there Winter 2012
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The View Winery currently has 10 different wines; The Red Shoe Red, a Pinotage, a Pinotage Reserve, the Optima, their signature Riesling and Gewurztraminer, the Distraction Rosé, Distraction Frizzante, the Stiletto and finally the Temptation Frizzante. Needless to say – we couldn’t try all of them, so we picked the 2009 Pinotage and the “Distraction family”, the Rosé and Frizzante, as they had been sold out for months already (so we were curious...) 2009 Pinotage The Pinotage is a South African signature variety and originates from the Pinot Noir and Cinsaut. The 2009 has wonderful flavours with a mixture of chocolate and dark berry fruits. Very nice! Jennifer’s food pairing “wonderful wine to pair with duck confit, or scrumptious lamb burgers.” Connie’s Shoe pairing ... ”Anything Jimmy Choo!” 2010 Distraction Rosé They call it a “summer wine” but we actually enjoyed it in December and it was perfect ... so let’s say it is a very fruity wine, 100% Pinotage, which has a pleasing crisp acidity and a long lasting finish. We can highly recommend it with a fresh and fruity goat cheese salad! Jennifers food pairing ... “Pair this with poached wild pink salmon, lush risotto, or a fruity salad.” Connie’s shoe pairing .... “Nothing – you will want to feel the sand in between your toes.” 2010 Distraction Frizzante The “Frizzante” is the sparkling counterpart to the Distraction Rosé, so expect the whole fruitful aromatic experience, paired with some bubbles. The Frizzante is actually a blend - 40% Riesling, 30% Gewurztraminer, 20% Optima and 10% Pinotage. It has a lingering honey finish. We love it! Jennifer recommends ... “Indulge with canapés; melt in your mouth cheesecake or chocolate dipped strawberries.” Connie’s shoe pairing... “Cinderella’s glass slippers!”
And if you are looking for the perfect dessert wine, look
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no further – and try the 2010 Optima. We actually paired it with our dessert in this issues “ICON at the table.”
Join the Club If you have always wanted to join a club, and if you are an avid wine lover, you should definitely take The View’s Wine Club into consideration. There is no membership fee, all you do is buy two shipments of six bottles, one will be delivered in the Spring, one in the Fall, and you get the following benefits: How about an immediate 15% discount on all of their wine? Yes, that’s included. You will also get personal invitations to their special events and winemaker dinners before tickets are available to the general public, and access to limited production and library wines. Quite a deal. Just call or email The View Winery for more information – and tell them you read about it in your favourite magazine!
Mark your Calendars! Don’t miss it! In the spirit of good food, great wine and fun and frolic, The View Winery is hosting their Annual Winemakers Olympics and Cellar Dinner on May 12th. For more information please visit their website.
The View Winery #1-2287 Ward Road Kelowna, BC (P) 250 860 0742 (C) 250 215 1331
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THE THIRD INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION by Jeremy Rifkin “We have the science and technology to do it, but it will mean nothing unless there is a change in will.” — Jeremy Rifkin Our industrial civilization is at a crossroads with the price of fuel and food climbing, high unemployment rates, a tanked housing market, soaring consumer debt and most alarmingly, government debt. Nearly a seventh of the human race (and that’s a whopping 1 BILLION people) is facing hunger and starvation. And not only that in only a split second compared to the age of our planet, we have managed to alter world climate to a point that we are now facing a potentially cataclysmic change in the temperature and chemistry of our planet, which threatens to destabilize ecosystems around the world. Humanity is in desperate need of a game plan to guide us into the future, and that is what this book is all about. It explores how Internet technology and renewable energy are merging to create a powerful “Third Industrial Revolution,” with hundreds of millions of people producing their own green energy in their homes, offices, and factories, and while sharing it with each other in an “energy internet,” just like we now create
and share information online. Can this create thousands of businesses, millions of jobs, and usher in a fundamental reorganization of human relationships, from hierarchical to lateral power? Jeremy Rifkin’s vision is an insider’s account of the next great economic era, including a look into the personalities and players — heads of state, global CEOs, social entrepreneurs, and NGOs — who are pioneering its implementation around the world. The Third Industrial Revolution Hardcover: 304 pages Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan ISBN-10: 0230115217 ISBN-13: 978-0230115217
About the Author Jeremy Rifkin is president of the Foundation on Economic Trends and the author of eighteen bestselling books, including The Hydrogen Economy and The End of Work. He has been a guest on Face the Nation, The Lehrer News Hour, 20/20, Larry King Live, Today, and Good Morning America. The National Journal named Rifkin as one of 150 people in the U.S. that have the most influence in shaping federal government policy. Rifkin is chairman of the Global CEO Business Roundtable (incl. IBM, Cisco, Cushman and Wakefield), and has served as an adviser to various global leaders. His monthly column on global issues appears in many of the world’s leading newspapers and magazines.
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Your advertisement in 60,000 copies - for as little as $200 per month Call us today and get the best value for your dollar! ph 250.826.0400 email ads@icon-okanagan.com
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Are You Up For A Challenge? In an economy in which there has been so much talk about downward business trends, it is exciting to share with our readers a company that has truly captured the entrepreneurial soul. We would like to thank Kimberly Stefanski, her team and ViSalus, for letting us peek inside their operation and witness the excitement of their Body by Vi Challenge. Over the past few decades, North American lifestyles have become busier than ever. In many families both parents are working outside the home and are children involved in a myriad of activities, thus healthy eating choices easily fall by the wayside. Traditionally, carrying extra weight has been considered undesirable because of its effect on physical appearance, as well social stigmas. But a much more serious issue is at stake. Extra weight can be deadly! The American Heart Association considers obesity to be a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, stroke and other serious medical issues. The obesity rate is rising in both adolescents and adults alike. Sodium intake from processed and restaurant foods contributes to increased rates of high blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes. Thus, fast foods have become a major contributor to the nation’s overweight and obesity epidemic. Kimberly Stefanski, a single mother of two, fitness trainer and Canadian Figure Champion, knew when she first heard about the Body by Vi Challenge that the timing for a business based on health and wellness was perfect. Kimberly saw first hand the effects of fad diets that her personal fitness clients had endured for years, the yo-yo effect. Kimberly says, many people fail at fad diets or crazy workout routines that are based on starvation and not on proper nutrition. Kimberly joined the challenge in March of 2011, the Vi Challenge has changed her and her two children’s lives and now several hundreds of her friends, family etc. Embracing health and wellness is a big part of the challenge, but there is also an opportunity to promote the challenge. Lifting the opportunity for prosperity for her fellow promoters has been one of the biggest rewards for her personally. She never believed her business could grow so fast and achieve, financial rewards by doing something she has so much passion for. Taking delivery, of a brand-new 535 BMW from Kelowna BMW, was a very nice perk as well. “I love the challenge, it’s very rewarding seeing people achieve both
their health and wellness goals, as well as financial prosperity.” The Body by Vi 90 day challenge puts the power of health products into convenient Challenge Kits to help anybody lose weight, get into shape and achieve their fitness goals. The challenge is exploding all over, because it is simple, fast and affordable. It is not a fad diet; it is a movement that helps people achieve weight loss, and fitness goals and experience lasting results in as little as 90 days. It is based on nutrition that helps burn fat, boost metabolism and control hunger. As an incentive for the challenge there are over $10 million in free products, prize and vacations to be won. If a promoter signs up three people who sign up three people they qualify for the company BMW program which ViSalus calls the Bimmer Club. The number of people to qualify for their Bimmer is growing by over 10 people per day, as the number of people joining the challenge is growing by over 1,000, every day. Think about what you would like to accomplish in the next 90 days. Whether you want to loose weight or just tone up for the summer, there’s a kit for you. If you’re an athlete training for a marathon, there’s a kit for you. “We challenge people to make their health a priority for 90 days”. If you want to join the challenge or become a promoter like Kimberly and enhance your personal lifestyle and financial outlook please go to traceyfox.myvi.net/ challenge or call, 778-753-1BMW for more information or to get started with an amazing team.
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Models: Shannon & Candice Photography: Sonia Photog - Sonia Nicholson
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Fashion Foundations, started in 1976 by Margaret Wort, just recently made a big move. After 17 years on Lawrence Ave. the Kelowna store moved into their new location in the “cultural district” of Downtown Kelowna on Ellis Street – and a second location in Downtown Castlegar continues to grow after it’s start in Castlegar 4 years ago! Their mission: to see a woman’s face light up when she finds the right bra! Fashion Foundations has a fantastic size range of bras – from everyday basic styles to the prettiest bras you have ever seen. Let their fitters help you find the right model for your personal desires & needs. Fashion Foundations is also registered with BC’s Fair Pharmacare program and can help with all aspects of post-mastectomy fitting and financial benefits available to women of BC. The superb selection of prostheses by leading suppliers, bras and swimwear can assure a woman of a comfortable shopping experience. Robes and sleepwear are always in abundance from sizes petite to plus. Fashion Foundation carries many brands, including the “Made in Canada” Diamond Tea collection, and sleepwear made in natural fibres. A trip to Fashion Foundations can assure you of a pleasant shopping experience and you will understand why they say “Our business is uplifting!”
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Fashion Foundations
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1385 Ellis St., Downtown Kelowna ph. (250) 763-1473 www.fashionfoundations.ca
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ICON Okanagan on Tour Tap a Keg
Cannery Brewing, Penticton November 6, 2011 “Tap a Keg” - and this for a good reason. The Cannery Brewing Company in Penticton celebrated their 10th Anniversary. A decade ago, on April Fools Day 2001, Patt and Ron Dyck along with their business partner and brew master Terry Schoffer, brewed their first batch of beer. The rest is history. Now, 10 years later, Cannery Brewing is an established micro-brewery with a very dedicated staff and loyal supporters. “This evening is meant to say thank you to our staff, to all the people in the stores, pubs and restaurants, to everybody that helps us tell our story,” says owner Patt Dyck. With live entertainment, 1 great food and, of course, beer, this event had to be a success, and it was. One of the highlights was the tapping of a symbolic cask featuring a specially brewed porter. It was also a chance to see where and how the beer is produced, and to gain insight into the steadily growing beer industry in BC. Happy Birthday Cannery Brewing! Here’s to the next decade!
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1. Ron, Jim 2. Keith, Julius 3. Phil, Kim, Marilyn 4. Eleanor 5. Pierrette, Nathalie, Martin, Paul, Brendi 6. Belinda, Joe 7. Ross, Terry, Chuck 8. Ron, Patt, Ian 9. Ellen, Nicole 10. Craig, Brenda, Jim 11. Buffy, TK 12. Ellen, Nicole 13. Dorian, Lou Lou 14. Kris, Eric 15. Reg, Geil 16. Gordon 17. Lil, Tony 18. Terry, Conni
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Premier Views, Premier Living Spaces – Bachelorette© and Extreme Makeover Home Edition© Designer Jillian Harris on Copper Sky! At ICON we have heard all the excitement about Copper Sky’s re-entry into the market place. Although confident we had seen all of the Okanagan’s premier living spaces, we decided to add Copper Sky to our list. And what was our experience? Saying we were impressed does not express the half of it! Amazed is more like it! Being residents of the Okanagan for 20 + years we’ve never seen such a captivating perspective of Okanagan Lake and Southern Valley! And the suites? They are highly efficient thanks to the fore sight of Focus Architecture. The architect’s interior design not only grants each suite spacious interior living, but private decks with breath taking corridor views of Okanagan Lake! 50
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Adding to Copper Sky’s efficient living space is an unbelievable Amenities Centre: 8,400 square feet in amenities! We have yet to see an affordable development give so generously to their residents. The club creates a heartbeat for Copper Sky’s community, bringing residents together to enjoy all the activities the club has to offer: bocce ball, putting green, you name it, Copper Sky has it! But you don’t have to take our word for it, Extreme Makeover Home Edition © Designer Jillian Harris has a few things to say about her investment at Copper Sky!
I wanted a pool, a place to lounge, tan and decorate. I wanted something with amenities and something that was affordable. Ha! Right? Well when my mom brought me to look at Copper Sky I knew it was a no brainer. The ‘Disney Landesque” amenity building has to be the highlight. With 2 tennis courts, pool, hot tub, kids pool, sauna, steam, poker tables, pool tables, giant chess, basketball courts, tanning deck, bbq islands, fireplaces, vaulted ceiling loft lounges that over look the lakes? I mean I feel like I just purchased a 5 star resort.
“A real estate opportunity like this doesn’t come around very often. I had wanted to purchase again in the Okanagan but this time I wanted something that my cousins could live in while they went to school, or a place that would be used for summer entertaining.
“I intended on Copper Sky being a flip in a few years investment but after spending a few nights there, I have a feeling it will be in the family for a VERY long time.” Book your Premier Okanagan experience at Copper Sky in West Kelowna today! 778-754-5709 visit www.copperskyliving.com and like Copper Sky Living on Facebook!
Knowing it wouldn’t be a primary residence, I had champagne wishes but a beer budget. I wanted a HUGE balcony; I wanted a view of the lake, a view of the wineries. I wanted something new, secure and close to everything. Winter 2012
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An Okanagan Minute
- Local News and Updates
Stuart Park Outdoor Rink, Kelowna It’s that time of year again! The outdoor skating rink in downtown Kelowna’s Stuart Park is open to the public. The Stuart Park Outdoor Rink will be open daily from 6 a.m. to 11p.m. (ice maintenance permitting). If temperatures become too warm or the ice quality is affected the weather, the rink will be closed until conditions improve. For updated information regarding ice quality and the status of the rink call the hotline at 250-469-8800 Ext. 4 – Enjoy! Polson Tower Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, Vernon On October 13, 2011 the all new Polson Tower at Vernon Jubilee Hospital has been officially opened. The $180-million expansion has added 181,000 square feet to the hospital site, allowing for supplementary operating rooms as well as an expansion of the emergency department. The expansion is part of the Kelowna and Vernon Hospitals Project, which is focused on building better healthcare for residents of the interior. This $432-million project consists of the construction of the new UBC medical school building and the Centennial Patient Care Tower at Kelowna General Hospital. “The Polson Tower is helping to build better patient care in the North Okanagan,” says Health Minister Michael de Jong “This state-of-the-art facility is part of our continued investment in the health-care needs of Interior residents.” New Okanagan Wine Adventure Trail For all you wine-o’s out there, there is something new and exciting to check out! West Kelowna and Peachland have teamed up and developed a brand new winery driving route in the Valley. The “Westside Wine Trail” is a path featuring 12 wineries including world renowned Mission Hill and Quails Gate Wineries. Focused around an extinct volcanic eruption, the trail offers access to architectural beauty, artisans, First Nation heritage, culinary delights and many other recommended stops along the scenic route.
www.tourismwestside.com
Bernard Avenue Revitalization, Kelowna This time next year, the revitalization of Kelowna’s “Main Street” will be well underway. City Council officially endorsed a staff recommendation to commence with the revitalization of Bernard Avenue during the fall of 2012. This $14-million investment is aimed at rejuvenating downtown Kelowna while enhancing the residents’ and visitors’ experiences, and in the process replacing the deteriorating roadways as well as utilities. Construction should get underway in September 2012, while weather conditions will determine whether or not work commences through the winter season. Though the majority of the project is expected to be completed during the fall of 2013, final work and paving will be done in 2014. For more information regarding the Bernard Avenue Revitalization Plan please go to: Winter 2012
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The Must Have Kitchen Essentials
We love food, don’t we? There is nothing like a great dish with a good glass of wine. With the many fabulous restaurants in the area there is always something new for our taste buds to explore, and then there’s home cooking. It’s a passion for most of us to go to the butcher, seafood place and grocery store to find the best ingredients, and have friends over for dinner. Yes, it is almost a celebration, and especially here in the Okanagan we are we truly blessed with our local producers and all the great wineries. When we started ICON Okanagan we decided right away that restaurant reviews, wine tastings and recipes had to be part of the magazine, and your emails, calls and comments clearly show that it was the right decision. In the last issue we started a new column where we introduce you to new and interesting tools for your kitchen. We call it “Kitchen Essentials,” things the enthusiastic home cook should have, from pots and pans to knives and gadgets. In this issue we would like to introduce you to two very interesting kitchen appliances. Essential...well, we can’t do without them. But decide for yourself!
LOVE ME TENDER - THE SLOW COOKER Also known as a “Crock-Pot,” the slow cooker is used for cooking your food at a relatively low temperature for many hours. It produces steam which condenses on the lid, then returns to the pot, making it particularly ideal for stews, soups and casseroles.
We compared several slow cookers and found the Breville BSC560XL to be our favourite model. Although on the
This is not only a very suitable method for cooking tough meats, it also allows you to leave your food unattended while it is cooking. Imagine coming home after a long day’s work and being greeted by the inviting smells of a bubbling stew or creamy casserole wafting from your slow cooker. Yes, we would definitely call the slow cooker an “essential” in your kitchen. Slow cookers are available for as little as $20 for smaller models, and you have to do your homework to find the one that suits you best.
pricey side at around $170, it has many features that we like. First of all it just looks sleek with its brushed stainless steel body and lid, and the silicone cool-touch handle covers. More importantly it has a huge 7-quart (or 6.5l) capacity, making it perfect for family cooking and dinner parties, and a wraparound heating element. The removable insert also functions as a stand-alone
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cookware, so you can use it for roasting in the oven, or searing on the stove-top. The Breville has 3 heat-settings for different meals and comes with a roasting rack. There are many recipe books for slow cooking, or just go online for some great slow cooking ideas. We promise, you won’t be able to live without one once you’ve used one.
THE PANINI PRESS & GRILL The grill opens flat, and has removable and dishwasher safe-plates. It has 6 different height settings, and variable temperature control with modes for “panini” and “sear”.
Yum-yum! We love Paninis! Thank god for the invention of this delicious type of a sandwich. The variations are literally endless, but you have to make sure to have the right panini press. As so often we recommend, do your homework, see where the differences are and what you really need. We looked at several models, from the simple press to a griddle, and in the end we fell in love with the Breville BGR820XL.
This little grill is so versatile, you’ll love it! Yes, it’s not cheap, but it combines several appliances and will save some space in your cabinets.
As the name suggests it is more than just a panini press, it’s a grill that serves as a panini press as well. First of all its powerful with 1800 watts, but even better are its embedded heat sensors which compensate a temperature drop when placing cold food on the pre-heated surface. It also features two different plates. The top one is ribbed to sear meats or give the paninis the typical texture, while the bottom one is flat, making it suitable for bacon, eggs and pancakes. Winter 2012
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Dimitri - Imagineer
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able to offer more than one skill set and since I am Artistic from an early age Affinity for computers and always stoked to learn, programming since mid 80`s web design fell into place. Started first blog in 96 (called nuthing shocking) before blogs existed Graphic design allows me Creative and unconventional in his art to put my thoughts into Worked as creative director for 2 high profile companies before moving on to form, and web design allows his own thing Web design started as a hobby turned me to do that in a much into a career. more substantial way...I can add motion, video, sound ... all manner of media online. Icon: How have you seen web design change over the years?
IMAGINATION TO EXISTENCE For those of you who have checked us out online over the past year or so you are aware that our website was very simple and based around the digital version of our publication. Recently we engineered a plan to expand our online presence and with that came the need to redevelop our website in such a way that would cater to our valued readers and clients. In charge of this project was designer and “imagineer” Dimitri Zaphiris of Nuthing Shocking Design Studios.
- NUTHING SHOCKING DESIGN STUDIOS
Creating a brand new sleek looking site, integrating it with social media, and offering our readership some exclusive online content were some of our major goals, and with the website complete, we think that we’ve really hit the nail on the head.
Icon: Since mobile devices are all the rage in today’s society, and with Apple dominating the market with phones and tablets that do not support Flash, how has it affected your approach to web design?
We took the opportunity to sit down with the crew at Nuthing Shocking Design Studios, learn a little bit about the company and gain some insight into the world of web design and social media, check out our interview.
NSD: Web design has gone from text on a screen and 14.4 baund modems to something rivalling television and all other media outlets. You have to stay with the pack or be ahead of it to survive and as cliché as that sounds it’s the truth. I have been fortunate enough to have the means to be able to pursue what I love to do and that has allowed me to be not only cutting edge but also a little off to the left in an alternative and unconventional way.
NSD: This is a good question as a few years ago flash was it... you really didn’t have the means to make things animated online other than video files or animated gif files, again all due to slow modem speeds. Then we moved
Icon: How did you get into wed design? NSD: I have always had an affinity for art and knowledge. I grew up during a time where both of these became readily accessible through the internet not only as far as being an artist but also someone who wanted to learn more and be able to showcase it to the masses. It just kind of went hand in hand I suppose. Icon: Are you a graphic designer or did you actually study web design? NSD: Well, first and foremost I am an artist, so I would say in general speaking terms I am a graphic designer... that being said, this is a tough industry, you have to be 56
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up to cable and dsl and things got a lot faster...flash was where it was at and to a point it still is a giant part of the internet but now we have HTML5, Jquery and all manner of options that not only give us animation that Winter 2012
can push flash to the side but also a new direction in design entirely because of this. Icon: Social media has become a huge part of modern society, how does this affect your work?
Jennifer - Imayen • •
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Originally from Vancouver. Started designing fan websites for her favourite musicians at 13 years old when Altavista was still the largest search engine. Traveled around Australia and worked in web design/ development for 2 companies in Brisbane to fund travel. Eventually ended up residing in the Okanagan where she was hired as an SEO specialist at an internet marketing & management firm. Got laid off in 2010 started doing freelance web development/seo work before meeting Dimitri Passionate about music and web development.
NSD: Social media is integral to modern life and therefore • business, like it or not, Twitter, Digg, Stumble Upon, YouTube, • they all have become huge networking tools and when you combine them all together with a great website you can really have a global reach even if you are a small company and then there is the big daddy, Facebook. Icon: Is social media really as important as some make it out to be? NSD: Well as I mentioned the big kahuna, Facebook is really the new web. There is the internet and then there is Facebook. You can do things with Facebook to get yourself noticed that even 5 years ago was unheard of. You are the star there and given the amount of users (I think it is something crazy like 800 million) your global reach is within your computer screen. They say now that online there is no such thing as 6 degrees of separation anymore...so with that being said yes...it is one of the most important marketing tools available especially when in comparison to other tools like television, radio, even the Yellow Pages, this is a fraction of the cost with a much wider reach.
anyone with a username and password can access the site to update content as the need arises. (This is a perfect solution for anyone who doesn’t like the idea of having to pay someone in the future to update their site.) So with that being said, we believe we’ve met our ultimate objective of creating an attractive, yet dynamic website that anyone can use. Icon: Thanks guys, that was great.
We create websites and social media pages that all are closely branded to each other so whether you are on Twitter or Youtube or whatever, you will clearly be seen and remembered. Icon: Can you tell us a little bit about what went into creating our website? NSD: We wanted to create a website that is consistent with the overall theme of Icon Okanagan magazine. Our aim was to provide a simple yet functional website that is easily accessible and informative to any visitor. You can read the magazine right online through the website, view current articles, and keep up-to-date on the goings-on of the Okanagan Valley or check out the Travel and Wine blogs. We also integrated a CMS platform within the site that allows complete flexibility on behalf of the user; meaning Winter 2012
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Icon at the table
Peppery Crock Pot Beef with Creamed Horseradish Sauce and Sherry Gravy
Plug it in before you enjoy a Winter’s day, it will be ready (and fabulous) when you walk in! So, what we have done this time, is to give you comfort food which looks and tastes exceptional. Easy, Quick and ICONic! Perfect after a walk along the cold beach, or a day romping in the snow. Method: Dice 1 red onion, 2 carrots, and 2 stalks celery into a crock pot. Place a 4-6 pound roast (we used a blade) on top. Add 1 cup pickled peppers and ½ a cup pepper brine. Cover and let run on low for 8 hours. Remove roast and carefully strain off the upper fat. Pour remaining juice into prepared sherry sauce. Creamed Horseradish & Apple Sauce:
Sherry Sauce:
1/3 cup soya sauce 1/3 cup dry sherry (or red wine)
1/4 cup butter 1 bunch green onions, thinly sliced Salt and pepper
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1/3 cup horseradish sauce
1 cup sour cream 1 granny smith apple, grated Combine and serve
Heat sherry sauce to a boil, simmer and serve over sliced beef. Spoon over roasted vegetables and pass the sour cream! Peppery Crock Pot Beef
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Rustic Fruit Galette
TIP: How about a Beef Dip? The next day: Heat up shredded left over beef with sherry sauce and some beef broth (add more peppers and brine if you like). Spoon beef over crusty rolls that have been slathered with sour cream sauce. Heat up sauce & pour into dipping bowls. Ok – now that is HEAVEN!
Rustic Fruit Galette C’mon, buy local and use your imagination! I normally do an apple version with one Granny Smith, MacIntosh and Spartan apple. This one uses pears and dried cranberries. You can lay thin slices of cheese (smoked Cheddar or Brie come to mind) for an extra interest and indulgence. Leftovers? What a breakfast treat! (but there won’t be any ...) Ingredients: • • • • • •
1 sheet frozen puff pastry thawed and rolled to 12”x12” 3 pieces fruit, washed (I don’t peel), thinly sliced (4 cups) 2 Tbs. Sugar (white or brown) 2 Tbs. butter 1 tsp. cinnamon 1/3 cup apricot jam, warmed
(Options: Sprinkle with dried fruit (we used cranberries) before baking. Add 1 Tbs. Grand Marnier or rum to the jam before warming)
Method:
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Preheat the oven to 425°F. Lay pastry out on parchment lined bake sheet. Arrange fruit leaving 1” border of pastry and fold the edges up around the fruit. Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon and dot with butter. Bake until pastry is golden, about 25-30 minutes. As the galette cools, warm up the jam and gently spoon and spread on the fruit and pastry edges. Enjoy! www.icon-okanagan.com
Wine pairing: The View 2010 Optima ICON OKANAGAN
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Keep the body and soul warm... Seasons change, and when they do, so does the food we eat and the wines we drink, especially in the colder months. Unless you are fortunate enough to live in a climate like Arizona or Hawaii. Well, the Okanagan may be the warmest region in Canada, but let’s face it ... the mercury drops a lot between December and April. So, to help you through the cold times ... may we recommend a roaring fire, candles, some good hearty food and a glass of great Okanagan wine!
Therapy Vineyard 2008 Super Ego It’s cold, really cold. The work is done for the day, the driveway is clear for at least the next couple of hours, and you can finally relax. You did well, so it’s time to reward yourself. How about a glass of a truly outstanding wine? Let us introduce you to the Super Ego, Therapy Vineyard’s premium red. Only the best grapes are used, and for the 2008 Super Ego they used a blend of 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 19% Syrah and 9% Petit Verdot. The result? It’s big. Think dark berries, think plum, think blackcurrants and a hint of smoke. The winemakers at Therapy Vineyard, who have won numerous awards (and not just for their ingenious labels!), did it again. The 2008 Super Ego just recently won a silver-medal at the British Columbia Wine Awards, and may we predict it won’t be the last. As for the perfect pairing ... our sommelier recommends Rosemary Lamb Chops with Balsamic Vinegar and Sautéed Potatoes. Retail: $38.99 Alc./Vol.: 14%
www.therapyvineyards.com
Burrowing Owl 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Often referred to as the “King of Reds,” the “Cab Sav” is a very fruity wine, with a lot more tannins than lighter reds. It usually has a dark fruit flavour such as you would find in blackberries, cassis and plum. Well, the Burrowing Owl 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon shows all off all of this and is what we would call a very deep and big red wine. It has a well constructed frame, a mix of dark berries and definitely a hint of tobacco, with a caramel and vanilla infused finish. Mmm.... so good! This red wine is great with common winter foods and especially with a juicy steak. We sampled it with a wonderful cut of a filet mignon topped with rosemary and mushroom gravy. Yum, yum! The Cabernet Sauvignon is meant to drink but will beneficially age for 4-5 years. By the way – the reason for this winery’s name is that the endangered little owl once lived in the area. The winery actually started a program to support the Burrowing Owl Conservation Society of BC and the South Okanagan Rehabilitation Centre for Owls. You are asked to donate $2 for each wine tasting at the winery. Yet another reason to visit them! Retail: $38.00 Alc./Vol.: 14% 60
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Poplar Grove 2008 Merlot The 2008 growing season was delayed with a cold spring and a long and relatively cool fall. This not only resulted in a longer hang time for red grapes, it also contributed to the delivery of a balanced fruit with excellent tannins and the right acidity. This, together with 20 months of ageing in new and older French oak barrels and another 16 months in the bottle, makes the 2008 Poplar Grove Merlot a truly outstanding wine. We actually first tasted it at a restaurant in Vancouver, where we had it with lamb-stuffed eggplants, but it is equally great with hearty pasta dishes, meatloaf or simply a good cheese (we recommend a nice Gouda or smoked Provolone). Merlot wine has enjoyed a steady rise in popularity. Its flavour is quite similar to that of a Cabernet Sauvignon, but with softer tannins. Often blended with other varietals, the winemakers at Poplar Grove added 4% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Cabernet Franc to enhance the flavours of plums, cherries, blueberries and blackberries in this 2008 vintage. We couldn’t help but notice a hint of chocolate and, yes, leather. We were told it has the flavours of a great black forest cake, and we agree. The Poplar Grove 2008 Merlot will age well for the next few years. Retail: $30.00 Alc./Vol.: 14.8%
www.poplargrove.ca
Stoneboat Vineyards 2009 Pinot Noir Stoneboat Vineyards may be one of the wineries you may not know of (yet). Lanny and Julie Martiniuk purchased a 15 acre orchard in 1979 and turned it into a viable vineyard. In 2003 they developed their plan for an estate winery, and by 2005 Stoneboat Vineyards had created its first vintage. In 2007 they finally opened their own winery, now on 50 acres. We picked the Stoneboat Vineyards 2009 Pinot Noir as we really like its earthy and mineral flavours. You have to know that the Pinot Noir grape is the most difficult and demanding to grow, and the winemakers at Stoneboat Vineyards have done a fantastic job! It’s so good, that it won the Lieutenant Governor’s Award it in 2011! Anyway – we just love it for the colder months. While it is true that Pinot Noir is a light red, it is a good transitional red wine before you switch to the big Cabs and Syrahs. Let us give you a tip here: We highly recommend you use your biggest and widest stemware for a Pinot Noir. You will find a great difference in the nose and the taste. Expect the soft, round and appealing aromas of cherries, spices and a touch of tobacco and vanilla. And – here’s a tip from the winemaker, cellar it for 6-12 months prior to opening. It’s great to drink right away, but those who can wait will be handsomely rewarded. Oh, right, the food pairing. Go turkey! Retail: $25.00 Alc./Vol.: 13.3% www.stoneboatvineyards.com
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ICON Okanagan on Tour Dress For Success Fashion Show Okanagan College, Kelowna Campus November 25, 2011
Students in Free Enterprise, better known as “SIFE,” is a global non-profit organization run by students. This program encourages students to tackle the pertinent social, economic, and environmental issues of today by empowering others to improve their standard of living and quality of life. Just this past Friday, SIFE Okanagan threw quiet the shindig!
Held in the brand new and sleek Center for Learning (E) Building at the Okanagan College Kelowna Campus on K.L.O, the third annual “Dress for Success” Fashion Show went from 6-9 pm and was quite a hit. The event showcased awesome clothing and accessories from local retailers, highlighting their business class, and business casual attire. At $20 for the Fashion Show or $25 for the show and after party access at Level Nite Club – featuring Global Deejays it was a steal of a deal. With a glass of beer or wine in one hand, and some delicious appetizers in the other, everyone attending got to check out some really stylish gear from retailers like Mantinque, Frakas, Black and Lee Tuxedos, Torino Clothing and more. We can’t wait to check out next year’s event!
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Think back to last year. Reflect on the health and fitness goals that you made for yourself and how they turned out. Are you happy with the progress that you’ve made or do you still have work to do? If you’ve still got work to do, what is standing between you and achieving your goals? My guess is a combination of consistency and intensity. Consistency when it comes to eating well and intensity when it comes to your workouts and perseverance. You want your body to change? You’ve got to make it happen and you’ve got to follow through. Rome wasn’t built in a day just like you won’t change your body, or your habits for that matter, in a week long health kick.
your butt and do it today.
It’s a work in progress and it’s a constant challenge but you always have a choice. It is certainly easier to eat fast food than it is to plan and prepare a healthy balanced meal. It is certainly easier to sit on the couch and watch tv than it is to hit the gym. And of course it is easier to ‘let yourself go’ than it is to ‘keep yourself together.’ Kind of like it is easier to sit there and say you’re going to stop eating junk food tomorrow than it is to actually get off
Giving up is easy, laziness is easy, mediocrity is easy but the results are crappy and will never make you happy. You need to put the hand to all of your excuses, dig in, work it out and stick with it. If you screw up, get right back on the program. You learn from your mistakes so every time you fall down, get back up and keep fighting the good fight. It won’t be easy, but if you really want it, it will be more than worth the fight!
TOP 10 TIPS FOR FAT LOSS (in no particular order)
1. Eat a palm sized portion of lean protein at least 3 times a day (preferably 4-6x) 2. Ditch bad carbs in favour of oatmeal, brown rice, brown rice pastas, yams and other whole complex carbs. 3. Cut out sugar – it is the #1 cause of weight gain. 4. Strength train to build muscle 3-5 days a week on top of a few good cardio sessions. 64
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5. Eat vegetables with every meal. 6. Grocery shop the perimeter of the store, stay away from packaged foods and buy fresh. 7. Pack your meals when you’re going to be eating away from home (work, road trips etc.). 8. Real food is always better than a meal replacement or protein shake. 9. Eat to meet long term goals, not short term satisfaction. 10. Don’t believe everything you read. Most of what’s in fitness magazines is written to encourage you to buy the products advertised within the pages. The best supplements are real, whole and organic foods. Notice that 9 out of 10 of my top tips have to do with what you eat? And I’m a personal trainer, my job is to sell you on working out ... Not eating more vegetables!!! The truth is that when it comes to fat loss tightening up your diet and being consistent with proper nutrition is everything. You can eat well and get results. You can eat well and workout and get better results. But you cannot out-train a poor diet. Take that as my #1 tip. Nobody ever got fat eating vegetables and successful long term weight loss is the result of permanent dietary lifestyle changes.
Stacy Lynn Zeman Personal Trainer & Nutritional Coach (250)-826-4FIT
Winter 2012
Stacy@addictedfitness.com www.addictedfitness.com Addicted Fitness RX
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Control the Experience! Universal Remote Controls
In today’s chaotic world anything that can simplify a task is a welcome relief. With even the most basic of home entertainment systems leaving you with a collection of remote controls on your coffee table, companies like Logitech, URC, as well as a host of others have come up with some interesting solutions to end this cluttered nightmare. These sleek hybrid remote controls offer a host of interesting features like color touch screen displays, rechargeable batteries, RF extenders, and can control an astonishing variety of devices using code learning, macros and favorite channel icons. They even come packaged with great computer-based interfaces designed to set them up quickly and efficiently.
that is decide what channel you would like to watch!! Need more control?? Universal remote control “URC” offers a wide range of products once again starting at $40 and up. One product that I am currently playing with is the MX -5000 ($1499) offering 2 way vibrating feedback from your source equipment, so it knows what status your equipment is at.
Logitech, also known as Harmony produces a wide range of remote controls starting at around $50 and topping out at $400. These remotes offer you full control of your existing remotes so you can put them away. My favorite feature is their one touch option. By simply pressing a button like “watch TV,” a macro sequence will commence turning on your TV, Amplifier, and set top box, all you have to do after
Through the use of some of URC’s accessories you can harness the power of all of your source equipment; Lutron lighting systems, electric blinds as well as some IP based security cameras in your home all through this one remote control!! Interestingly, this remote uses your home wifi so you can check the weather, sports etc. It also works with infrared, and radio frequency, making it the ultimate whole home remote control. Although some URC remotes can be programmed by the user, the MX-5000 does require installation from a certified installer.
Christian Lambros co-owns HTC - Home Theater Concepts - in Kelowna and is a well-known specialist in electronics 66
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to be continued ... Winter 2012
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The Art of Danny McBride
INVISIBLE IN THE FAST LANE
It is not often that you run into someone more or less by accident, decide to sit down and have a beer and some appies, and have the feeling that after a 2 hour conversation you haven’t even learned half of what that person is about. You almost want to tie him down and hear it all. But that is exactly what happened to me only weeks before the deadline for this issue.
It had been a stressful day with several appointments in town, and a full desk waiting for me at the office. But worst of all – my cell phone had died and I couldn’t get hold of the person I wanted to interview that day. I was just finishing up at Cabana Grille in Kelowna, where we had a photo shoot the previous evening, when the door opened and Danny McBride came in. “Hey, finally, I went to all the coffee houses in the area, that’s where you guys always hang out, right?” he laughed. “Good that you have that car with the huge logo on it.” Sometimes it’s just meant to be. It was Danny who I wanted to meet that day, and so we decided to stay at Cabana for lunch. Those are exactly the kind of interviews we like! Unfortunately we don’t have enough pages to recall all of the stories Danny told us, it could easily fill an entire book, but boy has this guy been around. Danny, born in 1951 in Toronto, grew up in a very artistic family. Music, drawing, painting, he was surrounded by the arts from his early childhood on and quickly developed a talent for drawing. However, it was music that would change his life, touring with the likes of Chris deBurgh, Joe Cocker and David “The Hoff” Hasselhoff. Several gold and platinum records make Danny quite a celebrity in the world of music, but when he finally decided to slow down his life in the mid nineties, he went back to his childhood passion: Drawing and painting. And it came with no surprise that in this discipline, as well, he quickly made an impact with collectors across North America and Europe, many of them celebrities. Danny now lives in Kelowna with his girlfriend Constance. 68
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Danny McBride: Yes, I have found some of them on Facebook…David and I try to chat a couple of times a year, he’s always got a new idea, he’s very much like me, a crazy photon undecided on its orbit within an atom. ICON Okanagan: Danny, we are actually introducing you as the successful painter here, so how come you actually started a career in the music industry first? ICON Okanagan: Danny, let’s have a look at to your career as a musician for a moment. And I think we first have to shed some light onto touring with ... “The Hoff” Danny McBride: Bar none...one of the “funnest’’ most rewarding experiences of my life. I worked with David for almost eight years and believe me he was one of the most generous people I have ever known. He always had time for his fans and would visit many hospitals to talk to and comfort terminally ill children. It’s too bad that David’s personal problems were so unfairly exploited, because behind all of that there is a very thoughtful and decent human being that the media neglects to acknowledge or mention.
Danny McBride: When I was seventeen I was enrolled in the art course at Northern Secondary High School in Toronto. I liked being in the course but at that time expression was not as important as technique. Being a pretty crazy young teen-
As for the music, well it was what it was. Almost like playing with the Beatles. The kids in Germany just loved him, but he was a different person off camera, a bit insecure and vulnerable in an admirable way. It was like touring with my brother which in many ways he was. He actually asked me to play his brother on “Baywatch,” can you imagine? ICON Okanagan: Oh boy ... YES! Every boys dream to run with those girls, hahaha. Your life as the rockstar in the 80’s that must have been quite an experience, touring with all the big names, meeting other musicians? Danny McBride: It was a circus, most of the time it felt like an out-ofbody experience. I guess I’ve always been slightly insecure and wondered what the heck I was doing. I met everyone from Sinatra to Bono…it was quite a party and the clock struck 12 much too soon! ICON Okanagan: Are you still in contact with them? Partying with The Hoff ? Winter 2012
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ICON Okanagan: Wow, very impressive. Danny McBride: It could have been even better. In 1974 I missed an audition with the Rolling Stones to replace Stones guitarist Mick Taylor but they contacted Danny McBride with Sha NA NA who had also been seeking the gig. Danny #2 did not get the job and when I met Mick Jagger several years later at a party in LA where I was jamming with Neil Young and a revamped version of Steppenwolf, Jagger, puzzled by the fact there was little or no resemblance between me and Danny #2 said, and I quote, “how come you didn’t play like that at the audition and why don’t you look the same?” After telling him the whole story, Mick shook his head, laughed regrettably saying “sorry man, it just might have worked out.” ICON Okanagan: Ouch...I guess it wasn’t meant to be. Anyway, you still lived life in the fast lane. It seems that you made the decision to slow your pace a little bit in the mid 90’s. Was this because you were tired of all the travelling, or did you have the urge to start something new? ager, I had a difficult time focusing on the technical and historical aspect of art and had even more of a problem with the academic work. While I was going to school I was also the lead guitarist in a band called “Transfusion,” and that is where the decision between art and music kicked in. “Transfusion” was the house band at a venue in Toronto and our first show was to open for an up and coming English group called Led Zeppelin, followed by shows with Blood Sweat & Tears, Rod Stewart, Deep Purple, Procol Harum, Jeff Beck etc. Even my math teacher told me I should quit school, hahaha. The manager of the venue became my personal manager and during that time he brought the Doors, Jimi Hendrix, John and Yoko Lennon, and several other music icons to Toronto and in the process he orchestrated my first recording deal with CBS. I flew to London to record my first record, produced by Cliff Richards and the Shadows drummer Tony Meehan in London. 70
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Danny McBride: In the early 90’s things began to go south with de Burgh. It was no secret that he’d had an affair with his 18 year old nanny, it was plastered on the front page of just about every UK newspaper. It’s a long story, and unfortunately we were never told that it was over, we just said our usual farewell at the end of a world tour in 92’ and never heard from Chris again. The unfortunate outcome was not only the loss of that job, it was the fact I’d turned down Tina Turner and Supertramp who had both been interested in me just a few years earlier. Thank god the Hoff came through with a couple of European tours or I would have gone under. I actually ended up losing a clothing business I had in Toronto. ICON Okanagan: Hmmm....I guess the band can only dream of the money the singer makes? Danny McBride: It’s a funny thing but whenever I used to mention that I was musician to my white collar friends, I would often Winter 2012
get a response like “yeah my kid does that, too” or “how do you make a living off that?” I won’t say exactly what I was being paid but to give you an idea a friend of mine got 5 million for 3 years as a side man for Dire Straights. He also played with Tina Tuner and as I mentioned I turned her down out of loyalty to Chris’ band. To say the least the music business at that level was quite lucrative. ICON Okanagan: Ok, let’s move over to your career as a painter. It seems that during your childhood you were already fascinated and very interested in drawing and painting? I think you had a real admiration for cartoons, especially those from the MAD comics of the 60s and 70s, right? Danny McBride: I was addicted to MAD Magazine: those fantastic caricatures said it all and for someone who was slightly dyslectic that helped a lot! During my father’s career as a cartographer he was well-known around the department for his cartoons and caricatures one of his best friends was an established illustrator and caricaturist named Dunk McPherson. Dunk was labelled
as Canada’s Norman Rockwell and was well known for his MacLean Hunters Magazine covers as well as his political cartoons in the Toronto Star. It was that kind of influence that made me want to become a commercial artist. ICON Okanagan: And we are sure you
could have easily made a career there too. You have a nickname, right? The “Poison Pencil?”
Danny McBride: Oh no…how did you find out? Yes, it’s true and because of that, no one would dare sit across a table from me if there was a paper and pencil nearby. I brought many down to earth, settled fights, and deflated the egos of the rich and famous, with just few strokes of my weapon! It is a difficult job but someone has to do it! Chris de Burgh almost fired me for a few of him that got out, one showing up full page in the Toronto Star. Funny - a few years later his manager talked him into having them blown up 40 feet high and used as scrims either side of our stage. The Hoff had me illustrate his autobiography and insisted he sit beside me on the tour bus whenever I had the urge to commit poison to paper. ICON Okanagan: Haha! So did you move to Kelowna right after you more or less ended your career as a musician? Danny McBride: I moved to Kelowna from Vancouver in 1993 with my partner, artist Constance Bachmann. At that time I thought I still had a job with de Burgh and was looking for a quite place to come home to after a rigorous tour, although we were spoiled on the road with private jets, 5 star hotels and a hefty pay cheque it was still a very insane life style and could easily knock the wind out of your sails.
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Yeah, sure. I think my financial advisors reads the magazine, too, and I think if you listen closely we can hear him laugh, hahaha. Say – is it right that you have done more than 500 “Lady in Hats” paintings so far? Danny McBride: You have done your homework, yes, that’s right and that’s a lot of paint! And believe me they each take a lot of time and creative energy. One person asked which red I used to paint my hats, and I replied that there are about 6 or 7 different ones I made my shades from. It takes a lot of practice and nerves of steel, haha you sometimes don’t know how it will turn out until the paint dries and if you have a hat 5 feet in width it can get quite intense! ICON Okanagan: Do you actually paint on commission, or would you consider doing this? Let’s say someone asks you to include his car, or dog, or house in a “Lady in Hats” painting. Would you do that? Danny McBride: I have done commissions but within limits. No cars, dogs, pigs, rats, or gold fish...hehe. But I did paint a Zebra in a red hat and it turned out beautiful! ICON Okanagan: So if one of our readers now wants to own his or her own Danny McBride, they would be joining a very illustrious group of collectors I would assume?
ICON Okanagan: Well, I think you quickly compensated that with your very successful artworks. Especially the “Ladies in Hats” paintings, they have really taken off. Why ladies in hats?? And when did you do the first one? Danny McBride: There was really nothing methodical about the hat part of the painting other than I felt that a hat would balance out the canvas and introduce quite a bit of colour. You are right, I am mainly recognized for my ladies in red hats, but I do also paint them in a variety of other colours. Let me know what colour you would like! ICON Okanagan: 72
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Danny McBride: They would be joining the likes of David Hasselhoff, Chris de Burgh, the German opera star Peter Hoffmann, Dooby Brother’s guitarist (Skunk Baxter) Bob Dylan’s producer Bob Johnston, David Letterman’s show bassist Will Lee, the lighting director for the Rolling Stones Patrick Woodroffe, plus the CEO’s of some of the largest companies in Canada, USA and Europe. ICON Okanagan: Sleepy little Okanagan Valley, who would have guessed. Where does your inspiration come from? Do you use models or props? Danny McBride: I have been told that my paintings are dream like. I appreciate that, because I use no models or props; the work comes totally from within. I like to think that my paintings give people a sense of well-being and something to spark their imagination. Winter 2012
ICON Okanagan: Danny, let’s say money doesn’t matter. Maybe you won the lottery and everything is taken care of all of the sudden. What would change in your life, what would you do? Danny McBride: I would love to give you my Miss Universe acceptance speech version but I know it would only come across as BS and it probably would be. But if the unexpected but more than welcomed would happen I would try to help out my family and friends and then it would be the “hasta la vista, baby’’ moment! I have been all over the world and love Canada the best, but the odd trip to Italy, France, actually just about anywhere in the Mediterranean, will definitely do!
Winter 2012
ICON Okanagan: Sounds good to me! So you like Canada the best, that’s great to hear, but what do you like about the Okanagan? And what do you miss? Danny McBride: Hmmm, I do like certain aspects of the Okanagan, the mountains, wineries, skiing, but I really miss Ontario, and the cottage country where I spent summers while growing up. I also miss the music scene in Toronto, there are literally hundreds of great venues, and you really never have to leave the city to have a career as an entertainer. I knew every ‘nook and cranny’ of that city, many of my friends were restaurateurs and well, that’s where I was born and where my career and the ones for several of my buddies including Dan Aykroyd, Gilda Radner, Victor Garber, Graham Greene, Rick James, Howard Shore, Catharine O’Hara and Beverly D’Angelo began. ICON Okanagan: Danny, thank you very much for this interview! It’s definitely the longest we have done for ICON so far. Keep us up to date about what’s going on in your life!
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The perfect Okanagan climate produces some of the best wines in Canada, known throughout the world. Make sure and visit the Okanagan Valley’s exquisite and award-winning wineries!
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To list your winery, please call (250) 826 0400 or email us at ads@icon-okanagan.com
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Winter 2012
Vernon & Lake Country 1
Arrowleaf Cellars
1574 Camp Road
2 Ex Nihilo 1525 Camp Road 3 Gray Monk 1055 Camp Road Vernon Tourism Visitors Center 701 Hwy 97 S ph. (250) 545 5493
Lake Country Visitors Center #40-9522 Main Str ph. (250) 766 5670
Kelowna
Maps are for illustrative purposes only.
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Ancient Hill Winery
4918 Anderson Rd
Calona Vineyards
1125 Richter St
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Cedar Creek Estate
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St. Hubertus Estate Winery
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5445 Lakeshore Rd
5225 Lakeshore Rd.
Summerhill Pyramid Winery
4870 Chute Lake Rd.
Tantalus Vineyards
1670 Dehart Rd.
The View Winery
2287 Ward Rd..
West Kelowna
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Beaumont Family Estate Winery
2775 Boucherie Rd.
Kalala Estate Winery
3361 Glencoe Rd.
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Little Straw Winery
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Meadow Vista Honey Wines
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Mission Hill Family Estate
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Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery
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Quails Gate Estate Winery
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2815 Ourtoland Rd.
1730 Mission Hill Rd. 829 Douglas Rd.
3303 Boucherie Rd.
Rollingdale Winery
2306 Hayman Dr.
Volcanic Hills Estate Winery
2845 Boucherie Rd.
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Peachland 20 Greata Ranch Est Winery
21 Hainle Vineyards 5355 Trepanier Bench
Highway 97S
Maps are for illustrative purposes only. Kelowna Tourism Visitors Center
22 Working Horse Winery
544 Harvey Ave ph. (250) 861 1515 TF:1-800 663 4345
Summerland
23 8th Generation Vineyard
26 Hollywood&Wine Vyrd
24 Dirty Laundry Winery
27 Silkscarf Winery
6807 Highway 97S
9819 Lumsden Ave
7311 Fiske St
4917 Gartrell Rd.
25 Bonitas Winery 20623 McDougald Rd
5914 Gartrell Rd
28 Sonoran Estate Winery
29 Sumac Ridge Est Winery
Peachland Visitors Center
17403 Highway 97
5812 Beach Ave ph. (250) 767 2455
30 The Vinegar Works
10216 Gould Ave
TF: 1-866 955 2455
31 Thornhaven Est Winery
West Kelowna Visitors Center #4-2375 Pamela Rd. ph. (250) 768 3378 TF: 1-866 768 3378
Okanagan Connector Visitors Center 3960 Hwy 97 N
ph. (250) 767 6679
6816 Andrew Ave.
Penticton & Naramata 32 Black Widow Winery
1630 Naramata Rd.
33 D’Angelo Est Winery
979 Lochore Rd.
34 Hillside Est Winery
1350 Naramata Rd.
35 Kettle Valley Winery
2988 Hayman Rd.
36 La Frenz Winery
740 Naramata Rd.
37 Lake Breeze
930 Sammet Rd.
38 Lang Vineyards
2493 Gammon Rd.
39 Laughing Stock 1548 Naramata Rd. 40 Mistral Est Winery
250 Upper Bench Rd.
41 Poplar Grove Winery
1060 Poplar Grove Rd
42 Red Rooster Winery
891 Naramata Rd.
43 Ruby Tuesday Winery
917 Naramata Rd.
44 Soaring Eagle Est
1751 Naramata Rd.
45 Spiller Estate Winery
475 Upper Bench Rd N
46 Stonehill Estate Winery
170 Upper Bench Rd S
47 Therapy Vineyards
940 Debeck Rd.
48 Township 7 Vineyards
1450 McMillan Ave.
49 Zero Balance Vineyards
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1865 Naramata Rd.
50 Painted Rock Est Winery
400 Smythe Rd
51 Pentage Winery
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4400 Lakeside Rd
51a Perseus Winery
134 Lower Bench Rd
Okanagan Falls, Oliver & Osoyoos 52 Blasted Church Winery
378 Parsons Rd
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53 Noble Ridge Vineyard
2320 Oliver Ranch Rd.
ICON OKANAGAN
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54 See Ya Later Ranch
2575 Green Lake Rd.
Winter 2012
Penticton Visitors Center
Summerland Visitors Center
55 Stag’s Hollow Winery
2237 Sun Valley Way
15600 Hwy 97
553 Railway Street ph. (250) 493 4055
56 Burrowing Owl Est Winery
ph. (250)494 2686
Oliver Visitors Center
100 Burrowing Owl Place
Osoyoos Visitors Center
36205 93rd Street ph. (250) 498 6321 TF: 1-866 498 6321
57 Cassini Cellars 32056 Highway 97
58 Chandra Estates Winery
Jct Hwy 97 & 3 ph. (250) 495 5070 TF: 1-888 676 9667
33264-121 St
66 Road 13 Vineyards 13140 - 316 Ave (Road 13) 67 Silver Sage Winery
32032 - 87 Ave
68 Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 32830 Tinhorn Creek Rd (Rd 7) 69 La Stella Winery
8123 148th Ave
59 Fairview Cellars 70 Nk’Mip Cellars
1400 Rancher Creek Rd
13147-334th St.
60 Gehringer Bros Est Winery
13166-326 Ave (Road 8)
61 Hester Creek Estate Winery
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13163-326th Ave (Road 8)
71 Twisted Tree Vineyards
3628 Highway 3 East
72 Eau Vivre Vineyards
716 Lowe Drive
62 Inniskillin Vineyards 73 Forbidden Fruit 620 Sumac Road 32074-123rd St. (Road 11)
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63 Jackson-Triggs 38691 Highway 97N
64 Le Vieux Pin 34070 - 73rd St.
65 Oliver Twist Estate Winery
33013 Rd 9a
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74 Herder Winery & Vineyards
2582 Upper Bench Rd
75 Robin Ridge Winery
2686 Middle Bench Rd.
76 Seven Stones Winery
1143 Highway 3
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