Iconic Concierge Vancouver Winter 2018

SUMMER 2014

Make driving a family sport.

The Cayenne.

The Porsche Cayenne was designed for the whole family - and yet for us alone. It handles the daily commute as supremely as it does the Corkscrew at Laguna Seca, while its thoughtfully spacious interior easily accommodates the responsibilities of domestic life. With a performance level that has seen it become the sports car among SUVs and an astonishing versatility for any stretch of road and terrain, the Cayenne will continue to maintain pole position in the hearts of enthusiasts looking to enjoy everyday driving that is anything but ordinary.

PORSCHE CENTRE VANCOUVER

VANCOUVER’S EXCLUSIVE PORSCHE SALES AND SERVICE CENTRE 688 TERMINAL AVENUE VANCOUVER BC V6A 2M5 (604) 736-7911 www.porschevancouver.ca

publisher’s LETTER

happy new year!

2018. we’ve made it. welcome all to the new year. it’s going to be a good one. last year was already pretty amazing. who would have thought that iconic concierge would become an ambassador for our great city, spreading the word about the beauty of it, its amazing people, the diversity, and the quality of living? last year we traveled to the united states, europe, and asia, each time meeting influencers, business owners, celebrities, and representatives of the respective cities we experienced and enjoyed. wonderful trips, great memories. in 2018 we are looking at another packed schedule, and we have already attended a few meetings for upcoming events, both well-known ones and some interesting new concepts. coming back from hong kong, having experienced what is definitely the future of racing - formula e - right in the city, making this an event that gives a huge worldwide promotional value, attracting tourists and investors alike we had to think about our own city. vancouver is the gem of the west coast, and as a city that supports green energy but at the same time is known for its supercar community, wouldn’t it be amazing to host an event like this? promoting vancouver as a leader in clean-energy? well, who knows...

olaf robrecht publisher olaf@iconic-concierge.com

we are also happy to announce that iconic concierge is now available in victoria and area. a select group of distributors will make sure that fans of our city will get their favourite magazine on their doorsteps. and now, as always, enjoy the magazine!

what else? ...

We love it when we hear from our clients and our readers, especially you who send us photos of yourselves with the magazine. We even get them from overseas: Vancouver has very strong ties to China, and once in a while a magazine makes its way across the big pond and ends up on display with local lifestyle magazines. Looks good! And then there are our local businesses, who put out magazines on display and for their clients to take. Much appreciated! If you have a business and would like to have copies of Iconic Concierge for your customers, just let us know! And next time when you travel, take a copy with you and send us some pictures, we will publish them on our social media!

6

ICONIC CONCIERGE

BAR REFAELI

by Chen Man

T

H

E

A

R

Spirit of Big Bang Moonphase.

Case in 18K King Gold set with 204 diamonds. Self-winding movement displaying big date and moon phases.

White rubber strap.

T

O

F

F

U

S

I

O

N

ICONIC CONCIERGE

vol. 7 [2018]

www.iconic-concierge.com

On the cover: The Apollo Intensa Emozione

MenBarber are born prescribed handsome.

We just keep them that way.

Grooming Supplies

PUBLISHER:

OLAF ROBRECHT olaf@iconic-concierge.com

AUTOMOTIVE EDITOR: FASHION EDITOR: WINE EDITOR: FOOD & BEVERAGE EDITOR:

ROBBIE DICKSON JASON SARAI BARRY MCNABB KEITH TRUSLER

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:

JASON BOUDREAU, MEAGAN FAYE, AMANDA WOOD, JESSE DEAN COOK, OLIVER FINLAY, JIM GORDON, JASON SARAI, DR. CHRISTIAN BRIX

PHOTOGRAPHY:

DAVE HAMILTON, TODD DUNCAN, KEVIN UY, CAITLYN VAN NICE

COPY EDITOR: DESIGN/ LAYOUT: ADVERTISING SALES:

MIKE STRAUS YADA-YADA MEDIA please contact iconicconciergemagazine@gmail.com

iconic_concierge Iconic Concierge is published by

Printed in Canada.

All rights reserved. No part of Iconic Concierge 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 Iconic Concierge 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. Iconic Concierge reserves the rights to ads produced for advertisers.

10

ICONIC CONCIERGE

YOUR LUXURY IS OUR LEGACY KELOWNA, BC CANADA

START YOUR REAL ESTATE SEARCH TODAY

www.JaneHoffman.com

#14 - 1470 Harvey Avenue Kelowna, B.C., Canada, V1Y 9K8 (250) 860-7500 Jane@JaneHoffman.com JaneHoffman.com

dreamT E A M

OLAF ROBRECHT publisher

An entrepreneur who is always on the lookout for new projects he is passionate about, Olaf has run several businesses since he came to Canada 16 years ago. These days you will find lifestyle and car magazines as well as a design & marketing company connected to his name, although he might be better known for his little collection of spirited automobiles.

ROBBIE DICKSON chief gear head

Born in England, Robbie is a selfstyled entrepreneur with a passion for exotic cars, boats and watches.

He owned pretty much every car you can imagine although he still calls a Lotus Elise he once owned his favourite. Tracked extensively, Robbie claims it was “the most affordable fun you can have with your clothes on ...”

JASON SARAI

bespoke stylist & fashion editor When Jason found the world of bespoke suiting and styling, he had little choice but to turn it from a passion project into his life’s work with Style by Sarai. He has gone from being fashion advisor for family and friends, to the trusted bespoke stylist for professionals and grooms-to-be, by enhancing their confidence and helping them become their own style icon.

CRAIG STOWE luxury events

Craig is recognized as Vancouver’s #1 creator and producer of luxury events bringing together affluent buyers and sellers of luxury brands in an engaging business social event setting.

He is the President of Luxury Alliance Group, Luxury & Supercar Weekend, Porsche Rally, Hublot Diamond Rally and VP of Partnerships for Pacific Polo Cup.

14

ICONIC CONCIERGE

MEAGAN FAYE

AMANDA WOOD

lifestyle editor & data nerd

creative muse

Meagan is a full-time lifestyle blogger, fusing her passion for data and style together to create successful campaigns for the brands she partners with. Her career has brought her to fashion weeks all over the world where she works directly with leading luxury brands. Her goal is to disrupt the influencer industry by helping brands measure the success of their campaigns with key marketing metrics.

Amanda Wood is a professional jazz and pop singer, social influencer and real estate assistant to Jesse Dean Cook. She is soulful, sexy and sophisticated with a passion for travel and living life to the fullest. Amanda contributes to Iconic Concierge in many forms from writing, editing, modeling and general creative input.

JESSE DEAN COOK

JASON BOUDREAU CFP, CLU

luxury real estate specialist

wealth advisor

Having worked as a Global Executive for a multi-billion dollar corporation, Jesse has a decade of international business experience and is now one of the top luxury real estate agents based in West Vancouver. He truly cherishes the relationship he has with his clients, helping them navigate the process of selling and buying their spectacular residential properties.

As the founder of VELA Wealth, Jason is fuelled by watching clients fulfill their vision of life success for their family, community and legacy.

Focusing on inter-generational wealth transfer, life insurance, legacy and estate planning, he advises successful entrepreneurial families on how to make meaningful choices at the intersection of their life and their wealth.

KEITH TRUSLER

BARRY McNABB

imbibing authority

wine expert

The Brand Ambassador for The Glenlivet and Aberlour for several years now, Keith is a veteran of the restaurant industry in Vancouver and has extensive experience as a bartender, mixologist and chef.

As a Connoisseur of single malt whisky he tirelessly pursues the finest dining and imbibing experiences the city has to offer.

It was a bottle of 1989 Robert Mondavi Reserve Cabernet that changed his life. That was in 1990. The addiction to wine was set. And the journey to know everything and anything about wine. Today, after many travels to all notable wine regions in the world, Barry has a broad knowledge of the nuanced interplay between food and wine.

sport, health & fitness

OLIVER FINLAY

JIM GORDON LEETA LIEPINS

Having traveled the globe, working with pro teams & athletes in sports environments as diverse as F1, EPL soccer, NHL & ATP tennis, to attain peak performance, Oliver arrived in Vancouver for his PhD, exploring how the World’s best sports teams manage change initiatives. Passionate about human performance & sport’s impact on community, he highlights the industry’s latest & greatest developments.

They are the hosts of JoyTV’s “Our City Tonight” covering Vancouver’s entertainment, fashion, nightlife, food & wine events, interesting people and exciting places. Jim is also the co-host/producer of “The Travel Guys” TV show and the weekly CTV Vancouver film critic.

Leeta is also a columnist for several other publications and a brand ambassador.

city experts

ICONIC CONCIERGE

15

CONTENTS COVER

FEATURES

AUTOMOTIVE

40

22

Our Favourite Watches

The Singer-Williams Collaboration

50

44

33

The Apollo “Intensa Emozione”

The Record-Breaking Rolex Daytona

The Hong Kong ePrix

60

35

The World’s Deadliest Snakes

One of Three in the World

78

50

How to get Fit for the Hill

The Apollo “Intensa Emozione”

82

54

Mindfulness Practice

TWINS! Jaguar vs Range Rover

98

59

28

The City of Life

The Hong Kong Experience

The Dark Knight

COLUMNS

6

Publisher’s Letter

24

The Specter Journal You Want This!

38

The Gentleman

They Should Have Taught You This In School

54

Head2Head

TWINS! Jaguar vs Range Rover

67

It’s About Time

Newman’s Own

Game Over!

Skiing Superpowers

A Head Start On A New You

COGNAC

106

Love At First Bite A Dinner Party at LIFT Bar/Grill

The Intersection of Wealth & Health

74

The Dapper Gent The Right Scent For You

92

What Women Want

Forget Chocolate and Roses!

The Next Generation

Formula E

Pagani Huayra Dinastia

The Dark Knight

Head2Head

The Ultimate Dream Garage

The Most Revered Spirit in the World

Financials

EVENTS

26

Chopard Boutique Vancouver

PERSONALITIES

70

Daniel Bergson Hero Culture Inc.

76

48

Golden Owl Awards

49

Panerai Boutique Vancouver

Jean-Paul Gravel

68

86

69

Our City Tonight

Business Women of Vancouver

111

94

IMBIBE

96

Real Estate

Maui - A Luxury Escape

110

No Limits

Devon Brooks

Urban Thai Bistro

Ask The ... Concierge

Rodolfo Parra, PARQ Vancouver

DESTINATIONS

28

The City of Life

The Hong Kong Experience

16

/ winter 2018 /

ICONIC CONCIERGE

Volvo XC60 Launch

Rémy Martin Party

Supercar Santa

98

COGNAC The Most Revered Spirit in the World

108

Connoisseur’s Corner How to Collect Wine

94

Omega: Winter Wonders

104

Martell Cognac Dinner

105

H.O.M.E Toronto

98

CONTENTS

28

40 86

60

60

50

ICONIC CONCIERGE

17

A Daimler Brand

Style. Sophistication. Space.

The new C-Class Wagon. The car that defined a category is now available with an extra measure of space behind the rear seats. And while a generous amount of cargo capacity has been added, none of what has made Mercedes-Benz C-Class a benchmark for performance, style and innovation has been subtracted. So you can choose the body style that best meets your needs, wagon or sedan. And know you’ll never have to make a choice between practicality and driving passion.

20801 Langley Bypass, Langley, BC Tel: 604.533.1205 | langley.mercedes-benz.ca

22

ICONIC CONCIERGE

A Relentless Pursuit of Excellence through a Lightweight Philosophy

THE NEXT GENERATION

It all started with Singer client and Porsche enthusiast Scott Blattner, requesting lightweight and high-performance enhancements for his 1990 Porsche 964.

“The guys at Singer have always been receptive to the question “What if?” So, the question became…what if Singer worked on restoring and modifying my beloved 27-year old Porsche 964, with the assistance of an engineering concern born from the world of F1? How would such a car look and how would it perform?”

To meet the goals defined in collaboration with Scott, Singer undertook a Dynamics and Lightweighting Study (or “DLS”) with Williams Advanced Engineering - part of the Williams Grand Prix Engineering Group. As a result, Singer engaged Williams and a collective of world-renowned specialists such as Michelin, Brembo, and BBS Motorsport to engineer a selection of restoration and modification services oriented toward lightweight and dynamic gains. Even Porsche legends Norbert Singer and Hans Mezger participated as special consultants bringing years of wisdom and guidance in the areas of aerodynamics and engine development. Finally, racing driver Marino Franchitti, together with automotive authority and journalist Chris Harris, were serving as consultants and vehicle dynamics development drivers, working in close collaboration with Williams Advanced Engineering’s dedicated vehicle development team.

The first model, which will be owned by Blattner, will be presented in Absinthe – a colour unique to the study – with interior leather in Blood Orange. Only 75 commissions will be available.

for more information: Wilson Ng Singer Vehicle Design | PFAFF Automotive Partners Vancouver - 604.731.9332

ICONIC CONCIERGE

23

BUGATTI ENGINE WATCH WINDER

LV PING PONG SET JAMES

The Big Block Winder is a watch-winder based on the engine block of the Bugatti Veyron 16.4. Each of the 16 winders is housed in a cylinder bore, where the pistons would normally be. The settings of each winder can be programmed individually, meaning you can adjust the direction of rotation and start and stop times for the different self-winding watches on display. ORIGINTIMES price the Bugatti Veyron Big Block Watch Winder at around US$100,000.

Feeling up for a game of luxury? How about table tennis?

Table tennis? Yes - this Ping Pong Set is far from ordinary.

Ideal for travel, this sporty set includes two professionally designed ping-pong paddles, regulation balls in a custom holder, and an exclusive cover crafted of masculine Monogram Eclipse canvas, accented with an LV Circle medal. C$2,560. www.louisvuitton.com

www.origintimes.com

FENDI X RIMOWA Italian fashion house Fendi debuts its first premium hardcase luggage collaboration with German label Rimowa.

The exterior is made from aluminum and is decorated with Fendi embossed Cuoio Romano leather handles.

On the inside, the iconic Fendi logo is imprinted and strapped in by a twotone yellow web belt, with additional straps to secure the outside of the case.

Available in cabin size in limited quantities at selected RIMOWA and Fendi locations worldwide as well as on fendi.com.

Price: Appr. US$2,500

24

ICONIC CONCIERGE

FERRARI OFFICE CHAIR Ferrari’s design team has created an office chair for Italian brand Poltrona Frau.

The Cockpit chair comes in two versions – the President, which features a higher backrest based on racing seats, and the Executive, which is more scoop-shaped and has a lower support. The sports car reference is further emphasised in the addition of a single stripe down the centre, as well as the upholstering materials – which are same as those found in Ferraris. US$10,000 - 12,500. www.poltronafrau.com

TWISTAIR GYROCOPTER “The modern motorcycle of the skies.” This two seater tandem gyrocopter will be available in three options: naked with the front window only, semi-opened, and full body kit with all the cockpit covered. Featuring a maximum speed of 145km/h (90mph), the Twistair can fly up to 4000m (13,120 ft) and has a theoretical maximum range of 660km (410 miles). The official premier is scheduled for the first quarter of 2018, so better get your chequebook ready. The price? “To be announced,” but experts expect a pricetag of around US$35,000. www.trendak.eu

BLACKBALL FOOSBALL TABLE If you’re in the market for a new foosball table, look no further!

The Blackball Foosball Table by luxury French brand Debuchy by Toulet has Style and Substance. Over 500 colour combinations and luxury finishes available.

It offers options unique in table football, LED basin lighting and an exclusive ATAO sound system with automatic goalsensors. With a range of customisation you can select a table that perfectly matches your interior, your personality and your lifestyle. Appr. US$18,000. www.debuchybytoulet.com

OMA IMPERIA SPEAKER

The ‘Imperia’ is a four way horn system with a vertical series of conical horns covering 100Hz to 20kHz, and two rear loaded subwoofer horns using a massive 21 inch neodymium woofer handling 20Hz to 100Hz. Designed by David D’Imperio, the Imperia is built by hand in Pennsylvania by OMA (Oswalds Mill Audio), an American lifestyle company.

The wooden conical horns are made from a choice of solid Pennsylvania black walnut, cherry or ash.

The price? You can nab a pair for US$280,000. www.oswaldsmillaudio.com

COMPLICATION LIGHTER When mechanical virtuosity and sublime craftsmanship come together to give birth to a masterpiece; This S.T. Dupont lighter is inspired by the mechanics of watches. Taking three years to develop and consisting of two hundred interlinking parts, visible through a skeletonized body and guarded by a secret code to create a breathtaking tribute to 75 years of lighter-making craftsmanship and expertise. Enter the three digit secret code to unlock the flame, or transform it into a torch with the secondary switch.

Only made to order, and limited to eight numbered pieces. Expect at least three months till delivery. US$41,000. www.st-dupont.com

ICONIC CONCIERGE

25

out & about GRAND OPENING CHOPARD BOUTIQUE VANCOUVER

Chopard, the Maison synonymous with red carpet glamour and renowned for its exceptional Haute Horlogerie, opened its largest free-standing boutique in Canada and its first location in the city at 925 W Georgia St., across from the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.

Owned and operated by Vancouver’s Global Watch Company (GWC), the Grand Opening was celebrated on November 21 with a luxurious VIP-Party in a glamorous New York-style Champagne & Caviar setting. Sassan Pourfar of GWC and Philipp Ammann, wholesale director for Chopard, cut the ribbon celebrating the second Canadian standalone boutique in front of their excited guests.

“I have always held the art of mechanics of Chopard in greatest esteem, as much enamored by the perfection in design as by the timeless value represented by Chopard,” says Pourfar.

Another highlight of the evening welcomed the guests right outside the store on West Georgia Street: The iconic Porsche 919 Hybrid that retired from the lead of the Le Mans 24 Hours made an unexpected and very rare appearance.

26

ICONIC CONCIERGE

"I've played a lot of amazing pianos over my 20-year career - each of them exceptional in their own right. The first time I sat down to a FAZIOLI, it felt like reconnecting with an old friend. The warmth of the tone, the easy camaraderie between my hands and the keys, and the subtle nuances floored me. It felt like home, like an extension of my own body. And that's an incredible experience!"

Martin Mayer - Pianist & Composer

W

W

28

O

11

N

N

ew

Br

oa

dw

a

O yL Br P oca oa E t dw N ion ! ay

WWW.SHOWCASEPIANOS.COM

The City of LIFE THE ULTIMATE HONG KONG EXPERIENCE

28

ICONIC CONCIERGE

words: Olaf Robrecht

Pagani Huayra DINASTIA on the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade.

Photo by Edwin Chan.

ICONIC CONCIERGE

29

planned to mark the occasion, so ... Hong Kong, here we come!

Hong Kong is as far south as the Bahamas, and just as tropical. It is a gateway between Mainland China and the western world. It is also a city of contrasts, with glittering skyscrapers framed by lush mountains and sandy beaches.

It’s also a city of contrasts in a political way, with communism meeting capitalism in a strange hybrid economy. Almost 12 million tourists visit the city each year, pouring more than 7 billion dollars into the city.

We loved the Skybar on Hong Kong Airlines. So much that we took over!

I

t all started with ... Jackie Chan. Some of you may remember that we met Jackie last June when he came to Vancouver as an ambassador for Hong Kong Airlines, promoting the airline’s daily direct flights to Hong Kong.

“I love Vancouver,” he made sure to let us know, but he left no doubt that he is a big fan of his hometown of Hong Kong.

His birth name is Chan Kong-sang, which means “born in Hong Kong,” and he even made a 45-minute documentary, “Jackie Chan’s Hong Kong,” in which he introduces the city like you have most likely never seen it before – through his eyes.

“Hong Kong is the city of life,” he explains. It’s the gateway to Asia, and although he spends a lot of time away from his birthplace, he has kept very close ties to the city. Home to more than 7 million people, the city is fast and furious, a business centre, a culinary destination, and a playground for the super wealthy.

“Sometimes I feel like a tourist myself,” Jackie laughs, “every time I come back there is something new.”

I have been to Hong Kong several times over the last few years, and I have great memories of this dynamic and diverse city. So when we met Jackie and George Liu, who is the Chief Marketing Officer at Hong Kong Airlines, we decided that it’s time to go back. We also had just received the invitation to the Formula E races in early December in Hong Kong, so why not combine both? It was also the 20th anniversary since the city’s return to Chinese sovereignty, and there were numerous festivities

30

ICONIC CONCIERGE

“Hong Kong is still a very small city,” Jackie mentions. “We import a lot. We buy water from mainland China and we bring fruit in from Bangkok. We don’t really produce anything here, so tourism is very important.”

But before we take you along on our trip, let’s have a quick look into the more recent history of Hong Kong.

HONG KONG AND THE BRITS It was as a prize in the wake of the Opium Wars that parts of Hong Kong were ceded to Britain in perpetuity by the Chinese emperor in 1842, but the majority of its territory was leased to the UK in 1898, for a period of 99 years. On July 1st, 1997, Hong Kong returned to Chinese control under the “one country, two systems” policy, bringing an end to more than 150 years of colonial rule. It was agreed that Hong Kong would become a special administrative region of the People’s Republic of China, with Hong Kong’s way of life to remain unchanged for 50 years.

The 20th anniversary in 2017 is a significant milestone in the history of Hong Hong. The motto “Together • Progress • Opportunity” now embodies the core values of Hong Kong as a free, enterprising and innovative city committed to excellence and quality living; and as a dynamic, cosmopolitan, diverse and secure society that thrives on connectivity with the world.

And although the economic future of the city faces growing competition from other global financial hubs, the people of Hong Kong remain optimistic. One country, two systems - “As long as we stay united and move forward, the best is yet to come,” they say.

OUR ULTIMATE TRIP TO HONG KONG There was no doubt we would fly with Hong Kong Airlines.

Established in 2006, Hong Kong Airlines has been awarded the internationally acclaimed four-star rating from Skytrax since 2011. It was also the winner for Asia’s Leading Inflight Service in World Travel Awards 2015. With the airline’s planes averaging an age of around five years, the airline has one of the youngest and modern fleets in the world, following the arrival of its first of 21 Airbus A350 aircraft in September 2017.

We had an amazing experience, taking over the bar in Business Class at times, offering to pour drinks for the crew (which they respectfully declined, of course), and even welcoming the captain for a chat. And with the comfy lie-flat-pods with enough working space, a gourmet selection of fine foods, and great in-flight entertainment, it was a very enjoyable flight.

We had decided to stay at two different hotels in Hong Kong, both of them iconic and continuously listed among the best hotels in the world. The InterContinental and The Peninsula, both on or right across from the promenade in Kowloon’s Tsim Sha Tsui, offering amazing views over Victoria Harbour to the skyline of Central. We would also spend one night in Macau.

Stunning views of Victoria Harbour from the Club InterContinental Lounge.

Louis Baleros, who took amazing care of all of our needs for the following days. A car enthusiast himself, he had studied the magazine and had a nice surprise waiting for us: The hotel owns a beautiful vintage Rolls-Royce Phantom, which is rarely seen and only used for special occasions. Louis had arranged for the car to be available for us for a photo shoot. What a contrast to our “daily driver,” a modern Phantom. Yes, we got spoiled in the City of Life!

The InterContinental is home to some world-class restaurants, too, which include the Michelin 2-star and Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Yan Toh Heen, plus the Michelin 1-star Rech by Alain Ducasse. You will also find a NOBU, and an amazing wine bar and grille.

EXPLORING THE CITY The best way to get around the city is ... to leave your car at home. Yes, there is a lot of traffic...

With Hong Kong Island on the one side, and Kowloon on the other, the most scenic way to cross over the water is the Star Ferry. You won’t get better views, and at around 60 cents per trip it is by far the cheapest way to commute. And you hardly

THE INTERCONTINENTAL Our colleagues at Forbes Travel Guide have always prized the Five-Star InterContinental Hong Kong for its unrivalled harbour views. Whether you’re gazing over the skyline from the Club InterContinental Lounge or landmark-spotting from your suite, all of Hong Kong is literally at your feet. And if you want to make your stay an over-the-top luxury experience, book the Presidential Suite. It’s the largest suite in the city, and it’s also recognized as Asia’s most spectacular suite. The 7,000 square foot duplex offers extraordinary facilities and services, with a personal butler on call around-the-clock to attend to your every need, five bedrooms, a dining room, a private study, and a gym. The Suite has a 2,500 square foot rooftop terrace with an infinity swimming pool and Jacuzzi, with dazzling views of the harbour and city skyline.

When we arrived we were welcomed by the Chief Concierge, Recipient of 2-Michelin Stars and Five Stars from Forbes Travel Guide, Yan Toh Heen is recognised as one of the world’s finest Chinese restaurants specialising in Cantonese cuisine. Executive Chef Lau Yiu Fai uses refined Chinese cooking methods combined with the best ingredients and top quality fresh seasonal products.

ICONIC CONCIERGE

31

OZONE, one of the highest rooftop sky bars in the world, is located on the 118th floor of The Ritz-Carlton hotel. Signature cocktails and an exotic selection of Asian tapas, as well as the captivating vistas of the city and Victoria Harbour, make this a “must-go” place in Hong Kong.

have to wait...the ferry departs about once every 10 minutes, and operates 18 hours a day.

If you plan to stay a few more days, or even want to return at some point, get the Octopus card. This is a reusable contactless stored value smart card that can be used for most public transit, such as the MTR, buses, ferries, trams or the Airport Express. You can also use it to make purchases in convenience stores, fast food shops, and more.

The Mass Transit Railway (MTR) is the rapid transit railway system in Hong Kong, and it is by far the easiest and most convenient way to explore the city. There are 84 railway stations and 68 light rail stops connecting HK Island to Kowloon and many new districts. Due to its efficiency and affordability, the MTR system is a common mode of public transport in HK, with over 4 million trips made in an average weekday. You will be amazed at how easy it is to use, and how fast it will bring you to wherever you go. (And there are a lot of places you should go. Just check our list of “must do’s” at the end of this article.)

Our first highlight was waiting for us on our second day, but it was totally unplanned and came as a complete surprise to us: We got the invitation to see the brand-new Apollo Hypercar days before its official Asia premiere! Norman Choi, the 45-year-old CEO of Apollo Automobil, welcomed us and explained this amazing car in detail to us. What an experience, and what a beast ... we immediately knew it will grace the cover of this edition. You’ll find a separate article about it in this issue.

in the city at a bar like Ozone. Ozone is the most celebrated rooftop sky bar in Hong Kong, and is one of the highestelevation bars in the world. You’ll find Ozone on the 118th floor of Hong Kong’s tallest building, the Ritz-Carlton – and it truly is a must-see. We really have to thank the team at Ozone for a wonderful evening, enjoying some great tapas and amazing cocktails from a private booth overlooking all of Hong Kong. Our favourite cocktail? The HK SKYLINE! 23 year old Zacapa, absinth, Imperial oolong syrup, pink grapefruit, lime juice, chocolate stones and Dom Perignon foam! And the best - applewood smoke!

On our 4th day Robbie had a fabulous idea: Let’s head over to Macau!

MACAU Hong Kong has something for everyone. You love your food? Well, you are in for a treat. From some of the biggest MichelinStar chefs to an authentic local cuisine, Hong Kong has it all!

You love your drinks?

Enjoy your beverage of choice while you take in some of the best views

32

ICONIC CONCIERGE

Macau (or Macao), once the oldest European settlement in Asia, is an autonomous region on the south coast of China, across the Pearl River Delta from Hong Kong. Its giant casinos and malls on the Cotai Strip have earned it the nickname, “Las Vegas of Asia.” You can get there by catamaran or jetfoil, which will bring you to Macau in about an hour, but in true Mr Dickson-style we opted for the helicopter, which cuts down travel time to a mere 15 minutes.

The Wynn Macau is the perfect place to stay. We recommend the Encore at Wynn Macau, an all-suite boutique hotel that is fully integrated into the existing operations at Wynn Macau,

Formula E - Hong Kong

In 2012, the concept of all-electric international single-seater racing was born. FIA President Jean Todt developed the idea as a means to demonstrate the potential of sustainable mobility. Inspired by this vision, Formula E Founder and CEO Alejandro Agag created a global entertainment brand with motor racing at its heart. Since making its global debut in the grounds of the Olympic Park in Beijing in 2014, Formula E has become a destination for the world’s best drivers, teams and manufacturers.

Consisting of ten teams - including Jaguar, Renault, Virgin, Mahindra, Andretti and soon Porsche, BMW and Mercedes - and 20 drivers, Formula E delivers world-class racing to 11 cities on five continents, throughout the seven-month Championship season. Bringing racing rivalries to city streets, set against some of the most iconic skylines in the world such as New York, Hong Kong, Paris and Rome - Formula E is racing, reinvented.

Due to the overwhelming success of the inaugural HKT Hong Kong E-Prix, the 2017 event was expanded to two races, making Hong Kong the first Asian city to host a doubleheader on the purpose-built urban track at the Central Harbourfront. We enjoyed two amazing race-days, which in the end saw Felix Rosenqvist (Mahindra Racing) elevated to first position after Daniel Abt (Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler) was stripped of his maiden victory for technical infringement.

ICONIC CONCIERGE

33

Mercedes, BMW, and Porsche), twenty drivers representing ten teams will contest fourteen ePrix races in 11 countries.

The 2017 HKT Hong Kong E-Prix took place at the Central Harbourfront, with major landmarks such as the International Finance Centre, Hong Kong Observation Wheel and Hong Kong City Hall as the backdrop. The E-Prix was once again the opening event of the Formula E season, and this year the event was expanded to two races, making Hong Kong the first Asian city to host a double-header. Not only did we watch both races, we were invited to join the teams in the pit lane.

We also participated in Jaguar’s live-televised event at the prestigious Glasshouse on the roof top podium of IFC. The “Las Vegas of Asia.” Macau.

with 410 suites, including 41 Grand Salon suites. It has an approximately 281,000 square foot casino, and should you need some distraction, it also offers 59,000 square feet of luxury retail space. Enjoy! We did ...

We stayed for one night before we headed back to Hong Kong where the next two days would be all about racing.

Formula E racing, to be exact.

FORMULA E Wait, E? Yes, Formula E (officially the FIA Formula E Championship), which is what a lot of people call “the future of Formula 1”. With the latest innovations in electric vehicle technology on show, and teams such as Mahindra, Jaguar, Venturi, Renault, NIO, and Audi (and starting next season,

THE PENINSULA HONG KONG For our last 3 days in the City of Light, we stayed at the prestigious The Peninsula Hotel in Kowloon. Known as “The Grande Dame of Hong Kong,” this legendary hotel is consistently ranked as one of the top hotels in the world, and all the years that I have come to Hong Kong I have admired the building, and took countless pictures of their fleet of 14 Rolls-Royce Phantoms. It was about time to experience The Peninsula!

Opened on 11 December, 1928, The Peninsula received a 30-storey expansion in 1994, adding 132 rooms and suites for a total of 300. Heralding the latest guest-focused technology and a new era of personalization, you almost don’t want to leave your suite, which also offers the most panoramic views over the Victoria Harbour. We can highly recommend that you have your breakfast on the Sun Terrace next to the spa and swimming pool. Felix, a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of the city created by renowned French

Consistently ranked as one of the top hotels in the world, The Peninsula Hong Kong owns a fleet of 14 Rolls-Royce Extended Wheelbase Phantoms, all finished in signature Peninsula Green. Each car has been hand-made, built under Rolls-Royce’s “Bespoke” programme to ensure they meet the needs of the hotel. The “Grande Dame of the Far East” continues to set hotel standards worldwide, offering a blend of the best Eastern and Western hospitality in an atmosphere of classical grandeur and timeless elegance.

34

ICONIC CONCIERGE

With an elevation of 552 m (1,811 ft), Mount Austin (The Peak) is the highest mountain on Hong Kong island and one of the most popular attractions in Hong Kong.

The best way to enjoy the ultimate Victoria Peak experience is with a trip on the famous Peak Tram. The best time to enjoy the view is in the early evening when the panorama melts into pink and orange before reincarnating as a dazzling galaxy of light, shimmering beneath you.

architect and designer Philippe Starck, is another must.

Highy recommended: The fantastic Hong Kong Airlines crew really made our trip as enjoyable as possible!

Yes, the Peninsula is a “must-stay-at” when you want to experience the city in style.

And who knows, maybe you’ll even have a celebrity neighbour like we did! It was rather amazing to know that Floyd Mayweather was staying in the suite next to ours.

We had the most amazing time in Hong Kong, and we would like to say thank you to those who assisted us in experiencing the city in the most luxurious, stylish and memorable way. We met old friends and made new ones, and we are sure that we will be back very soon. As Jackie Chan says - “every time I come back there is something new!”

HONG KONG IN STYLE!

PLEASE MEET: THE PAGANI HUAYRA DINASTIA - 1 OF ONLY 3

When Horacio Pagani entered Beijing’s Forbidden City during a visit to China, he saw the ‘Nine Dragons Wall’ and got inspired. The result: the limited edition Huayra DINASTIA. Only three of these special Huayra models were made (making it the rarest Huayra), because the way the number three is pronounced in Chinese sounds like sheng - which best translates to ‘life, new birth’. One is in red carbon (emblazoned by Chiwen, the protective dragon of fire and rain), one in gold (featuring the image of Yazi, the warrior dragon), and one is the blue (Baxia, the water dragon) carbon Huayra that you see here. The one we were fortunate enough to have for our photo shoot on the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade.

The DINASTIA is mechanically identical to the ‘standard’ Pagani Huayra, but has a dragon on the fenders, some nice embroidery, and special gold wheels. A big thank you to the team at Pagani Italy and Pagani Asia, as well as the owner, who made this very special photo shoot possible!

ICONIC CONCIERGE

35

T

HONG KONG EDITION

Ask the ... Concierge!

There is way too much to do and to experience in Hong Kong to be bored. You will feel the energy from the moment you arrive, and it never stops. Shopping should be on the list, and you have to try authentic dim sum. Then there’s sightseeing, landmarks and skylines to photograph, there are countless street markets to explore or get lost in, and ferries and boat rides waiting for you.

Needless to say, it’s impossible to do everything, and so we Chief Concierge Louis Baleros have asked Louis Baleros, Chief Concierge at the InterContinental Hong Kong, to compile a list of the “must-do / must-see” experiences in the City of Life.

District to explore the creativity of the tiny shops and businesses showcasing art, fashion and design and the charming small cafés created by young entrepreneurs.

THE BEST COCKTAIL I suggest SEVVA on the 25th floor of the Prince’s Building in Central .

This stylish restaurant / bar lounge has a rooftop bar with bird’s eye views of some of Hong Kong’s most iconic skyscraper office blocks, including the Bank of China Building and HSBC Bank building. The clientele here is usually an eclectic blend of hip & trendy and young banker types - sipping cocktails and taking in the ambience after office hours, making this a great place to not only take in the city views, but also people watch.

So whether you’re visiting Hong Kong for the first time or the tenth, here are 10 things you absolutely can’t miss...

THE BEST VIEW You have to take in the famous view from Victoria Peak. Rising 1,805 feet above sea level, the summit affords breathtaking views of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, Victoria Harbour, and, on very clear days, Kowloon’s eight mountains.

The best way to get there is to ride the Peak Tram, the world’s steepest funicular railway. As for whether the view is better during the day or at night—see both if you have the time and decide for yourself.

THE BEST RESTAURANT For new Chinese restaurants, I suggest QI Nine Dragon, a Sichuan restaurant located on the top floor of a new commercial building that is 10 minutes from InterContinental Hong Kong. It is recommended in the 2017 Michelin Guide to Hong Kong & Macau and, unlike many Chinese restaurants, this restaurant has a modern decor with wood carvings and paintings. It also offers a bird eye’s view of Victoria Harbour and has an open rooftop bar for after-dinner drinks.

And please try our very own Rech by Alain Ducasse, right here at the InterContinental, the first international outpost of Paris’s most famous seafood restaurant. It also has the most spectacular views of Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong skyline.

BEST EMERGING NEIGHBOURHOOD Whenever I’m in the vicinity of Hollywood Road or Soho on Hong Kong Island, I do not hesitate to spend a little more time to walk down to Po Hing Fong and its surrounding area in Sheung Wan

36

ICONIC CONCIERGE

SEVVA

THE BEST UNDER-THE-RADAR-MUSEUM I personally like the Hong Kong Heritage Museum at 1 Man Lam Road, Shatin in the New Territories. It showcases the diverse treasures of our local heritage and reminds me of what Hong Kong used to be when I was growing up. It also has visiting exhibitions.

THE BEST SHOPPING EXPERIENCE Ocean Terminal / Harbour City, on Canton Road, just a 10 minute walk from our hotel, is the biggest shopping mall in Hong Kong. Along Canton Road, you will find flagship boutiques of all the top international fashion brands. Inside the shopping centre are 700 shops, offering everything you can think of - from men’s and women’s fashion and accessories to sporting goods. There is even one floor just filled with designer children’s boutiques.

The Ladies Market in Mongkok

If you are looking for a more local market experience, I suggest checking out the Jade Market, which is a daytime market featuring two small buildings chocker-block with stalls selling reasonably priced jade and other semi-precious stone jewellery, as well as nick-nacks and reasonably priced Chinese inspired jewellery and pearls. Close-by is the Temple Street Night Market which runs from 6:00pm until close to midnight – good for souvenir shopping and also getting some local colour and flavours at the “Dai Pai Dong” food stalls and local eateries.

The Ladies Market in Mongkok is also a fun place to find souvenirs and to hone your bargaining skills.

THE PERFECT DAY

View from Victoria Peak

(when money is not an object...)

I would highly recommend that you explore Hong Kong by air, land and sea in one day. Start by chartering a helicopter for a 45-minute flightseeing trip to get a bird’s eye view of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the

If you are looking for designer factory outlets, Horizon Plaza in the Ap Lei Chau area of Aberdeen on Hong Kong Island is the place. It is one massive industrial building filled with designer outlets for clothing, furniture and all types of goods.

If you are into art and antiques, a stroll down Hollywood Road on Hong Kong Island is a must. It is also fun to explore the surrounding area around Wellington Street, Aberdeen Street and the little shops on the side streets off the Mid-Levels Escalator and inside PMQ (the restored Police Married Quarters, which now hosts an eclectic mix of design shops and eateries), You can also check out the art galleries in the Pedder Building in Central.

A LOCAL’S SECRET I can highly recommend the Sai Kung waterfront seafood market and restaurants, where Hong Kong locals go for a casual fresh seafood meal.

Sai Kung Waterfront Seafood Market

outer islands. Then hire our hotel’s Rolls Royce Phantom VI for a drive to The Verandah, a classic colonial style restaurant at the Repulse Bay Complex, for lunch. Then, in the early evening, you can charter Aqua Luna (the beautiful Chinese junk, known for its distinctive red sails) for a private cruise to Aberdeen on the south side of Hong Kong Island, or to Lamma Island for a fresh Chinese seafood dinner. Complete your day with after-dinner drinks in InterContinental Hong Kong’s Lobby Lounge, which offers the city’s most magnificent panoramic views of Victoria Harbour and the dazzling Hong Kong Island skyline.

Internationally acclaimed as one of the world’s top hotels for business and leisure, InterContinental Hong Kong has always been prized for its unrivalled views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island.

All of Hong Kong is literally at your feet.

The hotel’s stunning Presidential Suite is one of the most spectacular in Asia and the largest in Hong Kong at 7,000 square feet with a 2,500 square feet terrace and an infinity swimming pool overlooking Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island.

Dramatic dining options include celebrity restaurants NOBU and 1-Michelin star Rech by Alain Ducasse, plus the 2-Michelin star, Forbes Travel Guide Five-star Yan Toh Heen, and THE STEAK HOUSE winebar + grill and Harbourside.

ICONIC CONCIERGE

37

The Gentleman

They should have taught you this in school....

by Dr. Christian Brix

SINGLE?

WHY ARE YOU STILL SINGLE? We have to start this piece by saying that there is no solid argument for “single” being a bad thing. In fact, many people live amazing fulfilling lives on their own. If you are single, you hope to be the opposite, and you can’t figure out why you aren’t, then this may help you. “Why are you single” is not a question we can answer when we are single because, even though we genuinely try to figure it out, we are in too deep to be objective. That doesn’t stop us from trying though!

Ever notice that some people seem to always date the same type of person and it always ends poorly? Some people say that subconsciously you know what lessons you need to learn in life/relationships, and you attract or are attracted to the people who put those lessons in your face. When you fail to learn it...you find another partner to try again. Do you think it is a coincidence that your last three partners cheated on you or broke up with you for no reason? Is it a coincidence that you have broken up with a great girl every time for a ridiculous reason? No it isn’t.

If you refuse to learn from your past relationships, then you are doomed to continue dating that type of person.

Learn the lesson so you can move forward!

First of all, it isn’t the town where you live. Unless there is a population of 100, and half of them are your cousins, then that isn’t the reason. So many people who aren’t happy think that if only they lived or worked somewhere else that suddenly the partner and life “Do you think of their dreams will come to them. it is a coincidence But this is wrong. Happiness does not come from the outside, but rather that your last three from within (cheesy enough?). Happy people are attractive. Negative and partners cheated unhappy people are not. Find the on you or broke up things, thoughts, and experiences that will help you find happiness when you with you for are alone. If you aren’t happy with no reason?” you, then how do you expect someone else to be?

If you have been told or believe “your standards are too high,” then we have another problem. It could be as simple as it sounds (you look like Shrek, you have no goals/aspirations, and you are looking to date a PhD who models as a social experiment), but it is more likely that you can’t see what you really need in someone. Not to get too “psychology 101” on you, but the trivial things that turn you off about someone are a reflection of your own imperfections. What??? Yes, her ugly feet or annoying laugh are really your own insecurities screaming out at you. If you don’t love who you are, then you won’t ever see the real beauty in another person. You will only see the imperfections. You aren’t too picky, you are too insecure.

You may have told yourself you are single because all the girls around you are stuck up. Here is the bad news: you are either too pushy/creepy, or you are picking the wrong girls to talk to. Trust me...it’s you.

The central theme seems to be “it’s not you; it’s me.” Your city, your job, the time of year, your past, your economic situation, the quality of fish in the sea, and your creepy toy collection are not the reason you have been single for so long. It is you. If you are not happy with where you are or who you are, that is exactly where you have to start. It may mean getting out of your comfort zone or trying something you haven’t done before. It may mean being a bit more honest or even showering more often. Finding a happy relationship can only happen if you are happy.

Jerry Maguire said “You complete me” in a scene that brought any sentient being to tears. Don’t be like Jerry Maguire. The truth is that you must be complete and happy on your OWN, and then just find someone to share it with. That person will be just around the corner.

Dr. Christian Brix Writer – Chiropractor - Broth Baron - Gentleman www.brixfamilychiropractic.com

38

ICONIC CONCIERGE

THE ARCHETYPAL HUNTER For information on the New Vantage, contact: Aston Martin Vancouver 1770 Burrard Street, Vancouver BC V6J 3G7 604-734-2905 or visit astonmartinvancouver.ca Š Aston Martin 2017. Vehicle shown for illustrational purposes only.

Jason Boudreau LUMINOR 1950 CHRONO MONOPULSANTE 8 DAYS GMT CERAMICA - 44MM I believe a watch is a “completing” piece of any outfit. Whether it’s dressing up in a business suit or wearing a weekend casual outfit, a watch completes the look (as do the shoes of course).

Just as I appreciate a bespoke suit and handmade Italian shoes, I enjoy learning about the history and the craftmanship behind a mechanical watch.

Officine Panerai watches are a natural blend of Italian design, Swiss technology and passion for the sea. I own a PAM560 and love it for its elegant simplicity and versatility with a true ability to dress it up or dress it down.

When we were asked to pick our favourite watches for this special I was immediately drawn to the incredible MONOPULSANTE 8 DAYS GMT CERAMICA. It’s an underwater watch like its predecessors with additional functions that make it both sporty and sophisticated. The matte black ceramic case and bezel look sharp and unique. Watertight to 10 BAR, the Monopulsante bears the characteristic “drawbridge” crown protector that all Luminor models share and its hand-wound mechanical P.2004 calibre is visible through the smoked, see-through sapphire crystal on the back. With eight days of power reserve, including a reserve indicator, paired with the buffalo, black, tone-on-tone strap, it is a timepiece that any watch connoisseur would love...and a Panerai enthusiast’s dream! C$27,200 excl. tax.

PANERAI Boutique Vancouver 1008 Alberni Street (604) 207-5528

Like most of us I love watches. Although I never really set them. If you ask me for the time I will most likely grab my cellphone. No, a watch is a piece of jewellery for me, that I match to my outfit. The sleek stainless steel one goes great with the suit, the moonphase chrono with the colourful strap is great with the distressed jeans and sport jacket look, and the iconic rectangular skeleton-watch with the Roman numerals and sword-shaped hands is a stunning allrounder.

As a fan of all types of racing the Chopard Mille Miglia GTS Chrono Race Edition 2017 brings the world’s most beautiful race to the wrist.

This line has been a longtime favourite, and this model with its emblematic red details and silver dial with bouchonné finishing, pushers inspired by engine pistons, anti-grip surfaces recalling a brake pedal, and a rubber strap suggesting tyre-treads, evokes iconic racing cars. $9,140 excluding tax.

CHOPARD Boutique GWC Vancouver 925 West Georgia St (604) 684-6515

40

ICONIC CONCIERGE

Olaf Robrecht CHOPARD MILLE MIGLIA 2017 RACE EDITION

Robbie Dickson DEVON STAR WARS LIMITED EDITION I chose the Devon watch just because it looks bad ass.

I have always appreciated mechanical stuff and as the Devon displays the time on a series of moving belts I knew it was right up my alley. Reasonably priced at US$28k it’s great to have a timepiece that has such details without costing a fortune. Devon also used to be in the supercar business back in the 90s, so it’s great to see some of that motoring technology spill over into their watch manufacturing. Now this watch is certainly not for everyone, it’s huge to start with, it’s heavy and it’s obnoxious, all the qualities I like in a watch or a car for that matter.

IT’S ABOUT TIME !

Which timepiece would you pick if money didn’t matter? That’s why we sent some members of our DreamTeam to our ‘Luxury Zone’ on and around Alberni Street. Would it be the diamond encrusted, rapper-approved watch, or the “Grande Complication” masterpiece with twin rotating tourbillons? What is it that makes you choose a watch, what is important for you, what makes it special? Well, let’s find out! Ladies and Gentlemen, the winners are ...

Jason Sarai ROLEX CELLINI MOONPHASE 18 CT EVEROSE GOLD The Cellini collection exudes a timeless elegance and a contemporary celebration of classicism.

The watches in this collection pay homage to the heritage of watchmaking as well harness unique modern designs. Specifically, the Cellini Moonphase has an added romantic complication featuring the display of the cycle of the moon on a blue enamelled disc with a full moon in meteorite.

The watch is designed with a 39 mm face in 18 ct Everose gold, fitted on a brown alligator leather strap with a folding Crownclasp. Entirely manufactured by Rolex, the patented moonphase module is astronomically accurate for 122 years.

I selected this watch due to its attractiveness in both visual aesthetic and the history associated with it allowing for its creation in the present day. This watch can be worn with many different outfits and for multiple occasions. $30,750 excluding tax.

ROLEX Boutique GWC Vancouver 1119 Alberni Street (604) 899-1088

ICONIC CONCIERGE

41

Craig Stowe HUBLOT CLASSIC FUSION BLUE CHRONOGRAPH TITANIUM 45MM I do enjoy and appreciate a good watch. It is the one piece of functional jewellery that a man can wear well. I tend to purchase watches with the intention of passing it on to the next generation.

I just gave my vintage TagHeuer to my 14-year-old son. Currently, I have an Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer as my daily watch. However, recently, I made the decision to acquire an Hublot watch - not the one pictured here – although very similar. As I am not a collector, where I have a watch to go with a suit, one for the casual outfit and another for the tennis court, I was searching for a watch that would look good in any situation and suitable for any occasion.

The Hublot Classic Chronograph Fusion is exactly that watch; elegant and sporty at the same time. The polished and satin-finished Titanium case goes well with any color and outfit, and the blue sunray satin-finished dial looks stunning. This watch is available with either a blue rubber strap or alligator strap, which I have picked. The power reserve is 42-hours, so I can easily wear it every other day without having to wind it. C$14,600 (excl. tax).

HUBLOT Vancouver 1080 Alberni St (604) 559-8883

Not much needs to be said about why I chose the Omega Speedmaster Professional Grey Side Of The Moon. The heritage of the Omega Speedmaster being the only watch worn on numerous Moon missions is something I have always respected as a wristwatch collector and enthusiast.

One of Omega’s current iterations of it, the GSOTM, is both an engineering and aesthetic marvel, keeping COSC accuracy as well as being carved from a single block of grey ceramic.

Perfect sizing and styling with the light silvery moon dust looking dial and handsome grey alligator strap, this timepiece makes it easy to pair for any occasion.

I currently own the regular Speedmaster Professional and not this ceramic one, but this would be the next on the list.

C$ $14,200, excl. tax.

42

ICONIC CONCIERGE

Kevin Uy OMEGA GREY SIDE OF THE MOON

Unparalleled performance, for all of life's roads.

Bentayga.

Introducing the extraordinary SUV. Visit Bentley Vancouver or call 604.730.8998

BENTLEY VANCOUVER

1770 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6J 3G7 Canada For information call 604-730-8998 or visit bentleyvancouver.ca The name ‘Bentley’ and the ‘B’ in wings device are registered trademarks. © 2018 Bentley Motors, Inc. Model shown: Bentayga.

N EWM

T

This is it. It’s the one. Not “A” Paul Newman Daytona. THE Paul Newman Rolex Daytona. It is because of this watch that all exotic dial Daytonas are referred to as ‘Paul Newman’ Daytonas. It is this watch that is solely responsible for elevating that entire category of vintage Rolex chronographs to the apex of watch collecting.

Watch aficionados have been fascinated by this watch for decades, tracking its story using photographs of Paul Newman until the watch mysteriously disappeared in the 1980s and became a legend in its own right. Now, 30 years later, the watch has surfaced again, and with it comes a story that is even better than we could have imagined...

44

ICONIC CONCIERGE

We don’t have to introduce Paul Newman, do we? The screen legend, the superstar, and the man with the most famous blue eyes in movie history, was born in 1925, in Cleveland, Ohio. An award-winning actor, film director and producer, Newman was an avid race car driver, winning several national championships in Sports Car Club of America road racing, and his race teams won several championships in open-wheel IndyCar racing. Newman was also the co-founder of Newman’s Own, a food company from which he donated all post-tax profits and royalties to charity, which accumulated around US$500 million as of today. Plus, he founded the SeriousFun Children’s Network, which has helped almost 300,000 children with grave illnesses since its inception. Paul Newman died on the morning of September 26, 2008.

The Newman Rolex Daytona Rolex introduced the Daytona in 1963, and offered several manual wound Daytonas between 1962 and 1988, mixing and matching bezel styles with styles of pushers (screw-down

collectors found photographic hints when he started wearing the watch, it stayed a mystery where he bought it and why, in 1984, he stopped wearing it, replacing it with another Rolex Daytona, a black dial reference 6263. Did he lose his Paul Newman Daytona?

He didn’t. He didn’t even buy this most famous watch himself. It was his wife Joanne Woodward, the famous American actress, who surprised her husband with the watch, Reference Number 6239, in 1968/69. She bought the watch while filming WINNING, in which she co-stars with her husband. It was this movie that prompted Newman to race professionally.

And the Rolex Daytona was the perfect watch since it was designed specifically with racing in mind. Woodward also had a message engraved on the back. It reads “Drive Carefully” and is signed “Me”.

16 years later, in 1984, Newman gave his watch to James Cox, who was dating his daughter, Nell. Cox had been working on a treehouse in the backyard of Newman’s Westport, Connecticut, home, when Newman asked him for the time. “I don’t know – I don’t have a watch,” Cox replied, which is when Newman took his Daytona off and handed it to Cox. “If you can remember to wind this each day, it tells pretty good time,” Newman said.

M AN’S O WN Ref. 6239: The $17.75m Rolex Daytona

photos: PHILLIPS Auction

or pump-pushers), while also playing with the placement of the Daytona signature and making minor improvements to the chronograph’s movement.

So which one was the Newman Daytona?

Well, a ‘Paul Newman Daytona’ is a manual wound Daytona that has been fitted with an ‘exotic’ dial, made by Singer, a dial specialist who supplied Rolex. Rolex only used these dials for seven years in the 25year production cycle of the manual wound Daytona.

The sub-dials of a Paul Newman dial feature a distinct font style for the numerals, and have hash marks that end in small squares.

They also have a sunken outer seconds track (in red on the earliest examples),

and square hour markers placed onto the surface of the seconds track with lume plots facing the side of the dial. That’s it. The watches are otherwise identical to their non-exotic counterparts. But for collectors, these small details make a big difference.

The Rise of the Daytona Legend holds that it was the Italians who first spotted Paul Newman wearing an exotic dial Daytona. It was most likely a photograph for the cover of a magazine, and influential collectors and dealers began sharing the image to help sales of exotic dial Daytonas. And with the sudden fame of this model, collectors started digging for information regarding the whereabouts of the Holy Grail Rolex, Paul Newman’s very own Paul Newman. And although

The rest, as they say, is history.

Why did Cox decide to sell the watch?

He wanted to raise money for the Nell Newman Foundation of which he is the treasurer. Nell is using the foundation to continue her father’s legacy of philanthropy, supporting organizations in the areas of education, animal welfare, and human services, among others.

With a final price of $17,752,500 ($15.5 million plus buyer’s premium of 12.5%), this is now the most expensive wristwatch to ever sell at auction. The watch beat out the previous record holder, the Patek Philippe Ref. 1518 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph in steel, which sold for $11,136,642 in November 2016.

However, Newman’s Daytona failed to take the overall record for the most expensive watch of any kind ever sold at auction. That title rests with the Patek Philippe Supercomplication – a pocket watch that was made for Henry Graves Jr. The Supercomplication changed hands in 2014 for over $24m.

But, as they say, there’s always room for more. So, with the record sale of the Paul Newman, the real question is, what’s next?

ICONIC CONCIERGE

45

Please meet the Christophe Claret X-Trem-1: X– Experimental T– Time R– Research E– Engineering M– Mechanism.

X-TREM-1 represents a major technical and aesthetic accomplishment: a flying tourbillon inclined at a 30° angle, mounted on a three-dimensional curved titanium mainplate, equipped with a retrograde hours and minutes display system that is radically different from existing watchmaking conventions. Two tiny hollowed steel spheres, isolated within sapphire tubes on the left and right sides of the caseband, magically move with no mechanical connection thanks to magnetic fields. 264,000 - 288,000 CHF (appr. US$270,000-295,000)

The UR-105 STREAMLINER revisits URWERK’s iconic satellite indication, which has been an emblematic and instantly recognizable signature element of the brand for 18 years. It is a wandering hour indication based on a carousel which carries the four satellites, each bearing three numerals for the hours. The hours successively sweep past the minutes scale for an analogue and digital display of the time. 65,000 CHF (appr. US$ $66,600)

TIME-MACHINES UNFORTUNATELY THESE WON’T LET YOU GO BACK IN TIME. OR WILL THEY?

No, sorry to disappoint here, but this is not a comparison of state-of-the-art-yet-to-be-invented devices that let you meet Elvis or Leonardo DaVinci, or let you be a knight of King Arthur. While these watches sure look like something that may just do that, at the end of the day they just tell time. In a very fancy, very different, and very expensive way.

OLLIVIER SAVELLI watches are pieces of art, and the PETROLEUM makes no exception. Limited to 33 pieces, it is inspired by oil. The hermetic ampoule on the side holds a sample of the “black gold,” representing the force and fuel behind our modern industry. 80,000 CHF (appr. US$82,000).

You better hurry if you want one of REBELLION’s newest timepieces, as only 10 WEAP-ONE will be made. Worn on the body or displayed on a dashboard, this piece of mechanical art is uninhibited by existing rules. Suspended between the hour and minute rollers, an asymmetrical, 60-second flying tourbillon rotates on multiple axes. This novel and innovative feature enables the tourbillon to defy earth’s gravitational pull from all sides. Completed with two wheel nuts. 450 000 CHF (appr. US$460,000)

46

ICONIC CONCIERGE

out & about GOLDEN OWL AWARDS TERMINAL CITY CLUB

“Celebrating the best of the best.”

The Golden Owl Awards are the evolution of the Vancouver Nightlife Awards that were founded in 2004 by Clubvibes, and have become the most anticipated industry event in Vancouver.

The show offers the best of Vancouver’s hospitality industry with its innovative “Experience Awards” and the well established “Best of the Year Awards,” bringing many of Vancouver’s hospitality owners, managers and staff together for an amazing evening.

This year, The Golden Owl Awards were back at a new venue, The Terminal City Club. Awarded in 17 categories, from BEST BEER EXPERIENCE to BEST SUBCULTURE VENUE, the winners were voted on by both public and industry panel voters. Congratulations to all winners. It was a fun and entertaining evening; the ‘Golden Owl Awards After Party’ wrapped up the night at Republic.

For a complete list, please visit www.goldenowlawards.com

48

ICONIC CONCIERGE

out & about GRAND OPENING PANERAI BOUTIQUE VANCOUVER

On November 14, “Vancouver’s Luxury Zone” saw the Grand Opening of the 1st stand alone Panerai Boutique in Canada on Alberni Street.

Panerai North America President Giovanni Carestia and Boutique Manager Alnaz Farhadi, welcomed the guests, introducing the rich history of Panerai and the unique Vancouver location, which boasts the largest selection of Panerai watches in the country.

Styled by celebrated Spanish designer and architect Patricia Urquiola, the boutique shows the same maritime decor as the flagship store in Florence, which we have visited last February, invoke the world of ships and the sea (Panerai originally designed watches for the Italian Royal Navy after WWII) The centerpiece of the store is the unique watch vault. Shaped like a ships wheel, it showcases eight watches from the five Panerai families (Radiomir, Radiomir 1940, Luminor, Luminor 1950, and Luminor Due).

ICONIC CONCIERGE

49

THE

DARK KNIGHT ROAMING THE STREETS OF HONG KONG IN THE APOLLO IE

50

ICONIC CONCIERGE

ICONIC CONCIERGE

51

Top 10 Award-Winner 11th Consecutive Year

THIS IS INSPIRED LUXURY

L550

L550 FLY

L590

L590 FLY

L650

L650 FLY

D I S CO V E R YO U R O W N O N-WAT E R PA R A D I S E The keys to unlock the greatest gems of the BC Coast await you at M&P Yacht Centre.

Acquire your very own piece of heaven on the water from our exclusive selection of the world’s finest Yachts.

Create special moments with family and friends, chase adventures and chart your own path with M&P’s 60 years of marine expertise and award-winning support behind you.

World-Class Events Exclusive Owner’s Club Factory Certified Yacht Service

Trades Welcome Brokerage Services Complimentary Captain’s Training

COME EXPERIENCE YOUR BOATING DREAMS Call us at 604-260-0815 to arrange your private tour and discover how an L-Class Yacht from M&P can enhance your luxury leisure lifestyle.

Top 10 Award-Winner 11th Consecutive Year

#110 - 510 Nicola Street, Vancouver 604-260-0815 | mpyachtcentre.com

“I used to have a supercar collection, but I got rid of it. Nothing excited me. They all drove like Hondas.” -- Norman Choi It was meant to be. We had just arrived in Hong Kong when our local photographer called us and said: “The Intensa Emozione is in town!”

Sweet, but what the heck is an Intensa Emozione? Well.. as we would find out, it’s the first car from startup supercar manufacturer Apollo, a Chinese-backed, Italian-based firm born out of the remains of Germany’s Gumpert. Yes, they used to build the very fast (and very ugly) Apollo.

A few phone calls and just a day later, and we were standing in front of a low-key body shop in Central, and what we found inside caught us by surprise. One of only two right-hand driven Ferrari F50s was up on the hoist for an inspection, and two original Gumpert Apollos were sitting next to two Porsche 911s under full restoration. A mint vintage Maserati Bora and a Pagani Huayra were covered waiting for the owner to pick them up, and a Mercedes 190SL was getting close to its original beauty: it was quite the car show. The actual star, however, was waiting upstairs ... the beast, the batmobile, the “Intense Emotion” .. the Apollo IE. And we were about to see it 5 days before its official Asia presentation! And no other than Hong Kong businessman Norman Choi himself welcomed us!

Norman, the chairman of the young company, had a vision – to build a hypercar free of hybrid batteries, electric motors, and turbochargers. A lightweight, aerodynamically efficient supercar that offers unparalleled feedback and driving experience for the driver – but without technology interrupting the raw emotional connection between driver and car.

The result, pushing the boundaries of design, engineering and extensive applications of exotic materials, was now to be unveiled for us. Literally.

Calling the IE a Batmobile isn’t disrespectful. Heck, even Norman calls it that. The IE is long, very long. And it has an untold number of creases, fins, and winglets. They all ensure precise airflow around the body. And the rear spine and the dining table-sized wing are designed to sustain over 1,350kg of net downforce at 300 km/h., a level approaching that of a racecar.

Powering the beast is a naturally aspirated 6.3-liter V-12 with 780 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque. The 6-speed sequential shifter will see the IE rocket to 100 km/h in 2.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 335 km/h. No wonder – the carbon fiber unibody only weighs 105kg, and even with the subframes (which are also carbon fiber), the whole car is a mere 1,250kg!

There’s a lot more technical stuff we could tell you about, including the systems the driver can adjust to suit their skill levels, but let’s just say Norman made sure to use the best. What really blew us away was when he started the engine. Holy Batman, that thing is LOUD! The test-drive took place late at night, so the streets of Hong Kong would be fairly empty with no crowds showing up to see the beast, giving us a chance to indulge in the enormous amount of noise. And smoke. Yes, there were a few burnouts!

Thank you, Norman – we had an amazing time. What an unexpected treat. Only 10 people will ever call a bespoke IE their own, each at a price of approximately $2.75 million US. Each of the buyers will have access to a driver training program to be held at some of Europe’s top racetracks.

ICONIC CONCIERGE

53

This time the challenge was to find a competitor for the all-new Range Rover Velar. Robbie immediately called first dibs, picking the Velar, and most likely assumed Olaf would pick a German mid-size SUV such as Porsche’s bestseller, the Macan.

But, big surprise, our German publisher showed up in yet another Brit. Which is kinda weird as it not only makes it a 3 to 1 Brit vs German scenario, it also means a British car would win, no matter what. Maybe with their recent trips in British luxury cars and to a former British colony some heavy brainwashing had occurred? Turns out it was more of the typical German thinking - “The Velar uses the same body architecture, platform, and even engines as the F-Type, so I wanted to find out which company made the best of it.” Yes, that’s definitely German thinking.

And Olaf is right - the Velar and F-Pace use the same aluminium body architecture, the same engines, much of the same suspension, and the wheelbases are identical. Which is interesting – it is the same company behind the two brands, so in a way they sell the same car twice, but under two different badges. And that’s exactly what this is about. Which company did the better job. Robbie, Olaf... your turn!

54

ICONIC CONCIERGE

TWINS! photography: Kevin Uy

cars: Dilawri Group of Companies: Jaguar Vancouver. Land Rover Vancouver.

ICONIC CONCIERGE

55

JAGUAR F-PACE S

RANGE ROVER VELAR SE

I must admit, I love the look of the Velar. Well done, Range Rover! But I’m also a big fan of the F-Pace, especially in the “S” version that you see here. So in this case I had no problem with Robbie picking the Velar. The Jag is one sexy mid-size SUV with a powerful front and an F-Type-reminiscent back, and the 380hp supercharged 3.0L V6 has one of the best sounds in the whole industry. And in a way the Jag looks and feels sportier. I have driven both cars, and the Velar is a true Range Rover that has been built with terrain in mind. At Jaguar I think they wanted to create an SUV for the Autobahn that wouldn’t complain too much when taken off-road(ish).

Now, on the road Mr German’s Jag MAY sound noisier and go faster but I personally find those 2 things uncivilized and vulgar!

The Velar is simply classy - like all British people - and it looks far more expensive than it actually is. Also, as you know when driving a “Rover” (yep, that’s what us cool people call them), you get an automatic pass to drive with your nose up in the air and look down upon all the riffraff in their less so civilized cars - such as the Jag F-Pace.

So let Robbie enjoy a cup of tea in his air-suspension equipped, calm, plushy saloon. I like the stiffer and sportier Porsche Macan competitor. It’s a bit lower, a bit more compact. It corners like a star, and it roars like a beast.

Now, that’s about it for looks and performance, but what about the cabin? The Velar feels a bit bigger inside, while the Jaguar’s interior shows a congruent follow-up to the excellent F-Type, XE and XF it borrows elements from. Which isn’t a bad thing. The overall look and feel of the materials in the spacious cabin is top-notch. And with 650 litres of trunk space with the rear seats up or a commodious 1,740 litres with them folded, the Jag’s interior is almost exactly the same size as the Velar’s.

And then there’s one other thing: The price. The Jaguar F-Pace S starts at $68,500 (the regular-series F-Paces start at $51,250), while the Range Rover Velar R-Dynamic starts at $75,300 (regular Velar 2.0 $62,000). Equally equipped, the difference is around 10 grand.

At the end of the day, it’s “luxurious” vs “sporty” .. and in this case I like it sporty!

3.0L Supercharged V6 380 hp @ 6,500 rpm AWD 8-speed ZF automatic 0-100 km/h: 5.5 seconds Top Speed: 250 km/h C$68,500

56

ICONIC CONCIERGE

So let me tell you more about the Velar.

First, a slight confession. I actually thought the Velar was the top-of-the-shelf $180k Range Rover. I’d seen pictures online with those flush fitting door handles that pop out at the touch of a button, and the interior that looks like something from a Blade Runner movie, because it really looks like something very futuristic. So when I saw those pictures I naturally thought this was the new high-end Rover and not a sub-$90k SUV. So happily, when I figured that out, I knew I’d be kicking Olaf’s German ass (again).

When I picked up the car from Land Rover Vancouver, I had to keep asking: “Are you sure this car is only $80k? It looks like it should be so much more.” But as it turns out, if you want to pay more for a car to get more, the Velar has 11 different models available to you, from the 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo engine with 247HP all the way up to a 3.0L V6 engine with 380HP. The most expensive Velar will set you back about $120k after you throw in all the options. And there’s many options and engine sizes in between. Oh, and let’s not forget that Range Rover are probably the best in the industry when it comes to making SUVs that actually can go off road, and isn’t that what matters when you’re buying an SUV?

3.0L Supercharged V6 380 hp @ 6,500 rpm AWD 8-speed ZF automatic 0-100 km/h: 5.7 seconds Top Speed: 250 km/h C$73,000

martell.com

2018

The Porsche Weekend September 22 nd & 23 rd

Visit www.PorscheRally.com to register your 911

THE GENTLEMAN’S ULTIMATE

DREAM GARAGE

www.glassresgroup.com

W

hen a collector of rare Ferraris and other vintage European automotive gems planned his new estate in Irvine, California, he knew that he wanted a very special garage for his dreams on wheels. But it needed to be different. No checkered floors, no glass walls, no cardealership-like man cave. No, what he had in mind was something that would match the Rob Glass, Glass Residential Group, with the 1952 Ferrari 225 S Spyder Vignale look of his European-style mansion. It had to be stylish, sophisticated, something that would suit his multi-million dollar collection, which includes a 1952 Ferrari 225 S Spyder Vignale, a 1958 Ferrari 250 GT Tour de France, a 1963 Ferrari 250 GT/L Lusso, a 1965 Ferrari 275 GTS Spyder, a 1930s Austin Seven Ulster, and Mr Bond’s 1965 Aston Martin DB5, to name but a few.

He got in touch with Rob Glass of Glass Residential Group, a company that is well-known for their luxurious European-style custom residential masterpieces.

Rob created a concept inspired by 17th-century caves in Gordes, France.

“I have traveled the region many times, studied the architecture, took hundreds of pictures of stone walls, stone cellars, arched doorways, and the cavernous wineries in the region,” says Rob. The result is a true masterpiece that exceeded even the client’s expectations.

A combined 3,600 sq.ft. of lounge and garage-space have been transformed into a gentleman’s ultimate man cave. Complete with hand-forged iron chandeliers and a wooden barn door, the garage continues the style of the estate.

8,000 sq.ft. of hand-cut Croute stone from the Burgundy area in France have been used on the walls and ceilings, and 4,000 sq.ft. of reclaimed street-pavers from Belgium have been installed. The highlight is an almost invisible 18-footdiameter turntable in the same pavers as the floor, which not only serves to showcase the masterpiece of the collection, but comes in handy for moving the cars around.

The lounge and game room offers all the comfort you would expect, and features a stone fireplace and a computer-controlled lighting and theatre systems.

A fire-rated steel-framed glass window offers a perfect view into the garage.

ICONIC CONCIERGE

59

Bothriechis aurifer is a venomous pit viper species found in Mexico and Guatemala.

“WHY DID IT HAVE TO BE SNAKES?” 60

ICONIC CONCIERGE

-- Indiana Jones

GAME OVER! THE WORLD’S DEADLIEST SNAKES! ICONIC CONCIERGE

61

continent, which means you can easily plan your death trip to take place in your preferred clime.

Sigmund Freud once said that we all have within us a natural drive to pursue death.

He called it the Thanatos instinct. If death is what you seek, one of these 10 snakes will happily deliver:

Black Mamba

Alright, thrill seekers. You think you’re brave?

(1) The Inland Taipan: The Deadliest Snake Down Under You’ve most likely never heard of the Inland Taipan, but let us assure you, its venom is the most potent of any snake on earth. The mixture of taipoxin and neurotoxin will lead to paralysis, blood hemorrhaging, limited breathing, and intense muscle damage.

Drop-for-drop, its venom is the most toxic in the world. The Inland Taipan tends to dwell in inland Australia, and is actually quite reclusive and shy.

Time to death: within 30 to 45 minutes (2) Eastern Brown Snake: Because One Deadly Australian Snake Just Isn’t Enough

Are you brave enough to venture into the jungle with nothing but your trusty bullwhip by your side and wind up in a pit full of slithering, hissing, sharp-fanged snakes of every size?

Snakes are nature’s psychopathic serial killers. Fast, fierce, and fully capable of killing you in an instant, though they often prefer to play with their food first.

We know what you’re thinking. “Sure, snakes are dangerous. But I can handle myself.”

But here’s something you may not have known: Some snakes maintain their biting reflex even after dying. And that can be even more dangerous, as they lose the ability to regulate the amount of venom they inject after death.

No wonder Indiana Jones hates these things.

Eastern Brown Snake

But let’s say that for some reason you just so happened to have a death wish. Or you wanted to flirt with death a little – see how close you can

This snake, considered the world’s second-most-venomous land snake, is a native of eastern and central Australia and southern New Guinea.

It has enough venom to instantly kill any adult human being. The Eastern Brown is diurnal, meaning it is most active during the day - especially on warm sunny days, which, so we hear, are pretty common in Australia.

Thus it is probably the most frequently encountered venomous snake in Australia. Enjoy your holiday! The best advice, should you encounter one, is to stay still. Now that’s an easy one, right?

Time to death: cardiac arrest within 30 minutes, death usually after 4-5 hours

Inland Taipan

get to one of the world’s most dangerous snakes and live to tell the tale.

Where would you start looking?

Australia? Sure, they’ve got 20 of the world’s 25 deadliest snakes, so it’s kind of like the country itself is trying to kill you. Fun times.

But there are several deadly species of snake that populate nearly every

62

ICONIC CONCIERGE

(3) Malayan Snake: It’ll Kill You Real Slow Also known as the Blue Krait, this snake can be found throughout Southeast Asia and Indonesia. The Malayan has a neurotoxic venom that is 16 times more potent than the Cobra, making it probably the most venomous snake in Asia. And if you get bit? Well, first you won’t feel the bite, and then, after its venom shuts down your nervous system, you won’t feel anything. About half of the Blue Krait’s bites are fatal, and that’s if you’re dosed with anti-venom.

Time to death: 20-24 hours (4) The Coastal Taipan: Overkill Much?

The aggressive Coastal Taipan has sufficient venom to kill over 200,000 mice with a single bite. With the longest fangs of any of Australia’s venomous snakes, the Taipan can inject its powerful neurotoxin deep into the victim’s tissues, and the bite’s kill rate if untreated is almost 100%. The Taipan is a native to the coastal regions of northern and

you: “keepers who get past the snake’s initial aggressive behaviour may soon find themselves with a nice, trouble-free pet.“ Sure ...

Time to death: as little as 30 minutes (8) Philippine Cobra: Just Run Wow, this is a creepy looking one. The Philippine Cobra is THE most venomous and deadliest snake in the entire Cobra species. And take this: It can SPIT venom amazingly long distances, reaching 9.8 feet (3 meters). And it hits targets dead on. The venom in the Philippine Cobra will immediately alter your nerve workings, which affects your cardiac and respiratory systems within minutes.

Time to death: Symptoms after 30 minutes, death within a few hours

Blue Krait

eastern Australia and New Guinea.

Time to death: as fast as 30 minutes (5) The Black Mamba: You’ll Never See It Coming Not only is the black mamba one of the most venomous snakes on the planet, it is also big (up to 4 metres / 13ft), fast (11kph / 6.8mph), and highly aggressive. A lot of people have died all over Africa due to bites from it. These snakes are able to strike up to 12 times in succession, and each bite is loaded with colossal amounts of neurotoxin. Just one bite can pump enough venom into you to kill you up to 25 times over. Given all these characteristics, it is little surprise the black mamba is often called the deadliest snake in the world.

Time to death: as little as 15 minutes

(9) Death Adder: What’s In a Name?

The name alone qualifies this snake for a place on our list. And, not so surprising, this snake can be found in Australia, New Guinea, and a few nearby islands. Their venom is some of the most powerful on earth and contains neurotoxins capable of causing paralysis of the respiratory system and death.

Time to death: paralysis and respiratory failure within six hours, death shortly after (10) Rattlesnake: More Dangerous Than You Think

(6) Belcher’s Sea Snake: A Merciful Killer?

Now this is one snake you don’t want to be swimming near (which would be in Southeastern Asia and Oceania). The Belcher sea snake is the most poisonous sea species, with venom 100 times more deadly than the most poisonous terrestrial species. It is so incredibly potent that even a milligram could kill thousands of adult human beings. But here’s the good (?) news - they hardly bite, and when they do, they don’t release all of their venom. This means that only one quarter of all bitten humans will be poisoned. But should you be one of them ... Game over!

Time to death: first symptoms after 20 minutes; death usually after 8 hours (7) Black Tiger Snake: It Doesn’t Know It’s a Killer Yes, another native of the land down under (Australia, of course), and it is one to watch out for. When bitten, you can die within half an hour, although fatalities are more common in the 6-24 hour range. The “kinda good news” ... Tiger Snakes only turn aggressive when you corner them.

These snakes are generally afraid of humans. Oh, here’s a quote for

Rattlesnake

Hey Osoyoos, here you go: Rattlesnakes are the leader of snakebite injuries in North America, albeit they rarely bite unless provoked or threatened . The venom used to kill prey is a mixture of neurotoxins and hemotoxins (affecting nerve and blood tissues, respectively). The bite can cause painful swelling, muscular paralysis and tissue destruction, and may result in death. But...before you freak out, less than 2% of all snakebites in North America are fatal if given medical attention.

Time to death: 6 – 48 hours

Any one of these species of snake would easily take your life. But if you somehow manage to survive, you’ll have one hell of a story to tell your friends. And if you encounter all 10 and live to speak of it? Either you are Indiana Jones, in which case we’d love to be your sidekick, or you’re a medical miracle and your blood holds the secret to immortality.

Philippine Cobra

ICONIC CONCIERGE

63

Airland Kelly Mattress

Airland, a mattress manufacturer with over 52 years of ingenuity, British standards, Hong Kong traditions, and recognized as an international sleeping brand. Airland mattress comes with 100% coil coverage and 10 years warranty.

The Oriental Comfort you been dreaming!

International Spinal Insitute

Hong Kong Q Mark ISO 9001 ISO 14001 Certified

Member of (ISPA)

World Branding Awards

Superbrands Hong Kong

Hong Kong Top Brand

FEATURES

RECOGNITION

Airland, An exceptional ma ress.

High Heat Treated Coil

Sag Free Mattress

Bedbug & Dust Mite Repellent

Unit 110 - 6080 Russ Baker Way, Richmond, B.C. V7B 1B4 604 247 1888 or 778 - AIRLAND www.airlandstore.ca

10 Years Warranty

Aurora Jet Partners is one of the most innovative and progressive private aviation companies in Canada that specializes in providing custom-tailored, high-quality private travel solutions to discerning clients.

Services include jet charters, managing fractional jet partnerships and providing complete turnkey flight departments.

With more than four decades in private aviation, our experienced group of dedicated professionals consistently provides on-time and on-budget service to exacting safety standards.

With Aurora Jet Partners, The sky is not the limit.

AIRCRAFT MANAGEMENT | ACQUISITIONS & SALES FRACTIONAL PARTNERSHIPS | CHARTERS

aurorajet.ca

sales@aurorajet.ca

888.797.JETS (5387)

LAMBORGHINI VANCOUVER Authorized Dealer Prepare for perfection. Lamborghini Urus, the world’s first Super Sport Utility Vehicle, is here.

A roaring V8 twin-turbo engine. 8-gear automatic transmission. 7 ANIMA driving modes. The Lamborghini Urus delivers all the power, speed and flexibility of a Lamborghini super sports car.

Experience it at Lamborghini Vancouver. Now accepting deposits for Fall 2018 delivery.

1720 West 2nd Ave Vancouver, BC V6J 1H6 Phone +1 604 738 3931 Fax +1 604 738 8824 info@lamborghinivancouver.com www.lamborghinivancouver.com

The Intersection of Wealth & Health

by Jason Boudreau

Everything in your personal ecosystem is interconnected. This may seem obvious, however, have you ever taken a moment to truly reflect and let that sink in? Every single aspect of your life is related and your choices create outcomes for your life. What would your ecosystem look like if you drew it on a white board?

Challenge yourself to do a health check on your personal ecosystem in 2018. What would getting healthy in all aspects of your life look like? Financial health, physical health, relationship health, career/business health, family health, community and giving health – where is the health gauge sitting in all areas of your life? How are these silos connected and are you leveraging the connections adequately?

When overall health is prioritized and a healthy lifestyle is pursued, you are revitalized, have increased energy and are more efficient, thus allowing for clarity in decision making, greater capacity and higher levels of achievement. Being healthy can add time to your life span, as well as dollars to your bank account over time. It is here that your health and wealth intersect.

Proactive choices and planning guide your success and as your health levels increase in any singular aspect of your life, it inadvertently supports the health in other aspects of your life. As your nutrition gets better, so does your physical health. In turn you have more energy to give to your family and community. As you increase your presence in the community, your business grows and therefore your financial health. At every turn you find that a healthy lifestyle supports holistic success.

As it relates to your “future self”, engaging in meaningful, holistic, life-focused financial planning can benefit you in many ways including helping ensure you safe-guard your family’s future, build your legacy and give you the peace of mind to choose the best route when faced with difficult decisions, both now and over the long-term.

The Canadian Medical Association has indicated that those who describe their health as “very good” or “excellent” are amongst the top earners within Canada. As one moves up the ladder with respect to their financial stability and security, they have less sickness, longer life expectancies and improved overall health.

The connection between your health and your wealth is clear. Make 2018 an opportunity to develop a new level of understanding and mastery of your personal ecosystem. What are the opportunities and where are the blind spots? Enlist the support of coaches and advisors within the areas you’d like to see improvement and be your best self in 2018.

Jason Boudreau CFP, CLU Wealth Advisor Principal & Founder - VELA Wealth Management www.velawealth.com

ICONIC CONCIERGE

67

out & about VOLVO XC60 LAUNCH LOUNGEWORKS

1

“Where every drive is a pleasure.” On October 24th, Volvo of Vancouver had invited a selected group of people to celebrate the launch of the all-new Volvo XC60 “in-style.”

The award-winning dynamic Swedish SUV is one of the newest compact luxury crossover SUV to hit the market, and with its bold design, luxurious interior and three powertrain options, the Porsche Macan, Range Rover Velar and Jaguar F-Pace competitor immediately got his own fan-club.

Delicious cocktails and appetizers, paired with some great music, made this an “unveiling in style.”

Visit Volvo of Vancouver to book a test-drive.

68

ICONIC CONCIERGE

RÉMY MARTIN PARTY REFLECTIONS ROSEWOOD HOTEL GEORGIA It was a ‘Celebration of the Season’ with Rémy Martin, and what better way to enjoy it than at Reflections in the Rosewood Hotel Georgia? The Garden Terrace was once again home to a cozy, festive, charming and magical Winter Pop-Up, complete with decorations and a Christmas tree. The perfect setting for this occasion.

Western Canada Brand Ambassador Gez McAlpine, Country Director Chris Powling and Matt Hehn, Regional Market manager, had invited influencers, friends of the brand and connoisseurs to enjoy an evening of ‘mix and mingle’ in a festive atmosphere, paired with some delicious food prepared by the chefs from the Rosewood Hotel Georgia.

Guests enjoyed some special Seasonal RÉMY MARTIN Cocktails, including the very delicious “Holiday Cheer Punch” with Rémy Martin VSOP Cognac, Cabernet Wine Syrup, Lemon, Orange and Sparkling Wine, the “Christmas G&T” and the “Hot Apple Cider.”

It was a perfect way to get into the Holiday Spirit.

ICONIC CONCIERGE

69

VANCOUVER’S ENTREPRENEURS

DANIEL

BERGSON entrepreneur

photographer

father

son

brother

nomad

lover

words by Oliver Finlay photography by Justin Holt @justin.holt.portraits

IC: In ten words or less, who are you and what do you do?

IC: Tell us about your current business project.

DB: Daniel Ross Bergson, entrepreneur, photographer, father, son, brother, nomad, lover.

DB: I founded Hero Culture Inc. in January 2012 and it’s been my focus ever since.

There have been lots of ups and downs but now, moving in to our sixth year, I’m more excited and invigorated than ever before.

IC: Where are you from and what brought you to Vancouver?

DB: I was born and raised in Vancouver; first generation Canadian, from British immigrant parents.

IC: What was your first business venture, how old were you when you did it and how successful was it?

I was an ‘accidental entrepreneur’, having lost a job selling athletic clothing, I started my own company at age 25, called One Apparel.

One Apparel provided team uniforms, corporate apparel and event merchandise to groups all over North America.

I created a name for One Apparel within the Dragon Boat community and enjoyed several years of six figure gross sales. The highlight was a quarter of a million dollar order from Rio Tinto Alcan, a mining company.

70

ICONIC CONCIERGE

Hero is a lifestyle apparel brand with its roots in CrossFit and it was founded at the prompting of my friends who had recently joined the community and wanted cooler gear.

Version 2.0 of the company was accompanied by a new website that launched back in November of 2017 and now I’m already deep in to Version 3.0, which will see a significant shift to a company with a focus on social responsibility.

IC: Clothing manufacturing is a particularly competitive industry in Vancouver. What niche did you see that wasn’t being served and how do you see Hero Clothing cementing its place in the market?

DB: As the home and breeding ground to the likes of Lululemon and RYU, Vancouver

is a particularly competitive place to operate from in the clothing manufacturing industry.

Hero was originally founded to serve the local CrossFit community, who were hungry for a brand they could identify with and call their own. I believe we have excelled at providing custom apparel to gyms and individuals and this has set us apart from our competition.

Aside from the various gyms we work with on an ongoing basis, I’ve launched our ‘Hero Projects’, which aim to bring awareness and support to causes and individuals wherever they may be. This past winter, Hero donated over 250 toques to those in need around the lower mainland and interior BC. IC: That’s fantastic! Which programs or organizations are Hero currently working with in this respect and can you tell us a bit about them?

DB: Hero has recently worked with the Street Thug Barbers. The Street Thug Barbers were founded by Cameron Sterling and Josh Malcom, who, along with their supporters, go to the Downtown Eastside area of Vancouver every Sunday and provide haircuts for the people there. These haircuts are provided free of any charge and over the

ICONIC CONCIERGE

71

years, the STB have attracted a following of barbers who join them.

My goal with the Street Thug Barbers is to develop awareness through a line of apparel, as well as providing a revenue stream to support their current, and larger endeavours. Together we’re implanting a for-profit model, which will allow us to reach more communities.

IC: From a business perspective, what opportunities does being based in Vancouver provide for you at the moment?

DB: Being in Vancouver provides access to all of the necessary third party and manufacturing facilities I need. It also provided motivation in the form of competition from the larger brands.

Additionally, Vancouver is a very affluent city, wth a focus on fitness. We’re also a very liberal city and our campaign ‘United We Stand’ resonates with the community here.

IC: What have been the biggest challenges you’ve overcome in the project so far?

DB: Solo-preneurship has been the source of my greatest challenges, but also greatest successes. I’ve struggled with not being competent in all aspects of running a business; most notably numbers and keeping the books in the black, which is perhaps the most important aspect of any business.

I’m the visionary, the creative director, the salesman. My next great challenge will be, as Jim Collins says in his book ‘Good to Great’, getting the right people on the bus, before I drive it in the direction I want us to go.

IC: What do you foresee the biggest challenges facing Hero Culture Inc. over the next 12 months?

DB: Growth. I plan to move offices, add staff and launch new products. I’ll streamline the online systems, to the point whereby they’re largely automated and will refocus my attention on business development, affiliate sales and the ‘Hero Projects’.

IC: What are your ambitions for the business over the next 1, 5 and 10 years?

DB: As mentioned, moving offices, automating the online systems and refocusing on business development will be the main objectives of 2018.

Within 5 years, I want Hero to have a location in California and potentially something on the east coast…Toronto or New York.

72

ICONIC CONCIERGE

At the 10 year mark, I want Hero to be recognized as a global apparel line and be collaborating with other, larger companies, to promote living a healthy lifestyle, inclusion and love. Hence, our latest line, ‘United We Stand’.

IC: Who are your mentors?

DB: Adriana Withers. Adriana is a close friend and founder of VC Ultimate. We’ve been friends for maybe 15 years. I used to work for her competitor, before starting my own companies and now I also do contract work for her. Adriana is one of the smartest and hardest working business people I know.

IC: Who have been the biggest inspirations in your life to date?

DB: I draw inspiration from other entrepreneurs and brands that I love.

Chip Wilson would be a big one. I had the pleasure of meeting Chip when Lululemon had just the one store in Kitsilano and he was unassuming and approachable. Chip’s success speaks for itself.

specifically I love doing solo hikes in our local mountains. I enjoy that time, which lets me clear my head and focus on what’s happening in my life.

In the summer I’m on my single speed bike as much as possible, plus I paddle board and hike. I’d like to surf more, try to incorporate yoga into my lifestyle and look at getting back in to winter sports.

Oh…and I’m partial to a drink. I love a good Old Fashioned. Maybe it’s a contradiction but balance is everything.

IC: What 3 words would your closest friends use to describe you?

DB: Outgoing. Thoughtful. Adventurous.

IC: Thanks for taking the time to answer those, mainly work related questions, Daniel. But now, I know these are the questions you’ve really been waiting to answer…Iconic Concierge’s ‘Completely Unrelated, but Nevertheless Entertaining Standard 10 Questions’…

DB: Bring it!

Another would be Ryan Holmes, founder of Hootsuite. Ryan and I used to play ultimate frisbee together and he was the captain of the first league team I played on. Again, a humble, hard working guy, who built his business over many years.

Neither man was an overnight success story and my story won’t be either.

IC: Are there any other businesses that you look at, take ideas from, and incorporate them into how you run Hero Culture Inc.?

DB: There’s a plethora of apparel lines I follow, from smaller local brands to the big guys. I’m always looking at other brands to draw inspiration from but also to see what I do and don’t want for Hero.

The most innovative component of Hero has yet to be revealed…but the rest is fairly standard and while I don’t intend to imitate, I also don’t need to reinvent the wheel. I could list a dozen or more brands that I follow closely, but it’s not their article, it’s mine.

IC: How do you keep yourself fit, both physically and mentally, to enable you to give your best in your personal and business life?

IC: You lose everything you own. How do you rise like a phoenix from the ashes?

DB: The same way I have in the past, sell.

I’ve been close to rock bottom before and you just dig yourself out one sale at a time.

IC: We finish this interview and as you step outside, you find a lottery ticket that ends up winning you $20 million. What do you do?

DB: I invest all $20 Million of it in Hero, to create the brand and company I’ve always envisioned. And if it didn’t work and I lost the $20 Million doing so, at least I tried. And its just money.

IC: You can invite 5 people for a dinner party…and the guest list isn’t restricted by the confines of time and mortality.

Who joins you for dinner and why?

DB: Chip Wilson, Ryan Holmes, Gary Vaynerchuk, Phil Knight and Adriana Withers, because I’d want her to be there and benefit from having dinner with that group of entrepreneurs.

IC: What was your first car, what do you drive now and what is your dream car?

DB: I’m at CrossFit BC 4-5x a week when I’m in town. When I’m travelling, I try to ‘drop in’ at other CrossFit gyms, or do my own bodyweight workouts.

DB: My first car was a 1977 Honda Civic hatch back. It was blue and had two gears: 1st and 2nd - no drive. I would roll around the mean streets of West Vancouver, windows down, blasting Dr.Dre.

Aside from that, the outdoors is my church,

Since then I’ve had three 2001 Nissan

Pathfinders and still drive one now. She may not look like much, but she’s got it where it counts.

As for a dream car…I’d love to have the Range Rover, sports car combo but who wouldn’t? Ultimately something more rugged like a new Toyota Tundra or 4Runner TRD. But I wouldn’t say “no” to anything Land Rover. I am of British descent after all.

IC: What one piece of advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

DB: Learn more - learn as much as you can. And attack your weaknesses to the point that you become proficient at them.

IC: I can tell you’re no good with numbers! That was two pieces of advice! Ok, we’ll let it go and move on…who would play you in a movie about your life?

DB: I’ve been told I look like John Hamm, Clive Owen or George Clooney.

Most recently I was compared to Jeffrey Dean Morgan (Walking Dead) and I like him. I’ll pick Jeffery.

IC: Where is your favourite travel destination and why?

DB: I’m a Nomad so that’s a tough one. I’d say my favourite travel destination is the one I haven’t been to yet. I love to travel, to explore, to meet new people. I’ve been fortunate to have seen more than most.

I do love the United States though. It’s a vast expanse of unique places and people.

IC: Tell me your favourite joke…

DB: My favourite is any joke my daughter tells me. Having your kid come home with a new joke that they think is just the funniest thing ever…then having them try and tell it to you. More often than not, she falls short with the delivery, but it doesn’t matter.

IC: Where is your favourite Vancouver restaurant?

DB: Nowhere in the city treats me better than Cactus Club, Yaletown.

Their staff and management team are exceptional. The organization, in general, is top notch.

I also like Nomad, on Main St. for the cocktails, Tap & Barrel for their patios and hidden gems like Bao Bei in Chinatown. I think we’re lucky that there are so many great restaurants in this city.

IC: Once again, the self-proclaimed struggle with math (or decisiveness) comes to the fore and the singular answer requested, is replaced by a myriad! Ha ha, but seeing as we like you, Daniel, we’ll let it slide and move on to the last question. Complete the sentence: “Vancouver is a great place for entrepreneurs in 2017, because…”

DB: …it’s on the cusp of being grouped with New York, London, Tokyo and San Francisco as one of those ‘it’ cities. That is if it’s not already. Maybe most notably for tech, but for textiles, tourism and other industries too. When you include the Lower Mainland, this city is growing at a rapid rate.

IC: We couldn’t agree more! Daniel, it’s been a pleasure chatting and hearing all about the projects you’re working on. Thank you for taking the time to share. Now enough of work, let’s turn off this dictaphone and have one of those drinks you’ve been telling us how much you enjoy…

ICONIC CONCIERGE

73

The

Dapper Gent!

Get yourself a Signature Scent – The Secret Style Weapon.

It tells people who you are!

Atlantic

by Strange Invisible A classic manly scent for the well traveled gentleman. A warm, layered composition of bay rum, frankincense, and amber with a civilized note of English peppermint.

Reflection Man

by Amouage The quintessence of masculine elegance, Reflection Man captures the seductive power of a man’s inner strength.

Edgy and classic, the composition juxtaposes coldness of citrus with the warmth of spices.

Noir Anthracite

by Tom Ford The latest icon of seduction, Noir Anthracite reflects the light in the dark, featuring the brilliance of bergamot and spice against rich black woods such as cedarwood, macassar ebony, and santal Sri Lanka.

Rocabar

by Hermès A man’s fragrance blending the best of the woods and the essence of freedom, Rocabar is inspired by the traditional saffron colored, red and blue striped horse blankets manufactured in Hermès’ saddlery.

Vince Camuto

by Vince Camuto As polished as fine leather, VINCE CAMUTO is a woody fragrance for a man looking for a rich, sensual and luxurious scent. Fresh and woody with a sensuous leather accord.

74

ICONIC CONCIERGE

Be your own style icon.

stylebysarai.com

@stylebysarai

Jean-Paul Gravel words: Mike Strauss | photography: Dave Hamilton | location: Bacchus Restaurant and Lounge, Wedgewood Hotel

76

No Limits

ICONIC CONCIERGE

Our beliefs shape our lives. It’s the power of belief that enables 40-year-olds to become Olympians, that turns homeless hustlers into seven-figure business owners, that takes couples on the verge of divorce, from sleeping in separate beds, to being more in love than when they started dating.

T

Jean-Paul Gravel has experienced firsthand how changing your beliefs can change your life. And now, he’s teaching others how to believe their way into becoming the people they’ve always wanted to be.

ThroughConversation founder Jean-Paul Gravel admits that his job isn’t supposed to be possible – but he says that he learned long ago that “impossible” is just a matter of opinion.

“I went from being the worst player on a 42man baseball league to the best player, without having ever touched a bat or glove, and by doing nothing more than believing that I was the best.

That’s when I knew I was onto something - that I create my own reality. My life hasn’t been the same since.”

At just 10 years old, Gravel learned that our beliefs create our realities - a fact he would later rediscover multiple times before starting ThroughConversation, a program that teaches driven individuals how to reshape their lives by changing the things they believe about themselves and about others.

“It’s all about beliefs,” Gravel says. “If you get rid of a few limiting beliefs, you’ll instantaneously start living your life on a different level. It’s that fast.”

Gravel has built not only a successful business, but also a fulfilling life, around this one fact. And now he’s helping people all around the world to do the same. But before he could start freeing others from their self-imposed limitations, he first had to free himself.

Finding Emotional Freedom in New York City Gravel discovered his gift for helping others after embarking on a journey of self-discovery.

“When I was younger, I was surrounded by violence, both emotional and physical. It was a daily occurrence in my life, and I learned from that environment. I thought that’s what it meant to be a man. I thought I always had to dominate people. And when I was 20, in New York City, everything changed.”

“I was walking down 42nd Street and all of a sudden, I stopped seeing what people around me were doing, and instead saw the intentions behind their every action.”

“I looked at people all around me, and in a moment’s time, I understood on a very deep level that people are constantly putting on an act, pretending to be something they’re not.

And then I looked at myself, and it hit me, I was putting on an act, too. I stopped and asked myself ‘what am I doing here?’ I looked at my clothes, starting with my shoes, then my pants, up to my jacket and wondered: ‘What am I dressed like this for? Better yet - Who am I dressed like this for?’”

“That’s the moment I realized that life was an

illusion, and that I didn’t have to be who I had been for the last 20 years. I was free to be whoever I wanted to be, regardless of my past.

I dropped everything – I even left a bag on the street – and I went back to Montreal to start working on myself. And once I started working on myself, I never stopped.”

Building a Coaching Program that Works Gravel didn’t know it at the time, but that one solitary moment in New York would lay the groundwork for a 22-year journey that culminated in ThroughConversation – a system that helps ambitious people create happier, more fulfilled lives.

ThroughConversation, Gravel says, is built on the understanding that our beliefs shape our realities. After learning how to restructure his own beliefs, Gravel found himself wanting to help friends and strangers to do the same: “I had to put the pieces together. I wanted to help people. It took a few more life experiences before I got onto the right track, but once I figured out what I was doing, that was it; I knew I’d be doing this for the rest of my life. When you find your life work, things are never the same.”

Over the years Gravel would continue working on himself and others. But in 2009, with an ever-growing client list and a drive to help as many people as possible, it was just too much.

For a time, Gravel considered stopping.

“The people I was helping would bring other people, who would then bring more people, until one day I just couldn’t handle the workload anymore. And that’s when the people I was helping stepped in and contributed back to my life, so I could continue doing this work.”

Changing Lives the World Over Gravel’s system for personal development, called ThroughConversation, is the product of a lifetime full of lessons and experiences. The program, designed for people who want more out of life, boasts an impressive >95% success rate.

ThroughConversation is exactly what it sounds like - a conversation between Gravel and the client, during which participants learn to shift their perspectives and see life differently. Gravel helps participants to re-train their brains, undoing years of experiences that have created unhealthy thought and behaviour patterns.

Gravel says he enjoys working with highly motivated people who are driven by a need for success. His clients include CEOs, medical doctors, entrepreneurs, and consultants most are busy working professionals who have

worked hard to succeed in their careers, but can’t seem to enjoy their success.

Gravel’s clients are saying a lot about his method. Harold, a medical doctor who was suffering from anxiety and depression for 39 years and participated in the Emotional Freedom program, said that “The happiness, the contentment, the satisfaction that I feel inside is indescribable.”

Padra, an entrepreneur who enrolled in the Couples program with his wife, notes the program’s efficacy, saying that “What impressed me the most was the transformation of me, and my wife.”

Robert, a Top 40 Under 40 CEO who did the Performance program, said “This was something that really blew me away, it’s a program beyond programs.”

Gravel’s programs work, he says, because he finds and removes the root cause of their issues, rather than just the symptoms. In doing so, he aims to create a lasting happiness that comes from within.

“Changing your external circumstances – getting another car, or a beautiful house, or a new girlfriend – that doesn’t change how you feel inside, at least not in the long run... When you get clarity on what you really want, when you become your best self, that’s when life really begins to ‘work’. That’s when things start falling into place. And that’s when you start experiencing that sense of freedom and joy that you’ve always wanted.”

ThroughConversation is expanding into southern California in 2018, building on a string of successes in Europe and Canada to make emotional freedom possible for more people all over the world.

“I love seeing people transform,” Gravel says.

“I love the fact that it’s possible to create a profound shift at such a high level, and that it can happen so quickly.”

Gravel is also keeping busy in his off hours.

Aside from expanding his business into the US, he enjoys dancing Argentine tango, driving nice cars, and riding his motorcycle.

It may seem like simple leisure, but for Gravel, it’s all part of living what he teaches in his programs: Not pursuing happiness, but rather, being happy exactly where you are, and driving for more - if that’s what you want. It may sound like a small shift, but as evidenced by what Gravel’s clients are saying, it produces lifechanging results.

ICONIC CONCIERGE

77

by Oliver Finlay

SUPPLEMENT YOUR TRAINING TO MAKE A MOLEHILL OUT OF A MOUNTAIN

SKIING SUPERPOWERS The storms that showered Vancouver in cold November rain dumped a solid early season base on the mountain peaks overlooking the city and further north at Whistler and Blackcomb. As a result, several of the ski resorts opened earlier than planned, launching the regular migration of snowbirds between the lower mainland and the crystal-topped peaks before our neighbours to the south had tucked into their Thanksgiving turkey.

Consequently, by the time you read this article, you are likely already well established in your winter routine of working like a dog through the week, before jumping in the car on Friday night, to joining the weekend procession along the Sea to Sky Highway, up to Whistler. Supplementing your normal conditioning work with some exercises used by the pros, adapting your training schedule, and reviewing your warm-up and recovery routines, can enhance your ability to stay in good shape throughout the season. So, with that in mind, here are a few tips that will help you get more out of the hours you spend on the mountain.

Balance & Proprioception (Daily in Warm-Ups) Exercises that improve your balance and proprioception (body position spatial awareness), will improve your efficiency and skill execution on the mountain, as well as reducing the risk of certain injuries caused by fatigue and poor technique.

Add these two exercises to your conditioning warm-ups. Conducting each one for a minute, will improve your awareness of the relative positions of your hips, knees and ankles. For beginners, try these with your eyes open and fix on a point of reference. When this gets easy, continually move your visual focus around the room. Experts: Try this one with your eyes closed and on an uneven or unstable surface.

78

ICONIC CONCIERGE

Exercise 1:

Exercise 2:

Stiff-legged overhead heel and toe walks

Single knee kneels

• Stand tall with your arms overhead, holding a ball, pillow or weight • Keep on your tip toes and with straight, stiff legs, walk forward slowly for 10 steps • Repeat walking on your heels, with your toes lifted

• Kneel on a small pillow or pad • Try to keep your upper body as upright as possible • Breathe! If you fall out or touch your off-ground knee down, just start again

TIME: 60 seconds

TIME: 30 seconds each leg

Strength (Lower Body, Tuesday & Upper Body, Friday) To be a powerful skier you need both components of power - strength and speed. Adding these two exercises at between 70% and 95% of the maximum weight you can lift with good form for 1-5 repetitions for 5-8 sets will increase your strength and as a result your power and physical robustness, which will reduce risk of injury.

For individuals with little strength base, start by working at 70%, for 5 sets of 5 repetitions.

For individuals that are already doing strength-based exercises in their program, start with adding 3 repetitions at 75%80% for 6 sets and progress over a 4 week period to working 8 sets of 1-2 reps to build up from 75% to a 1 rep max lift.

Lower Body

REPS: 1-5

Exercise 1:

Exercise 2:

Split Squat

Reverse Lunge

• Start in a staggered stance, legs hip width apart, hips square and torso upright • Bend your front knee and hip to lower your torso straight down, but keep your back hip in line with your torso - your front shin and back thigh should stay upright • At the bottom of the movement, drive through your front heel to straighten the front knee and hip to return to the start position

• Stand, feet hip width apart and take a large controlled step backward with one foot • Lower your hips, so the thigh of the front knee is parallel to the floor, knee directly over the ankle • Drive through the front foot to return to the start position and repeat with the other leg

SETS: 5-8

REPS: 1-5

SETS: 5-8

Upper Body

REPS: 1-5

Exercise 1:

Exercise 2:

Bent Over Row

Anterior Deltoid Arm Raises

• Bend your knees slightly, bring your torso forward by bending at the waist and keeping your back flat until it is almost parallel to the floor • Keep your torso still and breathe out as you pull the dumbbells/barbell to your lower chest • Breathe in as you return the weight to the start position

• Grasp a dumbbell or medicine ball in both hands, palms facing towards each other, in front of your thighs • Keep your torso still and with straight elbows, raise the weight forward and upward to horizontal • Slowly lower to the start position and repeat

SETS: 5-8

REPS: 1-5

SETS: 5-8

Plyometrics (Wednesday) These exercises need to be carefully timed in the week, to ensure that your soft tissues have suitably recovered from the exertions of the previous weekend (tendons take 72 hours to fully recover from these explosive activities). However, when added to programs that already address strength and technique, these two exercises will add the ability to explode out of your turns and pop off jumps. For children and beginners, do not exceed 60 contacts in one session.

Exercise 1: Squat/Lunge Jump

Exercise 2: Lateral Box Jump

REPS: 6-24 SETS: 3-5

• With legs hip width apart, squat down and as you get to the bottom of the squat, explode upwards to jump high in the air • Land quietly in a lunge position, feet staggered and as you get to the bottom of the lunge, explode upwards to jump high in the air • Land quietly in a squat position and repeat

• Stand next to a stable box, feet hip width apart & facing forwards • Dip into a quarter squat and then immediately jump up and to the side, bringing your feet up over the edge of the box • Land quietly in the middle of the box and immediately jump to land on the other side of the box and repeat

ICONIC CONCIERGE

79

Stamina (Thursday) A day of skiing demands both cardiovascular and power endurance to maintain good technique turn after turn and to be able to keep going run after run. Completing 30-45 minutes of another form of cardiovascular exercise at a steady 70% exertion or for fitter individuals, 45 minutes of interval training, will have a variety of cross-over benefits to give you the stamina it takes to really enjoy alpine skiing.

Rowing strengthens your back, hip flexors and knee extensors. Cycling trains hip flexors, knee extensors, calves and, if using clips, hip extensors and knee flexors in ranges of hip flexion that are closer to race-skiing than running. Running develops the leg muscles in hip flexion ranges that are closer to slower, more recreational skiing. Swimming works the core and relationship between upper and lower limbs.

Core Stability (Friday) Whilst the term ‘core stability’ is a little misleading, good skiing demands control and integrated stability of the trunk, pelvis and limbs to transmit force efficiently throughout the body. Including these two exercises in your ‘core stability’ program will improve trunk control in conjunction with sustained periods of limb loading, which is one of the demands of skiing.

It is important to continue to breathe comfortably whilst conducting these exercises, as opposed to holding your breath and bracing the stabilising muscles. Complete 3 sets of 12-20 reps.

Exercise 1: Dumbbell Lats Pull Over

<- REPS: 10 (slow)

SETS: 3-6 ->

• Lie on a box or the floor, hips, knees and shoulders at 90º, with a weight in both hands • Keep your lower back flat, as you lower your legs and arms towards horizontal • Stop at the point your lower back starts to lift, return to the start and repeat

Exercise 2: Bent Leg Hip Thrusts • Lie on your back with your feet on a box or chair, knees bent and arms raised • Tighten your abs, push through your heels, squeeze your butt to slowly drive your hips up • At the top, keep your back flat and hold for 10 seconds, whilst keeping your breathing relaxed - slowly lower, then repeat with straight legs

Warm Up (It’s Ski Day!!)

To prepare the body for your first runs of the day and help you get up to speed, spend 5-10 min. on the mountain to raise your heart rate, activate your muscles, move the joints through their full range and increase the nerve signals ready for action.

80

Exercise 1 Clock Lunges (Raise Heart Rate)

Exercise 2: Side Plank - Plank - Side Plank (Activation)

Exercise 3: Hip Rotations (Movement)

Exercise 4: Jump Squats - Slow Lower, Explode Up (Potentiation)

• Stand facing forward, feet hip width apart • Lunge the right foot forward to N, then push back to standing, then repeat forward and diagonal to NE, laterally to E, backwards and diagonal to SE, and back to S • Repeat with the left foot lunging to N, NW, W, SW and S

• Place your right forearm on the floor, shoulder perpendicular to body, with the upper leg directly on top of the lower leg with hips and knees straight. Breathe, as you raise your body up by straightening your waist.

Hold for 10 seconds • Slowly roll your top arm and leg forward, so both feet are on the ground and you rest on both forearms, elbows under shoulders.

Breathe and hold your body in a plank for 10 seconds • Slowly roll over, so your left forearm is on the floor and you are in a left side plank

• Stand on one leg, keeping your torso still and upright • Bend your opposite knee, lift it forwards, then draw an imaginary circle with it, round & out, backwards, down & forward again - repeat in the opposite direction • Stand on the other leg and repeat with the other knee

• Stand with feet shoulder width apart • Slowly squat down with your weight in your heels, keeping your knees over your ankles • As you get to the bottom of your squat, explode up to leave the ground, then land quietly and immediately explode up again.

Gradually increase the intensity and height of the jumps.

ICONIC CONCIERGE

Recovery (Car or Bar) The last run of the day is complete. Epic powder turns and fun mountain adventures confined to memory. Check. No major injuries? Check. So, to make sure you are ready to go back for more tomorrow or next weekend, here are a few exercises you can do once your goggles are off.

Exercise 1: Forward Folds

Exercise 2: Cross-legged Hip & Butt Stretch

Exercise 3: Quad Stretch

Exercise 4: Standing Hamstring Stretch

• Fold forward at the waist • Reach your arms forward and rest your hands on something if they don’t reach the floor • Allow your body weight to gently drop - you should feel a gentle stretch in your back, arms, and neck

• Cross one foot over the other and bend your knees slightly • Push the hip of your front foot back and to the side • Feel the stretch in your hips and butt with straight legs

• Stand on one leg and kick the ankle of the other leg toward your butt, holding it with your hand • Draw both knees to touch and gently draw the knee back • Repeat standing on the other leg with straight legs

• Place one foot forward of the other • Fold at the waist and reach both arms forward • As you deepen the fold, breathe and the sensation of the stretch will increase

Exercise 5: Walk (either walk around the car park or walk the long way to the bar) Then go eat…just as with the rest of your workouts through the week, have a snack once you come off the mountain but then eat a full meal as soon as possible, with a good source of protein, carbohydrates and electrolytes to help your muscles refuel and repair.

Once you’re home…shower or bathe to reduce residual resting muscle tension and open up your blood vessels to aid the removal of the waste products of sustained intensive muscle activity. If you have any injuries, make sure you apply an ice pack before you soak off and keep it on whilst you are in the warm water…then go get a professional medical and physiotherapy examination at the earliest possible convenience.

Please meet ...

Oliver Finlay has worked with several Winter X Games skiers and snowboarders and has also been responsible for providing physiotherapy, sports science and conditioning support to elite athletes in a variety of other sports including hockey, football, soccer, rugby, athletics, tennis and basketball.

Chris Manansala is a yoga instructor, certified in restorative and pilates practices, teaching out of YYoga’s Downtown and Highgate studios. He is also a registered massage therapist, tennis coach and trainer, whose diverse background provides a holistic approach to conditioning, rehabilitation and recovery. A passionate semi-professional photographer, Chris also provided the images for this shoot.

Heather Aucoin is a competitive highland dancer, model, kickboxing instructor and competitive Olympic weightlifter

ICONIC CONCIERGE

81

A HEAD START ON A NEW YOU How Mindfulness Practice Can Improve Human Performance “Think about the eye of a hurricane, or the calm still center in the middle of a cyclone. No matter how intense the storm or what’s swept up in its gale-force winds, that calm, blue center is always there.

This is the metaphor I like to use when talking about the space between stimulus and response”. George Mumford Mindfulness. Meditation. ‘Being present’. It seems that over the last two years, these practices and terms have been gaining in popularity and nudging their way into the mainstream, from the peripheral outreaches of religious and spiritual societies, or communities often perceived as being ‘more alternative’.

The extent to which this shift has gained traction was illustrated at the Real Talks event, in spring 2017, when Gary Vaynerchuk, the effervescent and straight-talking entrepreneur, took to the stage and announced that ‘mindfulness-based business’ was one of the commercial growth areas to watch out for in the coming years. How times change.

And yet, in this ever-changing world, coined by former Saatchi and Saatchi CEO, Kevin Roberts, as “super vuca” (an acronym for volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous), a time of frantic soundbites, instant gratification, social media narcissism and constant audible static, the case for promoting mindful living and being, is surely a timely one.

Maybe this movement towards living a mindful existence is in direct response to the extreme stresses experienced in society; stresses which have resulted in mood disorders, including depression and anxiety, becoming the third biggest cause of hospitalization in the USA, for both youths and adults between the ages of 18-44. It may be more than simply coincidence that this quest for an alternative approach to addressing our mental wellbeing, comes at a time when serious mental illness costs America $193.2 billion in lost earnings, per year.

by Oliver Finlay

Research into positive effects on learning, memory, decision making, performance under pressure, stress management, immune health.

So why should we start to take note of the latest trend taking hold in the health and wellbeing community? Isn’t this just the latest fad, promoted by the fitness industry to exploit the pockets of those already spending their hard earned cash on yoga memberships, juice cleanses, spin classes or HIT sessions?

Well, actually, the library of research being published, directly linking mindfulness practice to reduced stress, illness, and depression, is overwhelming. Studies actually show structural changes in the brain architecture that enhance areas of the brain affected in pathological conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). So much so, in fact, that some of the most renowned collegiate establishments around the globe have set up dedicated centres to focus their efforts and resources on exploring the benefits of mindfulness in more detail. University of California, San Diego, has a ‘Center for Mindfulness’; UCLA has a ‘Mindful Awareness Research Center’; University of Washington has a ‘Mindfulness Project’; and University of Wisconsin has a ‘Center for Healthy Minds’, which names mindfulness as one of its core areas of study. In the UK, Oxford University joined Bangor University in investing in a specialized department to further the understanding of the practice.

In addition to the research conducted on mindfulness and the effects on mental health, further investigations, exploring how children can benefit from the practice, have repeatedly shown enhanced learning, information recall and memory capabilities. Meanwhile, at the other end of the spectrum, scientists have shown a potential offset of certain age-related changes, that occur in the brain architecture, resulting from engaging in regular mindfulness practice.

82

ICONIC CONCIERGE

It seems that the scientists have also been able to demonstrate that the practice of meditation, or mindfulness, provides the tools to cope and ride with the ever-changing wave that we experience as our ‘life’.

Studies conducted on high performance athletes, operating in both the sports and battle fields, have returned results showing favourable changes in decision making and skill execution in pressure situations, and recovery following exposure to such experiences.

In study after study, we see that when two similar people are faced with a highpressure situation and forced to make a decision, it’s much more likely that the person who practices meditation will make the better decision. This seems to be, in part, because of the learned ability to think rationally and logically in the moment, rather than build stress and worry about what might happen if the decision made, is effectively the wrong decision (futurethinkers).

So if soldiers, quarterbacks, pitchers and free throw shooters can benefit, aren’t you interested to see how your working life, whether at a trading desk, during the sales clinch, or in the boardroom, may be enhanced from incorporating the skill into your daily routine?

Aren’t you curious to find out how your child’s performance in the class room might be positively influenced, from learning to build the practice into their life from an early stage of their development?

Cally Bailey is personal health coach, providing mindfulness-based coaching to individuals looking to simply live a better, healthier life. Bailey explains that, “Meditation changes the composition of energy that is given out into the world.

We have all heard that the energy we output is the energy we receive back, and by meditating we begin to pay attention to what we are putting our energy into. I have seen people who begin to practice meditation heal from depression, physical impairments and disease at an astonishing rate.”

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction: A Form of Meditation to Combat Stress One of the approaches that Bailey employs is that of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, or MBSR for short. Working with clients that are experiencing high levels of negative stress at work or at home, Bailey helps them understand that “uncomfortable feelings are really only uncomfortable when we reject how we are feeling about them. When we learn to

visualize a welcome mat at the front door to all of our emotions, we feel comfort in those times, that would usually generate a high level of stress within the physical body”.

This is the concept of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction. By using mindfulnessbased mediation exercises, Bailey comments that, “we simply witness the flow of our thoughts, whatever they may be, and find peace in them. We learn to feel grateful that we can even feel things. MBSR shifts the mindset and the neurochemistry in the brain, so that we no longer fight or hate our emotions, but instead we look at them as a learning opportunity and move forward with less downtime. With MBSR training, all stories in our life become ‘I get to feel this’, rather than ‘I hate this’.”

Accessibility The questions I deliberated over when first becoming curious about incorporating mindfulness into my hectic life working in the NHL, were plentiful. I didn’t have a clue what many of the terms used to guide and coach the seemingly mystical practice meant. I was unsure whether meditation was even possible for those without a religious bias. I didn’t know what to think about… or even what not to think about, when I closed my eyes.

It seems, that as a man in the Western World, my perspective was not an unusual one. In fact, Dr. Hiroko Demichelis, a renowned psychologist and neuroscientist based in Vancouver, reports that there is a definite gender bias towards women, of those practicing mindfulness.

Dr. Demichelis suggests that this might be due to the traditional societal stigma of men being seen as stoic creatures, risking peer ridicule, should they be seen to address their emotions.

Another potential explanation, proposed by Demichelis, is that men often respond better to precise, objective language, whilst many of those operating in the mindfulness space resort to more “fluffy language, that fails to address the physiology behind the changes that can be attained”. This can actually be quite off-putting to many men and turn them away from finding out more.

Fortunately, with mindfulness gaining in popularity at an astonishing rate, all you really have to do is type ‘meditation’ or ‘mindfulness’ into your preferred search engine, or go into your app store, to find programs that will help you on your personal journey.

I started my journey into meditation with ‘Headspace’, which Dr. Demichelis also discusses in a positive light. The guides and sessions are narrated by Andy Puddicombe, who employs the precise explanations that Demichelis promotes, whilst adopting clear, accessible explanations, that are easy to understand.

Bailey cites ‘Insight Timer’ as the app she first used, and describes it as “great tool to get me meditating when I felt as though I couldn’t do it alone”. It has a selection of guided meditations of different lengths, and

for specific needs such as stress, sleep, relationships, or creativity. In addition, ’Aura’, ‘Breathe’ and ‘Calm’ are other apps that Bailey recommends and has personally used. It’s really just about finding one that resonates with you.

For the readers amongst us, George Mumford’s book, ‘The Mindful Athlete: Secrets to Pure Performance’, is a very digestible insight into the world of mindfulness and is a worthwhile read. ‘The Happiness Trap: Stop Struggling, Start Living. A Guide to ACT.’, by Russ Harris and Steve Hayes, is also one to add to the reading list, should you want to explore the field in more depth and see how the practice relates to your needs.

Those that prefer to be coached and guided on a one-to-one basis or in a group format, have more interactive options.

On a personal level, a trained coach, such as Cally Bailey, is one approach. As a personal health coach, Bailey provides mindfulness-based coaching to individuals looking to simply live a better, healthier life.

Bailey explains, “when I started, I decided to focus on primary food and secondary food; primary being the direct influences that we are exposed to such as our career, finances, relationships, and spirituality, and secondary food being what we eat. I am a believer that we can eat all the kale we want, but if we are stressed, we will simply not be healthy.”

However, if there is a desire to look at more deep-seated issues, in tandem with becoming more mindful, a qualified therapist, such as Dr. Hiroko Demichelis, would be more appropriate.

Demichelis uses mindfulness training as the first step in her clinical work, to help develop a curiosity and an observation of the uncontrollable aspects of life. Using biofeedback as one of the tools in her toolbox, Demichelis is able to demonstrate the physiological changes that occur in response to our mental reactions, which removes the emotional reaction from the equation. This objective starting point, promotes conversation about why such reactions are occurring and helps move the work on to the values of the individual, upon which their commitment to change is founded. From there, the therapeutic strategies are put in place, with client and therapist working together to achieve positive results.

Recently, Demichelis partnered with mindfulness advocate, Anita Cheung, to establish ‘Moment Meditation’. The ‘House of Moment’ provides a meditation sanctuary in Vancouver for those who ‘care about

84

ICONIC CONCIERGE

their mental health and well-being’ and want to commit to regular guided classes.

The ‘meditation members club’, based in Gastown, provides a community for people who are passionate about the benefits that living a mindful life can bring to themselves and those around them.

Corporate Programmes Even companies are now starting to take a lead in caring for their employees’ mental health and are seeing numerous benefits.

Investing in wellness programs as a company is a great way to not only boost retention and engagement, but reduce absenteeism, increase ROI, and possibly even be listed as a top workplace (not a bad repercussion).

To this extent, Bailey has created a corporate wellness programme with ‘The Juicery’ as a way for companies to gain the tools to build mental and physical wellbeing, simply and effectively, with long-lasting results.

The programme consists of modules that empower employees in areas such as mindfulness, self-love, and relationship building, all with personal coaching available to those who need it. Bailey remarks that “giving employees the gift of personal health is something that can’t really be valued highly enough; it literally changes the culture of the workplace.”

Practice & Measurable Benefits Despite all the apps and groups, the best thing about meditating, is that once you know what you’re doing, you can do it anywhere, at any time, and you really only need yourself!

Bailey recommends focussing on mindfulness in your day-to-day life, as this is a powerful form of meditation. Bailey explains, “To be mindful, you simply have to pay attention. Pick one activity each day and really use the 5 senses to become “present” during your activity – I started with brushing my teeth in the morning.

It’s amazing how often we do things on auto-pilot, with our minds in one place and our bodies in another. By doing this simple activity, we are one step closer to appreciating the moment that we currently live in and eliminating stress.”

Numerous studies have shown that even short periods of daily practice, of between 15-20 minutes, have resulted in measurable positive changes in only 6 weeks. Furthermore, seminal research

by Hölzel and Lazar demonstrated plastic changes occurring in several areas of the brain after 27 minutes of MBSR practice,

each day, for 8 weeks. This structural adaptation is, as Demichelis describes, akin to putting a bigger engine in a motorbike and observing the subsequent changes in performance.

As with any other skill, whether it’s playing the piano, sinking a 6 foot putt or drifting a car round a track, practice leads to improvement, but fortunately the benefits are scientifically proven, even after a relatively short space of time. So, now you know where to begin, go ahead and make a start to living a more mindful, happy, healthy and productive life!!

Learning From the Experts Some of the world’s foremost authorities on mindfulness practice are descending on Vancouver in March, 2018 to participate in the MindFlow Performance event. The event opens with an International Research Roundtable, hosted at Opus Hotel on March 21st, where the leading academics will join forces with some of the most highly regarded practitioners, working with NFL, NBA, MLB and Olympic athletes, to discuss the latest research and practices.

On March 22nd and 23rd, the same experts will speak at the MindFlow International Scientific Symposium on Mindfulness in Performance. The event is open to coaches, teachers, athletes, psychologists, doctors and mental skills coaches, as well as those working in business, education and the arts, who are interested in finding out more about how incorporating mindfulness practice in to their daily work, can optimize their performance and improve their health.

For more information regarding the MindFlow event, go to www.MindFlowPerformance.com or email info@ MindFlowPerformance.com For more information regarding Cally Bailey’s Corporate Wellness Program, contact Cally at cally@ TheJuiceryCo.ca and for more information regarding her one on one coaching, go to www.healthandsoul. co For more information regarding Dr. Hiroko Demichelis’ clinical counselling services, at the Vancouver Brain Lab, go to www.vancouverbrainlab. com and to find out more about Moment Meditation, go to www.MomentMeditation.com Book Recommendations Harris, R. & Hayes, S. (2008). The Happiness Trap: Stop Struggling, Start Living. A Guide to ACT. Trumpeter.

Kabatt-Zinn, J. (2005). Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life.

Hachette Books Mumford, G. (2015). The Mindful Athlete: Secrets to Pure Performance. Parallax Press.

App Recommendations Headspace | Insight Timer | Aura | Breathe | Calm

Do You Need a Wellness Getaway?

Everyone is relying on you. Although you work on maintaining balance in your life, keeping up with the demands of work, family and community are taking their toll on your mind and body.

You’ve seen burnout and illness wreak havoc on lives, and you can’t afford for it to happen to you.

You need to recharge. You don’t need a vacation - you need a wellness experience.

Imagine waking in your open-concept guest room and letting the Okanagan’s natural beauty stream in. Donning your robe and slippers, enjoy the complimentary hot European-style buffet breakfast as you prepare for your day of rejuvenation.

Imagine returning home with a renewed spirit, body and mind.

Located in BC’s Okanagan Valley, Sparkling Hill believes each guest follows their own path to whole body wellness.

Picture embracing the serenity of the 40,000 sq. ft. KurSpa, taking advantage of over 100 services and treatments designed to improve and maintain overall health.

Whether it’s just a getaway or a more guided experience with one of our wellness packages, Sparkling Hill Resort and Spa provides you with the opportunity to invest in your most important asset – yourself.

Spend your day experiencing the 7 themed aromatherapy steams and saunas, outdoor infinity pool, indoor salt-water float pool, Kneipp waterway, and tranquil relaxation rooms.

Learn more at www.sparklinghill.com/icon

Experience Whole Body Wellness Located in the heart of B.C.’s Okanagan Valley.

INCLUDED IN YOUR STAY • Daily full hot European-inspired buffet breakfast for two

• 4 nature themed experience showers

• Valet parking

• Indoor salt water pool and hot pool

• Complimentary WiFi

• Kneipp hydrotherapy

• Access to our 40,000 sq.ft. KurSpa

• Keiser-equipped fitness studio

• 7 uniquely themed steams and saunas

• Tea and serenity relaxation rooms

Book now: 1.877.275.1556

• Heated outdoor infinity pool

www.sparklinghill.com/icon

business

women of

VANCOUVER

I

DEVON

BROOKS

by Oliver Finlay

It’s a gloomy, damp morning in Vancouver, and the dense mist is clinging on to every building in its path. The city’s palette is dumbed down to greyscale and the winter colour spectrum is reflected in the seemingly uniform black winter coats and grey suits sported by the office workers, dourly joining the endlessly replenishing line up that is snaking around the coffee bar, faces buried in their smartphones.

Through the crowd, a flash of red grabs my attention and without warning, a bundle of energy dressed in an incongruous outfit, comprising a garnet silk dress and an oversized, quilted, black jacket, greets me enthusiastically. Devon Brooks is an immediately disarming woman; comfortingly confident in her own skin, yet exuding a warmth that often deserts successful business women.

Realising our plan to meet in a coffee shop downtown will do little to facilitate the chat we have scheduled, we head for the exit and navigate a couple of blocks to the co-working space Brooks frequents on her visits to the city from her Whistler home. As we settle down on an oversized chocolate brown sofa, Brooks’ status as an alumna of the London College of Fashion is more apparent, as the winter jacket, that provided a protective blanket from the chilling fog that enshrouded Stanley Park during her earlier photo shoot, is removed, to reveal an impactful gown.

The impact of Brooks’ appearance is certainly consistent with her reputation as a mould-breaking entrepreneur, recognised by industry publications such as PROFIT Magazine and Chatelaine Magazine, as well as The New York Times. Asked to describe herself, Brooks barely hesitates, as she proudly declares her personal elevator pitch, “an impact-focused, entrepreneurial creator, who prioritizes exploring opportunities that ignite transformational dialogue and cultivate intimate community in unconventional ways”. On the surface, at least, Devon Brooks has a clear identity, which helps guide her through her daily missions in the business world.

As we settle in to our conversation, Brooks is quick to acknowledge the support and inspiration of her mother, Judy Brooks, herself a successful serial entrepreneur. As a single mother, Brooks senior embarked upon her chosen career more out of necessity than design. Faced with a drive to want the best for her young daughter, Judy Brooks found a way, through hard work and ambition, to provide a solid foundation upon which Devon would build and thrive.

Where necessary, Brooks’ paternal grandfather sought to make up for the failing commitment of his son, by contributing financial support, to ensure access to the ‘right’ education and emotionally, to

86

ICONIC CONCIERGE

photography: Dave Hamilton

empower his blossoming granddaughter. Brooks fondly describes her late grandfather as a “soulmate”, who along with her mother and steadfast step-father, Denis Jones, provided enough support to remove the limitations, whilst demonstrating the wherewithal to “get out of her way and let her figure it out”. Three guiding lights that held her hand just enough, but were strong enough to let go and give her space to discover the consequences of her choices.

This blooming strength of character was tested fully at the age of fifteen, at the expense of her inconsistent father. Brooks recalls issuing the ultimatum of committing to showing up for her and subsequently owning the situation when he declared he was unable to accept that responsibility. That, she claims, was an incredibly difficult decision to take, given she had ultimately wanted and needed him to reach a different conclusion, but subsequently it was “the day I felt I became strong enough to put my foot down and trust my character. I was comfortable with taking control and I still feel pride in the strength of my actions”.

By adolescence, Brooks had learnt enough from the school system to understand how to make the rules work for her and how to break the ones that she deemed too restrictive. In applying for the West Island College Class Afloat program, Brooks learnt that her grades did not qualify her for the adventure; neither was her school principal proving too accommodating in writing the letter of reference required, given the number of classes she had skipped throughout the year. Not to be defeated, Brooks obtained a character reference from the old people’s home where she had whiled away (some of) those absent hours and talked her way on board. It was during that nautical adventure, touring 36 countries and taking on responsibilities such as writing the mission for the ship, that Brooks started to explore her strides academically, immersed in a more experiential education.

Returning to Vancouver, a more worldly 17 year old, Brooks persuaded her mother that moving to Los Angeles was the next important step in her personal development and soon after, embarked on a year long journey to find herself. Living on her own in LA, Brooks began to explore herself and her sexuality as a young woman. She realized that society’s judgement of what it means to be a woman, was not one she felt bound to and that the boundaries of social convention were ones to which Devon Brooks, the woman, had little appetite to conform. Whilst learning how to take care of herself during this time, Brooks recalls concluding that “we are all born with a certain magic and intuition, yet our experiences and environmental conditioning often stifle us and cloud our vision. Life

ICONIC CONCIERGE

87

is about finding our way back to that magic; our intuitive selves”.

As her Californian initiation to adulthood drew to a close, Brooks started planning the next step in her life. Seeking an opportunity that provided further schooling at an “institution, respected by industry but one that didn’t rely on exams to assess their students”, Brooks applied for a place at the prestigious London College of Fashion.

Whilst not exclusively passionate about fashion, Brooks declares a longstanding passion for what fashion provides, as a means to impact society and a tool to communicate messages to a wide audience and consequently, a communications degree seemed the perfect fit.

It was here the now confident young woman faced her first significant and violent challenge to her strength of character and identity as a human being. Embarking upon one last celebration of youth before leaving for London, Brooks joined her friends from her time on the tall ship and headed for a weekend in Montreal. Celebration soon turned to horror, however, as lying in her bed after a night out, Brooks came to, to find her former classmate forcing himself upon her before she was able to regain control of her drowsy body. Managing to free herself, Brooks summoned her friend in the room next door and supported by another friends’ mother, admitted herself to a rape clinic to file a report.

The subsequent reaction of her close friends was Brooks’ first insight into the societal conditioning that befalls many victims of sexual trauma. Brooks explains, “It was painful to watch the way, even my

88

ICONIC CONCIERGE

closest friends tried to make sense of what was happening to me, or work out some kind of explanation to validate why I was raped. I was getting questions like, “Why did he choose you, not me?”, “Do you think it was what you were wearing?”, “Maybe it’s because of the way you walk?”, “You must have done something, or he wouldn’t have done this, right?”.”

Brooks continues, “These reactions illustrate perfectly that we have been conditioned to believe that in some way the victim is to blame. Of course this induces feelings of guilt and shame in victims - it makes them quiet - and perpetuates the culture that facilitates this behaviour. Even people who loved me, tried to manifest dots that they could then connect. And yet, maybe he was just going to do it to whoever the opportunity presented him with”.

most cases of sexual trauma and confront the issue has lead to the development of a judicial pathway comprising unintelligent systems and processes, that ‘villainize’ the victim. The victim statement is one such part of the protocol, that effectively affords the rapist a cultural defence, based on a tiny percentage of cases where false accusations have been made. As Brooks highlights, “I can’t think of a person who would voluntarily put themselves through the ordeal of a victim statement and lengthy court proceedings if they hadn’t experienced the horror of a sexual trauma”.

And yet, through a combination of legal process and circumstance, caused by the victim being from BC, the offending party being from Quebec and the assault occurring in Montreal, the judicial review of the case took five years to reach a conviction via guilty plea.

This observation is one that Inés Hercovich discusses in her TED talk, entitled ‘Why women stay silent after sexual assault’.

She explains that when a woman recalls what happened to her during a sexual assault, she describes “things that we can’t imagine, things that disturb us, things we don’t expect to hear, things that shock us”. As a result, the natural reaction is to try and find an explanation that satisfies our rational thinking; to apportion blame, to construct a cause as to why something so horrifying can be executed by someone so seemingly normal. Someone who didn’t

During this time, Brooks moved as planned to London and started the long process of recovery. At the time, the ability to absorb herself in her studies was therapeutic.

Brooks explains, “whilst rape is considered a ‘non-violent crime’, it represents the deepest violation of a person and the greatest betrayal of humanity. I had to go through a process of rebuilding and reconciliation. I had put my trust in friendship and it had been betrayed.

Certainly consent can be awkward, but it is a necessary dramatisation and that is what decent people do.”

have a history of violence or criminality, someone who wasn’t a loner, someone who had previously been a friend.

As we continue, Brooks recalls settling in to life in London and beginning to enjoy the scene around her lovely apartment near Hyde Park. Her life was beginning to get back on track. She found many new

Society’s inability to accept the nature of

friendships and through one, met a guy who she would later date for several months.

Finally, however, something didn’t feel “quite right” and after sensing she was being manipulated, Brooks let her intuition take the wheel and she quickly broke off the brief relationship.

Work-wise, Brooks drafted the business plan for a hair styling start up - “a thirty something minute confidence booster for women”, which she founded with her mother and now dear friend, Val Litwin.

Brooks concentrated on the marketing, the branding and vision for the embryonic business and returned home to Vancouver to launch the first location in the summer of 2007. Very quickly, it became apparent that Blo Blow Dry Bar was disrupting the beauty industry and where there had previously been nail bars and hair salons, Blo carved out a niche all of its own and took off. Brooks remarks with obvious pride, “We were empowering our clients.

They walked in needing a confidence boost for an important business meeting, or to go on a date, and walked out soon after with a serious pep in their step. You bought a great blow dry, sure, but you left with something much more significant - confidence”.

After Blo opened, Brooks was flying back and forth between her studies in London and the business in Vancouver. Upon returning from Vancouver in the fall after Blo launched, Brooks opened the door to her apartment one evening and her exboyfriend forced his way in. Locking the door behind him, he pulled a knife, held it to her throat and subjected her to a terrifying 8 hour assault. At one point, she was forced to write a suicide note and after escaping briefly to her balcony, screaming for help, was re-restrained and told she would be killed if she tried it again.

“The desire to survive is an incredible force, I saw death in his eyes and I didn’t want to die”, Brooks recalls. After an incredible struggle, with blood on the walls, she was able to “summon her magic”, and convinced her assailant that there was a way for them both to survive and walk out the door. And he did. Brooks ran along the hallway and was greeted by a neighbour, who gave her a phone, so she could call the police. In a dramatic illustration of the Bystander Theory, which states that the more people witness a crime, the less likely it is that someone will intervene, the woman confessed she had heard the screams and figured all the other residents in the building must have done too. Yet no one came to her rescue.

In sharp contrast to the rape trial, which was still ongoing at this time, Brooks was exposed to the dramatic difference between society’s perception of violent crime and

sexual crime. Because the assault in London was committed following forcible entry, by a man with a criminal history (he had committed similar crimes with other women, too scared to testify and had been undergoing anger management courses at the time of the assault) and was of a violent nature, involving a knife, the subsequent prosecution was far more efficient. In this instance the prosecutor was the Crown Court, Brooks was simply a witness and the statements were submitted as and when required.

In response, Brooks returned to her studies, resolute in the intention to maintain momentum and finish her degree, “I needed my work and school”, she explains. She pleaded with her mother not to jump on a plane and admires the significant courage her mother showed in heeding her request.

Brooks knew she needed space to explore what she was feeling.

Months later, however, Brooks started struggling with black-outs, and these became more frequent towards the end of her time in London. Nevertheless, after graduating from college, she stepped into the business and began to grow Blo with her team, despite struggling to deal with the intense panic attacks. Finally, after several admissions to the ER, she decided it was time to seek some formal medical assistance and it was then that post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression were diagnosed.

The shocking fact of the matter is that, as Brooks quotes, “women experience PTSD at double the rate of men, with one of the greatest waves of onset being between 21-25. It isn’t a stretch to make the link between the average age of onset of PTSD in females and the fact that the majority of women who experience sexual trauma do so before they are 30”.

Brooks has been involved in her recovery process ever since and whilst she admits to being “quite healed”, she explains that, “much of the healing I feel is due to my recognition of the fact that the recovery process is ongoing. I don’t expect to be fixed. I don’t expect for my feelings to stop evolving. I don’t expect this conversation with myself will expire. I am always unfolding and I give myself the space, relationships and conversations to do so”.

The wounds seem woven into the fabric of her being. Brooks concedes, “all the communication tools, the wellbeing and mindfulness tools, the self-care and preventative therapy and it’s still here and I respect that”. The reality recently highlighted, when returning back from Toronto and watching a scene from the recent movie ‘Atomic Blonde’, where Charlize Theron’s “bad-ass” character has a

knife held to her throat, the physical feelings of the assault vividly returned to Brooks inflight. “I can’t change what happened to me, but I can always choose how I respond to it. It’s this choice that drives me to create change in my life and in the world, wherever I can”.

Wanting to create a place that represented the multiplicity of women’s experiences, Brooks launched BabeRally.org - a community-driven art and editorial platform to serve as a resource for those craving a diverse dialogue about sexual trauma.

Since selling the remainder of her stake in Blo in her mid-twenties, Brooks has used her platform to raise awareness about sexual assault and sexual trauma.

BabeRally.org takes this work to a wider audience, providing a beautiful ‘story gallery’ for victims to share in.

The statistics would suggest that such a resource, aimed at highlighting the issues of sexual assault, is desperately needed.

As many as 38% of all employed women will experience sexual harassment in the workplace (1 in 3 women between the ages of 18 - 34). And yet 71% never report the crime - most likely because of those that did report it, 75% of victims experienced retaliation when they spoke up. Meanwhile, all the more harrowing, are the figures describing the problems in our universities and colleges, with one in 5 women and

ICONIC CONCIERGE

89

one in 16 men subjected to sexual assault whilst in college, and yet more than 90% of sexual assault victims on campuses do not report the assault. It is estimated that 1 in 3 women experience at least one episode of sexual assault in their lifetime and more specifically 1 in 5 will be subjected to rape, with 8 out of 10 rape victims suffering at the hands of someone they know. However, rape is the most under-reported crime in the USA with more than half of incidents going unreported to the police. These figures are disturbing, and yet describe the shocking current reality for our mothers, our daughters, our sisters, our wives and our girlfriends.

One of the problems, as Brooks and I discuss, is that, at no point in the classrooms of our schools is there significant dialogue about interpersonal relationships. What is acceptable behaviour, what is not and how this varies from culture to culture. Our places of work do no better at educating adults, because despite businesses also experiencing financial losses from the fallout of sexual harassment cases, related to job turnover, sick leave, and decreased individual and group productivity, the majority of organizations seem reluctant to contribute more resources to combat the problem - other than maybe the occasional annual sexual harassment seminar, which research suggests is ineffective anyway.

Consequently, whilst 16% of cases of sexual harassment at work are not recognised as such by the victims, when behaviour constituting sexual harassment is clearly defined, recognition and reporting increases significantly.

Brooks observes that one of the more positive outcomes of the “me too” campaign, was that many of her male counterparts started to discuss their behaviour, all volunteering to explore whether or not they had conducted themselves in a way that may have made women feel unsafe.

Brooks reinforces the point, “sexual assault or sexual harassment is not about sex, it’s about asserting power and control, at the expense of another and there are many professions, industries and persons over the years, that have protected those exploiting that power”. Whether it’s a doctor, a teacher, a coach, a priest or a person in a position of power in business, for too long, the freedom to commit abuses of power has been protected, whether through a culture of fear or a culture of acceptance.

Only now, is society starting to stand up and speak out about these crimes.

Whether it’s the arts community revealing the shocking truths about harassment or assaults in the film and theatre industry; athletes from gymnastics, soccer, cycling or track outing their doctors or

90

ICONIC CONCIERGE

coaches; Spotlight’s investigation into institutionalised exploitation of young boys and girls by priests in the church, which shattered the circle of secrecy enforced by those in the corridors of power; or those in political circles shining a light on past misdemeanours; there is a realisation that change is long overdue.

Yet, if indeed we are entering the early stages of a transition in societal perceptions of what is and what is not acceptable, we have a long way to go. Whilst the President of the United States and leading members of his party can seemingly escape castigation for multiple incidences of sexual abuse and misogyny, which have been publicly admitted or supported by numerous testimonies and evidence, the wrong message is still being transmitted at the highest levels of power.

Furthermore, the tidal wave of accusations that is washing across the popular press is also proving a means for the vindictive to slur hard-earned reputations.

And then there are the grey areas, where education has yet to draw a defining line of what is acceptable. Confusion is heightened in the workplace, just as it is in social settings but as awareness is raised in the press, these topics are now finally being discussed within circles of friends, men and women alike. Is it acceptable to greet people with a hug, as opposed to a handshake in the workplace? Where does the line between flirting, banter or ‘making a move’ on someone cross over to sexual harassment? Where women are often critical of how passive guys are and accuse them of not being confident enough in making the first move, what are women’s expectations? Whilst women desire men that can confidently take initiative, men are now becoming paranoid that well-intentioned advances will not just be rebuffed, but also considered a criminal infraction. Are people clear as to their boundaries and are these boundaries appropriately communicated (and if so, “how?” and if not, “why not?”)?

Education is imperative and this needs to start at school and continue in the workplace. As a civilised society, we have a responsibility to take ownership of this situation and those in the spotlight have a duty to lead by example. Projects such as BabeRally.org and activists such as Devon Brooks are showing the way forward.

So how does Brooks’ traumatic past influence her current approach to business, I wonder? In response, Brooks declares that “trauma has given me the gift of perspective”, allowing her to identify where things sit in rank of importance. In addition, her rehabilitation in facing the experiences of true physical and mental fear, has given her the ability to recognise fear in tackling business challenges, acknowledge what’s

driving it and execute anyway. As a result, Brooks states she has learnt to embrace intentional discomfort, with growth her only goal. She recognises this commonality in the personal journeys of many of the world’s top entrepreneurs, whether that significant trauma or challenge has been physical, in the case of Richard Branson (dyslexia); emotional for Oprah Winfrey (sexually abused by members of her family as a child); or mental, which afflicted both Steve Jobs and Estée Lauder (Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disease).

Brooks’ personal transformation as an entrepreneur has also been influenced by her role as a mother of two young children. Not only does this force her to be more efficient with her time, focusing more sharply on what is most impactful, but it also motivates her ethical filters to consider the impact her projects have on the environment and the footprint they leave behind.

Since leaving the operations side of Blo, Brooks has not only used the platform this project afforded her to speak on the causes she supports, but she has also used the means she forged, to impact change and create opportunities for others starting out on the entrepreneurial journey.

Having coached and advised over 100 founders, creatives and professionals to date, through her personal practice, she saw an opportunity to disrupt the personal development and self-help industries. This spring, Brooks will launch her exciting new venture, ‘Sphere’.

Sphere aims to marry the billion dollar coaching industry with tech innovation in order to enhance access to, and delivery of, personal coaching for ambitious people hungry to grow. With Sphere, members will get help finding the “best fits”, connecting seamlessly and receiving progress reports.

The concept attracted an accomplished Brit, Shona Beats, who was employee number two at the mindfulness app phenom Headspace, and later grew it to its present glory in her role as GM, before leaving last year. Beats has joined Sphere as co-founder and COO, to direct the embryonic venture’s operations in the knowledge economy.

With Sphere dropping in the App Store this summer, 2018 promises to be a big year for the duo. Given Devon Brooks’ track record in business, brand-building, coaching and her proven ability to navigate countless daunting challenges, with relentless determination and drive to succeed, coupled with Beats’ experience in scaling an online business, Sphere’s story should be an interesting one to follow.

For more information about Sphere, go to www.SphereIsHere.com

“IF YOU THINK CHOCOLATE AND ROSES ARE GOOD ENOUGH, THINK AGAIN !”

by Meagan Faye www.livingboldly.ca

W

WHAT WOMEN WANT...

Well, the holiday season is over! And although it is still winter we are slowly approaching springtime. We know you probably haven’t thought of it yet, so here are some ideas to help you find the right things for the season. And don’t forget - these gifts aren’t just for anyone, they are meant for the women you love in your life, because gifts as generous as these should go to no one less than the best!

Missoni SILK LONG DRESS It’s that time of year where we are all conflicted with our purchase decisions. Spring 18 collections have already hit the shelves, even though we may still be trembling from this year’s unbearable cold front in North America.

If you are in the mood to invest in your Spring wardrobe already, you should make this MISSONI SS18 Silk Long Dress one of the top items on your list. The dress is 96% knitted silk, that feels and sits like a lightweight sweater. The deep-v back on the dress and its multi-colour design make it an elegant and trendy addition to your wardrobe. Consider it a worthwhile purchase at $2700.

Dolce & Gabbana JACQUARD ANKLE BOOTS Inspired by history, these Jacquard Ankle boots are a part of a one of a kind collection from Dolce & Gabbana. The Nuovo Rinascimento collection is an experimental line of unique ready-to-wear accessories like these. Each item purchased from this collection is accompanied by packaging to suit the theme. The boots themselves are embellished with jewel buckles, woven florals, with a water snake skin print on the heels. The heels are fastened with a zipper, making them easy to wear, with a branded internal leather sole for that traditional Italian comfort. You can take a piece of this artistic collection home for $3,615.

92

ICONIC CONCIERGE

Lady Dior LIMITED EDITION HANDBAG We are all about limited editions this season, turning our focus to the new Dior Lady Art couture project! The Lady Dior Art handbag was first introduced to the market in 1995, and was instantly made a collector’s item.

Especially after Princess Diana showed her admiration for the bags in 1996. While the bag has continued to be a classic within the homes of some of the world’s most fashionable women, the new limited edition collection may just be what is needed to revive a classic. The collection was made in collaboration with a handful of artists from around the world, giving them the freedom to create their own uniquely made designs. Every Dior lady from near and far will want to own a piece of this collection, and they can take a bag of their own home for $4000 and up.

Chanel CODE COCO I had the pleasure of viewing this iconic watch up close during it official launch at the Paris Fashion Week last season. Believe me when I say this watch is my absolute favorite piece this year. The steel watch brings a modern and edgy look, in line with Chanel’s latest collection that takes inspiration from technology. Its black lacquered dial is completed with one perfectly placed princess-cut diamond. Its unique clasp fastens at the face of the watch, right above the dial. A very unique touch for a modern bracelet watch. Why is it a favorite? Simple, it’s versatility. Its sleek, yet simple elegance make it easy to pair with any day-time outfit. It also easily transitions to an eye-catching accessory on a night out. Take it home and treasure it forever for $11,000+.

A Winter Escape ...

PACIFIC RESORT RAROTONGA

The Cook Islands will soon be one of the hottest, and remote destinations for 2018. With flights to Rarotonga being offered from Air New Zealand at affordable prices, this French Polynesian destination is one that you will definitely need to add to your list.

Make it a private experience with one short flight to Aitutaki with Air Rarotonga. You are probably wondering where on earth this is, lets just say its so remote, that its where celebrities like Beyonce and Rachel McAdams go to not be seen. Where do they stay when they go to the Cook Islands? They stay at the Pacific Resort for an unmatched luxury experience and a private beach.

Prices range from $800-$1200 per night.

Pacific Resort Rarotonga

www.pacificresort.com/rarotonga

ICONIC CONCIERGE

93

out & about SUPERCAR SANTA PARQ VANCOUVER

WINTER WONDERS COCKTAIL OMEGA BOUTIQUE

Did Santa trade-in his slay for a supercar? Well, last December he obviously did! McLarens, Lamborghinis, Ferraris and other exotics lined-up in front of PARQ Vancouver on December 20th as part of Supercar Santa.

The new annual event brings together owners of some very special and rare exotics one last time before the holidays. Instead of enjoying their rides on the open road, they filled the cars with toys and dropped them off at PARQ Vancouver, where the private library room at D/6 Lounge quickly looked like a big toy store.

The toys where later delivered to the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau. Originally established in 1930 as the Christmas Exchange, it ensures that every child in our community has a smile on their face on Christmas Day.

94

ICONIC CONCIERGE

Watch connoisseurs followed the invitation by Swiss luxury watchmaker Omega to celebrate “The Winter Wonders Cocktail” on December 6th at the Omega Boutique in the Fairmont Vancouver Hotel.

Presenting the current range of Omega watches, as well as several limited edition timepieces, the company that was chosen by NASA for their missions and was the first watch worn on the Moon in 1969, has a big fan base. Most of the guests were wearing an Omega timepiece and quickly gathered to discuss their collections. Canapés were provided by Fairmont executive Chef Will Lew, DJ Chloé was spinning the tunes, and the portrait photography by “The Collective You” caused a long line-up.

Maui

Vancouver’s favourite Luxury Escape.

From rain to sun in less than 6 hours!

by Jesse Dean Cook

A

s I play with my daughter in the gentle waves, throwing her up over and over again while the setting sun slips below the horizon, I take a deep breath in and exhale… 2017 has been an amazing year full of incredible real estate deals and personal milestones. There’s something magical about being here in Maui as we approach the New Year and take time to reflect on our last years journey around the sun.

But, there have also been challenges in Vancouver as all forms of government have become involved in trying to slow down the ever-racing market, which is why I was extremely honored to be in the top 10 again of my very competitive firm and thrilled with the overall results I achieved for my clients while reaching another personal record-breaking year.

Success demands your time and no matter what business you’re in I’m sure you are like me in struggling to find the balance

96

ICONIC CONCIERGE

between family and work. Which is why it’s always challenging for me to take any time off.

So, I do my best to plan my family vacations at times when my clients are also away or the market is classically slow. So, we have formed a pattern of going away in the late weeks of December. What I’ve come to realize is that I am not alone in my thinking as I seem to run into half of my Vancouver client base and friendship circle while walking the beaches or at the Wailea Starbucks or at the airport.

So, it wasn’t the biggest surprise when I received a call from one of my top clients expressing his family’s need to escape the rain and snow and asking if I had any leads on top properties in Maui. What perfect timing to be here with my family and to be able to explore his request. This client has exquisite taste and a long “wish list” when it comes to his dream of owing a luxury vacation property.

As I began my search for my client I came across an incredible listing from Dean Otto Luxury Real Estate. It immediately caught my attention as it ticked off all of the boxes.

Direct Flight: less than 6 hours away from Vancouver Family Orientated, Safe, English language Sun, Sun, Sun Beachfront Property of the highest architectural standard Privacy This world-class property is one of only 4 beachfront homes in all of Kapalua on the west coast of Maui and is currently listed at $19,900,000 USD.

Situated on 28,000 square feet of pristine beachfront land, this Hawaiian Retreat retains its individual allure and distinction yet captures the true new essence of the new island style. The Great Room features 18 foot disappearing Sapele corner pocket doors which blur the division between indoor and outdoor living and provide a post card perfect frame for the breathtaking views of Molokai, the breaching whales and the Oneloa Bay shore breaks.

This fully-furnished spacious 6 bedroom private retreat includes details like Euro-style Sapele glass doors imported from Italy, a freestanding granite tub hand-carved from a single block, Sapele Shaker cabinets and shutters, onyx and granite counters, a floating staircase, stacked Kapalua blue rock walls, and Ipe wood and travertine floors.

Kissed by warm sunshine, soft Hawaiian trade winds and the quiet of paradise, these indulgent comforts and sumptuous style make for an experience found nowhere else in the world.â&#x20AC;?

There are a lot of parallels between the luxury markets in Vancouver and Maui. One of them being that real estate is an exceptional investment and long-term hold. Also, due to being such high traffic tourist destinations, properties are easy to rent out all year long. There are a number of tremendous luxury houses and condos available in both Maui and Vancouver that can be purchased for your enjoyment and also rented out for tens, sometimes hundreds of thousands of dollars a month to high net worth executives, athletes and celebrities looking for the utmost of privacy.

Listing and Property Photos Courtesy of: Dean Otto, KW Island Living (L) deanotto.kw.com | 808-870-7736

While I specialize in Vancouver, I have great connections all around the world and would be happy to help broker a deal for you through my vast network of top agents. If you are interested in the above property or would like to purchase something in Vancouver, please do not hesitate to contact me. It can be challenging to navigate the waters of International real estate deals and I am here to help guide you through the process.

If you happen to be a tourist to this amazing city that is Vancouver and are reading this edition of Iconic Concierge and are looking to buy a luxury condo or property for you to call home while you are here, please do not hesitate to contact me, as I am happy to help.

Jesse Dean Cook | 604-506-5174 | jesse@jessedeancook.com On a personal note, Maui will always have a very special place in my heart as we found out this past trip that my wife, Amanda and I will be adding a second baby girl to our family come May 4th. Exciting times are ahead in 2018!

Wendy in Maui for Flytographer

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Here is a rare opportunity to own a stunning Island Contemporary architectural masterpiece by awardwinning Hawaii architect, Jeffrey Long.

ICONIC CONCIERGE

97

COGNAC ~ Since 1715 ~

The Most Revered Spirit In The World

by Keith Trusler

ALL YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT COGNAC “It is well to remember that there are five reasons for drinking: the arrival of a friend, one’s present or future thirst, the excellence of the cognac, or any other reason.”

W.C. Fields

98

ICONIC CONCIERGE

ICONIC CONCIERGE

99

The vineyards around Cognac are divided into six areas, each of which is designated a level of quality with the most desirable being ‘Grande Champagne’. The areas then spread out though the region, from ‘Petite Champagne’ to ‘Borderies’ to ‘Fin Bois’ to ‘Bon Bois’ and finally ‘Bois Ordinaire’. The finest and most expensive Cognacs will often only include Eau de Vie produced from the grapes of Grand Champagne and Petite Champagne.

These Cognacs are known as Fine Champagne, but the very essence of Cognac is skillful blending, the grapes of every area can contribute to a bottle’s character and complexity.

Louis XIII Cognac Le Jeroboam is considered a masterpiece of the Time Collection, an edition four times the capacity of the standard Louis XII released yearly in very limited quantities.

S

outhwest of Paris, nestled against the banks of the River Charente, is the town of Cognac. It is home to several great houses whose meticulously distilled, aged and blended spirit carry its namesake. Cognac falls into the spirit category of brandy, but only grapes grown and harvested within the town of Cognac’s Appellation Controllee can be used for the distillation of Eau de Vie that will someday bear the name Cognac. The oldest of these brands is Martell, dating back to 1715, followed by Remy Martin, established in 1724. In 1765 Richard Hennessy founded the brand known by the same name, and Felix Courvoisier would join the party in 1835 to round out the four major brands known worldwide.

The same can be said for blending multiple vintages. Every Cognac house carries a distinct character and flavour profile, created by the skillful hands of its Master Blender, and produces Cognac of varying qualities and greatly varying cost.

The most common, and usually the least expensive, of these expressions is VS (‘Very Special’). From there we can move up to VSOP (‘Very Superior Old Pale’), and then of course, XO (‘Extra Old’). These designations carry with them minimum age requirements, but often include much older Eau de Vie. Cognac’s existence is owed largely to the Dutch. When they began trading with the French in the thirteenth century, the busy coastal ports of France saw a huge increase in demand for wines from the interior regions. Often the journey would prove too demanding for the delicate wines before they became acidic and were only suitable for distillation in the newly built stills of the Netherlands. It wasn’t long before the importation of wines from the region became largely destined for distillation as opposed to wine consumption. It was only a matter of time before entrepreneurs in the French region had the lucrative idea of setting up their own distillation operations within Charente. The advantages were perfectly obvious from a commercial standpoint: The distilled spirit would take up only a fraction of the transport space, would keep indefinitely, and could be watered down to drinking level upon arrival at its destination.

Not unlike whisky, Cognac’s flavour and complexity comes largely from cask aging. The most desirable oak for such cask is sourced from the nearby forest of Limousin. Cognac houses have vast aging cellars and maintain an intricate program that accentuates the qualities of every cask. New casks play an integral part in developing the sweet fruit and vanilla notes of young eau de vies, while older casks develop concentration of flavour and enhance the characteristics of seasoned oak.

With every year of aging comes more evaporation and increased rarity. In many cases very old Cognacs will be drained from their casks and stored in clay pots for future use. As with any spirit, Cognac ceases to improve once it is removed from a cask.

Towards the end of the nineteenth century, disaster struck the Cognac industry in the form of the Phylloxera plague. Within a few years the insects would destroy over 85% of the vineyards in the region, and it would take decades before even a quarter

of the wines were replaced with the resistant American stock.

When doing so growers focused on the best growing areas around the town of Cognac and utilized the more reliable Uni Blanc varietal, replacing its predecessor, the more delicate Folle Blanche. When the spirit made its way back into the market, the damage from forgers selling whatever spirit they could in its absence became clear. Steps were needed to ensure its protection; these regulations were ratified in 1936 when Cognac received its first Appellation d’Origine Controlée.

Since the end of the Second World War, the Cognac industry has boomed. With the four major houses all being part of multinational corporations with efficient international distribution systems, Cognac has become a truly global spirit, earning its place on the shelves and cocktail lists of bars around the world.

THE BIG FOUR MARTELL

Founded in 1715 when a 21-year-old Jean Martell settled in Cognac from the Island of Jersey. His career in the Cognac trade flourished when he married into the Lalllemand family.

His exporting was focused heavily on London and Dublin, and Martell quickly became the leading Cognac company, a position it maintained until 1985. Martell owns the largest distillery in the region, and its flagship expression continues to be the Cordon Bleu. Martell continues to be the only house that distills exclusively clear wines, or wines not on the lees, in order to create a smoother and more mellow style of cognac that it is so well known for. It owes its nutty flavour to Borderies brandies, and its sweet and spicy notes and dry character to maturation in Tronçais oak.

RÉMY MARTIN

Rémy Martin, a wine grower, founded his company in 1724.

The company’s success was built up over three generations, and eventually the company landed in the hands of a lawyer from Grand Champagne named André Renaud in 1910. In 1927, Renaud created the Fine Champagne V.S.O.P. by linking the old term with the top terroir, blending older brandies to give it a spicy, full bodied and fruity character. Inspired by Renaud’s son in-law André Hériard Dubreuil, Rémy Martin put only fine Champagne into the market from 1948, and the V.S.O.P. became one of the most successful Cognac releases to date.

Rémy Martin is the purveyor of arguably the most famous premium spirit on the market, Louis XIII. A blend of over 1000 Eau de vies, the

With its distinctive, arch-shaped bottle, Martell XO is a powerful symbol of inspiration, testimony to Jean Martell’s visionary spirit.

Combining the elegance of the Borderies with the power of the Grande Champagne growth, it bears the hallmark of the Martell style.

oldest of which have been aged for up to 100 years. Louis XIII is bottled in the iconic baccarat, hand blown decanter, modelled after a decanter dug up in the region and thought to be from the remains of the war of Jarnac in the 1500’s.

HENNESSY

Hennessy is the largest of the four giant Cognac companies.

While Richard Hennessy is still prominently figured as the hero in the brand’s story, it was under his son James during the French Revolution that the company attained the top position that it continues to defend today. The company focused on exporting to England from the beginning, followed by the United States and Asia. The company works with over 1700 suppliers and owns over 440 acres of vines. The style and quality of Hennessy is defined by the Fillioux family, a lineage of cellar masters going back over two hundred years. The full bodied and spicy X.O. is typical of the house style, while the Paradis is celebrated for its elegance and finesse.

COURVOISIER

Emmanuel Courvoisier was a wine merchant in the district of Bercy in Paris who supplied Cognac to Napoleon Bonaparte.

In 1843, his son Felix decided to form his own Cognac company in Jarnac.

It was sold in 1909 to the Simon family, from England, who had the means and knowledge to build Courvoisier into a brand. They deliberately focused on the imperial connection, branding Courvoisier as “The Brandy of Napoleon.”

“Martell Cordon Bleu is endowed with beautiful complexity and rich aromas, making it a legendary cognac.“ Christophe Valtaud, Cellar Master

Today the Napoleon is still a smooth, full bodied and spicy Fine Champagne that lingers on the palate.

ICONIC CONCIERGE

101

ENJOYING COGNAC While most often shown being consumed out of large snifters, Cognac can be fully enjoyed from a tulip tasting glass or a simple rocks glass. The shape of the balloon snifter is designed to allow the drinker’s hand to warm spirit that was pulled from a cold cellar, not to enhance its aromatics.

And there is certainly no need to heat your Cognac above room temperature. Cognac’s complexity and smoothness is best enjoyed in its pure form or with a touch of water.

And, as always: Please enjoy responsibly!

The Best COcktails

SIDECAR

While often consumed neat, Cognac does have its place on the cocktail list. The sidecar is arguably the most famous. Named in honor of Parisian bartenders who would often keep a sidecar on their motorcycle to carry home customers who may have had one too many to walk themselves safely through the streets of Paris late at night.

1 ½ oz. Remy Martin VSOP Cognac ½ oz. Cointreau ¾ oz. fresh lemon juice ¼ oz. simple syrup Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a coupe or martini glass, garnish with an orange twist.

102

ICONIC CONCIERGE

VIEUX CARRE

French for ‘Old Square’ the original name of the famous French Quarter in New Orleans, this cocktail was invented at the Carousel Bar in the Hotel Monteleon in the heart of the city’s oldest district. It is a complex and sophisticated cocktail combining two base spirits and two kinds of bitters.

1 oz. Martell VS 1 oz. Lot 40 Canadian Whisky ¾ oz. Antica Formula Sweet vermouth 1 bar spoon Benedictine 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters 2 Dashes Peychaud’s Bitters Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass and stir. Strain over a large ice cube into a rocks glass and garnish with a twist of lemon.

THE ORIGINAL RUM- MOUNT GAY IS THE OLDEST RUM BRAND IN THE WORLD, ESTABLISHED IN 1703 ON THE ISLAND OF BARBADOS, A PLACE THAT KNOWS A THING OR TWO ABOUT RELAXING.

APRÉS WARMER “From one Mountain to the next, relax into your evening at the end of a day on the slopes with an ‘Apres Warmer.’ Available at the Mount Gay Firehouse at the Four Seasons Whistler.

Jan 10th - Mar 15th” 2oz Remy Martin XO 1oz Italian Vermouth 3 dash Aromatic bitters

Please enjoy our products responsibly

Garnished with a flamed orange zest and a spray of Octomore super-heavily Peated single malt.

www.mountgayrum.com

out & about MARTELL COGNAC DINNER BLUE WATER CAFE

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are delighted to bring the cognac back to Canada. The Martell House was founded in 1715 at the height of French Art de Vivre, a period of time in which both gastronomy and craftsmanship were celebrated,â&#x20AC;? said Erika Neudorf, Brand Manager at Corby Spirit and Wine.

On November 17, Martell Cognac had invited a selected group of connoisseurs to a private tasting and formal dinner in the Atlantic Room at Blue Water Cafe, hosted by Craig Stowe and with special guest, Global Heritage Director, Jacques Menier.

The brand returned to the North American market two years ago to celebrate its 300-year heritage and to honour a legacy which has been passed down for generations through the Martell family. Key variants, including the Medallion VSOP and XO, are available in liquor stores since 2015, and beginning this January 2018 Martell is launching two new products, the limited edition Martell Blue Swift and Martell VSSD. left to right: Craig Stowe, Nadia Iadisernia | Michael & Jennifer Hungerford, Jacques Menier | Olaf Robrecht, Antonella Moscone | Jacques Menier, Erika Neudorf, Rory Crozier, Casey MacKay

104

ICONIC CONCIERGE

out & about H.O.M.E BY MARTELL BERKELY BICYCLE CLUB, TORONTO

Partygoers at the H.O.M.E by Martell bash, a night to #becurious with Deck Agency, were treated to delicious tastings, twisted cocktails and infused desserts. Carefully curated by host Shayne Stephens, Marketing Director of Saks Fifth Avenue, Canada, each element of the evening at Berkeley Bicycle Club, was designed to inspire, support and reward curious minds.

Guests got to enjoy pulsating music by BLOND:ISH, handcrafted eats by Cote de Boeuf and CXBO, and inventive twisted variations (such as the ‘Sidecar with Martell’s VSOP, spiced pineapple cordial with ginger and cinnamon, some lemon juice and Lillet, infused with smoked applewood tobacco) by master mixologist Oliver Stern, while trying out the brand’s newest cognac varieties, including the all-new Martell Blue Swift being poured by Martell Cognac Brand Ambassador Rory Crozier. Handrolled cigars, a live performance by a master harpist and creative collaborations for the adventurous to discover made this one exceptional evening. Thank you Martell, we truly enjoyed it!

ICONIC CONCIERGE

105

Love at First Bite!

O

Over the last few years, dating has undergone a complete revolution, with many people more familiar with swiping right or left, than breaking the ice and saying “hi” in a coffee shop. The art of conversation is facing a challenge and the scenes that play out in restaurants across the city, where embryonic couples sit across from each other, faces buried in their respective phones, as opposed to engaging in dialogue, are a depressingly familiar sight. The tales of serial daters and those juggling several informal partners at once are frequently shared, as trust between the sexes is being eroded, swipe by swipe.

Consequently, the single are becoming conditioned to a dating life founded upon apps that trigger surface-deep likes or dislikes; illustrated by unimaginative, often generic, personal sound bytes; accompanied by frequently out-dated and misleading profile photographs.

Don’t like the look of Samantha? Don’t worry, Jemima, Amanda, Leah, Claire, Lucy, Sophie, and Rachael all have their clichéd quotes and 10 year old photographs just one more click away. Still not satisfied?

There are another few hundred candidates out there, doing the same thing, sitting across from you in the virtual world, faces buried in their phones, as they ride the bus home from work.

Fortunately, there is a more appealing alternative, that offers a friendly

106

ICONIC CONCIERGE

photography: Todd Duncan

guiding hand, experienced in bringing together like-minded singles from all over Vancouver and introducing them to each other, in a relaxed and enjoyable setting, at local restaurants.

Dating expert Andrea Hill founded The Dinner Party two years ago, after arriving in Vancouver and being dismayed at the lack of engagement and connection she observed in the local single scene. After sampling what was on offer, Hill realised that there was a need for a rather more personal approach to, what she had found to be, a decidedly impersonal and daunting experience. The Dinner Party was born and since conception, has introduced over 200 love-hopefuls, with one marriage, one baby and a number of long term relationships on the resumé.

Hill explains, “The Dinner Party’s mandate is to create opportunity and an enjoyable environment for those that are single to authentically connect. To bring fun back to dating and connection - it should be an enjoyable process, not a pressure-filled exercise that feels like a task.

The Dinner Party attracts the best guests, dynamic professionals and successful entrepreneurs between the ages of 30-60 looking for a committed relationship. They are active, spiritually minded individuals that don’t want to date endlessly, but instead invest their time and energy wisely in those that are on the same page. Outside of the service, Hill also provides coaching and programs to help support people so they can date positively and attract a meaningful relationship.

Hill selects her venues carefully; ambience is key, good quality food essential and friendly, attentive service non-negotiable. One of her favourite restaurants is Lift Bar Grill View, located on the waterfront at Coal

Harbour. “I love ‘Lift’, it’s the perfect marriage of location and intimate fine dining - a ‘cool’ room with warm staff, delicious inventive food, and a damn sexy view. It’s the perfect setting for The Dinner Party.”

Lift opened in 2004, when Bob Lindsay decided to add another sparkling venue to the brand he had developed with locations in False Creek and Whistler. Today, the Coal Harbour venue is a jewel in the crown of the city’s summertime patio options, with its spacious deck, modern aesthetic and cosy fire pits for whiling away those nights where there’s a slight chill in the air. Lindsay comments, “We are extremely proud to have ‘Lift’ included as one of Vancouver’s top restaurants, with the city fast becoming the premier tourist destination in the Pacific Northwest, as well one of the most coveted cities in the world to live in”.

During the winter months, ‘Lift’ transforms, with warm lighting and thoughtful layout, precipitating an altogether cosier feel, which is magnified on dark nights or misty afternoons.

We wanted to experience this atmosphere for ourselves and so teamed up with Andrea to host one of her events at ‘Lift’, where Lindsay’s talented head chef Soujin Park created a fantastic menu based around her beautiful and aromatic interpretations of West Coast food “with a twist”, complimented by a comprehensive wine list, including some of BC’s finest offerings. Meanwhile, Park’s food was imaginatively paired with gin-based cocktails, prepared by award-winning mixologist, Christos Kalaitzis, representing local distillery, Queensborough Gin. We had an incredible evening, hosted by Bob and Andrea, which was filled with great conversation and a lot of laughter and are confident that whether you’re looking to impress on a first date, celebrate a milestone anniversary, or share an intimate evening with close friends, ‘Lift’ provides the perfect ambience and memorable culinary experiences to accommodate memorable moments, with special people this winter.

ICONIC CONCIERGE

107

I

I think I want to start a wine collection but where do I start? What should I buy? How much do I need to spend? Where do I put it?

There are so many questions for the new wine drinkers to consider if they want to start collecting wine.

Fortunately, we have Barry! Barry is not only our wine editor, he is also the owner of Winestain Club and Richmond Wine Lockers.

Winestain Club is a large group of wine enthusiasts formed over the last 25 years by Barry.

Says Barry: “We do monthly wine tastings, have winemaker dinners, offer wine country tours, as well as wine education courses. I also work closely with many of the wine and spirit importers in BC to access wines from all over the world for our club members. We have very good relationships with most of the private wine stores in Vancouver, too.”

Perfect! So let’s start with some questions.

Iconic Concierge: Why should I save or collect wine? Why not just go to the store and buy some bottles to bring home and drink? I can always go back to the store to pick up some more when I run out...

Barry: One of the reasons to collect wine is that there is a limited supply of wine each year or vintage. Some of the better-known wines are purchased as soon as they are released, and then you have to wait until the next year to buy more.

The individual characteristics of each wine change every year, or “vintage” in wine speak. The weather plays an important factor, too. Sometimes there is frost or hail. Even the recent fires in Napa will have an effect on the flavours and quantities of wine available in the next vintage. 2015, for example, was a very good vintage in many parts of the world - so that means buying a bottle from 2015 should be a good purchase. 2017, on the other hand, was very problematic - so you might not like that wine, even from your favourite winery. So it’s wise to still keep some 2015 on hand.

A common comment from new collectors is that they don’t like a certain wine anymore that used to be their fave. My reply to them is that it might have been an off vintage or a flaw in the bottling such as cork taint, or maybe overheating.

Our tastes do change over time, of course, but we’ll leave that for another article.

108

ICONIC CONCIERGE

Connoisseur’s Corner

Wine Collecting Tips from a Local Expert

IC: Why do I want to keep wine for years? Will it get better with age?

Barry: Another reason to save or collect wine is that most wines will improve or taste better with some age. Wines will evolve in the bottle over time. You may or may not like the changes, but you need to hold onto the wines in order to find out. Alternatively, you can look for older bottles to try, but this will usually cost you more money up front.

IC: How much should I spend/ how many bottles should I buy?

Barry: I usually recommend that you start out by buying 2-3 cases. $25 - $50 per bottle is a good number to begin with. Pick out 3-6 bottles of the same wine and 6-10 different wines. This way, you can try different styles and regions to see what you like best. Most wines are made to match with food, too, so this will allow you to do some experimenting at home or with friends. This will also allow you to try aging some wines.

For my Winestain Club members, I personally curate wine choices for you. Once we have determined together what kind of wines you like, I can help you find the best value for your money. I try hundreds of wines every year at dinners, tastings, seminars, and wine festivals to determine what I consider to be the best in all categories to recommend to my club.

IC: Will all my wine appreciate in value or only the most expensive wines?

Barry: Generally speaking, most wines are produced for immediate consumption. Two Buck Chuck would not be a good investment wine, nor would it improve very much with age. But wines from all over the world have the ability to age and appreciate. Vintage and Producer pedigree are important. I recommend to figure out what kind of wine you like if you want to keep some to age. If it doesn’t go up in value, at least you’ll have some wines that you like to drink.

When it comes to wines from great vintages, even $30-$50 bottles have the ability to appreciate with age. They will probably not go up ten or twenty times in value, but could double or triple. If you are thinking of buying wine as an investment, check with some experts. There are many resources regarding investing in wine on the internet. Wine magazines such as Wine Spectator, Decanter, and the Wine Advocate (to name a few) dedicate large sections of their magazines to investing in wine. If you

think you want to go down this road, I can help you get started. Wine storage will then become more important.

IC: Speaking of storage, I now have 3 cases of wine to take home. Where do I put it?

Barry: Great question! One of my areas of expertise is obviously storage.

For your initial purchase, find an area in your home that is a little cooler to put your wine. Do not leave it by the window or put it in a cupboard above the stove, or in the closet with the hot water tank. Have an area that gives you enough room to add a few more cases because once you get started, usually you’ll want to buy more. Personally, I started out with some Ikea racks under the stairs in the garage. Then I started panicking on the right storage temperature so I bought my first 200-bottle wine cabinet. Then a second cabinet before eventually building my own dedicated wine room. Now I have two wine storage warehouses!

Wine racks and wine cabinets (or fridges) are very inexpensive these days. Wine has become such a mainstay of our everyday lives that there are just so many more options now than there were when I started collecting. There are racks that you can hang on your wall, floor mounted racks, wood and metal racks, and wine cabinets of all sizes. All storage is designed to have the bottles lay on their sides to keep the corks moist. If you have screw cap bottles in your collection, then that is not so important.

Wine cabinets vary in price due to quality levels. It’s just like buying a car or watch. More expensive cabinets will generally be less noisy and easier to access thanks to features like sliding racks. And then there is the option of off-site storage. Richmond Wine Lockers has a temperature and humidity controlled wine storage area. They rent out various sizes of wine lockers for clients to store their wine, from 20 cases to two hundred cases in size. Monthly rental prices vary on the size of your collection. We can also design and build a custom wine cellar for your home, or proide wine rack systems, cooling units, and wine cabinets.

Thanks for all the info Barry!

For those who want to learn more, you can find Barry online at www.winestainclub.com or www.richmondwinelockers.com

ICONIC CONCIERGE

109

CITY tonight!

O ur

by Jim Gordon & Leeta Liepins

The Iconic Concierge Magazine version of the weekly TV show, “Our City Tonight”, which can be seen Saturdays at 9:30am and 12:30am Sundays on JoyTV. Follow them on Twitter, FB, Instagram & YouTube @Ourcitytonight

URBAN THAI BISTRO

1119 Hamilton St | Vancouver | urbanthai.com |

In our city, it’s common for restaurants to come and go, making it all the more impressive when a place can claim nearly two decades of service. One such restaurant is Urban Thai Bistro, a part of the Thai House Restaurant Group under the successful ownership of Desmond Chen.

Located in vibrant Yaletown, our plan was to check out the superb happy hour (offered seven days a week, 3-6pm/9-10pm), pairing food with the variety of cocktails, wine and beer. Though known for their authentic Thai food, you can also sample some more mainstream items which come with a signature twist including a house specialty, chicken wings.

We sampled the delicious chili & basil and sweet & sour flavours, while sipping on Singha Beer and a non-alcoholic Royal Thai cocktail (lychee blended with low fat coconut milk and fresh lychee juice).

After a refreshing and spicy Som Tum Papaya salad with nuts, we moved onto main courses, including Pad Prig Khing stir fry with green beans, prawns, lime leaves, fresh basil, and bell peppers in a spicy sauce. Next up was Keang Keaw Waan, a green curry dish with coconut milk, eggplant, peas, bell peppers and fresh basil (spice levels can be requested and gluten-free options available). With an impressive wine list, it was easy to find a wine pairing to go with the 2 main courses; for us it was a 2016 Sumac Ridge Gewürztraminer.

Our post meal cocktail, Thai Tango, doubled as dessert with a tantalizing array of tropical flavours coupled with Malibu rum and a hint of grenadine.

Thoroughly satiated by the delicious Southeast Asian cuisine, our guess is this fine restaurant will continue to serve Yaletown for many more years to come.

110

ICONIC CONCIERGE

Ask the ... Concierge!

An Insider’s Guide to Vancouver Rodolfo Parra JW Marriott Parq Vancouver & the DOUGLAS Mr. Rodolfo Parra is the Chef Concierge at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver. His career began over 18 years ago as a Grayline Concierge at Fairmont Waterfront hotel. Over the years he has worked as Concierge at the Metropolitan Hotel, Rosewood Hotel Georgia, Four Seasons Whistler and at the Shangri-La Hotel as Assistant Chef Concierge. A native of Venezuela, he has traveled to 71 countries in six continents, lived in three countries. A Les Clefs d’Or Member since 2012, he has been a very active member and currently the Regional Vice-Director dedicating to help the organization, the community and nurturing aspiring future Concierges.

WHAT SETS THE JW MARRIOTT PARQ AND THE DOUGLAS APART FROM OTHER HOTELS? The location.Close to the stadiums, next to Yaletown, Granville Island and the Olympic Village. We have two luxury & lifestyle hotels in one building, and offer 72,000 sf of world-class casino space with private gaming salons, a 30,000 sf. rooftop park, more than 60,000 sf of meeting and event space, and 8 chef-driven restaurants and lounges from James Beard Award nominees restauranteur Elizabeth Blau.

PARQ HAS 5 RESTAURANTS. WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE? Difficult to say, they are all different and great in their own way. I love Honey Salt, because of the seasonally inspired farmto-table menu. Then there’s amazing Chinese food at 1886 which gives you the best opportunity to try out dishes from the four culinary regions of China: Canton, Szechuan, Hunan and Shanghai, with an emphasis on Cantonese cuisine. For steak and seafood, The Victor is the place to go.

THE BEST PLACE FOR DRINKS & CONVERSATION? D/6 Lounge at the DOUGLAS side is the hip and classy hangout right now. A great place to chat and mingle with locals.

Live DJ and eclectic cocktails. Another great spot is The Keefer Bar, hidden in the heart of Chinatown.

Dark and slightly mysterious with an apothecary-style cocktail bar. Their Asian inspired cocktails are must.

THE BEST COFFEE EXPERIENCE Vancouver is the best coffee city in Canada for quality, variety and range of styles, and there are plenty in the city. My three top coffee houses you should visit are Revolver Coffee | 49th Parallel Café on Main St. | and Caffé Artigiano (multiple locations). Authentic artisanal coffee and the best latte art in the city. You have to try the Spanish coffee!

IT RAINS A LOT, SO BEST TO...

We are on the West Coast and that is what it keeps the city beautiful and green. My list of best things would be to visit: Granville Island; Bloedel Conservatory & Queen Elizabeth Park; the Museum of Anthropology, and FlyOver Canada.

DON’T LEAVE VANCOUVER WITHOUT...

My TOP must visit in Vancouver is Stanley Park. Walk or cycle along the the seawall leading to and around the park, or explore the lush coastal rain forests in the interior of the park.

39 Smithe Street Vancouver parqvancouver.com

ICONIC CONCIERGE

111

We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t offer possibilities, we deliver results.

NEW E-PACE ALL WHEEL DRIVE

AND THE WEATHER FORECAST TODAY IS… IRRELEVANT.

The perfect drive doesn’t require perfect driving conditions. Not when you have Jaguar’s All Wheel Drive technology. Engineered for performance, the intelligent system constantly monitors and adjusts the balance of torque between front and rear wheels providing optimum traction for the ultimate drive, no matter what the weather conditions. Seamless composure in the blink of an eye, at all times. Perfect. For more information visit jaguarvancouver.ca

JAGUAR VANCOUVER 1730 Burrard Street Vancouver, BC V6J 3G7 604-738-5577 jaguarvancouver.ca

JAGUAR VANCOUVER

DILAWRI GROUP OF COMPANIES

3 D AYS A U TO M AT I C ORO ROSSO - Ø 42MM / 4 5MM ( R E F. 6 7 7 - R E F. 6 7 5 )

PA N E R A I B O U T I Q U E

VA N C O U V E R B O U T I Q U E - 1 0 0 8 A L B E R N I S T R E E T

PA N E R A I . C O M

•

+ 1 60 4 2 07 5 5 28