Living
Neighbourhood west
Spring 2012 • Issue 1
C e l e b r at i n g l o c a l p e o p l e . P r o m o t i n g l o c a l b u s i n e s s .
A pure, fun experience! Delicious, authentic Daniel Le Chocolat Belge.
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Living
Neighbourhood ON OUR COVER: ‘Late Summer’ by impressionist painter Elva Hook
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Elva Hook
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Jane Hall
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Shakey’s
Publisher: Greg Barsoski Managing Editor: Tracey Coveart Creative Director: Lynne Godfroy Graphic Designer: Pamela Hickey Printer: Dollco Integrated Print Solutions, www.dollco.com Contributing Photographers: Greg Barsoski, John Harcourt, Igor Yu, Kate Dennis, Gloche, Jane Hall, Elva Hook, Bill Mohan
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Symmetry Landscaping
Contributing Writers: Lynne Godfroy, Tracey Coveart, Greg Barsoski, Paula Deresti, Ralph and Kim Beder
Leave a lasting, tasteful impression – and a smile – with Daniel Chocolates. Daniel uses only: • Pure Belgian chocolate • Pure, natural ingredients, like whipping cream and butter for fillings, with no preservatives, artificial colours or flavours or hydrogenated oils • Pure Belgian chocolate-making techniques Daniel covers the full range of chocolate eating occasions … when you want to share fun with someone over snacks, baking or gifting. They can deliver to your friends and family as well. (Internet and phone order fulfillment capabilities.)
Daniel Le Chocolat Belge 4242 Dundas St. W. (at Royal York) 416-234-0611 DanielChocolates.ca
Neighbourhood Living Magazine is now in its third exciting year. We have created over 90 campaigns for our clients with great success. For a free marketing analysis that will help you grow your business, call Greg Barsoski at 416-402-4283 or email b5@sympatico.ca.
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Bill Mohan Options for Cars
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Paula Dereseti Fashion West
Want to read Neighbourhood Living online? Visit www.neighbourhoodliving.com All rights reserved info. No article or ad may be duplicated without the consent of the publisher. Neighbourhood Living makes no representation or warranty, expressed or implied, as to the qualification or accreditation of those whose opinions are expressed herein, or with the respect to the accuracy of completeness of information (medical or otherwise) provided to, or published in, this magazine. The views and opinions expressed within are not necessarily those of the publisher.
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Elva Hook
“A Place Beyond Good”
Summer Crescendo 2
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High Park Autumn Shore
Kristy’s Sunset
C E L E B R AT I N G L O C A L P E O P L E . P R O M O T I N G L O C A L B U S I N E S S .
“There’s something universal about the experience
“People think I paint abstract art,
of looking at water. We need to connect to it.”
but I paint what I see.”
It’s
not unusual to get lost in Elva Hook’s work. At first, the swirling abstractions appear to be random reflections on space. Then the eye finds a place to rest and, suddenly, shimmering, hyper-realistic waterscapes, complete with leaves and reeds, appear. It’s a tantalizing game to move back and forth, playing with different perspectives. And it’s impossible to view the pieces in her collection without wondering about her technique. At a recent show, apart from comments on the startling beauty of her pieces, many viewers wondered out loud, “How does she do that?” It was definitely an opportunity to reflect on how closely art and science intertwine. Elva says that her current style, which she’s been developing for about six years, was born out of impatience with the lack of dynamism she was experiencing in her more traditional
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paintings. She was deeply frustrated; unable to get the effects she wanted. By chance, she got her hands on a bounty of free paint and began experimenting with the natural flow of the medium. She mixed colours and was mesmerized by the chemical reactions that took place when different and incompatible paints met and merged. Life – and art – was exciting again. She became obsessed with the possibilities of her discoveries and is still “continually experimenting with mediums and gels and retarders to make the paint respond. “One of the most interesting things to me is how everything separates,” she says. “You end up with detailed scenes of movement and light that create patterns on micro and macro scales.” After an immersion in the dreamy, watery world fanning out across the walls
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of Elva’s studio, it’s surprising to hear that the inspiration for nearly all of this comes from High Park. “I feel really fortunate,” Elva says. “The pond and the beach provide all the elements I need.” That being said, a camping sojourn last summer at Ontario’s Killbear Provincial Park, with its wild coastline and unique colouramplifying light, provided a different palette. “When I’m in an environment, that’s what I paint,” confesses Elva. “I sort of suck it up.” This is reflected in the richness of the hues that evoke the majesty of Killbear – the deep and mysterious blues of the night sky or the cracking orange of daybreak. Even the creams, ochres and pinks are a reflection of the rocks that provided refuge on that trip. “I find there’s something universal about the experience of looking at water. We need to connect to it for some reason,”
says Elva. “Our brain is working overtime, trying to figure things out. The intellect is always on. Sometimes, the only chance you get to take a break is when you look at water and just absorb. “People think I paint abstract art, but I paint what I see. If I paint reality, people often think I am showing them something that doesn’t exist, like that blue blue in the water up north,” says Elva with a laugh. “It’s funny – if you paint reality, people think it’s abstract. So I add some realism to be able to say, ‘You know what? It’s real!’” With her unique way of expressing this passionate love for landscape, it’s not surprising that Elva’s work came to the attention of the curators of the McMichael Gallery. This fall, she was one of a few Canadian artists invited to show there to raise money for the gallery’s volunteer programs.
This wasn’t the first time she had been invited to the three-day affair, a very meaningful event that she is always excited to attend. “The first time I went I bought myself a really great pair of shoes,” recalls Elva. “Then I realized they looked like the ones Dorothy wore in ‘The Wizard of Oz.’ But I felt like that. Oh my God – to be showing at the McMichael! I was so honoured. At one point I snuck off to sit with Lawren Harris and the guys. It’s just an awesome event for a very good cause.” The Artist Project and the Toronto Outdoor Art Show are other places one can often find Elva, unless you want to drive to the Koyman Galleries in Ottawa where she regularly displays her work. While she debates where to hang her next show, however you can always find her experimenting in her studio. “The size I’m really enjoying working
on right now is 24 by 30,” Elva says. “It’s manageable and affordable, although I like to go really big and some galleries ask for that.” If you do drop by, be prepared to meet someone really engaged in her work. As she says, “It’s all about balance. If I can get past good, it’s going to be amazing. It could go either way. But when you get to that whole new place beyond good, it’s just a great feeling.”
Elva Hook 416-536-4941 www.elvahook.com elvahook@rogers.com
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home and garden
The Voice of Style Jane Hall
Jane Hall is an iconoclast in the Canadian world of interior design. Where so many contemporary designers are opting for understated, almost forgettably neutral foregrounds and backgrounds, Jane’s work is a vibrant riot of colour that delights the soul and the senses. With 36 years of experience, and a style that incorporates bold chromatic palettes with lush European fabrics and unique furnishings, she shares the same design sensibilities as London’s Tricia Guild.
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While many in Toronto are re-working the Bauhaus aesthetic, Jane is an unrepentant lover of the sensual delight created by the touch of a lush fabric or the sight of contrasting prints. Inspired by films like ‘Moulin Rouge’ and the recent series ‘Downton Abbey,’ Jane will pair the textures of an English embroidered satin with an antique tufted cotton to create an immediate emotional response and a conversation between the senses. With her strong views about design, art and human imagination, Jane stands steady in the face of the current pre-occupation with minimalism. She points out that Bauhaus was about design for the general population, and easily makes the leap between the ideas behind early Bauhaus and the current trend toward mass-production of home furnishings in China. When asked how she engages clients on a ‘made in China’ budget while her fabrics
are imported from Italy and England, Jane says, “I tell them it’s an investment. I’m about quality, not quantity. “Today’s consumers value things differently than they did in the past. It’s about more, as opposed to less.” It’s also about longevity in a society that has embraced disposability. People are not concerned about the integrity or craftsmanship of a cushion or a drape because inexpensive things are not expected to last. “I hear people say, ‘I’ll throw it out if it doesn’t last a year.’ In our parents’ generation, they saved for something and it lasted their entire marriage. “My belief is that one should create something that is beautiful and sustainable,” says Jane. “It should also be individualistic. I don’t want my clients’ house to look like their neighbours’ house. The problem with globalization is that everything is made en masse: it’s cheaper to make things square
rather than round, or to make things in one colour rather than six. The real cost is the loss of individuality of expression.” As a businesswoman, part of Jane’s mission statement, is to contribute as much as possible to the local economy. While I do import the best fabrics I can, the drapes and pillows are made locally. And they last. The furniture I make will be something the client can pass down to the next generation.” As for thoughts on what can be done to freshen up a tired home, Jane says she often goes into a house to suggest new colours for paint, a new layout or reupholstering of the current furniture or just the idea of new throw cushions. “It’s like staging a house. Some people have lovely things but just don’t display them well. I might take a little lamp and make a custom lampshade for it, paint an accent wall, create some new bedding or change the cushions. “I think my cushions are one of the best
“My cushions are one of the best things I do. They can change your décor amazingly. I call it ‘decorating on a budget.”
things I do,” says Jane. “I use Tricia Guild fabrics and they are beautiful. They can change your décor amazingly. I call it ‘decorating on a budget.’” Another thing Jane does is get people started on their own home decorating projects by taking them on a ‘magical mystery tour.’ “I’ll take clients shopping at all my favourite antique shops or special sources. I’ve been in the business for a long time and can tell them where to get everything at the right cost. There are so many great places in this city that people don’t know about. It’s really fun and I just charge them for a day of shopping.” The last item on her list of services may be the best of all. Jane’s website is a one-stop shop for thousands of inspiring design ideas, and it incorporates everything she has learned in her career with her encyclopedic knowledge of design and history. “Currently, I have about 100,000 images on my computer,” she says. “The colour guide has always been the number one landing page and I get several thousand hits a month. In a few weeks I’ll be expanding this to provide room and fabric inspirations based on a colour group. There will be hundreds of images on a 3D wall that will allow subscribers to buy the products they see online. “So many people choose beige or grey because they don’t know how to put things together, but I know that people want colour. The number one thing that holds them back is confidence. This site shows people what works.” If you are interested in Jane’s services or in attending one of her workshops on the Use of Colour and The History of Design, among others, contact her at janehalldesign@gmail.com or call 647-854-7284. You can also visit her online at www.janehalldesign.com.
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Finding and selling homes for families
Bill Mohan sales representative
416.762.4200
*From value and list to sales ratio for Sutton Group Realty Systems Inc. Bloor West Village office. Residential Sales.
Offering free property evaluations! www.billmohan.com
# 1 Agent
from 2
001-20
Residential • Commercial • Investment
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Now is the time to list your home. Demand is high! Free confidential Property Evaluations.
SO
SOL D!
OVE LD! R LI ST
SOL D! 222 GEOFFREY. $1,049,000. A High Park grand dame that offers lots of space to grow into and easy access to High Park/ Roncesvalles. Rare private drive and garage.
Stunning Newport Beach Lakeshore West condo. Over 1,600 sq. ft. with unobstructed million dollar view of Lakeshore and downtown cityscape. Great layout and generous room sizes. 2 bedrooms. 2 parking. 2 lockers. 11th floor. Only $689,900. Live the dream.
Just listed High Park Income Property. Well cared for 5-unit detached 3 storey. Wide mutual drive. Demand St. clean and bright home that offers a turnkey opportunity to invest in the area. Detached brick coachhouse style garage. Offering 4.3% cap rate with many improvements done. 183 Westminster Ave. $1,049,000.
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115 OLD %O F LI ! ST
A wonderful High Park detached with a huge garage that would suit any hobbie type. Finished basement and sauna. Lovely Master with ensuite and sitting area. Gorgeous kitchen and traditional features throughout. Great value! $800,000.
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Just listed. 2.5 storey, det. brick home that is on a high-demand St. and offers 4+1 bedrooms and a 2nd flr. family room. Lot 33x120 with a mutual drive and garage suitable for a small car. Loads of wood accents, charm, built-in deacons bench in grand foyer, stained glass and wood burning fireplace in liv. room. Over 2,600 sq. ft. above grade. The basement is set up as an apt. with sep. entrance which is ideal for an inlaw apt. or nanny suite. Almost all new windows. Large principal rooms and two sun rooms. This will not last! $899,000. 89 Constance St.
25 Abbott. $899,000 This wonderful home is ready for your family. Nothing to do. 4 washrooms, total renovation. Everything basically 2 years old. Huge master with stunning ensuite. Brand new 2 car garage. EXC
SOLLUSIVE D!
High Park grande dame. Huge Indian Rd. home with private drive and many renovations. Basement nanny suite with own entrance. New wiring. 2 car garage. Loads of beautiful wood feature and stained glass. Call to view.
www.neighbourhoodliving.com sutton group realty systems inc. brokerage
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Options For Cars
Car sharing drives social change
Car Sharing That Drives Social Change Options for Cars – a community car-sharing
Options co-operative for Cars has– ahas growing fleetfleet of vehicles a growing of vehicles located in Riverdale, the Pocket, Corktown and located in Riverdale, the Pocket, Corktown and the Junction neighbourhoods.ItThis convenient, the Junction neighbourhoods. provides a economical and friendly transportation service convenient, economical and friendly car sharing is already improving life for more than 200 service to its more thanquality 200 ofmembers. What members who see the benefits of having ‘options’ people may not know is that this seemingly every day. But what even they may not know is ordinary that carthis share is actually a small part of an is seemingly ordinary car share program ingeniousactually visionone to transform our economy. small part of an ingenious vision to Options transform for Cars our has economy. a growing fleet of vehicles located Riverdale, theofPocket, Corktown and Cars isthe a division of the Options Options in forOptions Cars isforpart Options Group of Group of companies. The first Options company the Junction neighbourhoods. It provides companies. Options first company, Options fora Options for Homes was founded by social convenient, economical and friendly car sharing Homes, –was founded by –social entrepreneur entrepreneur Michel Labbé who, in 1994, saw service to its who, moreinthan What Michel Labbé 1994,200 sawmembers. an opportunity to an opportunity to provide high-quality, costpeople may not know is that this seemingly provide high-quality, cost-effective housing on a effective housing on a non-profit basis. Since ordinary car share is actually a small part of an non-profit basis. Since Options for Homes then, Options forthen, Homes has developed nine ingenious visionnine to transform our economy. condominiums in Toronto, including the first has developed condominiums in Toronto condos in condos the Distillery and, includingthree the first three in theDistrict Distillery most recently, the 643-suite Heintzman Place Options for Carsmost is partrecently, of the Options Group of District and, the 643-suite in theOptions Junction.first company, Options for companies. Heintzman Place in the Junction. The Options vision, inspired in part by Homes, was founded by social entrepreneur Michel’s aunt, the late social justice activist June Michel Labbé who,is in 1994, saw opportunity to The Options vision, inspired inonan part by Michel's Callwood, based firmly the ‘Pay it Forward’ provide high-quality, cost-effective housing on a aunt, the principle. late socialThe justice activist Junefrom Callwood, surplus (profits) Options’ non-profit basis.on Since then, Options for Homes housing developments channelled into a fund is based firmly the "Pay itare Forward" principle. that is used to build more cost-effective housing has developed nine condominiums in Toronto The surplus from Options' housing developments going forward. As condos theinto number of that developments including theare first three the Distillery (aka profits) channelled a in fund is used grows, each adds to the central fund, creating a District and, most recently, the 643-suite to build more cost-effective housing going virtuous cycle that keeps on expanding. There Heintzman Place inOptions the Junction. forward. the16 number offor developments grows, areAs now Homes affiliates across each adds to the central fund creating a virtuous Canada implementing this non-profit model of The Options vision, inspired in part by Michel's cycle that keeps on expanding. There are now housing development. aunt, the late justice activist June Thesocial mission of the Options GroupCallwood, is toacross develop sixteen Options for Homes affiliates many social enterprises on one basic philosophy: is based firmly on the "Pay it Forward" principle. Canada implementing this non-profit model of buildfrom good,Options' solid businesses thatdevelopments deliver value and The surplus housing housing development. quality; take the surplus and put it into a central (aka profits) are channelled into a fund that is used pool; use the pool to build more businesses that to build more going This simple idea cost-effective aims develop many consciously deliverto social ashousing well as social financial forward. As the number of developments grows, enterprises on this basic model: good, solidthe returns. Add time, stir it build up, and slowly each adds to thedeliver central fund creating virtuous economy will change into one thatavalues social businesses that value and quality then take outcomes the same way it values material and cycle that keeps on expanding. There are now the surplus and put it into a central pool. Use the financial ones. sixteen Options Homes affiliates across pool to build moreforbusinesses that consciously Options for Cars, which is incorporated as a Canada social implementing non-profit modelAdd of deliver as well asthis financial returns. non-profit co-operative, is a natural fit for this housing time, stirdevelopment. it up, thepeople economy will vision. We and makeslowly it easier for to go without change into one that values social outcomes theall, a second private vehicle or even a vehicle at This simple idea aims to develop many social same waysaving it values andreducing financialpollution ones. and themmaterial money and enterprises on thisAnd basic model:ourbuild good,may solid gridlock. although members not know when value they hop an Options car, businesses thatit,deliver andinto quality then take theyand areput helping to start the engine the social the surplus it into a central pool.ofUse the enterprise movement. pool to build more businesses that consciously deliver social as well as financial returns. Add time, stir it up, and slowly the economy will change into one that values social outcomes the same way it values material and financial ones.
Options For Cars
“This seemingly ordinary car share program is actually one small part of an ingenious vision to
transform our economy.” Car Sharing That Drives Social Change
A Case Study:
The Elevated Garden The main goal of the downtown Toronto rooftop design featured in this case study was to create a spa-like outdoor space that would be used almost exclusively for relaxation. The garden terrace functions equally well as a tranquil retreat for a morning coffee, a quiet afternoon read or late-night stargazing; an oasis for private sunbathing; an elevated getaway for an evening musicians’ jam; or a warm and welcoming place for entertaining friends and family. Whatever the function, this additional exterior ‘room’ is a heat trap that can be appreciated from early spring to late fall. Before developing any rooftop design, it is important to work with your architect or designer, along with your local planning department, to assess the condition and suitability of the roof itself. Building regulations, load bearing capacity and access are all matters that must be considered. The design should take into account the surrounding architecture, the view, light exposure, water supply and winterizing. In the case of this rooftop, an existing 3.9m x 4.2m (13’ x 14’) beautifully aged wood deck with railings was the backdrop for a modern hardscape with a less formal planting style. Clean lines and no clutter characterize this contemporary garden. To achieve the aesthetic, four large insulated cedar planters and a wraparound horizontal slat sofa were installed along the perimeter, using a palette of slate grey with honey accents. The planters
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not only hold plants but also act as back rests for the sofa, while creating privacy from neighbouring decks and windows. Firm, five-inch thick box-style cushions, covered in ivory Sunbrella fabric, provide comfortable seating and add a sense of elegance without detracting from the crisp lines of the custom furniture. Two openings in the wrap-around design allow for air flow: one is occupied by a builtin bench strung between two of the planters; the other is an observation stand overlooking the rear garden of the home. A large market umbrella – an economical solution – offers shade, but must be anchored from strong winds. More expensive, permanent options include a pergola or a sunroom with retractable roof panels and windows. Wall-mounted exterior speakers connected to the sound system inside the home enhance the ambience, while a modern horizontal slatted wall sconce carries the overall look and provides soft lighting after dark. For ease of access, a seasonal water line with shut off was brought up to the deck. Plant material for any rooftop terrace should be robust, able to tolerate high winds, intense full sun and extremes in temperature. For this design, large evergreens (Chamaecyparis) act as windbreaks, with more delicate plants flourishing underneath. Four whimsical obelisks support a variety of clematis. These are combined with colourfully foliated perennials (Heuchera, Mukdenia) and some
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annuals to create constant interest and a succession of blooms. For other possible selections, look at hardy varieties indigenous to mountainous and coastal regions. Repetition in the planting, accents and furniture imbues the modern style. Relaxation was the ultimate goal of this design project, and the inviting rooftop retreat has proved so soothing in both form and function that guests have been known to take unscheduled naps with a book still in hand and a smile on their face. Paula Deresti www.pauladeresti.com paula@pauladeresti.com 416-270-0534
Options for Cars which is incorporated as a non-profit co-operative, is a natural fit for this vision. We make it easier for people to go without a second private vehicle or even a vehicle at all, saving them money and reducing pollution and gridlock. And though our members may not know it, when they hop into an Options car, they are helping to start the engine of the social enterprise movement. Options for Cars which is incorporated as a non-profit co-operative, is a natural fit for this vision. We make it easier for people to go without a second private vehicle or even a vehicle at all, saving them money and reducing pollution and gridlock. And though our members may not know it, when Info@optionsforcars.ca they hop into an Options car, they are helping to start the engine of the social enterprise movement. optionsforcars.ca Wheels Without Worries.
416-867-1501
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Fall in love with your backyard Ralph Beder, owner of Symmetry Landscape Design/Build Corporation, has been designing and building custom landscapes in the Toronto area for more than 25 years. A resident of the vibrant Danforth area since 1990, Ralph has noticed how neighbours have become increasingly invested in caring for their properties and homes. “Not only do residents enjoy the eclectic neighbourhood feel with its many restaurants and shops,” he says, “but they also enjoy the convenience of having downtown Toronto and major highways on their doorstep. People are moving into the Danforth and staying.” As real estate prices soar, says Ralph, it’s more important than ever to take care of and beautify our living spaces – including our front and backyard gardens. “Our properties are city-lot sized, but a small lot can feel spacious and airy when a space is well thought out and arranged.” Whether you need a safe play area for your kids, a barbecue zone that is fit for a chef or a tranquil patio for lounging and entertaining, Symmetry Landscape is ready to provide practical and attractive design/build solutions. “Taking the warmth and style you enjoy inside your home and using it to create an outdoor room that will give you equal pleasure is what I do best,” Ralph says. “From roomy spaces that are wonderful for entertaining, to intimate retreats for your family, I create gardens to suit every taste and need.” Ralph takes tremendous pride in his attention to detail, while following the design principles of form and function. “Creating and enhancing spaces that are meaningful to you is the goal of all Symmetry Landscape Design/Build projects,” says Ralph, whose own garden, pictured here, was transformed from an unusable piece of ground to a peaceful sanctuary. The project was completed in phases so it wasn’t long before Ralph and his wife Kym were able to relax with their dog Tia and enjoy the shady space. Summer is just around the corner and the outdoors will soon be beckoning. Why not let Ralph Beder and Symmetry Landscape create an exterior space that will improve the form and function of your garden and bring you enjoyment for years to come? Ralph Beder Symmetry Landscape Design/Build Corporation 416-465-3191 www.symmetrylandscape.com
“A small lot can feel spacious and airy when a space is well thought out and arranged.” 14
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food and celebration
When
“I’m applying the cooking-to-order technique of higher end restaurants to a pub. People are hungry for quality comfort food.”
Robert and Chris Lundy • Shakey’s • 2255 Bloor Street West • 416-767-0608 • www.shakeys.ca 16
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Robert Lundy bought Shakey’s at 2255 Bloor Street West in 2006, it was always with the intention that his younger brother, chef Chris Lundy – who studied at the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts in Vancouver – would come back to Toronto to run the kitchen. By the time he did, Chris had a wealth of experience from kitchens across the country. At Grouse Mountain Resort in North Vancouver, Chris learned French modern cuisine. He applied the philosophy of the 100-mile diet and used fresh West Coast ingredients. Back in Toronto, he worked under his mentor, Masayuki Tamaru, a classically trained French chef who put together a crack culinary team for Crush Wine Bar at King and Spadina. A few years later, Chris became head chef at Lemon Meringue in Bloor West Village, where he prepared French-based higher end comfort food. From there he took a job at Merlot (Royal York and Bloor) as the patio grill chef, then moved to Montreal to work at Garcon as a pastry assistant before taking a position at 357C, a private club popular with Quebec politicians and owned by independent film and music promoter Daniel Langlois. At 357C, Chris created signature dishes with the finest, freshest ingredients from around the world. When he left Montreal, it was to take up the most rewarding work of his career, as personal chef to his mom during the last two years of her life. She passed away in 2009 and Chris joined his brother at Shakey’s in January of 2010. In the fall of that year, the brothers embarked on a full renovation to make the restaurant more inviting to women, couples and families. Kids are a big consideration. “I make our chicken fingers in house and I don’t add anything to them,” Chris says. “They’re 100 per cent natural, just chicken and breading. Our kids’ burgers are made with the same quality beef we use in all our burgers.” The kitchen will prepare pasta to order, with homemade tomato sauce or even just butter. “It’s not your typical sports bar, but it’s one of the only sports bars in the neighbourhood,” Chris says. “We have six TVs, and it’s a great place to come and watch the Leafs, Sunday football and UFC. But for the most part, we’re a restaurant, open for lunch and dinner, and catering to customers of all ages and appetites.” Shakey’s has a storied history in Bloor West Village. The bar opened in 1992 under the ownership of Mike ‘Shakey’ Walton, a member of the last Toronto Maple Leaf squad to win the Stanley Cup. The Village had been dry for years, and Shakey’s was the first bar on the south side of the street to serve alcohol. While things have changed considerably since then, the walls are still adorned with Leaf’s memorabilia in homage to the restaurant’s sporting past. And although the brothers kind of “fell” into the restaurant business, it runs in the family. “Our grandfather, Michael Lundy, owned hotels back in the day – The Drake, The Silver Dollar, The Waverly,” says Chris. “It’s in our blood.” When Chris took over the kitchen two years ago, there were more than 30 items on the menu. But he had a vision: to cut that number by twothirds so he could offer the bar’s loyal patrons, and the newcomers he hoped to attract, homemade, high-end, healthy pub food. “I knew we had to stay within the limits of a sports bar. Our customers love burgers and wings, but we elevated things a bit by using organic beef and hormone- and antibiotic-free chicken. We don’t throw everything in a deep fryer.” He’s down to 11 menu items. “I’m applying the cooking-to-order technique of higher end restaurants to a pub. A lot of chefs come here to eat. On their day off they just want a really good burger or some homemade chili. I use the same recipes that I made for my mom because people are hungry for quality comfort food.”
There are daily ‘comfort’ specials, too, all made from scratch inhouse: mac and cheese, shepherd’s pie, meatloaf, deep fried stuffing. And Chris’ dairy free, vegan soups – red beet, curried cauliflower, spicy black bean, tomato, sweet potato, lemon grass, caramelized onion, roasted garlic, corn, roasted red pepper, turnip, celery root, chic pea – are practically famous. Shakey’s vinaigrette Caesar salad is made with capers, anchovies, garlic, homemade bacon bits and a parmesan almond crumble. “It’s a big seller,” says Chris. “People say it’s the best they’ve ever had.” Chris is always pickling something – pickled beets, carrot strips, onions, cucumbers, bread and butter pickles; radishes, turnips, mushrooms, eggs – which come as sides and help to cleanse the palate. He also smokes his own salmon, pork loin and vegetables on site. Instead of practising the 100-mile diet, Chris has gone one better, sourcing all his ingredients within walking distance. The fish comes from Snappers; the beef from Rowefarms; the meats are from Astra Deli; the bread is from Cobbs; and they buy their vegetables from neighbourhood markets. “I wanted to use local merchants to create my pub food. I buy their products and they come here to eat. It’s created a great sense of community.” Something else Chris has created is a regular gastro delight: Oyster Night on the first Wednesday of every month. “We bring in 300 to 600 oysters and charge a buck a shuck. Our customers pay what we pay.” Another Shakey’s tradition is quarterly customer appreciation nights. “It’s our way of thanking everyone for their continued support,’” says Chris. “On those days, I cook what I want to cook – fois gras, braised meats, goat cheese mousse. I give people a little taste of what I can do ... and they don’t complain!” www.neighbourhoodliving.com
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fashion and beauty
Providing exemplary service for all our clients! We’d like to extend a warm thank you to all the clients that we were privileged to work with this past year,your business and referrals are what keep us going!
What we do for you
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No obligation introductory meeting Appraisal and confidential home edit Professional photography of your home and property Professional virtual tours of your home and property Full colour, card stock feature sheets Full colour weekly advertising until sold Listing service reports on a weekly basis Pre and post-sale marketing packages
Fashion Survey
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The Junction • Roncesvalles Frock
‘Fresh and feminine there is a lot to take in here. This is a girly dream. You never want to wake up.’
When it comes to your real estate needs, pick your Battles! **#1
in the Kingsway
Joe Battle Leslie Battle* Sales Representative
Sales Representative
Top 1% in Canada!*
416.236.1871 * Top 1% of Royal LePage sales force based on dollar value (since 2003) ** Based on freehold transaction units as per R.E. Stats Inc. statistics since 2007. The Kingsway being defined as postal code M8X.
joe@buyselltoronto.com
buyselltoronto.com
2003-2009
leslie@buyselltoronto.com
All inquiries are confidential. Not intended to solicit properties now listed for sale or under Agency Agreement or contract.
Imelda Shoes
Mrs. Huizenga
‘A collector’s menagerie of good taste, this vintage selection is fabulous. You could furnish an empty apartment, decorate it, and fill a wardrobe.’
‘Shoes and boots for a true Europhile, this is a sober, attractive place - love not knowing which shoes and boots to choose because they are all so delicious.’ Frock; owner Cathryn Dajka, 97 Roncesvalles Avenue, 416-516-1333. • Mrs. Huizenga; owner Catherine, 121 Roncesvalles Avenue, 416-533-2112. • Imelda Shoes; owner Cathryn Dajka, 123 Roncesvalles, 647-344-1006. 18
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fashion fashion fashion fashion Lavishy
‘Miss Kitty would love this display of purses, pocket books and other sweet treasures. Everything is produced by the owners; totally authentic.’
Black Dafodil
‘For the art deco girl, this boutique delights the fashion palate.’
Wise Daughter
‘Fresh and open with a Scandinavian feel, this is a place for toddlers, doll lovers and for women on the look out for nice cotton t-shirts and nighties.’
Lavishy; owner Leo Wang, 3095 Dundas Street W, 416-767-6240. • Black DaffodiL; owner Cynthia Ream, 3097 Dundas Street West, 647-726-9400. • Wise Daughters; owner Mary Breen, 3079B Dundas Street, 416-761-1555. 20
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fashion fashion fashion fashion fashion Beau & Bauble
Fairy tale meets tango. Wonderful pastel walls and natural light invites us to stay and discover stuffed animals, big purses, blanket shawls, umbrellas, and so much more...’
Trap Door
Bit of the glamorous punk - fashion Goth edge here. The more you look, the softer it gets.
Evymama
‘An amazingly practical shop for expectant and new mums. Hip jeans for growing bellies, Cleopatra cocktail dresses for before and after, fabulous bra selection for breast feeding stages ... all in all a great shop for yummy mummies’.
Beau & Bauble; owner Kate Elia, 3092 Dundas Street West, 416-904-6136. • Trap Door; owner Gabrielle, 2993 Dundas Street West, 647-827-6994. • Evymama; owner Sarah Lemay-Kaplan, 266 Jane Street, 416-913-0546. www.neighbourhoodliving.com
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