Strøm Magazine - Fall / Winter 2020 by Strom spa nordique

Fall/Winter 2020-2021 / Issue eleven

C E N T R E D O N B A L A N C E / A R C H I T E C T U R E / N A T U R E / H O L I S T I C H E A LT H

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THEMED FE ATURES

In this issue

ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN 8

Looking to the Future: The Impact of the Health Crisis on the Configuration of Our Spaces, in collaboration with Hugues Lefebvre-Morasse I N S P I R AT I O N 14

Our Way of Viewing Life Is Connected to Our Land: An Interview with Elisapie Isaac WORLD 18

A New World, by Franck Laboue, Voyageurs du Monde Women and the Exercise of Power H O L I S T I C H E A LT H 2 8

Resonance: Sound Therapy Learning to Grieve, by Valérie Courchesne LIVING 40

The Call of Nature, by Noémie C. Adrien Micromeditations: To Be Practised Alone or with Children, by Marie-Eve Trudel Five Books to Return to the Basics, by Nicolas Gendron À TA B L E 5 6

Food Self-Sufficiency: Quebec and Its Artisans

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Recipes: Quebec Naked Oat Risotto and Æble Fizz, by Raphaël Podlasiewicz A Taste of Quebec, by Stéphanie Dupuy

HUGUES LEFEBVRE-MORASSE

FRANCK LABOUE

VA L É R I E COURCHESNE

NOÉMIE ADRIEN

MARIE-EVE TRUDEL

NICOL AS GENDRON

STÉPHANIE DUPUY

Guillaume Lemoine President / Emilie Lefebvre-Morasse Vice-President of Marketing and Sales, Editor-in-Chief Caroline Croteau Senior Director of Marketing and Sales / Myriam Dumont Marketing Director Arianne Filion Project Manager, Editor / Jacinthe Roy-Rioux Content Creator Sarah Lebel-Viens Photo Director / Bianca Des Jardins Photographer / Gaëlle Meslin Proofreader Amélie Adam Artistic Director, sept24.com / SLRR Translation Firm Translation

Printing TC Imprimeries Transcontinental Advertising sales Christine Mailloux, cmailloux@stromspa.com, (514) 761-7900, ext. #4304 To collaborate on content Arianne Filion, afilion@stromspa.com Publisher Strøm Nordic Spa, 1001, boul. de la Forêt, Nuns’ Island, Quebec H3E 1X9 Legal deposit - ISSN 2369-5897 National Library of Canada and Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. The opinions expressed in Strøm Magazine articles are solely those of the authors. The availabilities, vintages, and prices mentioned in the magazine are subject to change without notice. Any reproduction, in whole or in part, is prohibited without the permission of Strøm Nordic Spa. All rights reserved. Publication mail - 42293512

Photo credit: Bianca Des Jardins

EDITORIAL

Collective Lear ning to Imagine the World of Tomor row

Today, we look back on the past few months that we have just experienced, but particularly on what has moulded and what makes up our current society. Issues that remained in the shadows for too long, whose importance the crisis has brought out. Taking care of our elders. Becoming good allies to marginalized communities. Prioritizing local shopping. Concern for our mental health. Honouring the leadership and value of women. Let’s hope that the new decade marks an important milestone in terms of inclusion and openness, and that collective learning gives way to major shifts in values. In this issue, we draw on our history to imagine the world of tomorrow. To build thoughtful environments that are better suited to our reality. To show greater openness to those around us and listen to those who give them a voice. To rethink our ways of travelling and eating. To multiply insights in order to better overcome obstacles. To become, soon, the actors in a better society. We are taking advantage of this platform to thank our employees for getting through this ordeal by showing resilience and creativity. We thank our partners for supporting us and our customers for trusting us. We feel immense gratitude toward you, our community, who have followed us assiduously for several years. Your words of encouragement have brightened our spirits during this unique time.

We hope that reading this issue can transport you to a new world—a world marked by compassion, openness, and hope.

Guillaume Lemoine President of Strøm Nordic Spa

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RET ROSPECT I V E — Last year, at this same time of year, we invited you to slow down. An ode to slow living: an idealized lifestyle that is often difficult to achieve in our society where everything moves quickly. Then, against all expectations, a collective pause was imposed in March, when the public health authorities ordered confinement. An unprecedented health crisis ensued. Different forms of mourning followed, from personal sorrows to universal suffering.

ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN

Looking to the Future The Impact of the Health Crisis on the Config uration of Our Spaces In collaboration with Hugues Lefebvre-Morasse, Environmental Designer

A DA P T I NG TO THE WORLD OF TOMOR ROW — At a time when the pandemic highlights collective vulnerability and the limits of our environment, the integration of new needs could allow designers, architects, and urban planners to redefine personal, shared, and collective spaces. A revaluation of our environmental achievements becomes necessary when coexistence has never been so vital.

N ° 1: R E D E F I N I N G P U B L I C S PAC E

Promoting coexistence The world is currently experiencing a wave of urban reflection. Changes are required, and these affect aspects of our personal lives, but also the sharing of public space with our fellow citizens. Going to the office or a restaurant, shopping, taking public transit. Simple actions that involve coexistence. They are the very foundation of our societies, so it is essential to review our ways of living together. Cities are no longer the same. Some are turning into outdoor restaurants; others are looking to reshape themselves to meet new needs. Wasted spaces are reinvented, and the pedestrianization of streets is gaining in popularity. This makes it possible to review the space and integrate all the possibilities that it offers. It is crucial to think about the best ways to put physical distancing into practice while offering interactive and inclusive environments. In particular, the idea of a safe, generous, and accessible common space is mentioned as a fundamental good for a fulfilling public life. As a new urban plan emerges due to recent events, several city dwellers are moving away from the big cities, restoring nobility to the countryside. The cities that will fare the best will undoubtedly be the ones that are able to reconfigure the space available to their citizens.

N°2: RETHINKING OUR HOUSING

Rediscovering domestic comfort Our vision of design has also been turned upside down. The individual in their habitat is rediscovering their space and imagining new ways of achieving a certain form of comfort, on both a functional and emotional level. Interior design will therefore regain a prominent place, since many people are spending more time at home. One thing is certain: the home must be a true sanctuary. Decluttering our houses has become a major task. People have learned to live with less, which allows them to free up the space in the long term and change their relationship with the goods that occupy their homes. Maybe this will encourage our societies to live with less and place more importance on the quality of the items chosen. Flexibility will become essential in the planning of spaces, as will the designation of areas with a specific function.

ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN

The definition of spaces will allow for a distinct demarcation between domestic and professional life. A corner dedicated to virtual meetings will also be essential, and the acoustics of our habitats will become a priority. Home gyms are now almost as indispensable as the home office. The use of any available outdoor or indoor space will therefore be essential. The design of outdoor areas will take on new value: the layout of a private outdoor space, balcony, patio, garden, or backyard to create havens as close as possible to nature. In an era of uncertainty, the importance placed on domestic comfort is growing.

Coexistence has never been so vital

N°3: RETURNING TO THE SOURCE

A more conscious world While lifestyles and consumption habits have transformed overnight, some see hope for a fairer and more sustainable urban future. We will seek to build eco-friendly habitats while questioning the choice of materials, design, and architectural forms. We are witnessing the emergence of a return to the source. As the world around us changes, the perception of our environment and our behaviour toward it are changing in turn. By slowing down, the invisible becomes visible—that is, the behaviours that we took for granted are reconsidered. We realize what the good gestures and the bad gestures are. Some rely on shopping local; many value walking or cycling, or take more getaways in nature. Rich rewards for collective well-being and that of the planet. Since the places that we occupy are fundamentally linked to the environment, the acquisition of new ecological values will have an undeniable effect on the configuration of our spaces. The building of eco-districts such as Technopôle Angus and Réinventer Montréal perfectly reflects the synergy that exists between the design of a living environment and our environmental values.

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ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN

PROJ EC T S TO I M AG I N E

THE WORLD OF TOMORROW TECHNOPÔLE ANGUS

The creation of a living environment for everyone Technopôle Angus is an urban village that meets a variety of needs where residents and companies can share an inclusive, effervescent, and eco-friendly living environment. The former brownfield site converted into an eco-district is a true artery of openness, featuring shops and offices supporting job creation within a dynamic, diverse, and sustainable environment. The functional mixing, the layout of public places connected by an active traffic network, the friendliness of the public spaces, and the integration of emerging practices in the field of urban agriculture contribute to the establishment of a high-quality and inspiring living environment for the world of tomorrow.

" R É I N V E N T E R M O N T R É A L"

By the City of Montréal + C40 Reinventing Cities An invitation to developers, architects, and designers to transform an underused site into an innovative project that will reinvigorate the area while fighting climate change. The goal? To reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to become an example of a smart and eco-friendly city.

WELLINGTON-SUR-MER IN SHERBROOKE

Upgrading the city centre During the summer, the city of Sherbrooke has offered a pedestrian installation on Wellington Street North and two ephemeral spaces that allow citizens to rediscover the city. A project operated with merchants and for merchants, aimed at upgrading the city centre and relying on a fun and refreshing approach.

THE HERE COMES THE SUN BLANKET

A project from London-based designer Paul Cocksedge A blanket that allows everyone to gather and socialize safely. It has been designed to make it easier to maintain a distance of two metres―which can sometimes be hard to judge―in outdoor social settings. The idea arose from the designer’s need to communicate and be close to people in a period where social distancing was required. The pattern is available free of charge on the web to give everyone the opportunity to create their own blanket.

THE CANADIAN CENTRE FOR ARCHITECTURE

“The possibility for architecture to act as an agent of integration―as well as instigation ―in relational approaches.” With its enormous garden accessible to everyone, the Canadian Centre for Architecture is an example of openness and integration. In particular, the gardeners have played with the design of the lawn, creating a giant checkerboard that encourages visitors to respect social distancing measures.

Photo credit: City of Sherbrooke

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Photo credit: Frédérique Ménard-Aubin

ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN

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ELISAPIE ISA AC

Author-composer-interpreter

Photo credit: Jonathan Brisebois

INSPIR ATION

Our Way of Viewing Life is Connected to Our Land

DECOLONIZI NG OU R THOUGHTS — An ambassador of Inuit culture, author/composer/interpreter Elisapie Isaac works to recognize the historical difficulties of her people. In a message entitled “Très cher Québec” published on Canada’s National Indigenous Peoples Day in 2020, she highlighted the importance of recognizing the “third solitude.” She who left her native land, Salluit, to discover Montreal invites us in turn to meet the Atikamekw, the Cree, the Innu, the Naskapi, the Algonquins, the Abenaki, the Maliseet, the Micmac, the Huron/ Wendat, the Mohawks, and the Inuit. Since the land unites us, may we hear the wisdom of those who were here before us.

I D E N T I T Y AT T H E H E A R T O F C R E AT I O N

Your latest album, The Ballad of the Runaway Girl, evokes the journey of an Inuk expat. Adopted at birth, you would have claimed that this initial uprooting would have had a major impact on your journey. Has this quest for identity influenced your career as an artist? “This introspection has certainly been an engine of creativity. I took advantage of my journey to create. I transformed pain and great joy by writing poetry and songs. I sung my joys—I sung my sorrows! “When my second child was born, I thought a lot about my own adoption and my roots. I experienced a postpartum episode during which I discovered myself. I needed to make peace with myself, and to do this, I also made peace with my biological mother. This wasn’t a major episode, but it was profoundly liberating. Motherhood taught me to recognize myself more, in all my vulnerability. Today, I’m capable of embracing my culture, my way of being. “It’s a great accomplishment to wake up in the morning and feel happy. I’ve been guided for a long time by waves of emotions; this wasn’t always obvious. Some come by happiness easily; others are more melancholic. For my part, I had to learn to tame myself to be able to love myself. If we want to teach our children love, we need to be able to love ourselves! I yearned for that strength; I wanted to embody my truth to be true to myself and transparent to my children. I want them to learn the importance of loving ourselves, with all our flaws. We’re only human, after all!

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An Inter view with Elisapie Isaac

INSPIR ATION

“I’m currently swimming between responsibilities and freedom. I’m very spontaneous by nature, and it’s always a challenge to bring these two aspects of my personality together: the strong, upstanding woman and the one in search of freedom who needs space.

“The feminine cycle is fascinating and deserves to be honoured. It’s unbelievable that this is still taboo. By demystifying it, we are able to experience things better.

“When I reconnect with my Inuit roots, I move away from rigidity and square space. At home, the territory is vast. It reminds us that we are very small in a much larger universe. It’s an exercise in vulnerability to remember this every day. “I know myself better now than I did before, and I know what I have to do to find my balance. For example, when I have my period, I know that this is not the time to have certain discussions with my boyfriend!

Photo credit: Jonathan Brisebois

“This way of looking at menstruation is part of our ancestral wisdom. Before, when a young girl had her period, she was isolated for a few days, then there was a tattooing ritual. After being Christianized, our customs were banned. Over the past few years, they’ve gradually been coming back, and we wish to highlight the important passages of life again by practising certain rites. Without rituals and rites of passage, we are deprived. Without spirituality, we have lost our bearings. Our way of viewing life is connected to our land, and it’s essential to reclaim it.”

INSPIR ATION

THE CALL OF HEALING

Pow-wows (First Nations gatherings) and the practice of drumming were once criminalized. These traditions are gradually returning to communities and we are witnessing a growing interest in the customs of Indigenous communities. How do you see this evolution? “I see it as a return to the truth, the pendulum swinging back. When I see elders who have suffered such violence once again master drumming and singing, I hear the call of healing in these voices. We need art. We need music. We need to reconnect with the wisdom of our ancestors to heal.”

B E I N G A G O O D A L LY

“We should also review our colonized vision and decolonize our thoughts. Think of a better system for the communities. Dismantle the structures that don’t work. To heal, we also need to reclaim what the system has taken from us. Relearn history. Rediscover our land. Revive our customs, whether it’s singing, hunting, or kayaking. I don’t want people to feel attacked, because that’s what divides us. By opening ourselves up to others, we can heal collectively.

The new decade has raised its fair share of claims. In particular, we talk about the importance of recognizing Indigenous communities. We talk about white privilege, suffering that is passed down from generation to generation, and anti-racism. How can Quebecers be good allies to the different Indigenous communities? “Through learning, through curiosity! Indigenous Peoples are viewed as a single block. However, there are eleven distinct communities across our territory with unique customs and languages. There were First Nations in every region of Quebec. By taking an interest in the ancestral territory, we rediscover history.

“Indigenous Peoples have much fewer opportunities than white people. When a white person wants to get involved in our culture, why not do so by offering an opportunity?

“Some people seek to meet with the communities before doing any personal work beforehand. I believe we shouldn’t force things. Everything will come in its time. Did you know that if an elder from a community met you, they would probably want to hug you? Reconciliation is possible. Let it out!

“The education system could also integrate Indigenous culture into its curriculum. Why not focus on the communities who lived on this land before? We could teach young people the language that was once spoken here and the customs that were practised here. It would be so stimulating and unifying for young people to learn these kinds of things at school! Will this materialize in the future? I hope so.”

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“At home, the ter ritor y is vast. It reminds us that we are ver y small in a much larger universe.”

Photo credit: ©TQ/Gaëlle Leroyer

L A C -T É M I S C O UATA N AT I O N A L PA R K

WORLD

A New World PaBy Franck Laboue, Voyageurs du Monde — voyageursdumonde.ca

A RETURN TO THE SOURCE: TIME REGAINED FROM THE LAND

Travel: it has started again on our doorstep. Our Quebec has always been there before our eyes, but we’ve been putting it off for later, when we had time. We’ve rediscovered the joys of a certain silence there. We’ve travelled behind closed doors, recapturing and reclaiming the wonders of our heritage. Old Quebec has even regained a certain tranquility that it hasn’t known for ages. The taste for travel is still there, looming large. The change of scenery was just around the bend. For a time, we stopped worrying to make room for contemplation and refreshment by taking a deep breath. We want rest, intimacy, which our province can offer us. It was about finding the Quebec that suited us by gorging on our landscapes combining river and land. Mission accomplished. Témiscouata is one of those little up-and-coming regions in the shadows of the Gaspé colossus. Highlighted by recent summer routes, combining outdoor activities along the Petit Témis bicycle path, fine dining, and fitness at the Pohénégamook spa, “Témis” is still a little-known oasis. The omnipresent natural surroundings offer the majestic spectacle of a preserved ecosystem at Lac-Témiscouata National Park. By stopping time, you can see a mythical bird of prey in the sky: this bald eagle, spreading its wings over the 45 kilometres of water of the eponymous lake. For almost a century, the memory of Grey Owl has haunted the woods on the heights of Fourneau Mountain. A naturalist writer in the vein of John Muir, this Briton was at the forefront of the ecological movement that we know today. At the table of the Auberge du Chemin Faisant, fine cuisine and local flavours come together in the mouth at this spot in Cabano, the most awarded in the Bas-Saint-Laurent. Not far from the north shore of the lake, you definitely shouldn’t miss a tasting at Domaine Acer, where enthusiasts have battled for the pleasure of our palates. Maple sap has been harvested there for decades. Fermented, it then turns into alcoholic nectar. Témiscouata—a rural gem, a symbiosis even between growers and local inhabitants—has everything from a region whose flavours will be appreciated.

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LE AV I NG THE FOREIGN BEHI N D — We’re ready to breathe again—we’ve skipped school on our country roads. After the confinement of our bodies and minds, the time has come for a return to freedom, to be surprised by our homeland once again. Tourism has seized the opportunity to undergo a revolution. A gentle, almost quiet revolution. A revolution with local accents. The urge to reinvent ourselves took hold this summer in the form of a return to the basics. Could this herald the end of “over-tourism?” A renewed philosophy is emerging, and it’s the new generations who will create the tourism landscape of tomorrow. By slowing down our trips, slow travel will be an integral part of the future. Our journeys will be slower and more responsible, but also more curious. Becoming modest travellers again is what tomorrow offers us, where quality takes precedence over quantity. What if the journey took on more meaning and value? A positive impact for a new world.

Photo credit: Ali Kazal

Photo credit: Alex Guillaume

Photo credit: Joshua Freake

WORLD

C L O S E D O E S N ’ T N E C E S S A R I LY M E A N KNOWN

And what about foreign travel? We will be travelling outside the country less often, but in better conditions. Leave every two years. Local vacations, for their part, will always be accessible to as many people as possible. From happy sobriety, so dear to Pierre Rabhi, we must move on to joyful rationality, against a backdrop of more generous redistribution. Our land and our local growers will be under the spotlight, with farmers and nutritionists such as Julie Aubé as the figureheads of this green revolution. With her insatiable appetite for culinary travel and meeting our farmers, eating well is at the heart of her book Prenez le champ! Bringing Quebecers and food artisans together is Julie’s goal for agricultural getaways based on the theme of know-how and rebuilding the links between growers and consumers. Farmers, lovers of the land—all will plant the seeds for the future of this new way of living. We will get closer to our human richness, local produce, and our heritage. It’s time to rediscover the freedom to desire. We have everything at hand.

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A N E W P H I L O S O P H Y O F T R AV E L?

Above all, the quiet revolution that is underway will make us slow down. A certain sobriety will set in, and we will rethink our relationship to travel; it will once again become exceptional. This revolution will nourish our ecological awareness, which had already begun before the crisis. A collective awareness developed during confinement, which may be reflected at the ballot box. It is no longer possible to observe tourism on one hand and responsible tourism on the other. All activity must be in line with the planet. The tourism of tomorrow can no longer hope to survive without reinventing itself. Greener travel, yes, but how? By taking gentler, less polluting means of transportation; by taking the time to discover a region, a culture, and to meet its inhabitants. This is what travel will look like in a few years. Of course, it takes time, but our relationship to work is changing, too. It may well be that we could work for a few years and take several months to travel, to breathe, to experience something else. The new values of the tourism of tomorrow? Ecology, ethics, and responsibility. Travel will be slower, cleaner, and more curious.

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N ATA S H A K A N A P Ã&#x2030; F O N TA I N E

Activist, writer, actress

Photo credit: Julie Artacho

WORLD

Women and the Exercise of Power THE EM ERGENCE OF CH A NGE — Women of influence, women of action, radical women, caring women. The start of the new decade has already seen several debates, and political life has been no exception. However, the ascension of figures in search of a better world, who want to raise awareness of injustices, has not gone unnoticed. The political landscape is gradually becoming more inclusive. Structures are being reshaped and change is emerging. What are the faces that marked the start of the year? Let’s shine a spotlight on the place of women of power on the global political scene.

Indigenous activist, writer, and actress Considered the unofficial spokeswoman of her community, Natasha Kanapé Fontaine is part of the Innu community of Pessamit. An Indigenous rights activist, she represents the Idle No More movement to share a message of openness and humanity across the country through conferences. Her mission is to open a dialogue allowing us to better understand and honour each other’s differences in order to cultivate respect. Seeking to unite those from different peoples, she is the symbol of an activist message of peace. With the help of poetry, conferences, and public appearances, she offers her voice to the voiceless. “I am a wounded America that has forgotten its birth name: everywhere the lie of conquest, everywhere arrogance, everywhere the obsession with being the winner.” — Natasha Kanapé Fontaine, the poem “Cry” from her collection, Do Not Enter My Soul in Your Shoes, 2012

JACINDA ARDERN

Prime Minister of New Zealand Elected prime minister in 2017, she was recognized as the third woman to occupy this role in New Zealand. In addition to giving birth to her second child during her term, she stands out in particular through the way she has handled the various crises that have shaken her country. Described as too soft upon taking office, she has proven her adversaries wrong by combining caring, firmness, and leadership after the Christchurch massacre and the White Island eruption. Since the spring of 2020, people around the world have been talking about her for the judgment she has shown in managing the coronavirus crisis, becoming one of the most influential political personalities in the world. By taking rigorous action in advance, New Zealand has succeeded in stopping the spread of the virus,

positioning itself as one of the first countries in the world to return to normal life so quickly. “I would call it an active government. At the moment, people are not feeling the benefits of any form of prosperity; wages aren’t keeping up with inflation; the cost of housing is outstripping most people’s reach. And what is the point of economic growth when we have some of the worst homelessness in the developed world? Our plan is to be an active government focused on ensuring people have decent jobs, decent housing, and hope for the future.” — Jacinda Ardern, about her government

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N ATA S H A K A N A P É F O N TA I N E

WORLD

ALICIA GARZA

African-American activist and columnist The co-founder of the Black Lives Matter movement, Alicia Garza is a queer activist involved in the fight against racism and working for the rights of LGBT+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex) people. She has emphasized the power of perseverance in the fight against injustice since 2013, when George Zimmerman was acquitted after shooting and killing a young, unarmed 17-year-old Black man named Trayvon Martin. Calling for mobilization in response to the verdict, she shared the following post on her Facebook page: “Black people. I love you. I love us. Our lives matter. Black lives matter.” Two other activists, Opal Tometi and Patrisse Cullors, joined the call to action. Cullors then added the #BlackLivesMatter hashtag. Garza’s phrase catalyzed a national—then international—movement against racial injustice. Seven years later, the hashtag is shared extensively on social media, and protests are erupting around the world. Garza also works for the National Domestic Workers Alliance, in addition to being a director of the Black Futures Lab (an organization dedicated to building political power for Black people). Awarded the Sydney Peace Prize in 2017, her work is recognized through her editorials, which have been published in renowned magazines (The Guardian, The Nation, HuffPost, and Rolling Stone). Above all, she wants to make the public aware of how police violence goes beyond the borders of race, sexual orientation, and gender identity. She also wants to empower women by teaching them to belong, take risks, and always rely on integrity. “For us, #BlackLivesMatter is really a re-humanization project. It's a way for us to love each other again, to love ourselves, and to project that love into the world so that we can transform it.” — Alicia Garza, about the Black Lives Matter movement

SANNA MIRELLA MARIN

Prime Minister of Finland Elected in 2019 at the age of 34, Sanna Mirella Marin is the youngest prime minister in the world, working at the head of a coalition led by five women, four of whom are under the age of 35. This is the most female government in the world, represented by twelve women and eight men. Finland has always been ahead of the curve. In 1906, the country was the first to grant women the right to vote. At present, it has almost equal representation in parliament. For Sanna Marin, there is still a way to go in terms of equity and equality. The prime minister wants to tackle the issues of equality in the labour market and domestic violence. She mentions that, in Finland, many young women still suffer physical or sexual violence. Raised in a “rainbow” family by her mother and her female partner, she grew up in a modest environment oscillating between

poverty and the inability to open up to others about her family situation. There, she discovered the importance of justice, equality, and human rights—values particularly conveyed through her political career. Sanna is the first person in her family to attend university. With her progressive profile, her unconventional journey, and her feminist and ecological convictions, she is the symbol of a new generation and pioneering when it comes to the representation of women in politics. “I never thought about my age or gender. I think of the reasons I got into politics and those things for which we have won the trust of the electorate.” — Sanna Mirella Marin, in response to criticisms that have been made about her

WORLD

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ALEX ANDRIA OCASIO - CORTEZ

American politician Recognized for being the youngest candidate ever elected to the United States Congress, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez represents New York’s 14th congressional district. Supporting Indigenous communities and middle-class people to the detriment of big business interests, she is a model in terms of defending social, racial, economic, and environmental justice. She advocates for inclusion, especially in the fight for LGBT+ rights, denouncing discrimination against marginalized groups. In the summer of 2020, shortly after the wave of denunciations against sexual harassment, Ocasio-Cortez was the victim of verbal abuse in Congress. She then pointed a finger at a global cultural problem where violence—particularly violent and dehumanizing language against women—is accepted. The event sparked reactions in the media, and a few days later, we witnessed a wave of female solidarity on social media. Not worried about being the only dissenting voice, she discusses problems that her adversaries try to sweep under the rug, such as sexism, police violence, corruption, and the climate crisis.

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“Change takes courage.” — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, about the environment In June 2019, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Greta Thunberg came together to highlight the importance of tackling climate change and to discuss tactics that really work as activists. “Hope is not something that you have. Hope is something that you create, with your actions. Hope can be contagious. Other people start acting in a way that has more hope.” “We need to start communicating. This is a global struggle. It’s not about what is Sweden doing and what is the US doing. It’s about what are all of us doing, as one movement.”

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— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, about the environment – in collaboration with Greta Thunberg

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Take a T rip with Jérôme Fer rer by Europea Interview with Jérôme Ferrer, Executive Chef

MOV E . TOUCH. SU R PRISE — This has been the philosophy of chef Jérôme Ferrer for many years. Having recently been forced to revise their ways of doing things, he and his team have redoubled their creativity to offer practical, surprising, and delicious formulas to let you experience Jérôme Ferrer differently.

T H E E S TA B L I S H M E N T

get out of the house. We wanted to give our customers the opportunity to take their minds off things, to feel like they were sitting at a table in Paris for an evening. This was how the Epicure Land concept emerged. The first act—affordable and very attractive—involved a gourmet trip that highlighted the pleasures of the table and made it possible to share an exceptional experience with your loved ones. It was a five-course journey where the guest moved from one station to the next to taste our dishes in a totally immersive setting that provoked surprise and emotion. The second act, which was to be launched in mid-September and offered to revisit the French classics in eight courses, has been transformed into a new boutique and gourmet grocery store where people can order take-away meals and stock up on gourmet products, in order to recreate the Europea experience at home.”

“Valuing the land and respect for the seasonal cycle are an integral part of our DNA. They inspire us, stimulate our creativity, and push us to offer dishes and experiences that take you on a journey. From the very beginning, we have worked to promote Quebec and Canadian crops on an international level. We are also one of the few internationally renowned restaurants of the Relais & Châteaux and Grandes Tables du Monde associations.” THE CONFINEMENT

“The main challenge was to find a way to keep existing despite the closure of our dining room. Like all entrepreneurs, we had to reinvent ourselves overnight. As we now know, the solution was The Chef’s Box, which allowed our menus to be tasted across Quebec. “The Chef’s Box, designed for two to eight people, is delivered each week across Quebec. The dishes arrive already prepared; just reheat them by following the advice given. From traditional favourites to world cuisine, the recipes change with the seasons and are renewed weekly. Always without preservatives, they are made from fresh products and showcase local farmers and ranchers.”

T H E A F T E R M AT H

“The culinary journey is a concept that really speaks to us. We want to keep offering people this way of discovering the world. “The events of the past few months have made it possible for us to attract and welcome a wider audience, to democratize our establishment and our cuisine in a sense. Until then, Jérôme Ferrer by Europea had welcomed customers from all over the world. Today, while international tourism is on pause, the restaurant has revised its offerings to attract a more local clientele. We want to give back to the community that has watched us grow.”

THE REOPENING

“But the innovation didn’t stop there. We also had to revise our ways of hosting people when we reopened our dining room to meet both public health requirements and the three basic needs of our customers: to gather as a family, to feel safe while doing so, and simply to

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R esonance Sound Therapy EV ERY THI NG IS V I BR AT ION — From the tiny molecule to the Universe itself. Vibrations emit sounds that the human ear does not always perceive, but that the human body absorbs. Sounds—heard consciously or unconsciously—have the power to influence the endocrine, nervous, and immune systems.

RESONANCE

R E H A B I L I TAT I O N

Sound resonates on matter Traditional medicine has always included the use of sounds in its approach. In recent years, science, in turn, has taken an interest in the influence of the vibratory frequencies of sound on the human body.

Restoring the body’s harmonious frequencies When a part of the human body stops vibrating harmoniously, the whole body is affected. Sonotherapy allows the body and mind to regain their full vitality by restoring their natural frequencies. It involves applying different frequencies and therapeutic sounds around the body by singing or using various tools, such as tuning forks, Tibetan bowls, quartz crystal bowls, drums, flutes, or rattles. It can be a natural complement to different therapies such as reiki, yoga, reflexology, massage, meditation, and acupuncture.

Remember that sound makes natural elements such as air and water vibrate. Sonic frequencies would therefore have an influence on the body, especially on the water of which we are over 80% composed. Masaru Emoto’s discoveries about water have also illustrated the reaction of water molecules to vibrations and sounds. The harmonic structure of the sound projected onto matter would create links and make it vibrate. The structure of the water would organize itself in a unique way according to the sounds, speech, and thoughts that are brought to it. Sound would resonate in the same way in our bodies as it does in water—by inducing changes on the molecular level.

Silence is the reverse polarity of sound. The sacred space. Dead time allowing the practitioner to absorb the therapeutic effect of the sound. It is as important as the sound itself. Beyond mere listening, the sound of a crystal bowl is felt. It allows the listener to immerse themselves in a haven of light at high frequencies. When the natural frequency of the human body is disturbed, the deep vibrations of the crystal bowl allow the affected organs to regain their full power, their natural frequencies— in other words, to harmonize or “tune” themselves again, like musical instruments can do.

By modifying the external sonic frequencies, we can trigger the modification of our internal frequencies through a process of synchronization. This process, commonly called “triggering,” can be applied to the heartbeat, breathing, and brain waves. The energy of sound therefore has the power to untie physical, emotional, and psychic knots by harmonizing the metabolism.

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The basic principle of sound therapy (sonotherapy) is the concept of resonance, which consists of the vibratory frequency of the elements. In humans, each organ, cell, bone, tissue, liquid, and electromagnetic field surrounding the body has a vibratory frequency. When we do not resonate with a part of our body, our environment, or an external event, certain vibrations become dissonant and therefore unhealthy. The practice of sonotherapy seeks to restore the harmonious frequencies of the body through therapeutic sounds in order to find a space of inner peace.

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M A N I F E S TAT I O N

Manifesting change Relationship and commitment are necessary for the consistency of the therapy. The sonic frequency carries the energy, but the practitioner’s intention will also have an impact on the result. The same frequency emitted with different intentions will produce different results. When the sonic frequency combines with the force of intention, positive results become possible. The inner transformation is also reinforced by the work of vocalization, visualization, or postures. Speech, writing, and mental imagery are strong allies in manifesting the energy that is invoked. I N I T I AT I O N

An introduction to sound therapy at Strøm Nordic Spa DISCOVER MÅNEN EVENINGS An immersive sensory experience that invites you to stop time and synchronize with the universe around you. Guided thermal circuit, holistic workshops, effervescent menu, sound therapy workshop, and more. A unique evening inspired by the mysterious influence of the lunar cycle. Low-voice conversation permitted and astral music played throughout the site.

SOUND THERAPY

Lexicon

Healing frequency These are frequencies that many sound therapists have found effective in treating various diseases and conditions. These frequencies are often based on natural cycles. By natural cycles, we refer to the cycles that influence all living beings, cycles to which our biorhythms are tuned when we are healthy—the 24-hour Earth Day cycle, the Earth Year cycle, the cycles of the Moon and Sun. Since sound is measured in seconds, any cycle measurement can be converted to a sound by raising or lowering numerous octaves. Healing sounds Healing sounds are those that, through resonance, bring the listener into harmony with themselves, their environment, and the cycles that build their existence. Sound therapist A sound therapist uses the sound of their voice or certain tools and instruments to restore physical, emotional, and psychic balance. With the help of sound, they seek to heal physical ailments such as muscle aches and pains, as well as difficult emotions such as fear, loneliness, sorrow, depressive states, and grief.

References: Sounds of Healing, Dr. Mitchell L. Gaynor, Broadway. Le son des vibrations – Influence des sons et de la musique sur la santé et le développement personnel, Emmanuel Compte, Éditions Dangles. Les diapasons thérapeutiques – Un guide d’initiation à la sonothérapie, Eric Jackson Perrin, Édition par EJP. The Hidden Messages in Water, Dr. Masaru Emoto, Atria Books.

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Lear ning to Grieve By Valérie Courchesne, Doctor of Psychology

ONE STEP AT A TIME — When we hear the word “grief,” it often evokes the loss of a loved one. However, this is a much broader concept that applies to all kinds of losses. It encompasses all the feelings—often contradictory, intense, and changing—that we have in the face of a loss, an ending, or a major change. Some grief is part of normal development, such as grieving for childhood at the dawn of adolescence or grieving for school when we enter the job market. There is also grieving for perfect parents when we develop our critical thinking skills and realize their flaws. Other forms of grief will depend on our life course, but will nonetheless dot everyone’s path: breakups, the death of a loved one, moving, losing a job, etc.

And then there is also collective grief, such as the kind that we may experience in the context of a pandemic or during natural disasters and major events experienced collectively. We therefore go through the stages of grief together despite our individual differences in terms of pace and intensity.

H E R E A R E T H E S TA G E S O F G R I E F AS DESCRIBED BY EXPERTS IN THE FIELD S TA G E N ° 1: D E N I A L O R S H O C K

This is a totally natural defence mechanism that involves not believing or accepting what one has just heard, which leads us to block the emotions caused by the news. S TA G E N ° 2 : A N G E R

Because it is extremely difficult to deal with the pain, anger comes to our rescue! It can be directed at ourselves, others, or even objects. During this stage, we are much more irritable, and our emotions can translate into anger. This may even be directed at the sick or deceased person, thereby leading to feelings of guilt and sometimes greater anger toward ourselves. S TA G E N ° 3 : B A R G A I N I N G

This phase is the one where we try to regain control of a situation over which we often have no power. Much like anger, this reflex is totally normal, because even an illusion of control can prove reassuring: “I’ll follow the doctors’ recommendations to the letter, eat well, stop smoking, and maybe the prognosis will change”; “I’ll do anything for them if they reverse their decision and give me a second chance.” It is also during this stage that the “ifs” arrive: “If only I had talked to them on the phone for a few more minutes, then this wouldn’t have happened”; “If I had listened more, (s)he wouldn’t have left me.” Of course, this type of thinking makes us feel guilty, but it also convinces us that we could have changed something and therefore exerted some control over the situation.

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Grief is a non-linear process—that is, each of the stages will come back more than once over the course of our lives. The duration and intensity of each of these stages, like the complete process, may vary from time to time. Understanding grief better not only makes it easier for us to accept our emotions, but it also helps us show more compassion toward ourselves and others.

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S TA G E N °4 : D E P R E S S I O N

It is at this time that we connect with the suffering associated with the loss. During this stage, many people tend to retreat inward and isolate themselves to experience their pain. S TA G E N ° 5 : A C C E P TA N C E

Although the suffering is less intense, this stage is not necessarily synonymous with happiness. Instead, it is associated with serenity, calm, and inner peace. We accept the situation along with the difficult emotions that arise from it. S TA G E N ° 6 : T H E S E A R C H F O R M E A N I N G

Finally, recent literature presents a sixth and final stage of grief: the search for meaning. Indeed, it would seem that, after accepting the loss, it would be natural to search for meaning in this hardship, to find the positive that may emerge from it. For example, losing a loved one may highlight the importance of expressing our love to our loved ones, a global pandemic may show us the importance of buying local, and losing a job may lead us to reorient ourselves toward a job that is closer to our values.

A N D T H E N C O M E S T H E U N AV O I D A B L E Q U E S T I O N : R ITUAL S

HOW DO WE GET THROUGH THESE

Rituals are also extremely important during the grieving process. This is one of the reasons that can make mourning loved ones who have died during a pandemic more complicated, since funerals cannot always take place. It is therefore important to find alternatives in order to practise rituals that suit you and that are in line with your values when it is impossible to grieve as usual.

S T A G E S I N A H E A LT H Y W AY ? WELCOMING THE EMOTIONS

The saying that applies perfectly in the context of grief is “the only way out is through.” The only way to get through grief is to welcome and accept the emotions that accompany each stage. Fighting them only slows down the grieving process, in addition to being extremely demanding on the emotional level. Accepting the emotions also applies to the positive emotions; you should allow yourself the right to feel joy, to laugh, and to fully enjoy the pleasant moments even if you are grieving. All the tools for managing emotions are also helpful. Identifying, naming, and sharing our emotions lets us deal with them better. Of course, it can be hard for the person who is listening and receiving these emotions to know what to say or do, since there really is no miracle solution. Just know that the simple act of being there, actively listening, and holding the person in your arms will make all the difference.

C O N N E C T I N G W I T H N AT U R E

Connecting with nature can also be very helpful. Whatever the means, try to return to the source and surround yourself with greenery and fresh air: this may include a hike in the forest or other very simple activities such as taking a walk, gardening, or even opening a window and looking outside! What meaning have you given to the grief that you have experienced so far? Don’t hesitate to join a support group or consult a mental health professional who can accompany you in this ordeal.

Reference: Bigelow, D. (2019). Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief, Scribner. Reading suggestion: Megan Devine, It's OK That You're Not OK: Meeting Grief and Loss in a Culture That Doesn't Understand, Sounds True, 2017.

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The Call of Nature By Noémie C. Adrien, art of living collaborator

LE AV I NG THE CIT Y BEHI N D — Who hasn’t dreamed of swapping the “commute, work, sleep” routine for a peaceful and healthy everyday life in a bucolic setting? More and more city dwellers in Quebec are choosing to pack their bags for the country, making it a real life project. Let’s take a look at these neo-rurals.

Unlike their hippy predecessors, however, these new rural dwellers don’t have to retrain and work the land to make their rural dream a reality, since the digital revolution is making telework possible in many industries. Whether it’s to lead a self-sufficient existence, raise their children in a more wide-open environment, or start a new business, neo-ruralism allows for many projects that are harder to achieve in the city. Here are some portraits of three proud representatives of the movement.

A G R E E N E R F A M I LY L I F E

By making the decision to move, the couple agreed to keep their Montreal property, a valuable pied-à-terre that allows the photographer to continue practising his deeply urban profession. “I travel to Montreal when there are shoots, but the rest of the time, I’m in the country,” Michel continues. “The recent pandemic has shown that we’re actually able to do a lot of work from home; that’s how I’ve worked for several years. Here, I can do everything related to editing photos, preparing presentations, communicating with clients… I don’t need to be at the studio for that.”

It was the desire to see their children grow up in a more natural setting that led Jocelyn Michel, star photographer (to whom we owe the photos in this article), and his wife to the Eastern Townships in 2014. “We lived in Pointe-Saint-Charles, where we didn’t have a backyard,” he explains. “Neither my wife nor I grew up in very urban environments, so when our children were old enough to open the door to go play outside, that started weighing heavily on our consciences… The contrast of what we were offering them with what we had experienced.” The small family therefore packed their bags, first for Frelighsburg, then for Stanbridge East, where they reside today.

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Like the hippies of the ’60s, who rejected consumerist society by returning to the land, a new generation of individuals is heading for the country in search of meaning and balance. Noise pollution, urban density, exorbitant rents, work-related stress…a host of reasons is pushing them to desert the city.

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F R O M C O P Y W R I T E R …T O F L O R I S T

When she was little, Truchot wanted to be a florist— a distant dream that resurfaced when she moved into her new home in Estrie. “There were a lot of flowers in the garden, planted by the former owners. I started planting more and more and learned about flower growing.

While some are able to keep their jobs when they move to the country, others are instead inspired to reorient themselves. Such was the case for Alexandra Truchot, a Montrealer from birth who has lived in Magog since 2018. “My husband and I did a lot of gardening on our balcony in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve,” she recounts. “When it started to be too small for everything we wanted to grow, we had to face the fact that we would need more land… We didn’t have the budget for it in Montreal, and it was clear in our minds that we weren’t going to live in the suburbs; we didn’t want to have to cross a bridge every day. So, we told ourselves that we may as well take the leap; we would really go to the heart of nature!”

I realized that it wasn’t necessary to have endless hectares to make a job out of it, that there was a new movement of people who grew their flowers on smaller areas with an eco-friendly approach. That inspired me to get into something that suited me more than my career as a copywriter.”

A N I N C R E A S I N G LY L E S S S E C O N D A R Y R E S I D E N C E

At the start, it was work that led Fisun Ercan—who was known at the stoves of the former restaurant Su in Verdun—to buy a small farm in Saint-Blaise-sur-Richelieu. The Turkish-born chef was looking for a place where she could tend a vegetable garden and give cooking workshops. “As soon as we saw this ancestral stone home, we fell in love!” she recollects. “The idea was to have a country house for the times when we would go to the farm, but to keep our condo in the city. We really saw it as a cottage where we could go more in the summer than the winter.” While that house was being renovated, the chef and her husband started spending more and more time in Montérégie. It was during this time that she enjoyed the pleasure of growing her own vegetables and cooking with her harvests. “We built a dream kitchen to give classes,” she recounts. “We put so much effort into restoring this home down to the smallest details… The closer we got to the end of the work, the harder it was to imagine returning to live in our little condo on Nuns’ Island. We kept it for a few more months, then moved for good in July 2019.” Today, Ercan dedicates herself to her new professional company, Bika, a small-scale agriculture and regional cuisine project with Turkish influences. The chef, who claims that she has felt more alive since taking the plunge, now lives in harmony with the seasons. “Before, I didn’t pay attention to the heat waves, the frequency of the rain, the full moons…but now, I follow nature carefully to work with it. I think that, as human beings, we need it, that connection with nature.” WELCOMED WITH OPEN ARMS

The neo-rurals interviewed all agree that they quickly found their place within their host communities, which they describe as connected and supportive… We are very far from the image of the conservative or closed-minded rural society of yesteryear. “Our experience has been extremely positive,” concludes Michel. “We’ve always had very rich relationships with people. I think if you arrive in the country with a good attitude and your heart in the right place, you’ll fit in pretty quickly. If you have a project in mind and you want to be part of the community, you’re welcome… there’s room!”

Photo credit: Jocelyn Michel

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Micromeditations To Be P ractised Alone or with Child ren By Marie-Ève Trudel, meditation teacher and founder — yogacamp.co

M EDITAT ION — There are a thousand and one ways to meditate. Here are eight for those who don’t always have time but would like to enjoy the benefits of this ancient practice and even teach it to children.

10 minutes Set out in search of your dreams as soon as you get up, before even looking at your cellphone. They are an excellent source of information. Gently assume a comfortable seated position and take several deep breaths by exhaling through the mouth. Let your mind guide you and write down the key moments of the dream, the emotions you felt, and what you learned. Then, set an intention for your day and repeat it out loud three times. If you have insomnia, practise the meditation from No. 8 instead. With children A dream journal can become a valuable and sacred tool, as well as a great way to put their emotions on paper. N ° 2 : G R O U N D I N G M E D I TAT I O N

10 minutes American author Gary Sukav puts it very well in his books: your intentions define your reality. During the day, ask yourself what you’re doing and why. It’s easy to fall into lists of rational goals—instead, take a deep breath and think about the real reason. Then, contract every part of your body for 10 seconds and relax completely by exhaling through the mouth. Return to normal breathing and allow your body to realign itself with your deep intentions. With children At a young age, they can be introduced to this meditation with a little help. Identify their intentions when they take action. If they feel anxious, this practice may be a good way to bring them back to their bodies.

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N ° 1: D R E A M M E D I TAT I O N

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N ° 3 : G R AT I T U D E M E D I TAT I O N

N °4 : M E D I TAT I O N I N M O T I O N

With children They can also practise this exercise by meditating on what they liked most about their day.

With children It’s easy to train them in the game by paying attention to the different elements along your path (the moon, a big tree, etc.) and by naming the things that they can feel (the sun on their skin, the rain on their face, the wind in their hair, etc.).

3 to 10 minutes It may seem counter-intuitive, but occupying your mind while your body is doing other things, such as taking care of household chores, is very ingenious and allows you to focus on the concept of gratitude. Developing gratitude on a daily basis is recognized as an excellent remedy for anxiety and depression, for parents and children alike. Affirm 10 things for which you are grateful and exhale.

5 minutes When returning to school or daycare, take the time to do a meditation in motion. Bring your attention back to your body as it moves, your feet as they fall. Wiggle your arms and focus on the sensations. Try to walk more slowly and exhale with each step.

N °5: COFFEE , TE A , OR HER BAL TE A R ITUAL

As long as desired It’s possible to meditate while sipping on your favourite beverage. Among other things, this lets you integrate the practice with your daily routine by combining it with one of your existing habits. Where are you? What do you hear? What is the energy of the place? Unfold your legs and anchor your feet on the ground. Bring your awareness to your posture and your breath, pick up your cup, and observe: is it heavy or light, hot or cold? As you drink, learn about the origin of the ingredients that make up your beverage. Where do the leaves and the fruit come from? Where does the water come from? Dive into the magic of life that is too often forgotten. With children Offer them a homemade smoothie or fruit juice so that they can accompany you, and don’t forget that the simple act of seeing you appreciate the present moment can inspire them to follow your example.

N ° 6 : V I B R AT O R Y M E D I TAT I O N

N ° 7 : O B S E R VA T I O N M E D I T A T I O N

With children They like this very simple practice. If they start laughing, this is a way to relax all the tensions that have accumulated in their little bodies and the latent negative energies more quickly.

With children Starting from age 3, they are able to do this exercise, and it’s interesting to listen to their responses without judging them. This allows us to learn more about ourselves: the apple never falls far from the tree.

1 to 10 minutes The negative energy accumulated in the body can be liberated by sounds. We just have to notice the sustained natural exhalation released by the body after a long task: “ahhh” or “oof.” Place your left hand on your heart and your right hand on your lower stomach. Take a deep breath and, as you exhale, make the sound “vam,” sustaining the “a.” Continue for 1 to 10 minutes.

5 minutes Take 5 minutes each day for 5 days to listen to the noises in your environment, without judgment. Then, answer the following question: “Are these sounds pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral to me?” What labels have you given to certain tonalities, vibrations, tones, and words? This Buddhist practice suggests hearing instead of reacting to stimuli, which allows us to gain perspective.

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N ° 8: YO GA N I D R A

20 minutes This state of being between wakefulness and sleep helps you release the tensions of your body, reduce anxiety, and sleep better. To do this, lie down in a quiet location. Place your hands on your lower stomach, palms face down, making sure that your exhalations are longer than your inhalations. When inhaling, think: “I am aware of my whole body.” When exhaling: “I feel calm and relaxation in a part of my body.” Move from your feet to the top of your head. Linger over the parts that need more softness. Once this is done, count from 21 down to 0, maintaining slow breathing. With children You can invite them to place their hands on their stomach to inflate it “as big as a balloon.” With a little practice, you can guide them yourself in a complete relaxation of the body.

Gar y Sukav puts it ver y well in his books: Your intentions define your reality.

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Meditating doesn’t need to be seen as a task or an activity that requires you to keep your eyes closed. Rather, it is a moment of grounding that you give yourself to be well and to give our children the tools to be just as well, because the most beautiful thing that we can offer them is a present and conscious parent. Namaste!

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Five Books to R etur n to the Basics by Nicolas Gendron, journalist and film critic

F ROM ONE PAGE TO THE NEX T — There are essential services, and essential workers too—those who were baptized at the height of the crisis as guardian angels. But to whom does this essence belong if not to the whole community? How do we reconnect with it if not by slowing down? Here are a few modest suggestions for knitting the essential, inside and out, one stitch at a time.

RETURNING TO THE FOOT OF THE LETTER

La lettre by Magali Attiogbé (Amaterra, 2016) I discovered this children’s book on a trip, because roaming the bookstores and libraries is one of my favourite activities when I set off. It had everything to please the big kid in me—this beautiful hardcover book is suitable for ages 3 and up—because it brought me back to that other lost and found pleasure: the act of writing by hand, whether it’s a postcard, a love note, a festive invitation…whatever you like! Fittingly, this title from French illustrator Magali Attiogbé takes the form of a Seek and Find, but without garish instructions or striped heroes. It follows the journey of the nine letters sent by Léo to the most colourful destinations imaginable, from a haunted house to a vast burrow, from a space station to a royal palace. At once simple and friendly, the initial message is revealed at the end and resonates even more in this era of (a) social distancing.

RETURNING TO THE ROOT

Little Russia by Francis Desharnais (Pow Pow, 2018) Beyond all nostalgia, comic book artist Francis Desharnais (Burquette, La guerre des arts) retraces the steps of his grandparents, Marcel and Antoinette, who, since 1947, have greatly contributed to the establishment of Guyenne, a colony in Abitibi that has flourished under a cooperative regime—hence its nickname, “Little Russia.” A unique example of its kind, this tight-knit community is reborn with all the hopes and disillusions of its birth, between the wavering support of the government and the first mass in French, the endlessness of the forest and the ruggedness of the land, the visit of a certain Félix and the legitimate aspirations of women to have a voice. Nature becomes an essential character, and the pencil strokes overflow with tenderness for these inspiring pioneers. We have only one desire: to dig around in the rich biblio-filmography provided with the afterword by historian Frédéric Lemieux to learn more about the early days of Quebec and Abitibi. A gentle tribute.

LIVING

RETURNING TO THE OTHER IN THE SELF

I’ve Been Meaning to Tell You by David Chariandy (Zoé, 2020) In this delicate and luminous essay published in 2018, author David Chariandy (Soucouyant, Brother) dissects the ramifications of his African-Asian origins, not without debunking—in all humility—a few myths about tolerance, legacy, and “Canadian identity.” Born in Ontario and based in Vancouver, this specialist in the literature of Black diasporas addresses his teenager here, as evoked by the subtitle A Letter to My Daughter. While opening up on several troubling or revealing episodes from his journey of identity, from inappropriate questions (“Where do you really come from?”) to ancestral memories of slavery and indentured servitude, he summons poetry as reinforcement and never takes an infantilizing tone. But above all, Chariandy invites us to recognize the other in the self, or the self in the other, not standing against some threat, but rather for sharing, listening, and meeting. An eloquent correspondence.

Ici by Gabrielle Lessard (Somme toute, 2020) From her native Beauce, Gabrielle Lessard dreamed of one day entering the famous Radio-Canada tower. Much to her disappointment, shortly after her training at the Conservatoire d’art dramatique came the announcement that the State television station was moving… The actress and author goes far beyond anecdote and the label of documentary theatre to imagine a fiction that questions the foundations (yes, plural!) of the public broadcaster. What about its independence and its role in collective emancipation? But even more, who remembers “Faubourg à m’lasse” in Centre-Sud, that neighbourhood that was nearly sacrificed to build the original tower? From the 19th to the 21st century, from working-class life to the Quiet Revolution, not to mention the hazy outlines of a digital future, Lessard brilliantly proves that, when you really love someone (or something), you never avoid the loved one’s grey areas. Finally, as with Desharnais, we savour the references that suit us to Voir, Entendre, et Visiter, which are hidden in the shadows of the “prolonged stamp.”

RETURNING WITH THE TIDE

Le lièvre d’Amérique by Mireille Gagné (La Peuplade, 2020) Diane can’t take not living up to expectations anymore (she who “yearns for a life free from all imperfections”), so she gets caught up in the game of a mysterious operation. This first novel from poet and short story writer Mireille Gagné (Le syndrome de takotsubo) is a source of unsuspected treasures, borrowing from both the calm and the rage of the tides. We get caught up in four times that return cyclically, including the before and after of the medical procedure, but also a little summary of the titular hare, from its diet to its nature as a lucky charm, then memories of adolescence that rise to the surface. These are anchored in Isle-aux-Grues, and since the author was born there, the immersion is as enveloping as it is total. Her Diane finds herself there with her friend Eugène to immortalize endangered species, until that unforgettable “storm of crows,” winter’s last hurrah, the source of many woes. A strong work that reflects the frenzy of our breathlessness, then the tranquility of the days of belonging.

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R ETUR N I N G TO YOUR NE I G H B OUR H O O DS

SFTOR N ØD MA F TO I OUNN D ST AR TØ I OMN

“A feeling of freedom! Heav y burden left at the door. Living for myself for a few hours, just to catch my breath, to recharge my batteries. To realize how impor tant I am for the ones I help, and for my loved ones all around. Taking my burden back when I leave, but feeling it is lighter than when I got here... And already d reaming of the next time.” JACQUELINE Caregiver to her daughter and mother, with whom she is going through this unprecedented period under the same roof.

S TR ØM FOUNDATION

Strøm Foundation Caregiver A MOM ENT OF B A L A NCE — We all know someone, directly or indirectly, who devotes themselves daily to a loved one. And these peer supporters and caregivers deserve to be taken care of in return. We wanted to thank these courageous and inspiring people through the creation of the Strøm Foundation – Caregiver program.

CAREGIVING IN A FEW WORDS W H AT I S A C A R E G I V E R ? According to L’Appui national, a caregiver is “someone who provides unpaid care and continuous support at home to

someone with a significant or persistent disability likely to compromise their home care.” A caregiver may therefore take care of an aging parent suffering from a loss of autonomy, a child with a disability, a sick friend, or a neighbour who was the victim of an accident. S TAT I S T I C S

• In Quebec, more than 1 in 4 people are caregivers. • Nearly 50% of caregivers devote more than 5 hours per week to taking care of the care recipient. • Most caregivers in Canada are women. • Caregivers provide 85% of care for seniors. • To devote more time to the care recipient, 64% of caregivers have reduced their social or relaxation activities. Reference: Regroupement des aidants naturels du Québec, A Profile of Caregivers, ranq.qc.ca/en/services/statistics/

Information and resources: RANQ / Regroupement des aidants naturels du Québec / ranq.qc.ca/en/ Advice and support: L’Appui national and Caregiver Support helpline / 1-855-852-7784 / lappui.org/en

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Caregivers are always there, present, attentive, and caring. They support a loved one, a parent, or a spouse through difficult times, embodying balance in the face of adversity. They are the source of comfort for those who struggle every day. For those people who give so much without expecting anything in return, the Foundation was established so that they can enjoy a moment of their own. We would like to be at their side as much as we can, welcoming them to allow them to recharge their batteries, energize, and refocus, so that they can continue to offer what is most precious: balance, courage, and serenity. To learn more, visit: stromspa.com/en/company/strom-foundation

ADVERTORIAL

Shining a Light on Some My ths and Facts About Oils By Élisabeth Bélanger, co-owner of Maison Orphée — maisonorphee.com

THE RIGHT CHOICE — Over the last few decades, Quebecers have acquired a taste for good oils, as they have done with cheese, wine, and many other products. That said, choosing the right oil can sometimes be a challenge, so let’s review a few myths and facts to help you make a more informed selection.

O I L I S J U S T FAT A N D D O E S N ’ T TA S T E L I K E A N Y T H I N G : FA L S E

Extra virgin olive oils and cold-pressed virgin seed oils are full of distinct flavours and aromas that come from the polyphenols and other components unique to each variety. These components, associated with the different fatty acids, are scientifically recognized as having beneficial effects on health and are considered essential to a healthy diet. A flavourless oil is a refined oil: an oil pressed at high heat and “washed” by a physical and chemical refining process. A good oil is therefore reminiscent of the taste of the fruit or seed from which it originates and is always better fresh. Check the “best before” date on the label and store it in a cool, dark place.

VIRGIN OILS ARE MORE

E X TR A VI RG I N , VI RG I N , COLD - PR ESSE D…

TRUE

NOT QUITE!

E C O - F R I E N D LY :

IT’S ALL THE SAME:

In addition to offering flavours and health benefits, virgin and extra virgin oils have an ecological advantage: their production method is more energy-efficient and less polluting than that of refined oils. Since the oils are cold-pressed and not refined using chemicals, their ecological footprint is greatly reduced.

You should know that the “extra virgin” designation is only suited to olive oil, and only if it meets the highest quality standards. It can be either cold-extracted or coldpressed depending on the production method adopted. For seed oils, either the "virgin" or "cold-pressed" appellation is chosen, which are equivalent. They refer to an oil obtained mechanically and simply filtered before packaging in dark bottles, because oil fears light, oxygen, and heat.

In addition, the pressing residues can be used for fertilization or animal feed, among other uses. Some other good reasons to choose virgin oils!

ADVERTORIAL

O IL I S AN OF TEN - DEFR AUDED FOOD: TRUE

Oil—and particularly olive oil—can be found on the list of foods most susceptible to fraud. Types of fraud consist in either cutting the product by blending in a less expensive variety or designating a lower quality oil as of a higher quality, as in the case of olive oil that is labelled extra virgin-quality despite having defects. To play it safe, choose an olive oil with the designation “extra virgin,” which is normally applied to oils with an oleic acidity level lower than 0.8% and without any defects. Knowing how to recognize the main flaws—such as rancidity, mustiness, and vinegariness—will make you an informed consumer who is happy to pay a fair price for a quality oil. Trust an established brand who works directly with producers, who visits them, and who applies recognized standards, and accustom your senses to appreciate raw oils.

Maison Orphée is a 100%-Quebec-based company managed by sisters Elaine and Élisabeth Bélanger. Its raison d'être lies in the selection and production of cold-extracted oils and natural condiments. With nothing superfluous or artificial, Maison Orphée oils and condiments are the contemporary reflection of the evolution of culinary traditions rooted in the Quebec territory since 1983.

ÉLISABETH BÉLANGER AND ELAINE BÉLANGER

Owners, Maison Orphée

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M A I S O N O R P H É E : Q U E B E C C I T Y- B A S E D S I N C E 19 8 3

Photo credit: Bianca Des Jardins

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Food Self-Sufficiency Quebec and Its A r tisans

AN ANCESTRAL DREAM

dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences at Université Laval. However, the issue is more topical than ever. While the provincial government recently came out in favour of greater food self-sufficiency, hundreds of artisans have been getting up every morning for a long time to make this desire a possibility. As is the case with many social projects, however, this one is complex, and its success depends on many factors. Here is a portrait of the situation.

The ideal of food self-sufficiency is nothing new in Quebec. In the 1980s, Jean Garon, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food, made this goal his main cause, allowing the province, through various laws, to become 80% self-sufficient. Forty years later, the province’s self-sufficiency instead hovers around 50%, according to Jean-Claude Dufour, an expert in food distribution management and former DEFINITIONS

Food self-sufficiency is defined as a nation’s ability to provide its population with enough quality food to meet its needs. It therefore does not depend on importing products, and fresh food is accessible to it year-round. When this accessibility also allows the needs of vulnerable populations to be met, thereby reducing reliance on food banks, we are also talking about food security. Other terms and the semantic variation that they give to the concept are also used in some contexts. For example, some will speak of food autonomy, which is less autarkic than speaking of self-sufficiency. The concept of “food sovereignty,” meanwhile, has more to do with the political dimension of a society and its diet and is presented in particular as a national law with an impact on import/export agreements. In all cases, whether a society is able to feed itself primarily or completely from the land on which it lives, this allows for great and beautiful things that no longer need to be proven, such as support for the local economy, the protection of the environment, and the well-being of the citizens, thanks to the quality of the food that they consume, among other things.

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OU R L A N D — Cooking sweets with Quebec berries, making salads with tomatoes from the fields and herbs from the garden, preparing comforting stews with root vegetables once autumn arrives… Putting homegrown products on the table not only allows us to feast, but it also gives us the feeling of doing something good for ourselves, for others, and for our land. While feeding ourselves almost exclusively with local products is fairly easy at the end of summer and the start of autumn, many dream of being able to do so 365 days a year. To do this, however, Quebec would need to produce a wide variety of foods year-round in sufficient quantity to be able to meet the needs of all its inhabitants. This is what is known as food self-sufficiency.

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THE CONTEXT IN QUEBEC

The province is already considered autonomous for many foods, such as dairy products, eggs, poultry, pork, and beer. However, other foods, including certain fruits and vegetables, are either not produced at all on Quebec soil, such as oranges or bananas, or not produced year-round, such as strawberries or blueberries, which need to be imported during the winter. The climate therefore appears to be the first major obstacle to food self-sufficiency. But beyond that, there are many challenges scattered throughout the food supply chain that need to be considered.

AT T H E B A S E O F T H E C I R C U I T

Imports Offering the consumer a wide variety of similar products from several different places dilutes the chances that the product from Quebec will be the one purchased. It would therefore be ideal to stop—or at least reduce—the importation of products for which there are already local equivalents, such as cheeses. Farms Larger farms that produce larger quantities can sell their products for less at the grocery store thanks to economies of scale that help make the prices of their products competitive. On the other hand, returning to smaller but more numerous farms (to avoid losing production quantity) would help make sustainable agriculture more accessible while guaranteeing growers quality of life within human-scale companies. Furthermore, there are over 900 greenhouses in Quebec, including 500 that are used to grow flowers or plants. The nature of certain greenhouses could be revised to make more room for farming fruits and vegetables intended for consumption. The cost of electricity It goes without saying that the temperatures in Quebec for half the year are less conducive to market gardening, but solutions exist. Based on electricity—greenhouse heating often being the key to success—these solutions unfortunately quickly become prohibitively expensive for growers, which limits production capacities. Jean-Martin Fortier, a farmer, teacher, and author, argues that if growers could take advantage of favourable agreements with Hydro-Québec, they could heat their greenhouses earlier in the spring and later in the autumn to produce more and better. Back in July, Hydro-Québec also announced that they had filed an application with the Régie de l’énergie to be able to offer growers a new rate package and thereby encourage the development of greenhouses. Labour The closure of the international borders in recent months has highlighted the fact that a large portion of the labour force that works the fields in the summer comes from abroad. Although this phenomenon gives us a serious helping hand, it also reinforces our dependence on other countries and caps the yield. But the reason we go looking for seasonal workers elsewhere is because it’s hard to find them here. We would benefit greatly from determining effective ways to encourage Quebecers to work on our farms and in our fields, and why not by using innovative and attractive long-term proposals? Robotizing the processes, training local labour, and—above all—promoting the farming trade are also other ways to meet tomorrow’s challenges.

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AT T H E G R O C E R Y S T O R E

Prices

Sometimes, the problem isn’t the supply, but the demand… The trend currently observed is that, for the same product, the consumer will usually choose the cheapest option, regardless of the source. The imported product therefore often wins. But we forget that a consumer who chooses a local product is also buying the local standards. Unfortunately, foods from elsewhere are not always subjected to the same specifications as those produced in Quebec. By imposing the principle of reciprocity and forcing foreign producers to meet the same standards as local producers, this would not only help ensure higher quality for consumers, but also price equity. Labelling In recent months, both producers and grocers have redoubled their efforts to identify products from Quebec more clearly. Despite this, especially at the point of sale, the indications are still sometimes hard to decipher. Legislation on in-store labelling concerning food origins could alleviate the problem by making it easier to identify local non-perishable foods and fresh produce. If the consumer doesn’t have to ask questions or go looking for products, they will be even more tempted to buy local.

A vegetable garden in your yard This is an aspect that is sometimes overlooked, but agriculture for personal consumption purposes is also part of the principle of food self-sufficiency. By growing our own fruits and vegetables during the summer, we learn a lot about how nature works and the job of those who feed us, and this pushes us to review our consumption habits, the choices we make, and the places we shop. And how satisfying it is to put food that you grew yourself on your plate! Moreover, in Montreal, 35 to 50% of residents would practise urban agriculture. This would make it possible to meet the fresh vegetable needs of 5% of the population in the summer.1

TA M I N G O U R N O R D I C I T Y

While the Quebec winter seems to work against us, many will agree that it is enough to accept it and work with it instead of against it to turn it into an advantage. By recognizing the challenges that it imposes, respecting the seasonality of our production, and adapting our diets to the rhythm of the seasons and the riches of our land, food self-sufficiency encourages us to make the most of our resources and capacities. If all the players in the food supply chain band together around the same goal and work together, the cuisine of tomorrow will be more Québécois than ever.

David, P. (April 18, 2020). “Vers plus d’autonomie alimentaire.” Le Devoir.

Located at https://www.ledevoir.com/societe/environnement/577058/vers-plus-d-autonomie-alimentaire-au-quebec.

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AT H O M E

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IN THE FIELD

To learn more about local artisans, here are four companies with which Strøm works and which are helping make Quebec an autonomous province in terms of food.

QV — ALCOHOL

people didn’t even want to taste them… Today, things have changed dramatically! The quality of Quebec’s offerings continues to increase, and connoisseurs are more open to them than ever. While it is sometimes difficult to meet the growing demand, QV is increasing its resources to continue supporting its ambassadors, those who have trusted them from the start. By serving as an intermediary between local producers and customers and always putting pleasure first, QV is contributing to the growth of Quebec-based microbreweries, distilleries, and vineyards.

QV is a wine, beer, and spirits agency founded in 2007 by Cyril Kérébel. The company is proud to represent several Quebec estates, including some for over 10 years now. The agency distributes ciders (Domaine Choinière), meads (Domaine Desrochers), wines (Domaine des Pervenches, Raku, Salamandres, and Beauchemin), spirits (Distillerie Fils du Roy and Distillerie de Québec), and perries (Domaine des Salamandres). The team introduces you to local products and producers through tastings and is pleased to see that Quebec is in style. Kérébel confides that, at one time, he had quite a bit of trouble promoting products from Quebec because

Local ar tisans are helping make Quebec an autonomous province in ter ms of food. L E J A R D I N D E S F U N A M B U L E S — V E G E TA B L E S

Le Jardin des Funambules is a small organic vegetable farm located in Estrie. It is the project of two couples (Mélisande, Vincent L., Corinne, and Vincent M.) who live and work on the farm and make every effort to offer fresh vegetables to their community and create a stimulating living environment. As the company name suggests, balance is central to their vision for the farm. This concept can be found everywhere: in their very lives, in the overall health of their subscribers, and in the ecological balance required for their production. They grow a little more than half a hectare according to the precepts of the biointensive and mostly unmechanized model. A third of the surface area is in greenhouses. These greenhouses make it possible to produce in a controlled climate by reducing the risks related to climate hazards and—above all—they are the tool of choice for growing fresh vegetables year-round. In the winter in Quebec, few vegetables can be harvested fresh in the fields. For consumers who are increasingly motivated to buy local, it can be discouraging to only find canned or frozen vegetables in the depths of winter (from December to March). For the Funambules, growing in the greenhouse in the winter means being able to garnish their customers’ plates with fresh greens such as spinach, arugula, kale, mixed lettuce…the list is long and attractive. Although it’s possible to grow tomatoes and cucumbers at all times, the farmers want to stay true to their ecological values and use minimal energy to produce maximum flavour. Spinach and carrots that freeze several times during the winter are tasty vegetables, full of flavour that a summer carrot can never offer. This is the challenge for the Jardin des Funambules team for the years to come: to promote the riches of winter crops and help Quebec consumers take one more step toward food autonomy.

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G A S P É S I E S A U VA G E — T H E B O R E A L P A N T R Y

Originally from the Ardennes, a forested region of Belgium, Gérard Mathar, Catherine Jacob, and their three boys settled in Gaspésie in 2005, lured by the wide-open spaces and the natural surroundings. Living on a vast estate in the middle of the boreal forest, it wasn’t long before they started gathering wild food and producing their food themselves, with the dual aim of meeting their needs and passing this learning on to their children. What was then just a way of life quietly became an occupation. Today, they raise animals, make their own cheeses, grow vegetables, and harvest mushrooms, flowers, herbs, seaweed, roots, spices, lichen, fruits, and plants in the forest or by the sea. Most of these wild ingredients are intended for food, but some are also chosen for their medicinal properties. Products from the forest that are sold fresh are delivered within 24 hours of harvesting, while the others are dried or processed on site. Their buyers include individuals, of course (Gaspésie Sauvage has several points of sale across the province), but they also supply chefs, restaurant owners, microbreweries, distilleries, and meat producers.

It ’s not about living “on” the land, but “with ” the land. L AITERIE CHARLEVOIX

— CHEESES AND MORE…

A family business founded in 1948, Laiterie Charlevoix is now managed by the third generation of the Labbé family. Initially dedicated to selling dairy products in Charlevoix and Côte-Nord, over the years, the organization has shifted its activities toward cheese production. Then, in 2014, with the acquisition of Aux Terroirs, it moved toward the distribution of local products of all sorts (cold cuts, cheeses, etc.), thereby positioning itself as a showcase for the artisans of the region and the province. Indeed, Laiterie Charlevoix chooses to offer its customers a range of diverse products from several artisans to meet everyone’s needs. The goal of this philosophy is to promote Quebec knowhow as a whole and encourage local purchasing. Philippe Labbé believes that, by working together in

synergy and making local products accessible, food self-sufficiency will become possible. That’s why, in addition to advocating for human-scale agriculture, Laiterie Charlevoix is developing close agreements with dairy producers, particularly involving the exclusive use of the Canadian cow, a Quebec heritage breed. This way of doing things allows for a uniqueness and particularity of the resulting product, and an autonomy of production. In a sustainable development dynamic, by transforming the residual whey from the cheese production into energy to heat the buildings and ponds, among other things, Laiterie Charlevoix also aims to reduce its ecological footprint. Truly open to local talents, the company has become over time and will continue to be a major player in food self-sufficiency in Quebec.

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For the Mathar-Jacobs, it’s not about living “on” the land, but “with” the land, in harmony with its cycles and what it has to offer. This is why their work “isn’t an end in itself,” although they are passionate about it. Their small business will stay small, and their ways of working will always be in harmony with the way they want to live—that is, in harmony with nature, which cannot be controlled. Nearly self-sufficient itself, the Mathar-Jacob family helps make Quebec a nation capable of feeding itself thanks to the quality, simplicity, and— above all—essential nature of the products that they harvest, grow, process, and market.

Photo credit: Bianca Des Jardins

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THE STRØM PHILOSOPHY

At the Nord Restaurants and the Fika Café at Strøm Nordic Spas, artisans from our regions and their products are at the heart of creating all our menus. From fruits and vegetables from local growers to cold cuts and cheeses from the region, as well as spices and other ingredients from our boreal forest and even plates from local ceramists, there is a deep desire to put the richness of our land and ancestral know-how on the table. Through the culinary discoveries offered, which change with the seasons, we are in a sense proud spokespeople for our producers and artisans! For us, cooking root vegetables in all their forms when the cold arrives and taking advantage of the abundance of the fields and forests once summer is at its peak is a return to our roots. It allows us to pay tribute to our land. Favouring local producers who rely on healthy and eco-friendly practices is a way to give back to nature and participate in the growth of the local economy. We are delighted to be able to rely on the gems of the St. Lawrence River and the harvests of local growers to garnish our plates. We are happy to tell the story of the Quebec-based wine growers, brewers, and distillers who fill our glasses. In short, we are proud to offer our customers an experience in harmony with our values that promotes Quebec know-how.

LA CUISINE NORDIQUE

Evolving to the rhythm of the four seasons, the Nordic cuisine is wild and comforting. Just like our wide open spaces, the vast and rich boreal terroir is just waiting to be explored. It extends from the land to the sea and travels through fields, forests and mountains. Thanks to a collection of recipes that will make you travel, this book is a journey to the heart of the local flavours. Raphaël Podlasiewicz, Executive Chef of Nord restaurants and of Fika café at Strøm Nordic Spa, marries flavours and cooks local ingredients in a creative and comforting Scandinavian-inspired cuisine. Discover his universe one season at a time in La cuisine nordique, available at all Strøm Nordic Spa and online starting December 2020 for $34.

A C R E AT I O N F R O M R A P H A Ë L P O D L A S I E W I C Z

Executive Chef of the Nord Restaurants and the Fika Café at Strøm Nordic Spa establishments

Photo credit: Bianca Des Jardins

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Quebec Naked Oat Risotto W I T H L’ H E R C U L E F R O M C H A R L E V O I X — H O N E Y - R O A S T E D C A B B A G E A N D C A R R O T S A N D W I L D C A R A W AY

COOK ED HERE — Put comfort and local produce on your plate with this creamy risotto made with naked oats from Quebec, which will emphasize the fall vegetables and L’Hercule, a hard cheese from Laiterie Charlevoix. A delicious way to approach oats in a savoury version and to revisit the traditional risotto, which can just as easily be served during the week as for a long, drawn-out dinner on a stormy Sunday.

P R E PA R AT I O N

Honey-roasted cabbage and carrots and wild caraway • Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).

INGREDIENTS

• Roast in the oven for about 30 minutes or until the vegetables are nicely coloured and tender. Halfway through the cooking time, add the kale leaves and stir.

Honey-roasted cabbage and carrots and wild caraway • 12 medium winter carrots • ½ head of white, green, or Savoy cabbage, cut into 8 wedges

Naked oat risotto

• 6 tbsp. sunflower oil from Quebec

• Rinse the naked oats well in cold water and drain.

• ¼ cup honey

• In a saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil, then reduce the heat to minimum to retain the heat.

• 2 tbsp. dry-roasted wild caraway seeds • 4 large kale leaves, washed beforehand and cut in 3 • Salt and pepper

• In a large-rimmed saucepan over medium-low heat, sweat the chopped shallots in 1 tbsp. of butter. Add the garlic and fresh thyme and continue cooking for 1 minute.

Naked oat risotto • 1 cup naked oats*

• Add the naked oats and continue cooking again for 1 minute.

• 3 cups vegetable broth • 3 French shallots, chopped

• Deglaze with the white wine and reduce by half.

• 2 tbsp. unsalted butter

• Over medium heat, wet the naked oats to their height with the vegetable broth and reduce until the liquid is absorbed, then repeat this step until the oats are tender (about 45 minutes).

• 1 tsp. minced garlic or garlic purée • 8 thyme sprigs, coarsely shredded • ½ cup white wine • ¾ cup Charlevoix L’Hercule cheese, shredded

• Once the oats are tender, turn off the heat, then add the shredded cheese and the remaining tablespoon of butter.

• Charlevoix L’Hercule cheese shavings (optional) • Kale sprouts (optional) • Salt and pepper

• Season and serve immediately, accompanied by the honey-roasted vegetables and wild caraway, Charlevoix L’Hercule cheese shavings, and kale sprouts.

Note: The vegetables proposed in this recipe can be substituted for other root vegetables of your choice.

*For this recipe, make sure to choose naked oats (also known as whole oats), which are high in fibre and protein and whose shape is similar to that of a grain of rice, not oatmeal.

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• Spread the carrots and cabbage wedges out on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle with the sunflower oil, honey, and wild caraway seeds, then season. Mix to coat the vegetables fully.

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Æble Fizz S PA R K L I N G G I N C O C K TA I L

AWA K EN YOU R TA ST E BUDS — Food autonomy isn’t just about what garnishes our plates, but also what fills our glasses. From the Laurentides to Gaspésie and passing through the Eastern Townships, this sparkling gin fizz encapsulates the know-how of local artisans. Imagine a sweet mixture of apples from our orchards, honey elixir from the Hautes-Laurentides, ginger from the Jardin des Funambules in Estrie, and conifers from the Gaspésie forests. At once smooth and effervescent, this gin cocktail will undoubtedly awaken your taste buds and warm up those long winter evenings.

INGREDIENTS

P R E PA R AT I O N

Ginger and conifer syrup

• 1 cup water

• In a saucepan, bring the water and sugar to a boil.

• 1 cup sugar or organic cane sugar

• Add the ginger and coniferous mix and remove from the heat.

• 2 tbsp. young Quebec ginger or fresh grated ginger • 2 tbsp. Gaspésie Sauvage coniferous mix

• Let infuse for at least 2 hours, then strain the syrup with a fine sieve and refrigerate.

Æble fizz

• For optimal results, let the syrup infuse for 12 to 24 hours before filtering it.

• 30 mL (1 oz.) Dandy gin • 22.5 mL (¾ oz.) honey vermouth from the Desrochers bee farm

Æble fizz

• 15 mL (0.5 oz.) lemon juice

• Fill a cocktail shaker half-full of ice cubes.

• 45 mL (1.5 oz.) ginger and conifer syrup

• Add the Dandy gin, honey vermouth, lemon juice, ginger and conifer syrup, and egg white.

• 1 farm-fresh egg white or 30 mL (1 oz.) aquafaba • 120 mL (4 oz.) sparkling cider • 1 apple slice (optional)

• Close the shaker and shake vigorously for 20 seconds.

• Honey, to taste (optional) • Powdered conifers (optional)

• Fill a glass half-full of ice cubes.

• Ice cubes

• Filter the cocktail over the glass, then top up with the sparkling cider.

A creation from Raphaël Podlasiewicz Executive Chef of the Nord Restaurants and the Fika Café at Strøm Nordic Spa establishments

• Garnish the cocktail with the apple slice brushed with honey and sprinkled with powdered conifers.

Photo credit: Bianca Des Jardins

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A Taste of Quebec By Stéphanie Dupuy, sommelier

LOCAL TALENTS — No one can deny that, so far, 2020 has had its fair share of surprises for us. Everyone has had to revise their habits, working methods, and priorities in their own way. For many, the notion of time has changed. Certain realities that have thus far been quite anonymous have been brought to light. We have collectively become aware of several things, including the importance of encouraging our local artisans and producers. Following the call from the government for Quebecers to shop local, local wine sales have jumped 60%. This increase rises to nearly 80% for local spirits. This impressive growth proves one thing: local products are simply good. This isn’t surprising when you are familiar with the extent of the passion and talent of our producers.

If you combine the “Quebec origin” and “Made in Quebec” categories, more than 180 truly local spirits can be found on the shelves of the government-owned corporation—something to fully and proudly decorate the bar of any amateur cocktail maker. From vodka to crème de menthe, as well as rum, whiskey, cream liqueurs, sweet and bitter liqueurs, and other drinks, Quebec know-how leaves nothing behind! When it comes to local wine makers, they are professionals of adaptation. In addition to harsh winters, they have to deal with the challenge of a summer that comes at us at full speed. A week of intense heat in May followed by a sudden frost is an increasingly common situation that goes hand in hand with Mother Nature’s mood swings. On the other hand, the later arrival of the cold weather in the autumn has extended the wine growing season by about 20 days over the past 30 years. The results: since the fruits have more time to ripen, the sugar and acidity become more balanced and the wines only get better. Because this warming also offers the opportunity to plant something other than hybrid grape varieties, we are seeing more and more wine makers growing Vitis vinifera varieties, such as chardonnay, pinot noir, pinot gris, and gamay. Other species are also slowly emerging. Keep your eyes open for the Petite Pearl, a still little-known variety with great potential that comes to us from a Minnesota hybridization program.

Spirits undoubtedly have the wind in their sails. In 2015, Quebec had around 10 microdistilleries. Today, around 60 distillation permits have been granted to companies across the province. Further proof of the popularity: a course in “terroir product development” has been offered at the Cégep de Saint-Félicien for two years. Among other things, this course teaches the production of brandy and fine alcohols obtained through distillation. Although many distillers still source their basic neutral alcohol from an Ontario supplier, the growing interest of Quebecers in consuming local spirits is already encouraging some artisans to rethink their ways of doing things. More and more distillers are offering—or soon want to offer—100%-local products, from the grain to the bottle, including all the aromatics. To support this change, the SAQ has even revised its displays. The “Quebec origin” label, which identified all the local products, is now divided into three categories: “Quebec origin” remains for the products with ingredients that come entirely from Quebec soil, “Made in Quebec” identifies alcohols made from ingredients from here and elsewhere, and finally, “Bottled in Quebec” applies to products assembled and bottled by a local company.

Another sign that wine growing in Quebec is evolving: the PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) certification for Quebec wine has been recognized since November 2018 by the Quebec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ). Like the protected designations of origin of European vineyards, producers who want to place this statement on their wines must meet strict and precise specifications that make it possible to protect the typicity of local wines.

Stéphanie Dupuy offers at-home tasting workshops. Learn more at stephaniedupuy.com

À TABLE

Despite all this, some consumers are still skittish about the idea of consuming Quebec wines. The key to appreciating them, in my opinion? Stop comparing them to what you know. The terroirs of Quebec have nothing to do with those of France or elsewhere, and the same goes for its wines, which have their own identities.

AT T H E S A Q The SAQ offers an excellent range of local wines and spirits, but I promise you that you will taste and appreciate a product much differently after meeting its producer and walking on the soil from which it originates. Quebec is divided into seven distinct wine-growing regions consisting of over 140 vineyards. White, rosé, red, or orange wine—the whole colour palette is there. Need some inspiration? Here are some estates that have the wind in their sails and that delight connoisseurs. The quantities often disappear in the blink of an eye, so here's a little tip: subscribe to their newsletters to stay up to date on the availabilities of the vintages.

A real must-have with a sparkling reputation. Owners Véronique Hupin and Michael Marler have been pioneers on many levels. They were the first to market chardonnay, to obtain Demeter certification for their biodynamic practice, and to make natural wine, to name just a few! They work with heart and passion, and this can be tasted in every bottle.

D O M A I N E D U N I VA L — S A I N T - L O U I S

From the outset, this biodynamic vineyard owned by Denis and Matthieu Beauchemin (father and son) reminds us by its very name ("Nival," for "nivis," which means "snow" in Latin) that the Quebec terroir is a Nordic one. The winemakers primarily rely on Vitis vinifera varieties that are suited to our climate, such as pinot noir and gamaret, and—on a smaller scale—chardonnay and gamay. The hybrid variety Vidal, meanwhile, gives rise to three different vintages. And let's not forget the fact that they had the audacity to plant Albariño, an Iberian variety— a first in the province.

VI GNOB LE DE L A BAUGE — B R I GHAM

This vineyard run by Simon Naud doesn't make huge waves, but the wines are no less excellent! The first refuge in Quebec for Frontenac, a hybrid variety that is now widely planted, many trials have been carried out there over time. The Naud family isn't skittish when it comes to trying new varieties or removing plants following unsuccessful experiments. They therefore help advance Quebec viticulture as a whole.

As you can see, Quebec vineyards are booming! Here are some other vineyards to watch that have recently started production or that will do so in the next few years: Domaine l’Espiègle in Dunham, Les soeurs Racines in SaintIgnace-de-Stanbridge, and Fragments in Ripon, among others… No matter what choice you make, I hope that I've piqued your curiosity and made you want to celebrate local artisans. Let’s open our horizons and go out to taste our local wines and spirits. They're right next door!

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L E S PE R V E N C H E S — FA R N H A M

STRØM NORDIC SPA

Four R efuges to Connect with the Rhy thm of Winter STRØM NORDIC SPA — Winter lives in the heart of our dreams, somewhere between slowness and contemplation. When nature falls asleep, humans gather in a space where silence is king. Inside each Strøm spa, the cold season unfolds and is experienced in all the best that tranquility has to offer. Honouring the changing of the seasons by offering facilities inspired by holistic Nordic and Scandinavian life, our establishments have been designed to invite the outside inside. Canvases to become one with winter. An invitation to rethink our relationship with time and explore the art of slow living. Revisit our four refuges in winter mode.

Photo credit: Bianca Des Jardins

Photo credits: Bianca Des Jardins

STRØM NORDIC SPA

Strøm Nordic Spa Old Quebec A Spectacle of Ice

Cap Diamant is the edge of the Promontory of Quebec and the cliff on which the Citadel of Quebec is located. Situated between Cap Diamant and the St. Lawrence River, Strøm Nordic Spa—Old Quebec lets you observe the cliff under its many attractions. As we move from autumn to winter, the cape is gradually covered with snow offering its spectacle of colours. T H E S T. L A W R E N C E R I V E R

A January morning. As the spa opens, silence is king. The sun rises on the other side of the river. The glaciers that meet and shatter echo. The St. Lawrence River reveals its Nordic charms, leaving us blissful and contemplative. THE INFINITY POOL

In the infinity pool, the contrast between the warmth of the water and the surrounding cold can be observed and felt. The winter wind sweeps the steam above the water. The panorama offers a view of the glaciers in the river. The cold season has never been so vibrant. STRØM RIVER

Strøm River is our most popular winter installation. The journey in the water starts in the warmth, indoors, then the circuit continues outside, meeting the winter breeze. A gentle immersion for those who fear the extreme cold.

A L L T H E FAC I L I T I E S T O B E D I S COV E R E D Outdoor whirlpools • Temperate and ice baths • Floating pool with Epsom salts Infinity pool • Finnish saunas • Eucalyptus and essential oil steam baths Thermal and Nordic waterfalls • Indoor and outdoor relaxation areas with fireplaces Nord Restaurant • Terraces • And more

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CAP DIAMANT

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Strøm Nordic Spa Mont-Saint-Hilaire A View of the Snow y Mountain G A U LT N A T U R E R E S E R V E

The Montérégie spa offers an experience in harmony with nature that changes with the seasons. The muse of Strøm Nordic Spa—Mont-Saint-Hilaire is undoubtedly the Gault Nature Reserve, dominated by a dense forest, including some trees that are centuries old: the 500-year-old cedars populating the Dieppe cliffs. With its dramatic cliffs, its deep crevasses, and the myths and legends that have been told about it since its discovery, the mountain fascinates and intrigues. In the winter, its summit is covered with snow, offering a unique view of a rich and abundant forest. T H E S A LT E X F O L I A T I O N R I T U A L

As winter arrives, the epidermis undergoes its share of transformations. To combat the dehydration of the skin, the Mont-Saint-Hilaire spa has added a salt exfoliation station to its circuit, which stimulates the senses while giving the epidermis back its radiance, softness, and vitality. The ritual begins in the sauna or steam bath, where you relax for about ten minutes. Then you are led to the exfoliation area for a salt scrub, skin massage, and rinse. A wonderful addition to the traditional thermal circuit. T H E PA N O R A M I C R O O M

The panoramic room has been designed to highlight the wild and abundant natural surroundings. From autumn to winter, you can watch as the mountain is gradually covered with snow. When the winter arrives and the wind blows the snow onto the majestic firs, the space with its sleek lines makes us feel like we are in the heart of the storm while staying warm. A unique perspective! In this place where flora has always been important, the large windows reinforce its charms. THE REVISITED YURT

Our revisited yurts evoking the nomadic spirit transport us to a world where the tradition of our land and noble materials like wood have a place of honour. The subdued atmosphere that prevails there pays tribute to the unique character of the cold season. Wrap yourself up in a warm blanket there between thermal circuits to rediscover the charm of the Quebec winter.

A L L T H E FAC I L I T I E S T O B E D I S COV E R E D Outdoor whirlpools • Temperate and ice baths • Swimming pool • Finnish saunas Eucalyptus and essential oil steam baths • Thermal and Nordic waterfalls Indoor and outdoor relaxation areas with fireplaces Nord Restaurant • Skärgården summer kitchen • Terrace • And more

Photo credits: Bianca Des Jardins

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Strøm Nordic Spa Sherbrooke On the Shores of the Frosty Lake

Lac des Nations is an extension of the Magog River located in downtown Sherbrooke. Strøm Nordic Spa— Sherbrooke’s unique vantage point on the body of water offers an enchanting spectacle during the golden hour, when the snow shimmers on the snow-covered lake. Later, once the sun has almost disappeared, the vastness of the sky reveals its flamboyant colours. This scene worthy of a winter fairy tale can be observed from the hot tub or from the outdoor fireplace area, wrapped in a warm fleece blanket. THE BL ACK ROOM

There is something fascinating about the darkness of winter. And the Nat (“night”) relaxation room at Strøm Nordic Spa—Sherbrooke harmonizes brilliantly with it. Unveiling a starry sky, it lets you travel through time, whether in the morning or in the evening. An ode to darkness and—above all—a meditative and restorative space where silence reigns. For complete relaxation, stretch out on the heated black granite beds for about twenty minutes and unwind. T H E D R Ø M S U S P E N D E D C H A I R S PAC E

This contemplative space invites you to reconnect with the quiet force of the setting. In chairs that seem suspended in space, a feeling of weightlessness lets you relax both body and mind. It’s the perfect place to allow yourself a moment of tranquility and connect with the infinitely slower rhythm of winter. THE FIKA CAFÉ

A creative culinary space, the Fika Café offers boreal-inspired cuisine highlighting nordicity in all its forms. Because here, everything starts from the land and from privileged contact with nature. The Fika Café promotes local products and flavours. To be discovered: an ephemeral menu that evolves with the cold season.

A L L T H E FAC I L I T I E S T O B E D I S COV E R E D Outdoor whirlpools • Temperate and ice baths • Finnish saunas Eucalyptus and essential oil steam baths • Thermal and Nordic waterfalls Indoor and outdoor relaxation areas with fireplaces Fika Café • Terraces • Dock • Beach • And more

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L E L A C D E S N AT I O N S

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Strøm Nordic Spa Nuns’ Island The Shelter from the Snow

L A C D E S B AT T U R E S

Lac des Battures is an extension of an enormous wetland on the Island of Montreal that became a place of worship for the birds of the St. Lawrence River corridor. A jewel of biodiversity just a few minutes from the city centre. When the winter temperature sets in, the landscape is covered with snow, transforming the body of water into a truly magical refuge. T H E L A R G E PA N O R A M I C S AU N A

An ode to the Scandinavian ritual. To revive the ancestral traditions of our European neighbours, the large panoramic sauna is the perfect facility. In the winter, the strength of the fire contrasts with the whiteness of the landscape, offering a majestic panoramic view of the lake of ice and frost. T H E R Ø D R E L A X AT I O N R O O M

In the winter, the Rød relaxation room also offers its panoramic view of Lac des Battures. The winter spectacle combines with the benefits of relaxing on the infrared beds. An experience focused on relieving tensions and overall relaxation: soothing muscle and joint tensions, reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, stimulating the immune system, firming the skin, improving blood circulation, eliminating toxins…its benefits are multiple. MA SSAGES ON PILOTIS

Combining the benefits of nature and massage therapy, massages on pilotis let you extend the relaxation experience outdoors. During the cold season, the heated rooms become veritable cocoons where being outside in the cold weather has never been so pleasant.

A L L T H E FAC I L I T I E S T O B E D I S COV E R E D Outdoor whirlpools • Temperate and ice baths • Finnish saunas Eucalyptus and essential oil steam baths • Thermal and Nordic waterfalls Indoor and outdoor relaxation areas with fireplaces Nord Restaurant • Terrace • Docks • Pilotis • And more

Photo credits: Bianca Des Jardins

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