winnipegmag.com
Winter 2013
MEN
Winnipeg’s Next Mayor? PM#40787580
$5.95
Privacy lawyer Brian Bowman poised to run for city’s top job
Plus Home on the Road
Picking the right RV for your family
Hitting the Slopes
Manitoba offers some great runs
LiquorMarts.ca
WINTER 2013
winnipegmag.com
12
Winnipeg’s Next Mayor? Privacy lawyer Brian Bowman poised to run for city’s top job
FEATURES
10
Revved Up
Home on the Road: Picking the right RV for your family
16
Ponying Up: Iconic Winnipeg restaurant turns 25
DEPARTMENTS
6 Get Outdoors
Hitting the Slopes: Manitoba offers some great runs
8 Toys for Big Boys 20 Fashion Planes, Trains and Automobiles: Remote Controlled, that is
18 Fitness
Don’t Wait For Next Year: Get moving now
Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing: The luxury of sheepskin
24 City Essentials Let’s Take an Old Fashioned Walk: Sweep your date off her feet
26 Index to
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PERSPECTIVE
winnipegmag.com
Winnipeg The guide for living local
MEN
Winter 2013: Volume 9, Issue 4
W
EDITOR Alison Mintenko editor@mediaedgepublishing.com
elcome to winter, Winnipeg! Now that the white stuff is here to stay, we’re here to help you try to stay warm and make the best of it.
Winter is the season of skiing, parties, hockey (though that last one really seems to run for ¾ of the year) and freezing. While you re suffering through the cold temps, warm up your thought process with visions of hitting the road in your new RV come spring. Our Revved Up feature explains what you need to know about buying a portable home away from home. Is Brian Bowman Winnipeg’s next mayor? We’ll have to wait until the New Year to find out if he’s even running, but might he be the city’s next breath of fresh air? We sit down to pick his brain in our cover story.
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Dig out your willpower and get a plan together to combat the overeating and lethargy that can come with the holidays.
CONTRIBUTORS Kelly Parker, J. A. Shapira, Jim Peters, Ian McCausland, Tom Ripley, Kenton Smith PUBLISHED BY
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT MEDIAEDGE PUBLISHING INC. Robert Thompson robertt@mediaedge.ca BRANCH MANAGER MEDIAEDGE PUBLISHING INC. Nancie Prive nanciep@mediaedgepublishing.com
SENIOR SALES EXECUTIVES Kari Philippot karim@mediaedgepublishing.com (204) 480-4426 Shannon Uhryniuk shannonu@mediaedgepublishing.com (204) 480-4407 SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER James T. Mitchell jamesm@mediaedgepublishing.com WEB DESIGNER Caleb MacDonald
Are you still being hounded for a gift list? Consider breaking into the world of RC vehicles, either just to goof around, or to become a hobbyist. Almost any budget can accommodate this kind of free-wheeling (or flying) fun, so read up on how you can get into it in Toys for Big Boys. Despite the complaining, we all know what we’re in for with Manitoba winters, so from all of us at Winnipeg Men, enjoy your holidays and be safe this season!
FOR INQUIRIES CONTACT: editor@mediaedgepublishing.com (204) 480-4400 SUBSCRIPTIONS Write or subscribe via our website: winnipegmag.com Winnipeg Men Magazine 531 Marion Street Winnipeg, MB R2J 0J9 (204) 480-4400 FAX: (204) 480-4420 Winnipeg Men Magazine is published four times a year by MediaEdge. Reproduction in whole, or in part, is prohibited without written permission from the publisher. © MediaEdge Publishing Inc. 2013. All rights reserved. Printed in Canada. Canada Post Publication no. 40787580
Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to the MediaEdge Publishing Inc. address shown above.
Available at select Manitoba Liquor Marts.
Check it out!
To preserve the editorial integrity of our magazines, MediaEdge Publishing follows strict editorial guidelines based on those set out by the Canadian Society of Magazine Editors. To read more on these guidelines, go to www.magazinescanada.ca, the website of Magazines Canada and head to the Advertising—Editorial Guidelines link under Advertising.
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WINTER 2013 |
5
get outdoors
Hitting the Slopes By J.A. Shapira
Manitoba offers some great runs
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inter can often be a good excuse to stay indoors and snuggle up next to the crackling fire as you sip your brandy and smoke a cigar. But, for those seeking an exhilarating outdoor adventure or just wanting a weekend getaway, Manitoba offers some incredible powdered ski resorts for the outdoorsman and sports enthusiast. While many people often sidestep our local ski areas and head west for the slopes in Alberta and British Columbia, Manitoba ski resorts are an excellent way to increase your skill level while enjoying a challenging and motivating sport right here on your home turf. Aside from the money you’ll save staying local, one of the big benefits is that due to our record breaking winters, Manitoba resorts will often stay open even when the big boys in Banff and Whistler have to close up shop. When I sat down with Roz Pulo, director of Marketing at Asessippi Ski Area and Resort, she shed some light on just how fantastic our local runs can be.
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An Alberta native, Pulo shared with intensity and excitement just how great skiing in Manitoba can be. “We’re the largest resort all the way from Manitoba to the Rockies,” says Pulo, as she tells me about the 25 runs, three lifts, extensive beginner area and their new magic carpet. “The magic carpet is just like a moving sidewalk. You step on, it takes you up to the top (of the hill) and you step off,” explains Pulo. From adaptive ski programs to beginner classes and race clubs, Asessippi offers a wide range of skiing and snowboarding opportunities for the novice all the way to the enthusiast. With the only International Skiing Federation (FIS) rated run in the province, Asessippi has dominated the local ski industry and currently ranks as the largest and most successful ski resort in Manitoba, according to Pulo. With elevations as high as almost 500 feet, and everything from beginner hills to a black diamond run, Asessippi is unlike any other resort found in our province. Complete with a diverse food court, adults-only pub and a lodge to warm up in, the only thing Asessippi seems to be lacking is on-site accommodations. While you can purchase a cottage by the hill, to vacation there requires off-site bookings at the local motel or one of the many nearby cabins for rent. For those not able to make the three-hour drive up north, there are five other resorts that offer similar experiences on a slightly smaller scale. Manitoba’s most popular resort (according to SkiCentral.com) is Holiday Mountain; the only ski resort in Manitoba to offer on-site accommodations in one of their 10 cozy chalet-style A-Frame cabins or at their Mountain Inn. Serving breakfast and cafeteriastyle lunch, they also sport a cocktail lounge along with fullservice dining in the loft.
Last but not least is Falcon Trails. At 148 feet with 11 beginner and intermediate trails, Falcon is a family-owned resort deep in the heart of the Whiteshell offering exquisite lake-front and offthe-map log cabins and a variety of winter activities in addition to skiing and snowboarding. From skating to snowshoeing, bird watching to horseback riding, Falcon Trails also claims to offer one of the best views of the Northern Lights, rivalling even the most northern communities. Aside from family-sized cabins, they also have a lodge capable of hosting group bookings with all the amenities of home. For small companies looking to create a corporate retreat, Falcon Trails is a great candidate for those executives wanting an eclectic menu of activities. Manitoba has a lot to offer when it comes to winter sports in general, let alone skiing and snowboarding. From the big “Banff style” resorts like Asessippi to the family-owned ones at Falcon, you can rest assured that besides hitting the slopes in a our beautiful winter wonderland, you’ll also be treated like family as you play in your own backyard, in friendly Manitoba. m
COME HAVE SOME FUN! www.asessippi.com 204-564-2000 ! way a r a SKI AREA & RESORT oo f t t no ins, a t n A litle piece of the mou
Like Asessippi, Holiday Mountain also has a magic carpet in their beginner area. In addition, Holiday Mountain boasts two double chair lifts that are so efficient, they can service 5,000 people in a single hour. If you’re in the mood for something closer to the city, Springhill is just a 15 minute drive from downtown Winnipeg. With 10 runs and a 130-foot vertical, it’s an ideal spot for a quick break from everyday life. Offering classes like its competitors, Springhill is on optimal choice for an afterwork getaway or a fun date with a cute ski bunny. Significantly smaller than Asessippi, Holiday Mountain and even Springhill; the Stony Mountain Ski Area is just 11 kilometres from the city and offers many of the same perks as the other resorts. Catering to beginners, their tallest run reaches a height of just 100 feet, but with six different options and two lifts, it’s an ideal option for parents wanting to introduce their children to the sport, or for anyone who wants to take up skiing or snowboarding.
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3 Chair Lifts 25 Runs, 2 Terrain Parks New 650 ft. Snow Carpet Expanded Snow Tubing Full Rental & Pro Shop Lessons for all ages Trails End Gift Shop Food Court Powder Keg Pub
Located approximately 375 kms northwest of Winnipeg, near Highway 16, between Russell & Roblin.
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toys for big boys
By Kelly Parker
Planes, Trains and Automobiles Remote Controlled, that is
A
TV? Jet Ski? Ultra-light aircraft? They all fall un-
with remote-controlled (RC) planes, trains, automobiles and just
der the heading of TFBB (Toys For Big Boys), but
about anything else you can think of. Just keep in mind that while
what if you’re a “boy” who still likes to play with,
the RC hobby is something you can get into for under a hundred
well…toys? Luckily, there are a couple of places
bucks, there are also RC “toys” out there that can set you back
in town that are ready and stocked to scratch that particular itch
tens of thousands of dollars. The two main players in Winnipeg’s RC retail market are Eliminator RC (120 Higgins Ave.) and Cellar Dweller Hobby Supply (1560 Main St.), and both can set you up with pretty much any kind of RC gadget that you can imagine. In RC cars, you’re looking at starting off with something in a hobby-grade right in the $75 - $85 range, and they go up in price (and speed) from there. “Most will go in the 80-100 kmh range,” says Mike Gobeil of Eliminator RC, “but (the Traxxas XO-1) does 161 kmh – stupid fast.” In fact, the 1/7 scale all-wheel-drive electric car is billed as “the world’s fastest ready-to-race radio-controlled supercar” and claims to go from 0 to 161 kmh in 4.9 seconds and will set you back just over $1,000. About 60 bucks should get you into the RC aircraft hobby too, but spend $300 and you’re into the Apprentice S15 RF, which uses so-called safe tech-
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nology with gyro systems and stabilization systems to help the novice learn to fly, and those can be adjusted to have less effect as the user becomes more experienced and needs them less. “As far as the most expensive out there (you can) get into actual turbine jet engine-powered aircraft,” says Cellar Dweller’s Kerry Fingler. “I’ve got one customer who has a $20,000 airplane – a large F-14 Tomcat that he’s just starting to build. If you look at the guys who are very involved in the hobby, building and flying some of the bigger and more elaborate aircrafts, you’re looking at a range of $2,000 $3,000. That said, the bulk of the airplanes are going to fall into the $300 - $600 range.”
Ontario and Saskatchewan is held in August at Gimli Model Fest (complete with a three-hour public airshow). If you want to go bigger, Fingler points to the Florida Jets event held every spring in Lakeland. “There is another big annual event in Kentucky,” he adds, “so there are a number throughout the year in the U.S. that will attract anywhere from 300 – 500 fliers.” Eliminator RC has an indoor track at 172 Sutherland Ave., and RC boats buffs tend toward summer gatherings at the Assiniboine Park duck pond. (The ducks declined comment on what they think of the action).
…the 1/7 scale all-wheel-drive electric
Whatever you’re into, there is going to be no shortage of like-minded enthusiasts going forward as technology takes the hobby to new levels. “It’s almost to the point,” says Fingler, “where whatever you can imagine is now out there, including very unique stuff that guys have designed themselves and built from scratch. The nice thing about this hobby in the last decade is that it has become much more affordable. If you’re looking at a budget of $100, you have a number of choices that you can go into. Just the quality and availability has really opened up the market to a lot more people so the whole thing just continues to grow.” m
car is billed as “the world’s fastest ready-to-race radio-controlled
But maybe boats are your thing. As with most any RC gadget you can get, you can choose between electric, nitro and gasoline. “One of the favourite boats is just over four feet long – 1/8 scale – and has a gas-powered twocycle, two-stroke motor that runs for 45 minutes on a tank of gas; it does over 56 kmh,” says Mike Gobeil, “It’s a little more high-end at just over $800 (Aquacraft Rio 51 RC RTR Gas Vee). There are certainly boats that are less expensive (starting at about $80), and unlike aircrafts, you don’t have to step up into a boat.”
supercar” and claims to go from 0 to 161 kmh in 4.9 seconds and will set you back just over $1,000.
Looking ahead to the next few years, the choices are only going to become more varied as the technology develops. “The biggest technological developments are happening around electrical engines,” says Fingler. “I think that is where the most development will happen; they’re bringing out more and more of those as compared to the combustion engine aircraft.” Electric motors in fact, are fuelling (so to speak) the development of an increasing segment of RC aircraft, the quad copters with four rotors operating around a central hub. Incidentally, it was one of those that scientists outfitted with lights a couple of years ago and hovered near a shopping centre parking lot, sparking a mass “UFO” sighting.
Radio controlled cars, trucks, planes, boats, helicopters, tanks, quadcopters, models, rockets, slot cars
Fingler says that quad copters are being increasingly used as a photography and video platform, which opens up another branch of RC to aerial photography enthusiasts. If competition is the goal, the biggest RC aircraft event for Manitoba, northwestern
Tools, Accessories, Parts & Service
120 Higgins Ave. Toll Free: 1-800-870-6346
204-947-2865
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www.e-rc.ca
WINTER 2013 |
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revved up
By Kenton Smith
HOME
ON THE
ROAD
Picking the right RV for your family
W
hen it comes to the question of why, potential buyers are usually clear enough about their desire for a recreational vehicle – more commonly known as an RV. “Many prefer sleeping in their own beds and cooking their own meals,” says Garth Bromley, president and co-owner of Transcona Trailer Sales (TTS), named 2012 RV Dealer of the Year in Canada by the RV Dealers Association of Canada. If anyone would know what customers are looking for by now, it would be Bromley: TTS has been in business for an astonishing 50 years, according to their website. “People feel it’s more a part of their own home,” he continues. Also, very important for many people, “It keeps the family intact and together.” “A lot of people have fond memories of family RVs,” says Trevor Olynyk, sales manager at GNR Camping World. “They want to slow down to enjoy the outdoors, yet with amenities.”
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flatscreen TV. Most popular in the local market, however, are various models of Travel Trailers that hitch to the receiver under your vehicle’s rear bumper. Which brings us to the next question: What’s your tow capability? Can you actually tow the desired unit? (Contrary to what many think, Olynyk explains, pick-up trucks won’t just pull anything.) One must also be clear about how many people will be sleeping in the unit, how often and for how long. For that matter, you should have in mind how often you expect to take it on the road, and to where. After all of this, Bromley says, “it’s a matter of the best comfort” to be found concerning the unit’s inside floor plan. Slide-out rooms are very popular features now, Olynyk says, wherein a whole side of the unit will come out as much as three feet, extending the floor space generally or of specific sections like the kitchen or bathroom. Even once you enter the door of a dealership, a little expert help is useful to determine the next big important question: What product is the right one for you? “People come in here at 90 miles per hour, so we say, ‘Let’s slow down and figure out your exact needs,’” Olynyk says, referring to the dealership’s standard interview process. Ultimately, both of our experts indeed agree on the major questions the potential buyer should ask. Perhaps above all, there’s the defining question: What’s your budget? This will be closely connected to whether one desires a unit to pull – that is, a trailer – or drive and park, a type also referred to as a motor home.
Economically, Bromley notes, fuel efficiency in an RV makes little difference insofar as one still saves more on accommodations and meals while travelling. The environmentally conscious, though, may note that the Leisure Travel Van, with its V6 diesel engine with exhaust filter, gets 18-22 miles to the gallon depending on weather and the terrain, Olynyk says. “Many don’t appreciate how affordable RVs can be,” he continues, noting that one can finance them out for as much as over 20 years – and start as low as $60 a month. Not a bad price at all for the freedom to just “hit the road, kick back and enjoy.” m
Our experts say the motor home market in Manitoba is actually tiny – the demand related directly to the required dollars.
RV WINTERIZATION AND STORAGE
“Many people back off when they learn the price,” Olynyk says, but if you can afford it and want it, there’s a “massive” range from as low as $60,000 into the millions. The top end offered by TTS would be a Class C motor home at a maximum of about $85,000, such as the Sunseeker by Forest River. GNR’s highestpriced inventory is the Leisure Travel Van, built on a Mercedes chassis, for approximately $150,000.
It’s an option one should seriously consider, given the gravel lots employed to keep away a very real problem for RV owners: mice.
“They’re unbelievable – nothing but luxury,” Olynyk says, citing such features as LED lighting, hardwood cabinetry and a built-in entertainment unit including a WWW.WINNIPEGMAG.COM
If one has the room and is permitted by local bylaws, it’s perfectly possible to simply park your RV in your driveway, whether throughout winter or whenever the motor’s not running. Otherwise, there are plenty of storage compounds around the city, including those offered through payment packages by our experts at GNR and TTS.
“People who don’t want to pay for storage who park their unit at their friends’ farm may get a rude surprise come spring,” Bromley says, referring to the damage invading rodents can do your unit’s interior. As for winterizing your unit, both dealers offer the services involved – above all, the treatment of a unit’s plumbing system by adding antifreeze to the water supply, to be flushed out in spring.
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cover story
Winnipeg’s Next Mayor? Privacy lawyer Brian Bowman poised to run for city’s top job By Jim Peters
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cover story
“I know cats that know where their house is.” [Rex Murphy on the question of Senator Mike Duffy’s principal residence]
T
aking the high road in Canadian politics seems rare these days – using premiers, senators and even prime ministers as contemporary examples. Showmanship, partisanship and brinksmanship are clearly the order of modern political life that plays out every day to an exhausted electorate.
Just don’t wait for Winnipeg lawyer and community activist Brian Bowman to go down that muddy river anytime soon. Bowman is talking seriously these days about taking a run for the top job in municipal politics and focusing on the limitations of the current mayor or city councillors just isn’t his style. He’s squarely fixed on what he considers to be the city’s top issues, and name-calling isn’t part of his DNA, even though seasoned political operatives may screech about the virtues of negative advertising. Bowman is no stranger to many Winnipeggers; he just finished a stint as chair of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce. He’s also well known on the media circuit – the result of being a nationally recognized
legal expert on privacy issues, access to information, cyber-bullying and anti-spam legislation, among other specialties. “I’ve thought about public service since my political studies days at the U of M,” says Bowman, now 42. “I’ve always considered it an honourable calling and I see it as the best way of giving back to the community. I respect people who have the courage to put their names on a ballot. “My wife, Tracy, and I have talked about this for a long time and so many community leaders have reached out to me with their support. Like a lot of Winnipeggers, we’re encouraged by the many positive developments in our city – especially over the last decade – such as the return of the Jets, the MTS Centre itself, the Investors Group Field, the new Richardson airport and the Human Rights museum, just to name a few. But many of the people I know have the sense that the city isn’t close to reaching its full potential – where are we going next and in the years ahead? I just don’t hear that being discussed at City Hall.”
Brian also has two young boys, ages three and five, that factor into the equation. “Tracy and I have talked at length about what this would mean – should I succeed in next year’s election,” He says. “Anyone who knows me knows I’m a hard worker, but there’s only so many nights during the week that I’m prepared to give up for family time.” Bowman is a partner with Pitblado Law, having practiced for 14 years, and was chair of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce for the 2011-12 term. He’s still a long-serving member of the chamber board, is current president and chair of the Winnipeg Art Gallery and serves on the board of Ka Ni Kanichihk, an organization he’s especially proud of. The group, which is funded in part by the United Way and multiple levels of government, takes a proactive approach to providing innercity Aboriginal youth with life skills advice and anti-gang and anti-abuse initiatives. “The chamber project that I’m most proud of is BOLD – an inclusive and ambitious public policy initiative that came to fruition while I was chair,” He adds. “It
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cover story started because we were disappointed with the lack of vision demonstrated from all of the political parties in the province. We knew we could contribute in a meaningful way to help change the “status quo” political culture and influence the business and not-for-profit community to think more boldly.”
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PIT_Wpg_Men_BB_2_125x9_5_Nov2013.indd 2 05/11/2013 2:36:03 PM
What started several years ago as BOLDManitoba has now evolved into BOLDWinnipeg, which is focused on identifying and supporting bold ideas, initiatives and leaders for the city. Bowman notes, “There’s a real wealth of leaders in our community, some with high profiles and some with no profiles. But I’ve been really inspired with the people I’ve met. We’ve just got to find better ways to coordinate and amplify their talents.” Although it’s still early days, one of Bowman’s key political messages is making municipal government more transparent. “Let’s face it, many people don’t view the city as open and accessible. I’ve been publicly advocating for such reforms through my leadership role on the chamber and in the community. And not just greater transparency for politicians but for most of the city’s information, such as department data, police and transit statistics, property facts and a host of other details. This isn’t a revolutionary idea. Regina and Hamilton have open data initiatives and those cities have since reduced the number of access to information requests while enforcing greater accountability to the public, something that needs to happen here. Openness has to start at the top with mayor and council. We have to lead by example.” Bowman adds, “People should feel proud to work for this city, not just the elected officials but civil servants as well. We need to do more to celebrate the excellent civil service we do have. I appreciate our police officers, our firefighters, the people who run our libraries and swimming pools and community centres.” In the near future, Bowman intends to move the conversations he’s been having privately into the public sphere through traditional media channels and social media as well. “I’d like an open forum, where we can have a robust discussion with Winnipeggers on where they want to go as a community. I’m not aware of a previous mayoral candidate ever trying to engage voters in the run up to an election this way. I want people to know that I’m listening and that their ideas matter. I’m genuinely interested in working collabora-
tively and want to demonstrate the style I would bring to the position.” But could that method be a slippery slope? Will people be disappointed if their individual concerns or expectations aren’t being met? Bowman says, “A big part of leadership is just listening. But not everyone is going to participate. Many voters will want to sit back to wait and see who’s running and what their positions are. I just want my platform to be as informed as it can be through engagement with as many citizens as possible. But make no mistake, my campaign will ultimately represent my position.” What does Bowman say about Winnipeg’s nationally-recognized self-deprecation? “No question, Winnipeggers can be very hard on themselves, but I think in many ways that makes us stronger. It challenges leaders to do a better job of being accountable and being visionary. I think the best aspect of our so-called inferiority complex is that people don’t take themselves too seriously and there’s a real lack of pretentiousness. There’s a collective humility here – you have to be authentic – one of the great things I like about the city. “I do get get angry with people criticizing Winnipeg without ever having been here. I went to law school in Toronto and found myself constantly defending Winnipeg. I just look at the obstacles that we constantly overcome—the floodway and The Forks, for example. We may have our fair share of local naysayers but that attitude hasn’t prevented great things from being accomplished. People are very passionate about this city and I think there’s a thirst for someone new with a clear vision and innovative ideas.” On the personal front, Bowman is a lifelong swimmer (even a lifeguard for the city and Bison athlete in earlier days). He’s finished six half-marathons and loves to cook. He says, “Cooking is such a great portal to other cultures. That’s why I’ve got the boys involved with cooking. It also makes them a lot less fussy at the dinner table.” And the amplifier in the closet? In addition to being a committed sports junkie, he’s also a die-hard Van Halen fan who didn’t think twice about flying down to Los Angeles last year to witness David Lee Roth and the group in concert. My advice to Mr. Bowman? Go ahead and jump. m
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Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for family or a friend, the gifts below are sure to be a hit with anyone on your list.
Mordens’ of Winnipeg Candy Manufacturing Ltd. Since 1959 Russian Mints This holiday season give the gift of love with Mordens’ World Famous Russian Mints & Chocolates. A great hostess gift for all families. 674 Sargent Ave. 204783-4551 or visit us at mordenschocolate.com
WWW.WINNIPEGMAG.COM
Lola Boutique Trollbeads
FortWhyte Nature Shop Natural Cedar Hopper Bird Feeder
FortWhyte Nature Shop Canadian Shield Rock Jewellery
Every story has a bead. Let your Trollbeads tell the most meaningful stories of your life. The Trollbeads Winter 2013 collection features hearts, snowmen, sparkling stars and captivating glass. Beads starting at $33. 11 - 2090 Corydon Avenue, 204-896-5652
Handcrafted in Manitoba, these easy-fill cedar hopper feeders have a large capacity and will protect seed from wind and rain. Will attract most feeder birds, including grosbeaks, sparrows, chickadees, jays, and much more! $33.95. 1961 McCreary Road, 204-989-8355, www.fortwhyte.org
Share the beauty of the Canadian Shield. Handcrafted from genuine diamond drill core samples, each necklace is a unique and original work of art. Starting at $45. 1961 McCreary Road, 204-989-8355, www.fortwhyte.org
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feature
Ponying Up
By Jim Peters
Iconic Winnipeg restaurant turns 25
U
rban myth or not, many Winnipeggers can often be heard bragging about the city’s “more restaurants-per-capita than anywhere else” status—although a quick web search reveals many cities making the same claim. What people in the biz will tell you with certainty is that anyone running a successful restaurant for 25 consecutive years is entitled to some bragging rights.
tage. In the early days of the restaurant, we offered a special promotion that drew a big turnout from the Manitoba Street Rod Association. One thing led to another and we asked the club if they wanted to join us for the upcoming Western Days celebration—and they agreed.” Clearly a win-win-win for rodders, rubbernecks and restaurateurs—the event was such a success that the club asked the family if they could do a May long
weekend event at the Pony every year, going forward. Ginakes says, “It wasn’t too long afterwards that we heard from the Manitoba Pontiac Association, the Corvette Club of Manitoba and the Fabulous 50’s Car Club—and so Sunday cruise nights were born in the early 1990s. It was such a natural fit with our business model.” The second Pony Corral was the Nairn location, which swung open its gates in July 1994. Next up was the Wilton/Grant
Winnipeg’s Pony Corral is one of those rare establishments—celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2013. Owner Peter Ginakes says, “Our official 25th was in September but we’ve been celebrating all year long in a multitude of ways—with special advertising, new menu items and entertainment. The anniversary celebrations culminate this New Year’s Eve with a Great Gatsby-themed tribute to the Roaring 20s.” Currently, the “Pony” actually means four restaurants. In the order of their openings, the four are located on Nairn, Wilton, St. Mary and a new Pembina Highway location at the previous Cork & Dock Pier 7. Although no longer on the site, the Pony’s first restaurant was at 2870 Pembina in Ft. Richmond—where Peter’s late father Jimmy Ginakes took over the vacated Burger King building. It closed in the spring of 2006 after almost 20 years of continuous operation. Some boomers may remember the Pony Corral name dating back further still—to its very first location on Pembina near what is now the Bishop Grandin overpass. The Ginakes family bought the Pony Corral name from the original owners but never occupied the building. But even people who’ve never set foot in any of the restaurants are at least subconsciously aware that the Pony Corral is somehow associated with cars and hot rods. Ginakes explains, “Our relationship with cars and Manitoba car clubs started when we opened the first Pony in Ft. Richmond. The building was at the south end of an enormous shopping mall parking lot—which turned out to be a huge advan-
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Park address in 1998 and in February 2000 the downtown, street level store at 444 St. Mary. “The downtown location has been a spectacular addition,” says Ginakes. “We’re just a stone’s throw from the convention centre, the MTS Centre, the new Manitoba Hydro building and the major downtown hotels. And we already had a great clientele filtering back to us from Manitoba Moose games, but business just exploded when the Jets returned to the city. Our best single day ever was the Jets’ home opener—and we still sell out every game.” He adds, “The downtown store can now be quickly converted to a cabaret or a theatre for watching sports events. We’ve had some pretty big acts over the years, such as Burton Cummings, Alfie Zappacosta and Barney Bentall to name a few.” Each of the four restaurants—although linked by name and general theme— also has a distinct identity and marketing approach. Ginakes explains, “The last project that dad and I did together was remodelling the old Cork & Dock Pier 7 in 2006. We added a marina at the pier and put 20 slips in for up to 40 boats so that patrons can access from the river. We’ve done boat shows and wake-board shows and music acts—Burton Cummings has also performed at this location—it’s become a real destination point.” In look and feel, the Pony at the Pier feels more like a resort with 500 seats inside and 250 outside— complete with tiki huts, torches, fireplace tables and the river as a backdrop. With the closing of the first Pembina location in 2006, Sunday night cruises never stopped—only relocated to the Grant Park site—once again taking advantage of the parking lot. “We have so many car clubs interested in appearing on the lot that it’s almost hard to keep track,” says Ginakes. “Every weekend we host the Fabulous 50’s Car Club, who feature groups such as the British Car Club or the Porsche Club. There’s actually a lot of logistics involved with the scheduling.” Cruise nights have turned into a Winnipeg institution, drawing crowds not only from the city but rural areas, neighbouring provinces and even northern states. The kick-off is always May long—running until the last Sunday in September.
Manhattan beginnings The Ginakes family has had a long and colourful history in the city. Jimmy and two of his brothers all owned restaurants at one time or another. Peter Ginakes says, “I had two of the best mentors you could get in this business—my mother and father. Dad emigrated from Greece in 1948 at the age of 13 and started WWW.WINNIPEGMAG.COM
his business life as a shoeshine boy. He bought his first restaurant on Portage Avenue, across from the Bay, called the Manhattan. My mom had been a nurse in Greece and, quite literally, became the chief bottle washer. “Dad opened the Thunderbird on Jefferson and McPhillips in the early 50s and opened another Thunderbird at Dakota Crossing. He sold the Dakota Thunderbird to an uncle in the late 1960s and then bought the Town & Country on Kennedy Street from Ben Hatskin of WHL Jets fame. The Town & Country eventually became Studio 44 and then the brothers started the Rib Shacks on Pembina and McPhillips.” Ginakes is a big believer in management by walking around. “I admit it, I’m a control freak and I have high expectations. But I’m also very fair—many in my management team have been with our family for a long time—some for over 30 years. My sister Phyllis is also involved in the business—on the financial side. I think there’s a lot of reasons for our success— we insist on the best food quality we can get, promote great local and international entertainment and have very strong customer loyalty.” Ginakes adds, “Many people don’t realize our restaurants are exclusively Manitoba-
owned and that our family has had such a prominent role in the community. My parents were big believers in giving back and that’s why we’re involved with a multitude of charities and sponsorships—such as the Health Sciences Centre, Children’s Wish Foundation, Siloam Mission and Cancer Care. We also created the Jimmy Ginakes Scholarship for the Culinary Arts at Red River College.” Although there are currently four restaurants in the fold, Ginakes may be considering another—although he expands cautiously and is wary of franchising. I’ve had calls from people in Brandon and Selkirk asking us to establish a presence in their communities but I would only do that if the right people were available.”
Lucky horses From the road, you can always tell if you’re pulling into a Pony Corral—just look for the horse. Each with its individual “pedigree,” the horse at the Pembina location once belonged to local musician Jimmy King; the Nairn horse was used by the Shriners; and the Grant Park horse is actually the two halves from the old Birt Saddlery store—once the property of Mayor Susan Thompson. Ginakes says, “Not that I’m superstitious but I think the horses are good luck—I have six of them warehoused for back-up!” m WINTER 2013 |
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fitness By Tom Ripley, CSCS Pro(Ag)gressive Fitness Centre Joint Effort Sports Injury Clinic
Don’t Wait
For Next Year
T
his year, the holidays can be different. With a proactive approach, willpower and the proper plan to get you started today, these holidays can leave you ahead of the pack. Waiting until January 1st to resolve to do something is a practice routed in failure. Making changes before the holi-
days is the best time to begin changing habits and routines. Here are three suggestions to apply today, because having the right plan starts now, not next year.
1. Do not wait until January to sign up for a gym membership. If you hate your gym, change gyms now! If you are looking to start getting physically active, do not wait until the New Year! Gyms are seasonal in nature. The absolute worst time to be inside a large commercial gym is right after the holidays due to the large influx of new members joining for the New Year. Commercial gyms, unfortunately, are often unwelcoming, crowded and even discouraging if you are inexperienced inside a gym, especially during the first week of January. Further, if you think you can learn from observing those “regulars” around you, you’re mistaken. You can’t, and please don’t try. Luckily, there are many other options in the city; however, choosing wisely is of paramount importance. By the time January 1st comes you should already be comfortable and on your way with a training routine in a gym that feels right for you.
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2. Choose the Right Gym Winnipeg is a quiet hot spot for smaller-scale, boutique gyms with qualified, often experienced staff. These gyms do not experience an enormous influx of traffic on the scale of commercial gyms, yet they offer promotions for the New Year. The right gym will provide an environment you enjoy coming to and can surround you by like-minded gym goers and experienced, knowledgeable staff. How can all the gyms be delineated so you are able to find the right one? Everyone is decidedly different and finding the right place may take some looking. Ask family, friends and colleagues. Most small gyms acquire new clients from word of mouth referrals. Pick some brains, especially if you know someone who has done well at a gym. Is a university degree required to be a good trainer? No, it is not. Will being certified make that person a good trainer? No, not necessarily. But what these things do show are the people who take the profession seriously (when coupled with their experience). The gyms, and people, that want to be successful will make sure they legitimize themselves however possible. Experienced trainers who practice what they preach are a good sign. If the trainers eat like garbage, look unfit and live unhealthily you probably will need to look elsewhere for advice and guidance in the long term. After a week or two you should begin to have an idea of whether or not you feel comfortable and whether the staff feels legitimate. If you feel comfortable you will work harder and adhere to your program.
3. Choose the “least bad” option. The first two suggestions can be a process. One suggestion people should arm themselves with entering any season, but in particular the holiday season, is to make a concerted effort to choose food options that are best given what is available. This means choosing to eat more protein at the expense of starchy, sugary foods. It is not a “carbs are evil” argument, either. The macronutrients the majority of people get more than enough of are carbohydrates (this should change for the majority of individuals). Increase good sources of protein that happen to be staples during the holidays. Choose turkey over extra mashed potatoes and gravy or choose dark chocolate over other sweets as a “least bad” option. A way to help avoid the worst options is to NOT skip meals. Start practicing tomorrow by eating a breakfast with adequate protein and good fats. No sugar whatsoever at breakfast. People who eat a high protein breakfast with good fats and no sugar are generally less likely to overeat throughout the day and often experience fewer cravings. They also feel better throughout the day and have much better and more stable energy levels. Things can be different tomorrow, not January 1st, 2014. The process never is easy, but planning and avoiding potential threats to your progress can drastically increase your chances of successful change next year. If you do not think being in the proper environment is important, think again. If you need guidance, you can find it in Winnipeg. And, if you harness willpower and make mindful decisions you can make January 1st, 2014 just another day of your routine. m
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MLC 19498 FIN - revised Oct 2, 2013 Social Responsibility Print Ad
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fashion
The luxury of sheepskin Coats provided courtesy of
The Wonderful World of Sheepskin 250 Dufferin Avenue 204.586.8097 worldofsheepskin.com
ABOVE Sporty and fun shearling jacket. Super soft suede with leather detail on the sleeve. Great for travelling. $1200 INSET LEFT Man’s parka with button and zipper close, with zip-out hood. Brown napa finish. This will get you through the worst winter has to offer. $1,650 Models: James Mitchell and Caleb MacDonald
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fashion
Man’s traditional car coat with button close, napa finish skin. Great for dressing up for work, or a night out on the town. $1,450
Casual Shearling Jacket – black napa finish with zipper and button closing. Light and comfortable for travel. $1,450
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fashion
Double collar coat for extra warmth, with zipper and button close. Black napa finish. Wear it directly from the office to a Jets game. $1,600
Casual and comfortable. Light and warm. Brown napa finish. $1,450
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Advertorial
Total Wrapture Medi Spa W
hen life gets a bit overwhelming and stress is weighing you down, Total Wrapture Medi Spa is the perfect place to soothe and energize you; so that you can return to your life with a renewed sense of self; stronger and fresher. This spa offers amazing Esthetics and Massage services for both men and women; so whether you want to escape alone or with that special someone, the wonderful staff will whisk you away to a private room and into a world of pampering and indulgence. Not only does this popular spa offer an assortment of luxurious and indulgent services but they earn the title of being a trendsetter in Manitoba with being the first medi spa to introduce the latest and most innovative Aesthetic Laser Platform, The Icon Laser/ IPL Machine. For more information on this spa and this revolutionary device, please read the expanded article in the Women’s section of this magazine.
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city essentials
Let’s Take an Old Fashioned Walk Sweep your date off her feet By J.A. Shapira
T
here is a reason that so many women were enamoured by men like Cary Grant and Humphrey Bogart, and it’s simply because they epitomized the quintessential gentleman. While dandies are few and far between these days, a real lady still wants to be swept off her feet, and there isn’t a more iconic city than Winnipeg to do it in. Doris Day and Frank Sinatra had it right when they opted to take an old fashioned walk, and while one might be inclined to stay indoors as our temperatures drop, there truly is no greater way to enjoy each others conversation than to frolic in the snow covered streets on a crisp winter’s night. Prior to your excursion, and without giving away your agenda, encourage your date
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to dress up (but to ensure warmth) and be sure to sport your own formal attire. While a bespoke dinner jacket isn’t required, a wool blazer and trousers are a way to increase the romance of the evening and they provide you with some further comfort after you lend her your overcoat to keep her snug. Consider bringing along some hot chocolate, easily infused with peppermint by first crushing, then melting candy canes into the concoction. Try adding a shot of vanilla or a cinnamon stick and offer her a cup at the first sign of chill. While an old fashioned walk can take you anywhere, my recommendation is visiting a local park or historic area such as the Exchange District. Leave your cellphone off, but remember to bring it with in case WWW.WINNIPEGMAG.COM
of an emergency. Another top-notch idea is to pack a small bag with disposable glove warmers and perhaps a warm throw to snuggle into. Not only will a blanket help keep her warm, but it gives you an excuse to get close and develop that romantic connection without coming across as creepy or too forward. Consider bringing ice skates and taking a skate on one of our beautiful outdoor rinks, or perhaps bring a book of poetry and take turns reading to each other. While this may seem like a dull idea to the most masculine gentleman, your date will adore you for it and appreciate the memories of what very well could be your last first date ever. If it proves to be too chilly to continue, consider stepping into one of our many romantic restaurants. The Peasant Cookery on Princess at Bannatyne is a ritzy, almost Hemingway-inspired bistro and bar, offering scratch made aphrodisiacs such as their delectable charcuterie platter or fresh bay oysters on the half shell. Rather than ordering your usual drink of choice, suggest you each try something new. Ask what her dream travel destination
would be and order a local favourite from one of the mixologists at Peasant Cookery’s bar. With some of the best bartenders in the city and a top-shelf menu of premium liqueurs, wines and whiskys, you can get creative without having to be afraid to ask the advice of your barkeep. Not only does this give your date a new experience, but it opens up the lines of communication and gives birth to the always interesting topic of travel and tourism. After a second drink, suggest leaving and going somewhere more quiet. Continue your walk and talk to her about life, what’s most important to her and what her hopes and dreams are. Inspire her and encourage her to reach for those dreams. She will never forget the man who took the time and care to not just hear what she said, but to listen as if each word were her last.
from the classic masterworks to the pops, unless she is a heavy metal fan, chances are this season offers a concert that will make her giddy with delight.
On the chance that the evening proves to be too cold for a stroll, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra offers a dazzling show that is sure to take her on journey of romance, bewilderment and eyewidening admiration for both the orchestra performing and for you being such an impeccable catch. With concerts ranging
One last tip is to excuse yourself for a moment mid-date so you can have the note pre-written, perhaps with a line from a poem you read with her, or a clue to your next date. And, always remember to put a note on the back with a reminder that you’d like to see her again. I guarantee you will. m
When you eventually drive her home, avoid the radio. Pre-mix a CD or playlist with classics like Fred Astaire or new grooves from Nick Waterhouse’s album “Time’s all Gone.” Some other masters to consider are Chet Baker, Keb’ Mo’ and Jazz newcomer Christian Scott who has been called a young Miles Davis. Remember when you arrive to open her door, offer your hand and walk her to the porch. Give her a gentle kiss, but nothing too erotic; the goal is to make her want more. As you give her the kiss, take her hand and secretly slip a hand written sentiment into her palm, as you say goodnight and walk away.
ALL I Want for Christmas...
, t e k c ja r e h t a e l , s n a je Tapestry , y l l a u t c a . . . t o o Moto b ! t n a w I l l a t o n s ’ t a th This Christmas let us do the work Visit Girl Candy Shop for the perfect gift Fashion and Footwear Boutique
918 Grosvenor Avenue 204.975.4605
Holiday Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10-6 • Closed December 24 – 27th
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Winter 2013
INDEX TO ADVERTISERS
MEN
Asessippi Ski Area & Resort........................................ 7 www.asessippi.com
Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries....................................... 5 www.betheinfluence.org
Eliminator RC Hobby Supply....................................... 9 www.e-rc.ca
Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries............ Inside Front Cover www.liquormarts.ca
Fort Whyte Alive....................................................... 15 www.fortwhyte.org Harley Davidson of Winnipeg................................... 13 www.harleydavidsonwinnipeg.ca Girl Candy Shop........................................................ 25 www.girlcandy.com
Mordens’ of Winnipeg Candy Manufacturing Ltd..... 15 www.mordenschocolates.com Pitblado Law............................................................. 14 www.pitblado.com
Lola Boutique............................................................ 15
St. James Audi............................................................ 5 www.stjamesaudi.com
Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries..................................... 19 www.mlc.mb.ca
Total Wrapture MediSpa........................................... 23 www.totalwrapture.ca
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