Vancouver Boulevard/English Dec 2019/Jan 2020 by Vancouver Boulevard Chinese and English Magazine

DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020

VANCOUVER LIFE AT ITS FINEST

DREAM HOUSE

RISING

2019 Millionaire Lottery Grand Prize Home

THE SPICE IS LOADED

Exploring the savoury side of cinnamon

PLEASURE OF LEISURE

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THE ART OF FINE LIVING

5520 Minoru Blvd Richmond BC 604.273.0155 paramounthome.ca

CONTENTS 76

On the Cover Photo by Alfonso Arnold Love It or List It Todd Talbot shares his passion for real estate. Suit by Burberry; bow tie by Gucci. Shoes provided by Kalina’s. Story by Joe Leary COVER STORY

38 FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

28 DREAM HOUSE

OUR CONTRIBUTORS

EDITOR

LIFE. STYLE. ET CETERA.

Sonia Beeksma

By Lia Crowe

DESIGN NOTES

High fashion in the kitchen

By Donna Verlaan

ON TREND

Modern farmhouse is a perfect choice for Millionaire Lottery

By Joe Leary

38 PLEASURE OF LEISURE

Leisure Center looks that embrace the season

By Lauren Kramer

44 FINDING HYYGE

B O U L E VA R D

Creating a “cocoon-able space

By Lorin Turner

Dreaming of a “green” Christmas?

20 GOOD TASTE

WEEKENDER

76 SECRETS AND LIVES

The divine drink

Whistler, elevated

Steve Thorp

By Gail Johnson

By Catherine Tse

By Angela Cowan

22 STUDIO VISIT

TRAVEL FAR

78 NARRATIVE

Danny Singer

By Lin Stranberg

Exploring the marvels of Sri Lanka

What we did on our Christmas vacation

By Lucas Aykroyd

By Susan Lundy

48 FOOD AND FEAST The spice is loaded: The savoury side of cinnamon

By Chef Heidi Fink

136 HEADLINERS

76 PARTING SHOT

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happening this December and January

By Leeta Liepins

By Lauren Kramer

B O U L E VA R D

contributors “While putting together my Sri Lanka travel feature, it was interesting to reflect on the way the country has lingered with me, months after my visit, even during my

LUCAS AYKROYD WRITER EXPLORING THE MARVELS OF SRI LANKA

normal daily routine in Vancouver. I still drink the green tea I bought in the misty hill country every day with breakfast. When I eat my postworkout banana, I flash back to Sri Lanka’s roadside plantain stalls and the enormous variety of fruit. And when I play my old Duran Duran albums...ah, well, you’ll find out when you read the story.” Lucas is a Vancouverbased contributor to the New York Times, the Globe and Mail and National Geographic.

PAGE 66

“When Boulevard magazine assigned me an article about drinking chocolate, I was out the door in about three seconds flat. At last, I could justify indulging in

GAIL JOHNSON WRITER, THE DIVINE DRINK

this decadent drink for brunch, lunch and afternoon snack all in one day! I love the luxuriousness of it, but I was also thrilled to learn a bit about the beverage’s history and some of the crazily creative versions that can be found in and around Vancouver. For all your chocolate news, I’m your gal.” Gail is a freelance print, digital and broadcast journalist; fitness instructor; and mom.

PAGE 20

WRITER THE VIEW FROM MAIN STREET

PAGE 22

B O U L E VA R D

BOULEVARD GROUP PUBLISHER Mario Gedicke PUBLISHER Harry van Hemmen harryvh@blackpress.ca 604-649-1707 MANAGING EDITOR Susan Lundy ASSOCIATE EDITOR Lia Crowe CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lucas Aykroyd, Angela Cowan, Lia Crowe, Heidi Fink, Gail Johnson, Lauren Kramer, Joe Leary, Leeta Liepins, Lin Stranberg, Catherine Tse, Lorin Turner, Donna Verlaan DESIGNERS Lily Chan, Michelle Gjerde, Angela Robak, Tammy Robinson ADVERTISING SALES

Kimberley Lim kim.lim@vancouverboulevard.com Vicki Clark vicki.clark@blackpress.ca PHOTOGRAPHERS Alfonso Arnold, Lia Crowe, Don Denton, Sierra Lundy

“It’s always fascinating to speak with the makers of engaging works of art, to learn about their creative process and to understand a little about the background of their work. Finding

LIN STRANBERG

DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

out what inspired Danny Singer to make unusual photographs of small towns along the Great Plains was a revealing journey that began with a simple trip to North Vancouver.” Lin is a writer, editor and frequent contributor to Boulevard. She is always curious about art and the people who create it.

ILLUSTRATION Sierra Lundy DISTRIBUTION Marilou Pasion Marilou@blackpress.ca 604-542-7411

VANCOUVERBOULEVARD.COM Boulevard Magazine is published 6 times per year by Black Press Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited. The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts and photographs.

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Dreaming of a *green* Christmas?

B O U L E VA R D

After 30 years of Christmas column writing — often for multiple publications — I realized last year that the well of Christmas creativity was running dry. So as I struggled to find a unique holiday theme, my mind settled on a recent media trip to Jamaica, which had occurred just weeks after the legalization of marijuana in Canada. On the trip, the two of us Canadians were regarded with a new aura of respect, tinged with envy at our country’s progressive attitude. And how ironic, everyone noted, to be sitting in the “ganja” capital of the world, where recreational pot use is still illegal. Early one morning in Jamaica, I stumbled bleary-eyed out of my room onto the beach, where a fellow beckoned to me. “Wanna buy some ganja?” he asked. Two weeks earlier, I would have gulped and said, “No, thanks” and scuttled away. Now, however, I could toss my head and give a little laugh. “Dude, I’m from Canada. I don’t need to buy ganja on the beaches of Jamaica.” What does this have to do with Christmas, you ask? Well, last year, in an effort to find a unique column theme, I wondered if I could write something humorous about how the legalization of pot might change up the season for some. So I did a little internet research. First, I found seasonal edibles. “Dreaming of a Green Christmas?” one pot website asked. “Here are 11 cannabis recipes for the holidays.” Recipes followed for holiday essentials such as Smashed & Roasted Red Potatoes with Herbs & Cannabis; Cream of Cannabis Soup; Ganja-Glazed Nuts; Cannabis Gravy; and Ganjabread House. I also found the expected hand-wringing and angst: “It’s December 2018 and you’re responsible for organizing your office Christmas party,” wrote one newspaper. “You’ve got the food, you’ve got the booze. Should you also buy a few joints or edibles now that marijuana is legal in Canada?” Here are some other headlines I found: “What I Learned From My Christmas Edibles Nightmare;” “21 Compelling Reasons Why You Should Smoke Weed On Christmas” (most are not compelling at all); “15 Ways Weed Can Make Christmas Better” (pretty sure the writer was high on this one); and the intriguing “Which Is Cheaper: Walmart’s ‘Weed Christmas Tree’ or Actual Weed?” So I crafted it all into a column, chortling as I wrote it, and thrilled I had a new holiday angle. Ready to submit, I started thinking about the publication’s demographic, which, I realized, was heavy on seniors. No matter, I thought, I’d run it past a couple of church-going women in their 70s. So what do you think? Funny, right? It didn’t help that in my rough draft, there was a typo on the word ganja in the first reference. The woman wrote back, saying, “At first I couldn’t figure out what you were talking about because I didn’t know that ganja was a term for marijuana. I looked up ‘the ganga capital of the world’ only to discover that it is the river Ganges, hence my confusion.” Oh dear. Neither woman took offence at the column, but the second one added, “I think it’s a bit sad that it’s such a big deal.” Sad? Confusing? So much for my sense of humour. I sighed, filed the column and cobbled together a string of memories around gift-giving. (However, all is not lost, because one year later, it turns out I have a subject for Boulevard readers!) I hope you enjoy this edition of Boulevard. And from everyone here, we wish you the very best of the season, whether you’re hoping for a white Christmas, a green Christmas — or both.

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life.style.etc. SONIA BEEKSMA, TV HOST

“Every single day I walk through my work doors and I thank God for the opportunity. I haven’t missed a day and never will.” WORDS + PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE

I meet Sonia one brisk and bright November morning on a downtown street corner as she runs between interviews. The woman who greets me is hard to miss; she’s glowingly gorgeous, dressed in stand-out style and vibrating with the energy of someone who is in perfect alignment with what she’s doing. She immediately credits the team behind her hair and makeup, joking that she certainly didn’t wake up like this. I only have a few minutes to capture a photo of her gorgeous style, but it’s not a problem: the woman is a pro. She’s easygoing, knows her angles and is comfortable in her skin. Working as a medical lab technician in her mid-20s, Sonia decided to go back to school to study broadcasting — uncertain of where it would lead her. “I’ve always been a performer, never shy of the camera. I knew I wanted to tell good stories and bring positivity into people’s lives through my platform. So with that intention in my heart, my career has evolved to where I am now.” If Sonia had to choose one aspect of her work that gets her fired up, she says, “When I get to sit down and dive deep into a topic with a guest. I love learning, and some of the guests that come on our show are so enlightening.” Always curious about the ingredients that add up to a person’s success, I ask Sonia if she has adopted any daily practices that fuel her upward momentum. “Daily gratitude,” she answers. “Every single day I walk through my work doors and I thank God for the opportunity. I haven’t missed a day and never will.” Best life lesson learned in the last five years? She says: “Have faith in yourself and the process of life and trust that all things work together for the good if you stay positive.” When it comes to style, Sonia describes her personal style as a classic look with a touch of glamour. “ “I admire when people are polished, put together but not over-the-top.” 16

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STYLE INSPIRATIONS & LIFE Style Icon: Rihanna. Piece of art: Sid Dickens' "Memory Block" tiles. Favourite fashion designer or brand: Ralph & Russo. Favourite musician: Khalid. Era of time that inspires your style: Current. Favourite local restaurant: Ahn and Chi. Favourite cocktail or wine: Old Fashioned. Album on current rotation: Frozen II (my daughter’s choice). Favourite flower: Ranunculus. Favourite city to visit: New York City. Favourite hotel: The W. Favourite app: Pinterest. Favourite place in the whole world: Home.

FASHION & BEAUTY Uniform: YSL Eye Corrector. All-time favourite piece: Diamond studs. Currently coveting: I don’t covet. Favourite pair of shoes: “Rockstud” sneakers by Valentino. Favourite day-bag: Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM: I can throw everything in it. Favourite jewellery piece or designer: David Yurman. I’m obsessed with every piece. Fashion obsession: The perfect clutch. Accessory you spend the most money on: Shoes. Moisturizer: Sulwhasoo. Must-have hair product: Living Proof shampoo and conditioner. Beauty secret: Green smoothie, omega 3, bone broth and sleep.

READING MATERIAL What do you read online for style: Vogue. Fave print magazine: InStyle. Coffee table book/photography book: Chanel, Guo Pei, Scott Shuman. Last great read: Willpower Doesn’t Work: Discover the Hidden Keys to Success by Benjamin Hardy. Book currently reading: Becoming by Michelle Obama and The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma.

Favourite book of all time: The book of Psalms (The Bible).

design notes

High fashion for the kitchen A new line by Dolce & Gabbana + Smeg

3. WORDS DONNA VERLAAN Donna Verlaan has been part of Vancouverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interior design community for the past 15 years. Her work has been featured on HGTV Canada, JoyTV, Vancouver Magazine and at IDS West.

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t talian culture is known to centre around good food, high fashion and the art of living well. So it was a natural collaboration when two Italian luxury brands teamed up to offer the ultimate flair in kitchen design. Dolce & Gabbana, the fashion powerhouse, and Smeg, the luxury appliance fabricator, came together to create a delightful collection of small appliances adorned with Italian motifs set in triangular frames known as “crocchi.” The vibrant artwork displayed on all of the products is intrinsically tied to the Sicilian region and pays homage to Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana’s heritage and aesthetic. The vibrant array of artistic images include interpretations of Sicilian folklore and scenes of the island’s notorious puppet theatres. Sicily’s deep appreciation of rich colours and fresh fruits is also displayed through brightly coloured lemons, prickly pears and deep ruby-red cherries, along with delicate floral motifs. Italy’s celebrated Maiolica ceramic pottery inspired the ocean-blue and pearl-white prints with depictions of Mount Etna, the picturesque ruins of the Greek temple of Castor and Pollux in the Valley of the Temples, plus imagery steeped in mythology. These artfully adorned appliances include toasters, juicers, blenders, stand mixers, coffee machines, kettles and citrus juicers. The dynamic appliance offerings have further expanded to now include the Dolce & Gabbana X Smeg “Divina Cucina” range and hood fan. This design partnership was originally established in 2017 with Made in Italy, a collection of 100 hand-painted refrigerators that were released for the Salone del Mobile in Milan (The Milan Furniture Fair). The refrigerators are true works of Italian art. The panels are individually hand painted, while teams from both Dolce & Gabbana and Smeg work together to ensure each fridge is a unique masterpiece and that no two are alike. The bespoke refrigerators became available in Canada earlier this year. But if the price tag of $65,000 is a higher commitment to fashion in the kitchen than you are comfortable with, the small appliance collection is a modest way to experience this high style in the most important room of the home. Dolce

& Gabbana X Smeg juicers and toasters can be acquired for a smaller investment, starting at just over $1,000. For the avid art collector ready to make a bold design statement in the kitchen, or those devout fashionistas with an appreciation for great design and technology, a visit to the new EuroLine Appliances Vancouver showroom is an important next step. Smeg’s exclusive Canadian distributor is set to launch a distinctly beautiful new space in January 2020 featuring some of the Dolce & Gabbana X Smeg designs. Stop by the fresh, new Yaletown space located at 101-1014 Homer Street,Vancouver to experience this inspiring, truly Made in Italy project. Buon appetito! B O U L E VA R D

good taste

Jorge Fernandez at Mink Chocolates.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The divine drinkâ&#x20AC;? 20

B O U L E VA R D

Makers of fine drinking chocolate WORDS GAIL JOHNSON

With its bracing cold and damp days, winter seems to call for comfort in the form of chocolate. While there’s everyday hot chocolate, like the powdered stuff you find at skating rinks and ski hills, pure drinking chocolate is a whole other experience. Not the packaged product you grew up with, this refined beverage is luxury in a mug. One sip may have you nodding in agreement with Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes, who in 1519 described chocolate this way: “The divine drink, which builds up resistance and fights fatigue. A cup of this precious drink permits a man to walk for a whole day without food.” Here are a few places to find fine drinking chocolate in Greater Vancouver. Mink Chocolates Makers of bars that have won multiple awards from Best Chocolatiers and Confectioners in America, Mink crafts sumptuous European-style drinking chocolate using pure dark and milk chocolate, Bernard Callebaut ganache and just a smidge of milk. Extra-thick and sumptuous, it’s ideal for “chocolate freaks,” says founder Marc Lieberman. “Hot chocolate as we know it in North America is a very liquid drink,” he says. “You should be able to take a gulp if you want. You would never gulp drinking chocolate. You would probably dunk a biscotti in it or a churro or another pastry. You would sip it. If you waited too long and it cooled down, you would take a spoon to finish it off. Or you’d take half of it home and put it on ice cream.” For a vegan option, Mink’s three locations offer a drinking chocolate made of oat milk and coconut-cream ganache with 74 per cent extra-dark, bitter chocolate. Gem Chocolates The boutique chocolate shop in Kerrisdale prepares its intensely flavoured drinking chocolate from chocolate couverture, not syrups or mixes. It uses French Valrhona chocolate (62 per cent cocoa for dark and 34 per cent cocoa for milk) and Casa Luker Cumbre chocolate (58 per cent cocoa, sugar-free, Colombian origin). For another layer of sipping sensation, you can add rose water, orange blossom or holiday spices. To go with it (or just to go), consider some of the glossy individual chocolates in wildly unconventional flavours, such as saffron chai; cinnamon and roasted pear; black garlic and balsamic syrup; and licorice and raspberry. Koko Monk Chocolates Pastry chef Paul Dincer makes Koko Monk’s bean-to-bar chocolate on-site, using unprocessed heirloom cacao beans and raw, unprocessed sugar. The chocolate lounge’s drinking chocolate comes in 16 distinct and daring flavours. The fragrant Istanbul

PHOTOGRAPHY DON DENTON

Blues, for instance, earthy and exotic, consists of 74 per cent Venezuelan dark chocolate with ground wild orchid bulb. Sin and Salvation, meanwhile, is floral and refreshing, with 35 per cent single-origin white chocolate and organic lavender, fig and chamomile. For adult chocolate-lovers: the Brunette Bangle features curry and a hint of coconut liquor. Chez Christophe Chocolaterie Patisserie Awardwinning pastry chef Christophe Bonzon, one of a handful of Canadian ambassadors of Cacao Berry, a premium French brand, brings a taste of Switzerland to the West Coast. With two locations, Chez Christophe serves a classic drinking chocolate created with three simple ingredients: a custom blend of 38 per cent milk and 63.6 per cent dark chocolate and steamed milk (or a non-dairy alternative on request). The chocolate is crushed on-site, ensuring that it melts easily and evenly into the warm milk, making for a rich, well-balanced and not overly sweet liquid treat. East Van Roasters Situated in Gastown’s historic Rainier Hotel and operated by the Portland Hotel Society Community Services Society, East Van Roasters is a social enterprise that supports at-risk women who are re-entering the work force. The café crafts artisan, organic, bean-to-bar chocolate and coffee, both of which are roasted and prepared on-site. The source of its single-origin, ganache-based drinking chocolates changes regularly, with Tanzanian chocolate currently on offer; warming spices are infused in this Mayanspiced version. Made with steamed organic Avalon milk, the velvety drinks are sweetened with honey from Hives for Humanity, a non-profit organization in the Downtown Eastside. Vegans can sip on a version made with organic coconut milk and agave. Temper Pastry West Vancouver-based chocolatier and pâtissier Steven Hodge has a knack for truffles, tarts and chocolate sculptures — the rounded teddy bears being a signature piece. Temper’s drinking chocolate consists of one part Valrhona chocolate (milk or dark) with three parts steamed milk. Enhance the indulgence with a Charlie Bite, a kind of pull-apart cinnamon roll named after Hodge’s daughter, or laminated ultra-buttery brioche. Ladurée A luxury French patisserie founded in Paris in 1862, Ladurée made its Vancouver debut in 2016 with its Robson Street tea salon. Known for elegant macarons in flavours ranging from rose to raspberry, the upscale spot with golden gilding also makes silky smooth drinking chocolate with Valrhona Guanaja 70 per cent chocolate, served with an optional side of Chantilly cream. Extraordinaire.

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in studio â&#x20AC;Ś WITH DANNY SINGER

The view from Main Vancouver Street photographer WORDS LIN STRANBERG

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Danny Singer, a photo-based artist who lives in North Vancouver, says he loves to come back to Vancouver after spending three months on the Prairies. Danny spends his summers exploring and photographing Canadian and American prairie towns with his wife Tisha. In the past two decades or so, he has photographed more than 160 towns from which he has produced an epic series of works depicting the main streets that define them. The photos, direct frontal views, are astonishing. At first glance, they appear as panoramas; a closer look reveals a much greater complexity. They are constructs, with each one an assemblage of as many as 150 digital images that he methodically shoots, slices, masks and seamlessly edits together on a tricked-out 2013 MacBook Pro. He uses a jumbo Epson inkjet printer in his small home studio to produce

captures the vast landscapes and big skies of the Prairies

PHOTOGRAPHY DON DENTON

them as big-scale photographic prints, known as giclée or simply inkjet prints. They can be as large as 44” x 96” in size, a format at the top end for mounting materials. When it comes to describing his sophisticated process, Danny prefers to keep it simple. “It’s a case of making choices,” he says. “It begins when I drive into a town and decide on whether I like it, based on no particular criteria.” If the town appeals to him, he and Tisha draw a line in chalk and follow it, setting up a tripod and a 36-megapixel camera every two or three feet to shoot the buildings along the street. After that he works alone until he can show a print to Tisha, an art historian who teaches at Capilano University. “I wouldn’t dream of letting anything out of my studio until she has seen it. She has a great eye for detail and she never lets me down.” Danny has an affinity for the vast landscapes and big skies of the North American Great Plains. As a teenager growing up in Edmonton, Alberta, he spent summers with relatives in prairie towns and had vivid experiences that stayed with him all his life. “I didn’t come at these places from nothing,” he says, “I had some experience with them as active, small, safe communities.” These places have all changed, of course, even in the years since he began the project. The typical “main street,” the centralized retail and social hub linked with traditional smalltown values, is part of the past. How long can these towns last? The title of his fall 2019 exhibition at Vancouver’s Gallery Jones was The Forecast for Tomorrow, and Danny comments that the title could refer to the weather or the question of the towns’ future. In the Main Street series, it seems he has been documenting both the changed prairie environment and a vanishing piece of his own personal history. Since 1987, Danny has lived in a townhouse just up the street from where he lived in his days at Simon Fraser University. There was no film school at that time, but the theatre program student made films on a camera his father gave him. “I was a charter student at SFU,” he says, “and I made the first films on campus. Then I left to go to work at the CBC.” He moved to Montreal and pursued a career in film until he had a breakthrough meeting there with Lorraine Monk, then executive producer of the Still Photography Division of the National Film Board. Lorraine, who went on to help establish the Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography, took a chance on Danny by sending him out to shoot stills for the first time. He landed several pages in her prestigious 1976 book Between Friends/Entre Amis, which was Canada’s gift to the United States on the occasion of its bicentennial. After that, he spent years working in both still and motionpicture photography. “When I came back to Vancouver in 1989 I was doing photography for an architectural firm and,

The photos, direct frontal views, are astonishing. At first glance, they appear as panoramas; a closer look reveals a much greater complexity.

B O U L E VA R D

ABOVE Danny Singer stands with one of his photographs inside Gallery Jones.

over a three-year period, I also shot a timelapse film of Olympic Village being built. The running time was three minutes.” He likens the Main Street series photos to dolly shots, a specific form of motionpicture tracking shots where you follow the subject on a moving piece of equipment called a dolly. But in his photo series, it’s the viewer who moves. You first stand back and then move slowly across the photo, taking it all in. There’s a lot to see: the architecture, the signage, the exquisite clarity of the details and, in his more recent works, the sweeping western sky. As Danny puts it, “The sky’s sitting on top of the street, anchoring it to the ground.” Unlikely as it may seem, he says the Main Street concept initially came to him back when he moved to Montreal. “I had never seen rows of buildings like that. It was like the street was organic . . . the buildings were the street.” Decades later, the concept re-emerged while the couple was camping in southern Alberta. He began photographing the main

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streets of towns they visited. Longview, a village in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, was the first one that worked. As his concept evolved and grew, he took a Photoshop course at BCIT to learn how to manipulate the images to fit his vision. “It was all very slow, very deliberate. It took me two years to get the first one.” Danny’s works have been acquired by international public, corporate and private collections. He shows in Vancouver at Gallery Jones and in Calgary at Trépanier Baer. The Vancouver Art Gallery has often exhibited his work. “Vancouver has been good to me. The Vancouver Art Gallery has been good to me. I have been fortunate enough to live and show my work here, and it has been well received. Vancouver has big, modern houses where bold artworks look great.” Danny Singer’s next show is from Jan. 31 to April 12, 2020 at the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies in Banff.

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B O U L E VA R D

hot properties

DREAM HOUSE ON TREND “Modern Farmhouse” is a perfect choice for Millionaire Lottery dream home

WORDS JOE LEARY

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PHOTOGRAPHY ALFONSO ARNOLD

“My signature style is much more contemporary, but when I first saw this house and the lighting, location and style of home, I immediately decided ‘modern farmhouse,’” says Sandra Hurtley of Positive Space Staging and Design Inc. on her inspiration and thematic décor for one of this year’s Millionaire Lottery grand prize dream homes. “It really makes sense in the Langley area. It’s a very equestrian-oriented community, so I decorated with horse art as it’s very livable and comfortable. It’s not like you’re going back in time and being traditional; it’s more about making it cosy with lots of organic natural materials and throwing in those modern elements.” The 6,400-square-foot home is situated in the Walnut Grove area of Langley. It sits on just over half an acre and features six bedrooms, including a twobedroom suite on the basement level, six bathrooms, an oversized two-car garage, a theatre room, gym and games area, and a detached 1,300-square-foot RV garage and workshop. This prize package is worth over $3.2 million and is one of eight grand prize options, including a $2.7 million taxfree cash option. For the purpose of decorating, planning and staging these homes, the turnaround time can be fairly limited. “I am brought in approximately six to eight weeks prior to the home being

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;My goal from a dĂŠcor standpoint is to make choices that really highlight the architecture and complement the features of the house. I did break the rules a little bit because the more traditional type of modern farmhouse uses a really neutral palette, but I threw in some colour.â&#x20AC;? 30

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open to the public,” Sandra says, noting she stays actively involved with the builder throughout the entire process. “My goal from a décor standpoint is to make choices that really highlight the architecture and complement the features of the house,” she explains.  “I did break the rules a little bit because the more traditional type of modern farmhouse uses a really neutral palette, but I threw in some colour. There’s blue on the island in the kitchen and I wanted to pick up on that colour and give it a little splash of yellow. I wanted it to feel fresh and bright and have some colour, so in that sense it’s a little different than what you see with modern farmhouse, but that was just my own take.” When it came to the specific furnishings, Sandra called upon her trusted sources. “Valley Direct Furniture is a family-owned business here in Langley and I’ve worked with them for a long time on a lot of projects. This is really their signature style,” she says. “In their showroom they have a lot of furniture with wood detail; they work with local BC and Canadian furniture makers and this whole organic natural style is what you see in Valley Direct. So this was a perfect project to partner on.” Having plied her craft on several lottery dream homes in the past, Sandra always has a certain element or area known as her “wow” factor. For the Langley home, she feels it’s the horse art. “The diptych (two-panel art meant to be hung together) in the den — the minute I saw it I just knew it was going to be the inspiration. It was the first thing I picked for the whole house and I fell in love with it immediately. I think it has so much impact and really speaks to where this house is: being in Langley, being in the valley. This is what I think of in terms of lifestyle.”

Sandra says she almost always chooses the artwork first and then builds the room from the colours and the feel of the art. “In this case, the oversized denim sectional in the living room we had custom-made, and I really wanted to play off the blue that’s in the kitchen island. I think this is the first time that I’ve used yellow as an accent colour in a lottery home. Because of the time of year and the style we’re doing, it just felt right to go with denim with gold accents because we’ve got gold in the fixtures.” The first home walkthrough is usually done with Carmen Hebert from Stylit Window Designs, who does the draperies. “We start looking at fabrics and picking furniture because of the window of time we have to work with,” says Sandra. “Anything we do custom like this really needs to be sent to the workroom within 24 hours of our initial walkthrough.” With often just weeks to get it all together, it’s vital that the parties work in unison. “This is so different than any of the other homes I’ve done. It was so much fun for us because it’s so casual and a reflection of the community and Langley.” Sandra contends that modern farmhouse is THE hot trend, as even newly constructed multi-unit projects are adopting the style. And if you’re thinking that a farm-sized acreage is required to utilize modern farmhouse, her response is simple: “Oh goodness, no. In fact it’s a style that works really well with small spaces.” The Millionaire Lottery supports the VGH and UBC Hospital Foundation. Learn more at www.millionairelottery.com.

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TODD TALBOT shares his passion for real estate

Love orIt List It WORDS JOE LEARY

PHOTOGRAPHY ALFONSO ARNOLD

All Clothing provided by

Nordstrom Vancouver Shoes provided by

Kalina’s Stylist

Sarah D’Arcey

Jacket: Gucci; Pants & Sweater: Burberry; Shoes provided by Kalina’s

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“People are honestly fascinated with how television works and a lot of questions are generally about the behind-the-scenes happenings. They do also ask real estate questions and I love talking about it.” Now appearing in his 10th season as co-host of HGTV’s Love It or List It Vancouver, Todd Talbot is also the face of the Millionaire Lottery. Taking over the role vacated by Wayne Cox, the affable Talbot has been at the helm for about five years. “The great thing about this lottery is that it really is a dream. The packages are incredible and will obviously change someone’s life significantly. I’m not really a big house kind of guy…it’s funny because I’m in the real estate world, so I think the assumption is always that bigger and fancier is better. But I drive a Toyota Tacoma, so if you want to draw the parallel to the car world, I like practical. “People — unless they win a house — often need to stretch to buy something that they can’t really afford and it puts so much pressure on life.” When he’s recognized as a TV host, the questions naturally ensue.

Pants: Burberry; jacket: Thom Browne; shoes provided by Kalina’s.

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Sweater: Burberry

“People are honestly fascinated with how television works and a lot of questions are generally about the behind-the-scenes happenings. They do also ask real estate questions and I love talking about it.” Todd says his interest in real estate started as a hobby, grew into a passion and then the business opportunities followed. “It was never my intention to start a business and have this be a career,” he says. “I can sit around and talk real estate all day long. I love the dynamics of it. I love looking at the bigger picture of where we’re going as a community; as cities, especially in Canada; what people think is important and how we’re prioritizing. Obviously, attached to that are market dynamics, and a lot of times people get distracted by certain things that

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happen to be hot-button issues, but forget some of the macroeconomic things that are driving the real estate market, especially in Vancouver.” And what does 2020 hold for the Greater Vancouver real estate market? “The caveat is always that no one has a crystal ball,” Todd says. “But I think that we will be somewhat status quo and it’s going to be kind of boring in terms of news. Statistically right now it is technically a balanced market, but I think whatever information you analyze or read about the market you have to dissect into different components. The high-end, detached market is soft and will likely soften further, and my prediction is that in the long term it is not necessarily going to be where the demand is.”

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havan designs

Sublime Touches 36

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Harmony and balance in custom home IVAN HUNTER PHOTOGRAPHY

t is a wise decision to source award-winning builders and renovators to help you build your dream home. It’s also a good idea to ensure there is harmony between builder and designer. HAVAN members Landa Global Properties, in partnership with Sublime Interior Design Ltd., built and designed the custom home “Landa” — an award finalist for Best Room, New Construction 2019. Landa’s clients, a young couple, wanted their home to reflect a blend of contemporary and traditional elements, balanced with a youthful design, and built to withstand the everyday use of an active family. To this end, Sublime incorporated repetition into the wall panelling design, using straight lines and geometric patterns, and then extending it throughout the home to establish a masculine-yet-feminine balance. Calacatta Gold and Bianca Carara marbles, designed in a custom herringbone pattern in the foyer area, are also used throughout the house for continuity and harmony, along with oak-engineered hardwood flooring. The functionality of the space is designed to accommodate both the rigour of everyday family life and more elaborate formal occasions. The oversized foyer provides a welcoming space for guests on arrival, while creating a natural separation between the living and dining rooms. The central staircase allows for minimum circulation between the four floors. Building a sub-basement enabled a fourth level to be added to the house. A spectacular 22-foot, custom-built towering wine cellar, complemented by a glowing backlit stone bar and LED

lighting, features a full-height glass wall, creating a spectacular central focal point, enhanced by a Swarovski crystal light fixture that sparkles into the smoked-mirrored glass. Reflective metals and mirrors combined with warm lacquered wood bring a balanced harmony to the space. Sophisticated fabrics such as velvets and silks, combined with custom art, furniture, carpet and wallpaper, add layers of tones and textures. Honey onyx, carefully selected for the kitchen island, is an integral part of the kitchen’s colour scheme, embracing both warm and cool tones. The kitchen and family rooms offer an open-concept space to promote family-oriented time. A wok kitchen, skillfully hidden by wall panelling in the dining room, offers maximum efficiency without compromise to the guests’ experience. To view award-winning homes and source builders for your new home build or renovation, visit www.havan.ca/ovation B O U L E VA R D

fashion

the

pleasure of leisure STYLNG LULU LIU

PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE

With high fashion, art installations, designer pop-ups, delectable nourishment and a beautiful book corner, the Leisure Center is a concept store inspired by the soul of Vancouver. After spending a delightful day there, Boulevard presents five looks that represent the feeling of the season and the diversity of the centreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s curation. No need to fly to Toyko, Paris or Milan, Leisure Center offers the best-of-the-best brands and experiences, ranging from fashion apparel to home and lifestyle products. More than a retail store, Leisure Center also host events, designer trunk shows and art exhibitions. It offers an experience: the idea of what we should strive for in our everyday lives, and a beautiful expression of the pleasure of leisure time.

Model: Bridget Boldy, represented by Mode Models International Makeup and hair: Jen Clark All fashion is from the Leisure Center where you can find international brands such as Balenciaga, Loewe, Comme des GarĂ§ons, Rick Owens, Tom Dixon, ASSOULINE books and Buben & Zorweg. It has a pop-up shop with Wallpaper* magazine and is the only official dealer of Fornasetti in Canada.

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A huge thank you to the team at Leisure Center for hosting our fashion shoot for the day.

FINDING

Creating a “cocoon-able” space WORDS LORIN TURNER

PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE

At its core, hygge is about giving yourself permission to slow down, live in the moment and celebrate the cosy comfort within your home and with your loved ones. As the golden days of fall fade into endless gray, rain-soaked weeks, the anticipation of a West Coast winter is not the easiest on our mental well-being, and this sudden change of atmosphere can affect our energy and dampen spirits. We retreat into our homes, instinctively yearning for hibernation. Instead of fighting against this need, we should prepare our spaces to maximize our enjoyment of this season. Enter “hygge.” You may have heard of it. Over the past couple of years, this Danish lifestyle has gained international attention. Pronounced “hoo-ga” or “hue-gah,” hygge is more about embodying a sensibility of comfort than the creation of a defined design trend. It is the practice of mindfulness brought to life within our homes. At its core, hygge is about giving yourself permission to slow down, live in the moment and celebrate the cozy comfort within your home and with your loved ones. Even with the long months of bracing Scandinavian winters, the Danish

are consistently ranked as the happiest people in the world. They’ve leaned into the idea of wellness and it has become a core element of their daily lives, regardless of the season. It seems so contrary to today’s thinking, but one of the main tenets of hygge is slowing down, doing less. Focusing on the deliberateness of simplicity, it’s about enjoying the process of brewing tea or slow cooking a stew and giving yourself permission to just curl up and read a book. How can you not love a lifestyle movement that encourages you to swaddle up in knits or hunker down in your favourite pair of old sweats?

Decorating for hygge

When it comes to decorating our homes, hygge relies on the “less is more” approach. For furnishings, think modern Scandinavian pieces, streamlined shapes with open legs. Upholstered furniture pieces should be comfortable, not rigid. This is a time to sink down and relax. Dining chairs need to be cushy

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enough for extended social gatherings. There is a nod to minimalism with hygge: never crowding your space with more than you need. Don’t assume you need to replace everything to embody the hygge mandate. Cherishing the past and highlighting your family’s heritage is as important as the new. Be open to paring down. A little de-cluttering can better honour the mementos that hold deep meaning for you and your family. Cultivate your inner Maria Kondo (many of her practices align with the hygge mentality). Consider the items and pieces that spark joy and warm the cockles of your heart. Another objective of hygge is to quiet the busy mind. Soften your home with whites, creams and naturally derived neutrals to amplify peace in the overall visual effect. The intent is to create a space of comfortable ease for you, your family and your guests. Reduce the use of bright colours, sharp geometrics and polished objects; embrace the calming effects of wintry whites. Look for matte textures such as concrete or clay when choosing dishware, table lamps and accent pieces. Layered textures are key to creating a “cocoon-able” space. Chunky knits, nubby fabrics and sinkable furnishings add natural calmness. Warm and cozy throw cushions, blankets and plush area rugs are great additions to your current space. Look for natural materials in wools, cottons, linens. Textiles should be soft to the touch. Natural wood elements are a perfect way to add warmth to your space, whether it be a teak end table, a walnut candle-

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holder or a handcrafted acacia bowl. The gnarled and knotty textures of wood are a perfect companion to the snowy whites. Increase the calming power of nature by adding plants and greenery. Stick with hardy varieties that thrive in dry environments with minimal sunlight like succulents, aloe, and jade. And for the simplest step of all, dim the lights. Candles and their gentle glow embody the cocooning mentality. Light a fire and set the ambiance to low. Accent lights and fixtures can be warm as well as energy efficient. Look for LED bulbs with a warm white temperature of 3000k or higher. Hygge embodies the joy to be found in the quieter moments of our hectic lives. Too often we focus on efficiency and the ability to multitask as key aspects to a successful life. But understanding and supporting our very human need to retreat can be just as beneficial. Give yourself a cozy sanctuary where you can recharge and rejoice in the wintry days ahead. Homebuilder: Goodison Construction Home designer: Bruce Wilkin Inc. Interior design: Mari Kushino Design Styling by: Lorin Turner, Zebra Group Accent table, area rug, table lamps, decorative accents: Bespoke Design

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food and feast

the

spice is

loaded Exploring cinnamonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s savoury side

WORDS HEIDI FINK

PHOTOGRAPHY DON DENTON

By turns spicy, sweet and fragrant, cinnamon can richly complement savoury foods as much as it does sweets like cookies. It’s time to explore what this lovely spice can do.

innamon is unfairly relegated to the baking cupboard when it has so much to offer to the entire kitchen. By turns spicy, sweet and fragrant, cinnamon can richly complement savoury foods as much as it does sweets like cookies. It’s time to explore what this lovely spice can do. In my kitchen, you will find cinnamon roasted with winter vegetables, steeped into a warming cup of tea, mixed into a dry rub, or simmered into a fragrant Moroccan-influenced stew, to name a few outside-of-thebakeshop cooking ideas. I find the culinary strength of cinnamon lies in its complex, spicy and warming qualities, and not necessarily in its sweetness. There are several types of cinnamon, each with its own flavour profile and kitchen power. In fact, the cinnamon in your cupboard is not likely real cinnamon at all, but a related species, cassia. True cinnamon is harder to find and more expensive, but definitely worth seeking out. Where our familiar “cinnamon” (cassia) is a rich, strong, spicy and dark powder, true cinnamon is milder, fruitier, lighter in colour, with a distinct flavour reminiscent of Valentine’s Day cinnamon hearts. Cassia pairs well with strong flavours and spices — curry, gingerbread, cloves — and true cinnamon pairs perfectly with milder foods, like apples, pears, cardamom and natural cocoa. I keep both types in my cupboard and use them in different ways. Cassia always goes in my gingerbread cookies and pumpkin spice loaf; I use it as part of my garam masala mix, used in many Indian dishes. Cassia also makes a frequent appearance in Moroccan tagines (stews) — where its liberal use distinguishes the flavour profile from Indian — and in my Mexican cooking as a subtle enhancement to taco fillings and grilled meats. True cinnamon appears more frequently in desserts. I love to mix it into an aromatic cup of chai, sprinkle it on my morning bowl of oats, or use it instead of cassia in apple pie, where its milder aroma doesn’t out-compete the taste of the apple. I absolutely love true cinnamon when paired with natural (not Dutch-processed) cocoa powder. Try it in your next cup of Mexican-inspired hot cocoa, or in the chocolate variation of my rugelach recipe, below. Whether or not you decide to add true cinnamon to your pantry, you should definitely explore the savoury side of cinnamon. Its warm spiciness and subtle sweetness will add complexity, warmth and delicious flavour to all areas of your cooking. B O U L E VA R D

DOUBLE CINNAMON CHAI TEA

Serves 2 Different than the chai I serve in my Indian cooking classes, this one is heavy on the cinnamon — a perfect aroma that has us feeling cosy and warm on a blustery day. 8 pods green cardamom 5 ml (½ tsp) sliced fresh ginger 5 cm (2 inches) true cinnamon stick, crushed or broken into small shards 2 cm (1 inch) regular cinnamon (cassia), in half 620-750 ml (2.5 to 3 cups) water 125 ml (½ cup) whole milk 15 ml (3 tsp) black tea leaves (I prefer Jewel of India from Silk Road Tea) sweetener to taste If possible, crush the cardamom pods and the true cinnamon in a mortar and pestle, or place them in a zipper-lock bag and roll over them with a rolling pin. This helps release the essential oils from the spices. In a medium pot, combine the lightly crushed spices, plus ginger and the piece of regular cinnamon (cassia) with the water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 2 minutes. Add milk and bring to a boil again. Remove from heat and immediately add the tea leaves and some sweetener (start with 1 Tbsp) and let steep gently for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste for sweetness. Strain chai through a tea strainer into individual cups and serve. Note: if making more than one batch of this, strain the chai through a cheesecloth-lined strainer into a large pot or pitcher before serving.

CINNAMON RUGELACH

Makes 4 dozen These delicious and easy-to-make mini pastries are a traditional Jewish treat served during the holidays. Dough 250 g (8 oz) cream cheese, at cool-room temperature 227 g (1 cup) unsalted butter, at cool-room temperature 50 g (¼ cup) white sugar 350 g (2.5 cups) flour 2.5 ml (½ tsp) salt Filling 150 g (⅔ cup) melted butter 50 g (¼ cup) white sugar 100 g (½ cup) brown sugar 25 ml (5 tsp) regular cinnamon (cassia) 2.5 ml (½ tsp) allspice 250 ml (1 cup) finely chopped medjool dates (optional) 1 ml (¼ tsp) salt Topping: Milk, for brushing Sugar, for sprinkling Dough: In the bowl of a standing mixer using the paddle attachment, cream butter and cream cheese together until 50

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Rugelach and chai tea.

light and fluffy. In separate bowl, whisk together sugar, flour and salt. Add flour mixture to butter mixture and beat well to combine. Divide dough into quarters. Flatten each into a round disk of 1-inch thickness, wrap in waxed paper and refrigerate 1 hour. Filling: Keep the butter separate. In a medium bowl, mix together white sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, allspice, salt and finely chopped dates (if using). To make cookies: Preheat oven to 350 F. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. Set aside. Take one dough disk out of the fridge at a time. Roll it out on a well-floured surface to a thickness of ¼-inch. You should have a 10-inch circle. Brush with 2 to 3 Tbsp melted butter. Sprinkle evenly with ¼ of the sugar-date mixture. Cut the circle into 12 wedges, like a tiny pizza. Roll up each rugelach from the wide edge of the wedge to make a mini croissant shape. Place on a cookie sheet with the point of the dough facing down (so it doesn’t unroll). Repeat with remaining wedges. Brush each lightly with milk and sprinkle with sugar. Bake one batch at a time, for about 20 minutes, or until puffed and firm to the touch. Transfer to wire racks to cool. CHOCOLATE-CINNAMON VARIATION Substitute the cinnamon filling, above, for the following: 114 g (½ cup) melted butter — kept separate for brushing 50 g (¼ cup) brown sugar 50 g (¼ cup) white sugar; 20 ml (4 tsp) natural cocoa powder; 20 ml (4 tsp) true cinnamon powder; 1 ml (¼ tsp) salt; 250 g (8 oz) mini chocolate chips.

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MOROCCAN LAMB TAGINE WITH PEAR & CINNAMON

Serves 6 to 8 Fragrant cinnamon has long been mixed with other spices into meat stews in North Africa and the Middle East. This recipe is adapted from one I was taught to make by a chef in Morocco. It can be made in either a tagine or a heavy pot with a tight-fitting lid. I prefer cubed lamb shoulder in this recipe, but any lamb stew meat will work. SPICE MIXTURE 5 ml (1 tsp) ground cumin 5 ml (1 tsp) ground turmeric 5 ml (1 tsp) regular cinnamon (cassia) 10 ml (2 tsp) dry ground ginger 5 ml (1 tsp) sea salt TAGINE 15 ml (3 Tbsp) extra virgin olive oil 1 onion, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced Spice mixture, above 900 g (2 lbs) stewing lamb, cut into ½-inch cubes 500 ml (2 cups) chicken broth 250 ml (1 cup) water 3 medium-sized firm pears, peeled, cored and cut into large pieces FINISH 180 ml (¾ cup) dried cherries or dried apricots, or a mixture (cut apricots in half) 15 ml (1 Tbsp) butter 15 ml (1 Tbsp) honey 2.5 ml (½ tsp) true cinnamon (or ¼ tsp regular cinnamon) Mix the spices together in a small bowl. Have all your ingredients chopped and ready to go. In a large saucepan or medium pot with a tight-fitting lid, heat the olive oil until just shimmering. Add onion and sauté gently for about 7 minutes, until translucent. Add garlic and spice mixture and sauté briefly, 10 to 15 seconds, until just aromatic. Add the chicken broth, water and prepared lamb. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to lowest setting, cover and simmer gently, 1.5 to 2 hours, until lamb is tender. Add pear and simmer very gently, covered, for about 10 minutes. Remove pan from heat (just while doing the next step). Scoop out as much of the liquid from the tagine as you can and transfer it to a small pot. Add the dried cherries or apricots, butter, honey and true cinnamon. Bring to a boil, reduce heat partially, and simmer vigorously for 3 to 5 minutes, until liquid is reduced by at least one-third. Scrape the contents of this pot back into the lamb mixture, return it to the heat and simmer gently to meld the flavours, about 10 minutes more. Serve immediately with warm bread. Decorate the tagine with pomegranate seeds or toasted almonds, if desired. Tagine can be made up to 4 days ahead and reheated before serving.

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Moroccan lamb tagine.

ROASTED WINTER VEGETABLES WITH CINNAMON-CHILI BUTTER

Serves 4 to 6 as a side I love to pair warming spices with roasted winter vegetables. The combination of sweet earthy vegetables with the tingle of cinnamon and cayenne makes for a delicious and satisfying winter side dish. 680 g (1.5 lbs) winter squash, peeled and cubed 680 g (1.5 lbs) parsnip, peeled, cored (if desired) and cut into chunks 454 g (1 lb) shallots, peeled and cut in half 15 ml (1 Tbsp) vegetable oil 5 ml (1 tsp) salt ~ 30 ml (2 Tbsp) butter, melted 7.5 ml (1.5 tsp) regular cinnamon 2.5 ml (½ tsp) cayenne, or to taste Preheat oven to 400 F (or 375 F on a convection setting). Line a baking tray with parchment paper. In a large bowl, toss chopped squash, parsnip and shallot with oil and salt to coat evenly. Spread vegetables on tray in a thin, even layer. Place in the oven and roast for about 30 minutes, stirring halfway through the cooking time. Meanwhile, melt together the butter, cinnamon and cayenne. After the vegetables have roasted for about 30 minutes, remove from oven. The vegetables should be not quite cooked through. Drizzle with cinnamon butter and use a flipper or spatula to mix well and spread the vegetables out again. (I often lift the vegetables back into the big bowl, drizzle with the cinnamon butter, mix and then return to the tray.) Return to the oven for 5 to 10 minutes, until vegetables are cooked through and spices are fragrant. Serve immediately. A huge thank you to Jim and Carol Ann Scott for hosting our photoshoot.

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travel

Whistler,

elevated Go to great heights on and off the slopes

WORDS CATHERINE TSE

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Just beyond Vancouver's emerald evergreens rises Whistler, a force of nature so pristine, so alluring it's become a top destination for nature-lovers and thrillseekers near and far. From Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (2016) to the UK's most famous celebrity family — the Beckhams (2017 and 2018) — Whistler's charming alpine mountain village is designed to host and impress the world. Few visitors realize that Creekside Village is actually the original base of Whistler Mountain. "The Creek," while containing a full range of amenities, has a decidedly relaxed and affable atmosphere compared to the hustle and bustle seven kilometres up the road. Perhaps the crowning jewel to this enclave is Nita Lake Lodge, a luxury boutique hotel. A scant, walkable half-kilometre to the Creekside Gondola, Nita Lake Lodge provides upscale mountain comfort to guests looking for an elevated-yet-accessible Whistler escape. If you're the type of snow bunny that prioritizes convenience, the hotel's complimentary ski lockers are a definite perk. If you're also a light packer — almost always

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WHISTLER BLACKCOMB. PHOTO BY MIKE CRANE

Whistler Village at dusk.

Steak at Fairmont Grill Room. 56

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impossible with winter sports — Black Tie Ski Rental Delivery can provide everything from skis and snowboards to boots, helmets and even socks. This concierge rental service will bring equipment up to your room where you can have a professional fitting in comfort and privacy. Best of all, if conditions change, so can your equipment. Swap out your gear with ease at any point during your holiday. Those who consider après-ski a legitimate winter sport in itself should head straight to Cure Lounge. They have a highly creative, seasonal craft cocktail menu and extensive happy hour offerings (2 to 5 pm) that make it the perfect place to après for hours. This rustic-chic lobby lounge at Nita Lake Lodge is the perfect cosy spot to settle in, whether you've spent the day shopping in the village or kicking up powder on the slopes. Looking for something a little more effervescent? You'll find bubbly options from Moët et Chandon in Nita's newly renovated two-level spa. For something more substantial, cross the lobby to the freshly renovated Aura Restaurant for some French-inspired west coast fare. Or take the complimentary shuttle into the village to find out why gastronomes from all over the world are flocking to Whistler for its food almost as much as for its powder. Bearfoot Bistro continues to be a luminary on the local dining scene. Make your experience truly memorable by ordering a bottle of champagne and partaking in the Bearfoot tradition of sabering (with a sword) your bottle in the downstairs wine cellar or visit their Ketel One Ice Room. One of the coldest vodka-tasting rooms in the world (at -32 C), it doubled in size just last year and routinely displays over 50 bottles of vodka from around the world. If your goal is to get in as many runs as possible, taking a civilized lunch break without having to descend into the village is still possible at Christine's on Blackcomb (also favoured by the Beckhams), a full-service restaurant bathed in glowing light thanks to the massive windows that also provide spectacular panoramic views from 1,860 metres up. Classic dishes prepared with the freshest ingredients will keep you fuelled throughout your afternoon descents. And when you're ready to end your day with a rewarding, hearty meal, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler's Grill Room is a AAA and CAA four-diamond-rated restaurant specializing in steaks, seafood and chops. The focus is on hyper-local, seasonal products that include meats and vegetables from nearby Pemberton and Ocean Wise seafood. If you're an omnivore, their steak programs are outstanding. But no matter what you order for your main, start with their legendary tomato gin soup. Prepared table-side with Schramm's gin (from Pemberton), robust shimeji mushrooms and thick double-smoked bacon, it's finished off with a dramatic, picture-worthy flambé. Of course, there are other ways to work up an appetite even if you don't ski or snowboard. The Audain Art Museum has quickly earned a global reputation for being breathtakingly impressive — inside and out. When construction on the museum began in this heavily forested area, only one tree had to be removed. The overall concept kept the integrity of its natural environment in mind, and the building was designed to appear as if it recedes into the surrounding trees. Inside, the museum features a permanent, spectacular exhibition of early First Nations masks and pieces from artists such as Emily Carr, James Hart, E. J. Hughes and internationally renowned photo-conceptualists Jeff Wall and Stan Douglas. For those who believe it's about the journey and not the destination, take a gondola ride up, sans skis, and enjoy the world-class scenery. New Whistler Blackcomb owner Vail Resorts recently invested $66 million in the property, meaning visitors will see upgrades everywhere, including the new gondola from the base of Blackcomb Mountain in the Upper Village to Rendezvous Lodge. Once up there, go even higher by walking the new Cloudraker Skybridge, a suspension bridge that spans 130 metres from Whistler Peak to the West Ridge over Whistler Bowl. Your reward will be breathtaking 360-degree views of the Coast Mountains from the Raven's Eye Cliff Walk viewing platform. In no other place and at no other time will you ever feel as truly on top of the world.

FINE Living OCEANA PARC

Taking Retirement Living to New Heights

FOR THE ACTIVE LIFESTYLE STATE-OF-THE-ART CULINARY TEA A COMMUNITY WELL-BUILT B O U L E VA R D

O c ea n a PA RC ta kes ret i re me nt l i v i n g to new he i g ht s

ho hasn’t dreamed of an idyllic retirement? It’s what we all work so hard for. And when that day comes, we want to live out the dream: awakening to ocean views, joining our friends for social and leisurely pursuits, eating well and in good company, and feeling like a valuable member of the community. And now, in White Rock, that dream is within reach.

but even more importantly, it provides an array of amenities that truly elevate retirement living. “All of our amenities are popular and one of the reasons people choose Oceana PARC, whether it’s our world class fitness centre, the various dining venues, the programs and services that promote a healthy and active lifestyle with friends or the various niches where you can read a book and just enjoy the sunshine,” Grenier says.

Oceana PARC, which opened in September, is not your typical retirement home. Its calm, open spaces adorned with nautical decor reflect its seaside location. “You will not find traditional dark colours and grandiose furniture here but rather cozy, modern, yet welcoming furnishings and bright smiles,” says Shelley Grenier, general manager.

And who hasn’t dreamed of having access to their own state-of-the-art culinary team? “PARC residents can choose where and when to dine,” says Grenier, “either in the casual Sea Breeze Cafe or Salish Sea fine dining room, or grab a bite and specialty coffee at the Driftwood Grab and Go, or belly up to the bar at the Sea Breeze Lounge and take advantage of our unique appie menu.”

The 23-storey condo building offers ocean views to the south, and mountain views to the north,

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For t he Act i ve Li festyle

A Community We ll-Built Oceana PARC is specifically designed for active lifestyles -and that applies to both body and mind.

“Before our doors opened, we hosted and supported many events for community members and future residents,” Grenier says. Since its opening, Oceana PARC has contributed to many local organizations, including a $1.2 million donation made to the Peace Arch

It offers the largest seniors’-only gym in BC with fitness classes for a variety of levels, personal training, circuit training, Nymble classes focusing on physical and cognitive fitness, pole walking and an infinity walking loop accessible year-round. Staff includes Wellness Nurse who promotes health education. PARC Retirement Living, the parent company of Oceana PARC, plans to open its PARC Fit & Wellness Centre to the public early next year. Classes include: yoga, slider disk, bender ball, circuit training and personal training with state of the art equipment. Residents can round out the mind-body connection with art workshops, meditation classes, movies in the on-site theatre as well as billiards and cards in the games room. They also organize weekly outings to make the most of the surrounding community. “PARC is ideal for independent seniors who are looking for a sense of community with like-minded individuals,” Grenier says. “The most important factor for me is fit. Individuals who are young at heart, active and want to be engaged in the community would benefit most from living at Oceana PARC.”

Hospital Foundation earlier this year. “We also ensure PARC Retirement Living is represented on many local committees serving the best interests of our residents, including the boards of the Business Improvement Association, the South Surrey White Rock Chamber of Commerce and the Seniors Planning Table to name a few,” Grenier says.

Building and belonging to a thriving community was important before the doors even opened. B O U L E VA R D

Lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Better Here White Rockâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most sought-after retirement residence

Book a Tour Call 778.294.1115 or visit us online at parcliving.ca/ oceana

Oceana PARC is now open. Join a growing community of vibrant, independent seniors who calls Oceana PARC home. Imagine living worry-free in a stunning home located in the heart of a vibrant, seaside community.

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RETAIL HOURS: Mon-Sat: 10am-5:30pm Closed: Sundays and Holidays

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Visit foodburnaby.ca/weddings for Wedding Open House dates or to RSVP, email food@burnaby.ca or phone us between 10am-3pm Monday-Friday at 604-297-4883. Visit foodburnaby.ca/weddings for Wedding Open House dates or to RSVP, email food@burnaby.ca or phone us Open house events are complimentary, between 10am-3pm Monday-Friday at 604-297-4883. though reservations are required.

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7600 Halifax Street

Burnaby Mountain Clubhouse

7600 Halifax Street

inspired

by nature By: Arezoo Aliperti

The best of local and international ingredients come together to provide an unforgettable dining experience 64

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TAPAS LOUNGE — a colourful new development within walking distance of Commercial Drive, Chinatown and downtown Vancouver — has officially opened in Strathcona Village. This brand new gathering place is inspired by Vancouverites who share a passion for artfully prepared small plates with approachable prices, locally and internationally sourced wines, craft beer, cocktails and, most importantly, good company. The 55-seat eatery was designed by Vancouverb a s e d N a h a l G a m i n i a n d b u i l t b y Va n c o u v e r Development. A nature-inspired space, it features artistic, handmade detailing.But it also has a modern, industrial touch with neutral colour palette, accessories and sustainable materials such as cork, tree bark, liveedge bar and natural-stone candleholders. A garden-like ambiance was established by creating a

custom green wall that resembles a naturally growing outdoor ivy plant, accompanied by a combination of plush, navy-blue velvets and beautiful arts by Athena Bax to create an inviting space. VV Tapas Lounge showcases the best of a local and international fusion. Creativity rules with Chef Zach Poole, who uses locally sourced ingredients, pairing the dishes with some of the best wines available. Chase MacLeod, operations lead for VV Tapas Lounge and founder of Wine & Hospitality, plus sommelier Rachelle Goudreau are excited to welcome guests and provide an unforgettable dinning experience. A combination of handcrafted antique doors, hardware and a motorcycle with wine rack were used to balance the warmth of the industrial style, and mixed with a variety of simple, hand-blown, smoke-glass pendants complemented by concrete floors. Combine this unique ambience with a creative menu, and this is an experience not to missed. 

VV TAPAS LOUNGE 957 East Hastings Open Tuesday – Saturday from 4pm to 11pm Happy Hour runs 4pm-6pm and 9pm – close WWW.VVTAPASLOUNGE.COM

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PHOTO COURTESY SRI LANKA TOURISM

travel

Early morning in Sri Lanka.

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Exploring the marvels of Sri Lanka From elephants to ancient monuments, this island nation offers constant intrigue WORDS LUCAS AYKROYD

With sunset approaching, I ride in an open jeep past peacocks, bulls and monkeys. Jungle and grasslands stretch out endlessly on this October afternoon. My tour group is just 200 kilometres from Colombo, the modern capital of Sri Lanka, but we might as well be in a different world. Turning off a muddy road, we emerge into a wide-open delta. Hundreds of elephants appear on the horizon. It’s one of those utterly magical moments that reveals why this island nation of 21 million citizens, just southeast of India, is known as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean.” Kaudulla National Park is home to Asia’s largest gathering of elephants during the annual dry season. The biggest males weigh nearly 12,000 pounds. While eating grass, mothers and babies scoop up turf and squirt water with their trunks. Watching from the jeep at a safe distance, it’s an awesome spectacle. As a fan of the classic British pop band Duran Duran, I also recall how elephants make cameos in the glamourous Sri Lanka-shot videos for 1982’s Hungry Like the Wolf and Save a Prayer. In 1983, civil war tragically came to Sri Lanka, pitting the Sinhalese majority (75 per cent of the population) versus the Tamil minority (15 per cent). The conflict raged on and off until 2009. After a decade of peace, terrorist bombings on Easter Sunday shocked the world in 2019. Still, the Sri Lankan government took prompt action to ensure this would

remain an isolated occurrence and that visitors can enjoy the country’s attractions safely. When I head to nearby Sigiriya the next day, my main concern is making sure the mischievous tufted grey langur monkeys who haunt this iconic, 660-foot-high rock fortress don’t snatch a banana from my day pack. Sri Lanka, a fruit-lover’s paradise, produces more than 30 types of bananas. Sigiriya, built by the fifth-century King Kashyapa I, is surrounded by an elaborate system of brick-walled ponds, and its moat once teemed with crocodiles. As I climb the stairs toward the summit, ancient wall paintings of topless nymphs with elaborate headdresses, bearing flowers and fruit, catch my eye. Even more impressive are two massive stone paws. Sigiriya means “Lion Rock,” and they’re all that’s left of the original lion sculpture. At the top, I enjoy the warm breeze and survey the terrace gardens below, as well as the spectacular, cloud-wreathed Knuckles Mountain Range to the south. Sigiriya is one of seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka, and it’s unforgettable. Over the centuries, Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial rule has shaped Sri Lanka, which marked 70 years of independence in 2018. Still, the Buddhist faith has remained dominant. About 70 per cent of Sri Lankans are Buddhist, and there’s a rich historical lore to explore. At the Dambulla Cave Temple, five caves house more

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PHOTO COURTESY SRI LANKA TOURISM

than 150 statues of Buddha in various postures, juxtaposed with wild murals of demons and gods. As I leave the former monastery, which dates back more than 2,000 years, I’m once again on monkey alert, as toque macaques spring down from nearby trees. Fortunately, they’re more interested in nibbling on pink tropical flowers than on me. Another sacred destination is the Temple of the Tooth. Devout Buddhists, along with Western spiritual seekers, flock to the city of Kandy to observe a gold casket shaped like a stupa (a Buddhist dome monument) that reputedly contains one of Buddha’s teeth. It’s brought out thrice daily. The sheer fervour of the temple crowds — augmented by turbaned drummers, amplified chants and heavy incense — leaves an impression on me. That said, as a native son of Victoria, I have a longer personal history with tea-drinking. So I’m bubbling with excitement when my group drives to the 1921-launched Blue Field Tea Factory. With close to 200 acres of tea plants and 150 tea pickers on site, it’s a staple of Sri Lanka’s tea industry, the world’s fourth-largest. The wonderful scent of Ceylon tea pervades our 40-minute tour as a young female guide shows us how tea is weighed, dried and processed for consumption. Afterwards, I enjoy a tea-tasting ranging from Orange Pekoe to Golden Tips, and buy boxes of green tea as souvenirs. Yet the most marvellous natural escape still lies ahead. We take a colourful, 3.5-hour train ride from Nuwara Eliya to Ella. Passengers can actually hang out of the door of the observation car to take photos of the jungle and waterfalls in this hilly region. Upon arrival, it’s a short drive to the upscale Jetwing Kaduruketha eco-resort. Time slows down here. “We are a sustainable hotel,” says resident naturalist Ishanda Senevirathna as he takes us around the property. Fifty per cent of it is rice paddies tilled by local farmers, who split their organic crops with Jetwing. Senevirathna points out a group of wild peacocks: “They 68

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don’t help the farmers. They come and eat the tomatoes! But the farmers do them no harm, because they’re considered sacred.” I relax in the hotel’s infinity pool facing the jungle, with the Punagala Mountains in the background. More than 160 bird species are on site, including hornbills and red-backed woodpeckers. And the exotic sounds of frogs and cicadas accompany our dinner. The menu varies daily. Tonight’s delicious dinner includes cream of pumpkin soup, grilled fish with curry leaves and, for dessert, buffalo curd (a traditional yogurt) with coconut treacle. In my luxury villa, I cool down in the walk-in rain shower before drifting off to sleep in my king-sized bed beneath a billowing white canopy. There’s something dream-like about being in Sri Lanka. I know those elephants will be with me for years to come. To learn more about Sri Lanka, visit srilanka.travel.

Luxury Accommodations in Sri Lanka

Here are three more fine Sri Lankan hotels to check out. Grand Hotel: This iconic, four-star Nuwara Eliya hotel features Tudor architecture and eight restaurants and bars on site. Chandeliers and topiary gardens add to the ambience. Mahaweli Reach: Everyone from NFL players to film location managers has stayed at this colonial-style property with spacious rooms in Kandy. Enjoy the outdoor swimming pool, lily ponds with koi fish, and breakfast buffet with excellent curries and watermelon juice. Paradise Road Tintagel Colombo: The 10-suite boutique hotel was formerly the home of the Bandaranaike family, a prominent Sri Lankan political dynasty. From stylish modern art to restaurant dishes like black pork curry and lemon meringue pie, the vibe is indeed paradisiacal.

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WORDS LAUREN KRAMER

A collection of all things arty, fun and spectacular happening in Vancouver this December and January. Enjoy rollicking Rossini, Michael Bolton love songs, dazzling Cirque sights, fine wine, Emily Carr and The Sound of Music.

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LUZIA VIP NIGHTS Cirque du Soleil Until December 29

Cirque du Soleil is offering a select number of VIP tickets to its performances of Luzia through December 29. The show, created by Daniele Finzi Pasca, was inspired by the decade he lived in Mexico and fell in love with its culture. “He wanted to find a way to pay tribute to it, which is how Luzia was born,” said Charlie Wagner, senior publicist for Luzia. “The show is a journey into our imaginary Mexico where the audience can explore the sights, sounds and colours of a location somewhere between dream and reality.”. The show features a giant rain curtain, a shallow swimming pool integrated into the centre of the stage and a variety of astonishing acrobatics..Among the 47 performers are four Canadians and a Russian male contortionist, known to be the world’s most flexible man. The VIP package includes free parking,.access to a private lounge where guests receive complimentary food, desserts and beverages, private restrooms, a take-home gift and the best seats in the house. For tickets visit cirquedusoleil.com.

CARR & CONTEMPORARIES

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL’S LUZIA. PHOTO BY MATT BEARD

Emily Carr Exhibit December 7 to June 28 Vancouver Art Gallery

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The name Emily Carr is well-known across Canada, but the same isn’t true for her female Western and Indigenous artistic contemporaries. The Vancouver Art Gallery is determined to bring Carr’s lesser-known work to light at an exhibit running December 7 to June 28, where it will be staged alongside paintings, sculpture and drawings by some of her contemporaries. “We wanted to provide a broader context for Carr’s work and to bring some lesser-known creators to the attention of the gallery’s audience,” said Grant Arnold, Audain curator of BC art at the gallery. The exhibition will include a button blanket made by Gertrude Dick in Alert Bay circa 1910, a site where Carr painted in 1912. It will also include cedar root baskets from this era by Amy Cooper (Sto:lo) and Placida Wallace (LíÍwat) along with baskets and a cradle board by unidentified Salish makers. “Their inclusion in the exhibition asserts the vitality and persistence of Indigenous cultures and counters the myth of the ‘disappearing Indian’ that Carr’s work contributed to, intentionally or not,” Arnold said. “The idea behind the exhibition is to position Carr’s remarkable accomplishments within a broader historical context and the diverse and in some ways divergent creative practices women of the time pursued.” Info: vanartgallery.bc.ca.

VSO SALUTES BOLTON Michael Bolton Orpheum Theatre February 21

The melodic love songs of Michael Bolton will fill the Orpheum Theatre February 21 when this iconic artist performs a mixture of his pop, rock, soul and classical songs with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. The Grammy Award winner’s music has been specially arranged for symphony orchestra in this VSO Pops concert, and backed up by the symphony’s lush sounds, those tunes have even more depth and character. “This is a really beautiful way to appreciate Bolton’s greatest hits, and it makes for a terrific date night or stocking-stuffer,” says Andrew Crust, assistant conductor for VSO. Bolton’s charismatic stage presence remains undimmed by time, he adds, so, “Expect the same character you knew in the 1980s, but with an even better backup thanks to the VSO!” The Pops concerts are casual, informal, relaxing and entertaining experiences. Bolton will perform at 8 pm on February 21. For tickets visit vsoorg. MICHAEL BOLTON

POWERFUL & INSPIRING MUSICAL The Sound of Music Until January 5 Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage

There’s nothing like a classic musical to bring on that cheery holiday feeling. This year the Arts Club will be performing The Sound of Music, known to be one of the most powerful and romantic musicals of all time, at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage. “The Sound of Music urges us to connect with our great capacity as humans to love, and to use that love to live generously and thoughtfully,” said director Ashlie Corcoran. “This musical is kind, positive and inspiring, and stacked with great tunes.” This is the first time the Arts Club has ever produced this musical and it stars Synthia Yusuf in the role of Maria and Jonathan Winsby playing Captain von Trapp. Corcoran said both actors have phenomenal singing voices and bring warmth and uniqueness to their roles. “They have such great rapport with the children in the cast, which translates to beautiful, caring onstage relationships.” Fabulous costume and set designs by Drew Facey bring the von Trapp family vividly to life at performances through January 5. Tickets.start at $39 and are available at artsclub.com.

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THE BARBER OF SEVILLE. PHOTO BY DAVID COOPER, COURTESY PACIFIC OPERA VICTORIA.

ROLLICKING ROSSINI

CELEBRATE FRANCE

The Barber of Seville February.13-23 Queen Elizabeth Theatre

Vancouver International Wine Festival February 22 to March 1 Various venues

Who can resist a comic masterpiece about love, lies, bribery, theft and a brawl? That’s Rossini’s The Barber of Seville in a nutshell, which will be performed by the Vancouver Opera February 13 to 23 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. The performance promises to rid concert-goers of the February blues in a highly entertaining production, said Tom Wright, interim general director. “This is the perfect opera for first-time opera-goers because most people already know many of the tunes. It’s music they’ve heard before in movies, commercials and the famous Bugs Bunny cartoon. So there are connection points to this opera for everyone.” French-Canadian mezzo-soprano Julie Boulianne will sing the role of Rosina, while Victoria native Isaiah Bell sings tenor as Count Almaviva and Canadian maestro Nathan Brock makes his debut with the Vancouver Opera as conductor. The Vancouver Opera is committed to celebrating Canadian artists and emerging talent, and to broadening the reach of opera to new and younger audiences. Info: vancouveropera.ca

If you love good wine, don’t miss the many opportunities to sip wine, talk wine and learn about it at the 42nd annual Vancouver International Wine Festival on from February 22 to March 1. This year’s feature country is France, with 43 participating wineries out of the 164 total. “Attendees can talk wine with the owner, winemaker or a senior executive from the winery, because each winery will have at least one member of their team on site to pour,” said Harry Hertscheg, executive director of the festival. Of the 57 events over the course of a week, one highlight is the winery dinners on February 24, 25 and 26. Held at select restaurants in the city, each meal will be custom-designed by the restaurant chef to bring out the nuances of the winery whose flavours are being showcased at that event. Tickets for the meals, priced between $200 and $225, go on sale January 8 and include wine, food, gratuity and taxes. At the Delta Airlines Tasting Lounge, a VIP area attached to the International Wine Tasting will open on February 25 and 26. Guests will have access to a buffet and additional wines not being served on the main floor. The festival also presents seminars by some of the world’s top wine educators and personalities, including Paul Wagner, Evan Goldstein, Andrew Jefford and Jon Bonné. Says Hertscheg: “This is an amazing opportunity to taste their wines and hear their stories, and there’s nowhere else in town where you can have that experience.”. Book an overnight stay at a hotel with StayVancouverHotels. com and you receive free tickets to the international tasting. For more information and tickets visit vanwinefest.ca.

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Pavers & Flagstone

Where Garden Builders Shop Drystack Wallstone

Lightweight Planters

Standing Stone

Concrete Fountains

Outdoor Furniture

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secrets and lives —

AND THE 7 SINS with STEVE THORP

STEVE THORP at the Settlement Building in Vancouver.

WORDS ANGELA COWAN 76

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PHOTOGRAPHY SIERRA LUNDY

lifelong entrepreneur, Steve Thorp has worn many hats over the years. His current post as Managing Partner of a collection of Vancouver brands (Havana Restaurant, Belgard Kitchen, Vancouver Urban Winery and Postmark Brewing) keeps him busy, and gives him an opportunity to flex his innovative and creative muscles. Outside of work, he’s fascinated by the wilderness that BC has to offer, and when not at home in Vancouver, spends much of his time in his cabin on Galiano Island. Though he grew up in Alberta, Steve has known he was destined to be a BC boy since his first father-son salmon fishing trip when he was just nine years old. He spent the next nine years coming back to BC to fish salmon rivers at least twice yearly until he U-Hauled himself out to the mainland two days after high school graduation. And he hasn’t looked back since. “The West Coast was always calling me, and I knew early on it would be my home,” he says. And Vancouver in particular snared his heart. “It has everything you need in a big, international, urban city… and it’s surrounded by ocean, mountains and some of the best outdoor adventure you can find. It’s one of the few places on earth that you get excited to travel home to after a vacation!”

“The West Coast was always calling me, and I knew early on it would be my home … it’s one of the few places on earth that you get excited to travel home to after a vacation!” wrath:

The 7 Sins envy:

Whose shoes would you like to walk in? David Beckham. Being young, it was either sports or business for me. I always thought it would be incredible to be a pro athlete, and David Beckham is one of the best, and coolest. Great style, great business mind, charitable and lives an incredible life.

gluttony:

Pet peeves? Littering, poachers, wasteful people, bad drivers and people that can’t relax, laugh, let loose and have some fun.

sloth:

Where would you spend a long time doing nothing? Near the ocean for sure. That is a must. And my gut would say somewhere hot like Bali. But I also love being at my cabin on Galiano Island. The ocean is a huge aspect of my life; I need to be near it all the time. So as long as that is involved, I will be happy.

What is the food you could eat over and over again? Pasta! The Italians have it right: mouth-watering generational pasta recipes with some of the best old-world red wines. There is really nothing sexier and more satisfying to enjoy. Spending time in Italy feels so at home for me. I love their culture and food! Ahhh, I’m hungry!

pride:

greed:

lust:

You’re given $1 million that you have to spend selfishly. What would you spend it on? A new 36’ Grady White, fully loaded with West Coast fishing gear. A mint condition 1969 Porsche 911S Targa. And a converted 1970s Unimog 416 global adventure motorhome. That should about blow it. Anything left would go into tech toys and vintage red wine.

What is the one thing you’re secretly proud of? I believe I have a very strong ability to read people. I have been this way my whole life, and I use this superpower every day when conversing with people. What makes your heart beat faster? Keeping this answer G-rated… adrenaline sports and exploring new places. I will try almost anything, and if it has a motor and goes fast, even better. I will likely be hooked! I also love exploring new places and cultures around the world; it makes me happy and inspires everything I do.

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narrative

WORDS SUSAN LUNDY

WHAT WE DID ON OUR CHRISTMAS VACATION AT T I M E S L I K E T H E SE T H E WOR L D BE C OM E S A L O T SM A L L E R A N D T H E T H I NG S T H AT A R E I M P ORTA N T BE C OM E BIG GE R .

have about 30 years’ worth of Christmas dinner photos. You probably have them too. They all look much the same: there’s the red and green candles flickering beside a holiday-patterned platter of turkey, bowls of steaming vegetables and mashed potatoes. There’s the gravy boat and matching plates holding cranberry sauce and gherkin pickles, the once-a-year china, gleaming silverware and place settings topped with Christmas crackers. A fairly regular cast of nicely dressed people sit at the table, most wearing a grimace-smile that says “pleeease get on with the photo so we can eat.” 78

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But among my collection of photos, last year’s stands out. The candles are there, yes, but the dining room table has moved, the cast is not dressed in any finery and the dinner feast is markedly un-festive. The faces, illuminated only by candlelight, seem a bit weary. The clothes are bulky; two people are wearing toques. The red-and-green-checked tablecloth is there, and the crackers and the wine, but I’m not seeing the fancy dinnerware and, instead of holding a traditional holiday spread, the plates are topped with burgers. Last year, just five days before Christmas, hurricane-force winds blew in a wild twist on our traditional holiday season.

ILLUSTRATION BY SIERRA LUNDY

Twenty trees crashed down on our five Salt Spring Island acres — six across the driveway. A smashed transformer, severed hydro pole, debris and a tangle of downed power lines at the top of the driveway said it all: there would be no power for days (eight days, to be exact). We had eight people at home for the holidays: our four kids — thankfully, all in their 20s — plus one of their partners, as well as me, my husband Bruce and our friend Julian. At first, we had use of a small generator and chose to power the fridge for a few hours at a time. We lit the house at night with candles — over 60 of them during the next eight days —

as well as a couple of propane lanterns pulled from our camping gear. Luckily, we have a three-burner gas cookstove and a barbecue, so we organized a cook station on the back deck. We also have an emergency kit, finally purchased just a few months prior to the windstorm, after years of procrastination. Bruce pulled out the kit’s headlamp and wore it with great enthusiasm — a one-eyed monster roaming the dark, inside and out. Our existence shifted to pioneer mode. With only about six hours of daylight, there was much to do! We sawed and bucked up the trees on the driveway and cleared some of the debris in B O U L E VA R D

over its boughs. But on Christmas night, we used the last gasp of life the yard, building a massive bonfire one afternoon. In the kitchen, from the generator to turn on that string of lights. It felt a bit like a we chopped vegetables and prepped food to cook after dark. A boil water advisory was issued immediately following the storm, Christmas miracle. For days, we’d held on to the plan of serving a traditional Christbut on day three the water from the taps slowed to a trickle and then mas dinner, with Bruce and Julian theorizing on the best way to stopped completely. Now daylight meant filling buckets with water cook a turkey on the barbecue. But when the water stopped on from a rain barrel to use for dish-washing and toilet-flushing, and to December 23, it all just suddenly seemed too much. So we cooked boil for teeth- and face-washing. burgers — vegetarian and turkey — and placed them on paper Eventually we lost the battle of powering the fridge and moved plates. We played games at the table by candlelight and drank the food into outdoor bins, realizing this meant we’d lose all of our through our (happily well-stocked) liquor cabinet. freezer food. After it was all over, the kids mused, “How will we ever beat that In the evenings we lived in the living room, huddled around the Christmas?” wood stove. Bedding, extra blankets, chairs and even the dining At times like these the world becomes a lot smaller and the things room table followed. We hunkered down, sipped wine, munched on that are important become bigger. I learned that all the holiday simple meals, chatted and paired off to play Scrabble or cribbage. trimmings — the tree, the turkey dinner, the gifts — are small (But never moving too far from the stove.) things. Huddling in front of the wood stove with the people you love It was cold! Especially at night. Four people could sleep near the is a big thing. In fact, for that week, it meant everything. wood stove, but Bruce and I retreated to our bedroom to sleep, and So, despite the hardship we endured, I look with fondness upon Julian went to his. My elder daughter tucked into her childhood last year’s un-festive Christmas dinner photograph. It will always be room, which was probably the coldest of the three. She slept under a stand-out in my collection. two blankets and wore four layers of clothing — silk shirt, merino wool sweater, cashmere sweater and down jacket. She wrapped a vest around her face. Similarly, I wore a Lululemon ski shirt that Do you have a good story to tell — and the ability to write it? Boulevard became a second skin for the entire week. We all tucked into our readers are invited to submit stories for consideration and publication in the warmest layers, wearing them day and night. Narrative section. Stories should be 800 to 1,000 words long and sent to The tree — traditionally decorated on Christmas Eve — remanaging editor Susan Lundy at lundys@shaw.ca. Please place the word mained undressed in the corner, a sad string of un-lit lights draped “Narrative” in the subject line.

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ON E C OU L D A R GU E T H AT W E H AV E BE C OM E L A Z Y A N D SUC C U M BE D T O C OM F ORT OV E R S T Y L E .

Athleisure-wear — not to be confused with athletic or technical performance wear — is a clothing trend that has permeated the world of fashion for years now. Expensive and well-designed sports apparel is no longer exclusively purchased by the participants performing the designated sport or outdoor endeavour, but also by those who simply have the means to afford the somewhat exorbitant cost of such attire. One could argue that we have become lazy and succumbed to comfort over style. Is there an actual need for this type of high-tech clothing if we are not tackling the elements as the wardrobe seems to suggest we are? We are certainly not encountering the raw wilderness other than an occasional bear sighting or infrequent cougar warnings posted along our more remote hiking trails. Are we really an outdoor community of hikers, bikers, gym enthusiasts and extreme athletes prepared to take on the inclement weather or a surprise wildlife encounter at any moment, or do we merely masquerade as such?

An accurate account of the actual origin of this style inclination remains unresolved, but some sources state that it began with the west coast Lululemon craze. Women commenced wearing their posh work-out gear beyond the gym and into the café, out to dinner and (gasp!) even when venturing to the club in the evening. Undetermined beginnings or not, wearing athletic clothing while not practising athleticism seems to have found a solid place in our fashion essentials. In fact, last spring, research revealed that nearly half the women in the UK consider their gym clothing an everyday staple of their wardrobe. This curious trend includes donning outdoor technical clothing even if you are simply walking the dog two blocks to your neighbourhood’s nearest grassy patch. We are a city surrounded by forest, which gives us every reason to be outdoorsy and to convene with nature daily. Does dressing up to face the untamed wilderness but not actually venturing into it in fact expose us as wolves in sheep’s clothing, or just sheep?

LEETA LIEPINS TV Host/Co-Executive Producer: Our City Tonight TV airing Sundays at 1230pm on CityTV Instagram: @ourcitytonight, @culturebitesvancouver, @LifewithLeeta Twitter: @ourcitytonight @LifewithLeeta

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