Boulevard Vancouver English October/November 2020

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020

VANCOUVER LIFE AT ITS FINEST

ELEMENTS OF STYLE Water, fire, earth and air at stunning Shaughnessy estate

HIGH COUNTRY Head to the hills in BC fashion

FALL BOUNTY

Immune-boosting food for the season

A TASTE OF ITALY

A West Coast spin on “nonna’s” kitchen

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D I N I N G

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1 . 8 0 0 . 9 9 0 . M O E S

Falling for it...

As the leaves change colour, and the nights grow colder, we are finding joy in being indoors. We’re taking the time to give our homes (and ourselves) a well-deserved refresh.

From reorganizing the shelves, to baking another round of banana bread – it’s all about slowing down and chilling out.

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CONTENTS 26

24 FEATURES ON THE COVER Photo by Trenton Lepp HOME SWEET DREAM HOME The show-stopping and award-winning Elements Estate, built by luxury homebuilder T. Jones Group and located in Vancouver’s Shaughnessy area, ticks all the boxes on luxury, class and comfort.

Story by Lisa Manfield HOT PROPERTIES

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42 EARTH, WIND & FIRE

62 HOME WORKOUT!

The elements of luxury

Get moving at home

By Lisa Manfield

By Kaisha Scofield

56 HIGH COUNTRY

Head to the hills with these BC brands

By Lia Crowe, Jenny McKinney

66 IMMUNE-BOOSTING BOUNTY

Fall favourites to keep your plates nourishing

By Ellie Shortt

SPECIAL FEATURE

71 ELEGANCE, PASSION

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B O U L E VA R D

AND TASTE

Savor the best of Italy

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DEPARTMENTS

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OUR CONTRIBUTORS

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EDITOR

Mind over matter?

By Susan Lundy

22 DESIGN NOTES

Oh Canada

By Hannah Berger

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LIFE. STYLE. ETC.

Jenny Wun

By Lia Crowe

26 GOOD TASTE

NOX: A taste of Italy

By Gail Johnson

30 WELL & GOOD

82 TRAVEL

Aging gracefully

Wild Churchill

By Kaisha Scofield

By Suzanne Morphet

34 WEEKENDER

86 SECRETS AND LIVES

The big reveal

Kristina Matisic

By Susan Lundy

By Angela Cowan

38 IN STUDIO

88 NARRATIVE

Together is better

My identity as a writer

By Lisa Manfield

By Cheryl Schindler

52 BUSINESS CLASS

Frank Gigliotti

By Joe Leary

90 PARTING SHOT

By Leeta Liepins

B O U L E VA R D

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C A S I N O

R E S O R T

contributors

DARREN HULL

“The fashion story in this issue marked the first time I was back with the Boulevard fashion team this year, and it did not disappoint. Lia Crowe’s fashion style, a touch of Jenny McKinney’s makeup magic, Jayda Stephens, our model, and the location of Seven Half Diamond Ranch were the perfect ingredients to make photographs. It was a pleasure creating with this team again.”

Darren Hull is an editorial and commercial photographer, who has earned a reputation as one of Canada’s top image makers with work informed by a strong sense of storyline.

PHOTOGRAPHER HIGH COUNTRY

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OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020

BLACK PRESS GROUP PUBLISHER Penny Sakamoto BOULEVARD GROUP PUBLISHER Mario Gedicke PUBLISHER Harry van Hemmen harryvh@blackpress.ca 604-649-1707 MANAGING EDITOR Susan Lundy

“When Boulevard asked me to write

GAIL JOHNSON WRITER A TASTE OF ITALY

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KAISHA SCOFIELD WRITER HOME WORKOUT!

PAGE 62

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about NOX, I jumped on the opportunity right away. I’d covered the other two restaurants run by the same team and knew that whatever they were cooking up would be worth learning about. El Santo is a fantastic New Westminster restaurant that proves you can take a global cuisine—in this case, Mexican—and stay true to its roots while also giving it Pacific Northwest character.

That’s exactly what they’ll be doing with Italian food at NOX. (The team also operated Amaranthus, a terrific, locally sourced plantbased restaurant that unfortunately didn’t survive the fallout from the pandemic.) I’m anticipating NOX to have just as much finesse and flavour as El Santo—something to look forward to!” Gail is a longtime journalist and co-founder of Stir, a new Vancouver online platform dedicated to local arts and culture.

“Movement is a big part of my life and something that helps to keep me grounded and focused. This story was more to me than a fun workout piece, it was a glimpse into my own pandemic life, and the lengths I will go to ensure I am supporting my need for physical movement. I think that exercise should be fun and sometimes even silly, so when I began researching this topic, I was delighted to come across such a wide variety of movement options. There is truly something for everyone, and for me, having the option to work out at home has opened up a world of movement possibilities.” Kaisha is a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, the owner of Well and Strong Health and a lifelong movement enthusiast.

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Lia Crowe CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lia Crowe, Angela Cowan, Gail Johnson, Joe Leary, Leeta Liepins, Susan Lundy, Lisa Manfield, Jenny McKinney, Suzanne Morphet, Cheryl Schindler, Kaisha Scofield, Ellie Shortt DESIGNERS Lily Chan, Michelle Gjerde, Tammy Robinson ADVERTISING SALES Vicki Clark vicki.clark@blackpress.ca PHOTOGRAPHERS Lia Crowe, Andrew Fyfe, Trenton Lepp, Julian Pimley, Icon Marketing Inc. 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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Mind over matter?

I think not.

As we walked a rugged 12-kilometre trail on Malcolm Island—located off the north end of Vancouver Island—this past summer, I couldn’t help but recall the last time we traversed this path.

It was eight years ago, well before the COVID-19 lockdown set us on a regular hiking regime that has significantly increased our fitness. The hike was one of those instances where the mind goes one way and the body goes the other. We’d set out on the trail amid loose conversations around hiking part of the North Coast Trail to Cape Scott—a significant trek that takes eight hours each way.

(These conversations often start with great enthusiasm but falter as we try to envision carrying a case of beer on our backs.) About 30 minutes into the 2012 Malcolm Island hike, we’d huffed and puffed agreement that we might not be ready for an eight-hour trek.

This year, the hike was still tough—especially where the path merges into several storeys worth of crumbling stairs down and then back up, and then disappears altogether—but with our newly toned walking muscles, it was much more accessible.

It got me thinking about other times the mind says, “yes!,” but the body says, “are you kidding me?” This happened to me when called upon to participate on “parent teams” during my daughters’ sports years. Trotting along at half speed on a soccer field, for example, my mind took me sprinting up the wing with the ball, deking out a defender and placing the ball right in front of the net for a striker to put between the posts. My body? It continued trotting at half speed.

Or the time at a swim meet when I got slotted in for the 50-metre freestyle portion of the parents’ relay. It didn’t help that I discovered a small hole on the backside of my swimsuit just moments before climbing onto the block and bending (in front of a row of timers) into the “set” position. At the buzzer, I blasted forward and sped though the water to the 25-metre mark…and slowly died the entire length back.

But as these thoughts are wont to do, my mind turned to my husband—always fodder for a good yarn. It started at the bar one afternoon as we sat with a couple of men our age and a few younger bucks. The talked turned to rugby and Bruce confided that, yes, he’d once been a rugby player too! As pints of beer clinked enthusiastically around the table, a game was planned for the following day.

“When exactly did you play rugby?” I asked innocently as we made our way home.

“High school!” he answered, obviously charmed by the memory.

“I played the wing because I was light and fast!”

“And how old are you now?” I wondered aloud as I did the math … “Oh, so that was close to 40 years ago. Hmm. Played any rugby since?” I already knew the answer to that one.

Sure enough, all the men turned out and the game got underway.

Five minutes into it, Bruce caught the ball. He accelerated into an opening amid cheers from the sidelines…but then, like a car of out gas, he decelerated and finally limped off the field. Oh dear. Have you ever seen what a torn hamstring looks like? Purple bruising, from leg top to bottom. Ever seen what a bruised ego looks like?

No matter, the hamstring healed as did the ego. But there is no rugby or soccer or swim meets in our future. We’ll stick to hiking.

(Now. How do you carry a case of beer on your back?)

I hope this new season brings you many adventures. Enjoy this issue of Boulevard!

Susan Lundy Editor Susan Lundy is a former journalist who now works as a magazine editor, author and freelance writer. Watch for her new book, Home on the Strange, out this spring via Heritage House Publishing.

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EAST MEETS WEST

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W O N

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everyone’s talking about …

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MEASURE TWICE, CUT ONCE

Each year the HAVAN Awards celebrates the best building and design in the residential construction industry. And post-awards season, homeowners typically have the opportunity to meet with the builders at the Vancouver Home Show, the Renovation Show at VanDusen Botanical Garden or the Parade of Homes. However, with gatherings now limited due to COVID-19, another approach was needed—and the podcast Measure Twice, Cut Once was born.

Featuring award-winning builders, designers and industry experts, and led by co-hosts Jennifer-Lee Gunson and Michael Freedman, the first season of Measure Twice, Cut Once launched September 22 and is scheduled to roll out each Tuesday for nine

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weeks. Walking through the different stages of the preconstruction phase, listeners will gain insight into what decisions and considerations they should be making for the best outcomes. Listen on your favourite streaming platform or visit havan.ca/MeasureTwiceCutOnce and sign up to hear all nine episodes. To source builders for your home project, go to havan.ca/awards.

MAX MARA TO THE MAX

Vestis Fashion Group has announced the opening of a temporary outlet store for its brands Max Mara, Weekend Max Mara and Blubird.

Located at McArthurGlen Vancouver, the outlet adds the luxury fashion labels to the growing list of high-end brands now operating at the centre.

The store will run through the end of December 2020, and mark the first outlet location in Vancouver for the legendary Italian brand.

It will be the only outlet to showcase Max Mara and Weekend Max Mara alongside the international contemporary collections carried at Blubird boutiques, including RED Valentino, Vince, Herno, and Zimmermann.

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HERO PRODUCT?

Estée Lauder has introduced a one-of-a-kind online gaming experience to support the launch of new Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex. The ANRcade features four interactive video games housed in a virtual world centred around the new hero product.

This innovative approach to a skincare launch encourages gamers and beauty lovers everywhere to learn about the new Advanced Night Repair serum benefits as well as the history of this iconic “little brown bottle” in a new and engaging way. Find the ANRcade at EsteeLauderANRcade. com, Estée Lauder social channels and esteelauder.com.

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INSPIRED BY VANCOUVER

LA-based athleisure line Friends with Animals has launched its first full-piece collection, featuring '90s-inspired items with whimsical prints and graphics, inspired by Vancouver’s mountainous landscape and coastline.

Vancouver native Tavia Bonetti is the brainchild and founder of Friends with Animals. After leaving Vancouver to pursue a career in modelling and living in cities around the world, Tavia settled in LA. She envisioned channelling her knowledge of the modelling industry and passion for textiles into a clothing line— creating merriment between the outdoors and her sense of fashion. Taking inspiration from Vancouver, Tavia created the outdoor athleisure line, lovingly dubbing it Friends with Animals. “It’s an outlet to express what makes me happy through my clothes and style,” Tavia says. The Friends with Animals Fall 2020 Camp Collection is available for purchase in Canada and the US through friendswithanimals.online.

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HUGS FOR THE HOME

The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting our lifestyles and our living spaces. After spending an unparalleled amount of time indoors, Canadians will increasingly look to fill their homes with natural, serene colours as a way to cling to familiar, soothing comforts. That’s the message from forecasters at DULUX® Paints by PPG in unveiling the brand’s Be Well 2021 Palette of the Year, colours infused with soft, nostalgic neutrals. Think creamy oatmeal, warm latte, earthy turquoise and toasty ginger—organic tones that emit a sense of calm and tranquility.

According to Mitsu Dhawan, PPG marketing manager, “The coronavirus strengthened consumers’ cravings for a sloweddown lifestyle, where human connection and mental and physical well-being are priorities. Our 2021 colour palette is like a big hug for the home.”

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design notes

Oh Canada!

A nod to local WORDS HANNAH BERGER

INTERIOR DESIGN: SHIFT INTERIORS

X PROJECT: CORTEZ X PHOTOGRAPHER: EMA PETER

PRINCIPAL INTERIOR DESIGNER, OWNER / HANNAH KATEY INTERIOR DESIGN

During times like these—when businesses are struggling to stay afloat—we want to celebrate and support local whenever we can. Highlighting Canada and all of its beauty, plus the hardworking talent that exists within it, we are proud to support brands that are made here and inspired by our surroundings.

We have kept this palette warm, light and neutral, with raw materials and pops of red providing a nod to our flag.

These pieces exude quality, craftsmanship and luxury.

Showing support to some of our favourite local furniture shops, Lexi & Lake, ScanDesigns and Muse & Merchant, we have featured some of their top made-in-Canada pieces.

The gorgeous oatmeal-linen sectional is available through custom order at Muse & Merchant, with the live-edge dining table available at ScanDesigns (call for price). The platform bed, marble coffee and console table (call for price), statement red chair ($1,295) and custom resin art by an amazingly talented Vancouver-based artist, Martha Sturdy ($1,595) are all available at Lexi & Lake.

life.style.etc.

JENNY WUN PRINCIPAL OF WEST ONE REAL ESTATE TEAM, CO-FOUNDER OF PARALLEL PROJECT MARKETING, PODCASTER, SALES COACH WORDS + PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE

I meet Jenny in front of Parq Vancouver for our photo shoot, and I’m greeted with a glowing, enthusiastic personality, a jump-into-action professional vibe and a sparkly jumpsuit, which tells me that this woman’s sense of style has a little something special going on.

So it’s no surprise to learn that in her 17-year career, Jenny has earned a long record of achievements and a reputation as a top salesperson in the Lower Mainland. Asked what fires her up the most about her work, Jenny says, “It’s mentoring and coaching my team to be wildly successful in their own journey; building a ‘life by design’ model; and providing impactful feedback to the development industry to help plan, shape and connect communities and neighbourhoods in our world-class city.”

Outside of work, Jenny continues to inspire with her various passions, which include working on shoreline cleanup, personal and spiritual development and women’s empowerment.

Asked what life lessons she has recently learned, she says, “That making a difference with impact is more important than making an impression.

Also having a daily focus on being intentional and ‘on purpose’ builds something of value and gives more meaning to my life.”

Jenny describes her professional style as polished, chic, form-fitting and high-class, but at the end of the day, good style to Jenny is simply being comfortable with self-expression.

“Fashion comes and goes, but style is an extension of your personality and spirit. I’m inspired by many different styles, and intrigued by how it connects with someone’s confidence. I love the boho chic style when I’m in my self-love zone. My go-to everyday wear is active streetwear. When I’m at work, I love my one-piece power dresses with heels.”

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STYLE INSPIRATIONS & LIFE Style icon: Twiggy.

Favourite fashion stylist: Rob Zangardi.

Favourite artist: Takashi Murakami and architect Zaha Hadid.

Favourite fashion designer or brand: Victoria Beckham.

Favourite musician: Jay-Z. Era of time that inspires your style: I love 1970s jumpsuits (they elongate my body and legs).

TV show that inspires your style or that you just love the style of: Sex and the City.

Album on current rotation: Chilombo by Jhené Aiko.

Favourite flower: Peonies.

Favourite city to visit: Sydney, Australia.

Favourite app: Flipboard and Insight Timer.

Favourite place in the whole world: The ocean.

One thing that consistently lifts your spirits during these hard times: Meditation and just breathing.

FASHION & BEAUTY

READING MATERIAL What do you read online for style: OliviaPalermo.com.

Fave print magazine: GQ (men’s).

Fave style blog: Sincerely Jules.

Coffee table book/photography book: Modern Color by Fred Herzog.

Last great read: Canada 150 Women by Paulina Cameron.

Book currently reading: Principles by Ray Dalio (still pushing through the final 200 of 592 pages of it).

Favourite book of all time: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.

Uniform: White chic blazer, bandeau top with shorts or high-waisted pants.

Currently coveting: High-waisted skirts and stilettos.

Favourite pair of shoes: Valentino black cross “Rockstud” ankle boots.

Favourite day bag: My crossbody bag from Scuola del Cuoio; it’s original and one-of-a-kind, made by leather artisans in Florence, Italy.

Favourite work tool: Quay light-blocking eyeglasses.

Favourite jewellery piece or designer: Tom Ford sunglasses.

Fashion obsession: Knee-high boots with a mini skirt or shorts (they are sexy AF).

Accessory you spend the most money on: Hats from Goorin Bros Hat Shop.

Necessary indulgence for either fashion or beauty: Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer for the radiant Brazilian goddess glow all year round.

Moisturizer: SK-II R.N.A Power Radical.

Scent: Prada Candy.

Must-have hair product: Kevin Murphy Fresh Hair Dry Shampoo.

Beauty secret: SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0—apply two to three times a week.

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“We’re showcasing the variety that there is in Italian food.

These are dishes that your mom and grandmother could have made, but are stylishly correct for where we are on the map.”

Sam Fabbro, Michael DeGrazia and Alejandro Diaz

good taste

A taste of Italy NOX: a West Coast spin on “nonna’s” kitchen

i

WORDS GAIL JOHNSON

f sights like the Colosseum, the Sistine Chapel

and Venetian canals are among the top draws to Italy, so is the food. One of the world’s most popular cuisines, it leaves people swooning with its rich, rustic flavours. With the global pandemic putting a pause on travel to this delicious destination, we can still get a taste of Italy through local restaurants.

Coming soon to Vancouver is a new dining spot that will focus on the varied fare of the Bel Paese (“beautiful country”). However, NOX will do things a little differently, putting a West Coast spin on traditional dishes. If the mantra of every Italian grandmother is: “Mangia! Mangia!”— this is not your nonna’s kitchen.

Expected to open in November, NOX takes its name from the Roman word for Nyx, the Greek goddess of the night. The Coal Harbour restaurant comes from the same team behind El Santo, an acclaimed contemporary Mexican restaurant in New Westminster. Helming the kitchen is corporate chef Sam Fabbro, whose grandparents hailed from Sicily and Florence, and executive chef Michael DeGrazia, whose parents are from Calabria. Together, they’re crafting a menu that’s inspired by their roots and that celebrates seasonal, local ingredients.

“We’re trying to present Pacific Northwest-style cuisine through our filters as first- and second-generation Canadians from Italian-immigrant families,” Michael says. “We’re not going to be a pasta house or make pizza; we’re showcasing the variety that there is in Italian food. These are dishes that your mom and grandmother could have made, but are stylishly correct for where we are on the map.

“I’ve cooked a lot of Italian food in my career, but I think this is my first opportunity to really put my personality into

X

PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE

it,” he adds. “It’s not necessarily the food I grew up with, but it’s food I love to eat. It’s great working with Sam, because we share this common perspective as kids of Italian immigrants. We have similar family backgrounds and similar backgrounds in terms of training. It’s exciting to get to bring that perspective to the table and not in a red-sauce, American-Italian way. This is distinctly our thing.”

Sam, who’s been cooking since he was tall enough to reach the kitchen counter, first stepped into a restaurant kitchen in high school. Upon graduating from the culinary arts program at Vancouver Community College, he gained experience at Restaurant 62 in Abbotsford and Vancouver’s Raincity Grill and CinCin Ristorante and Bar. He joined El Santo in 2017 and also headed its sister restaurant, plantbased Amaranthus. (Located in River Market in New West, Amaranthus opened in 2019 but recently shut its doors due to the impact of COVID-19.)

Michael, meanwhile, trained at Ontario’s Stratford Chefs School in Ontario. After working in restaurants in his native Toronto, he headed to Europe, ultimately spending a year at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Paris. Upon returning to Canada, he has worked across the country building his 20year career.

While ingredients like octopus, oxtail, pancetta, pine nuts, sour grapes, stone fruit, fregola and figs might show up in dishes, the authenticity of NOX’s food will be largely in its spontaneity. “As an Italian family would go to the market and select the produce that looks freshest and most vibrant, take it home and cook it, we will do the same in our menus, working with purveyors and, as much as possible, farmers directly,” Michael says. “That means herbs and vegetables B O U L E VA R D

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grown in our own gardens or on our friends’ farms in Abbotsford; pork and chicken from the Fraser Valley; and fish and seafood from local boats in local waters.”

All of the bread and pasta will be made in house, and the wine list will feature premier Italian and BC labels.

Also making NOX unique is its location: the restaurant will be situated in the Cardero building on West Georgia Street that will also house And-Co, a private office collective and business community for professionals and entrepreneurs. NOX is a standalone spot with a dining room and lounge, while And-Co members will 28

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have access to exclusive menu items and will be able to order in-office catering for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

With shared office spaces looking like the workplace of the future, it’s an innovative and, quite likely, pandemicproof model.

“I’m really excited to be partnering with And-Co to bring an Italian restaurant to Coal Harbour,” says Alejandro Diaz, managing director of NOX and owner of El Santo. “Just like we do at El Santo, we’re using traditional ingredients, but we want to give diners the chance to experience a well-known cuisine in a new way.”

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well and good

Aging gracefully Movement, nutrient density and hormone balance WORDS KAISHA SCOFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE

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We all know that one of the only certainties in life is that we will get older. Yet, in our society, aging is rarely discussed or prepared for. In fact, a common statement on aging is that it takes most by surprise. Many people feel young but look in the mirror only to see an old person reflected back at them. How did this happen? We are a society obsessed with youth and productivity, and slowing down seems like a luxury we cannot afford. So it is not surprising that the topic of aging is avoided, often until it is too late.

The truth is, aging is an inevitable part of living. By accepting the aging process, we are better able to be proactive in how to prepare our body and mind for this very natural transition.

By identifying the areas that are most commonly frustrating for more senior populations, we can engage in targeted selfcare to make aging less overwhelming.

The most common complaints about aging are health issues associated with degeneration. Loss of muscle and bone health, poor joint health, digestive issues, nutritional deficiencies, hormone imbalance, loss of energy and impaired cognitive abilities are all common health problems the more senior populations deal with. The good news is, with a few simple lifestyle and wellness practices, many of these health issues can be minimized or avoided all together.

Use it or lose it. Inactivity is the fastest way to age the body.

Too many of us exist in a sedentary state; sitting at a desk for eight hours of the day, driving to and from work and then spending our evenings on the couch. Making solid lifestyle choices that include physical activity is the most effective way to keep the body and mind healthy, long-term. While this isn’t necessarily news to anyone, daily movement is becoming increasingly urgent as kids, teens and adults are spending more time on devices and games and in front of screens and, as a result, physical literacy is failing.

Once movement habits are improved, it is important to keep the body happy and well maintained. We all know the feel-

ing of sore and creaking joints. That crackling sound is called crepitus, which seems like a very unsettling yet appropriate name. These creaks, while harmless, are generally a result of degeneration in the bones and connective tissue. This tissue is made up of collagen, the same collagen that your aesthetician tells you to take for glowing skin. Collagen is found in skin, ligaments, cartilage, tendons and bone. The bad news is that it deteriorates as we age. The great news is that it can be replenished. Collagen can be taken orally via supplements, pill or powder or by drinking bone broth. This is is a widely recommended support for joint health and for healthy skin, nails and hair.

Aging well depends largely on fuelling the body with a nutrient-dense diet. Vitamin and mineral depletion is a common issue for the aging body because as we get older, the body’s ability to absorb and distribute nutrients can lessen. We typically absorb vitamins and minerals from the food we eat, via the digestive process, but digestive health can decline as we age, through deterioration, poor dietary habits, tissue damage, etc.

Natural hormone transitions also occur, which can cause the body to go through fluctuations in appetite and energy levels, making meal preparation frustrating and unenjoyable. It’s a difficult combination of issues that are often ignored.

The malabsorption of nutrients can occur for several reasons but the two main causes are a lack of dietary healthy fats and consistent dehydration. Our unfortunate vilification of fat has led to a largely depleted population. Many vitamins and minerals, essential to our body, are fat soluble, meaning that without a proper intake of healthy dietary fats, we are unable to absorb nutrients in our food. Not to mention the essential fatty acids themselves playing a crucial role in cellular, tissue and nerve health, to name a few.

Alongside healthy fat intake, hydration plays a vital role in absorbing the other vitamins and minerals that are water soluble. One of the easiest ways to increase your energy levels, B O U L E VA R D

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By accepting the aging process, we are better able to be proactive in how to prepare our body and mind for this very natural transition. mood, sleep and digestion is to improve your hydration. More than 50 per cent of the population is consistently dehydrated. Mild dehydration can cause fatigue, nausea, headaches, moodiness, cramping and constipation. Electrolytes in the form of sugar-free powders, tablets or even a small pinch of salt can vastly improve hydration levels in the body.

Fluctuating hormones are confusing at the best of times, but in an aging body, they can be especially disruptive. The hormone testosterone, for example, depletes as we age, an issue that can affect both men and women. Occasionally men can experience an age-related, steep decline in testosterone that can lead to many health issues.

Often referred to as “male menopause,� symptoms are similar to those experienced in female menopause, such as hot flashes, breast tenderness, mood fluctuations and erectile disfunction. It is just as important for men to monitor hormone health as it is for women.

For women, the most obvious hormonal transition is the big M, menopause. There is no way to avoid menopause, but there are steps we can take to prepare for it. Maintaining an active lifestyle is essential. Equally important is fuelling the body with a diet that is focused on nutrient-dense whole foods, including healthy fats and proper hydration. Menopause is never fully predictable but wellbalanced and supported hormones will ensure that the process runs as smoothly as possible, perhaps avoiding having to put ice down your shirt to cool a hot flash.

Reducing sugar intake is the most important dietary change needed to support hormonal balance and the whole body, at any age.

Sugar depletes nutrients and disrupts hormone regulation. Insulin, testosterone and estrogen are affected when sugar intake is elevated.

These imbalances can lead to insulin resistance which, among other things, can cause heart disease, some cancers and diabetes. Insulin resistance wreaks havoc on hormonal functions, disrupting digestion, weight, sleep, mood and stress tolerance.

There are many unknowns in the aging process and while feelings of uncertainty and apprehension are understandable, avoidance will create a missed opportunity. It is never too early or too late to start preparing your body for the next phase of life, and by incorporating a few preventative measures, you are more likely to create a solid foundation of health and wellness to launch from.

The more we learn about aging, the less it is about the end of life and more about the culmination of living. There may be a sense of dread as we creep toward each milestone, but what often follows is a growing sense of relief and freedom. Removing the fear and ignorance surrounding the aging process helps us understand how to support our body as we go through these changes. By paying attention to movement, nutrient density and hormone balance, we can not only ensure that we age on our own terms, but that we do so gracefully.

CO-ED

PRESCHOOL–GRADE 12

New world. New challenges. New learning. admissions@qms.bc.ca 32

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www.qms.bc.ca

Michal Gook, Real Estate Advisor Personal Real Estate Corporation 250-317-8655 michal.gook@evcanada.com okanagan.evcanada.com

Blaine Vernon - Jarvis, Real Estate Advisor

778-594-3330 blaine.vernonjarvis@evcanada.com

376 Quilchena Drive

787 Rowcliffee Avenue

5220 Cobble Crescent

Kelowna | $1,789,900 | MLS 10208206

Kelowna | $649,900 | MLS 10213767

Kelowna | $939,900 | MLS 10205108

Sensational luxury home, stunning lake views & sunsets in a family neighborhood. Enjoy this well-appointed, 6/5 bdrms, 5 baths. Updated in 2017 to a new level of luxury throughout the home. Enjoy the breathtaking views from each of the homes 3 levels of sun-drenched windows.

Character home in trendy Central City area, schools and shops close. 3 bdrm and 2 bathroom home with a great yard.

NEW carpet flooring upstairs and Vinyl in the lower level. Large 6 bedroom home with 4 bathrooms, 4 bdrms up and 2 down (inlaw suite). Great floor plan, large bedrooms, and lots of room.

SO

LD

517 & 541 Wardlaw Avenue

730 Bernard Avenue

602 Wardlaw Avenue

Kelowna | MLS 10205703

Kelowna | $1,480,000 | MLS 10202720

Kelowna | $979,900 | MLS 10213595

Commercial Zoning potential with future OCP Zoning of MXR. 2 prime location development lots available in the Pandosy Village area. This is a great corner lot location and is close to the lake. A great Land Assembly for your dream building design and location.

Commercial - Great 12 bedroom hostel business opportunity or recreate your own business. P2 Zoning allows for 40+ uses including; Offices, Health Services, Daycare, Private and Public Education Services, and many more.

Large 70x140 lot in Pandosy Village area, prime for redevelopment. Character home with garage.

Close to the hospital, schools, restaurants, and shopping. A fantastic location.

3743 Gates Road

2046 Pandosy Street

401 1883 Water Street

West Kelowna | $1,299,900 | MLS 10202958

Kelowna | $1,399,900 | MLS 10207198

Kelowna | $626,900 | MLS 10205514

Experience stunning landscapes and lake views from this private and carefully handcrafted log home. The homes serenity and character provide a peaceful refuge. Enjoy breathtaking views of 4 seasons from the Lindal Solarium with a gas fireplace.

Amazing BnB with excellent income potential.

This home was built to reflective the chartists of the Panaodsy Heritage Conversation Area with all the advantages of a modern newer home. Upstairs is a self-contained home with 3 bdrm and 2 baths.

The revenue-generating BnB has 4 soundproof suites on the main level with lots of parking.

Magala Place is a modern boutique condo built by Tommie Award-winning developers – Windmill Ventures. This unique top floor 2 bed 2 bath features, 180-degree view from the 600 sq.ft. wrap-around deck and greets you with sky and peek-a-boo lake views from almost every window.

weekender

Haven Kitchen & Bar

PHOTO BY SPENCER MATTHEWMAN

The Big Reveal Langley has a bit of everything WORDS SUSAN LUNDY

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“We sat outside on the patio overlooking a beautiful stream, bridge, picnic area and distant view of the vines.

Bucolic and beautiful.”

“Langley? What’s in Langley?” I confess that this—the most common reaction to our recent weekend getaway— echoed my own thoughts. Langley? I’ve seen the exit signs on Highway 1; maybe I’ve stopped there for gas?

Well, let’s get this out of the way—what’s in Langley? So much! There’s gorgeous rolling pastoral landscapes in the south; the cute, funky and charming buildings of historical Fort Langley; some of the best wine I’ve tasted; a distillery whose products will knock your socks off; horseback riding; farms; and dazzling dining options, including Haven, a new restaurant that would be equally at home in a chic West Vancouver neighbourhood.

In short, Langley was a revelation.

The glory of Langley really enveloped me as I rode horseback along a sun-speckled forest path. Lulled by the gentle movement of my ride, the sound of softly clopping hooves and the feel of the warm sun on my shoulders, the world slowed down. Ahead, Joanne Braithwaite, who owns Glen Valley Stables along with her husband Gene Parks, offered riding tips intermingled with stories about their popular trailriding business. Her knowledge about horses and the area as a whole was astounding, and I would highly recommend this experience to anyone: young, old, familiar with horses or not.

As we meandered through the forest, my mind retraced the early stops of our trip so far, including dinner the previous night at Haven Kitchen & Bar. Haven may be located in a nondescript busy roadside location, but step inside or onto the lush patio and be transported to a exceptional culinary experience. Haven describes itself as “modern casual dining with a global, adventurous approach; proudly independent,

Trail rides with Glen Valley Stables.

quirky and probably too loud for your grandma.” And although it just opened in June, it is obviously the place to be, judging by the steady stream of trendy-looking folk arriving at its doors.

The menu presented a conundrum of delectable-looking options and we swooned over our choices, which included JapaGuac + Chips, Miso Truffle Fries, Tempura Coconut Prawns, Saunder’s Fried Chicken Sandwich and the chef ’s specialty, Broiled Char Sui Salmon.

Haven is heaven.

This morning, prior to the happy meeting with Glen Valley Stables, we visited Fort Langley, savouring our morning eggs in a beautiful, courtyard at Sabà Café and Bistro, and then took a drive through rural Langley, right down to the US border. It was here that, after our trail ride, Langley once again revealed its magic. The family-run Glass House Estate Winery produces hand-selected, single-vineyard, low-yield artisan wine. Their Madeleine Angevine is my new favourite white, and my only regret after tasting a selection of Glass House wines is that you can’t buy the small-batch bottles in liquor stores, just here, on site. (No matter, several bottles ended up in bags in the backseat of our truck.)

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Langley. Before finishing up our weekend getaway with a stop at Kensington Prairie Farm—where we fed the alpacas and added a beautiful alpaca wool sweater to our cache of purchases in the truck—we stopped at Tracycakes, an elegant and thoroughly charming bakery and eatery. Here, we drooled over the cases of fancy cupcakes and other treats and collected a pair of Picnic Packs, containing delectably fresh sandwiches, veggies, dip and fancy cookies. These would be enjoyed en route as we headed home—never again unable to answer the question, “What’s in Langley?”

If You Go: tourism-langley.ca havenlangley.com glenvalleystables.com glasshouseestatewinery.com/ rootsandwingsdistillery.ca tracycakesonline.com

PHOTO BY DANIELLE CAMPANI

Glass House, so called for its appearance as an oversized greenhouse, also features a popular restaurant. We sat outside on the patio overlooking a beautiful stream, bridge, picnic area and distant views of the vines. Bucolic and beautiful.

If the wine revelation wasn’t enough, our next stop at Roots and Wings Distillery further opened our eyes. The first craft distillery in the Fraser Valley, RAW produces small-batch artisan spirits with a farm-to-table approach, using ingredients grown on their farm. We met distiller Rebekah Crowley, one of the many female producers in the Fraser Valley, who along with her partner, Rob, is building this amazing libations business. We tasted the spirits—many with unique flavour combinations— straight up, and also tried a sampler spread of miniature cocktails. If you go, be sure to check out the absinthe fountain—oh my. (And, yes, several bottles of spirits ended up beside the wine in the truck.)

Our day ended with a walk and, later, dinner in Fort

Sabà Café and Bistro

see.

The Fort Langley National Historic Site is home of the Hudson Bay Company’s fur trading post, still standing 150 years later. Located along the Fraser River, Fort Langley features a variety of museums, shops, restaurants, art galleries, parks and trails, plus the iconic yellow Community Hall, which is featured in many TV programs and films. With its charming buildings and many points of historical interest, Fort Langley is a must-do on any trip to this area.

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Glen Valley Stables

do.

Take a self-guided Circle Farm Tour, where a road map and brochure lead to specialty farmgate vendors, open-air markets, eateries, wineries, heritage sites and more. Our trip included a visit to Kensington Prairie Farm, where farm manager Dee Martens led us on an extremely informative tour of her family’s alpaca operation.

In addition to breeding, raising and showing alpacas, the farm also markets and sells highquality Canadian-made and imported alpaca products from an on-farm boutique and an online store. kensingtonprairie.ca

Kensington Prairie Farm

eat.

Don’t miss Sabà Café and Bistro—where the food represents a combination of flavours, colours and memories gleaned from travels around the world—and The Bench Wine Bar, where you can pair your snacks, charcuterie boards and share plates with local cider, beer or wine. We enjoyed both of these Fort Langley eateries immensely. We also checked out a Langley classic, The Hilltop Diner, located for the past 68 years on the edge of the Fraser Highway. The decor, menu and servings hearken back to an earlier time, and the signature dishes include a mountain-sized Hilltop Burger and pies, pies, pies. sabacafeandbistro.ca, thebenchwinebar.ca, hilltopdiner.ca

sleep.

We stayed at the Sandman Signature Langley Hotel, just off Highway 1 in Walnut Grove. It has all the amenities—fitness centre, indoor pool and hot tub—and on-site dining at Moxie’s Grill & Bar. But perhaps its best amenity is its location; it offers easy access to historic Fort Langley, located across the highway, as well as the city’s beautiful pastoral areas to the south and the area’s commercial centre.

Our king suite was spacious and comfortable, and I was charmed by the option of using “firm” or “soft” pillows. sandmanhotels.com

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

Enjoy the finest shopping and services surrounded by the stunning architectural heritage of Sinclair Centre including: • Ethereal Art • Gastown Photo • Leone • International Experience Club Ltd.

• Diamond Deals Jewellery • Sinclair Travel • Sinclair Wellness Centre • The Perfume Shoppe • The UPS Store

Just steps from Waterfront Station 757 WEST HASTINGS STREET VANCOUVER WWW.SINCLAIRCENTRE.COM

in studio …

WITH DONNA GIRAUD

“I wanted to provide a positive experience and give people hope that we can get through it together and just shine some light on those moments.”

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Together is better Artist offers antidote to chaos and fear

F

WORDS LISA MANFIELD

or so many people, the COVID-19 pandemic has been about distancing from one another. But for Vancouver artist Donna Giraud, it’s the opposite that has stood out in her mind since March: the moments of coming together to overcome these challenging times.

For Donna, those moments have included checking in on elderly neighbours and spending time chatting with people in the park, not to mention an 84-day stint of socially distanced neighbourhood happy hours and an 87-day span of 7 pm pot-banging for frontline workers.

“My husband is a doctor working directly with COVID patients, and I’m a former nurse, so it hits close to home,” she says. “We’ve been remembering the basics: connecting with people.”

Capturing those moments of connection on canvas has been a natural extension of her community engagement.

And Donna’s September 12 exhibition, entitled Together Is Always Better, reflected the positive perspective she has adopted since the pandemic began.

“There’s been so much chaos and fear,” she says. “I wanted to provide a positive experience and give people hope that we can get through it together and just shine some light on those moments.”

Donna—whose large-scale, thickly textured acrylic-oncanvas abstract paintings have always leaned toward positive vibes—has been painting about kindness and connection for nearly 20 years, so her approach to the pandemic wasn’t a giant leap.

“I do not like negativity,” she says. “Kindness and connection are themes that found me when I first started painting. They come out naturally in the shapes, textures and colour palettes I use. There’s always a lightness and peaceful tranquility people just get when they see my work.”

Bolstered by the success of her first online exhibit in May, filmed at the The Space Gallery in Yaletown, which she also co-runs part-time, Donna upped her artistic output this year.

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PORTRAIT LIA CROWE

“Typically I only do one exhibit per year and a bunch of trade show events, but COVID-19 cancelled all of those,” she says. “I had a big show planned for May but since I couldn’t do it in person, I pivoted and put the whole thing online.”

Donna’s husband filmed her in the gallery as she presented each piece, and when they put it up on YouTube, it was a big hit.

“This happened when everyone was in quarantine and it gave people an event to go to—something exciting to see,” she says. “It made me realize this is something people want.

I ended up selling eight pieces out of 12 within 48 hours—it was absolutely insane. Every artist wants to sell out a show, but it typically doesn’t happen.”

That’s when Donna decided to do a second show, Together Is Always Better, this time both online and in person with very limited numbers (42 people, and tickets sold out).

“Two people at a time can come into the gallery,” she says. “Each painting was draped off and staff would be wearing masks. The next day (September 13), I released the live show online so people could see it that way too.”

But first, she needed fresh art—and fast. While planning a new show would normally take her six months, Donna quickly produced eight new pieces. Her new paintings are recognizable to anyone who knows her signature style of textured shapes and emotionally evocative colour palettes.

“One of my pieces is titled Joining Forces Can Move Mountains,” she says. “There’s a stormy look to a sky with clouds coming around in a circle. It alludes to the idea that if we do come together, we are so much more capable by putting together all our expertise.”

Donna says her own expertise and success as an artist have come down to her hard work and ability to pivot when needed—like teaching herself web design last year. And unlike some creative types, she thrives on daily routines and an entrepreneurial mindset.

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“I love the flexibility, but I don’t do well unless I have a schedule set up for me,” she says. “Especially with shows and so many moving parts. I’ve had to be completely on point—lots of to-do lists; lots of schedules.

Doing an exhibit online and in-person doubles the amount of work because you also have to make a web page and video.

I’ve been the busiest I’ve been in quite some time.”

All her positivity and determination is paying off this year, though.

“It’s been the most lucrative year of my career. People are looking at their empty walls and wanting to build their sanctuary by surrounding themselves with beautiful things, and for that I’m very grateful. Art provides that sense of calm and peace.”

And while she’s thrilled to be selling her work, she admits it can be tough to see each painting go.

“Every piece has a personal connection, so it’s hard for me to let go of when someone wants it,” she says. “I put my soul on canvas; my innermost thoughts and feelings. But I know it’s doing a service.”

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Earth, wind & fire The elements of luxury and comfort WORDS LISA MANFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY JULIAN PIMLEY, TRENTON LEPP, B O U L E VA R D ANDREW FYFE, ICON MARKETING INC

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Elements takes its name from the water, fire, earth and air features integrated throughout the home— starting in the front yard, where a water fountain sets the tone for tranquility.

T

hey say you should go big or go home, and according to husband-and-wife team Cameron and Amanda Jones of the T. Jones Group, that was the intention with their latest showstopper—the award-winning Elements Estate located in Vancouver’s Shaughnessy neighbourhood and completed earlier this year.

Currently listed at a cool $28 million, the seven-bedroom, nine-bathroom estate oozes luxurious comfort, with splashes of glamour and coordinated artistic flair that elevate every unique enclave throughout the nearly 10,800-square-foot home.

Flourishes such as oversized fireplaces, designer paint and gold-flecked fixtures add luxury to core spaces, while recreational amenities, including an indoor swimming pool, hot tub and infrared sauna, keep residents and guests well entertained.

This home is, in fact, an entertainer’s delight, with indoor

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and outdoor kitchen and gathering spaces custom-crafted for bringing foodies and friends into the fold. The large, lavish kitchen reflects every memorable moment in its tinted-mirror ceilings. Servers’ quarters off the main kitchen offer a private space for party prep. Out back, in the pristinely sculpted yard, an outdoor heated deck area features a fully equipped kitchen ringed with a restaurant-inspired fire wall, gas torches and colour-changing light and water features. A one-bedroom laneway guest house ensures ample space for accommodations or remote office work.

Every detail in the house has been carefully considered and coordinated—from the hand-painted marble-like Venetian plaster walls and ceilings to the solid oak hardwood floors and ornamentations, the inset carvings and matching patterns, and the lighting, carpeting and adornments that literally sparkle.

“We came across this property and really wanted to go all out,” Cameron says. “We wanted to do something special.”

Levelling up the playing field While the T. Jones Group has developed over 200 luxury homes in Vancouver’s West Side, Elements Estate is an exquisite showcase of next-level modern opulence. To achieve a balance of high-end appeal and everyday functionality, the Joneses partnered with Geele Soroka of Sublime Interior Design to develop concepts and select materials. “Everyone brought ideas to the table,” Cameron says. The result? Each of the three levels in the house exudes a unique energy.

The opportunity to custom-build without a client enabled members of the design team to display their own stylistic leanings and creative eye for detail—something that is seen in everything from their choice of paint and fixtures to the artwork and furnishings adorning every room.

“We’ve studied what our clientele wants and we know what people like,” Cameron says.

Crestron smart home technology brings modernity to traditional elements, like the Lutron lighting system that learns daily routines, as well as speakers, water features and high-end security that are easy to manage both from home or away.

Niches, nooks and hidden passages add a touch of mystery, while making this home even more seamlessly functional,

adding up to a property that truly stands out. And it’s already garnered the awards to prove it—from HAVAN’s Best Feature Award (for a built-in ice chest in the basement bar) and its Best Space Award (for the basement) to countless other nominations.

Enter the opulent oasis Elements takes its name from the water, fire, earth and air features integrated throughout the home—starting in the front yard, where a water fountain sets the tone for tranquility.

The arched walnut doorway gives way to a majestic entry hall anchored by a custom curved glass staircase with walnut banisters. Marble floors are illuminated by a sparkling crystal chandelier.

To the left, a stately sitting room with a warm-walnut mantle welcomes guests. To the right, an elegant dining room shines with white marble floors (accented with black Calacatta) and dual crystal chandeliers.

Just past the staircase is the heart of the home; a great room offers both comfy respite and grandiose flair with marble walls and floor, and chandeliers in triplicate. While a TV and B O U L E VA R D

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wet bar keep residents comfortably anchored, the neighbouring kitchen ensures sustenance is never far away.

Airy and bright in white and gold and glass and mirrors, the kitchen is a mecca for cuisiniers with its double fridges and dishwashers, triple sinks and an oversized range. And when help is on order, a hidden door to servers’ quarters makes satisfying guests seamless and stealthy.

This is clearly no everyday mess hall, with luxury touches like the French-style hood fan, built-in wine cooler, auto-lit pantry and an Urban Cultivator so fresh-grown herbs are always on hand.

Windows that allow for food to be passed outside and auto-sliding glass deck doors lead to the ultimate in heated patio seating and eating: a sizeable glassed-in deck with built-in Alfresco kitchen including barbecue, pizza oven, fridge, bar, waterproof TV and speakers, retractable roof awning and surrounding fire and water features that bring an exotic resort feeling to the backyard.

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TA STUDIO EXCLUSIVELY AT

IN TE R I O R S

VANCOUVER | COQUITLAM VICTORIA | KELOWNA JORDANSINTERIORS.CA

Get down and rest up The resort ambience is echoed downstairs, where indoor recreation and fitness facilities are surrounded by an outdoor rock wall and cascading waterfall. But in stark contrast to the bright whites upstairs, this level is darker and decidedly more snug, with textured black plaster walls and walnut ceiling inlays adding an evening vibe to the backlit bar.

Deep teal banquet seating is flanked by twin fireplaces embedded in black marble walls. Across the room, bar seats with a front-row view of the pool in the adjoining room enable merrymakers to watch over their charges at play, while the retractable glass doors at the end of the rec room open onto the waterfall, which lights up at night and adds soothing ambient sound.

An adjoining wine room holds upwards of 500 bottles, while a soundproof media room down the hall features an 8K projector TV with theatre seating and Dolby’s Atmos surround-sound system. A gym with rubber floors made from recycled Nike shoes offers additional opportunities for fitness, while a guest bedroom provides ample space for a private retreat.

Four bedrooms upstairs round out the luxury accommodations with the ultimate pièce de résistance in the master bedroom: fully outfitted his-and-hers bathrooms and walk-in closets.

The men’s closet features a steam unit for clothes while the women’s offers pullout storage for extra space. And in the bathroom, there’s a digital shower, aromatherapy tub, dome ceiling and private deck.

Here all the elements come together in a tour de force, breathing life and vitality into every moment, day and night.

More information is at: elementsestate.ca

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Golf Burnaby EnjoYYable Golf for EverYYone

Golf Burnaby, with its facilities nestled within the heart and spectacular natural beauty of the Lower Mainland, offers many of the luxuries experienced within a private club setting.

Burnaby Mountain Golf Course & Driving Range in North Burnaby This popular golf course boasts natural tree lined and gentle rolling terrain offers blend of charm, character and serenity.

Riverway Golf Course & Driving Range in South Burnaby

One of the premier golf courses in the area. With imaginatively designed links-style fairways, lined by sweeping mounds of wild fescue, this course has an array of white tan bunkers and water hazards that are strategically placed to make every shot exciting.

golfburnaby.ca

business class

Fuelled by passion… & wine

Frank Gigliotti’s winding path to Cavallo Wines WORDS JOE LEARY

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PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE

T

o suggest that Frank Gigliotti is a man of

many talents is simply an understatement.

His life resonates more as a testament to the hallowed practice of pursuing one’s passions in life—whatever they may be and wherever they may lead.

Frank’s early days saw him as a member of the ‘60s/’70sera Vancouver rock group Five Man Cargo—something that checked off the first on a list of many passions. It was also one that eventually saw him rub shoulders with the giants of the music world.

“I started off as a professional musician when I got out of high school and like so many of us, February 9, 1964 changed my life,” he says, upon reflection. “It was the day The Beatles appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show, making their North American debut.”

After toiling as a musician for the next seven years or so, the lack of financial opportunity took him elsewhere.

“I realized it was tough to make a good living in Vancouver, so I decided to try and get into the record business—without a whole lot of experience, but a seriously good attitude.”

He was eventually hired as promotions and marketing manager at Columbia Records.

Pivoting from music, Frank later served as president of the BC Lions. This was during the football club’s heyday in the ‘90s with star quarterback Doug Flutie and the team’s rather colourful owner, Murray Pezim.

However, his 15 years at Columbia Records/CBS Music saw him befriend the major hit-makers of the day, including Billy Joel, Simon and Garfunkel, Eddie Money and Aerosmith, to name a few.

And it was some of those top-selling Columbia recording artists that would play a hand in leading Frank toward his current path as founder and winemaker of Cavallo Wines.

“My dad made wine but it was horrible stuff and I thought that all wine tasted like that,” he says.

But working with Neil Diamond, he soon discovered that there is such a thing as fine wine.

“We had just finished a gig at the Pacific Coliseum and were at Trader Vic’s at the Bayshore Inn having dinner, and Neil started ordering these wines. So I drank them along with him and thought, ‘Wow—this stuff is amazing.’ I had never had wines like that.”

“I had no money and I had no patience, but I’ve always raised the bar pretty high in my life and I wanted to create something.”

Billy Joel came into town about four months later, Frank recalls, and he started ordering Cabernets from California, made by all the old-school winemakers, and then Julio Iglesias—who used to carry cases of wines with him when he toured— introduced him to Spanish wines. Frank was hooked and decided this was his future road to travel. But “to want” and “to do” are not mutually exclusive, and there exists an axiom that in order to make wine, one needs money and patience.

“I had no money and I had no patience, but I’ve always raised the bar pretty high in my life and I wanted to create something.”

As a BC resident, Frank wanted to be unique and create something that would transcend what is readily available in the province.

“I gravitated toward the Napa Valley in California. In tastings, they always seemed to pit French Bordeaux against American Cabernets, and the Americans seem to win.

“That’s the style I wanted to make and as much as I love BC—and I’m a fiercely proud Canadian—I don’t think the climate here is conducive to making the style of wines that I want to make.”

It’s a point that deserves clarification as Frank has nothing but praise for this province and its well-awarded wineries.

“We’re not saying we’re better than that what’s in BC, we’re

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just offering an alternative. For those people who love great California wines, but don’t want to have to pay the price for great California wines, we’ve created that style in BC, using exclusively Napa Valley grapes.”

Cavallo Wines opened its doors in Langley in 2014 and it’s been drawing rave reviews ever since. In fact, plans are well underway to open a downtown Vancouver tasting room—located at Thurlow and Pender within a matter of months—and this despite the unforeseen ramifications of a global pandemic. Clearly it has not deterred wine drinkers.

“My research has shown that liquor sales through retail locations are up 61 per cent and online sales are up 445 per cent over this time last year.”

And what is Frank’s mantra for success?

“Answer to no one,” he states emphatically. “I’ve always lived my life in a way that I’m going to do what I want to do and never going to answer to anybody. I’m going to chart my own path and, good or bad, I’ll make the decisions that I need to make.

“There’s an old saying that if you want to make a small fortune, you’ve got to start with a big one. And that’s true for some, but it didn’t deter me from what I wanted to do. I wake up every morning and drive to work telling myself that I haven’t made my best wine yet. And when I do say that, it’s time to cash it in.”

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fashion

Floral, puff-sleeve blouse by Leisure ($275) from leisure-thebrand. com; custom jeans

by Today Denim (prices vary on custom denim) from todaydenim.com; genuine leather coat ($150) from House of Savoy; belt ($18) from Duchess & Duke; “Billy” bootie in cognac

by Frye ($398) from Footloose Shoes.

Makeup and hair by Jenny McKinney.

Model Jayda Stephens represented by Mode Models.

Photographed on local at Seven Half Diamond Ranch: thank you to Justin, Heather and Jim O’Connor for graciously hosting our fashion team for the day. (See page 74 for more information on the ranch.) Also, a huge thank you to Stephanie Travers: artist, farrier, horse trainer and teacher, for being a part of our shoot and bringing her beautiful horse, Duende, a Palomino Lusitano filly.

HIGH COUNTRY STYLING LIA CROWE + JENNY MCKINNEY

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PHOTOGRAPHY DARREN HULL

Against a backdrop of rolling grasslands and shimmering aspens at Seven Half Diamond Ranch in the stunning Thompson-Nicola Valley, Boulevard presents fashion from BC brands that honour and reflect the incredible lifestyle this province offers. Start with the building blocks of wool, cashmere, denim and leather, add in fabric with feminine flow and get set to explore the high country with the scent of dry grass and wild sage in your nose, and the screech of eagles and rustle of the wind in your ear.

Jacket by Luisa Cerano ($785), vest

by Velvet ($125) and corduroy pants by Bras ($248), all from Bagheera Boutique; belt ($25) from Duchess & Duke; hat—stylist’s own.

“Elsie” collared dress by Leisure ($395) at leisure-thebrand.com; earrings by Only Child Handicrafts ($160) at onlychildhandicrafts.bigcartel.com; boots from House of Savoy; belt ($25) from Duchess & Duke; poncho—stylist’s own.

Denim jacket by Today Denim ($295) from todaydenim. com; handmade sweater by ecologist x Olann ($385) from ecologyst.com; recycled wool “Scout” blanket by Anián ($89) from anianmfg.com; leather pants by Tommy Hilfiger ($58) from House of Savoy; hat— stylist’s own.

Cashmere striped throw ($1,025), cashmere turtleneck four-ply ($795), cashmere leggings with cable detail ($445) and cashmere two-tone pom pom hat ($175) all from Black Goat Cashmere.

home

WORKOUT! Create your own routine or discover online options WORDS KAISHA SCOFIELD

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PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE

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Engaging in online fitness has been a lifeline during these otherwise overwhelming times…

I’ve danced f lamenco in my pyjamas, done yoga in my underwear and even used my dog for weighted lunges.

love exercise; I always have. I’ve dabbled in everything from ballet to kickboxing, yoga to weightlifting. Being physically active is a big part of my life and working from a home office affords me the flexibility to get in a workout whenever the mood strikes.

That was, however, until the pandemic hit and like many others, I found myself hunkered down at home with my husband, two kids, our giant dog and an ornery cat. Within days, every surface was littered with lego, skateboards and comic books. My physical fitness was demoted to squatting down to clean toys off the floor or pacing the house, trying to find the quietest room for a client call.

Schedules have certainly shifted in recent months and we find ourselves adjusting to new challenges working from home, educating children and navigating 24-hour family time. When life gets busy, many people compromise time spent on health and wellness. But supporting mental wellbeing has never been more important. Movement and exercise are proven tactics for tackling anxiety, depression and overwhelm.

Physical activity supports mental wellness by stimulating the production of endorphins, neurochemicals that act as opiate receptors in our brain, thereby reducing pain, boosting pleasure and creating a general sense of awesomeness.

Looking for a way to get some me time, I decided to take up running. Running is a great pandemic activity because it provides fresh air and gets you outside. You can do it alone or in a group and, as long as no one breathes on passers-by, it respects social distancing recommendations. Anyone who runs will tell you what a great workout it is—what they won’t tell

you is that unless you do it consistently, it hurts and feels like torture. Running was not going to provide the de-stressing movement I required. I missed the gym. It was time to think outside the box.

Browsing Instagram one day, I stumbled upon a post by the wonderful Johnathan Van Ness (JVN) from Netflix’s Queer Eye. He was talking about a workout app that he is a part of that includes dance workouts. Dancing, workout and JVN sounded too good to be true, and my interest was piqued. I tried it out and even though I was exceptionally awkward, it didn’t matter because I was in my own home and aside form the ornery cat, no one really noticed what I was doing.

A quick survey of online classes led to dozens of websites, trainers and apps designed for working out in the comfort of your own home.

These fitness centres never stopped working; instead, they spent their time in lockdown quickly adapting their services to run online. This was obviously a great idea because the move to online fitness has created a wave of exercise enthusiasm.

There are a number of reasons why these classes are so popular. New classes are popping up every day so there are endless possibilities to choose from. Classes are also being presented in styles and formats that we have never seen before, making the online class less about simply transferring the gym to your living room and more about creating a whole new workout experience. Some classes involve costumes, others are music themed and some include celebrity trainers and demonstrators, like the JVN class.

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PROTECTING WHAT MATTERS MOST

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One of the best things about the abundance of online exercise classes is that participants are able to follow along in their own space and at their own pace. This expands the accessibility of fitness to people who may not feel comfortable working out in a studio or gym setting. Not only are there classes catering to all levels of experience and fitness, they offer the ability to sample new and different forms of exercise without commitment or embarrassment. This could prove to be a catalyst for getting many otherwise reluctant participants out of their comfort zone and moving their bodies.

Engaging in online fitness has been a lifeline during these otherwise overwhelming times. I have tried a number of classes that I would never have attempted in a group; I’ve danced flamenco in my pyjamas, done yoga in my underwear and even used my dog for weighted lunges. Exercise is supposed to be fun and with the explosion of online workout options, we just might make it out of this pandemic fitter, happier and more coordinated than ever.

OPTION ONE:

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gym, yoga studio or dance floor. Yes, plants may have to be relocated and chairs will have to be moved but building a home gym is not as difficult as it sounds. As with any do-it-yourself project, you just need a little creativity, grit and ingenuity and you too can have a place to lay your mat.

The style of home gym that you choose to create depends largely on the type of exercise you want to practice. Yoga is conducted on a mat, making it the easiest form of exercise to adapt a space too. Weight lifting, dancing, martial arts and other, more explosive forms of movement, may need more space.

Assuming you do not have your own set of dumbbells, kettle bells or a squat rack, weights will have to be repurposed out of items found in the house. Depending on your enthusiasm, just about anything can be used as a weight; for example, milk/

water jugs, tin cans, cast iron frying pans, bags of rice, sandbags, or the family dog are all great for lifting. A word of caution: please do not lift heavy things without someone to spot you and if you are new to weights please check with your doctor first.

The trick to building an excellent do-it-yourself workout is in the variety. The main guideline is to alternate between moves that target certain muscle groups with cardio. For example, squats work legs and bum while push-ups work back, chest and arms. Try a move and focus on what muscles are working.

It is important to combine strength and cardio to keep your muscles warmed up and your cardiovascular system primed.

Always remember that exercise is meant to be fun. Building your own home workout is a great way to experiment: simply choose a few movements that look fun, decide how many rounds you want to do, turn on some great music and you’re good to go!

OPTION TWO:

Example of an at home workout (source: girlsgonestrong.com)

Nearly every trainer, studio and gym is offering online classes these days, but in Vancouver, check out: • Tight Club offers livestream fitness classes from strength training to HIIT, classic sports conditioning to dynamic stretching, they’ve got you covered. More information at tightclubathletics.com • Dyer Fitness are community focused gyms that offer all levels training. Founded by CrossFit trained and all around incredible athlete Johny Dyer, Dyer Fitness workouts will really make you sweat. More information at dyerfitness.ca

Set a timer for 20 minutes. Perform the following circuit, doing as many rounds as possible with good form. Rest 15 to 30 seconds between exercises, and 30 to 60 seconds between each round.

1. Perform 10 push-ups or 10 incline push-ups.

2. Perform 10 bodyweight squats or 10 bodyweight jump squats.

3. Perform 10 bear crawls.

4. Perform 10 jumping jacks.

Discover online resources

Finding an online workout program can be overwhelming, so we have listed some of the most popular online exercise apps.

Nike Trainer App: This app lets you choose your workout style, time and available equipment. Each workout is presented by certified Nike trainers and athletes. It even has training programs that provide two to eight weeks of scheduled workouts.

The best part is that it’s free!

FitOn App: This is a very popular app, partially because it has great workouts for all levels, but also because it has exciting guest trainers such as Gabrielle Union, Julianne Hough and JVN. Who doesn’t like being entertained while exercising? Choose from a variety of movement styles from yoga to pilates to HIIT.

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food and feast

Immuneboosting bounty WORDS ELLIE SHORTT

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PHOTOS LIA CROWE

Fall favourites to keep your plates colourful and nourishing throughout the colder months

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s autumn takes hold and winter approaches, changes abound: the days shorten; the air cools.

Many of us also have more on our minds and more on our to-do lists. Add to that the nervousness of our current pandemic reality, and some may feel a sense of fear in the air. Fear of the unknown, fear of new structures and systems, and for many, the fear of cold and flu season coupled with an aggressive virus that we still know so little about.

However, one promising area of exploration is that of preventative measures as related to immune function and predispositions. While there is still minimal conclusive evidence on specifics that can ward off or diminish the effects of COVID-19, experts agree that a stronger baseline immune system doesn’t hurt, and even aside from this particular virus, tried-and-true methods for natural and safe immune support are beneficial in warding off various bugs that pop up in the colder, darker months.

The following are some seasonal finds that not only contain nutrients to boost and support immune function, but taste wonderful and warm the soul on so many nourishing levels.

(Please note that while I am a trained and certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, this is not intended to be medical advice for any ailment, especially COVID-19, and is meant to simply offer some sources of ingredient inspiration that perhaps also provide an additional advantage of natural and non-invasive immune support.)

Roots

Root vegetables are a strong staple in the autumnal culinary rotation. Carrots, parsnips and beets in their many gorgeous shapes, sizes and colours are delicious roasted and made into salads or side dishes, puréed into soups, or simply enjoyed raw, whether that’s shaved, grated, spiralized or even juiced.

They are nutrient-packed powerhouses, boasting a wide array of immune-boosting benefits. For example, carrots have a high concentration of an antioxidant group called carotenoids, specifically beta-carotene, a precursor to active vitamin A, which is responsible for many immune-based perks. There are a number of studies that support this, including one out of the Institute of Nutritional Physiology in 2003 that showed the advantageous effects of carrots (specifically carrot juice) on immune function.

And it’s not just the orange-hued ones! For those like myself who enjoy the visually diverse delights of multi-coloured produce, you will find immune assistance in the purple, red and yellow varieties as well.

Similar to carrots, beets come in a cornucopia of stunning assortments and offer a multiplicity of superb nutrients.

Equally rich in antioxidants, including carotenoids, beets provide a comparable set of immune advantages, in addition to their remarkable ability to aid in gentle natural detoxification—another key component to healthy immune function.

Humble little parsnips also contain disease-fighting antioxidants such as quercetin, kaempferol and apigenin, which may enhance immunity and protect against infection. They also offer up jackpot levels of vitamin C—25 per cent of the daily recommended amount in one serving, in fact. This crucial vitamin plays a central role in immune function, and according to multiple studies, including one conducted by Anitra C. Carr and Silvia Maggini in 2017, getting enough vitamin C in one’s diet may help decrease symptoms and shorten the duration of the common cold and other respiratory tract infections.

Tubers

Yams, sweet potatoes and potatoes (specifically those vibrant purple potatoes) may seem like humble lumps, but are all loaded with nutrients, many of which provide mega benefits to the immune system.

Sweet potatoes offer delightful doses of vitamins A and C; in fact, sweet potatoes contain one of the highest concentrations of vitamin A found in any vegetable (one medium-sized cooked sweet potato contains 21,907 international units of vitamin A or 438 per cent of the daily recommended value).

Regular old potatoes are great sources of beneficial nutrients as well, primarily potassium, but if you’re really wanting to kick things up a notch, give purple potatoes a try. While they seem novel, they’re not new. The history of the purple potato goes back to the purple Peruvian, an heirloom fingerling potato. This type of potato may have been noted as early

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Roasted Roots Salad with Turmeric Tahini Dressing

as 1817, listed as available at the market of Les Halles. They have a nutty, earthy flavour and are perfect as a side dish to complement nearly any main course. I like to cook them in a way similar to how I would regular potatoes—roasted, mashed, smashed—even the hasselback method works great with this imperially pigmented tuber. But aside from being majestically hued and fragrantly flavourful, these potatoes serve up some vitamin C, potassium and B6, all of which can aid in proper immune function.

Winter Squashes

Butternut, acorn, ambercup, delicata and my personal favourite, kabocha…there are seemingly endless options to choose from in the winter squash world, and even within each variety, there appears to be boundless shapes, sizes, colours and quirks.

They grow abundantly throughout British Columbia, each offering their own texture, flavour and most optimal use, and, you guessed it, are full of immune-enhancing nutrients like vitamins C and A. The bright-fleshed squashes like butternut and kabocha are particularly rich in antioxidants, including three different carotenoids, which as we discovered earlier are key elements in proper immune function.

But equally as important as the nutrient factors of these gorgeous gourds is their gastronomic versatility. I like to cook and purée them into soups, incorporate them into stews, slice

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and roast them into side dishes and as salad toppers, blend them into creamy dips and sauces, and bake them into muffins, loaves and pies. And let’s not forget that pumpkin, a fall-time flavour favourite, is technically a squash and also jam-packed with all those wondrous nutrients mentioned above (one cup of cooked pumpkin provides 245 per cent of the reference daily intake of vitamin A and 19 per cent of the reference daily intake of vitamin C).

These are just a few examples of the autumnal bounty we are so blessed to have at this time of year. I could go on and on about those exquisite leafy greens of kale, chard and collards, or the magnificent realm of mushrooms, all of which offer their own unique array of nutritional powers and immune-boosting benefits. But that’s the beauty of eating locally, seasonally and with curious eclecticism—nature provides us with what we need and when we need it, and packages it up in the most delicious and stunning ways for full sensory pleasure.

So while this is perhaps a somewhat weighty breakdown of the nutritional benefits of a few of the most classic and common fall-time offerings, remember that the most important thing is to have fun with food, appreciate what’s on your plate, and try to find sweet moments of calm solace and cosy comfort amid the potential chaos, pending fears, or gloomier moments of the fall and winter season.

Some seasonal finds that not only contain nutrients to boost and support immune function, but taste wonderful and warm the soul on so many nourishing levels.

Spiced Kabocha Squash Soup with Cumin Toasted Pumpkin Seeds

Roasted Roots Salad with Turmeric Tahini Dressing Prep time: 10-15 minutes Cooking time: 30-45 minutes Makes 4-6 servings

For the dressing: ¼ cup olive oil ¼ cup tahini Juice of one lemon (about 2 tbsp) 1 tsp honey ½ tsp ground turmeric 1 small clove of garlic, peeled and minced Sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste (I usually do about ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper) Water for desired thickness (or olive oil if you like a more richly flavoured dressing); I usually do about ¼ cup Directions Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, olive oil and turmeric.

Slowly whisk in the water (or more olive oil) until you’ve reached your optimal consistency. Whisk in the minced garlic, season with salt and pepper to taste, and set aside. *TIP: you can also combine all the ingredients in a small blender or food processor for a quick and easy option.

For the salad: 1 lb small to medium beets, peeled and halved or quartered 1 lb small to medium carrots, peeled and halved or quartered 1 lb small to medium parsnips, peeled and halved or quartered 1 medium red onion, peeled and sliced ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil 1 to 2 tbsp of minced flat-leaf parsley 4 cups of baby arugula 4 oz soft goat cheese Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste Garnish of shaved almonds and/or dried black currants

Directions Preheat your oven to 400 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, toss the pre-prepped veggies with the olive oil and spread evenly on one or two baking sheets. *TIP: I like to toss the carrots and parsnips first, then the beets, so that everything doesn’t turn pink if I’m using red beets.

Sprinkle with your minced herbs and a generous dash of sea salt and freshly ground pepper, roast for 30-45 minutes (until everything is fork tender) and remove from the oven to cool. Once cooled, toss the arugula in some dressing (enough to lightly coat the greens), spread out on a platter and artfully place the roasted root veggies and goat cheese on top. Drizzle with more dressing and garnish with the almonds, currents and any remaining herbs.

Spiced Kabocha Squash Soup with Cumin Toasted Pumpkin Seeds Prep time:10-15 minutes Cooking time: 30-45 minutes Makes 2-4 servings

For the cumin toasted pumpkin seeds 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil ½ tsp ground cumin Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste (about ¼ tsp salt and ⅛ tsp black pepper) B O U L E VA R D

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Directions Preheat your oven to 350 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium-sized bowl, toss the pumpkin seeds with olive oil and cumin, and season with salt and pepper.

Spread the pumpkin seeds evenly on the baking sheet and roast for 5-10 minutes or until just beginning to toast (you don’t want to over-toast them). *TIP: you may want to stir them halfway through to ensure a more even cook. Remove from oven and set aside.

For the soup 1 medium-sized kabocha squash, cut in half and deseeded ½ large onion, sliced 1to 2 cups broth, depending on how thick you like it 1 can (400ml) coconut cream 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp ground ginger

½ tsp garam masala ¼ tsp ground clove 1 tbsp pure maple syrup Sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste Extra virgin olive oil (about 2 tbsp to ¼ cup) *TIP: I like to use a nice bone broth for added nutrient density and immune-boosting benefits, but a simple veggie stock works great too.

Directions Preheat your oven to 400 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Rub the kabocha squash with some olive oil (about 1 tbsp or so) and place face-down on the baking sheet. Bake for 30-45 minutes until fork tender. Remove and set aside to cool. While the squash is cooking, sauté the onion on medium-to-low heat with the remaining olive oil until translucent and beginning to get golden brown. Transfer the onion, squash and all other ingredients to a highpowered blender or food processor, and purée until smooth and creamy. Give it a taste and add salt, pepper and any more seasoning you desire. Reheat on stovetop to enjoy, or store in fridge or freezer for later.

Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Loaf Prep time: 5-10 minutes Cooking time: 30-40 minutes Makes 8 slices

½ cup almond flour ½ cup coconut flour ¼ cup tapioca flour ½ cup cane sugar 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp ground cinnamon ½ tsp ground nutmeg ¼ tsp ground clove ¼ tsp sea salt 3 eggs 1 cup sweet potato/yam purée 1 tsp pure vanilla extract ½ cup butter, melted, plus a little extra for greasing * *TIP: Melted coconut oil or even olive oil works great too if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.

Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Loaf

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Directions Preheat your oven to 350 F. Grease a loaf pan with butter.* In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the flours, baking powder, baking soda, spices, sugar and sea salt, and set aside. In a mixer, food processor, or by hand, combine the eggs, sweet potato/yam purée, vanilla extract,and melted better. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet until thoroughly combined. Pour the mixture into your loaf pan, smooth out the top and sprinkle with some extra cinnamon, sugar and crumbled nuts, or just leave plain.

Bake for 30-40 minutes, checking to see if the centre is cooked through by inserting a thin knife or long skewer until it comes out clean. Once baked through, remove from oven and let sit for 10 minutes. Remove from the loaf pan, and let it cool further on a wired rack for a few more minutes. Slice and serve with butter or whipped cream. *TIP: You can also line the bottom with a thin strip of parchment paper with the edges hanging out for easier removal.

The Italian Chamber of Commerce in Canada–West Your partner for everything Italian.

Membership at the Italian C hamber of Commerce in Canada West is one of the most valuable tools your business can get to continue to grow as a company with a distinct Italian flavour in all industry sectors. This includes the strong Italian Design sector through the unique Italian Design Map (italiandesignmap.com), promoting exclusive events and new product outsourcing opportunities for Canadian designers and design lovers.

The Italian Chamber is also the official representative of three acclaimed Italian Design Schools—Domus Academy, Naba – Nuova Accademia Belle Arti and Istituto Marangoni—bringing to Canada extensive programs of art, fashion and design, ranging anywhere from bachelor programs to continuing studies courses, to online master classes. The Italian Chamber is an ideal resource for any company looking to find new partners and suppliers or outsource new products or services through referrals, trade shows and other extraordinary business development networking opportunities through the Italian Chambers Worldwide Network.

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You can meet the Chamber’s team at the Italian Design Days @IDS (Vancouver, Oct 1st–8th), a series of events organized in collaboration with the Consulate General of Italy in Vancouver and the Italian Trade Commission in Toronto, and taking place during the Interior Design Show IDS in Vancouver (vancouver.interiordesignshow.com), in various Italian design brands showrooms. Alternately, you can meet the team online on November 5th - a date dedicated to yearly celebrations of Italian design all over the world by all Italian institutions — during a free webinar featuring a famous Italian designer, or, finally, you can meet the ICCCW team tasting a glass of authentic Italian wine during one of the many food and wine promotional events organized in the fall, such as Flavours of Italy, a month-long promotion (during the entire month of October 2020) of 12 popular Italian wines selected among favourite and classic labels available in 60 selected BC Liquor Stores, or, the Authentic Italian Table – The Italian Cheese Experience at all Urban Fare store locations (September 24 to October 21) and featuring five popular Italian DOP certified cheeses, with special gifts for all customers.

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SUPER LAZIO! Lazio, Italy’s most central region, boasts an extensive western seacoast on the “knee of the boot.” It is here that you find Rome, and some 50 kilometres further south, Casale del Giglio and its wines.

How has Casale del Giglio become an icon of central Italy’s wines and a must-have in all the homes and restaurants of the capital? To understand their success in Italy and abroad it helps to know how and where it all began. Casale del Giglio was founded in 1967 by their “pater familias” Berardino Santarelli, a Roman wine merchant who saw the potential of the uncharted land in the Agro Pontino valley.

He realized that with its position between the hills and the sea, a specific microclimate and the promise of indigenous root stock, the territory offered a unique opportunity to attempt something no-one had ever attempted before. In 1985 Santarelli family invested heavily in viticulture research, and in a close and long term collaboration with the oenologist Paolo Tiefenthaler, they have succeeded in totally revolutionizing the Agro Pontino valley’s approach to wine making.

The models of viticulture which inspired Casale del Giglio’s research are those traditionally adopted in Bordeaux, California and Australia, wine producing areas of the world influenced by a maritime climate, just as the Agro Pontino benefits from its proximity to the Tyrrhenian sea. More than 20 different wines are produced in Casale del Giglio’s vineyards today; some from indigenous grape varieties like Bellone and Cesanese, others from French varietals that have proved they can thrive in this warm, but sea- tempered region.

In addition to the usual suspects like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Syrah, there have been some very successful surprises such as Petit Manseng, Viognier, Tempranillo and Petit Verdot.

In tandem with Casale del Giglio’s efforts over time to identify and select the Italian and international grape varieties best suited to Lazio’s local microclimate, Santarellis have never ceased to focus on those vines native to Lazio which have been rediscovered in districts not far from their principle vineyards.

Such varieties include the Biancolella of Ponza, the Bellone of Anzio and, more recently, the Pecorino of Accumoli and the Cesanese from the Province of Frosinone. Casale del Giglio currently offers a range of 23 products (9 white and 8 red wines, a rosé, a late harvest, 3 grappas and an extra virgin olive oil) - a cluster of wines for which we can rightly aspire to coin the term, with all due respect to our colleagues in Tuscany, Super Lazios!

Now you can explore them in British Columbia where the importing agency is World Wine Synergy Inc.

CAMPAGNA FINANZIATA AI SENSI DEL REG. UE N. 1308/2013 CAMPAIGN FINANCED ACCORDING TO EU REG N. 1308/2013

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travel

PHOTO BY GEORGE TURNER

WILD CHURCHILL Up close with polar bears

BY SUZANNE MORPHET

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W

e’re casually watching a pair of frisky Arctic foxes playing on the shoreline of Hudson Bay when our guide arrives with welcome news.

A polar bear has been spotted. It’s half a kilometre away and heading straight for us.

It’s hard to pick a white bear out of a white background— especially when your heart is hammering—but now I see him, striding confidently towards us over the tidal flat on big, furry feet. The foxes scatter from his path as we take up positions along the big picture windows of our lodge, cameras ready.

For this bear—our first—I’m glad we’re inside. But for the next three days we’ll go on long walks on the tundra, looking for more of the largest land carnivores on the planet.

I first heard about polar bear safaris at Seal River Heritage Lodge from a friend who was visiting from Belgium. Aline was on a month-long tour of some of Canada’s most magnificent places and when she arrived in British Columbia—her last stop—all she could talk about was walking with polar bears in Manitoba. And these were not bears behind bars in the Winnipeg zoo, but bears in the wild. At an eco-lodge on the shore of Hudson Bay. Off the grid and perhaps—I wondered—for people a little off their rockers.

PHOTO BY IAN JOHNSON, COURTESY CHURCHILL WILD

But crazy as it seemed, after hearing about Aline’s remarkable experience, I knew I had to go.

It’s a 30-minute flight from Churchill to the private airstrip at Seal River Heritage Lodge. After settling into our comfortable rooms and lunching in the sunny dining room overlooking Hudson Bay, we gather in the lounge to learn more about what’s in store in the days ahead.

“We won’t walk straight up to a bear,” says Andy McPherson, the lead guide, explaining that we’ll trek in tight single file and approach a bear slowly, “showing him how big we are.”

“We want to be one visual presence,” he adds.

In 26 years of offering walking safaris, guides with Churchill Wild—the company that owns this lodge and three others on this coast—have never had to shoot a bear. Instead, if one comes too close, they’ll talk loudly to it, “like I’m talking to a dog,” says Andy, or throw stones at it.

“Bangers” and “screamers,” noisy deterrents that are commonly used in the town of Churchill, are rarely used here.

The next morning the temperature has plummeted to minus 10 C and we gather outside dressed in puffy parkas and big boots. (I leave behind my favourite sealskin toque

It’s hard to pick a white bear out of a white background— especially when your heart is hammering—but now I see him, striding confidently towards us over the tidal f lat on big, furry feet.

PHOTO BY GEORGE TURNER

after learning that polar bears have a wicked sense of smell and seals are their favourite food.)

We number 15—seven Americans, three Aussies, a couple Israelis, two Brits and me—the lone Canadian. Interestingly, two women left their husbands at home and are here with their adult sons.

Crunching through the snow, we follow Andy, while two other guides bring up the rear. All three carry rifles while the rest of us are armed only with cameras and a taste for adventure.

It’s not by chance that Churchill Wild picked this stretch of Hudson Bay coastline for eco-tourism. It’s where the boreal forest meets the Arctic tundra and it’s rich with wildlife. Not only does it boast the largest concentration of polar bears in the world, but grizzlies and black bears are here too, along with moose and caribou. In the summer, thousands of beluga whales congregate in the Seal River estuary. In early November, when we arrive, polar bears are patiently waiting for ice to form on the bay so they can go offshore to hunt seals.

Our first few walks on the tundra are bear-free. But there’s much else to savour: the dramatic black and white world of boulders and snow; or the hazy blue light on the bay one morning, illuminating the ice that formed overnight. Ptarmigans and Arctic hares hiding in plain sight simply by standing still. Eyelashes trimmed with frost after an exhilarating walk.

In fact, there’s so much to observe that one morning when Andy tells us to keep an eye on the grassy ridges near the shoreline, I ask what we’re looking for.

“Polar bears,” he replies.

Oh, right.

Of course, we enjoy our time inside the lodge as well, es-

pecially appetizers and wine in front of a roaring fire each evening. Meals are at family-sized tables with big helpings of comfort food, including wildly harvested meat and fish. After dinner, we’re treated to lectures about all things polar bear.

Did you know that female bears experience something called “delayed implantation?” They mate in the spring, but fertilized eggs aren’t implanted until the fall, and only if the bear is healthy enough to support cubs through a long winter, much of it without food.

Andy believes the bear population is doing well, despite climate change. “They’ve lived through warmer periods and survived,” he says. “They’re exceptionally intelligent animals.”

On our final morning walk, we spot a bear and her cub bedded down in a nest of seaweed. At about 70 metres away, Andy motions us to stop and watch. When the bears finish napping, they completely ignore us. They stretch, they yawn and they scratch their chins in what appears to be boredom, the same way a person would.

“Researchers will say you’re anthropomorphizing,” says Andy, who has been guiding here for the past 14 years, “but spending the time we do with them, you can’t help but see it.”

On our last night, I’m watching foxes playing outside the window when someone yells “bear!”

A mother and two cubs are approaching. When they get as close as they can (an electric fence is between them and the window) they peer up at us, as harmless-looking as teddy bears, and just as adorable. Then, off they walk into the snowy night, pausing once to look back, as if to say, “thanks for visiting.”

Good-bye, bears. We wish you all the best.

For dates and rates see churchillwild.com

secrets and lives —

AND THE 7 SINS with KRISTINA MATISIC

D

espite having more than two decades’ experience behind and in front of the camera, Kristina Matisic is constantly on the lookout for ways to strengthen her skills and stretch beyond her comfort zone.

“In the last few years, I’ve been taking a lot of improv classes,” she says. “I’m always preaching improv to everyone, because it teaches so many valuable skills.

It’s scary, but it’s served me very well in my life. There’s nothing scarier than getting up on stage and not knowing what’s going to happen.

“It’s made auditioning much less scary!” she adds with a laugh.

The long-time Kits resident is probably best known for creating and co-hosting The Shopping Bags with Anna Wallner, which ran for seven seasons. Their second show, Anna and Kristina’s Grocery Bag, was the first Canadian show to be picked up to help launch the Oprah Winfrey Network. Several more shows followed, with Kristina in producing and acting roles, but in 2014, she decided it was time to reinvent.

“We had a great run, but it was time to see what I was going to do for the next 20 years of my life,” she says.

Launching public relations firm Kristina Matisic Creative was a natural next step, and now she works with clients, creating content, offering media training, managing brands and more, while keeping one foot in the media world. With the new shape of the world, Kristina’s had to think on her feet more than ever.

“Things changed drastically in the beginning [of COVID-19],” she says. “Now we’re rolling again, but it’s changed how we work. It’s really a time to be creative in this industry.”

WORDS ANGELA COWAN 86

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PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE

Anna and Kristina’s Grocery Bag was the first Canadian show to be picked up to help launch the Oprah Winfrey Network.

The 7 Sins ENVY:

Whose shoes would you like to walk in?

Michael Connelly. He’s one of my favourite crime writers. I’d love to experience his creativity and understand where his ideas come from, how he structures his stories (does he know the ending before he starts?) and to learn more about his writing process.

GLUTTONY:

What is the food you could eat over and over again?

I’m going to have to say pizza, which I already do eat over and over again (although it needs to be thin crust). So many topping possibilities, it’s hard to tire of it. But good old pepperoni is still my favourite. In second place is ice cream. I want to eat it every day but have to stop myself.

GREED:

You’re given $1 million that you have to spend selfishly. What would you spend it on?

Travel, 100 per cent. (Assuming it was safe to do so.)

I’d take a year or two sabbatical and travel to all the places on my bucket list, and do it in style, of course!

Three of the top places on my list are Istanbul, Buenos Aires and Bali. With a cool million, I’d also rent a fabulous apartment in Paris along the way and live there for two months.

WRATH:

Pet peeves?

People who chew with their mouths open. I haven’t been able to stand that since I was a little kid.

SLOTH:

Where would you spend a long time doing nothing?

One of my favourite places to do nothing (aside from my couch) is Baska, Croatia. It’s a small town on the island of Krk. We have an old place there that’s been in the family for 300 years. I usually go every summer but have been unable this year, for obvious reasons.

PRIDE:

What is the one thing you’re secretly proud of ?

My resiliency, my tenacity and my ability to reinvent myself. I’ve had three major career changes in my life: from reporter/newscaster to TV producer and host, and now public relations consultant. I’m not afraid of change, and I don’t give up easily.

LUST:

What makes your heart beat faster?

Getting the part. I audition for small roles in locally shot TV shows and movies (usually to play reporters and anchors) and for commercials. It’s a lot of preparation and a lot of rejection. A lot! But when you get the part? Best feeling!

PHOTOGRAPHED AT LA GLACE ICE CREAM PARLOUR AND CAFE. DRESS FROM REBECCA BREE BOUTIQUE IN VANCOUVER.

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narrative

WORDS CHERYL SCHINDLER

X

ILLUSTRATION SIERRA LUNDY

MY IDENTITY AS A WRITER 88

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M

y love of writing began as a young child. As soon as I learned to write, I expressed myself through poetry and simple song lyrics, masking my shyness with a bubbly creative spirit. My style and words were simple in nature due to my age and ability, yet I often received praise for my work. Praise from relatives and teachers added fuel to my passion.

Through my teens, writing became my primary method of releasing the pressures and stresses associated with adolescence. By the age of 15, I guess you could say that I was a troubled teen. My parents began to realize that writing was an effective way to communicate with me. They began to share their feelings through written letters, often left on my bed when I returned home. Visually seeing their message on the page resonated with me in a different manner than hearing spoken words. Written words were powerful and symbolized permanence and authority. To this day, I do not know if it was their tone or the thoughtful and careful selection of words that made the difference.

My excitement for writing never ceased and, in fact, it continued to burn within me. I spent hours in my bedroom late at night writing about love and fears. After entering a few poetry contests, my work was once mentioned on television. Knowing others enjoyed my work drove me to write more. Looking back on some of my work, I can see a common pattern of love, passion, sadness and darkness. I began to realize that writing released my inhibitions. As a writer, I was outgoing and fearless. My feelings poured onto the page in a cathartic mess of scribbles. The voice on the page was courageous and no longer concerned about what others thought. The poems, although sad at times, were beautiful short stories that could be transformed into song. They spoke of the love, heartbreak and struggles of a young woman in search of her identity.

My writing today has evolved into stories and thoughts that define who I am today. One might be inclined to say that writing has been the catalyst to my current identity. The release of bottled-up emotions freed my mind, allowing creativity to flow and giving me an outlet to guide my future.

With the stroke of a pen, I can turn a negative experience into a positive outcome. I can shape the story or completely rewrite it, since it is the author who is in control. As the author, I become the one with the ability to shed light where there was once darkness or to mend the broken heart. My

thoughts and the pen can transform the story, strip emotions and restructure the ending.

The poem collection from my past remains filed in a cabinet drawer. I shall keep the poems forever as a reminder of the place where my mind once was…only to smile as I read them, knowing how far I have come in my life as a writer, as a person and as a creator. These words are memories, moments and thoughts, captured at times of joy, sadness and misery. They speak of those pings you get in your heart when you first fall in love. They speak of loss. But most of all, they speak of times when strength and courage were needed.

With the freedom to write, simply known as time, I wish to further develop my penmanship. However, strangely enough, since finding true love in my life, I can no longer think of the words faster than I can type. Happiness and joy have hindered my ability to dig deeper into my emotions, leaving a blank page disenchanted. Perhaps it has nothing to do with love and it is merely a reflection of my day job.

In adulthood, I write for a living, and by day’s end, I no longer wish to write. A winning business proposal might pay the bills, but this is not where I wish to divulge my bottled passion. Fiction, friction and mad tales about characters who only I can see in my mind are the words bursting to get out.

Yet, when I get home, I pull out my laptop and my mind can no longer think. The characters remain as ideas scribbled onto notes that sit on my bedside table waiting for someone to pick them up and bring them to life. Characters with vibrant personalities, unusual features and dark plots are resting dormant until their creator has the time and energy to awaken their spirits.

A day does not pass without my mind wandering into the abyss of writing ideas, new words, character traits and crazy plots—quite the opposite of the fastidious style of my business writing. I long for the days when my insouciant, childlike writing returns and carefree poems and short stories of wonder fill my notebooks: the days when scribbles on napkins and scrap pieces of paper take you through a lifetime of special moments without photographs, leaving the pictures to your imagination.

Expressing myself through written words is a never-ending learning experience that continues to evolve through each phase of my life. My journey as an author is far from over, it has only just begun.

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parting shot

WORDS LEETA LIEPINS

PHOTO BY KEVIN MILLS / MISSION RECORD

H E R OE S ON T H E F R ON T L I N E Over the years, our popular television dramas have romanticized frontline workers. The lives of these professionals have been portrayed as filled with intrigue and fascination as they move from episode to episode, effortlessly falling in love and saving lives—at times doing both simultaneously!

The truth is undoubtedly a vastly different story for our hard-working firefighters, police officers, EMTs, paramedics and emergency room nurses and doctors.

For our heroes working to keep us safe during the pandemic, the reality is assuredly grittier and more depressing than portrayed. Exposed daily to an overwhelming and ever-increasing number of emergencies due to COVID-19 and its destructive fallout, these courageous people work longer hours, coping with conditions for which some aren’t entirely trained. The alarming global state of affairs has brought about countless unforeseen situations

that could not have been predicted by any experts.

First responders have had to confront a multitude of mental health issues coupled with an overwhelming increase in drug overdoses. The horrific COVID-19 virus has added yet another layer of complexity to these delicate yet dangerous interactions that go on daily, even hourly, and typically far from the eyes of our average reader.

Consider the fact that these incredible humans persevere amid disaster and the constant challenges they face to do their jobs within our community.

The next time you hear that siren wail, express a well-deserved thank you to these dedicated men and women on the frontline. Remember that these are the people who go above and beyond to provide a much-needed modicum of comfort while the world weighs heavy with worry and fear of what the future has in store.

LEETA LIEPINS TV Host/Co-Executive Producer: Our City Tonight TV airing Sundays at 12:30pm on CityTV Instagram: @ourcitytonight, @culturebitesvancouver, @LifewithLeeta Twitter: @ourcitytonight @LifewithLeeta

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