Short sleeve denim overshirt by Armedangels ($295), pearl earrings in peridot by Lizzie Fortuna ($415), bijoux bead necklace in mint by Clare V. ($305), enamel barrel chain necklace in emerald by Clare V. ($229), ridge cuff in lime by Lizzie Fortunato ($175), Le Pavé sardine necklace in vintage gold (worn as a bracelet) by Clare V. ($244), enamel barrel chain bracelet by Clare V. ($150), le fleur bag charm (on mesh bag) by Clare V. ($197), all from Bernstein & Gold. Along with silk cropped floral bustier by Alessandra Rich ($261), pink tweed cropped wide leg pant by Smythe ($145), silk floral print headband by Gucci ($395) and green knotted leather sandals by Wonders ($89.99), all from Turnabout Luxury Resale. Yellow and grey geometric pattern silk blouse (around waist) by Equipment ($85) from Edited Curated Consignment and the bags and the stylist’s own. FASHION
North Saanich couple reshapes backyard possibilities
By Paul Bucci
SLOWLY’
Lumache is a tiny temple of authentic Italian pasta
By Cinda Chavich
Photography by Michelle Proctor 64
Recipes for a summer table from Mosi Florentine By Mosi Florentine
72
SAINT LUCIA
An island of history, iconic landscapes and quiet charm By Katherine Engqvist
JEN CLARK
MAKEUP ARTIST
SEE THE WORLD PAGE 42
“Popping around downtown Victoria on an unpredictable, gusty day, the fashion team and I knew we’d have to embrace the elements. Our model’s hair was prepped the day before in tiny braids to create fullness and an unstructured texture that came alive in the wind and I created a lived-in makeup look. The clothing and hair revealed unexpected movement and detail, and we stayed quick and nimble to capture each moment.”
Jen is a freelance makeup artist with over 20 years of experience and is a regular contributor to Boulevard as well as a member of our fashion team.
JEN EVANS
STYLIST
SEE THE WORLD PAGE 42
“The global style pulse has shifted towards personal expression and maximalism over muted perfection. This movement thrives on cultural diversity – reflecting global influences and encouraging people to curate their own unique narratives through eclectic individuality and creativity.
Sourcing from three diverse boutiques and by mixing and layering patterns, eras and dramatic colours – we created looks that celebrate creative freedom and a sense of joy and global optimism that’s, hopefully, here to stay.”
Jen is a freelance fashion, prop and interior stylist and producer for media and advertising campaigns in Victoria, Vancouver and Toronto, and is a regular contributor to Boulevard as well as a member of our fashion team.
VICTORIA LIFE AT ITS FINEST
2026 ISSUE 4
GROUP PUBLISHER Michelle Cabana
PUBLISHER Janet Gairdner
EDITOR Katherine Engqvist
DESIGN Crea Zhang Tammy Robinson
ADVERTISING Janet Gairdner 250.480.3251
Brian Heighington Glen Butcher Gui Santos
Peyton Seltenrich
Randi Page
Halena Madison
CONTRIBUTING Cinda Chavich
WRITERS Janice Louise
Jeremy Pott
Katherine Engqvist
Lauren Kramer
Miriam Halpenny
Natalie Bruckner
Paul Bucci
Tess van Straaten
CONTRIBUTING Don Denton PHOTOGRAPHERS Michelle Proctor
CIRCULATION & Marilou Pasion DISTRIBUTION 604.542.7411
Victoria Boulevard® is a registered trademark of Black Press Group Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the publisher’s written permission. Ideas and opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Black Press Group Ltd. or its affiliates; no official endorsement should be inferred. The publisher does not assume any responsibility for the contents, both implied or assumed, of any advertisement in this publication. Printed in Canada. Canada Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement #42109519.
info@blvdmag.ca boulevardmagazines.com
A life remembered
There would be no story to tell without Evelyn Butler.
Without her, these pages simply would not exist.
She was the epitome of the publishing world in Greater Victoria and her life has touched so many, whether directly or indirectly. Over the years, many have credited her for their start and later success in the business.
Known as ‘Evy’ to her many dear friends, she was a trail blazer from a young age. A graduate of Oak Bay High School, she left Greater Victoria in the summer of ’69 for a year of hitchhiking through Europe before a brief stop in Paris to work as an au pair.
Eve Hume travelled with her during that year. “Evy had an amazing sense of direction.” When Eve would step out of a building and turn one way, Evy would just know the right direction to go, which was usually the other way. “She got us from A to B all over Europe.”
A missed encounter on that trip meant lifelong friend Sally Glover didn’t get to celebrate her 21st birthday “hanging off the Eiffel Tower” as she had envisioned. But the trio did finally manage to connect through messages passed by family members and friends in a world before cell phones.
For those like Sally who were fortunate to know this funny, feisty woman, there is no shortage of stories to tell.
Sally recalls one where they were off to attend Eve’s 70th birthday and Evy insisted on driving because she knew the way, despite Sally also knowing the way. So off they went in Evy’s car and it started pouring – the kind of rain that makes you wish you weren’t driving – and Evy was not pleased with the turn of events, but she had insisted on driving. “Evy was a bit of a know it all, but we loved her for it because she did know a lot!”
After returning home from Europe, Evelyn was still known as the life of the party and her ability to talk to anyone served her well in real estate and in sales with Monday Magazine. But many credit her greatest creative achievement as being the owner and publisher of Boulevard Magazine for over two decades.
“Evy was not only a visionary publisher but a role model and mentor to many a hardworking sales reps,” says friend and former colleague Heather Murray.
Linda Hensellek started working as a sales rep at Bay Publishing in 2000 and at that time, Evelyn was only publishing one magazine – her love, as Linda put it, Boulevard.
Evelyn’s dedication and commitment to creating a content-rich, beautifully designed product was paramount, Linda says, and it was her astute vision and business acumen that led Boulevard to becoming such an important resource in showcasing Victoria’s lifestyle, homes, design and vibrant arts community, all while supporting local and diverse cultures.
“Evy had the skill, energy and temperament to juggle many hats, always with grace, loyalty and a very creative heart and loving soul.”
She took a personal interest in every client and team member, Linda recalls. She had a zest for celebrating life and was not only an incredible mentor but a loyal friend who is deeply missed.
“I will forever hold her in a very special place in my heart. And she fills it completely.”
Evelyn’s passion didn’t stop at Boulevard. She bought a piece of land in 2000 and began building a second home in La Manzanilla, Mexico. She was notorious for taking up room on the plane with all of her suitcases, filled with gifts for her community.
An avid gardener both here and in Mexico, she had a brilliant eye and enjoyed telling her many friends what looked good and how to fix what needed work.
She died in April, a few weeks before her 77 birthday after a short battle with cancer.
Evelyn passed as she lived – she knew what she wanted and did it her way. Even her final wishes were dutifully carried out by those closest to her. Spreading the joy that is Evy’s legacy to all lucky enough to call her a close friend.
The taste of summer
By the time this issue is out, summer will be in full swing, but as I’m writing this, we’ve just feasted on the first strawberries of the season. We spent the morning strolling through one of my brother’s strawberry patches – my mom, myself and my two-year-old bounding down the hard-packed earth in search of berries.
My daughter is not a patient little thing and the hunt for those precious dark red berries is a lot of work. But she doesn’t complain, she just teeters on in her boots as she climbs up the hilled rows, hunting through the lush green leaves as she searches for ripe ones (and eats a few that aren’t anyways).
Once she finds a good spot, she sits, juice smeared around her mouth, hands sticky while clutching a berry in each and she pops one into her mouth after another, relishing the return of summer and fresh fruit.
Back in the car, strapped in her seat, she’s all smiles as she clutches her little green paper basket, afraid someone will take this glorious treat from her as she tries to fight the impending nap on the drive home.
In the coming months we will try to preserve this taste of summer, filling our freezer with berries, making sauces and experimenting with smoothie combinations that are an easy grab-and-go option for a busy toddler. I’m even going to try my hand at canning a few jars of strawberry lemonade so we can preserve as much of this summer treat as possible to brighten those dark winter months.
While my childhood was also filled with berries – a fortunate side effect of growing up on a berry farm – my garden now also includes a few nods to more exotic fare. All of which are sampled by my little one, usually before they’re ready to eat, and if they do somehow make it past her, I try to dry and preserve as much as possible to use throughout the year.
I didn’t realize it at first but I seem to collect dishes from my travels that find their way into regular rotation at our dinner table. A love of avocado and green sauce from Peru, a basil/tomato dish discovered while on safari in Africa, the perfect seasoning combination from Costa Rica for grilling white fish – fish we caught earlier that day and ate on the beach under the setting sun – and an openface sandwich obsession from visiting family in Sweden (just to name a few).
While the inspiration has come from abroad, I’ve adapted these dishes to fit local, in-season ingredients wherever possible. As you’ll read later on in these pages, chef James Frost says proximity to ingredients really is what makes them special and that’s something I can’t echo enough.
In her profile on Lumache, food writer Cinda Chavich talks with James about his passion for authentic pasta, quality ingredients and that Slow Food ethos that guides his creations in the kitchen.
If you’re still craving more authentic cuisine after reading that feature, our friends at Mosi Florentine have provided a recipe that is an Italian summer in a glass – and more to taste in our Food & Feast feature. So even if you’re not off to explore the world this summer, you can still enjoy it.
In our Lifestyles feature, writer Paul Bucci talks with Bob Duncan at Fruit Trees and More – Nursery and Demonstration Orchard about how he has spent decades testing the limits of what can be grown on Vancouver Island. Through extensive trails, he has managed to bring a Mediterranean flare to many local backyards, putting those once exotic ingredients within reach.
In the following pages, you’ll read more about how others have been inspired by their travels, incorporating that into their daily lives and using it to shape their paths.
I hope their stories will help you discover something new – something delicious.
In the meantime, if you need me, I’ll be in the berry fields.
Until next time,
Katherine Engqvist Editor
Katherine Engqvist is an award-winning multimedia journalist. She’s based in Greater Victoria but has travelled to 32 countries looking for stories to share. When she’s not working, you can find her on the family farm, cruising through the ocean, chasing her toddler around the garden or reading a novel with a glass of wine.
design notes
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Lean into the artful motifs of Miami Beach style. Crisp, sunny yellows with brilliant chrome are welcoming design hits for summer. Graphic patterns against simple backdrops also allow for a special design story, reminiscent of Miami’s rich design heyday.
into Summer
Custom 1950s Lilac Velvet 3-Piece Sectional
Crochet Cardigan Bernstein & Gold
Aveiro Wallpaper Astek
Herman Miller Girard Colour Wheel Ottoman Gabriel Ross
Caicos by Sonoma Tilemakers Decora Tile
EVERY MOMENT
Iridescent wine glasses; where art meets elegance. Make every pour a celebration and bring beauty, charm and sophistication to every occasion.
Take the workout class, tackle weekend errands, and chill poolside all with your new hydration buddy in tow. The Corkcicle Cold Cup XL features the signature triple insulation, ceramic coated straw and lid, making it the ideal way to sip in style no matter where the thirst strikes.
Sunburst Rug West Elm from $449
hot properties
everyone’s talking about
1STARS ALIGN FOR LIFE-SAVING TRANSPLANTS
Returning to the city where it all began, the David Foster Foundation is celebrating its 40th anniversary with two events in Victoria – a red carpet gala on Aug. 7 and a public concert in the Inner Harbour on Aug. 8.
For four decades the foundation has been providing financial support for children in need of life-saving organ transplants – helping with nonmedical expenses to ensure families can focus on their child’s medical journey.
Friday’s gala promises to be a night to remember with community
leaders, philanthropists and celebrated artists coming together to raise funds in the spirit of community and hope. A VIP after-party also promises live performances by The London Essentials and the Rhapsody Orchestra.
Saturday’s concert will see the Inner Harbour transformed to host the David Foster & Friends 40th Anniversary Concert. A star-studded lineup of world-class talent is led by the 16-time Grammy Award-winning producer and songwriter, while celebrating his hometown and honouring the children and families who inspired the foundation’s mission.
Joining him on stage are Josh Groban, Katharine McPhee, The Tenors, Pia Toscano, Daniel Emmet, Erich Bergen and Jay Leno, with more guests still being announced.
For more information, go to davidfosterfoundation.com.
FOLLOW THE TRAIL FROM FARM TO TABLE
Flavour Trails is celebrating 20 years and this season promises to be more flavourful than ever.
A whole lineup of events is in the works, with farm tours, behind-the-scenes experiences, tastings, workshops and more from local farmers, food makers, chefs and artisans.
At the heart of this year’s lineup of events will be the North Saanich Community Celebration, taking place Aug. 15 and 16. Bringing together a curated selection of farms and food businesses from across the Peninsula, this is the perfect opportunity to meet farmers while enjoying family-friendly activities.
For more information and a full lineup, go to flavourtrails.com.
life.style.etc.
ARANZA GRANT ENTREPRENEUR AND OWNER OF THE WHITE PEONY
WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?
I was born and raised in Mexico.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR CAREER PATH?
I’ve been an entrepreneur at heart for as long as I can remember; building and launching businesses is just part of who I am. But the definitive anchor of my career and where I’ve built my deepest roots and expertise, is the wedding industry. I started out in event design about 10 years ago, and today, I own a bridal boutique – The White Peony.
WHAT IS THE ONE ASPECT OF YOUR WORK THAT REALLY GETS YOU FIRED UP?
There is nothing quite like the energy of helping someone find the perfect gown. Being invited into such an intimate moment in a person’s life is a massive privilege, and that feeling never gets old.
WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT OUTSIDE OF WORK?
Exploring the world through the eyes of my children and interior design. I love creating spaces that feel intentional and full of life.
WHAT’S THE BEST LIFE LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS?
Learning to trust my instincts without hesitation, and most importantly, learning the value of slowing down.
WHICH OF YOUR INNATE QUALITIES OR DAILY PRACTICES HAS LED TO YOUR SUCCESS?
I’d say a hyper focus on the details and a genuine love for connecting with people. In my line of work, the little things matter the most, and you can’t fake real human connection.
WHAT IS GOOD STYLE TO YOU?
I think good style is entirely about authenticity and less about following trends. I love mixing different eras and textures so that a space or an outfit feels unique and timeless.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE?
Classic and elegant with a lived-in feel.
FASHION AND BEAUTY
Uniform: Black anything
All-time favourite piece: My watch
Favourite pair of shoes: Adidas Samba sneakers
Favourite day-bag: A classic, oversized leather tote
HELPING
YOU FIND FOREVER
Favourite work tool: My measuring tape
Favourite jewellery piece or designer: My wedding band
Fashion obsession: Lace everything
Necessary indulgence for either fashion or beauty: Skincare
Scent: Cedre Sambac by Hermès
STYLE INSPIRATIONS & LIFE
Style icon: Carolyn Bessette Kennedy
Favourite fashion designer or brand: Tiffany & Co.
Favourite musician: Coldplay
Film or TV show that inspires your style or that you just love the style of: Succession. I love that "quiet luxury" feel, the neutral palettes and the impeccable tailoring.
Favourite cocktail or wine: Any type of wine
Album on current rotation:
Motivational podcasts
Favourite flower: Peonies
One thing that consistently lifts your spirits during hard times: My children's laugh
READING MATERIAL
Fave magazine: Living by Martha Stewart
Last great read: Becoming supernatural by Joe Dispenza Book currently reading: Hold on to your kids by Gordon Neufeld
Perched above the canopy
Bathrooms: 6 Built: 2024 by Falcon Heights
WORDS NATALIE BRUCKNER
PHOTOGRAPHY TONY COLANGELO
For many, the idea of being as free as a bird, soaring above the treetops and taking in the world below in all its beauty, exists only in the realm of imagination. Yet at The Perch, a breathtaking contemporary residence by custom home builder Falcon Heights Contracting, it is simply everyday life.
The driveway up to The Perch winds its way through the forest, where trees envelop you and the air carries a freshness that makes each breath feel noticeably easier. Arriving at the home you catch a glimpse of the ocean in the distance. There’s a feeling of time moving at a slower pace here.
The three-storey home, set on a 35-acre parcel in the District of Highlands, sits within natural mossy rock formations and lush native landscape. Through considered site planning, ecological disruption has been minimized and native vegetation preserved, resulting in a home that responds to the existing topography. In some ways, it feels as if it has always belonged.
Architecturally, the residence draws on its setting through clean lines and a material palette of stucco, architectural concrete, structural steel, yellow cedar accents and hemlock soffits, each chosen to complement its surroundings.
Walking up the main steps, past the double garage, the view opens as you approach the main entry on level two. Stepping inside The Perch, boundaries between exterior and interior remain open, with natural light and forest views drawing the landscape into the home through large windows.
The interior is calm and grounded, defined by clean lines, rich wood tones and a restrained palette of muted colours and textures.
The home is organized into three distinct wings, connected by loggias (covered walkways) that extend movement between spaces.
Living, dining and kitchen spaces flow into one another on the main level, with ceiling heights ranging from 10 to 14 feet and vaulted, tongue-and-groove hemlock ceilings that reinforce a strong sense of volume and natural warmth. More intimate proportions appear through the loggias connecting the living areas to the bedroom wings, intentionally lowered to create a quieter, more enclosed feeling as you move between them.
The interior is calm and grounded, defined by clean lines, rich wood tones and a restrained palette of muted colours and textures.
LOCALLY CRAFTED MODERN – TIMELESS
From the main living zone, the home divides naturally, with the master wing at one end of the residence and two bedrooms for children or guests at the other, each with its own ensuite, allowing for separation without disconnect from the main living environment.
Wide-plank engineered oak flooring and large-format porcelain tiles carry through the home, while custom maple cabinetry, concealed storage and precise millwork keep the focus on material quality and restraint.
On the lower level, a fully self-contained suite has private accommodation suited to a caretaker or nanny. This level also accommodates a media room, laundry and pantry areas, and an additional guest bedroom with a full bathroom, bringing the total number of bedrooms to five.
Further supporting the functionality are the mechanical systems, a dedicated boot room designed to keep outdoor gear contained before entering the main living spaces and direct connections to the garage and storage areas, which allow for separation of utility and daily living, without disrupting the flow of the residence.
An elevator spans all three levels, connecting the lower floor to an upper belvedere deck positioned above the main living and dining areas, supporting accessible, multi-generational living throughout the home.
From every level, the home extends naturally outward into a series of carefully considered outdoor living spaces, where four patios offer different orientations and seasonal experiences, each anchored by a fireplace and seating area that engages the landscape throughout the year.
Adjacent to the kitchen, a sheltered outdoor dining space encourages use in all conditions. You can just imagine family and friends gathering here as the rain drops gently from the sky onto what seems like a never-ending forest.
From every level, the home extends naturally outward into a series of carefully considered outdoor living spaces
Lutron® Roller Shades
The upper belvedere opens to the most glorious panoramic ocean views, while a secondary rooftop garage terrace provides a more sheltered outdoor space, integrated into the upper level of the home.
Step outside and a suspended pedestrian bridge carries you across a natural valley on the property to an extensive trail network and a cedar gazebo tucked away in the trees, all set within a landscape designed by Crosland Doak Design, who also planned the home.
The landscape is composed with a light touch, using native plantings and integrated planters that work with the existing terrain. Subtle landscape lighting carries the spaces into the evening, while architectural concrete and structural steel elements provide a quiet sense of permanence within the hardscape.
What becomes apparent with every step is the level of care and intention that has gone into every decision, not only in its architectural expression but in the way it performs, functions and responds to its environment.
This commitment is reflected in the home’s Built Green Platinum certification and EnerGuide rating of 49 GJ/year. Behind this performance is a fully integrated system of technologies – heat pump and air handler for year-round comfort, triple-glazed windows, hybrid insulation, automated blinds and energy recovery ventilators with HEPA-13 filtration – all working together to maintain exceptional indoor air quality.
An 11kW photovoltaic solar array paired with three Tesla Powerwall V3 battery systems helps balance energy use, comfort and performance throughout the home. Water systems are equally considered, incorporating large cisterns for rainwater harvesting used for irrigation and fire suppression, alongside potable water supplied by an independent on-site well.
The award-winning Perch is a perfect example of high-performance contemporary residential architecture and the ability to translate a client’s vision into reality.
the cellar
WORDS JEREMY POTT, SOMMELIER AND HEAD BUYER, CASCADIA LIQUOR
There are few places in the wine world that capture the imagination quite like Italy. Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to attend Vinitaly in Verona, one of the world’s most celebrated wine exhibitions, where producers from every corner of the country gather to showcase the diversity, history and innovation that define Italian winemaking. From the rolling hills of Umbria and Tuscany to the volcanic slopes of Sicily and the sun-drenched coastlines of Puglia, the experience was a reminder that wine is as much about place and culture as it is about what’s in the glass.
As summer settles in and patios fill with friends and family, these selections offer a taste of Italy’s remarkable wine regions. Whether you’re planning a leisurely al fresco dinner, a weekend gathering or simply looking to bring a little European inspiration to your table, these wines deliver a perfect balance of sophistication, refreshment and seasonal charm.
Tormaresca
Calafuria Rosato
Italy | 2025
Named after the more than 700 coves that dot Puglia’s Adriatic coastline, Calafuria captures the essence of a Mediterranean summer. Delicate aromas of wild strawberry, pink grapefruit and rose petals emerge from the glass, while the palate is crisp, refreshing and beautifully balanced. Its bright acidity and elegant fruit profile make it an ideal companion for long afternoons on the patio and warm evenings shared with friends.
Pair with grilled shrimp, Mediterranean salads, seafood antipasti, or fresh watermelon and feta.
$31.49 (plus tax and deposit)
Tornatore
Etna Bianco
Italy | 2022
Grown on the mineral-rich slopes of Mount Etna, this captivating Sicilian white reflects one of Italy’s most exciting wine regions. Made primarily from the indigenous Carricante grape, it offers aromas of citrus zest, green apple and white flowers layered over distinctive volcanic minerality. The palate is crisp, energetic and remarkably expressive, delivering freshness that feels tailor-made for the height of summer.
Pair with oysters, grilled swordfish, linguine alle vongole, or fresh goat cheese with herbs.
$33.49 (plus tax and deposit)
Castello della Sala
Bramìto della Sala
Italy | 2024
Inspired by the renowned chardonnay vineyards of Umbria, Bramìto della Sala showcases the elegance and freshness that have made Castello della Sala one of Italy’s most respected estates. Aromas of ripe apple, citrus blossom and white peach lead into a beautifully textured palate with notes of lemon curd and subtle mineral complexity. Fresh and vibrant, yet layered and refined, this is a white wine that effortlessly bridges casual summer entertaining and elevated dining.
Pair with grilled seafood, lemon-herb chicken, fresh burrata with heirloom tomatoes, or creamy seafood risotto.
$39.49 (plus tax and deposit)
Ornellaia
Le Serre Nuove
Italy | 2022
Often referred to as the “second wine” of the legendary Ornellaia estate, Le Serre Nuove offers remarkable depth, sophistication and value. Crafted from Bordeaux varieties grown along Tuscany’s famed Bolgheri coast, it reveals layers of black cherry, cassis, plum and spice, supported by silky tannins and exceptional balance. Rich without being heavy, it embodies the polished elegance that has made the region one of the world’s most sought-after wine destinations.
Pair with grilled Tuscan steak, rosemary lamb chops, aged Pecorino, or mushroom tagliatelle.
$81.49 (plus tax and deposit)
lifestyles
Cultivating the Mediterranean North Saanich couple reshapes backyard possibilities
WORDS PAUL BUCCI
PHOTOGRAPHY DON DENTON
On a quiet road in North Saanich, there is an extraordinary orchard where a scientist and his wife have spent decades testing the limits of what Vancouver Island can grow.
The list seems as inexhaustible as the man guiding me through his property: olives, lemons, limes, loquats, avocados, pomegranates, persimmons, figs, pecans, mandarins – more than I can possibly write down as we move along narrow paths through dense, carefully managed thickets of trees.
Through Fruit Trees and More – Nursery and Demonstration Orchard, Bob and Verna Duncan have built a quiet revolution around a simple idea: what if B.C. backyards could grow more like the Mediterranean?
What makes the orchard remarkable is not just what grows there, but how. Bob is a trained entomologist who worked in forest insect and disease research, and he brings a researcher’s patience and discipline to fruit growing. Over decades, he has trialled hundreds
– if not thousands – of cultivars, keeping what works and replacing what doesn’t, often by grafting successful varieties onto established root systems.
That impulse reaches back to childhood. Though born in Victoria, he spent part of his early life in much harsher climates as his father’s Air Force career moved the family across Canada. “Even as a little guy, I dreamt about growing citrus,” he says.
In many ways, the North Saanich orchard – developed on deep, sandy loam – is what happens when that early curiosity meets a lifetime of disciplined observation.
Over the years, he and Verna travelled through Mediterranean countries – Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece, Israel and Turkey – building connections with researchers, visiting agricultural universities and gaining access to germplasm repositories where rare and regionally adapted varieties are preserved. Those relationships, and the lectures he was invited to give about his work, allowed him to
bring promising plant material back to B.C. and begin the long process of testing what might actually succeed here.
And that process is slow. A plant is not declared a success after one mild winter or a single decent crop. Bob trials varieties over years, sometimes five, six or seven, before deciding whether they are truly suited to local conditions.
Avocados are one recent example. “We got our first avocado this last summer,” he says, gesturing toward a dense, green-leafed plant. “We got two avocados on this tree. There’s about 25 of them on there right now. Those will swell to 12 to 14 ounces when they are picked next spring and summer.”
His method is both simple and exacting. Start with early-maturing varieties suited to a cooler coastal climate. Then create the right conditions: a south- or west-facing wall, a high
protection from wind and lightweight Reemay
covers that trap warmth while still allowing
and
His method is both simple and exacting.
His goal is to work as close to netzero as possible –using careful siting, minimal inputs and a deep understanding of the local climate.
In a climate that already resembles a cooler version of the Mediterranean – mild, wet winters and dry summers – the challenge is often not surviving the cold, but accumulating enough heat to ripen fruit. Bob’s work is about nudging those conditions just enough to make the difference.
Winter protection, when it is needed, is minimal and precise. He’s not trying to recreate the tropics. For citrus and avocados, he uses the breathable Reemay cover and low-grade heat from simple incandescent Christmas lights, triggered only when temperatures drop toward freezing. In one case, a single string of lights protects a lemon tree that produces more than 200 lemons a year, using only a few dollars’ worth of electricity.
That restraint is central to his philosophy. If growing subtropical fruit requires heavy energy use, he argues, the carbon cost can rival importing it. His goal is to work as close to net-zero as possible – using careful siting, minimal inputs and a deep understanding of the local climate.
That commitment extends beyond the orchard. The house he and Verna built is powered by the sun, with no conventional heating system, and even their car runs on solar energy. The orchard is not separate from that ethic, but part of the same lifelong effort to live with a lighter footprint.
There is an irony in that. Bob has spent years trying to reduce his impact, even as a warming climate has made it easier to grow some of the fruits he once only imagined producing here. He does not celebrate that reality so much as acknowledge it – and work within it.
For Bob, the reward lies in the process: the accumulation of knowledge, the refinement of technique and the chance to share it. “I do like sharing what we’ve discovered,” he says. “I do like finding ways… trialing, testing the limits.”
Now, his attention has turned to pecans – specifically ultra-northern varieties from near the upper edge of their natural range. If they succeed here, they will be another quiet expansion of what is possible.
Because for Bob, the work is never really finished. There is always another variety to test, another limit to stretch – and another way to bring a little more of the Mediterranean here to Vancouver Island.
‘Slowly, slowly’ good taste
Lumache is a tiny temple of authentic Italian pasta
WORDS CINDA CHAVICH
PHOTOGRAPHY DON DENTON
Even at the height of service, chef James Frost is in the zone, methodically building each fat pillow of egg yolk ravioli with the loving intent of an Italian nonna.
‘Piano piano’ – the Italian phrase meaning ‘slowly, slowly’ – is his motto, advice from a chef in northern Italy, schooling him in the simple secrets of classic Italian cooking. Like a pot of barely bubbling sugo (sauce), it takes patience to develop flavour and, that magic ingredient, time.
“Piano piano – the phrase sticks in my head,” James tells me, recalling the months he spent working in Trentino, where traditional techniques and slow cooking rule.
It’s why I’m here at Lumache, soaking in that Slow Food ethos and watching this master of artisan pasta carefully set an egg yolk in a nest of pureed spinach and ricotta, then gently enclose it in a package of delicate sfoglia.
It’s his signature filled raviolo – when cut, the golden egg and creamy filling spills out, a self-saucing masterpiece that relies on precise timing and a soft touch.
That’s just one of the authentic northern Italian dishes you’ll find on the menu at Lumache, an intimate space devoted to the slow and intricate art of making fresh artisan pasta.
With his wife Heather Dosman – the sommelier and service whiz behind the couple’s new venture – it’s the place to experience an ever-changing, seasonal menu which melds old world Italian traditions with the finest West Coast ingredients.
And people are lining up to get one of the sought-after reservations in this tiny, 16-seat room.
Many come for the full pasta tasting menu – several courses including four antipasti, vegetable dishes and four pastas, including his egg yolk raviolo, with cheese or sweets to finish ($89).
Or there’s the ever-changing alla carta choices, with salads and starters, including James’ signature slow-cooked Trippa a La Quercia (honeycomb tripe), alongside several seasonal fresh pasta dishes (from filled pasta and hand rolled shapes to gnocchi) and an exquisite, multi-layered Lasagna Verde alla Bolognese.
This night I’ve chosen a plate of Agnolotti del Plin, elegant little “pinched” pockets filled with tender braised beef and spring dandelion greens, in a silky bone broth and red wine reduction, a side of sautéed greens and a trio of crisp arancini, oozing warm Fontina Val d’Aosta. But the menu changes every month so there’s always a new pasta creation to try.
Our seats at the bar are at centre stage, a perch overlooking the sliver of a kitchen where pasta is rolled, filled, cut and cooked á la minute on three induction burners, then plated on vintage china and delivered by the chef with a friendly flourish.
“We do bring things from Italy, but what I really brought home with me, the real lesson that I learned working there, was that it’s the proximity to the ingredients that makes them special.”
SMALL BUT MIGHTY
James and Heather spent more than a decade working in Vancouver before moving across the strait with a dream of creating their own restaurant in Victoria.
“We weren’t sure, being outsiders from Vancouver, if we would be received with open arms, but people were extremely supportive,” James says.
It took nearly two years to find a suitable space but, thanks to a series of pop-up dinners at Cafe Brio and other spots around town, they had a devoted following by the time they opened in December.
Their initial goal was 50 seats, but this petite spot feels right. The former Hanks space is now a cosy temple of pasta – with cafe curtains, hand-crafted fir tables and golden walls decorated with a playful trompe l’oeil effect, a nod to the colourful painted houses of Genoa.
It’s been described as a “micro-restaurant” and James admits “this is about as small as it gets.” With just three tables and bar seating, the experience is as curated as the menu – the intimate Tavolino table for two, the Mezzzo (middle) table for up to four friends and the four-top Tavolo booth in the back, plus six seats at the bar.
But that’s also what makes dining here a unique experience.
The most important thing is the quality of raw materials, that’s what guides our vision.”
MAKING ARTISAN PASTA
Originally from Edmonton, James grew up eating his mom’s Godfather’s Spaghetti Sauce, a recipe from the classic film. He always loved pasta but only learned how to make it from scratch alongside skilled chefs, notably Adam Pegg of Vancouver’s La Quercia, where seasonal ingredients are interpreted through a northern Italian lens.
“The first time I realized what real pasta was, was when I got a job at La Quercia,” James says. “When I started working for Adam, I realized what pasta was and could be. And I started exploring history and regional Italian foods.”
He further honed his Italian cooking skills alongside chef Fiorenzo Varesco, Adam’s Italian mentor, and went on to develop the pasta-centric menu at Livia Forno e Vino in Vancouver.
“And ever since I’ve been obsessed with it, and Italian cuisine as a whole,” he adds. “Not just pasta but the whole history and culture of Italian cooking, as it aligns with the way I like to eat and the way I’ve always liked to eat.”
Ingredients at Lumache are local and seasonal but where it’s appropriate the couple leans into high end Italian imports – anchovies from Sicily, air-dried beef bresaola from Valtellina and a rotating selection of fine Italian cheese and wine.
“The most important thing is the quality of raw materials, that’s what guides our vision,” he says.
I’m always buying new olive oil for different purposes. You know, this one for fish, this one for vegetables. This one for me.”
Traditional recipes are the foundation but seasonal ingredients from Island farms and fishers, and James’ nose-to-tail Slow Food focus, is what informs his ever-changing menu. It might be tortelli filled with speck, ricotta and Square Root Farm radicchio with B.C. hazelnuts, or plump rounds of bottoni di testa stuffed with roasted pork cheek and jowl from Matriarch Meats in Comox.
Beyond cooking, James writes beautifully about his Italian experiences on Substack, and it’s always enlightening to watch his Vegetable Time videos on Instagram (I love the one that dives into an oddball tromboncino squash from a small Saanich farm). He waxes lyrical about white asparagus and romano beans, loves cooking tripe and other off cuts, and is obsessed with olive oil.
“I can never have enough olive oil,” he says. “I’m always buying new olive oil for different purposes. You know, this one for fish, this one for vegetables. This one for me.”
Though he loves Italian ingredients, James says his experiences in Italy really solidified his belief in cooking with foods close to home.
“We do bring things from Italy, but what I really brought home with me, the real lesson that I learned working there, was that it’s the proximity to the ingredients that makes them special,” he says.
GOING SLOW
Lumache is a labour of love for James and Heather who share every aspect of their hands-on operation.
Heather is the sommelier/front-of-house pro and the one who manages the reservations (yes, you do need to book the month before you want to dine), leads their small wait staff, and chooses the ever-changing list of wines, selected from small sustainable producers.
“I do the kitchen,” James says, describing their small team, “and Heather does, pretty much everything else.”
They’re also planning to represent our region as delegates to the Slow Food Salone del Gusto in Turin in September and are sure to return with more stories and connections to the food and wine they love to serve.
James’ passion for pasta and his infectious grin is, well, infectious, and sitting at the open kitchen bar while chatting with the chef as he puts together your dinner is all part of the charm of this crowded little eatery.
The piano piano mindset comes through on the plate and in the atmosphere – like the lumache (snail) in the restaurant’s name, it’s all part of the slow lifestyle, a place to appreciate small, unhurried moments and culinary comforts.
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Building for the test of time
WORDS LAUREN KRAMER
PHOTOGRAPHY MICHELLE PROCTOR
“We’re building homes with legacy – buildings that can be passed on to our customers’ grandchildren and that will withstand the test of time.”
There are many homebuilders on Vancouver Island but few share the passion and dedication of Wade Mrack, co-owner of Sitka Construction.
“I’m a hands-on builder,” Wade explains. “When I take on a project, I’m going to be on that job site every day making sure quality is kept to the highest standard. Ultimately, I'm responsible for that home and I want to be certain my buildings will withstand the test of time.”
Wade got his chops working on construction sites back in 1999. A farm boy from Delisle, Sask., he helped run the family grain farm from the age of 12, building the solid work ethic that has allowed him to carve a niche today as a builder of fine repute. Within five years of graduating high school he had moved to Canmore, Alta., where he started out as a labourer for a custom homebuilder, eventually graduating to carpentry. He quickly developed a passion for the trade.
“There’s a great sense of accomplishment that comes with homebuilding,” Wade says. “I love that there’s a finished product at the end of the day. You start with a hole in the ground and 18 months later, you have a house.”
In 2006, Wade visited his friend Keith Andrews in Port Alberni and loved surfing Tofino’s waves so much that he moved to the area two months later. He helped Keith, who would later become his business parter at Sitka Construction, build a home on Sproat Lake.
Then he focused on Ucluelet, refining his skills by working for other custom homebuilders. In 2010, he took the leap on his own, building nine custom, timber frame cabins on Wya Point for the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ First Nation.
As he was building a home for himself in Ucluelet, a neighbour walked over to ask what was next. Wade had no other contracts at that time and the neighbour enthusiastically signed on to become his next client.
In 2016, Wade and Keith created a formal partnership and became licensed general contractors and custom homebuilders. The quality of the homes they build speaks volumes about the
meticulous care they invest into each job.
“We always had one custom home on the go and three in the queue.”
Sitka built 12 custom homes in Ucluelet before the market slowed. “The building boom there is up and down, and right now it’s on a down. I couldn’t wait for it to come back,” he notes.
Wade moved to Victoria in 2025 and his skills and expertise were quickly booked by a Sidney homeowner for whom a nineunit, long-term rental building is undergoing architectural and engineering review. “My present client is in her 80s and wants to pass this building on to her grandchildren someday,” he says. “My goal is to build multi-unit, long-term rental buildings for property owners who are ready to invest in their land.”
Over the past three decades Wade has become skilled at everything from footing, foundation and framing to building envelopes, exterior finishing and overseeing construction and timelines. Far from sitting behind a desk, he is actively involved and knowledgeable about every aspect of homebuilding, and feels a strong sense of accountability to his customers.
“At the end of the day, it’s my home warranty and my name on that home, so I am ultimately responsible,” he says. “And there’s a lot that goes into homebuilding – over 3,000 components that all have to occur in the right order and on time.”
Sitka Construction’s customers appreciate Wade’s upfront communication style and his complete transparency. “When you’re building a home, each one has its own unique challenges and you have to be able to react calmly and pragmatically when challenges arise,” he explains. “It can be extremely stressful for customers, who are spending large amounts of money.”
Wade’s goal is a 300-year lifespan for his homes. That means building highly energy efficient homes, with airtight building envelopes and the right insulation.
“We’re building homes with legacy – buildings that can be passed on to our customers’ grandchildren and that will withstand the test of time.”
See the world
Take a trip around the globe without leaving Victoria. With architecture, food, clothing, language and more from all corners of the Earth, it’s easy to get lost in the ambiance of different cultures.
PHOTOGRAPHY: MICHELLE PROCTOR
STYLING: JEN EVANS
MAKEUP & HAIR: JEN CLARK
MODEL: NEVAEH GUILLEMETTE
Red short sleeve lace dress by Suncoo ($298), bonne chance necklace by Clare V. ($383) and message in a bottle earrings by Pamela Card ($350), all from Bernstein & Gold.
Long sleeve scrunch crewneck tee in blush blue by Smythe ($195), cropped swing tee in navy/white by Smythe ($295), appliqué pencil skirt in robin’s egg by Smythe ($795), all from Bernstein & Gold; multi knit vest by Liz Sport ($39) from Edited Curated Consignment; and blue denim pointed-toe ankle boots by Isabel Marant ($441) from Turnabout.
Printed floral pleated maxi gown in mint multi by Teri Jon ($1,350), choupette bucket bag in bright poppy diamond perf by Clare V. ($663), Amanda scarf by Palm Palm ($69), all from Bernstein & Gold; with patterned pumps (stylist’s own).
Giada striped shirt by Rails ($254), front ruffle skirt in Aegean multi by Smythe ($425), both from Bernstein & Gold; red crochet sweater by Marc Cain ($130) from Turnabout; and sunglasses are stylist’s own.
Jaycee halter-neck dress in pink pastel leopard by Essential Antwerp ($495), oversized sweatshirt - citron masculin féminin by Clare V. ($289), both from Bernstein & Gold; striped cardigan by Zara ($39) from Edited
Curated Consignment; blue denim pointed-toe ankle boots by Isabel Marant ($441) from Turnabout; and a sardine baseball cap by Clare V. ($97) from Bernstein & Gold.
Jamaica cropped T-shirt by Island Tees ($25) and blue stripe nylon belt ($25) from Edited Curated Consignment; pink Zara pant ($35) and yellow suede open-toe sandals by Jimmy Choo ($250) from Turnabout; with ‘90s blazer in jade by Smythe ($795), Sophia sunglasses in fern by Clare V. ($310), Moyen messenger bag in French blue by Clare V. ($774), snapdragon braided sail cord shoulder strap by Clare V. ($179), and soho bracelet by Lizzie Fortunato ($125), all from Bernstein & Gold.
The quiet side of the lake
Escaping to the Cove
WORDS MIRIAM HALPENNY
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE COVE
At The Cove Lakeside Resort, guests discover a more relaxed way to experience West Kelowna, from vineyard adventures and waterfront sunsets to a new Sip & Stay Wine Guide designed to showcase the destination.
Tucked into a quiet cove along the shores of Okanagan Lake, The Cove Lakeside Resort offers a different perspective on the Okanagan.
Here, mornings begin with coffee overlooking the water, walking trails weave through nearby parkland and vineyard-covered hills rise above the shoreline. Despite being just minutes from downtown West Kelowna, the pace feels noticeably slower here.
“It’s so nice to get away from the city hustle and bustle,” says Kirsten De Jager, marketing manager at The Cove Lakeside Resort. “It really truly is a place where you can come and relax.”
That sense of escape has become part of the resort’s identity over the past 19 years. Designed as a home away from home, The Cove features spacious one-, two- and three-bedroom suites complete with full kitchens, generous living spaces and private balconies.
The accommodations appeal equally to families seeking a summer getaway, couples planning a romantic retreat or groups gathering for a special occasion.
Yet what continues to set the resort apart isn’t just what’s found on site, it’s everything that surrounds it.
Situated alongside Gellatly Nut Farm Regional Park, the property enjoys a unique location that feels removed from the hustle of everyday life while remaining close to many of the region’s most sought-after attractions.
Nearby walking and cycling trails connect visitors to beaches, wineries and parks, while the rolling hills and lake views that define West Kelowna provide a stunning backdrop in every direction.
“West Kelowna really is a special place,” Kirsten says. “There is so much to experience here.”
That belief inspired one of the resort’s newest offerings.
A PASSPORT TO WINE COUNTRY
This season, The Cove launched its Sip & Stay Wine Guide, a complimentary passport-style experience designed to connect overnight guests with 16 wineries, cideries and breweries throughout West Kelowna.
Running through until Thanksgiving, the guide features exclusive tastings, discounts and culinary experiences valued at more than $400.
Participating partners range from some of the Okanagan’s most celebrated wineries to boutique producers helping shape the region’s wine story.
“We really try to showcase the destination and where we are,” Kirsten says. “A lot of guests are coming for the wineries, so we thought it would be great to partner with them, encourage people to get out there, see the destination and experience what West Kelowna really is like.”
For Brent Lavery, general manager of The Cove Lakeside Resort, the initiative reflects the property’s broader commitment to supporting local businesses while enhancing the guest experience.
“This new guide is a meaningful way for us to connect our guests with the incredible tasting experiences available here in West Kelow..
It’s a fitting description... Adventure and relaxation coexist effortlessly.
na,” Brent says. “It is also an opportunity to support and showcase our valued local partners while encouraging guests to experience more of the community during their stay.”
The concept has already resonated with visitors. Many arrive specifically to explore the region’s acclaimed wine country, and The Cove’s location places them at the heart of it all.
“If you’re travelling south from Kelowna along Boucherie Road to The Cove, you pass 11 wineries and even a brewery all within about a 10-minute drive,” Kirsten adds with a laugh. “Where else can you do that?”
Of course, discovering the destination is only part of the experience.
Back at the resort, guests can spend the afternoon lounging beside one of two outdoor pools, soaking in a hot tub or enjoying a round on the putting green. Others may choose to book a treatment at the Spa at The Cove, while active travellers can take advantage of the
property’s tennis and pickleball courts, movie theatre and nearby water sport rentals.
As evening approaches, many gravitate toward The Landing Kitchen & Bar. Open throughout the summer season for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, the restaurant’s waterfront patio offers one of the most picturesque dining settings in West Kelowna. With unobstructed views of Okanagan Lake and boats drifting across the water, it provides the perfect place to unwind after a day spent exploring.
“There is kind of the best of both worlds here,” Kirsten says.
For guests looking to balance adventure and relaxation, that’s exactly the point.
It’s a fitting description. Guests can spend the morning paddleboarding on the lake, the afternoon tasting wine among the vineyards and the evening watching the sunset from their balcony. Adventure and relaxation coexist effortlessly.
As evening settles over the lake, guests gather on balconies, stroll the waterfront pathways or linger over one last glass of wine on the patio. The day may have included vineyard visits, lake adventures or simply a quiet afternoon by the water, but the result is the same: a deeper connection to the place they came to discover.
REAL ESTATE VICTORIA’S FINEST
Fernie Wynd Road, North Saanich
Chalet Road, North Saanich
Lands End Road, North Saanich
Bedrooms, Oceanfront, 3,656 sq.ft., 0.85 acres
Bradley Dyne Road, North Saanich
Resthaven Drive , Sidney | $2,700,000
Bedrooms, Oceanfront, 2,224 sq.ft., 0.10 acres
Madrona Drive, North Saanich | $2,650,000
Bedrooms, Oceanfront, 2,802 sq.ft., 0.23 acres
Downey Road, North Saanich | $2,675,000
Bedrooms, Modern Rancher, 2,868 sq.ft., 0.42 acres
We are Krista V and Mark G, a mother-son team with a combined 21 years of experience in the Victoria real estate market. We strive to make every one of our clients feel confident, comfortable, and at ease with the process of purchasing or selling a home, no matter the market conditions. This is achieved using a low pressure approach while providing sound advice, clear communication, and updates.
Give us a call for all your real estate needs!
209 Raynor Avenue
$899,000 | 3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms
This cosy half duplex is tucked away on a no thru street and offers great privacy indoors and out. Tastefully updated, this meticulously maintained home is turnkey. Open concept living room,dining area and kitchen are filled with natural light. Two bedrooms, a full bathroom, laundry and storage complete the main floor. Upstairs is a large bright primary bedroom,full bathroom and entry to a huge sunsoaked deck. Parking for two vehicles and private lower patio & garden with large raspberry patch.
981 Violet Ave
Inquire for Price | 3 Bedrooms | 1 Bathrooms
Welcome to this unique, charming, single-level home, in the wonderful Marigold Neighbourhood. A perfect home for a small family, retirees, or those seeking an alternative to town-home living. Perched atop a quiet street, enjoy serene views through Gary Oak canopies, over neighbouring rooftops, to the Panama flats or relax on the large deck in the tranquility of the private South-facing backyard. Other features include large shed, updated windows, updated lighting, 9’ ceilings in most rooms & RV parking.
3913 Ascot Drive
$1,599,000 | 4 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms
This beautifully landscaped property is steps away from the Cedar Hill golf course & chip trail. Your own private park-like setting is in the backyard. This home has been tastefully updated throughout, including a 2021 addition of a huge primary bedroom and spa like ensuite with heated floors, a W/I closet, an ELEVATOR, and a heated garage. A large reno’d kitchen with quartz counters & SS appliances. French doors open to the balcony from the dining room for BBQ and enjoying the garden views.
#604-288 Eltham Road
$829,000 | 3 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms
Here is the View Royal townhome you have been waiting for! This spacious 3-bed, 4-bath end unit is set in a beautiful, peaceful complex surrounded by towering old-growth trees. With a large 2 car garage & space for 2 vehicles in the driveway, this is great family home!
This home is in close proximity to schools, all amenities, the hospital, & the ocean! This property has a lot to offer, & so much potential!
#602-103 Gorge Road
$699,000 | 2 Bedrooms | 1 Bathrooms
Views, views and more views! With windows on three sides, this bright & beautifully renovated home is turnkey, just move in and enjoy! With two 5x10 balconies, a nice cross breeze will help keep you cool in the summer. A spacious entry greets you and leads you into the open living room. Beachy wood floors throughout keep it light and airy. A gourmet high end kitchen with granite countertops & backsplash, is truly the heart of the home and is perfect for entertaining.
836 Elrick Place
Inquire for Price | 4 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms
This wonderful home is located on a quiet cul-de-sac on a 9000 sqft. private lot in the sought-after Rockheights area.
With just over 2,000 finished square feet, this split-level home is cosy and inviting. There is laneway access to the garage as well as street parking in front for your guests. Also, there is a lovely, lower one bedroom suite with an outdoor patio, a perfect mortgage helper if needed. Enjoy the summer in the beautiful back yard.
S O L D
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S O L D
Exceptional revenue property generating approximately $9,800/month, featuring three suites with 7 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms on a rare 15,000 sq. ft. lot in Victoria’s Jubillee area. Offering strong income today and outstanding future potential for redevelopment, subdivision, house-plex development, or multi-generational living.
A taste of Italy
Recipes for a summer table from Mosi Florentine
Words Mosi Florentine
Photography Don Denton
There are certain flavours that stay with you, becoming memories that settle deep and shape who you are.
What began 11 years ago as a single neighbourhood cafe near Prospect Lake, known as Mosi Bakery, has grown into four locations across Greater Victoria, including the newest cafes in Oak Bay and Fairfield.
For Melissa and Stefano Mosi, lemon sorbetto will always taste like sweet relief. Years ago, driving through the lake regions of Italy in the thick of summer heat, they stopped at a small, family-run gelateria. A scoop of sorbetto al limone, bright and fragrant, cut through the heat. Cold, sharp, alive. It cooled them down, but more than that, it marked a moment that would grow into a lifelong love affair.
At Mosi Florentine, the connection to gelato and sorbetto runs deep. Stefano’s father and grandfather were gelato makers before him. The family operated Pasticceria Mosi in Viareggio, a seaside town, beginning in the 1920s, and continues to run Pasticceria Piana in Torino today. These are not distant references. They are living traditions, carried forward through the love of food and the recipes of generations past.
In 2023, Stefano brought that lineage into the present, winning gold at the Gelato Festival in Los Angeles with “Seamist” – a sorbetto layered with mint, lime, green tea and seaweed. Inventive, yes, but still rooted in the same foundation: balance, care and craft.
What began 11 years ago as a single neighbourhood cafe near Prospect Lake, known as Mosi Bakery, has grown into four locations across Greater Victoria, including the newest cafes in Oak Bay and Fairfield. Each one holds the same intention: artisanal baking, small-batch gelato and a kind of hospitality that feels easy, generous and familiar.
With summer here, we’re excited to share three recipes that are close to our hearts. In the heat, lemon sorbetto finds its way into something celebratory. Sgroppino, a classic Venetian drink, pairs a scoop of sorbetto with Prosecco and a splash of gin or vodka. Light, sparkling and just sharp enough to wake everything up.
Alongside it, these romesco and aioli recipes will be the perfect accompaniment for a schiacciata – a Tuscan flatbread, crisp at the edges, soft within. Fill it generously with cured meats and peppery arugula – and then the layers that bring it together: smoky, nutty romesco and a silky, garlicky aioli.
These recipes use simple ingredients, handled well. They’re meant for long afternoons and easy evenings – a drink in hand, something good to eat and a table full of conversation and laughter.
Buon Appetito.
Mosi Romesco
Ingredients:
A).
1 cup of Roasted Red Peppers
¼ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
½ tbsp. Balsamic Vinegar
1 tsp. Smoked Paprika
¼ cup packed Basil Leaves
¼ cup Sundried Tomatoes (in oil, drained)
1/8 cup Roasted Garlic*
1 tsp. Kosher Salt
½ tsp. Pepper
B).
1 cup Almond Meal Flour
Combine all of A, blend in food processor until almonds and sundried tomato are blended. Add B and blend until smooth.
*Note: Roasted garlic can be made by placing a head of garlic wrapped in aluminum foil with a bit of oil drizzled on top into the toaster oven at 400ºF and roasted for 40 minutes or until the cloves are soft and golden.
This recipe will make more than you need for one sandwich, but it will keep for two weeks refrigerated, and can be used in a myriad of other ways. Mix in with pasta and a few tablespoons of cooking water for an instant sauce or try it on top of poached eggs.
Mosi Aioli
Ingredients:
A).
6 Free-Range Egg Yolks (the best you can find with the darkest yolks)
1 tbsp. Dijon Mustard
1 tbsp. Lemon Juice
1 tbsp. Minced Garlic
¼ tsp. Kosher Salt
B).
500 ml Canola or Mild (not fruity) Olive Oil
Place all of A into a food processor and blend until combined, about 20 seconds.
With the food processor running, pour the canola oil in a steady slow stream until all is incorporated. Taste for seasoning, label and date the container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
Sgroppino
Ingredients:
1 scoop (½ cup)
Lemon Sorbetto (we recommend Mosi’s)
1 tbsp. of Vodka or Lemon Gin
¼ cup Chilled Prosecco
Place a medium sized metal bowl in the freezer.
Once cold, place a scoop of lemon sorbetto (½ cup) in the bowl and mash it with a spoon until soft and malleable.
Pour the prosecco and spirit into the bowl and mix vigorously with a spoon until incorporated and the texture of soft serve, pour into a coupe or wine glass and top with a dried lemon wedge.
travel LuciaSaint
Petit Piton seen from Soufrière.
It’s said Christopher Columbus described Saint Lucia as the most beautiful island in the region and it’s easy to see why. Its landscape has even captivated Hollywood’s attention and has been featured in a number of films.
The sun is rising just as we dock in Saint Lucia, the vibrant blue sky dotted with tuffs of white clouds while the sea sparkles with the morning rays, dazzling onlookers sipping coffees on the outside decks.
Legend states French sailors shipwrecked on Dec. 13, the feast day of St. Lucy, and named the island in her honour, making it one of only two sovereign states in the world to be named after a woman.
I’m practically vibrating, despite the early hour, as we watch the busy port spring to life to welcome us ashore. Once we disembark, we’re greeted by our guide for the day, Elias, and he wastes no time in whisking us off to see as much of the country as possible.
The island of Saint Lucia is about 617 square kilometres (27 miles long and 14 miles wide) with a population of approximately 180,000. Yet it can take upwards of five hours to drive around the entire island due to the rugged topography.
The port is in the Castries region and we quickly leave it behind as we head south along the western coast. It’s said Christopher Columbus described Saint Lucia as the most beautiful island in the region and it’s easy to see why. Its landscape has even captivated Hollywood’s attention and has been featured in a number of films.
The drive is breathtaking – sometimes quite literally eliciting a gasp as we round one of the many switchbacks, S-curves or hairpin turns and meet another vehicle on the mountainside roadways that are barely wide enough for two vehicles to pass side-by-side. Driving here, on the left side, is not for the faint of heart but the views are more than worth it.
Our first stop is a banana farm – Saint Lucia’s main export. We get to see how bananas are grown and are given a glimpse into their various forms before they turn into the fruit that ends up in our hands. Blue bags surround the ripper bunches, this protects them from insects, pests and wind damage while the blue colouring allows heat in but blocks ultraviolet rays to prevent sunburn. Thinking of a sunburnt banana reminds me to apply a little more sunscreen as the day is already gearing up to be a hot one.
While we’re walking, Elias advises us not to wander. According to oral legend and historical anecdotes, a highly venomous species of pit viper was introduced to the island as a way to hinder slaves from escaping plantations. When slavery ended on the island, Elias says mongoose were introduced to eradicate the snakes. The problem was, one is nocturnal and the other isn’t, so the mongoose ended up doing more damage to the country’s chicken population.
Today, the fer-de-lance snake is still found in the region and is endemic to Saint Lucia.
I try not to think about snakes as we walk through the farm, learning that bananas do not in fact grow on trees, as they’re considered to be the world’s largest perennial herb.
It’s not long before we’re back on the road, making our way to a fishing town called Anse La Raye. We pass several other small towns on the way, carved into the mountainside or sheltered in bays with yachts moored nearby. Looking down on the towns, we can see the metal roofs, some painted bright red or sea foam green, popping against the tin.
In Anse La Raye, the houses are painted pastel colours – pinks, blues, yellows, reds – the shades you’d find in a package of sidewalk chalk, with darker trim to make them pop against the blue backdrop of sea and sky. On the street, a man cuts up green coconuts with a machete, while near the water, another starts carving up a fresh-caught tuna while his friends joke behind him.
Colourful wooden boats with a single outboard at the ready are tied to the shore and the pier, where fishing nets in various shades of green are stacked, waiting to be deployed.
The fishing town Anse La Raye. Bananas waiting to be harvested.
We chat with locals, sharing laughs while they show off the morning’s catch. One man even has a lionfish, with its venomous spines. They’re invasive and are wreaking havoc on coral reefs across the Caribbean. While a sting can cause immediate pain, they’re not poisonous to eat, and that’s one way to combat their population.
It’s something to ponder as we stop for a local beer – a Piton lager. ‘Piton’ is the French word for mountain peak. The Pitons, two volcanic plugs, are the iconic landmark of the island. Once worshipped, they continue to offer awe-inspiring views and that’s where we’re heading next.
It’s a cold January day back home, but here the countryside is lush, green and filled with colourful flowers. The reds of bougainvillea, poinsettias, hibiscus and orchids pop against the foliage where they grow wild along the sides of the road. We drive for about an hour inland, watching the coastal landscape change to rainforest jungle before descending down another mountain pass towards the town of Soufrière. The town itself sits in a volcanic crater and it’s on this road that we get the iconic views of the Pitons.
Rising from the sea, Petit Piton is 743 metres (2,438 feet) high while Gros Piton is 798.25 metres (2,618.9 feet) and they are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Sulphur Springs near the town of Soufrière.
The Arawaks are believed to be the earliest inhabitants of Saint Lucia and worshipped the Pitons as divine beings. Gros Piton was believed to be the god of thunder, fire and rain, while Petit Piton was their god of fertility and food.
We stop several times to take them in from different locations, each one as spectacular as the next.
Soufrière (French for sulphur mine) also boasts the Sulphur Springs – claiming it to be the world’s only drive-in volcano. Part of a much larger geological phenomenon that includes 18 lava domes and seven small craters, the Sulphur Springs emerged from a weak spot in the crust of a collapsed volcanic crater.
This site comes with that very distinct odour – as the name would
imply – and it takes a moment to get used to it. The smell is apparently a good sign, Elias notes, because if it didn’t smell, that would mean the volcanic ducts were blocked and it would be getting ready to erupt or the gas is reaching a toxic level.
So the rotten egg smell is something to be appreciated.
The site looks like something you’d see on the moon – light grey craters mar the landscape and fight back the opposing jungle. Surrounded by thick clumps of bamboo, mango and cashew tress, it’s a sight to behold.
You can see just how hot a stream running through the site gets, and while it’s used for mud baths in one section, it boils in another with the grey mud bubbling up with mesmerizing pops.
Hibiscus growing wild in the jungle.
After a thorough exploration (and a beer in the shade) we head into the town of Soufrière to reacclimatize to the smell of the ocean while we eat almonds on the beach, fresh from a tree with a little wooden sign nailed to it saying “snack bar.”
That taste test holds us over until we stop again overlooking the majestic volcanic landscape with warm baguette-style bread with melted cheese and cold rum punch.
Our last stop for the day is the stone arch near Anse Feré Bay. In Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, this is where Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) sees the hanging skeletons of captured pirates.
Locals tend to have a more affectionate view and often call it “Lady’s Slipper Arch” or “Lover’s Rock.”
More rock formations jut out of the coast and we get lost in the landscape as we make our way back to port. And just like that, our day is over way too soon and we’re sailing away into another beautiful Caribbean sunset.
Where Meaningful Experiences Begin
Some journeys stay with you. Some reshape you.
At Expedia Cruises Victoria, we believe travel should feel personal and deeply moving. That’s why we’re so passionate about Uniworld—and especially the S.S. Émilie. Inspired by its artistry, elegance, and emotional resonance, we know that meaningful experiences don’t just happen when you sail with Uniworld… they flourish. Every detail on board the S.S. Émilie is crafted to spark connection, reflection, and moments that feel genuinely felt.
Along Europe’s poetic rivers and the world’s most inspiring coastlines, Uniworld creates space for discovery and stories that stay with you long after you return home. Our advisors design each itinerary with the same intention, weaving culture, authenticity, and heart into every journey.
Visit our new Oak Bay home — a warm, welcoming aspace where conversations flow easily and your next journey begins with inspiration, curiosity, and care.
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secrets and lives — AND THE 7 SINS with
CHRISTIAN KLUXEN
Music director of the Victoria Symphony
Being simple and direct, and using that to simplify complicated things – hopefully.”
WHERE ARE YOU FROM AND HOW DID YOU GET TO VICTORIA?
I’m from Copenhagen, Denmark. While I still live there, I spend a lot of time in Victoria. As my work periods in Victoria are limited, I chose not to move but having grown so fond of the city, I now often imagine how it would have been to build a life here.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR CAREER PATH?
Unconventional. I was formally educated as an orchestral musician but with conducting I avoided formal institutions and instead pursued mentorships and work. Schools are a safe place to learn but this profession is really about being comfortable with uncertainty and creating calm within it.
WHAT DOES A DAY IN YOUR WORK LIFE LOOK LIKE?
At home, I prepare for upcoming concerts, learning the music and organizing myself. I spend a lot of time packing, travelling and unpacking. When I arrive, I walk in front of a group of highly trained musicians with the mission to convince them to agree on one direction.
REWARDS? CHALLENGES?
The reward is when a group of musicians suddenly breathes, listens and thinks as one. The challenge is not to stand in the way.
WHAT’S YOUR SUPERPOWER?
Being simple and direct, and using that to simplify complicated things – hopefully.
WHAT’S THE MOST ADVENTUROUS THING YOU’VE EVER DONE?
Choosing conducting as a profession was probably adventurous enough.
WHAT’S A BOOK, MOVIE, OR TV SHOW THAT HAS HAD A LASTING IMPACT ON YOU?
I often find my inspiration outside my own medium and I would choose the films of Lars von Trier. His films have all been devastating revelations to me. He turns ordinary human stories into epic dramas. That is what great art should do.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE WAY TO SPEND A SATURDAY?
No flights. No emails. Dancing with my daughter and having time to cook something unnecessarily ambitious.
WHAT BRINGS YOU JOY?
Eating, drinking, smoking and watching people do something exceptionally well.
WHAT IS THE SECRET TO A GOOD LIFE?
I have no clue. But maybe it is to care deeply about a few things rather than superficially about a lot of things. And never actually expect life to be good.
IS THERE ANYTHING YOU’D LIKE TO ADD?
I feel privileged to earn money being a musician.
The 7 Sins
ENVY:
Whose shoes would you like to walk in?
Jesus. I would like to know what the hell happened.
GLUTTONY:
What is the food you could eat over and over again? Burgers. I like that all the ingredients remain separate and identifiable. No great cook can hide behind a burger. It’s the result of many complicated sources and the greatest work of art the USA has produced.
GREED:
You’re given $1 million that you have to spend selfishly. What would you spend it on?
A house overlooking the sea and an absurd collection of manuscripts and letters by composers. I suspect the money would disappear surprisingly quickly.
WRATH:
Pet peeves?
Stupidity combined with confidence.
SLOTH:
Where would you spend a long time doing nothing? At home.
PRIDE:
What is the one thing you’re secretly proud of? That orchestras tend to want me to come back after my first visit.
LUST:
What makes your heart beat faster?
The silence that follows the music.
For this issue our fashion team, including photographer Michelle Proctor, stylist Jen Evans and makeup artist Jen Clark, took to the streets of downtown Victoria to draw inspiration.
Boulevard Magazine, along with our fashion team, would like to extend our thanks to Bernstein & Gold for hosting us at their downtown location and allowing us to explore their gorgeous collection of fashion and accessories in real-time. We would also like to thank Edited Curated Consignment, which recently opened its doors, and Turnabout Resale for letting us source from their thoughtfully curated pieces.
We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to MAiiZ Nixtamal for graciously allowing us to shoot on their lovely patio. Not only did they provide a stunning backdrop, but they also treated us to mouthwatering food and drinks that were just as delightful to photograph as they were to enjoy.
behind the story
WORDS KATHERINE ENGQVIST
PHOTO MICHELLE PROCTOR
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNER
Benefits of walk-in tubs
As we age and begin to lose our mobility and sense of balance, bathing can not only become difficult but also a cause of additional stress and anxiety. Fear of falling and a fear of not being able to get out of the tub are two of the most common occurrences with many of our seniors today. Walkin tubs have become extremely popular in the last decade and estimates show that people who go ahead and install a walk-in tub in their homes today, will be able to live independently for an additional five years.
Walk-in tubs are exactly what the name implies, tubs that have large doors that open, and you simply walk in and sit down on a 17-inch-high seat. You close and lock the door and the tub fills rapidly while you are sitting comfortably and safely inside. All the taps and controls are easily accessible at your fingertips. Once you are done your bath, turn the dial and the tub quickly drains and you simply open the door and walk out of the tub. The
various models all have numerous grab bars and nonslip surfaces making getting in and out worry free. Walk-in tubs are designed for an aging population who desire to remain independent for many years to come.
Manufacturers have optional tub designs accommodating every shape and size of person and bathroom. There is a tub size that will fit in the space where your existing tub or shower is. Walk-in tubs can be as basic as a soaker tub to as deluxe as your own personal spa. Offering numerous options such as heated back,multi- speed war mair jets, water jets, ozone, light therapy, aromatherapy, and more.
The benefits of a walk-in tub are numerous. Many people crave being able to confidently have a bath again and find relief by just soaking in a warm tub. Owners say they believe they sleep better after a soothing bath. The warm air or water jets give a deep massage and help to stimulate circulation, thus carrying additional
Perhaps, one of the best decisions I’ve made is when I decided to go ahead and put a walk in tub in my house. I no longer have a fear of falling and this will help me live in my home for many more years to come.”
Jean S.
healing oxygenated blood throughout the body to the hands and feet. This has shown positive results increasing mobility and helping to relieve the pain and symptoms of such conditions as arthritis, chronic back pain, fibromyalgia, diabetic and peripheral neuropathy, as well as various other acute and chronic conditions.
The Canadian Government website states that 1 in 4 seniors fall every year, and 25% of these falls are serious, leaving the victims permanently disabled and bedridden. A large percentage of these falls take place in the
bathroom. Aside from all the pain and suffering it also ends up costing the Canadian medical system two billion dollars annually. Therefore, the British Columbia and Federal Governments are helping many people who decide to purchase a walk-in tub now. The help comes in the forms of a $7,000 tax credit, a Provincial Sales Tax waiver and in certain qualifying cases a $10,000 Government Grant.
As we all age and the years fly by, many seniors are faced with the reality that taking proactive steps today and deciding to retrofit their homes with a walk-in tub is one of the best investments they can make to help them age in place, comfortably and independently in the home they love.
