Western Living October 2023

Comfort Baking Recipes from Whistler’s Bred

This joyful space from Paul Lavoie Interior Design was inspired by Alice in Wonderland!

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48 HOMES + DESIGN 11 TRADE SECRETS Designer Martine Ast takes a Calgary kitchen down eclectic avenue.

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12 SHOPPING + OPENINGS Colourful cabinets, minimalist nightstands and more hot furniture and homewares new to local stores.

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16 GREAT SPACES A Surrey steakhouse gets a fabulous, flavourful makeover by Form Collective.

27 FURNITURE TRENDS The iconic furniture fairs have spoken: these are the design trends you’ll see everywhere in 2024.

18 ONE TO WATCH Matt Hanns Schroeter’s handtufted rugs make a stunning statement.

36 STATE OF WONDER Julie Lanctot of Paul Lavoie Interior Design dreams up a daring, fantasical Calgary home.

20 COLOUR CODE For the latest chic hue, check your pantry: paprika is on the menu.

48 THE BIG REVEAL He shoots, he scores—David Nicolay of Evoke International Design creates a gorgeous coastal abode for hockey legend Trevor Linden.

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FEATURES

B.C. & ALBERTA » VOLUME 52

» NUMBER 6

CONTENTS

61 THE NEW ESSENTIALS Time to update your kitchen musthaves: is kelp powder on your list?

63 BAKE IT UP Delicious (vegan!) recipes from Whistler’s favourite plant-based bakery, Bred.

73 EDIBLE JOURNEY Five countries, five stories, five incredible restaurants: these are the menus worth travelling for.

PLUS 82 MOOD BOARD What influences designer Peter Wilds? Movies, Milan and Mom.

COVER: Paul Lavoie/Phil Crozier; Bali: Kelly Deck; Linden home: Evoke/Janis Nicolay; Matt Hanns Schroeter: Denis Gutiérrez-Ogrinc; Espresso coffee cake: Bred/Janis Nicolay

22 MY BALI Kelly Deck shares Indonesian travel inspo.

FOOD + TRAVEL

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In Praise of the Road Well Traveled

Anicka Quin portrait: Evaan Kheraj; styling by Luisa Rino, stylist assistant Araceli Ogrinc; makeup by Melanie Neufeld; outfit courtesy Holt Renfrew, holtrenfrew.com

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EDITOR’S NOTE

I was lucky enough to experience my first Salone del Mobile just last year—the world’s largest furniture fair, which takes place annually in Milan. The fair itself is spectacular: visitors from around the world get to be the first to experience the latest design trends (in this issue, our own Barb Sligl shares many of those trends for 2024—see page 27). But the city itself comes alive in a unique way, too—for one week, design takes over the whole of Milan, making it feel like every neighbourhood has some fantastical event to stumble across.

Before I left for my own visit to the fair, I did what I always do before I travel somewhere for the first time: I reached out to friends who’ve been there, done that. In this case, it was the design duo Chad Falkenberg and Kelly Reynolds of Falken Reynolds who provided the best advice—they are regulars at the fair and adore the city. (They also happen to be our 2023 WL Interior Designers of the Year, so they know great design.)

The pair offered up all the details on their favourite stylish neighbourhoods, the tiny restaurants I never would have spotted, the design shops that weren’t on my radar. And I had a fantastic trip.

That journey was the inspiration behind a column we launched in our September issue: My Neighbourhood. In this new feature, our favourite designers share their very stylish, very insider’s take on a destination they love. This month, Kelly Deck takes us to Bali (page 22). “It’s a highly creative place,” she says. “From ancient crafts to modern architecture and commerce, the creative vibe here is palpable.” Her picks will have you packing your bags, stat: from a gorgeous spa immersed in a rainforest to shops that work to protect the ancient art of weaving on the island.

Of course, I would never brag about receiving Chad and Kelly’s great travel advice without sharing it: in a future issue, they’ll be writing about some of their favourite spots in yet another Italian city. Stay tuned for that reveal.

Anicka Quin, Editorial Director anicka.quin@westernliving.ca Follow Anicka on Instagram @aniqua Follow Western Living on

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HOMES+DESIGN> Spotlighting the best of architecture and design in Western Canada.

TR A D E S EC R ETS D esigne d by M A R T I N E A S T, Martine Ast Interiors , Calgar y

The Look: Mix Master

Allan Hall/Wow Photo

“Anything goes” can sometimes come across as chaotic—but done right, the eclectic trend feels rich, welcoming and warm. Case in point: this cozy table-for-two dining nook, designed (or is it composed?) by Calgary designer Martine Ast of Martine Ast Interiors, during her time with Paul Lavoie Interior Design. The mix-andmatch of design elements gives the space an appealing timeless quality, and something beautiful to delight over at every turn—whether it’s the grandma-chic toile wallpaper on the ceiling, the punchy orange Panton chair or the classic rustic farmhouse table. “Embrace all sides of your style personality,” Ast advises. “It’s what makes for an interesting, thoughtful, curated living space.”

westernliving.ca / O c t o b e r 2 0 2 3

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HOMES + DESIGN SHOPPING

EDITOR’S PICK

Hide and Chic What has three legs, curves for days and knows how to keep a secret? It’s the circular Arc coffee table by Woud (from $2,075). It’s not just an outward beauty—flip the top with a finger to alternate between showing off your treasures and concealing clutter. fullhousemodern.com

Mod Moda Mosaics tile

$60.83 per square foot, annsacks.com

Retro Recline Sit back, relax and put your feet up in vintage style with the leather Hanford recliner ($1,999)—a.k.a the Don Draper of chairs. Whether in your living room, your home office or a high-rise New York ad agency in the 1960s, this sophisticated mid-century modern lounger is the ultimate rewind meets unwind. museandmerchant.com

My home certainly isn’t lacking in the tile department (shower, fireplace, kitchen backsplash—check, check, check). But whenever I pop into Ann Sacks, I’m absolutely furious that I haven’t thought of more excuses to incorporate this design material into my space. This whimsical, oversized half-circle terrazzo Mod Moda Mosaics collaboration with Martyn Lawrence Bullard, for instance, has me considering a full-on bedroom feature wall. When a tile makes you smile, it’s really hard to think of a reason not to break out the grout.

—Stacey McLachlan, editor-at-large For more editors’ picks visit westernliving.ca

Artful Storage Art doesn’t have to only live on the shelf—it can be the shelf. Enter: Porro’s colourful Linea cabinets (from $20,700). Inspired by the work of Italian postmodern designer and architect Alessandro Mendini, these avant-garde storage pieces are a true work of art. These masterpieces—each featuring mesmerizing cellulose acetate designs and eyecatching geometric patterns—are truly a rare find: there are only 50 of each available for purchase. livingspace.com

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Noteworthy

New in stores across the West.

By Kerri Donaldson

Modular Magic The Momic sofa from Sancal (starting at $4,950) is the ultimate chooseyour-own-adventure in comfort. With an array of modules and a rainbow of fabric and finish options, it’s like a relaxation playground for your living room. austingoods.ca

HOMES + DESIGN SHOPPING

Thirst for Style Pop the bubbles: here come the Soda tables (coffee table, $2,480; side table, $1,870) by Miniforms. Crafted upside down and as breezy as soda fizz, these beauties were hand-sculpted by not one, not two, but three master glassmakers. Sporting a tough, hammered look that plays peek-a-boo with light, it’s art gallery chic meets jellyfish realness. dwellmodern.ca

Rippled Reflections Forget regular rectangles, the Yumi mirror’s (starting from $3,450) precision-sculpted edge is channelling serene pond vibes on a gentle rainy day. And those abstract shapes? It’s like Mother Nature took a modern design course. Spin it in any direction for a fresh perspective. roche-bobois.com

A Patterned Throwback Cozy up this fall in ’60s style with the Viitta jacquard throw ($335).

Designed by legendary Marimekko printmaker Maija Isola, its geometric allure pays homage to Europe’s vibrant constructivist era (think: rich abstraction and bold colours). Drape any sofa, chair or surface in vintage cool. marimekkovancouver.com

New Shops, Rooms + Spaces

By Kerri Donaldson

Nature’s Nightlights Meet the Onyx tealight holders ($38 for a set of three): your room’s new mood-setting MVPs. Each holder showcases its own elegant veining, making the set a unique ethereal gem.

Meditate, celebrate or just luxuriate—these glowing pillars are a natural beauty. almahomevintage.com

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Alabaster Dream The Vienna nightstand ($856) from Rove Concepts is a nod to postmodern design. With its opulent alabaster finish and curvy frame, it’s like falling asleep next to your own dreamy waterfall. roveconcepts.com

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Opening this November, the beloved Vancouver gift gallery’s new flagship store is marking its debut on Government Street in the heart of Victoria. The brickwalled edifice opens just in time for the holiday giving season, promising carefully curated, one-of-a-kind gift ideas and rustic home decor that’s a unique, handcrafted and artisanal celebration of West Coast talent (including Kermodi potted plants, Saltspring Kitchen Co. jams and whimsical stuffed animals by Bukowski). We’re guessing it’ll be the perfect onestop-shop for that eccentric aunt or hard-to-shopfor mother-in-law. 1312 Government St., stockhomedesign.com

Serving It Right Serve whimsical style à la carte with the Arcs trolley (starting at $295) from Hay. Available in dark blue, sea green and pastel white, this scalloped rolling cart is like that stylish friend who’s always organized: it’s ready to hold your latest reads, cocktail concoctions or that plant you’re definitely not going to overwater this time. dwr.com

When the Moon Hits Your Eye Experience the radiance of a full moon (despite what the lunar calendar says) with the Fatboy Bolleke ($179). These compact, cordless and captivating lunar orbs light up any patio, room or gathering—for a glow-up that’s a total eclipse of the heart. shop.vanspecial.com

Stone-Inspired Sleek Meet the portable nebulizing diffuser ($180) in sand grey

by Seasons Life.

Stone-esque and modern, this diffuser is cutting-edge tech wrapped in monochrome elegance. No water? No heat? No problem. Just pour in your cherished essential oil and let this beauty inspire all your senses. indigo.ca

HOMES + DESIGN GREAT SPACES

Great Divide In the formal dining area (right), gold partitions help separate tables and provide privacy. “You can still see through them, but it visually indicates a break between booths,” says Serra.

Chill Zone The red-upholstered Lila chairs from Contract Furniture Solutions (bottom right) have a low and relaxed silhouette, encouraging patrons to sit and stay awhile, while a fresh coat of Benjamin Moore Oxford White and a gallery wall turned a formerly ignored part of the restaurant into a focal point.

WELL DONE

Form Collective brings new life to a South Surrey steakhouse.

By Kaitlyn Funk / Photos by Janis Nicolay

It’s not often that a designer wishes for less space to work with, but that’s exactly how the team at Form Collective felt when they first stepped inside S+L Kitchen and Bar in the Vancouver suburb of South Surrey.

In the eyes of Josephina Serra and Lauren Webb, founding principals of the Vancouverbased design studio, the 3,850-square-foot room lacked distinct dining areas and failed to cater to the diversity of its patrons. “It was basically a big black-and-white box,”

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says Webb. “The ceiling was also really, really high, which made the restaurant feel cold and uninviting.”

So, the pair got down to work—literally. By installing a canopy of perforated metal circles above the bar and lounge areas, Serra and Webb lowered the ceiling height from a cavernous 16 feet to a cozy 10. Hanging foliage further grounds the space while also creating a sense of intimacy. “We really wanted to make it feel more like a living room,” says Webb. The result is relaxed yet refined, and perfectly aligned with S+L’s approach to dining: regular guests are made to feel right at home with their own personalized steak knives and a bottle-keep service.

Since the owners wanted to avoid a major renovation, the designers incorporated overlapping Flor carpet tiles and textured wall treatments to cover the existing finishes— and to add visual interest and warmth. The wall behind the host stand features a vinyl

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wrap with protruding wood pieces; the entryway is punctuated with gold panels, a greenery insert and a custom neon sign; the bar has recessed arches with zigzagpatterned tiles. “There’s a lot to look at, says Webb with a laugh.

What was once a massive, monochromatic space is now a sophisticated steakhouse with plenty of sizzle. “We wanted to make sure there was something for everyone,” explains Serra. “That’s why we made it so eclectic.”

This project is supported by the BC Government’s Buy BC Partnership Program; delivered by MNP LLP with funding from the Government of British Columbia.

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HOMES + DESIGN ONE TO WATCH

Tuft Love Vancouver-based Matt Hanns Schroeter crafts all of his rugs by hand. The process is much slower than making digital art (another practice of his), but bold and beautiful results prove that it’s a rewarding grind.

EXTRA FIBRE Artist Matt Hanns Schroeter is cutting rugs, and we’re obsessed.

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By Alyssa Hirose / Portrait by Denis Gutiérrez-Ogrinc

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ug making is on the rise.

The theories behind this textile revival are contradictory—for example, some credit TikTok for spreading timelapse videos of the mesmerizing craft; others think it’s a direct rejection of the digital world—a radical embrace of hands-on, screen-free creativity. Any way you weave it, tufting is trendy.

But for Vancouver artist Matt Hanns Schroeter, making rugs is an outlet for self-expression. “A lot of my work deals with intersectionality, and how identity changes over time,” he shares. For his colourful, organic projects, Schroeter turns to the great outdoors for visual inspiration: patterns in nature, such as cascading ocean waves, influence his designs.

His hand-tufted Ripple rugs, for example, feature curvy, interlocking shapes. Each one is made from slightly different materials, resulting in a unique texture and colour palette in every rug.

Making rugs is generally a solo initiative, but in the last year, Schroeter has collaborated with The North Face (on a one-of-a-kind fuzzy duffle bag, of course) to celebrate Pride, and worked with The Wood Innovation Group (TWIG) to create a reclaimed wood bench for Vancouver’s Interior Design Show. Schroeter has a background in graphic design, which translates beautifully into his tactile creations. “This is a way to bring my shapes into a 3D world—making something that you can touch and play with and feel,” he says.

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HOMES + DESIGN COLOUR CODE Prado sofa by Ligne Roset ($11,000), livingspace.com

Wilet sheet set in paprika (available late November, $410), shopwilet.com

Ringer chair by Kettal in Terrarosa ($2,678), informinteriors.com Glass Haze plate by Obakki in Sun (from $95), obakki.com

84.2 medium vase

by Bocci ($1,950), bocci.com

Bold Spice

Muuto E27 pendant lamp in deep red ($185), vanspecial.com

Simultaneously grounding and robust, paprika is the new go-to spice, adding a more robust flavour to pale neutral palettes but also playing well with deep darks. This relative of red ochre, one of earth’s most ancient hues, feels fresher than ever.

By Joy Pecknold

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HOMES + DESIGN MY BALI 1 The Holy Springs of Tirta Empul

This water temple is about a 45-minute drive outside of Ubud. It was founded in 926 CE, and it’s a very sacred space for the Balinese people. There’s an aquifer here of fresh water, and depending on what day of the year you are here, you’ll go to several different fountains: you wash your face, your head, your body, you drink the water. It’s cathartic and beautiful, and it’s worth going with a guide—a local holy man— to understand the significance of the whole ritual.

2 Bingin Beach, Uluwatu

Uluwatu is a stylish beachside town on the southern tip of Bali—the ocean is powerful here, with big surf breaks (and great competitions), so not all of the beaches are good for swimming. When we do take the kids to the beach, we head to Bingin: access it by following a staircase through a cave that eventually leads you to a calm beach.

CRAFT & CREATIVITY

The founder of Kelly Deck Design shares her favourite spots in Bali.

By Kelly Deck

Bali, Indonesia, has charmed me since my first visit in 2008—I’ve since been there three times including this past December with my family. The island’s animistic culture is deeply spiritual, reflected in daily practices and vibrant ceremonies. It’s also a highly creative place: from ancient crafts to modern architecture and commerce, the creative vibe here is palpable. I know that’s what keeps me returning year after year.

3 Ubud

My favourite place in Bali is Ubud: it’s inland, central and a very sacred part of the country. It has an incredible woodland in the centre of the city called Monkey Forest—which is full of delightfully naughty monkeys. One of them stole a bag full of textiles I’d just purchased, and we had to chase him to get them back.

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HOMES + DESIGN MY BALI

4 Amaka Villas

When we were last in Bali this past December, we stayed at these lovely villas. They’re brand new— about 10 villas with private pools and incredibly stylish design. It’s in a rural area of Uluwatu but only a few minutes away to local cafés and shops. Instagram.com/ amakavillas

6 Threads of Life, Ubud

The public markets in Bali are fun but the quality and originality has decreased over the years. It’s better to head to specialized shops, and Threads of Life is one of my absolute favourites. The women who work here are amazing—they work to preserve craft across the country. The pieces are museum-grade quality, gathered from villages all around Indonesia—the shop brings value to ancient practices, helping cultivate an economy for artisans to keep weaving alive. threadsoflife.com

7 Gooseberry Café and Boutique

Only in Bali would a lingerie brand also have a café. Go here for great food in a stylish venue—and then pick yourself up a bathing suit or lovely lingerie set! They have a little pool outside if you want to bring your kids, too—like much of Bali, it’s very family friendly. gooseberry-restaurant.com

8 Chapung Spa, Ubud

5 Gaya Ceramic, Ubud

Located just outside of Ubud on the edge of a ravine, this spa is exceptional: you receive treatments in open-air suites that engulf you in the sounds of rushing water, birdsong and monkey cries. The staff are highly trained in the art of wellness, and the products they use are excellent quality. We rode our motorcycle out here and spent four hours in a spa session—just hanging out over the rainforest.

It was magic. chapung.com

This shop is my other great love here. The owners provide careers for locals and train them to do world-class ceramic work. Gaya works with Michelinstar hotels to create full lines of ceramics and dinnerware for them.

They can even design custom plateware for individual homes. gayaceramic.com

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2024 FURNITURE TRENDS

EXPRESS YOURSELF

By Barb Sligl / Photographs by Clinton Hussey / Styling by Nicole Sjöstedt Shot on location at the Museum of Vancouver. MOV’s Reclaim + Repair: The Mahogany Project is on now through August 7, 2024.

It’s all about joy. Furniture design for 2024 celebrates thoughtful materials, mood-boosting colour and cozy designs—all to bring that sense of pleasure and happiness to the home front. While this year’s Salone del Mobile in Milan revisited now-standard design trends—sustainability, always, and a renewed reverence for craft—the world’s largest furniture fair also showcased an evocative kaleidoscope of cheery palettes and candid charms. Unabashed colour exudes joy, as in the ethereal and iridescent hues of Patricia Urquiola’s Shimmer tables, an exuberance that’s also mirrored in an expressive use of metals, textiles and woods. The kindred theme of Maison&Objet Paris in 2023 was simply “Enjoy,” emphasizing design as a source of happiness in the home. This quest of pleasures—through colour, extravagance, audacity and levity—is tempered by a sensitivity for the inherent beauty of materials, whether celebrating the natural grain and character of oak, the seductive allure of sculptural brass, the emotional charge of a bright hue or the tactile charm of colossal loops and knots.

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HOMES + DESIGN 2024 FURNITURE TRENDS

WOOD-TOPIA Wood was once again a prime material at Salone del Mobile, both for its sustainable characteristics and its nostalgic or utopian quality—qualities that are on display at the current Mahogany Project at the Museum of Vancouver, too. Vancouver designer Toby Barratt of Propellor curated the show, which includes their Rivulet light sculpture of long cascading strands of mahogany (inspired by the verdant tropical rainforest from which the wood was first harvested). Whatever the wood, the trend is to keep it as natural as possible: barely there finishes make the grain the star, spotlighting craft through minimal lines and delicate curves.

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1. Coastal Drift

by Brent Comber (price on request), on location at the MOV, brentcomber.com 2. Rivulet light Propellor ($12,000), on location at the MOV, propellor.ca 3. Avebury coffee table in white oak by Objects and Ideas ($8,275), providehome.com 4. Shattered sphere

by Brent Comber ($3,500), brentcomber.com

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5. Cording series

by Brent Comber (price on request), providehome.com

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6. Tonbo chair

by Kensaku Oshiro for Kristalia (from $1,935), livingspace.com 7. Eye dining chair

by Alain van Havre for Ethnicraft ($1,209), fullhousemodern.com 8. Orée light

by Propellor Studio ($3,060), propellor.ca 9. #012 side table

by Studio Julien Peltier ($1,030), providehome.com 10. Lotus leaf teak centrepiece

by Craft District (from $390), detailsbymrk.com

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11. Fenis chair

by Carlo Mollino for Zanotta (from $2,928), informinteriors.com 12. Favela chair

by Fernando and Humberto Campana for Edra (from $7,918), informinteriors.com

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HOMES + DESIGN 2024 FURNITURE TRENDS

CEREBRAL COLOUR

1. Gropius armchair

by Katrin Greiling for Tecta ($8,439), informinteriors.com

Colour—both bold and soft—was front and centre at Salone del Mobile. Think sunflower yellow, Barbie pink, royal blue and the so-called Danish pastel movement that’s equal parts playful and hygge. The goal: generate comfort, inspire energy, promote well-being, showcase personality. Take the iconic F51 armchair by Walter Gropius, designed in 1920 as part of the groundbreaking Bauhaus movement and now given a vivid new take after 100 years with striking combos of hue and texture. Ikea, too, has revived some of its design classics—a 1956 side table and 1978 coat rack—in happy hues.

2. Origami teal rug wool and silk 9’x12’ ($24,000), salari.com 3. Sense sofa from Roche Bobois (from $11,745), roche-bobois.com 4. Hand-turned vases

by Bitossi (from $900), livingspace.com 5. Shimmer coffee table

by Patricia Urquiola for Glas Italia (price on request), avenue-road.com 6. Amulet footstool

by Edward van Vliet for Leolux (from $1,995), inspirationfurniture.ca Parts of a Whale Kevin Isherwood and Christa Clay, Studio AY (price on request), on location at the MOV, studioay.ca

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10 7. Rhombe tableware

by Lyngby Porcelain for Rosenthal (from $44), shop.vanspecial.com 8. Ralik Modular system

by Ichiro Iwasaki for Arper (from $12,550), livingspace.com

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9. Bondskäret coat rack in yellow or lilac by Ikea ($50), ikea.ca

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10. Prayer wheel carpet ($9,375), eastindiacarpets.com

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11. Rubix, round and oval ottoman series

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by EQ3 (from $299), eq3.com 12. Silk-velvet cushions

by Les-Ottomans ($179), detailsbymrk.com 13. Roma sofa

by Turri ($23,053), arkinteriors.ca 14. Semiton modular cabinet

by Garcia Cumini for Arper (from $4,965), livingspace.com

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HOMES + DESIGN 2024 FURNITURE TRENDS 1. Marrakesh sideboard

by Kare Design ($4,139), kare-design.com 2. Hinge brass vase ($199), cb2.ca

ELEMENTAL Architectural, orthogonal, sculptural and curvilinear: metals took a decidedly expressive turn at Salone del Mobile in 2023.

From precise perpendicular planes to hammered and brushed brass, metal morphed into statement-making and shapely design pieces that were solid yet also slender—and suffused with warmth. Case in point: the stalwart beauty of the Allure side table from Baxter, which echoes a Doric column in glossy antiquated brass, and the poetic emulation of flora in the Acate coat hanger from Driade, its entangled shoots and leaves in matte and polished brass.

3. Acate coat hanger

by Driade ($2,930), informinteriors.com 4. Erden Collection rugs (from $200/square foot), salari.com 5. Fred Segal collection solid brass cup ($21.95) and 2-piece solid brass storage box ($119), cb2.ca

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6. Allure side table

by Baxter (from $6,050), livingspace.com

2 Odisea Angelica S. Jang, Benny Kwok and Mira Yung, Plain Sight Creative and Smla Studio (price on request), on location at the MOV, plainsightcreative.com; smla.studio

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7. Ovni Up cocktail table

by Vincenzo Maiolino for Roche Bobois ($2,120), roche-bobois.com 8. Union console table

by Bernhardt ($4,133), onceatreefurniture.com 9. Becker table lamp

by Four Hands ($695), fullhousemodern.com 10. Malaga console

by Kare Design ($3,279), kare-design.com

11 11. Salamander chair

by Noir ($2,998), purebyamimckay.com 12. Cobblestone vases from Indaba (from $20), purebyamimckay.com 13. Flambeau candle holder

by Krøyer-Sætter-Lassen for Audo Copenhagen ($225), fullhousemodern.com 14. Bikram modular sideboard

by Gino Carollo for Ronda Design (from $11,711), arkinteriors.ca

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HOMES + DESIGN 2024 FURNITURE TRENDS

WARP AND WEFT

Mahogany, Picbil and My Mother Liberty by Anna Gustafson (price on request), on location at the MOV, anna-gustafson.com

Fabric and textiles get big and bold.

Seating is designed from ship-worthy ropes and knots, or unexpected configurations of loops, twists and braids. The Knitty lounge chair, for example—part of Moooi’s aptly named “A Life Extraordinary” installation at Salone—is a striking iteration of basket weave that quite literally entwines softness and strength with extra-thick “yarn.” It’s about the beauty of binding, or shibari (the Japanese word and name of another standout chair at Salone

by Studiopepe). This “hymn to simplicity” and comfort is also found in the Ratio armchair by Turri, wrapped in an oversized leather weave.

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1. White pedestal bowl ($90) and Links decorative marble chain ($229), cb2.ca

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2. Lilas Pouf

by Castello Lagravinese Studio for Ulivi ($4,450), arkinteriors.ca

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3. Ami armchair

by Francesco Rota for Paola Lenti (from $7,200), livingspace.com

4. Knit & Pearl stool

by Studio A Home ($866), onceatreefurniture.com

5. Where I

Want to Be rug ($19,200), salari.com

6. Tobit pouf

by Paola Lenti ($1,935), livingspace.com

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7

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10 7. Ratio armchair

by Toan Nguyen for Turri ($25,583), arkinteriors.ca 8. Tiered palm pendant from Obakki ($445), obakki.com

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9. Knitty lounge chair

by Nika Zupanc for Moooi (from $9,790), livingspace.com 10. White fibre art jute arch sculpture from Pure Design ($640), purebyamimckay.com 11. Miss Rope chair

by Studiopepe for Baxter ($9,615), livingspace.com 12. Azul armchair

by Paola Navone for Turri ($30,613), arkinteriors.ca 13. Luisa cushion from Structube ($29), structube.com

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State of

Wonder A Calgary designer goes down the rabbit hole in pursuit of a dazzlingly colourful family home.

By Jacquie Moore / Photos by Phil Crozier

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Rainbow Connection Designer Julie Lanctot of Paul Lavoie Interior Design took inspiration from Alice in Wonderland for the design of this home—like the fully upholstered walls in the eating area (this page), which creates an exaggerated look.

The homeowner’s daughter wanted “rainbows and unicorns” in her bedroom (opposite, left), so Lanctot included a neon version of the former on the wall. The son’s bedroom features Dr. Seuss artwork (opposite, right), including the taxidermy-like figure on the wall.

westernliving.ca / O c t o b e r 2 0 2 3

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HOMES + DESIGN STATE OF WONDER

“Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.”

—Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

Curiouser and Curiouser In the dining room (above and opposite), the design team opted for oversized end chairs in a poppy teal, along with playful artwork—like the Hawkins Cheezies painting by Calgary artist Maggie Hall.

Designers Lancot and Paul Lavoie stand in front of the home’s impressive staircase (right), which features a recessed LED strip in the railing.

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“Extreme creativity.” That succinct directive was the essence of a project that became the Wonderland House—a singular inner-city home for a Calgary couple whose desire for vibrancy inspired new heights of inventiveness in the team at Paul Lavoie Interior Design.

For Julie Lanctot, managing director at the design firm, working on the 8,700square-foot home—which was customconstructed by Maillot Homes—was a purely joyful experience. “Every designer has a ‘tickle trunk’ of favourite fabrics and wallpaper awaiting just the right client, but most of us never get to open the box,” she says, “With this house? We got to explode the box.” Adding to the fun over the three-year

project was the inspiration for the design: the dreamy, adventurous world of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (with a dose of Harry Potter magic).

Inspired by the design firm’s impactful use of colour, the clients—a growing family— approached Lavoie and Lanctot with their idea of creating a whimsical, one-of-a-kind home that reflected the famous 1865 children’s novel. Their vision, says Lanctot, “made us rise to the challenge of who they are. They are unafraid, and they pushed us to create this uncompromisingly distinctive home.”

The kitchen features floor-to-ceiling banquettes and high-gloss cabinets in teal —a strikingly bold commitment to a colour

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Heavy Metal In the kitchen the gold detailing on the cabinets is actually liquified metal, painted on—and it’s cool to the touch, just like the real thing.

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HOMES + DESIGN STATE OF WONDER

Play Zones The sofa and coffee table in the lower-level media room (top) are custom designed, the latter in a kid-friendly vinyl. The target-like artworks on the wall are by Franco DeFrancesca.

Lanctot designed the pattern of the Glas tiles in the bar area (above); the wallpaper in the powder room is banana-scented.

In the guest room (right), the drapes and wallpaper are both from artist Emma J Shipley for Clarke and Clarke.

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usually dished out in throw-pillow-sized bites. Dividing kitchen from living room is the hardest-working piece of furniture in the house: the long console (black on top, purple underneath) is HQ for the kids to eat breakfast, do homework and watch TV while perched on its candy-coloured faux leather stools.

The U-shaped custom sofa that sits in front of the console is a subtle example of how Lanctot both tempers and highlights the saturated gemstone colours that are abundant throughout the home. “I knew we were doing colourful pillows and stools so I chose a more neutral fabric as a base for the largest piece in the room,” she says. These restrained choices, paced throughout the house—the dining room chairs, as well as a couple of rugs, are similarly tweedy-flecked—let the flamboyant, mad-tea-party vibes sing. The overall result is both extravagant and cozy.

The powder room is, as Alice might say, a “curiouser and curiouser” trip into imagination and colour. A slab of sliced geodes forms the vanity and mirror frame. The piece was originally backlit with white light, but Lanctot saw the opportunity to play up the glamour and mystery by swapping the original lighting out for a colour-changing version.

One of the children’s bedrooms recalls Alice’s topsy-turvy world with pops of colour on the ceiling and in the shelves and accessories. On the third floor, a maze incorporated into the tiled floor is a delight both for the homeowners’ daughter and for visiting adults. A nod to the labyrinth hedge maze in Carroll’s novel, the puzzle presented Lanctot (and the tilers) with an unusual challenge. “That was one of the most difficult and gratifying aspects of the home for me,” she says. “The clients wanted a game in the floor, and it had to be solvable as well as sophisticated.”

A particularly extraordinary feature of the home is its two-storey library, in this case

Pretty in Pink Lanctot leaned into colour throughout the home, like in this bold dressing room in hot pink and silver.

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HOMES + DESIGN STATE OF WONDER

It’s in the Details The library was inspired by Dumbledore’s own in the Harry Potter series (above). The rainbow stools and custom console in the living area are a favourite spot for the kids to tackle their homework (right).

The wallpaper in the elevator (opposite), Van Doe from Sheila Bridges, features classic paintings—like the Mona Lisa—with animal heads.

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HOMES + DESIGN STATE OF WONDER

Adults Only On the top level, the floor tile at the top of the stairs features a solvable maze (top right). The powder room’s agate sink has an LED light behind it, which changes the colour of the stone (top left).

Even the wine room isn’t too serious (above left): a two-foot Bearbrick statue oversees the collection. The bar’s inviting hot-pink stools play well with the ombré-purple background of the bar itself (right).

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inspired by Dumbledore’s office in the Harry Potter book series. Thrilled by the homeowners’ challenge to reflect the beloved fictitious space, Lanctot came up with a concept for the room that included floorto-ceiling oak panelling and bookcases, along with a custom phoenix chandelier.

To ensure that the library was harmonious with the rest of the home, she added a Wonderland twist by lining the shelves with a colour-coordinated rainbow of books: “The clients have thousands of their own books, and this section serves as an art installation in the room.”

In less competent hands, the Wonderland vision could have manifested as a cacophony of visual noise. (As designer Paul Lavoie notes, “Colour is not an easy thing.”)

But in this home, the Alice story is provided with restful balance via a strong neutral throughline of white porcelain flooring on the main floor and white hardwood on the second, along with white door casings and baseboards—and, most impactfully, a white, three-storey sculptural staircase.

For Lanctot, part of the home’s magic was the alchemy of the owners’ level of trust combined with their desire to be delighted.

Remarkably, the couple left builder and design team to interpret their dream, forgoing any walkthroughs during the last three months of completion. “They wanted the rush of going through their finished home, experiencing the surprises just as visitors to the house will,” says Lavoie. The couple met the designers and their builder at the door and they toured the home together. “As a designer, it was a dream come true,” recalls Lanctot.

In the kids’ lounge, the wallpaper pattern features photo illustrations of faces looking matter-of-factly into the room. They’re nobody famous—just invented strangers— but, as Lavoie says, “they get to live here, too.” Lucky them.

H O M E ACC E S S O R I E S W I T H P E R S O N A L I T Y 2 7 1 7 G R A N V I L L E S T. / T 6 0 4 .8 0 6 .0 5 10 / D E TA I L S B Y M R K .CO M

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THE BIG

A Sense of Place Trevor Linden and his wife Cristina wanted to celebrate the seaside location of the house. “We wanted something West Coast, and contemporary, and with lots of glazing,” says Trevor. “Something that was special.” One of the things on their wish list? No drywall. Instead, you’ll find windows, board-formed concrete and wood.

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REVEAL

A peek inside the Evoke–designed family home of hockey legend Trevor Linden.

By Stacey McLachlan / Photos by Janis Nicolay

westernliving.ca / O c t o b e r 2 0 2 3

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HOMES + DESIGN THE BIG REVEAL Stay a While In the living room (left), a cozy Living Divani NeoWall sofa is paired with B&B Italia Husk chairs. The MDF Italia Tense Material dining table is surrounded by Moroso Mathilda chairs. The kitchen counter stools (below) are from Fredericia.

Get a Lift The ingenious driveway gate (below) was the idea of Jaime Linden (Trevor’s brother and contractor). It swings up and out of the way—Nicolay describes it as a “guillotine.”

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I

didn’t become a design writer just because I love beautiful spaces. I became a design writer because I love beautiful spaces and I’m incurably nosy.

So when this Evoke International Design project came across our desks, it was truly a dream assignment: a chance to finally see inside a house that for years had been leaving me dying to knock on its door. The fact that it happened to be the home of celebrated Vancouver entrepreneur and former NHL star Trevor Linden and his wife Cristina? I must’ve died and gone to lifestyle-journalist heaven.

As much as the Lindens are homegrown celebs, to me, their house is a star, too. I jog by it (or chase my toddler past it) two or three times a week, and it always makes me turn my head. The intriguing, boxy volumes; the captivating, vertical pivot gate. Evoke principal David Nicolay created something truly special with this waterfront property, transforming a late ’60s ramshackle house into a cleverly designed modernist beauty. The Lindens had actually bought the property back in 2003: “It was a five-year plan that turned into 15,” says Trevor. But that 15-year project is one that, in the end, was well worth the wait. “A lot of the time, when you have these grandiose ideas, you can be let down. But in this case, it was really the opposite,” says Trevor. “It’s a home that’s better than I ever thought it could’ve been.”

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HOMES + DESIGN THE BIG REVEAL

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Clean Slate The same basalt tile that runs through the home spills out into the patio and driveway, connecting the indoor and outdoor spaces.

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HOMES + DESIGN THE BIG REVEAL

West Coast Wonder In the entryway, a Riva 1920 Curve bench sits beneath an Emily Carr painting.

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HOMES + DESIGN THE BIG REVEAL

On Deck Cristina is a passionate cook (Trevor is the sous-chef and clean-up crew), and the family is always entertaining. One recent June night, they threw the patio doors open wide and hosted 20-plus neighbours.

It’s not the first time Nicolay and the Lindens have worked together: Evoke renovated the family’s Whistler home some years ago, and updated their Kelowna house as well. “Trevor always jokes that he has a knack for buying incredible locations and shoddy properties,” Nicolay says. This decades-old home on Vancouver’s west side was no different. “It was falling to pieces and seemed like one of those places that was built without a lot of floor plans,” Nicolay recalls. “There was a covered swimming pool on the ground level, and a lot of steps just to get to the front door.”

While some architects might have come in, wrecking balls a-blazing, to tear it all down and start from scratch, Nicolay saw a few advantages to renovating the existing space. Call it loophole architecture, if you will. “I knew there were lots of little areas that the city would have to count as floor area”—like that strange covered swimming pool—“and that the building as it stood featured

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big decks that went completely past the current building line. If you built a new house, they’d all have to be shifted back,” he says. Nicolay’s clever proposal wound up finding an extra 700 square feet that could be added to the redesign.

City permission granted, Nicolay and the team (including Trevor’s brother Jamie Linden, principal of Linden Construction) got to work gutting the interior and opening up the floor plan to create a serene, light-filled, 3,000-square-foot dream home.

The team at Evoke kept the interior palette simple,

“A lot of the time, when you have these grandiose ideas, you can be let down. But in this case, it was really the opposite. It’s a home that’s better than I ever thought it could’ve been.”

Soak It In The primary ensuite overlooks the ocean— this Blu Bathworks tub offers the best viewing spot (above).

Beach Reads Cristina’s favourite reading spot is this window (right); you’ll find her cozied up in the Eames chair with a mug of coffee on the Bensen Around table.

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HOMES + DESIGN THE BIG REVEAL

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Let the Sunshine In The existing layout upstairs put some constraints on what was possible for the Evoke team, but in the end the quirky upper roof garden is part of what makes the upper floor so special.

“We couldn’t change it, but that detail became such a blessing,” says Trevor.

“The big sliding doors open up and pocket into one wall... it’s such a cool space.” The Lindens soak up the sun in Paola Lenti Shito lounge chairs; the side table is Paola Lenti, too.

sticking almost exclusively to three materials: basalt floors, Douglas fir panelling on the walls and ceiling, and a luxe Italian marble that features prominently in the bathrooms. The main floor is open and welcoming, the ideal space for buzzy dinner parties. (Cristina is an avid cook—the Boffi kitchen accommodates her passion beautifully.) Oversized windows drink in the ocean views. Upstairs, you’ll find the bedrooms (and those same soothing materials), along with access to a screened roof garden: doors smoothly pocket away to create a seamless, six-and-a-half-metre-wide opening that brings in all-day light and fresh air into the house.

For Trevor, one of the most exciting things about the home lies below the surface. “All the mechanical is integrated,” he notes. “The vents, the lights, the smoke detectors... I really love how clean the ceiling is; it’s so calming.”

Though this is a home that consistently stops me in my tracks,

Nicolay calls the exterior “introverted.” And it’s true that part of what is so compelling about the facade is the quiet luxury at play. It’s not showy; never demanding. A custom extruded aluminum cladding with minimal glazing creates a quiet, sophisticated street-front presence. But the gently luxurious design features a few surprising high-tech engineering solutions. The front gate swings up into the air; the entire wall of the garage is designed to slide up out of the way. (It’s a mechanical feat that Nicolay credits to brother Linden. “Jamie never says no,” he laughs. “We needed a way to accommodate Trevor’s truck, and he MacGyvered some incredible solutions.”)

This is the Lindens’ third summer living here—a mere 20 years after getting the keys. They’re always out on the driveway, chatting with passersby or hosting friends for taco night on the patio. “The more I’m here, the more I love being here,” says Trevor. And the more this nosy neighbour walks by, the more I love it, too.

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STAY IN THE KNOW

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Sign up for a complimentary print magazine subscription to Vanmag and each issue you’ll receive...

Culture, fashion and travel coverage, restaurant reviews and wine picks, in-depth reporting on city issues + so much more!

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2023-09-14 12:16 PM

4 12:16 PM

FOOD+TRAVEL> Fresh recipes, great destinations and inspiring people to transport you.

C H E FS’ TI P S

The New Essentials

Wanna stock your pantry like a chef? Here’s what the pros keep on hand. “ I n st a n t Ko r e a n n o o d l e s fo r a l ate - n i g ht d i n n e r.”

Kelp powder: iStock/Madeleine Steinbach; white beans and rice: iStock/Floortje

– Joshua Chilton, chef, Clive’s Classic Lounge, Victoria

“ Ke l p p owd e r. W h e n c o o k i n g ve g et a ri a n , d ri e d ke l p re a l l y h e l p s to d eve l o p d e e p fl avo u r s i n s o u p s a n d sto c ks q u i c k l y.”

– Patrick Do, owner, Do Chay, Vancouver

“Good canned o l i ve - o i l p a c ke d t u n a , a n d w h i te b e a n s : b ot h c a n n e d w h e n I ’m i n a p i n c h , a n d d ri e d fo r w h e n I ’m p l a n n i n g b et te r.”

– Claire Livia Lassam, owner, Livia Forno e Vino, Vancouver

“ W h i te j a s m i n e ri c e .”

– Lý Nguyên, executive chef, Anh and Chi, Vancouver

westernliving.ca / O c t o b e r 2 0 2 3

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sponsored report

LAZZONI CANADA'S GRAND DEBUT Canada’s first premiere Turkish furniture brand has arrived.

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ith an illustrious expansion spanning the Middle East, Europe and the USA, Canada is the newest home for Lazzoni, gracing the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver with its distinct fusion of Turkish furniture craftsmanship and contemporary sophistication. As the pioneering Turkish furniture brand to set foot in Canada, Lazzoni has ignited a buzz throughout South Granville, captivating the attention of homeowners, designers and trendsetters alike.

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@ lazzoni

Macadamia Feta and Herb Scones, see page 70 for recipe.

UP

B

E I T K A

When Ed and Natasha Tatton started their humble plant-based bakery in Whistler back in 2019, they couldn’t have anticipated that the sourdoughs, scones and pizzas they make at Bred would attract almost as much attention from the ski crowd as the slopes do. Now, their new Bred cookbook (out November 7) is saving city-dwellers a trek into the mountains—but the hearty, homey (and, yes, vegan) baked goods are transportive nonetheless.

Recipes by Ed and Natasha Tatton / Photos by Janis Nicolay westernliving.ca / O c t o b e r 2 0 2 3

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FOOD + TRAVEL BAKE IT UP

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The Mountain Loaf (Gluten-Free) Makes 1 loaf (15 thin slices)

Why do we call this bread “The Mountain Loaf?” Because it is 1½ kilograms of pure energy. One or two thin slices will sustain your adventures for hours. It’s packed with seeds, nuts and slow-releasing energy ingredients like gluten-free oats and one of our favourites, wild rice. This is a versatile loaf in that you can eat it by the slice, cube it into croutons or even crumble it over a casserole before baking it.

1¼ cups wild rice 1 cup + 2 tbsp sliced natural almonds ¾ cup sunflower seeds ½ cup pumpkin seeds 3⅓ cups gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats ¾ cup flaxseeds 2½ cups white or black chia seeds 1½ tbsp psyllium husk powder 2 tsp fine sea salt 2 tbsp + 2 tsp pure maple syrup ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil 1 tbsp organic canola oil 2⅔ cups water

Pulse the wild rice in a food processor until it is lightly scored and broken up (a few seconds). Transfer to a large glass jar with a lid, then fill the jar with cold filtered water. The rice will soak up a lot of water and bloom, so make sure it’s well covered with water and has space to swell. Screw on the lid and leave at room temperature for at least 8 hours or overnight.

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 9-by-5-by-3-inch loaf tin with olive oil and line the bottom and sides with parchment paper.

Scatter the almonds, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds on a baking sheet and lightly toast in the oven until they are golden brown (5 to 7 minutes). Set aside to cool for 30 minutes.

plastic wrap and let sit in the fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight. This rest will help with flavour and, more importantly, texture.

Preheat the oven to 385°F. Bake the loaf until deep golden brown all over and a probe thermometer inserted into the centre reaches 200°F (60 to 70 minutes). Allow the loaf to cool in the tin for 30 minutes. Turn the loaf out onto a rack and let cool completely, or for at least 3 hours, before slicing it. The loaf will crumble apart if it is cut too early.

Store the loaf, loosely covered, in the fridge for up to 1 week (the toasted seeds will turn bad if left at room temperature). Alternatively, slice the loaf, wrap it in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 1 month. You can toast it straight from the freezer.

Meanwhile, drain the bloomed wild rice through a sieve. Set the sieve over a bowl to continue draining.

In a large bowl, stir together the oats, flaxseeds, chia seeds, psyllium husk powder and salt. Add the cooled toasted almond and seed mixture, along with the maple syrup, olive oil, canola oil, water and wild rice. Hold the bowl with one hand and, with your other hand, squeeze and combine everything together until it is well mixed and bound together (at least 5 minutes).

With wet hands, form the mixture into an oval and drop it into the lined tin. Wet your hand again and compress the mixture to fill all the corners of the tin, then lightly round the top. This bread has no raising agent, so the neater it looks now, the more appealing it will look once it is baked. Cover the tin with

Find the cookbook on bookshelves November 7, 2023.

Excerpted from Bred by Edward Tatton and Natasha Tatton.

Copyright © 2023 Edward Tatton and Natasha Tatton. Photography

by Janis Nicolay. Published by Penguin, an imprint of Penguin Canada, a division of Penguin Random House Canada Limited. Reproduced by arrangement with the Publisher. All rights reserved. westernliving.ca / O c t o b e r 2 0 2 3

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Espresso Coffee Cake Makes 1 9-inch 2-layer cake, serves 10 to 12

In the U.K., coffee cake is literally a cake with coffee in it. When we were thinking of our favourite cakes to include in this cookbook, we found out that in North America coffee cake is a cake that you can eat with a cup of coffee—rather like how English tea cake does not actually contain tea but does pair well with tea.

Coffee Frosting ½ cup cold vegan butter 1½ cups + 3 tbsp vegan icing sugar 1 cup vegan cream cheese 2 tbsp dark rum or coffee liqueur 2 tbsp brewed espresso, cooled 1¼ tsp pure vanilla extract

Sponge 3 tbsp + ¾ tsp ground flaxseed 1½ cups unsweetened soy milk 1 cup + 3 tbsp organic canola oil 1 cup coconut sugar 2 shots brewed espresso (or ¼ cup strong coffee), cooled 2 tbsp pure vanilla extract 1½ tsp apple cider vinegar 2⅔ cups all-purpose flour ⅔ cup stone-ground whole-grain spelt flour 2 tsp ground cinnamon 2 tsp ground espresso beans 2¼ tsp baking powder 2 tsp baking soda ¾ tsp fine sea salt

Optional Toppings Cocoa powder Shaved dairy-free dark chocolate Toasted whole or sliced natural almonds

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In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle, cream the butter on medium-high speed until soft (1 to 2 minutes). Add the icing sugar and beat on medium-high speed until smooth.

Add the cream cheese and beat on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy (1 to 2 minutes). Add the rum, brewed espresso and vanilla and mix until smooth. Scrape the frosting into an airtight container and place in the fridge to set up for a couple of hours. Clean the bowl so there is no residue of coffee frosting.

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly coat two 9-inch springform pans with canola oil spray, then line the bottoms with parchment paper.

To make your flax egg, whisk together the flaxseed and soy milk in the bowl of a stand mixer until a smooth paste forms. If there are any lumps, push a small rubber spatula against the side of the bowl to break them up. Let sit for 10 minutes to bloom and thicken.

Whisk in the canola oil, coconut sugar, flax egg, brewed espresso, vanilla and apple cider vinegar.

In a large bowl, whisk together the allpurpose flour, spelt flour, cinnamon, ground espresso beans, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Using the paddle, beat on medium speed until a smooth batter forms (1 to 2 minutes). Stop the mixer halfway through and use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure there are no lumps or dry patches.

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans (about 700 g per pan). Bake until a skewer inserted in the centre of the cakes comes out clean (25 to 30 minutes). Let the cakes cool in their pans on a rack for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the ring from the pan and let the cake layers cool completely before frosting (about 60 minutes).

Remove the coffee frosting from the fridge.

Transfer 1 cake layer to a serving plate. Using a piping bag fitted with a plain tip or an offset spatula, pipe or spread a third of the chilled coffee frosting over the cake layer. Place the other cake layer on top and lightly press it down. Pipe or spread a third of the frosting around the sides and then the remaining frosting over the top.

Pipe some decorative droplets. Decorate by sifting cocoa powder or sprinkling shaved chocolate or toasted nuts over the top, if using. Place the finished cake back in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the frosting set.

Store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

westernliving.ca / O c t o b e r 2 0 2 3

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Spiced Carrot and Walnut Cake Makes one 9-by-5-by-3-inch cake, serves 7 to 8

Toasting the walnuts first adds a deep flavour throughout this cake.

We use beautiful local carrots from Helmer’s Organic Farm in Pemberton, as their sweet and fruity flavour is incredible. We highly recommend making this cake when you can find local carrots, as it will take your cake to the next level.

Cream “Cheeze” Frosting Makes enough for 2 cakes ¼ cup cold vegan butter ¾ cup vegan icing sugar ½ cup vegan cream cheese

Sponge 2½ cups chopped walnuts (divided) 3½ tbsp ground flaxseed 1¼ cups + 1 tbsp unsweetened oat milk ¼ cup + 3 tbsp organic canola oil ⅔ cup fine raw cane sugar 2 tsp pure vanilla extract 2 tsp apple cider vinegar 1⅓ cups all-purpose flour ½ cup whole wheat flour 1½ tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking soda Pinch fine sea salt 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp ground ginger Pinch ground nutmeg 2¾ cups grated unpeeled carrots (grated on the large holes of a box grater)

Topping Zest of 1 lemon (using a microplane)

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In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle, beat the butter on mediumhigh speed until soft (1 to 2 minutes). Add the icing sugar and continue beating on medium-high speed until smooth (2 to 3 minutes).

Add the cream cheese and beat on mediumhigh speed, gradually increasing the speed to high until smooth (2 to 3 minutes). Scrape the frosting into an airtight container and chill in the fridge for 2 to 3 hours.

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 9-by-5-by-3-inch loaf pan with a neutral vegetable or sunflower oil spray and line the bottom and sides with parchment paper.

Spread the walnuts on a small baking sheet and lightly toast in the oven until golden brown (5 to 6 minutes). Let cool.

To make your flax egg, whisk together the flaxseed and oat milk in the bowl of a stand mixer until a smooth paste forms. If there are any lumps, push a small rubber spatula against the side of the bowl to break them up. Let sit for 10 minutes to bloom and thicken.

To the flax egg, add the canola oil, cane sugar, vanilla and apple cider vinegar. Mix on medium speed with the paddle for 1 to 2 minutes to combine.

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-

purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on medium-low speed until just incorporated (1 to 2 minutes).

Add the grated carrots and 1½ cups of the toasted walnuts (reserve the remaining walnuts for decorating). Lightly mix on low speed for 1 minute. Remove the bowl from the mixer. Using a rubber spatula, stir the batter from the bottom to check that everything is fully mixed together.

Scrape the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a rubber spatula.

Bake until a skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean (60 to 70 minutes). Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 to 20 minutes. Turn it out onto a rack, turn right side up, and let cool completely, at least 60 minutes, before frosting.

Spoon on the chilled frosting and use a small offset spatula to spread it over the top of the cake, gently swirling and decorating with as much of the frosting as you like. Sprinkle the lemon zest over the cake and finish with a generous scattering of the reserved toasted walnuts.

As this cake is oil-based, it’s very moist and can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

westernliving.ca / O c t o b e r 2 0 2 3

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Macadamia Feta and Herb Scones (or Biscuits) Makes 8 to 10 scones. (See photo page 63).

Is there a difference between an American biscuit and a British scone?

A southern biscuit has more butter and acidity from buttermilk, making them flakier and fluffier, while scones rely on richer ingredients, like cream and eggs, to get a sturdy yet crumbly texture. Given that it uses neither butter nor cream nor eggs, this recipe is a cross between a biscuit and a scone. Call it as you please.

Scones ½ cup cold vegan butter 2½ cups all-purpose flour 2 tbsp + 2¼ tsp baking powder ⅓ cup stone-ground whole-grain spelt flour ½ cup nutritional yeast 1 tsp fine sea salt ½ tsp cracked black pepper 1 cup unsweetened soy milk 1¾ cups macadamia feta (see recipe below), cut into ¼-inch cubes ⅔ cup finely chopped fresh herbs (such as dill, parsley and chives)

Glaze 1 tbsp + 2 tsp unsweetened soy milk 1 tsp pure maple syrup ½ tsp olive oil Cut the butter into ¼-inch cubes and freeze until needed.

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder into a large bowl. Add the spelt flour, nutritional yeast, salt and pepper and whisk everything together.

Add the frozen butter. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like bread crumbs. Add the soy milk,

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macadamia feta and chopped herbs. Using one hand while the other hand holds the bowl still, gently incorporate everything together just until a soft dough forms and no dry patches remain. Do not overmix.

Lightly flour your work surface and the dough. Roll out the dough into a rectangle ¾ to 1 inch thick. Using a large chef’s knife, cut the dough crosswise into 4 rectangles, then cut each rectangle diagonally to make 8 equal-size triangles. Arrange them upside down on the lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between them to allow for growth and even baking. (The side that was on the work surface becomes the top, which helps with the rise and a nicer finished appearance.)

In a small bowl, stir together the soy milk, maple syrup and olive oil. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the tops of the scones a couple of times.

Bake until the tops are golden brown (15 to 17 minutes). Transfer the scones to a rack to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Lightly toast before serving.

Macadamia Feta Makes about 2 cups

I developed this vegan feta to recreate the crumbly, rich and creamy textures and flavours of sheep and goat feta cheese using macadamia nuts. The process takes at least four days, so plan accordingly.

Feta 1¼ cups natural macadamia nuts 2¼ cups filtered water (divided) Zest of 2 lemons ¼ cup lemon juice 2 cloves garlic 3½ tbsp nutritional yeast ½ tsp fine sea salt 2 tbsp agar-agar flakes or powder

Brine 4¼ cups filtered water ¼ cup fine sea salt Place the macadamia nuts in a 4-cup glass jar or other container. Add 1¼ cups of the filtered water. Cover and let soak in the fridge overnight.

The next morning, prepare a rectangular plastic or glass container with a lid (approximately 5½ by 3½ by 1½ inches) to set the feta in. Lightly spray or wipe the inside with extra-virgin olive oil, then line it with a sheet of plastic wrap, pressing into all the corners and stretching out as many creases as possible.

Drain the nuts and transfer to a high-speed blender. Add the remaining 1 cup filtered water, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, nutritional yeast and salt. Blend on low speed for 30 seconds, then slowly increase to high speed, blending until the creamy mixture is smooth and beginning to heat (2 to 3 minutes).

Add the agar-agar. Blend, starting on low speed and slowly increasing to high, for about 4 minutes to activate the setting properties of the agar-agar. The cream will be very hot. Pour the cream mixture into the prepared container and let cool for 15 minutes. Cover the container with the lid and place in the fridge to set overnight.

In a medium saucepan, bring 4¼ cups filtered water to a boil, then add the salt.

Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.

Pour the cooled brine into a container large enough to fit the slab of feta, then cover and set aside in the fridge overnight.

The next morning, remove the feta from the fridge. Using the plastic wrap as handles, gently lift the set feta from the container and transfer it to the chilled brine container (ensuring that the feta is submerged in the brine). Cover and return to the fridge for at least 2 days and up to 5 days, depending how firm or salty you like your feta.

Once the feta is brined to your liking, gently remove it from the brine (discarding the brine) and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 10 days.

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2023-09-14 12:16 PM

4 12:16 PM

FOOD + TRAVEL DESTINATION DINING

EDIBLE JOURNEY

Have stomach, will travel. While we usually plan our vacations around hot hotels, bustling shopping districts or gorgeous landscapes, our most treasured memories from global getaways are often of restaurants. Think intimate meals shared with new friends, surprising menus found in hidden digs and local ingredients expertly prepared by the chefs who know them best. From just down south in Palm Springs to across the planet in Portugal, these five amazing restaurants exhibit the very best of food worth traveling for.

Cans on Cans on Cans It’s a veritable library of conservas here at Sol y Pesca in Lisbon, where the delectable seafood doubles as decor.

westernliving.ca / O c t o b e r 2 0 2 3

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BARNYARD BOUGIE

Modena’s Casa Maria Luigia is cooking up world-class cuisine in the countryside.

By Neal McLennan

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’ve been privileged to eat at a pretty decent number of the top restaurants in the world, but I actually don’t make a habit of traveling for food. I chalk this up to half my family (wife Amanda, daughter Lola—you’re being called out) having little time for “fancy” restaurants and a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to pretense.

This means I often end up visiting temples of haute cuisine on my own. So, on a work trip to Modena, Italy, just before the pandemic, I figured I’d see if I could experience the heights of the iconic Osteria Francescana solo. This place had been at the top of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants for so long (#1 in 2016 and 2018) that they don’t even let it compete anymore. True story.

The restaurant itself was closed for a break, but there was a workaround: Chef Massimo Bottura had recently opened a small, high-end hotel—Casa Maria Luigia—in the countryside outside Modena. If you booked a room there, you had “a decent chance” of getting to spend €330 on a menu featuring his greatest dishes of all time served on one long, communal table in a converted barn on the property.

To answer your first question: yes, it was very much like The Menu. There was a wizened old Italian couple impeccably dressed in Loro Piana. There was a finance Master of the Universe and a small entourage from London. And beside me was a young German couple who had made the reservation nine months prior and driven down from Bavaria for the occasion (which sounds impressive, but when I googled it later I found that the journey was just a bit longer than Vancouver to the Okanagan).

Hyperconscious of my solitariness, I helped myself to a few liberal belts of whisky from the complimentary bar housed in Chef Massimo’s impressive record room, and was accordingly able to freely converse with the Germans, who really were people who traveled for food.

Noma? They’d been. Ditto the Fat Duck. And they simply adored Lyle’s in London (which my own family once called a “terrible snobatorium”).

The food was excellent, of course. Five Ages of Parmesan; The Crunchy Part of the Lasagna; Oops! I Dropped the Lemon Tart. Bottura’s dishes have reached a level of fame that they have their own legendary status: each its own “Stairway to Heaven” of the food world. And they really were out-of-this-world good. But the standout that night was a dish of barely adorned tortellini in a very light broth, brought out as a surprise to the oohs of my fellow diners. And it was perfection: balance, confidence, just the right amount of give. It had no embellishment, no sauce to cover imperfections. I’m supposed to say now that it was worth the 8,600-kilometre journey, but unless a dish cures a fear of outhouses, I’m not sure anything is worth traveling that far. But it was close. Francescana at Maria Luigia is a few years old now, but continues to serve legendary retired dishes from Osteria Francescana in an unfussy room—no snobbery included.

Marco Poderi

FOOD + TRAVEL DESTINATION DINING

Chew Chew Train Forget everything you thought you knew about restaurants in train stations—this spectacular spot in France’s Gare de Lyon is a one-way ticket to delicious.

OFF TRACK

Tucked above the bustling Gare de Lyon, Le Train Bleu is a gorgeous escape—rail tickets not required.

By Anicka Quin

F Clockwise from left: Chef Massimo Bottura puts the final touches on a dish; the interior of Francescana at Maria Luigia restaurant; the famous dessert called Oops!

I Dropped the Lemon Tart; the delicious—if wordy—Beautiful, Psychedelic, Spin Painted Veal, Charcoal Grilled with Glorious Colors as a Painting (yes, that’s the whole name).

Anicka Quin

Italian Icon

or years, a good friend and one-time Paris resident has been raving to me about a restaurant he’s been visiting since he was a kid. But since the restaurant he described was in a train station, I’d never paid much mind: like airports and bus depots, a train station doesn’t seem a likely place to find good food (though I will always grab a bag of Garrett’s Chicago mix popcorn at the Windy City’s Terminal 1, and doublesalt licorice when passing through Schiphol).

But when another pair of friends actually listened to the recommendation—and shared pictures of said restaurant—the photos took my breath away. Suddenly, a lunchtime visit became priority number one on my trip to Paris this past summer.

There are certainly restaurants that are older than Le Train Bleu—it’s been on the second floor of the Gare de Lyon since 1901— but there are few quite as beautiful in the City of Love. Frescoes line the walls, most in

tribute to towns of the Côte d’Azur (the room itself is named after the train that served those towns along the Mediterranean); chandeliers dazzle overhead; and elaborate, la belle époque­-era decor dares you to try to tear your eyes away.

With a room this pretty, the restaurant itself wouldn’t have to work that hard. But it does. Go for the tableside tartare: the server prepares it to your liking, with as much or as little mustard, cornichons, onions and capers as you desire (for me: heavy on the mustard, please). A barely 18-year-old apprentice, clearly on his first stage, is there to whisk away any table crumbs and keep your glasses full of rosé. If you’ve saved room for dessert, you could opt for a tableside delight of crepes Suzette—a dazzling show of fire as they’re flambéed à la minute— but this is France, and so yet another tableside cart, this one heavy with fromages, should be your go-to. Because here, all-the-cheese should always, always be the goal.

westernliving.ca / O c t o b e r 2 0 2 3

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SECRET OF THE SPRINGS Need to Know Palm Springs’ Del Ray restaurant features a fresh, local and exciting tapas menu, including patatas bravas, charcutería and ensalada Del Rey (opposite), and lemon tart (right) and grilled California artichokes (bottom).

Share plates may be common in this desert-paradise restaurant, but diners aren’t keen to share its whereabouts.

By Amanda Ross

W

hat I’ve long loved about Palm Springs is its all-thingsto-all-people credo—aging Sansabelt-clad golfers and L.A. hipsters are all roundly embraced at sleek concrete-lined boîtes and restaurant chains alike.

The town doesn’t judge, which means their dining establishments are all busy with long lineups of the young and old in equal parts.

So, when the tiny, quiet Del Rey restaurant first opened in the fall of 2018, I kept its secret location—tucked in the courtyard of the historic Spanish hacienda-style boutique hotel Villa Royale—off the books. I vowed to never tell a soul about this intimate, black-and-white tiled, leather banquette desert oasis lest the ability to grab a table dried up. That zealous proprietorship felt selfish after my last meal there in May, when the short rib empanada and its flavours of olive, currant and mojo verde (a Spanish green sauce of cilantro, olive oil, sea salt, garlic and cumin) hit all the right early-summer notes when paired with a glass of sparkly Medici Ermete Reggiano Lambrusco. Other Spanish- and Mediterranean-inflected tapas, like the classic patatas bravas with housemade aioli and ensalada de temporada with greens sourced from the nearby Girl and Dug Farm (favoured by Michelin-starred chefs the world over), managed to feel simultaneously hyperlocal and worldclass as we sat and chatted under the charming twinkly outdoor lights. I think you’ll have a great time—just promise not to tell anyone about it.

westernliving.ca / O c t o b e r 2 0 2 3

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FOOD + TRAVEL DESTINATION DINING

ONLY NATURAL

Nestled in the glorious green forest in Freehill, Jamaica, is Stush in the Bush—a dining experience that marries rustic and refined.

By Alyssa Hirose

“S

tush” is Jamaican slang for stuck-up—but it’s pretty hard to get that vibe from the barefoot, overalled farmer Chris Binns, who shuttles restaurant-goers around in an orange pickup truck. As I bounce around in the cargo bed (despite the complicated reality of getting injured and receiving health-care while abroad, seatbelts always seem less important when you’re traveling) trucking down the gravel road in Freehill, Jamaica, I wonder what sort of snobbery could possibly await me. After all, Chris and his spouse Lisa Binns’s restaurant must be called Stush in the Bush for a reason.

I don’t have much time to debate this, though, because the moment I climb down from the tailgate, I see… well, tails. A half dozen or so puppies tumble over each other to greet us, and I learn that Chris and Lisa’s dogs recently had a litter. The chocolate-brown, caramel and smoky grey pups lollop freely among the lush vegetation, punctuating Chris’s already-engaging farm tour: his knowledge of

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Farming Fabulous

Alyssa Hirose; Top left: Stush in the Bush

Jamaica’s Stush in the Bush really does it all: informative site tours, incredible food, stunning scenery and warm hospitality from both two- and four-legged hosts.

plants and Jamaica’s climate is ridiculously robust, but he approaches education with an easygoing humour. For example, he picks a castor bean off a tree and explains how, when he was growing up, it was normal to use it as a natural laxative—which is dangerous, of course, because…?

“Ricin,” I answer, surprised at myself. The farmer smiles and points the bean at me, as if to say, “You got it.” I wish I could attribute it to an interest in botany, but my knowledge of the poison found in castor beans can only be credited to Breaking Bad. After the tour, it’s time to eat—and that is where the stush comes in. Lisa is an award-winning chef and prepares us a luxury-level meal using only products grown on the farm (read: everything is vegan).

Plantain and breadfruit chips are served with hearty but refreshing roasted pumpkin hummus, plus tomato marmalade, chimichurri sauce and spicy “Blow Fyah” sauce. The flame-grilled pizza is adorned in a rainbow of veggie toppings. There is an amuse-bouche of watermelon “tuna” tartare (no fish were harmed) and an incredibly light, fresh avocado-lime sorbet palate cleanser. Lisa’s thoughtful handling of ingredients proves just as incredible as Chris’s ability to grow them.

Outside, dessert is served family-style, with a side of spontaneous torrential downpour. Huddled under a gazebo, I eat warm beignets and chocolate banana bread (yes, also vegan, but you’d never know it) while listening to Chris and Lisa wax poetic about their favourite topic: each other. To them, stush is not about flashy extravagance— it’s a lighthearted nod to Lisa’s talent for taking Chris’s bounty to the next level. The two balance each other out, and that comes through in their colourful, creative, honest food. The puppies are just a bonus.

westernliving.ca / O c t o b e r 2 0 2 3

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FOOD + TRAVEL DESTINATION DINING

CAN IT! There’s sophistication in simplicity—and sardines.

By Stacey McLachlan

I

went to Lisbon’s Sol e Pesca one night, six years ago, but I talk about it pretty much weekly. The “conserva” experience may be the norm in Portugal, but for this pescatarian Canadian, Sol e Pesca is downright revolutionary: a restaurant with no proper kitchen, fueled simply by its extensive library of delectable canned seafood.

In this tiny, candlelit space, the tins are both the menu and the decor. Sip your lightly fizzing vinho verde surrounded by shelves of colourfully labelled cans, and when you’re ready to snack, pick the package that speaks to you. Staff will prep a fresh salad of tomatoes and cucumbers to go with your olive-oil-packed octopus, or perhaps serve up a half-loaf of fresh, crusty bread to sop up the spicy tomato sauce that accompanies your selection of Portuguese sardines.

It seems like a silly reason to plan on returning to Lisbon—one might expect the region’s pasteis de nata to be the real foodie draw—but no international meal has ever been as charming for me as the one that started with the crack of a can. Casual. Cool.

Heaven. And now I’m forever fishing for an invite to go back.

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O c t o b e r 2 0 2 3 / westernliving.ca

Tin Is In Pick out a can from the wall of preserved seafood at this cheeky “can”tina; staff will whip the contents up into a fresh salad (above) or serve it with a sprinkle of herbs and crusty bread (left). The restaurant is located on Lisbon’s famous Pink Street. (opposite).

westernliving.ca / O c t o b e r 2 0 2 3

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2 Walking I have clocked countless kilometres: it’s a moving meditation for me. If I am stuck on something or trying to work out a detail that isn’t quite right, stepping away from my desk and taking a walk often helps—moving and allowing ideas to flow to establish new pathways often frees me up.

Designer

3 Salone del Mobile

Peter Wilds on the 6 Things My introduction to creativity starts with my mom. She has a fine arts background in painting and art history, trained as a teacher, sold real estate, wrote lyrics and recorded in the studio with local bands and to this day she continues to create beautiful paintings. She is a true renaissance woman.

Her personal style is so cool. I have fond memories of being brought to antique dealers, fabric suppliers, galleries and museums from an early age.

That Keep Him

Inspired

5 Fashion It moves so much faster than interior design, and it sets the stage for where colour, pattern and shape is going. I am always looking at the latest men’s and women’s collections online—even the ways in which the clothes are presented is inspiring. The set design, the music, the way the clothes are styled all tell a story and provoke. The spectacular vision of Dries Van Noten is one of my favourites—it’s always a surprise and an education in mixing unexpected elements and colours.

4 Theatre and Film I come from an acting background, and it’s amazing how storytelling continues to be at the centre of what I do in design. Like the characters in a film, the ways in which we interact with our space are fundamental to how we feel and behave. I love analyzing well-executed set design and art direction. I Am Love by Luca Guadagnino is a perfect example. Tilda Swinton’s wardrobe is by Raf Simons for Jil Sander and the story is set at Villa Necchi Campiglio in the centre of Milan—and the architecture of her clothes, how she’s filmed while wearing them, her moving through that beautiful space—it’s incredibly arresting.

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6 Lighting Lighting is often a jumping-off point for me—it’s a critical element that sets the stage for how a space works technically and aesthetically. The glass globe is a timeless shape I never tire of, and it works in all spaces regardless of the era. Vancouver-based A-N-D Light and Matthew McCormick (left), along with Michael Anastassiades, are a continual resource and source of inspiration.

Peter Wilds: Janis Nicolay; Salone del Mobile: Saverio Lombardi Vallauri; Dries Van Noten fashion: Raphael Pavaroti

1 My Mother

I’ve attended numerous times, and while the furniture fair is the event that brings me to Milan, the city itself is amazing. You can feel that it is a real working city that focuses on design. Now that so many furniture and lighting companies present their collections in their designated showroom or in spaces throughout the city, it’s a way of discovering new neighbourhoods and unexpected spaces.

M C

FullPag

377 Howe St Vancouver, BC 604.416.5085 reflexangelo.com - info@reflexangelo.ca MADE IN ITALY CUBITUM dining table

FullPage_Bleed_WL.indd 1

221 10 Ave SW Calgary, AB 403.262.6813 luxuriesofeurope.ca - info@luxuriesofeuorope.ca

2023-09-01 11:59 AM

Photos by Flavien Carlod and Baptiste Le Quiniou, for advertising purposes only. Spol Architects. TASCHEN. (1)Conditions apply, contact store for details.

French Ar t de Vivre

Bubble 2. Curved 3-4 seat sofa, designed by Sacha Lakic.

Ovni Up. Cocktail tables, designed by Vincenzo Maiolino.

Rio Ipanema. Pedestal tables, designed by Bruno Moinard.

CALGARY - 225 10th Avenue SW - Tel. 403-532-4401 VANCOUVER - 716 West Hastings Street - Tel. 604-633-5005 In-store interior design & 3D modeling services.(1)