GoodLife Barrie November/December - Holiday Edition 2016

N O V E M B E R | D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

GOODLIFEMAGAZINE.CA

GoodLife BARRIE Edition

home &

Holiday EDITION

ENTERTAINING APPETIZERS•HOLIDAY SHOPPING•APRÉS IN ASPEN SERVING BARRIE | SPRINGWATER | ORO-MEDONTE | INNISFIL & AREA

ABODA DECOR invites you to ‘Design it your way. no matter how big or small your decorating project. With over 50 major brands of furniture, and accessories you will be amazed at the variety of furniture styles that are available. Our interior design staff have extensive experience. Abode Decor is synonymous with top quality Canadian furniture. Our 10,000 square foot showroom is a good starting point to see a representation of the many styles of furniture we carry, with choices in a host of leather, fabric, wood, and stains. We can go one step further and produce a layout of that perfect interior space. Aboda Decor provides in home consultation services no matter the scale of the project... be it one sofa set or an entire home. This enhanced level of service ensures that we fully capture our Giants unique personal style and budget. We will assist you with floor plans, paint colours, furniture selections, finishes, fabrics, art, accessories and even lighting. You will be astonished at the extensive quality of collections we offer, from many of Canada’s finest furniture manufacturers. Drop by, you will be most welcome.

Visit us at abodadecor.com.

• Custom order furniture in a variety of upholstery covers and wood.

• Let our interior design staff assist you in decorating your room.

• See the extensive variety of furniture we show on our website.

• We host many of the best Canadian manufacturers of furniture.

• We welcome custom orders and we offer a sale price.

• Aboda Decor is a full service company with delivery and setup.

Michael Miller, Sue & Colin Springgay

www.abodadecor.com

31 Commerce Park Drive Barrie

(705) 735-1825

&

R

s r u o y d n a u o y g n Wishi s i h t f o t s e b y r e the v ! n o s a e S Holiday Thank you to our customers for Voting us #1

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Publisher Dana Robbins

Shop or book now at sashboutique.ca

Regional General Manager Simcoe - York / Muskoka Shaun Sauve Editors Lori Martin Elise Allain

! s u n i o J

‘Blue Mountain’ in the ow Christmas Gift Sh ntain on ou M ue Village of Bl TH AND 27TH NOVEMBER 26 ntain Resort. ou M at the Blue

Advertising Manager Kim Harrison Graphic Design Nick Bornino LuAnne Turner Jenn Dallmann Advertising Representatives Angelika Crisp Debbie Booth Christine Murray Mary March Stacey MacDonald Debbie Halikas Carolyn Brayiannis Shannon Dunlop Vic Dellamora Donna Power Photography Contributions Ellie Kistemaker Mike Guilbault Photography Candice Manastersky Louise Jones Editorial Contributions Katherine Elphick Patti Vipond Leigh Blenkhorn Dawn Ritchie Alaa Yassin

PRIVATE CONSULTATION Karla will come right to your home with your sizes in garments and leave you

with an ensemble that will be your go-to outfit whenever you need to look perfect.

STRESS-FREE ONLINE SHOPPING Superb online store with all the fashions that are on trend. Orders over $99 are shipped for free PERSONAL SHOPPER

No time to shop? Karla scours the fashion showrooms of Toronto for you.

As a personal shopper she meets with you at your home for a consultation, carting in a huge selection of clothing from top brands to assess your fashion compass.

CHAMPAGNE SHOPPING PARTIES!

Get ready for the best party you’ve ever thrown! Karla brings the boutique right to you and your friends. For groups of five or more she’ll arrive with a bottle of champagne and flotilla of clothing that will fit all of your guests.

4 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - November December 2016 ■

21 Patterson Road, Barrie, ON L4N 7W6 Phone: 705-726-0573 for advertising inquiries please email goodlife@simcoe.com or call 705-726-0573 ext. 250 DIGITAL EDITION: www.goodlifemagazine.ca follow us twitter.com/goodlifebarrie

First Place

Statements opinions and point of view expressed are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent those of the publisher, advertisers or GoodLife.

GoodLife Barrie edition is published six times per year: January/February, March/April, May/June, July/August, September/October, November/December (Holiday Edition) For further information regarding all our products we invite you to call us at 705-726-0573

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contents

15

26

47

55

62

15 47 55 Plantation Dreams On the Right Course A Gardening Dynasty 26 36 62 Gift Guide

Holiday Food

In the Kitchen

Barrie home tour

Innisfil home tour

Three generations of gardening

Find your perfect gift

6 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - November December 2016 â–

Tasty cooking courses

With Kari & Darci Williams and Chef Chris Gardiner

contents

72

68 68 Vintage Selections Solid as Bedrock 72 82 Events Holiday Sweets 91 Cowboys & Cocktails 104 104 Artist Profile 111 116 Travel In the Crowd 128 Severn ~ Home Tour

So much to do in Simcoe County

Treats to satisfy your sweet tooth

82 91

Skiing Aspen & Steamboat Colorado

Christina Luck

St. Kitts

Barrie Chamber of Commerce Business Awards Gala The Barrie Advance Readers’ Choice Awards

8 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - November December 2016 ■

111

LARGE SELECTION LOW PRICES!

•PORCELAIN •NATURAL STONE •MOSAICS LARGE SELECTION LOW PRICES! The combinations are endless! We carry Porcelain, Marble, Limestone,Travertine, Onyx, Limestone, Ceramics, Mosaics and MUCH MORE!

Visit us today at our New BARRIE LOCATION

165 Saunders Rd., Barrie, ON L4N 9A3 705-999-8200 • www.TileOutlet.ca

NEW SOUNDTOUCH 300 SOUNDBAR You want the best sound.

So we made our best soundbar.

Offering the best performance, spaciousness and bass of any one-piece soundbar its size. Custom drivers, proprietary QuietPort and PhaseGuide technology …hearing sounds where there are no speakers. Play music directly from a phone or tablet using Bluetooth®, or connect the speaker to your Wi-Fi® network, without the need for your phone.

WAVE® SOUNDTOUCH® MUSIC SYSTEM IV The Wave® SoundTouch® system features the legendary performance of the award-winning Wave® music system.

An exclusive Bose® innovation—waveguide speaker technology—delivers the deep, rich sound of larger and more expensive stereos.

The w com

SOUNDLINK COLOR BLUETOOTH® SPEAKER II • • • • •

Delivers bold sound wherever life takes you Rugged, soft-touch, water-resistant Voice prompts for Bluetooth pairing Lithium-ion battery, enjoy up to 8 hours Bose Connect app control

QUIETCOMFORT® 35 WIRELESS HEADPHONE We set the standard. Now we’re raising the bar.

You’ll love what you hear.. And what you don’t.

Built with premium, durable materials that stay comfortable all day. Available in over-ear -ear and in-ear styles.

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SOUNDSPORT WIRELESS RELESS HEADPHONES Durable and weather resistant, rely on them for your most intense training. They feature a hydrophobic cloth that wisks away sweat and moisture.

They can survive vive the elements.

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PLAYBAR The home theatre soundbar and streaming music speaker in one

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ide r to

SUB The subwoofer for Sonos speakers

The Sonos Wireless HiFi and Home Theatre System delivers all the music on earth, in every room, with warm, full-bodied sound that’s crystal clear at any volume. Sonos can fill your home with music by combining HiFi sound and rock-solid wireless in a smart system that is easy to set-up, control and expand.

Your music. Your home. All in hi-res.

Bluesound is the ultimate choice in hi-res multi-room streaming players. Listen to your favorite tracks, in every room of your home, as close to life-like performance as possible. Everyone has a soundtrack to their life. Are you #LivingHiFi?

411 Bayfield Street • Barrie ON • 705-737-1195 www.simcoeav.ca

editors note

Editor

We are approaching the season where we celebrate with family, take inventory of what we have accomplished and set goals we want to achieve for the coming year. As a self-proclaimed foodie, when I read the piece on preparing holiday appetizers at a cooking classes, I wondered why this was something I had yet discovered. With so many exciting dishes to explore, I challenge you to sign up for this fun and informative class and add cooking and eating better to your goals for 2017. Throughout this issue, you will find many recipes to prepare in your own kitchen, along with shopping, travel, home décor and more!

ELISEALLAIN

General Manager

From our family to you yours, happy holidays and keep enjoying the GoodLife.

goodlife@simcoe.com follow us@goodlifebarrie

Contributors

Elise Allain

KATHERINEELPHICK

food writer

Craft beer lovers will enjoy reading my piece on Redline, Barrie’s newest brewhouse that serves up tasty food, handcrafted beer and a vintage automotive themed atmosphere.

Moving on from craft suds, I also made my way to the PC Cooking School at Loblaws on Bayfield Street.

Whether you’re on the lookout for weeknight dinner ideas, or something a little fancier — the local cooking school dishes up plenty of culinary inspiration for food lovers of all ages.

www.goodlifemagazine.ca

DawnRITCHIE home writer

The holiday season is upon us. It’s the time of year for entertaining and enjoying food and drink with friends and family. If you are looking to improve your culinary skills, why not grab a couple friends and treat yourself to a Loblaw Cooking Class? Their instructors know their stuff and can teach you a few new tricks.

ELLIEKISTEMAKER food photographer

You’ll leave there with a few new recipes and a satisfied tummy too.

Check out our article featuring delicious appetizers.

12 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - November December 2016 ■

MIKEGUILBAULT

home photographer

The incomparable gardening centre, Bradford Greenhouse Nurseries, renowned for its festive holiday displays has been beloved by green thumbs for decades. The history behind this familyowned business is rich with global adventure and steely determination.

Two of the owners, Len Ferragine and sister Eileen Graham, reminisced with me about the legacy of their stalwart Ferragine ancestors who overcame countless obstacles in emigrating to Canada to achieve this exceptional success. Read their family profile in this month’s issue.

One of the things I like best about photographing homes is that I get to see some very unique and interesting fixtures that you can’t just pick up at the local hardware store. One of the feature homes you’ll see this month has the most amazing ceiling fan I have ever seen.

Twin-fans mounted in tandem with huge frond-like blades and a unique mount make for functional art as well as a conversation piece when entertaining.

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From large custom baskets and boards to bottle sets, we have gifts to suit every occasion and every budget, including customized corporate and personal gifts.

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South End, 31 Commerce Park Drive

Downtown, 51 Collier Street

Georgian Mall through Dec 31

705-503-OILS (6457) • www.barrieoliveoil.com

Delicious • Healthy • Simple

Holiday Gift Guide

2016 Holiday

Gift Guide

Barrie Olive Oil - Gift Baskets Perfect for those that love to entertain. Beautifully wrapped and personalized with your choice of freshly poured olive oils and balsamics along with a customized selection of gourmet goodies including pastas, pestos, aiolis, and gourmet jams. Starting from $50, please order in advance.

Beautifully gift-boxed and designed for natural pairings for salads, cooking and more!

60ml 2-pk – 5 varieties $10 | 60 ml 4-pk – 3 varieties $20 | 60ml 6-pk store sampler $30 Barrie Olive Oil South Barrie 31 commerce park drive

Downtown Barrie 705–792–0300

Rolex Submarine 50th anniversary edition $10190.00 14 karat rose gold diamond ring 1.20ct. total weight GIA certified $7250.00.

Bill Leboeuf Jewellers 52 Dunlop St. W Barrie 705.728.3343 billleboeufjewellers.com GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 15

Ladies white gold diamond pendant with chain`` and the price is $2805.00 + HST Ladies 18kt white gold three-strand diamond ring ...price $8990.00 plus HST

MOYOU The perfect Stocking Suffer for her! The revolution in the nail art world starts right here! MoYou London is unique and one of the best ways to shout your personality to the world, without being uncouth about it. Starter kits are a really easy way of doing nail art yourself, that actually works and looks good. Each set comes with 1x Nail Art Image Plater 1x Nail Stamping Polish, 1x Stamp and Scraper and an instruction manual. All you do, is apply varnish to the design plate, scrape away the excess, roll on the silicone stamper and then roll the stamper onto your nail. This transfers the design onto your nail and ta-daaaa you’re done. Available exclusively at Glow Day Spa for $39.

Glow Day Spa 110 Anne St. S, unit 3, Barrie 705-734-3800 glowdayspa.ca

Michael Smiley Fine Jewellery 18 Worsley St., Barrie 705-734-0776 msmiley.com

The mirrors are live edge exotic Parota hardwood with agate gem stone and resin inlays backlit with LED. Approximately 32”x 2” thick. $800.00 Eeclaimed pallet boards $150 each.

We can also do reclaimed barn board mirrors starting at $300.00 each.

Canvas and Cabernet $50 - the gift of experience (glass of wine, 2 hours of instruction, an origianl piece of artwork, a great memory - priceless)

Barn to Table 660 Bayview Drive unit 4 , Barrie 705-728-3838 barntotable.ca

Canvas And Cabernet 72 Dunlop St E., Barrie 705-238-1687 canvasandcabernet.ca

16 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - November December 2016 ■

DOWNTOWN BARRIE

downtownbarrie.ca

36th AnniversAry

42 maple avenue • downtown barrie • free parking open 7 days a week 705.737.5351 • www.nutritionplus.ca

Barrie’s Best Kept Secret

CUSTOM DESIGNS since 1958 A variety of gift ideas to suit every budget.

Castle & Park 113 Bayfield St. Barrie 705-718-3078 castleandpark.com

Custom Design | Gold Buying | Estate Jewllery Specialists | Jewellery Repairs Discover our services at BillLeBoeufJewellers.com

52 Dunlop Street West | Downtown Barrie 705-728-3343 GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 17

CHI Lux Rose Ceramic Travel Iron $46.99 Beauty Supply Outlet: Springwater Marketplace 411 Bayfield St, Barrie 705-792-6607

Beauty Supply Outlet D-516 Bryne Dr, Barrie 705-792-2363

Tic Tac Toe Flat Board with Nickel Pieces $209.00 Custom Cheese Boards and Trays: $95.00 - $375.00 Canvas Wine Bag: $25.00 Catherine Staples Interiors 470 Huronia Rd., Barrie 705-21-8585 catherinestaplesinteriors.com

Dottie Potts

Assorted Cylinder Vases, ranging in price from $48 $68 each, and ranging in size from 9-14 inches tall, all hand carved and available in various colours.

Bibi Heart Bracelet $67 Bibi Heart Drop Earrings $67 Brighton Mingle Wallet $182 Brighton Jillian Necklace $152 Brighton Graffiti Mini Jewel Case $59 Brighton Afrikanz Organizer Wallet $178 Our House 55 Dunlop St. E., Barrie 705-725-0829 ourhousebarrie.com 18 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - November December 2016 â–

Hand carved porcelain Everyday Bowl bowls designed for daily use in Oatmeal glaze from Dotti Potts Pottery Studio & Gallery are available in 3 sizes and range in price from $24 to $30 each. Assorted patterns are available, shown from top are; -Circles --Wave Pussy Willow - Branches Dotti Potts Pottery Studio & Gallery 324 Saunders Rd., unit # 4 Barrie 705-812-3306 dottipotts.com

“MOST DELICIOUS BUTTER CHICKEN” ~TV Guide

Homestead for the Holidays

DOWNTOWN BARRIE

“BEST TASTE OF INDIA” -Toronto Star

downtownbarrie.ca

Reserve now for the Holiday Season

CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS WITH BAKED GOODS MADE FROM SCRATCH USING LOCAL + ORGANIC INGREDIENTS

enVy pillow - Anti-aging, wellness pillow, with beneficial therapeutic neck support. $169 +tax (travel size is $99 +tax)

PRE-ORDERING BEGINS DECEMBER 1ST. VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR DETAILS

128 DUNLOP ST. E., DOWNTOWN BARRIE 737.1821

43 OWEN STREET DOWNTOWN BARRIE 705-252-3680 FOLLOW US @HOMESTEADBREAD WWW.HOMESTEADARTISANBAKERY.COM

Latisse - Eyelash enhancing product that grows lashes longer, fuller and darker. $200 +tax Dr. Stacie Weber | Cosmetic & Facial Rejuvenation Clinic 5 Quarry Ridge Rd., Suite 102, Barrie 705-828-3223 drweber.ca

55 Dunlop St. East • Downtown Barrie L4M 1A2 • 705.725.0829 www.ourhousebarrie.com FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FOR 23 YEARS

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 19

Slender Twig Salad Servers - $24.99 Garden Tool Shaped Salad Servers - $19.99 Woodgrain Paper Table Mats, peel off, 4 colours included 48 - $24.99 “Plate” Dinner Plate $20.00 “Eat” Side Plate - $15.00 Flatware Pocket – Grey/Green $1.99 ea

That is the SPYDER Leader Jacket for $549.99 Red Fox Kitsune 63 collier st. Barrie 705-737-0373 redfoxkitsune.com

Mens - Alp-N-Rock Chamonix L/S Crew Heather Black - $179.99 Womens - Alp-N-Rock Freeride Crew – Heather Black - $159.99 Gates and Boards 580 bayfield st, Barrie 705-721-4653 gatesandboards.com

Custom Gift Baskets ranging from $45 - $60 filled with Specialty German Sweets & Hand Crafted Traditional Holiday Treats found only from Sigrid’s Café And Fine Bakery.

Horseshoe Valley Trading Blondie Apparel Sweatshirt $84.99 MinxNY Women’s Navajo Indoor/Outdoor Fuzzy Boot with Phone Pocket $54.99

horseshoe valley trading company 2093 horseshoe valley road west 705.739.5021 horseshoevalleytradingcompany.com

20 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - November December 2016 ■

Sigrid’s Café And Fine Bakery 10 ross street, Barrie 705 726 0121 sigridsbakery.com

DOWNTOWN BARRIE

Bring your list and we’ll check it twice. Or we’ll build it together.

Either way, you’ll be prepared for the season of gifts, parties, travel and dropping temperatures.

downtownbarrie.ca

Buy for her. Buy for you.

It’s the Joy of Giving.

Mark the dates: • Sunday December 25th.

• Saturday December 31st.

Need ideas?

Ask our Advisors.

CLOTHING • FASHION JEWELRY • ACCESSORIES 25 Dunlop St. East 705.481.1231

www.zuzufashionboutique.com

@zuzubarrie

M O M E N T S

•

TOP: Guru Hot Yoga Towels $40+hst Water Bottles Life Factory Price of product- ranges between $30-$35 depending on bottle style S’well $45+hst Yoga Mats Halfmoon Studio Mats $32+hst Jade Yoga Mats Price of product- ranges between 90-95 depending on mat colour (some proceeds go to a charity)

•

M E M O R I E S

M A G I C

CANV CANVAS CABERNET

AND

Moksha Yoga 411 huronia road unit 6, Barrie 705-790-8280 mokshayoga.ca

New Year’s Eve

GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE In any denomination, for all occasions!

Silver & Gold Party Champagne & Chocolate!

Call or Book Online.

72 Dunlop St. E., Barrie • 705.238.1687 • canvasandcabernet.ca GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 21

Unique silk scarf. Design based on Original Grisé painting. $75.00 Original oil painting on canvas. Sunset Pine 12x12. $150.00 Deb Grisé Art 41 dunlop st w Barrie 705-427-6710 debgriseart.jimdo.com

Bird on a log – by Lora Chiltds – Quebec soapstone - $150 Wine glasses – by Norah Strebner - $15 each Original Paintings Downstairs at the Edge Gallery. From $100 to $2500

Hamptons Rectangle Patioflame Table $999.00 plus HST: A stylish linear design sets the Napoleon Hamptons Rectangle Patioflame® Table apart from the rest. The beachy – outdoors feel of the lines, and driftwood color match any décor. Gather round and relax in front of the beautiful dancing flames. Never worry about the weather, drainage holes in the burner pan allow the rain to drain away, and the optional windscreen will protect the flames from the wind. Set your drinks down, converse in comfort and enjoy your outdoor living space.

Napoleon Home Comfort 24 napoleon road, Barrie 705-721-1214 napoleonhomecomfort.ca

The Edge Art Gallery 32 dunlop st. w., Barrie 705- 481-1558 theedgeartgallery.ca

22 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - November December 2016 ■

DOWNTOWN BARRIE

downtownbarrie.ca

2015 & 2016 Readers Choice Voted Favourite Italian Restaurant

Capturing the Essence of Old World Authenticity made with Freshest Ingredients Spectacular year round view of the lake!!

Open for Lunch & Dinner Tuesday to Friday Open for Dinner only Saturday & Sunday Book now for the Holidays Gift Certificates available.

31 Dunlop St. E.

enter from the lakeside 735-9595 w w w. i l b u c o r i s t o r a n t e . c o m

BRA FITTING & PROSTHETICS PROFESSIONALS

Hand Crafted Artisan Breads and Artisan Crisps $4.00-$7.50 Small Batch Artisan Preserves $9.00 Organic Locally Roasted Coffee $13.50

Over 80% of women are wearing the WRONG SIZED BRA. Are you?

Come in and have the fit you deserve Homestead Artisan Bakery + Cรกfe 43 owen st. Barrie 705-252-3680 homesteadartisanbakery.com

84 Dunlop Street E., Barrie 705-739-0990 www.bravofinelingerie.com

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 23

C

Speckled Sweater (with neck) $150 Mirage Dress - $200 Imitz Top (the t-shirt) $135 Sash Boutique 60 Elvyn Cres, Oro Medonte 705-715-6803 sashboutique.ca

Face Addiction travel packs, includes Cleanser, Toner and Cream $28-$30.

Available in Soft for Dry to Sensitive Skin, Fresh for Normal to Combination Skin or Clear for Problematic to Oily Skin.

Made in Muskoka, Gluten Free , No Chemical Preservatives, Not Tested on Animals.

Soapstones Holiday Cider Hand & Body Lotion $10.

Made in Muskoka with Environmentally-Friendly, High quality ingredients.

All Soapstones products are safe for the whole family.

We carry a wide variety of the Soapstone Family of Products.

Our own All Natural Sugar Scrub $10.

Perfect for dry winter hands or feet but can be used on the whole body for a luxurious body treatment at home.

Natural Balance Day Spa 411 huronia rd. unit 9, Barrie 705-716-4852 naturalbalance-dayspa.com

Gift Basket includes $50 in gift certificates, two large soup bowls (green), package of bistro napkins, two white votive candles, an official SoupHerb Soups black t-shirt and an official SoupHerb Soups green apron $100.00 Soupherb Soups 130 saunders road, unit 2 Barrie phone: 705-728-7924 soupherb.ca

24 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - November December 2016 â–

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home tour|Barrie

PLANTATION DREAMS

BY DAWN RITCHIE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIKE GUILBAULT

26 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - November December 2016 â–

Homeowner, Suzanne Picard, refers to herself as an “old soul.�

She adores mature homes brimming with character and can spot a diamond in the rough a mile away. One morning in 2005, while out for a walk with her daughter in the Tollendal community, she passed an older three-storey home that spoke to her.

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 27 GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 27

home tour|Barrie

“

I prefer old homes because they have a maturity and a story behind them that has more depth,” she says.

BEFORE

28 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - November December 2016 ■

D

espite its age of 45 years, the front yard didn’t have a tree on it and because of all the spiderwebs, they all jokingly began to refer to it as The Addams Family house. But all Picard saw was potential. “I prefer old homes because they have a maturity and a story behind them that has more depth,” she says.

The house lingered on the market for some time and Picard came to visit it again and again. Family gripes and misgivings notwithstanding, she eventually prevailed. They took possession of the residence in 2007.

The transformation began immediately. “I stripped the layers of curtains and carpeting when we got in,” she remembers. “It was like peeling layers and layers of onion skin.”

Picard spent a year with Daphne Jeffery of Jeffery Architect in Barrie working on the design and structural changes. “I’d take pictures from the Internet and send them to her. A week later, she’d come by with drawings. Bathrooms exist now where they never existed before. We blew out 18-foot walls. Put in en-

Custom Basement Finishing Call to arrange a free, in-home consultation and detailed written estimate today, and get ready to enjoy the kitchen of your dreams!

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SIMCOE’S FAVOURITE BURGER

40 DUNLOP ST. E 705-725-1667 KENZINGTON.CA Summers are lived outside in the paradise of perennial gardens, a lagoon styled pool and hot tub, all lit beautifully by indirect lighting.

gineered beams to open up the kitchen and create the open concept effect we wanted.

And we pushed the house back six feet to extend a room. It’s so rewarding. You get to love it as you do it.”

Paul Fenton, who was working for Jeffrey Architect at the time, did 80 per cent of the construction and interior custom trim work.

“We just loved his work,” says Picard. “Phenomenal. He now runs his own company, House to Home Renovations.”

Mike Bateman of Benchmade Furniture crafted all the kitchen cabinets, benches with hooks, office interiors and fireplace built-ins.

What was originally the living room became Picard’s office. Tucked behind a barn door off the foyer, it holds four separate workstations for multiple users.

The kitchen is a culinary wonderland with Miele appliances including a food warming drawer, flush to cabinet built-in cappuccino maker, 48-inch column fridge and freezer, Professional Viking gas range with double oven, griddle and four burners, and a wine fridge.

“Mike designed the kitchen,” says Picard.

He incorporated custom pullouts with Richelieu hardware for recycling bins, a concealed corkboard, hideaway spice racks and

Barrie - Bradford - Orillia KenzingtonBurgerBar

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LEA CONTRACTING 705-790-2496

leacontracting@gmail.com

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GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 29

home tour|Barrie

The four by eight-foot island slab and kitchen counters were fabricated

by Artistic Stone and Design out of Toronto.

The kitchen is a culinary wonderland with Miele appliances including a 48-inch column fridge and freezer, Professional Viking gas range with double oven.

The flooring below is seven-inch pine barn board that was custom milled and hand stained

by Ashville Flooring.

30 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - November December 2016 ■

a wine cabinet on the counter that was deliberately weathered with rustic accents. “I love antiques,” says Picard.

Picard was particularly delighted with the details on the cabinetry that have a face and frame appearance. “They have exposed hinges. He even detailed the footing of the cabinetry. It looks like furniture.” The flooring below is seven-inch pine barn board that was custom milled and hand stained by Ashville Flooring.

Picard wanted an arts and crafts era look to create that old farmhouse style. She had a 36-inch clay-fired white farmhouse kitchen sink with swan faucet installed. The four by eight-foot island slab and kitchen counters were fabricated by Artistic Stone and Design out of Toronto, that also did the marble on the master bath vanity.

The living room’s ceiling was also waffled and Picard made the bold move of painting the insets midnight black. People scoffed.

A black ceiling? But Picard held steady and had recessed pot lighting installed in the centre of each.

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“It creates an element of space and makes the ceiling look endless,” says Picard. “They thought I was nuts, but it looks like nine-foot ceilings when it’s only eight. There’s infinity above your head.”

All the paint throughout the home is a lovely Cloud White and they decided on no window coverings. “There’s no need for them, says Picard. “It’s completely sunny and private. No one can see in.” Picard’s landscaping ensured that.

The six-foot extension off the living room also created the footprint for an intimate balcony above that’s connected to the master bedroom. “The master only had one window before,” says Picard. “We use that balcony all the time. We have elevated views of the birds in the trees. There are families of cardinals and robins that come back year after year.

“In every season, the home brings beauty and comfort. Watching the trees come back to life in the spring and the colours of the changing leaves in the fall. There’s an energy, watching the rebirth, the ever-changing pulse of life.”

Winter months are spent snugged by crackling fires in their two wood-burning fireplaces (installed by The Fireplace Stop) – a JOTUL fireplace from Norway in the liv-

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home tour|Barrie

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All the paint throughout the home is a lovely Cloud White and they decided on no window coverings.

ing room and a BIS fireplace from Quebec in the recreation room respectively. Joe Donald was the mason for all their stonework.

But summers are lived outside in the paradise of perennial gardens, a lagoon styled pool and hot tub, all lit beautifully by indirect lighting.

The pool, custom designed by Picard, who also designed the pool house built by Paul Fenton, was installed by Kabana Boyz. “It’s a modified oasis plan. We made the shallow end longer and put in a fountain and deck jets.”

32 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - November December 2016 ■

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The six-foot extension off the living room also created the footprint for an intimate balcony above that’s connected to the master bedroom ...

“We use that balcony all the time.

“

There’s an energy, watching the rebirth, the ever-changing pulse of life.”

The concrete around the pool is tinted charcoal grey to match the trim of granite rocks. “The entire landscaping was done with old world rustic pavers,” explains Picard.

“We brought in truckloads of Unilock armor stone.” She also had a wrought iron custom fence installed, hidden in the trees so it would remain undetected.

The front of the house remained flush flat architecture, so Picard removed a window and put in a Juliet balcony with a custom railing (Palmero Railing in Barrie) to capture the sunrises and sunsets. Windows and doors were

by DeCola and Kempenfelt Windows and Doors.

Living through the construction was hard, admits Picard, but the rewards have been immeasurable. “We’ve customized every angle of our house, from trim to floors and ceilings to moulding and balconies. We skinned

34 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - November December 2016 ■

this house back to the two by fours, but it was worth it.

Visitors always say ‘your house is a warm and comfortable family home.’ They never want to leave. Everything has been looked after methodically.

“The legacy I will leave behind is that this home has been loved. There won’t be anything to do for future owners. Functionality and what others aspire to have are already here.”

This is evident by the ample storage in the kitchen and the endless cubbies, coat racks and built-ins that have been added to accommodate coats, shoes, sports gear, office materials and the other whatnots that tend to clutter a home.

“Builders don’t do much of what we’ve done because they just don’t think like a woman,” says Picard.

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36 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - November December 2016 â–

ON THE

RIGHT COURSE

BY DAWN RITCHIE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIKE GUILBAULT

A home is more than bricks and mortar. It’s the personal support system of a family—the place where lives are sustained and dreams are launched. Keeping a dream alive means holding it in your sights and Terry O’Brien seized on this when he built his 5000 square foot luxury Innisfil home within a ball’s throw of the eleventh fairway of The National Pines Golf Course.

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 37

home tour|Innisfil

“It’s all about the view,”

38 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - November December 2016 ■

says Terry, who grew up in a family supported by the game. Both his father and now his son are golf pros and this year Terry became the grand champion of the prestigious Mercedes Benz Classic, which garnered him an all-expense paid first class trip to the World Championships in Stuttgart, Germany. You could say golf culture is in the family DNA. So having such a valuable resource directly adjacent to his own backyard was a dream come true.

“I’m a member of the club,” says Terry. “I walk out the back a few nights a week and chip and putt right on the course. The club is very good about letting me do that.”

Terry and his wife Sandy acquired the land with the exquisite view of the eleventh fairway in 2010, then spent months poring over magazines, clipping ideas they liked and planning their home as they conceived the overall design. Paramount in their minds was an openness to the home. “With no walls

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I walk out the back a few nights a week and chip and putt right on the course.”

blocking you,” insists Terry. They wanted the same footprint on the lower level as well.

“One great big room. What I hate is when it’s broken up into little rooms,” says Terry.

The couple hired all the trades themselves and charged John Kennedy of Kenmore Builders with supervision. They were in the home within five months.

Entering the residence, you are immediately struck by the spaciousness and warmth of the dwelling. Earth tones and silvers and greys are the restful colour scheme.

A handsome stone wall on your right (Atlas Stone) leads down a gently curving staircase to the lower level. It is lit by whimsical iron twig sconces, which have been embedded in stone plaques, securing them flush to the variant levels of the rock. “We picked them up at a funky little shop on Horseshoe Valley Road,” remembers Sandy. These special little touches are evident throughout the home. Even the rails of the open treaded staircase are pleasingly carved and painted two-toned (Palermo Railing.)

Continue through the foyer and you are directly in the great room where your eye cannot help but fly to the room’s showstopper—a tremendous double propeller ceiling fan with palm leaf blades—a real statement piece. Sandy O’Brien saw a similar fan in a magazine and searched frenziedly until she finally found just what she was looking for at the California Fan Company. They immediately had the pricey fixture shipped in. “We wanted every room to have a defining focal point,” she explains. “Something that gives a visual punch to the area.” Looking past that, the verdant view of the golf course is in sight, filling the wall of windows with a picturesque scene.

The great room is designed for relaxing with a deep U-shaped lounge that faces a double-sided see-through fireplace with a 75inch flat screen TV mounted above. Both are fixed in a stone feature wall which divides the primary living area from the main floor master. Mason, John Watson, also

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home tour|Innisfil

“

the room’s showstopper—a tremendous double propeller ceiling fan with palm leaf blades—a real statement piece.”

A handsome stone wall upon entering the home leads down a gently curving staircase to the lower level.

The great room is designed for relaxing with a deep U-shaped lounge that faces a double-sided see-through fireplace with a 75-inch flat screen TV mounted above.

40 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - November December 2016 ■

home tour|Innisfil

built special niches into the brickwork to hold some of the O’Brien’s favourite carved wildlife sculptures. “We live in this home,” says Sandy, who flops down on the sofa and stretches out. “We wanted a cozy sofa we could kick back on and put our feet up to watch TV. Our house is a friendly home.

It’s not about being formal, but about being comfortable.”

The open concept kitchen immediately behind offers counter seating and a commo-

42 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - November December 2016 ■

dious cabinet bar which has proved handy for entertaining. The room recently accommodated a hundred people for a milestone birthday celebration and the long bar provided easy access to libations for all revellers.

North Country Floors was the choice for the hardwood flooring installation, which runs end to end on the entire main floor and Cartier Kitchens was chosen for the under lit cabinetry, which has an espresso

finish with contrasting cream island.

“Some of the cabinets here are for storage and some for viewing,” explains Sandy, who believes furnishings should be both practical and artistic in nature. Fluted pillars dress all the corners with tasteful Star Beach granite bump outs that follow their line (Artistic Stone.) The rounded granite outcroppings were an extremely expensive feature according to the O’Briens, coming in at $1000 each per, but they do bring a sophistication to the look.

A dramatic ventilation hood (Vent-A-Hood) over the Jenn Air range completes the tableaux.

Another financially exorbitant, but crucial extra for Sandy, was the angled dining room off the kitchen with its magnificent southerly view of the golf course and walkout to the long Kayu Batu deck. Both the builder and Terry balked at the extra cost of angling the extension away from the kitchen. “I think we’ll cut this,” the men said, but Sandy threw down the gauntlet, “Then cut the whole house,” she retorted. Today Terry concedes she was dead right and the structure is the richer for it. Instead of a traditional boxy layout, there’s a slight change in orientation as you move through the house

home tour|Innisfil

which offers an elegant dining spot apart from the great room, while still retaining the open concept approach. “I won,” chuckles Sandy. “Of course,” smirks Terry.

The dining room is clean and svelte with a turned leg dining table and chairs originating from the Art Shoppe in Toronto.

The buffet, also from The Art Shoppe, is flanked by two gorgeous Miro lithographs.

Dining room chandeliers (and matching kitchen pendants) are from Litemode.

The main floor offers two master bedroom with spa ensuites. Both enjoy heated floors, marble tile, granite countertops, vessel sinks, rainshowers and Maax tubs (Bathworks.) Two more bedrooms are found are the lower level that share a threepiece bath. When they originally built the home Terry wanted to ensure that his elderly mother had a main floor bedroom

without stairs to negotiate when she came to visit. But, today it’s the many grandchildren and children that are enjoying all the perks. Downsizing is simply out of the question for this happy couple.

The lower level of the home houses the official man cave where Terry enjoys his many sports programs. The bar here employs the same stone facing as the upper level fireplace and feature wall. Terry found a full-sized billiards table at Saunders Recreation and Fitness with a red felt top that was on consignment. The company changed out the felt to a tasteful beige that matches their colour scheme.

Walkouts to the kidney shaped pool and it’s festive Tiki hut bar are accessed from the recreation room and also from upper level stairs. Terry purchased the pool locally and had a friend with heavy equip-

ment do much of the excavation before Leading Edge Earthworks finished the job.

Big D Landscaping handled all the flagstone decking. Outdoor furnishings from Bradford Garden Centre.

“We spend a lot of time outside,” says Terry leading the way to the home’s serene outdoor oasis. “We always have one really good pool party every year.” But what he and wife Sandy like best is the privacy and pure lushness of the scenery the location affords them, reminding that although they love the game, golfing season only lasts from May until October. “There’s always deer and wild turkeys on the course when no one’s playing,” says Terry. “We’re very lucky. From November until May 1st this is ours, all ours.”

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feature|Holiday Food

Tasty COOKING

COURSES offered at

Loblaws

BY KATHERINE ELPHICK | PHOTOS BY ELLIE KISTEMAKER

On the lookout for new recipe ideas? If so, you’ll find plenty of culinary inspiration at the PC Cooking School in Loblaws on Bayfield Street in Barrie. “We’ve got lots of delicious classes going on for food lovers of all ages,” said PC Cooking School coordinator Sarah MacIsaac. “There’s something for everyone.”

e

6 GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 47

feature|Holiday Food

Chef Brown preparing various mouthwatering dishes during the appetizer party class.”

T

and armed with new recipes to try at o get first-hand experience, this home. Fellow participant, Karen Daffern, reporter recently attended the who attended with her friend, Karina, also “appetizer party” class hosted by enjoyed the evening. “We had a great time,” chef Luleta Brown. Located in the upstairs said Daffern after the class. “The part I like section of the grocery store, the informal the most is the laid-back atmosphere, you TV style kitchen studio, which can seat can chat back and forth, and get lots of great about 30 people, was dressed up for the tips. I enjoyed it so much that I already have evening with classroom tables adorned more classes booked.” with white tablecloths, candles and flowers.

Beyond appetizers, the GoodLife photographer, PC cooking school has an Ellie Kistemaker, joined entire lineup of classes. me for the demonstration Our cooking The evening adult sessions class that served up five (ages 16 and up) cover all appetizers and one dessert. school really is the bases. Themes include: As chef Brown prepared Barrie’s best kept Mexican, Italian, brunches, various mouthwatering soups, desserts, vegetarian, dishes (cucumber rounds culinary secret” salads, comfort foods, with warm cheddar pâté, various ways to cook poultry guacamole crostini with and much more. “We even toasted pepitas, meatballs ran a Downton Abbey class, which featured on a stick with horseradish mayo, roasted dishes inspired by the show,” said MacIsaac. red pepper and two-year-old cheddar tart “How fun is that!” with pimento jelly, skewered lime-ginger The adult classes cost from $30 to $45 per shrimp, and papaya mousse with Chantilly person. Both hands-on and demonstration cream), she gave full instructions, while courses are available. “The main goal of all tossing in various culinary tips. A sampling of our classes is to teach, inspire and have of handy pointers included: the fastest way fun,” explained MacIsaac. “Cooking is such to ripen a papaya, how to pick a good olive an important life skill and we want to get oil and that lemon and lime zest freeze people interested in food preparation, and well. inspire them to try new things.”

After each item was prepared, guests The classes are geared towards beginner were served generous samples. Needless to to intermediate cooking skill levels. say, Ellie and I left feeling stuffed, inspired,

“

48 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - November December 2016 ■

For the upcoming holiday season, various festive themes, such as truffle making and holiday dinners, will be showcased. The local cooking school draws upon the skills of about 15 rotating professional chefs.

“Our chefs are great because they are knowledgeable and super friendly. They tell lots of great stories and are very engaging,” explained MacIsaac.

One of the most popular classes, What’s for Dinner?, runs every Thursday from noon to 1 p.m. True to its title, the course focuses on easy meals to make for supper. Each Thursday’s class features a guest chef recipe and a PC recipe.

What’s for Dinner? costs $10 and each participant receives a $10 Loblaw gift card for attending. “Not only is it great value, but the class gives people a quick and easy dinner idea,” said MacIsaac. “It’s a delicious offer that you can’t lose with.”

After the demonstration, guests are welcome to use their gift card in the store to buy ingredients.

Additional classes include: Kitchen Kids (ages 6 to 11, $14 per person), Teen Supper Club (ages 11 to 16, $18 per person), Summer/March Break/Holiday Camps (ages 6 to 11, $20 per person), Big Creations Made

by Little Hands (ages 2 to 5 with parent/ caregiver, $9 per child), Raise a Food Lover (ages 6 to 11 with parent/caregiver, $15 per person), kids’ birthday parties and more.

“We even offer team building and corporate

feature|Holiday Food

Perfect for sweet platters or anytime snacking alongside a cup of tea or coffee.

MINT CHOCOLATE CHUNK SHORTBREAD COOKIES Recipe courtesy of pc.ca Chock-full of minty dark chocolate pieces, these buttery, slice-and-bake shortbread cookies are perfect for sweet platters or anytime snacking alongside a cup of tea or coffee.

PREPARATION: 1. Place butter, icing sugar and vanilla in stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment (or bowl with electric mixer). Beat on medium-high speed 2 to 3 minutes or until creamy and light in colour. In separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch and salt; add half to butter mixture and beat on low speed just until combined. Add remaining flour mixture; beat just until combined. Beat in chocolate.

SERVES: 24 PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES COOK TIME: 20 MINUTES CHILL TIME: 1 HOUR SKILL LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE

2. Divide dough in half; place each half on a piece of plastic wrap; using plastic wrap, roll each into a tight log about 6 inches long. Chill 1 hour or until firm.

1 cup (250 g) PC Organics Unsalted Fresh Churned Butter, softened

3. Preheat oven to 325˚F (160˚C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

3/4 cup (175 mL) icing sugar

4. Remove one log from refrigerator; unwrap and cut crosswise with sharp knife into 12, 1/2–inch thick slices. (If dough crumbles from chocolate pieces, just press back into an even shape.) Dip each slice into granulated sugar to coat all over; place on one prepared baking sheet.

1 tsp (5 mL) pure vanilla extract 1-1/2 cups (375 mL) PC Organics Unbleached All-Purpose Flour 1/2 cup (125 mL) cornstarch 1/2 tsp (2 mL) kosher salt 1 bar (100 g) PC Organics Mint European Dark Chocolate, finely chopped 1/4 cup (50 mL) granulated sugar

5. Bake in centre of oven 15 to 18 minutes or until light golden at edges and baked through. Cool on sheets on rack. Repeat with remaining dough. Discard any remaining granulated sugar.

MAKE-AHEAD: Wrapped logs can be refrigerated for up to 3 days before slicing and baking.

50 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - November December 2016 ■

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feature|Holiday Food BAKED LA BELLE RIVIÈRE CHEESE WITH APPLE-PEAR CONFIT Recipe courtesy of pc.ca Topped with poached fruit in rich syrup, this enticing twist on baked cheese replaces the usual Brie with creamy soft washed rind La Belle Rivière Cheese. Serve meltingly warm from the oven with your favourite crackers, flatbread or sliced baguette for spreading.

SERVES: 6 PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES COOK TIME: 35 MINUTES READY IN: 1 HOUR SKILL LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE 1 round (170 g) PC La Belle Riviére Washed-Rind Soft Surface Ripened Cheese 1 Granny Smith apple 1 Bosc pear 1 cup (250 mL) dry white wine 1/2 cup (125mL) PC Black Label Simple Syrup Cocktail Mixer 1 2-x1-inch (5 x 2.5 cm) piece lemon zest

AVOCADO LIME AND COCONUT NO-BAKE CHEESECAKE Recipe courtesy of pc.ca This tropically-inspired no-bake twist on a traditional cheesecake features buttery avocado and zesty lime blended with cream cheese, and with a richly flavoured toasted coconut crust. It’s a gorgeous shade of lime green that contrasts beautifully with the garnish of red raspberries (or replace raspberries with pomegranate seeds).

SERVES: 12 PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES COOK TIME: 5 MINUTES CHILL TIME: 6 HOURS 15 MINUTES SKILL LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE3/4 CUP (175 ML) SHREDDED SWEETENED COCONUT 3/4 cup (175 mL) graham cracker crumbs 1/4 cup (50 mL) PC Unsalted Country Churned Butter, melted 3/4 cup (175 mL) granulated sugar 2 tsp (10 mL) finely granted lime zest 2 pkg (each 250 g) cream cheese, cubed and at room temperature 1 pkg (400 g) PC Avocado Chunks Frozen, thawed 1/3 cup (75 mL) fresh lime juice 1/2 cup (125 mL) fresh raspberries

52 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - November December 2016 ■

1. PREPARATION: Line bottom and side of 9-inch (2.5 L) springform pan with parchment paper. Toast coconut in dry frying pan over low heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool. Stir together coconut, graham crumbs and butter. Press onto bottom of prepared pan. Chill 15 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, place sugar and lime zest in food processor; pulse on and off until well mixed. Add cream cheese; process until smooth. Add avocado and lime juice; process until completely smooth.

3. Pour cream cheese mixture over crust and smooth top. Cover; chill 6 hours or until set.

4. Unclasp side of pan and remove ring.

Carefully peel parchment away from side of cake. Place cheesecake on cake plate; mound berries on top. Garnish with lime slices and fresh mint, if desired.

MAKE-AHEAD: Make through to the end of step 3 up to 2 days ahead of serving. Store covered in the refrigerator; top with berries and garnish just before serving.

TIP: Lightly spray pan with cooking spray before lining with parchment to help the paper stay in place. Line side of pan with a strip of parchment paper no higher than the side of the pan for ease in covering the pan later.

2 tsp (10 mL) fresh lemon juice 1 Tbsp (15mL) roughly chopped toasted hazelnuts

1. PREPARATION: Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).

Cut top rind off cheese; discard rind. Place cheese in glass pie plate. Set aside and let come to room temperature, about 30 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, peel, core and dice apple and pear; place in small saucepan. Add wine, cocktail mixer, lemon zest and juice. Bring to boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until fruit is very tender, 18 to 20 minutes.

3. Remove fruit from poaching liquid using slotted spoon; set fruit aside. Return pan to stovetop over medium heat; cook, stirring occasionally, 10 to 12 minutes or until liquid is reduced to about 1/4 cup and is light golden caramel in colour. Remove from heat and let cool for 15 minutes. Combine fruit and poaching liquid; set aside.

4. Bake cheese 4 to 6 minutes, or until softened and warmed through. Spoon 1/4 cup applepear confit mixture on top; sprinkle with hazelnuts. Serve in pie plate with crackers and flatbread.

TIP: To toast a larger batch of hazelnuts, place on rimmed baking sheet. Bake in preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until skins have loosened from nuts. Remove from oven and place on a clean kitchen towel. Rub in towel to remove skins.

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S

in the kitchen| Redline Brewhouse

•

IN THE

Kari & Darci Williams and Chef Chris Gardiner

with

BY KATHERINE ELPHICK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELLIE KISTEMAKER

L

ooks can be deceiving. From the exterior, the Redline Brewhouse has a small storefront in a south-end Barrie retail plaza. In fact, when driving by, you might even miss it.

But once through the doors, you soon realize how spacious the place is. With a 22-foot high ceiling, the local brewhouse occupies more than 10,000 square feet. Housing an on-site brewery, a 150-seat pub and a retail store, it’s an immersive world with a new craft beer and dining experience for every customer who walks through the door.

“With the brewery in full view, people love coming in to see how our beer is made,” says Kari Williams, who owns and operates the popular brewpub with her husband, Doug, and their two adult children Devon and Darci. “Depending upon the time of day, you might see the steam rising from the stainless steel brewing vessels or hear the rattle and hum of the canning machine.”

To learn more about the traditional brewhouse that serves up tasty food, craft beer and a vintage automotive themed atmosphere, GoodLife recently visited Redline to catch up with Kari and Darci Williams and chef Chris Gardiner.

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 55

in the kitchen|Redline Brewhouse

“

Our beer is fresh, local, original and made from all natural ingredients.

It’s non-pasteurized, non-filtered and free of preservatives.”

What led your family to open a brewpub in Barrie?

Kari Williams: About 10 years ago, my husband, Doug, fell in love with craft beer and brewpubs. Because he travels so much with our other business, Darvon Sales (a Barriebased heavy equipment sales and rental company), he got exposed to the emerging craft beer industry and made a point of seeking out brewpubs and craft beer whenever he was on the road. Long story short, we decided to turn that passion into a business opportunity and opened up Redline in July 2015. Having kids that were of the age and stage to be a part of it made things a lot easier.

Sounds like a great opportunity as the craft beer industry is exploding these days.

Darci Williams: It’s definitely a growing market because consumers’ tastes are changing.

People are tired of being boxed in with traditional beers. With craft beers, you get so many different flavour profiles and varieties.

We make at least one new beer a month, so there’s always something new to try.

56 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - November December 2016 ■

Why the name Redline? According to the New Oxford American Dictionary, redline means to drive with (a car engine) at or above its rated maximum rpm.

KW: “Redline” is a name that personifies the Williams’ family – always moving at warped speeds, pushing the limits of life, often struggling to conform, and a passion for anything with horsepower. Fast cars, drag trucks, motorcycles and hot rods are usually part of our daily conversation! Redline Brewhouse is about the art of great craft beer, delicious food and engines.

How would you describe the decor?

KW: It has a gentle vintage garage theme, so the floors are cement, the railings are iron and there are murals of cars and motorcycles on the walls. It’s a fun and funky space that has a community feeling to it. Having a community feel was really important to us.

That’s why we went with lots of high tables that seat six people rather than a bunch of smaller tables for two or four. Basically, this encourages people to come as a group, or to share a table with other customers. At first, people were a bit hesitant about it, but now they have really embraced it.

What’s your brewing philosophy?

DW: Our beer is fresh, local, original and made from all natural ingredients. It’s nonpasteurized, non-filtered and free of preservatives. Our brewmaster, Seb MacIntosh, is amazing! He’s a super creative perfectionist who has an intellectual approach to brewing. We’ve won several beer awards thanks to his originality and attention to detail.

What’s your signature sud?

DW: We have three core beers – 5:01, Clutch and Check Engine – that are always available. 5:01 (aptly named after the end of the work day: it’s one minute after quitting time when you really want a beer) is our golden ale and is the most popular in Barrie.

Whereas, our American pale ale, Clutch, is the most popular everywhere else. It’s available on LCBO shelves. Check Engine is our amber and it also sells really well. We also have upwards of seven specialty beers and a few guest taps at any given time.

What do you recommend for folks who don’t know much about craft beer?

KW: I always tell people to start with 5:01 because it’s that jump to craft beer. It’s fun-

ny because sometimes people come in and order a Bud Light. When we tell them we don’t offer Bud Light because we make our own, they usually say something like ‘well, I won’t like it but I will have one.’ They take the first sip (of 5:01) and make a funny face [laughs] and before you know it, they’re ordering a second one. Then a week later, I’ll see them in the retail shop buying our beer or sitting here with friends ordering 5:01.

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What’s a Test Drive?

DW: It’s a craft beer sampler, which allows customers to try four 5-ounce small glasses of our various brews.

Where can you buy Redline beer?

DW: Along with our brewhouse and on-site retail location, our beer is on tap at about 40 restaurants and bars in Ontario, including Moxie’s in Barrie. Clutch is sold at over 100 LCBOs, whereas 5:01 and Check Engine are available at the Beer Store. Our retail shop always has our three core beers along with various rotating specialty brews. We sell them in cans and crowlers (946 ml giant cans). Since craft beer drinkers love their swag, we also have a great selection of hats, clothing, glasses and other accessories available.

What about specials?

DW: We’ve got a great lineup of specials, such as Funday Monday (burger and beer for $15), Taco Tuesday (taco and beer $12), Wing Wednesday (pint and pound for $12), Thirsty Thursday (test drives for $8) and 5:01 Friday ($5 pints of 5:01 until 7 pm). Core beers only apply to the Monday to Wednesday specials. All specials start at 3 p.m.

Now some questions for Chris Gardiner, a well-known, Barrie-based chef formally of Oscars and The Farmhouse.

What’s on the menu?

Chris Gardiner: It ranges from casual pub fare like nachos, dips, wings, calamari and pizza to more upscale dishes like jerk chicken, smoked ribs and rotating fish dishes. Almost everything is made from scratch with seasonal ingredients and we offer plenty of daily specials.

KW: Thanks to his fine dining background, Chris is very good at taking traditional dishes and serving them up with an unconventional twist. Take his meatloaf, for example.

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in the kitchen|Redline Brewhouse will serve it with something sweet to balance it out.

What three-course meal should I order?

CG: I’d start you off with either the Succotash Salad (corn, beets, zucchini, green beans, barley, and red onion topped with herbs) or our Calamari (marinated and fried until golden brown, served with chipotle aioli and lemon) — both of which are super popular. For the main, I’d suggest the Check Engine Ribs (served with fries, root vegetable slaw and a salad). Our ribs are fabulous because we marinate them for 24 hours, and then smoke them for four hours. The end flavour is spectacular! For dessert, I would recommend the Salted Caramel Cheesecake. We make our own salted caramel sauce with Check Engine and it tastes like the coating on a beer nut.

It’s soooo good!

It’s one of our best sellers because he adds beer to it to keep it moist, wraps it in cheddar cheese and serves it with bacon braised cabbage and some big onion rings on top.

It’s basically elevated comfort food. We like to refer to the menu as rustic, yet refined.

What’s your food philosophy?

CG: I believe in the balance of flavours. The balance of spicy, salty, sour, sweet and savoury must be considered in each dish. It’s all about balancing the different tastes on your tongue. So, if something is salty, we

58 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - November December 2016 ■

That leads to my next question: how do you incorporate beer into the menu?

CG: Beer is used as an ingredient in about 50 to 60 per cent of the menu. The usage ranges from bold to extremely subtle. It shows up in our salad dressings, our rib sauces, in our desserts and more. It also appears on our cheese and meat boards, where we marinate different cheeses in beer and then smoke them. But we are careful not to add it to everything, because not everyone likes the taste of beer, and we like to have glutenfree options. We also offer pairing beer suggestions on the menu for each dish.

Beyond Redline, what’s your favourite brewhouse?

DW: I absolutely love the Indie Ale House on Dundas Street West in Toronto (indiealehouse.com). Along with making great beer, they have amazing food and the staff is very knowledgable. We look at them with real admiration.

What about tours and special events?

DW: We have an event space upstairs, which can accommodate 50 people. It’s great for business meetings, anniversaries, birthdays, holiday parties and more. It’s a fun space because it overlooks the brewery.

As for tours, we offer a behind the scenes look complete with tastings on Wednesdays (6:30 p.m.) and on Sundays (1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.).

You’ve got the ear of thousands of local foodies and craft beer lovers.

Anything you’d like to add?

KW: Stop in and check out our delicious food, great beer, fantastic service and community atmosphere. You don’t even need to be a beer drinker to give us a try! We try to accommodate everyone by offering a great wine list, a selection of local craft liquors and a fabulous local hard cider from Heritage Estates.

REDLINE BREWHOUSE 431 Bayview, Unit 8 & 9 L4N 8Y2, Barrie 705-881-9988 redlinebrewhouse.com RECIPES ON PAGE 60

»

t e g s ' t e L ! e v i fest

124 & 126 Hurontario St. Collingwood 705.445.4694 | 705.446.2626

leukbijhermas.ca

in the kitchen| Redline Brewhouse

JERK CHICKEN SERVED WITH GRILLED CORN AND PEPPER SUCCOTASH WITH ORANGE VINAIGRETTE Jerk Marinade (Jerk Chicken) Recipe courtesy of chef Chris Gardiner of Redline Brewhouse.

This is a popular dish on the Redline Brewhouse menu.

Makes 6 to 8 Servings Ingredients:

PREPARATION:

2 oz peeled ginger

1. Put all ingredients but Redline Clutch and canola oil in a food processor or blender.

1/2 large white onion 1/2 bunch fresh thyme 1/4 bunch fresh parsley 250 g fresh chopped jalapeño 4 limes, zested and juiced 2 Tbsp Frank’s Red Hot Sauce 1 Tbsp liquid honey 2 Tbsp salt 1 Tbsp ground black pepper 1/2 Tbsp chili powder 1/2 Tbsp curry powder 1/2 Tbsp ground cumin 3 Tbsp ground allspice 1/2 cup canola oil 250 ml Redline Clutch (or any other IPA) 6 to 8 chicken breasts

60 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - November December 2016 ■

Orange Vinaigrette This is a tasty dressing with a nice fresh, bright flavour while also having just a touch of spice. Works great in the above Succotash salad or as a dressing on everyday mixed greens.

Makes 500 ml 100 ml orange juice

2. Blend ingredients together, while slowly adding in canola oil and then the Redline Clutch, continue to blend until mixture is smooth.

Marinate chicken for 12 to 24 hours for maximum flavour.

1 orange, juiced and zested

3. This is a great marinade and is very versatile. It can be used to marinate all sorts of meats and seafood, anything from pork and beef to fish and seafood. The jalapeño gives just a mild spice as opposed to traditional jerk marinades that use scotch bonnets or habaneros for their heat. The marinade can also be boiled and reduced by half either before or after marinating for a delicious side sauce.

Pinch cayenne pepper

100 ml white wine vinegar 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard 1 tsp garlic, chopped 1 tsp paprika or smoked paprika 1 tsp hot horseradish 300 ml olive oil PREPARATION: Add all ingredients into a bowl or food processor. Whisk together ingredients while slowly adding in the olive oil until mixture becomes emulsified.

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Recipe courtesy of chef Chris Gardiner of Redline Brewhouse Makes 4 to 5 servings This is a great salad anytime of the year but is especially nice in the summer and early fall months when most of the ingredients are in season, especially local corn, mmmm.

The other great thing about this salad is the ingredients can be changed easily to make different variations of it. It also can be made gluten-free by simply substituting the barley for rice or leaving it out completely. Another great thing about this salad is it will stay fresh for days, so leftovers can be eaten later, or you can make it the day before hosting a barbecue or dinner night.

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12 oz pearl barley cooked and rinsed 5 oz black beans 1/2 red onion, diced 2 golden beets, roasted, peeled and diced

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1/2 red pepper 1 lb green zucchini 4 corn cobs, peeled 1 Tbsp, chopped parsley 125ml orange vinaigrette (see recipe below) PREPARATION: 1. Cook barley in seasoned water until soft, strain and rinse with cold water until the barley is fully cooled. Grill red peppers, zucchini and corn until char marks are present. Roast beets at 350F until soft, allow to cool, then peel and dice.

2. In bowl: cut the corn off of the cob using a paring knife. Dice zucchini and red pepper and add to corn. Add beets, beans, barley, onion, parsley and orange vinaigrette to corn, zucchini and peppers, mix thoroughly and add salt and pepper to taste.

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GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 61

feature|Garden Gallery

THE FERRAGINE FAMILY:

a Gardening Dynasty

BY DAWN RITCHIE PHOTOS BY MIKE GUILBAULT

Bradford Greenhouses’ history has spanned three generations and just as many continents.

The stewardship of botanicals began first in Italy where the Ferragine family ancestors farmed the land.

62 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - November December 2016 ■

y GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 63

feature|Garden Gallery

W

hen the Second World War broke out that all changed. The patriarch of the family and founder of the garden centre, Francis Ferragine Sr., found himself in the clutches of the Allied forces in Africa. “My father was born in Italy but became a prisoner of war in Africa,” explains son Len Ferragine. “He was a cook in the army.”

After the war, Francis Sr. moved to England with his family and he returned to his farming roots, working on the estate of a wealthy aristocrat – a man known to socialize with royals. It was in the Preston Deanery nursery greenhouses that Francis honed the skills he would pass down to three generations of what would become Ontario’s most renowned gardening dynasty.

In England, Francis was shown a series of films about new and promising lands where a good man with a strong back could make his fortune. Australia and the bountiful region of Niagara, Ontario drew his admiration. Francis chose Canada.

The Canadian immigration story began in 1956 when Francis sailed the Atlantic on the famed Queen Elizabeth ocean liner, disembarking in Montreal. After only four

64 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - November December 2016 ■

Francis put his savings to work, purchasing three acres of land on Centre Street in Bradford in 1961 and his first company, Francis Ferragine and Sons, was born.

days in Montreal, he knew that learning yet another language was not for him. He headed to Toronto, arriving at Union Station with $20 in his pocket and a wife and four young children in tow. Farmer, Bill Watson, who was looking for an Italian family to work for him in the fields, met him at Union Station.

The years that followed were less providential. The family soon discovered that the films they’d been shown in England had left out a very important aspect of Canadian life – harsh winters.

Francis and his eldest son, Tony, toiled as labourers in the Cookstown and Holland marshes, paid a meagre 65 cents an hour for Francis and 10 cents an hour for Tony. The arrangement kept the family in the backbreaking marshes for nearly half a decade. When one of the farmers refused to pay him his wages after he sustained an injury, Francis decided it was time for a change. He put his savings to work, purchasing three acres of land on Centre Street in Bradford in 1961 and his first company, Francis Ferragine and Sons, was born.

By 1975, Ferragine had expanded, purchasing a parcel of land in the Bradford highlands. There the family tended their greenhouses, farmed a cash crop of cabbage, broccoli and carrots and, in time, ran a small fruit market.

Over the years the family survived floods that destroyed field crops and Ferragine refocused efforts solely on their greenhouse operation, a decision that led to a reversal of fortune.

“We all grew up in the greenhouses,” says Len. “Filling the planting boxes with dirt by hand, one at a time. We’d level out the flats with a hockey stick. That was our life. We’d come home from school and head right into the greenhouses. It’s just what we did and why we all have an amazing work ethic.”

“We had great parents,” adds sister, Eileen Graham. “We worked together and there was always an amazing meal on the table. We didn’t have to make most of the sacrifices. My parents came to Canada with the clothes on their backs. They made all the sacrifices for us.”

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GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 65

feature|Garden Gallery

By 1975, the Bradford Greenhouses were flourishing and, in 1993, the family acquired another plot of land in Barrie to open their second retail operation, making Bradford Greenhouses Limited one of the largest retail growing operations in Ontario.

Today, 50-plus years later, Francis Ferragine’s botanic empire is still growing with both wholesale and retail divisions, and an online flower shop, yet it remains a family business. Len and sister Eileen, along with their spouses, siblings, uncles, nieces and nephews, all run the thriving enterprise together.

“We’re all equal here,” says Len. “We all still do everything, working seven days a week in the spring.”

Brother Mickey is in the wholesale division 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. in the spring season.

Mary’s husband, Sam Gallo, is at Bradford retail seven days a week. And the eldest of the original Ferragine children, Tony, now in his 70s, still goes to the food terminal at 1:30 in the morning from two to four days a week, hauling the products down for sale.

“He’s been doing that for 50-years plus,” says Len. Even Tony’s celebrity son, Frankie Ferragine (AKA Frankie Flowers) is

66 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - November December 2016 ■

CONCERNED ABOUTYOUR

HEARING?

“When the winter is gloomy, it’s always happy in the greenhouse.”

a recognized television personality, informing viewers of the dos and don’ts of gardening.

But there are a few things that have changed. No longer do tiny fingers fill flats with soil and level them off with hockey sticks. Today the greenhouse is fully modernized with mechanical transplanters that pick up seedlings and plant them out in three trays at a time, six rows deep.

Special events at the greenhouse also draw thousands for their lifestyle and home shows, and the holiday displays are legendary attracting shoppers who wile away afternoons browsing through the rooms and rooms of wares.

“Garden centres have evolved,” says Len. “Both of our stores are open year-round now. We think like a butterfly, morphing all the time, from season to season.”

“We’re a destination,” says Eileen.

The Bradford Greenhouses now sells clothing fashions, home decor, giftware, patio furniture, wildlife supplies and fresh cut flowers, in addition to water features, seeds, plants, shrubs, trees and mulches.

“The business has progressed to total home comfort and style,” says Eileen.

“People want to extend their living space today. They have active lifestyles. They want more space to entertain and they’re going outdoors. There are even outdoor lamps now. We have regular customers who come in every other day. I have a customer who says, ‘I love it here. This is my happy place.’

“When the winter is gloomy, it’s always happy in the greenhouse.”

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GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 67

feature|Vintage Selections

HOLIDAY READY Thoughts from our expert on being prepared for anything

BY MICHAEL PINKUS

I

t’s hard to believe the holidays are right around the corner. What happened to that long, hot summer? Now I sit out on the back deck and it’s dark far too soon.

Winter is definitely coming ... the holidays will soon be here and the stress of finding just the right gift will weigh heavily on our collective shoulders.

It’s not just the gifts, it’s all the other stuff that comes with the holidays: parties; simple get-togethers (which never are); dinners; open houses; and the list goes on and on – family, friends, the office. It gets crazy how many people we come into contact with and how much we think about what ‘the right thing’ is to give someone.

A large part of many holiday events is about beverages: there are before-dinner drinks, after-dinner drinks, during-dinner drinks; there’s also New Year’s Eve to think about, and of course there’s gift giving.

I’m here to lend a hand so your stress factor should be significantly lowered. Below is a list of some holiday favourites, both new and old, that should really put you in everybody’s good graces. I’ll offer up some New Year’s bubbly and a couple of really good dinner wines, plus some special gift giving wines you’ll have to search out but they will be so worth it, and then there are a couple of interesting desserts that aren’t the standard icewine. So get ready to make your list and check it twice ...

68 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - November December 2016 ■

For New Year’s Eve, sparkling doesn’t have to be expensive – nor does it have to be champagne to be good.

Featherstone 2014 Premium Cuvee Rosé Ontario ($29.95 LCBO#450700) For a first effort, it’s decidedly a pleasant bubbly that has gotten better with time in bottle; delicate raspberry and lime notes with nicely balanced acidity. ((¬¬¬¬) Chateau D’Eternes Saumur Brut France ($15.15 LCBO#429696) Hard to believe the price of this traditional method bubble from the Saumur region of France (Loire), delicate bubbles with citrus and fresh biscuit notes. (****)

Special gifts – either for you or for that special someone – these Ontario wines are sure to please (order these wines on-line or call the winery).

Hillebrand/Trius 2012 Grand Reserve Ontario ($55, winery only) Grand Red is the pinnacle of Trius winemaking, and in 2012 it really was just that.

The layers in this wine are incredible with the fruit and spice playing well together along with some intense mocha and cherry there’s a smokiness that makes its way in there too; this is one to lie down for a decade or more. (¬¬¬¬ ½) Pillitteri 2012 Exclamation Commendatore Ontario ($50, winery only) A wine named in honour of Gary Pillitteri, who achieved the title of Commander of the Star of Solidarity by the Italian government. A real mouth-filling affair that’s pretty from nose to palate to finish. Fruity with loads of plum, black cherry and raspberry plus the addition of vanilla and cinnamon on the finish. It’s well-rounded and totally satisfying, plus it has great potential for the future. (¬¬¬¬½)

Dessert ... ice is nice but sometimes there are other cool drinks that will satisfy your sweet-tooth.

Torres Floralis Moscatel Oro Spain ($15.95 LCBO#642173) Floral, orange peel, almond, candied citrus peel; a stunning achievement in a dessert wine you won’t soon forget. ((¬¬¬¬+) Fratello Hazelnut Liqueur Italy ($35.95 LCBO#455758) For those who dig the taste of hazelnuts this is for you, heck even if you don’t you’ve gotta try this stuff; it’s creamy, it’s smooth and it’s a pure delight for after din+ ner sipping. (¬¬¬( )

Red for dinner? Pinot Noir is appropriate this time of year but sometimes you need to walk on the wild side.

Two Hands 2015 Gnarly Dudes Shiraz Australia ($29.95 LCBO#660043) You’ll totally dig the fruit-spice mix that leans dark-fruited, it’s delicious all on its own; grab a glass and try to stop sipping. (¬¬¬¬) Masi 2012 Campofiorin ($21.95 LCBO#155051) Not every vintage is considered five-star at Masi, but 2012 was, and what’s more, they are very stingy about passing out those stars, so what you’ll get in the bottle will be worth every penny. This is the original Ripasso from Italy ... and still one of the best. ((¬¬¬¬+)

Michael Pinkus is a multi-award winning wine writer, past-president of the Wine Writers’ Circle of Canada and creator of the Grape Guy Events App. You can follow him through his website: MichaelPinkusWineReview.com

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 69

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f stunning views of Lake Simcoe are what you are looking for, you have found your spot in paradise. Situated in the

quaint community of Oro-Medonte, this gorgeous waterfront property offers lovely curb appeal featuring an all-stone exterior, and wraparound glass decking with a panoramic view of the water, and spectacular sunsets.

For the entertainer, the outdoor kitchen makes for perfect summer dinner parties.

With more than 300 feet of private shoreline, this 2.5-acre-plus property includes three outbuildings, with one featuring an enclosed gazebo with fireplace for comfortable year round use.

In the main house, enjoy an open concept kitchen, a cozy floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace in the great room and a master bedroom complete with a spa-like ensuite.

This rare find is offered for sale by Kraig Schwartz of Sutton Group Incentive Realty for $2,400,000. MLS#X3590280

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 71

home tour|Severn

by Dawn Ritchie | Aerial Photography is courtesy of Barrie Video Tours Photography is courtesy of Overstreet Media Productions

72 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - November December 2016 â–

Driving up the dark grey gravel drive of 2700 Baguely Road in Severn, if you don’t veer slightly to the right, the left tire of your vehicle will rise gently an inch or so as you pass over a smooth section of Precambrian igneous granite. It is part of the exposed continental crust of North America.

Solid As Bedrock

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 73

home tour|Severn

B

uilder and homeowner, Rob Williams, cleverly left outcroppings of the Canadian Shield untouched throughout the property. It enhances the beauty and value of the land on which his sprawling 6,200-square-foot executive residence now stands. “It’s artistic,” says Williams. “We used what nature gave us.

You don’t want to cover that up.” Defended by the Crown lands which encase it, the site is assured by the promise of perpetual environmental integrity.

Williams and his wife wanted a craftsman log home design with a contemporary look and custom finishes. They rifled through designs until they hit on something close to what they were thinking, then began their plan. Williams chose dark blue Maibec siding and Maibec cedar shakes for the exterior of the home and installed an impressive six-feet wide by eight-feet high arched entry door. A three-car garage houses a man cave above which Williams says is the main hangout for his friends.

The residence is built into an elevation in the land, allowing for both the main level and lower level to have an open, ground

74 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - November December 2016 ■

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Granite is used as the base of the exterior 20 x 12 infinity edge pool.

level feel. Drive around the home on the right side and you’ll head down a slope to find three more garages built directly under the three at street level. “Some people call the street side the front of the house,” says Willliams. “I consider the waterside the front of the home.” Williams uses these additional garages for his ATVs, boat, and snowmobile storage. Convenient since the OFSC’s snowmobiling C Trail is right across the street.

Inside, the home possesses the spirit of a lodge with all the conveniences a luxury home would expect, but it is truly the arresting landscape around it which is the property’s showstopper.

“It wasn’t always this way,” according to Rob Williams. Brush and debris concealed the granite when he bought the 2.75 acres of land in 2011. “You couldn’t even see the water from the road,” remembers Williams.

Only when he “peeled back” some of the vegetation and debris were the gently rolling slabs that lay underneath revealed. It could just as easily have been jagged protrusions

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GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 75

home tour|Severn

For floors, they decided on hand-scraped wide plank oak. The cabinetry would all be custom wormy maple in an espresso finish with dovetail joints.

Counters are black onyx granite. The kitchen island where the range top resides sports rollout drawers and holds a beverage and a wine fridge.

76 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - November December 2016 â–

“

All beams in house are hand crafted “I wrapped them all in pine to make them look good.”

and ledges. “It was a stroke of pure luck. You can walk on it. No need to blast it out.”

Williams has made good use of the granite, both outside of the home and inside. Part of the home’s basement structure is built right around a section of the rolling granite bedrock – a technique used by organic architecture pioneer, Frank Lloyd Wright, in his famed Fallingwater masterpiece. “It acts as a cooling agent in the summer,” says Williams. “54 degrees.”

Seventy-five different steps were required for the footings. “We built fairly substantial custom forms to go up and down to match the shape of bedrock, working with the land,” says Williams.

Granite is also used as the base of the exterior 20 x 12 infinity edge pool. “The kids head to the beach in the morning to build sand castles, then go right to that pool,” says Williams, who ensured that the shallow end was substantial enough for little swimmers.

In fact, none of the bedrock blasted out of the land has left the property. Everything was used for landscape design. “Landscaping is a big part of this place,” says Williams.

“I’ve spent the last year-and-a-half outside getting it done and now that the sod is in and sprinklers are in ground, it’s a good feeling.”

Cardinal Irrigation out of Barrie put the sprinklers in using what Williams admits was a very expensive machine that bored tubing through the ground. “It was bouncing off rocks, good thing they didn’t break it.”

Rob Williams has been building cottages in the Big Chute area since age 19. He started a construction company by age 21 and hired on his father. “People always thought it was the other way around, but it wasn’t,” chuckles Williams. “Show me a picture and I can build it.” Peter Wright of By Design in Orillia joined their team.

For floors, they decided on hand-scraped wide plank oak. The cabinetry would all be custom wormy maple in an espresso finish

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home tour|Severn

“

I consider the waterside the front of the home."

with dovetail joints; counters, black onyx granite. The unusual live edge waterfall island would go right to the ground and all benches, vanities and their harvest table would also be live edge with metal turnbuckles made by the Mennonites in Conestoga.

The kitchen island where the range top resides, sports rollout drawers and holds a beverage and a wine fridge. The Williams’ appliance choice was GE Profile. The double oven is embedded in cabinetry that extends to the ceiling.

Spices are handy and orderly in trays mounted on the wall above a flip down/ hideaway table with stools that the Williams use for quick meals. On the opposite side of the island, the larger harvest table lit by a chandelier of antlers seats a comfortable 10.

A bench is employed on one side to seat the wigglier little diners.

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Rob Williams used tongue and groove on the ceilings here to keep the lodge motif alive. “All beams in-house are handcrafted,” he says. “I wrapped them all in pine to make them look good.”

After dinner, diners can move on to the spectacular 400-square-foot vaulted ceiling Muskoka room through the double doors that lead directly from the dining area.

It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely dessert and

coffee before practising that golf swing on the home’s 70-yard, 3-par golf hole (complete with sand traps!) Or perhaps a stroll down to the fire pit by the lake where eight Muskoka chairs await.

The enclosed Muskoka room, which admittedly is the Williams family’s main summer hangout, spans 16 feet by 25 and features a beautiful custom diamond cut pine ceiling.

After dinner, diners can move on to the spectacular 400-squarefoot vaulted ceiling Muskoka room through the double doors that lead directly from the dining area.

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GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 79

home tour|Severn

A convenient gas fireplace warms the recreational space along with in floor radiant heating. A unique faux woodpile that Williams constructed and built into the wall gives the impression that it is a wood burning fireplace.

Serene views of the surrounding protected Crown land are enjoyed here through the expansive windows on two sides.

On the opposite side of the dining room, the great room is equally inviting. Bose surround speakers (found in eight different spots in the home) provide musical ambience. The warmth of the wood on the walls, paired with the 25foot stone wood-burning fireplace and deep plush casual seating make it a perfect winter retreat.

The wagon wheel chandelier above the seating lowers the soaring vaulted ceiling that could otherwise make it seem cavernous.

The fixture was custom designed by Williams.

He obtained the wheel from Conestoga Mennonites, drilled holes, put in chains and took it to a lighting company in Orillia to have it wired. It’s a rustic yet elegant element.

Framing and trim throughout the home is in a black theme to offset the Latte Froth coloured paint on the walls. Backsplashes and tiling are slate and natural stone in keeping with the home’s location and essence. Vessel sinks and oversized drenching rain shower heads were the choice for all bathrooms.

The main floor master off the great room is spacious and filled with light. Double 80 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - November December 2016 ■

On the home's second floor, a deep and comfy loft area (20 x 24) with casual seating divides the upper two ensuite bedrooms. A second deer antler chandelier here lights the area.

doors lead out to the elevated glass railed wraparound porch which offers dramatic views of the Gloucester Pool area. You can see right to the water’s edge where a U-shaped dock juts out into Little Lake.

Remarkably, a watercraft can navigate directly from the residence through the 387 kilometres of the Trent Severn Waterways with its 41 locks, all the way into the Atlantic Ocean.

On the home’s second floor, a deep and comfy loft area (20 x 24) with casual seating divides the upper two ensuite bedrooms. A second deer antler chandelier here lights the area.

The roomy lower level of the home is accessed by stairs with a distinctive leaded transom over the door. Found throughout the home, the transoms were commissioned by a local stained glass artisan.

A convenient gas fireplace warms the recreational space below along with in floor radiant heating. A

unique faux woodpile that Williams constructed and built into the wall gives the impression that it is a wood burning fireplace. “My wife saw something like it on a website and asked me to make one,” says Williams.

“So I did.”

Another live edge dining and games table, seating six, is prominent here for party nights. This floor also houses a wonderful fourth ensuite guest bedroom with Mission styled bed and sofa. Double patio doors lead from the room to an intimate dining patio area making it the perfect guest hideaway.

After four years at the home, the Williams family is finally ready to sell, but plan to stay in the same vicinity.

“It’s a fantastic area. We may only move 300-400 feet away,” muses Williams.

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events|things to do

PAVLO NOVEMBER 27 MIDLAND CULTURAL CENTRE

30 things TO DO in Barrie and surrounding areas

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Light up the night. Experience Sainte-Marie among the Huron’s spectacular First Light Event evenings Nov. 24-26 and Dec. 1-3 and 8-10 as the famous historic site is illuminated with over 5,000 candles. saintemarieamongthehurons.on.ca Join the stampede. The Stampeders hit the Georgian Theatre stage Nov. 25 at 7:30 p.m. The band is best known for Wild Eyes, Carry Me, Oh My Lady and Sweet City Woman. Tickets are $55. Call 705-739-4228.

Hear a treasured story. Brown Bear, Brown Bear and other Treasured Stories hits the Georgian Theatre Nov. 26 at 2 p.m.

The hour-long production showcases the imaginative blend of innovative puppetry and striking scenic effects. Tickets are $20. Call 705-739-4228.

4

Explore world rhythms. The Midland Cultural Centre welcomes Pavlo, Mediterranean Music Nov. 27 at 8 p.m. Pavlo’s distinctive melodies and unmatched guitar skills create his signature Mediterranean sound which blends the folkloric styles of his Greek heritage with Latin music and pop sensibilities. midlandculturalcentre. com

5

Get in the holiday spirit. Casino Rama welcomes The Midtown Men: Holiday Show Dec. 1 and 2. Four stars from original cast of Jersey Boys perform iconic rock ’n roll hits from the 1960s and holiday classics. Tickets are $30. casinorama.com

82 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - November December 2016 ■

DECK THE HALLS

With nearly 16,000 square-feet of flexible event space equipped with state-of-the-art audio visual equipment, a variety of dining and catering options and luxury hotel on-site, we can accommodate all your event needs from your next business meeting to the office party, trade show, large holiday event or corporate retreat.

To book now call 705-238-5900 to speak with one of our Hotel Sales and Catering team members or visit CasinoRama.com/events.

Must be nineteen (19) years of age or older with valid government issued photo identification to gain access to the gaming floor or Entertainment Centre. Those who have been trespassed and/or self-excluded from Casino Rama Resort or any OLG property may not visit Casino Rama Resort, participate in promotions and/or redeem offers.

events|things to do

6

Go to a wedding. Talk is Free Theatre presents the world premiere of the comedy The Wedding Party Dec. 1 to 10.

The show invites the audience to take a seat ringside on the big day, while a cast of some of the country’s leading actors hit the dance floor, drink too much, and try to get along. tift.ca

7

Get Reckless. Martina McBride, best known for This One’s For The Girls, I’m Gonna Love You Through It and Reckless, hits Casino Rama Dec. 3. Tickets start at $45. casinorama.com

THE BARRA MACNEILS DECEMBER 4 GEORGIAN THEATRE

13

NATALIE MACMASTER & DONNELLLEAHY DECEMBER 13 GEORGIAN THEATRE

84 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - November December 2016 ■

8

Feel like you’re on the East Coast.

The Barra MacNeils - An East Coast Christmas hits the Georgian Theatre Dec. 4. Tickets are $50. 705-739-4228.

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Christmas in the Marsh. Experience Christmas at Wye Marsh Dec. 4. There will be a naturalist’s craft table, birds of prey show, chickadee feeding, bannock roasting and trumpeter swan viewing. wyemarsh.com

10

Be illuminated. Talk is Free Theatre’s Illuminating Conversations series welcomes Dr. Bob Henderson, an explorer of heritage trade canoe routes, author and outdoor educator Dec. 5. Tickets are $17.50. The event is held at the Mady Centre for the Performing Arts. tift.ca

11

Explore holiday’s past. The Simcoe County Museum hosts Christmas Past and Present Dec. 8 and 9. The pioneer heritage buildings will be lit by lanterns and guests can explore these buildings as they learn about Simcoe County's exciting past. museum.simcoe.ca

12

ll aboard! Huronia Symphony Orchestra presents Christmas Express: Barrie Dec. 11 at Collier Street United Church. Take a musical journey as the HSO performs The Polar Express, Rocky Mountain Overture, Sleigh Ride and other traditional favourites, while local choirs lead a Christmas Carol sing-along. huroniasymphony.ca

705-503-9399 TutoringAcademy.ca

13

Have a Celtic Christmas. Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy: A Celtic Family Christmas is at the Georgian Theatre Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m. The show will guide you into the wonderful world of a true Cape Breton Christmas celebration.

Tickets are $49.50. 705-739-4228.

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Enjoy a lovely evening. The Good Lovelies hit the Midland Cultural Centre Dec. 15 at 8 p.m.

The Good Lovelies perform a very special 10th Anniversary Christmas Tour delighting audiences with a selection of original and holiday songs. midlandculturalcentre.com

Visit www.simcoemedalert.ca

15

See Max and Ruby. Join beloved bunny siblings Max and Ruby as they take to the Georgian Theatre stage for their most magical performance yet on Dec. 17. Tickets are $29.76. 705-739-4228.

16

Have a Blue Christmas. Elvis Blue Christmas, starting Collingwood Elvis Festival champion Gino Monopoli hits the Midland Cultural Centre Dec. 18. midlandculturalcentre.com

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GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 85

events|things to do

14

THE GOOD LOVELIES DECEMBER 15 MIDLAND CULTURAL CENTRE

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Ring in 2017. The City of Barrie’s annual Downtown Countdown is held annually on Dec. 31 outside city hall. Catch free live entertainment for the whole family. There will be horse-drawn wagon rides, skating and face painting. barrie.ca Spend time with Don Juan. Talk is Free Theatre presents The Libertine Jan. 5 to 14 at the Mady Centre. The show is described as The Princess Bride meets The Three Musketeers meets the decline of the Western civilization. This is a retelling of the Don Juan story.

Dance ‘til you drop. Dancing With The Stars Live hit Casino Rama for two shows Jan. 7. See some of the show’s cast perform memorable routines.

Tickets start at $47. casinorama.com

86 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - November December 2016 ■

Meet a journalist. Talk is Free Theatre’s Illuminating Conversations series welcomes award-winning journalist Ian Brown Jan. 9.

Tickets are $17.50 and the event is held at the Mady Centre for the Performing Arts. tift.ca Get jazzy. The Dixie Demons, Canada's finest Traditional Jazz Band, have been wowing audiences for 35 years in clubs and festivals around Southern Ontario. They hit the Midland Cultural Centre Jan. 13. midlandculturalcentre. com Welcome to the jungle. Neil Goldberg’s Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy is on stage at Casino Rama Jan. 14 and 15. See soaring aerialists, spine-bending contortionists, acrobats, jugglers and musicians. Tickets start at $37. casinorama.com

23

See a Country star. Juno and CCMA-Award winning country singer Brett Kissel will embark on his Ice, Snow & 30 Below Canadian tour. The tour hits the Georgian Theatre in Barrie Jan. 20. Tickets are $57.55. 705-739-4228.

24

Be serenaded. Kris Kristofferson, known for Me and Bobby McGee, Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down and From Here to the Moon and Back, hits Casino Rama Jan. 20. Tickets start at $30. casinorama.com

25

Get unplugged. 54-40 hits the Midland Cultural Centre Jan. 20 for an unplugged performance. The band is sure to play hits like Baby Ran, I Go Blind and Ocean Pearl. midlandculturalcentre. com

26

Laugh out loud. Comedian Jeff Foxworthy hits the Casino Rama stage Jan. 21. Foxworthy is one of the best selling comedy-recording artists in history. Tickets start at $49. casinorama.com

27

Catch a variety show. Casino Rama welcomes The Great Amercian Variety Show Jan. 27. The show features some of the stars of America’s Got Talent. Tickets start at $22.50. casinorama. com

28

Tickle the ivories. Billy Joel and The Piano Men, a tribute, hits the Midland Cultural Centre Jan. 28.

See tributes to Billy Joel, Elton John and Jerry Lee Lewis. midlandculturalcentre.com

29

Roll in the aisles. Comedian Mike Epps hits Casino Rama Jan. 28. Epps is best known for his numerous film and TV roles, including the Friday and Hangover movie franchises. casinorama. com

30

Celebrate Black History Month.

Juno Award-winning reggae performer Lazo performs in a tribute to Peter Tosh Feb. 17 at the Mady Centre for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $25. 705739-4228.

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OFFICE: 705-739-1300, TOLL FREE: 1-855-769-2664 GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 87

Books for the holidays FOOD

Mastering the Art of Japanese Home Cooking

by Masaharu Morimoto Revered celebrity chef Masaharu Morimoto peels away the intimidating nature of Japanese cooking in his latest cookbook Mastering the Art of Japanese Home Cooking.

Through a selection of carefully curated recipes along with more than 150 colour photographs, Chef Morimoto reveals the magic of authentic Japanese food by introducing readers to the healthy, flavourful and surprisingly simple home dishes favoured by Japanese home cooks. Showing readers that building a pantry of half a dozen easily accessible ingredients can open them up to hundreds of delicious recipes, he empowers them to take on traditional recipes and provides them with the confidence to adapt and create their own dishes. From renditions on classics like miso soup, nabeyaki udon and chicken teriyaki to little known dishes like fish simmered in sake and soy sauce and playful riffs on classics like the reimaged tunaand-rice bowls done in the style of Hawaiian poke, Morimoto proves that the right ratios of ingredients and proper use of seasonings can open up a whole new world of flavours. $56; harpercollins.ca

The Firehouse Chef: Favourite Recipes from Canada’s Firefighters

by Patrick Mathieu

MEMOIR

Testimony: A Memoir

by Robbie Robertson

When posed with the question, “are you gonna cook, or clean up?” Waterloo firefighter Patrick Mathieu chose the latter. In The Firehouse Chef: Favourite Recipes from Canada’s Firefighters Mathieu recounts his culinary experience preparing meals for his fellow fireman and how he has kept them well nourished for over 15 years. The Firehouse Chef is filled with original recipes along with contributions by firehouse chefs stretching from Newfoundland to British Columbia like Old South Classic FireHouse Pulled Pork, Cauliflower Steaks with Salsa Verde, Yukon Elk Chili with Chocolate and Cinnamon and Thai Drunken Noodles. From simple starters, gourmet desserts and hearty mains, this cookbook is perfect for households that constantly find themselves on the go.

On the 40th anniversary of The Band’s legendary The Last Waltz concert, guitarist and principal songwriter Robbie Robertson tells his own tale in Testimony: A Memoir. Written over five years, Robertson presents the journey that led him to some of the most pivotal moments in music history.

Beginning his spellbinding story with adventures from his half-Jewish, half-Mohawk upbringing on the Six Nations Indian Reserve and the gritty streets of Toronto, Robertson leads us through his voyage to the Mississippi Delta at the age of sixteen; his wild, early years on the road with legend Ronnie Hawkins and The Hawks; his unexpected ties to the Cosa Nostra underworld; his experiences with Bob Dylan on his 1966 world tour and their resulting collaborations; and finally, the formation of The Band and the forging of their unique sound, all culminating in their infamous farewell concert, brought to life in Martin Scorsese’s film The Last Waltz. Available November 15.

$34.95; whitecap.ca

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$32.95; penguinrandomhouse.ca

The French Chef in America: Julia Child’s Second Act

by Alex Prud’homme Great-nephew to Julia Child and coauthor of the revered work My Life In France, Alex Prud’homme vividly recounts the infamous chef in his latest work The French Chef in America: Julia Child’s Second Act. Following the publication of her first cookbook Mastering the Art of French Cooking, Child suddenly found herself to be the face of French cooking in America and facing the pressure that came along with this new role. In The French Chef in America Prud’homme shows what it was like for Child to deal with difficult colleagues, the challenges of fame and her mastery of using her newfound celebrity to create what would become a new type of food television, ultimately uncovering the woman behind the “French Chef” persona.

ENTERTAINMENT

Bowie A-Z: The Life of an Icon from Aladdin Sane to Ziggy Stardust written by Steve Wide, illustrated by Libby Vanderploeg DJ and writer Steve Wide and illustrator Libby Vanderploeg combine forces to present Bowie A-Z: The Life of an Icon from Aladdin Sane to Ziggy Stardust. Celebrating the many beloved faces of rock icon David Bowie, Bowie A-Z is packed with everything you need to know about the late legend, from the most well known to the most obscure tidbits of trivia. Following his passing in early 2016, Bowie’s cultural significance became even more apparent through the immense outpouring of love and respect in the varied fields of music, art and fashion. Through Vanderploeg’s unique drawing style, fans are able to celebrate the enormous life of this pop cultural icon in a uniquely Bowie-esque fashion. $19.95; rizzoliusa.com 88 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - November December 2016 ■

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feature|Holiday Sweets

SPICED APPLE FRITTERS -recipe courtesy Foodland Ontario; ontario.ca/foodland These crispy fritter bites are a mouthful of apple delight! They’re best eaten right away but can be enjoyed cold or reheated. Makes about 3 dozen.

4 cups vegetable oil 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/3 cup granulated sugar 1 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp each baking soda and salt 1-1/4 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg 1/4 tsp ground cloves 1 Ontario egg

SWEETS

1 cup buttermilk 1 tbsp vegetable oil or butter, melted 1/2 tsp vanilla 2 cups small diced peeled Ontario apples (such as Empire or Crispin) 1/2 cup icing sugar, sifted 1. In large saucepan or deep-fryer, heat oil over medium-high heat to about 360°F on candy thermometer. Reduce heat when temperature is reached. (If not ready to start frying, remove pot from stove.)

2. In medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves.

3. In large bowl, whisk together egg, buttermilk, 1 tbsp oil and vanilla. Stir in apples. Stir in flour mixture just until moistened.

4. Using small ice cream scoop or spoons, gently drop about 1 tbsp of batter into hot oil. Cook about seven fritters at a time, for four minutes, or until lightly browned. If needed, touch gently on top to flip. With slotted spoon, remove to paper towel-lined plate. Cut one fritter open to check if cooked through and adjust time or temperature. After draining about one minute, dust with icing sugar.

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 91

feature|Holiday Sweets APPLE GINGERBREAD PUDDING CAKE

-recipe courtesy Foodland Ontario; ontario.ca/foodland This warm cake has the rich flavours of gingerbread on top of apples and a caramel sauce. You could also use pears in place of apples.

CAKE: 4 Ontario apples, peeled and very thinly sliced 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1-1/4 tsp baking soda 1-1/2 tsp ground ginger 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp each salt and ground nutmeg 1/4 tsp each ground allspice and ground cloves 1 cup fancy molasses 3/4 cup water 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 Ontario egg 3/4 cup lightly packed brown sugar, preferably dark TOPPING: 1-1/3 cups hot water 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted Whipped cream and ground nutmeg (optional) 1. Lightly butter a 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Scatter apples evenly in dish.

2. In medium bowl, whisk flour with baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, allspice and cloves. In large measuring cup, whisk molasses with water.

3. In large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat butter with sugar until creamy. Beat in egg. On medium speed, beat in flour in three additions, alternately with molasses mixture, ending with flour mixture. Scrape down sides as needed.

Spoon over apples; gently smooth to cover.

Sprinkle with brown sugar. In large measuring cup, stir hot water with butter. Slowly pour over cake; but don’t stir it in. Bake in 350°F oven for 45 to 50 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean. Let stand on wire rack 10 minutes before serving. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with nutmeg, if using.

92 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - November December 2016 ■

THE BEST QUICK LOAF WITH CRUMBLE-TOP

-recipe courtesy Foodland Ontario; ontario.ca/foodland This moist and lightly sweetened quick loaf is fun to wrap up in pretty packaging – perfect as a hostess gift or to bring to a teacher or neighbour. The hardest part is deciding which variation to make, apple, pear or carrot, full-size or mini?

LOAF: 2 cups (500 mL) all-purpose flour 1/2 cup (125 mL) packed brown sugar 2 tsp (10 mL) cinnamon 1-1/2 tsp (7 mL) baking powder 1/2 tsp (2 mL) each baking soda and salt 1/4 tsp (1 mL) ground nutmeg 1 Ontario Egg, beaten 1 cup (250 mL) buttermilk 1/3 cup (75 mL) butter, melted 2 tsp (10 mL) vanilla 1 cup (250 mL) diced Ontario Apples (unpeeled) 1/3 cup (75 mL) toasted chopped walnuts CRUMBLE-TOP: 1/4 cup (50 mL) each all-purpose flour, large-flaked rolled oats, packed brown sugar and chopped walnuts 1/4 cup (50 mL) butter, melted 1/2 tsp (2 mL) cinnamon 1. In small bowl, combine flour, oats, sugar, walnuts, butter and cinnamon; set aside.

2. In large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, salt and nutmeg. Make well in centre; add egg, buttermilk, butter and vanilla. Sprinkle with apples and walnuts; stir just until combined.

3. Spread into parchment paper-lined or buttered 9- x 5-inch (23 x 12 cm) metal loaf pan, smoothing top. Sprinkle with crumble-top. Bake in 350°F (180°C) oven for 45 to 50 minutes or until tester inserted in centre comes out clean. Let cool in pan on rack for 15 minutes. Turn out onto rack to cool completely.

VARIATIONS: Pear-Pecan: Substitute pecans for walnuts. In loaf, reduce cinnamon to 1/2 tsp (2 mL) and add 1-1/2 tsp (7 mL) ground ginger. Switch apples with Ontario Pears.

Carrot-Walnut: Substitute 1 cup (250 mL) shredded Ontario Carrots for apples.

Mini-Loaves: Use three approximately 5- x 3-inch (12 x 8 cm) loaf pans and bake 20 to 25 minutes.

Tip: Wrap in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 3 days. Or, place into freezer-safe bags and freeze up to 3 months.

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 93

home tour|Blue Mountains

94 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - November December 2016 â–

A Family’s

HERITAGE

BY DAWN RITCHIE

“O

ur home had seven bedrooms when we bought it,” says Joanne Weisbrod, speaking of her log-cabin residence that rests at the foot of the Blue Mountain ski resort. “There were four bedrooms upstairs and another three on the lower level.

All these little rooms down there. With only two small children we simply didn’t need them all.”

Eliminating two of the extra lower bedrooms was a challenge. Walls had to come down and they turned out to be supporting ones. Weisbrod didn’t want pillars breaking up the floorplan, so an engineered beam was needed for structural integrity. “That steel beam was huge,” she recalls. “ And it couldn’t possibly come down the narrow stairs. It was very tricky. They brought it in through a small window.”

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 95

home tour|Blue Mountains

The lower level of the now fivebedroom home is a spacious hangout with a plush U-shaped lounge, media centre, sleek office with two work stations and a bright updated laundry room.

A laundry chute on the second floor sends soiled linens directly to the washer.

The operation was measured and harrowing, but the results, transformative. Today the lower level of the now five-bedroom home is a spacious hangout with a plush U-shaped lounge, media centre, sleek office with two work stations and a bright updated laundry room with black and white checkered flooring. A laundry chute on the second floor sends soiled linens directly to the washer.

“We still have an ensuite bedroom down there as well, but the lounge is so huge the kids usually stretch out on it to sleep,” she says. “They each choose a section. You sink in and never get out of that thing. They love it.” Mom has permanently stored bedding in the built-in cabinetry installed on either side of the TV for their frequent slumber parties

96 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - November December 2016 ■

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home tour|Blue Mountains

“

My husband is the chef in our house” He loves that stove.”

The Weisbrods completed a mini kitchen makeover, re-facing cupboards, adding Caesar Stone counters and hanging stunning copper pendant lights.

The dining room had three windows side by side and she tore those out to install sliding doors for direct access to the side yard.

Weisbrod removed an anteroom at the front and added a window, hutch and bench.

98 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - November December 2016 ■

with their friends.

Joanne Weisbrod has nothing but glowing praise for the tradesmen who have done the work updating her property over the last 16 years, making her unique dwelling an exceptional family home that has become

the entertaining hotspot for all.

Built originally in 1987, the Weisbrods are only the third owners of the chalet. “It’s easy to understand why once you’re in it,” she says. “It’s just one of those houses that everyone loves. Very welcoming. A good energy.”

The Weisbrod family joined the diaspora of suburban dwelling Torontonians heading northward back in 2001.

Their primary residence at the time was in Toronto’s tawny Avenue Road and Lawrence area but they kept a weekend condo at Lighthouse Point to which they commuted for ski trips. “We learned to ski and just loved the area so much we started thinking about moving up permanently,” she says. “But we wanted to be closer to the mountain.”

They began touring the listings until the day they opened the door to the Heritage Drive log home and Weisbrod said to her husband, “Oh my gosh, we have to have this house!”

The one-acre property was originally an anchor lot, lived in by the builder, who had the giant BC Fir logs trucked in from the west coast. The residence sits askew

on the property accessed by a winding paved driveway lined with lush, mature maples. Blue Mountain Four Seasons did all of the landscaping and Elaine Kettelwell of Kettlewells designed the garden. “We planted 22 maple trees all the way up the driveway,” says Weisbrod.

“It was a big job. But when the trees are changing it’s absolutely gorgeous. Canopying the driveway.”

The second owner had already put on a family room addition and added a main floor powder room off it, so Weisbrod tackled the few jobs she felt were important.

“We removed an anteroom at the front. Took the door out and made a window, adding a hutch and bench.

Then laid black slate flooring.” Georgian Design Centre did the work. “They’re fabulous. I love them.”

It was important to the homeowners that they retained the character of the original dwelling while updating with contemporary touches. “The front porch was all wood,” she explains. “We added the pillar and made it stone. Marcus from Blue Mountain Four Seasons did that work. They’ve done a lot of stuff for us.

They’re great.”

The dining room had three windows side by side and she tore those out to install sliding doors for direct access to the side yard. DeCola Doors in Barrie did the installation. “He had to cut a log to insert the door,” she recalls. “Massive job.”

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 99

At night the view from the bed is the ski hills of Blue Mountain Resort.

On the second level, each of the children’s bedrooms now hold built-in desks.

The spectacular twig chandelier at the top of the double staircase leading to the second level came from the F.A.D. shop.

100 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - November December 2016 â–

The Weisbrods also completed a mini kitchen makeover, re-facing cupboards, adding Caesar Stone counters and hanging stunning copper pendant lights procured from F.A.D. (Farrow Arcaro Design.) The existing Mexican tile floor remains. Joanne Weisbrod notes that they could have updated the range when they changed out the countertop, but decided not to. “My husband is the chef in our house,” she says. “He loves that stove.”

Designers Marina Farrow and Katherine Arcaro of F.A.D. helped with many of the design choices. “Our decor is expensive but not fussy,” says Weisbrod. “We wanted a house that you didn’t have to take your shoes off. Yet there’s also a little bit of an elegance about it.”

The spectacular twig chandelier at the top of the double staircase leading to the second level came from the F.A.D. shop. As did the brass pendants over the kitchen island, the custom Lee Industries sofa in the family room, turned leg side chairs in the living room and the Lee counter height chairs parked at the soapstone-topped bar. “The most comfortable stools I have ever had,” exclaims Weisbrod.

On the second level, each of the children’s bedrooms now hold built in desks. “We like to encourage homework,” she says. And the master suite recently experienced a closet makeover.

The wood burning fireplace in the master was also clad with wood to modernize the look. “Stone remains underneath,” explains Weisbrod. “Just remove the wood and it is in its original state again.” At night the view from the bed is the ski hills of Blue Mountain Resort. “The hills are lit up until 11:30,” she says. “I got black out curtains installed.

That’s how close we are.”

Outside, the grounds of 118 Heritage Drive are a homeowner’s dream playground. The pool was already there when they moved in but they switched it to salt water, added an outdoor kitchen and put in a fireplace which Weisbrod insists is the family’s “favourite thing.”

“The kids have friends over. Walk to the village and back, have a swim and settle in front of the fire to roast marshmallows,” she

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GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 101

home tour|Blue Mountains

The owners added an outdoor kitchen and put in a fireplace which Weisbrod insists is the family’s “favourite thing.”

A converted shed in the back is a hangout for the kids.

The bunkie is supplied with electricity, heat, internet access and a fridge.

A small bridge at the rear crosses the stream which cuts through the back of the property.

102 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - November December 2016 ■

says. Squire Johns provided the outdoor furniture, BBQ and kitchen and Rob Hobson of Hobson Masonry did the fireplace.

“He is so fabulous at stonework,” Weisbrod reports. “He’s originally from England.

My husband had him put clips on the inside of the fireplace so he can put in a rack and cook a roast beef on it.”

A pool house nearby provides a changing room and storage and this last year they converted a shed in the back into a bunkie hangout for the kids. “They play games and guitar there,” says Weisbrod. The bunkie is supplied with electricity, heat, internet access and a fridge. Chris Hobbs did the construction.

A small bridge at the rear crosses the stream which cuts through the back of the property. “The second owners built that,” explains Weisbrod. “They were best friends

with the people behind so they built a bridge instead of having to go all around the street.

It’s so pretty. We own a foot of land on the other side of the bridge and get quite a runoff in the spring from the mountain.” Garden Holistic maintains the lawns weekly.

As empty nest syndrome soon approaches, the Weisbrods are finally planning to downsize. “Our children grew up here.

All their memories are here and they don’t much like the idea, but it’s time,” she says .

118 Heritage Drive in The Blue Mountains is listed with The Chris Keleher Team.

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S K I I N G A S P E N A N D S T E A M B O A T, C O L O R A D O 104 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - November December 2016 â–

I

BY HOLLY CRAWFORD

n the town of Aspen, Colorado if we are going somewhere for “après” does not appear to be the question, so much as where we are going for après.

In fact where and then where after that as I was pleased to discover.

Aspen is small. Just under 7,000 people call it home year-round. Then there are the many others that call it home when they feel the need for snow, speed and après ski.

Arriving in Aspen is just what you might imagine arriving in Aspen would be like.

First you look up, up, up at the vista that is Aspen Mountain (or Ajax as those in the know will say). Then you look over there, and everywhere to see who, what and who and what they are wearing in this, the ultimately stylish ski town.

Ajax and the Silver Queen Gondola are at the centre of town. Its rising slope is what you see from any point in the village, and the base is where the bustling nightlife of Aspen seems to begin. When the lift closes for the afternoon, locals and visitors alike partake in the tradition of après ski. I could compare it to happy hour – if we had that in Canada – but I would say the reverence and adherence to the practice makes it closer to afternoon tea.

Before tucking into the town’s afternoon tradition though, I check into The Limelight Hotel. The Limelight is located just across the park (where dogs frolic leash-free) from Aspen’s main street and boasts a stunning view of the town and Ajax, especially at night. The Limelight is contemporary in style, but incorporates lots of ski-lodge style comfort. Sumptuous sofas in front of a massive stone fireplace in the lobby bar look like the best spot in the house, and just outside on the patio an outdoor firepit welcomes guests after dark.

To my pleasant surprise when I open the drapes in my suite, the outdoor terrace looks over Aspen’s park and downtown, with Ajax’s soaring heights behind it. I could order-in and enjoy this view, but the après awaits.

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travel|Aspen

The Limelight Hotel, Aspen, Colorado.

The pool at The Limelight Hotel, Aspen, Colorado.w

106 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - November December 2016 ■

You will find a special après menu at virtually all of the restaurants, bars and hotel lobbies in town, and this is the time of day to meet, mingle, grab a glass of Champagne and a delicious nibble. This really should be done while still in your ski garb, if you want to look like you belong here – although do remove your boots and goggles, please.

This is the mid-day repast that will sustain us so there is time to return to the hotel, freshen up from a day on the slopes, and then hit the town again a little later for dinner, and perhaps a bit of nightlife.

The Little Nell is the hotel that sits right at the bottom of Ajax, and boasts some of the best action for après. When the weather is fine you’ll find a crowd at The Little Nell’s Ajax Tavern soaking up the late-afternoon sun. It is a must-try of any visit to Aspen to come here and have Truffle Fries and a glass of Veuve Cliquot.

Inside The Little Nell, Chair 9 is only open during ski season (late November through early April) and opens in the afternoon just as the lifts are closing. This is a local favourite and cozy spot to curl up after a day on the slopes.

The lobby bar at The Limelight Hotel “The Lounge” is where hotel guests meet for breakfast, lunch and dinner; but come 4pm the après scene is set. Year-round from 3pm, The Limelight becomes an après ski hotspot with hotel guests and locals sharing the space in front of the fireplace, ordering craft cocktails and listening to live music.

Over at Hotel Jerome, there are a few options to settle in over small plates. The Living Room is warm, rich and inviting; a space that feels like it’s been serving fine

cocktails for centuries. The hotel is a true Aspen antique and has been thoughtfully preserved and restored to a luxurious boutique hotel with style to spare. Hotel Jerome also boasts one of Aspen’s most indulgent dining experiences at Prospect Restaurant.

For a truly special night, stop at the bar for a glass of Champagne, and reserve a table in advance for the Chef’s Tasting Menu.

For late night the Caribou Club is a must stop – if you can angle entry. It’s a private club, unmarked and open to members. This is old-school style, with a lounge filled with deep velvet sofas and ornate carved furniture, begging for us to pull up fireside and toast our day in Aspen with bubbly. So we do just that, and it was a day well worth toasting.

If you go Aspen Snowmass aspensnowmass.com Limelight Hotel limelighthotels.com The Little Nell thelittlenell.com Hotel Jerome hoteljerome.aubergeresorts.com Caribou Club caribouclub.com

travel|Aspen

Cowboys & carving For another taste of Colorado, unlike Aspen but just as colourful, take the drive to Steamboat Springs.

This is cowboy country, as you will easily see from the decidedly charming and historic town where you can still buy a cowboy hat the general store. Rising up behind this mountain gem is the ski resort of Steamboat Springs.

This resort is more relaxed, casual in style, but has amazing skiing and top-notch restaurants galore.

For some fun off the slopes, a trail ride with Del’s Triangle 3 Ranch is a must. Del has lived in this part of Colorado for his entire life, along with his family.

Even if you don’t like riding, it’s almost worth the trip to hear Del’s stories during the drive to his Triangle 3 Ranch.

Get in the saddle and we are off for a trail ride in the snow. Even if you are used to riding, this is a bit of an adventure as Del takes us through elk and deer trails that wind in and out of forest and hillside, offering amazing views of the Colorado countryside.

His surefooted horses handle the deep pack snow, giving us a ride to remember. Colorado snow, sunshine and tales from a real life cowboy.

If all the time in the saddle or the bindings has you feeling tight, you should visit one of Steamboat Springs’ namesake hot springs. Strawberry Park Hot Springs is a short drive outside of town (recommend the shuttle unless your rental is a 4X4 with great shocks) and is a must-visit while in Steamboat. It’s a bit of a bumpy ride on an unpaved road, depending on the weather, but worth it to experience the natural hot springs that have been turned into a series of pools with varying temperatures. This is a rustic experience, there are change rooms and not much else, but there is nothing like the experience of a hot spring, snow falling, and spotting an elk in the tree line above.

If you go Colorado Ski Country coloradoski.com Steamboat Resort steamboat.com Del’s Triangle 3 Ranch steamboathorses.com Strawberry Park Hot Springs strawberyhotsprings.com

108 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - November December 2016 ■

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artist profile | Christina Luck

Creating community on canvas

BY LEIGH BLENKHORN

e

m

C

The Cleaners

CHRISTINA LUCK Artist

ookstown artist Christina Luck uses her talent to connect to her community.

The town gives her material to explore in her work, and she gives back through community projects.

“My husband Hans Niemann and I moved to a very old house in Cookstown in 2005 and built a new studio,” she said. “Village life is often a subject and I try to find an interesting point of view.”

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 111

artist profile|Christina Luck

This page, clockwise from left: Polly Wakerobin, The Scamp The Idiot Detective Fraggle & Homer Right page: Light Up

“

I started painting dogs because they seemed to outnumber human residents, and it seemed like a good way to connect with my neighbours.”

112 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - November December 2016 ■

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“I started painting dogs because they seemed to outnumber human residents, and it seemed like a good way to connect with my neighbours.”

Luck said she doesn’t ever remember a time when she wasn’t interested in art.

Growing up, she was always writing stories and being creative.

“When I was in Grade 6, we lived in Ottawa and my mother signed me up for Saturday art classes at the National Gallery,” she said. “I have strong memories of the art I saw while walking through the building to get to the class.”

Luck earned a bachelor of fine arts from York University.

“I loved being in Toronto and all it had to offer, and my classes really opened my eyes to the whole world of art,” she said. “I also liked being at a university and taking interesting courses outside my major.

I took Russian language and literature courses. The studios I found most exciting were photography, printmaking and experimental directions.”

Following university, Luck discovered that her passion was painting and made it the focus of her practice. Though, she still dabbles in other forms.

“I work primarily in acrylic, but like to sketch in oil, and do pen and ink drawings for little books I make,” she said. “Although lately I have been drawing on my iPad quite a bit and I find it’s affecting composition and colour in my paintings … in a good way, I think.”

Luck admits it can take her a long time to officially get started on a piece.

She likes to explore a body of work with an overall theme, and it can take her years to think it all through. While she doesn’t figure out every detail of a painting before putting brush to canvas, she said she has to have a thread to follow.

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DunlopBilliardsSBE@hotmail.com GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 113

artist profile|Christina Luck

Clockwise from above Gord Called Cure for Sinus French Shoes Peter “Pudge” Stockton

“

Designing for the stage changed how I thought about the representation of space and light in my paintings, as well as bringing back my interest in narrative and teaching me to work collaboratively,”

114 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - November December 2016 ■

THE

“For example, I had two solo exhibitions at David Kaye Gallery in Toronto that dealt with my neighbourhood as the setting for a play, and my neighbours as actors playing roles,” she said. “My last solo show was a series of small still life paintings of ordinary things that became significant now that I was turning 60. The paintings themselves were very simply and quickly painted but deciding which mundane things held the most meaning took a lot of thought.”

Luck likes to get out of her studio and get involved with interesting projects in her community.

Most recently, she was invited to join a group of aboriginal and non-aboriginal artists from Simcoe County for Call to Action #83.

“The exhibition was a response to the Truth and Reconciliation Report, which calls for artists to work together to inspire acts of reconciliation,” she said. “The work was completed in June and is now travelling to various galleries with the hope that artists in other communities will create their own circle.”

The exhibition has already had two showings in Toronto. It is set to hit the Art Gallery of Northumberland in Cobourg in January, the MacLaren Art Centre in Barrie in June and the Aurora Cultural Centre in the fall of 2017.

“It’s been a chance to learn, connect and re-think, and I feel lucky to be a part of it,” she said.

Luck has also been involved with the South Simcoe Theatre since 2000. She has been designing most of the sets for the past 10 years.

“Designing for the stage changed how I thought about the representation of space and light in my paintings, as well as bringing back my interest in narrative and teaching me to work collaboratively,” she said. “I just take a consultative roll at SST now, stepping back to focus on my studio practice.”

Luck also teaches art to children and adults at the MacLaren Art Centreand implements community art projects for Cookstown including the Creative Chair Challenge, and Mystery Murals.

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Luck is represented by David Kaye Gallery in Toronto, and many of her paintings can be seen on the gallery’s site at davidkayegallery.com. She has also shown at Double Door Studios & Gallery in Anten Mills. For more information, visit christinaluck.com.

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 115

S T. k i tts N AT U R A L E L E G A N C E I N T H E I S L A N D S U N

116 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - November December 2016 â–

travel|St.Kitts

by Holly Crawford

It’s mid-afternoon as the flight nears

my final destination. The lush green island of St. Kitts comes into view, nestled like an emerald jewel in the sea of clear blue water that surrounds it. St.Kitts is one of the Leeward Islands, one of the dots of land in a string that separates the Caribbean Sea from the Atlantic Ocean. It’s home to about 35,000 Kittitians, as they are known, on its 65 square miles, served by an international airport near the main city of Basseterre. Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport is serviced by the usual commercial carriers, but today I’ll take advantage of something special this tiny island has to offer.

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 117

travel|St.Kitts

118 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - November December 2016 â–

The usual hussle ensues to leave the plane as the hatch is opened and the first rush of hot, humid air enters the cabin. It’s a full flight and there will be a line to get through customs.

As I descend the stairs into the sunlight, sure enough, there is the usual line of passengers moving at their swiftest pace to be near the front of the line. Many are peering over their shoulders as they pass. A Porsche has pulled up right next to the plane’s stairs, the smartly dressed driver waiting for his passenger to appear on the tarmac.

I smile. He waits for me.

This is one of the newest services on offer in St. Kitts: The YU Lounge. It’s a private air terminal, tucked just next door to the main terminal, servicing private jets, their owners and passengers. It is a service also available to those arriving on commercial flights, with some hotels and resorts incorporating the service into the packages offered to their guests.

I am on my way to one of the island’s newest resorts – Belle Mont Farm – and they offer just such an inclusion.

The driver greets me by name, takes my luggage and passport, and in seconds I am in the backseat of a luxury car being whisked the few hundred yards from the main terminal to the YU Lounge. In moments, I am settled into the private terminal’s lounge, sipping a glass of Champagne, as the YU Lounge’s staff takes care of my documents and luggage. Certainly, the swiftest, most civilized arrival in any country I have visited.

The lounge itself is worth entering the country this way. Elegant, comfortable, equipped with private washrooms, showers, a pool, ample space to relax, work, wait and experience the service of the well-trained staff.

It seems all too soon (barely one glass of Champagne time) until my passport is returned and I’m off to my home for the next few days: Belle Mont Farm.

I’ve heard a lot about this new hotel before I arrive. The entire project is based around a model of sustainability; not just environmentally, but in every possible way. Care has been taken in every detail: land, water management, agriculture and food sourcing, training and education of locals to work on the property and attention to how the entire project fits into the landscape and values of St.Kitts itself.

“My vision is to bring together community and culture, mindful conservation of natural resources, along with rewarding activities and learning opportunities,” says founder Val Kempadoo. “This means we can offer an unforgettable experience, whilebringing lasting,

705-321-5283 | patfergusson@sutton.com Sutton Group Incentive Realty Inc., Brokerage Independently Owned & Operated

580 Bayfield St Barrie. (across from Toys R Us)

705.721.4653

gatesandboards.com Left: A guesthouse at Belle Mont Farm.

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 119

travel|St.Kitts

Dinner at “The Farm” is an extravagent outdoor affair, with all the dishes prepared from produce plucked just steps away in the resort’s gardens.

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life-changing benefits to the local people and economy.”

The master plan includes a golf course – something that seems to go against all practices of sustainability – but the project is being touted as the first “edible golf course,” one that will take advantage of natural plants and topography, maintaining many of the existing fruit trees and edible plants.

Designed by Ian Woosnam, every hole of the par 71, 18-hole course features enchanting views across the sea. The course weaves through tropical farmland and fruit orchards, transforming natural obstacles into challenging opportunities for all skills levels, while remaining true to the vision of sustainability.

Walking is encouraged, and caddies from the local golf academy will share their tips on the course – including where the ripest, juiciest fruit is ready to pick and eat in the shade of a wild calabash tree. The course is scheduled to open in mid-December.

Belle Mont Farm is about a 30-minute drive from the airport, just enough time to get a good glimpse at this lush green landscape, mountainous, winding and flanked by the sea.

As the twisting road to the property opens up, there is what I have been waiting for. A resort discreetly tucked into the tropical forest.

“The Potting Shed” is the main point of arrival and meeting place, from here staff take guests via golf cart further up the hillside on a winding trail through thick vegetation, slowing down for the occasional monkey stopped for a snack. The guesthouses are charming cottagestyle bungalows dotted along the hillside, all facing out to the view of the ocean.

All of the accommodations are designed by the award-winning architect, Bill Bensley.

They have been crafted in harmony with the natural landscape, boasting views of the ocean and forest that never fail to impress. Behind my guesthouse are the verdant green slopes of Mount Liamuiga, and from the front verandah, across my private pool is the Caribbean Sea. One-bedroom guesthouses at Belle Mont Farm are dotted around the Greathouse, where you’ll find the main pool, restaurant, bar and the Lookout, a gorgeously designed space with the very best views.

These private cottages are meant to wrap guests in comfort, privacy and relaxation. A The main pool and outdoor lounge space at Belle Mont Farm.

function beauty design GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 121

If you go: St. Kitts Tourism stkittstourism.kn Belle Mont Farm bellemontfarm.com YU Lounge yulounge.com Christophe Harbour & Park Hyatt St. Kitts christopheharbour.com

Clockwise from top left: The view from Irie Fields Golf Course at Belle Mont Farm; rendering of future planned marina village at Christophe Harbour; view of planned marina village and hotel from the harbour; the pool and pool bar at Belle Mont Farm.

122 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - November December 2016 â–

cozy daybed offers a space to curl up with a book, if you can tear yourself away from your private pool overlooking tropical forests and the ocean view.

Inside, the cottages are stunning. High ceilings, crisp bed linens, dark wood touches and shuttered doors that open up the entire front of the room to the outdoor space. A refreshment area is laden with fresh fruits and juices – delivered daily – and half-a-dozen bottles in the fridge that were carefully selected by the Sommelier.

This seems like the perfect place to truly escape and spend every minute relaxing, but if you are feeling adventurous, the forest and farm are waiting for you to explore.

Start the day with an early morning nature walk, and learn about natural plants and traditions while getting in your workout before breakfast. The long winding trail under the lush forest canopy is an easy stroll going down, but you’ll have to work a bit to get back up to the main house for breakfast. Various walks and hikes can be arranged, as well as yoga classes and spa treatments.

Farm-to-table enthusiasts will want to take advantage of participating in the daily vegetable harvest, and explore the property’s expansive plantings and groves. There are miles of fertile farmland, tropical forest, cane fields and fruit trees to explore.

For a special occasion, reserve your spot at The Farm, where farm-to-table dining is taken to new heights, with the dining table setup next to the garden, and the menu prepared in front of you from the day’s harvest.

If you are in the mood for some sand between your toes, hop on a bike and explore the trails and paths that weave down to The Golden Lemon Beach Bar for a leisurely swim and beachside cocktail and then hitch a ride in a golf cart back to Belle Mont Farm – leave your bike to find its own way home.

Ronny Ronny& &Tara Tara

A L O N G W I T H 2 6 O T H E R C O U P L E S S H A R E T H E I R ST O RY.. . .

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What’s Next in St. Kitts The new development of Christophe Harbour includes a world-class mega-yacht marina and marina village, a variety of breathtaking beachfront real estate and a future Tom Fazio golf course. Opening in March of 2017, a 134room, five-star Park Hyatt will be set along the shores of Christophe Harbour’s Banana Bay. This is a large-scale project in transition, with some aspects ready for you to enjoy now, and many more to come. Salt Plage – the coolest spot on the island to indulge in a craft-made cocktail and enjoy the sunset – has been open for some time and well worth a visit. The Park Hyatt St.Kitts is taking reservations now for stays commencing March 1, 2017.

Moving On? Call Jon! 30 years of living, working, and playing in your area!

JON SANDERSON SALES REPRESENTATIVE

241 Minet’s Point Road, Barrie, Ontario, L4N 4C4 jsanderson@sutton.com

movingoncalljon.com

705-739-1300

705-331-7430

Group Incentive Realty Inc. Brokerage

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 123

DINING GUIDE HOMESTEAD ARTISAN BAKERY BAKER + CAFÉ

Homestead Artisan Bakery and Cafe specializes in artisan sourdough breads and baked goods, crafted by hand in small batches. We source ingredients from local suppliers and base our menu on seasonal availability of local products. We are open bright and early every day for your cof Cof morning coffee; our custom house blend was created for us by Creemore Coffee Company. Our lunch menu includes fresh deli-style sandwiches, seasonal soups, salads and fresh baguette with flavoured butters and seasonal preserves. A sweet selection of classics done right will be baked fresh daily; cookies, croissants, scones and squares.

CHRISTMAS PRE-ORDERING BEGINS DECEMBER 1ST, 2016 VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR OUR HOLIDAY MENU. 43 OWEN STREET, DOWNTOWN BARRIE | 705-252-3680 | WWW.HOMESTEADARTIANBAKERY.COM

IL BUCO RISTORANTE Old world charm meets great tasting cuisine! Spectacular view of the lake!!

Relax and enjoy fine Italian Cuisine with a casual attitude. Enjoy vintage wine from our carefully selected wine list. Appetizers, Desserts, Italian, Mediterranean, Seafood, Steak, Tapas/small plates and Vegetarian.

31 Dunlop Street East, Downtown Barrie | 705.735.9595

CORDINO‘S FINE MEATS & DELI Happy Holidays! The original Cordino’s Fine Meats and Deli has MOVED to their NEW location at 170 Prince WilliamWay at the corner of Maple view!

Michael and Nancy are thrilled to provide you with the same great family recipes made from SCRATCH that you’ve grown to trust and love from Cordino’s! They continue to be inspired by old world charm and believe in delivering local, sustainable and premium fresh food! Offering SMOKED BBQ delights daily (at Cordino’s), catering and modern meat cutting practices that are cut in-house with a commitment to quality and freshness for your family’s table! All of their products are prepared with quality and freshness and old fashion service. A Certified Chef is on site daily, with over 20 years of culinary experience! The holidays are coming and we are now taking orders for our fresh premium grade A turkeys that are all local, hormone and antibiotic free!

170 Prince William Way, Barrie | 705.252.5365 | cordinosbutchershop.ca

WELCOME THE KENZINGTON BURGER BAR

The KBB offers the finest fare for all burger lovers in Simcoe County! For the last 5 years we’ve been cranking out some of the most creative, mouthwatering burgers this side of Toronto. Whether you’re in for the live music, or just looking for the best burger you’ve ever eaten in your life, KBB has all our ducks in a row to satisfy your most intimate culinary desires!

Downtown Barrie, 40 Dunlop St. E. | Bradford, 4 Holland Dr. | Orillia, 85 Mississaga St. E. | 705.725.1667 | www.kenzington.ca

124 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - November December 2016 ■

RESTAURANTS - FOOD - ENTERTAINMENT HOOLIGANS Our mantra: Eat. Drink. Cheer.

Our mission: Every guest leaves excited for their next visit.

Enjoy a casual dinner of wings, burgers, entrée salads, steaks and other dishes representing a more flexible style of eating…all while drinking your favourite beer or cocktail and watching the day’s biggest sporting event on the largest screen north of Toronto. Our rooftop patio provides an unobstructed view of Kempenfelt Bay. For those special events Hooligans can easily accommodate for up to 100 guests.

66 Dunlop St. E. | 705-503-8833 | www.hooligansrestaurant.ca

THE FARMHOUSE The Farmhouse Restaurant overlooks Kempenfelt Bay in Barrie, with a two tier award winning patio. The Farmhouse isn’t just about the view, the food & building are also quite notable. The menu is designed by Owner & CityLine guest expert Chef Randy Feltis & highlights his love for Farm Fresh Comfort Food. Treat yourself to fresh oysters, house smoked BBQ ribs, or a big juicy steak, & then sit back & relax. The Farmhouse is the perfect spot for an intimate dinner for two or a night out with the whole family. Looking for the perfect venue to host your next breakfast meeting, family get together or one unforgettable wedding? Get in touch with us for a personal tour.

Open for breakfast, lunch & dinner 7 days a week at 8am Appy Hour Every Day from 4-6pm Spectacular view of Kempenfelt Bay Private rooms – Perfect for Weddings Book your table online at OpenTable.com

268 Bradford St | 705-737-0522 | www.thefarmhouse.ca

TOWN & COUNTRY STEAKHOUSE Located in the heart of downtown Barrie, the Town and Country Steakhouse has continued to bring a traditional steakhouse experience to residents and visitors for over 40 years.

From a delicious range of appetizers to our hand selected steaks and seafood or our famous Chateaubriand cooked tableside pared with a complementing wine, we have something to please every diner. We can accommodate private functions or meetings with WIFI and direct internet access including easily accessible free on-site parking.

76 Dunlop St. W. Barrie | 705.726.5241 | www.townandcountrysteakhouse.com

PIE WOOD FIRED PIZZA PIE ... Wood Fired Pizza is “real food done well”. Featured on The Food Network’s “You Gotta Eat Here” so you know you’re in for some good eats. The open kitchen area is where the hand-spun pizzas take shape, creating tasty crusts. Walk in the frontdoor and you will find the wood burning oven, cooking your made to order pizza in a mere 90 seconds!

Barrie 34 Commerce Park Drive | 705.725.9663 11 Victoria Street | 705.728.7952

Collingwood 499 First St. 705.293.3900

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DINING GUIDE TARA T TA RA AUTHENTIC INDIAN CUISINE Delighted to be considered Barrie’s finest, Chef Brothers Ya Y Yarr and Nur Mohammad have committed 25 years tantalizing the palates of their customers. Their culinary r prowess ry makes Tara a most unique “palatal experience.

Open seven days-a-week the alluring aroma will bring you in. $13.99 Lunch Buffet available for $10.99.

128 Dunlop St. E. Downtown Barrie | 705.737.1821|

PAINTERS HALL

Barrie‘s best kept secret! Behind an unassuming doorway on Clapperton Street, just up from the five points in downtown Barrie, those in the know gather throughout the week at a little gem named Painters Hall Bistro.

A long hallway showcasing many of Barrie‘s best artists affords two options.

Candlelight mellows the refined rustic front dining room while the back lounge buzzes, offering a fantastic small plate menu and terrific wines by the glass or bottle from an unpretentious, approachable wine list. Stop by “The Hall” you will be glad you did, and so will we!

17 Clapperton St, | 705.797.8844 | | www.PaintersHall.ca

DANNY’S FISH AND CHIPS We make the extra effort to hand-cut our chips and fillet our fish daily!

Our Fresh Alaskan Halibut and chips is hand sliced fresh, just minutes before it reaches your plate. Our English style fish and chips are made from an old secret recipe (thinly battered) and passed down through generations and served alongside our famous home-cut fries. Just one bite and you’ll be hooked!

We don‘t just claim to be the best, we prove it through honest workmanship and genuine caring. Voted “Your Favourite Fish & Chip Restaurant” in Barrie and celebrating 40 years this September!

411 Huronia Road, Barrie | 705-721-8998

BaRNSTORMER BREWINg CO. NOW OPEN Ontario’s 1st Hop Garden Patio!

BOTTLE SHOP 11-11PM EVERYDAY BREWPUB 11-11 SUN-THUR • 11-1 MON-FRI

Barnstormer Brewing Co. is Barrie’s Original Brewpub. At the core of its operation is a smallbatch microbrewery that is pumping out some of the finest all-natural, unfiltered craft ale in the province. The latest news is Flight Delay IPA is now available on LCBO and Beer Store shelves and joining the spotlight late this winter will be their 400 Blonde and Billy Bishop Brown Ale. The on-site restaurant boasts an equally ambitious selection of naturally crafted recipes that pair well with the premium beer their patrons have come to expect. Artisan pizza made from spent-grains in the brewery add depth to every dough and propel this aviation-themed wonder to new heights. With nightly events that expel beer unto the masses and a bottle shop that stays open well beyond the operating hours of The Beer Store, we expect great things in the future by Barnstormer Brewing Co. Welcome, everyone, aboard a new class of beer.

384 Yonge St., Barrie | barnstormerbrewing.com | 705.481.1701 126 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - November December 2016 ■

Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre

WHAT IF YOU HAVE A HEART ATTACK? Steve Fox is grateful he was at work when he had his heart attack.

As odd as that sounds, the 49-yearold businessman is certain if he were at his home, north of Oro Township, he wouldn’t have survived.

That’s because when it comes to the heart, time is muscle. Heart attack patients need to get to a specialized advanced cardiac centre as quickly as possible – ideally within 90 minutes. The nearest centre is in Newmarket and Fox doubts he would have made it there.

Luckily for him at the time of his heart attack Fox, owner of Fox’s Bakery & Deli in Barrie, was in the back of his shop packing buns for the day’s sales. That’s when a pain shot through his left arm, followed by a wave of nausea.

In a few minutes he was sweating so profusely it looked as if he had just gotten out of the shower and he was having trouble breathing.

“That’s when I started to panic. I was scared because I knew something was very wrong,” says Fox. Fox was rushed to Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) where it was determined he was having a heart attack and required advanced cardiac care. His chance for survival meant a trip down the highway for angioplasty, a procedure RVH currently doesn’t offer.

In fact, North Simcoe Muskoka is the only region in the province that doesn’t have an advanced cardiac centre. The reality is most heart attack patients can’t get to the nearest cardiac centre within that critical 90-minute window. Instead patients receive medication at their home hospital to help dissolve the clot causing the heart attack and then they are sent to a specialized cardiac centre for treatment.

That scenario is all about to change.

RVH has received approval and capital funding to begin construction on its Advanced Cardiac Centre, located in the space designated for cardiac care in the expansion.

“Bringing that lifesaving treatment closer to home will be a game changer for the people of this region,” says Dr. Brad Dibble, RVH’s clinical director, Cardiovascular and Renal program

Janis and Steve Fox

Fox couldn’t agree more.

“I didn’t think about it much before, but now that I’ve had a heart attack and had to travel for treatment I’m like – ‘Holy moly we’ve got to get this centre here.’”

And Fox is committed to raising dough for this project. Through fundraisers at Fox’s Bakery he committed to raise $20,000 before the end of the year and he’s currently sitting at $21,000. He’s going to just keep going.

“We just gotta do it – we need it.”

Please help RVH bring advanced cardiac care closer to home.

THE NEED IS NOW

To support Advanced Cardiac Care in your region go to http://foundation.rvh.on.ca/ or phone (705) 739-5600

Help Make each life better. Together.

in the crowd

BARRIE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BARRIE BUSINESS AWARDS GALA The Barrie Chamber of Commerce held its annual Barrie Business Awards Gala Nov. 9 at the Barrie Golf and Country Club. After mingling, guests were served a three-course dinner and the winners were recognized.

Here are a few shots from the crowd:

BY LEIGH BLENKHORN 1.

RE/Max commercial real estate broker and Downtown Barrie BIA member Wayne Hay and Barrie-Innisfil MP John Brassard.

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Director of retail operations at Napoleon Steve Gauci brought his wife, Kim, to the awards.

3.

Martin Brucato offered his support to Connexus Church lead pastor Jeff Brodie.

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Barrie council members Sergio Morales and Rose Romita chat with Barrie Public Library CEO Marc Saunders.

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Part of the team from Innovative Automation Myles Howe, Pete Tracy, Matthew and Kim Setterington, Jim Stobbe and Cam Martin.

6.

Chamber board president Kris Hughston, right, and husband Tim.

7.

Barrie Public Library staffer Christopher Vanderkruys and Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre Foundation CEO Eric Dean.

8.

CIBC’s Nicolas Karagiannis, right, and Sarah Perna.

9.

Chamber director Patricia Dent speaks with Barrie Food Bank executive director Peter Sundborg and Barrie CAO Carla Ladd.

10.

Springwater Child Care Centre nominees Faith Skrabek, Kim Dobney, Sergio Fazuri and Holly Glanville.

11.

OLG’s Tracy Johns, left, Tim O’Doherty and Naomi McPhee.

12.

RBC’s Daria Montague and Brian Bourne.

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the country estate, rethought.

b e s t n e w hom e com m u nit y in c anada – Canadian Home Builders Association 2016

welcome to braestone.

Braestone is an award winning country estate community located in the heart of the Horseshoe Valley. Inspired by the farmhouses, barns, and sheds of the Oro-Medonte region, Braestone’s homesteads are an authentic reflection of refined country living with four seasons of outdoor activities at its doorstep. Hiking, skating, apple picking and maple sugar tapping are just a few of the many remarkable activities homeowners will experience living here.

This is Oro-Medonte’s last master-planned estate community. A choice selection of homesteads are still available in Phase One and Phase Two is now selling.

Visit the Braestone Discovery Centre and designer model homes today.

down home, up country.

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homesteads on 100 ft. lots up to 330 ft. deep from the mid $500’s to the low $800’s

705.727.5656

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in the crowd

WINNERS OF THE BARRIE ADVANCE READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS Celebrated their accomplishments at a reception on Oct. 27 at Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery in downtown Barrie. Congratulations to all of the winners!

1.

Advance sales representative Mary March with winner Cesia Green.

2.

Napoleon Home Comfort’s Steve Gaucci with sales representative Angelika Crisp.

3.

Jen Mayrl with sales representative Christine Murray.

4.

Arner Armstrong from Kempenfelt Windows and Doors with sales representative Debbie Booth.

5.

Sue Kay with sales representative Christine Murray.

6.

Sales representative Angelika Crisp with Dr. Whitney Young.

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Sales representative Angelika Crisp with Katherine Parent.

8.

Kimberly Crook flanked by husband Lawrence and sales representative Mary March.

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Sales representative Vic Dellamora with winner Alexa Georgas.

10.

Tommy Tran flanked by Tianna Pham and Tina Tran.

11.

Winner Lisa Sefton with husband Scott and sales representative Mary March.

12.

Adam LeBoeuf with wife Rhonda (left) and sales representative Christine Murray.

13.

Kyle Montgomery of Barrie HarleyDavidson.

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Snow Valley’s Trudy Ellis.

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ADAM’S PICKS

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0.99 carat SI1 clarity, F colour round brilliant cut diamond.

SIMON G DIAMOND RING 3.99CT. TOTAL WEIGHT MR1496 99 diamonds.Centre diamond GIA CERT. 3.62 carats..VS1 clarity, N colour, Made from 6.4 grams of Simon G’s finest proprietary 18 karat white gold.VS-FG quality covering 180 degrees of total ring. #e8918. $30,000.00

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Discover our services at BillLeBoeufJewellers.com 52 Dunlop Street West | Downtown Barrie | 705-728-3343

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