GoodLife Barrie May/June 2015

MAY/J UNE 2015

GOODLIFEMAGAZINE.CA

MADE IN

MEXICO

THE BEST

OF BEES

SUMMER CRAFT BEER

COTTAGE

LIVING

SERVING BARRIE | SPRINGWATER | ORO-MEDONTE | MIDLAND | INNISFIL & AREA

Get creative with

A

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Publisher Ian Proudfoot Regional General Manager Simcoe - York Shaun Sauve Editors Lori Martin Elise Allain Advertising Manager Kim Harrison Director of Production Kent Feagan Graphic Design Nick Bornino LuAnne Turner Jennifer Dallman Advertising Representatives Angelika Crisp Debbie Booth Christine Murray Mary March Stacy Rand Stacey MacDonald Debbie Halikas Carolyn Brayiannis Shannon Dunlop Vic Dellamora Sue Hammond Photography Contributions Ellie Kistemaker Bart Card Stan Howe Mike Guilbault Photography Louise Ferguson Editorial Contributions Katherine Elphick Patti Vipond Bart Card Leigh Blenkhorn Gordon Stimmell Dawn Ritchie

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contents 12

25 12 Rich Cottage Dreams 25 Good Times on Deep Bay 33 Backyard Farming 42 Home by the Range

A kitchen renovation leads to a main floor remodel.

A couple from Barrie convert a ’70s cottage to beauty, on a shoestring budget.

Family fun year-round.

The kitchen garden has become fashionable as more people embrace the farm-to-table movement.

6 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - May June 2015 ■

46 Height of Design Craft Beer 56 In the Kitchen 59 Gourmet@Home 69

69

Builder brings uniqueness to every cottage build.

Have you tried craft beer?

Wet your palate with a Sam Roberts Band Session Ale or maybe Lake of Bays “Terrible Ted Red”.

Janet and Fernando Bravo of Made in Mexico.

Nothing says summer like a lakeside barbecue.

contents 74 77 85 88

Casino Rama

How about dinner at one of Casino Rama’s eight crowd-pleasing restaurants?

The Plight of the Honeybee Importance of honeybees and some great recipes.

Portfolio

Paper, rock, scissors - Vivian Wallace

Events

93 102 113

Falling for Muskoka

A tour of waterfalls to see in Muskoka.

Travel

It’s worth the drive to The Lodge at Glendorn.

In the Crowd

Rainbow Gala, KBS Colours of Sping Gala, Georgian College Leadership Speaker Series

Music, events and entertainment for the whole family right here in Simcoe County.

42

59 77

46 8 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - May June 2015 ■

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editors note

Editors

Everyone I speak with seems to have fond memories of a summer well spent at a cottage. This issue, we bring you a taste of the summer cottage experience with stories from our sister publication Muskoka Life.

One feature tour is a family cottage in Georgian Bay, where the family transformed a simple, dated property into their own piece of paradise.

With budget in mind, the end result is a cosy escape in a colour palatte of whites, creams and blues, complete with a beachfront cabana perfect for enjoying stunning sunsets with family and friends. And we explore a Muskoka retreat with a one-of-a-kind six-storey view of Lake Rosseau.

As the weather warms and the flowers begin to bloom, the honeybee begins to capture the pollen, allowing honey farmers to create this sweet sticky treat. Complete with sweet and savoury recipes, food writer Katherine Elphick shares the stories our local producers.

My signature guacamole recipe closely resembles the one provided by Made in Mexico, a new edition to the downtown food scene. We visit owners Janet and Fernando and take a peek inside this colourful, fun and festive resto serving up tasty Mexican fare.

Finally, find out what’s new in the business community, meet local artists, get an update on craft beer trends and more in one complete package only found in GoodLife!

Enjoy!

EliseAllain

Lorimartin

Elise Allain

General Manager

Editor-in-chief

follow us@goodlifebarrie | www.goodlifemagazine.ca

Contributors

goodlife@simcoe.com

Our foodie, Katherine Elphick, has an uncanny ability to leave me craving food I have never tried before simply through her descriptive narrative and upbeat interviews.

Days after reading her Made in Mexico article, my taste buds are crying out for a trip to the new downtown Barrie restaurant to savour the flavours. Be prepared for a similar reaction after devouring this issue’s In The Kitchen feature.

katherineELphick

food writer

“Small but mighty, the plight of the honeybee takes centre stage in this issue’s food section. From bee health and honey recipes to a feature on local apiary Dickey Bee Honey, all angles are covered. A delicious feature on downtown Barrie’s Made in Mexico is also showcased.”

10 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - May June 2015 ■

BARTCARD travel writer

“A trip to northwestern Pennsylvania may not top your bucket list, but if you would like to experience the best in outdoor activities, including fly fishing and skeet shooting, while enjoying luxurious surroundings and accommodations, I think Glendorn Lodge is a must-do trip!”

PATTIVIPOND home writer

Ric and Kim Thomas found the perfect spot for their Sparrow Lake retreat while waterskiing by a lot for sale one day. The result is a cottage designed for good times for friends and family dubbed “On the Rocks.”

EllieKISTEMAKER

MIKEGUILBAULT

Honeybees are actually mini super heroes, they just choose to not wear capes. It was so fun to visit local beekeepers and learn more about these amazing creatures. Crosspollination helps at least 30% of the world’s crops and honey is the only nonperishable food substance.

Wow! The next time you see a honeybee, give them a little salute and tell them to keep up the good work.

“Photographing home tours is both a pleasure and a challenge. On one hand you have beautiful architecture, furniture, and art work but you also want to capture the warmth and luxury of these spaces. You can probably deduce from the images I take which features inspire me, and that usually includes the woodwork.”

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Home by the range

home tour|Orillia

A couple of culinary enthusiasts wanted a kitchen big enough for two (or more) chefs in their Orillia home. Who knew the reno would stir up an appetite for a remodelled main floor?

I

Story Patti Vipond | Photography Mike Guilbault

t’s where people inevitably gather at parties and the perfect place for a late-night chat over a piece of pie. But for Phyllis and Jim Thrush, their kitchen is where a one- room makeover grew into a major renovation at their home on Eight Mile Point in Orillia.

“What drove the whole renovation of the main floor was the kitchen,” says Phyllis of the kitchen renovation that started in fall of 2013. “We both loved to cook, so we wanted a really great cooking kitchen with everything

cooks could want and enough space for more two or more people to work at the same time.

Many times when we had people over, everyone cooked. So, what we originally wanted was a really great kitchen.”

The kitchen, and later main floor, renovation was the second major remodel since the house was purchased as a part-time home for the couple in 2005. The first renovation was an overhaul of the second floor, done while they were living and working in Japan.

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 13

home tour|Orillia

BEFORE

T

14 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - May June 2015 â–

The designers replaced the kitchen’s older appliances with high quality Thermador appliances including a gourmet gas stove, wall-mounted ovens and a refrigerator concealed behind the same simple but classic white wooden cabinetry used in the rest of the kitchen.

“

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“I’m from Sudbury, so we would come home from Japan to visit my parents,” explains Phyllis, who lived for 20 years in Los Angeles and San Francisco with Jim, who sadly passed away a few months after the completion of the main floor renovation. “Every time we were on the way back to the airport in Toronto, we would choose a lake, stop at it, see if we liked it and then see if any houses were for sale. When we found this place, it was a winterized older cottage with no garage. It had dormer windows that Jim whacked his head on the first time he went upstairs. But the location was fabulous, so we bought it.”

The renovation on the second floor included a new bedroom (bringing the total to three), a heated floor in the bathroom, and a remodelled master suite.

When the second major renovation was finished in April 2014, Phyllis and Jim’s wish had come true. Their home had a really great kitchen with plenty of room for chefs, thanks to Glen Prairie, owner of Total Living Concepts in Barrie, and his team. With doorways from the kitchen to the laundry room, dining room/living room, television room, deck and front hall, the room is truly is the heart of this home.

“We interviewed contractors and really wanted someone local,” says Phyllis. “Our financial planner knew Glen through Rotary.

We interviewed him and liked his company’s experience. Total Living Concepts have their own crews, so they don’t outsource the work.

We hardly had any problems, but when we did, they came back and took care of it.”

Prior to its transformation, the kitchen included a laundry room that took up too much space and a breezeway to the garage that wasted space. Glen and project manager Robert Tolles reconfigured the breezeway into a modern laundry room and incorporated the old laundry room into the kitchen.

A doorway was inserted between the kitchen and a small room at the front of the house. The

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The kitchen’s focal point is a striking black, white and gold quartz-topped island stretching almost the length of the room.

The island has a sink and enough storage drawers and bins to satisfy any cook.”

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GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 15

home tour|Orillia

BEFORE

The open plan living room and dining room remained the same size, but the living room’s nonworking fireplace and brick surround were removed.

They were replaced with a stylish black stone surround and a gas fireplace with custom-made white cabinetry and shelving. The contemporary combination blends with objects brought back from the couple’s globetrotting trips.

16 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - May June 2015 ■

The staircase to the second floor was remodelled to widen the hallway and create a clear sightline into the kitchen. Instead of descending to a landing, the stairway now follows a straight line.

Oriental

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room had been somewhat ignored because it could only be entered from the front hall. Now accessible through the kitchen, it became a handy retreat with a wall-mounted TV, heat-generating electric fireplace, coppery red couch with an extended lounge section and a cantilevered side table for casual meals while watching a favourite show.

“It’s perfect for watching TV, reading or having my Sunday morning coffee,” says Phyllis. “It’s just a great room and also a good place to have a nap.”

The designers replaced the kitchen’s older appliances with high quality Thermador appliances including a gourmet gas stove, wallmounted ovens and a refrigerator concealed behind the same simple but classic white wooden cabinetry used in the rest of the kitchen.

Outdated flooring was replaced with porcelain wood-look tile that was extended into the front hall. With resident dog Rocky often exiting and entering via the kitchen door to the deck overlooking Lake Simcoe, the room’s flooring needed to be able to fend off wear.

The kitchen’s focal point is a striking black, white and gold quartz-topped island stretching almost the length of the room. The island has a sink and enough storage drawers and bins to satisfy any cook. The quartz curves gently to form a counter for casual meals. Four upholstered red leather chairs offer diners both comfort and a lovely vista over the lake.

Etched glass pendants illuminate the island.

In addition, undermount cabinet lighting and plenty of windows for natural light make the kitchen a bright and welcoming place to cook, eat, chat or watch the activity on the lake.

“I knew that I wanted a black and white kitchen with some grey touches,” says Phyllis.

“I brought home a bunch of paint samples for the kitchen and showed them to Celeste Pilon, a design consultant at Total Living Concepts.

Celeste came up with a darker colour for the walls. It works very nicely with the white cabinets. I love the clean, Asian-inspired look of the cabinetry. It’s not really modern, but it has clean lines.”

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Prior to its transformation, the kitchen included a laundry room that took up too much space and a breezeway to the garage that wasted space.

Glen Prairie and project manager Robert Tolles reconfigured the breezeway into a modern laundry room and incorporated the old laundry room into the kitchen.

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The couple’s desire for a highly functional kitchen came out of their enthusiasm for cooking. That affection increased through years of cooking classes, including ones attended when Phyllis and Jim lived in Japan.

“We studied Japanese cooking and, for a long time, my favourite food was Japanese,” says Phyllis. “When we came back to Canada, we mainly cooked Japanese dishes. We had a wonderful teacher in Japan for about four years.

We were tasters for the recipes in one of her cookbooks. She sent us the recipes when we lived in San Francisco. It was easy to find the ingredients there and it was really a lot of fun.”

Having one room renovated in a home is somewhat akin to cleaning one part of a room.

Suddenly, you notice that the rest of the place could use a tidy up as well. With their shiny new kitchen taking centre stage, the couple decided to continue the transformation through the home’s main floor.

“We went to Italy for a month in October 2013 and when we came back in November, they had started the physical work on the main floor,” recalls Phyllis, who, with her husband, travelled to all of the world’s continents, including Antarctica. “We had already worked

BEFORE

with them on the renovation design. We lived upstairs in the master bedroom until the work was finished in April. We had a microwave up there and got by, though it was inconvenient.

But by being in the house, we were there if there were questions or if they needed us to make a decision.”

The remodelled main floor plans included turning a sunroom off the kitchen into a spacious office for Jim. A warm shade of khakitoned paint was chosen to match the room’s new bamboo floors. Espresso-hued custom bookshelves were built across one wall and a picture window kept the room naturally bright.

In the front foyer, the staircase to the second floor was remodelled to widen the hallway and create a clear sightline into the kitchen. Instead of descending to a landing, the stairway now follows a straight line. A new powder room off the hallway features a curved white ceramic

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home tour|Orillia

BEFORE

A new powder room off the hallway features a curved white ceramic sink with matching curved mirror above.

20 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - May June 2015 ■

sink with matching curved mirror above. The hall’s beautiful square metal and glass chandelier and curved opaque glass scones were sourced through Union Lighting in Toronto.

The open plan living room and dining room remained the same size, but the living room’s non-working fireplace and brick surround were removed. They were replaced with a stylish black stone surround and a gas fireplace with custom-made white cabinetry and shelving. The contemporary combination blends with objects brought back from the couple’s globetrotting trips.

“This fireplace is so nice,” says Phyllis. “I use it every day in the winter.”

Though renovation experiences can be good, bad or a blend of both, this kitchen project and ensuing main floor redo was a happy one.

“The wonderful thing about everyone who worked here was that they took so much pride in their job,” says Phyllis. “Celeste helped me with all the paint colours and I just love them – they are so soothing. I love the whole feeling of the house.”

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AMAZING RESULTS Come From a Diverse Team

Madison Taylor wants to stress something she feels very passionate about regarding her home and commercial design build firm. While the firm carries her name, the company works as a team.

“It’s more than just one person,” Taylor says. “It’s a company.

We are a team.”

Madison Taylor Inc. is a skilled team of six, offering “leading edge, full service, commercial, hospitality and residential design/builds, with user-driven design and architectural services.” The hand-picked team focuses on a highlypersonalized approach with its clients, ensuring all of their needs are met and the end results are beautiful, timeless, and of exceptional quality.

Taylor says the company has been molded to design full scope projects, whether for new homes or renovations. Each project begins in the team’s architectural technologist’s hands. Next comes the interior design aspects, then the exterior design.

“Every inch has been mapped out completely.”

After the design process is complete, Madison Taylor can then build the homes themselves, or offer the projects to other contractors, depending the client’s wishes.

In addition every new home built comes with warranty coverage back by Tarion and the Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act.

With such a high degree of attention to their client’s best interest, the team goes above and beyond, using “innovative building technologies and techniques” to build sustainable projects that are both economical and energy efficient.

They take the environmental impact of each project into consideration so their clients can feel good about the process..

“We offer lots of green options,” says Taylor. “We always try to be conscious of the environment.”

Their dedication is evidenced by their status as one of very few certified and preferred Tekkhaus builders and designers.

Madison Taylor Inc. can build premium, eco-sustainable homes and commercial structures using Tekkhaus’ thoroughly engineered and manufactured state of the art materials, equipment and building systems focused on health, comfort, and eco-construction.

The company team is led by the incomparable artistic vision and technical co-ordination skills of its founder Madison Taylor, who was passionate about interior design since childhood, graduated from Georgian College’s Interior

Architectural Technician, Anders Gravel has on-site, working knowledge of building structure that goes far beyond your typical technologist. He has over 15 years of experience in design and production of top-quality new homes.

He is BCIN certified, qualified for ‘House’.

Amy De Wolfe is the most recent addition to MT, providing support with years of experience in administration. Amy is also an accomplished graphic designer that understands the dynamics of running a business, having also launched, and sold several successful businesses and consulting to help clients launch their own projects.

Design program, and whose early career in Toronto found her working on hotel, resort, and restaurant design including the Air Canada Centre and some of the city’s major hotel chain locations.

Madison Taylor Inc. was incorporated in 2010, and when Madison returned to school part-time to learn architectural technology, the company’s projects grew from small to large.

Melissa Franklin was Madison’s first hire, starting at MTD in 2010 as a Georgian College Interior Design grad where Madison was one of her mentors in her final year. She is Madison’s right hand in creation of the eye-catching and functional design Madison Taylor Inc. is known for.

With an Advanced Diploma of Architectural Technology, Lindsay Haggarty is exceedingly experienced

with commercial/retail and interior fitout projects in design, production of detailed working drawings and drawing standard implementation, interior design and millwork package creation, and consultant coordination, quality control management, and job site review.

Lindsay’s variety of expertise allows her to be an unparalleled project manager both in the office and on-site.

Linda Charlebois is a technologist of rare distinction. She is a veteran of working with luxury custom home builders creating designs and detailed working drawings, including spending three years doing interior design and construction drawings for Toronto’s Ritz Carlton. She has a unique combination of skills in both the technical aspects of a project, and its interior application.

Combining the unique talents of all of the players at Madison Taylor Inc. is best summed up by Madison herself, “We know every inch of the project, from beginning to end,” Taylor says of her team. “We’re not going to cut corners.”

This attention to detail is noted and appreciated by customers, and much of MTD’s clientele comes from word-ofmouth referrals by happy clients. madisontaylordesign.com 705.503.2132

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Madison Taylor Design is a full service design firm that will build “from scratch or renovate. They were a joy to work with and made the project seem effortless, even from 3000 miles away as we were living across the country. In 5 short months our entire home was transformed.

Overall we are thrilled with the quality of the renovation and we were pleased that budget and timeline were carefully managed.

If you are looking for a designer near Barrie that is totally reliable, yet fun, innovative and full of fresh ideas and a full service team of quality people then look no further. We could not be happier with our new home where elegance and rustic come together beautifully. Well done Madison and team!!!

“

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cottage tour|Georgian Bay

Rich

cottage dreams on a shoestring budget Blame it on the sunset. And Italy.

Returning from a trip to Italy where life focuses on the sheer joy found in everyday living, this Barrie couple was determined to replicate the “dolce far niente” – the art of doing nothing – in Canada. They decided a cottage would provide the perfect getaway where their family of four teenage daughters could connect and make lifelong memories.

A

Story P.I. Dilbert

n extensive Internet search unearthed a private sale on Georgian Bay near Parry Sound that had just gone on the market. The couple’s first visit on a cool, grey, rainy day revealed a cluttered, dark, out-of-date cottage on a spectacular beach with views obstructed by mist and fog.

The wife was unconvinced, but the husband – who grew up on Georgian Bay

in Penetanguishene and fondly remembers exploring its 30,000 islands region – remained haunted by the cottage for weeks and urged a return visit.

The family next arrived at the cottage late in the day on a crisp fall evening. With little light remaining, they made a beeline for the shore.

And there it was. A fireball of a sunset had turned the sky hues of flamingo and melon.

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 25

cottage tour|Georgian Bay

« Less than 1,000 square feet, the cottage was built in the 1970s and hadn’t been touched since, with psychedelic vinyl flooring, shag carpeting and handmade, burnt orange, particleboard cupboards.

BEFORE

“We sat on the dock and watched this incredible sunset glittering on the still water, slowly dipping behind the offshore islands,” says the wife. “It was magical and it took our breath away. We were smitten.”

Discussions with the seller continued through the fall when fate sealed the deal.

“We were attending a Christmas party when the conversation at our table turned to cottages.

One of our tablemates started telling us about what cherished memories she has of spending

26 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - May June 2015 ■

every childhood summer at her grandparents’ cottage. We were touched by how fondly and passionately she recalled her time spent there,” says the husband. “As she continued talking, we realized she was describing the same Georgian Bay location as the cottage we were looking at.

In fact, it was the exact same cottage! We felt it was a sign – meant to be – and we put in an offer the following week.”

The day they took possession of their new summer home the following spring it was bit-

“

As she continued talking, we realized she was describing the same Georgian Bay location as the cottage we were looking at.

In fact, it was the exact same cottage! We felt it was a sign – meant to be – and we put in an offer the following week.”

terly cold with flurries in the air, but the sunset was just as they remembered – stunning – and then they opened the cottage door…

Less than 1,000 square feet, the cottage was built in the 1970s and hadn’t been touched since, with psychedelic vinyl flooring, shag carpeting and handmade, burnt orange, particleboard cupboards. Much of the furniture had been left behind, including the exact side table the wife remembers having in her childhood home in the ’60s, metal shelving for an ’80s stereo system that covered half a wall, and over 1,000 homerecorded videotapes.

The bones of the cottage were good though, with a new roof, deck and foundation, and any doubts were erased the second they looked out the windows that stretched across the entire front of the cottage and framed the spectacular western view across Georgian Bay. In a burst of non-stop work, the couple spent every weekend for months transforming the ’70s eyesore into a serene beach retreat. Several coats of white paint over the panelling provided a clean palette throughout, instantly brightening the space, eliminating the cave-like basement recroom feel and providing a blank canvas without detracting from the beauty of the bay. Ceilings were painted a very pale blue to mimic a cloudless sky. Heavy curtains were pulled down and replaced by rattan Roman blinds in keeping with the clean, beach house look.

The owners agreed the cottage, with its sandy feet and muddy paws, was no place for carpet so the smelly shag rug was ripped out and replaced with new low-maintenance flooring that teams the ease of vinyl with the warm look of hardwood. A new, reconfigured kitchen features white board and batten cupboards and a beach stone backsplash.

Further improvements to the cottage were new windows, electrical panel, water heater,

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cottage tour|Georgian Bay

“

A new, reconfigured kitchen features white board and batten cupboards and a beach stone backsplash” BEFORE

E BEFOR

«

Due to its compact size, and lack of a single closet, most furniture does double duty – the captain’s bed in the master bedroom features large drawers, a blanket box stores linens and doubles as a coffee table, while an ottoman hides the magazine stash.

28 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - May June 2015 ■

wood stove, enlarged septic system and doors, including an old-fashioned screen door that makes a thwack when closed. “That’s a familiar and comforting sound to every cottager,” says the husband.

Before taking possession of the cottage, the couple spent months scouring flea markets and the classifieds searching for perfect finds; driving all over Ontario to collect treasures that filled their home’s garage until they could move in.

The husband’s favourite find was a beautiful, but banged-up solid wood dining set for eight that had the harvest table and each chair painted a different colour. He sanded it down and had the set professionally spray-painted a calming ivory and sky blue; it’s now the cottage’s centerpiece. Total cost? Less than $400.

“It became a fun treasure hunt and a challenge; ‘how inexpensively can we furnish the place?’” recalls the husband. “In total, we probably spent less than $3,000 on furnishings and decor.”

Cushy, slipcovered seating, comfy pillows, wicker and antique pine now furnish the sunfilled space. Beachy accents, such as tropical bedding, colourful Fiestaware dishes, jars of shells, vintage cameras, carved birds, a driftwood wreath, candle lanterns and inukshuks the couple crafted from rocks found on the property, reinforce the beach house vibe. Drawing inspiration from the spectacular setting, the decor reflects the calming blue of the sky and bay, anchored by the beige of sand.

“Almost everything in the cottage is reused, repurposed or refinished,” the wife adds, pointing to a stump side table made from a fallen tree on the property. “Our priority was to create an uncluttered, comfortable, informal space that is welcoming and invites people to grab a book, put their feet up, relax and embrace the simple pleasures of life on the bay.”

Due to its compact size, and lack of a single closet, most furniture does double duty – the captain’s bed in the master bedroom features large drawers, a blanket box stores linens and doubles as a coffee table, while an ottoman hides the magazine stash. Custom built-in double bunk beds in each of two guest rooms further maximize the space. The well-equipped, organized cottage is very efficient, housing only what the family needs.

“It’s not big and it’s not fancy – it’s a cottage.

We have everything we need, but it’s only what we need and everything has its place,” says the wife. “Our lives during the week are very hectic and harried. Here we enjoy a different pace and

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 29

cottage tour|Georgian Bay

A tree is home to colourful mile marker signs that point the way to the family’s favourite destinations.

30 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - May June 2015 â–

“

Almost everything in the cottage is reused, repurposed or refinished”

are able to focus on our priorities which are family and each other. The cottage reflects that – it’s peaceful, simplified and uncomplicated.”

The cottage is designed to remind family and guests to relax and enjoy life at every turn. For the more ambitious, there’s always a game of ladder golf, ring toss or badminton ready to happen. A tree is home to colourful mile marker signs that point the way to the family’s favourite destinations. Down at the new beachfront gazebo – built of metal to withstand Georgian Bay’s impressive and frequent wind – guests can relax in the Muskoka chairs, or curl up on the sofas for a nap. In the evening, grapevine swags wrapped in solar lights twinkle from the eaves, while candles line the stairs. The words stencilled on the steps leading to the sand capture the family’s philosophy perfectly – “Live well; Laugh often; Love always;” and “Dance like no one is watching”.

According to the husband, “There is nothing that makes us happier than making a big breakfast for family and friends, exploring the islands by boat in the afternoon, a seafood boil dinner on the beach and ending the day around the campfire, eating ‘smores and watching for shooting stars. That’s a perfect day.”

On quieter nights, the couple is content to sit on the broad swath of beach, dig their toes into the warm sand, sip a lush Italian red and contemplate the vastness of the bay beyond.

Each night, as the huge red ball of flame sinks below the Georgian Bay horizon, they ring an old-fashioned dinner bell and toast the day in celebration of a life simplified.

For this family of six, the cottage is their refuge; a place where time is measured in relaxation, personal connection and fun, not by the hands on a clock. In fact, when the hands fell off the clock in their cottage kitchen, they left it hanging, simply adding a sign underneath that reads: “Relax. You’re on Island Time”.

Your Flooring Experts For over 30 years

421 Huronia Rd., Barrie 705-721-8555 barriecarpetandhardwood.ca GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 31

cottage tour|Sparrow Lake

Good times on Deep Bay story By Patti Vipond | photography by bev mcmullen

Kids, dogs and the adults who love to spend time with them bring lots of life to this Sparrow Lake retreat.

Muskoka’s landscape and an outstanding cottage design supply the charm.

T

he fact that the two mini Labradoodles resident at the Thomas’ cottage are named Trent and Severn gives visitors the correct impression that cottage life is an intrinsic part of regular life for this outdoorsloving family.

In fact, Ric and Kim Thomas, their daughters

Courtney and Mackenzie and son Sam spent the first summer at their cottage at Deep Bay on Sparrow Lake before the 5,500-square-foot retreat was finished.

“We lived in the cottage but only had a little bit of electricity and no plumbing was in yet,” recalls Ric, of the time six summers ago when GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 33

cottage tour|Sparrow Lake

“

Wooden rockers with colourful cushions beckon from the front porch of the neo-traditional stone and wood retreat.”

34 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - May June 2015 ■

his family moved from their first cottage on the Trent-Severn Waterway to their private, fivebedroom, five-bathroom nest overlooking Deep Bay. “We had to use an environmental toilet out the back of the shed, but we had to be here.”

Since that initial season, the Thomas family has used their cottage year-round thanks to a plow operator who lives nearby and neighbours who also enjoy winter activities. One family photo shows a flock of skaters swooping along the lake in front of the cottage on a February long weekend.

“Usually the bay is covered in snow,” says daughter Mackenzie. “But that winter, the ice was flat and you could skate from one end to the other. It was amazing.”

“We had a big rainfall and it all froze into this dynamite rink,” adds Ric, who, like his family, loves to experience winter in Muskoka.

Dubbed “On the Rocks” thanks to the gorgeous slab of Canadian Shield upon which it sits, the cottage is designed for good times for friends and family. Wooden rockers with colourful cushions beckon from the front porch of the neo-traditional stone and wood retreat. On the bright lower level, a bedroom with no less than three sets of bunk beds is a kids’ paradise while on the other side of the recreation and games room, a guest bedroom and stylish bath await wee ones’ parents. Sturdy rough-hewn hickory floors, cork floors in the rec room and a front hall slate floor, installed by a cousin who knows

����� ���������� ������ ����������� 705.794.9500 sothebysrealty.ca LISTED & SOLD

about such things, were chosen for their child and dog-proof qualities as well as their attractiveness. The antiqued wood panels siding one kitchen island only get more attractive with knocks from tots eating at the counter or playing on the floor.

Custom cabinetry in the kitchen and the main floor laundry room were built by a woodcrafter friend from Toronto.

The cordial kitchen was designed to satisfy the nutritional and refreshment needs of large weekend gatherings with two ovens, two dishwashers, a double-door stainless steel refrigerator, wine cooler, beer fridge and two islands plus a commodious lake view dining table that comfortably seats a crowd.

“When we’ve had a large group up, we often have the adults sitting at the table and there’s lots of space at the island for kids,” says Kim of the dining area that shares an open concept with the living room and front entryway. “The August long weekend is when we have everyone up but this year is the first summer where a lot of the kids have jobs, so it will be more for adults.”

A wall of custom-designed windows in the living room frames an expansive southwest view of Deep Bay and the sunny deck that runs the length of the cottage. Most cottages on this lake are privately situated on wide lots. The Thomas’ view across the bay includes acres of untouched Crown land. Their cottage sits on over three acres of property with 266 feet of shoreline.

The living room’s striking floor-to-ceiling

$3,890,000

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Extraordinary 10,800 sq.ft 6 bedroom bungalow with gourmet kitchen, soaring ����� �������� ��� ���� ��� ������� throughout. Set amongst towering trees ��� �� � ��� ���� ������ ����

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Charming equestrian farm set on a ����������� ��� ����� �� �������� mixed bush, streams and riding trails. ���� ���� ������� ������ �������� ��� � �������� ������� �������

�������� ���� ����������� ������ condominium located on the south ����� �� ���������� ��� ������ ���� ������ �� ��� �������� �� ������� ������� ������� ������� ��� ������� ������

Beautiful 4 bedroom home with interlock, hardwood, granite and halogens throughout.

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Great family home features cathedral ceiling in family room, master with gas ���������� �������� ������� ������� yard and just minutes from lake, beach and walking trails.

Charming Victorian home exudes loads of character with original hardwood floors and finishings, an ������� ������� ��� ���������� �������� ���� �� ���� �� ���������

� ������ � ������� ���� ���� ���� features main floor family room with ��������� ��� ������� �������� ����� � ������ ������� ��� ���� ��������� water and manicured gardens.

MICHAEL CONSTABLE

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Broker

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705.794.9500

705.790.6062

mconstable@sothebysrealty.ca

sconstable@sothebysrealty.ca

��������� ������������� ������ ������� ���������� ������������� ����� ��� ��������� E.&O.E. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers.

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 35

cottage tour|Sparrow Lake granite propane fireplace, which is doubled-sided with another in the master bedroom, was created ad lib as it was built by the stone mason. It reaches up to a timberaccented wooden cathedral ceiling with recessed lighting. Below, soft couches border a coffee table holding two precious photo books of beach vacations and days up north that were given to Ric and Kim by their children.

Off the living room, the master bedroom is a cosy space with two club chairs in front of the fireplace, private views of the lake and an ample ensuite. It becomes a parents’ hideaway with the simple closing of a door. Privacy is also extended to family members or guests in the upstairs loft. Courtney and Mackenzie share a secluded sitting area that overlooks the living room and each has an airy bedroom with its own slate-floored ensuite.

“We decided to put a bathroom with each bedroom because it’s a real treat for our friends and guests when The cordial kitchen was designed to satisfy the nutritional and refreshment needs of large weekend gatherings with two ovens, two dishwashers, a double-door stainless steel refrigerator, wine cooler, beer fridge and two islands plus a commodious lake view dining table that comfortably seats a crowd.

36 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - May June 2015 ■

they are here,” explains Kim. “My parents love it up here. My dad made name signs for each of the kids’ rooms. We have a lot of family come up. In a few weeks, we’ll have my mom and dad, aunt and uncle, their daughter and her family. Her husband is an entertainer who plays guitar. He brings his amplifier and parks it outside on the lower deck. He sings and then everybody gets up and sings whether they’re good or not. The whole bay hears us and everybody loves it.”

The area around Sparrow Lake is familiar to Kim who was raised nearby on the shores of Lake Couchiching and attended local public and high schools.

“I’ve always loved it up here and my brother, who lives in London, Ont., loves coming to visit for the same reason,” says Kim. Her parents moved to Grand Bend, Ont. when Kim attended university. On a visit home one summer, she met Ric, a resident of Stratford.

They eventually married, settled in Stratford and live there still. The couple owned their first cottage on the Trent-Severn Waterway for about five years but often came into Deep Bay to waterski.

“Because this bay is long and relatively quiet, it’s very popular for waterskiing,” says Ric. “We saw this lot while waterskiing. All of a sudden one winter, we saw it was for sale and decided to buy it.”

The couple found a cottage design plan in a magazine and hired Meinen Construction and Pol Quality Homes in Stratford to build it with a geo-thermal heating and cooling system. The project took about one-and-a-half years to complete, with the lower level deck and adjacent gardens being finished last summer. The waterfront garden and covered deck, a popular place on hot days that includes a swing installed by Kim’s father for kids and adventuresome adults, are fronted by a 12-foot wall of granite boulders that were created by blasting on the property.

“A guy with an excavator just started stacking the rocks,” says Ric. “It looks spectacular.”

The previous owners lived in a cute but tiny shed that is still on the property. Ric and Kim thought it might be a good summer place to live while their cottage was being constructed.

“It turned out that the shed was bug infested,” recalls Kim. “We stayed in it one night and I said okay, I’m never going to do that again. We wanted to relocate the shed, but when we tried to move it with a crane, it fell apart. We ended up moving it piece by piece and put it back to-

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cottage tour|Sparrow Lake

Sturdy rough-hewn hickory floors, cork floors in the rec room (above) and a front hall slate floor were chosen for their child and dog-proof qualities as well as their attractiveness.

gether in a new spot. We painted it to match the cottage and now it looks good.”

One of Kim and Ric’s favourite ways to relax indoors at the cottage is to head for the Muskoka room, accessed through double doors from the kitchen. The doorway was purposely designed to give visual and atmospheric flow from the quiet room to the kitchen and into the living room.

Screened windows encircling the Muskoka room can quickly be covered with vertical sliding glass panels with three settings that allow them to be partially or fully opened. When Kim found two deep sofas sporting northern wildlife print upholstery while shopping for cottage furniture, she knew they had to be in this room. They softly flank the fireplace beneath a large lighting fixture with its own metal moose and bear figures that the couple loves.

Vintage waterskis, snowshoes and oars hang on the walls above windows where breezes often come in off the lake. One wall is decorated with what appears to be two colourful paintings on large wooden boxes, each with a hole near the top and emblazoned with “On the Rocks.”

“That is a corn hole game,” says Kim when asked about the artist. “It’s a bean bag toss game.

You put them at opposite ends from each other 38 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - May June 2015 ■

and try to toss the bag through the hole. My cousin made them and his wife painted them.

They are too nice to use, so we hung them up.”

Down at the water, a large tower dock accommodates swimmers, boaters and sun worshippers all summer and then stores itself for the winter via a cable system that lifts it up out of the lake. Farther down the shore, a mini deck with Muskoka chairs shaded by fir trees provides a quiet place to read, reflect and rejuvenate.

With family priorities and schedules changing, Ric and Kim are ready to build a smaller cottage on a lot just a few doors down from their current cottage. Maybe one of Ric’s treasures, a framed authenticated Wayne Gretzky #99 hockey jersey signed by the Great One himself, will have a more high profile spot in the new retreat. It currently hangs outside of his workshop downstairs.

“Kim wouldn’t let me hang it anywhere else so it’s there,” says Ric with a smile.

The property is listed for $2,295,000 by Maggie Tomlinson of Chestnut Park Realty in Port Carling. For more information, please call 705-644-9283 or go to www.maggietomlinson.com.

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This stately Ian Malcolm designed architecturally significant home is arguably the most memorable estate on the most prestigious street in Midhurst.

Set on a 1.7 acre cul-de-sac lot. Quality is not skin deep here with 7600 sq/ft of the finest materials, design and equipment.

Soaring ceilings and stunning rooms, amazing windows and industrial skylights in an stunning open plan. Please visit www.davidjweeks.ca and enter ID#184978 to view the numerous luxury features of this home.

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3619 5TH LINE N, BARRIE 98 ACRES...Board & batten, 6400 total sq. ft. 2 storey w/walk-out bsmt with (Granny or inlaw potential) picture perfect paved drive. Inviting Xlarge foyer & great room with vaulted ceilings. Open concept design of second floor overlooking great room & double sided wood burning fireplace. A chef’s dream kitchen with quartz counters.

2 screened in porches. Artists dream of Picture perfect trails throughout the property.

Christine WOODS Office

721-9111 321-0365

Direct

Sales Representative

B.J. Roth Realty Ltd. Brokerage

40 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - May June 2015 ■

Donna HUNTER Office

739-1300 623-9907

Direct

B.J. Roth Realty Ltd. Brokerage

$998,700

B.J. Roth Realty Ltd., Brokerage Independently Owned & Operated

“South Barrie Beauty” Incredibly beautiful 5 BR, 3 ½ Bath 3100 sqft home. Upgraded kitchen w/granite counter, SS appl. & breakfast area.

FamRm w/Hrdwd, FP & built in shelves. Dble door master bedroom w/5pc ensuite. 2- 3pc family baths.

Walk to schools & park. Sought after neighbourhood. MLS 1502541 www.barriehomehunterteam.com Sales Representative

This amazing property offers over 5.5 acres of lushly landscaped privacy & 287 ft of sandy shoreline. Stunning custom main house, 3 bedroom guest house & a 2 bedroom restored 100 yr+ Muskoka inspired Boat house offers lots of living space. An excellent multi-family compound!!

Call Todd & Lynn mls 1500198 Todd GUERGIS & Lynn GUERGIS Sales Representatives Office

www.sutton.com INCENTIVE REALTY INC., BROKERAGE

705-728-4067 First Contact Realty Inc. Brokerage. Independently Owned & Operated

INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED

$2,399,000

$599,900

7 BARRIE TERRACE

1630 BIG BAY POINT

Stunning Executive 7 year old 3.1 bdrm custom built waterfront home. Almost 6,000 sq feet of finished living space, ICF foundation, beautifully landscaped with 80 ton of armour stone, newer stairs and dock, plus engineered concrete break wall. Inside the home is a dream, top of the line kitchen and appliances,3.1 baths, solid maple floors, great room with 27 ft ceiling, gas F/P and floor to ceiling windows, heated floors in the lower level. Only minutes to downtown Barrie with Oro taxes.

Call for your personal viewing.

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Beautiful property with over 2 acres of mature trees & privacy. Minutes to Barrie, Go Station and Hwy access. Well maintained home with newer windows/doors, furnace & central air. Enjoy summers in the inground pool surrounded by manicured hedging. Huge barn (2 floors) in great condition. 4 Bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths. Special one of a kind property!

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The epitome of luxury and sophistication

A

leisurely drive along prestigious Ridge Road leads to a small enclave of luxury waterfront homes located on the Third Line of Oro-Medonte.

Tucked in amongst the trees, this spectacular 5.54-acre lot is a nature lover’s paradise. Beautifully appointed, the landscape design seamlessly blends the natural elements of the property with the manmade components. The use of limestone boulders, river rock and unistone creates an attractive hardscape that defines the circular driveway, pond with waterfall feature and the perennial gardens.

Custom built in 2003, this sprawling ranch bungalow has been fully finished and offers approximately 6,870 square feet of living space with a total of five bedrooms, (three up, two down) and six baths.

A separate guesthouse on the property easily accommodates extended family or overnight guests with three bedrooms and two baths.

The lush green lawn gently slopes to the water’s edge where 287’ of frontage on Lake Simcoe is yours to enjoy. Few can resist the charm of the 101-year-old Muskoka-inspired boathouse and fewer still will be able to turn away from the views afforded from the covered sitting area.

A grand foyer, with custom inlaid accent, greets your guests and opens up to the principal rooms.

The sundrenched living room boasts a massive floor to ceiling round top window overlooking the deck and the lake beyond. Gleaming cherry hardwood floors grace the space and extend through to the separate formal dining room. The arched ceiling is accentuated by the use of crown moulding

and columns while pot lights throughout provide soft, ambient lighting. The focal point of the space is the double-sided gas fireplace, separating the living room and dining room.

Formal meals are easily enjoyed in the elegant separate dining room. The family chef will savour every luxurious detail in the custom kitchen from the travertine floor to the Brazilian marble countertops and so much more including custom cabinetry and state-of-the-art appliances.

Retire at the end of the day to the luxurious master bedroom. Stylish and sophisticated, this room features hardwood floors, a tray ceiling with pot lights and ceiling fan and modern décor, accented with crisp white crown moulding. A large window, with arched transom, looks out to the water and garden doors provide access to the deck. French doors lead to the sumptuous private ensuite. This lavish space features a jet tub, ceramic and glass block shower, a large vanity with marble countertop and undermount sink and heated ceramic floor.

Designed to meet all of your entertaining and recreational needs, the fully finished walkout lower level is sure to become your favourite gathering place for family and friends. The spacious rec room boasts a stone fireplace and the first of two sets of terrace doors leading to a huge unistone patio and hot tub.

There is so much more to discover about this luxurious home, listed at $3,999,000 by Todd and Lynn Guergis of Royal LePage First Contact Realty.

Call 705-728-4067 to arrange your own tour of this spectacular property.

Q U I C K

FA C T S

• 5.54-acre lot • 6,870 square feet of living space • 5 bedrooms • 287’ of frontage on Lake Simcoe

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 41

backyard farming|Carson Arthur

3 Tips for backyard farming Carson Arthur When not in the dirt with his eco-friendly landscape design company, Carson stays busy building, planting, writing or designing as a featured guest on CityLine. His new show Critical Listing is currently airing on HGTV Canada. You can check him out at carsonarthur.com

A

s we go through a period of financial uncertainty, homeowners are focused on making sacrifices in order to put a little extra aside. The kitchen garden has become fashionable again with more and more people embracing the farm-to-table movement. Not only is it cheaper and more convenient than a trip to the supermarket, but backyard farming produces fresh food free from artificial hormones or pesticides and more nutritious than the store-bought alternative.

Growing your herbs and veggies in your backyard may seem like a daunting task to some folk, but it’s much simpler than you may think. Here are my top three tips for successful backyard farming.

Don’t restrict your vetgetables to plant beds: If you’re dealing with limited green space, backyard farming may seem like a thankless task.

The solution? Look for creative alternatives such as raised planters or repurposed containers filled with herbs and vegetables to feed your family.

We’ve been growing tomatoes in containers for years, but how about lettuce in a pot? Salads always taste best when they are fresh, and you’ll have no excuse with a beautiful urn filled with gorgeous frilled and colourful leaves. Just make 42 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - May June 2015 ■

sure to choose containers with good drainage that will support healthy root growth. I usually go with a recycled plastic option instead of the traditional terracotta. Terracotta is really good at absorbing water…so good that it often dries out plants faster than other options. Water your garden from under the plants. Vegetables and herbs are very susceptible to different types of fungal infections, often brought on by water on the leaves. Drip hoses are perfect for most vegetables because they keep the leaves dry.

Use eco-friendly materials: It’s really important to choose the right type of material to grow food in. When building raised planters, avoid those tar covered railroad ties and other types of wood that use harmful toxins. Instead, choose products that are both environmentally friendly and durable. I like to use MicroPro Sienna, a pressure treated wood that is perfect for outdoor projects. Sienna is the only treated wood product to be certified as an Environmentally Preferable Product (EPP), among several other environmental designations. It’s an eco-friendly alternative that won’t leach toxins into the soil, resulting in delicious and nutritious produce. Rot resistant, it can stand up to thirsty plants. And its beautiful warm brown colour means no initial staining!

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backyard farming|Carson Arthur

“

Plant lots of sage and thyme. These two herbs are the popular ones, getting along with almost every other veggie.”

Choose ‘companion’ plants: Companion planting is a lot like creating a seating chart in a wedding. There are some plants that don’t work well with others. Here are a few to be aware of before you take a trip to the nursery:

Beans: these guys don’t play nice in the veggie patch. Beware of having beans with any of the onion family: no leeks, no chives, and no garlic near the beans. Peppers are also not a great mix.

Tomatoes: this plant is definitely considered the jewel in any vegetable plot but they have lots of specific needs! There are several plants that inhibit the growth of tomatoes including all of the Brassicas family (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and Brussel sprouts). Corn, fennel and potatoes are also all bad ideas near your tomatoes. Instead, plant them with all of the plants that your beans didn’t like. Onions, chives, even basil make tomatoes shine.

Herbs: Plant lots of sage and thyme. These two herbs are the popular ones, getting along with almost every other veggie. Just be careful how you plant them as both of these perennials can take over.

If you are new to the vegetable garden scene, trust me, do your research! Growing veggies in small spaces and maximizing the amount of produce has become a science.

Don’t assume that how your mother grew potatoes is the best way anymore. Make the most of your outdoor space and save a little money doing so. Growing vegetables is going to be some work, but that first salad resulting from your efforts is going to make it all worthwhile!

44 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - May June 2015 ■

Your Next Windfall is Here Introducing semi-detached homes next to Blue Mountain Resort starting at $379,900 The Windfall story is coming to life. With construction underway and Phase I nearly sold out, we’re now taking reservations for Phase II. Close to the slopes and just a stroll to the Village and Scandinave Spa. Set proudly apart yet connected by nature. Distinctive architecture inspired by Georgian Bay cabins and mountain chalets. This is everything you want Blue Mountain living to be.

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GEORGIAN INTERNATIONAL

Builder Bruce Cromie tries to bring something unique to every cottage he builds. At his new Muskoka retreat, the one-of-a-kind six-storey view over Lake Rosseau came built in.

46 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - May June 2015 â–

cottage tour|Lake Rosseau

Height

of

Design STORY Patti Vipond PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHY SKIPP PHOTOGRAPHY

W

herever you sit, stand or happen to stop in the light-filled family room at Bruce Cromie’s cottage, the views of southern Lake Rosseau are superb – by design. Cromie, who owns building and renovation company Woodcastle Homes, planned the room’s layout to ensure family and friends would get the full benefit of views up the main channel of Lake Rosseau to the west and east views down to Portage Bay. The astonishing vistas are afforded by the cottage’s superb cliff top site.

“The cottage faces Florence Island, so by design when you walk in the main door, you see a large stone fireplace that hides the island,” explains Cromie, who built a custom boathouse after buying the property in 2008 and constructed the cottage last year. “The walls flanking the fireplace are on two angles so that you automatically look up and down the main channel. It’s all water views. You can’t look anywhere else but up the lake.”

As architectural as well as interior designer for the 3,450-square-foot cottage, Cromie wanted an olde Muskoka look for the exterior with a contemporary interior that included the conveniences that modern technology provides.

The results left the builder totally happy with the project.

The cottage’s traditional two-storey wood and stone exterior, topped with classic red shingles

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 47

cottage tour|Lake Rosseau

In the main entrance, broad granite steps lead down to an oversized granite flagstone patio with a riverstone border that also surrounds the cottage. An impressive granite outcropping, discovered beside the patio during construction, was exposed to create a beautiful and very Muskokan welcome to the five-bedroom, fourbathroom retreat.

an octagonal Muskoka room with inviting wicker armchairs and a Weatherwall window system that makes the room a great place to relax during three seasons.

48 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - May June 2015 â–

Photo by Bruce Cromie

What makes the interior space of the boat house extraordinary is a large entertainment area with comfortable couches, full size refrigerator and indoor/ outdoor wet bar. With food and beverages and a twopiece bathroom close at hand, swimmers and sun bathers can stay by the water all day.

and exposed rafters, features white-trimmed transom and dormer windows, an elegant wood and leaded glass entry door, and two vintagestyle rooftop cupolas. Behind the cottage and facing the lake, a four-storey recirculating waterfall tumbles to a shorefront pond, runs under a bridge and cascades down to the lake.

In the main entrance, broad granite steps lead down to an oversized granite flagstone patio with a riverstone border that also surrounds the cottage. An impressive granite outcropping, discovered beside the patio during construction, was exposed to create a beautiful and very Muskokan welcome to the five-bedroom, fourbathroom retreat.

A renovated coach house on the property, whose exterior mirrors that of the main house, was transformed into a two-bedroom, onebathroom guest house. The lower level garage has ample room for vehicles, storage and toys.

The cottage’s front foyer leads to an open concept family room, kitchen and dining room hugged by a natural stone archway running up and along the cathedral ceiling. Through the arch is seen the family room’s wood-burning fireplace constructed in matching stone by local mason Jack Steenhof of Steenhof Stoneworks. Two 10-foot wide sliding doors in the family room lead to a serene, maintenance-free deck with a raised stone fireplace that shares its interior counterpart’s chimney. On the other side of the family room is an octagonal Muskoka room with inviting wicker armchairs and a Weatherwall window system that makes the room a great place to relax during three seasons.

The white-toned custom chef’s kitchen is equipped with high-end appliances and antiqued cabinets in what could be called contemporary Shaker style. All counters are made of Cambria,

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705-737-0522 • www.thefarmhouse.ca GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 49

cottage tour|Lake Rosseau

“

Sample sample oreet ueriuscilit ing ent digna feumsandreet acipsum zzrilit acipsustrud molorpe riusci blam, senibh esequat. At. Ectem quam eraesectem”

“

You can spill a glass of wine on it, go to bed and when you wake up in the morning, the counters will not be stained.”

The interior colour palette is six different shades of grey that complement the porcelain tile and wood flooring.

50 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - May June 2015 ■

LET a new quartz-based countertop product that is currently an on trend kitchen must-have.

“You can spill a glass of wine on it, go to bed and when you wake up in the morning, the counters will not be stained,” says Cromie. “You wouldn’t know the difference between Cambria and real granite or marble.”

The room’s Cambria-topped island lets five people dine casually beneath pendant lamps whose classic glass shades curve around faux candles. For more formal meals, the dining room comfortably seats a group of weekend revellers. A cosy den off the dining room makes a perfect office or living room when only a few people are up. The main floor also includes an unusually attractive mudroom with laundry near the kitchen.

The lakeside exterior and interior of the cottage are angled for optimum views. The innovative design makes the exterior look traditional and the interior feel contemporary.

“It was a tough build with all those angles – not a basic build, that’s for sure,” says Cromie.

“For the foundation, we had to do some blasting and pin the foundation into the bedrock everywhere. We used an ICF (insulated concrete forms) foundation, so the energy efficiency and R-values are second to none.”

Upstairs, the long lake views from the master bedroom mimic those of the family room. Two private lakeside balconies off the bedroom provide quiet spots for morning coffee or for sharing wine at sunset. When the weather turns chilly, a gas fireplace warms the room and its elegant ensuite finished in silver grey marble.

Floors throughout the home are mostly engineered durable white oak. In some areas, including the bathrooms, strip porcelain tile patterned with wood grain was installed. The interior colour palette is six different shades of grey that complement the porcelain tile and wood flooring. Square-knotched bead board was installed horizontally instead of vertically for visual interest. Local artwork from Muskoka Fine Art in Port Carling and modern furniture add vivid colour while views of the outdoors through large transom windows add freshness.

The cottage also has a camera security system and smart wiring for home automation, and HVAC controls that can be operated from a cell phone.

In the evenings or on rainy days, people head for the deep sectional couches in front of a big wall-mounted screen in the lower level theatre room. Also downstairs is a bedroom and bath that can be a guest or nanny suite. A walk-out

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GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 51

cottage tour|Lake Rosseau from the theatre room leads to a sheltered sitting area and paved path that winds down to the boathouse. Figuring out how to build that path challenged Cromie.

“What I did was bring in about 100 truckloads of earth, made an asphalt path on one side and installed steps on the other,” explains Cromie.

“The path can be used by a golf cart or ATV to get down to the water. When we got to the bottom, we realized we needed a place to turn around.

We could have dynamited to make space, but that was costly. So, I designed something like a merry-go-round. You drive onto a wooden turntable, spin it around and shoot back up the way you came. It’s pretty cool.”

The single-storey boathouse has an exterior matching the cottage and is surrounded by 1,800 square feet of cedar decking. Two interior boat slips are fitted with boat lifts. But what makes the interior space extraordinary is a large entertainment area with comfortable couches, full size refrigerator and indoor/outdoor wet bar. With food and beverages and a twopiece bathroom close at hand, swimmers and sunbathers can stay by the water all day.

When building a cottage, Cromie begins by choosing the perfect site based on where it makes most sense to build and what exposure will give owners the best sunrise and/or sunset perspectives. When asked what kind of natural wonder he wanted to see at this cottage, Cromie said “sunsets.” He wanted a sunset view that lingered as long as possible for people who drove north on Friday evenings.

Accordingly, the cottage faces northwest towards the sunsets.

“In the summer, the sun literally goes down past 9 p.m. on this property,” says Cromie with a smile. “Since the cottage is up so high, the vista goes on for miles.

It is totally private because it sits on the edge of a cliff and the next cottage is six storeys down.”

When designing a new cottage, Cromie always tries to incorporate something unique into the plans to distinguish that particular property.

“When I’m building for myself, it is always like an artist painting a new picture,” he explains.

“I have a different idea, something I thought of at the last place or something I wanted to try.

When I am working for clients, I work with their vision. I’m just there to help them with it and guide them through it. But even then we come up with really cool new ideas.”

Cromie also shares another trait with artists –

52 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - May June 2015 ■

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GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 53

cottage tour|Lake Rosseau

Square-knotched bead board was installed horizontally instead of vertically for visual interest.

54 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - May June 2015 ■

a desire to keep creating. His company regularly has multiple projects under way in Muskoka and the Toronto area. While designing and building one home, he is already planning his next residential or cottage country build.

“I don’t like to sit anywhere for too long,” Cromie says. “Part of that has to do with income, but a lot of it has to do with the same thing an artist or musician feels. They paint a picture or write a song and are never happy with just creating that one thing. They want to go and try something new. With every place I have ever built, whether in Muskoka or the city, I always get the same feeling. Once a place is finished, I have a ‘what’s next?’ feeling. I always have new ideas.”

In fact, the builder has already decided on the design of his next cottage. It will be completely contemporary, inside and out.

“The modern ones now are very sharp and kind of discreet because you can hide them in the trees,” says Cromie. “But when you are inside of them, they are wide open because of all the glass. The forest is all around you through the windows. So, they really fit with Muskoka, even though calling them ‘contemporary’ makes

them sound like they won’t.

“When you are inside a contemporary cottage that is done well and blends into the landscape with its materials and colours, it is beautiful.”

Cromie also has one more strong motivation to make sure his next cottage is a modern design.

“We have a 15-year-old daughter who has spent all her summers in Muskoka and loves being at the cottage,” says Cromie. “She has basically given me an ultimatum that the next cottage we move to has to be modern or she won’t move. She loves the modern look.”

This cottage is located at 1065 Montgomery Drive on southern Lake Rosseau. The property is listed at $3,695,000 by Jack Janssen Sales Representative, Chestnut Park Real Estate Limited, Brokerage. Port Carling. To arrange a showing or for more information, please call Jack at 705765-6878 (office) or 705-646-4693 (cell) or go to www.muskokacottagelistings.com. Cromie and Woodcastle Homes are always looking to take on new projects in Muskoka and the GTA. He can be reached at 705-706-7400 or 905-891-0200.

feature|craft beer

The new Terrible Ted is anything but

B

Terrible Ted Red Lake of Bays Brewing Company LCBO# 419788 ABV: 6.0% IBU: 25 Red Saison

By Josh Hayter, BEERSNOB.CA

eing typical Canadians and after enduring seemingly endless snowfall, continuous -30 C weather in one of the coldest winters on record in Ontario, all we can think about is ... ice hockey. It’s that time of year again, with the Toronto Maple Leafs preparing for the upcoming golf season and the rest of us gearing up for the Stanley Cup playoffs.

For many of us, this means hosting friends and family around the big screen, so it’s time to stock up on some awesome Ontario Craft beers to serve at the game.

Thanks to our hard-working Ontario Craft Brewers, we have a wide range of all-natural, preservative-free, hand-crafted beer from pale pilsners, India Pale Ales, reds, ambers, ales and lagers, to dark hearty porters and stouts.

The question becomes, with all this variety, what should we stock up on for the game? A great first step to answer this question is to look for a brewery that has a love for the game as much as they do for the beer.

To show their love for the game is as strong as their passion for beer, Lake of Bays Brewing Company, nestled in the village of Baysville, has been working with the NHL Alumni Association since 2013 to create a signature series of beer dedicated to some of the all-time greats of the game.

A portion of the proceeds from each sale goes to the player and to the alumni association. The NHL Alumni uses the funds to help support their programs for retired players, such as skills training and transition coaching for recent retirees and assistance with health issues for older players – and also donate some of the proceeds to charity. Often the players also choose to forward their earnings from beer sales onto a favourite charity.

When the NHL Alumni Approached Lake of Bays with the idea of brewing a beer with “Terrible” Ted Lindsay, they couldn’t say no.

For those who don’t know, “Terrible” Ted Lindsay is a true Northern Ontarian hailing from Renfrew, having played amateur hockey in Kirkland Lake before moving on to the big leagues. Being small in stature and a fierce competitor earned Ted his “Terrible” label for his toughness. Lindsay won four Stanley Cups, scored 800 points, won the Art Ross Trophy, was instrumental in creating the first NHL players’ association and unwittingly started the tradition of skating around the rink with Lord Stanley’s Cup. “So, given the rhyme between ‘Ted’ and ‘Red,’ and the fact that he had played for Detroit for much of his career, we knew we had to do a red beer,” says Darren Smith, president and

Other great Game Day Selections Sam Roberts Band Session Ale Hazy medium amber, with aromas of caramel, biscuit, citrus zest, spice and herbal hops. On the palate it is mediumbodied and gently carbonated, with flavours that repeat the aromas and a mildly resinous hop note that carries through to the finish.

Lug-Tread Lagered Ale Lug-Tread is top fermented (like an ale) and then cold-aged (like a lager) for a lengthy period. This gives their beer the lighter (less filling) feel of an ale, while still maintaining the crispness of a lager.

Lug-Tread is an all-around solid beer. If you stock it, most people who try it will love it.

CAMERON’S RPA (RYE PALE ALE) Rye Pale Ale is a pretty strong beer, so I’d advise keeping an eye on the quantity. It’s brewed with several different floral British and American hops, some of which are added in a dry hopping process. This a big, bold offering that your more adventurous craft beer enthusiast will love.

Spearhead Brewing Company LCBO# 398750 ABV: 4.5% IBU: 33 1/3 Session Ale

Beau’s All Natural Brewing Company LCBO# 169334 ABV: 5.2% IBU: 33 1/3 Lagered Ale

Cameron’s Brewing Company LCBO# 371211 ABV: 6.6% Rye Pale Ale

56 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - May June 2015 ■

CEO Lake of Bays Brewing Company. “Our brewers had been tasting and experimenting with the saison beer style, so we ordered in some – staggeringly expensive – Belgian-style saison yeast and put together a nice, spicy red saison. We also threw in some Perle hops grown at Clear Valley Hops in Collingwood.”

Terrible Ted Red has some of my favourite ingredients: water, malted barley, wheat and hops. Notice anything artificial? This is how beer should be brewed.

Terrible Ted Red has a beautiful light red colour that seems to radiate when held up to the light. The malts and slightly citrusy hops are very well balanced, giving it a smooth taste for a reasonably strong beer, neither too heavy on the malts nor overly bitter on the hops.

The low carbonation, coupled with rich, but not over-the-top flavours, make this a very dangerous beer; the 750-millilitre bottle can go down pretty quick and easy. If you are not a ‘super fan’ of either team playing, I recommend you start out with a Terrible Ted to get you in the mood for a great game. If you are a super fan, it will go down a little too quick, so save it for the end of the game to celebrate victory ... or to dull the pain of defeat.

Detour Perfect lunch beer. This is a full-flavoured beer that does not have the heavy feel or the high alcohol of most IPAs. Detour is a burst of flavour that you can enjoy through several games while still keeping your head level enough to know the score.

Muskoka Brewery LCBO# 375345 ABV: 4.3% IBU: 30 Session IPA

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GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 57

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in the kitchen|Made in Mexico •

in the

Janet And Fernando Bravo

w it h

Story Katherine Elphick Photography Ellie Kistemaker

A mainstay in Newmarket since 2011, Made in Mexico has arrived in downtown Barrie.

Serving up tasty Mexican fare, lively music and a colourful décor, Made in Mexico is all about having fun, explains Janet Bravo, who owns and operates both locations with her husband Fernando, who grew up in Zihuatanejo, Mexico.

Recently, this GoodLife reporter visited Janet Bravo at the newly opened 130-seat Barrie location to learn more about the popular restaurant and cantina. Conversation topics ranged from Fernando’s long-standing passion for Mexican cuisine and popular menu items, to choosing Barrie for their second location.

Is it true that several successful home dinner parties led you and Fernando into the Mexican restaurant business?

Janet Bravo: Fernando has always had a passion for Mexican cuisine. He was born in Mexico, and we met each other there while I was vacationing.

After we got married, he moved to Canada and brought that passion for cooking with him. He loved sharing his family’s favourites from Mexico with friends here in Canada. What started out as people eating in our home turned into suggestions of ‘you should really open up a Mexican restaurant’ – so we did. We took a leap of faith and opened up the Newmarket location. That was four years ago, and we haven’t looked back since.

What led to a Barrie location?

JB: I grew up in Midland, so I have lots of friends and family close by. When we discovered this location (at the Five Points) was available, we immediately fell in love with the space. As soon as we walked in, we felt that it was a perfect location for a Mexican restaurant. Just like our

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 59

in the kitchen|Made in Mexico

Fish Tacos Newmarket location, we were really drawn to the downtown. We love being part of the downtown community, the BIA and getting involved in local festivals. Downtown Barrie has a great community feel, and that’s why we set up shop here.

The Made in Mexico motto is: ‘we are people having fun serving people who are having fun.’ Can you expand?

JB: Our goal is to have fun! We want our staff to have a great time because having a great time is contagious to our diners. From the Mexican music and tropical drinks to our great food and lively atmosphere, we want people to feel like they are enjoying a little escape from everyday life. It’s more than just a meal – it’s an experience, and we want everyone to have a great time.

Tell me about the colourful artsy chalkboard-like posters lining the walls.

JB: Like the rest of the decor, the artwork has a Mexican theme. Fernando designed the boards to teach people about Mexican history, food and culture. The boards are a fun way to learn about the history of margaritas, or the story behind nachos, or historical trivia about famous Mexicans. We also have lots of funny signs that diners really get a kick out of.

What’s Fernando’s culinary background?

JB: Fernando is completely self-taught.

Growing up in Mexico, he spent countless hours

Burrito 60 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - May June 2015 ■

in his mother’s kitchen. With five siblings, each kid had their job and Fernando’s assigned task was making salsas and helping his mom cook.

He grew up in the kitchen learning all of his old family recipes and many of those recipes are on our menu today. Some have been customized for Canadian tastes, however. Fernando’s daughter, Romina, was also involved in the business and she grew up cooking beside her grandmother.

Cooking is a true family passion for Fernando and his family.

What’s the secret to preparing great Mexican Food?

JB: No shortcuts. Only use fresh ingredients and take the time to do it right. Our food philosophy is fresh made daily and we don’t compromise on that. We make everything from scratch, including our own hot sauces, salsas, refried beans (from dried beans) and so on. Even our tortilla chips are made fresh every morning. We take great pride in making everything in-house.

The Made in Mexico menu is big!

JB: We offer all of the most popular traditional Mexican dishes, so there really is something for everyone here. Menu highlights include: guacamole, burritos, tacos, chimichangas, enchiladas, flautas and churros (sweet Mexican fritters). We also offer great vegetarian and gluten-free options. Our most popular main dishes are burritos, chimichangas and tacos.

What three-course meal would you order for me? And don’t forget a beverage.

JB: To drink, I would definitely suggest a margarita! But if you’d prefer something nonalcoholic, I’d recommend Jarritos, a Mexican soda pop that comes in a wide variety of flavours.

To start, I would order up a bowl of tortilla soup or our ever-popular guacamole and tortilla chips.

For the main, I would suggest my personal favourite – fish tacos. The alambre (a traditional Mexican fajita) is also a nice option. For dessert, even though I love the choco flan, churros are a given. Everyone always seems to have room for our churros because we make them fresh to order. Diners go crazy for them!

How often are you in Barrie?

JB: Either myself or Fernando is here every day. We split our time between our Newmarket location, Barrie and home. We have a young fouryear-old son to raise so family time is important to us. That’s why we are closed two days a week (Monday and Tuesday) and we have done that at both locations right from the beginning. We use

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GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 61

in the kitchen|Made in Mexico

FRESH GUACAMOLE WITH TORTILLA CHIPS (recipe by Fernando Bravo of Made in Mexico) A classic appetizer that is sure to please!

1 package corn tortillas (not chips) Salt, to taste Oil for frying 3 to 4 ripe avocados (ripe avocados will have a smooth skin) 1/2 white onion 2 tomatoes 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped 1 lime Pickled jalapenos (optional)

PREPARATION 1. Peel skin and remove the pit of the avocado.

Mash the inside of the avocado in a bowl with a fork, still leaving some chunks. In separate bowl, finely chop onion, tomatoes, and cilantro. Mix with the juice of 1/2 lime and pinch of salt, to taste. Slowly combine the tomato mixture into the mashed avocado.

2. To give it a little kick, add some chopped pickled jalapenos (at home we even pour in some of the juice from the pickled jalapenos as we like it spicy).

3. Cut the corn tortillas into triangles (usually 1 tortilla will give you 4 triangles). Cut as many as you like, depending on how many chips you want!

4. In a deep frying pan, fill to about 1/4-inch with oil and set heat to high. Once the oil is hot, drop a handful of cut tortillas into the pan using a wooden spoon to push them around as they fry. That way, they won’t stick together.

5. Using tongs, pull out the tortilla chips as they become golden brown and transfer to a strainer to let the excess oil drip off and then put in a large bowl.

6. Repeat the cooking process for the chips multiple times until you have the desired amount of tortilla chips, making sure you don’t overcrowd the pan. It is better to do it multiple times and get a great product.

You may also need to add some oil along the way.

7. Take a pinch, or two, of salt and sprinkle on top of the fresh tortilla chips and stir them around in the bowl to distribute the salt.

8. Enjoy your fresh hot chips with the guacamole!

62 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - May June 2015 ■

those two days to focus on our family and that’s how we get our balance.

Who is in the kitchen?

JB: Fernando and I are constantly in both kitchens testing the food. As for food preparation?

We have a great staff that we have hired and trained to prepare our recipes.

What about the beverage menu?

JB: Think vacation! [laughs]. Highlights include mojitos, margaritas and our ever-popular bulldogs. A bulldog is a margarita with a Corona turned upside down in it. So, if you can’t decide between a beer or a margarita, we combine them into one. We also carry various Mexican beers.

Made in Mexico (Newmarket) was featured on “You Gotta Eat Here!” hosted by John Catucci. What was that like?

JB: It was a fantastic, fun and incredible experience! It was also immensely flattering because diners suggest restaurants for the show to cover.

It was filmed about two years ago and we still get people mentioning it to us. We even have recipes in the show’s second cookbook.

What about specials?

JB: On weekends, or during special events like Barrielicious, our kitchen gets creative and offers up different tasty dishes to keep the creative juices flowing. As for special dining deals? On Sundays, kids eat free.

How have Barrie diners reacted to your restaurant?

JB: Overall, it’s been a really great response.

Many of our customers are people who have eaten at our Newmarket location and have de-

cided to give the Barrie restaurant a try. They seem really excited that we have opened one up here. Another positive indicator is that we have lots of repeat customers and we’re busy.

On Friday and Saturday nights, we usually have a waiting list.

Besides Made in Mexico, what’s your favourite foodie destination?

JB: We love Toronto’s Kenzington Market because there are lots of great Mexican ingredients there.

Any interesting future plans?

JB: We’re currently working on our 50-seat patio, which is scheduled to open on May 5 for Cinco de Mayo. Weather permitting, of course [laughs]. It will be a great place to hang out and enjoy some tropical drinks and Mexican fare. As for other plans? Expansion is definitely part of our future, but we have to make sure it’s done properly. When you make everything from scratch, consistency is very important because you have to make sure that diners have the same experience at each restaurant.

You’ve got the ear of thousands of local diners, anything else you’d like to add?

JB: Thank you Barrie for such a warm welcome and if you haven’t had a chance to visit yet, we look forward to seeing you soon!

MADE IN MEXICO RESTAURANT AND CANTINA 10 Dunlop Street East, Barrie 705-503-7722 www.madeinmexicorestauarant.com

The days of the dra�ing board, pencil and eraser are over. Meet the next genera�on of tech-savvy cabinetmakers who are using the latest equipment, hardware and computerized renderings to push the trade forward.

“To compete with the old guys we have to be innova�ve,” says David Van Schie, who opened his custom shop INNOVATIVE WOOD WORX in 2012 in the south end of Barrie. “We’re not afraid of technologies. We use them to our advantage and we’re always upgrading.”

His big-�cket investment in a Computerized Numerical Control machine (CNC) is proof of that statement. “Everything is cut on that machine,” says Van Schie. “It’s precise, efficient and it gives me more �me to tackle new things. It takes about thirty percent out of the labour cost, which allows me to be compe��ve and focus on the finer details details.

We’re not stuck in the old ways. We’re open to new ideas and our customers demand it.”

Innova�ve Wood Worx prides itself on pleasing customers. Right out of the gate customers receive a 3D rendering of their future kitchen. But the “reveal,” when the job is complete, is always the clincher for Van Schie. “I want the rush of the reac�on from the customer,” he says. “That’s incredible! That’s what gets me up in the morning. Keeping everyone happy.”

Pride in workmanship is a rare quality found in tradesmen today. So many have adopted the rou�ne of “get in, get out and get that cheque,” but that goes against everything that Innova�ve Wood Worx stands for.

“I’m not the guy that wants to build fi�y subdivision kitchens that are all the same, regardless of the profit margin. I want to do the one that’s different. Custom. I’ll work ar around the clients needs,” says Va Van Schie. “ I am in custom bu building because I enjoy doing so something different. I love a ch challenge. When designers come to me with ideas, I scratch my he head and think, ‘What kind of de design will accomplish that?

“I love that.”

A At Innova�ve Wood Worx al all the bells and whistles like inte integrated garbage can pull-outs an and accessible corner cabinet ha hardware come standard.

“I tall are professionally managed by the “Installs same team that takes pride in building the one of a kind pieces created in the shop.“ boasts Van Schie.

Van Schie who leads his �ght-knit crew of young guns, has fi�een years in the trade but has known his way around the toolbox since childhood. “It’s always been a passion for me, from LEGO to birdhouses to shelving units to vani�es, and “even a cedar strip canoe I built in high school,” (which he s�ll uses to this day). For young David, it was natural progression from his uncle’s woodshop to his own thriving business.

“I’m a hands-on person,” says Van Schie, “I like to be right there in the customers’ home with my crew doing the installs together.” “Whether it’s a fi�een-thousand dollar upgrade, or a sixty-thousand dollar dream kitchen, if we wouldn’t put it in our home; we wouldn’t install it in yours.”

Come visit David at 130 Saunders Road, Barrie 705.770.4755 www.inwoodworx.ca.

“At Innova�ve Wood Worx, thinking outside of the box comes standard.”

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705-727-9585 • www.slwittyhomes.ca 64 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - May June 2015 ■

Safe, friendly community with golf & Skiing

N

estled in the woods of Snow Valley, it doesn’t take long to fall in love with the custom designs of an S. L Witty home. For one Toronto couple moving to the area, the experience has been simply described as living at the cottage while being an easy commute to work. Built into serene estate wood lots, the S.L. Witty Homes are a six-minute drive to the Georgian Mall and close to the rest of the amenities Barrie has to offer.

The community is all about the lifestyle of living in a safe, friendly community that is close to the ski hills, and across the road from a private golf club. Out your back door is an eight-kilometre nature path that winds around nearby subdivisions — perfect for walking the dog or taking a family bike ride.

Many custom upgrades come standard in an S. L Witty home, which includes hardwood floors in the common areas, stone fireplace with a customized mantle, crown molding in selected areas, three-piece main floor bathroom, stainless laundry tub, and upgraded shower heads and soaker tub.

The kitchens have a clean, modern look with flat, recessed panel stain grade maple doors and self-closing dovetail drawers. The large pantry and breakfast bar are perfect for storing and prepping food if you plan to entertain any sized crowd.

If you need help in making the kitchen of

“The community is all about the lifestyle of living in a safe, friendly community that is close to the ski hills, and across the road from a private golf club.” your dreams a reality, it’s easy to sit down with the kitchen designer to come up with a custom plan all your own.

If entertaining is a passion, the builder has also thought of that, with availability to pick three spots for an integrated speaker system, such as the kitchen and dining areas, outside on the patio or in the ensuite master bathroom.

The builder’s attention to detail isn’t lost on the exterior either, as he offers a custom stone house number and street name on each of his homes, which are found on at least a half-acre property. The premium treed lots take into consideration tree preservation, which also ensures privacy. An interlocked stone walkway will greet guests between the garage and front door areas.

With more than 30 years in the business, the builder is focused on providing clients with an easy home buying experience. Choose from a variety of designs, including the Mahogany,

which offers 2,370 square feet of room inside.

The front-covered entry has a perfect spot for fall or winter decorations, and once entering the home, guests are greeted with an open concept great room, dining area and kitchen with large windows.

Just off the kitchen is the private master suite, with ensuite and dual-rack closet with a window. Past the front entrance are two more large bedrooms with dual-door closets.

Between them is another bathroom with dual sinks.

Each client is given peace of mind with a new home security system, and the benefit of being able to pick out your own light fixtures and have the builder’s electrician install pieces for you.

The basement is unfinished, but can be completed for an additional cost. Additional options available include drywalled garage, upgraded body spray shower systems, skylights, heated floor systems and tankless water heaters.

Outside, an outdoor living space including fireplace can be added, along with covered decks.

Find out more about an S. L. Witty custom home by calling 705-727-9585, email wittyhammer@aol.com, or online at slwittyhomes.ca.

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 65

Grow everything With Quality Q lit P Products d t and dG Greatt S Service i Fairgreen Sod Farms, a family owned and operated business, has been providing sod to Ontario residents for over sixty years.

L

Jack & Lindsay Fairty

- 1995

indsay Fairty is con�nuing her family tradi�on of sod farming in Oro-Medonte. Lindsay’s gran grandfather, Howard Fairty, moved to h his farm in Markham when he was four fourteen years old. A�er returning from war, he cleared the land and began dair dairy and beef farming. He decided to grow grass a�er observing the success of tthe neighboring Parkview Golf Co Course and thought he’d give it a try.

Ho Howard became one of the first sod gr growers in Ontario.

Lindsay’s father Cam took over th the business from his father and is no now passing on the torch to the next ge genera�on. Lindsay’s eldest sister ma manages the office in Markham, wh while her brother and brother-in-law wo work and manage the fields and her younge younger sister helps out where needed.

Lindsay will be opening her OroMedonte loca�on in Spring 2015. Her site will supply sod, soil, fer�lizer, grass seed, mulch and aggregates. It is located at Line 9 South and Highway 11. It is an ideal spot for those traveling to the co�age, or living in Barrie, Orillia and surrounding area, to stop in and pick up their gardening supplies. Fairgreen Sod Farms North also offers convenient delivery of sod and SOS (sacks of soil, their own garden blend), which can also be filled with mulches, aggregates, river rock or topsoil.

For your convenience they also offer online ordering.

Over the years the Fairty family has always been a part of their community and are proud sponsors of many local organiza�ons, such as Markham

Stouffville Hospital, Markham Fair, St. Patrick’s Church and many other sports clubs.

Con�nuing with community efforts, Lindsay has commi�ed to helping the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre’s Media for Young Minds campaign, to raise awareness and funds to open up a new inpa�ent unit for services to support children and youth mental health needs.

For the month of June, Fairgreen Sod Farms North will donate $5 from the sale of every sack of garden soil, mulch or aggregates to con�nue to do their part and support their community.

Fairgreen Sod Farms in Oro-Medonte will be a one stop shop with quality products at great prices.

I asked Lindsay what the difference was between their sod and their compe�tors.

She stated “Quality and excep�onal service.”

From the �me the seed is planted un�l the sod is harvested two years later, Fairgreen uses only the best quality products and the latest equipment technology available in today’s market.

Fairgreen takes great pride in being able to offer these products, services and customer service that exceeds all expecta�ons.

All sod is fresh cut that day, and with over sixty years in the business, they have learned how to do things right.

Fairgreen Sod Farms provides quality sod at compe��ve prices.

For more informa�on on how you can enhance your landscape, call Lindsay at Fairgreen Sod Farms North at 705-4873000.

THINK GREEN CALL FAIRGREEN! Family owned and operated

SOD Fairgreen offers cer�fied #1 Kentucky Bluegrass sod. Each roll of sod measures 2’ x 5’ covering a 10 square foot area.

Sodding your lawn provides many benefits such as reducing greenhouse gases by absorbing carbon dioxide.

Sod also makes the area cooler in the summer heat. Establishing a great lawn with plenty of healthy grass can be challenging. Sod provides a solu�on giving you an established lawn immediately.

SOIL Fairgreen also offers three different soils: topsoil, triple mix, and their own blend of garden soil.

The custom blended garden soil is only available as an SOS. The topsoil that Fairgreen offers is light and sandy, ideal for your sod site prepara�on. This includes final grading or backfilling large or small areas.

For larger projects, Fairgreen sells bulk, loose topsoil and triple mix. Triple mix is made up of manure, peat, and mineral soil. Fairgreen’s triple mix, which is high in nutrients, is suitable for your growing lawn and gardens.

Fairgreen Sod Farms also offers SOS (sacks of soil). Each bag holds over 1 cubic yard of quality garden soil. The garden soil is a custom blend of mineral soil, manure, peat, and compost. The 1 cubic yard bags will be available for pick up or delivery at the new Oro-Medonte loca�on.

GRASS SEEDS Fairgreen seeds are available in sun and shade blends. Over the long term, blends produce a more durable lawn. When condi�ons are detrimental to a par�cular species of grass, other species step up to help keep your lawn thick and green.

MULCH Fairgreen offers 5 varie�es of mulch including 3 natural and 2 dyed. Mulches are extremely beneficial to any garden or plan�ng. Mulch lowers maintenance by conserving moisture and suppressing weeds. It also improves the fer�lity of the root zone by adding organic ma�er as it decomposes and it keeps that root zone cool and moist even in the high heat of summer.

AGGREGATES Fairgreen carries a variety of aggregates including river rock that is available for pick up or delivery in SOS. They carry 3/4” clear gravel, used as a base for your new pa�o or walkway, limestone screenings, as a final leveling layer for your pa�o stones and a sand to be used to fill in the joints once your project is done.

Charlie - 4th Generatio

n

Fairgreen Sod Farms North in Oro-Medonte will be a one stop shop with quality products at great prices.

FERTILIZER Fairgreen offers the same fer�lizer to their customers that they use to nurture and grow the sod they sell. The fer�lizer is available in 10kg and 25 kg bags.

They offer a variety of different blends depending on the �me of year.

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68 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - May June 2015 â–

gourmet@home|big summer feast Lobster with Cajun Drawn Butter {Serves 4-6} ingredients 1 lobster per person 1 lb butter 2 tbsp Cajun spice mix

Big

SUMMER

Feast Nothing says summer like a lakeside barbecue! With ribs, chicken and lobster there will be something for everyone. Lobster can be boiled on the side burner of your barbecue to save space for your racks of ribs and whole chicken. A grill basket with soaked wood chips is a great way to start experimenting with a smoky flavour, or even add dried chilies for a spicier flavour. Time to enjoy the flavours of summer.

Method 1. Fill a large pot 3/4 full of water. Add 2 tbsp of salt for every quart of water. The water should be salty like sea water. Bring the water to a rapid boil.

2. Grasp the lobster by the body and lower it upside down and head first into the boiling water. Continue to add the live lobsters to the pot in this manner. Cover the pot.

3. Note the time at which the water comes to a boil again. From that point, boil the lobsters for 12-20 mins or longer, depending on the size of the lobster: 12-15 mins for 1 lb lobster, 15-20 mins for a 1 1/2 lb lobster, 20-25 mins for a 2-3 lb lobster. The lobsters should be a bright, vivid red colour when done.

(Larger lobsters will turn bright red before they are completely finished cooking, so you do want to time your cooking, and not just go on colour alone.)

4. Remove the lobsters from the pot with tongs and place on a plate to drain and cool.

5. To make the drawn butter, place the butter in a pot and slowly melt over low heat, being careful not to disturb the milk solids on the bottom.

6. Once completely melted, pour the butter into another small pan while leaving the milk solids behind. The butter should be nice and clear. Add the spice mix and simmer over low heat for 2 mins. Serve with the lobster.

Cajun Spice Mix 2 - 1/2 tsp paprika 2 tsp salt 2 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp black pepper 1 tsp cayenne 1 tsp oregano

Recipes and Photography Emily Blackman GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 69

gourmet@home|big summer feast

Smoked Cheddar Skillet Cornbread ingredients 4 tbsp butter 1 - 1/2 cups medium-grind cornmeal

Creamy Cilantro Coleslaw

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

{Serves 4-6}

1 - 1/2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp salt

ingredients

1/4 to 1/2 cup sugar

1/4 bulb of celery root, cut into matchsticks or shredded

2 eggs 1 - 1/4 cups milk, more if needed

1 large carrot, cut into matchsticks or shredded

125 g smoked cheddar, cubed (Muskoka Cheese Company’s smoked cheddar works well)

1/2 Savoy cabbage, thinly sliced 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced 1 bunch cilantro, chopped 1 - 1/2 cups yogurt

PREPARATION

1-2 limes, juice and zest

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Place pan in oven.

2. Meanwhile, combine dry ingredients in a bowl. Mix eggs into milk, then stir this mixture into dry ingredients, combining with a few swift strokes. If mixture seems dry, add another tablespoon or two of milk.

3. When skillet is hot, remove skillet from oven and add the butter, pour batter into the skillet and smooth out the top. Sprinkle the cubed cheese over the top. Return the skillet to oven. Bake about 30 mins, until top is lightly browned and sides have pulled away from pan; a toothpick inserted into centre will come out clean. Serve hot or warm.

70 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - May June 2015 ■

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped Salt and pepper

PREPARATION 1. Mix all the vegetables and cilantro in a large bowl.

2. Mix the yogurt, lime juice and zest, garlic, salt and pepper.

3. Toss the coleslaw with enough dressing to coat the salad.

Check for seasoning, adding more salt, pepper or lime juice if necessary.

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gourmet@home|big summer feast Summer Berry Ice Cream Parfait Ice Cream

Parfait

1 can condensed milk

Berry ice cream

3 cups 35% cream

Whipped cream

1 cup favourite berry jam

Chocolate-covered almond or hazelnuts, chopped Fresh berries

PREPARATION 1. Combine the condensed milk and cream in a bowl and whip on high speed for 5 mins.

2. Swirl in the jam 1 tbsp at a time to create ribbons of berry jam in the ice cream.

PREPARATION 1. To create the parfait, layer the ice cream and whipping cream and cover with berries and chocolate-covered nuts.

3. Place in the freezer over night.

A favourite dessert for summertime or any time.

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Filling

Crust Recipe

2 - 1/2 cups rhubarb, chopped

350 g all-purpose flour, divided

1 - 1/2 lbs strawberries, quartered

1 tsp kosher salt

1 cup sugar

1 - 1/4 cups unsalted butter, cut into 1/4-inch pats

1 lemon, juice and zest

6 tbsp cold water

1/4 cup cornstarch Cream and sugar for the top

PREPARATION 1. Combine 200 g of flour and salt in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse twice to incorporate.

2. Spread butter chunks evenly over surface.

Pulse until no dry flour remains and dough just begins to collect in clumps (about 25 short pulses).

3. Use a rubber spatula to spread the dough evenly around the bowl of the food processor. Sprinkle with the remaining 150 g of flour and pulse until dough is just barely broken up, about 5 short pulses. Transfer dough to a large bowl.

4. Sprinkle with water, then using a rubber spatula, fold and press dough until it comes

72 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - May June 2015 ■

together into a ball.

5. Divide ball in half, making the one half slightly larger for the bottom crust. Form each half into a 4-inch disk. Wrap tightly in plastic and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before rolling and baking.

6. Roll out the larger dough and place in a 9-inch pie pan.

7. Preheat the oven to 425°F. 8. Combine all the ingredients for the filling and mix thoroughly. Place in the prepared pie plate.

9. Roll out the top piece of dough and slice into half-inch strips. Place strips on the pie, alternating horizontal strips with vertical strips, weaving as you go.

10. Brush the top with cream and dust with sugar. Place the pie in the oven and bake for 15 mins. Decrease the heat to 375°F and bake 45-50 mins.

feature|Casino Rama restaurants Executive Chef

John Cordeaux

creativity

fun

plus

brings

to the Casino Rama’s

brings

Weirs

74 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - May June 2015 ■

restaurants

to the Casino Rama’s

fun plus

creati vity

John Cordeaux

Executive Chef

restaurants

“Honestly,

Story Patti Vipond

I have a passion for everything that is food,” says John Cordeaux, the new executive chef in charge of Casino Rama’s eight crowdpleasing restaurants. “We have an amazing quality of product here now. It’s very nice to see that in every single restaurant, the quality of the food and beverages is superb.”

Since his arrival in January, the chef has made it his mandate to thoroughly understand the restaurants’ operations and become familiar with the resort’s client base. It’s a big assignment that covers eight outlets, including the casual dining experiences offered by Cedar, The Weirs Restaurant, Fire Starter Lounge and the Simcoe Yard House. International Asian cuisine is served at Willow and Noodle Bar. For buffet fans, the Las Vegas-style Couchiching Court is perfect, and upscale diners are drawn to St. Germain’s steakhouse.

Menus at the restaurants are changed each spring and fall with old favourites remaining and intriguing new dishes added. In April, four of the restaurants’ menus will contain new additions supplied by Cordeaux. The chef’s selections were made on the basis of what Casino Rama customers want, and what foods can be sourced locally. He was also mindful of current food trends when planning the new menu items.

“As any chef does, I like to look at trends and the things we feel would be exciting, a change for the diner,” the chef says. “Of course, the season is very important, so the food must make sense seasonally. I’m a great believer in being authentically local and try to work with local purveyors.”

Casino Rama recently joined the Savour Simcoe Farm Association to support the resort’s desire to serve their patrons fresh local foods and beverages.

To celebrate the sugaring season, the Tap Into Maple event features maple syrup by local producer Shaw’s in menu selections in every restaurant. The chef is planning menus to celebrate festivals throughout the year, featuring such treats as strawberries and blueberries. As well, promotions in every restaurant will feature innovative items for diners.

The chef’s culinary kitchen team of 100 employees, plus 84 staff in the kitchen services division, work together to prepare and serve about 40,000 meals a week during the resort’s

Willow

ST. Germains

“Casino Rama recently joined the Savour Simcoe Farm Association to support the resort’s desire to serve their patrons fresh local foods and beverages.” high season. Weekends are always busy, especially when shows by renowned entertainers are on stage in the 5,000-seat Entertainment Centre. Then, the meal count can rise to 5,0006,000 in just one night.

“We joke that we have two seasons – busy and peak,” says Jenna Hunter, Director of Public Relations for Casino Rama. “With that in mind, we looked long and hard for an executive chef. We are definitely a unique property and consider ourselves an entertainment destination between the gaming floor, the dining, the hotel, the spa and the Entertainment Centre.”

Chef Cordeaux’s well-travelled culinary career started in his native England. At 15, he apprenticed at The Royal Victoria Hotel in Sheffield and went on to work in Scotland and the U.S. John and his wife moved to Montreal in 1988 where he worked as sous chef at The Queen Elizabeth Hotel, and later became Executive Chef. In 1999, Chef Cordeaux relocated his family to Toronto where he spent six years in the kitchens of the Fairmont Royal York before becoming Director of Food & Beverage there in 2005. Four years later, he became executive chef for the multiple restaurants in The Fairmont Bab Al Bahr in Abu Dhabi, and held the same position starting in 2012 for dining rooms in Fairmont the Palm, Jumerirah in Dubai. Most recently, chef Cordeaux worked at The Fairmont

Simcoe Yard House Chicago, Millennium Park.

During his wide-ranging career, the awardwinning chef has cooked for Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh; His Holiness the Dalai Lama and prepared meals for participants at the 1995 G7 Summit in Halifax.

Despite having lived in some of the greatest cities in the world, Cadeaux is enjoying the charms of life in central Ontario.

“What’s great for me is that I’m able to have this amazing job but also be able to live in the country,” he says. “I’ve always lived in cities, so I’m very happy to be here in Orillia. It’s superb and, with summer coming, it will be even more so.”

The executive chef said he is equally pleased to be working with a fantastic team in Casino Rama’s excellent kitchens, production kitchens and welcoming restaurants.

“What we do here at Casino Rama is honest cuisine,” John explains. “I think we are approachable, fun and playful. Perhaps people don’t realize that we have a great quality of dining in this resort and many opportunities.

What is fantastic is that here you can go from a gastro pub, to a very good Chinese restaurant, to a superb steakhouse and a beautiful buffet.

Where in the world could you have so many choices so conveniently located?”

On May 23, Chef Cordeaux will be participating in the Taste the World event through the Casino Rama Cares program.

Taste the World takes place at the Napoleon store in Barrie and features food from a variety of countries with proceeds going to support the Kempenfelt Rotary Club and their event partner, Grove Park Home. Chef, who is a key part of the Casino Rama Cares program, will prepare delights from St. Germain`s and meet participants who stop to sample the fare.

Meanwhile, if you’re curious about the chef’s gustatory flair, come and have a meal at one of Casino Rama`s restaurants this spring.

“This is such an incredible establishment and I’m very excited to be here,” says Cordeaux.

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 75

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feature|honey & recipes

THE PLIGHT OF THE

Local beekeeper educates public about the importance of the honeybee.

T

HONEYBEE

Story Katherine Elphick | Photography Ellie Kistemaker

he health of honeybees is a constant worry for Peter and Sandi Dickey. “The last three years have been a struggle,” confesses Sandi Dickey, who owns and operates Dickey Bee Honey in Cookstown with her husband, Peter, a fourth generation beekeeper. “Last year, we lost almost 50 per cent of our honeybees.” Normal loss is usually between 10 to 15 per cent.

To maintain hives, the beekeepers have imported bees from California and Australia. “We’ve been running around like crazy trying to keep our numbers up.”

The problem, explains Dickey, stems from neo-

nicotinoid pesticides, or neonics. Poisonous to bees in any amount, neonics are applied to the seed and grow systemically with the plant. Dickey Bee Honey, along with other local beekeepers, are part of a class action lawsuit against two pesticide companies after their product was found in millions of dead bees.

Neonics are said to be partly to blame for the rise in bee mortality rates, worsening the effects of viruses, mites (a common problem for beekeepers) and long winters.

“The honeybee, although small, plays a very significant role in food, farming and the environment,” says Dickey. “The bees and the beekeeping industry

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 77

feature|honey & recipes are extremely important to the health and vitality of Canada’s agricultural industry and the country’s economy. If we don’t have honeybees, we will lose approximately 30 per cent of our food.”

Honeybees play an indispensable role in the pollination of our essential crops. In fact, honeybees are responsible for the health of more than $200-million worth of crops in Ontario each year.

Concerns about bee health and neonics are valid, says the local beekeeper. “We’ve got some great medical support behind us,” notes Dickey.

“The doctors and nurses are saying no to pesticides.”

Best known for its award-winning wildflower honey, Dickey Bee Honey offers various honey specialty products, including gourmet condiments, salad dressings, a health and beauty line and beeswax candles. Products are sold on-site and at select retailers and grocery stores (see website for a complete list).

The local apiary is also home to a 4,000-squarefoot educational centre and honey house. Approved by the Simcoe County District School Board, Dickey Bee Honey runs a science program for kids from Kindergarten to Grade 12.

“Along with interesting bee facts and how honey is made, we teach about the importance of the honeybee, and its role in our food chain.”

Dickey Bee Honey also offers educational tours and beekeeping courses to groups. But you won’t find many bees on-site. Instead, the hives are located on various farms around Simcoe County and beyond. “Our bees stay where the farmers need them to pollinate crops,” she explains.

Morris Gervais of Barrie Hill Farms rents Dickey Bee honeybees to pollinate 40 acres of blueberries. “For that three to four week period when blueberries are in bloom, we need anywhere from 40 to 60 hives to help with pollination,” explains the farmer. Unlike strawberries, which can be somewhat pollinated by wind, the flower of a blueberry is shaped like a bell, so the bee has to crawl up into the bottom of the bell to help pollinate the blueberry.

“It’s a real partnership between the farmer and the beekeeper,” explains Gervais. “Pollinating the blueberries is a perfect example of why honeybees are so important to food production. And it’s why farmers, such as myself, don’t want to do anything that compromises bee health.”

The health of the honeybee also ensures a strong supply of that sweet liquid gold. A pop-

78 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - May June 2015 ■

A delicious way to start your day! ular spread, honey is also perfect for baking and cooking. And it’s healthier. Local honey is a natural, unrefined, sweet fluid produced by honeybees from the nectar of flowers, it contains important vitamins and nutrients – such as vitamins A, B, C, D and K, along with niacin, riboflavin, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc. But honey’s health benefits don’t stop there, it also contains flavonoids and phenolic acids which act as antioxidants.

As for the local beekeeper’s favourite way to enjoy honey? “Along with cooking and baking with honey, I’m a huge bee pollen fan and add it to my smoothy every day. My husband, Pete, loves comb honey and eats a teaspoon with his breakfast every morning.”

Dickey Bee Honey is located at 4031 3rd Line, Cookstown. For more information, call (705)458-1258 or visit dickeybeehoney.com.

FRUITY HONEY SMOOTHIE (recipe courtesy of the Ontario Beekeepers’ Association ontariohoney.ca) 1 cup (250 mL) frozen strawberries 1 banana 1/3 cup (75 mL) 100% Ontario honey 1 cup (250 mL) skim or nonfat milk 1/2 cup (125 mL) plain or vanilla low-fat yogurt

PREPARATION In blender, combine all ingredients; process until smooth.

A

Join the Conversation!

ndrew Sharpe wants to be heard – especially by his clients. And since almost 25% of adult Canadians have reported some type of hearing loss, there’s a good reason to listen.

Andrew and his wife Tracy opened the Sharpe Hearing Clinic on May 1 at the Bayfield Mall. The clinic offers clients hearing testing, all makes and models of hearing aids, hearing aid repairs and programming, custom hearing protection and custom swim plugs and various assistive listening devices.

“It is rewarding to see the difference in people’s lives when they improve their hearing,” says Andrew. “Enjoying the company of family and friends is what life is all about.”

Born and raised in Barrie, Andrew is a staunch supporter of community. In fact, for the month of June, Sharpe Hearing Clinic is generously supporting Media for Young Minds, donating a portion of sales toward child and youth mental health at RVH. He also prides himself on providing top-notch personal care to clients by finding out what is important to them.

Something interesting to note is since hearing aids are regulated by the Ministry of Health, local operators offer the same products and pricing as larger companies with the difference being the individual service you will receive.

“I see the local gaps and being independent allows us the freedom to support each client’s hearing plan as required without trying to perform within corporate parameters.”

Andrew graduated from Grant McEwan University and gained his experience by working in multiple capacities in the hearing care field.

He works oneon-one with his clients and has provided

Tracy Sharpe

Andrew will always provide his clients with training to other hearing professionals on honest recommendations based on their hearing technologies. hearing and lifestyle needs. Sharpe Hearing “My real passion is working directly with clients, helping them achieve better hearing Clinic is LOCALLY OWNED and OPERATED. and providing them lifelong hearing solutions.” he says.

“It is The clinic provides extended rewarding evening and Saturday hours “to to see the support our working clients and difference working caregivers”. They also in people’s provide mobility services for those lives when who are unable to come into they improve the clinic and visit retirement & their nursing homes. hearing,” “We provide straightforward recommendations,” says Andrew.

“Maybe you just have some questions and don’t want to feel pressured into a hearing aid that you are not ready for.“ “We are here to educate you on your hearing. For those with normal hearing, it Andrew Sharpe is a chance for us to provide information on Hearing Instrument Specialist, Owner hearing preservation.”

Andrew is committed to ensuring each client leaves completely satisfied with the service and products provided. “Our clients can count on seeing me each and every time Hearing loss is gradual they are scheduled. Consistency in their care and often your friends and family is key to a successful outcome.” will notice it before you.

“To be successful with your hearing aid relies as much on the product as with the professional fitting it.”

Clinic Coordinator Tracy Sharpe looks after office administration as well as client care. She has worked in the health care field and Andrew is encouraging directly with patients, supporting family you to ask yourself… physicians as well as ear, nose and throat specialists and hearing clinics for over 15 years.

• Do you turn up the volume on the television louder than others prefer?

“My passion has always been to ensure an exceptional client experience, and • Do you have difficulty hearing when having a conversation with one that will remain our promise to you,” she or two people? continues, “Booking an appointment is easy, • Do you have difficulty no doctor referral required.” You can find hearing in groups?

Sharpe Hearing Clinic at 320 Bayfield Street • Are you often asking people in the Bayfield Mall or visit them online at to repeat things? sharpehearing.ca or call 705-792-9494.

• Do you strain to hear when attending meetings?

• Do you often not hear or misunderstand what people are saying to you?

Clinic Coordinator

TAKE THE TEST MAY IS BETTER HEARING MONTH

The only way to determine the level and type of hearing loss is by having a hearing evaluation, or a hearing test.

feature|honey & recipes

RACK OF LAMB WITH CARAMELIZED SHALLOTS AND HONEY CRUST (recipe courtesy of Sandy Dickey of Dickey Bee Honey dickeybeehoney.com) “You can also use this honey crust for ribs,” says Sandi Dickey.

1/2 Tbsp olive oil 3 large shallots, chopped (about 1/2 cup) Salt and freshly ground black pepper 3 Tbsp Dickey Bee Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette 1/2 cup fresh bread crumbs 1-1/2 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped or 2 tsp dried thyme, crumbled 1 rack of lamb (7 or 8 ribs), Frenched, at room temperature, trimmed of as much fat as possible 1 Tbsp vegetable oil 1 Tbsp Dickey Bee Honey (Wildflower or Buckwheat) 1 Tbsp Dickey Bee Honey Mustard

PREPARATION 1. Preheat oven to 400F. 2. In small skillet, heat oil over moderate heat until hot, but not smoking. Add shallots sprinkled with salt and pepper, and cook (while stirring) until golden, about 5 minutes. Add vinaigrette, and boil until liquid is evaporated.

3. Remove skillet from heat and stir in bread crumbs and thyme. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

4. Season lamb with salt and pepper. Heat vegetable oil in a sauté pan and sear the lamb on all sides. Transfer, rib side down, to a small roasting pan. Spread the meat side with mustard and honey and pat on crumb mixture, making an even coating.

5. Roast lamb in middle of oven until a meat thermometer registers 120F for medium-rare, about 25 to 30 minutes. Carefully transfer lamb to a cutting board and let stand 5 to 10 minutes. Slice lamb into chops. Serves 2 to 3.

RHUBARB HONEY CRISP (recipe courtesy of Foodland Ontario foodlandontario.ca) This is a sweet and crunchy mix that will become a family favourite dessert. Vanilla ice cream, anyone?

1/2 cup (125 ml) Ontario Liquid Honey

1. In mixing bowl, stir together rhubarb, honey, flour, cinnamon and ginger (if using) until well combined. Spoon into greased 8-cup (2 L) baking dish.

1 Tbsp (15 ml) all-purpose flour

Topping

1 tsp (5 ml) cinnamon

1. In same mixing bowl, stir together oats, sugar, honey, butter, cinnamon and salt; sprinkle evenly over rhubarb. Bake in 375F oven 40 to 45 minutes or until fruit is tender and topping is browned.

5 cups (1250 ml) Ontario rhubarb (greenhouse or field), chopped

1/2 tsp (2 ml) ground ginger (optional) 1-1/2 cup (375 ml) large-flake rolled oats 1/3 cup (83 ml) packed brown sugar 1/3 cup (83 ml) Ontario liquid honey 1/4 cup (63 ml) butter (melted) 1 tsp (5 ml) cinnamon 1/2 tsp (2 ml) salt

80 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - May June 2015 ■

PREPARATION

HONEY SALAD DRESSING & STRAWBERRY SALAD (recipe courtesy of the Ontario Beekeepers’ Association ontariohoney.ca) A tasty and sweet spring salad for everyone to enjoy!

Dressing Ingredients 1/2 cup Ontario honey 1/2 cup white vinegar

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1 tsp Worcestershire sauce 1/2 tsp dry mustard powder 1/2 cup oil 1/4 cup poppy or sesame seeds (optional)

Salad Ingredients Baby spinach or spring mix 1 cup (or more) strawberries, sliced (can substitute with mandarin orange segments) 1/2 cup sliced toasted almonds 1 purple onion, finely minced (optional)

PREPARATION 1. Using a blender, combine all dressing ingredients (except for oil and poppy seeds).

Blend on high until smooth. Place blender on medium speed and slowly add the oil and poppy seeds until all ingredients are incorporated. Shake well before using. Keep unused portions in the refrigerator.

2. Wash and cut the fresh strawberries and add them to washed salad greens with almonds and sliced purple onion. Top with the honey dressing.

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feature|honey & recipes

RICOTTA AND HONEY TART

(recipe courtesy of Three Brothers Honey) This recipe requires a 9-inch round tart pan with removable bottom. It uses ricotta cheese, which should be drained overnight, or at least for a few hours.

Crust 8 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1 Tbsp grated lemon zest 1/4 tsp salt 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour

Filling 1 lb (454 grams) ricotta cheese (drained — the drier, the better) 2 large eggs 1/2 cup Three Brothers Honey 1 Tbsp grated lemon zest 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted

82 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - May June 2015 ■

PREPARATION 1. For the crust: Place melted butter, sugar, zest, and salt in a large bowl and stir until combined. Add flour and stir just until a soft dough forms, about 1 minute.

2. Evenly arrange small pieces of the dough over the bottom of a 9-inch round tart pan with a removable bottom. Using a measuring cup or your fingers, press the dough to form an even layer over the bottom and up the sides of the pan, flouring the cup or your fingers as needed.

3. Cover the tart shell with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

4. Meanwhile, heat oven to 350F and arrange a rack in the middle.

5. When the shell is chilled, prick it all over with a fork and place it on a baking sheet. Bake until golden brown all over, about 20 to 25 minutes.

6. Meanwhile, prepare the filling.

7. For the filling: Place the drained ricotta, eggs, honey, zest, and cinnamon in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a blade attachment. Process, stopping and scraping down the sides of the bowl often with a rubber spatula, until the mixture is smooth and combined, about 1 minute.

8. Spread the filling in the warm tart shell and evenly sprinkle the almonds over top.

9. Bake until the centre of the tart is just set, about 25 to 30 minutes. Cool completely on a rack before serving.

APPLE HONEY CAKE »

(recipe courtesy of Foodland Ontario foodlandontario.ca) A perfect snack for your coffee break. If you don’t have cardamon, just substitute it for ground cinnamon.

1-1/3 cups (325 mL) all-purpose flour 2/3 cup (150 mL) ground almonds 1/2 tsp (2 mL) each baking powder and baking soda 3/4 tsp (4 mL) ground cardamom 1/2 tsp (2 mL) ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp (1 mL) each ground cloves, nutmeg and salt 1 Ontario egg 1/2 cup (125 mL) packed brown sugar 1/4 cup (50 mL) each milk and vegetable oil 1/4 cup (50 mL) Ontario Liquid Honey 2 medium Ontario Apples, peeled, cored and chopped

Glaze 1/2 cup (125 mL) Ontario Liquid Honey 2 Tbsp (25 mL) apple juice or water 1/8 tsp (0.5 mL) ground cardamom 1/4 cup (50 mL) toasted sliced almonds

PREPARATION 1. Line 9-inch (2 L) square baking pan with foil, allowing 2-inch (5 cm) overhang on 2 sides of pan; grease foil.

2. In medium bowl, combine flour, ground almonds, baking powder, baking soda, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and salt, mixing well.

3. In large bowl, beat egg with brown sugar until thick and creamy. Combine milk, oil and honey; add to egg mixture.

4. Stir in dry ingredients.

5. Fold in apples; spread in prepared pan. Bake in 350F (180 C) oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until cake tester comes out clean.

Glaze 1. In small saucepan, bring honey, apple juice and cardamom to boil; reduce heat and simmer about 5 minutes or until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.

2. Place cake on wire rack and gently poke several holes in cake with fork. Carefully pour warm glaze over cake. Sprinkle with toasted almonds.

Let cool for about 10 minutes, then lift cake out of pan using foil “handles”.

3. Serve warm or at room temperature, cut into squares. Serves 9.

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portfolio|Vivian Wallace

ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS

Story And Photography Dawn Ritchie

T

Vivian Wallace Artist

here’s an old adage, “everyone has a sack of rocks they’re carrying around,” meaning each of us bears troubles, but for lapidary artist Vivian Wallace, the saying holds a literal connotation.

Combing the banks of remote Northern Ontario lakes, Wallace is regularly spotted lugging weighty bags of tumbled beach rocks as she collects prized bryozoans and bone fossils for her functional stone lamp sculptures. “Anything with unique colour or a quartz crystal catches my eye,” says Wallace. “I say, okay, that’s the last one! And then I see another.”

Once Wallace found an antique square nail head embedded deep within a rock. That was a find.

“I’ve loved rocks ever since I was a kid,” claims Wallace, who awoke with a start two GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 85

portfolio|Vivian Wallace

years ago and a precise design in her head ready to be launched. “I already knew how to do electrical work. So I researched stone drilling and within a month I was selling them.”

The drill bits require diamond coating in order to penetrate the adamantine core and she quickly acquired an industrial drill press for the job. “This is really a passion project. In the beginning, I paid as much as $50 for a diamond coated drill bit and it only lasted three rocks.” Since then she’s learned to pace the drill’s bore, while applying cool water to the bit so it won’t burn red hot and shatter.

“Admittedly, it’s a time-consuming process,” says Wallace, who astounds the higher-end customers who flock to buy her lamps, with their low cost. “I try to keep my prices affordable. Some people don’t have a lot of money and they should be able to purchase and own original work just as much as the well heeled.”

But that’s not her only motive.

“The other thing, and this is the honest truth, is that I get such a thrill out of someone owning something I made. The money is just a bonus.”

Wallace confides her journey into lapidary arts began 10 years ago, when, during a low point, a friend invited her over to experiment with jewelry kits to boost her spirits.

“Growing up, I was bullied,” says Wallace, “so low self-esteem was an issue. I remember just putzing around with the jewelry kits and simply fell in love with it.”

Wallace’s first creations were merely for personal use. “Something to wear to

86 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - May June 2015 ■

work.” But once she started incorporating her watercolours and fine art into her necklaces (each is an original signed by the artist) she drew admirers. “Friends and colleagues wanted to buy them. So I started including stone and sterling silver into my designs and suddenly I had a new passion. I set up a little table in a garage at the cottage and, before you knew it, my work was selling like hotcakes. This has really been a refuge for me.”

Which brings us back to that old adage about a sack of rocks. Wallace’s adventure in artistic excavation has been a fruitful journey to emotional vigour.

Those early days now well behind her, Wallace has gone on to become an awardwinning artist, sold her work through 10 different retailers and appeared in six juried studio art tours.

What’s next on her horizon? In addition to her lamps, jewelry and paintings, Wallace wants to craft more of her rustic, stone-embellished, solar-powered birdhouses. “They have cathedral windows that light up at night with multicoloured stained glass patterns. The birds just love them.” She’s also currently sketching designs for stone tea lights with hurricane lamps. “And of course there’s my mailboxes. I have so many ideas.”

Find Vivian Wallace’s work at www.vtheartist.ca, Alliston’s Gibson Centre, Chatham’s folksy Grandma Lambes, El Con Pottery in Newton Robinson and at Bradford Library’s One Of A Kind Art Show on May 30 and 31.

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events|things to do

Get ready to

Promenade in Barrie

39th

Annual Promenade

Days

The 39th Annual Promenade Days and Canada Day celebration takes over downtown Barrie July 1 to 4.

C

elebrate Canada Day weekend outdoors in the sunshine and beautiful weather along Barrie’s waterfront. Stores and restaurants spill out onto Dunlop Street, which will be closed to traffic when the entire main street comes alive with entertainers and vendors, offering something for the whole family.

Bring your friends and pull up a chair on a local patio. Enjoy

a brew and some delicious food while you listen to live entertainment and feel the great vibe of Barrie on Canada Day. There will also be a petting zoo, face painting, a family stage and much more.

Looking for a thrill? Head over to the midway and hop on the rides set up in the parking lot near Memorial Square.

There is also a kids zone in Heritage Park, featuring inflatables, games and face painting.

Canada Day festivities also include the cutting of the Canada Day Cake and a fireworks display, presented by the City of Barrie, at 10 p.m. July 1.

For more information, visit downtownbarrie.ca

2

See a legend.

Gordon Lightfoot will be at Casino Rama May 30 to perform many of his hits including Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, Sundown and If You Could Read My Mind.

Showtime is 9 p.m. and tickets start at $65. casinorama.com.

online 88 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - May June 2015 â–

Looking for something fun to do?

Check out events on Simcoe.com

3

Savour beer and barbecue. The annual Craft Beer and BBQ festival hits Memorial Square July 9 to 12. A great lineup of rib teams and craft brewers will surely temp your taste buds. Admission is free, and the price of the food varies. downtownbarrie.ca.

An afternoon by the lake benefitting the cancer support program at Gilda’s Club Simcoe Muskoka, so that no one faces cancer alone.TM Featuring a special acoustic performance

by Canadian musicians, The Trews!

THE TREWS

4

Have a toe-tapping good time. Julianne and Derek Hough hit Casino Rama with their Move Live On Tour 2015 July 16 and 17. The show is a complete stage production, with sets, costumes and a cast of talented dancers; with the Hough’s headlining in solo, duet and group performances in styles ranging from ballroom and tap to salsa and hip hop and everything in-between. Tickets start at $30. casinorama.com.

Sunday, June 7 th, 2015 3:00 - 7:00 pm

For tickets please contact Katherine at 705.726.5199 or katherine@gildasclubsimcoemuskoka.org [a tax receipt will be issued for a portion of ea./$250 ticket purchased]

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GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 89

local business|jewellery designer

fine design on the move Michael Smiley is a jewellery designer with outstanding expertise.

H

Story Louise Ferguson | Photography Mike Guilbault

aving launched his career more than 20 years ago, Michael designs an incredible succession of stunning jewellery that conveys the undeniable mark of his visionary and explicit creative process. Inspiration comes from his involvement in various artistic ventures as well as his numerous clients.

His jewellery is both exclusively elegant and dazzling. Whatever the project at hand, the quality of design and the attention to detail are always the foundation on which he creates. Implementing new and experimental 90 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - May June 2015 ■

methods assures that creations by Michael are one of a kind.

Located on Worsley Street in downtown Barrie, Michael Smiley Fine Jewellery’s new shop is both classic and modern, incorporating wood, brick and glass. When you enter the shop, you are greeted with an exceptional painting Michael created of his grandparents; an excellent example of his wide-ranging artistic talent.

And while this artist’s portfolio boasts a wide array of finely crafted jewellery, even the very simplest of pieces, such as a monogrammed

ring given as a recent graduation gift, evoke heartwarming emotion from his customers.

Inspired by the desire to create a beautiful piece to be adored and cherished by those who wear it, Michael’s business has been built on customer satisfaction. He often has people come in whose relatives have left them an heirloom which they appreciate and admire, but wish to have adjustments made to make it their own. Breathing new life into old pieces of jewellery adds a real feel-good component to Michael’s craft.

He is able to fulfill custom requests by en-

gaging with his customers and uncovering enough of their personalities to design and create a piece that matches that individual.

After getting to know them, he envisions what they want and starts with an initial consultation. They talk about their style preferences and their general aesthetic. With couples, Michael likes to hear about who they are as a team when designing their engagement and wedding rings. Understanding these things about them positively builds a connection. It is essential to the design process.

Some people have ideas they want to in-

corporate or photographs of pieces they like.

Others come in with no ideas whatsoever and leave it to the jeweller’s creativity to guide them to a concept. With years of experience behind him, Michael has mastered the ability to translate people’s ideas and desires into pieces of art they wear with pride. It’s exhilarating for Michael to take their ideas and personalities as the very essence of their piece.

A resident of Barrie since childhood, Michael is as committed to the community as he is to his craft and clients. An active member of Kempenfelt Rotary Club, he has given back

by donating his artistic and design talents to Gilda’s Club of Simcoe Muskoka, Barrie and Area Christmas Toy Tea, Simcoe County Children’s Aid Society, Barrie and District United Way, Women for Women Golf Tournament, MacLaren Art Gallery Black Tie, MacLaren Art Gallery Legacy Dinner, private fundraising functions, Kempenfelt Rotary Club Beaver Festival, and Downtown Barrie.

For more information, visit msmiley.com, drop

by Michael Smiley Fine Jewellery at 18 Worsley St. in Barrie or call 705-734-0776.

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 91

feature|waterfalls of Muskoka

Falling for Muskoka STORY ANDREW HIND | PHOTOGRAPHY BEV MCMULLEN

O

ntario’s most dramatic waterfall is, obviously, located at Niagara. But many people in search of tumbling waterfalls head the opposite direction, north, towards Muskoka. Here, they bask in the power and beauty of more than a dozen waterfalls, each uniquely spectacular in their own way.

All this comes as no surprise to those familiar with the region. Its landscape is startling varied and its natural attractions are abundant. Waterfalls are just one of the treasures that make Muskoka so beloved.

Waterfalls have an undeniable allure at any time of year – the light reflecting off raging waters, the thundering roar, the sheer power they represent – but at no time are they more spectacular than in spring.

So, grab a sweater, a camera and head out to explore some of Muskoka’s most dramatic waterfalls ...

HIGH FALLS GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 93

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All the water from the watershed of the three big Muskoka lakes, reaching as far afield as Algonquin Park, flows through Bala on its way to the Moon and Musquash Rivers and ultimately to Georgian Bay. Consider that for a moment. To say that’s a lot of water is the epitome of understatement. There are bigger waterfalls in Muskoka, arguably prettier ones, but likely none more important.

Indeed, the history of the falls provides a cautionary tale for anyone considering altering waterways. For millennia, the water levels on Lake Muskoka fluctuated wildly. To assist in navigation, in 1873 the Department of Public Works installed a dam above the falls.

Unfortunately, the dam worked too well and kept water levels too high, swamping lakeside farm fields. As a result, the Department blasted out spillways on the south channel which, in its natural state, had not carried that much water.

As a result, today there are actually two sets of falls in Bala: the main outlet, which rushes past the town park, and the spillway, which cascades behind the picturesque Burgess Memorial Church.

Bracebridge Falls

www.theedgeartgallery.ca 94 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - May June 2015 ■

In the 19th century, settlers sought out waterfalls as a natural source of energy to power their industries. Communities would inevitably develop around them. Bracebridge is a perfect example of this; the entire town grew up around Bracebridge Falls and this magnificent natural

feature remains at the heart of the community – literally and figuratively – to this day.

Bracebridge was still a rough frontier hamlet when Alexander Bailey arrived in 1865 and built a grist mill at the base of the falls. It was a godsend. Previously, settlers had to carry grain to Orillia to be milled into flour. At its peak, the Bailey mill was producing 75 barrels of flour per day. Seven years later, Henry Bird established the Bird Woolen Mill, which for decades was the largest industry in town, making blankets, mackinaw jackets, and other woolen goods.

These industries provided employment and markets for locally produced grain and wool, making them vital to sustaining Muskoka’s early development.

The Bailey mill burned in 1909, but a waterwheel memorial stands on its site. The Bird mill closed in 1954 and was demolished shortly after, but its foundations are visible on the west side of the river between the Bird Mill Bridge and the railway bridge. The mill’s warehouse still exists and currently houses a restaurant and the Bracebridge Chamber of Commerce. A viewing platform provides an ideal vantage point for enjoying the falls themselves.

There are two hydro generating plants here.

The original (no longer in operation) dates back to the 1890s, giving Bracebridge the honour of being the first Ontario municipality to own its own power plant. The newer plant was built in 1902 and is the oldest continuous operation hydro plant in Canada.

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feature|waterfalls of Muskoka

HATCHERY FALLS

“

Hatchery Park encompasses the former hatchery ... but follow the sound of distant rushing water for a spectacular discovery.”

Dee Bank

Dee Bank Falls is hardly the most dramatic waterfall in Muskoka, but is loved nonetheless.

The water roars here, it bubbles and froths. It’s also one of the most intimate falls; even when the Dee River is at its highest, you can still walk among the rocks virtually amidst the cascading waters. And, it’s peaceful. Oftentimes, you’ll have the falls completely to yourself.

The Dee River drains Three Mile Lake into Lake Rosseau. Just above the Muskoka Road 24 bridge it slides down a steep incline, forming Dee Bank Falls.

The setting is seemingly untouched, but in fact was once the heart of a vanished village named Dee Bank. John Shannon built a sawmill here around 1868, and then a large grist mill that served as the anchor for the hamlet.

96 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - May June 2015 ■

Hatchery Falls

High Falls

Hatchery Falls, named for the Ministry of Natural Resources fish hatchery that operated just upstream of it for decades, is one of the best-kept secrets in Muskoka. Few people realize this eight-metre-tall falls even exists.

Now the secret is out.

Hatchery Park encompasses the former hatchery and is interesting in its own right, but follow a trail – and the sound of distant rushing water – into the woods for a spectacular discovery. The trail is undeveloped, strewn with rocks and tree roots, but the end result is well worth any scrambling you have to do.

Untouched by humanity, without bridges or other structures to intrude upon the scene, and with the sound of the raging water silencing everything else in the area, it’s like every one of Muskoka’s waterfalls would have been prior to being altered by the hand of man.

High Falls is the most spectacular falls in Muskoka. Even at the height of summer the power of its thundering water is almost deafening. High Falls is also the only falls in Muskoka that can truly be called a falls. The water drops over a sheer cliff in a vertical curtain of raging water, just like Niagara. The other waterfalls in Muskoka are more properly classified as ‘cascades,’ since they descend down a rock face in a series of steps without losing contact with the bedrock.

High Falls stands an imposing 20 metres in height, and at one point travel promoters labelled it the “Niagara of the North.” A bit of an exaggeration, perhaps, but reflecting its stature as the most prominent waterfall anywhere in cottage country; in fact, you have to travel as far north as Wawa to find a falls larger.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Town of

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feature|waterfalls of Muskoka

south falls

Bracebridge decided to harness the power of High Falls. The generating station, built in 1948, is hidden from the view of visitors to High Falls Park on the south side of the river.

Here, looking between the cedars, all you see is water, mist, and the blue expanse of sky.

Rosseau Falls The Rosseau River runs serenely for 18 kilometres from Long Lake before finally pouring into Lake Rosseau through a tempestuous 150-metre log chute. In years past, from 1877 until the 1920s, every spring logs that had been cut in the heavily forested interior over the preceding winter were sent barreling down the river to gather in the lake below. It was said that Mutchenbacker Bay was packed so tightly with logs that one could quite literally walk from one shore to the next without getting wet feet. A large mill and a small milling hamlet developed around the base of the falls.

Today, this frenzied activity is gone, replaced by serene beauty. Located along Rosseau Lake Road 3, stop at the bridge and walk along the river’s banks for a panoramic view of the falls, woods and distant lake. While the water slows to a trickle during dry summers, in spring and fall it is transformed into a maelstrom of 98 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - May June 2015 â–

churning water. If you look carefully, you’ll see holes drilled into the rock that mark the route of the old log chute. (Note: please respect the private property along the edge of the river as you approach the lake.)

South Falls The first waterfall to be seen by European eyes was South Falls. Lieutenant Henry Biscoe of the Royal Engineers discovered the falls in 1826 during the first recorded exploration of Muskoka. Legendary explorer David Thompson made the first written mention of this waterfall in his 1837 journals during an expedition intended to determine the feasibility of a canal route between Georgian Bay and the Ottawa River.

South Falls, also known as Muskoka Falls, is the highest waterfall in Muskoka, at 33 metres. It may also be its most powerful; the river has cut an 800-metre-long scar in the bedrock, suggesting the force with which it thunders downstream. This gorge proved an impediment to lumbermen driving their logs.

Many were damaged by the rocks or wedged into crevasses, creating logjams. In the late 1870s the government built a log slide bypassing the falls. Its grand opening drew crowds of

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feature|waterfalls of Muskoka

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100 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - May June 2015 ■

“

High Falls stands an imposing 20 metres in height, and at one point travel promoters labelled it the Niagara of the North.”

onlookers, but was marred by tragedy when a foolish workman jumped aboard the first logs sent down the slide and was killed.

The Town of Gravenhurst built the South Falls generating station at the base of the falls in 1907, and the facilities were later taken over and expanded upon by Ontario Hydro. The plant and the sluice pipes that feed it disrupt the majesty of the setting in a manner not seen elsewhere in Muskoka.

Wilson’s Falls The smallest of the three waterfalls within the municipality of Bracebridge, many rank Wilson’s Falls (located at the end of River Street) their favourite because of the ease of exploration. It’s also the most undisturbed.

Unlike Bracebridge Falls and High Falls,

the touch of man is far less noticeable here. A hydroelectric station built over a century ago stands along the river, generating electricity for Bracebridge, but it’s remarkably unobtrusive.

In truth, there are two falls here. The main falls stands about 15 metres high but an impressive 100 metres wide, making it probably the widest waterfall in all of Muskoka. The second waterfall, and the higher of the two, is located beside the generating plant.

After enjoying the falls, take some time to explore the walking trails winding through the woods.

Like all of Muskoka’s waterfalls, the power of Wilson’s Falls was harnessed by an early settler: in this case namesake Gilman Wilson, who operated a sawmill here in the 19th century.

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travel|The Lodge at Glendorn

story Bart Card

The Lodge at Glendorn ... Relais & Châteaux with Beretta and Orvis ... what a combination! add beautiful scenery, luxury accommodation and great company, and who could ask for anything more?

More time was the only thing missing.

102 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - May June 2015 ■

It’s Worth

the Drive

T

ravelling the world has afforded me the opportunity to experience many new and interesting pastimes and explore interests that may not have been possible otherwise. Since I was a boy, I have loved exploring the outdoors. With that love comes a fascination of shooting and fishing I have had since I was a child. So when, in the fall of last year I received an invitation to stay at the Lodge at Glendorn, I jumped at the opportunity especially knowing that it is a Relais & Châteaux property and Beretta and Orvis are involved in the outdoor activities. My son –in-law, Kyle, and I share similar interests. When I found out about this trip, I decided who better to have with me than him.

I had never heard of Glendorn, but after some quick research I discovered that not only was it a renowned idyllic getaway, but it was also located in

northwestern Pennsylvania, only four short hours from my home outside of Toronto.

The drive was easy, with no traffic and beautiful scenery. We left early and arrived mid-morning. The first thing we noticed as we pulled onto the property was the beauty of the surrounding landscape. The drive into the property is flanked by flowing streams and rolling hills – an outdoorsman’s dream. Located adjacent to the Allegheny National Forest, the Lodge at Glendorn’s all-redwood main lodge dates back to 1929. The property is open year-round and offers beautifully appointed accommodations, find dining in a casual atmosphere and world class activities. Famous guests have included Louis Armstrong, Victor Borge, Art Buchwald and Ella Fitzgerald.

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 103

travel|The Lodge at Glendorn We parked the car and made our way to the main lodge to check-in. The mostly original furnishings, family heirlooms and redwood panelling set a perfect atmosphere and truly accentuate the history associated with Glendorn. And what a history it has! The property was purchased by C.G. Dorn in 1927 as a family retreat. In 1995, the Dorn family made the decision to share their family getaway with others and opened the doors of Glendorn to the public. When the estate came up for auction in 1995, Cliff Forest and his family jumped at the opportunity and set out to preserve the property’s history and natural beauty.

While checking-in, Kyle and I had the pleasure of meeting Stephanie Schafer, director of Hotel Operations and Marketing. Stephanie was exceptionally helpful and provided us with fantastic tales of the property as we walked the short distance to our guest cabin.

The property has a total of 12 cabins, all secluded in the surrounding woodlands. John’s Cabin is a larger cabin, featuring a small kitchen, a living room with wood-burning fireplace, an outdoor porch with a sleeping swing that overlooks Skipper Lake. John’s Cabin sleeps up to eight people and each bedroom has its own private bathroom. Each cabin also features an outdoor fire-ring with teak furniture, allowing guests to enjoy the beautiful scenic Pennsylvania mountain scenery.

In addition to guest cabins, Glendorn offers guests the opportunity to stay in a suite or room

104 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - May June 2015 ■

in the Big House. All accommodations, including the guest houses, are furnished with fine linens, towels and Aveda bath products.

After a wonderful night’s sleep, we woke rested and ready for the day ahead. Our first planned activity was fly fishing, with the knowledgeable Damon Newpher, sports director at Glendorn.

With 1,500 acres, Glendorn is home to Fuller Brook, a crystal clear, spring-fed stream full of native brook trout, brown trout and rainbow trout. Glendorn is ideal for the world’s most experienced and most novice of fly-fishers.

Being relative beginners ourselves, Kyle and I spent the morning under the astute tutelage of one of Glendorn’s fishing guides. We ended up catching, and releasing, a handful of fish between us and having a wonderful experience in the process.

Once we were done with fly fishing, we headed to the dining room for some lunch.

The kitchen offers a menu inspired by classical French techniques and infused with regional favourites and fresh local ingredients. The gardens at Glendorn are often the source of many of the fresh flavours that adorn the dishes in the dining room.

Lunches at Glendorn are a choice of light fare or a picnic lunch. The wonderful staff will pack a backpack lunch, if you choose to explore the property instead of eating in the dining room of the Big House. In the summer, lunch can be served by the poolside, on the terrace or in the airy sunroom.

Glendorn’s state-of-the-art kitchen is run by a superb team of culinary experts, led by Executive Chef Joe Schafer. Originally from upstate New York, Joe joined the Glendorn team in 2008. His food is heavily influenced by classical French techniques, while focusing on seasonal ingredients and local products.

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travel|The Lodge at Glendorn

“

Four-course meals are paired with a perfectlychosen wine and the hall is serenaded by a pianist playing romantic music.

After a satisfying and delicious lunch, we once again made our way outside to do some skeet shooting. Trap and skeet shooting is a Dorn family tradition. The sport was so important to the family, that a padded telephone booth was installed in the trap house so that family members could conduct business while on the shooting range. The trap house is fully equipped with a restroom, fireplace, built-ingrill, redwood gun rack and a gun cleaning station, ideal if you are there to shoot or just watch your friends or family.

Kyle and I spend the entire afternoon shooting and, although we are experienced in the sport, all levels are welcome to participate, even 106 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - May June 2015 ■

if you have never held a gun before.

Once we were finished with shooting, we went back to our cabin to freshen up and then headed to the Great Room of the Big House for dinner. Glendorn’s state-of-the-art kitchen is run by a superb team of culinary experts, led by Executive Chef Joe Schafer. Originally from upstate New York, Joe joined the Glendorn team in 2008. His food is heavily influenced by classical French techniques, while focusing on seasonal ingredients and local products. The Great Hall is the perfect setting for dinner and a sociable cocktail hour. Four-course meals are paired with a perfectly-chosen wine and the hall is serenaded by a pianist playing romantic music.

After a busy day and a fantastic dinner, we made our way back to our cabin and turned in early. The following morning we were up early and, after a breakfast of farm fresh eggs, sausages and fresh squeezed orange juice, we headed to Spring Creek preserve for an entire day hunting upland bird. A wide variety of hunts are available at Glendorn, including wild grouse, wild woodcock, chukar, pheasant and wild turkey. On this particular day, we went in search of pheasant. Pheasant shooting at Glendorn is an experience unto itself. Each guide has his own dog that is perfectly trained for the conditions. This was the first time Kyle had been on a pheasant hunt and our knowledgeable guide made the experience accessible for all levels of experience. For those who enjoy pheasant, the chef will be happy to prepare it for your evening meal.

We arrived back at the cabin just after lunchtime and still had plenty of time left in the day to tour the local Zippo factory and receive some treatments at the spa with spa director Jennifer Herzog. Kyle had never had a pedicure so I treated him.

When our weekend came to an end, we were truly sad to leave. Our trip took place in the late fall, but the lodge is open year-round with many people enjoying the miles of hiking trails in the shade of blue spruce, hemlock, and black cherry. The lodge supplies a trail guide to the local trees, shrubs, club mosses, and ferns.

Summer activities also include tennis, biking, or relaxing by the 60-foot outdoor swimming pool. Guests can also enjoy berry picking and after-dinner bonfires, with s’mores. In the winter, guests enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, or just relaxing by the fire with a good book. The staff at Glendorn is dedicated to preserving the spirit of a vibrant family, making visitors feel as though they are truly coming home. My only regret is that we did not stay longer.

Bart Card is a food and travel writer.

(905) 251-1258 or bartcard@rogers.com The Lodge at Glendorn www.glendorn.com

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We don‘t just claim to be the best, we prove it through honest workmanship and genuine caring. Come and see for yourself why we’ve been voted “Your Favourite Fish & Chip Restaurant” in Barrie for 2 years running!

411 Huronia Road, Barrie | 705-721-8998

C AND T CATERING We offer an extensive selection of menu options for both corporate and private functions from barbeques & weddings to corporate working lunches. We can confidently offer something for every taste, budget or occasion and we look forward to serving you. Owners Terry McNaughton and Chef Chris Buurs invite you to come and try their food at Scarpaccio’s Ristorante Bar & Grill ( 705-797-2507) or Wentworth’s Eatery Café ( 705-503-3287).

You can email your catering inquiries or bookings to : dining@scarpaccioristorante.com | www.scarpaccioristorante.com

108 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - May June 2015 ■

CORDINO‘S FINE MEATS & DELI

Inspired by old world butcher shops, Cordino’s Fine Meats and Deli focuses on delivering local, sustainable and premium fresh food to your table. We do dry age beef which very few people do anymore, which is a whole other level of quality!

All of our products are prepared or cut in-house, with a commitment to quality and freshness. We use traditional and modern meat cutting practices and we are happy to custom cut or prepare our meats to your specifications.

We offer 36’ of fresh meat selections, as well as a variety of fresh produce, groceries and quality prepared food. We have a Certified Chef on site daily, with over 20 years of culinary experience. Come in and try some of our delicious sandwiches, salads and pastas from our hot deli table.

We compliment our food with a welcoming, inviting and clean family-friendly atmosphere with a commitment to old-fashioned service.

409 Yonge Street, Barrie | 705.252.5365 | www.cordinobutchershop.ca

LIBERTY NORTH - LN TO GO

Liberty North, is more than just a deli for people who need to grab a quick meal.

While the business offers a fresh selection for lunch and dinner to go from Monday to Friday, LN to go also offers a catering service at your doorstep anytime.

Intimate private dinners – where a LN Executive Chef prepares the meal at your home – are becoming just as popular as the on-site service.

The Executive Chef can customize any meal for your guests.

Feeding a hungry crowd for special occasions like anniversaries or weddings is also not a problem, no matter where you live.

If you are pinched for time but still want fresh, spectacular food, call LN to go.

100 Caplan Ave, Barrie | 705.728.3877 | www.libertynorth.ca

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

THE NORTH RESTAURANT AND WEST EVENT CENTRE In 2012 The North moved into its existing larger two-storey Victorian building with private party rooms for catering and special events. For large scale catering Chef Marco has opened The West Event Centre, suitable for any event or corporate function for up to 250+ people. Still offering his signature dishes in banquet style menus, Marco and his team assure the highest quality of food, awesome presentation, and impeccable service. The West is ideal for baptisms, Christmas parties, Bar Mitzvahs, weddings, and any special occasion.

49 Mary Street, Barrie | 705.812.2192 | www.TheNorthRestaurant.com 146 Toronto Street, Barrie | 705.792.3411 | www.TheWestEventCentre.com

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 109

dining guide KOHYANG HOUSE

KoHyang House is Barrie‘s First Korean Cuisine restaurant. Original Furusato owner Anna Kim is now at KoHyang House. It offers Korean cuisine as well as Japanese cuisine. It is located on Bayfield Street, just north of the Five Points. We recommend the Dolsot Bi Bim Bap, a dish of mixed vegetables and a choice of chicken, beef or tofu, served on a bed of rice. It is Korea‘s signature dish.

The restaurant has dishes from other parts of Asia as well. There are teriyaki and tempura choices and a sushi bar, along with bento box combinations.

Check us out on our website!

33 Bayfield Street, Barrie | 705.726.8989 | www.kohyanghouse.com

CATERING BY COLIN

Located in Barrie, Catering by Colin has been serving Barrie and Simcoe County for more than 35 years. Affordable choices, exceptional service, delicious food and generous portions have made them an award-winning full- service catering company. Their team includes experienced chefs, servers, clean-up crew and a Special Events Coordinator to assist you with your custom planning. The services go far beyond food prep and serving; they keep your guests feeling satisfied and happy. Their expertise lies in Wedding Catering and Corporate Catering, whether it is a luncheon or an evening event. But also include many years experience catering all sorts of functions such Banquets, Cocktail parties, Christmas, Funeral Services, BBQ Services for any events such as anniversary, Bar Mitzvahs and Birthdays’ to name a few.

28 Currie St. Unit 15, Barrie I 705-726-3755 I www.cateringbycolin.com

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

TAJ BISTRO • INDIAN • CONTINENTAL • ORIENTAL

Located in downtown Barrie, Taj Bistro offers a delicious and varied menu of Indian and Oriental cuisine served up with a beautiful view of the waterfront.

Choose from over 50 varieties of curry, a myriad of sides, kebabs and vegetarian selections, and even pasta and dim sum. For the Seafood lover we have something for you too. Come join us for a wide variety of cuisine all under one roof with the option of dine-in or take-out. We offer lunch specials daily between 11am – 2:30 pm.

140 Dunlop St., E. Unit 101, Barrie | 705-252-TAJ7 (8257) | www.tajbistro.ca

110 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - May June 2015 ■

SIGRID’S CAFE & FINE BAKERY LTD. Sigrid’s is a proud family-owned bakery celebrating 31 years in Barrie. All baked goods are made from scratch and with all natural ingredients, the way it used to be. The flavor comes true with every bite.

Enjoy European baked goods at their finest in pastries, torts, cookies, buns and breads. With special treats for our diabetic and gluten-free customers, which are baked fresh daily with no preservatives.

Nothing smells better than the aroma of scrumptious Challah breads, soft knotted bread rings and tempting butter dough biscuits! Andrea and her family encourage you to swing by the tea room for lunch and say hello and try something new!

10 Ross Street, Barrie I 705-726-0121 | Sigridsbakery.com

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

THE FARMHOUSE The Farmhouse is a fun, fresh and family ready new restaurant, that is a must eat!

At the Farmhouse we use only sustainable fish and the freshest meats and vegetables.

We are animal lovers and tree huggers.

Open for Lunch & Dinner 7 Days BREAKFAST Now Open Sat & Sun 8:30 am Sunday Nights ROAST BEEF DINNER 2 sides with dessert for $22 HAPPY HOUR Everyday 4-6 Spectacular view of Kempenfelt Bay • Private rooms – Catering – Perfect for Weddings

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

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

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 111

Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre

WHAT IF YOU HAVE A HEART ATTACK?

O

ne minute Mark Thompson was watching a soccer match on television and the next he was ����� �� ��� ������ ���� ���� ������� for his life.

It was a battle he came very close to losing.

The 41-year-old Barrie chef had a heart attack, known as the ‘widow maker.’

Thompson’s artery was completely blocked and he arrived at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) via ambulance with no vital signs. ����� ��������� ���� ������������ him seven times and broke 11 ribs performing CPR. They never gave up and after almost two hours they found a faint pulse and with it, hope.

Mark’s survival depended on a trip down the highway to the closest advanced cardiac centre for angioplasty, a ��������� ��� ������ �� ��� �������� in North Simcoe Muskoka. It was a risky ride for a man whose life was hanging in the balance.

“Don’t get me wrong, if it wasn’t for RVH I wouldn’t be alive. But they need the ����� �� ����� ��� ����� ���� ��������� “They need to be able to do angioplasty here and not have to ship a patient to another facility. That doesn’t make sense to me. Every person deserves the right to get the care they need in the

������ ����� ���� ������ When it comes to a heart attack, time is muscle. Every minute you wait for treatment, your heart muscle is dying.

But if you have a heart attack in North Simcoe Muskoka, most people can’t get to a cardiac centre fast enough to receive the gold standard of care treatment within 90 minutes. Last year ����� ������ �� ��� ������ ������� a severe heart attack. Only 76 were close enough to a specialized cardiac centre to receive immediate lifesaving treatment.

Think about what that could mean to you; to a loved one.

Instead, patients in North Simcoe Muskoka receive the next best thing medication at their community hospital to, hopefully, dissolve the clot causing the heart attack and then transfer to an advanced cardiac care centre outside the region for treatment.

North Simcoe Muskoka is the only region in the province that does not have an advanced cardiac centre.

We don’t think that’s right. Time and distance should not be factors in determining the standard of heart care you receive, so RVH is working closely with the provincial government to develop an advanced cardiac program.

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

Flappers and Gangsters 4th Annual Over the Rainbow Gala Flappers and gangsters gathered at Tangle Creek Golf and Country Club for the 4th annual Over the Rainbow Gala on April 25. The night featured an 1920s murder mystery theme, raising money for Rainbows For All Children - is an international not-for-profit organization committed to helping children and teens grieve and grow after loss.

1. Laurey Fawcett and Stephanie Duprey足足足 2. Julie and Steve Volkmann 3. Candace Banks, Mitch Minhinnick, Zach Bertucca and Curtis Minhinnick 4. Gord and Sharon Boyle with event sponsor Egress Systems

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5. David and Evelyn Pollock with Karen and Chris Connolly 6. Brenda Reid and Rachael Porto 7. Betsy and David Waterson 8. Judy and Brian Westgarth 9. Derek and Barb Rafuse

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10. Event organizers Nadia McIlveen, Kimberly Thomson, Jackie Ramler (host) and Brenda Cockburn 11. Rachael Porto, Jackie Ramler and Laura Hemsworth 12. Debi Mackay, Anne Pyzer and Renee Galloway 13. Su and Bob Cook 14. Heather Mallard Houle and Gary Houle 15. Tony Telford and Cathleen McRob

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16. John and Lisa Bell with special guest Dorothy 17. Sarah Taylor 18. Peter Panagakis and Charlene McDonald with event sponsor Barrie Ford 19. David and Clowie Rolfe with event sponsor Barrie Chrysler

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20. Jim and Harriette Thompson event sponsor Barrie Chrysler 21. Robert and Janet Elrick with event sponsor Barrie Ford 22. Event sponsors Galbraith Family Law (left) and Tangle Creek Golf and Country Club (right)

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22 GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 113

in the crowd

KBS Colours of Spring Annual Gala

Hosted by Citytv’s Frank Ferragine, Kempenfelt Bay School’s annual Colours of Spring annual gala was held on Friday, April 24, at Tangle Creek Golf Course. Along with dinner and dancing, the event featured performances by: Thom Allison (star of Miss Saigon, Tommy and Rent), Broken Dance (Canada’s #1 Bollywood Group) and James Harrison of Pickpocket Magic.

Photos Samantha White and Graham Hookey 1. Jaime-Lynn Ahern, Debbie Ahern, Vanessa Neal and Carolyn Pitman 1

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2. Mary-Jane Finlay-Brinkos, Jan Leader and Kim Barrett 3. Jan Westhaver, Tracy Salter, Sheri Montgomery and Tiffany Little 4. Jenn Dahinten, Patti Gwin, Katherine Elphick, Howard Gwin, Jenn O’Neill, David Dahinten, Dr. Stacie Weber, Andrew Ain

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5. Gala Committee (from left): Rhonda LeBoeuf, Michelle Cellucci, Angela Aujla, Sandy Rogers, Slawomira Weber, Shamus Rask, Sheri Montgomery, Tracy Salter, Angela Baldwin and Carrie Gater. (Missing are Wendy deGravina, Katherine Elphick and Lia Rizzardo).

6. Thom Allison and Edwina Douglas 7. Emcee Frank Ferragine of Citytv’s Breakfast Television 8. Jason and Sheri Montgomery 9. Dr. Andrew and Carrie Gater 10. Dr. Steve Powell and Dr. Doug Austgarden 11. Howard and Patti Gwin 12. Jenn O’Neill and Patti Gwin

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1. Georgian Culinary students prepared a special luncheon for General (Ret’d) Rick Hillier and guests

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13. Tracy and Tim Salter

Shine Not Whine General (Ret’d) Rick Hillier tells Georgian audience about leadership in tough times Shine, not whine.

That’s the advice General (Ret’d) Rick Hillier shared as he spoke about leadership in tough times at the Georgian College President’s Thought Leadership Speaker Series on April 9.

2. Bachelor of Human Services (Police Studies) student Brittany Smith, MaryLynn West-Moynes and General (Ret’d) Rick Hillier 3. Bruce Naylor and General (Ret’d) Rick Hillier 4. Chris Gariepy, MaryLynn West-Moynes, Doug Moynes and General (Ret’d) Rick Hillier

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5. General (Ret’d) Rick Hillier and Baldev Pooni

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6. Capt. McMurachy, Mira Ray and Ali Khonsari 7. General (Ret’d) Rick Hillier and Mike Stollery 3 114 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - May June 2015 ■

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