Lifestyle Magazine January/February 2024 by Lifestyle Magazine Online

LIFESTYLE S E R V I N G LO N D O N A N D S O U T H W E S T E R N O N TA R I O F O R 2 5 Y E A R S

HOMES & RENOS

DECOR

PREVIEW

FA S H I O N

BE AUT Y

Lifestyle Home Show 2024

WELLNESS

J A N UA R Y/ F E B R UA R Y 2 0 2 4

FOOD & DRINK

AUTOS

T R AV EL

NOW

INCLUDING

January 26-28

YOUR LOCAL FOOD AND DRINK MAGAZINE

FOLLOW THE 2023

PARADE OF RENOS

NIAGARA FALLS

ROAD TRIP

LIGHTS, ICEWINES AND FABULOUS FLAVOURS

FASHION

ACCESSORIES FOR HER AND HIM

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EDITOR’S NOTE

New Year Brings New Energy

“Ring out the false, ring in the true.” ALFRED LORD TENNYSON

6 LIFESTYLE January/February 2024

he New Year is thought of as a time for new beginnings and that’s never been truer than this year for Lifestyle. With a new Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, Chris McDonell, there’s a new energy and new “good reads” in this expanded publication as we fold in some of the content that used to appear in his former magazine, Eatdrink. You’ll see some names that you’re familiar with still appearing in the bylines of Lifestyle. Janis Wallace and Ellen Ashton-Haiste lent their talents as usual, as well as yours truly. We welcome some new-to-us writers, most of whom you will know from Eatdrink. Bryan Lavery is still reporting on all the Buzz around town in the culinary industry, and Sue Sutherland-Wood continues to share gentle humour. Kym Wolfe is back delivering all the news that’s fit to print on artisanal libations. New to the fold are Sue Gordon, all-around foodie, who shares her love of cooking and baking, and Ben Forrest, who will be adding auto-related flair to our pages. At 80 pages, the magazine is bigger than ever, but you’ll see new stories and new sections being added in future issues and that means we’ll also be bringing you new perspectives as the roster of writers expands. But there’s one incredibly talented person who’s been part of the Lifestyle team as long as I have and is the unsung hero of our pages. Wendy Reid is a marvelous designer, and I’ve had the privilege of working with her for 20 years, 10 at this publication and 10 at another one. The magazine is vibrant, attractive and readable because of her. You can see her creative design work on all of our pages, but it

LIFESTYLE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Chris McDonell

especially shines in the Marketplace pictorial feature on page 40 and the Fashion story on page 50. You’ll see what’s in fashion for those with a taste for suds on page 74 and chocolate is always in fashion, as you’ll learn on page 76. Check out what’s cooking in the city and region on page 67 and on page 78, you’ll find words of ironic wisdom about clearing up and cleaning out. But the big news is what’s up in the renovation industry in our big story beginning on page 10. The London Home Builders’ Lifestyle Home Show is in its twenty-ninth iteration. We’ve got a show preview section starting on page 18 to get you up to speed and ready to jump right into the event. One of the things that I love about being a writer is that I learn so much in the name of work; what a perk. That’s true of my stories in this issue. Have you ever wondered why body parts start to ache without explanation? Me too, so I went to two experts for answers, and they helped demystify why getting older comes with some inevitable pain, while others are avoidable; see page 44. On page 46, I asked four professionals in the beauty world about best practices to take care of skin, hair and nails during the winter months. We’d love to hear your feedback on the new and improved Lifestyle. The Lifestyle team wishes you a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

EDITOR Jill Ellis-Worthington WRITERS Ellen Ashton-Haiste Jill Ellis-Worthington Sue Gordon Brian Lavery Sue Sutherland-Wood Janis Wallace Kym Wolfe ACCOUNT MANAGERS Annette Gent 519-200-0283 annettegent537@gmail.com Lorraine Lukings 519-520-7676 lorrainelukings@hotmail.com Jan McGrath 519-243-2932 jm@lambtonshores.com ART DIRECTION, EDITORIAL & AD DESIGN Wendy Reid AD DESIGN Bill McGrath PRODUCTION Wendy Reid PHOTOGRAPHY BAIN IMAGES Richard Bain Jesse Bellringer WEBSITE Redding Design Inc. reddingdesigns.com Lifestyle is published six times a year. Copies are distributed through magazine stands and local businesses in London and surrounding area. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. The publisher accepts no responsibility for unsolicited material. All rights reserved. Printed in Canada.

CONTACT LIFESTYLE AT 525 Huron Street, London ON N5Y 4J6 • 519-434-8349 lifestyle.eatdrink@gmail.com lifestylemagazineonline.com

Jill Ellis-Worthington lifestyle.editor@writedoton.com

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contents JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

HOMES

RENOVATIONS LHBA Parade of Renos

SNEAK PEEK The Lifestyle Home Show

MARKETPLACE All things kitchen

WELLNESS

AGING Oh, my aching bones

BEAUTY

TRAVEL

NIAGARA FALLS ROAD TRIP Lights, Icewines & fabulous flavours

SHOPPING IN THE BEND Rustic to Refined

WARM UP TO WINTER FUN White Squirrel Restaurant

WINTER SKIN CARE The skin you’re in

8 LIFESTYLE January/February 2024

THE BUZZ Culinary Community News

BEER Winter warmers

RECIPES Chocolate All Day

ACCESSORIES For her and him

HEARTH & HOME

FASHION

EATDRINK

THE URGE TO PURGE Cleaning up for a new year

WHO EVER SAID YOU CAN’T BUY

HAPPINESS?

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HOMES

| RENOVATIONS

Real Renos Local projects on parade BY JANIS WALLACE PHOTOS BAIN IMAGES

TOP CCR BUILD + REMODEL blended old charm and modern convenience in this kitchen with face-frame cabinetry, a gas range with pot filler above and a long island for plenty of seating. The result is a heart-of-the-home hub. BOTTOM LEFT Mixing natural wood finishes with painted cabinetry is a hot new trend. RIGHT A restored exterior creates a stately welcome for the home on Tecumseh Avenue East.

ead any listicle and you can quickly pull out priorities for current renovations: home offices, bathroom and kitchen upgrades, warmer palettes and energy efficiency. But what are the choices that your neighbours made down the street? Those considering renovations had a chance to see for themselves during the London Home Builders’ Association Parade of Renovations in October. Five renovators, plus their designers and cabinetmakers, were on hand to answer questions. The houses included two century-homes that had been restored from triplexes, a mid-century Stoneybrook, a ‘60s house near Arthur Ford School, a ‘90s residence in Warbler Woods and an early 2000s house north of Fanshawe Road. The primary goal was to modernize and make them functional.

Open Concept Versus Separate Rooms

Creating a spacious yet inviting defined dining area was a priority for a client of CCR BUILD + REMODEL.

10 LIFESTYLE January/February 2024

A widely noted trend toward separate rooms, resulting from the pandemic, is something that local builders haven’t noticed. All but one project featured open concept. “We’re not seeing a move back to separate spaces. Most are opening up still,” says Leigh Malloy, Duo Building Ltd. Duo’s Keelan Malloy, notes that company is seeing open concept with some dedicated offices and dining rooms. Peder Madsen, owner of CCR Build + Remodel, says, “It’s not back to little rooms, but there is a noticeable uptick in defined spaces and flex spaces. It could be a bedroom, office or playroom.” Adding that owners “are more educated about what they want and have a good sense of what they’re after. A project designer is important.” The ‘60s-era house he showed on the tour was partly opened up. “There was a tunnel-like hall to the kitchen. We opened a wall and put a steel beam front to back.”

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“It’s not back to little rooms, but there is a noticeable uptick in defined spaces and flex spaces. Peder Madsen, owner of CCR Build + Remodel

Monique Soetemans, designer for CCR, says the aim was to make it functional. “The homeowner wanted to keep the living room separate.”

Home Offices The work-from-home trend has put office space on many lists, but not so much in London. “I thought there would be more at-home offices,” says Madsen. “There’s more demand for extra space. We’ve done a lot of additions, a lot of whole-level renovations – main floor or finishing a basement.” Malloy disagrees as they’ve seen some uptick in home offices, usually converting a formal dining room or den into an office. However, when CCR converted a triplex on Tecumseh, they translated the formal dining room into an office and the former kitchen into a homework space for kids with built-in desks. They also created a flex office/bedroom on the second floor, using a Murphy bed.

A sleek home office is separated by glass doors just inside the front entry, by DUO BUILDING LTD.

Kitchens All the homes on the tour checked the box for upgraded kitchens, with details such as custom cabinets, hidden appliances and large islands. More storage was a common theme. Simon McTurk, co-owner with Greg Hassall of Riverside Construction, says they added floorto-ceiling cabinets in two tones in a house on East Rivertrace, another emerging trend. “The island is big with seating for open concept living. All parts of the island are used with doors on both sides.” Solid backsplashes are starting to take off, evident in several of the houses. McTurk says an advantage is that there is no grout to clean. As homeowners forego a formal dining room, an eat-at island is key. Hassall mentions that pull-out drawers add storage solutions. Lauraine Power, designer for Casey’s Kitchens that created the cabinetry for the Riverside renovation, says, “We like our countertops clean and not cluttered.” She designed customized drawers, including a deep one to fit the family’s air fryer. “Functionality was always number one with maximum storage.” She also says two or 

A Murphy bed makes this room a dual function space. INSET CCR BUILD + REMODEL created a sophisticated office vibe with dark green walls in another bedroom on Tavistock Road.

Two-tone cabinetry is a popular choice, as shown by DUO’S dining island in this kitchen on Chestnut Hill. The creamy white, flat-slab cabinetry fronts reflect two new kitchen trends.

January/February 2024 LIFESTYLE 11

three tones, like wood tones and white finishes, are being integrated more often, not simply one for the island and another for the perimeter. Millennium’s two-tone black and white oak kitchen in the Stoneybrook house, also showcased a large island. Millennium owner Jeff Bruinsma says, “The kitchen is the heart of the home. You can party around the island. A lot of people use an island exclusively for seating and dining.” The homeowners converted the formal dining into a home office. This kitchen also demonstrated current want items, such as a paper towel pull-out drawer, one-piece backsplash, panels to hide the dishwasher and fridge, gas stove, double ovens and a large butler’s pantry that serves as a second kitchen in shades of grey with wood. The kitchens on the tour demonstrated the move to personalized, distinctive spaces. Focal Point’s reno of a Victorian house in Wortley Village was a good example. Andrew Cammaert, owner of Focal Point, says the homeowners and he shared a vision for blending old and new. “The beauty of the old house shines through.” For example, kitchen cabinets are face-framed, meaning the doors are inset, showing the frames between. “It adds Old World charm. The hardware is antiqued brass.” Hiding the fridge and range hood with cabinetry adds vintage appeal to the other century home showcased. Erin Lane, designer for CCR, says the four-foot-wide island is “somewhere people can gather. You can bring everybody together at it as well as daily use.” Soetemans says the homeowner of the Tavistock Road residence wanted a large island filled with drawers, but no seating. The kitchen opens to the dining, so their preference was for storage. She says the white oak with painted cabinetry “brings in more wood tones and warm whites” right on trend of mixing materials.

“

The kitchen is the heart of the home. You can party around the island. A lot of people use an island exclusively for seating and dining.” Millennium owner Jeff Bruinsma

This kitchen by MILLENNIUM CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN INC. on Meridene Crescent East displays popular trends: island for seating and dining; combination of wood and two-tone cabinetry; purpose-built storage; double ovens and customized hood.

Surfaces and Colours Warm and soft palettes dominate the trends lists, perhaps because warm neutrals feel calming and give a sense of relaxation. Think creamy white instead of bright white and more wood-stained than painted finishes. For the same reason, matte finishes are being used more frequently. “People are interested in finishes,” says Hassall, of the Riverside reno’s wood accents around the microwave, with open shelves adding a warm detail. Power, who designed the Casey’s Kitchen cabinets for Riverside, adds that her design is “unique with walnut and Shaker-style doors to give a modernized traditional look.” Flooring was refinished or replaced in all the renovations, mostly adding hardwood. And granite and quartz still take top spot for countertops. Cabinetry with clean lines that are easy to maintain are a priority. 12 LIFESTYLE January/February 2024

FOCAL POINT HOME IMPROVEMENT kept the former kitchen footprint, added face-frame cabinetry with antique brass hardware and subway tile to honour the Elmwood Avenue home’s heritage. LEFT This theme is continued with antique brass faucets for the undermount sink.

MILLENNIUM tucked a second kitchen behind the main one. It includes a sink, microwave and refrigerator, as well as small appliances.

RIVERSIDE’S kitchen features floor-to-ceiling two-tone cabinetry for ample storage. INSET The large island provides plenty of workspace and seating for seven. 

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Professional Painting with a smile!

ABOVE CCR BUILD + REMODEL built a gazebo to create an ideal staycation space in this deep backyard in Old South. TOP LEFT A covered verandah provides indoor/ outdoor living. LEFT PVC composite decking is easy to maintain.

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Outdoor Spaces

According to a Forbes Magazine survey, people want to blend indoors and out. Madsen adds that luxurious outdoor spaces are also on many wish lists. “People want to holiday at home.” The large backyard of Millennium’s Stoneybrook redo is a resort in the city: sunroom with fireplace, patio and pool, outdoor eating and cooking areas, along with a play space. Doors were widened to provide better access from the sunroom, and the deck was expanded. The owners of the former triplex renovated by Focal Point wanted to open the back of the house to bring in more light and better transition to the backyard. Two sets of patio doors lead from sitting areas on both the main and second floors to decks. A large, covered verandah, built by CCR, overlooks the Tecumseh Street home’s backyard. It’s ideal for relaxing or entertaining regardless of the weather.

A large backyard allowed MILLENNIUM to create a resort-like space, with areas for eating, entertaining and relaxing by the pool. 

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RIGHT FOCAL POINT’S upstairs kitchen, with eat-in area, creates a separate suite for guests or multigenerational use. BELOW The exterior retains its Italianate elegance on Elmwood Avenue’s streetscape.

“

Focal Point created a second-floor suite for multi-generational living, rental income or guests. “Multigenerational is a bit of a theme.”

BELOW This home, with renovations by RIVERSIDE CONSTRUCTION, was one of six houses on display during the LHBA’s 2023 Parade of Renos. RIGHT Refreshing and modernizing this home, built in the early 2000s, Riverside replaced flooring and upgraded the banister. It was stained to match the floors and the spindles were replaced with metal ones. They also amped up the lighting by adding ceiling pot lights.

16 LIFESTYLE January/February 2024

Andrew Cammaert, owner of Focal Point

Windows & Doors

VINYL & WOOD WINDOWS DOUBLE & TRIPLE GLAZED STEEL, FIBREGLAS & WOOD DOORS DUO BUILDING LTD. A mix of woods and warm neutral colours lend this space a relaxing ambiance.

Energy Efficiency

The Forbes survey also says affordable and green options are in more demand. At CCR’s Tecumseh reno, project manager Justin Dowdell says they installed all new windows and kept the multi-paned original character. Larry Fenwick, production manager, says CCR added a high-velocity heating system in the attic with water-based in-floor heating. Madsen says CCR installed new larger windows in the mid-century reno, as well as spray-foamed the exterior. The electrical and plumbing systems were also updated.

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Keeping some of the footprint from its triplex days, Focal Point created a second-floor suite for multi-generational living, rental income or guests. “Multi-generational is a bit of a theme,” says Cammaert. An elegant black galley kitchen (with eating nook), laundry, bath and bedroom provide a flexible space. The second floor also has an office that can double as bedroom. Built-in storage lines a hall. “We’re seeing more additions and people moving parents in,” says John Relouw, partner Duo Building Ltd. • Communicating through words and music has taken Janis Wallace around the world as a writer, educator and musician, providing encounters with fascinating people.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION LHBA RENOMARK RENOVATORS lhba.on.ca CCR BUILD + REMODEL 519-472-7461 ccrbuilding.com DUO BUILDING LTD. 519-434-0960 duobuilding.com

FOCAL POINT HOME IMPROVEMENTS 519-709-4083 focalpointdesignbuild.com MILLENNIUM CONSTRUCTION DESIGN INC. 519-850-7830 • mcadi.ca RIVERSIDE CONSTRUCTION 519-614-9044 • rsclondon.com

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IT’S SHOWTIME Everything green and glorious at this year’s home show BY ELLEN ASHTON-HAISTE

omeowners wanting to spice up their lives and spruce up their residences will be exploring the latest tips and trends as the London Home Builders’ Association (LHBA) kicks off its 29th Lifestyle Home Show. This year’s rendition will be held from January 26 to January 28 at the Western Fair District Agriplex. The show’s major show sponsor is Rembrandt Homes.

18 LIFESTYLE January/February 2024

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LIFESTYLE HOME SHOW

| HOMES

In addition to the hundreds of exhibits, the show offers daily on-stage programming with experts who will offer information on a wealth of topics.

The show will feature lifestyle and home upgrade products and services offered by businesses across the region — spanning an area from Chatham to Tillsonburg — and beyond. “We’re incredibly excited for this year’s show, expanding on the success of last year’s event,” says Jared Zaifman, LHBA CEO. “We’re expecting to attract more than 10,000 visitors who are ready to chat with hundreds of experts, take in our engaging speaker program, take part in interactive elements promoting careers in the trades, visit an enhanced Boulevard of Dreams, check out our new Home and Garden Area and more.” The Home and Garden section builds on last year’s introduction of the Road To Green Living, presented by Try Recycling and The Better Bin Company, says Amanda Moss, LHBA Director of Membership and Communications who is working closely with show planner Connect Dot Management. This area will highlight green living by showcasing sustainable and energy efficient technologies and products. Added to that will be a range of outdoor living options, from landscaping to decks and alfresco dining. This year’s event will see an expansion in the area of skilled trades, sponsored by Peter Inch and Associates, with a special feature from LiUNA 1059 (the Labourers’ International Union of North America). Moss says the show will also be welcoming students — both secondary and post-secondary — especially to enjoy this area. They will be able to experience interactive demonstrations and hands-on practice with tools and technologies. Students will get an in-depth look at various options of careers in the trades. An ever-popular show staple is the Boulevard of Dreams, featuring everything from entire home builds to customized renovation options that can

Booths and displays at last year’s show.

help homeowners create the home of their dreams. A new sponsor presenting the Design Centre within the Boulevard this year is LHBA member Halcyon Homes. This company is a builder, renovator and design services provider. In addition to the hundreds of exhibits, the show offers daily on-stage programming with experts who will offer information on a wealth of topics. This highlighted feature will be sponsored by Donaldson Heating. Moss notes that the stage will be located in the LSTAR lounge and bar area, allowing attendees to take a refreshment break

while listening to speakers and panel discussions. In the lobby, attendees will be welcomed by the show’s longtime presenting sponsor, Rembrandt Homes. Again this year, Rembrandt is joined by major sponsors Ironstone Building Company and The City of London. Both Rembrandt and Ironstone will be offering attractive prize packages. ELLEN ASHTON-HAISTE is an award-winning writer and editor with more than 40 years experience with newspapers and magazines across Canada, including 12 years with Lifestyle. 

January/February 2024 LIFESTYLE 19

HIGHLIGHTS OF 2024

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LIFESTYLE HOME SHOW LOBBY (Sponsored by the City of London) First point of entry when you arrive. PRESENTING SPONSOR & GRAND PRIZE CONTEST (Sponsored by Rembrandt Homes) Offers guests a chance to win a full dining room suite. ULTIMATE VACATION CONTEST (Sponsored by The Ironstone Building Company and Blowes Travel) Offers guests the chance to win a $5000 vacation.

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MAIN STAGE – Highlights (Sponsored by Donaldson Home Services) Showcasing speakers and presenters sharing tips, insights and advice. FRIDAY 3:00 TO 6:00 P.M. Green bins • Climate Change SATURDAY 11:00 TO 4:00 P.M. New home buying trends • Interior design SUNDAY 11:00 TO 4:00 P.M. Energy efficiency • Net zero/sustainability SKILLED TRADES SHOWCASE (Sponsored by Peter Inch & Associates) Booths 1057-1065 & 1092-1099.

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HOME & GARDEN (Sponsored by The Better Bin Company & TRY Recycling) New area with businesses specializing in outdoor products and services. BAR & LOUNGE (Sponsored by LSTAR) Located near the Main Stage. LIFESTYLE GRILL Located in the Lifestyle Marketplace.

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Gain relevant and industry-specific information. Hear about real-life experiences from trades people and career guidance experts. De-bunk the myths about careers in the trades. Try out the trades with interactive booths.

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HOMES

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Coni-marble

Practical elegance

arble has conjured an impression of elegance for millennia, but it can present challenges. For the past half-century, Coni-marble has created the same look by mixing natural marble dust with a liquid polyester resin. This cast polymer material – finished with a top layer of a sanitary gel coat – boasts practicality and versatility, along with a timeless smooth, sleek appearance. Coni-marble is durable and easy to maintain, says general manager Deborah Clemens. “Generations of homeowners in Southwestern Ontario have chosen Coni-marble because it is a non-porous material, so it does not need to be sealed; there are no grout lines to contend with, and it’s easy to clean.” Often used in bathrooms – for tubs, showers and vanity tops –

With Coni-marble, “there are no grout lines to contend with, and it’s easy to clean.” Coni-marble is popular for its ability to be customized to the space and décor. “We simply make what you need,” Clemens says. “If it is a custom shower base and walls or a vanity top in a size you just can’t find, we’ll make it. If you want to add a bench seat, a corner seat or one of our many soap and shampoo holders, we can do that too.” With more than 50 colours available, both solid and grained, Coni-marble can enhance any design palette. Customers can explore Conimarble’s products and designs by visiting its showroom in Thorndale, northeast of London. •

CONI-MARBLE CONJURES AN IMPRESSION OF ELEGANCE, while boasting practicality and versatility along with its timeless appearance.

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99 Harrison Street, Thorndale | 519.461.0100 | conimarble.ca | Showroom open by appointment January/February 2024 LIFESTYLE 21

HOMES

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Covers Designers’ Edge Drapery automation facelift

hile automation and smart technologies become increasingly popular with homeowners, the accompanying decorative features have often been slow to catch up. Such has been the case with window treatments – until now. Motorized drapery hardware has been available for quite some time, says Kevin Fellner, president of Covers Designers’ Edge. “Users love the ability to touch a button and completely change the mood of the room, while also being able to address bright sunlight or privacy needs.” But, he says, there have been major limitations to the look, with basic white rods and limited ability to cover up the somewhat unsightly functional components. Recently two suppliers, Unique Fine Fabrics in Ontario and Quebec-based Claire Deco, have launched decorative hardware options that Fellner says are

“Users love the ability to touch a button and completely change the mood of the room, while also being able to address bright sunlight or privacy needs.” “bringing the drapery to life.” The hardware is available in multiple colours, including simulated wood grain and metallic finishes. The finials, rod end pieces, come in a wide variety of shapes and styles. Fellner says his design team is excited to share the new products with their customers, whose demand resulted in the innovations. Options from both suppliers, he says, are ”excellent choices allowing designers and homeowners to add technology without sacrificing design aesthetics.” •

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Copp’s Buildall

Warm weather wishing

n the midst of a wintry January, thoughts naturally turn to outdoor-living seasons that will soon begin. For those eagerly anticipating emerging from their winter cocoons, Copp’s Buildall will have inspiration for creating the ideal alfresco spaces on display at the Lifestyle Home Show. The exhibit will showcase trending styles and materials for decks, railings and fences for homeowners who are building them new or upgrading existing structures, says Mac Copp, branch manager of the company’s downtown London store. There are some new colours for decks this year and some intriguing new designs for railings. A similar theme at last year’s show drew a lot of interest, he says. “It’s the time of year when people are definitely thinking about spring.”

“It’s exciting to talk face to face with customers, as they explore options and have the opportunity to see our products.” Half of the booth will also be devoted to FloorSource, their flooring company specializing in both commercial and residential products and installation. Copp’s is a longstanding exhibitor at the Home Show. “It’s exciting to talk face to face with customers, as they explore options and have the opportunity to see our products and get information,” Copp says. It also results in promising leads, he adds. Customers are encouraged to come to the store where staff can offer the best advice on specific projects. •

CBYH

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More Info at CBYH.ca or call (519) 518-2294 for Model Tours 24 LIFESTYLE January/February 2024

MOVE-IN

READY

• Quick move-in • Flexible closing • Warranty coverage

QUICK POSSESSION HOMES AVAILABLE

THE KNOLLWOOD 40 White Tail Path

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$869,000

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Call Cathy 519-266-4561

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At home or on your phone, go to www.dougtarryhomes.com Renderings are artist’s concept. Prices, specifications and information subject to change without notice. E.O.E.

A Step Above The Rest At Pro Stair & Railing, we believe that your home deserves the very best. Our team of skilled craftsmen and designers are dedicated to enhancing your living environment by creating custom staircases and railings that leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re looking to make a bold statement or add subtle sophistication to your space, we have the expertise to bring your vision to life.

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HOMES

| BUSINESS PROFILE

Rembrandt Homes

Idyllic living at Upper West

n amenity-rich suburban neighbourhood blends seamlessly with an idyllic setting of rolling hills and green spaces in Rembrandt Homes’ new Upper West community. Nestled in London’s southwest between the Thames River and Kains Woods, Upper West offers easy access to tranquil natural areas intersected by walking trails, as well as shopping districts, restaurants, golf courses, schools and medical facilities. The 78 bungalow, two-storey and multi-level units in this townhome community showcase Rembrandt’s standard upscale features and finishes, including vaulted ceilings, upgraded kitchen cabinetry with quartz countertops, and luxury ensuites. Living and entertaining space extends to the outdoors, with spacious raised decks off the open-concept kitchen and great room. Exteriors feature contemporary brickwork and harmonious colour schemes. All homes are built to efficient Energy Star standards. The multi-level Westerdam model embodies Rembrandt’s signature style with a spacious entrance foyer, open-concept kitchen, dinette and living space. The secluded second level primary suite features a vaulted ceiling and spa-like ensuite. There are additional bedrooms n the upper level, a three-piece bathroom and a convenient laundry closet, with extra storage. There is a finished recreation room on the basement level. A variety of model homes are open for viewing by visiting the sales centre, located at 22-2261 Linkway Blvd. •

28 LIFESTYLE January/February 2024

Upper West offers easy access to tranquil natural areas intersected by walking trails, as well as shopping districts, restaurants, golf courses, schools and medical facilities.

Discover a builder focused on you LEARN WHY AFTER 50 YEARS WE STILL LOVE WHAT WE DO

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HOMES

| BUSINESS PROFILE

Quantum Verdi

From concept to reality

or homeowners with a vision, Quantum Verdi Design has a team of experts ready to help make it a reality. “Most people have an idea of what they want but don’t know how to put the pieces together. That’s where we step in,” says Adam Mackowiak, owner of the home lifestyle store and design studio. “We listen to them and help with every angle to create a home that is beautiful and aesthetically in balance.” This often includes elements the client hasn’t considered, Mackowiak says. An example is lighting, which he says is “the most important and sexy element in the house.” The homeowner may have incredible art, for example, but without the proper lighting, it’s often not fully appreciated. “We discuss with them what

30 LIFESTYLE January/February 2024

“We listen to them and help with every angle to create a home that is beautiful and aesthetically in balance.” they want to highlight and design the lighting for the entire house.” The designers also help with many distinctive features, from functional wine cellars to state-of-the-art home theatres. And with the merger, several years ago, of Verdi Design and London’s Quantum home furnishings and décor retailer, they can complete any space to suit the homeowner’s needs and lifestyle. They will also help source wish-list items from other places or even build custom pieces. •

QUANTUM VERDI DESIGN can complete any space to suit the homeowner’s needs and lifestyle. They will also help source from other businesses or build custom pieces.

Professional Flooring At Its Finest Our family-owned and operated business has been proudly serving Southwestern Ontario for 20 Years offering top quality products, superior craftsmanship and exceptional service to our clients. We offer a large selection of flooring and tile products as well as professional installation and hardwood refinishing services. Visit our showroom or call us today to speak with one of our Flooring Design Specialists about your next home renovation.

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HOMES

| BUSINESS PROFILE

Amber Light Custom Cabinetry Affordable custom cabinets

hether it’s a new build or a renovation, it helps to have industry professionals ensure you aren’t forgetting about the integral function and design of any space. Amber Light Custom Cabinetry, and Yvonne McLeod Interior Design, can help with all your interior design and renovation projects. Yvonne McLeod recently launched her business here, bringing more than 25 years of industry experience as an award-winning designer who has worked with HGTV, built and renovated homes across Canada, and taught as a professor of Interior Design. Having four children, Yvonne is aware of the diverse needs of a busy family when building or renovating any space. Although

“The kitchen is the most integral space in any home. It’s the space where great memories are made.” her specialty is cabinetry, her extensive knowledge of design keeps function for everyday living at the forefront. Yvonne ensures her clients’ needs are being met by builders and contractors. “I help

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Building spaces worth loving ! 405 Main St S, Exeter • 519.301.2937 amberlightcabinetry.com. 34 LIFESTYLE January/February 2024

expedite the tough decisions with confidence,” says Yvonne, “and avoid unnecessary stress and regret.” “The kitchen is the most integral space in any home,” says Yvonne. “It’s the space where great memories are made.” She prides herself on knowing where to spend money and where to save it when renovating. “I believe everyone deserves to love the space they live in, and good design doesn’t have to cost a fortune.” •

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At home or on your phone, go to www.dougtarryhomes.com Renderings are artist’s concept. Prices, specifications and information subject to change without notice. E.O.E.

HOMES

| BUSINESS PROFILE

Arva Appliances

“In the evolving landscape of appliances, technological advancements are reshaping the way we approach daily tasks.”

s technology continues to introduce ever-smarter innovations to the consumer marketplace, household appliances are keeping pace with the trend. Arva Appliances, a family business just north of London, is committed to bringing its customers the most up-to-date offerings. “The rise of smart appliances continues to redefine the modern home,” says owner Bill Stewart. “In the evolving landscape of appliances, technological advancements are reshaping the way we approach daily tasks. Smart refrigerators, ovens and dishwashers are becoming commonplace, providing convenience and efficiency.” He invites consumers to picture a refrigerator suggesting recipes based on its contents or a washing machine adjusting its settings based on real-time energy usage data. In a world increasingly aware of environmental impacts, energy efficiency is a crucial consideration. Stewart says the latest appliances are designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating advanced technologies to minimize energy consumption. However, aesthetics are not taking a backseat. Stewart notes that today’s appliances are “aesthetic statements” with sleek, minimalist designs and bold finishes. As the appliance industry undergoes this transformation — driven by sustainability, connectivity and intelligent design — he says the marriage of technology and home appliances will continue to

shape the way we live. Arva Appliances will continue to provide products that meet practical needs, while aligning with a modern, efficient, environmentally-conscious lifestyle. •

Future home living

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38 LIFESTYLE January/February 2024

Locally owned & operated for over 40 years!

BUSINESS PROFILE

Gliding Shelf Solutions Safer storage

nyone who’s found themself kneeling on the kitchen floor to crawl into a lower cupboard to retrieve a seldom-used pot or pan can appreciate a shelf that glides out of the cupboard, putting the contents within easy reach. It’s the concept that draws clients to Gliding Shelf Solutions. While customers extol the ease and organizational benefits, there’s another advantage that Stephen Millward, owner of the London dealership, is increasingly hearing from clients. That’s safety. More convenient for everyone, members of an aging demographic are telling him that the shelving’s potential to prevent falls allows them to age-in-place longer. This is an important consideration. “I find it fulfilling to offer that help,” Millward says. “People often don’t fully

Popular are closet conversions, such as transforming a linen closet into a pantry. realize how much it can change their lifestyle in terms of safety, as well as functionality.” The pull-out shelves are versatile, custom-built to fit existing cabinets and able to be cut around pipes for use under sinks. Solutions for pantries and corner cabinets are popular.

| HOMES

Also popular are closet conversions, such as transforming a linen closet into a pantry. The shelves can hold up to100 pounds of weight and are maintenancefree; they will never need to be replaced, and are backed with a lifetime warranty. These made-in-Canada shelves will be on display at the company’s booth at the Lifestyle Home Show, an exhibit Millward says is “well worth it” for both customers and the company. •

January/February 2024 LIFESTYLE 39

MARKETPLACE

| KITCHENS

delicious finds

Making delectable food for your family starts with the right tools. We’ve combed local and area retailers to help you find what’s hot in the kitchen right now.

1. Peppermills CURIOSITIES curiositiesgiftshop.com

1 2

2. Range ARVA APPLIANCES arvaappliances.com 3. Walnut Bowl and Tongs CURIOSITIES curiositiesgiftshop.com 4. Charcuterie Board QUANTUM VERDI quantumverdi.com 5. Charcuterie Utensils QUANTUM VERDI quantumverdi.com 6. Charcuterie Board QUANTUM VERDI quantumverdi.com

7. Salad Bowls QUANTUM VERDI quantumverdi.com 8. Salad Servers QUANTUM VERDI quantumverdi.com

7 5 6

40 LIFESTYLE January/February 2024

16 13

14 9. Range ARVA APPLIANCES arvaappliances.com

12. Pottery Water Jug CURIOSITIES curiositiesgiftshop.com

15. Pottery Garlic Pot CURIOSITIES curiositiesgiftshop.com

10. Appetizer Tray CURIOSITIES curiositiesgiftshop.com

13. Pottery Garlic Pot CURIOSITIES curiositiesgiftshop.com

16. Pottery Jug and Cup CURIOSITIES curiositiesgiftshop.com 

11. Pottery Bowls CURIOSITIES curiositiesgiftshop.com

14. Napkin Set CURIOSITIES curiositiesgiftshop.com

January/February 2024 LIFESTYLE 41

MARKETPLACE

| KITCHENS

15 18

17 15. Five-quart Round Cocotte JILL'S TABLE jillstable.ca 16. Tea Towel JILL'S TABLE jillstable.ca

17. Cobalt Gurgle Jug JILL'S TABLE jillstable.ca 18. Range ARVA APPLIANCES arvaappliances.com

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• Hand knit hats, mitts, scarves, ponchos and more. • www.knitsbytlw.ca

• Meticulously designed & crafted artisan leather handbags and accessories • www.plumagestudio.ca

21 19. Napkin Set CURIOSITIES curiositiesgiftshop.com

21. Glass Vials QUANTUM VERDI quantumverdi.com

20. Serving Tray QUANTUM VERDI quantumverdi.com

January/February 2024 LIFESTYLE 43

WELLNESS

| AGING

Oh, My Aching Bones Why we hurt and what to do about it BY JILL ELLIS-WORTHINGTON

“Getting old ain’t for wimps”

or similar sentiments are often expressed by those who have passed the halfcentury mark. But why do aches and pains suddenly and seemingly inexplicably appear after age 50? You wake up with a neck ache and that’s never happened before. Or your elbow starts to hurt, and you don’t remember having banged it. Knees start to pop when shifting from sitting to standing, and there’s a constant ache in your lower back. Are these all-natural signs of aging or is there something deeper going on? According to Dr. Maeve Gamble, a rheumatologist in London, “a lot of factors can increase experiencing pain as we age.” She cites decreased bone density, degenerative changes in joints, loss of muscle mass and hormonal changes as contributing factors. Steve Di Ciacca, physiotherapist and program manager at the Canadian Centre for Activity and Aging, agrees. “Between 40 and 60, there’s a decline in physiology.” He explains that another contributor is mindset. In our 20s and 30s, we are often moving fast with education, establishing careers and families and don’t have much time to devote to thinking about how we feel. After the age of 40 or 50, when things settle down a bit, there’s more time for reflection. He adds that all that attention to education, work and family may have meant less concentration on good eating and exercise habits so carrying extra weight and being out of shape can aggravate issues associated with the passage of time. Some pain as we age is normal, says Di Ciacca, “We don’t recover as quickly as

44 LIFESTYLE January/February 2024

we did when we were younger.” Contributors to these issues include degenerative change in joints. “The smooth surfaces are covered by cartilage,” says Dr. Gamble, “and as we age, the cartilage thins, allowing the bones to rub together causing pain.” She adds that losing estrogen as we age contributes to this because it changes the synovial fluid composition, causing joint pain in some post-menopausal women. Di Ciacca adds that often the lubricating fluid in knees can settle in one spot while sitting, causing them to pop when rising to stand. He adds that soft tissue – ligaments and tendons – tighten up when we age, aggravating the feeling of stiffness.

Loss of muscle mass can be a natural part of aging, as is loss of flexibility. “Decreased muscle mass around joints can cause instability,” says Dr. Gamble. Injuries sustained throughout our lifetimes can compound and cause chronic pain as we age. So, it’s not unusual to feel more pain but the perception of pain can also change, according to Di Ciacca. “The longer we are in pain can change the way we interpret pain.” Dr. Gamble agrees adding, “We can be more sensitive to pain as chronic illnesses increase. Diabetes, for instance, can cause neuropathies – nerve damage – with changes to sensitivity and perception of pain.” There are sociological factors at play, too. Our social network, as well as stress, depression and anxiety can all impact how we interpret pain. But what constitutes pain that needs attention? Dr. Gamble says that it’s pain that lasts longer than three to six months. “Pain that inhibits daily function,” adds Di Ciacca. “‘Reported outcomes’ or how much it is affecting your ability to live, work and do the things you love,” is the best way to gauge whether it’s time to head to the doctor’s office. He gives the example of waking up with a stiff or sore neck. If it’s a seven out of ten on the pain scale but is gone the next day that’s not cause for too much concern. Conversely, “if you’ve lived with the pain for six months and now it’s really limited your mobility, the exercises to restore it will be a

real challenge and it will be more difficult to resolve. It’s better to get management early on.” Pain that causes us to move less can aggravate the problem.

WHAT CAN BE DONE TO SLOW DOWN THIS DEGENERATIVE PROCESS? Both experts agree that moms and scientists who have been saying that diet and exercise are central to feeling good for all these years are right. “Maintaining a healthy body weight is important,” says Di Ciacca. “Eat a healthy well-balanced diet of meals comprised of single-food ingredients, like chicken or fish with vegetables. When food is processed, it’s not single-ingredient anymore,” explains Dr. Gamble. Functional fitness is a term being used a lot these days. This means working out or including purposeful movement that mimics activities of daily life: bending, pushing, pulling, squatting and walking. Di Ciacci makes the point that we often do less as family members try to be helpful with more physical chores. “Lifting laundry or leaf bags are good examples. Spend 20 minutes at least twice a week challenging your bigger muscle groups: legs, arms and chest.” This fits well with what the Canadian 24-hour Movement and Activity Guidelines outlines for adults over age 18: participating in moderate to vigorous aerobic physical activities for at least 150 minutes per week. For some, this might mean going to the gym for an hour three times a week, but it doesn’t have to. “Any activity that elevates the heart rate, like gardening or walking is good,” says Di Ciacca. Dr. Gamble recommends activities like strength training to maintain muscle mass and yoga or Pilates to help with flexibility and balance. If you’ve been mostly sedentary for years, jumping into a strenuous fitness program is inadvisable. Check with your doctor first. Di Ciacci says that there’s some evidence that supplements can help, as well. Glucosamine can be effective in dealing with joint pain. He adds that creatine monohydrate is said to be effective in maintaining muscle mass and helping with cognitive decline. “There’s been some promising research, but it is not recommended for those with kidney disease.” Dr. Gamble echoes the recommendation for glucosamine and also suggests turmeric. “There’s not a lot of evidence, but it could help patients who can’t take

“

Eat a healthy well-balanced diet of meals comprised of single-food ingredients, like chicken or fish with vegetables. When food is processed, it’s not single-ingredient anymore.” anti-inflammatories because of chronic kidney disease.” She also says that taking vitamin D can be beneficial. “We often don’t get enough sun, and it can help with muscle and joint ache, as well as fatigue,” adding that 1,000 to 2,000 IU is the recommended daily dosage for most patients, depending on their other medical issues. First check with your healthcare provider. Dr. Gamble recommends nonpharmacological remedies, like physiotherapy, acupuncture and massage, along with a healthy diet, stretching and strength training. She also provides guidance on the potential pain-relieving benefits of over-the-counter medications like analgesics (acetaminophen, Tylenol) or anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen, Advil). “We don’t have to accept living with pain. There are ways to manage it. We want people to experience their best possible quality of life.” •

Get Fit The Canadian Centre for Activity and Aging, in cooperation with City of London, offers 10- and 12-week courses for those 55 and older. WINTER: January 8 to March 27 SPRING: April 8 to June 17 The LEVEL 1 program is designed for older adults who have not engaged in an exercise routine recently or feel that their mobility is challenged in some or all components of functional fitness (strength, cardiovascular conditioning/stamina, flexibility, and balance). The LEVEL 2 program is designed for older adults who are regular exercisers or feel that they currently have a moderate (very few limitations) to high level of functional mobility. TO REGISTER: https://www.uwo. ca/ccaa/programs/index.html

A writer, editor and PR professional, JILL ELLIS-WORTHINGTON loves everything about words and word play. Find her online at writeoncommunicationservices.com. January/February 2024 LIFESTYLE 45

BEAUTY

| WINTER SKINCARE

THE SKIN YOU’RE IN DON’T LET IT GET THE WINTER BLUES

BY JILL ELLIS-WORTHINGTON

Baby, it’s cold outside, which can cause dryness, itching and wrinkling. But what are we to do about this inevitable yearly turn of events? Four experts weigh in on how to keep our skin, hair and nails looking their best.

PROBLEMS

According to Charlene Jones, co-owner of Artistic Esthetic Spa, skin becomes dehydrated in winter because both the cold air outside and the warm, dry heat inside drain it of moisture. “Cold wind causes chapped skin and lips.” Likewise, comments Nina Badr, co-owner of N U Hair and Makeup, hair is adversely affected by changes 46 LIFESTYLE January/February 2024

in temperature as we move in and out of heated buildings. “With temperature changes, hair cuticles open and close, which takes moisture out of hair, especially in office buildings that often have overhead heat vents.” She adds that this can cause your mane to lose its shine and break off more easily.

PREVENTIONS

A healthy diet and proper hydration help prevent too much damage, advises Dr. Marilena Marignani, cosmetic surgeon. Drinking more water in the winter can help replace moisture that escapes in a heated environment. “Good health and good skin care help combat the elements to help your skin be the best it can be.” Protect your face by wearing a scarf or balaclava, says Jones. Likewise, Badr advises covering hair. “A hat, a shawl or scarf worn around your hair will protect it from the extreme changes in temperature.”

Taking long hot showers and baths pulls moisture out of the skin. But if warming up that way sounds like bliss after playing in the snow, Jones says “reduce it to 10 minutes.” She adds that investing in a good humidifier for the bedroom is a great way to add moisture back into the air while you sleep. All three experts agree that wearing sunblock, even in the winter, is crucial to preventing the sun’s damaging UV rays.

PREPARATIONS

Exfoliation gets rid of the top layer of the dermis that is dead and flaky. There are several ways to do this, but Badr prefers dry brushing. She regards it as the most effective method and uses a dry brush on all body parts, except for her face, a couple of times each week. “When you remove dead cells, moisturizers go into skin and don’t lay on top. It also improves circulation,” she says. Brushes especially for this purpose

have very soft bristles and Badr recommends buying one with a long handle for hard-to-reach areas. Before getting into the shower, use sweeping circular motions to exfoliate your body. The shower will help wash away dead skin. Be very gentle on more delicate areas, like breasts and chest, and firmer on the thighs, legs, back and arms. The same principles apply to exfoliating the scalp. When using a paddle brush on dry hair before a shower, Badr advises making short backand-forth motions on the scalp and then a long sweep through the hair to get rid of dead skin and product build-up. Cleaning the dry brush with a damp cloth after using is important, says Badr. Because loofahs are hard to get clean, Jones recommends using a salt or sugar scrub to exfoliate body skin. “It doesn’t have to be an expensive product, and there are recipes for homemade ones on the internet, but it’s important to remove dead skin,” she says. For the face, there are many types of retinol and alpha hydroxy cleansing products that gently remove the top layers of skin to help with fine lines. Jones cautions about overusing these types of products because they can thin the skin, making it more susceptible to damage.

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There are numerous options to pamper hair, skin, face and hands but choosing those most effective is essential as time and money are a factor, and winter care can require more of both. The experts agree that choosing products with hyaluronic acid and retinol can boost the skin’s ability to hold on to moisture. “Products with hyaluronic acid and retinol are known to plump up skin and get rid of fine lines,” Dr. Marignani explains.

BODY LOTIONS AND CREAMS Don’t dry completely; leave some of the moisture on your skin after showering. Then, says Dr. Marignani, use an emollient-rich moisturizer, with a “good amount of lubrication that is absorbed into the skin.”

MASKS These products help both hair and face and are recommended twice a week, agree Jones and Badr.  January/February 2024 LIFESTYLE 47

“

Skin is thinner on the hands so using a hydrating, nourishing hand cream with a richer texture morning and night is key in the winter.”

“You don’t have to use much of it (a facial mask product),” says Jones, “because they are so rich and a little goes a long way.” Badr says that it’s important to pick a mask that matches your type of hair. “Some offer more moisture and some more protein, so if you want stronger hair choose one with a protein base to strengthen hair.” She says a leave-in spray conditioner is also an important part of a winter hair care routine.

FACIAL MISTS Mists are “a good way to lock in hydration,” says Jones. “They are fabulous to use after you cleanse.”

SERUMS Gaining popularity, these are being added to skin care regimes. “Serums absorb faster, and you only use a little bit,” Dr. Marignani says. Jones recommends using an oil-based serum in colder months.

EYE CREAMS As skin ages and gravity plays a bigger role, eye creams become an important player. Jones explains that preventing them means using eye cream earlier in life before lines and sagging around the eyes appear.

FACE CREAM Though the experts agree that all products used in the winter should be richer than in warmer months, a good rule of thumb is to use a lighter version during the day and a heavier one at night. A day cream with SPF is best, agree the experts.

CUTICLE CARE

Dry skin can make us look older, so having a “dewy complexion” is the ideal. But Dr. Marignani cautions that genetics often plays the biggest factor in how we age. A good winter skin care regimen will make skin, hair and nails look better but, more importantly, it will make you feel better. Who wants to be dry and itchy all winter long?

HOW TO CHOOSE There are many products available, but our experts have a few recommendations CeraVe – Versions for body, hands and face are available in drugstores; recommended by Charlene Jones and Nina Badr. L’Occitane – Dr. Marignani occasionally indulges in this luxury skin care line and recommends it. Eminence Rosehip Triple E firming oil – Charlene Jones says that it can add extra moisture to the skin.

Hands and nails can become especially problematic when it’s cold. Frequent handwashing and the use of hand sanitizers can aggravate the issue. But what are we to do now that most people are more aware of the importance of hand hygiene? Lisa Hakim, co-owner of the Elegance Schools, advises that the same steps for skin care be followed – cleansing, exfoliating and moisturizing – for happier hands. “Skin is thinner on the hands so using a hydrating, nourishing hand cream with a richer texture morning and night is key in the winter,” explains Hakim. This regimen can also be employed on the feet to ensure heels don’t become cracked and painful. Dry peeling and ragged cuticles are painful, so an additional step of using cuticle oil at bedtime around the nails on hands and feet is also advised. Hakim recommends choosing one that is made from a combination of naturally sourced oils, like jojoba, sweet almond and sunflower to maximize skin penetration. •

La Roche-Posay – Good for aging skin, according to Nina Badr. Available in drug stores. Footlogix – A product line for feet, featuring an ingredient called Urea, which maximizes penetration; recommended by Lisa Hakim. BioSilk Serum – Nina Badr suggests putting a few drops on the ends of hair for winter protection. Mary Kay Satin Lips Sea Sugar Scrub – Especially for exfoliating chapped lips to allow maximum moisturizing with lip balm.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ARTISTIC ESTHETIC SPA 191 Central Avenue 519-433-6245 artisticspa.ca

DR. MARILENA MARIGNANI 1055 Fanshawe Park Road West 519-438-1130

48 LIFESTYLE January/February 2024

N U HAIR AND MAKEUP 99 Friars Way 519-432-5888 nuhairandmakeupstudio.com

ELEGANCE SCHOOLS INC. Cherry Hill Mall 519-434-1181 eleganceschools.on.ca

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I was suffering from severe snoring and met up with Dr. Rotenberg for a solution since I did not want to live the rest of my life with a CPAP machine. He suggested removing my tonsils and uvula. The surgery was flawless and I now sleep better than I have for over 8 years. I thank Dr. Rotenberg for everything he’s done and would absolutely recommend him he’s very professional and an absolutely amazing surgeon.”

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY! PROVIDE LASTING RELIEF

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info@brianrotenberg.com | brianrotenberg.com | 519.200.9048

FASHION

| ACCESSORIES

the final touch JUST THE RIGHT ELEMENTS TO POLISH YOUR LOOK BY JILL ELLIS-WORTHINGTON

From head to toe, you want to be comfortable, stylish and on-trend. But finding the perfect final touches can

be frustrating at times. We used to have one pair of glasses that we wore day in and day out, no matter the occasion. That’s just how it was. But eyewear is the latest entrant to the list of must-have accessories. Inventive shapes, colours, sizes and lens-tints make finding a pair to match special outfits a fun challenge. Add to that choosing from myriad scarves, belts, jewellery, gloves, belts and socks – it can be overwhelming.

Our guide to accessorizing with style will help.

eyewear 3

50 LIFESTYLE January/February 2024

1. The Innocent and Coy model comes from Italian manufacturer, Sosipiri. 2. Known for its creative use of Swarovski crystals, Sosipiri’s Soft and Delicate design is a good example. 3. A modern take on aviators, Leica sunglasses by Mykita. 4. J.F. Rey’s glasses have versatile, durable acetate frames. These are the Oversized Western Purple model.

5. Cool Cucumber by Theo, based in Belgium and known for its distinctive, trendsetting designs.

8. Sosipiri’s Fun and Sassy model sports Swarovski crystals embellishing its interesting shape.

6. Wear everyone’s favourite wizard’s glasses: the Harry Potter model from Theo.

9. Let your inner animal roar in Glam Attitude sunglasses by Sosipiri.

7. Danish-designed Shades of Ocean Blue is by Lindberg and manufactured in Denmark.

All eyewear available at Cross Eyed Optical. 

January-February Open Friday-Sunday 11am-5pm 215 Main Street, Port Stanley 519-782-7467 www.studiostyle.ca January/February 2024 LIFESTYLE 51

FASHION

handbags

| ACCESSORIES 10

scarves

12 13

shawls

accessorize 14

52 LIFESTYLE January/February 2024

hats

gloves

10. Mondo di Colori large silk stole by Massimo Ravinale of Florence, Italian cashmere-lined lambskin gloves and Canadian-made dragonfly brooch from Danny Pollak Accessories, Toronto.

11. Acorn Bag in soft tan leather and Rifle Paper Co.’s fable linen canvas. 12. Girasole small silk scarf by Massimo Ravinale of Florence; classic Basque wool berets from Parkhurst Canada; polka dot vegan gloves by Bottega del Guanto of Naples; nickel-free necklace made in Canada by Joanna of London. 13. Covi’s travel wrap from Parkhurst Canada, silk chiffon scarf by Massimo Ravinale of Florence and nickle-free necklace by Joanna of London.

14. Casual leather purse with closure in antique brass has two functional side zipper pockets.

HANDCRAFTED EYEWEAR

15. Highland Swish in leather with Black Watch Harris tweed. 16. Cashmere-lined lambskin gloves from Pennino of Naples. 17. Artisan silk scarf, dyed in Japanese shibori technique by Doris Lovadina-Lee, Toronto; wooden beads from Suzie Blue of Ottawa.



PAGES 52 AND 53: Accessories available at Boutique Firenze. Bags available at Plumage Studio.

FOR MORE INFORMATION BOUTIQUE FIRENZE 189 Adelaide Street South 519-649-4122 • boutiquefirenze.ca CROSS EYED OPTICAL 705 Wonderland Road North • 519-435-1885 • crosseyedoptical.com PLUMAGE STUDIO Upper West Aisle of the Artisan’s Loft Western Fair Farmer’s Market • plumagestudio.ca



705 Wonderland Rd N • London 519.435.1885 • crosseyedoptical.com January/February 2024 LIFESTYLE 53

FASHION

| MEN'S ACCESSORIES

scarves 19

belts

18. Made in Kitchener by Bench Craft Leather, this leather belt is available at Buragina’s Men’s Fashions.

19. Thompson Camel lambswool tartan muffler from British and Irish Imports; cashmere-lined leather gloves from Omega of Naples; from Panabo of Vancouver, silk ties designed by Pacific Coast First Nations artists. Available at Boutique Firenze.

gloves

20. Available at Buragina’s Men’s Fashions, this woven silk tie is from Eldorado Clothing Inc.

LINDSAY

“

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54 LIFESTYLE January/February 2024

HAIR | MAKEUP + MORE

socks

21. Cotton stretch blend socks designed by Canadian sisters Andrea and Samantha Hughes for their company Eldorado Clothing Inc. 22. Belts made of 100 per cent premium leather by Bench Craft Leather of Kitchener, Ontario. 23 & 24 Also available as bow ties or pocket squares, ties are made from woven silk from Eldorado Clothing Inc. All items this page are available at Buragina’s Men’s Fashions.

ties

FOR MORE INFORMATION • BURAGINA’S MEN’S FASHIONS • 639 Southdale Road East • 519-686-5217 • buraginas.com

DRESS BRILLIANTLY, ACCESSORIZE IMPECCABLY PERSONAL STYLING | TRUNK SHOWS | CLOSET EDITING

HANGAR9 LONDON R I C H M O N D ROW 620 RICHMOND STREET LONDON ON N6A 5J9 519.672.0073 H A N G A R 9 TO RO N TO F I R S T C A N A D I A N P L AC E 1 0 0 K I N G S T R E E T WE S T TO RO N TO O N M 5 X 1 A 9 416.777.0073

www.hangar9.ca January/February 2024 LIFESTYLE 55

TRAVEL

| ROAD TRIPS

getaway to

NIAGARA FALLS

LIVELY LIGHTS, IMPRESSIVE ICEWINES AND FABULOUS FLAVOURS BY JILL ELLIS-WORTHINGTON

he holiday season may be over, but Niagara Falls is still celebrating with the Winter Festival of Lights until January 7. It’s a great time for a road trip to see this sparkling display along the Niagara Parkway, but a long weekend in Niagara Falls offers so much more to do, see, eat and enjoy, including its annual Icewine Festival. Driving there is also tons of fun in a Lexus NX350. This sporty crossover had no issue with rain-soaked roads and offers many driver amenities to make road tripping an enjoyable and luxurious experience, like the sunroof that allows back-seaters to enjoy an overhead view, along with the driver and co-pilot. (See sidebar for details.) The Niagara Parkway and various sites around the city are lined with three

56 LIFESTYLE January/February 2024

million lights and the Falls light show that happens each night gets an intense fiveminute burst at 6, 7 and 8 p.m. And don’t miss the much-loved fireworks display that’s perfectly poised for a long weekend rendezvous because it plays on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Both will run until the end of the Festival of Lights.

A perennial favourite way to get wet at the Falls, The Maid of the Mist, has received a name change to Niagara City Cruises. Try a night tour to experience the evening light display at water level. Not available in the winter, boat rides recommence in March, weather permitting. Another old favourite has had a facelift; Journey Behind the Falls continues to be a roaring good time, but the greeting area has been renovated and enhanced with displays detailing Indigenous and natural history at the Falls. A newer way to get up close and personal with these waters is the Tunnel. Visitors descend from the Power Station in a glass elevator and traverse the Tunnel, a former water outlet, coming out nearly at river level. Both experiences are presented by Niagara Parks. They offer a visitor pass to see

OPPOSITE PAGE Live entertainment is a highlight of the Cool as Ice Gala (left). The Power Station is lit up for the glamourous annual event (right). ABOVE The Niagara Parkway shines during the Winter Festival of Lights. (Photos: Niagara Falls Tourism) BELOW See the Falls from the sky to get a thrill and a new perspective during a tour with Niagara Helicopters. (Photo: Jill Ellis-Worthington)

five sites in and around Niagara Falls at a lower price. (See sidebar for details.) Staying at Embassy Suites allows easy and quick access to Journey Behind the Falls. Out the front door and a three-minute walk takes visitors to the Railway Incline to go down the hill. Cross the bridge over the Niagara Parkway to the Table Rock Welcome Centre. That way you can leave your car at the hotel to save a lot of headaches finding parking around the falls, which is scarce and expensive. All the touristy fun of Clifton Hill, including Canada’s largest ferris wheel — The Sky Wheel that gives a birds-eye-view of Niagara Falls — is easily walkable, as is the Power Station, with its historic displays. The Currents light and sound show portrays the history of water in a kinetic way that is interesting to the whole family. Fuel up at the hotel with a complimentary hot breakfast. Warning: get there early. The omelet station is popular, and a long wait is pretty much guaranteed after 8 a.m. On the plus side, you get a filling hot breakfast and a view of the Falls from the seating area (in The Keg Restaurant) to start your day. When you’re ready to wind down the day, Embassy offers guests a happy hour with two complimentary drinks: beer, cocktails (made with spirits from the Niagara Distillery on Clifton Hill) and

PARKS PASS PERKS In a city that can get pricey to enjoy, the Niagara Parks’ Wonder Pass is a good deal. It covers entry to five popular attractions for $49 (age 13 and over) or $32 (ages 3 to 12) plus unlimited transportation on WEGO buses and unlimited trips on the Falls Incline. Included: • Power Station and Tunnel • Journey Behind the Falls • Butterfly Conservatory • Niagara’s Fury • Floral Showhouse

local wines from Colio Winery, as well as nibblies are all available in the bar area adjacent to The Keg. If you want accommodation in a quieter part of the city, Cannery Lofts opened in the summer of last year and combines the accoutrements of an Airbnb (fully equipped kitchens) with the convenience of a hotel. The converted factory — that made corrugated packaging, pivoted to manufacture war munitions during World War II and later produced cans — now serves as a 41-suite hotel offering weekend and extended stay options for singles, couples, groups and families in studios, two-, three- and four-bedroom suites. To get a thrill and view the Falls in a whole new way, take a tour with Niagara Helicopters. Seeing it from the sky is a new experience that gives a different perspective on one of the world’s natural wonders. On a clear day, you can see the Toronto skyline and down Lake Erie’s shoreline. Special Winter Nights and Lights tours have recently been added to the roster, and their Signature Experience takes you over the wineries of Niagara-onthe-Lake; a meal and wine tasting is included in this package. If the January/February winter blues have hit and you’re feeling the need for tropical climes but don’t want to travel 

Upcoming Events Saturday February 17 8pm

An all female, all funny stand - up & improv comedy ensemble featuring Canadian Comedy Award Winners.

Friday March 15 8pm

FOOT STOMPING KNEE SLAPPING, HAND CLAPPING CELTIC MUSIC!

Saturday March 30 2:00pm & 7:30pm

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT One of the colourful residents of the “donations” room at Bird Kingdom. • House-smoked “Candied Salmon” is one of the delicious appetizers served at AG Inspired Cuisine. • Chef Cory Linkson serves several delectable dessert choices as part of the restaurant’s prix fixe menu. (Photos: Jill Ellis-Worthington)

A brand-new musical concert telling the behind-the-scenes story of playing Frankie Valli in the smash-hit Jersey Boys

PortStanley FestivalTheatre www.psft.ca 519-782-4353

58 LIFESTYLE January/February 2024

too far south, a visit to either the Niagara Butterfly Conservatory or the Bird Kingdom should satisfy. The Conservatory has 2,000 fluttering spots of colour at any one time, along with several varieties of palm trees and other tropical foliage. It’s always between 24C and 28C at Butterfly Conservatory, and the Bird Kingdom enjoys similar temperatures. Colourful domestic and exotic birds fly free to delight ornithophiles. However, if you’ve seen Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds too many times and are not keen on having a feathered friend fly by, you might want to give this aviary a pass. Three main areas offer bird lovers an up-close experience. In the “donations room,” tortoises, a variety of parrots and a laughing kookaburra have found a permanent home since their former owners couldn’t take care of them.

The main area is a winding jungle containing 200 birds representing 40 species from around the world and in the small bird aviary, domestic birds feed and perch at will. Niagara Falls offers so many dining options that it could be hard to choose, but if you’re away on a romantic getaway and want something truly tastebud teasing and off the beaten path, this area has some fantastic options. One of those is at the top of the heap, according to both Open Table’s and Trip Advisor’s lists of Top 100 Restaurants in Canada, AG Inspired Cuisine is hidden below decks at the Sterling Inn and Spa but is worth seeking out. Chef Cory Linkson believes in bringing the freshest ingredients from the restaurant’s own farm, greenhouse and apiary to use in inventive ways, creating 

THE LEXUS NX350

BY RALPH LEMBCKE

hile the new Lexus NX350 luxury AWD crossover may have a similar profile to many others on the market, make no mistake, this is a racer cleverly disguised as a family car. Nimble and quick with luxurious interiors and amenities, the Lexus made the trip to the Niagara Falls area and back a pleasure, even in less-than-ideal wet weather conditions. Some features we appreciated: • Smooth yet responsive throttle • Effortless braking • Interactive touch-controlled heads-up display • Automatic rain-sensing windshield and rear wipers • Heated steering wheel • Heated sports-car ‘hug-you-in-place’ seats • Front and rear panoramic roof • Individual interior temperature control zones • Large luggage area • Remote hatchback control • Easy connection to Apple CarPlay and Spotify • Crystal clear sound system • Lexus’s own integrated voice-controlled GPS system • Large high-resolution display screen • Blind spot warning indicators • Automatic fold-in side mirrors • Adaptive highway cruise control (automatic distance control) Car supplied of London.afforably priced luxurybyandLexus performance

Indulge in Brantford’s diverse culinary scene, from gourmet raw restaurants to a micro distillery to farm fresh produce.

discoverbrantford.ca 519-751-9900 l 1-800-265-6299

What We Drive Is a Lifestyle Decision

Branfford Lifestyle quarter.indd 1

2023-12-05 2:35 PM

Given that — for many Lifestyle magazine readers — the vehicle they drive is an important aspect of their lifestyle, our magazine should reflect that. Lifestyle is expanding its AUTOMOTIVE coverage, with a new article or feature in every issue of the magazine. Look for this regular automotive content to launch in our March/April issue.

Attention: Auto Dealers The Lexus NX350 shines below the lights at the entrance of Fallsview Casino. (Photo: Jill Ellis-Worthington)

Reach Over 50,000 Potential Customers! Value-Packed Ad Packages Are Available. Contact Publisher Chris McDonell for more info: 519-434-8349 or lifestyle.eatdrink@gmail.com January/February 2024 LIFESTYLE 59 Auto Teaser ad.indd 1

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2023-12-11 6:58 PM

AG Inspired Cuisine is hidden below decks at the Sterling Inn and Spa but is worth seeking out. one-of-a-kind dishes. For instance, he uses farm-grown sunchokes (a superfood root vegetable with a unique flavour reminiscent of potatoes combined with artichokes) to create a crispy appetizer, served over amazing house-made baba ghanoush. The “Birds” entrée features duck breast paired with grilled quail; the delicate quality of the quail balances the richness of the duck beautifully and a cherry vanilla gastrique brings it all together. But the house-made dessert offerings ended up stealing the show. For instance, a poached pear with mascarpone and shortbread biscuit provides a sweet/savoury combination; a rich, creamy crème brulé is topped with a fired crust of honey and rosemary (two fresh-from-farm ingredients); chocolate hazelnut cheesecake is served alongside eggnog biscotti. The three-course prix fixe menu includes an appetizer, entrée and dessert

and all are phenomenal. Chef Linkson changes the menu often, sometimes daily, to suit what is available from the farm and other local sources, as well as his personal fancies. For instance, an off-menu item served when the writer attended the restaurant was smoked sweet breads with white truffle, celery root and blackberry confit — an unexpectedly delectable combination. Servers are knowledgeable and well-trained in fine dining service and add to the luxurious feel of an evening spent at AG. After taking in all the touristy delights of Clifton Hill, saunter over to Robinson Street to warm up with a coffee break at Red Ganache; it is worth a short jaunt off the beaten path. Chef Pradeep, with a long history of creating fine cuisine at resorts and casinos, brought his talents to Niagara Falls in 2019 and created the cutest little bakery where the sweet treats taste as scrumptious as they look. His strawberry shortbread is the top

Chef Pradeep creates luscious pastries and desserts at Red Ganache. (Photo: Jill Ellis-Worthington)

seller because it is much lighter and more pleasing than the dessert for which it is named. His pistachio éclair, raspberry chocolate mousse and hazelnut cake are all to die for as well. A little further out of the usual tourist 

Get to know your community. Get out and explore this winter.

TASTE APPRECIATE

www.TourismOxford.ca 1-866-801-7368 x 3354 60 LIFESTYLE January/February 2024

TASTE APPRECIATE

TASTE

EXPLORE

TASTE

APPRECIATE

RELAX

APPRECIATE

EXPLORE

RELAX

THE THREE-ROW LEXUS TX

LEXUS

Starting from $72,035 Plus HST & Licensing Fee.

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From now on, fighting over the best seats will be a thing of the past. Introducing the all-new 2024 Lexus TX, the three-row SUV that provides a new era of luxury for everyone who gets the indulgent experience of driving in one. Not only is every seat the best seat, the new TX offers the best of everything: extraordinary comfort and interior space, an unmatched driving experience, incredible all-wheel handling, and a choice of gas or powerful selfcharging hybrid engines. The TX is the next chapter of Lexus SUVs, and it takes luxury to a completely new place.

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Ice is Hot

Events starring Canada’s famous libation Since it’s the world’s largest and highest quality producer of Icewine, it’s only fitting that the Niagara area would host an almost month-long celebration. The Niagara Icewine Festival takes place from January 12 to 28 across the Niagara region. For instance, on the three weekends of the festival, vintners like Riverview Cellars will be offering special tastings of their Icewines, with emphasis on their 2018 Cab Franc Icewine. At this winery, large and smaller charcuterie boards are offered to pair perfectly with the Icewines. But don’t stop there. Growing 23 acres of grapes since 2000, owner Sam Pillitteri (yes, one of those Pillitteris) offers several stellar wines all year round. Deep red and delicious, the 2020 Salvatores Reserve Cab Sauv should be savoured, and the 2022 Marmalade Skies is a uniquely golden white that is a must-try. Some eateries, like the Trius Winery Restaurant, will be highlighting Icewines on their menus. A festival highlight will be the Cool as Ice Gala on January 13. This elegant party will be held at the Power Station, with an evening of Icewine tastings, appetizers from local restaurants, live entertainment and music for dancing. Another swanky soiree, the Sparkle & Ice Celebration, will be held on January 26 at the NOTL Courthouse on Queen Street, with Icewine cocktails as a focus. Niagara-on-the-Lake gets in on the action with its NOTL Icewine Festival on the weekends of January 20-21 and January 27-28. Twenty booths will line Queen Street with vineyards and eateries joining forces to show off these libations’ versatility with interesting food pairings. Also, the NOTL Icewine Festival will present an “Ice Bar” at the Outlet Collections at Niagara on January 13. This is also a wine and food pairing event, with the added attraction of featuring live entertainment and ice sculptures. Information, tickets and passes are available at niagarawinefestival.com. 

This year’s Niagara Icewine Festival takes place from January 12 to 28 across the Niagara region. (Photos: Niagara Grape and Wine Festival)

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Fanshawe Alumni receive 10% OFF Microcredential digital badges!

fanshawec.ca/microcredentials 62 LIFESTYLE January/February 2024

The Fallsview Casino’s recently added Overtime Sports Lounge boasts 1,500 square feet of high-definition televisions. (Photo: Jill Ellis-Worthington)

area is Tide and Vine Oyster House on Portage Road. This eatery makes it worth the extra drive to taste fresh oysters flown in from both of Canada’s coasts. Seafood-between-bread entrees include the crispy fish po’boy and topseller lobster roll. The house-smoked

salmon has a delicate flavour and firm texture; it’s served with a bagel, dill cream cheese, red onion and capers to make up a delicious lunch option. For the perfect pairing, choose either the locally made Tide and Vine Oyster White or Tide and Vine Oyster Stout. Making it worth the drive to Niagara-on-the-Lake is the Trius Winery Restaurant. It was named one of Canada’s top 100 restaurants by Open Table in 2023. The winery’s spacious dining room is luxurious and comfortable at the same time. Two or three-course prix fixe menus are available with optional wine pairings. The skilled and knowledgeable serving staff make great recommendations. Holland Marsh leek and potato soup is smooth, rich and delicious, as is the hand-rolled parmesan gnocchi. For dessert, Chef Frank Dodd’s decision to serve golden cheese alongside butternut squash and apricot beignets, accompanied by Icewine is inspired. Closer to the action, Fallsview Casino has just opened two new sit-and-sip (or nosh) options. The Overtime Sports Lounge opened late last year with 1,500 square feet of high-definition televisions. Chow down on pub grub while watching

your favourite sporting event with a group of friends at a table or in the special loungers. The Bar Barista is a cozy, elegant space to enjoy cocktails, coffees or specialty hot chocolates. The Table Rock House restaurant in the Table Rock Welcome Centre is a good choice for lunch or dinner with a side of view, as it directly overlooks the Horseshoe Falls. For lunch, there is a good variety of pub-style choices, as well as those that are a bit more exotic, like lobster grilled cheese. At dinner, a threecourse prix fixe menu is offered. At the end of your weekend away, pick up some souvenirs at Maple Leaf Place. It is on Niagara Parkway and stocks a plethora of options from stuffies to jewelry and, of course, maple syrup. You can indulge in a tasting. And if you’re bringing along international visitors this is a must-do because the tasting guides explain how maple syrup goes from tree to table. •

Jill Ellis-Worthington and Ralph Lembcke travelled as guests of Niagara Falls Tourism, which did not review or approve this article.

January/February 2024 LIFESTYLE 63

TRAVEL

| BUSINESS PROFILE

Grand Bend

Shop Ontario’s West Coast

Rustic to Refined features new and old offerings BY JANIS WALLACE

he name may have changed, but the focus on connecting people and unique items is a constant at Rustic to Refined. To better reflect the range of wares offered, Todd and Trina Hayter renamed Dale’s Antiques & Mennonite Furniture. The couple still offers antiques and hand-crafted furniture, but they also stock one-of-a-kind home décor and cater to customers looking for something special. Todd’s parents, Dale and Dianne Hayter, launched Dale’s Antique Market in 1988. A Sunday outdoor vendor

519-236-4030

64 LIFESTYLE January/February 2024

market ran through the warm weather months each year; Todd joined his parents in the business in 1999. He and Trina bought it in 2008. “This year, we rebranded,” Hayter says. “We’re more than antiques. A big chunk of our business is handcrafted furniture and décor. The rustic is the antique side, and the refined is the furniture and décor. It’s a unique combination but it works.” He sums up feedback from customers “I have been driving by for years and never knew you had all this cool stuff in here.”

Furniture items are created by 25 builders, most located within a two-hour radius of Grand Bend. “We look for quality, unique designs, affordability and Canadian-made,” he explains. “It’s fully customizable from design, size, wood type, wood texture and finish.” The top finish now is mill-sawn, which shows the saw marks. All pieces are constructed of solid wood. When he began in 1999, Hayter says pine and oak were the most popular choices. Now they range more broadly, with three types of maple, cherry and

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Rustic to Refined 10410 Lakeshore Road Grand Bend • 519.238.2880 rustictorefined.ca info@rustictorefined.ca Thurs - Sat 10 - 5pm

walnut, as well as pine and oak. Styles have moved from traditional country to clean-lined modern. “In 1999, it was predominantly unfinished furniture. In the last 1015 years it’s totally flipped. We rarely sell unfinished now,” says Hayter. One instance when unfinished is preferred is a kitchen renovation. He recommends people ask their cabinet maker to stain the table and chairs or stools to match. Helping customers create something from a drawing is one of Hayter’s favourite parts of the business. “I’m the

guy doing quotes, delivering it, helping set up. I see the whole process.” Trina sources and purchases home décor offerings; she stays up to date by tracking trends and consumer buying habits. The selection includes kitchen accessories, accents, candle holders, wooden bowls, pottery, baskets, vases and coasters. Best sellers are Swedish dish cloths, neutral-colored pottery and wood items, such as candle holders. Antiques range from a barber’s chair to railway lights. The couple enjoys picking items together for “people who

are looking for something different than what everyone else has.” He explains, “I don’t like a cookiecutter approach to anything.” That includes customer service. He loves listening to their stories. “They’ll talk about their upbringing or how they used a tool (when they see an antique item). Something that was essential in the day, like a wood plane they used with their dad in carpentry. You gain insight and wisdom.” While there are still antiques, there is a whole lot more to Rustic to Refined. •

519-243-5040 ipperwashbeachclub.ca

January/February 2024 LIFESTYLE 65

TRAVEL

| BUSINESS PROFILE

Warm Up to Winter Fun at White Squirrel Restaurant BY JANIS WALLACE

f good friends, good food and a good time sounds like a good outing, you will want to check out the White Squirrel Restaurant in Zurich. With a new chef and old menu favourites, Cassandra Ramage says they want to make it a community hub. “There is something for everyone in food and entertainment,” says Ramage, the manager of administration and marketing. “We’re open Thursday to Sunday in the winter. There is something happening every night.” Those activities include crafts, mixology and cooking classes, drag, bingo and trivia nights, as well as live entertainment. Building on two strengths, local suppliers and popular dishes, Chef Jeff Turner will put his own stamp on the menu. “I’m excited to see what he has to offer. He’s passionate about comfort food,” says Ramage. Turner brings more than 20 years of experience in restaurant, golf clubs, catering and cooking classes. He shares his vision on his White Squirrel web profile: “I truly believe food is the universal language and is something that brings people and communities together. I am passionate about it and look forward to bringing our wonderful guests a delicious and memorable experience at White Squirrel.” Ramage adds, “When people think of the White Squirrel, they think classic, delicious food that fits everyone in the friend group.” The menu supports that approach. All-day-every-day breakfast is new. It includes a breakfast burrito, a traditional breakfast and a toasted Western.

White Squirrel Resturant’s spacious dining room offers a great view, as it overlooks the golf course.

“

When people think of the White Squirrel, they think classic, delicious food that fits everyone in the friend group.”

Local producers provide the foundation for many favourites. For instance, Huron County’s Grazing Meadows Wagyu beef makes a “super delicious” burger, says Ramage. Other local inclusions: Metzger Meat’s pork from Hensall, Hayter’s Farm turkey in Dashwood, wine from Hessenland’s Schatz Winery and the restaurant’s own label beer, crafted at Bad Apple Brewing Company. Both the winery and the brewery are located along the shores of Lake Huron, reflecting the area’s abundance. “Any way we can source

locally, or support locally, that’s a priority,” says Ramage. The menu options also playfully nod at the golf club with Par Five Platters, Sand Wedges and Field of Greens. Top requests are the wood-fired pizzas, fish tacos, fish and chips and burgers. While the Acorn Patio is the hot ticket in the summer, winter’s focus is indoors and having fun together. Monthly tasting menus — of three or four courses paired with wine, beer and spirits — start in January. A special DD (designated driver) price and private shuttle service (for up to 14 people with cost based on location) are available. Group bookings (up to 50 people) for the Solarium, a separate event space overlooking the greens, are offered yearround for family gatherings, bachelor/ bachelorette parties, weddings and corporate events. Meeting people’s needs to meet together is part of the vision of owners Mac Voisin and Marcela Bahar. Ramage says, “They want to build a legacy for the community with a hub where people want to come.” •

FOR MORE INFORMATION • WHITE SQUIRREL RESTAURANT • 72538 Bluewater Highway 21, Zurich • 519-236-4030 • whitesquirrelgolfclub.com/restaurant

66 LIFESTYLE January/February 2024

EATDRINK

| THE BUZZ

The Buzz

Culinary community notes BY BRYAN LAVERY

he enormous popularity of the London Wine and Food Show, the restaurant prix fixe festival Londonlicious and A Taste for Life (a successful annual restaurantdriven fundraiser to benefit the Aids Committee of London) shows that local diners support organized dining experiences. The diversity and success of the city’s multicultural festivals also indicate the magnetic power of the food and drink community. Yet as 2023 ends and I submit the Buzz column, the hospitality sector in Ontario continues to experience a sizeable drop in customer traffic. According to the Canadian Restaurant & Foodservice News, “Consumer behaviours are continuing to shift as inflation continues.… Canadians are re-evaluating their dining choices in response to the challenges posed by menu price increases and food inflation. [This] emphasizes the importance of adapting to changing consumer behaviours and economic dynamics in the food service industry,” says Janet Music, research manager of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University. Perhaps this is easier said than done. Many restaurateurs have spent the last four years fighting to keep their doors open. In addition to managing record-breaking food inflation (The price of food in Canada increased 10.3 per cent year-on-year.), pivoting business models, tackling unrelenting labour shortages and handling supply chain issues, it’s crucial to note employees in the food service industry are still experiencing burnout. Please be kind and generous at this challenging time. The London Wine & Food Show is ready to pop some corks and celebrate with their tastebuds. The show returns Friday, January 12 and Saturday, January 13, 2024. Tickets are now on sale. westernfairdistrict.com

Growing Chefs! presents London’s most iconic food festival from January 19 to February 11, 2024. Londonlicious is an enjoyable way to revisit or discover diverse and delicious dining experiences. Find the list of participants and menus online. londonlicious.ca New to the Covent Garden Market, Love Pastel Brazilian Food aims to introduce the essence of Brazilian cuisine to market-goers. Using fresh, all-natural ingredients, their open-kitchen counter serves delicious pastéis, sugarcane juice (We love the guava.), snacks and delicious lunch specials. Pastel offers home deliveries and the option to purchase pastry dough for making pastéis (thin crust pies with assorted fillings) at home. lovepastel.ca La Parrillada Grill has a second location with a few tables and an open kitchen in the Covent Garden Market. This Latin restaurant on Thompson Road features a variety of cuisines, including Mexican, Colombian, Central American and other South American cuisine. We love the thick and tasty griddle cakes known as pupusas. Since 2000, La Parrillada Grill’s mission has been to provide high-quality food with skillful cooking into one extraordinary dining experience. laparrilladagrill.com The New Delhi Deli is owned and operated by Bhan Mudliar. Born in Fiji, Bhan has an array of Caribbean recipes and colourful dishes, which will fill your soul with spice and put a big smile on your face. Try Bhan’s exceptional jerk chicken, oxtail, curried goat, roti wraps, samosas, seafood, duck, lamb, curry chicken, a variety of daily soups, Jamaican patties and more. Bhan and her talented sidekick Seema offer a selection of gluten-free, veggie and vegan options.

Located upstairs at the Covent Garden Market, Stephanie Stolzel’s Tea Haus is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the market. Featuring Black, Green, White, Herbal, Chai, Fair Trade, Oolong, Organic and Fruit Tea, The Tea Haus has your cup. This kiosk also boasts a solid collection of “tea ware.” Drop by and find your favourite teas, pots, and accessories. The proprietors of The Old Bagel House learned their craft of genuine thick, chewy, doughy Montreal-style bagels after working at three of Montreal’s culinary and cultural icons Real Bagel, Fairmount and St. Viateur. These bagel bakeries use simple ingredients: water, yeast, flour, sugar, eggs, oil and no shortening. The bagels are hand-rolled and boiled in honey water to provide a crunchy-sweet exterior. They follow centuries of tradition by baking bagels in wood-burning ovens that are fueled by maple. The bagels are rotated and shuffled until uniform and golden brown. The freshly baked bagels — with cream cheese, smoked salmon and red onion — are other worldly. oldbagelhouse.com Speaking of deli experts, have you tried Billy’s Deli’s Potato Latke Breakfast? We are longtime devotees of their golden-brown crispy potato pancakes served with a choice of ham, bacon (four slices), Oktoberfest sausage or Montreal smoked meat, two eggs (your way), toast, jam, sour cream and house-made apple sauce. Billy’s has been running a smoked salmon eggs benedict latke breakfast blackboard special on weekends. For lunch, specialty deli sandwiches, like the quintessential Reuben and Montreal smoked meat, are made with a quarter pound of meat, warm and sliced off the brisket. Billy’s is known for its Mennonite-inspired baking. They follow tradition for the best flavours for their signature seasonal “schmecky pies.” billysdelirestaurant.ca 

January/February 2024 LIFESTYLE 67

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Windsor Essex Weekend Escape Details Enjoy a two-night stay at The Grove Hotel in the heart of Kingsville. This boutique hotel provides a unique and memorable experience with charming rooms and genuine hospitality. Barrels Bottles & Brews Trail Flight Logs for two. Take a self-guided tour of the Windsor Essex #BarrelTrail. Nine tasting experiences at breweries and distilleries throughout Windsor Essex allow you to get a taste of the craftsmanship the area is known for. EPIC Wineries Tasting Passports for two. Taste the bold reds and crisp whites of the Lake Erie North Shore wine region with tastings at six participating wineries.

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A random drawing of online entries and paper ballots will be held and the winner notified by email. Chances of winning are dependent upon the number of entries. Employees and the families of Lifestyle and TWEPI are not eligible to win. Accommodations and dinner reservations are dependent upon availablity. This prize package is worth $800 but has no cash value. The Windsor Essex Weekend Escape must be redeemed by May 31, 2024. 68 LIFESTYLE January/February 2024

$50 to Joe Hot + Cold. Perfect for a pick-me-up and located right next door to The Grove Hotel and serving up great coffee, food, cocktails and impeccable vibes. $75 to Mettawas Station Italian Mediterranean Grill. Enjoy a scrumptious meal to indulge your taste buds! Located in a historic building and serving up meals using the finest local ingredients, Mettawas Station is sure to please. $100 to Beach House Grill. Enjoy a refreshingly casual, delicious and fun meal steps from Lake Erie and close to shopping, accommodations and Main Street Kingsville.

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Do you have a serious sweet tooth? Experience Downtown London’s trail of best-in-class, small-batch Scratch Bakery and Patisserie Trail on a self-guided tour or a three-hour-guided walking experience led by a local culinary insider. The adventure begins at historic Covent Garden Market, where you’ll meet a friendly French baker known for his patisseries and baguettes. Savour delicious croissants, canelés de Bourdeaux, and other delectable creations along the curated trail. By the end of this progressive tasting experience, you’ll have sampled a series of signature bakery offerings that authentically express Downtown London’s scratch bakery and patisserie scene. downtownlondon.ca/trails Pastry Culture is an excellent example of a classic French pastry tradition. They are known for freshly baked baguettes. This iconic bread is crusty on the outside and buttery, soft and chewy on the inside. At the King Street entrance of the Covent Garden Market, baker Daniel Stephan offers refined, classic gateaux and pâtisseries made from scratch and crafted with premium ingredients and following century-old recipes. French pâtisseries are known for being colourful, tasty and indulging. Think macarons, Viennoiserie, pâtee sucrée (short crust), galettes, madeleines, financiers and éclairs. pastryculture.ca Jill’s Table 2023 Downtown London Business Excellence Award winner, Jill Wilcox, will be celebrating 25 years as London’s premier food and kitchenware destination in 2024. In 1999, Wilcox opened Jill’s Table in a small corner of the newly rebuilt Covent Garden Market. Two years later, she relocated to her present King Street location, bringing in superior products from around the world, showcasing local food artisans, providing in-store demonstrations and servicing home cooks and professional chefs and bakers with specialty food items, cookware, bakeware, kitchen utensils and cooking and baking classes. Jillstable.ca London Bicycle Café’s Chef Alicia Berkelmans puts a spin on traditional Dutch baking. Part bicycle shop and part café, they offer locally sourced, environmentally sustainable Dutchinspired specialties and baked goods, including their signature butter cake (boterkoek) and speccula’s. Simple, rustic food and baking that speaks for itself. londonbicyclecafe.com/cafe-menu

The in-house scratch bakery at Rhino Lounge is the purview of über-pastry-chef Michele Lenhardt and assistant baker Eric Lein, who brings bakery offerings to a whole new level at the Rhino Lounge at Museum London. Have you had her signature Cronut yet? It’s a delicious combination between a croissant and a doughnut, only available Thursdays and Saturdays. We have seen her customers line up in anticipation. rhinolounge.ca

COME

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WITH US

Jess Jazey-Spoelstra’s River Room, inside Museum London, has banks of tinted windows with panoramic views overlooking the Forks of the Thames. Who can forget baker Michele Lenhardt’s classic lemon tart with shortbread crust? (Yes, we thought we had died and gone to heaven.) Decadent chocolate bomb (decadent chocolate cake, chocolate mousse and chocolate ganache) and carrot cake with cream cheese icing are all classics, as are her made-to-order apple fritters with salted caramel sauce and her signature vanilla bean crème brûlée. theriverroom.ca Saisha’s Patisserie offers from-scratch croissants, French-inspired patisserie, classic gateaux, and great coffee from Norway. Saisha’s is a new bakery concept, modern, minimalist and hypercurated. Chef Brian Sua-an gravitates to perfect ingredients and goes to great lengths to source the best of what is available. Saisha’s perpetuates French culinary heritage through its carefully procured ingredients that respect seasonality. Look for exquisite offerings, such as fleur de cao, plasir Sucre, pistachio Paris-Brest, Basque cheesecake, Ontario peach, Framboise and chou-chou. facebook.com/saisha.patisserie/ Black Walnut Bakery Cafe customers line up in front of the glass counter for shiny apple tarts, melt-in-your-mouth scones, lemon squares and various savoury delicacies. Have you had their signature Cruffin yet? It’s one of Black Walnut’s unique baked goods: a croissant-muffin baked, rolled in sugar and piped with seasonally flavoured custards and creams. Black Walnut offers scratch baking every morning, seven days a week. Its café menu is filled with artfully prepared made-to-order sandwiches, seasonal soups and salads, frittatas, bread, squares and light meals. blackwalnutbakerycafe.com 

130 KING STREET, LONDON COVENTMARKET.COM

ROTARY RINK HOURS MONDAY TO FRIDAY: 11AM - 7PM SATURDAY: 11AM - 6PM SUNDAY: 11AM - 4PM WEATHER DEPENDENT January/February 2024 LIFESTYLE 69

Experience Downtown London’s

Scratch Bakery and Patisserie Trail EXPLORE

DOWNTOWN LONDON’S Trail of best-in-class, small-batch Scratch Bakery and Patisserie Trail on a self-guided tour or a three-hour-guided walking experience led by a local culinary insider.

After 36 years under the ownership and capable cooking skills of Gus Katisroumbas, B & B Snack Bar, on Pall Mall Street at William, has been bought by long-time server and recent person-in-charge, Dora Rzeszutek. B & B started off as grocery store in 1924, later operated as a meat market, a dairy and a snack bar. It may be the oldest restaurant in the city. Cook Bill Protopapas’s menu includes a variety of breakfast dishes and daily lunch specials. For more info email Dorata99@sympatico.ca.

BUY FRESH SUPPORT LOCAL!

NATALIE CHAPMAN

Now owner, as well as long-time manager, Natalie Chapman is maintaining all the important ingredients that have made David’s Bistro a venerated London culinary treasure. David himself remains on hand for dinner service while Chef Elvis Drennan continues to helm the kitchen, consistently turning out classic French-inspired bistro fare. The ever-changing chalkboard updates the regular menu with a three-course prix fixe option. A separate board for an outstanding consignment wine list keeps things fresh and seasonal. davidsbistro.ca

Apples, honey, jams, maple syrup, apple cider, apple vinegar, peanuts, frozen pies, locally sourced gluten free products, gift baskets and much more.

OPEN all year! Hard apple cider now available Monday through Sunday from Generations Cider Co.

CruniCan OrChards SINCE 1877

crunicanorchards.com • 519.666.0286 • 23778 Richmond Street N. (10 mins from Masonville at 15 Mile Rd.)

70 LIFESTYLE January/February 2024

Photo credit: Kyle Guilfoyle

Details at downtownlondon.ca/trails

Happiness Coffee and Dessert Bar features European-style coffee and seasonal and specialty cakes, French macarons, cupcakes, cheesecakes and waffles. On offer are high-end doughnuts, such as pistachio, crème brûlée and salted caramel. Coffee, for their espresso-based drinks, comes from craft roaster Hatch. Olha and Anatolli Prytkova laser print images on cookies, French macarons, mousse cakes and chocolates. “People choose selfies, logos or sweet messages,” explains Olha. “Your logo will not only look great but will taste great too.” myhappiness.ca 

Experience locally sourced food & international flavours created by Fanshawe College students

Open Monday to Friday for Lunch (11 a.m. – 2 p.m.) & Dinner (5 p.m. – 8 p.m.)

130 Dundas St. London, Ontario

thechefstablefanshawe.ca January/February 2024 LIFESTYLE 71

Enjoy a Family Friendly Taste of Ethiopia! “Reasonably priced, fresh, well-executed Ethiopian cuisine ...” — Bryan Lavery, Eatdrink Magazine

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THE

WHERE TO

EAT & DRINK GUIDE Volume 10

Scan for the digital guide with profiles, menu links & more

Local Flavour

SOUTHWEST ONTARIO CULINARY GUIDE Explore & Connect @ localflavour.ca 72 LIFESTYLE November/December 2023

The Tea Lounge is a boutique tea house, café and retail shop featuring exceptional products and experiences honouring various cultures with service options that encourage leaving the busy world outside to enjoy a consciously delicious whole food plant-based menu. Drop in for a cuppa or pre-book one of a wide variety of special tea services, like the “Japanese Tea & Sweets Experience” or a customized “Traditional English Cream Tea Service.” beteas.com Grace is a celebrated farm-to-table, fine-dining restaurant with a highly developed pastry department focused on unique flavour combinations, classic techniques, and seasonal offerings. If you’re looking for a modern dining and drinking experience, Grace is the ideal venue for a multicourse tasting menu with wine pairings. Relax at the bar in front of the open kitchen or in the lounge with a signature cocktail or choose from the carefully curated beer and wine list. Grace offers late-night snacks and drinks after your downtown concert or trip to the theatre. gracelondon.ca Grace Bodega is Grace Restaurant’s little sister café-wine bar hybrid. They retail bespoke terroir-driven wines and a chef’s pantry of ingredients, single-origin coffee, beverages and artisanal pastries and desserts. The Bodega’s signature pastries, Canelés de Bordeaux, are crafted in copper moulds using time-honoured traditional French patisserie methods. gracelondon.ca Situated in the Diamond Flight Centre on Blair Boulevard (one block north of Oxford Street off Crumlin Road), the Katana Kafé & Grill overlooks the main runway of the London International Airport and uniquely combines the romance of aviation with fabulous food. katanakafe.ca The acclaimed and unique 20-seat Reverie Restaurant continues to receive accolades. It showcases a modernist Canadian-focused menu. Owners Jerrah Revilles and Chef Brian Sua-an continue to offer an intimate, immersive, innovative experience with exciting plating’s and vibrant flavours. Wine pairings are optional but highly recommended. Reservations required. reverierestaurant.ca Feast ON-certified SixThirtyNine in Woodstock is an elegant and contemporary dining room of 30 seats featuring terroir-driven Canadian cuisine that has become a destination restaurant for the region and beyond. Jennifer Boyar welcomes guests to a tasteful and comfortable ambience, emphasizing unpretentious yet attentive service. Additional seating is available for up to four guests at the Chef’s Table, providing guests with an up-close look at the talented kitchen crew headed by Executive Chef Eric Boyar and Chef de Cuisine Sam Vanderberg. sixthirtynine.com Mercer Kitchen + Beer Hall + Hotel is a Stratford mainstay featuring comforting menu items, while retaining some tried and true signatures. The casual brasserie-style ambience is inspired by the concept of izakaya — informal Japanese beer pubs. There are 15 draft lines and over 120 bottles, including international award-winners and hard-to-find one-offs. Menus showcase items meant to be shared and are perfect for the lively, dynamic atmosphere. mercerhall.ca

Photo credit: Lila Lavereau Photography (lilalavereau.ca)

mousse and lemon tarts. A $49 prix fixe dinner menu is available through April. Open for lunch, weekend brunch or an elevated dinner service. cafebouffon.ca The Braai House and The Braai Bar restaurants in Stratford have closed and are for sale currently. Braai’s sister companies will continue to operate: The Bowl Bar, The Little Green Grocery, Bru Garden and Ken’s French Fries, as they were not affected by the previous Covid lockdowns. Please email kim@keystonehospitality.ca to enquire further.

WHERE PASSION MEETS FLAVOUR

ITALIAN SEDUCTION BITE BY BITE

THE EATDRINK BUZZ IS BACK! CAFÉ BOUFFON

Café Bouffon (previously Pazzo Taverna) is a cafe and restaurant overlooking the Avon River in downtown Stratford’s heart. Chef Courtney Noble creates classically inspired French menus with an increasing focus on local and sustainable sources. Highlights include escargot, crepes, croque monsieur, steak frites, as well as exceptional chocolate

Have some local culinary news you want to share with our readers? There is no charge for this service, and we will print as much as we have room for. Keep it short and sweet and email your item, with BUZZ in the subject line, to lifestyle.eatdrink@ gmail.com. The deadline for inclusion in the next issue is January 31, 2024. •

BRYAN LAVERY is a writer, chef, restaurateur and

experience developer, as well as a mentor to a community of experiential tourism innovators. @ethicalgourmet.

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January/February 2024 LIFESTYLE 73

EATDRINK

| BEER

appy New Year! With the holiday season behind us, January and February are perfect months to curl up and get cozy with a good book and a good beer. To raise our spirits during these dark and sometimes dreary months many breweries release their much anticipated annual “winter warmers,” and this year is no exception. The practice of enjoying winter ales can be traced back to the Vikings, who brewed a sweet, strong cold weather beer and served it at the annual banquet that celebrated the winter solstice. In the 1300s, Anglo-Saxons celebrated the new year with wassail. The wassail bowl was filled with dark ale, fruits and spices; this mixture wasn’t used to toast only during the festive season. The beer was often served hot and drunk throughout cold weather months, to help people cope with the rigors of winter.

WHAT DISTINGUISHES A WINTER BEER? They are dark ales, ambers, doppelbocks, stouts and porters — malt-focused, full bodied and heavier than warm weather beers. Many have a higher alcohol content than your average ale or lager, making them a great choice for cocoon-at-home evenings. Most incorporate spices found in Christmas baking: cinnamon, orange peel, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, molasses. But these days brewers are experimenting with a wide range of flavours, resulting in 74 LIFESTYLE January/February 2024

Raise a Glass To raise your spirits BY KYM WOLFE

some unique and exceptionally good combinations. Chocolate is widely used, particularly in stouts. Many winter beers are cherished because they are brewed in season and only available for a limited time. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule. Some typical winter ales are brewed year-round, particularly those that are retailed through The Beer Store or LCBO. Some feature spices that are definitely not associated with Christmas baking.

WHAT TO GRAB FOR WINTER WARMERS? Storm Stayed’s name conjures up a perfect image for this time of year: time at home relaxing with friends, beer in hand, waiting for the stormy weather to pass. The brewery’s offerings include

Paddington Brown Porter (a little lighter-bodied than your typical robust porter), and the Patina Irish Red Ale (smooth with a hint of caramel), both suitable choices for sweater weather. Next, a shout out to Imperial City’s Chocolate Milk Peanut Butter Porter, which took home gold as the top Flavoured Stout/Porter at the 2023 Canadian Brewing Awards. Happily, this dark ale can be found year-round at the LCBO. The brewery is also pouring its annual Winter Ale while it lasts. The copper-hued spicy ale is brewed with ginger, cinnamon and floral honey served up in a sugar-rimmed goblet. You’ll have to visit the Sarnia brew house to enjoy that tasting experience or to grab cans to go. Being named for one of Canada’s traditional winter pastimes, it’s not surprising that Toboggan brews a selection of winter beers year-round, including Rusty Sled Amber Ale, Blackfriars Bridge Stout and Blackfriars Bridge Vanilla Stout. As a special offering, there is a Munich Helles Lager, available only on tap. Made with German Pilsner and Munich Malts, complemented by Hersbrucker and Tradition Hops, it’s fermented and aged for over seven weeks to give a smooth and refined lager profile. Brewer Sam Smith says he is also working on a Czech-style dark lager that will be ready in time to enjoy during the cold winter months. London Brewing has added a few new twists to its traditional Oatmeal Stout this year. The ever-popular Chile

Authentic Farm-to-Table Gourmet Food Store & Bakery

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Imperial City’s award-winning Chocolate Milk Peanut Butter Porter • London Brewing’s Holiday Stout Series • Toboggan Brewing’s Munich Helles Lager

• Custom Gift Baskets • Locally-Sourced Seasonal Products • Las Chicas Coffee • Scratch In-House Baking • Craft Beer & Small Batch Liquors • Consignment Wines & Olive Oils

44 Blackfriars St. (Off Wharncliffe) Chocolate and B’urban Legend are back along with new tasting 519-667-4930 options: Coconut Vanilla, Raspberry, Irish Cream and (barrel aged) Rye stouts. Brewer Aaron Lawrence uses malts with a lot blackfriarsbistro.com of chocolate flavours for all of the stouts. He adds cacao nibs to the Chile Chocolate, giving it a richer chocolate taste profile. Lawrence ages the oatmeal stout in bourbon barrels for more Blackfriars Emporia JF24 ad.indd 1 2023-12-07 3:42 PM than a year to ensure there is ample time for both the spirits and the oak to influence the unique flavour of B’urban Legend. Although all were released as part of London Brewing’s Holiday Stout Series, they are brewed to be enjoyed well into the new year. Anderson Craft Ale is adding some extra heat — Mexican Porter. The rich Mexican hot chocolate inspired porter is brewed with cocoa nibs, ancho peppers, vanilla, coconut and spices. The brewery’s seasonal Belgian Dubbel is back this year, brewed with traditional winter ale flavours of caramel, cocoa and dark fruits. You’re apt to find a porter or stout throughout the year at Beerlab! but the brewery never creates the same beer twice, so GROWING CHEFS! ONTARIO PRESENTS it’s hard to know what will be on tap or available this winter. But we can predict that at some point there will be more room for customers to stay and enjoy a pour and a slice while they’re there. The brewery’s New Year’s resolution is to expand into the neighbouring space on Talbot Street (formerly London Wine Bar), which will mean a larger tasting room and space for a pizza oven in the corner. A local food festival featuring Join us for the Fun Fact: Belgium holds an annual Kerstbierfestival. The fantastic local restaurants offering mid-December celebration features about 200 Belgian winter special prix fixe multi-course menus. beers, released in time to raise a holiday toast — Santé! A showcase of the best locally grown But there is no need to fly to Europe to enjoy a good seasonal products and spotlighting what ale or lager. Just head to your local brewery as many are likely January 19 – February 11, 2024 is unique and delicious in our restaurants are offering special to have a tasty winter warmer or two Participating on offer. London community! Details at Londonlicious.ca prix fixe multi-course menus. Cheers! •

Reserved

Londonlicious 2024

Londonlicious Winter Festival!

KYM WOLFE is the author of several books, including Brewhopping Across London, the history and highlights of craft brewing in the Forest City. You can reach her at kym@kymwolfe.com. January/February 2024 LIFESTYLE 75

EATDRINK

| RECIPES

CHOCOLATE ALL DAY

FROM SIMPLE TO DECADENT, 100+ RECIPES FOR EVERYONE’S FAVORITE INGREDIENT BY STEVEN HODGE REVIEW AND RECIPE SECTIONS BY SUE GORDON

ho doesn’t like chocolate, especially when Valentine’s Day is around the corner? While it is a mild overstatement that this is “everyone’s” favourite, there is no doubt that chocolate is generally a crowd pleaser. This is Steven Hodge’s first book, but he is well qualified to author a new book on such an old culinary staple. Hodge is a chocolatier and pâtissier with a distinguished resume, including training at the California School of Culinary Arts and service as pastry chef at the three-Michelinstar Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in London, England. He is the owner of Temper Chocolate & Pastry in Vancouver and is well known to Food Network Canada viewers. Hodge co-hosts, with Anna Olson, Great Chocolate Showdown. He showed his passion for chocolate as host of Project Bakeover and has appeared on Wall of Bakers. Chocolate All Day includes insightful insider tips for purchasing different types of chocolate and helpful instructions on how to store them. Hodge provides easyto-follow directions for a surprisingly wide variety of ways to work with chocolate, and he is quite serious with the book title. There are recipes suitable for breakfast treats, such as chocolate cinnamon buns and chocolate babka, entire sections dedicated to cakes, tarts and souffles and inspired chocolate cocktails. The recipe photos are enticing while also giving a clear picture of the finished product, often with helpful step-by-step photos augmenting the written instructions. That level of detail is helpful to inexperienced cooks, but I also found it useful when I had moments of uncertainty. After reading that his Chocolate Cheesecake was one of the most popular items that Hodge offers in his bakery, I just had to try making it. I thought it was so good that I got special permission from his publisher to share the recipe here in Lifestyle Magazine. This cheesecake is pleasantly moist with a satisfyingly

76 LIFESTYLE January/February 2024

the best results.” I believe he has succeeded, and while I initially looked at this book with Valentine’s Day in mind, he has assembled an extensive list of ways to really enjoy “chocolate all day” any day of the year.

SUE GORDON has taught baking to high school students, including running an alternative school’s commercial bakery in Carcross, Yukon. Now a retired nurse and educator, she is enjoying trying new things in her kitchen and garden.

CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY BROWNIES

deep chocolate taste complemented by a sour cream topping, with a slightly sharp tartness enhanced with cocoa powder. I especially appreciated the lightness of this dessert, not a quality often associated with cheesecake. A generous slice will leave you feeling well satisfied but not over-indulged. I also enjoyed great success with the relatively simple Chocolate Raspberry Brownies recipe. The decadence of rich chocolate blends beautifully with the sweet fresh taste of the raspberries, and I quickly had a 9x13 pan of brownies that demanded to be cut while they were still warm. They were pleasantly chewy and savoury, and I can foresee these becoming a family favourite that can be whipped up without too much stress on the kitchen staff. As mentioned, there are an array of chocolate cocktails (would James Bond approve of the Shaken Chocolate Martini?) but there is also what Hodge calls The Ultimate Chocolate Milkshake recipe and other numerous kid-friendly ideas, such as Milk Chocolate-Covered Caramel Apples and Ruby Chocolate Ice Cream. Steven Hodge opens his book with the stated goal: “to provide simple advice and guidance to give you confidence to pick the right products and use the proper tools to get

My mom baked brownies often when I was growing up. She would usually make them just before dinner and set them out to cool as we sat down to eat. The smell of those fresh-baked brownies wafting from the kitchen ensured that everyone ate everything off their plates in order to secure a coveted brownie for dessert. I like to add raspberries to mine, to make them a little different. Makes 24 brownies Prep Time 10 minutes Cooking Time 40 to 45 minutes BROWNIES ¾ cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1⁄3 cup (40g) Dutch-process cocoa powder ½ teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon kosher salt ¾ cup (175g) butter, room temperature 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar 2 large eggs, room temperature 2 large egg yolks 6.7 oz (190g) dark chocolate, chopped 6 oz (170g) frozen raspberries, roughly chopped ICING 1 cup (125g) icing sugar 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, room temperature 1 tablespoon (8g) Dutch-process cocoa powder 3 tablespoons (45ml) whole milk, hot 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Hodge is a chocolatier and pâtissier with a distinguished resume, including training at the California School of Culinary Arts.

NOTE Spreading the icing while the cake is still hot will melt it into the brownies and give a nice shine. 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9-by 13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. 2. For the brownies, sift together the flour, cocoa powder and baking powder into a bowl, then add the salt. Set aside. 3. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs and egg yolks. Cream on high speed until fully combined, light and fluffy. 4. Reduce the mixer speed to low and slowly add the dry ingredients. Mix until fully incorporated. Fold in the chocolate and frozen raspberries using a spatula. 5. Pour the batter into the lined pan and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. 6. While the brownie batter is baking, make the icing. In the stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the icing sugar, butter, cocoa powder, hot milk and vanilla. Beat until the mixture becomes soft and creamy. 7. As soon as the brownie mixture is cooked, spread the icing all over the top, while it is still warm. Let cool completely, then cut into 24 squares.

DARK CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE Who doesn’t love cheesecake? It’s one of my favorites. In our pastry shop, cheesecake is one of the most popular items we offer. If you’re not a fan, it may be because you’ve had one that was dry and crumbly. This recipe delivers a cheesecake that’s moist and delicious. It’s also full of chocolate goodness, which perfectly balances the tartness of the cream cheese.

Makes one 6-inch cheesecake Prep Time 15 minutes, plus 2 hours chilling Cook Time 50 to 60 minutes CHOCOLATE BASE 1 tablespoon+1teaspoon (20g) unsalted butter, melted 1¼ teaspoons granulated sugar 1cup (120g) crushed chocolate cookie crumbs FILLING 11⁄8 cups (250g) cream cheese 6 tablespoons (75g) granulated sugar 7oz (200g) dark chocolate, melted 1 large egg 2 large egg yolks 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1⁄3 cup (75ml) heavy cream SOUR CREAM TOPPING ¾ cup (200g) sour cream 1¼ tablespoons (10g) Dutch-process cocoa powder 1½ tablespoons (20g) granulated sugar NOTE Always check your cheesecake while it’s baking. Depending on your oven, it may take longer to cook, but be careful not to over cook, or it will crack and dryout.

Steven Hodges’ recipe produces a light but decadent Dark Chocolate Cheesecake.

fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat them together on medium speed until light and fluffy. 7. Add the melted chocolate and beat until fully combined, scraping down the bowl as needed. Add the egg, egg yolks and vanilla and mix well. Scrape the bowl to remove any batter stuck to the bottom, then continue mixing to achieve a creamy texture. Add the cream and blend well. 8. Pour the filling mixture into the pan. Evenly spread it across the base, using a small offset spatula. Place the cheesecake on a baking sheet and bake for about 45 minutes. Always check cheesecake 5 minutes before it should be done, to make sure it’s not over cooking. To check for doneness, gently shake the pan. If the filling is set in the middle, it’s done. 9. While the cheesecake is baking, make the topping. In a bowl, whisk together by hand the sour cream, cocoa powder and sugar.

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Spray or grease a 6-inch springform pan.

10. As soon as the cheesecake is done, remove it from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Increase the oven temperature to 325°F.

2. For the base, combine the melted butter with the sugar and cookie crumbs in a large bowl.

11. Pour the sour cream mixture evenly over the cheesecake. Return it to the oven for 2 minutes to quickly and lightly set the topping.

3. Transfer the base mixture to the springform pan and evenly distribute it over the bottom and up the sides as well.Using the flat bottom of a glass, press the crumbs to compress them and hold their shape.

12. Remove the cheese cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan in the fridge for 2 hours. When it’s fully cooled, remove the springform pan and serve. •

4. Bake the base in the oven for 10 minutes to set. Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack, leaving it in the pan.

Excerpted from Chocolate All Day: From Simple to Decadent, 100+ Recipes for Everyone’s Favorite Ingredient by Steven Hodge. Copyright © 2023 Steven Hodge. Photographs by Jamie Hodge and Jimmy Jeong. Published by Appetite by Random House®, a division of Penguin Random House Canada Limited.Reproduced by arrangement with the Publisher. All rights reserved.

5. Lower the oven temperature to 210°F. 6. For the filling, place the cream cheese and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer

January/February 2024 LIFESTYLE 77

HEARTH AND HOME

THE URGE TO PURGE Cleaning up for a new year BY SUE SUTHERLAND-WOOD

he dark and blustery days of winter can be an ideal time to restore a sense of order to your home. And bonus, it comes with an inherent reward: a true sense of accomplishment. First decide which area of the house needs your attention most. Put on a peppy playlist; gather labeling supplies and garbage bags and go forth! You know the drill: only store what you need and know where it is. It’s as simple as that. Or is it? Perhaps you’ve been preparing for a delivery of new furniture. Or maybe it’s the one time you head down to the basement and suddenly realize you’re performing the tire-stepping exercise favoured by football players to reach the washing machine. Who hasn’t opened a closet door only to urgently close it, avoiding the tangle of snowsuits and tumbling tower of cardboard boxes? Before sandwiching a guest’s coat into a dark wall of tweed and coat hangers, my older brother used to jokingly enquire: “Can I press that for you?” Most of us are dealing with too much stuff but don’t want to deal with it at all. Decluttering expert Marie Kondo famously suggested that the basis for keeping an object should be whether it “sparks joy.” When I was facing my own basement recently, I checked her book several times but saw no reference to the “spark of disbelief” which is what happened as I scanned the first few shelves. Among other things, we were storing: an impressive collection of string; an unused rotisserie from the 1950s; a set of naked Barbies with startled hair; enough “shims” to build a log cabin; two cloudy aquariums and a stack of limp National Geographics being saved for “someone” who would be thrilled to receive them. (No one has come forward yet.) Obviously, this kind of accumulation happens over time, even to the most vigilant, and there’s plenty of organizing advice available both in books and online;

78 LIFESTYLE January/February 2024

however, the idea of putting “like with like” can still be perplexing. What goes with an old coffee can teeming with rusted, mismatched hinges and Pokémon pencil toppers, for example? What about the orange spaghetti-nest of extension cords that are already very much together? I also suspect that empty boxes once housing a long-defunct kettle and electric carving knife can be

Maybe this is a good time to mention that decluttering is never a one-day project, not if you wish to remain in a loving relationship. safely recycled now. Similarly, the three cavernous jugs of windshield wiper fluid (each containing four tablespoons) could surely be transferred right to the car? There was also an empty baby food jar packed with what appeared to be tiny metal canes suitable for a troll colony convalescing from hip surgery. (In real life of course, this collection of Allen keys simply revealed a devotion to IKEA products. But which ones?) Maybe this is a good time to mention that decluttering is never a one-day project, not if you wish to remain in a loving relationship. Beware the hovering suspicious spouse who lingers at a distance asking questions like “Um, babe, what are you doing with that?” Spending a short amount of time

each day, every day, really will get the job done, although after the whole imaginary canes-for-trolls thing I had to have a glass of wine and lie down for a while. As the basement was being tamed, I also became aware of a weird timeline of unfortunate purchases, such as a rocking abdominal machine that we truly believed that we would use every night as we watched TV. (You already know how that ended without even seeing my abs.) And here too were the insomnia purchases (operators were standing by) featuring a machine that promised to whip skim milk into “cream” – which it certainly did – but the result tasted like very heavy water. Close by, was the original George Foreman grill that still looked like a white toilet seat. Procrastination often arrives with a different face when decluttering. For example, I found myself sitting on the basement stairs reading letters I’d just unearthed from an old boyfriend, my tea growing cold beside me, before abruptly standing up to wash some funky blue bottles that I noticed glinting behind the family camping stove. On my way back to the letters, I passed woolly dryer balls in the laundry room and decided to apply a few drops of lavender oil. Minutes later, I was deep cleaning and brightening the cat’s litter area, looking online for a suitable poster for him (He’d enjoy a geometric design, perhaps?) when I realized several hours had passed and things still looked pretty much the same down there. The bottom line? Do the best you can, when you can and remind yourself that like winter, there truly is an end in sight. And if nothing else, throw some labels on those boxes as you stack them neatly back on the shelf. • SUE SUTHERLAND-WOOD has contributed to many publications and her short fiction has won awards. Read more of Sue's work on her blog speranzanow.com.

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