Vancouver Luxury Living October 2017

VANCOUVER LUXURY

OCT/NOV 2017

THE ENTERTAINING ISSUE

livingmag.ca $7.95 DISPLAY UNTIL DECEMBER 5, 2017

DAVID CHRISTOPHER'S

LUXURY HOME

DESIGN EMPIRE

72 H O U R S I N N YC I WA R M W H I T E W I N E S + C O S Y R E D S I FA B U LO U S F I R E P L A C E S

Race bred.

The Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe. Total price starts at $136,760.* Now accepting pre-orders.

Mercedes-Benz Vancouver Retail Group Mercedes-Benz Vancouver D#6276 550 Terminal Avenue, Vancouver Open Sunday: 12pm – 5pm

Mercedes-Benz Boundary D#6279 3550 Lougheed Highway, Vancouver Open Sunday: 12pm – 5pm

Mercedes-Benz North Shore D#6277 1375 Marine Drive, North Vancouver Open Sunday: 11am – 5pm

©2017 Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. Shown above is the 2017 AMG GT Coupe with optional equipment and optional Carbon Ceramic Brake system. MSRP of advertised 2017 AMG GT Coupe is $133,600. *Total pri Vehicle license, insurance, and registration are extra. Dealer may lease or finance for less. Offer may change without notice. Visit a Mercedes-Benz Vancouver Retail Group dealer for details.

1-866-378-5127 | mbvancouver.ca Mercedes-Benz Richmond D#6278 5691 Parkwood Way, Richmond Open Sunday: 11am – 5pm

Mercedes me D#6278 Aberdeen Centre, Richmond Open Sunday: 11am – 7pm

ice of $136,760, includes freight/PDI of $2,395, dealer admin fee of $595, air-conditioning levy of $100, PPSA up to $45.48 and a $25.00 fee covering EHF tires, filters and batteries. Vehicle options, fees and taxes extra.

LIVINGMAG.CA 2

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

LIVINGMAG.CA

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

3

EVERY HOME DEMANDS ITS OWN STRATEGY ...

THAT’S THE POINT 604.833.4862

DEREKGRECH.COM TAKING REAL ESTATE MARKETING TO AN ENTIRELY NEW LEVEL.

Angell Hasman & Associates Realty, 1555 Marine Drive, West Vancouver, BC V7V 1H9 Derek Grech branch office of Angell Hasman, 2430 Marine Drive, West Vancouver, BC V7V 1L1 This communication is not intended to cause or induce breach of an existing agency agreement.

It’s your home Your new home or renovation shouldn’t only look good, it should be high performance too.

Inquire about energy efficient home and renovation options today and look forward to enjoying a beautiful, efficient, and healthy home.

ENERGUIDE REGISTERED BUILDER NET ZERO HOME BUILDER BUILT GREEN CERTIFIED BUILDER

6 TIME 2017 GEORGIE AWARD FINALIST 4 TIME 2017 OVATION AWARD FINALIST 2 TIME 2016 OVATION AWARD FINALIST

101 – 3151 WOODBINE DRIVE NORTH VANCOUVER BC V7R 2S4 604.971.4899 INFO@SPRUCEHILL.CA SPRUCEHILL.CA

CONTENTS

42 Editor’s Message

Entertaining

14

26

AN EVENTFUL LIFE

CountDown Events founder Soha Lavin is at the top of her party-planning game.

ENTERTAINING AT HOME

First and Foremost

18

FIONA’S FINDS

Fiona Forbes shares her fashion, beauty and décor desires.

LIVINGMAG.CA

19 INFLUENCER

8

Marcello Leone’s urban apparel brand, RYU, is all about supporting community.

20

PROPERTY BROTHERS

All about the Vancouver-bred real estate entrepreneurs’ new memoir.

21

MINUTE MASTERS

The latest luxury watches to covet.

22

A THING FOR BLING

In décor and fashion, designers are bringing on the sparkle.

24

ON THE TOWN WITH FRED LEE

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

Design & Architecture

30

DESIGN CHAMELEON

From a Baroque-style home to a breezy L.A.-style beach house, luxury home designer David Christopher’s design esthetic can’t be defined.

38

DÉCOR PALATE

Vancouver’s newest restaurant designs tell a story, thanks to visionary Craig Stanghetta.

It’s a higher standard of financial advice, one that puts your best interests first.

Putting you first is foremost at BlueShore Financial. Our certified financial advisors look closely at each unique situation to provide objective solutions that best suit your needs. Integrating expertise from a team of specialists, their recommendations for financial and wealth products, services and strategies are always made with your best interests in mind. We invite you to meet with one of our advisors to start a financial plan that’s truly built around you.

©BlueShore Financial Credit Union

CONTENTS

26

30 Home

42

TEST OF TIME

Forget fads, when it comes to kitchen cabinets, understated, timeless yet modern go the distance.

49

WHITE-HOT FIREPLACE DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

Travel

52

72 HOURS IN NYC

Claire Newell shares where she eats, sleeps and plays in The Big Apple.

56

CLAIRE NEWELL’S NEW YORK CITY PACKING LIST

Food & Wine

58

CHEF NED BELL’S NEW OCEANWISE COOKBOOK

60

CHEF NED BELL’S MINI DUNGENESS CRAB TACO RECIPE

61

TERRY DAVID MULLIGAN’S FALL WINE PICS

Ride

63 REVIEW LIVINGMAG.CA

10

Mercedes AMG celebrates 50 years with the launch of the 2018 AMG GT C Roadster.

My Favourite Room

64

JACKIE KAI ELLIS’ FAVOURITE SPACE

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

On the Cover A LIVING ROOM BOASTING CARRARA MARBLE FLOORS, YACHT-FINISH BEAMS AND A SOJIN PIANO STUNS, IN THIS ULTRA-MODERN BRITISH PROPERTIES HOME DESIGNED

BY DAVID CHRISTOPHER SIGNATURE ESTATES. PHOTOGRAPHER | DAN KIRCHNER

CALL US TODAY FOR A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION

604-275-6868

STOR-X.COM

Publisher

Peter Kvarnstrom Associate Publisher

Julie Hamilton sales & Marketing Director

Vicki Magnison Editor-in-chief

Fiona Forbes Managing editor

Lise Boullard Art Director

Shelley Ackerman Project Co-ordinator

Tannis Hendriks Writers

Shawn Conner, Rebecca Keillor, Aileen Lalor, Fred Lee, Michele Marko, Brendan McAleer, Terry David Mulligan, Claire Newell, Bianca Solterbeck, Tony Whitney Photographers

Joe Chan, Kevin Clark, Nelson Costa, Eric Forsyth Glasfurd & Walker, Hong Photography, Dan Kirchner, Allison Kuhl, Denise Lin, Melia Lucida, Janis Nicolay, Leanne Pedersen, Ema Peter, Erich Saide Graphic Designers

Birgit Brunner, Myra McGrath

Designed and handcrafted in Vancouver

Vancouver Luxury Living magazine, a division of Glacier Media, is delivered six times a year to select areas with the North Shore News, Vancouver Courier and Tri City News—CCAB audit approved newspapers.

Entire contents © 2017 LMP Publication Limited Partnership.

All rights reserved. Reproduction of any article, photograph or artwork without written permission of the publisher is strictly forbidden. The publisher can assume no responsibility for unsolicited material.

Enquiries can be addressed to: Vancouver Luxury Living Magazine 116-980 West First St. North Vancouver, B.C. V7P 3N4 Tel. 604-998-3510 PRINTED IN CANADA TO SUBSCRIBE, visit livingmag.ca/subscribe Rate: One Year/6 Issues $35 (Tax is included; special rate is for Canadian addresses only) Or send name, address and payment to the address above.

Follow us!

LIVINGMAG.CA

1457 Bellevue Avenue, West Vancouver • 604 925 8333

12

Four Seasons Hotel, 791 West Georgia Street, Vancouver • 604 682 1158 StittGen.com

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

livingluxmag livingmag.ca

living | Editor’s message

ENTERTAINING AT HOME Ah

F a l l … yes, the days are getting shorter, but there is something reju-

venating about the crispness in the air and the low light in the afternoon sky.

It’s the time of year for fresh starts and new beginnings as we gradually start to spend more time indoors to do a little nesting and more entertaining inside our homes.

In this issue, the Living team is bringing you some fabulous ideas and inspiration for entertaining. The force behind CountDown Events, Soha Lavin, gives us some creative tips to elevate your next dinner party, and Terry David Mulligan helps you prep your cellar for the holiday season with some great recommendations for reds and whites to pair with your fall feasts. As always, we’ll look at what’s trending in the worlds of fashion and home décor: we welcome tastemaker Tony Whitney to tempt you with the latest top-of-the-line timepieces, and Rebecca Keillor takes a look at some white-hot fireplaces to cosy up your space.

For those of you who are in need of a quick getaway, Claire Newell whisks us away to one of my favourite cities, New York, for a whirlwind 72 hours with some great must-dos. Also in this issue, Property Brother Drew Scott tells us why the time was right for he and brother Jonathan to write their memoir, It Takes Two, and in our cover story, you’ll meet luxury home designer David Christopher and learn about his empire.

So sit back, nestle in and enjoy the read!

LIVINGMAG.CA

Fiona

14

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

FIONA FORBES EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

FIONA@LIVINGMAG.CA @FIONAFORBES

Contributors

SHAWN CONNER DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE Shawn Conner writes about music, theatre, travel and other subjects for various publications. He also edits and publishes the online music magazine thesnipenews.com.

When he dreams of escape, which is often, it’s usually of a beach in Thailand, or a return to Burning Man to reclaim the last shreds of dignity he left behind there. @thatshawnconner

LIVINGMAG.CA

BRENDAN MCALEER RIDE Brendan McAleer is an awardwinning freelance writer and photographer based out of North Vancouver. His work is published regularly in the Globe & Mail, Road & Track magazine, the North Shore News, and elsewhere. Cars he’s looking forward to for 2018: “Lots of electrification coming to the luxury market means cars like the Jaguar E-Pace are setting the stage for the future. But heaven help me if I'm not glad to see Porsche offering a good oldfashioned manual transmission and naturally aspirated engine in the new 911 GT3. @brendan.mcaleer

16

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

REBECCA KEILLOR HOME A writer from New Zealand, Rebecca Keillor has been based in Vancouver for the past 10 years, writing for publications like The Globe and Mail, The New York Observer, Adbusters, the Toronto Star and Azure magazine. Since 2014 she has written a weekly design column for the Vancouver Sun and Postmedia Network.

Rebecca has lived in London, Dublin, Cairo and New York and has been lucky enough to write about the things she loves most: her sisters, parents, daughters, husband, books, film, paintings, funny people and nice-looking things. @rebeccakeillor

TONY WHITNEY LUXURY WATCHES Tony Whitney is a veteran Steveston, B.C.-based writer who has specialized in the luxury products market in recent years.

In addition to fine watches and haute horology in general, he covers luxury automobiles, SUVs and motorcycles, luxury yachts, business jets and all things that epitomize the luxury lifestyle.

He’s fortunate enough to have had “hands-on” experience in all these areas over many years of worldwide travel.

CLAIRE NEWELL TRAVEL TIPS A recognized travel expert in North America for more than 24 years, Claire is the official Travel Expert for Global News and the bestselling author of Travel Best Bets: An Insider’s Guide to Taking Your Best Trip Ever. She has appeared multiple times on NBC’s TODAY Show, Fox News and CNN, and has been published in Reader’s Digest and Today’s Parent.

When she's not trotting the globe you can find Claire out boating or spending time with family, friends and her eight-pound Chihuahua, Joey. @clairenewelltravel

The Colors of India | From Our Weavers to Your Home

VANCOUVER | COQUITLAM | NORTH VANCOUVER | JORDANS.CA

FIRST AND FOREMOST

FIONA’S FINDS WHAT OUR EDITOR-IN-CHIEF IS COVETING THIS SEASON.

1 I’M IN LOVE with these handmade Teardrop Diamond

2

Earrings set in 18-karat white gold featuring two brilliant-cut pear-shaped diamonds suspended from two round brilliant-cut stunners.

Price available upon request at Palladio, palladiocanada.com

2 MY MOM ALWAYS SAYS, “All you need is good lighting,”—and this two-

1

tier Jacqueline Chandelier by Visual Comfort has her seal of approval.

Its hand-rubbed antique brass and shimmering white glass will add a hint of boho glam to any living or dining space. $1,695 at The Cross Décor & Design, thecrossdesign.com

3 CONSIDERED ONE of the important 3

carpet designers on the international stage, Jan Kath is bringing a new perspective on what we perceive as floor fashion. I adore this wool and silk Kirman Robson Artwork 19, a modern twist on the Persian rug.

At Finlay and Kath Inc., jan-kath.de

4 I AM SO FINICKY about the fragrances I wear, but there’s something enticing, addictive and fresh about Jo Malone’s English Oak & Hazelnut Cologne. Master Perfumer Yann Vasnier has outdone himself once again. $175 at Holt Renfrew, holtrenfrew.com

5 AMATERASU Liquid Eyeliner is my go-to product for creating a demure LIVINGMAG.CA

cat eye—and trust me, I’ve tried them

18

all! This smudge-proof, waterproof liner has an easy-to-use calligraphy-style

4

pen and creates an impeccable winged look that stays put all day. $32 at Beauty Mark, beautymark.ca

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

5

RYU OPENS ITS DOORS, FREE OF CHARGE, TO SMALL CHARITIES AND NEW BUSINESSES TO USE THE SPACES FOR FUNDRAISERS OR PRODUCT LAUNCHES.

INFLUENCER: MARCELLO LEONE THE VANCOUVERITE’S URBAN ATHLETIC APPAREL BRAND, RYU (RESPECT YOUR UNIVERSE), IS AS MUCH ABOUT CREATING, SUPPORTING AND BEING PART OF THE COMMUNITY AS IT IS ABOUT FASHION.

I

f y o u ’ v e b e e n a t a n y big Vancouver event this summer,

Leone has two adult

you probably came across RYU. The exercise-wear label was hard

children and kids’ char-

to miss, running free public activities like spin classes at Vancouver

ities are particularly im-

Pride Festival and a street obstacle course at Khatsahlano Music + Art

portant to him. He started

Festival. The purpose? Owner Marcello Leone is determined that his brand

working with children’s

should be not just a part of the community, but a positive influence on it.

hospice Canuck Place in

Leone left his family businesses, which included the high-end retailer

2004 during the Canucks

Leone (originally founded by his mother, Maria and father, Alberto),

strike. “The hospice didn’t

in 2009. Two years later, he discovered RYU, a Portland-based martial

receive funding from the

arts wear brand. “I fell in love with the acronym,” he says. “Respect Your

team, so some friends

Universe. Nothing is bigger than the universe, and there’s nothing more

and I decided to put on a

important than respect.”

charity hockey tournament,” he says. Over four

quarters to Kitsilano. He also broadened the offering to urban athletic

games, they raised $1

apparel—stylish, functional gear for the gym, track, pitch and street.

million, half of which went to Canuck Place and the rest to other charities.

When the first store opened in Kits in 2015, his team connected with

RYU now has outlets downtown, at Park Royal South, Metrotown and

the community for sponsorships, events like in-store classes, and

in Toronto. Next year, it’ll expand further across Canada and into the U.S.

charity endeavours. “It’s not just about writing cheques,” he says.

When it comes to legacy, though, Leone is more interested in the per-

“It’s about building relationships.” There are fundraising partnerships

sonal than the professional. He says: “When people ask me how I want to

with groups such as the YMCA Strong Kids campaign and Canadian

be remembered, it’s just as a person who did good. That’s enough for me.”

Autism Network.

­—Aileen Lalor

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

LIVINGMAG.CA

COURTESY MARCELLO LEONE

He invested, then became the owner in 2014 and moved the head-

19

FIRST AND FOREMOST

BOOK BROTHERS VANCOUVER-BRED DESIGNERS THE PROPERTY BROTHERS SHARE THEIR CAREER HIGHS AND LOWS IN A NEW MEMOIR.

W

hether it’s their massive success on HGTV, their new “Scott Brothers” home décor

line or their foresight to delve into the Vancouver real estate market straight out of high school (the twins bought and flipped their first house at 18 years old, making a tidy $50,000 profit), The Property Brothers certainly have the Midas touch. The question they get asked most often? How they got to where they are today. The answers can be found in their new memoir It Takes Two where Jonathan and Drew share how they made themselves a household name.

I had the chance to talk to Drew who called me from the 1921 English country– style Los Angeles home he’s renovating with his soon-to-be bride Linda Phan, which is the focus of a new HGTV series Honeymoon House. He happily regaled me with tales of his and Jonathan’s humble beginnings and how drive, determination and sticking together as a family brought the boys to where they are today.

Tag-teaming each chapter with their signature affable style, in It Takes Two Drew and Jonathan reminisce about the good and the bad, the ups and the downs, and the tough lessons they learned on the road to success.

It’s inspirational to hear how excited they both are for what they’ll get up to next. In our interview, Drew says with a laugh that he hopes the future brings sleeping in his own bed more than five It Takes Two

LIVINGMAG.CA

is available at

20

Chapters Indigo, chapters.indigo.ca —Fiona Forbes

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

COURTESY THE PROPERTY BROTHERS

nights a year.

MINUTE MASTERS

WRAP YOUR WRIST IN LUXURY WITH THESE TOP-OF-THE-LINE TIMEPIECES. For those prepared to invest a little money, a prestige watch buy will rarely be regretted, even if it’s something like a superbly-crafted 18-karat gold timepiece with a moon phase function costing $25,000 or more. It may seem a rash purchase, but the buyer will be joining a growing army of people who are happy to spend generously on watches worth coveting, knowing that they’re likely to bring years of ownership pride and enjoyment, and perhaps even gain value as time passes.

—Tony Whitney

3

4

2

1 THE JAEGER-

LECOULTRE MASTER CONTROL DATE is aimed at combining classic features without unnecessary details. The hourmarkers feature Super-LumiNova for excellent night vision and the movement is automatic.

At Boutique JaegerLeCoultre, jaegerlecoultre.com

6

5

2 OMEGA

introduced three iconic watches back in 1967—the SEAMASTER 300, RAILMASTER AND SPEEDMASTER. Now they’re back with the latest horological technology and they can be purchased as a Trilogy set or individually.

At Omega Boutique Vancouver, The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, omegawatches.com

3 LONGINES’

SYMPHONETTE is a ladies’ watch with an elegant ovalshaped diamondembellished case that blends seamlessly with its rose gold and steel band. There are touches of pink on the very clear mother-of-pearl dial and Longines even found room for a second-hand subdial.

At Lugaro.

4 HUBLOT is

celebrating its new Vancouver boutique by introducing a Canadian-themed wristwatch with a maple leaf subtly etched into one of the subdials. There’s also a Canadian flag symbol on the caseback of the FUSION CHRONOGRAPH. At Hublot Boutique Vancouver, hublot.com

7

5 THE ENDEAVOUR MOON FROM H. MOSER & CIE brings us the difficult-toproduce and very desirable moon phase complication in a simple and elegant design. The movement is handwound; the case is rose gold and the strap, hand-stitched alligator.

At Palladio, Terminal City Club, palladiocanada.com

6 THE VACHERON

CONSTANTIN TRADITIONNELLE COLLECTION looks to the past for inspiration.

This example has a slate grey face, contrasting perfectly with the rose gold case. A transparent caseback reveals a movement crafted in the finest traditions of Swiss watchmaking.

At Palladio.

7 THE LADY-

DATEJUST FROM ROLEX is one of the most enduring classics in the watch business. The Oyster Perpetual movement is a super-accurate officially certified chronometer and our example is from a collection announced earlier this year.

At Brinkhaus, brinkhaus.com

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

LIVINGMAG.CA

1

21

FIRST AND FOREMOST

A THING FOR BLING FROM RUNWAYS TO DECOR SHOWROOMS, DESIGNERS ARE BRINGING ON THE SPARKLE.

TOM DIXON ETCH CANDLE HOLDER. $83 at Inform Interiors, shop.informinteriors.com

STREAM CHANDELIER. From $5,599 at LightForm, lightform.ca

SJP BY SARAH JESSICA PARKER GLITTER ANKLE BOOTS. $650 at Hudson’s Bay, thebay.com

SEQUIN DRESS SHOWN AT ZIMMERMMAN’S FALL/WINTER 2017 RUNWAY COLLECTION. zimmermannwear.com

VELVET METALLIC SANDSTONE PILLOW COVER. $29 at West Elm, westelm.com

LIVINGMAG.CA

CHANEL SHIMMER PURSE. Price upon request at select Chanel stores, chanel.com

22

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

HARMONY SENSE INTERIORS

Luxury Home StyLing • interior DeSign

LuxuRY HOME STYLINg • i nterior DeSign 604.790.5990

|

INfO @HARMONYSENSE.cOM

|

HARMONYSENSE.cOM

FIRST AND FOREMOST

3 1

2

On the Town

WITH

FRED LEE

@FredAboutTown

6

FABULOUS GIVING MADE EASY!

5

4

Business and community leaders hook up for outdoor fun, frolic and philanthropy.

7

9 8

SOCIAL DIARIES Have an upcoming event to share with Fred? yvrflee@hotmail.com

forward, philanthropist and community leader

Arts Umbrella Golf Tournament and Auction 136 players hit the fairways of Point Grey Golf

Pacific Polo Cup The Southlands Riding Club, a non-profit society that serves roughly 400 riding and

& Country Club for the organization’s annual

for “providing goodness and kindness”) as an

golf tourney, dinner and auction. Presented

opportunity to bring the Persian community

by Nicola Wealth Management and chaired

Benefiting B.C. Children’s

together annually to support the next generation

by Lawson Lundell’s Angela Austman and

Hospital. BCCHF.ca

of leaders in succeeding in the pursuit of their

Goldcorp’s Randall Chatwin, this year’s outing

hopes and dreams. The West Vancouver

saw a first in the history of the two decades’

socialite, along with Neekoo board members,

old tournament—a special hole-in-one that

Inspiration Gala

welcomed guests to the philanthropic society’s

saw one lucky participant, Steve Verhoeff,

Fundraiser for the

annual summer mixer, this year staged at Telus

drive away with a luxury vehicle. The biggest

Hereditary Cancer Program

Garden’s panoramic rooftop. Some grand giving

winners, though, were the young kids Arts

culminated in more than $110,000 collected

Umbrella serves as the day netted more than

from the group of social do-gooders.

$240,000, a record haul. 4 Steve Verhoeff

to experience the joy of riding. 7 Nadia

1 Board members Tara Amiri and Tandar

received congratulations from Arts Umbrella

Iadisernia fronted the summer’s most

Tanavoli and party chair Saeedeh Salem.

CEO Paul Larocque. 5 David and Tassan Sung

stylish event. 8 Heather Brooks, Bronwyn

2 Neekoo director Bita Ghassemzadeh and

and John and Claire Nicola led the evening of

Wilkinson, president of Southlands Riding

committee member Nahal Gamini welcomed

generosity. 6 Jennifer Shannon and Hamish

Club and Joy Jennissen. 9 Vivian Tang, Veuve

Lugaro Jewellers’ Clara Agopian to the romp.

Marissen-Clarke rousing’s musical number,

Clicquot regional marketing manager and

3 Mahshid Poursartip, Sanaz Esfahani, Atussa

orchestrated by instructor Andy Toth, kicked off

brand ambassador, and Anne Zhong, VP of

Herovi and Navid Sariolghalam.

the festivities.

Development of VanJed Holdings.

Night of Miracles Gala

November 4

at the BC Cancer Agency.

BCCancerFoundation.com LIVINGMAG.CA

A firm believer in the principles of paying it Saeedeh Salem founded Neekoo (Persian

October 28

24

Neekoo Soiree

November 9 Chinatown Gala In support of the city’s historic neighbourhood.

ChinatownFoundation.org OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

non-riding members of all ages and interests, once again played host to the fourth staging of the Pacific Polo Cup. Fronted by Pacific Polo Cup chair Benson Hurlbutt and president Nadia Iadisernia and presented

by Nicola Wealth Management, hundreds of the city’s well-to-do, most generous and influential took in the sport of kings while supporting programs that allow children and adults with disabilities the opportunity

Naturally Modern 1 to 3 bedroom homes coming this Fall to the North Shore.

WHERE NATURE INFLUENCES LIFE.

Located at the corner of Bewicke Avenue and 15th Street, tucked away in a neighbourhood known for tranquil, family friendly living, these 52 homes are defined by elements of modern design.

Fall 2017. Register Today.

604.537.1985 | CrestonNorth.com

Sales & Marketing by MLA Canada Realty. This is not an offering for sale.

Any such offerings may only be made with a Disclosure Statement. E.&O.E.

living | Entertaining

AN EVENTFUL LIFE

COUNTDOWN EVENTS FOUNDER SOHA LAVIN’S EDGY ESTHETIC AND PASSIONATE WORK ETHIC HAVE MADE HER CANADA’S EVENT PLANNING STAR.

SOHA LAVIN OFFERS A RARE COMBINATION OF CREATIVITY AND TOP-NOTCH ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS TO HER CLIENTS.

WORDS | LISE BOULLARD

Y

O U C O U L D S A Y T H A T E V E N T P L A N N I N G is in Soha Lavin’s

blood. Indeed, the founder of Vancouver-based CountDown Events who, 14 years ago while working as a marketing professional, saw

a need to create an event planning agency at a time when few existed in this country, grew up surrounded by celebration. “Entertaining in Iran is a big deal.

It’s very normal to have 50 people over … My parents were very young (when they had me) and they were very much in their party days. So I was exposed and used to being at these big events every single evening.”

Though she hasn’t been back since she left at the age of 13 (“my family was smuggled across the border to Pakistan, so we left illegally,” she explains), Persian culture influences her event planning approach in many ways. “I do find that because I was interested in classical instruments when I was very young,

> MELIA LUCIDA

it helps me be a chameleon when I pick and layer music (from different

living | Entertaining

ENTERTAINING AT HOME, SOHA-STYLE Create a next-level dinner party experience for your guests with these tips.

PLAY TO THE FIVE SENSES. Think about what guests will see, hear, and smell as they enter your home. Plan the music they will hear as they walk through your front door, strategically place scented elements throughout your home and think about the lighting ambiance you want in each room.

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX. For Soha, that can mean using a basket of fresh herbs as a centrepiece (“I also pick at them and cook with them!”) or following her rule of combining sweet and

“WE CROSS-REFERENCE AND TRIPLE CHECK LIKE CRAZY PEOPLE AND FOLLOW UP ON OUR FOLLOW UP ON OUR FOLLOW UP.”

savoury. “(My family) loves to do a pancake bar with toppings such as coconut whipped cream, berries or toasted coconut flakes, and then we’ll do a fresh vegetable hash with fresh herbs,” she explains.

– SOHA LAVIN

CREATE A THEME.

cultures for functions),” she says. Poetry, which is a

The key is to be subtle and not too

revered art form in her homeland, is also something

Whether it’s an event for a politician, a VIP func-

overt. For example, try placing

Soha draws on, “whether we create a verse and put

tion, wedding, fundraiser or corporate shindig, Soha’s

grey and white mini pumpkins with

it on top of a menu, in an invitation or have it as part

approach to planning is the same. “I try to sit in front

white column candles in one room

of a reading.”

of a client and get to know what’s important to that

and harvest yellow leaves over the

experiences for the country’s elite.

That artistic sensitivity, along with an opulent and

person. (I ask them), What kind of food do you like?

mantle in another. For the dining

offbeat esthetic (think rapper, The Weeknd, playing at

What’s your favourite movie? What do you have

table a mix of candles, harvest

a wedding media event to preview the Crème de la

playing in the car right now? Next, I look at who is

leaves, pumpkins and gold accents

Crème Grand Wedding Showcase), relentless attention

going to be at this event, their budget, time frame and

is on-trend. Try to layer candles at

to detail (“we cross-reference and triple check like crazy

things like that,” she says.

different heights across your tables-

people and follow up on our follow up on our follow

Though you’d think Soha would need a break

cape. “I started with one or two

up,”), and client-centric service orientation, have made

from entertaining in her time off, she admits she

candles—now I have an entire col-

her Vancouver’s, and even Canada’s, go-to event plan-

is happy to cook for her husband and five-year-old

lection,” says the entrepreneur.

ner, where she's called upon to create unforgettable

daughter, and to host meals for her parents and

SOHA’S EDIBLE FLOWER ICE CUBE RECIPE At CountDown Events, every detail matters. One of my favourite ways to increase the luxe factor of a function is with our edible flower ice cubes. Add them, with some pieces of fruit, to a complementary coloured beverage and you’re set to impress. —Soha Lavin

SUPPLIES A silicone ice cube tray designed to create large cubes (silicone trays allow for easy cube removal).

Water (Tip: boiling and cooling the water first results in cubes that are clearer in appearance.)

Edible flowers such as violets, miniature roses, pansies, and nasturtiums.

LEFT: CHANDELIERS DRIP FROM THE CEILING AT A TORONTO WEDDING PLANNED BY COUNTDOWN EVENTS. TOP RIGHT: ONE OF MANY OPULENT COUNTDOWN EVENTS WEDDINGS HELD AT VANCOUVER'S SHANGRI-LA HOTEL. BOTTOM RIGHT: DESSERT SERVED SOHA-STYLE.

extended family once a week. “Brunch is our go-to meal when we do celebrations,” she explains.

the works for which she is mum, but she does say she is particularly excited about the first million-dollar wedding package in North America she just launched in partnership with the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, and of course, her annual signature Crème de la Crème Grand Wedding Showcase, for which she is creative director, coming up this November. “I still keep a pad and paper by the bed to jot down ideas in the middle of the night,” says the entrepreneur. “If that

METHOD Fill the ice cube tray halfway with water. Add your selected flowers facing down. Freeze.

Remove tray from freezer and add additional water to fill trays to the top. Return ice cube tray to

LIVINGMAG.CA

DENISE LIN, ERIC FORSYTH, HONG PHOTOGRAPHY, LEANNE PEDERSEN

Fourteen years into her business, Soha has no plans of stopping. There are a number of projects in

freezer. Prepare your drink and carefully add floral ice cubes. Sprinkle on additional edible flowers or some complementing fruits to garnish.

ever stopped I would do something else.”

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

29

living | Design & architecture

DESIGN CHAMELEON

DAN KIRCHNER

WHEN IT COMES TO ESTHETICS, LUXURY HOME DESIGNER DAVID CHRISTOPHER REFUSES TO BE DEFINED.

S

WORDS | LISE BOULLARD

TEPPING OUT OF

a shiny black and white Rolls-Royce, donning a grey pin striped pant and vest combo, Hermès belt, gold and black Cesare Paciotti shoes and tortoiseshell sunglasses, David Christopher is the spitting image of a 1950s Italian film star.

Judging by his bold fashion choices, you might assume the 37-year-old owner of home design agency David Christopher Signature Estates is set in his personal style, but when it comes to home design he is actually a chameleon of sorts.

David, who was born and raised in West Vancouver, started designing homes at the age of 22 after completing an interior design diploma at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Today, he

WITH FLOOR-TO-CEILING WINDOWS SHOWCASING SPECTACULAR OCEAN AND CITY VIEWS PLUS AN INTEGRATED MUSIC SYSTEM, THIS EXPANSIVE LIVING ROOM, LOCATED IN A HOME ON GREENWOOD ROAD IN THE BRITISH PROPERTIES, IS IDEAL FOR ENTERTAINING.

runs one of the most sought-after real estate design firms in Vancouver, offering a unique package to developers and private clients which includes all aspects of the development process from building to interior to landscape design.

>

living | Design & architecture

LIVINGMAG.CA

ALL PHOTOS: DAN KIRCHNER

ULTRA-MODERN AND SLEEK, DAVID KITTED OUT THE GREENWOOD ROAD HOME WITH A SOJIN PIANO, A WALK-IN GLASSENCASED WINE CELLAR, A STATEOF-THE-ART HOME THEATRE AND CARRARA MARBLE FLOORS.

32

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

I t ’ s h i s w i l l i n g n e s s t o p u s h the design envelope, and talent for spotting and implementing trends years before they hit the mainstream, that have contributed to his success and popularity (at press time David had 47 projects on the go, many in West Vancouver).

With speculative real estate ventures, which have become the bread and butter of David Christopher Signature Estates, developers are often afraid to do anything dramatic and end up creating generic-looking structures they hope will appeal to the purchasers, David explains. But the designer isn’t afraid to take a few risks and have some fun in order to create a home with personality, which is what the affluent, sophisticated buyer shopping Vancouver’s expensive market is demanding these

“WHAT DISTINGUISHES (THINGS) WHEN YOU WORK WITH ME IS I’M GOING TO LEAVE THE HOUSE WITH A SOUL...”

– DAVID CHRISTOPHER

days, David argues.

“We take the approach that it’s a custom-tailored house for the market, for a buyer who doesn’t know that we’re building it for them yet … What distinguishes (things) when you work with me is I’m going to leave the house with a soul … And that’s how you penetrate the heart of the buyer,” he says.

And penetrate hearts his homes do. On this sunny mid-summer afternoon, David is walking me through a three-floor L.A. beach-style residence on Lawson Street in West Vancouver’s quiet Ambleside neighbourhood, which is being staged for sale. Listed for just under $6 million by realtor Derek Grech of Angel Hasman Hadavi of Avantera Development. One of the smaller-scale projects in David’s repDAN KIRCHNER

ertoire, the 5,000-square-foot, five-bedroom home has a breezy, peaceful feeling, thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows, sleek Carrara marble at every turn, breathtaking views of Stanley Park and the Lions Gate Bridge, and a terrace with a glittering LEDlit bridge and a double-negative edge pool.

>

SET ON A 16,000 SQUARE FOOT PRIVATE PARK-LIKE ESTATE, THE GREENWOOD ROAD HOME INCLUDES AN OUTDOOR OASIS WITH A WALK-OUT SUMMER TERRACE FEATURING A PRIVATE POOL CABANA AND A PUTTING GREEN.

LIVINGMAG.CA

& Associates Realty, the project was created in partnership with developer Reza

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

33

living | Design & architecture

ANOTHER ONE OF DAVID CHRISTOPHER'S MODERN DESIGNS, THIS L.A.-STYLE BEACH HOUSE ON LAWSON STREET IN AMBLESIDE IS A TRANQUIL RETREAT FROM CITY LIFE.

Ta i l o r e d f o r a y o u n g fa m i l y, single person or couple,

pool with a sunken entertainment area and fire pit, Carrara mar-

the residence also boasts custom-made Italian yacht-finish cabin-

ble as well as integrated lighting and music systems, the ultra-luxe,

etry and strategically placed floor-to-ceiling mirrors reflecting the

modern home was what initially inspired developer Reza to contact

South-facing ocean views. Downstairs is a sprawling underground

David to work with him on the Lawson home.

“Man Cave” boasting two bedrooms, a home theatre and a 271-bot-

Leaning against the dark marble countertop in the Lawson

tle glass-enclosed wine cellar. It’s a basement that doesn’t feel like

kitchen, David looks up from his phone: “Got time to see another

a basement due to its ten-foot cove ceilings, cove lighting and a

house?” he asks.

34

tifully peaceful sound.

Another one of David’s projects with enviable entertainment

The next thing I know, I’m sitting in the back seat of David’s RollsRoyce as he winds us up King Georges Way in the British Properties en route to one of his more classic-style projects.

features is the six-bedroom, eight-bathroom, 9,000-square-foot

For this one he was challenged with creating a residence that

home on Greenwood Road in the British Properties. Featuring

would attract an affluent buyer, despite the fact that the lot had no

wrap-around floor-to-ceiling windows, a resort-style swimming

view to speak of.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

>

ALL PHTOS: ERICH SAIDE

LIVINGMAG.CA

patio fountain coming down a stainless steel wall, emitting a beau-

Made in Italy

Each Pedini kitchen features unique and personalized characteristics that encapsulates exactly how you want your kitchen to perform.

Visit the stunning Pedini Showroom in North Vancouver today.

858 MARINE DRIVE NORTH VANCOUVER 604.971.3235 PEDINIVANCOUVER.COM

living | Design & architecture

A t 8 , 0 0 0 s q u a r e f e e t with 24-foot ceilings and an estate-approach driveway, it is much more expansive and grander than the Ambleside L.A.-inspired home where we started our afternoon. On our way there, David tells me about some of the projects he has on the go, five of which have September completion dates. “I’ve got a house down there being built, I’ve got another one there on the left which we’re just doing the foundation for,” he says, gesturing to each.

Meanwhile, David is working on another project in West Vancouver that could not be more different from the three aforementioned spaces. At 28,000 square feet, this estate is ultra-traditional with Baroque-inspired furniture, drapery, chandeliers and light fixtures fit for Versailles and personally sourced by David on five separate trips to a manufacturer located just outside of Venice, Italy. It’s a more opulent version of a home he designed on Cammeray Road in the British Properties (pictured left). “The interesting thing is that (the owner of this home) thinks that this is all I design. (The ability to create completely different looks) is a bit of a secret weapon I have in the industry,” he says while flipping through the glossy pages of a coffee table-style book the Italian furnishing manufacturer created about the property.

When asked where David gets his inspiration, he says it’s all “up here,” so to speak. “I don’t look at anything but the (development) site. That will tell me what direction we should go in. I think architects and designers who are looking at Pinterest or Architectural Digest—they need help,” he quips.

“You’re supposed to be on the leading edge. That’s what people hire you for.”

While work keeps him busy, David does make a point LAWSON HOME (PAGE 34) SUPPLIERS KITCHEN APPLIANCES |

ing a pair of four-year-old twins who have expressed an

ALL CABINETRY AND MILLWORK |

interest in joining Dad at work), and during the three weeks’

EURO HOUSE

vacation they take each year.

LIVINGMAG.CA

With an obvious passion for style (his second car is a faux-

TIMELESS WINE CELLARS

gold Mercedes G Wagon), it’s only natural that David lists a

HOME THEATRE |

product line among his next possible ventures. “Ralph Lauren

KEFF SPEAKERS, ONKYO AMPLIFIER

went from ties, fashion and colognes to home products and

POOL |

furniture. It’s almost as if I’m at the opposite end of what he’s

ADCO

doing and I’m walking towards him; and he’s walking towards

FLOORING |

me. My concept is to go into the territories that he did.”

AIMES

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

(whom he calls “my sounding board,”) and five kids, (includ-

MIÈLE

WINE CELLAR |

36

of disconnecting after 7 p.m. every day to be with his wife

Wherever David’s walking, you can be sure it will be in

MARBLE SLABS |

one very stylish pair of shoes—and likely on a shiny Italian

C&S

marble floor.

COURTESY DAVID CHRISTOPHER

DAVID CHRISTOPHER'S TRADITIONAL DESIGN SENSE IS ON DISPLAY IN THIS OPULENT CAMMERAY ROAD HOME.

Relax + Recline

in style

COQUITLAM 1400 United Blvd 604.524.3444

LANGLEY 20429 Langley By-Pass 604.530.8248

RICHMOND 12551 Bridgeport Rd 604.273.2971

KELOWNA 1850 Springfield Rd 250.860.7603

VICTORIA 661 McCallum Rd Millstream Village 250.475.2233

NANAIMO 1711 Bowen Rd 250.753.6361

SCANDESIGNS.COM

living | Design and Architecture

EMA PETER

DÉCOR PALATE

WHEN DESIGNING BOTANIST AT THE FAIRMONT'S PACIFIC RIM HOTEL, CRAIG SAYS HE “(DOVE) DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE OF BOTANY AND THE RICHNESS AND EXOTICISM OF OUR OWN BACKYARD IN THE WILD PACIFIC NORTHWEST.”

VANCOUVER’S NEWEST RESTAURANTS ARE MORE THAN JUST BEAUTIFUL SPACES— THEY ALSO TELL A STORY, THANKS TO STE. MARIE DESIGN’S CRAIG STANGHETTA. WORDS | SHAWN CONNER

I

f y o u l i k e t o d i n e o u t i n Va n c o u v e r , you’ve probably been in one of designer Craig Stanghetta’s restaurants.

Local chefs and mixologists are taking a back seat

to Craig, whose design flair is bringing as much attention to dining hotspots like St. Lawrence and Botanist as respective house specialties like the venison tourtière and the Pollenator.

The secret behind his success? Storytelling.

“I don’t think esthetics for esthetics’ sake is what people respond to,” he said.

In the recently opened St. Lawrence, framed photos of Chef JC Poirier with his parents, antique plates and old French cookbooks pay homage to the Montreal suburb of Saint-Jérome, Poirier’s hometown. At Botanist, hanging planters, a garden, and limestone and whitewashed wood elements complement the restaurant’s sustainability-first theme.

>

40

THIS PAGE: FOR KISSA TANTO IN CHINATOWN, CRAIG TOOK CUES FROM TOKYO’S 1960’S JAZZ BARS. RIGHT: ST. LAWRENCE’S COSY QUEBEC-INSPIRED DESIGN.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

ALLISON KUHL, GLASFURD & WALKER, GLASFURD & WALKER

LIVINGMAG.CA

living | Design and Architecture

“THE WAY WE LAYER THE STORY IN IS THROUGH COLOUR, MATERIALITY, TONE OF LIGHT, HOW YOU MOVE THROUGH THE SPACE. ” —CRAIG STANGHETTA

Craig’s formal training isn’t in design, but acting. He worked in theatre in

Kissa Tanto, a Japanese-Italian restaurant. Meat & Bread, Stackhouse,

Toronto before moving out to Vancouver to pursue his career, and he cred-

Pizzeria Farina, and Clough Club are also among his previous clients.

its his stage training for how he approaches his work. From the theatre,

Craig’s philosophy hasn’t changed much since that first design.

he says, he learned to trust his instincts, to listen—and to try to tell a story

“Typically, we’re looking for people whom we believe in, in terms of their

that is, as he puts it, “emotionally engaging.”

ability to carry off their idea. A lot of our restaurants are a function of that.”

“When I was younger, I would know my favourite modernist or classical architects and designers,” he said. “I collected furniture and curios, and building my own furniture. I didn’t know at the time that you could study commercial interiors.”

ALLISON KUHL, GLASFURD & WALKER, GLASFURD & WALKER

His took on his first restaurant design project eight years ago, after

Besides St. Lawrence, other recent Stanghetta/Ste. Marie projects include Umaluma, a vegan gelato spot with what Craig describes as a Brazilian-modern design on East Pender.

All of this activity doesn’t leave much time for entertaining at home.

Anyway, he’s got his own restaurant now for hosting get-togethers—last year, he opened the casual Kingsway eatery Savio Volpe.

becoming dissatisfied with the television work he was getting (one of his

Not everyone has the luxury of opening their own hosting centre.

last credits, according to IMDb, is simply “addict,” on a 2010 series called

But more and more, he believes, people are turning to restaurants as

Shattered). The project was Chinatown’s Bao Bei.

what he calls “ad hoc living rooms.”

“I got to know the owner (Tannis Ling), and we had a certain similar

“The restaurant world has become

sensibility,” he said. “She had met a few designers and had a hard time com-

the gathering place for families, friends

municating her ideas, which were more story-based, and about experiences,

and communities,” Craig said. “I think

or memories of her family or meals they’d shared growing up.” Craig and

that’s why we’ve been able to get a

Tannis guessed, correctly, that embodying those experiences and memo-

toehold. We’re making places where

ries—including black-and-white photos of Ling’s family—in the restaurant’s

people can gather. At the same time,

design would resonate with people. Upon opening in 2010, Bao Bei imme-

there’s something fun and exciting

diately began collecting awards, including Best New Restaurant honours.

about introducing friends and family to

Last year, Craig—along with Ste. Marie, the firm he founded in 2013 and named after his hometown of Sault Ste. Marie—helped conceptualize Ling’s

restaurants they hold dear, or are interesting from a design standpoint.”

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

LIVINGMAG.CA

But he has always been interested in design and architecture.

41

living | Home

TEST OF TIME

CREATING A KITCHEN WITH LONGEVITY MEANS ESCHEWING DESIGN FADS. WORDS | MICHELE MARKO

E

very

trend

has

its

m o m e n t and then, poof,

it’s gone. Avocado-green appliances ring any bells? Recreating rustic Tuscany? Mosaic backsplashes, too, have had their day.

As the heart of the home, the kitchen has star status. It’s also

the room that requires the largest budget to renovate. And as much as everyone wants the latest and the greatest in terms of style and gadgets, no one wants that gorgeous new space to look dated in a matter of a few years.

Creating a fresh, contemporary kitchen can be simple by following certain

NELSON COSTA

approaches to design to create a space that has style longevity.

>

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

LIVINGMAG.CA

TRIBECA STELLO AND CHELSEA WHITE HIGH GLOSS-FINISH CABINETS FROM AYA KITCHENS AND BATH ADD WARMTH AND MODERNITY TO THIS TIMELESS OPEN-CONCEPT KITCHEN.

43

living | Home

Desi gn er s cat e gorize kitche ns in three styles: traditional, transitional (combining elements of traditional and modern) and modern. For contemporary kitchens, most consumers are opting for transitional or modern, says Sandra Mendes, senior designer at Aya Kitchens and Bath.

Mendes says the easiest way to avoid a dated kitchen is to ignore trends altogether and stick to classic elements.

Vancouver’s Kelly Deck, of Kelly Deck Design, says that modern, in the most classic sense of the style, has the greatest longevity.

“True modern is timeless,” she states. “It’s the stuff in between that is not. It’s about having nothing extra: a flat panel white door with a simple beautiful piece of hardware on it is going to look good in a decade, no problem.”

For a transitional style, Mendes suggests, “using a Shaker-style

LIVINGMAG.CA

Deck agrees that neutrals are key to keeping a kitchen looking

44

fresh long term for either a transitional or modern look. For cabinets, if painted in a “white or a soft grey or a soft neutral, you’re in the zone of timelessness and elegance,” Deck explains.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

>

A WHITE ITALIAN MARBLE BACKSPLASH WITH PLATINUM MOSAIC WARMS UP UNDERSTATED WHITE KITCHEN CABINETRY IN THIS WEST VANCOUVER HOME.

COURTESY KELLY DECK

door, or using more neutral colours like whites or greys.”

COQUITLAM 1400 United Blvd 604.524.3444

NANAIMO 1711 Bowen Rd 250.753.6361

VICTORIA 661 McCallum Rd 250.475.2233

M U S E A N D M E R C H A N T. C O M

LANGLEY 20429 Langley By-Pass 604.530.8248

living | home

ELEMENTS FOR A TIMELESS KITCHEN Restraint is a word that Deck invokes for all aspects of design. She says if you want to include trend-based features in a kitchen, restraint is key. If you love rose gold finishes, use it where it will be simple and inexpensive to switch it out if its popularity wanes. Most cupboard hardware is standard measure and so is easy to change without damage to cabinetry.

OPEN SHELVING adds interest in both transitional and modern kitchens but unless you are a complete minimalist, use it sparingly. “You don’t need a lot of open shelving.

With modern kitchens in particular—that single shelf going across the wall and you’ve got a beautiful finish going up the wall,” says Deck.

LIGHT NATURAL MATERIALS have a timeless quality. Deck favours German white oak.

Mendes says oak and walnut in natural finishes are always contemporary. She says that those types of materials provide the textural elements in the design when using neutrals in a monotone palette.

A SUBWAY TILE BACKSPLASH is timeless in a transitional or traditional kitchen, Deck says. But, she adds that wrapping the countertop slab up the wall “is the safest approach usually if you’re using a simple composite in a white or subtly mottled.”

CABINETRY INTERIORS are the way to embrace innovation, Mendes says. She points to integrated charging stations in a drawer or counter, rollouts or pullouts for integrated work surfaces, and dedicated storage for small appliances that pull out at counter height for easy

46

KELLY DECK CHOSE NATURAL GERMAN WHITE OAK FOR THE CABINETS IN THE MODERN KITCHEN IN THIS URBAN KITS POINT BEACH HOUSE.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

JANIS NICOLAY

LIVINGMAG.CA

access being some features to include.

better living | E D G E M O N T V I L L A G E

Blæst Raincoat Amsterdam Multi Taped sealed seams. Adjustable hood.

Zip in front. Eylets under sleeve for ventilation. Inside pocket with zipper. Sleeve adjustment. Reflective details. Water proof, wind proof and breathable.

PIZAZZ

778.340.7660 | 3131 EDGEMONT BOULEVARD, NORTH VANCOUVER

Push past your comfort zone Stencil. Limited Edition collection from Anne et Valentin. Full of surprises, with it’s graphic geometries, horizontal lines, and extraordinary colour play. Chic and alluring. Dare to express yourself.

NEW from FLY LONDON

HIGHLAND OPTICAL

604.988.8919 | HIGHLANDOPTICAL.CA 3104 EDGEMONT BOULEVARD NORTH VANCOUVER

Style conscious women who want comfort wear FLY LONDON for travel, work and play.

Zig Zag offers the largest collection of FLY LONDON in the lower mainland.

New styles arriving daily.

ZIG ZAG

604.986.4893 | 3065 EDGEMONT BOULEVARD, NORTH VANCOUVER

Forget the cotton cobwebs! Our Halloween

Award-winning family-owned neighbourhood

décor beautifully combines the eerie

jeweller for over 30 years! Specializing in custom

with the elegant. And back again for

designed jewellery, tailored to your budget and

another haunting season…The Witches of

needs. Recycle old jewellery or design a new

Edgemont!

piece – we can help you with your ideas from conception to realization.

EDGEMONT VILLAGE JEWELLER

TRIMS

LIVINGMAG.CA

Locally designed and crafted jewellery

Seasonally spooky home décor ...with a sense of humour!

604.986.8746 | 3043 WOODBINE DRIVE, EDGEMONT VILLAGE, NORTH VANCOUVER

604.985.1500 | EDGEMONTJEWELLER.COM 3102 EDGEMONT BOULEVARD, NORTH VANCOUVER

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

47

LIVINGMAG.CA 48

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

living | home

WHITE-HOT FIREPLACE DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY WORDS | REBECCA KEILLOR

SITTING AROUND A FIRE, ENJOYING THE BEAUTY AND WARMTH OF THE FLAMES IS THE ULTIMATE IN RELAXATION, AND THESE DAYS, WITH THE SLEW OF CUTTING-EDGE PRODUCTS ON THE MARKET, IT’S ALSO THE ULTIMATE STYLE STATEMENT.

COURTESY REGENCY FIREPLACE PRODUCTS

HERE’S WHAT’S TRENDING.

FORM MEETS FUNCTION WITH THIS MODERN REGENCY CITY SERIES SAN FRANCISCO BAY 40.

ULTRA-MODERN FRAMELESS FIRES The latest in fireplace design allows for flickering flames to be the uninterrupted centrepiece of the room. The Regency City Series San Francisco Bay 40, which comes in a range of finishes, including wood, wallpaper, fabric, glass or textured panels, offers a “frameless fire option”, by using an invisible glass safety barrier.

At Regency Fireplace Products, regency-fire.com

>

living | home

DOUBLE DUTY Multi-purpose fireplaces like Paramount’s Wall-Mounted Electric Fireplace, which acts as both a heat source and an eye-catching focal point, are the most popular type of fireplace today. At The Home Depot

OUTSIDE THE BOX STYLES “Vertical shapes as well as peninsulas or three-sided pieces are really the way fireplaces are going,” says Martes Farrugia of Maxwell Fireplaces in North Vancouver. Stûv's B-60 Fireplace with Piet Boon treatment features two trends that are especially hot at the moment: clean lines and a tall flame.

At Fireplace by Maxwell.

MINI FIREPLACES Perfect for apartment dwellers, and those who appreciate great design, the Charlotte Media Unit by Dimplex is a premium electric fireplace and media console in one. Offering heat and storage, it comes preassembled, and can be set up within minutes. At Fireplaces Unlimited, fireplacesunlimited.ca and dimplex.com

“COOL WALL” TECHNOLOGY Today, many manufacturers are using chambers or ducts inside chambers to move heat from a fireplace up and out of the ceiling, says Martes. This helps keep the wall above the fireplace cool, in turn protecting adjacent items such as flat-screen TVs, pieces of art or marble finishes. Brands such as Valor are exploring this with their Heat Shift technolwith such products as the L2 Linear Fireplace.

At Valor Fireplaces, valorfireplaces.com

FIREPLACE BLING Pebbles, rocks, driftwood, crystals or a newLIVINGMAG.CA

ABOVE: STÛV’S B-60 FIREPLACE

50

er-style smooth glass, which can give a very warm but modern “city” look, can add interest and beauty to a fireplace. A popular trend is a driftwood fireplace “kit” that uses driftwood ceramic logs inspired by what our local beach wood looks like, says Martes.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

PHOTO SUPPLIED BY STUV AMERICA AND FIREPLACE BY MAXWELL

ogy, which can be installed behind a valance

Quality Fireplaces

1380 Pemberton Avenue, north vAncouver 604 987-1293 | mAxwellfirePlAce.cA

BellFires.Online/Maxwell

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

LIVINGMAG.CA

FOTOLIA

LEFT: PARAMOUNT'S WALL-MOUNTED ELECTRIC FIREPLACE

51

JOE BUGLEWICZ, COURTESY GRAND CENTRAL OYSTER BAR

living | TRAVEL

EXPERIENCE THE GLAMOUR OF THE 1920s WITH LUNCH AT GRAND CENTRAL OYSTER BAR.

72 HOURS IN

NYC WHERE TRAVEL EXPERT CLAIRE NEWELL EATS, SLEEPS

AND PLAYS IN THE MOST EXCITING CITY ON THE PLANET. WORDS | CLAIRE NEWELL

N

ew York is probably one of the only cities in the world that I know almost as well as Vancouver. I have been there for work and leisure trips at least 50 times in my life. Over the years I have definitely scoped out my favourite restaurants, shopping, attractions and hotels. Some great accommoda-

quintessential New York City; The Royalton, a reinvented Manhattan classic for international travellers and the NYC elite; and The Surrey, an Upper East Side boutique hotel full of incredible art and modern décor. Any one of them would be excellent choices for a high-end stay in the Big Apple. As far as what to see and do is concerned, here’s my itinerary for a perfect three days in New York.

>

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

LIVINGMAG.CA

tion options are the Andaz 5th Avenue, a chic boutique hotel in Midtown that is

53

living | TRAVEL

DAY 2 MORNING HAVE BREAKFAST AT BALTHAZAR ,

a timeless SoHo bras-

serie known for its homemade pastries and excellent eggs benedict. Then get your shopping fix at my favourite “three Bs”: Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale’s and Barneys, all within about five to 10 minutes’ walking distance.

AFTERNOON MEANDER OVER TO THE

Metropolitan Museum of Art for

a dose of culture. The place is huge so I like to focus on a couple of areas like the Greek and Roman galleries.

Until January 2018 there is a stunning exhibition of art by

DAY 1

Rodin with nearly 50 marble, bronze, plaster and terracotta

MORNING

crunch (i.e., candied corn flakes). Delish!

sculptures. Afterwards, stop for a Cereal Milk Soft Serve ice cream at Momofuku Milk Bar. Don’t forget to add the

New York City’s go-go-go pace requires ample fuel, and breakfast at Jack’s Wife Freda delivers. Try their rosewater waffles topped with Lebanese

AFTER DARK

yogurt, berries and honey syrup. The yeasty batter is accented with rosewater

SQUEEZE IN AN EARLY DINNER

and the resulting flavour is delicate with floral notes. I also love their take on the

cuisine at Ai Fiori before heading to a Broadway Show;

Middle Eastern egg dish, Shakshuka. This green version is baked in a tomatillo

Hamilton and Dear Evan Hansen are current must-sees.

sauce and served with Challah (Jewish bread).

Be sure to reserve tickets online at least three months in

Next, jump in a cab or subway to Battery Park for a cruise to the Statue

of French and Italian Riviera

advance where you can expect to pay a few hundred dollars

of Liberty. Don’t miss the Crown Viewing Platform for incredible views of

on a seat, but the performances are well worth it! Post-

Manhattan, Brooklyn and New Jersey. Reservations to access the Crown

show, head to Loews Regency Hotel for a cocktail (where

must be made online first, and take note that there is no elevator so the stairs

you might even spot a Real Housewife, or two.)

to the top can be quite a workout!

AFTERNOON Cross the Brooklyn Bridge on foot starting from Center Street in Manhattan while taking in views of Governors Island, Statue of Liberty and Manhattan Bridge. Head to the iconic Prime Meats, in Brooklyn, for lunch. sausages created by their in-house charcuterie. For a true New York dining experience try their homemade hot dog with spicy mustard and sauerkraut.

AFTER DARK For a protein fix, and the best chicken in NYC, book a table at Le Coq Rico. French chef Antoine Westermann has made chicken the focus of his career, and he prepares it perfectly. This is his second location; the first is on Montmartre’s Rue Lepic in Paris. He worked with hospitality architect Pascal Desprez to design the interior where works by the celebrated American visual artist, Doug Fitch are on display. The glamourous bistro also has a hip bar area.

Walk to Gansevoort Park Rooftop Bar for a cocktail or two. Twenty storeys above Manhattan, it boasts unhindered views of the Empire State Building and other iconic New York architecture.

TOP LEFT: A BREAKFAST SPREAD AT JACK'S WIFE'S FREDA. ABOVE: VISITORS ADMIRE ARTWORK FROM ISLAMIC SPAIN, NORTH AFRICA AND THE WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN IN THE MET'S PATTI GADBY BIRCH GALLERY.

CHRISTOPHER POSTLEWAITE/NYC & COMPANY, COURTESY JACK'S WIFE FREDA

This German-style farm-to-table restaurant is famous for their handmade

THE VIEW FROM THE TOP OF THE ROCK OBSERVATORY AT ROCKEFELLER CENTER CAN'T BE BEAT.

DAY 3 MORNING Start your last day off with breakfast at my mother’s and my go-to brunch spot, Friedman’s in Chelsea. I love their Avocado Toast and their famous Fried Chicken & Cheddar Waffle. The food is always delicious and the hipster-ish ambience is quirky and cute!

Walk about five minutes to the High Line Park in Chelsea, the elevated greenspace that was created on an unused section of the New York Central Railroad.

AFTERNOON Lunch at Grand Central Oyster Bar in Grand Central Station, a classic restaurant that offers a special glimpse into gilded-age New York before heading off to shop at Century 21 for discounts on designer brands such as Prada, Lanvin and Valentino. For an even better view than the Empire State Building with less of a line, head to the Top of the Rock (the 70th-floor of Rockefeller Center) for panoramas of Central Park and a head-on view of the Empire

AFTER DARK Kick off your last night at GATO, Bobby Flay’s

The World’s Most NÜTRL Vodka.

Pure and Simple.

LIVINGMAG.CA

State Building itself.

MARLEY WHITE

Mediterranean-inspired tapas lounge for delicious small plates like lamb tenderloin with salsa verde and artichoke heart, quail egg and salmon roe. Toast to a great trip with a Prosecco Popsicle Cocktail at the Loopy Doopy Rooftop Bar at the top of the Conrad Hotel.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

55

living | TRAVEL

This FENDI PEEKABOO MEDIUM CROSSBODY BAG is so gorgeous and provides the best of both worlds; a tote and a crossbody in one. The inner dual compartments are separated with a zip pocket and double lock closure. $5,394 at Fendi, fendi.com

Travel Tips WITH

CLAIRE NEWELL @clairenewelltravel

CLAIRE’S NYC PACKING LIST I LOVE NEW YORK! Whether I am visiting for two days or a week, I have my packing down to a science. New York is notorious for unpredictable weather but you also need to be prepared to do a lot of walking. For me, it’s about finding the balance between function and fashion. Here, my essentials for a trip to the Big Apple.

LIVINGMAG.CA

With the fluctuating temperatures in-flight, and going inside and outside while walking around New York, a scarf is a must. I love this lightweight gauzy EILEEN FISHER HANDLOOMED ORGANIC COTTON AND SILK SCARF for layering. $120 at The Bay, thebay.com

56

Handmade out of natural rubber and very lightweight, these ALICE + WHITTLES CLASSIC ANKLE RAIN BOOTS are super cute and comfortable enough to walk around the city all day. $200 at aliceandwhittles.com

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

A must for a night out on the town, this perfectly cut VERSACE COLLECTION CUTOUT SHEATH DRESS is anything but basic with a single shoulder cutout that shows just a hint of skin. Pair it with heels or tall boots. $855 at Nordstrom, nordstrom.com

I hardly spend any time in my hotel room while I’m in New York, which is why I purchased this BELKIN PORTABLE CHARGER. The two-in-one portable battery delivers one amp of juice to optimally charge your phone and has a built-in magnetic module to charge an Apple Watch at the same time. $164 at Best Buy, bestbuy.ca

This sleek CALPAK ASTYLL 30-INCH SPINNER & 22-INCH SPINNER LUGGAGE SET will be super easy to spot on the baggage carousal.

The lightweight hard shell protects your belongings without weighing you down and the four-wheel multidirectional spinners make whizzing through the airport a breeze. $348 at Nordstrom, nordstrom.com

Luxury Unique Resort of the Year

• LUXURY UNIQUE RESORT OF THE YEAR (2016) • GLOBAL LUXURY TRAVEL AWARD (2015) • DAZZLING HIDEAWAYS BY THE SEA (CNN) • BEST WEDDING RECEPTION VENUE (2013) • BEST WEDDING CEREMONY LOCATION (2012) • BEST SEASIDE HIDEAWAY (SUNSET MAGAZINE) • MOST ROMANTIC VALENTINE DESTINATION (THE PROVINCE)

Come for a day, a weekend, anytime year round...and indulge your senses at a resort of peace, pleasure and tranquility.

Set on British Columbia’s sublime Sunshine Coast, Rockwater Secret Cove Resort is the perfect option for family holidays, romantic getaways and retreats into the heart of nature. The resort features Luxury Tent House Suites that are sure to inspire romance whilst accommodations in the main lodge and ocean-view deluxe one bedroom and studio cabins are ideal for groups and families.

Rockwater Secret Cove Resort offers fantastic activities, including kayaking, boating, fishing, yoga, hiking and biking. Pamper yourself with a treatment in Spa Without Walls -- a holistic approach to physical and spiritual well-being through open-air treatment overlooking the ocean.

The resort provides a stunning location for events, celebrations and weddings up to 200 guests with culinary treats provided courtesy of our award winning dining room specializing in West Coast Cuisine.

Rockwater Secret Cove Resort - the secret to a great vacation.

604-885-7038 | 1-877-296-4593 | reservations@rockwatersecretcoveresort.com 5356 Ole’s Cove Road, Halfmoon Bay | www.rockwatersecretcoveresort.com

living | Food & Wine

Tasting Room WITH TERRY

DAVID MULLIGAN

@terrydavidmulligan

AN ALLURING NEW COOKBOOK EXECUTIVE CHEF FOR THE OCEAN WISE PROGRAM, NED BELL IS INSPIRING SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD CUISINE AT HOME WITH HIS NEW COOKBOOK, LURE. LURE: SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD RECIPES FROM THE WEST COAST IS AVAILABLE AT CHAPTERS INDIGO, CHAPTERSINDIGO.CA

T h e f i r s t w o r d i n LURE, Chef Ned Bell’s new cookbook is “the.”

The second word is “integrity,” which is followed by “obligated, evolution and responsible.” If you know the man, who headed up YEW Seafood + Bar at the Four Seasons and is now the executive chef for the Ocean Wise program and leader of the culinary team at Vancouver Aquarium, like I do, those words come close to describing him. This is Ned’s first book and it focuses on vegetables and seafood. No meat! He’s writing of clean eating from clean, healthy oceans. As Ned says, “it’s not enough that this is a cookbook but it’s important you know where you buy from and who you buy from. My goal is to have people hopefully recognizing that through the fish and seafood they eat, whether it’s in restaurants

LIVINGMAG.CA

or bought in retail to cook at home for their families, they can make

58

conscious decisions that protect our world’s oceans.”

road his bike from St. John’s, Newfoundland to Vancouver in September 2014 to raise awareness in cities across Canada about the importance of eating sustainable seafood.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

KEVIN CLARK

As long as I’ve known Ned, he’s always been talking about a possible cookbook but one with purpose that goes well beyond the kitchen. It seemed like the next logical step after Ned’s epic Chefs for Oceans Ride where he

NED BELL’S CRAB TACOS WERE A MENU FAVOURITE WHEN HE RAN THE KITCHEN AT THE FOUR SEASONS VANCOUVER’S YEW SEAFOOD + BAR.

Like many of us, Ned admits that at the start of his career, he cooked unsustainable fish. He never gave it a second thought “because we just didn’t know any better … The sustainable seafood movement is only two decades old and remember, 25 to 30 years ago the organics movement was in the dark limp corner of the grocery store—now it dominates the store.”

Chef’s advice is to remember that the recipes are just a guideline.

Follow the recipe once as outlined in the book. Then you can branch out using the ingredients you like, based on seasonality. I love Ned’s attitude about making the right seafood choices but when you do get that seafood home make it the centrepiece of an entertaining meal.

If it’s crab, for instance, create crab for the whole table, family-style.

All the recipes in the book reflect the season’s flavours. “In the fall, I think about apples and pears. I think about root vegetables, parsnips and celery roots and caramelization. So my Ling Cod with Pear Butter recipe reflects the fall season so well.” The Salmon Kale Salad, with apples, dried cranberries, hazelnuts and fresh goat and cheddar cheese is also excellent.

That was Ned’s signature salad at Yew. In the music business one of the marks of a great artist is the ability to share a message the audience can dance to. With LURE Ned Bell

LIVINGMAG.CA

has placed his message inside each and every recipe. What’s next for Ned? His second book, set to be released in spring 2019, will focus on seaweed.

EXCERPTED FROM LURE BY NED BELL AND VALERIE HOWES. PHOTOGRAPHS BY KEVIN CLARK. COPYRIGHT 2017 BY CHEFS FOR OCEANS, RECIPES COPYRIGHT BY NED BELL. EXCERPTED WITH PERMISSION FROM FIGURE 1.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO PART OF THIS EXCERPT MAY BE REPRODUCED OR REPRINTED WITHOUT PERMISSION IN WRITING FROM THE PUBLISHER.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

59

living | Food & Wine

MINI DUNGENESS CRAB TACOS QUICK, SIMPLE, AND BURSTING WITH FLAVOUR, THESE MINI CRAB TACOS, FROM THE PAGES OF LURE, ARE REAL CROWD-PLEASERS. They can go from game-day snack to cocktail party nibble with ease. The light and crispy shells are made with deep-fried wonton wrappers, which perfectly showcase the tender flesh of Dungeness crab. The average crab yields about half a pound of meat (about 1½ cups), so you’ll need just one crab for this dish. During crabbing season in late summer and early fall, it's far cheaper to cook and pick your own crab; the rest of the year, head to your local fish shop. And if your budget doesn’t allow for already picked crabmeat, try substituting shrimp, wild salmon, albacore, lingcod, or really any fish you like.

Makes 12 INGREDIENTS

METHOD

TACO SHELLS

TACO SHELLS

Canola oil, for deep-frying

Heat several inches of oil in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, Dutch

12 round gyoza or wonton wrappers

oven, or deep-fryer to 340°F. Place a wrapper in a taco shell maker and gently lower it into the oil.

TACOS

Cook for 30 seconds or until golden.

½ lb (about 1½ cups) crabmeat, from 1

Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.

(Alternatively, shape a piece of aluminum foil into a thick rectangle and drape

(2 to 3 lb) Dungeness or snow crab

1 ripe avocado

the uncooked wrapper over it to form a taco shell shape. Use tongs to hold

Juice of ½ lemon

the wrapper onto the foil as you lower it into the oil. Continue holding it in

2 tsp olive oil

place until it’s done.)

Sea salt and coarsely ground black pepper About ¼ cup miso, maple, and lime vinaigrette

TACOS

3 radishes, thinly sliced, for garnish

Steam the crab and extract the meat from the legs and main shell. Cut

¾ cup radish sprouts, for garnish

each avocado in half lengthwise and remove the pit. Scoop the flesh into

Shichimi Togarashi, to sprinkle

a medium bowl. Using a fork, coarsely mash the avocado with the lemon

juice and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Put spoonfuls onto

(see notes below)

Lime wedges, to serve

serving plates.

Stuff about 2 tablespoons of the crabmeat into each taco shell, and set them into the mashed avocado, which will help hold them upright.

Top with a little vinaigrette and garnish with the radishes and radish sprouts.

Add dots of vinaigrette around the plate. Sprinkle with a pinch of Shichimi Togarashi (see note).

Serve the tacos with lime wedges on the side, and instruct guests to scoop up a little of the avocado with every taco.

Chef’s notes: Shichimi Togarashi is a popular Japanese spice blend and table

LIVINGMAG.CA

condiment that is made of coarse ground red chili, sansho (a type of Japanese

60

pepper), roasted orange peel, black and white sesame seeds, hemp seed, ground

KEVIN CLARK

ginger and nori. It is available at Asian markets.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

TERRY DAVID MULLIGAN’S FALL WINE PICKS WELCOME FALL WITH THESE WARM WHITES AND A COSY RED WINE CLOS DU SOLEIL CAPELLA 2015 What a fine wine. 80 per cent Sauvignon Blanc and 20 per cent Semillon. Fully answers the question, “Can a white wine carry weight and be more than a summer patio wine?” Even though it’s a blend of lime, grapefruit, quince and tropical fruit, it’s still rich in the mouth. It

YOU’RE

TH E

AFPMPY LE PIE

O

would be wonderful with Ned’s oysters, crab, Ling Cod with herbs, or roast chicken. If you’re entertaining family and friends bring Capella to the celebration! And get it while you can. There were only 450 cases made. $28 at Swirl Wines Store, swirlwinestore.ca LIQUIDITY 2016 ESTATE CHARDONNAY As soon as I read Ned’s LURE cookbook I thought Chardonnay would work well with many of the dishes.

The 2015 Liquidity Estate Chardonnay was a knockout. Pear, crème brulée and nuttiness on first pour followed by tropical fruit flavours; Papaya, mango and vanilla bean; Barrel-aged for almost a year with 16 per cent new French oak. The result is perfect for Ned’s grilled salmon, spot prawns and fall mushroom risotto, so, here’s the deal. When the 2016 comes out in late September make a promise to yourself to find a bottle and try it. Congratulations to Winemaker Alison Moyes and her team. (780 cases), $26 at liquiditywines.com OROFINO POZZA VINEYARD CABERNET FRANC 2016, SIMILKAMEEN VALLEY Yeah, I know. Seafood and red wine? You bet. Pinot

AYS W L

A SH FRE

Noir, Gamay, Rose and B.C. Cab Franc. Well, not all of trick. It’s the winery's first. Wild fermented, aged in concrete then for six months in neutral barrels. Low tannin levels make it highly gulpable and easily paired with fatty fish like salmon. 12.1 per cent alcohol. It won a silver medal at the 2017 National Wine Awards. $28 at orofinovineyards.com

1650 MARINE DRIVE, WEST VANCOUVER

freshstmarket.com

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

LIVINGMAG.CA

B.C.’s Cab Francs but this one from Orofino does the

61

better living | B U Y E R S ’ G U I D E

Manhattan Vibe in Lower Lonsdale Mo’s General Store is in the heart the exciting community of Lower Lonsdale. Visitors and neighbours alike enjoy locally roasted handcrafted coffee and a browse through a bright and delightful shop. Local artisan goods, home decor, old fashioned confections, gifts and convenience items, you are sure to find that special something.

MO’S GENERAL STORE

604.928.7827 MOSGENERALSTORE.COM 51 LONSDALE AVENUE, NORTH VANCOUVER

We are winter North Shore Ski & Board - two floors full of the best skiing and snowboarding brands. We also offer a full ski and snowboard service department to get you out on the slopes faster. Family owned and operated for 38 years.

NORTH SHORE SKI & BOARD

604.987.7245 | NORTHSHORESKIANDBOARD.COM 1625 LONSDALE AVENUE, NORTH VANCOUVER

A fresh approach to fashion

LIVINGMAG.CA

Don’t miss this Nova Scotia artist at Circle Craft!

62

Dorothée Rosen’s iconic Onefooter rings in 18k gold and sterling silver, set with precious gems or Canadian diamonds, were recently featured in The Globe & Mail Style Advisor. Sold online and in the most prestigious galleries, Dorothée also delights in creating custom rings. Start your Christmas shopping early - visit us at Circle Craft November 8-12.

DOROTHÉE ROSEN

902.422.9460 | DOROTHEEROSEN.CA | D@DOROTHEEROSEN.CA

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

Providing women with the best choices of lifestyle clothing since 1997. Build a casual, funky, or trendy look, with an extensive variety of brands and new arrivals, and the help of friendly and professional staff. With brands like InWear, Part Two, Velvet, Bella Dahl, Free People, Frye and many more, your wardrobe options are limitless! A unique shopping experience that’ll keep you coming back for more!

SO BLÜ

604.913.1519 SOBLUCLOTHING.COM 1519 BELLEVUE AVENUE, WEST VANCOUVER

living | Ride

REVIEW: 2018 AMG GT C ROADSTER

AT

MERCEDES CELEBRATES THE

viewed with suspicion by the more luxury-focused Mercedes executives. However,

AMG’S 50TH BIRTHDAY WITH THIS RIP-ROARING RIDE.

A

HALF-CENTURY

O L D,

AMG

(the high-performance division for

Mercedes-Benz) should be comfortably middle-aged. It is not. Instead, it is still producing cars like this Solarbeam Yellow ballistic missile, which goes like the hammers of Valhalla and sounds like it’s running on minced Vikings.

Originally founded as a rebellious quest for racing speed, the founding team of Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher (the A and M of AMG) was originally with time came repeated success, to the point that Mercedes now considers AMG an essential part of the company. Thus, the Mercedes-AMG AMG GT C. The name’s a bowl of alphabet soup, but it’s the equivalent to Ferrari calling their hypercar the LaFerrari. This is the banner-carrier for the brand.

And it’s a monster. Wearing fat, 305mm-series rubber under flared rear fenders, and with a hood that seems to stretch on forever, the GT C is akin to an offshore racing boat. Power comes from a twin-turbocharged 4.0L V8, which makes 550 hp, 502 lb-ft of torque, and Really Loud Noises. It’s exhilarating, all the more so because of the retractable soft-top. Compared to a Porsche 911, the GT C has the same grip levels, but trades a little precision for brute force. It’s a hell of a way to have a mid-life crisis: happy birthday, AMG.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

LIVINGMAG.CA

—Brendan McAleer

BRENDAN MCALEER

REAR-WHEEL STEERING AND A LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL SET THIS MODEL APART FROM THE GT R COUPE.

63

living | My favourite Room

JACKIE KAI ELLIS’ FAVOURITE ROOM WHEN SHE CLOSED HER DESIGN FIRM TO STUDY PASTRY IN PARIS IN 2011, IT WAS A RECIPE FOR SUCCESS AND INSPIRED THE OPENING OF VANCOUVER’S REVERED BEAUCOUP BAKERY & CAFÉ, A MEDIA AND TOUR COMPANY AND NOW, A FOOD MEMOIR, THE MEASURE OF MY POWERS. THE ULTRA-COOL KITCHEN IN THIS KITS CONDO IS THE PERFECT PLACE TO COOK UP NEW IDEAS.

G

rowing up, I learned to cook by my grandmother’s side as we prepared dinner for a family of ten. The kitchen is where we lived; bickering, laughing and debating passionately

about the texture or temperature of a dish or about serious decisions that might change the course of our lives. I’ve had different styles of kitchens, from elegant to industrial. This one, in a modern loft space, has lots of concrete, floor-to-ceiling windows and a giant table for entertaining. To this day, when I have friends and family over, the kitchen seems to hold the same kind of love it always has for me.

With my busy work schedule and writing my book, I also use it as an office. I love it because I always work best at a kitchen table!

—As told to Bianca Solterbeck The Measure of My Powers is published by Penguin Random House

64

JOE CHAN

LIVINGMAG.CA

Canada and hits bookshelves Spring 2018

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

KOHLER.CA

©2017 KOHLER CO.

BASK IN THE MAJESTY OF THE ARTIST EDITIONS DERRING SINK COLLECTION. ®

®

TIMELESS DESIGN · WORLD CLASS VIEWS · ELEGANT HOMES AT PACIFIC AND HORNBY IN DOWNTOWN VANCOUVER

COMING SOON REGISTER TODAY GROSVENORPACIFIC.COM Rendering is an artist’s interpretation only and may not be accurate. This is not an offering for sale. E&OE.