North Shore Living February 2017

NORTH SHORE

$

795

PLUS G.S.T.

FEBRUARY 2017

THE LUXURY OF LIVING â„¢

THE

REFRESH ISSUE

FEATURE HOME

BRIGHT IDEAS INSIDE A GEORGIENOMINATED DREAM HOME

L I G H T I N G W E L O V E I R E C H A R G E I N T H E D E S E RT I H O T I TA L I A N R I D E S

Performance by design.

The 2017 S-Coupe. Total price starts at $155,160.*

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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 S-Class S550 4MATIC Coupe. National MSRP starts at $152,000. Total price starts at $155,160 including freight/PDI of $2,395, dealer admin fee of $595, air-conditioning levy of $100, PPSA up to $45 and a $25.00 fee covering EHF tires, filters and batteries. Vehicle options, fees and taxes extra. Vehicle license, insurance, and registration are extra. Dealer may lease or finance for less. Visit mbvancouver.ca or your local Mercedes-Benz Vancouver Retail Group dealer for full details.

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LIVINGMAG.CA 2

FEBRUARY 2017

LIVINGMAG.CA

FEBRUARY 2017

3

GOOD PEOPLE, GREAT AGENTS.

A MODERN, BOUTIQUE-STYLE COLLECTIVE OF HARD-WORKING REAL ESTATE AGENTS COMMITTED TO DELIVERING EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AND RESULTS TO THOSE WE SERVE. We know you have choices when it comes to finding a real estate agent, but how do you know if they are the “right” one? At VPG Realty we have done the work for you with our hand-picked contingent of the best and the brightest agents in the business.

FIND OUT MORE AT VPGREALTY.CA

VPG REALTY INC. #159 - 1233 LYNN VALLEY ROAD, NORTH VANCOUVER, V7J 0A1

WE ARE COMMUNITY MINDED

Each year the VPG Team supports, and donates financial aid to NSR for their equipment and operational needs.

VPG appreciates the work these volunteers do for all us adventure seekers on the North Shore.

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Recognized for general awesomeness 2017 GeorGie awards Finalist

Best single Family Kitchen over $100,000 2017 GeorGie awards Finalist

Custom Home valued between $1.3 - $1.9 million 2017 GeorGie awards Finalist

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101 – 3151 woodBine drive nortH vanCouver BC v7r 2s4 604.971.4899 inFo@spruCeHill.Ca spruCeHill.Ca

THE LUXURY OF LIVING™

Publisher

Peter Kvarnstrom Associate Publisher

Robert Read sales & Marketing Director

Vicki Magnison Editor

Niki Hope Art Director

Shelley Ackerman Project Co-ordinator

Tannis Hendriks Writers

Chris Dagenais Janaya Fuller Evans Jamie Hamilton Kurtis Kolt John Kurucz Eve Lazarus Fred Lee Brendan McAleer Greer Nelson Christina Newberry Steven Schelling Jennifer Scott Erin Semancik Jane Seyd Kate Zimmerman Photographers

Tracey Ayton Rebecca Blissett Jennifer Gauthier Brad Hill Fred Lee Brendan McAleer Reuben Wurtz Graphic Designers

Birgit Brunner Myra McGrath North Shore Living magazine, a division of LMP Publication Limited Partnership, is delivered with the North Shore News — a CCAB audit approved newspaper — six times a year in select areas of North and West Vancouver. 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.

LIVINGMAG.CA

1457 Bellevue Avenue, West Vancouver • 604 925 8333

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

Enquiries can be addressed to: NS Living Magazine, 116-980 West First Street, North Vancouver, B.C. V7P 3N4 Tel. 604-998-3510 PRINTED IN CANADA Follow us!

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FEBRUARY 2017

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CONTENTS

43

Editor’s Message

Feature Home

16

28

SUBTLE AWESOMENESS

Inside a North Shore builder’s Georgienominated dream home

TIME TO HIT THE REFRESH BUTTON

LIVINGMAG.CA

Superlatives

10

18

INSIDE NORTH VANCOUVER ARTIST JOANNE HASTIE’S STUDIO

19

DEEP COVE TECH DYNAMO JACK NEWTON ON BUILDING A SUCCESSFUL STARTUP

20

DINNER IN THE SKY FLIES INTO TOWN THIS SUMMER

22

‘GALA’-VANTING WITH FRED LEE

Home

36

TILE TALK

Tips from local design pros at Oliver Simon

38

THE NEW BOHEMIAN

Justina Blakeney on her wildly popular decor blog

40

LIGHTING WE LOVE

Style

The perfect warm-toned metal to light the way

Hit the refresh on your wardrobe for spring with early inspo

43

LIFE ON THE EDGE

New West Van development’s amenities include a boat

26

TAKE IT OUTSIDE

27

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FEBRUARY 2017

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CONTENTS

53

44 Travel

44

RECHARGE IN THE DESERT

Seeking stillness in the Coachella Valley

Cuisine

48

HOT OFF THE COLD PRESS

The North Shore is ripe with local juice bars

Leisure

50

NORTH SHORE NOMADS

Local couple customizes off-the-grid vans

Ride

53

ITALIAN SPRING

Freewheel this spring in hot luxury rides

Looking Back A SEA OF MEMORIES

Sailing back in time with this month’s history column

LIVINGMAG.CA

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12

FEBRUARY 2017

On the Cover PHOTOGRAPHER| BRAD HILL HOME BUILDER | SPRUCEHILL CONTRACTING LOCATION | CLEMENTS AVENUE, NORTH VANCOUVER

RESORT

LIVINGMAG.CA

RESORT

R ES O RT

FEBRUARY 2017

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CONTRIBUTORS

JENNIFER SCOTT is a Vancouverbased style and lifestyle specialist, known for her work in a variety of facets of the design world and a love for found objects, vintage treasures and pieces that tell a story within the home. Her approachable take on design can be found not only within the interior spaces she creates, but over a variety of media platforms as well, including live television spots, public speaking engagements and written columns.

STEVEN SCHELLING is a Vancouver-based fashion stylist and writer whose work has appeared in publications across Canada and the United States.

He’s also a regular on-air contributor to Global TV and CBC Radio in the areas of fashion, lifestyle and pop culture. His favourite places to shop include the boutiques of Paris’s SoPi (South Pigalle) neighbourhood for anything and everything, Vancouver’s Eugene Choo for clothing, and North Vancouver’s Ginger Jar Furniture for home décor.

Copper lighting contributor ERIN SEMANCIK is a stylist and designer who believes our interior environments should not only be visually beautiful and functional, but a complete reflection of ourselves and memories. As for spring trends, she’s eyeing dark counters, plaid-and-checker everything, rich greens, saturated tones and natural woods.

LIVINGMAG.CA 14

Writer CHRISTINA NEWBERRY has travelled the globe in search of a good story, but for this issue of North Shore Living, it’s all about the home.

Christina wrote this issue’s cover story, which chronicles a home by a local builder for a client he knows very well: his own family. When she's not at her keyboard, Christina can be found obsessively tending to her community garden plot or exploring the sights, sounds and tastes of Vancouver’s unique neighbourhoods.

FEBRUARY 2017

THE FOUNDATION OF ANY GREAT ROOM

1396 MARINE DRIVE | NORTH VANCOUVER | (604) 990-9305 FOR MORE LOCATIONS VISIT JORDANS.CA

living | Editor’s message

TIME TO HIT THE REFRESH BUTTON T h e r e i s n o t h i n g l i k e a r e f r e s h – whether it takes the form of a warm bath, a rejuvenating getaway or even just a good night’s sleep.

Refreshing our lives is an individual quest, one that can occur in grand gestures or in simple, quiet steps.

In this issue, we contemplate both types: grandly, with a story about a North Shore couple who refurbish self-sufficient homes on wheels that can travel to off-the-beaten-path locales; and in simple ways, such as with a refreshing glass of nutrient-rich cold-pressed juice.

In our Home section, we consider ways to invigorate with tile in the kitchen and bath, lighting trends that brighten a space, and our feature home on a builder who renovated and recharged his own masterpiece. We look to what’s freshly squeezed for spring in fashion, and we travel to Two Bunch Palms Resort & Spa in the California desert, a serene destination where guests can recharge at one of the oldest mineral hot spring resorts in the United States.

While this issue is about starting over, I myself am also hitting the refresh button by moving on from my role as Editor of North Shore Living.

But the Living publications are landing in good hands, as well-known media personality and broadcasting pro Fiona Forbes will take over as Editor of North Shore Living. Additionally, there will be a second Living publication debuting this spring on the other side of the water, called West Side Living. The magazine will have the same flavour as North Shore Living, but with a more Vancouver West Side focus.

As well, the talented Lise Boullard, who was acting Managing Editor at VITA (Vitamin Daily), will take over as Managing Editor of Living.

With the expansion into two Living editions, it is a wonderful time for the magazine to also hit the restart button with some new blood at the helm. I am sure this dynamic team will take Living magazine to a fresh new level.

LIVINGMAG.CA

Niki

16

FEBRUARY 2017

NIKI HOPE EDITOR

EDITOR@NSLIVING.CA

LIVINGMAG.CA

FEBRUARY 2017

17

SUPERLATIVES

ART THAT POUNDS THE PAVEMENT NORTH SHORE ARTIST KICKS OFF A NEW FOOTWEAR LABEL

I

F

A

PA I R

OF

LEATHER

SNEAKERS

flashing past you somehow evokes Vancouver city streets, it won’t be because you’ve overdone the navel-gazing.

They’re likely a pair from the Joanne Hastie collec-

tion at Six Hundred Four, a recently launched Gastown footwear label that’s commissioned art from seven artists, digitally printing each artist’s work on four designs of its unisex luxury sneakers.

The 604 pairs of Hastie collection shoes feature colourful segments from a cityscape called Overlooking the City.

“I paint what inspires me, and I paint my daily adven-

FROM TOP: JOANNE HASTIE IN HER NORTH VANCOUVER HOME STUDIO WITH STUDIO-MATE LARRY BIRD. ARTIST JOANNE HASTIE WITH HER LIMITED EDITION SIX HUNDRED FOUR HIGH-TOPS (WITH A SCREEN OF HER PAINTING OVERLOOKING THE CITY).

POST ALLEY BY JOANNE HASTIE.

tures and where I go,” Hastie says. “I have kind of an impressionistic style, where I’m trying to summarize scenes and present moments.”

Those moments are ingrained in the kicks, which will also make strides for charity. The store will give 6.04 per cent of proceeds from the sale of these limited edition shoes to the individual artist’s designated charity – in Hastie’s case, the Crisis Centre of British Columbia.

The North Shore artist is also an engineer, runner, mountain biker and marketing director for GranFondo Canada, which stages five road cycling events a year. She’s

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but then unusual partnerships have marked her artistic career. Hastie’s research into carbon fibre while working at Rocky Mountain Bicycles, for instance, led to her painting “portraits” of Lamborghinis from 2013 to 2015 for the

FEBRUARY 2017

REBECCA BLISSETT

LIVINGMAG.CA

pleased by her unexpected alliance with Six Hundred Four,

Lamborghini Advanced Composite Structures Laboratory (ACSL) and MR Models.

That assignment involved a trip to Italy, where she eventually did an art residency in Sicily. There, she wound up painting a wall-sized mural for the town of Graniti in 2014. Her newfound love of Italy led to Hastie’s plan to take a group of 10 female artists this October to Graniti to do art installations and murals.

“It’s been neat, the adventures my art, as well as my career, have taken me on, and what I get to paint,” she says.

Hastie’s love affair with Italy also spawned a three-woman show at Vancouver’s Italian Cultural Centre, where she takes Italian lessons. The show, titled Voyages: Three Women Visit Italy, ran last month, with paintings and prints by Hastie, Danica

INFLUENCER: JACK NEWTON CLIO CO-FOUNDER CHANGING THE WAY LAWYERS MANAGE THEIR FIRMS

Ackerson and Carol McQuaid.

Though she loves to paint when

WHILE OTHERS LOOK FOR THE QUICK FLIP AND CASH

FAVOURITES?

she travels, Hastie also does many

windfall, Jack Newton built his company wanting more. Eight years later, the Deep

Meal:

Vancouver and North Shore land-

Cove resident is still in it to win it with one of Canada’s fastest growing start-ups.

“A really great

scapes. Last August, she had a

Alongside co-founder Rian Gauvreau, Newton established the tech firm Clio

solo show that she called Around

in 2008. The company was the first to market with a cloud-based practice-man-

glass of wine.”

Corners, smaller cityscapes that

agement system for law firms to manage billing and deadlines, garnering enough

Vacation

she describes as “things you might

interest to sew up $27 million in venture capital funding.

destination:

see but not notice because you’re

“With Clio, we’ve always taken the long view,” Newton explains. “If you build with

so focused on what’s around the

the long view in mind, you’re setting yourself up for way more success than trying

Maui. The sun, the

corner rather than the exact corner

to build a company to be flipped.”

air, the people. It’s

Clio’s reach alone demonstrates Newton’s point: it’s used in more than 90 coun-

In her newer work, she says there’s an increased focus on

“It’s got to be

such a great spot.”

tries, employs more than 200 highly skilled workers and has offices in Toronto,

Book:

Burnaby, and Dublin.

Cryptonomicon by

colour, as well as “those everyday

Newton’s ace in the hole is employee retention. Perks include an on-site yoga

moments that we often overlook

space, light-filled common areas with on-tap beverage selections, an acoustically

Neal Stephenson.

because we’re so (involved) in our

sealed ping-pong room and foosball tables in the hip Burnaby office (designed

“It’s a great combi-

day-to-day lives.”

by the same team that worked on Hootsuite’s headquarters), along with other

nation of a great

employee advantages like topped-up maternity programs.

war story and a

For further information about Joanne Hastie’s work visit joanne hastie.com.

“You get a real critical mass effect once other people across the country start

great technology story.”

hearing about this density of talent,” he said. “They’ll seek that out.”

— Kate Zimmerman

American author

— John Kurucz

FEBRUARY 2017

LIVINGMAG.CA

you’re in.”

JENNIFER GAUTHIER

steak and a nice

19

SUPERLATIVES

EATING ON THE FLY

I

AMBIENCE AS FAR AS THE EYE CAN SEE t may be a bit of a cliché that North and West Vancouverites have a zest for outdoor adventure, almost as much as we’re known to be passionate foodies.

Well, they say that clichés exist for a reason; that being because they’re true.

If that’s the case, then the inaugural edition of Dinner in

the Sky is pretty much guaranteed to be a hit. After a series of successes in more than 40 countries, Dinner in the Sky will be happening in Vancouver from July 1 to 31, and that’s when we’ll have the opportunity to be seated at a 22-seat table

DINNER IN THE SKY TAKES PLACE IN VANCOUVER FROM JULY 1 TO 31.

hoisted 150 feet above the city by a 200-foot crane for a series of exhilarating brunches, lunches and dinners with breathtaking views primed for envy-inducing selfies.

Of course, you have many questions. Whether you’re wondering about the safety of it all (they’ve never had an issue), if they’ll accommodate your allergies (yes, of course), what happens if you have to pee (they recommend you go

20

run for a quick break), all of your questions are answered at SkyDine.ca, and that’s also where you can nab tickets, which are sure to go fast.

—Kurtis Kolt

FEBRUARY 2017

SKYDINE VANCOUVER

LIVINGMAG.CA

beforehand, but will lower the table in emergencies so you can

L U X U R Y I N I TS P U R E S T F O R M THE DESIRABLE DUNDARAVE ADDRESS CAPTURES ONE OF THE MOST BREATHTAKING VIEWS ON THE WEST COAST. BELLEVUE IS AN INCOMPARABLE COLLECTION OF HOMES DEFINED BY SOPHISTICATED INTERIORS HIGHLY PERSONALIZED TO YOUR SPECIFIC AESTHETIC TASTES, INCLUDING LAYOUT, KITCHEN, STONE, AND WOOD PREFERENCES. EXPANSIVE OUTDOOR TERRACES EXTEND YOUR LIVING ROOM INTO THE FRESH SEA AIR, WHILE INVITING THE CINEMATIC PANORAMA INSIDE. WITH ONLY TWO OR THREE HOMES PER LEVEL, RANGING FROM 1,960 TO 3,900 SQUARE FEET, HOMES IN THE RESIDENTS-ONLY BUILDING MAINTAIN THE SENSE OF PRIVACY ATTRIBUTED TO SINGLE FAMILY LIVING. THE DEGREE OF LUXURY TRANSCENDS ALL EXPECTATIONS. BELLEVUE IS, QUITE SIMPLY, EXQUISITE.

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SUPERLATIVES

2

ON THE

1

TOWN

WITH FRED LEE @FredAboutTown

SHINY, HAPPY PEOPLE! Gala-goers open their hearts and wallets, bringing

4

smiles to event organizers and those in need.

5

3

6

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Arts Umbrella’s Splash Gala Arts Umbrella’s Splash Gala was rescheduled after severe wind warnings forced the postponement of its top party under a big tent on Granville Island. Undeterred, Splash 2.0 went off three weeks later inside the Hotel Vancouver. 1 Arts Umbrella president Paul Larocque and founder Carol Henriquez were pleased their gala netted $500,000 for B.C.’s performing arts school for youth. 2 Arts Umbrella’s chief fundraiser Heather Corsi, board chairman Michael Lee, and emcee Gloria Macarenko welcomed gala-goers who rearranged their schedules.

VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation’s Night of a Thousand Stars VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation’s 21st annual hospital hootenanny officially launched the firm’s Future of Surgery Campaign. Dedicated doctors and nurses pledged $1 million, equalled by philanthropist Peter Bentley. 3 Noordin and Nancey Nanji helped steer the foundation’s largest hospital fundraiser, which generated a healthy $3.05 million. 4 Surrey RCMP Sgt. Paul Hayes kept close watch on Suzette Hernandez, who modelled $75,000 worth of diamond jewelry, raffled off at the starry night.

Vancouver Chinatown Foundation Gala Wanting to make Chinatown great again, Harvard and UBC Grad Carol Lee, daughter of real estate magnate Robert Lee, received a huge financial endorsement for her efforts to preserve and revitalize the neighbourhood. 5 Carol Lee received congratulations from party co-chair Carole Taylor after her first ever Chinatown gala tallied $1.5 million.

B.C. Children’s Hospital’s Crystal Ball In celebration of its 30th anniversary, the Four Seasons Park Ballroom was transformed into a fantastical wonderland of vignettes reflecting three decades of fundraising in support of B.C.’s sick and injured kids. The lavish dinner and auction exceeded all expectations, raising a jaw-dropping $4.4 million. 6 Crystal Ball attendees Ryan Beedie and his wife, Cindy, set the philanthropic bar high early in the night by pledging $1 million for BC Children's Hospital.

Canadian Liver Foundation’s LIVERight Gala The 13th staging of the LIVERight Gala drew a capacity crowd that was as interested in Vancouver’s new Trump Tower ballroom as they were with the charity. The night of philanthropy drummed up $620,000 for liver research, education and support programs.

7 Pediatric liver specialist Dr. Richard Schreiber was honoured at the LIVERight Gala. Schreiber escorted his wife, Cheryl Brownstein, to the fundraiser.

8 Dr. Francis Ho and Emily Lin led the LIVERight fundraising gala that christened the lavish ballroom.

LIVINGMAG.CA 22

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>

FEBRUARY 2017

★

★

JOIN LIVING MAGAZINE! CELEBRITY COLUMNISTS

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FOOD AND WINE

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WATCH FOR OUR APRIL ISSUE WHEN SHAW TV’S FIONA FORBES TAKES THE HELM AS EDITORIN-CHIEF, AND LISE BOULLARD, FORMERLY OF VITA MAGAZINE, JOINS AS MANAGING EDITOR!

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SUPERLATIVES FRED’S SOCIAL DIARY Have an event to share with Fred? yvrflee@hotmail.com FEBRUARY 16

In Conversation with UBC President Santa Ono

9

UBC president Santa Ono, an accomplished researcher and educator, is a firm believer that dialogue is crucial for sharing ideas and bringing about transformation.

Ono will be speaking at the Pinnacle Hotel as part of a series of community talks to share his early priorities and interests as well as gather input from alumni and friends. alumni.ubc.ca

10

12

FEBRUARY 25

Growing Hearts and Minds Gala

This charitable dinner at the Pinnacle Hotel benefits the work of Kenneth Gordon Maplewood School, an independent school that has been specializing in teaching children with learning disabilities for more than four decades. kgms.ca

11

MARCH 8

13

Jewish Community Centre Sports Dinner

Fox sports analyst and hall-of-famer Howie Long is the keynote speaker at the 24th annual JCC Sports Dinner and legendary auction. More than 800 of the city’s top executives and sports fans will convene at the Hyatt Regency Hotel for the prestigious party. jccgv.com

MARCH 11

Audain One-derful Gala

LIVINGMAG.CA

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Ronald McDonald House Gala In 2014, the Ronald McDonald House foundation opened two new houses: a 73-bedroom facility on the grounds of B.C. Children’s Hospital and a four-bedroom house within Surrey Memorial Hospital. To ensure the doors remain open at both houses, the firm staged its signature Night to Dream Gala. 9 Gala committee members Kristi Gordon and Lara Howsam, along with Global TV’s Lynn Collier, helped make sweet dreams come true for seriously ill children who stay at Ronald McDonald House. 10 Mark and Karen Wolverton and CRS Group of Companies’ Suki Sekhon were among those who helped realize more than $400,000 for Ronald McDonald House.

BC Adaptive Snowsports Black Diamond Gala Founded in 1973, the registered charity aims to enhance the quality of life for children, youth and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities by providing opportunities to experience the joy, freedom, and health and wellness benefits of adaptive snow sports.

Yours truly took the gavel and played the role of auctioneer at the gala-do helmed by Dr. Gurdeep Parhar. 11 Black Diamond Gala committee members, Alex Orr, Jennifer Evans, Marina Andrew and Tim Orr, partied down following a successful night of fundraising. 12 BC Adaptive Snowsports CEO Wayne Leslie and party chairman Dr. Gurdeep Parhar fronted a record night that saw $120,000 raised.

National Philanthropy Day The Association of Fundraising Professionals marked National Philanthropy Day on Nov. 15 with its annual Giving Hearts Awards luncheon recognizing outstanding individuals and organizations that exemplify the true spirit of philanthropy. 13 The Stephens family, Arran, Ratana and Jyoti of Nature’s Path organic foods, were fêted for their philanthropic spirit at the awards ceremony.

CBC Food Bank Day From humble beginnings, CBC’s 30th annual Food Bank Day raised a record-shattering $780,000 for 99 food banks across B.C. – the single-largest campaign to feed the province’s hungry. 14 CBC’s Anne Penman, Shiral Tobin and Amy Bell were all smiles after the incredible display of generosity from British Columbians. Penman initiated the food drive in 1986 and has co-ordinated the annual tradition ever since. 15 CBC’s Stephen Quinn and Margaret Gallagher were among network personalities who participated. More than 100,000 people reportedly receive assistance from 99 food banks across the province.

FEBRUARY 2017

The Audain Art Museum – Whistler’s newest cultural jewel – will mark a very successful first year with a sparkling soiree to take place at the Westin Whistler Resort & Spa. audainartmuseum.com

MARCH 30

Night of Wonders

Cited Best Small Gala of 2016, the B.C. and Yukon chapter of Canada’s Children’s Wish Foundation aims to raise the fundraising bar once again. The glamorous affair will return to Autoform for its fourth year in support of kids living with life-threatening illnesses. nightofwonders.ca

CATCH THE STORMS BEFORE THEY’RE GONE ... AND GET BLOWN AWAY!

SOME OF THE BIGGEST STORMS hit the West Coast between February and April.

Perched on a black rock cliff, The Blackrock Oceanfront Resort offers you an amazing viewpoint that will blow you away!

1-877-762-5011 • blackrockresort.com

living | STyle

COACH 1941 WINDBREAKER in wild lily, $570, Coach (coach.com).

The fastest growing trend this spring: graphic florals for guys.

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN SKULL AND BADGES HANDLE UMBRELLA, $715, Holt Renfrew (holtrenfrew.com).

You’ll welcome every April shower with this playfully macabre twist on the classic black brolly.

TAKE IT OUTSIDE! NATURE MEETS NURTURE FOR THE

STYLISH GUY THIS SPRING

BY STEVEN SCHELLING

DITA MACH-FIVE SUNGLASSES, $1,769, Bruce Eyewear (bruceeyewear.com).

These limited-edition, rose gold, square-lens aviators will keep you in the driver’s seat with a titanium-mesh nose bridge reminiscent of supercar grilles.

COMME DES GARCONS PLAY X CONVERSE CHUCK TAYLOR LOW-TOP SNEAKER, $165, Nordstrom (nordstrom.com).

Nothing says “spring has sprung” like a simple white canvas sneaker.

JOHN VARVATOS VELVET BLAZER, $1,498, Harry Rosen (harryrosen.com).

The modern detailing makes this velvet jacket surprisingly edgy, while the moss green colour is the perfect foundation for explosions of colour.

ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA FIVE POCKET PANT, $425, Harry Rosen (harryrosen.com).

A simple, stone-grey pant balances a colourful or floral-accented shirt or jacket perfectly.

OMERS PACK TRIBE, $448, Roots (roots.com).

Equally at home on the hiking trail or the high street, the patina of Roots Tribe leather appears with use, so no two bags will look the same.

TOM FORD AARON AVIATOR SUNGLASSES, $420, Holt Renfrew (holtrenfrew.com).

You’ll never want to take these rose-coloured glasses off.

BURBERRY LONDON SANDRINGHAM TRENCH COAT, $1,995, Nordstrom (nordstrom.com). Don’t worry about the weather with this longer incarnation of the classic trench.

PALOMA PICASSO OLIVE LEAF PENDANT, 18k gold, $4,450, Tiffany (tiffany.com).

Perfect for layering or on its own, this pendant will “leaf” you feeling refreshed.

LA VIE EN ROSE

PETALS TO THE METALS WITH SPRING’S HOTTEST COLOUR

BY STEVEN SCHELLING

ELSA PERETTI MESH EARRINGS in 18k gold with diamonds, $3,250, Tiffany (tiffany.com).

Go back to the future with these ’80s-inspired mesh earrings.

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BALENCIAGA LEATHER POUCH, $765, Holt Renfrew (holtrenfrew.com).

The perfect laptop tote incorporates both coral pink and spring’s other top trend: stripes.

COACH 1941 COLORBLOCK SNAKE ROGUE 25 BAG, $1,030, Coach (coach.com).

Stay in the pink with this two-tone purse.

GUCCI PRINCETOWN MULE LOAFER, $830, Nordstrom (nordstrom.com).

With these floral mules you can tiptoe through the tulips (and forget-me-nots, and sunflowers) no matter where you are.

FEBRUARY 2017

27

living | Home

SUBTLE AWESOMENESS NORTH SHORE BUILDER’S KITCHEN IN HIS STUNNING NEW HOME GETS A NOD FROM THE GEORGIES

N

WORDS | CHRISTINA NEWBERRY PHOTOS | BRAD HILL

orth Vancouver’s Erik Jensen came to home-building on a roundabout path. After switching from a forestry program at Capilano University to a computer science degree at the University of British Columbia, he began his career managing a local IT firm. Then, in 2006, an “a-ha moment” during a volunteer experience at a North Shore children’s camp made it clear he was never destined to work in an office.

>

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN | ROBERT BLANEY DESIGN INC. INTERIOR DESIGN | ERIK JENSEN, LIANNE JENSEN AND LIZ JEST HOME BUILDER | SPRUCEHILL CONTRACTING LOCATION | CLEMENTS AVENUE, NORTH VANCOUVER SIZE | 5,425 SQUARE FEET PROJECT STATUS | COMPLETED OCTOBER 2015

THE AIRY, BRIGHT KITCHEN, UP FOR A 2017 GEORGIE AWARD FOR BEST SINGLE FAMILY KITCHEN OVER $100,000, FEATURES HIGH-END APPLIANCES, A VAST GRANITE-TOPPED ISLAND AND STUNNING WHITE KITCHEN STOOLS FROM MUSE & MERCHANT IN COQUITLAM.

living living || Home Home

[ “I

IT’S MORE ABOUT MAKING SELECTIONS THAT ARE COHESIVE AND WORK WITH EACH OTHER.

]

was lacing up my work boots and putting on my tool belt, and I just realized – this is what I like doing,” Jensen says. “I like creating. From

there, it was no-holds-barred construction.”

After honing his skills as a carpenter, Jensen launched Sprucehill Contracting in 2009. Since then, he has built and renovated custom homes for clients throughout the North Shore, but perhaps none more exacting than his own family.

Designing his new five-bedroom North Vancouver home, where Jensen lives with his wife, Lianne, and their two kids, aged nine and six, was a meticulous process, Jensen says, but it was worth it for the final result – a welcoming, family-friendly West Coast chateau-style home with dashes of “subtle awesomeness.”

“I try not to take myself too seriously,” Jensen says. “It’s not about being flashy. It’s more about making selections that are cohesive and work with each other. I want people to walk in and say, ‘I can’t put my finger on why it’s

>

LIVINGMAG.CA

great, but wow, this place feels and looks amazing!’”

A COMFORTABLE WEST COAST FEEL FLOWS THROUGHOUT THIS NORTH SHORE HOME, WHICH WAS A DREAM PROJECT FOR ERIK JENSEN OF SPRUCEHILL CONTRACTING.

FEBRUARY 2017

31

living | Home

W

ith dramatic envelope roofs backed by mature trees and views of Grouse Mountain, the house has incredible feel right from the curb. Inside, the home is dressed in

earth tones and natural stone, from the floor-to-ceiling masonry in the two-storey grand entrance to the natural brown fantasy granite countertops and rift oak island in the kitchen, which is up for a 2017 Georgie Award for Best Single Family Kitchen over $100,000.

Designed for those who love to cook but hate to clean up, the kitchen features Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, two ovens, two pantries and even two dishwashers.

[

“IT LITERALLY TAKES THE OUTDOORS INDOORS AND THE INDOORS OUTDOORS.”

“They say the kitchen is the heart of the home,” Jensen says. Here, that’s true, with

LIVINGMAG.CA

the kitchen island centrally placed for clear sightlines to the dining room, family room

32

and, through a 16-foot eclipse door, the cedar-covered stone patio, fire pit and coloured concrete water feature.

“It literally takes the outdoors indoors and the indoors outdoors,” Jensen says.

“During the summer, the door is open pretty much all the time and the kids and dogs can go as they please.”

FEBRUARY 2017

>

FROM THE CURB TO THE INTERIORS, THIS NORTH VANCOUVER HOME HAS A BREATHTAKING-YETTIMELESS STYLE.

]

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S C A N 1400 D604.524.3444 EUnited S IBlvdG N20429 S 604.530.8248 . Langley C OBy-Pass M COQUITLAM 1400 United Blvd 604.524.3444

LANGLEY 20429 Langley By-Pass 604.530.8248

RICHMOND 12551 Bridgeport Rd 604.273.2971

RICHMOND 12551 Bridgeport Rd 604.273.2971

KELOWNA 1850 Springfield Rd 250.860.7603

KELOWNA 1850 Springfield Rd 250.860.7603

VICTORIA 661 McCallum Rd Millstream Village 250.475.2233

VICTORIA 661 McCallum Rd Millstream Village 250.475.2233

NANAIMO 1711 Bowen Rd 250.753.6361

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living | Home

MAIN FLOOR

UPPER FLOOR

THIS HOME’S SPACIOUS KITCHEN INCLUDES A 16-FOOT ECLIPSE DOOR, ALLOWING THE FAMILY TO MOVE SEAMLESSLY OUTSIDE TO THE CEDAR-COVERED STONE PATIO AND FIRE PIT.

B

eyond the patio, Jensen used 466 feet of retaining wall to create a level yard, maximizing the southern exposure and property space. Aiming for a beautiful yard that can withstand

the annual summer watering restrictions, his landscape designers created a zero-water garden that incorporates native grasses and trees, lavender and artificial turf.

The low-water garden is an aesthetic choice, but an environmentally sensitive one, too – a focus echoed in the foundation-cooled, net-zero-energy wine cellar, the hot water recirculation system, and use of Control4-powered smart lighting, power and Nest thermostats.

“The audio, TV and lights can all be controlled on my phone anywhere in the world,” Jensen says. “It’s a great system for convenience, but also energy efficiency. And it’s great to be able to turn off the TV on the kids when it’s time for them to go to bed.”

All of the technology is nice, but Jensen’s favourite thing about the home is the 160-square-

LIVINGMAG.CA

foot master bathroom with its crystal chandelier over the freestanding tub, its built-in speakers,

34

and – most of all – its curbless walk-in double rainshower with marble accent tile.

“It’s massive but super-comfy,” he says, “and it makes our bedroom our own little oasis.

For me, it’s a masterpiece.”

FEBRUARY 2017

LOWER FLOOR

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COQUITLAM 1400 United Blvd 604.524.3443

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VICTORIA 661 McCallum Rd 250.475.3433

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

LANGLEY 20429 Langley By-Pass 604.530.9458

living | Home

1

TILE TALK WORDS | GREER NELSON AND JAMIE HAMILTON, PRINCIPAL INTERIOR DESIGNERS AT OLIVER SIMON DESIGN

2 TILE THAT WILL STAND THE TEST OF TIME

L

E T ’ S

FACE

I T,

TILE

IS

NOT

something you want to change very often. As a result, when we choose tile we often tend to lean towards simple and neutral, so that it’s easy to live with for the long term. We like to make sure

it’s going to go with a variety of looks so our clients can

LIVINGMAG.CA

switch out accents and give the room an upgrade every few

36

years without having to rip out tile, which is costly, messy and time consuming.

FEBRUARY 2017

3 When it comes to patterns, we opt for interesting neutrals that add a hit of contrast, but will still go with anything. The black-and-white X

pattern shown here is perfect. Same idea applies in the bathroom (2), where we kept everything simple except the floor tile, which added pattern and interest while still being relatively neutral in black and white.

2

A simple white tile will stand the test of time. We will always love the classics: a

3

Black tile is also timeless, and a blessing in busy places like a mud room or laundry area where the floor tends to get dirty. A

darker floor is forgiving of busy family households and messes.

4

We are seeing more patterned tiles as we come into 2017. It’s a trend we are loving, but we still think it’s best to keep to

a neutral pattern like on these gorgeous encaustic

white subway, square or hexagon will never

tiles. Another tip: use a slightly darker colour for the

go out of style. You can also add interest by mixing

grout because a white grout tends to be harder to

different shaped tiles.

keep clean.

NORTH VANCOUVER INTERIOR DESIGNER JAMIE HAMILTON AND HER BUSINESS PARTNER AND FELLOW DESIGNER GREER NELSON

TRACEY AYTON

1

4

living | home

DESIGN GURU JUSTINA BLAKENEY IS THE BRAINS BEHIND THE JUNGALOW, A WILDLY SUCCESSFUL BOHO-CENTRIC DECOR BLOG WITH ITS FINGER ON THE PULSE OF SOCIAL MEDIA ENGAGEMENT.

Q

Your brand, The Jungalow, has such a strong influence within the design world, both online and

with your published works. How have you driven your business from start-up to its current success?

A

I believe that a combo of my work ethic and my personal style – which is very non status quo – is

largely responsible for the success of my business. I am ambitious, and I worked very hard and strategically to grow

THE NEW BOHEMIAN

my social media audience in hopes of being able to spend

DESIGN BLOGGER SHARES HER FREE-SPIRIT STYLE

I’m finally getting there. Having a style that was different

T

in the crowd. I also have been lucky to be surrounded by my parents to my amazing husband, my sister (who is also

design brand The Jungalow was in Vancouver late last year for the

a designer) and my creative community in Los Angeles.

Poppytalk/IDS Vancouver collaborated Social Sessions. Justina Blakeney took a few minutes of pre-show prep to chat about her brand growth, online presence (her blog has more than 200,000 monthly readers) and famous

Author of the New York Times bestseller The New Bohemians, the L.A.-based designer

and blogger credits her multi-ethnic family, degree from UCLA in world arts and LIVINGMAG.CA

amazing people who inspire me and support me – from

he creative force behind the world-renowned

signature style.

38

from many designers/bloggers helped me to stand out

Q A

Design is fluid and ever changing. How have you maintained your signature style as looks and

trends have changed over time?

To me, my style is just who I am. It’s not something that changes with trends, although, yes, it does

change and develop as I do. At the heart of my style is the

cultures, and extensive travel for the boho esthetic that has drawn thousands to her wildly

combination of colour, pattern and plants, and I strongly

popular interior design blog. Blakeney also boasts 1.5 million social media followers, and

believe that those things are elements that I’ll never grow

her blog was named one of the best design blogs on the web by Domino magazine. This

tired of, even if the types of colours, patterns and plants

site offers daily design inspirations and simple boho-inspired tips and ideas.

change over the years as I do.

FEBRUARY 2017

SUPPLIED

WORDS | JENNIFER SCOTT

my days designing and creating inspiring images – and

living | home

LIGHTING WE LOVE

U

nlike other metals, copper is extremely versatile, making it easy to incorporate into any interior. From ultra-masculine when paired with charcoal or navy to feminine and elegant when paired with blush or marble, copper works in any space,

THE CROSS DECOR & DESIGN Carmen chandelier ($3,295)

from a child’s nursery to a contemporary living room.

— Erin Semancik

CURREY & COMPANY’S ADMIRAL PENDANT from Robinson Lighting & Bath Centre ($1,425)

TOM DIXON COPPER ROUND PENDANT from Inform Interiors ($584)

KELP CHANDELIER from LightForm ($7,400)

MATHENY PENDANT from LightForm ($2,400)

HANNA PENDANT from LightForm ($523)

DAWN from Matthew McCormick Studio (from $11,500)

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DODECA from Matthew McCormick Studio (from $4,500)

MENU’S GM15 from Vancouver Special ($518)

FEBRUARY 2017

41

INSPIRATION IN THE HEART OF DUNDARAVE WE ARE A SMALL BOUTIQUE HAIR SALON LOCATED IN THE HEART OF DUNDARAVE VILLAGE. WE SPECIALIZE IN THE LATEST COLOR AND STYLE TECHNIQUES. IF YOU ARE SEARCHING FOR SOME INSPIRATION OR NEED A REVAMPING WE SPECIALIZE IN LOREAL COLOR AND CARRY AN ARRAY OF STYLING PRODUCTS INCLUDING DAVINES AND MILKSHAKE LINES TO KEEP YOUR LOOK FRESH AND UP TO DATE. PLEASE BOOK IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR NEXT MAKE OVER.

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2425 DUNDARAVE LN. WEST VANCOUVER 778 280 8005

42

FEBRUARY 2017

living | home

WHILE THE BOATHOUSE HAS AN ARTS AND CRAFTS FEEL, THE RESIDENTIAL UNITS ARE DESIGNED IN A WEST COAST MODERN STYLE BY A MASTER OF MODERN ARCHITECTURE, PAUL MERRICK. THE INTERIORS INCLUDE TEAK AND LIMESTONE ELEMENTS, AS WELL AS METAL BACKSPLASHES AND UNITS HAVE LARGE DECKS AND LARGE WINDOWS, SHOWCASING THE VIEWS OF THE HARBOUR.

LIFE ON THE EDGE THE RISE OF A WHOLE NEW WATERFRONT COMMUNITY

P

icturesque

Horseshoe

Bay

the boathouse that is being built as part of the project,

has long been a stopover for travellers. But

as well as priority access to the marina. The boathouse

soon, it’ll be home to a whole new waterfront

includes Arts and Crafts details, such as a wooden post-

community. The Sewell family, which owns

and-beam exterior. Inside, the vast space is framed with

Sewell’s Marina, decided to redevelop a park-

wooden arches, and includes a multipurpose event area

ing lot area south of the BC Ferries terminal, and Westbank Projects Corp. was happy to take on the project.

“We were quite excited about it,” says Michael Braun, sales and marketing director for Westbank.

“It’s really pretty because it’s like it’s floating over the water,” Braun says.

Residents will also have access to a Chris-Craft

It’s the last piece of waterfront property available for

Corsair 25, which is moored to a floating dock inside the

development in the area, according to Braun, who added

boathouse. They can book the boat, and everything is

there have only been three residential development proj-

included as part of the unit purchase price, from gas to the

ects in West Vancouver in the past few years.

services of a captain.

Horseshoe Bay West Vancouver at Sewell’s Landing

There are other amenities aside from the boathouse,

consists of six buildings, two of which contain townhomes.

including a gym and a library. The lobby is also designed in

There are 158 residential units with one-bedrooms at 800

the West Coast modern style with inspiration from iconic

square feet and two bedrooms from 1,200 to 4,000 square

architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright and Arthur Erickson,

feet. The move-in date is slated for the end of 2019.

and with elements of the Arts and Crafts movement, includ-

The waterfront plays a big part in the design of the SUPPIED

with panoramic views.

development, from large windows in the units to the boathouse, a unique amenity. Residents will have use of

ing the detailed woodwork.

For more information, go to horseshoebaywest vancouver.com.

FEBRUARY 2017

LIVINGMAG.CA

WORDS | JANAYA FULLER EVANS

43

living | Travel

RECHARGE IN THE DESERT

THROW ON RESORT ROBES AND DETACH FROM STRESS

WORDS | JANE SEYD PHOTOS | TWO BUNCH PALMS RESORT & SPA

W

E LIE IN THE DIM LIGHT of the yoga dome, eyes closed, the tones from a series of chakra-tuned crystal balls resonating through us.

From light tinkling chimes

to large deep booms, the sounds whirl through the space, then exit, leaving quiet in their wake.

The Harmonic Vibrations Sound Bath is just one of the paths to contemplation offered at Two Bunch Palms Resort in Desert Hot Springs, Calif., where guests are encouraged to tune out the noise of everyday life and “be your better self.”

The search for a suitable spot to mark a friend’s milestone birthday – a quick getaway where sun and bright skies would offer a welcome break from the Vancouver winter – had led to the hot springs resort in the Coachella Valley, about a 15-minute drive from Palm Springs.

Billed as a serene destination in the heart of the desert, Two Bunch Palms is the oldest mineral hot spring resort in the U.S. and has been luring guests to their happy place since 1940.

A renovation to celebrate the property’s 75th anniversary in 2015 spruced up the resort and

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living | Travel

TWO BUNCH PALMS IS A HOT SPRINGS RESORT IN THE COACHELLA VALLEY, ABOUT A 15-MINUTE DRIVE FROM PALM SPRINGS. BILLED AS A SERENE DESTINATION IN THE HEART OF THE DESERT, THE RESORT OFFERS AN ARRAY OF RELAXING AND RECHARGING ACTIVITIES FOR GUESTS.

re-established wellness and sustainability – powered by a 3.5-acre solar farm at its centre.

In keeping with the chill vibe at Two Bunch Palms, guests are encouraged to shed their

With all of this on offer at the 77-acre propIF YOU GO:

Reservations: twobunchpalms.com Joshua Tree National Park: nps.gov/jotr

LIVINGMAG.CA

outside clothes in favour of resort robes and to

46

erty, you may not feel the need to leave the resort.

The on-site Essence restaurant offers farmto-table cuisine with offerings ranging from grilled prawns to whole roasted cauliflower. Vegetarian,

partake in an electronic detox. That means you

morning tai chi to yoga. After standing on one

vegan and gluten-free options are plentiful while

won’t find folks yakking into their cellphones or

leg in tree position focusing on my breathing, it

green tonic smoothies share space on the menu

popping up from behind the lounger to take self-

was time to head to the spa.

with an extensive wine and cocktail list.

ies. Discretion is one of the reasons the resort has

A short time later, I found myself crouch-

If you do decide to head out, Joshua Tree

long enjoyed a reputation as a getaway for celeb-

ing over a bath filled with thick, brown mud in a

National Park – a 40-minute drive from the

rities. (It’s also been featured in movies such as

private cabana, gingerly lowering myself into the

resort – is a place of otherworldly beauty that

The Player and TV series like The Bachelor.)

oozing liquid. Tepid at first, the mixture of peat

lends itself to meditation.

If honouring the light within us also included

moss, hot spring water and clay got warmer the

Here, Joshua trees are a striking feature,

lounging by the pool and an arnica oil body wrap,

lower I sank. I wriggled my toes to churn the

dotted among granite boulders formed by

so much the better. At the heart of the resort,

mixture around my feet. With my neck propped

geological forces still active here.

one of the best places to do nothing is the grotto

on towels, I settled down to watch a butterfly flit

A drive through the park will bring you to

hot springs pool, where artesian waters rich in

around a row of tamarisk trees through the open

Keys View lookout to catch the desert light as

minerals including lithium, calcium and magne-

door of the hut.

the sun dips below the mountains and the sky

sium are maintained at between 37 and 40 C.

While the mud baths at Two Bunch Palms

The palm-lined pool is open 22 hours a day, so

are legendary, those who prefer less-mucky

a midnight dip under the stars is both available

treatment options will find them, including

and recommended.

hot stone, Thai massage, reflexology, water

The stillness of the desert reminds us of

shiatsu and facials featuring organic skin care

the quiet spaces that exist both within and

products.

without.

For those who prefer company on their inner journey, free classes include everything from FEBRUARY 2017

blazes pink and azure above the valley.

The stars come out then and wheel across the sky, far from city lights.

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living | Cuisine

HOT OFF THE COLD PRESS NORTH SHORE RIPE WITH LOCAL JUICE BARS

REBECCA BLISSETT & THEJUICERYCO.CA

WORDS | CHRIS DAGENAIS

T

HE TERM “JUICE” ONCE meant something very different than what it means today. It came in a can stored in the freezer aisle of the supermarket. You opened the can to reveal a deep-frozen, syrupy

slurry of hyper-concentrated, faintly fruit-like stuff with enough sugar to give a whale the jitters.

The can was then used to measure out the water needed to turn the sludge into something grudgingly palatable. You mixed the dubious potion with a whisk until the liquid had the same FD&C fluorescent hue throughout and, voila! Juice was served.

We’ve subsequently learned a few things about nutrition, sugar intake and additive-free eating.

On the North Shore, the term juice now conjures a revered, if not sacred, idea, one that has permeated contemporary health and wellness culture and has spawned legions of loyal devotees.

THE JUICERY CO., with its two North

Since 2010, Lower Lonsdale’s BUDDHA-

THE LOCAL LIFT JUICE BAR,

Shore locations (one in Edgemont Village

FULL has been the go-to retail shop and

born of its founders’ passion for sports and

and the other on East First Street near St.

restaurant for health-minded and environ-

an active lifestyle, is appropriately situated

Georges Avenue), has led the charge in the

mentally conscious patrons seeking organic,

at the base of Mount Seymour in Parkgate

juice-as-nutritional-cleanse philosophy, creat-

vegan, gluten-free and raw foods. Buddha’s

Village. Local Lift takes the custom nutrition

ing cold-pressed, raw juices and nut mylks

menu is extensive, with deep forays into

game to the next level by offering a free,

(called “nut mylks” to differentiate them from

soups, sandwiches and smoothies, but

15-minute consultation with a naturopathic

dairy) with a commitment to farm-to-table

raw juices are a mainstay of the business,

doctor to help you determine your most

principles. The recipes for The Juicery’s green

incorporating some of nature’s most distinct

“pressing” fitness and dietary goals. Juices

juices, for example, change monthly, based

flavour enhancers like ginger, rose water,

are fresh pressed in house and blends are

on the organic produce that grows seasonally

turmeric, aloe and black pepper to enliven

developed specifically with end results in

at the owners’ family farm in Pemberton.

base fruits and vegetables such as beet, kale,

mind: detoxification, energy enhancement,

Juices are available in single-serve portions

strawberry, pineapple, carrot and grapefruit.

immunity boosting and rehydration. I would

and multi-day nutritional cleanses. For those

Ages-old holistic health and vitality boosters

categorize Local Lift as a good entry-level

of you who, like me, are not keen on dairy milk,

prevail here as well. Not for the faint of heart,

juice experience for those looking to dip their

The Juicery’s housemade nut mylks are, in my

but a worthy experience nevertheless, is

toes into this environment versus plunge in

estimation, among the tastiest on the market;

the potent Flu Shot, a short pour of warm,

head-first; juice ingredients are familiar and

the Honey Vanilla Mylk, made with sprouted

fermented cider tonic that takes your breath

approachable (both in terms of flavour and

almonds, clover honey, vanilla bean and sea

away and heats you up as it goes down.

price) and don’t stray too far into exotic or

salt is extraordinary. thejuiceryco.ca

buddha-full.ca

esoteric territory. thelocallift.com

FEBRUARY 2017

LIVINGMAG.CA

THE JUICE CRAZE IS BIG IN MANY BIG, HIP NORTH AMERICAN CITIES. WITH SO MANY OUTDOORSY, HEALTH-CONSCIOUS TYPES HERE AT HOME, IT’S NO SURPRISE THERE ARE A HEARTY HANDFUL OF LOCAL SPOTS TO ENJOY A FRESH-SQUEEZED GLASS OF GREENS.

49

living | Leisure

NORTH SHORE NOMADS OFF-THE-GRID ADVENTURE VANS WITH ALL THE COMFORTS OF HOME

RECENTLY LAUNCHED NOMAD VANZ IS A NORTH VANCOUVER-BASED COMPANY THAT CUSTOMIZES VANS, LIKE THIS MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER, INTO FULLY CONTAINED, SELFSUFFICIENT HOMES ON WHEELS.

reserved for living space: a fridge, bed and cooking area.

The rest of the van is utilized to store any number of accoutrements central to the chosen adventure: bikes, surfboards, skis, paddleboards and more.

The initial spark behind the Nomad story follows that of a nine-month, nomadic journey the couple took in 2013. They travelled down the west coast to Baja, Mexico, and then back up through most of the major parks in the western U.S. and Canada.

The pair also ventured throughout Australia and Europe, all the while taking notes on other vans and van technologies they had seen. That trip spanned all four seasons, with temperatures ranging from the high 30s to -30 C. “Every time we opened the sliding doors we would get curious onlookers,” Yau says. “Some days I was doing eight tours a day, for people from all walks of life. That kind of feedback is really strong.”

A full conversion can take anywhere from eight weeks

WORDS | JOHN KURUCZ PHOTOS | REUBEN WURTZ

W

to four months and starts at $50,000, depending on the level of detail involved. And though Yau says her clientele

HETHER

IT’S

BALMY

Baja or the frigid environs of

is diverse, they all share a zest for being outdoors and living off the grid.

Glacier National Park, Christina

“It’s an investment to get into a vehicle that you can

Yau’s notion of adventure travel

do all these things with, but once you have it, it makes

includes lush fruit smoothies, crys-

living that life so easy and so comfortable,” Syslak notes.

tal wine glasses and selfies.

For more information see nomadvanz.com.

In other words, she’s willing to rough it in the bush to

an extent, but not without her creature comforts.

Those ideals are central to the company she and husband John Syslak recently launched called Nomad Vanz. Based in a 1,300-square-foot facility on West Third Street in North Vancouver, the shop is a hotbed of fabrication and installation. The business involves modifying vans – typically Mercedes-Benz Sprinter models – into fully contained, self-sufficient homes on wheels that can travel to the most off-the-beaten-path locales.

“It gives us access to a lot of things that we like to do in the outdoors, and that’s the same mindset with a lot of our clients,” Yau explains. “They’re active, they want to be able to travel to that beach, mountain or trailhead while carrying all their gear.”

When it comes to the design of the vans, indepenLIVINGMAG.CA

dence is a priority: there are no hookups like RVs require, no need for propane and no black water tanks. The vans employ solar panelling, lithium-ion batteries and onboard battery banks.

With roughly 85 square feet of interior space to work within, planning is paramount. The front of the van is

FEBRUARY 2017

51

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living | ride

2017 LAMBORGHINI HURÁCAN LP580-2: LIGHTER, LESS EXPENSIVE, AND REARDRIVE ONLY; THE HURACÁN LP580-2 IS THE DRIVER’S CHOICE IN LAMBORGHINI’S LINEUP. SUPERCAR EXHILARATION, BUT ALSO GOES THE DISTANCE WITH EASE.

ITALIAN SPRING

EXPERIENCE LA DOLCE VITA ON FOUR WHEELS

S

WORDS | BRENDAN MCALEER

pring, and thoughts turn from the

2017 LAMBORGHINI HURACÁN LP580-2

ski slope to the boulevard. After a

A bargain Lamborghini? Well, not quite: at above $200,000, the entry-level

long, cold winter in the damp Pacific

Lambo requires deep pockets to back up a heavy right foot.

Northwest, it’s time to thaw out the road

However, this crimson wedge is also the driver’s choice when it

maps and start plotting a few trips beneath the

comes to rampant bulls. Removing Lamborghini’s all-wheel-drive system

early blossoms.

from the nose of the Huracán lightens up the steering and the overall

BRENDAN MCALEER

curb weight. Sending the full power of its screaming 5.2L V10 to the rear wheels also makes for an invigorating drive.

ally warmed by the Mediterranean sun? Like its

Yet for all its Lambo-grade lunacy, the Huracán is also a surprisingly

people, the cars of Italy are hot-blooded and viva-

good grand tourer. Lamborghini’s differentiation from Ferrari has long

cious; passion is a priority.

been a focus on machines that were usable on roads more than racing

They’re the perfect way to stir things up as

circuits, and the Huracán combines the visual and aural spirit of the wild

the cherry blossoms bloom and the tributes to

Countach with the usability of an Audi R8. Better than espresso for getting

St. Valentine beckon. Ciao bella, andiamo!

the nerves jangling, but also great for a little gran turismo.

>

FEBRUARY 2017

LIVINGMAG.CA

What better way to defrost than with a little slice of la dolce vita from a land perpetu-

53

living | ride

2017 FIAT 124 SPIDER ABARTH

From exotic to everyday, the Fiat 124 represents some Italian passione that’s within the grasp of just about anyone. That’s because it’s based on another excellent everyday champion: the Mazda MX-5.

Building on the latest MX-5’s excellent dynamics, the Fiat version adds in a little throwback retro-styling, and stuffs turbocharged power under the hood. In the case of the Abarth version, that’s a 1.4L turbocharged four-cylinder making 164 horsepower and a fierce little growl to go with it.

It’s not just the peak power, it’s the torque.

Compared to the MX-5, which needs to be revved right out, the 124 has the low-end grunt to burble around town like a mini Jaguar F-TYPE. It also gives it the grunt you need to climb into the mountain passes, should you be planning your own opening sequence of The Italian Job (minus the front-end loader, of course).

[

2017 FIAT 124 SPIDER ABARTH, ABOVE: AN ITALIAN-JAPANESE FUSION, THE 124 SPIDER ADDS TURBO TORQUE TO MAZDA’S LIGHTWEIGHT ROADSTER RECIPE. THE WILDER ABARTH VERSION COMES WITH ALL SORTS OF GO-FAST GOODIES, BUT IS ALSO STILL A VERY LIVABLE CAR DAY TO DAY. DROP THE TOP AND HEAD FOR THE HILLS.

THE FIAT 124 GIVES YOU THE GRUNT YOU NEED TO CLIMB MOUNTAIN PASSES, SHOULD YOU BE PLANNING YOUR OWN OPENING SEQUENCE OF THE ITALIAN JOB .

]

ALFA ROMEO GIULIA QUADRIFOGLIO, BELOW: WITH AN ENGINE CO-DEVELOPED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE TEAM AT MARANELLO, THIS REALLY IS THE FOUR-DOORED FERRARI YOU’VE BEEN DREAMING OF. THE BLISTERING QUADRIFOGLIO MODEL MANAGED TO PIP THE GERMANS ON THEIR OWN TURF – THE NÜRBURGRING – WITH A LAP TIME OF 7:32. ALSO PERFORMS JUST SITTING ON YOUR DRIVEWAY.

ALFA ROMEO GIULIA QUADRIFOGLIO

Previous efforts by Alfa Romeo to re-enter the North American market have been either too expensive (the 8C), or too specialized (the 4C).

With the Giulia, we have a proper return to form for the brand: a sporting four-door sedan that’s an Italian riposte to the more mundane choice of a BMW 3 Series.

With the Quadrifoglio model of the Giulia, Alfa is just plain storming our beaches. With a 505-hp twin-turbocharged V6, the car with the four-leaf clover on its flanks is basically a four-doored Ferrari. Its 2.9L six-cylinder was result, it goes and sounds like three-quarters of a Ferrari 488.

The chassis is excellent, too; there are a few practical drawbacks on the roominess and cargo-carrying side, but the Giulia is stiff,

LIVINGMAG.CA

fast and light. Working all together, the Giulia

54

Quadrifoglio was able to earn its sports sedan bona fides on the Nürburgring, setting an M4-beating time of 7:32.

FEBRUARY 2017

TOP: COURTESY FIAT, BOTTOM: BRENDAN MCALEER

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living | looking back

A SEA OF MEMORIES

M

ost North Shore

EVE LAZARUS

IS A WRITER WITH A FASCINATION FOR UNCONVENTIONAL HISTORY. HER MOST RECENT BOOK IS THE B.C. BESTSELLER COLD CASE VANCOUVER: THE CITY'S MOST BAFFLING UNSOLVED MURDERS, AND SHE BLOGS OBSESSIVELY AT EVERY PLACE HAS A STORY (EVELAZARUS.COM).

residents

will

remember

the

Seven

Seas,

restaurant

a that

was moored at the foot of Lonsdale Avenue from 1959 to 2002. The restaurant had a crazy 48-foot neon sign easily visible from East Vancouver, and it was the place where locals had their first drink, got engaged, and ate at the city’s biggest seafood buffet.

Before it was a restaurant, the Seven Seas was Ferry No. 5 – the last Vancouver sold No. 5 to restauranteur Harry Almas, who

was built in 1941 to carry up to 600 people and 30 vehicles

owned the King Neptune Seafood Restaurant in New

across Burrard Inlet. During the war, the ferries ran day and

Westminster. Almas paid $12,000, which included a five-

night, bringing thousands of shipyard workers to Burrard

year lease for the waterfront lot. He then spent 10 times

Dry Dock and North Van Ship Repair.

the purchase price converting the car deck into two dining

“I REMEMBER US GOING THERE IN OUR LATE TEENS AND EARLY 20s AND HAVING THIS INCREDIBLE SEAFOOD BUFFET – THEY EVEN HAD FROG LEGS.”

]

LIVINGMAG.CA

After the war, people preferred to drive, and ridership

56

the upper deck and the ship’s funnel.

When Ferry No. 5 became the Seven Seas Restaurant, Nielsen went there with her friends. “We used to think it was fantastic. I remember us going there in our late teens and early 20s and having this incredible seafood buffet – they even had frog legs,” she says. “I thought that it was a shame when they closed it down.”

went into steady decline. Ferry No. 5 made its final run

The ship’s heritage significance was recognized on the

across the Inlet on Aug. 30, 1958. The ferry had lasted

City of North Vancouver’s Heritage Inventory in 1994. But

11 years longer than the streetcars that once carried the

the vessel was aging, and the cost of repairs became a

passengers up Lonsdale Avenue. Jeanne Nielsen remem-

court battle between the Almas family and the city. It ended

bers taking the ferry from Vancouver with her grandmother

in federal court in 2001. The following year the restaurant

when she was nine years old. “It was really an adventure; I

was dismantled, towed to Vancouver Pile Driving at the

just loved going, it was a big deal,” she says.

foot of Brooksbank Avenue, and was then demolished.

When the ferry service ended, the City of North

FEBRUARY 2017

rooms and a kitchen. Almas kept the two wheelhouses on

The neon sign, it seems, has been lost to history.

COURTESY OF THE NORTH VANCOUVER MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES 15806, CA.1970S

[

of the North Vancouver ferries. No. 5

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