Ottawa At Home | Winter 2019

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Heritage & RESTORATION

ROCKCLIFFE PARK RESTORATION MID-CENTURY MODERN

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WINTER 2019

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FOOD

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55 FOOD THOUGHTS Creamy decadence with Burrata cheese 56 LETS DISH Dairy Distillery in Almonte 60 DINING OUT Checking out new, local gems housed in old buildings 63 PAULA’S BITES From a cocktail to a cake, the Moscow Mule

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DEPARTMENTS 6

EDITOR’S NOTE Reflecting on heritage

HOME

LIVING

49 INNOVATION A new game in town

10 DESIGNER AT HOME Combining collected treasures with up-to-date furnishings

38 STEP INSIDE The vibrant art work of CTV News at Noon host Leanne Cusack

53 BEAUTY SKIN RESTORE Make a skin-restoring mask in your kitchen

16 RENOVATION & PRESERVATION Maintaining character within a home in the Glebe

40 NEIGHBOURHOOD ON THE MOVE The past and present of Sandy Hill

64 END NOTE CAPITAL COLOURS A refreshing look at Living Coral

22 IN STYLE Honouring the roots of an historic home in Rockcliffe Park

43 GIVING BACK Centretown Emergency Food Centre

28 HERITAGE A Mid-Century Modern home on Island Park Drive shows off detailed preservation

44 WINTER FUN Family fun both indoors and out

37 GET THE LOOK The chic side of laundry

47 NEW & NOTABLE Buzzing bees and humming sounds with a heritage vibe 50 FIT AT HOME Engaging the core COVER PHOTO BY MARK HOLLERON

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Reflections

You don’t stumble upon your heritage.

It’s there, just waiting to be explored and shared.” — ROBB IE ROBE RTSON LET’S CONNECT @OttawaAtHome @Ottawaathomemag @ottawaathomemag

The winter issue is our Heritage & Restoration edition; it is a theme that always causes me to ponder a little deeper than usual. As a decorator, I embrace change and progress within my space, and as a magazine editor I relish the opportunity to step into homes to check out renovations, improvements and inspiring design. As a fifty-something woman…well, that’s another story!

Often a renovation means to undo, rework and recreate. But a thoughtful process will look at heritage to restore natural beauty. This issue takes into consideration the history of a home, where it has come from and where it’s going from a design perspective, with houses in the Glebe, Rockcliffe Park and Island Park that have each been restored with detailed precision. Each of our features reflects the idea of preservation right down to the simple notion of preserving winter skin within our beauty feature.

The older I get, the more I think about preserving what I have, from my skin to my home. The beauty of growing older is finally realizing that what we want is often right in front of us—the chase is behind us and the time for reflection and enjoyment has settled in—and it feels good! Don’t get me wrong, I still have a few home improvements in the works, but now I also have the luxury of appreciating what we already have.

My home is my refuge, and I treat it accordingly with spaces that offer me opportunities to restore sanity and preserve the self that can sometimes get lost along the highway of a busy life. Furnishings, collections, artwork and simple rituals like my end of day, or even earlymorning bath, offer me time to reflect on what’s happened and what is to come. My space has been a work in progress, and its most important characteristic is that it is a true reflection of me.

Before you tackle that next renovation project, take some time to consider your home and its roots. There was something about its heritage that attracted you to it, so honour that attraction and reflect on its initial allure. And dig deeper to rediscover yourself—reflect on where you’ve been and ponder where you’re heading to now. Stay home for a while and explore your personal and physical heritage before tackling the next home or self-improvement project.

In reflection,

@maryktaggart

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Mary Taggart DESIGN & LAYOUT

AN Design Communications ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Jane Whiting PHOTOGRAPHER

Mark Holleron FOOD EDITOR

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Korey Kealey STYLE/BEAUTY CONTRIBUTOR

Melissa Shabinsky CONTRIBUTORS

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OTTAWA AT HOME MEDIA INC. Contents © 2019. Reproduction of advertisements or articles appearing in Ottawa At Home, in whole or in part, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher. Ottawa At Home and Ottawa At Home Media Inc. shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of an advertisement. The publisher’s liability for other errors or omissions in connection with any advertisement is strictly limited to publication of the advertisement in any subsequent issue or the refund of any monies paid for the advertisement.

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MODEL HOME TOUR

UPGRADE YOUR LIFE

HOME Designer At Home

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HOME Designer At Home

Old

& NEW

BY MARY TAGGART PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON

I

rene Langlois has a myriad of both personal and professional decorating projects under her belt.

Her latest move, downsizing from a large home in the Glebe to a condo at 300 Queen Elizabeth Drive, shows her talent for combining collected treasures with up-to-date furnishings.

WINTER 2019 ottawaathome.ca  11

HOME Designer At Home

THIS PAGE (ABOVE) A GALLERY WALL IN THE LIVING ROOM COMBINES TREASURED COLLECTIONS WITH ANTIQUE PRINTS AND LOCAL ARTWORKS FACING PAGE (TOP) DESIGNER IRENE LANGLOIS IN HER CHIC MASTER BEDROOM (BOTTOM LEFT) BLACK WALL TILE IN THE MAIN BATHROOM WAS FOUND IN FLORIDA, THE FLOOR TILE IS FROM OLYMPIA TILE (BOTTOM RIGHT) THE DRAMATIC ENTRANCE SETS THE TONE. ARTWORK ABOVE THE CONSOLE WAS A MEMENTO FROM A TRIP TO CUBA

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HOME Designer At Home

After years of accumulating cherished pieces and creating stylish living spaces for her now grown-up family, Irene and her husband decided that downsizing was in order. The couple spends their winters in Florida, so they sought a more maintenance-free condo lifestyle in Ottawa.

Built by Teron in the early 70s, the building is under consideration by the heritage registry. Highly regarded for its canal views and ample room sizes, the unit at 300 Queen Elizabeth Driveway was in its original condition, but Irene could see its potential right away.

“I was immediately impressed with the corner views of Patterson Creek and the canal,” says Irene, who not only liked the location but the untouched interior also offered her the opportunity to create the

ideal living space. “It was essentially in its original condition so I had a blank slate to work with in the re-design,” adds the empty nester with treasured collections and loads of style.

The renovation, spearheaded by contractor Guy Charbonneau, took four months to complete. It included new bathrooms, a kitchen, and replacing the flooring with white oak from Northern Plank Flooring to create a light, balanced backdrop for richly-textured furnishings and vibrant carpets. A geometric entrance tile sets a stylish tone from the start, with a constant flow of balance between elements of opulence. Statement light fixtures combine with a soothing white colour scheme that allows for pops of stronger colours.

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HOME Designer At Home

It was essentially in its original condition so I had a blank slate to work with in the re-design� — IRENE LANGLOIS

The white kitchen by Cedar Ridge Designs takes its look from contemporary design. Yet it transitions from modern, with a wall of black ash wood cabinets finished with brass handles, to a more traditional feeling that flows beautifully into the main living area. An openconcept floor plan balances both contemporary and traditional elements to create an intriguing space filled with objects of interest, as well as gallery walls showcasing the work of many talented Canadian and local artists.

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A Bombe chest, which has moved with the family three times, is an example of the open mind Irene keeps when it comes to finding a new use for old pieces. Once a useful piece in the foyer of their past home, the chest now takes centre stage as part of the kitchen/dining room space.

Some of the few new items that they purchased for the condo include a sofa for the den and the dining table and chairs.

However, most pieces transitioned from their old place into the new space so that the couple feels right at home.

HOME Designer At Home

TOP FIVE TIPS TO COMBINE OLD WITH NEW: 1. Edit what you have and work from there to update with new finds.

2. Re-think old pieces to use them in new ways.

3. Change the colour scheme to breathe new life into furnishings.

4. Integrate old treasures with new to create an eclectic intriguing space.

5. If it makes you smile, keep it, no matter what the current trends dictate.

TOP LEFT A CHINESE DESK IN THE DEN HAS TRAVELLED THREE MOVES WITH THE LANGLOIS BOTTOM LEFT THE BLACK ASH WOOD WALL CABINETS WORK TO BALANCE THE MIX OF CONTEMPORARY AND TRADITIONAL FURNISHINGS BELOW THE BOMBE CHEST IS A TREASURED PIECE THAT SETS THE TONE FOR BLENDING OLD AND NEW

WINTER 2019 ottawaathome.ca  15

HOME Renovation & Preservation

THIS PAGE THE ORIGINAL CHARACTER IS EVIDENT FROM THE FRONT ENTRANCE FACING PAGE (TOP) ANDREW AND ALISON WORKED TO MAINTAIN THE CHARACTER OF THEIR GLEBE HOME (BOTTOM) CRANBERRY PAINT COLOUR IN BOTH THE DINING ROOM AND ENTRANCE COMPLEMENTS THE TRADITIONAL ELEMENTS COMBINED WITH MODERN INFLUENCES 16  ottawaathome.ca WINTER 2019

HOME Renovation & Preservation

&

charming character

CONTEMPORARY COMFORT

BY JANE WHITING PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON

A

fter living in Montreal for many years, a career move back to Ottawa was definitely an adjustment for Andrew and Alison German. The professional couple were accustomed to the bustling city where their 10 year-old son Finlay was born, and the sporty family who are big-time skiers were close to their second home at Mont Tremblant.

Fast forward six years later, the family now live in a vibrant neighbourhood where renovating and preserving a beautiful character home to a high comfort level to suit an active lifestyle has helped to convert the couple into happy Ottawans once again.

When Alison found a charming century-old home in the Glebe, they bought it without Andrew ever stepping inside. Not that he was worried. “Alison can walk into a house and see beyond what it currently looks like,” he says confidently, based on their previous renovating experience of gutting an older home in Montreal and building a new lakeside home together in Mont Tremblant.

“I worked with real estate agent Chris Barker, and we managed to buy this house without it going on the market, says Alison, who adds that he also recommended the interior designer Irene Langlois to her. They not only hired her, but ended up living nearby in the home of the designer’s best friend as it was conveniently available while their house was under renovations for six months.

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HOME Renovation & Preservation

THIS PAGE AN ASIAN CHEST HOLDS GAMES AND ENTERTAINMENT FEATURES IN THE LIVING ROOM FACING PAGE (TOP LEFT) REWORKING THE MAIN FLOOR OFFERED ROOM FOR A SMALL POWDER ROOM IN PART OF THE SPACE WHERE THE OLD KITCHEN USED TO BE (TOP RIGHT) BUTTER YELLOW WALLS CREATE A CHEERFUL FEELING WITHIN THE LIGHT FILLED LIVING ROOM (BOTTOM) THE IKEA LIGHT FIXTURE WAS BOUGHT FOR TEMPORARY USE BUT BLENDED IN SO WELL IT STAYED TO PROVIDE A MODERN TOUCH IN THE KITCHEN

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The string of lucky coincidences continued when Alison and Irene discovered another mutual connection.

They both knew and admired the work of Pierre Sirois who was appointed the general contractor for the project. “We had used him before and had complete confidence that he would do a great job on everything,” says Alison.

“The priority was creating a comfortable home for modern living, while being careful to incorporate new amenities without disrupting the original character and architectural features of the home,” explains Irene. The designer notes that the living area focus was a new kitchen addition that allowed a powder room and much-needed mud room to be installed where the original kitchen was located.

Renovations on the second floor included adding an ensuite and walk-in closet off the master bedroom, as well as updating the main bathroom for Finlay.

SPACE, LIGHT & FLOW The interior vision for Alison was all about creating “space, light and flow,” which is evident in the new kitchen designed to maximise natural light and accommodate casual entertaining. Alison handpicked the 11-foot slab of light-coloured granite for the island, and opted for black-speckled countertops that contrast well with the white shaker-style upper cabinets.

A built-in bench beneath a picture window, flanked by customized high pantry units, is partnered with a kitchen table and chairs to make a very stylish and spacious eat-in area. In fact, Alison admits that it’s so convenient and relaxing to eat in the kitchen that the formal dining room, decorated with rich red walls, does not get much use.

Another custom-built cabinet in the living room was designed to marry the new millwork with the existing

HOME Renovation & Preservation

WINTER 2019 ottawaathome.ca  19

HOME Renovation & Preservation

66 Iber Rd., Stittsville, ON

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info@logsend.com

613-831-9333

logsend.com

HOME Renovation & Preservation FACING PAGE THE HOME IS FILLED WITH INUIT ART IN A VARIETY OF FORMS THIS PAGE (LEFT) STARS IN THE ARTWORK

BY KENOJUAK ASHEVAK ARE CARRIED ON WITHIN THE LIGHT FIXTURES MOVED FROM THE GERMAN’S HOME IN MONTREAL TO OTTAWA (BOTTOM LEFT) THE VIBRANT COLOUR ON THE DINING ROOM WALLS IS AN IDEAL BACKDROP FOR SOME OF THE INUIT ART (BOTTOM RIGHT) A WELL PLANNED MUDROOM WORKED INTO THE RENOVATION WITH EASE

architectural style of trim and detailed crown moldings. All new windows were crafted to replicate the heritage doublehung design with mullions. Boxed-in radiators in the living room and a gas fireplace installed within the original mantel unite both style and function.

In addition to their treasured Inuit art collection, mainly by noted Canadian pioneer artist Kenojuak Ashevak, heated flooring and rewiring for an integrated sound system throughout the house are essential elements that the couple cannot live without.

Warm wood flooring on the main level flows up the original staircase to a large master bedroom with a cozy seating area.

It has been enhanced with a walk-in-

closet and grey marble ensuite, installed in the space of a previous bedroom. The main bathroom was renovated almost exclusively for Finlay, as a third level of bedrooms and a bathroom provides ample guest space.

The beautifully renovated home not only preserved the original character, but also offers contemporary comfort as well as a home office for Andrew. The sought-after neighbourhood was also an important factor. Centrally-located in the Glebe, the location allows Alison to walk to her downtown job in 30 minutes, Finlay can bike to school, family live nearby, and they don’t need a car to get groceries, eat out or shop—plus Mont Tremblant is not too far away for weekend jaunts.

WINTER 2019 ottawaathome.ca 21

HOME In Style

A W A K E N I N G

elegance

BY CHLOE E. GIRVAN @mom_interrupted PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON

M

ark and Azhra McMahon were only toying with a move following a meeting at their daughter’s new school in Rockcliffe Park. Then, they decided to take a drive through the surrounding neighbourhood. Little did they know that just around a few bends and down a slight hill, a stately yet charming historic house was waiting to beckon them in.

Built in 1927, for well-known local ornithologist Hoyes Lloyd and his family, the lush and generous property still proudly wears a sign bearing its name, The Wake Robin.

TULIP AND HONEY STAY WARM BY THE FIRE IN THE FAMILY ROOM 22 ottawaathome.ca WINTER 2019

HOME In Style

Mark and Azhra knew that with his skills as a self-taught builder and craftsman and her love of design and décor, that they could restore and improve The Wake Robin, literally using their very own hands.

The McMahons were instantly drawn to the home as “it just had a nice feel to it.” However, the couple recognized that it would take major restorations and renovations to both preserve the timeless elegance of The Wake Robin and transform it into the ultimate dream home for an environmentally-conscious modern family.

Known professionally for their successful partnership in business, Mark and Azhra knew that with his skills as a self-taught builder and craftsman and her love of design and décor that they could restore and improve The Wake Robin, literally using their very own hands. So, with their two daughters, then ages 3 and 4, they moved in.

Once engineers had attended to structural problems in the basement, radiant heat flooring was installed to complement a new geothermal system and topped with stately oak and Italian marble. The walls were freshened and also treated to an efficiency upgrade with soy-based foam insulation.

Loving the look of The Wake Robin’s windows, the couple studied early photos of the house and commissioned Lepage Millwork to replicate and replace each one to match in solid wood. The new window frames, now darker in colour, serve to enhance the home’s exterior look along with historically accurate red cedar shingles ordered from British Columbia. Tired exterior and interior doors were exchanged for high-quality replicas, handcrafted in solid oak by a family company, Desboro Doors.

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HOME In Style

THIS PAGE (TOP LEFT) AN OVERSIZED CLOCK FROM URBAN BARN KEEPS TIME IN THE FRONT HALL (TOP RIGHT) MARBLE TILE FROM EURO TILE ADDS ELEGANCE TO THE FRONT ENTRANCE (RIGHT) HOMEOWNER, MARK, MADE THE BANQUETTE TABLE FROM THE WOOD OF A FALLEN TREE FACING PAGE MARK DESIGNED THE GOURMET KITCHEN EQUIPPED WITH TWO DISHWASHERS, A POT-FILLER, TWO SINKS AND CLEVER UNDERCOUNTER SEATING

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HOME In Style

After concluding that the home’s current kitchen, situated in the front of the house, could be moved to a large underused living room and sitting area in the back of the house, Mark designed a breathtaking kitchen perfect for entertaining and daily life. He also built the coffered ceilings which are Azhra’s favourite feature.

To brighten the open concept space, Azhra chose light granite countertops, cream-coloured cupboards, crystal knobs and an open-sided chandelier. An impressive DCS Range and high-end Miele appliances flank a large island outfitted with tuckable stools. The luxury space also includes dual dishwashers (one with a crystal and fine china setting), a practical pot filler and a pet-watering station.

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HOME In Style

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HOME In Style

A warm walnut banquette made by Mark from the wood of a fallen tree sits in a cozy corner dressed in shimmery fabric.

To reduce kitchen traffic during times of food preparation, a refreshment station with a smaller fridge for drinks and snacks sits on the border between the kitchen and a sunny family room, which features a unique and eye-catching square fireplace.

The home’s former kitchen is now a vibrant sitting room with vintage appeal, outfitted in bright wallpaper. Locallysourced furniture from Ormes was chosen for comfort and flair, while gold accents, antiques and an heirloom rug all pay a cheery tribute to the past.

Across the marble hallway, a grand dining room also honours the old while welcoming the new, with two antique hutches and table partnered by plush

and regal dining chairs from Restoration Hardware. To eliminate the look of an existing walkway leading from the dining room to an office added by Hoyes in the 1940s, Mark changed the visual flow of the room by turning one papered wall panel into a secret door undetectable to the eye.

Views through the abundant main floor windows showcase a large yard complete with a salt water pool, waterfall, limestone patio and multi-sport paved courtyard.

Nine years later, Mark and Azhra could not be happier and have achieved their aim of restoring The Wake Robin by keeping all the traditional looks and features, with updates to surpass modern home efficiency. They are proud to say that the operating costs are extremely low, and the home is “now a place for our family to entertain, live and love.”

McVeIgH TeAM Trusted In Ottawa Since 1987 Jeff, Conor & Kathy McVeigh mcveighrealty.com kathy@themcveighs.com 613-859-7494

FACING PAGE VIBRANT WALLPAPER SOURCED THROUGH A BENJAMIN MOORE STORE ADDS CHIC FLAIR TO THE SITTING ROOM THIS PAGE (TOP) THE DINING ROOM HONOURS THE ERA OF THE HOME. CHAIRS FROM RESTORATION HARDWARE (BOTTOM) TULIP, A LOVEABLE RESCUE DOG, CAUTIOUSLY GREETS VISITORS WINTER 2019 ottawaathome.ca 27

HOME Heritage

mid-century

MAVEN

BY ANDREW KING PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON

N

estled along Ottawa’s historic Island Park Drive, lined with 1920s-era mansions that look like they are from The Great Gatsby, there lies a home that may seem a bit out of place.

Amidst the usual Tudor and classical style of homes, there rests a remarkable residence in a mid-century architectural styles, a heritage category that is thankfully gaining some much-deserved attention in the Nation’s Capital.

The mid-century modern movement became popular in the years between 1947 and 1970, inspired by the works

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of designers such as Gropius, Le Corbusier and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Influenced by Brazilian and Scandinavian architects, the mid-century design style was characterized by a clean simplicity, integrating structures with their natural surroundings.

This innovative look began to find its way into the post-war suburbia boom here in Ottawa. At the time was bursting with new home developments, such as Bill Teron’s “Bells Corners,” and new homes in the Alta Vista area. A design style that emphasized structures with open floor

plans and plenty of windows, many midcentury homes utilized an architectural design that removed interior support walls to create airy living spaces in a sprawling bungalow format. Natural stone fireplaces instead of brick accented the interior along with vaulted ceilings and futuristic fixtures.

An exquisitely-preserved example of this architectural style sits on a corner lot on Island Park Drive. It was designed

by Matthew Poray-Swinarski, a Polish architect who escaped as a prisoner of war during World War II to study architecture

HOME Heritage

THIS PAGE CORK TILE REPLICATES THE ORIGINAL FLOORING IN THE FAMILY ROOM. THE WALNUT PANELLED WALLS ARE ORIGINAL FACING PAGE EVERY DETAIL IN THE HOME MAINTAINS AUTHENTICITY SUCH AS THE WORKING CLOCK HANGING IN THE KITCHEN WINTER 2019 ottawaathome.ca  29

HOME Heritage

in England. Starting a private practice in Ottawa in 1964, Poray-Swinarski drew up custom plans for this cutting-edge home on Island Park Drive in 1956.

The current custodians of this midcentury marvel are James and Lynsey Scarrow who, along with their two children, moved into the home in 2014. They had been looking to move into a bigger home in the Westboro neighbourhood and were visiting another house nearby when they spotted this home, which coincidentally had an open house that very day.

“I had no idea there were mid-century homes in Westboro,” said Lynsey, whose husband James fell immediately in love with the natural light and one-level open concept of the home. “Our son joined us at the open house, and he ran through the house, happy as can be. We really felt that it had a good vibe, so we decided to make an offer.”

THIS PAGE A PRIZED FIND IS THE DANISH, FREM RØJLE, NESTING DINING TABLE IN THE KITCHEN FACING PAGE A TEAK DINING TABLE BY SKOVMAND AND ANDERSON WAS PURCHASED FROM GREEN WALL VINTAGE, THE VINTAGE TEAK BUFFET IS FROM R.S. ASSOCIATES

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HOME Heritage

With its large yard, privacy hedge, attached garage and other amenities, the mid-century home seemed to blend perfectly with Lynsey’s collection of mid-century furniture. Lynsey’s father was an engineer who had designed his own mid-century home in 1969, so she already had an affinity for the style. A deal was soon struck to purchase the home and the young family moved into this unique time capsule, together with some new appropriate-period furniture to match the relatively unaltered 1950s family home.

Their first purchase was a Norwegian chair and nesting kitchen table set that they use every day. Appointed with details such as a rattan room divider, an original “Jetsons” style kitchen, and an unaltered teak-shelving office unit, the home looks like a set from the Mad Men TV show.

Its open concept and flowing bungalow layout help to unify the family through

WINTER 2019 ottawaathome.ca 31

HOME Heritage

a labyrinth of rooms, but with enough privacy for the kids to have their own creative spaces.

Living in a classic mid-century home does provide some challenges for a growing family, along with its quirky original fixtures that include unique ceiling lamps and doors. As cool as the bathroom faucet may appear, James laments, “The whole fixture is molded in ceramic so I can’t just put my head under the tap!”

As custodians of a unique heritage home, James and Lynsey have realized that there is a certain caveat of ownership.

When they moved in, the neighbours were extremely concerned about how they would treat the house, and the couple state, “We knew we had a great responsibility to preserve not only a home, but also a coveted piece of the neighbourhood.”

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HOME Heritage

FACING PAGE THE BLACK, VINTAGE NORWEIGAN LEATHER RECLINER IS BY SODA GALVANO, BOUGHT AT FOUND DESIGN; A PRIZED VINTAGE NORMANDIE POSTER IS AN ICONIC IMAGE BY A.M CASSANDRE THIS PAGE (BOTTOM LEFT) THE WOVEN WICKER SCREEN IS AN ORIGINAL FEATURE; THE VINTAGE DANISH TEAK PLAID CHAIR WAS FOUND AT THE STITTSVILLE FLEA MARKET (BOTTOM RIGHT) THE VINTAGE KADO WALL UNIT IS BY DANISH DESIGNER POUL CADOVIUS

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HOME Get the Look

1

2

3

list

l au n d ry

BY MARY TAGGART PHOTO BY MARK HOLLERON ROOM DESIGN: TANYA COLLINS

4

The overused and underappreciated laundry room is getting some necessary attention these days. From stylish sinks to light fixtures, the modern laundry room combines utility with style to create a space that makes doing a household chore feel almost chic!

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LIVING S tep Inside

art FUELLED

BY VERA CODY PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON

BY nature

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L

eanne Cusack is well known as the popular host of CTV’s live one-hour show, The News at Noon. Born in Halifax, Leanne’s journalism career began thirty years ago when she was hired as a general news reporter at CJOH-TV while studying at Carleton University.

Her natural curiosity in people and their stories has contributed to her long-time career success, yet this creative and adventurous woman has a variety of other talents and interests.

A nature lover, Leanne lives in her home, which she has named Peaceful Breath, on the Gatineau River in Chelsea, where she likes to ski, snowshoe or kayak in the beauty of her surroundings. It is also where she met the renowned landscape artist Gordon Harrison, who is now her artistic mentor after his art classes ignited her passion for painting. Positive reactions to her artwork increased her confidence and encouraged Leanne to set up a home studio to pursue her dream.

LIVING Step Inside Combining an exciting career with artistic pursuits helps Leanne attain a healthy work life balance which allows her to unwind, exhale and create.

Nature grounds and fuels her, while also providing the creative motivation to generate artwork which she hopes people will enjoy as much as she loves the personal process of creative expression.

Tapping into her adventurous side, Leanne participated in a fundraising climb to the Mount Everest Base Camp in Nepal nearly four years ago. She was travelling with Dream Mountains Foundation to support her chosen charity, the Ottawa School Breakfast program, but the group landed in Katmandu the day before an earthquake hit. They had to leave three days later due to aftershocks and the severe devastation, which left her feeling powerless, vulnerable and terrified.

While these memories still haunt her, Leanne finds peace and contentment in strong family relationships and friendships. She continues to enjoy the variety and versatility of her work and wants to tell more stories, share experiences and do even more.

Is it difficult to balance your artistic goals with your successful television career? When I paint, I turn my brain in a different direction. I end up painting late at night or on the weekends and get incredibly still and contemplative. I lose myself as painting is meditative and a contrast to my busy-ness. My demanding job involves constant conversation and activity. Art makes you look at everything in a different way. I focus on the canvas and the mixing of the colours. I don’t think of anything but what I am putting on the canvas. Art is always supposed to make you feel something, even if it is as simple as making you happy and joyous.

How have you developed your artistic passion? Art is one of many passions and the beauty is that they overlap. I love spending time outside. Nature feeds my spirit and it fuels painting. Primarily, I am an abstract and landscape artist and consider myself an enthusiastic work in progress. The pieces that I paint are all different, but the common thread is that there is a lot of colour and energy. I love to hear from those who have bought my paintings and how they make them feel.

Although I work in a very public and social industry, I value quiet time. I will confess to being a “shy painter” in the beginning. You feel vulnerable sharing something so intimate and personal.

For me, life without art would be unimaginable.

Has there been a special memorable response to your art? My mother is 93 years old and a few years ago I found an old black and white photograph of her family farm in Antigonish, Nova Scotia from the early 1940s. It was a landscape photo of the back of the house, the ocean and other homes in the area. I happily added colour to it and she now hangs it proudly in her kitchen. She comments on it every day and shows it to guests pointing out that it is the house she

was born in. When I gave it to her, she was overwhelmed with emotion and excitement.

Where do you sell your art? Some of my works I hold onto as they are family favorites and those hang everywhere in my house. I have participated in a few smaller art shows, but for the most part it has been private commissions and visitors who come to my studio to see my work.

My website, leannecusack.com, will be upgraded so that I can get my work out there as well. There is a 100% satisfaction guarantee – I don’t want anyone to purchase a piece they don’t really enjoy.

Over time I will definitely participate in more shows. The reality is that with a busy career I have not had a lot of time to create a large inventory of works to sell.

WINTER 2019 ottawaathome.ca 39

LIVING N eighbourhood on the Move

Sweet Living in THEN Sandy Hill was first developed in the mid1800s as a residential neighbourhood just outside of the city centre. The early years of Sandy Hill were very prestigious, as this was the city’s wealthiest neighbourhood from around 1860 until early 1900s. During this time, it was home to wealthy lumber barons, Canada’s prime ministers and other top government officials.

The College of Bytown (now the University of Ottawa) moved into the neighbourhood in 1856 to become the first bilingual education institution in Canada.

Naming the area was so simple and literal that its almost comical, as it has some steep hills and sandy soil. The area's geography does factor into the character of the neighbourhood, which has very few large buildings probably because the soil prevented the building of big, sturdy foundations.

The majority of development in Sandy Hill occurred from around 1880 to 1920, as part of a redevelopment and rapid intensification of the core area of Ottawa when the city’s population quadrupled.

During this era, many wealthy elites left Sandy Hill to the more secluded Rockcliffe Park area. As the wealthy moved out, the middle class arrived, and the population shifted to mostly civil servants, railway employees and merchants.

NOW Present day Sandy Hill is shockingly similar to what it looked like100 years ago, as about 80 per cent of the existing buildings were constructed before 1920.

This allows an unusually rich cross-section of Ottawa architecture on view over the last 150 years. Some stunning examples of early architecture include Laurier House, the former home of two PMs and a current National Historical Site (open for tours from Victoria Day to Thanksgiving), and the Canadian school of Le Cordon Bleu which is housed in a Victorian mansion that offers lunch and dinner in its Signatures restaurant.

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LIVING Neighbourhood on the Move

Sandy Hill

PHOTOGRAPHY AND WORDS

BY TED SIMPSON

Socially, the neighbourhood has become a real mixed bag. A massive population of university students lives in old buildings that have been subdivided into multiple rental units near the campus, along with a significant number of co-op housing projects that are now home to many new immigrants. There are also still a large number of embassies in the area, hosting high-profile foreign dignitaries located mostly in the east end along the Rideau River. With the average price of a detached home in Sandy Hill now in the range of $650,000 to $850,000, home ownership is expensive for many buyers.

HERITAGE HOMES Real Estate Salesperson Chantal Lafontaine of Ian Charlebois and Associates, says most potential homebuyers in Sandy Hill are attracted to the history of the neighbourhood and its homes with character in a suburban-like setting that is close to downtown without the hustle and bustle of the city.

The good news for history-loving homeowners is that the City of Ottawa has extended heritage protections to many buildings, and to some entire streets and blocks within Sandy Hill. Last year, city council created two new Heritage Conservation Districts in the community: the Russell Avenue-Range Road district and the Besserer-Wurtemburg district.

These designations stipulate that any property elements deemed architecturally significant must be maintained during any renovations, and the property cannot be altered or demolished without direct approval from the city.

These designations are important for people interested in buying into the area. “When you’re buying a heritage designation property, you’re also buying the restrictions that come with it,” notes Chantal. “It’s not as simple as getting your hammer and nails out; you have to do your research and it can get quite costly.”

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LIVING N eighbourhood on the Move

LIVING WELL IN SANDY HILL Artists Mitchell Webster and Janet K. MacKay enjoy life to the fullest in Sandy Hill, where they create and showcase beautiful bronze sculptures and paintings in oil and acrylic in their WorldView Studio, at 210 Blackburn Avenue.

Their home and studio date back to 1915, and they have worked to keep the spirit of the house alive. “We’ve done a fair bit of renovations, but we’ve done all the renovations to make the home period correct,” says Mitchell. This included restoring the small garage at the back of the property, which was originally used to keep horses, to become a sculpturemaking space.

There is a strong creative community in Sandy Hill of artists, writers and filmmakers. The artist couple, who count at least two dozen of their neighbours as also being customers, believe they live in one of Ottawa’s finest neighbourhoods.

“With its proximity to downtown and the river—and these new pedestrian bridges— it’s pretty sweet,” concludes Mitchell.

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LIVING Giving Back

PHOTO BY MARK HOLLERON

W

A WARM RESPONSE TO NEED

BY CATHERINE CLARK @catherinejclark

hen Stan and Jean Currie retired several years ago, they were looking for an opportunity to make a difference for those who had fallen on hard times.

They chose the Centretown Emergency Food Centre, in the basement of Centretown United Church, which offers clients in need the ability to take home various food products to feed themselves and their families.

“We serve a range of people from different backgrounds,” says Jean. “Single men who’ve had troubled lives, seniors, single moms, new immigrants, and people who have fallen on hard times through no fault of their own.”

Stan and Jean understand that part of their job is to make their clients feel comfortable. “We lead the client to a table and go through a list of food choices, but of course, being Canadian, we always start by talking about how cold it is,” Jean says with a laugh.

“We treat them with respect,” says Stan. “We try to show them that they’re important, and the fact that they get some choice about what food they take home makes the experience a bit more personal.”

The team of volunteers at the Centretown Emergency Food Centre provides sustenance to some 80 or 90 clients each day, four days a week, from noon to 2 pm. The food they supply is meant to last the clients three or four days, and because of demand, clients can only come in once a month.

Winter months can be tough, with a lull in food and monetary donations to help keep the shelves stocked, and the Curries note that hunger doesn’t go away just because the holidays are over. “Money is very helpful for buying the things we need,” says Stan, who is equally happy to accept food donations which can keep his Centretown neighbours from going without.

“We’re all susceptible through injury, accident, or circumstance to needing this service, and we have to help each other,” he concludes.

The Curries are standing first in line to offer a warm smile and a helping hand to those who need it.

WINTER 2019 ottawaathome.ca 43

LIVING W inter Fun

—ACTION—

PACKED

BY LOUKIA ZIGOUMIS @MrsLoulou

W

hile we’re almost ready to welcome spring back into our lives, there is still so much to do and explore in the Ottawa area this winter. Now is the perfect time to plan fun getaways and close-to-home experiences that the entire family will enjoy.

44 ottawaathome.ca WINTER 2019

O’BRIEN HOUSE

FUN AT TD PLACE

For a unique staycation, check into the O’Brien House for the weekend. O’Brien House is a completely restored 1930s mansion built by Ambrose O’Brien, an industrialist who also co-founded the National Hockey Association, forerunner of the NHL Hockey League and was the founding owner of the Montreal Canadians.

Transformed into a beautiful boutique hotel overlooking Meech Lake in Chelsea, O’Brien House has 11 uniquely-designed guest rooms. The hotel offers panoramic views of Gatineau Park, which has one of the largest cross-county ski trails in North America. After skiing to the Champlain Lookout, get some R&R in the library at O’Brien House and enjoy a fine dining experience with locally-sourced food in an atmosphere that celebrates the best of Canadian food and wine.

TD Place at Lansdowne is always packed with family activities no matter the season.

Their DJ skate nights are the hottest party in town where you can lace up and skate while listening to music.

For music lovers who are happier without skates on, TD Place is presenting Rock of Ages during their 10th anniversary tour on March 21. The smash-hit Broadway musical, and winner of six Tony Awards, Kinky Boots hits the stage at TD Place on April 25.

The skating court at Lansdowne is open for families until mid-March, and it’s free.

For more outdoor fun, kids of all ages can also race down the tobogganing hill at Lansdowne, and warm up afterwards with food and drinks in one of the complex's many restaurants.

LIVING Winter Fun

O’BRIEN HOUSE PHOTO BY ANDREW VAN BEEK

FAMILY FUN AT KIDSFEST OTTAWA Ottawa’s biggest kids' show is back! Now in its 18th year, KIDSFEST is a blast for children of all ages. Held at the EY Centre March 2–3, families can enjoy interactive exhibits, catch live performances by awardwinning Canadian performers Splash ’N Boots and Minivers, and get creative with WINTER 2019 ottawaathome.ca 45

LIVING W inter Fun

the National Gallery of Canada. Kids can get active with Tumblers Gymnastics, while parents enjoy cooking demonstrations and exhibits in education, family adventure, and health and wellness. You might even see a Star Wars character walking around.

GET YOUR SPY ON Feeling adventurous? The Diefenbunker Museum boasts the world’s largest escape room that covers an entire floor of the massive underground bunker.

Escape the Diefenbunker is a must-do for families looking for a new adventure. It typically takes 60 minutes for groups of 12 to complete.

The museum also offers March Break Spy Camp for kids 7–12, where children get the chance to go undercover at the museum while learning the art of espionage, make and break codes, and create spy gadgets.

SKATE AT RIDEAU HALL For a unique activity, head to Rideau Hall for some outdoor skating at the Governor General of Canada’s residence, on Sussex Drive. It’s free on weekends until March 24. The entire family can skate to traditional music, then warm up in the Winter Pavilion where you can change into or out of your skating gear while learning more about the history of winter sports at Rideau Hall.

WINTER WONDERLAND For a stunning winter experience, check out the three kilometers of ice trails in a true winter wonderland through the forest in the heart of Lac-des-Loups, Quebec, at Patinage en Foret. There are heated on-site buildings to lace-up, and rest areas along the way. Non-skaters can enjoy the tranquility as well, and walk through the forest or go snowshoeing.

46 ottawaathome.ca WINTER 2019

SKATING THROUGH THE FOREST PHOTO BY MONIQUE ROBERT

STANLEY’S OLDE MAPLE LANE FARM

GET CREATIVE AT ARTISSIMO

March is the perfect time to pay a visit to Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm with the family, and enjoy the sugar-shack experience with sleigh rides. This is a great family outing to watch the traditional wood-fire burning of sap at the sugar bush, enjoy maple taffy, and eat a hearty pancake breakfast in the Pancake House.

There is also a petting farm that younger children will enjoy.

Let your children get creative at the Artissimo Studio at the National Gallery of Canada. Every month, Artissimo Studio features new art projects that children can make and take home, and each project is thematically linked to artworks currently on view at the gallery. All art supplies are included and families can drop in on weekends and holiday Mondays until the end of April. Artissimo Studio is free with gallery admission, and free to museum members.

LIVING New & Notable

TRADITIONS OF

H E R I TAG E C A R P E N T RY, S W E E T T A S T E S & S O U N D S IMAGE SUPPLIED

BY SANDY CONNELL

TRADITIONS After meeting at Algonquin College, where they studied heritage carpentry and joinery, Quentin Navarre and Amy Webster started collecting wood-working tools and began experimenting with building furniture using traditional methods.

Their business, Wild Wood Design and Build, is housed in a spacious workshop in Perth where they build furniture in the traditional style to last for hundreds of years.

The couple also specializes in heritage restoration and carpentry, specifically custom woodworking such as trim, mouldings and doors, as well as architectural details. Visit wildwoodperth.com for special events that include classes and workshops to learn about heritage furniture construction, and how to build your own.

WINTER 2019 ottawaathome.ca  47

LIVING N ew & Notable

The Host a Hive program gives hotels, restaurants, golf courses, retirement residences, and businesses of all kinds an opportunity to have a honeybee hive on their property to produce honey while all of the work of caring for the honeybees is dealt with. Hardcore bee lovers can participate in an introductory beekeeping workshop to learn about the art and science of apiculture. For more information, check out Gees Bees at geesbees.ca

ALIVE IN THE HIVE Do you love honey? Are you concerned about the plight of the honeybee? If you are interested in learning about saving honeybees and protecting pollinators, visit a working honey farm and taste the variety of honey produced by honeybees in the Ottawa area. You will discover how honey is made and the importance of bees and pollinators.

Matt and Marianne Gee started Gees Bees after they discovered honeybees living in the wall of their first home, and they’ve been teaching people about bees and beekeeping ever since. Take a self-guided walking tour of their eight-acre farm or book a VIP BEE experience. Put on a bee suit, lift the lid off a humming hive, and explore the inner workings of a beehive. Honeybee lovers can also opt to participate in the community hive-share program where you purchase a share of a beehive at the start of the season and receive a year’s supply of local raw honey (12 500 g jars).

48 ottawaathome.ca WINTER 2019

IMAGE SUPPLIED

IMAGE SUPPLIED

RICH SOUNDS Riverwood Acoustics is a small company based in Renfrew Ontario that makes premium wireless speakers from reclaimed old-growth timber. Long ago, the logging industry was an economic cornerstone of the Ottawa Valley and the Ottawa River is rich resource of old-growth timber. Perfectly preserved at the bottom of the river, these logs are a source of wood that is stronger, denser and tighter-grained than the timber of today.

Ben Sherman and his partners have paired the unmatched quality and beauty of old-growth timer with masterfully designed audio components and industrial design to produce “The Hudson,” a unique wooden speaker system. This painstakingly-engineered speaker takes full advantage of the tonal quality of the reclaimed wood to produce a speaker of acoustic superiority, tested by professional musicians who demand audio excellence.

They are available at riverwoodacoustics.com. and at Dala Décor, 1790 Woodward Dr.

LIVING Innovation

SCOTT McLAREN (LEFT) AND KEVIN McMAHON

HOME TOWN GAME WITH BENEFITS

BY ALEXIA WILKINSON-NAIDOO PHOTO BY MARK HOLLERON

W

hile it sometimes seems that technology has taken over every aspect of our lives, there’s an encouraging new trend that’s bringing classic tabletop games back to the family room. The timing is perfect for the launch this year of an Ottawa-themed Monopoly game.

The game, which is the brainchild of longtime friends and local businessmen Scott McLaren, president of Festival Promotions, and Kevin McMahon, founder of the consulting firm Urban Logic Ottawa, will not only bring hours of fun but the proceeds will go entirely to benefit local children’s charities.

“We’ve had custom Monopoly available as a product in our promotional world for years,” said Scott. “We figured, why don’t we make it for Ottawa and do it as a charity project?” He added that they approached Hasbro, the maker of the Monopoly game, and is working with its custom division to manufacture the product for release in November, in time for the 2019 holiday season.

“We were looking for an innovative fundraising solution to raise as much money as possible for amazing charities, provide a tangible benefit for local business, and engage the entire City of Ottawa—all while having fun at the same time,” said Kevin.

The original Monopoly game reflects the neighbourhoods of 1920s Atlantic City, but the new Ottawa version will have all names we recognize here in the nation’s capital. Players can buy up Bank Street instead of Boardwalk; Richmond Road instead of Park Place; and Illinois Avenue is Preston Street. The old railroads will now be our new LRT stations, with builders Colonnade BridgePort picking up the Westboro and Tunney stations.

All aspects of the game are Ottawa themed, including the game tokens.

“The #11 Alfie token is going to be pretty coveted,” said Scott.

Even Ottawa At Home Magazine will be part of the fun, as the face of the three “Community Chest” spaces on the board

along with the always-generous deck of cards. The project has also received incredible support from the city’s private sector.

Scott is thrilled that the vast majority of people think the new game is very cool, as many still have a traditional Monopoly game so they understand its staying power. “I could probably go back to my parents’ house and pull out the game that they purchased in the early ‘90s—they’re very durable. For somebody to become a sponsor and spend a few thousand dollars to get on the board today, that’s going to be around like a time capsule of this city as it was in the year 2019,” he said.

With limited availability on the board, spots have filled up quickly and are now 80 per cent sold out.

Since Scott and Kevin are both dads and Monopoly is a fun family game, they decided to give 100 per cent of the proceeds to local children’s charities. They’re hoping to raise $75,000 and divide it between Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Ottawa, DIFD and the Royal Ottawa Youth Mental Health Foundation, plus a group of grassroots organizations yet to be finalized.

“We’re hopeful that the public response will be as positive as the response from local businesses,” said Kevin. “It’s an excellent opportunity to make a difference within our community simply by purchasing a unique, Ottawa-themed board game that they can enjoy that they can enjoy with their friends and family.”

Pre-sales of Monopoly Ottawa are available at: monopolyottawa.com WINTER 2019 ottawaathome.ca 49

LIVING F it At Home

GETTING TO THE

CORE

BY LIANNE LAING @liannelaing PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON

Two staple pieces of equipment in my home gym are a BOSU Ball and an exercise ball. Both work for helping with core stabilization.

BOSU SKI AND SKATE 1. Stand on the flat side of the BOSU, which means you will activate the core as soon as you get on— this is great for balance as is.

2. Slowly start alternating the leg burn by pushing the BOSU down side to side. The deeper you go the harder it is—you can also increase or slow down your pace.

CORE, BUTT AND HAMSTRING 1. Think of the bridge and start with your legs at a 90-degree angle, with the top of your shoulders, neck and head rested on the exercise ball.

Try to keep your body flat, no dipping the bum down or arching. This position is hard enough to hold and you will feel everything engage.

2. To initiate the legs even more, bring one leg up out in front and hold.

Be sure to alternate legs. Repeat 5–8 times per leg.

50 ottawaathome.ca WINTER 2019

LIVING Fit At Home

WALL SIT, SQUAT OR LUNGE BACK 1. Place the exercise ball against the wall and stand with it at your mid-back. Bend your knees 90 degrees.

OPTIONS: a. Wall sit—hold the position for 30–60 seconds. b. Wall squat—bend and straighten the legs putting some pressure on the ball as you go. c. Bring a single leg back into a lunge and repeat— 8–10 times per side.

CALVES 1. Place the exercise ball against the wall and stand on one leg.

2. As in a ballet relevé, slowly raise the heel until you are putting all the weight on the ball of your foot.

3. If single leg relevés are too tough—stand with both feet together and relevé at the same time while pushing the ball into the wall for balance and core stability.

WINTER 2019 ottawaathome.ca 51

Home is a feeling

OTTAWA

6-175 Trainyards Drive 613-244-5252

Artemano.com

LIVING Beauty Skin Restore

FACE FOOD WINTER BEAUTY RESCUE MASK—1 BASE, 6 VARIATIONS! MAS K BAS E

1/2 avocado

1 tsp honey

BY MELISSA SHABINSKY @melissashabinsky

This easy all-natural, moisture-boosting, multi-tasking face mask will nourish and replenish your winter skin.

While sheet masks may be the hottest things on Instagram right now, you don’t have to leave your kitchen to whip up an Insta-worthy beauty treatment. A simple homemade mask will feed skin with natural ingredients like honey and avocado for a much-needed moisture boost.

Avocado is loaded with healthy fats and protein, plus skin-brightening vitamin C, hydrating vitamin E and antioxidants.

It can also help to strengthen the outer layer of the skin and help it to absorb and retain moisture.

Honey not only helps to lock in moisture, but is loaded with antioxidants and has antibacterial properties. Combine avocado and honey to create a potent glow-worthy mask.

MASK BOOSTERS add in any one of these items for added benefits

1/4 tsp turmeric to help calm inflammation

1/4 tsp lemon juice to help even out pigmentation

1/4 tsp olive oil for anti-inflammation and hydration

1 tbsp oats for hydration

1/4 tsp activated charcoal to help tighten pores

Mix up the ingredients. Spread evenly on clean, dry face. Leave on for 15–20 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

WINTER 2019 ottawaathome.ca 53

CUSTOM CEILING MOULDING

CUSTOM GLASS INSERT

BLACK WALNUT WOOD RECESSED BOTTOMS FOR LIGHTING

BASEBOARD MOULDING

THE BENEFITS OF A MUSKOKA KITCHEN

M U S K O K A C A B I N E T R Y I S A V A I L A B L E A T:

FOOD Food Thoughts

B U R R ATA B RU S C H E T TA

RECIPE ½ soft baguette, halved and toasted or grilled 1½ cups diced tomatoes ½ cup finely chopped arugula ¼ cup olive oil

BY KOREY KEALEY

2 tbsp minced fresh basil

@foodthought

1 clove garlic, minced

@kitchenkonnected

250 g Crema di Burrata 2 tbsp balsamic reduction

This is decadent Italian eating at its best! And, of course, it pairs beautifully with a big Italian red wine.

The soft crema keeps all the topping ingredients nicely in place. Find Crema di Burrata (just the soft filling of the burrata cheese) at major grocery stores, or use the large burrata ball and just chop up the outer layer and mix with the creamy filling.

METHOD 1. In medium bowl combine, tomatoes, arugula, olive oil, basil and garlic.

2. Place baguette on serving platter, drizzle with balsamic reduction and as much olive oil as you like.

3. Top with cheese then the tomato mixture; drizzle with more balsamic reduction, to taste.

4. Slice as desired.

Serves: 4–6 Prep time: 15 minutes

IP KOREY’S T IC MEAL T S TA N FA FOR A USE THE UPGRADE, TURE AS A IX CREAMY M R GRILLED TOPPER FO CHICKEN. STEAK OR

PHOTO BY MARK HOLLERON WINTER 2019 ottawaathome.ca 55

FOOD Let’s Dish

creamy innovation in

ALMONTE

BY PAULA ROY PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON

I wanted to solve some problems, especially how to help the dairy industry deal with the by-product of milk filtration, called permeate."

—OMID MCDONALD

T

here’s an intriguing new player in Almonte’s thriving food and drink maker scene.

In addition to the small town’s roster of chocolatiers, coffee roasters, doughnut makers, craft brewers and more, Dairy Distillery is now producing a unique beverage called Vodkow. Packaged in classic milk bottles, it’s set to take Ontario by storm in 2019. Company founder and CEO Omid McDonald talks to Ottawa At Home about what sparked his passion project.

What made you want to start a distillery? I’m an engineer and an innovator. I wanted to solve some problems, especially how to help the dairy industry deal with the by-product of milk filtration, called permeate. It’s what is left behind after the fats and proteins are taken out of milk to make things such as ice cream, cheese and butter.

The other interesting problem, which some people at the University of Ottawa have helped us with, was finding a yeast that will completely digest the lactose (milk sugar) in permeate to create alcohol.

Why did you feel there was room for more players in the craft distillery scene in Ontario? We are about five years behind the craft spirits explosion that’s taking place in the United States. It’s exciting that people who do enjoy craft spirits want to meet the makers; they love coming in here and talking with our director of operations, Neil McCarten, about how our distillery works. When we reach full capacity we plan to produce 200,000 litres of Vodkow per year, which is a small step towards meeting 56 ottawaathome.ca WINTER 2019

FOOD Let’s Dish

Canadians’ annual demand for 50 million litres of vodka.

How do farmers benefit from your operation? Currently, local dairy farmers pay for the disposal of 200,000 litres of permeate each day through the blended milk price. By June, we’ll be taking 30,000 litres per week from the Parmalat facility in Winchester, reducing their disposal costs. We also have some dairy farmers who have invested in our company, so they’ll reap rewards as we grow our operation.

You built a gorgeous new structure for your facility—why? We looked for an existing building to renovate, but couldn’t find one that was suitable. The all-glass façade allows us to showcase our beautiful German-made copper stills, and the huge wooden beams that support our steeply

pitched roof are eye-catching as well.

We like to think the barn-like shape is reflective of the local dairy industry and of the Almonte area in general, where we are enjoying being part of such a supportive and welcoming community.

Can you describe Vodkow? Because it is created from a cleaner sugar, it has a really pure taste. It’s gluten-free and the distilling process removes every molecule of lactose. We invited local restauranteurs and bartenders in for a blind tasting and the majority found it extremely smooth and flavourful compared to other vodka-style products. It has a slight creaminess with notes of caramel and vanilla sweetness at the finish.

Where can people purchase Vodkow?

Right now they can come to the distillery in Almonte, or order online and we’ll ship

it. By this spring it will be available in select LCBO locations, including some in Eastern Ontario.

Do you have plans to make any additional products? We are currently doing research on cream liqueur. Cream is natural given our heritage and a 100% dairy-based cream liqueur has never been done before.

How is Vodkow best enjoyed? With its nice neutral flavour, many people find it perfectly sippable on ice (which is rare even for a craft vodka), but it also lends itself well to all kinds of cocktails, particularly White Russians. Our many repeat customers tell us that while it was the novelty of our product that brought them in at first, it is the exceptional flavour that brings them back.

WINTER 2019 ottawaathome.ca 57

There’s more to life “A real neighbourhood feel, everybody stops to chat, we feel we are part of a community.”

– Kelly, eQuinelle homeowner

at MYeQuinelle Bungalows, singles, townhomes from

300’s

$ the high

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Sales Office: 74 Equinelle Dr., Kemptville, ON off County Road 44 613-258-6488

eqhomes.ca Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice. E. & O.E.

FOOD Dining Out

Old Spaces, Fresh Food Restoring faith in neighbourhood gems

BY PAULA ROY PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON

O

ttawa At Home checks out three of the newest arrivals to Ottawa’s ever-evolving food scene, all housed in beautifully repurposed spaces in the heart of desirable neighbourhoods.

CORNER PEACH Emma Campbell and Caroline Murphy, both veterans of the local food scene, have teamed up to realize their shared teenaged dream of owning a restaurant.

Corner Peach on Somerset Street in the heart of Chinatown is a carefully retrofitted heritage space. The stylish yet relaxed décor is the perfect backdrop for a seasonal menu built around the freshest local ingredients, right down to all the jars of peaches they canned themselves.

Shifting gears from being a coffee shop in the morning to a casual eatery at lunch and a fancy diner at night, Corner Peach delivers exceptional food in a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere with exposed brick, a distressed heritage tin ceiling and retro-styled touches that include gorgeous mint-green barstools.

With a mission to share, learn and satisfy, Corner Peach offers locally-roasted coffee, tea, juices and kombucha, plus house-made pastries including scones, hand pies, and Portuguese egg tarts.

Lunches feature deluxe sandwiches, soups, and salads, to be eaten in or taken out. It is a perfect pit stop for afternoon drinks and snacks, segueing to dinner after 5 pm where the vegetable-centric menu also offers tantalising meat options, with small and larger plates available along with house-made sweets. Licensed, it’s stocked with a fine selection of favourite local and regional beverages.

60 ottawaathome.ca WINTER 2019

EMMA (LEFT) & CAROLINE

FOOD Dining Out

JAMARI ESPRESSO HOUSE A small sign on Hamilton Avenue, just north of the Parkdale Market, whispers at the promise of something special inside. Upon entering Jamari Espresso House you’ll be met with intoxicating scents of cinnamon, coffee, essential oils and more, while your eyes feast on the visual delights within.

Jamari—the nickname given to owner Janet Nicol by her husband—is not your average coffee shop. With a delightful mishmash of stools, tables and a Balinese hanging basket chair, plus a lounging platform that converts to a stage for live jazz on Sundays, it’s a perfect spot to relax, unplug and connect with people, which is exactly the kind of place Janet strove to create.

Located in an old industrial building, Jamari shares its space with Janet’s other business, the eclectic, appealing Metta Movement and Meditation Studio. As befits a place of wellness and tranquility, the café’s short but tempting paleoinspired menu features bone broth, vegan broth and chaga mushroom broth along with tasty topped toasts, energy balls, raw chocolate, rotating soups and more.

The beverage lineup includes coffee, chai from San Francisco’s legendary Samovar

Tea House, seasonal smoothies, kombucha and intriguing lattes. A newly-acquired liquor license will see delicious updates to the Jamari menu; planned additions include organic wine, local whiskey and beer plus charcuterie plates and tapas for everyone from vegans to omnivores.

WORKING TITLE KITCHEN— CAFÉ Head through a set of red doors under the historic bell tower of the former All Saints’ Anglican Church in Sandy Hill and you’ll discover a charming new eatery called Working Title Café. It’s the latest kitchen to welcome talented young executive chef Kyle Mortimer-Proulx.

Housed in a 120 year-old building which was deconsecrated, purchased by a group of community investors and reimagined as a multifaceted event space, the café boasts original stone walls and old brick complemented by poured-concrete countertops and herringbone tile under the bar. Clean, industrial-chic touches add a modern warmth to the historic space.

The menu showcases Kyle’s love of local and seasonal ingredients. Freshly baked daily from scratch treats—dubbed “not your average church bake sale”—might include

quadruple chocolate crunch or peanut butter and pretzel cookies, along with muffins and scones. Soups and salads change often and the inventive sandwich lineup is refreshed every few months. Also available are freshlymade take home meals for reheating.

Enjoy a fun 5 à 7 menu on Thursdays and Fridays, featuring local beer and wine, creative cocktails, charcuterie and cheese boards and more. As a bonus, inexpensive onsite babysitting is available on Friday evenings. Monthly pop-up dinners are in the works and spring will see the arrival of a 50-seat patio.

WINTER 2019 ottawaathome.ca 61

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Designed by the acclaimed Hobin Architecture, Uniform Urban Developments is thrilled to be offering a selection of new attached bungalows with optional loft configurations. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of one of Ottawa’s most coveted communities.

Visit Our Sales Centre: 532 Kilspindie Ridge, Ottawa ON 613.491.1202

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FOOD Paula’s Bites

METHOD 1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Generously butter and flour a 10-inch (25 cm) Bundt or tube cake pan.

2. Combine flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl and set aside.

3. In a mixing bowl with an electric or stand mixer, cream butter and sugar together then beat at high speed until mixture is very light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.

4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping down the sides of bowl frequently. Stir in the lime zest and juice.

PHOTO BY MARK HOLLERON

Moscow Mule Cake

5. Add flour mixture to the creamed mixture alternately with sour cream, ending with the dry ingredients, beating after each addition until well blended, scraping down sides of bowl as needed.

6. Pour batter into prepared cake pan, smoothing down the top so it is even.

BY PAULA ROY

7. Bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 65 minutes, or until a cake tester comes out clean.

Paula’s Bites: @paulajroy

This flavourful cake includes all the elements of a classic Moscow Mule cocktail: ginger, lime, mint and vodka. You can bake it ahead and freeze, then thaw and apply the icing sugar glaze just before serving. Because it is rich, the cake will easily serve 12–16 people.

INGREDIENTS CAKE:

TO GLAZE AND GARNISH:

2 cups (500 mL) all-purpose flour

¼ cup (60 mL) coarsely-chopped fresh ginger root

1

tbsp (15 mL) baking powder

½ tsp (2.5 mL) salt 1

cup (250 mL) butter, at room temperature

2 cups (500 mL) white sugar 3 large eggs 4 tsp (20 mL) grated lime zest ¼ cup (60 mL) freshly-squeezed lime juice 1 cup (250 mL) sour cream

¼ cup (60 mL) white sugar ¼ cup (60 mL) water ¼ cup (60 mL) fresh mint leaves, packed 1 tbsp (15 mL) premium vodka (I used Vodkow) 1½ cups (375 mL) icing sugar 2 tsp (10 mL) grated lime zest Additional mint leaves

8. While cake is baking, prepare syrup for glazes by combining ginger, sugar, water and mint leaves in a small saucepan on medium heat. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes.

9. Strain the syrup and discard the ginger and mint. Add the vodka and stir to blend.

10. When cake comes out of oven, let cool in pan for 20 minutes then invert onto a serving plate to finish cooling.

11. While cake cools, combine the icing sugar, 1 teaspoon of the lime zest and 2–3 tablespoons of the reserved ginger syrup, beating until smooth.

It should be thick but still have a pourable consistency.

12. When cake is completely cooled, slowly drizzle icing sugar glaze over top.

Garnish with remaining lime zest plus a few fresh mint leaves and serve.

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END NOTE Capital Colours ULLA JOHNSON MAYA EMBROIDERED SATIN MIDI DRESS, $813, NORDSTROM

LITTLE TREASURES 10-PACK WASHCLOTHS, $22.99 BED BATH & BEYOND

RESORT EARRINGS, STUNNING! $55, 6 YORK ST.

BY MARY TAGGART

NAILSINC™ NAIL POLISH, STRICTLY BIKINI, $14, SEPHORA

@maryktaggart

CORAL

BY DESIGN POÄNG CHAIR, $129, IKEA

ANNIE SLOAN CUSTOM COLOUR CHALK PAINT, ANNIESLOAN.COM

64 ottawaathome.ca WINTER 2019

The Pantone® colour system has a strong impact on the style world with its carefully resourced and selected Colour of the Year.

This year, Living Coral, a muted hue of orange, was chosen. The lively shade will weigh into the look of home furnishings, fashion, beauty and design.

Look for a variety of lifestyle-related products influenced by the shade, which breathes much-needed vibrancy into the environment. Pair the colour with other muted tones of blue, red and brown— think of the colour scheme found below the ocean and look for prints with coral and sea-inspired elements to come in strong this spring.

T he Purest For m of Excitement.

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613-740-1000

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