T8N magazine January 2016

January 2016 t8nmagazine.com

APPy NEW YEAR!

Digital Support for Your Winter Escape

THEN & NOW

A Look Back at St. Albert Trail

Meet Photographer

AKEMI MATSUBUCHI OUTFIT YOUR WARM-WEATHER GETAWAY ST. ALBERT’S TAXI RULES

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T8N January 2016 1

January 2016

Contents CONVERSATIONS 6 St. Albert’s Taxi Rules

Looking for a fare solution

ARTS & CULTURE 11 Away We Go!

Set your passion in motion 16 Meet Akemi Matsubuchi

A T8N interview 18 THEN & NOW

St. Albert Trail Then & Now

22 THE 8

S

Beach-Ready Basics Outfit your warmweather getaway

LIVING 25 FOOD & GATHERINGS

Have Lunch, Will Travel Delicious ideas for eating el-desko

May We Suggest 100-mile getaways

30 TRULY DEEPLY MADLY 31 I’ll Drink to That

Homemade Irish Cream

CITY 33 MEET YOU THERE

The Candy Bouquet Sweet gifts are made of these

34 COMMUNITY CALENDAR TRENDING 37 APPy New Year

Digital support for your winter escape

40 U ma mi (n.)

•

ABOUT THE COVER IMAGE BY BRENDA LAKEMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

•

It’s a matter of taste

Imagine a place where a child is encouraged s • Large Bright C cher las a e sro T e to dream… t om na lifed Profess • Qua ion al P as

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T8N January 2016 3

From the Editor IT’S THAT TIME of year. Resolutions have been made,

CARMEN D. HRYNCHUK EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

goals have been set and the path to reaching them (though twinkling with promise) seems slower than molasses in, well, January. The upside to those molasses? Slow, as any hare will tell you, is not something to underestimate. In fact, paired with steady, it will win you the race. And that’s what our January issue is all about— exploring new paths, travelling them at your own speed and enjoying the beautiful ride.

T8N MAGAZINE

VOLUME 3 ISSUE 1 January 2016 PUBLISHER

Rob Lightfoot EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Carmen D. Hrynchuk ART DIRECTION

To get those happy travels started, this month’s photo essay transports us to another time and place through Ukrainian dance. Also along for our travel theme is our feature article, which explores how ride-share companies (such as Uber) are changing the taxi game. And our travel didn’t stop there. We have tips for 100-mile getaways, a look back at St. Albert Trail and grab-and-go lunch ideas for eating el-desko.

Carmen D. Hrynchuk, Brenda Lakeman

Here’s to the start of a fabulous new year. To well-loved paths and unbroken trails and exploring as many as possible together.

Little Fire Creative

Away we go…

DESIGN & PRODUCTION

Carol Dragich, Dragich Design Correna Saunders PHOTOGRAPHY

Brenda Lakeman FOOD STYLING PROOFREADING

Amy Lightfoot ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Erin Cassidy, Amanda Muir CONTRIBUTORS

Contributors

Shawna Dirksen, Timothy D. Fowler, Lucy Haines, Vanessa Roset CONTRIBUTING AGENCIES

LUCY HAINES

Lucy has been a freelance writer for about 25 years and a St. Albert resident for over 10. She regularly writes news, general features, business, style, health and entertainment articles for magazines and newspapers in the region and is a steady contributor—reporter/photographer for Metro News Edmonton.

SHAWNA DIRKSEN

Shawna is a freelance writer with a strong connection to St. Albert: she lived here for 8 years, and her first writing gig after earning her public relations diploma was with the Arden Theatre and International Children’s Festival. Now in Edmonton, Shawna keeps busy writing for local publications and businesses. When she isn’t hard at work, she enjoys reading, running, skiing, live music and theatre.

TIMOTHY D. FOWLER

Timothy travels and writes full time. He is chef by training, reads and writes daily and has yet to meet a person without a unique and interesting story.

Timothy lives in St. Albert with his wife, Kathy, and his Gordon setter, Rigby. He is from granite rockies and prairie dust, from boreal forest and wanderlust. He tweets @Timothydfowler.

Image page 30 © naftizin / Dollar Photo Club Image page 31 © Africa Studio / Dollar Photo Club Image page 37 © djvstock / Dollar Photo Club

ISSN 2368-707X (PRINT) ISSN 2368-7088 (ONLINE)

For editorial inquiries or information, contact T8N magazine at info@t8nmagazine.com. Have something to say? Letters, suggestions or ideas can be sent to letters@t8nmagazine.com.

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION

Rob Lightfoot rob@t8nmagazine.com 780 940 6212 or visit t8nmagazine.com T8N magazine is published 12 times a year by T8N Publishing Inc. Copyright ©2015 T8N Publishing Inc. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited.

Content marked by the Sponsored Content

SC icon was produced in partnership

between content producers and T8N magazine.

PRINTED IN CANADA

T8N PUBLISHING INC VANESSA ROSET

Vanessa is a freelance writer from Edmonton who loves perfectly formed sentences and is hopelessly addicted to Scrabble. When she’s not at her desk she can be found working on and adventuring in her vintage ­Airstream with her husband. Together they hope to travel across all of North America and beyond and enjoy blogging about their experiences.

4 T8Nmagazine.com

PUBLISHER & PRESIDENT

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Conversations

ST. ALBERT’S TAXI RULES Looking for a fare solution

WHEN WAS THE last time you took a

A GENERATIONAL DIVIDE

cab in St. Albert to go to the mall or an appointment—or even that long trek to the airport? Now think back to how you booked that ride. Chances are, whether you used a traditional taxi company or a ride-share upstart (such as Uber), online technology and smartphone apps have influenced how you book your rides. But commuters aren’t the only ones thinking differently about the taxi industry.

The people who legislate licensing, create bylaws and make their livings as drivers/brokers are thinking differently about the industry, too.

Whatever your position on the changes, industry watchers and consumers alike agree: it’s a time of change for those who make a living from, use or just want a share of the ride-forhire pie.

Once ruling the road, a handful of taxi companies in St. Albert (St. Albert Taxi, Aaron Taxi, Saint City Taxi) and about the same number in Edmonton, (Yellow, Co-op, Barrel, Capital) have seen driver/broker incomes drop while illegal “bandit” cabs take to the streets of the capital region. Offering cheap, flat-rate rides, while sometimes sidestepping critical licences and insurances, ride-share companies are changing the taxi game. And it’s a fundamental change in mindset—from old-school methods of calling to book a cab from your home or work (or hailing one on the street corner) to pulling up an app on your mobile device—that many (especially the younger generation, say cab drivers) are embracing.

In an informal online survey of St. Albert residents, many were blunt in their analysis of the traditional cab business. “It’s a dinosaur— the industry can benefit from a new way of thinking and doing things. Uber brings that to the market. Let the consumer choose,” says resident Darrin Maidlow.

St. Albertan Melissa Land agrees, saying she uses Uber all the time. “They are reliable and safe. I never use a cab anymore,” she says.

Garry Dziwenka, the director of the City of Edmonton’s licensing and vehicles for hire department, says that even just a few years ago, no one could envision the shakeup now

6 T8Nmagazine.com

BY LUCY HAINES

facing the taxi industry. ”It’s a new reality— controversy that will bring about change.

The proposed bylaw for Edmonton will allow flexible entry into the industry (more part-time drivers), so there will be options for drivers and to the public.”

THE UBER OPTION Edmonton and Calgary are presently grappling with how to marry consumer demands for safe, competitively priced ride-share services with public safety and equitable rules for all ride-for-hire providers. Edmonton’s proposed new bylaw addresses issues like lawful insurance and minimum fares for all the players, while moving vehicle registration fees from drivers and taxi plate owners to the private transportation providers (PTPs) like Uber.

“These changes would mean the end of Uber in Edmonton,” says Ramit Kar, Uber’s general manager for Alberta. “It would render ridesharing an unsustainable business model in Edmonton.”

But Edmonton taxi advocate Balraj Manhas says such changes are the only way to proceed. “The fees should be the same as for the taxi industry, to have a level playing field.

If they want to work in this business, they should pay for this business,” he says.

While the matter returns to Edmonton City Council in the new year, tens of thousands

of consumers have already signed a petition on Uber’s website to save ride sharing in Edmonton.

Cities like St. Albert and Red Deer are watching the Uber debate carefully. No regulations govern PTPs here, so Uber makes regular trips north of Edmonton—which suits resident Cameron Breholen just fine. “Uber gets to your door in less than 20 minutes, at about half the cost of a regular cab,” he says.

Dziwenka says many municipalities face the same issues, where existing bylaws don’t contemplate such a business model. “It’s a new economy—the same is happening with Airbnb and music-streaming services,” he said. “The taxi debate is just the first to come to a boil.”

ST. ALBERT’S CAB QUANDARY St. Albert may be watching the battle brew between PTPs and taxi companies in Edmonton, but it’s doing so from a different perspective: there are no caps on permits and no monopolies on the number of cab companies that can operate in the city because, in St. Albert, there is no taxi bylaw of any kind.

All that is required for the six taxi businesses (and a few other companies operating within the city but based outside the perimeter) is a valid business licence (resident or non-resident) obtained from City Hall by presenting a vehicle information form and licensed driver.

“At this point, we don’t deny any licences, as long as the criteria are met,” says Cheryle Wong, business licence inspector for the City of St. Albert. “We haven’t been contacted by Uber to operate here, but we have received direction from Council to move toward creating a taxi bylaw. It’s in the infancy stages, but something will come,” she says.

In Red Deer, a city twice the size of St. Albert, the 137 taxis on the road are regulated, with one plate allowed per 750 population—limousines and sedans are governed under a separate bylaw. Drivers or companies pay a $50 yearly renewal fee and $50 for an ID plate, plus they must show proof of insurance and the car’s safe mechanical condition.

Angie Keibel. “We’re not aware of unlicensed cabs like Uber coming in to Red Deer, but we’re waiting to see what Edmonton and Calgary do. We’re keeping our ear to the ground,” she says.

TO AND FROM EDMONTON Though no bylaws govern taxi movement in St. Albert, it’s understood that only local cabs can pick up in St. Albert. (But Uber and (sometimes) Edmonton cabs do come in for pick-ups, say local cabbies). Those same St. Albert cabs cannot pick up in Edmonton because that city’s bylaw prohibits it. It’s a fact St. Albert Taxi owner Blair Logan knows only too well—he has accumulated over $10,000 in fines in the last two years, paid to the City of Edmonton for picking up return fares to St. Albert after dropping off customers in Edmonton.

“There’s enforcement around Jasper and Whyte Ave. on weekend evenings—it doesn’t

feel fair,” says Logan, who operates 15 cabs (his own or driver-owned) in St. Albert, throughout Sturgeon County and into Edmonton or the airport. “We follow the same rules as Edmonton cabbies—same insurance, same start rate of $3.60 (then about $1.50 a kilometre).”

Logan says his company has Class 4-licensed, medically-cleared and experienced drivers, cars with meters, decals and top lights, and insurance “with hefty premiums” that covers passengers. “Gypsy cab drivers, like Uber, are playing an unfair game. They come off the street with a Class 5 licence and their own car. Is it safe? I don’t mind being competitive if they play fair. But I’d want to know I’m in a safe and properly insured car,” he says.

“And meters protect the customer and driver.

Uber can charge a flat rate of $30 or $40 to West Edmonton Mall, but depending on time of day and traffic, it can cost less than that.

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The system works well, according to Red Deer Development and Licensing Supervisor T8N January 2016 7

TAXI

With a meter, people see the rate and know they’re not getting ripped off. Some companies in town have decals and meters, some don’t. I do think we need guidelines and regulations,” he says.

Even though competition from the rideshares has meant some loss of trade on evenings and weekends—when he says younger St. Albert residents are heading to Edmonton’s bars and clubs—Logan says he continues to have many loyal customers, from seniors going shopping or to weekday appointments, to a good chunk of business— some 20% of the trade—going to the airport.

AIRPORT RULES Plenty of St. Albert residents use a cab to get to the airport, saving the cost of a stay at parkand-fly lot while away on business or holiday travel. The flat rate from St. Albert via taxi (car, minivan, bus) is about $70 to $75, and

HOW MUCH TO WEM? A bus ride from St. Albert into Edmonton is $6 single fare (a transfer can get you back on the same fare). While St. Albert Taxi’s Blair Logan says a metered trip to WEM from St. Albert averages about $28 to $30, the same ride is often a flat rate of $30 to $40 with ride-sharing private companies.

(Uber’s fees are provided on its app).

while St. Albert taxis are not permitted to line up for fares from the Edmonton International Airport (EIA) back to St.Albert, they can do so if pick up is pre-arranged, and the cabbie comes into the terminal with the passenger’s name and flight information.

Brett Bain, ground transportation manager at EIA, says pre-arranged rides happen regularly, as long as the driver pays a $4 trip fee to EIA for accessing the commercial curb.

“Of Edmonton’s over 1,300 cabs, 210 are licensed (with four major Edmonton brokers) to pick up fares at the airport. It’s a 24/7 business with plenty of customers to go around,” says Bain.

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THE TRANSIT ALTERNATIVE While cabs can offer an obvious advantage— especially for seniors or those with mobility issues in getting around town or to and from Edmonton—St. Albert Transit provides service to all areas of the city, too (except for the very newest neighbourhoods). Boasting 94% coverage, transit has bus stops within 400 metres of homes and, according to a 2015 ridership survey, an 80% satisfaction rating among passengers.

Will Steblyk, acting director of St. Albert Transit, says of the city’s two systems (local and commuter), the vast majority of the yearly 1.1 million rides on 56 buses go to Edmonton’s downtown, post-secondary institutions (University of Alberta, MacEwan University, NAIT) and to West Edmonton Mall.

Students use a U-Pass (which is included in tuition fees) for transit rides, while an adult

TAXI

LATE NIGHT RIDE?

commuter pass is $112 a month. Single tickets are $6 into Edmonton (10/$41.25), with local rides at about half that cost (10/$24.00).

“Transit is in the early stages of a project examining the local route network—how to better link access to commuter routes and within St. Albert for residents and employees,” says Steblyk. “We’re also pursuing the expansion of park-and-ride facilities at the south end of the city (Campbell Road and Anthony Henday transportation corridor).

We’re hoping that can happen by 2018.”

St. Albert Taxi reports that it will come to a home or business address at any time, but if you’re at a local pub in the wee hours or when it’s minus 30, don’t expect a cab to be waiting. Blair Logan of St. Albert Taxi says experience has shown that the vast majority of time in such cases, fares don’t appear and the cabbie is left idling. You’ll most likely have to hail a passing cab outside or catch a ride with a designated driver.

to St. Albert city limits (Campbell Road area) has been discussed for years, Steblyk says 10 to 12 years is an optimistic guess for expanding public transit to that extent.

A WALKABLE, CYCLE-FRIENDLY CITY

A commuter bus does run in the evenings to accommodate shift workers, those opting to take a bus to social events in Edmonton or the cost-conscious. The #201, for example, runs downtown from the city’s transit stations until about midnight.

While an LRT from Edmonton’s NAIT station

Getting around in motorized fashion is certainly the norm for commuting into Edmonton, whether for work or leisure. But cyclists and pedestrians have a vast network of trails in St. Albert (and dedicated bike lanes on a few roads within Edmonton) to get to and fro.

In St. Albert, the 85-kilometre Red Willow Trail System connects parks and neighbourhoods—Red Willow Park, Lacombe Lake Park, Lions Park, Kingswood Park, Big Lake, Riverlot 56 and the St. Albert Place Promenade.

On the trails, cyclists and walkers are regularly joined by in-line skaters, runners and those taking the on-leash dog for some fresh air, but the vast ribbons of city sidewalks also get residents where they’re going, connecting neighbourhood streets to major arteries, bus stops and more.

Faced with the need to create a new business model, one that deals with both traditional cabs and private transportation providers, St. Albert will likely move toward a taxi bylaw sooner rather than later. In the meantime, one thing is sure: metered cabs may not be disappearing, but neither is competition for the consumer ride. t8n

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Editorial Intern Who We’re Looking For

T8N is seeking an editorial intern to contribute to an editorial vision that will enhance our position as one of Alberta’s leading city magazines.

This 4-month, paid internship is ideal for a student or recent graduate of journalism, professional writing, e-publishing or comparable program.

For full details, visit the opportunities page on our website.

Qualifications Required • Excellent research, writing and editing skills • The personality to collaborate in a vibrant editorial department • A thorough understanding of the production process • Familiarity with Adobe Suite products, particularly InDesign and Photoshop • Strength and ease communicating on social media platforms • Ability to commit to a flexible schedule and 35 hours per week

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• Create and upload content for T8N e-newsletters • Write and copy edit, as required, for T8N magazine, t8nmagazine.com and other T8N publications • Write, edit and oversee sponsored content and communication with clients • Promote T8N magazine, T8N Publishing and other assets through social media If this sounds like you, forward your resume, writing samples and, if applicable, design and photography samples to editor@t8nmagazine.com Visit t8nmagazine.com/opportunities for more information.

AWAY WE GO! Set your passion in motion PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRENDA LAKEMAN

I

T IS OFTEN said that travel broadens the mind. You

learn things about the people and places you see, and you gain an appreciation for the things left behind.

Alas, life also has another saying: experience is a great teacher, but she sends in terrific bills. Fortunately, travel doesn’t always have to break the bank. In fact, it might not even require you leaving your living room. Sound impossible? Well, welcome to the world of dance—a first-class ticket to experiencing different cultures and traditions.

Whether you take classes, watch it on TV, sit in the audience or take the stage, dance has a place for everyone. And on the day we visited a studio right here in St. Albert, dance had a place for us. That destination? Ukraine! Our guide? Instructor Darrell Marko and his amazing students from DanceCo studio. Take a look.

T8N January 2016 11

DISCOVER DANCECO Location: 9030 McKenny Ave, St. Albert Programs available: Jazz, tap, ballet, lyrical, modern, hip-hop, musical theatre and Ukrainian dance Their mission: To make dance fun and accessible for everyone—not just a select few.

Interesting facts: DanceCo opened in 1995, making this their 21st season. You can register for adult-fun classes, too.

D

espite how inclusive Ukrainian dance is today, it wasn’t that long ago that a child taking lessons needed more than talent. She needed a glam squad. Someone to braid her hair, sew her costumes, hand-embroider her blouses and repeat.

Today, while the costumes remain traditional, the embroidery is done on sewing machines.

Busy parents couldn’t be more grateful.

So is the dance community. As instructor Darrell Marko explains, the more inclusive dance can be, the better: “For the longest time, girls, for example, had to perform with French braids. At DanceCo we’ve decided that’s just not practical. Not everyone has

12 T8Nmagazine.com

long hair or someone to braid it. Instead, our dancers can now wear a low bun, which is way less stressful for everyone involved—and a lot easier to fake than a French braid.”

Dancers outside the discipline are finding their way to Ukrainian dancing, too. “As dancers,” Marko explains, “you should always be exploring new styles. It improves your general knowledge and strengthens you as a dancer. It provides great cross-training, too. In fact, we have a competitive swimmer who dances in one of our groups, and his swimming peers have noticed how much his strength and endurance have improved.”

For me, Ukrainian dance improved my balance, confidence, social skills and strength. When I was in school I could go to a dance and know that I could ask someone to polka, while all my friends were sitting on the side and watching. As a matter of fact, the studio is where I met my wife. Three children later, I’m teaching them to dance. –Darrel Marko T8N January 2016  13

It’s always a thrill when a new dancer shows up accompanied by a parent I used to teach. To see that second generation is just thrilling. It’s one of the reasons I teach kids to train properly—so they can enjoy dancing for many, many years, like I have.

–Darrel Marko

A

s anyone who dances will tell you, the friendships you make last a lifetime. And if you’re really lucky, so will your knees. Wear and tear aside, dance is more than a discipline—it’s a community.

And like all good communities, its strength is in the differences between us and the wisdom to celebrate them. t8n

14 T8Nmagazine.com

Meet Darrell Marko Like many kids in rural Alberta, Darrel

Today, Darrell works as an elementary

Marko was “put” into Ukrainian dance at

school teacher with Edmonton Catholic

an early age. What made him different

Schools but still makes time for dance—

was that he never looked back. Lessons

lots of it. He’s been an instructor at dance

lead to more lessons, and soon he was

studios for nearly 35 years, the last 8 of

dancing with the Junior Cheremosh. From

which have been with DanceCo, right

there Darrell earned a place with the

here in St. Albert. If you’d like to see him

Senior Dance Ensemble and performed

in action (and trust us, you do), watch for

professionally with them for 10 years.

events on the DanceCo Facebook page.

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St. Albert 780.458.1102 | 203, 24 Inglewood Drive | www.simplyforli St. Albert 780.458.1102 | 203, 24 Inglewood Drive | www.simplyforlife.com T8N January 2016 15 St. Albert 780.458.1102 | 203, 24 Inglewood Drive | www.simplyforlife.com

H

MEET

ER PICTURES MAY

Akemi Matsubuchi

be worth a thousand words, but to meet Akemi Matsubuchi is the real prize. A resident of St. Albert for nearly 30 years, she’s both loved and respected in the community she calls home. When she’s not busy instructing at NAIT or off shooting commercial photography, she can likely be found wandering off trails in the backcountry, 20 minutes behind worried friends, who fear she’s as delicious as she is talented. The only sight as good as her reappearing? The breathtaking images she’s captured. Do yourself a favour and check them out. Then support this amazing local artist. Generous of heart, friend to all and one hell of a photographer—Meet Akemi Matsubuchi. t8n: Tell us a bit about the types of projects you shoot.

AM: I specialize in commercial photography, which has a large umbrella of content: editorial portrait, advertising, event photography. I also love photographing food (and enjoy eating it just as much). Editorial portraiture is a big passion because I love meeting p ­ eople and highlighting them in an

AM: I’m not sure I have a distinctive style, but I definitely have a technical side. How the light looks is one of the key components I focus on first when building a scene, and I’m old school and still use a light meter.

I’m also meticulous about details— making sure a shirt doesn’t look skewed or that a necklace clasp isn’t showing at the front. I gravitate to simplifying a scene, too.

Photo Credit: Karen D’Heer

t8n: What point of view do you bring to your personal projects?

A T8N interview environment that reflects their personality.

My personal projects are a complete opposite of my hired work, far less structured and planned out. I guess I like the change of not having to organize and control the scenes. t8n: How would you describe your style?

AM: I have a more introspective feel when I am photographing for myself. Simple beauty is what I see most often. I’m in awe of nature when I am in the backwoods or mountains and want to share that. My travelling images often focus on the human condition or architecture. I still tend to lock onto simple scenes, but usually it’s just me being curious and showing that through my images. I also tend to ask a lot of questions (too many for some people!), but having a camera is a great excuse to be nosy. t8n: Who inspires you to create?

AM: That’s changed since I started teaching.

I used to look to the work of iconic photographers—forerunners, such as Irving Penn or Mary Ellen Mark—or painters and even watch movies for inspiration. Now I also look to my students. Seeing their excitement and desire to create is really invigorating. Some of their work is way out of the box, and that makes me realize I am being lazy. Teaching has also inspired me to pick up my film camera again and print in the darkroom! Forgot how challenging and fun that can be. t8n: What advice has influenced you?

AM: A few key pieces I credit to my father from long ago. He reminded me from a young age of the importance of listening. I try hard everyday to remember that. It’s good advice in general, but as a photographer, listening to your client, art director, model, etc. is crucial to capturing an image that meets the needs. Being an instructor, this skill is just as important. Dad also encouraged taking risks and venturing out of home territory. Change can be hard, but it’s good for our souls.

Limited edition, giclee on canvas, infrared series.

16 T8Nmagazine.com

t8n: If you could take your art in any direction and magically have the time/money required, what would you try?

t8n: What’s something you’re still learning?

AM: Well that’s a long list.

It ranges from learning a bunch of new skills in Photoshop and video-making to finding my voice and place in the fine-art world.

AM: I would love to work more with composite images and create worlds beyond what my camera records in real life. It is a large departure from what I currently do. The other half of me would travel the world on roads less visited doing social documentary work and continuing my infrared series. t8n: What attracts you to infrared photography?

AM: Besides the ethereal quality and serenity of the white glow, I love that it’s still unpredictable to me and that the images are always a surprise when I see them. I never know what image I will love until I work on it in post-production. t8n: What does your dream photo shoot look like?

t8n: What’s an image that will stop you every time?

a scene and not just press the trigger because it’s easy. The camera is a powerful tool, so I also encourage them to use their gift to give back and support a cause that’s looking for its story to be told. t8n: What’s something you’re sure of?

AM: Cliché as it may be, I’m sure I will love creating photographs until I can’t push that button anymore and will always love sharing that experience.

AM: I seem to have a Jekyll and Hyde, high maintenance/low maintenance answer to this. I’d love to take on an elaborate scene like Annie Leibovitz or Jason Bell have done for Vanity Fair—an environmental portrait of someone I admire that would involve me putting them in a tree or riding an elephant or something unexpected. Or you could just put me in a country I’ve never visited, and ask me to create a photo essay. I’d be equally happy with either. t8n: How has digital technology influenced your photography?

AM: Hugely, both positively and negatively.

The positive is the creativity and possibilities it’s allowed with composite work. The negative is that it’s created a large number of “weekend warriors” and amateurs doing work for very cheap. This makes it difficult for professionals to justify their rates and sustain a career despite a formal education and large investment in equipment. t8n: Best advice you’ve given your students?

AM: You might get a different answer from them, but… I often tell them to be mindful when looking through the lens—to be present and slow down. To take the time to frame

AM: Any image of the human condition in that decisive moment. I tip my hat to top photojournalists and what they show the world.

Malaspina coastline, 2009.

t8n: Any upcoming events or shows our readers can find you at?

AM: My infrared work is exhibited regularly at the Enjoy Centre, and I keep a list of upcoming shows on my website, www.matsubuchi.ca. If you catch one, stop by and say hi. t8n

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Then & Now Men working on the St. Albert Trail Bituminized Road Experiment, 1923.

Archival Credit: Provincial Archives of Alberta, A11235

operating on December 22, 1913. Service abruptly ended on April 1, 1914 with a tremendous fire that consumed the car, barn and contents. It never operated again.

In 1940, Provincial Highway 2 was constructed through the town of St. Albert bringing with it a new bridge over the Sturgeon River.

ST. ALBERT TRAIL THEN & NOW

BACK IN 1860, the familiar path we

cart came on that same trail.

now call St. Albert Trail was part of a main shipping route, footpath and horse trail between Fort Edmonton and Lac Ste. A nne. One hundred years later, in 1960, it became a fourlane highway that linked St. Albert to Edmonton. Many improvements have been made over the years and, today, the history of St. Albert Trail continues to be written. Here are a few of the highlights.

In 1859, Grey Nuns arrive to assist Father Lacombe, after travelling 51 days from St. Boniface.

1800s In 1806, James Bird of the Hudson Bay Company wrote of the abundance of fish at “God’s Lake” (Lac Ste. Anne). The supply of fish was important to the early settlers.

These early shipments of fish by horse cart influenced where the St. Albert Trail would eventually be located.

In 1889, the first representative of St. Albert on the North-West Commission opened the initial road from St. Albert to Edmonton. St. Albert Trail was officially established.

1900s In 1902, by decree of the Northwest Territories, our town got its official start when St. Albert was incorporated.

In 1909, Raymond Brutinel led a group of investors and businessmen to develop a proposal for the Interurban Railway to operate between St. Albert and Edmonton along St. Albert Trail. Despite a rather convoluted process of stops and starts, the railway began

In 1960, construction began on a four-lane, graded highway from St. Albert to Edmonton. At that time, St. Albert’s population was 3,190.

2000s On February 26, 2007, the St. Albert Trail between St. Albert and the City of Edmonton was renamed Mark Messier Trail— St. Albert’s nod of thanks to Messier for the time he lived in St. Albert and played with the St. Albert Saints in the Alberta Junior Hockey League.

In April 2012, the first meeting of the newly established St. Albert Trail Improvement Plan Committee, a task force of the Mayor, launched with a 15-month mandate to address the following concerns and goals: Aesthetics, Mobility & Accessibility: maximize greenery, solidify St. Albert’s brand, provide consistent appearance, recognizing the culture and history of the trail.

Business & Community Support: acknowledge the diverse interests and needs of drivers, pedestrians and business owners.

Accommodate all modes of travel including transit users, pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, and users with unique mobility needs.

Improve wayfinding.

In the winter of 1858, the explorer John Palliser wrote in his journal that Lac St. Anne was a source of whitefish “which are delicious eating, are of an average size of four pounds.”

NEW OWNER

Two years later, Hudson Bay Company journal entries from the winter of 1860/61 indicate that some 30,000 to 40,000 whitefish were shipped to Fort Edmonton annually to supplement the dwindling supply of buffalo meat. The regular shipments by horse-drawn

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St. Albert at rush hour, 2015.

Cost Effectiveness: cultivate pride in St. Albert Trail while encouraging entre­ preneurial pursuits.

Maintenance & Safety: balancing ongoing maintenance costs, safety and bylaw compliance.

Sixteen recommendations resulted from the committee’s work, including implementing a long-term sidewalk strategy, engaging business operators and building owners to support key initiatives and developing a median rehabilitation strategy.

NOW Planning is currently underway for a proposed Edmonton to St. Albert LRT extension to run along the eastside of St. Albert Trail.

As history may have it, Raymond Brutinel’s 100-year-old vision of an interurban railway may very well form part of our future— again. t8n

Did You Know?

St. Albert of Louvain, the namesake of St. Albert Road and, later, St. Albert Trail, was martyred on November 24, 1192—murdered in his own church on emperor’s orders.

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The 8s

BEACH-READY BASICS! Outfit your warmweather getaway

BEACH VACATIONS ARE all about

relaxing, but packing for them can be so stressful. The trick? Start with some great basics: a fabulous hat that rolls up, a swimsuit you actually like, a cover-up that doubles as a dress and a few fun pieces to take you from day to night. Here are our picks for a beachy-keen getaway.

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1. Eric Javits GG Dame II Hat, from Cerulean Boutique, $125 2. Vitamin A Estella Crop Rashie, from Sublime Swim & Sunwear, $135 with Vitamin A Neutra Hipster, from Sublime Swim & Sunwear, $105 3. American Eagle Cabana Shoes, from Payless Shoes, $7 4. Sunglasses, from Ardene, $9.50 5. Denim Shirt, from Winners, $24.99 6. Necklace, from Posh & Bonny, $45 7. Papa Fashions Vancouver Umbrella Dress, from Sublime Swim & Sunwear, $59 8. Nanette Lepore Belt, from Winners, $16.99 t8n 22窶サ8Nmagazine.com

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Get back to your life!

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HAVE LUNCH, WILL TRAVEL Great ideas for eating el-desko

PACKING A LUNCH is

always a bit of a gong show. But you can minimize the drama by arming the fridge and freezer with some ea sy g rab -a nd- goes .

A week’s worth of Mason jar salads, a bag of frozen brownies stashed under the decoy peas— even an army of fruit skewers that double as green-grape caterpillars. No, lunch will probably never be easy, but it just got a lot more interesting.

Soup’s on!

T8N January 2016 25

Mason Jar Salad Just about any salad can be packed in a Mason jar. The only rule is to keep the delicate veggies at the top and the crunchy ones at the bottom (where the vinaigrette is).

2 tbsps vinaigrette 1 handful matchstick carrots 1 handful snap peas 1 handful chopped yellow peppers 1 handful cherry tomatoes 1 boiled egg, sliced in halves or quarters 1 handful mesclun salad mix

Pour your vinaigrette in the bottom of the Mason jar, and then add a layer of carrots, followed by snap peas, peppers, tomatoes, eggs and, lastly, the mesclun mix. Screw on the lid, and store it standing upright in your lunch container. When it’s time to dig in, give the jar a shake to distribute the vinaigrette, and either pour the salad into a bowl or eat it straight from the container.

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Mini Frittatas

7-Layer Taco Dip

Breakfast really is the perfect lunch, and these mini frittatas are no exception.

Here’s another recipe that travels great in a snack container or shallow Mason jar. Also ideal for portion control.

2 tbsps extra-virgin olive oil 3 scallions, chopped 1 red pepper, seeded and diced 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms 5 large eggs 1/4 cup milk or cream 1/4 cup chopped parsley 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp freshly cracked pepper 1/3 cup grated sharp cheddar or crumbled feta 1 cup chopped deli meat of your liking (we used ham) 3 Roma tomatoes, sliced into 12 circles

Preheat your oven to 350˚F, and prepare your muffin tins (or mini tart pans) with a generous amount of butter or cooking spray. Next, warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, and add the chopped scallions, red peppers and mushrooms.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste, and sauté until softened (3 to 5 minutes). While that cooks, whisk together the eggs, milk, parsley, salt and pepper in a mixing bowl.

Refried beans Sour cream Guacamole Salsa Chopped tomatoes Chopped scallions Shredded iceburg lettuce Shredded cheese Sliced olives

In a snack-sized container with a lid, layer in the ingredients starting with the refried beans and ending with the sliced olives. Pack with a bag of your favourite taco chips, and enjoy.

Place a spoonful of sautéed vegetables in each muffin hole, and follow with the cheese and chopped deli meat. Fill each muffin hole with the egg mixture, top with a tomato slice and bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes.

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www.midnightmagiclingerie.ca T8N January 2016 27

Sandwiches Gone Wild This one had us thinking outside the lunch box. Load them with whatever you like on the inside and a helping of cute on the outside. Here’s what we used to make ours.

Pitted whole black olives (for eyes, noses, ears and eyebrows) Havarti and marble cheese slices (for eyes, noses, ears and horns) Buns (for cows) Bread (for bunnies and owls) Cookies (for eyes) Cookie cutters for making shapes

Fruit-Skewer Caterpillars Here’s to creative snacks that anyone can string together. Pass the caterpillars, please.

Grapes (for bodies) Cherry tomatoes (for heads) Mini chocolate chips (for eyes) White cheese (for eyes)

There really is no method to this madness: just thread as many grapes as you like on a wooden skewer, and end the chain with a cherry tomato. We used peanut butter to “glue” the chocolate-chip eyes on, but marshmallow fluff or Nutella would work just as easily. Substitute cubes of cheese if your kids aren’t big fruit eaters.

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Mason Jar Soup Soup up your lunch with this noodlely number. Ours packs a punch with a hint of tom yum paste and a little sriracha. Delicious.

1 tsp chicken bouillon powder 1 tsp tom yum paste 1 tsp miso paste 1 tbsp soy sauce 1/2 tsp sriracha sauce (optional) 1 handful of cooked rice noodles (or ramen) 1 scallion, chopped Baby bok choy Bean sprouts Matchstick carrots Snow peas Sliced white mushrooms Freshly chopped coriander (to garnish)

In the bottom of a Mason jar, spoon in the bouillon powder, tom yum paste, miso paste and soy sauce. Next, layer in the noodles, followed by the scallions and small handfuls of bok choy, bean sprouts, carrots, snow peas and mushrooms.

Garnish with the fresh coriander, and add the lid.

When it’s time for lunch, pour boiling water into the jar, and stir well.

Salted-Caramel Cupcake Brownies You know those days when the thought of the chocolate in your lunch bag is all that gets you through the morning? This brownie’s got you covered.

1 3/4 cups sugar 3 large eggs 1 cup walnut oil (or vegetable oil) 1/3 cup milk 3/4 cup cocoa powder 1 1/2 cups flour 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp instant coffee 1 tsp salt 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips 45 Kraft caramels (14 oz bag) 1 can (300 mL) sweetened condensed milk 1 tsp sea salt (for sprinkling)

Preheat your oven to 350˚F, and prepare your muffin tins with a generous amount of butter or cooking spray.

In a measuring bowl with a spout, whisk together the sugar, eggs, oil and milk. In a second bowl, combine the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, instant coffee and salt. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet, and stir in the chocolate chips. Set the bowl aside.

Unwrap the caramels, and place them in a microwave-safe bowl. Pour in the sweetened condensed milk, and heat the mixture in the microwave on reheat (medium-low), stirring every 30 seconds until melted and smooth.

Fill each muffin hole half-full with brownie batter, and then evenly distribute the warm caramel over the brownie layer. Sprinkle the caramel with sea salt, and top with the remaining brownie batter.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Cool on a rack, and store in an airtight container. t8n

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T8N January 2016 29

Truly, Deeply, Madly

May We

SUGGEST… 100-MILE

IF THE HOLIDAYS have left you need-

ing a holiday, look no further than this list. Small but mighty, it’s a funfilled itinerary of places to escape for a winter getaway. Even better? They’re all within 100 miles of St. Albert—a few are right in our backyard. From steam-train excursions to patio parka parties, it’s a list that we hope has your name on it.

Adventure Ice Fishing—If you’ve never been ice fishing, it might be time for a trip to Gull Lake. Besides being a prime fishing spot in Alberta, it’s also home to the only outfitter in the province that offers overnight excursions.

Location: Gull Lake is halfway between Edmonton and Calgary. Take Highway 2 to Lacombe, and then turn west on Highway 12 and watch for signage.

What you’ll discover: The Adventure Ice Fishing company provides everything you need to sleep with the fishes and hopefully catch some, too. Propane furnaces and stoves, overnight huts with four bunk beds, rods, gear, pots, pans, bait—even predrilled fishing holes.

For more info: Visit adventureicefishing.com

THE LONG JOHN INDEX SERVICE OF CANADA Before you head out on your winter excursion, you might want to check a reliable weather service—This Is Not It. The Long John Index Service of Canada will, however, give you an idea of just how cold it is outside. The index is simple and works on a scale of 1 to 5: 1 means long johns shouldn’t be needed; 5 means wear them indoors. Check it out at www.longjohnindex.ca.

Elk Island National Park—Winter is a great season to visit Elk Island, especially if you like snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.

The park trails are multi-use, but snowshoers are asked to preserve the ski tracks and snowshoe beside them (not on them).

Location: The park is located near Fort Saskatchewan just off the Trans-Canada Highway, 35km east of Edmonton along the Yellowhead Highway.

What you’ll discover: Visitors to the park in the winter are likely to spot elk or moose strolling through the trees, as it’s easier to spot them once the leaves have fallen. If you do come across wildlife on the trail, just remember to give them their space and to keep their line of travel (or escape route) clear.

For more info: Visit www.pc.ca Alberta Bed & Breakfasts—Staycations are more popular than ever these days. But staying at home doesn’t have to mean staying at your home. There are fantastic B&Bs scattered all across Alberta. Finding one is as easy as checking out the Alberta B&B Association’s website.

What you’ll discover: The Alberta B&Bs experience is as diverse as our landscape.

You’ll find them located on farms, beaches, waterfronts, mountain retreats, as well as in small towns and urban centres. You can choose from historic homes, modern homes, country homes and cabins—all at varying prices. But don’t think that B&Bs are just for family trips or romantic getaways. They’re also a great option for business travel and conferences.

For more info: Visit www.bbalberta.com.

30 T8Nmagazine.com

WINTER PATIO SEASON Yup. It’s a real thing—and more popular every year. Latitude 53 in Edmonton even hosts a Parka Party in March. Here are some other places to take in the fun.

Café Bicyclette, 8627 91 Street, Edmonton

GETAWAYS Fort Edmonton Park—Everyone loves Fort Edmonton Park in the summertime, but did you know they host moonlit “Snowshoe Through Time” events, evenings in January and February? Don’t miss out.

Location: Fort Edmonton Park is located at the corner of Fox Drive and Whitemud Drive (7000 143 Street). It can also be easily accessed by ETS bus routes.

What you’ll discover: As if snowshoeing by moonlight through Edmonton’s river valley wasn’t enough of a treat, the park’s Snowshoe Through Time events also include

Wild Earth Zoo, Edmonton Valley Zoo, 13315, Buena Vista Road Urban Green Café, Louise McKinney Park, 9999 Grierson Hill Road, Edmonton

horse-drawn wagon rides, a bonfire with hot apple cider and a chance to explore what life was like for settlers in 1846. Fun for the entire family.

For more info: Visit www.fortedmontonpark.ca Alberta Prairie Railway’s Valentine’s Day Dining Excursion—Okay, this destination takes a little more than 100 miles to get to, but we’re squeezing it in anyway. It’s for Valentine’s Day after all, and love is worth going the distance.

Location: All excursions depart from and return to Alberta Prairie Steam Tours in Stettler, located at 4611 47 Ave. What you’ll discover: The Valentine’s Fine Dining Excursion is a 5-hour trip on a dieselpowered train with a stopover in Big Valley.

The package includes entertainment and a 5-course meal with your choice of entrée and wine.

For more info: Visit www.absteamtrain.com/ schedule.html

I’ll Drink to That

Homemade Irish Cream FEELING THE WINTER drearies? Perhaps a little shine

would brighten your day. If you’ve never tasted homemade Baileys, you’re two minutes away from changing that.

Smooth, gratifyingly rich and killer poured over a hot fudge sundae.

Homemade Irish Cream 1 2/3 cups Revel Stoke roasted pecan whisky 1 cup cream 300 mL sweetened condensed milk 1 1/2 tsp instant coffee 2 or 3 tbsp chocolate syrup 2 tsp vanilla extract

In a measuring bowl with a handle and spout, combine all the ingredients, and whisk them together until smooth.

Taste, and adjust the whisky, instant coffee and chocolate syrup to your liking.

Pour into a bottle with a cork or cap, and refrigerate. Shake before serving.

Delicious! t8n

Blaze

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It’s Your Move.

T8N January 2016 31

Meet You There

CANDY BOUQUET

Sweet gifts are made of this CANDY IS THE ultimate indulgence.

Whether we’re talking toffee, chocolate, bonbons, gummies or licorice, nothing will sweeten someone’s day like a carefully chosen confection.

When St. Albert residents want to show someone they care, they head downtown to the Candy Bouquet where owners Kathie Fisher and Gisele Sinclair are ready to candy coat any sentiment.

FUN FACTS Candy bouquets range in price. A simple pop-tin bouquet (built on a can of pop) starts at $15, whereas a custom bouquet can cost as much as $180.

On average, a bouquet takes a few hours to make, so customers should order custom bouquets at least a few days in advance.

The Candy Bouquet is an old-fashioned sweet shop with a British twist. “The store opened in May 1996, but we have owned it since March 2000,” says Kathie. “Neither one of us is British; it’s something we modelled after the previous owners.”

Kathie and Gisele are long-time friends and neighbours who have lived in St. Albert for over 30 years. Before the pair bought the Candy Bouquet, Kathie worked there part-time. When she heard that her boss was looking to sell, it was Gisele who convinced Kathie they should buy it. “We both love to travel, so we originally thought running the business would be good part-time work for both of us,” laughs Gisele. “It definitely hasn’t turned out to be part-time.” “But we do get to travel when we want, more or less. Just not together,” adds Kathie.

Even with one full-time staff member and seven part-time employees,

running the shop is a full-time gig for Kathie and Gisele. The 950-square-foot space is stocked floor to ceiling with hard-to-find candies, many of which are British imports: Floral Gums, Revels, Jelly Babies, Murray Mints and also British pantry items, such as Paxo stuffing and mushy peas. “We see people who travel here from Fort McMurray on a regular basis—and Westlock, too. It’s a place that people bring friends from out of town. Some even call us ‘the British store,’” says Kathie.

True to the store’s name, there’s a room at the back of the store where staff create—you guessed it—customized candy bouquets made from cookies, candy, tea, chocolate and even popcorn. And a few of them have definitely been memorable: one was for a stagette and was built in a bra with the theme “May Your Cup Runneth Over.” Another was built in a running shoe for a dad who was running a marathon. “It’s fun to create personalized bouquets or do a theme,” says Kathie. “We can build the bouquets on any flat surface or in anything that has an opening.” Gisele adds, “It’s a delicious alternative to flowers.”

Both Kathie and Gisele feel fortunate to run a business in

DID YOU KNOW? Remember Pink Elephant Popcorn, Chicken Bones, Pop Rocks or ribbon candy?

The Candy Bouquet has them, as well as other nostalgic favourites.

32 T8Nmagazine.com

CANDY BOUQUET AT A GLANCE

Savour

Location: 12 Perron Street Owners: Kathie Fisher and Gisele Sinclair

Our Beef Stroganoff with Roasted Potatoes & Sour Cream

Specialties: British imports and bouquets made of candy Interesting Fact: The Candy Bouquet is a franchise. There are three other locations in Alberta: Medicine Hat, Calgary and Lethbridge.

St. Albert. “The businesses around us encourage customers to shop local. The post office often sends customers here for something extra if their package is underweight, and the health food store has sent customers over for our natural licorice,” says Kathie. Gisele adds, “It’s a nice community. We appreciate the support from St. Albert.”

One thing’s for sure, this one-of-a-kind shop makes our city an even sweeter place to live.

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR EXHIBIT

Things to do, watch, hear and see this January.

Night Hours EXHIBIT

Take Your Best Shot: Youth Photo Exhibition Explore St. Albert through the lens of our youth! It’s that time of year again, and you’re invited to the Musée Héritage Museum for the fifth annual youth photo contest. Take Your Best Shot has become one of the Museum’s most popular events, and each year it sees more amazing talent. This year’s “Nature” themed exhibition had a record number of entries. As well as their photos, entrants were also asked to describe why they chose their subject, providing unique insight into the creativity of St Albert’s younger citizens.

Featuring: Claire Cameron, Craig Davidson, Sandra

Gulland, Chris Hatfield, Lawrence Hill, Susan Juby, Lori Lansens, Sean Michaels, Heather O’Neill, Kim Thuy Date: November 20 to January 24 Location: Musée Héritage Museum, St. Albert Place, 5 St. Anne Street For more info: visit www.MuseeHeritage.ca

The AGSA is thrilled to exhibit artworks from the Alberta Foundation for the Arts collection, in an original exhibition. Night Hours includes works from over 15 Alberta artists, each handpicked by AGSA. These renowned artists each redefine the painting tradition of ‘the nocturne’ within a contemporary framework. Portraying dreamlike, nighttime landscapes they are able to capture the vastness of the night sky and the numinous darkened natural world.

Artists: Artworks from the Collection of the

Alberta Foundation for the Arts Date: December 3 to January 30 Location: Art Gallery of St. Albert, 19 Perron Street For more info: visit ArtGalleryofStAlbert.ca WORKSHOP

WORKSHOP

Inside Scoop On Submissions

Cultivating Creativity—Clay

Thinking of submitting your work to the Art Gallery of St Albert for exhibition but feeling overwhelmed by the process? This workshop is for you! Beginners and established artists alike will learn to create strong submissions by learning about artwork presentation, artist contracts, insurance forms, curriculum vitae, artist statements, submitting digital images and so much more.

This workshop is perfect for teens, adults, couples and groups of friends to share an afternoon of creativity. We’ll guide you through the creative process of building a unique pair of serving plates. Fee includes clay, glazes, use of tools and firing. Registration Deadline is January 16. Don’t miss out!

Featuring: Claire Cameron, Craig Davidson,

Sandra Gulland, Chris Hatfield, Lawrence Hill, Susan Juby, Lori Lansens, Sean Michaels, Heather O’Neill, Kim Thuy

Date: January 23 & February 6 from

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Location: Pottery Studio, St Albert Place, 5 St. Anne Street For more info: visit ArtGalleryofStAlbert.ca

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APPy New Year!

Digital support for your winter escape

WINTER HAS A PECULIAR way of

shifting gears after the holidays. You know the feeling. The highly anticipated presents have all been opened and explored, and even though the memory of Mum’s buttery turkey still lingers in our minds (and on our waistlines), we suddenly realize that the twinkly snow we loved at Christmas now needs to be scraped off windshields and shovelled out of driveways for months. It’s no coincidence that the high season for travel runs until April, and these six apps are here to help you on your way.

EVERNOTE—ELIMINATE CROSS‑PLATFORM CHAOS

Premium ($57.99 US/year) accounts have more features and include more data.

Welcome to the mother of all organizational tools. This multi-functional app lets you sort files and emails, write notes and journal entries, scan and track receipts….the list goes on.

MAPS.ME—HOPE FOR THE INTERNET-IMPAIRED

What it is: Users store information in private or shared folders where they can add text, audio files, pictures and scans, documents of all types—even parts of web pages.

Who it’s for: The organizationally challenged traveller and anyone who wants to keep all their trip-related information in one place.

Why it’s special: Evernote’s powerful search function can identify text even in picture files and PDF documents, so it takes seconds to find whatever information you need.

Saving everything to the app, which syncs across all devices, eliminates the need to search through emails, tablet notes, computer bookmarks, Pinterest boards or phone screenshots.

What it costs: The basic service is free to users. Evernote Plus ($28.99 US/year) and

Poor connectivity is no longer a problem with these off-line maps, which feature navigation, zooming and pinning functions that work just like their online competitors.

What it is: Detailed downloadable maps that include information on hotels, restaurants, hospitals, banks, gas stations and more.

Download maps with or without routing capabilities, and delete them when you no longer need them. File sizes are listed with each download.

Who it’s for: Anyone travelling to an unfamiliar location, especially areas where Internet connections are sporadic or expensive.

Why it’s special: Since the maps are downloaded right to your phone or tablet, they are accessible offline and don’t incur expensive roaming data costs. The app’s navigational functions work anywhere a GPS signal can be picked up.

What it costs: Free to all users.

T8N January 2016 37

Fight or Flight SWORKIT—A.K.A, WORK IT! No gym? No problem! Strength training, cardio, yoga and stretching routines for travellers on the move.

What it is: An exercise app that customizes workouts based on the time you have available, the body part you want to train and the type of exercise you prefer.

Who it’s for: The active business traveler or vacationer who wants to squeeze in a few minutes of exercise between trips to the poolside mojito bar.

Why it’s special: The exercises require only your own body weight, so you can work out anywhere and don’t need to pack any special gear. You can tailor workouts to your specific needs, or download a variety of ready-to-go routines. There’s also a version that offers interactive fitness games for kids.

What it costs: Sworkit Lite and Sworkit Kids are free. The Pro version offers more features

Cheap flight provider CheapAir.com estimates that the best time to book a domestic flight is 47 days before travel (unless travelling in peak season). They recommend avoiding last-minute deals since prices almost always spike at that time. Booking too early can also cost more because newly listed fares start at a higher price point.

and costs $5.24 for Android and $2.29 for iOS.

GASBUDDY—GAS GUZZLERS, REJOICE! This handy app helps you save money on gas, so you can spend more on your vacation.

What it is: Users report gas prices, which are listed with the gas station’s name, address and distance from their current location.

Search for gas by price or location.

Who it’s for: Budget-conscious travellers within Canada and the United States.

Why it’s special: The app offers a points system to encourage users to report current prices. There are daily and weekly challenges

that help users win more points (e.g. “Post four diesel prices on five of the seven days this week and earn 2500 points”), which can then be used to enter the daily $100 gas giveaway.

What it costs: Free to all users.

TRIPIT—KEEP YOUR TRIP AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Keep track of all your comings and goings with this interactive itinerary app.

What it is: Tripit uses your reservation confirmation emails to create a comprehensive travel itinerary that includes flights, accommodations, car rentals—even restaurants.

Edit your itinerary as you like, creating notes or adding photos and links.

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Any traveller who’s ever been desperate to find a bathroom in a foreign country will appreciate this app, which can translate basic sentences in up to 90 languages.

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Why it’s special: While this app has its limitations—translating individual words or short phrases appears to work well, but complex conversational sentences can be inaccurate—it can certainly help you with the basics, such as ordering from menus, buying bus tickets or checking into a hotel.

MUMMERS

What it costs: The basic version is free for mobile users. Tripit Pro costs $49/year (US) and offers more features.

Who it’s for: Anyone travelling to a foreign destination, particularly if it’s off the main tourist track.

STREET HOCKEY

Why it’s special: The app incorporates important dates, times and confirmation numbers so you don’t have to go searching through your inbox for an email received months ago. Share your itinerary publicly or with a select group, and view past trips any time you like.

What it is: Translate by typing, speaking or taking pictures of text with your camera phone. Downloadable language packs that can be used off-line are available, with mixed reviews about their overall effectiveness.

MUSIC

Who it’s for: Multi-destination travellers with full schedules or anyone who just plain loves the look of a well-organized itinerary.

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January 9, 2016 • 9:30 am - noon Bellerose Composite High School Please check our website at www.spschools.org for more information.

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780.460.3712 www.spschools.org T8N January 2016 39

U•MA •MI (n.)

It’s a matter of taste

Did You Know?

Breast milk contains about the same amount of umami as most broths.

UMAMI HAS EXPLODED onto today’s

WHAT IS IT?

THE SCIENCE

c u li na r y scene. C hefs i n trendy restaurants are adding umami burgers and “ U-Bombs” to their menus, while conglomerates like Nestlé and Campbell’s are using it to enhance the flavours in their packaged products. Even though umami is the next big thing in food, there’s still an air of mystery about it. Here we explore the origin, science and identity of “the fifth taste.”

Umami is often called “the fifth taste.” But unlike sour, sweet, salty and bitter—tastes that have been identified and accepted for centuries—umami is relatively new to our radar. Difficult to describe, umami is an underlying flavour that many people describe as mildly meaty or brothy, with a long-lasting aftertaste.

Glutamate, the amino acid responsible for umami, balances taste and flavours, highlights sweetness, offset salitness and reduces bitterness.

UMAMI BOMBS Combining several umami ingredients in one dish is called an umami bomb—or a U-Bomb—because diners experience an intense “flavour explosion” when eating the dish.

40 T8Nmagazine.com

WHERE WILL WE FIND IT? Umami’s flavour profile is found naturally in many foods: it’s in most meats and fish, as well as mushrooms, tomatoes, potatoes, spinach, aged cheeses, miso and green tea.

Umami can also be added to food and is prevalent in sauces, salts and powders, such as soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, Worcestershire sauce, nutritional yeast and monosodium glutamate (MSG), to name a few.

WHEN WAS IT DISCOVERED? Umami was first identified in 1908 by Kikunae Ikeda, a professor at Tokyo Imperial University. Legend has it, Ikeda was enjoying a bowl of kombu dashi (seaweed broth) when he noticed that the soup’s flavour was neither sour, sweet, salty nor bitter—it was outside those four tastes, a fifth taste, which he eventually discovered was the taste of a particular amino acid—glutamate. Ikeda named the taste umami, which comes from the Japanese words for delicious and taste.

In 1996, a team of researchers in Miami conducted a study that found receptors in our taste buds that exist only to recognize glutamate. The researches published their findings in 2000, which put umami on the map in the Western world. Although widely accepted in Eastern cultures, the existence of a fifth taste was heavily debated in the West prior to this study.

Many researchers now believe that humans have developed a taste for umami because it signals the presence of protein (similar to the way craving something salty is a sign that one’s sodium levels might be low).

WHY WE LIKE IT Adding a natural umami ingredient is an excellent way to enhance the flavour of our favourite dishes without using salt or sugar.

For example, adding some Parmesan or a dash of soy sauce to your standby pasta sauce will intensify the flavour. Umami has also been shown to support weight management because it provides a feeling of fullness.

WHY WE DON’T LIKE IT Glutamate in its salt form is monosodium glutamate (MSG), which can cause headaches, nausea and chest pain in people who are sensitive to the additive. Chinese food, canned goods and processed meats often contain added MSG. t8n

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