TOQUE Magazine - issue 12 - Handcraft Issue

TOQUE REGIONAL LOOKBOOK

Tom Bartlett of Bartlett Guitars in his workshop

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HANDCRAFT ISSUE

TOQUEMAGAZINE.COM

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12.

R e le ase d D E C . 2020

magazine TM CAi SEPULIS, partner art d irec tor. d esign & i l l ust rat i on

CHRIS TIESSEN, partner ed ito r. writin g & phot ography

Contributors: Gord Auld, Mike Byers, Danielle Kuepfer, Curtis Grimba, Christina Mann, Sandra Peltier, Sonia Preisler, Sashaina Singh, Jay Stephens & Gillian Wilson Printed on 100% post-consumer ROLLAND ENVIRO paper.

This print run saved: 84 trees 6 tennis courts 80,685 gal. US of water 873 days of water consumption 8,255 lb. of waste 70 waste containers 27,121 lb. CO2 emissions of 4 cars per year 70 MMBTU 310,307 60W light bulbs for one hour 35 lb. NO X emissions of one truck during 49 days

Made possible with the support of Ontario Creates

TOQUEMAGAZINE.com @toqueLTD

'HOPE SMILES FROM THE THRESHOLD OF THE YEAR TO COME, WHISPERING ‘IT WILL BE HAPPIER'.’ – ALFRED, LORD TENNYSON WE’RE ALMOST THERE. JUST A HANDFUL OF WEEKS LEFT. UNTIL WE’VE MADE IT - UNTIL YOU’VE MADE IT - THROUGH THIS MOST UNHOLY YEAR OF OUR LORD, 2020. INDEED, IT WILL BE SO GOOD TO UNBURDEN OURSELVES OF THE EVENTS AND MEMORIES OF THIS CURSED STRETCH OF TIME. TO TIPTOE ACROSS THE THRESHOLD SEPARATING THIS YEAR FROM NEXT WITHOUT ROUSING TOO MUCH IRE. TO START LIFE ANEW. IN WESTERN EUROPEAN MEDIEVAL CULTURE, A THRESHOLD OF ANY SORT WHETHER A HEARTH, OR DOORWAY, OR CITY LIMIT, OR WHAT HAVE YOU - WAS RIFE WITH WICKED SPIRITS. (HENCE THE TRADITION OF GROOMS CARRYING THEIR BRIDES ACROSS THE THRESHOLD OF THEIR NEW HOME, FOR INSTANCE - AN ACT THAT BEGAN CENTURIES AGO AS A WAY TO PROTECT AGAINST EVIL.) AND WHILE WE’RE MINDFUL OF MEDIEVAL TRADITIONS, AND CERTAINLY DON’T WANT TO STIR UP ANYTHING UNTOWARD WHEN WE’RE SO CLOSE TO NEW BEGINNINGS, OUR TEAM AT TOQUE THOUGHT IT APPROPRIATE TO DARE MAKE A WEE BIT OF NOISE BEFORE EXITING 2020. TO PUT A PROVERBIAL WRENCH IN ITS SPOKES BEFORE BIDDING THIS AWFUL YEAR ADIEU.

BY CONFOUNDING IT WITH APPLAUSE. STUNNING IT WITH HOPE. UNNERVING IT WITH FEELS – CELEBRATING A SMATTERING OF FOLKS ACROSS OUR REGION WHO DEFIED THE PAST YEAR’S IGNOBLE WAYS THROUGH IMAGINATION, EXECUTION, CREATION. AND LOVE. INDEED, EVEN IN THE DARKEST HOURS OF THESE PAST TWELVE MONTHS, A SMALL ARMY OF MAKERS WERE KEEPING THEIR HEADS DOWN IN THEIR WORKSHOPS, STUDIOS, AND RESTAURANTS, AND MAKING BEAUTIFUL THINGS. AS MARCUS AURELIUS ONCE WROTE: ‘DWELL ON THE BEAUTY OF LIFE. WATCH THE STARS, AND SEE YOURSELF RUNNING WITH THEM.’ WELCOME TO THE ‘HANDCRAFT ISSUE.’

.ca

CONTENTS 9. EDITOR’S LETTER: HANDCRAFT ISSUE 14. P IZZA AND BEER: FIXED GEAR BREWING CO'S CANTEEN 26. DAYTRIPPIN’ WITH SONIA PREISLER & SASHAINA SINGH 28. RE-IMAGINING A CLASSIC: CHARLOTTE MCKEOUGH’S BRAVE BROWN BAG 38. M EET YOUR MAKER: EDGAR & POOCH 40. COFFEE BREAK: THREE MUST-VISIT CAFÉS ACROSS OUR REGION 50. G ETTING TO KNOW: TRICAR’S GORDON SQUARE CONDOMINIUMS 52. PRODUCT SHOOT: TOQUE'S LOCAL GIFT GUIDE 58. UNCOVERING WELLINGTON COUNTY: MADEIRA FARMS 62. S TRATFORD: WHERE EVERYTHING’S WITHIN REACH 76. C OMICS: DIY HANDCRAFT 88. GETTING TO KNOW: ANDRA ARNOLD 90. C URATION PERFECTED: THREE MUST-VISIT GENERAL STORES & APOTHECARIES AROUND THE REGION 96. EXPERT OPINION (INVESTMENT): MIKE HRYN 98. ALL ABOUT THAT BARBECUE: INTRODUCING CROWSFOOT SMOKEHAUS 110. #PHOTOSPREAD: MAKE STUFF 118. ANIMATING THE CORE: INTRODUCING THE DTK ART WALK 126. BLAINE CASSON: AN OLD SCHOOL CRAFTSMAN 136. #PHOTOSPREAD: SWEET TOOTH 144. HEALTHY EATS: THREE MUST-VISIT FOOD & DRINK DESTINATIONS ON MAIN ST IN DOWNTOWN CAMBRIDGE EET YOUR MAKER: FROM BEHIND THE MASK 150. M 152. A FAMILY AFFAIR: THE MAKINGS OF STONE HOUSE KACHELÖFEN 160. COMIC: GOOSE 162. COCKTAIL HOUR WITH SPRING MILL DISTILLERY

illustration: Cai Sepulis

@caisepulis

Gifts for Gardeners Copper Wiring

Hand-crafted Stoneware

Hand-Forged Tools

Slate Garden Markers

Pruning Shears + Sheath

Garden Shears

Vintage Florist Frog

St. Eval Candles

Decorative Nest & Quail Eggs

Find these products and more at: Cambridge School of Flowers 1 Water Street North, Cambridge, ON cambridgeschoolofflowers.com

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P IZZA AND BEER:

FIXED GEAR BREWING CO’S CANTEEN

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WORDS BY CAI SEPULIS; PHOTOS BY CHRIS TIESSEN

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GUELPH JUNCTION

I think ‘Canteen’ would be a great name,’ I

similar concept in Nashville. ‘Nothing fancy,’

suggest to Fixed Gear Brewing Co’s owner,

he continues, ‘but just what Guelph’s Junction

Michael Oosterveld, as we lounge in the

neighbourhood needs.’ A friendly place to get

midday heat on the rock beach in front of

out.

his cottage located in the archipelago off Georgian Bay. It’s early August, and I’m

*

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here – with TOQUE’s Chris Tiessen and my wife, Sonia – as part of an excursion across

Fast forward four months. It’s a cool early-

Ontario’s cottage country (published in

November evening in Guelph, and I’m walking

TOQUE 11 as ‘Outbacking Across Ontario: A

up Edinburgh Road in that same Junction

Four-Day Success Story’). And Michael, ever

‘hood Michael had been discussing with

the scheming entrepreneur, is brainstorming

us those months before. I’m on my way to

his next venture. ‘It’s going to be simple,’ he

Canteen – Michael’s offshoot of his Fixed

notes as he sips on a Fixed Gear ‘Peloton’

Gear Brewing Company. The place has just

pilsner. (As you might imagine, there’s no

opened and I’m keen to give it a try. Chris and

shortage of those up here.) ‘Just stone-oven

Sonia are meeting me for dinner. I’ve decided

pizzas and fresh beer.’ Michael first saw a

to visit by foot – as Sonia and I live just a

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few blocks away. Located in Granite Homes’

entering, and then order their food – and

beautiful new factory-style commercial

more drinks – once they’ve taken a seat.) I

development, ‘Platform @ The Junction’,

spot Michael across the busy, yet still socially-

Canteen abuts right up against Edinburgh

distanced, restaurant. He meets my gaze and

and features a good-sized brick-walled patio

is over in a heartbeat with what looks like

next to the sidewalk. As I approach the place,

some sort of stout or porter. ‘Here,’ he says to

it’s as though I can feel its energy already.

Sonia, placing the pint down, ‘I think you’d like

The sounds of laughter and chatter emanate

this.’ Sonia takes a sip, and grins approvingly.

from inside the patio enclosure. The glow

It’s a Fixed Gear one-off: a hazelnut stout that

of twinkle lights strung across the outdoor

turns out to be so popular it’s already run

seating area beckons me. The Fixed Gear

out by the time Chris visits the next night for

logo, paired with ‘Canteen’, is affixed to the

dinner again with his partner, Liz. ‘And I’ve

restaurant’s external brick wall.

already placed your order,’ Michael continues.

‘I want you to try a bit of everything.’

This is going to be good.

The next couple hours are blissful. Pints Fast forward a half hour. Sonia and Chris and

with friends and loved ones, surrounded by

I are at a four-seater inside the place, beers

what seems to be the entire neighbourhood.

in hand. (At Canteen, folks are encouraged

Smiling faces. Excited conversation. And

to order their drinks from the bar upon

fantastic pizzas: thrown and topped in

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5 CANTEEN PIES THAT WILL KEEP YOU COMING BACK FOR MORE: BACKPEDDLING Pesto base, roasted red peppers, goat cheese, grilled red onion

DRAFTING Classic sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, cremini mushrooms, green pepper, topped with olive oil drizzle and oregano OUT OF THE PINES (VEGAN) Canteen’s behind-the-scenes kitchen before being baked in its shiny black-tiled wood-fired pizza oven – on display for all to see just beside the bar. My favourite pie, ‘Card In The Spokes’ (a name recalling that nostalgic cycling tradition), is a true flavour

Classic sauce, artichoke hearts, grilled zucchini and eggplant, grilled onion, topped with fresh basil and olive oil drizzle

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bomb – featuring grilled pineapple, prosciutto, mint, and a spicy honey drizzle that adds a burst of flavour with every bite. Chris’ fave, ‘Off The Chain’ (again – so

CARD IN THE SPOKES

à propos), features roasted garlic and prosciutto,

Classic sauce, mozzarella, grilled pineapple, prosciutto, topped with mint and spicy honey drizzle

and is topped with heaps of raw arugula, a balsamic reduction, and parmesan.

‘Arugula on pizza is the greatest,’ Chris notes after washing down a bite with Fixed Gear’s brand new ‘Glow Ride’ double IPA. Sonia nods in agreement.

‘I first tried it in the Trastevere neighbourhood in Rome a couple decades back,’ he continues, ‘and I add it to everything now. Did you know it's actually an herb?’ Interesting. Halfway through our meal, Chris hoists his camera gear and makes his way toward the oven. Between shots he no doubt regales the pizza maker (who happens to be local realtor Andra Arnold’s daughter) with tales of his tenure as wood-fired pizza-maker at Kitchener’s City Café Bakery.

OFF THE CHAIN Classic sauce, roasted garlic, prosciutto topped with arugula, balsamic reduction, shaved parmesan

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Canteen, as a sort of larger, more food-focused extension of Fixed Gear’s homestead brewery (located some hundred metres down the tracks in the Junction), shares the original brewery’s bike-themed décor. Track bikes and singlespeeds (many of which are on loan from Backpeddling – another Junction business) are suspended on angles from the walls. An historic Guelph ‘Olympia’ Cycling Club jersey hangs above the bar. And the brewery’s bright orange core hue is present everywhere. On light fixtures. Tap handles. And on an antique ‘Orange Crush’ billboard Michael most certainly scrounged from one of his local properties.

Nearing the end of dinner, above the din of conversation, clinking glasses, and music, I hear the sound of train crossing bells just outside. Peering out the restaurant’s large wrap-around windows, I catch sight of the evening GO train passing close by. Patiogoers have seemingly all stopped eating to observe this exciting phenomenon. What an experience to feel the rumble of the cars and power of the engine mere feet away. Reminds me of the Gandy Dancer – an elegant restaurant set in a former railroad depot in Ann Arbor – where diners and staff alike clap when trains pass through, blowing their whistles.

As our evening winds up, Sonia and I bid Chris adieu and begin our walk home. On our way, with the leaves brushing below our feet and the stars already in the sky, I think of all the simple things it feels like we’re missing these days. And how a place like Canteen manages to give us back just a bit of what we sense we’ve lost. And I also think back to that mid-summer conversation we had with Michael at his cottage.

And how he’s managed to create this special place – Canteen – in just four months. Building community from scratch.

I grab Sonia’s hand, smile to myself, and am happy

FIXED GEAR CANTEEN 5 EDINBURGH RD S, GUELPH

fixedgearbrewing.com

.

DAYTRIPPIN’

A C O U PL E O F BESTI ES SH ARI NG TH EI R F AVOU R IT E SAT U R DAY R OM P AR OU N D T H E R E G I O N .

(COMMUNICATIONS & FUND DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR AT ARCH)

SASHAINA SINGH

(KNOWLEDGE BROKER, OFFICE OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AT MCMASTER UNIVERSITY) Having met while completing undergrad degrees at Guelph, Sonia and Sasha have been scouring for regional hotspots together for over a decade. In this daytrippin’ installment, Sonia begins her Saturday in Guelph (where she resides) and finishes it, with Sasha, in Hamilton (where Sasha hangs her hat):

PLAY WIT H C LAY / C LAY BAR 42 WYNDHAM ST N, GUELPH

1. This Saturday begins in downtown Guelph where I pop into Play with Clay to pick up a bowl I made as a birthday present for Sasha. (I’ll give it to her when I visit Hamilton later in the day.) It’s worth noting that Play with Clay co-owner, Nina, recently opened the Clay Bar – a space at the back of the business where you can throw clay on the wheel or paint pieces while sipping on cocktails (I recommend the ‘Wyndham Fog’). I like to share a charcuterie board with friends there, and feast on ‘zapiekanki’ – a delicious Polish street food.

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2. Bowl in hand, I walk the half block to femme clothing

K E NN E D Y P A R K

boutique Kennedy Park where I say ‘hi’ to co-owners Devon and Sara. We chat about the newest pick for our

13 QUEBEC ST, GUELPH

book club while I browse the beautifully-curated pieces they’ve assembled for the season – including a killer jumpsuit that catches my eye. These two have a great design sense, and a lot of my staple pieces come from this gorgeous downtown mainstay.

3. From Kennedy Park I meander over to Wilson Street TWO F AC E S & HO N EY C LO UD D O NUT S 20 WILSON ST, GUELPH

where I meet friends Liz and Rebecca at Two Faces, a wine bar where they’ve recently begun selling Honey Cloud Donuts on Saturday mornings. The donuts, baked out of the 10C shared commercial kitchen just down the street, feature a classic glaze made with local Thurston Honey Bee Co honey. Before I leave, I grab a bottle of Revel Cider’s chamomile cider from the wine bar’s bottle shop. Revel’s funky dry ciders and Ibi wines are always amazing.

photos by Sonia Preisler

SONIA PREISLER, WITH

4.

I hop in the car and beeline to Hamilton

where I meet Sasha, present her with the bowl, and hang out for the rest of the day.

I pick her up outside GOODBODYFEEL where she’s just finished a fiery pilates class, and together we head to Girl on the Wing to browse all the lovely things.

Vintage clothing. Retro housewares. Cute

GOODBODY FEEL 145 MAIN ST E, HAMILTON

GI RL ON TH E WI NG 221 KING ST E, HAMILTON

pins and patches. I pick out a pair of jeans and Sasha grabs some classic 80’s-style geometric earrings.

5.

ARK + ANCH OR ESP R ESSO BA R

We head to Ark + Anchor

300 KING ST W, HAMILTON

Espresso Bar in Steeltown’s Strathcona neighbourhood where the owners, Patrick and Yigi, are super welcoming. We find a nice sunny spot on the second floor where we admire the simple, clean décor while we sip our cortado (me) and tea latte (Sasha) and catch up.

6.

Soon we head next door to La Luna

for a late lunch. This authentic Lebanese restaurant, a Hamilton institution, has been serving up homemade recipes for the past twenty-seven years. We order a ‘La Luna’s Platter’ to-go and head to Princess Point, where (weather permitting) we enjoy a picnic by the water: shish kababs,

LA LU NA

shish kafta with grilled vegetables, rice and

306 KING ST W, HAMIL TON

hummus.

P RI NCESS P OI NT 335 LONGWOOD ROAD N, HAMILTON

7. We stroll around the trails at Princess Point until dusk and then make our way to Ottawa Street for snacks, cocktails and mocktails at Caro. The patio of this local hotspot is as tantalizing for late-autumn and early-winter nights as it is for those long summer days. At this cozy place that serves up incredible modern Italian cuisine we split a Margherita pizza and crispy polenta fries. Then we chat the rest of the

CARO

evening away. Heavenly. After dinner, I

4 OTTAWA ST N, HAMILTON

drop Sasha off at home and drive the short

.

trip back to Guelph – reminiscing over such a fantastic Saturday

DAYTRIP, TAG & POST!

@TOQUELTD #TOQUEDT #TOQUEDAYTRIPPING

28 GUELP H AVE

HESPELER

RE-IMAGINING A CLASSIC:

CH AR LOT T E M CK E O U G H ’ S B RA V E B RO W N B A G WORDS BY DANIELLE KUEPFER; PHOTOS BY CHRIS TIESSEN

I’m sitting in the sprawling loft that is

Honestly, I can understand the oversight to

Charlotte McKeough’s Hespeler studio – an

which she refers. From afar, Charlotte’s bags

industrial backdrop to the minimalist fabrics

are nearly indistinguishable from the paper

and pastel-coloured equipment that fill the

bags one finds in boutiques, grocers, and

space – studying a photo in an old issue of

flower shops. Even her richly-hued bags look

House & Garden. It’s a scene of Marc Jacobs’

like paper. A turquoise number draws me

Paris apartment: his beloved Dalmatian

in – its crinkled fabric putting me in mind of a

sitting next to a mod red chaise longue, and

watercolour. I lift it from the shelf and admire

Charlotte’s flagship Brave Brown Bag perched

its details. The bag is seamless, no stitching

atop the chaise. 'They talk about the dog,’

in sight, the bottom folded with crisp pleats

notes Charlotte from across the room – upon

like a perfectly-wrapped gift. Even the edge

realizing that I’m studying the photo – ‘and

has been pinked (or ‘crinkle-cut’ – a simple

they talk about the sofa.' I look up from the

but delightful feature). Like all of Charlotte's

page and meet Charlotte’s gaze – a cheeky

bags, it’s sturdy but softened, gently wrinkled

grin spreading across her face. ‘But they don’t

as if it's been toted from a favourite shop

mention the bag – because they probably

and taken the long way home on a Saturday

thought it was paper.' We chuckle together.

afternoon excursion.

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To be sure, this is no paper bag – but

a century ago. 'Before plastics,’ Charlotte

something much more elevated, imagined,

explains, ‘sailmakers applied wax to linen

reinvented. A fashion product that’s struck a

to create a waterproof material suitable for

chord with curators of distinguished boutiques

sails.' Suitable too, it turns out, for securing

across the globe. Indeed, Charlotte’s bags have

a pile of books, a multi-course packed lunch,

been made available in design and fashion

or whatever else you might want to assemble

establishments from London to Milan, Toronto

and carry on an average day.

to San Francisco, Paris to Tokyo. Even the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) gift shop in

Some of Charlotte’s newest designs are made

New York City has carried Charlotte’s Brave

from modern-day sailcloth, and the distinct

Brown Bags. When I mention this to her, she

patterns of the fabric – the sophisticated black

seems to think almost nothing of it. ‘I’m quite

stripes and somehow-subtle neon yellow

pleased with their popularity,’ she remarks.

crosshatch – are in fact carbon fibre and

‘But honestly, I’m just happy to be doing what

kevlar, technical materials used because they

I’m doing – making things that I find both

are both strong and lightweight. Nowadays,

beautiful and useful.’

Charlotte and her small team craft between sixty and one hundred bags each month. All

But what about the material Charlotte uses

in this Cambridge studio. And all by hand. ‘It’s

for her Brave Brown Bags, then? It’s actually

what seems to be working for us right now,’

waxed cotton – the product of a technique

she notes – a twinkle in her eye.

borrowed from sail-making methods of

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Charlotte’s journey from sailcloth to handbag

machine borrowed from a friend who ran

began the way any great origin story might:

a print shop. 'A lot of the equipment here,’

with a two-year stint sailing the East coast, in

remarks Charlotte, motioning her arms

pursuit of a Coast Guard certification. Years

around the spacious studio, ‘I designed it, I

later, while the sail-making loft that employed

created it.’ She continues: 'I took a bit of this

Charlotte was moving their drafting process

and a bit of that and put it together because

to computers, massive sheets of stiff sail

what I wanted didn’t exist.' Nodding towards

pattern material (used as life-size templates

a hand-operated press painted flamingo pink,

for the sails) were destined for the trash.

she goes on: 'I would make it myself until I

Charlotte, already experimenting with waxing

could find someone who could do it a little

cotton, found that this material was the

better.' She pauses to reflect before adding,

missing piece in the bag taking shape in her

philosophically, 'and that’s kind of how it

imagination. Its characteristics allowed her

goes.'

to bond handles to the bag’s base without stitching, giving her bags their seamless

As for the bag itself, it seems to have evolved

finish. 'The material worked,’ Charlotte notes,

into its simplest version through the many

‘and it just happened to be there.'

trials of gluing, sewing, and – Charlotte is exasperated at the thought – magnets. Since

That idea of ‘working with what you’ve got’

the original design nearly a quarter century

is a big part of the Brave Brown Bag’s story.

ago, it is the magical, self-sealing quality

Charlotte’s first heat press, for example –

of the waxed cotton that prevails. Despite

which uses simple pressure and heat to fuse

its utilitarian function and oh-so-simple

the waxed cotton – was originally a laminating

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craftsmanship, this seemingly recyclable bag never fails to lend a bit of whimsy to the act of carrying around the bits and pieces that make up one’s daily essentials.

Leaning against an improvised bag rack that was once a machine used to roll piping, Charlotte tells me earnestly: 'Whatever’s at hand, you’ve gotta make something out of it.' As if to make sure I understand what she means,

.

she adds, with apparent pleasure: 'Making things. It’s just part of my character.'

Darryl Watty SALES REPRESENTATIVE

BRAVE BROWN BAG 125 GUELPH AVE, CAMBRIDGE

bravebrownbag.com

519.590.0579 watty@wattyway.ca wattyway.ca

REALTY SOUTHWESTERN ONTARIO LIMITED, BROKERAGE

OFFICE: 519.804.7200

ESTABLISHED NEIGHBOURHOODS IRREPLACEABLE REAL ESTATE

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MEET YOUR MAKER

EDGAR & POOCH 38

Stephen Edgar edgarandpooch.com

WE GI VE OUR DO GS M O S T E V ER Y T H I N G T H EI R H EA R T S D ES I R E. C OUN TLESS H IK E S . T H E C O M FI ES T C OR N ER OF T H E B ED . B EL L Y R U B S. EN D LESS B E LLY R U B S . W E E V EN W H I S P ER S W EET N OT H I N G S W H I L E WE R UFFL E T H E IR E AR S . S O W H Y , T H EN , D O W E H OL D O U T G I V I N G THE M W H AT T H E Y (A ND W E ) M U S T S U R EL Y M OS T D ES I R E? N A M EL Y , A FAN TASTI C P O R T R A IT S E S S IO N T H A T C A P T U R ES T H EI R D A S H I N G L OO KS AND I MMORT A LIZE S T H E IR DIST I N C T I V E C H A R A C T ER ? L ET ’S B E R EA L – THE S HOTS W E ’VE B E E N T AK ING W I T H O U R P H O N ES D O N ’T D O T H EM J U S TI CE. S O W H Y N O T LE T K IT C H E NE R -B A S ED P H O T O G R A P H ER S T EP H EN ED G AR DO TH E H O NO U R S ? A FT E R ALL, H E KN O W S H O W T O H A N D L E H I S G EAR. JUST TAKE A LO O K .

@EDGARANDPOOCH

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VISIT EDGAR AND POOCH ONLINE: edgarandpooch.com

‘COFFEE FIRST. SCHEMES LATER.’ – LEANNA RENEE HIEBER

COFF E E B REAK:

THREE MUST-VISIT CAFÉS ACROSS OUR REGION WORDS & PHOTOS BY CURTIS GRIMBA

REALLY – WHEN IS IT NOT THE PERFECT TIME FOR A GREAT COFFEE? A COUPLE MONTHS BACK, TOQUE CORRESPONDENT CURTIS GRIMBA TOOK TO OUR REGION’S MAIN STREETS AND BACK ROADS TO VISIT THREE OF HIS FAVOURITE LOCAL COFFEE HAUNTS. HIS THOUGHTS? TAKE A GANDER:

L OS T & FO UN D CA FÉ 45 W Mill St, Elora

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Daytripping to Elora is always a blast, and I am

I settle in for the morning and my ears tune in to

unfailingly eager to visit familiar places and hit new

one of the best playlists I have heard in a while – a

gems in spots close to home. Enter Lost & Found Café

mix of Portishead, Bon Iver, funk, and bluesy vibes.

– a cozy open-concept coffee spot that has you feel,

Perfect. Pulling espressos on an immaculate machine

when you first enter, like you’re stepping back in time.

(provisionally named ‘Constantine’) is a team as adept

Nestled in a nook of antique shops and boutiques

at baking fresh quiches and other goodies as they are

known as the ‘Elora Mews’ – all just steps from the

at crafting espressos and lattes. Co-owners Amanda

Elora Mill – this sweet destination has a comfortable

and Kayla are almost always around the place,

beat poet café feel to it.

greeting customers and preparing orders.

Featuring dark wood floors and finishes, mix-and-

The Lost & Found's breakfast menu isn’t messing

match plates and mugs, local artwork on the walls, an

about, with a wide selection of wicked sandwiches and

eclectic mix of tables and lamps (also a couple guitars),

breakfast options – including their smoked salmon

chalk menu boards, and an upstairs loft filled with a

bagel and ‘hammie sammie’. I'm partial to the veggie

couch, blankets, and pillows, Lost & Found’s quirky

quiche loaded with olives, roasted peppers, and goat

personality is evident in every corner of the place. It’s

cheese stuffed into a gluten-free sweet potato and

the kind of destination where you’ll find writers and

almond crust. And tomato fennel soup. My consort

artists, cyclists and tourists, neighbours and friends

prefers a lighter meal of fresh fruit and Greek yogurt

seated comfortably around wooden tables – chatting

topped with in-house granola – all rounded out with

the day away.

a uniquely-spiced Chai Latte. If you’re stopping in for lunch, honestly go with anything you want; between sandwiches, wraps, and even a vegan burrito, you won't be disappointed.

ALSO CHECK OUT:

What a place to start a daytripping excursion around

Elora Brewing Co – 107 Geddes St, Elora

the equally inimitable town of Elora.

Honeychurch Lane – 65 Metcalfe St, Elora Elora Mill – 77 W Mill St, Elora Studio Kampina – 140 Metcalfe St, Elora

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P H I N CO FFEE BA R 804 King St W, Hamilton

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This minimalist shop of coffee funk is located on

Not only does Phin offer drip, specialty dairy, and

the second floor of a small teal building just down

non-dairy drink selections, but also top-notch nibbles

the street from everything you’d want to explore in

to go with your coffee or tea. Muffins, cookies, butter

downtown Hamilton. Phin has roughly the square

tart squares – you name it. After I sip back the drip, I

footage of a suburban living room. It's quaint,

am onto a flat white with an award-winning espresso

minimalist, and approachable – the walls featuring

bean mix. Directing the steamed silky milk to dance

simple and recognizable pop art images. Perfect for

and mix with the pulled shot, Andrew is able to pour

a great conversation between customer and barista.

the perfect convex meniscus (that nice bubble of

And, with a little seating area in the ‘backyard,’ Phin

foam that sits on the rim of the cup). The pairing of

allows you to enjoy your coffee by ordering directly

these award-winning beans with a butter tart square

through your phone and – weather permitting –

is perfect.

receiving ‘Grade A’ service while seated at a picnic table.

Filled to the brim with coffee beans and stocked with

Phin's proprietor, Andrew Meas, takes a humble and

beginners through to seasoned vets, Phin is currently

adventurous approach to the selection of beans he

open for pick up. If you’re looking for a day trip to Phin,

works with and sells to his community – changing it

I would suggest taking it slow through the back roads

up almost daily. I arrive with a coffee friend (a mutual

into Hamilton where you can revel in the country

connection between Andrew and me) and coffee shop

views. The shop’s bright building serves as a beacon

talk is fluid throughout the visit. Andrew starts by

– welcoming you with the promise of good company

asking what kind of coffee I like, how acidic, and what

and great coffee. Take your time while you're here

kind of flavour I want for the type of day it is – bright

and ask all the coffee and tea questions you want. The

and sunny with a cool breeze. I make my decision, and

genuine excitement the place demonstrates about the

Andrew pours me a cup of a daily rotating drip that

industry will leave you wanting to learn more. Besides

pleasantly bites the sides of my tongue with hints of

a great cup of coffee, you’ll take away a bit more

cherries and chocolate.

knowledge as to what you like, and what to look for, in

equipment for home brewing setups suitable for

your coffee adventures.

ALSO CHECK OUT: Valentino’s Restaurant – 824 King St W, Hamilton Pete & Kay Diner – 946 King St W, Hamilton Delirious Burger Co – 1008 King St W, Hamilton Burrito Bandidos – 1028 King St W, Hamilton

43

R U MBLET UM CA FE & G IF TS 1895 Sawmill Rd, Woolwich

44

I’ll admit it – I am hooked on anything that makes

Not only can you get great coffee and hot beverages,

me feel warm and cozy. Especially when I'm getting

baked goods, sandwiches, and lunch features at

coffee. Rumbletum hits all the right notes on any day,

Rumbletum, but there’s also a rotating selection

as this cottage-like hidden gem located in the hamlet

of personal and home items – making any stop a

of Conestogo makes me feel like I am getting wrapped

multipurpose one. So, having finished my coffee and

up in a blanket every time I stop in. With seating on the

snack, I check out the giftware and, after browsing

front porch – and a borderline-magical secret garden

through the handmade scarves, mittens, hats, and

back patio when the weather suits – there is plenty

accessories on the main floor, I make my way upstairs

of whimsy and wonder to enjoy when you pause at

to where I find household accessories, child and baby

Rumbletum.

items, and an impressive selection of board games

You might start, as I like to, with a latte accompanied by

that keep me occupied for quite a while.

an orange cranberry scone or pumpkin cookie. When

You can lose track of time at Rumbletum, where

I tell you that the scones are the size of your face,

many customers are met by coffeeshop proprietors

take my word, and don’t be surprised (or ashamed)

Heidi and Quinn Ortmeyer on a first name basis, and

when you finish it on your own. On days when I

where conversation is easy. And an added bonus:

find myself a bit hungrier, I check out Rumbletum's

surrounded by trails, country roads, and bridges,

rotating seasonal menu hosting daily soups and

Rumbletum is a great walking destination, as well as a

classic breakfast sandwiches. I like to order a 'Veg-E'

perfect starting point for exploring a quaint corner of

sandwich, pumpkin soup, and house salad, and, to

Waterloo Region

tie the meal together, a traditional drip. The coffee selection is wonderfully familiar and approachable, making it the perfect drink to go along with anything on the menu.

ALSO CHECK OUT: Harvest Moon – 5 Parkside Dr, St Jacobs Crowsfoot Smokehaus – 1872 Sawmill Rd, Conestogo Levetto – 105 Oak Park Dr, Waterloo

.

45

FROM THE

$400s

FROM THE

$500s

FROM THE

$800s

50 50

GETTING TO KNOW:

50

TRICAR’S GORDON SQUARE CONDOMINIUMS INTERVIEW BY CAI SEPULIS; RENDERINGS PROVIDED BY TRICAR

THE REGION’S CONDO MARKET IS BOOMING – AND NOWHERE IS THIS MORE APPARENT THAN IN THE ROYAL CITY. FOR THE PAST DECADE, ONTARIO DEVELOPER TRICAR HAS BEEN INVESTING IN GUELPH WITH PHENOMENAL HIGH-RISE CONDOMINIUM PROJECTS – FIRST IN DOWNTOWN GUELPH WITH ITS RIVER HOUSE AND RIVER MILL COMMUNITIES, AND NOW IN SOUTH GUELPH WITH ITS AMBITIOUS GORDON SQUARE INITIATIVE. A MASTER PLANNED COMMUNITY FEATURING OVER FORTY PERCENT GREEN SPACE (INCLUDING PARKETTES, WATER FEATURES, FLOWERING BUSHES, TREES, AND MORE), GORDON SQUARE PROMISES TO BE AN IDYLLIC DESTINATION FOR THE CONDO SEEKER. RECENTLY, WE SAT DOWN WITH JEN GROZELLE, MARKETING & MEDIA MANAGER AT TRICAR, TO FIND OUT MORE.

WHO IS THE IDEAL AUDIENCE FOR GORDON SQUARE? One segment of the market that we’re appealing to are active downsizers who love to travel (when the world re-opens), or spend more time at a cottage, or enjoy any number of road trips. The condo lifestyle gives them freedom to lock the door and leave without having to worry about their home. With that said, first time home buyers and young professionals will also be keen to move here as buying a new condo affords them the opportunity to choose their own floor plan at a price they can afford, select their own finishes, and not worry about getting into a competitive offer situation that often takes place in a re-sale transaction.

WHAT DIFFERENTIATES TRICAR AS A BUILDER? Tricar has a solid reputation in Southwestern Ontario for delivering excellent architectural design as well as a high luxury level of finishes to the suites and common areas of their buildings. From the moment you enter a Tricar building, the sophistication and attention to detail is evident. Our superior customer service has been recognized over and over in our being named six-time finalist and three-time winner of Tarion’s Ontario High Rise Builder of the Year Award.

WHAT MAKES GORDON SQUARE AN IDEAL LOCATION? Our marketing message from the start was deliberate and authentic: ‘Location is Everything and Everything is Here.’ At Gordon Square you can walk (if you choose) to convenient amenities like groceries, banking, and pharmacy.

Entertainment and dining are close too: at the Cineplex, library, restaurants, and bars. South Guelph is also rich in parks and trails. And Gordon Square is about as close to the 401 as you can get in the Royal City.

WHY IS THIS REGION SO HOT FOR DEVELOPERS? Guelph has city amenities and services without all the metropolis headaches.

It’s close enough to Toronto for commuters, while still offering great value. It has its own culture that locals are passionate about, and to those new to the community it’s a friendly and welcoming place.

GORDON SQUARE’S PHASE TWO IS NOW SELLING. CAN YOU DESCRIBE WHAT FOLKS CAN EXPECT? Phase Two at Gordon Square features predominately one- and two-bedroom condos – with or without a den. The building will feature a fitness studio, guest suite, golf simulator, and expansive sky lounge on the thirteenth floor featuring panoramic views of the countryside to the south. It will also offer abundant outdoor space – from terraces to parkettes to walking trails. Construction of Phase Two is already under way and we expect our first homeowners to move in during the Spring of 2022.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE OUR READERS TO K NOW?

.

We are excited to welcome everyone to our new spectacular on-site sales office located at 1886 Gordon Street, just south of Clair Road

TRICAR 1886 GORDON ST, GUELPH

tricar.com

52

Lo cal Gi ft Gu i de

53

Lo cal Gi ft Gu i de

55

Elora Brewing Company – Lodestar 5-Panel Hat, $35 & Green Crewneck, $45 • The Art of Home – Balsam & Cedar Soy Candles, $28.95 • Crafty Ramen – Ramen Noodles, $10 & Frozen Ramen Kits, $12.75 • Cambridge School of Flower – Wreath, $45 • Kennedy Park – Cord Jumpsuit by Free People, $210, Jenny Bird Snake Chain Necklace, $95 & Horseshoe Pendant Necklace, $80 • Blooms + Flora – Handwoven Jute Baskets with Leather Loop, starting at $14 • Phiden Pens – Roterfaden Leather Organizer, $235 • Rug & Weave – Wool Blanket, $158 • Schreiter's – N701 Armless Chair by Ethnicraft, $1709

Please contact merchants to confirm prices and availability.

56

Fixed Gear Brewing Company – Buffalo Check Fleece, $59.95 • Balzacs Coffee – Nitro Cold Brew Coffee, $25.50/6 cans • TOMME Cheese Shop – Mimolette, $12.70/100g, Morbier, $7.95/100g & Tomme de Savoie, $7.99/100g • Steeltown Garage – Armoured Riding Gloves, $89.99 • The Witty & Co – Queer AF Ornament, $22 • Sidonio's – Midweight Terry Slim Sweatpants by Reigning Champ, $135 • Miijidaa – Giftcard • Reids Chocolate – Mint Chocolates, $12.95 • Royal City Brewing Co – Woven Toque, $35 & Ball Cap $35

Please contact merchants to confirm prices and availability.

Lo cal Gi ft Gu i de

57

UNCOVERING WELLINGTON COUNTY

MADEIRA FARMS 58

BRUCEDALE

A holiday tradition for so many families is to get all bundled up and head into the back forty of a Christmas tree farm to chop down and bring home the family tree. In Wellington County, Madeira Farms – located just outside Rockwood at the Brucedale traffic light – is the perfect location for this festive activity.

and Wellington County, Madeira Farms is a partner of Taste Real – a County of Wellington program that promotes local food and facilitates valuable connections among food businesses, consumers, and farmers. Farmers like Karen and Peter at Madeira – folks whose enterprise keeps holiday traditions alive. Learn more at madeirafarms.com and tastereal.ca

.

This nearly hundred-acre farm boasts fifteen acres of trees – from white spruce to scots pine to balsam, canaan, and fraser fir. And it offers saws and sleds for folks to use at their leisure. Don’t feel like cutting down your own tree? Madeira also has precut trees for sale, and sturdy tree stands too. And twelve- and sixteeninch fresh wreaths.

Like so many other remarkable farms and food businesses that dot Guelph photo supplied by Madeira Farms

HOW TO ‘R E C Y C LE ’ A CH RIST MAS T R E E

T O P T EN L A ST - M I N U TE L O CA L G I F T I D EA S

GIVE YOUR TREE THE OPPORTUNITY TO KEEP ON GIVING AFTER THE HOLIDAYS. HERE’S HOW:

LOOKING FOR UNIQUE GIFT IDEAS? LOCAL FARMERS, RETAILERS, AND ARTISANS ARE READY FOR YOUR BUSINESS:

1. Place the tree in your garden to create a

1.

Gift baskets – make your own or order

2.

2.

Yarn and wool products – cozy gifts include

3.

Beauty and wellness – find locally-made

4.

Gift cards – the classic last-minute gift:

winter shelter for small birds

Decorate it with suet balls stuffed with sunflower seeds and other birdseed decorations

3. Cut off branches and mulch garden plants that like acid soils (ie rhododendrons)

4.

Strip fir tree foliage and stuff aromatic fir needle pillows for your home

5. Use stacked trees as a soil erosion barrier 6. hobbyists carve beautiful pieces from

5.

6.

Get crafty – many woodworkers and dried Christmas tree trunks

with your municipality or a local 7. Check charity organization (The Children’s Foundation of Guelph’s ‘Trees for Tots’ campaign) for Christmas tree pick-up Disclaimer: before placing your tree outside, remove all decorations and tinsel, as these can pose a hazard to wildlife.

(The above list is based on recommendations from the Christmas Tree Farmers of Ontario.

Learn more at www.christmastrees.on.ca)

them from a local food shop

alpaca socks, sheepskins, and more

soaps, oils, and more

support local independent restaurants and shops Veggie Share – purchase a CSA share and give the gift of fresh vegetables Breweries et al – explore local breweries, distilleries, and cideries for drinks and cool merch

7. Workshops and classes – get a gift certificate for in-person or virtual experiences

8.

Food tours – an excellent treat for any

9.

Cookbooks – choose from a large selection

foodie; vouchers available

of cookbooks featuring local authors

– preserves, locally-made snacks, or a 10. Treats jar of honey: you can never go wrong giving food For more gift ideas and notes on where to purchase them locally, visit tastereal.ca

A TOWN INSPIRED

BY YOU. Explore the heart of culture.

Indulge your senses.

Start your story. visitstratford.ca

#FallForStratford

AO Pasta

62

STRAT FORD :

WHERE EVERYTHING’S WITHIN REACH WORDS & PHOTOS BY CHRIS TIESSEN I open my eyes just wide enough to peer

magnificence. From AO Pasta in downtown

through the pitch blackness. There's barely

Stratford.

a hint of light emanating through my hotel room window – covered by the curtain I’d swept across it before hopping into bed. I strain to scan the room. Slowly. With focused intention. Then I spot it, on what I take to be the bedside table. The vague outline of a tin foil package subtly illumined by a glint of light.

I smile in the darkness and fumble around until my hands hold fast to this silver treasure. I pull the package toward me and roll back the edges of foil. Zesty aromas of rich marinara sauce, handmade spaghetti noodles, and almost fist-sized meatballs hit my nostrils – and I’m in heaven. For the next quarter hour, using only my fingers as utensils and guide, I devour this take-out

Wholly satisfied, I make my way in the dark to the sink. Wash my hands. Throw out the tinfoil container. And curl up to sleep – dreaming of the awesome day that Cai, my TOQUE mate, and I have just enjoyed touring around Festival City. *

*

*

‘Where should we stop first?,’ Cai queries as we pass through Stratford’s city limits, barreling toward downtown. It’s mid-morning on a Wednesday in early October, and the two of us are driving from Guelph for a planned overnight in the city. We’re both pumped for this. I peer down at my phone to check out the loose itinerary Cai messaged

Junction 56 Distillery

Ornamental fountain detail, along Ontario Street

63

Edison's Inn

64 me late yesterday night. Lots to see, lots to

Junction 56 owner and head distiller Mike

do, I think to myself. I lift the take-out coffee

Heisz cheerfully tours me around the back

I’d grabbed at Planet Bean back in Guelph

of house while Cai checks out the bottle

earlier this morning. It’s empty. ‘Balzac’s,’ I

shop. By the time Mike and I re-emerge,

reply. ‘I’d love an americano.’

Cai’s placing several bottles at check-out

The Balzac’s location in downtown Stratford, at 149 Ontario Street, is such a gorgeous spot – and the first location Diana Olsen, that wildly successful entrepreneur (and, I’m proud to say, friend and supporter), opened back in the mid-nineties. The intricate tiled

for purchase, including mickeys of black raspberry and rhubard gin and a two-six of ‘mint smoothie’ liqueur – a collaborative effort between the distillery and Stratford’s Rhéo Thompson Candies. ‘Can’t wait to try this one,’ Cai remarks with a grin. I don’t disagree.

floor. Long granite counter. Perfect glass

Cai drives us back toward Ontario Street, to

display cases. High ceilings finished in tin –

our boutique hotel – Edison’s Inn. Parking in

painted gleaming white, like so much of the

a designated hotel spot, we enter through

place. I order an americano (decaf) while Cai

the back entrance and make our way up

grabs a couple of the place’s in-house canned

an inviting set of stairs toward Cai’s room.

nitro brews. All fuelled up, we hop into Cai’s

There’s no front desk – just codes we were

TOQUE-mobile and head for Junction 56 – a

given when we booked, for the back door

craft distillery located in a former (century-

and our rooms. We take a breather in Cai’s

old) lumber yard at the junction of two of

room before proceeding to mine. ‘This is

Stratford’s original railway lines.

awesome,’ I exclaim as I survey the quirky décor of Cai's room, noting the barnboard

wall, comfy leather couches, bright red bar fridge – and a massive floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the Avon River.

When we check out my room, we are more than a bit wowed to find a painted sign above the door declaring that, way back in 1863, Thomas Edison lived here while working in Stratford as a telegrapher. Crazy. Edison. Lived here. I imagine my night’s stay – sleeping in the same room where the inventor of the phonograph, motion picture camera, and lightbulb once hung his hat. A shiver courses through my body as childhood beliefs in spirits and ghosts make their way into my thoughts. ‘Let’s go back to your room,’ I suggest to Cai. I'm keen to fortify myself with some of that mint smoothie while

Edison's Inn

I anticipate the night ahead. Cai smirks, reading my thoughts. ‘We can trade rooms, if you’d like,’ she suggests. I laugh – happy that her offer’s at least on the table.

After a taste of that delectable mint smoothie, we’re back out on Ontario Street – traveling on foot to Mercer Hall for lunch. We’ve been here before and know what to expect. Great craft beer on tap. Hearty food. Hip vibe. And a long harvest table just inside the front door that’s perfect for people watching – and positioned underneath a killer chandelier. Cai settles on the Buttermilk Fried Chicken (with biscuit, fries, and honey mustard) while I order the Tempura Fish & Chips (with fries and coleslaw). We can't resist splitting a post-Thanksgiving turkey dinner poutine – stuffing included. And to drink: pints of Omnipollo’s

Edison's Inn

‘Zodiac’ IPA for me and, for Cai, Duschutes’ ‘Fresh Squeezed’ IPA. We decide to walk off our food by meandering down Ontario Street. There are so many great shops along this strip. We poke our heads into Got It Made (a cute local artisanal market), The Milky Whey Fine Cheese Shop (where we each buy a handful of dried sausages), Small-Mart (a quirky general mercantile where I buy matching swiss army knives for two seven-year-olds in my life), and, lastly, Bradshaws (a kitchen and lifestyle mecca).

‘Oh my word,’ I exclaim to Cai as we make our way to the back of Bradshaws – a fixture of the city for well over a century, ‘I’ve never seen so many Le Creuset pieces in one place.’ Cast iron dutch ovens Mercer Hall

Bradshaws

Black Swan Brewing

The Milky Whey

Bradshaws

66

Ornamental fountain detail, along ONtario Street

Preparing for retirement has become more complicated than ever.

finished in bright red. Frying pans in mint green. Tea kettles in a sort of baby sage. Ever since watching Johnny ‘Drama’, Vince Chase’s older half-brother on HBO's ‘Entourage’, make a big deal when someone dared to use his cherished Le Creuset pots without permission, I’ve been partial to the stuff.

I pick out a tea pot, kettle, and two ceramic mugs in a sage hue, and a couple of pie birds in burnt orange, and head for the cashier. Along the way, I can’t keep my eyes off the gorgeous chef knives, fantastic coffee paraphernalia, exquisite barware, unique clocks and colourful socks and wooden horses and home décor items beautifully presented throughout the place. I pause in front of a series of sturdy metal lemon presses – available in a plethora of bright colours. I’ll never need a lemon press as muscular and expensive as any of these. And yet I find myself almost grabbing one. ‘They’re just too lovely,’ I find myself saying to Cai as I pause in front of them.

‘You’re right,’ she replies, and pushes me along to the cash. Note to self: I’m coming back for one of these.

The remainder of the day is a bit of a whirl: dropping our purchases back at the hotel, walking along the Avon, checking out the almost-completed Tom

Pazzo Taverna and Pizzeria

68

Patterson Theatre (such an awe-inspiring venue anticipating future seasons of the Stratford Festival’s world class productions), grabbing a flight at Black Swan Brewing, and meeting the owner of Edison’s Inn, Bruce Whitaker, for coffees at the cute Edison’s Café, located in the same building as the hotel. We don’t stay seated for long before Bruce whisks us down Ontario Street toward his newest project – the Perth County Inn. To be completed by end of year, the boutique inn, located in an historic building on Stratford's oldest business block, will display the same whimsy and playfulness that characterizes Edison’s. The four themed rooms (including the ‘Green Room’, a plantfilled ode to the theatre’s green rooms), hotel lobby bar, ping pong, and music venue ensure that Cai and I will be back when it opens.

For dinner, Cai and I take a short walk along Ontario Street to Pazzo Taverna and Pizzeria. Seated in the restaurant’s elegant main dining room, we order a couple negronis – sweet, bitter, magnificent – and split the place’s glorious Burrata appetizer (with slow roasted garlic and fried rosemary) and two pizzas: the Bianco (cream sauce, prosciutto, mushroom, caramelized onion, fresh jalapeno) and Italian Stallion (prosciutto, Italian sausage, bacon, roasted garlic, fresh herbs).

Refreshed and relaxed, we roll back onto the street, and are about to head back to Edison’s to call it a night when I make a last request. ‘Can we hit up AO Pasta?,’ I ask Cai. ‘But aren’t you full?,’ she queries. ‘Ya,’ I answer, ‘but I’d love some take-out.

For later. After all, no trip to Stratford is complete without at least one AO dish.’ Cai doesn’t disagree.

We’re both huge fans of the place. The homemade food made to order from scratch. The fast service.

Simple tables. Long bar with white subway-tiled backsplash. Neon sign reading: ‘Everything You See I Owe To Spaghetti.’ A foodie’s paradise, to be sure.

Cai and I wait at the bar for our take-out. Spaghetti with meatballs for me. (AO is the only place I’d ever order this simple, underrated dish.) And campanelle with kale almond pesto, broccoli, and pecorino for Cai. Our heavy take-out containers in hand, we make the short trip by foot back to Edison’s, where, later,

The right partner makes all the difference.

70 AO Pasta

Planet Diner

I find myself peering through the pitch blackness – searching for that pasta. I recognize the irony in it.

Fumbling around in the darkness in a room where the inventor of the lightbulb once laid his head. I can almost sense his frustration from the great beyond: wanting to tell me to just flick the switch beside my bed. And yet I fight the urge. I’m content to feel about.

For the treasure – spaghetti and meatballs – is certainly worth the effort. *

*

*

We are your navigators.

The next morning Cai and I make one final stop on our way out of town – at The Planet Diner for a late breakfast, of sorts. I order the veggie burger and add Perth pork bacon, while Cai orders a cobb salad with plant-based ‘chick’un’. I add a chocolate cherry mylk shake. We’re quiet for most of the meal. ‘That was one helluva trip,’ I say to Cai, finally, picking a stray piece of bacon off my wax paper setting and popping it into my mouth. ‘This is one helluva city,’ Cai responds. We

.

continue eating in silence. Imagining our next trip back

WHEN PLANNING YOUR NEXT VISIT, BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE AWESOME LIGHTS ON STRATFORD FESTIVAL – WHERE THE USE OF LIGHTS AND PROJECTIONS ARE BRINGING THE CITY TO LIFE. FIND OUT MORE AT LIGHTSONSTRATFORD.CA

Financial leadership for your future.

TheMactaggartHrynTeam.com Richardson Wealth Limited, Member Canadian Investor Protection Fund. Richardson Wealth is a registered trademark of James Richardson & Sons, Limited used under license.

E R

M TO T O -S A IN NE T.C I ER NL RT D O O R O OR SH A N A D 519 880 1555 • giftbaskets@danashortt.ca • danashortt.com • 55 Erb St E Waterloo

THERE’S NO BEING PASSED AROUND AT THE IDEALERSHIP. At Pfaff Subaru, there’s no being handed around, no wondering if you got the best deal, and no haggling price in-person or ever. Just honest customer service that actually serves you, the customer.

73

Find us online at pfaffsubaru.com

Our best price first

Pfaff Subaru | 12 Wilbert Street | Guelph, ON N1K 0A4 (226) 299-0770 | pfaffsubaru.com |

pfaffsubaru

No being passed from associate to associate Money-back guarantee

H O M E

G R O U P

O N E

S I M P L E

E V E R Y

R E A L T Y

P U R P O S E

S I N G L E

D AY .

To create the best experience for our clients as a valuable and constant source of trusted real estate guidance.

Your journey begins at homegrouprealty.ca/blog

‘CREATIVITY IS A WILD MIND AND DISCIPLINED EYE.’ – DOROTHY PARKER

COMICS: DIY HANDCRAFT PREAMBLE BY CAI SEPULIS

76

AS THE GREY SKIES OF WINTER MARCH ONTO THE SCENE AND SO MANY OF US SCRAMBLE TO SEEK SHELTER FROM THE COLD, NEW OPPORTUNITIES PRESENT THEMSELVES. INDEED, LONG EVENINGS INDOORS ARE THE PERFECT TIME TO LEARN A NEW CRAFT. TO AID IN THIS CREATIVE ENDEAVOUR, WE’VE ASKED A HANDFUL OF OUR REGION’S MOST IMAGINATIVE ILLUSTRATORS TO GIVE THEIR OWN UNIQUE ‘HOW-TO’ SPINS ON DIY PROJECTS. TO EASE THOSE WINTER BLAHS.

UNT I T L E D, B Y GO R D AULD @ GO R DONSWEETFRUIT

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78 '...AND STEEP', B Y C AI SEPULI S

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Patagonia Better Sweater

Smith Squad XL Goggles

Gifts for the Adventurers Tubbs Wayfinder Snowshoe

Arc’teryx Rush IS Jacket 82 K2 Poacher Ski

Line Sakana Ski

Smartwool PHD Ben Chentler Socks

Fulltilt Après Booties 2.0

Volcom Aris Insul ated Gore Jacket Coal Toques

The North Face Thermoball Eco Jacket

Union Falcor Binding

83 K2 Mindbender Boot

Smith Squad Goggle

Volcom Aston Goretex Pant

Arbor Clovis Snowboard

Find these products and more at Paramount Sports: 30 Arrow Road, Guelph ON paramountsports.ca

home for the holidays. this season may look a little different, but that doesn’ t mean your home has to. keep the holiday cheer alive with our curated selection of holiday decor, giftables, and year-round keepsakes!

460 York Rd • Guelph, ON • rugandweave.com • 5192650371 Hours• T-F 10-6• Sat 10-4 • Sun 12-4

@PHIDONPENS

Gifts for the Home Office

Find these products and more at Phidon Pens: 63 Dickson Street, Cambridge ON phidonpens.com

88 88 88

GETTING TO KNOW:

88

ANDRA ARNOLD INTERVIEW BY CAI SEPULIS; PHOTOS BY CHRIS TIESSEN

I N A ND A RO UND GUELPH , REALTOR AN DR A A RNO L D IS A FAMI LI AR FI GURE. EVEN IF Y OU

BEFORE WE BEGIN – HOW’S YOUR LEG DOING? It’s on the mend. By the time this magazine hits the region, I’ll be walking

WO U L D N’ T BE ABLE TO PI CK H ER OUT F R OM A

on both legs again.

( S O CIA L L Y - D I STANCED) CROW D, YOU’ D DE F IN IT E LY

WHAT’S THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB AS A REALTOR?

R E CO GNIZE H ER BRAND: TH AT SI LH O U E T T E OF A P A IR O F T HICK -RI MMED GLASSES PROM IN E N T LY DIS PL A Y E D ON EVERY BI T OF ANDRA’ S M AR KE T IN G C O L L A T E RA L – FROM LAW N SI GNS TO B U S WR AP S TO MA GA Z INE PRI NT ADS. RECENTLY , T OQU E ’ S CAI SE PU L IS CA UGH T UP WI TH ANDRA T O T ALK AB OU T H E R CA RE E R AS ONE OF TH E TOP AG E N T S IN T H E R O Y A L CIT Y – AND ABOUT TH AT EFFE CT IVE LOG O, TO O . HE RE ’ S WH AT ANDRA H AD TO SAY :

Making people happy. Period. Seeing my clients happy absolutely delights me.

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR CAREER IN REAL ESTATE – HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AT IT? I’ve been a realtor for a dozen years now. When I realized how tough it was going to be, I really hunkered down, and decided to put into this venture all the effort I had put into other avenues of my life. I remain fully committed.

HOW WOULD YOUR CLIENTS DESCRIBE WORKING WITH YOU? I think they’d acknowledge that working with me is more about building a relationship than about anything transactional. Of course, when it comes down to it, my team and I are an extremely professional and detail-oriented crew. But everything starts and ends with strong relational ties between my clients and me.

CAN YOU INFORM OUR READERS ABOUT SOME PERTINENT CURRENT TRENDS IN THE MARKET? I used to think I could predict where the market was going.

Nowadays, the only thing that seems certain is uncertainty. For instance, this year has been a real rollercoaster – caused primarily by the global pandemic. In recent months in Guelph there has been a ton of demand and a real shortage of supply. Instead of making predictions, I feel it’s most important to inform my clients about how to weather the storms of unpredictability – about how to navigate through any type of market.

WHERE ARE SOME OF THE COOLEST SPOTS IN THE REGION TO LOOK FOR REAL ESTATE? In Guelph, The Junction and The Ward are still great neighbourhoods for first-time buyers, investors, and anyone looking for a bit of grittiness and character. In general, Fergus and Elora are growing like crazy right now – and have so much to offer folks who love ‘elevated’ small town living. Especially Elora has so much to offer – from restaurants to boutiques to the gorge.

ANY TIPS FOR SELLING YOUR HOME? Be sure to find a realtor whom you like and trust as a person, and who has enough experience to guide you. And be prepared for an emotional roller coaster ride.

AND FOR FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS? Be patient – it will happen. It’s a tough market out there. Navigate it with a realtor who cares.

AND WHAT ABOUT THAT STRIKING LOGO? WHAT’S THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THOSE GLASSES? You mean besides the fact that I love collecting glasses, lol? But really, I’ve always thought that the real estate game, and real estate marketing, specifically, has focused too much on realtors’ looks.

So many real estate advertisements could double just as easily for fashion shoots, it seems. I want my knowledge as a realtor,

.

and my ability to bond with my clients, to shine first. The glasses, my trademark, have come to represent key features of who I am: professional, knowledgable, friendly, and loyal

ANDRA ARNOLD 824 GORDON ST #201, GUELPH

andraarnold.com

CU RAT I ON PE RF E CT E D:

THREE MUST-VISIT GENERAL STORES & APOTHECARIES AROUND THE REGION WORDS & PHOTOS BY CHRIS TIESSEN

THESE AREN’T YOUR GRANDPARENTS’ GENERAL STORES, THAT CATERED FIRST OF ALL TO NEED. TODAY’S EXAMPLES OF THESE TIME-HONOURED BUSINESSES ARE EXPERIENTIAL, IMMERSIVE AFFAIRS. LOVINGLY DECORATED. EXQUISITELY CURATED. EXTRAORDINARILY COZY. CATERING TO DESIRE. HAPPY MAKERS. SOUL CLEANSERS. IT’S TIME FOR A VISIT.

S UN D A Y GEN ERA L S T ORE 11C Suffolk St E, Guelph @sundaygeneralstore

90

When the TOQUE team got wind of the fact that Robyn

entrance that reads ‘Sunday’. And the place’s exposed

Maude, owner of Blooms + Flora in downtown Guelph,

stone walls. And flat blue hue used strategically

had decided to open her own general store just a few

throughout. And the product – the wonderful product.

doors down from her flower shop on Suffolk Street, we were giddy with excitement. After all, Blooms + Flora, with its killer vibe, has always been one of our favourite boutiques for everything lovely – from cute

‘What we offer,’ Robyn tells us once we’ve had a chance to look around, ‘is a mix of curated home items, clean beauty and wellness products, local artisanal wares,

succulents to rustic bouquets to amusing cards.

adaptogens, and more.’ Yes, more. Like a full-service

In mid-November, once the brown paper was

coffee – including beans from the Department of

finally removed from the windows of this curated

Brewology. I order a pour-over and admire the most

apothecary, revealing a brand-new business, we

beautiful brass and glass brewing equipment and the

meandered up from the TOQUE office (located just

extraordinary grinder as it’s being prepared.

a few blocks away) for a first visit. And let’s just say the Sunday General Store doesn’t disappoint. Indeed, everything about the place feels warm and welcoming.

And oh so photogenic. Like the gorgeous matte gold logo positioned on the large front windows. And the arrangement of black and white tile at the front

espresso bar, for instance, serving direct trade

For everything from barware and bitters to brass charcuterie and cheese board utensils to Lion’s Mane brain power tinctures to gorgeous coffee table books to wooden spoons and (seemingly) everything in between, be sure to check out the Sunday General Store. And don't miss out on having a great coffee while you browse.

ALSO CHECK OUT: Blooms + Flora – 182 Woolwich St, Guelph pod – 50 Carden St, Guelph The Lovely Co – 34 Quebec St, Guelph

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T H E CO M M O N GO O D 758 Bush St, Caledon @thecommongoodgeneral

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The simple pleasure of commandeering a vehicle and

to Fruit' elixir and Seedlip non-alcoholic spirits. Salt

touring around the smaller towns and villages our

lamps. Cloth grocery bags emblazoned with slogans

region has to offer has never been lost on me. Cruising

like ‘Dangerous Women Read.’ And for tea-makers: an

through the country roads around Orangeville and

entire wooden pantry filled with jars of unique dried

Caledon is especially calming. The winding roads.

flowers, seeds, and herbs. And even more jars of dried

Undulating hillside. And Belfountain – a picturesque

flower and fruit blends for cooking, baths, and moon

hamlet northwest of Brampton and home to The

ceremonies. And witchy herbal bundles too.

Common Good General Store.

The whole place has a soothing charm that isn’t

Unlike Sunday General and The Elora Mercantile,

easily replicated. And because there’s a wide array of

which are both plucky newcomers appealing to the

quiches, cookies, and other tasty treats (as well as a

Instagram set, The Common Good feels more like what

full drink fridge), a trip to The Common Good is worth

you’d expect a traditional general store to be. Located

the drive for a quick bite, no matter how keen you are

in what could very well have been a century-old farm

to get some shopping done.

house, the place features a good old-fashioned ice cream counter (for when the weather’s right), large baked goods case, harvest tables, original wood floors, painted wooden ceiling – and a chic country vibe.

There’s much on offer here – from beautiful rugs and throws to handmade pottery; hardcover books to playful fiber arts; unique hot sauces to bottles of 'Root

ALSO CHECK OUT: Forks of the Credit – 17760 McLaren Rd, Caledon Auntie Joy’s Spring Rolls – 75 First St, Orangeville Island Lake Conservation Area – 673067 Hurontario St, Orangeville

93

T H E ELO RA MERCA N T ILE 58 Geddes St, Unit 1, Elora eloramercantile.ca

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Next time you’re scouring the picturesque town

I wander through the one-room shop – located in

of Elora for great eats, fine antiques, and eclectic

the cutest dark grey-painted standalone building.

boutiques, be sure to wander off the beaten paths of

Beautiful products are everywhere – exquisitely

Mill and Metcalfe onto less-frequented side streets.

laid out on shelves crafted from re-claimed wooden

For it’s along these out-of-the-way thoroughfares

crates. I want everything. Like homemade duck confit

where you’ll find a handful of local treasures –

arancini stuffed with mozzarella, for instance. And

including The Elora Mercantile, a general store that

boeuf bourguignon pie. And chicken salt – a best seller

specializes in everything from artisanal cheeses to

that everyone deserves to try at least once. And, to

minimalist jewelry, from gemstones to pot pies.

feed the soul, sticks of palo santo – the calming 'holy

‘I like to think of this place as a general store with a

wood'.

conscience,’ Mercantile co-proprietor Patti Boutin –

‘The Mercantile is all about good food and pleasure,’

who runs the place with her partner, Zain Rahman

Zain remarks – recalling as well that, in all they do, the

– tells me. ‘A place where we source as many local

consumer and the environment remain top-of-mind. I

goods as possible and where we curate only the best

can’t agree more

imported products.’ Local goods like bread + butter pickles, hot chili oils, and savoury pies – many of which are baked by Patti’s mom, Mimi. And imported products like French cheeses – including brie with summer truffle, for instance, and (one of my all-time faves) bright orange mimolette.

ALSO CHECK OUT: The Elora Café – 175 Geddes St 1, Elora Karger Gallery – 14 E Mill St, Elora Elora Distilling Co – 102 Metcalfe St Unit 4, Elora

.

95

TAKING CONTROL IN CHALLENGING TIMES

Mike Hryn | mike.hryn@richardsongmp.com | 519-827-2918

EXPERT OPINION | INVESTMENT

MIKE HRYN Between the global pandemic and the U.S. election, the year 2020 has certainly been a test of what is in our control, and what is not. It has been a year that has encouraged many people who feel challenged to navigate the unknown to take control where they can: to reevaluate their life plans, career goals, and personal commitments.

I have heard from people with younger families that they are contemplating leaving the workforce or at least reducing their role in it to focus their day-today energies on raising their children and keeping their family healthy and safe. Similarly, older clients are accelerating retirement plans as their jobs or businesses continue to go through substantial change. As our communities strive to recover, many of these people envision a volunteer role for themselves. In their minds, the prospect of serving is more urgent and will be more fulfilling.

To some extent, these conversations are abating as kids return to school, as the economy slowly regains strength. But priorities – and our ability to control them – remain top-of-mind as we experience ongoing uncertainty and worry.

Life-altering decisions should not happen in a vacuum or rashly as a way of maintaining control in challenging circumstances. Involving loved ones in any major decisions should be a given, of course, but including an investment advisor can really have added benefit as well. Experienced advisors can help project and plan for different options. They can assist you as you envision scenarios that can make the difference between your screaming “this is untenable” and your coming to realize that, yes, with some planning and lots of discussion the “what ifs” of change can be whittled down and some comfort and control can be achieved, whatever your decision.

There are a lot of investment options in the landscape today, and advisors add value for clients by listening to their needs and crafting a strategy to meet those needs. The information is out there but having someone with the expertise to distill and customize it can make all the difference.

All material has been prepared by Mike Hryn, who is a Portfolio Manager, Investment Advisor with the Mactaggart Hryn Team at Richardson Wealth Limited. The opinions expressed in this report are the opinions of the author and readers should not assume they reflect the opinions or recommendations of Richardson Wealth Limited or its affiliates.

Richardson Wealth Limited, Member Canadian Investor Protection Fund.

Richardson Wealth is a registered trademark of James Richardson & Sons, Limited used under license.

96

Building great partnerships We love it when a plan comes together! The Oak Tree Project invited local charities to pitch an idea, then work with students in the University of Guelph’s ICON program through the Community Engaged Scholarship Institute (CESI) to further develop and strengthen their concepts.

The power of collaboration and partnership has never been more evident. Learn more about the ideas, process, and Oak Tree 6 winners at oaktreeguelph.ca.

Founding partners

MACT_OakTree_Toque_Ad_Partner_HP_Hoz_SB_.indd 1

2020-11-10 9:03 AM

AL L AB OU T T H AT B A R B E CU E : SAW

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CONESTOGO

INTRODUCING CROWSFOOT SMOKEHAUS WORDS & PHOTOS BY CHRIS TIESSEN ‘I’m in heaven,’ I exclaim to my TOQUE mate,

I’m about to cut myself another slice when

Cai, while I intercept a trail of grease dripping

Cai interrupts my seeming commune with the

down my chin. I wipe my face clean and go

meat gods. ‘Hey’, she exclaims sternly, ‘save a

in for another bite. And then another. This

bit for me.’ She’s right. How plebeian of me. I

brisket’s like nothing I’ve ever experienced,

put down my knife and fork, swallow what’s in

I think to myself. The flavour’s familiar

my mouth, take a sip of Elora’s ‘Elora Borealis’

enough, mind you. After all, I’ve had great

Citra Pale Ale, and pause a moment to think

brisket before. Indeed, I sometimes think I’m

about what all this means. I look down at the

addicted to the stuff. But the consistency of

remaining brisket, and then up at Cai, before

this piece of meat – so tender, juicy, succulent

stating: ‘Well, I guess I can scratch that trip to

– sets it apart. And reminds me of what the

Texas off my bucket list now.’

brisket at Franklin Barbecue in Austin, Texas, must be like. Or the stuff at Louie Mueller’s

It’s early November. Lunchtime. And Cai and

in Taylor, Texas. Or Micklethwait Craft Meats

I have traveled the short trip from Guelph to

– also in Texas. Or any number of other Lone

the recently-opened Crowsfoot Smokehaus,

Star state barbecue joints I’ve seen featured

located in the blink-or-you’ll-miss-it hamlet

on YouTube food channels.

of Conestogo, founded by Mennonites in the 1820s, for barbecue. You know the stuff: smoked ribs, smoked sausage, smoked

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‘ BARB E CU E MA Y N O T B E TH E R O A D TO W OR L D P E A CE , B U T I T ' S A S TA R T . ’ - A N T H O N Y B O U R D AIN

101

The soaring dining room at Crowsfoot Smokehaus

102 pork butt – and, of course, smoked brisket.

– turns to culinary gold. I expect the same

Served on metal trays lined with beige waxed

will be true with Chef Brian’s barbecue at

paper. Barbecue. My happy place. For certain

Crowsfoot.

the type of food you wouldn’t dare eat on anything less (or is it more?) than an empty

When we arrive at the restaurant (via some

stomach. The type of food that – once you’ve

of the region’s most scenic roads that skirt

polished off your tray – will keep you satisfied

the Grand and the Conestoga Rivers) Cai and

for the rest of the day. Or longer.

I are awestruck by the operation. It’s massive – and reminds me more than a little bit of

I’ve been looking forward to today’s lunch

Blythe’s fantastic Cowbell Brewing operation.

at Crowsfoot for months – ever since Neil

The wood-framed construction. Soaring

Huber, Ryan Lloyd-Crais and Willy Huber

cathedral ceilings. Efforts at environmental

Jr of the Ignite Group of Brands (whose

sustainability. (While Cowbell is working hard

stable of restaurants includes Kitchener’s

to become a net zero brewery, Crowsfoot

Graffiti Market and Rich Uncle Tavern, and

features a roof covered in solar panels – to

whose other trademarks include Red Circle

offset electrical bills and be fed back into

Brewing Co and Red Circle Coffee Co – both

the grid, no doubt.) We’re greeted at the

branded by TOQUE) let me know they were

host counter, which essentially divides

going to open a German barbecue place in

restaurant seating from the place’s expansive

Conestogo. After all, it seems like everything

wraparound bar (featuring what I can best

that Ignite Group Culinary Director Brian

describe as a wooden silo of craft beer and

McCourt touches – from Graffiti’s flavour-

cider taps), and promptly taken to our table.

packed Detroit-style pizza to Rich Uncle’s unimaginably delectable live fire duck wings

103

Ignite Group Culinary Director Brian McCourt

On the way, I spot regional sommelier Wes

of pickle chips [dill pickle, cornmeal crust,

Klassen (or, to be fair, he spots me) of Purple

spicy ranch] to start things off.’

105

Teeth Wine Consulting and head over for a quick chat while Cai gets comfortable at our

While the food doesn’t take long to arrive,

spacious six-seater booth. By the time I join

it certainly takes a while to eat. To be sure,

her, our attentive server has already delivered

it’s hearty fare – and we surrender to the

a couple of pints: Red Circle’s ‘Iron Horse Trail’

meal well before we’re able to polish it all

IPA for Cai and (the aforementioned) ‘Elora

off. (Which isn’t a bad thing, since leftover

Borealis’ for me. It doesn’t take long for us

barbecue is a treat in itself.) And while I’ve

to decide what to order. While there’s much

already shared my thoughts about the

more than barbecue platters on offer, we’ve

brisket, every morsel of meat – ribs, sausages,

come for one thing only: a barbecue platter.

pulled pork – is phenomenal. Nearing the

Served on a metal tray. With waxed paper

end of our meal, Chef Brian pays us a visit

and sides. And brisket.

and explains what he thinks is central to the success of this operation. ‘It’s the smokers,’ he

I peruse the large barbecue section of the

tells us. ‘They’re from J&R Manufacturing in

menu on my phone (a new COVID reality, to

Mesquite, Texas – considered the very best in

be sure) and place our order. ‘We’ll split a

the world.’

Smokehaus platter with four meats and three sides,’ I tell our server – who seems to be

'But what about the brisket?' I ask.' Where

just a couple feet away from our needs at all

does such a divine piece of meat even come

times. ‘Let’s see – how about the smoked ribs,

from?' His answer blows me away: ‘We

bratwurst, pulled pork butt, and of course

actually get our briskets from Creekstone

the brisket.’ I pause, consult with Cai about

Farms,’ Brian tells us. ‘The same farm that

what sides we’d like, and continue: ‘For sides,

provides briskets to Aaron Franklin of Franklin

we’ll have braised red cabbage, tater tots,

Barbecue.’ Franklin – the Austin mecca I’ve

and spätzle [a traditional German egg noodle

watched so many YouTube shows about.

pasta]. And,’ I continue, ‘how about an order

Literally among the best of the best.

106 After lunch, once Cai and I have packed

that produce the products we enjoy with so

up our leftovers, Brian tours us about the

little knowledge about how they're made. I

kitchen. The expansive prep and plate area.

am fully engaged as Brian goes on: ‘We use a

The meat locker – stocked to the brim with

mix of fruit wood and hard maple for smoke

all sorts of quality cuts. And the twin J&R

and flavour. Every log has been cured for six

smokers – truly a sight to behold, with large

months and must contain a moisture content

openings facing the kitchen (for placing

of sixty percent.’ Brian looks up from the

and caring for the smoking meats) and

fire, adding: ‘We learned that the hard way –

much smaller openings facing the outdoors

experimenting for weeks until we nailed it.’

(where wood is placed artfully onto the fire).

‘Each smoker can hold up to seventy-two

And nailed it he has. As has the entire team

briskets,’ he notes. 'We use them for smoking

at Ignite. With this sweet location a short walk

beans, mushrooms [for cabbage rolls], and

from Conestogo's historic Glasgow Street

vegetables for stock, too.’

Bridge in the bucolic Woolwich Township countryside. The larger-than-life building. The

We follow Brian outside and observe as

excellent food. And especially that brisket.

he carefully positions a log on one of the smokers' fire. ‘The fire never goes out,’ he

When we set out for home I can feel how

tells us, ‘and the smokers are always in use.

completely satisfied I am. And yet I’m already

We load briskets and pork butts twice a day

wanting more. Because, really, can you ever

– at nine each evening, to be served at lunch

have too much barbecue?

the next day; and at four each morning to be ready for dinner.’ It's back-stories like this that keep me curious about all the little universes

.

CROWSFOOT SMOKEHAUS 1872 SAWMILL RD, CONESTOGO

crowsfootsmokehaus.ca

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Deanna Bowen, Black Drones in the Hive, 2020. Installation view, Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery. Photo: Toni Hafkenscheid.

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519.885.2020

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CJ Whether touring on their vintage motorcycle or paddling the local rivers, CJ – or “The Old Man” as their partner likes to call them – is always looking for the next story to tell. They find fulfillment by working towards building an equitable and fair society and growing tomatoes.

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MAKE STUFF PREAMBLE & PHOTOS BY CHRIS TIESSEN

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YOU’VE MET THIS TRIO BEFORE. WE’VE FEATURED EACH OF THEM IN PAST ISSUES OF TOQUE. AND YET HERE THEY ARE AGAIN BECAUSE WE CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF THEM – AND THE INCREDIBLE THINGS THEY CRAFT WITH THEIR HANDS. ELECTRIC GUITARS PUT TO GOOD USE

BY SUCH BANDS AS METRIC, THE SAM ROBERTS BAND, AND (AT ONE TIME) THE TRAGICALLY HIP. TATTOOS SPORTED ACROSS THE GLOBE BY TOUGHS AND HIPSTERS ALIKE. CUSTOM KNIVES – WHEN TATTOOS JUST AREN’T ENOUGH. CERAMIC MUGS AND SOAP CONTAINERS TURNED WITH DEFT PRECISION AND CARE. IT’S FOLKS LIKE THESE THREE WHO GIVE US HOPE. FOR CREATIVITY. IMAGINATION. AND A WORLD IN WHICH MAKERS STILL MATTER.

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TO M BAR TL E T T , L U T H I E R @bartlettguitars bartlettguitars.com

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C HR I S ANT H ON , TATTO O A R T I S T & K NI FE MA K E R @c_anthon rivervalleyprintingco.com/collections/chris-anthon

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BU NNY SAF AR I , P OT TER & P HO TO G R A P H E R @bunnysafari bunnysafaripottery.com

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ANIMATING THE CORE: INTRODUCING THE DTK ART WALK PREAMBLE & PHOTOS BY CHRIS TIESSEN The closing of galleries, museums, and

'trail of bread crumbs' that effectively guides

other cultural destinations shut down

residents and out-of-towners alike through

by the restrictions of COVID Phase One

the city centre in search of the next piece.

prompted the Downtown Kitchener BIA to work towards giving the community

A couple months back, with the helpful

'something beautiful and long-lasting, that

printed field guide to the DTK Art Walk in

would reignite passion for the downtown we

hand, the TOQUE team took to exploring –

all love.' Working closely with the Kitchener-

locating and shooting a collection of these

Waterloo Art Gallery (KWAG) during this past

commissioned works. It was an intriguing

spring and summer, the BIA struck a series

way to spend the afternoon, and an amazing

of collaborations to enable the creation of a

way to re-discover the remarkable nooks and

fabulous downtown outdoor art exhibition.

crannies of #DTK.

Comprised of over fifty works of art displayed throughout Kitchener’s core – on the sides of

Pick up your beautifully-produced, instructive

buildings, down alleys, dozens of feet in the

– indeed, inspirational – printed field guide at

air, at street level – this permanent outdoor

the Downtown Kitchener offices at 54 Queen

exhibition functions as a sort of spectacular

Street South (just down the street from The Walper Hotel), or scour a digital version at downtownkitchener.ca

1.

H ALLS LANE (NO. 3) Artist: Bruno Smoky Location: 61 Halls Lane

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2.

G RE AT H O RNE D OW L Artist: PELLVETICA Location: 8 Queen St W

3.

Y O U G O F I RST Artist: Michelle Purchase Location: 48 Ontario S t

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4.

ZH ASH AG I Artist: Luke Swinson Location: 60 Charles S t W

5.

SH Y SH AY E STÉ Artist: Mélika Hashemi Location: 44 Gaukel St

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6.

WE ’ WHA Artists: Shawn Johnston, Donna Noah – Aahasuwiimiikwan Location: 50 Ontario St

7.

AM E RI CAN LE DG E R ( NO . 1) Artist: Raven Chacon Location: 101 Queen St N

.

Visit downtownkitchener.ca to download the digital guide and explore more installations

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BLAI NE C AS S ON:

AN OLD SCHOOL CRAFTSMAN

GALT

AIN SL IE ST N

E PA RK HI LL RD

WORDS & PHOTOS BY CHRIS TIESSEN As I look around Blaine Casson’s expansive

‘4H pencils are my favourite,’ Blaine notes

factory studio located in the Ray’s Electric

when he catches me eyeing the sentimental

building in historic Galt, my eyes lock onto

contraption. ‘They’re much simpler to use

something familiar. Evocative. Nostalgic. A

than computers, that’s for sure,’ he adds

pencil sharpener. Mounted squarely to one

with a coy smile. Indeed, there are no Macs

of the support beams that hold the place

in Blaine’s maker space. No CAD design

up. The old-fashioned kind – you know the

software or 3D printers, either. Or seemingly

type I’m talking about. Oval body. Hand

anything computerized, for that matter.

crank. Internal gears that will sharpen a

Instead, the place is filled with long drafting

pencil perfectly, every time, in no time. The

tables. Large saws. Drills. Sanders. Projects

contraption instantly brings me back to my

in various stages of completion. And plenty

youth, as I recall my dad having one just

of raw materials – mostly wood and metal

like it affixed to a sturdy antique oak shelf

– ready to be transformed into commercial

in his book-lined home office. Evidence of

work. Commissioned pieces. Personal

tedious work. Attention to detail. Old school

projects.

craftsmanship.

Blaine’s an interesting character, that’s for sure. And hard to define. In the simplest

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terms, he’s sole proprietor of Iron Oxide Design – a business that fabricates commercial signage and displays. But after having spent a couple afternoons chatting with Blaine at his studio about his work, I am convinced that this intriguing craftsperson is more ‘mad scientist’ than mere ‘sign maker’.

For while Blaine does create relatively ‘ordinary’ work – including wood accent walls, three-dimensional logos, and such – for corporate clients that include Starbucks and New York Fries, he seemingly spends the rest of his time imagining and executing work that’s anything but commonplace. And crafted mostly for himself.

The evidence is all around me.

130 The piece that instantly draws my attention

‘I’m passionate about old motorcycle culture

stands upright at about the midway point of

and art deco design,’ Blaine tells me as we

the studio, supported by what appears to be

stand together, a few feet back from the

custom-built wooden scaffolding. Measuring

gigantic piece. (This passion was obvious

just under eight feet tall and almost nine feet

to me as soon as I entered the place, when

wide, it’s a patina’d metal and painted wood

I noticed Blaine's collection of war era bikes

re-interpretation of a 1930s or ‘40s brochure

and vintage signage positioned around the

featuring a Bufflier motorcycle sidecar.

expansive studio.) He continues: ‘Besides

On it, near the top of the piece, Blaine has

collecting period motorcycles from the

measured, cut, painted, and mounted – in

second world war, I collect period brochures.

wood, in exactly the correct period art deco

It’s where I get much of my inspiration.’ I can

font of the brochure – the words ‘Bufflier

certainly see that. Across the workspace,

Sidecars’. Then, in higher relief, he’s gone and

another piece catches my eye. Similar in

cut, painted, and mounted (again in wood)

size, it’s a re-interpretation of a ‘Matchless’

a rendition of a Bufflier sidecar in profile.

motorcycle brochure – complete with a

Underneath the sidecar, painted straight

hidden compartment in the high-relief wood

onto the piece’s ‘canvas’ – a massive sheet of

rendition of a Matchless bike. While the

patina’d metal – reads the address: ’31 Cours

first piece is all patina’d metal, blacks, golds,

Emile-Zola Lyon Ville Urbanne’.

and reds, this Matchless piece – mounted to distressed baby blue barnboard – is all

It’s at once idiosyncratic and brilliant.

Absolutely breathtaking.

yellows, blacks, and whites.

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While some of the moto-themed pieces in the studio are destined for Blaine’s house, others are spoken for by private collectors. ‘I almost always create these works for myself,' he says, 'but invariably they're purchased by collectors through word of mouth or when they visit here.'

He pauses before confiding that his dream commission would be for Jay Leno’s garage.

When he tells me this, I nod enthusiastically in agreement. After all, the former Late Night Show host has one of the most notable car collections in the world – all stored in a massive warehouse lined with posters and artwork that would match the aesthetic of Blaine’s impressive, offbeat work .

When I’m out and about looking for stories for TOQUE, it’s always amazing to discover someone like Blaine – an extraordinary character who has to be met to be believed.

Bigger than life. A craftsman whose studio has to be seen in person to be appreciated. Whose work is singular and inimitable. Work imagined

by Blaine’s fervent mind. Executed by hand. Not a computer in sight.

I walk back over to the pencil sharpener.

That oval metal cylinder with its calibrated dial is testimony to another era. Evidence of tedious work. Attention to detail. Old school craftsmanship. As I turn its crank, I imagine how many 4H pencils have been run through it all these years. For work in corporate settings.

.

Commissioned pieces. And personal projects: distinctive labours of love

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sweet tooth 136

As nights grow colder and days get shorter, there’s almost nothing better than curling up on a comfy chair with a good book (or magazine) and tasty dessert – or three. Lucky for us all, this region’s got its share of fantastic bakeries, delectable cake shops, and thriving culinary destinations serving up tarts, donuts, cakes, pies, and other handcrafted sugary treats that’ll make your heart sing.

S A B L É TINE FINE PA S TRIE S A P P L E GA L ET T E, CA R R O T CA KE, MA R I E BL A N C, CH ER R Y- A L MO N D T A R T , T A R T E A U CI T R O N , L E VEN T O U X T R I P L E CH O CO L A T E MO U S S E CA KE. S ER VE D WI T H A P O T O F S T EEP E D R O I BO O S T EA 2 0 9 L E X IN G T ON R D , WAT E R L OO S ABL E T IN E . C OM

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LE N JO BA K E S C RÈME CARAMEL W / SUGARED FIGS , S AL TE D CARAMEL PRETZEL BLONDI E, ROC KY ROAD BROWNIE, ASSORTED MAC A RONS. SERV ED W ITH A CUPPA B AK ED APPLE TEA 132 AHRENS ST W , KI TCHENER LENJOB A K ES. CO M

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THE W IL D TA RT A S S O R T E D MA CA R O N S , MI X ED N U T C A R A M E L BA R , A L MO N D F I N A N CI E R , CH O CO L A T E -D IPPE D MI L L I O N A I R E S H O R T CA KE . S ER VE D W IT H A M U G O F P I P I N G H O T A P R I CO T T EA 6 1 M E T C AL F E S T , E L OR A T H E WIL D T AR T . C A

E RIC THE B A KE R CR A N BER R Y A L MO N D GA T EA U BA S Q U E , CA N N EL É S , BU T T ER BO U R BO N P E CA N T A R T .

S E R VE D WI T H CER A MI C MU GS O F B L A C K C O F FE E & CO L D J U I CE 4 6 C AR D E N S T , G U E L P H F IN D T H E M ON F AC E BOOK

DE B RO DNIKS DO NU TS P I N K S P R I N KL ES , H A R VES T A P P L E , P B& J , BL U E U N I CO R N , S H O R T I E , P U N CH KI E .

S E R VE D WI T H A T A L L GL A S S O F MI L K 3 6 N OR T H F IE L D D R E , WAT E R L OO 7 0 0 S T R AS BU R G R D , K IT C H E N E R D E BR OD N IK S . C A

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HE AL T H Y E AT S :

THREE MUST-VISIT FOOD & DRINK DESTINATIONS ON MAIN ST IN DOWNTOWN CAMBRIDGE WORDS & PHOTOS BY CHRIS TIESSEN

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, WHILE YOU’RE TOURING AROUND HISTORIC GALT SEARCHING FOR THAT PERFECT GIFT (HINT: YOU’LL PROBABLY FIND IT AT WITTY & CO, THE ART OF HOME, OR PHIDON PENS), BE SURE TO HIT UP MAIN STREET FOR THREE NEW OPTIONS FOR LIFESTYLE EATING: THE HEALTHY RABBIT, SUGAR DADDIES BAKERY, AND THE LOCAL OPTION EATERY. T H E LO CA L O PT I O N EATERY 69 Main St, Downtown Cambridge localoption.ca

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When husband and wife team Mario and Nina

seeds, and maple-sesame dressing), and Meat’za

(of Play with Clay and Clay Bar fame) decided to wade

Grilled Sangweech (water buffalo meatballs, roasted

into the wild world of restauranteuring, they knew

tomato sauce, and provolone on focaccia). To drink,

exactly what they wanted to create: a cozy downtown

we each chose bottles of Live Kombucha – a Guelph

eatery where locals and visitors alike could grab a

business we heartily support.

tasty, healthy meal – and quickly. In our opinion (and that of dozens of social media pundits who’ve made their voices heard since the place opened) they’ve succeeded. Enter The Local Option Eatery – located

The vibe of the place is bright and playful, with murals of cutting boards, wooden spoons, and other kitchen utensils dancing on the walls. The unfinished

right on the busy corner of Main and Ainslie.

barnboard trim throughout sets off a row of bright

The wide range of fresh bowls (which fall under

COVID enjoyment) and a row of shiny steel-topped

‘hearty’ and ‘vitality’ categories), wraps, sandwiches,

four-seaters positioned alongside giant windows

and smoothies, as well as waffles on weekends,

facing Ainslie Street. And the food? Fantastic, fresh,

means there’s a lot to choose from. When TOQUE

and made to order – prepared right in front of your

co-pilot Cai and I visited during the eatery’s first week

eyes along a giant prep counter behind a see-through

of business, we ordered the Wagwan Hearty Bowl

sneeze guard.

(curried chickpeas, roasted sweet potato, pickled cabbage, pickled onion, black beans, hot sauce, and walnuts), Sunshine Vitality Bowl (hardboiled egg, avocado, herb-tomato, cucumber, walnuts, sesame

WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT THE PLACE: Quick, friendly service Whimsical décor Water Buffalo Meatballs

red-cushioned stools positioned at the bar (for post-

Looking for fresh, fast, and fun? Then give The Local Option a go.

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T H E H EA LT H Y RA BBI T 40 Main St, Downtown Cambridge healthyrabbit.ca

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I’m a sucker for a great smoothie. And while [RE]Fresh

When TOQUE co-pilot Cai and I visited this purveyor

Juice Co in downtown Guelph is my go-to (because I

of delicious wholesome food for lunch during their

live just minutes from the place) I’ve found my out-

opening week, Cai grabbed a vegan Mexico Bowl sans

of-town alternative: The Healthy Rabbit in historic

avocado (pico de gallo, black beans, chips, nut meat,

Galt. Located in a restored vintage building on Main

alfalfa, chipotle dressing, turmeric rice, greens – and

Street, The Healthy Rabbit features a dozen tasty

usually avocado) while I dug into a vegan Seeker Bowl

smoothie options – including Sea Salt Caramel (dates,

(avocado, carrots, beets, chickpea hummus, red onion,

banana, orchid vanilla, wood vinegar, maple syrup,

alfalfa sprouts, lemon maple tahini seed dressing,

and homemade coconut mylk), Gunpowder (turmeric,

baked falafel, turmeric rice, and greens). We also split

matcha, ginseng, infused green tea, fresh ginger,

a Curried Sweet Potato Burrito (spicy aioli, roasted

banana, and coconut mylk), and (need I say?) more.

sweet potatoes, black beans, pico de gallo, mozzarella,

And on top of smoothies, this offspring of The Healthy Rabbit on Brant Avenue in Brantford offers a full menu of plant-focused meals bursting with fresh vegetables,

and kale), and shared a Chocolate Monkey Superfood Smoothie (raw cocoa, banana, maple syrup, dates, and homemade coconut mylk).

whole grains, and delectable herbs. Ingredients are

My bowl was fantastic – the avocado perfectly ripe and

sourced locally when possible, dressings and desserts

the dressing just right. The burrito was the best I’ve

are made in-house with unrefined sugars – and you

had in a long time. (I only wish we hadn’t split it.) And

won’t find a microwave or deep fryer in the place.

the smoothie? Well, just re-read the beginning of this little piece.

Next time I visit downtown Cambridge, I’ll be sure to arrive with an empty stomach.

WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT THE PLACE: Amazing smoothies Kombucha on tap That Sweet Potato Burrito

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S UGA R D A D D I ES BA K E RY 33 Main St, Downtown Cambridge sugardaddiesbakery.ca

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Over the past handful of years, the keto diet has taken

What to recommend? Why not start by grabbing a

North America by storm. In response to the craze,

couple keto pumpkin mini pies, adding a six-pack of

and after losing (in 2018) a combined hundred and

keto cinnamon donuts, throwing in a handful of keto

thirty pounds in six months following a ketogenic

caramel turtle cookies, and topping things up with a

lifestyle, David and Greg Gardner-Orbon decided to

few keto lemon squares and blondies. Invite some of

open Sugar Daddies – their own keto-friendly bakery

your inner circle over for socially-distanced dessert,

in historic Galt. Featuring a collection of gluten-free,

and enjoy.

grain-free, paleo, and naturally-sweetened (with lowglycemic sweeteners) treats crafted in the space’s kitchen – including cupcakes, muffins, breads, and other baked items – Sugar Daddies makes sure to

To be sure, the Sugar Daddies phenomena has taken the region by storm, as the bakery now wholesales to grocers and specialty shops across south western

deliver on all your keto needs.

Ontario. Still, if you want the daddies’ full selection,

Located on Main Street across the road from The

can guide you in the right direction, it’s best to visit

Healthy Rabbit and half a block down from The Local

the Cambridge bakery. Besides – the free samples are

Option, the bakery works with local suppliers to source

to die for.

their ingredients, and they employ traditional baking techniques to ensure quality and flavour. (Heck, even the lemons in the bakery’s lemon squares are handsqueezed.)

WHAT WE LIKE ABOUT THE PLACE: Killer keto recipes Keto pumpkin mini pies Abundance of free samples

and are keen to chat with knowledgeable staff who

Bon appetit.

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MEET YOUR MAKER

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FROM BEHIND THE MASK: A COMMUNITY QUILT OF COVID-19 STORIES Art project by Brenda Reid frombehindthemask-quilt.com

CR E A TE D BY U N IVERSIT Y O F WA TERL OO SC HOOL OF ARC HITEC TURE G R A D S TUD EN T BREN D A REID , ‘ FROM B EHIND THE M ASK’ IS A REGIONAL A R T P R O JE CT AN D CO MMU N IT Y C OL L AB ORATION THAT SEEKS TO BRING P E O P L E TOG ET H ER T H RO U G H SHARING AND DOC UMENTING C OVID-19 P A ND E M I C ST ORIES. SPECIF ICAL L Y, PARTIC IPANTS ARE INVITED TO P A I N T, G L UE, O R D RAW O N PROVIDED M ASK-SHAPED QUIL T BL OC KS WH I C H WI L L BE ST IT CH ED T O G E THER TO C REATE A C OM M UNITY QUIL T TO B E D I S PLAY ED PU BLICLY AS AN ARC HITEC TURAL INSTAL L ATION. THE P R O JE C T AIMS T O ACT AS BOT H A M EM ORIAL AND STARTING POINT FOR H E A L I NG BY MAK IN G PH Y SICAL SPAC E FOR OUR C OM M UNITY TO SHARE D I FF I C U L T AN D PERSON AL EX PE RIENC ES ABOUT THE PANDEMIC .

@FROMBEHINDTHEMASK_QUILT Renderings by Brenda Reid

PARTICIPATION IN THIS PROJECT IS FREE, AND QUILT BLOCK KITS CAN BE PICKED UP AND RETURNED AT THESE LOCATIONS: CAMBRIDGE BRICK + MORTAR GENERAL STORE, 20 GRAND AVE CAMBRIDGE SELF-HELP FOOD BANK, 54 AINSLIE ST S KITCHENER CAFE PYRUS, 16 CHARLES ST W CAFE PYRUS OUTPOST, 150 ROGER ST KW BOOKSTORE, 308 KING ST W THE ADVENTURER’S CAFÉ, 36 ONTARIO ST N HOMER WATSON HOUSE & GALLERY, 1754 OLD MILL RD THEMUSEUM, 10 KING ST. W (FRI-SUN) WATERLOO MAIN LIBRARY BRANCH (CHILDREN’S DEPARTMENT, LOWER LEVEL), 35 ALBERT ST MCCORMICK LIBRARY BRANCH, 500 PA RKSIDE DR JOHN M HARPER LIBRARY BRANCH, 500 FISCHER-HALLMAN RD I DEA EXCHANGE LOCATIONS QUEENS SQUARE – 1 NORTH SQUARE, CAMBRIDGE PRESTON – 435 KING ST E OLD POST OFFICE – 12 WATER ST S, CAMBRIDGE HESPELER– 5 TANNERY ST E CLEMENS MILL – 50 SAGINAW PARKWA Y

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Dean Palmer & Jessica Steinhäuser at the studio

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A FAMILY AFFAIR: T H E M AK I NG S O F ST O N E HO U SE K A CHEL ÖFE N WOO

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WORDS & PHOTOS BY CHRIS TIESSEN

GUELPH

‘We split three years ago – yet we’ve never

Stonehouse Pottery, and Dean the owner and

worked more closely together,’ quips

photographer of Dean Palmer Photography.

Guelph potter and Kachelöfen genius Jessica

They were married. Raising two small

Steinhäuser as she stands across from ex-

children. Finding success in their respective

husband and current employee, Dean Palmer,

careers. Indeed, Dean was – and remains – a

in her basement studio in downtown Guelph.

mentor to me: a real-life photographer with

Dean, busy pushing soft clay into custom

big cameras, lots of lenses, and professional

‘kachel’ (or brick) moulds, glances up at me

gigs. And Jessica was one of the godmothers

with a grin. He shrugs his shoulders, raises an

of the Guelph pottery scene – crafting plates

eyebrow, and looks back down at his work.

and mugs and other vessels, and founding

Focused. Efficient. Content.

the Guelph Potters’ Market.

Jessica and Dean are good friends of mine.

Back then I assumed they had it made.

In fact, I’ve known them both since I moved to Guelph just under twenty years ago.

Over the past twenty years their trajectory

Back then they were Guelph’s power arts

has changed, evolved. Each of them has

couple: Jessica the owner and potter at

switched careers (Jessica from potter to

photos by Dean Palmer

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Jessica with Mario Zauner at an installation somewhere in Guelph

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Photo by Dean Palmer

157 Kachelöfen visionary and installer, and

completing her first prototype back in 2005.

Dean from photographer to Jessica’s ‘kachel’ maker); they have separated from each other

So what exactly is a Kachelöfen, then? Simply

as husband and wife, and have undergone

put, it’s a type of masonry heater originating

seemingly countless other professional and

from fourteenth-century Germany that

personal challenges. And yet, here they

functions to warm a home efficiently. Jessica

are still. Together. With me. In this studio.

puts it succinctly: ‘With between four-to-six

Laughing and carefree and arguably more

small split logs, a Kachelöfen can heat two or

successful than ever. Working side by side –

three rooms – or a small house, even – for up

married to the same goal, connected by way

to twelve hours.’

of Jessica's vision, Jessica's work.

And beautify it, too.

So we chat. Catch up. Jessica tells me that in just over the past decade, she has designed

It takes only a cursory glance at any of

and installed over forty Kachelöfen in

Jessica’s Kachelöfen to see that their function

locations spanning the globe – from Scotland

as works of art is of as much consequence

to Spain; California to Boston; Northern

as their role as sources of heat. To be sure,

British Colombia to right here in the Royal

Jessica’s stoves have been featured in solo

City. ‘Indeed, with eight installations in

shows at the Art Gallery of Guelph and

Guelph alone,' she tells me, 'this city has

Waterloo’s Clay & Glass Museum. While some

probably more Kachelöfen than any in North

of Jessica’s Kachelöfen are visually stunning

America.’ That's fitting, really, since Guelph is

for their clean straight lines and brightly-hued

where Jessica has grown this business since

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tiles, others are aesthetically appealing for their rounded profiles and clean white finishes. Others still are successful as works of art because, well, they were designed and constructed to be beautiful above all. The Kachelöfen

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surface. ‘That stove is actually located just down the street

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#D

example, showcases Ryan’s haunting imagery on its tiled

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Jessica crafted with local Guelph visual artist Ryan Price, for

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from here on Lyon Avenue,' Jessica remarks. Having seen it at a show in a local gallery several years ago, I can well imagine how that handsome structure might command attention as a work of art, both heating and beautifying

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Jessica started her Kachelöfen business alone – with

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second generation Kachelöfen installer (or ‘hafner’) Mario

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she’s turned to family for help. Indeed, while Dean is now

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challenged by all the clay she’s manipulated over time –

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the final product. But in recent years – her arthritic hands

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Zauner flying in from Germany to guide installation of

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some lucky soul’s abode.

the business’s primary ‘kachel’ maker, Jessica and Dean’s son, Felix, travels with Jessica for every installation to work alongside Mario and his mom.

testing glazes, etc. – can take up to half a year.’ Add weeks for Dean to craft the bricks (each commissioned piece can range from 140 to 300 bricks, depending on its size), more time for the bricks to dry, shipping and delivery, and another week for final installation. Daunting, to be sure.

But now she’s got help. And not just a helping hand.

Support. Encouragement. Succour. ‘It’s funny, really, how life goes,’ Jessica ruminates. ‘If you’d have told me a decade ago that in the future my ex-husband and adult son would be employees of this business, I wouldn’t have believed it.’ She pauses, staring down at a pile of unfinished kachel lying on the floor. ‘And yet here we are.’

.

Successful. Content. Taking great pleasure in this family affair

STONE HOUSE KACHELÖFEN 128 WOOLWICH ST, GUELPH

shko.ca

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calculating shrinkage, making prototypes and molds,

M OM E C

‘The design process alone – creating precise drawings,

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tiles waiting to be shipped somewhere for installation.

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by everything from raw clay to unfinished bricks to glazed

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her basement studio, where we find ourselves surrounded

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‘It’s daunting work,’ Jessica observes when we gather in

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160 GOOS E 'IN THE P INE S ' B Y CA i SE P U L iS

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COCK TAIL HO UR WITH JUSTIN TRUELOVE – BAR MANAGER, THE WARD BAR AT SPRING MILL DISTILLERY

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