Western Living - BC, JanFeb2016

WLSTYLE // title

WESTERN LIVING // JAN/FEB 2016

20 Great Spaces

Bedrooms, Living Spaces, Home Offices and More: Rooms We Love PLUS You’ve Got to Try This: Salt ( and Pepper! ) Caramels

Introducing

2 CM THICK TILE

The Possibilities are Endless

ROOF TOPS · PATIOS · DRIVEWAYS · COURT YARDS · POOL DECKS · BALCONIES · WINERIES

101 - 1636 West 2nd Ave. TOLL FREE 1 (800) 661 8453 www.amestile.com

An intimate collection of 58 design-led homes set in a prime location in Vancouver’s storied West End, the first project by the Inform + Intracorp partnership rethinks the way homes are designed and built.

The Jervis: elevated living by design.

From $1 Million.

Now Selling by Private Appointment.

TheJervis.com Prices and sizes are approximate. E&OE. Sales and Marketing by Intracorp Realty Ltd.

JA N UA RY/ F E B R UA RY 2 016 Cover: John Sinal. This page: Luis Valdizon.

B R I T I S H C O LU M B I A // V O LU M E 4 6 // N U M B E R 1

DESIGN R ESOLUTION 48 // 20 Great Spaces

From gorgeous open-concept kitchens to modern home offices to quirky kids’ rooms, we’re showcasing our favourite inspiring rooms from across the West.

62 // Comfort Zone

Built from Douglas fir and Montana fieldstone, a mountain cabin designed by McKinley Burkhart channels its wilderness setting—and classic Danish design.

Pattern Language A bold, geometric tile adds a splash of personality to this modern, whiteon-white workspace. It’s just one of 20 inspiring spaces to be found in this issue, starting on page 48.

westernliving.ca / j a n u a r y / f e b r u a r y

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WL // CONTENTS

92

74 72 // Wanderlist

Frequent flyers, take note: these must-have whiskies are available only in duty-free stores.

74 // Pass the Salt (and Pepper)

14 // Shopping

TRAVEL 88 // 48 Hours

Platform Architecture celebrates the efficiency of prefab design.

What’s on our wish list right now.

15 // Openings

New rooms from across the West.

90

16 // Lighting We Love

Celebrating Chinese New Year in the land of the lucky: Las Vegas.

90 // My Neighbourhood

Lamp designs that look to the future.

Olympian Ashleigh McIvor-DeMerit’s Whistler hot spots.

18 // Trending

92 // Oakland? Yes, Oakland.

Cozy textiles to warm up your space.

FOOD 70 // Bites

Restaurant openings, recipes and kitchen gadgets we love.

6 J A N U A R Y / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 / westernliving.ca

Four recipes that celebrate these heavyhitting essential spices, from pepper-crusted prime rib to salt-and-pepper caramels.

The Bay’s second city makes a play for the big time with a hot new food scene.

PLUS 98 // Trade Secrets

Enviable Design’s elegant, all-white tea room.

Oakland: Marc Fiorito; pepper: Gabriel Cabrera; Whistler: Paul Morrison

16

STYLE 13 // One to Watch

604.922.1380 | Info@GrosvenorAmbleside.com | GrosvenorAmbleside.com

16 INDIVIDUALLY DESIGNED HOMES REMAIN. BOOK YOUR PRIVATE APPOINTMENT TODAY.

EXCEED ALL EXPECTATIONS. V A N C O U V E R ' S F I N E S T H O M E S T H O U G H T F U L L Y D E S I G N E D FOR REFINED LIVING. SITUATED ON WEST VANCOUVER'S COASTLINE JUST 10 MINUTES FROM DOWNTOWN. UNPARALLELED ATTENTION TO DETAIL AND VIEWS OF THE PACIFIC OCEAN. NOTHING ELSE COMPARES.

Opportunities Such As This Are Rare.

The developer reserves the right to make changes to the information contained herein without notice. Rendering is representational only and may not be accurate. E.&O.E.

ONLY

$99!

A CELEBRATION OF FOOD & WINE

Join us as gold-winning chefs from the Vancouver magazine Restaurant Awards serve dishes specially created to match top wines from our 2016 International Wine Competition.

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 5TH, 2016 7PM – 9PM

Coast Coal Harbour Hotel (1180 West Hastings Street, Vancouver) Tickets on sale NOW. Only $99!

Tickets are LIMITED!

1/3 EAT Non Bleed DRINK

WESTERN LIVING EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Anicka Quin ART DIRECTOR Paul Roelofs FOOD AND TRAVEL EDITOR Neal McLennan ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR Naomi MacDougall ASSOCIATE EDITOR Stacey McLachlan ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR Jenny Reed STAFF WRITER Julia Dilworth CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Amanda Ross, Nicole Sjöstedt, Barb Sligl, Jim Sutherland, Julie Van Rosendaal CITY EDITORS Karen Ashbee (Calgary) Alana Willerton (Edmonton) Shelora Sheldan (Victoria) EDITORIAL INTERNS Kristin Dunn, Jesse Gotrit ART INTERN Claire Roskey

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WL // EDITOR’S NOTE

Q& A This month we asked our contributors, what is your favourite space in your own home?

rb l, “ gh Lo �

I live in a 562-square-foot condo in downtown Vancouver, yet have managed to create a “library� with three Sapien bookshelves. My happy place is here, reading and kicking back on my Moroccan pouf or my husband’s Eames lounger.

n Ash , C Ci EÂ Â?r My husband and I love to entertain a lot at home and our dining room is where we hold most of our parties, whether it is a simple brunch, a Sunday wine tasting or a formal sit down dinner for eight.

I love the Agnes chandelier over the table—despite my hesitation, I’ve grown to love the integrity of its clean lines.

Behind the Scenes Photographer Evaan Kheraj shoots our “One to Watch,� Platform Architecture and Design’s Jesse Garlick, at the Russian Hall in Vancouver.

Read more about Jesse on page 13.

ANICK A QUIN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ANICK A.QUIN@WESTERNLIVING.CA 1 0 J A N U A R Y / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 / westernliving.ca

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FOLLOW US ON

Anicka Quin portrait: Carlo Ricci; styling by Luisa Rino, makeup by Melanie Neufeld; clothing courtesy Holt Renfrew. Photographed in home designed by Kelly Deck Design

START A LITTLE SMALLER

I once took a meditation class where we were asked to write down one task that we wanted to get done when we got home— something that might be nagging us, blocking us from clearing our minds and doing the good work of meditating. My brain was particularly busy that day and it was difficult to not write a hundred-page list, but I stuck to the assignment and presented only one: “clean the house.� When my instructor read my submission, she said, “How about you start a little smaller, more accomplishable— like, say, the kitchen?� “A little smaller� could be the theme of this issue, as it turns out. We’ve been toying with the idea of a Great Spaces story (page 47) for some time: a feature dedicated to just one great room that made us stop and daydream about being transported into that space for a little while. It is, after all, New Year’s resolution time, when some of you might be creating lists that include turning such daydreams— for a renovated kitchen, new bedroom decor, a gorgeous new bathroom—into reality. And one great room has that eminently doable feeling to it. (That’s a better resolution than losing 10 pounds, isn’t it? And certainly better than “clean the house.�)

But if you’re one of those people who wants to scrap the resolutions altogether for 2016, then this issue has tips for you, too: instead of making promises to your future self, treat your present self with a trip to the hot foodie destination of Oakland, California (page 98), or just create a little Oakland at home, with Brown Sugar Kitchen’s recipe for cornmeal waffles with apple cider syrup (page 70). Rumour has it that one food critic drove the entire state of California to get his own order—but I challenge you to try making your own.

Happy New Year, all.

WL // @WESTERNLIVING

LETTERS, ETC.

Tweet, message, ’gram or email (mail@westernliving.ca)— we want to hear from you!

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Fresh stories daily on the new

WESTERNLIVING.CA

We loved the reaction to the bold purple Paul Lavoie home on our December cover.

WLSTYLE // title

WESTERN LIVI

NG // DEC 2015

Hot R ight Now

WESTERNLIV

Our Favourite Design Trends for 2016 Colour) (Get Ready for : Pretty in Purple Inside a Bold & Beautiful Home in Calgary

2016 ING.CA // TRENDS

LIFE’S TOO SHORT FOR

Salad: Luis Valdizon; floral table: photo Julia Dilworth, styling Jackie Kai Ellis

BEIGE + GRACE HOME DESIGN

IAN McLEOD

Very calming and peaceful.

Lovely! @ULTRANEAT

2015

I think by themselves they are too sweet, but when paired with bolder colours and the right kind of metallics, they can transcend their baby pink and blue status.

We’ve only just rid our city of the last round of ill-advised baby’s room pastels. As Diana Vreeland said: “Style is refusal!”

DECEMBER

WL asked: Pantone released not one, but two, 2016 Colours of the Year, Rose Quartz and Serenity.

What do you think?

PM 40068973

PLUS 10 Simple Steps for a Perfect New Year’s Eve

Grapes, grapes, grapes, grapes!

What a cheerful colour! @CAYLEYT

Love the design! @TFO_TILES The latest trends, recipes and goods to hit our editors’ desks, delivered to your inbox.

Ohhhhh, such beauty in colour! My kinda home. @ABSTRACTHOMESANDRENOVATIONS

ONLINE THIS MONTH Find the January/February issue’s web exclusives at westernliving.ca.

RECIPE

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Four Wicked Winter Salads

Salads bursting with roasted yams, crispy squash chips and pumpkin seeds are the new cold-weather comfort food.

More from Platform Architecture Check out the amazing work from this month’s One to Watch, Platform Architecture and Design.

Master This Floral Tablescape

Beaucoup Bakery’s Jackie Kai Ellis shows us how easy it is to create a fashion-inspired tabletop.

westernliving.ca / J A N U A R Y / F E B R U A R Y

2016 11

STYLE

S H O P P I N G // T R E N D S // P E O P L E // S PA C E S // O P E N I N G S // I N T E L

one to watch

Conscious Creator Jesse garlick, Vancouver architect

Evaan Kheraj

Jesse Garlick, principal of Platform Architecture and Design, isn’t crazy about the term ‘prefabrication.’ “I prefer ‘off-site construction,’” he says.

With projects like the Sky House in Washington state and Vancouver’s Circle Mineral Sauna, assembling elements off-site encouraged preparation and attention to detail, which are core values of the young Vancouver firm.

“Good conversation often forms the basis for good work,” Garlick emphasizes, whether the project in question is a small-footprint residential home on an unusual lot or one of his collaborations with artists that allows freedom to experiment. At the end of the day, design is nothing without hard work— Garlick and his brother put together the laser-cut steel siding of the Sky House by hand. The result is a modern, selfsufficient home that complements its dramatic surroundings. —Patrick Easton

Off-Site Officer Architect Jesse Garlick subscribes to the “measure twice, cut once” ethos embodied in off-site construction.

See our portfolio of Platform’s work at westernliving.ca

westernliving.ca / j a n u a r y / f e b r u a r y

2016 13

WLSTYLE // SHOPPING

A a’s Pi

My Generation

The original Punt Literatura shelf, designed in ’85, is displayed in design museums all over the world; the new Open edition (from $3,960) still features the sliding bookcase, but its backless form makes the piece versatile as a room divider, too.

Livingspace, Vancouver, livingspace.com

Pulcina Coffee Maker, Alessi $107, Gabriel Ross, Victoria, grshop.com; Inform Interiors, Vancouver, informinteriors.com Winter is made for lazy Saturday mornings, Netflix marathons and endless coffee. Alessi is already the king of stovetop brewing (their iconic kettle by Michael Graves just celebrated its 30th anniversary); its new Pulcina coffee maker (from $88) is beautiful, yes, but it’s also a rethink on the classic kitchen tool.

The spherical water tank narrows toward the top, creating a pressurized compartment that creates an even better cup of coffee. (Though to be honest, I just love the way it looks—better-tasting espresso is the bonus.)

Birds of a Feather

The top of the curved copper Foscarini Birdie suspension lamp (from $543) takes a subtle cue from the angle of a twig.

Gabriel Ross, Victoria, grshop.com; Lightform, Vancouver, lightform.ca

NOTEWORTHY New in stores across the West

Six-Sided Style

Long day? Rest your weary feet on the ultrasoft, jewel-toned Blu Dot Hecks felt ottoman ($229). (Or add a powder coated Hecks tray on top to securely balance a much-needed cocktail.)

Chester Fields, Victoria, chester-fields.com; Designhouse, Vancouver, designhouse.ca

1 4 J A N U A R Y / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 / westernliving.ca

Lay It Out

The Pierre Paulin daybed sofa ($3,822) is part of a reissue of key pieces from the designer’s 1953 “Ideal Apartment” collection, but the convertible piece is just as timely in 2016.

Livingspace, Vancouver, livingspace.com

OPENINGS Hot new rooms we love

Trash Talk Slip the removable halfbin into the wire frame of the Umbra Couplet ($25) to use the same bin for trash and recycling.

Garbage never looked so good. Urban Barn, Victoria, urbanbarn.ca; Moe’s Home Collection, Vancouver, moeshome.ca

VANCOUVER Hinterland The design group’s new Railtown location showcases a collection of West Coast inspired pieces: a beautiful woven ottoman that nods to the design of both crab traps and macramé, hand-dyed dowel benches with the colouring of sunbleached driftwood, and modern lamps crafted from beachscavenged branches. hinterlanddesign.com

Coastal Cool

O N E - q U E s t i O N i N t E R V i E w with Riley M c FeRRin Founder, Hinterland, Vancouver

Colour Blocked The mix of gold, black and bubble-gum pink on the graphic and supersoft recycled cotton Happy Habitat Tatami throw ($160) shouldn’t work, but does. Snuggle up. Parliament Interiors, Vancouver, parliament interiors.com

Magic Seat We didn’t think it was possible: A leather recliner with a sleek, sophisticated design? BoConcept’s new Harvard chair ($6,089), with battery-operated recline functionality, is like a furniture-industry unicorn.

BoConcept, Vancouver, boconcept-vancouver.ca

How does the West Coast inspire your work?

We want to tap into the wilderness of the West Coast and bring that natural inspiration into our design, from the mythology of the forest to stories of loggers and explorers. You can’t avoid the way that the environment and the proximity informs the work. It’s really amazing to be able to walk in the forest or be at the sawmill and have that material at your fingertips.

It seems really rare and unique and special. And I think that uniqueness is crucial for handmade things.

more new rooms

ViCtORiA Calla Design Interior designer Janice Long offers her services alongside a curated collection of luxe decor pieces in her Estevan Village shop: sleek sofas from Whittington and Co., sophisticated stools from Martha Sturdy and more. calla.design

VANCOUVER QE Home The 20-plus-year-old company opens up its latest West Coast location at Park Royal.

Stock up on luxurious (and eco-friendly) bamboo sheets from their vibrantly coloured Aruba collection. qehomelinens.com

CALGARY Lemonceillo Home Inglewood’s latest addition brings some more traditionally luxurious offerings to the growing design neighbourhood as the exclusive source in the city for brands like Badash Crystal and Made Goods. lemonceillo.com

EdmONtON Oil and Vinegar Though the store stocks plenty of Mediterranean pantry items like spices, jams and a wide selection of olives, the focus here is obviously oil and vinegar: more than 50 gourmet varieties are available on tap. oilvinegar.com

westernliving.ca / j a n u a r y / f e b r u a r y

2016 15

WLSTYLE // LIGHTING WE LOVE

BY BARB SLIGL

SEEING STARS

Global Appeal

Whether inspired by extraterrestrial stars or earthly matter, these lights combine bold beams with svelte shapes—pairing sci-fi with organic style.

Like a miniature sun and moon, the Copycat table lamp (from $785) by Michael Anastassiades for Flos is an illuminated glass globe paired with a golden satellite. flos.com

Paper Trail

The Java pendant ($493)

by Maxim is made from recycled corrugated paper, yet is no cardboard cutout; the raw edges of its sphere (beehive or far-flung planet?) are tempered by the soft glow it emits. maximlighting.com

Celestial Glow

The oval cutouts of Natuzzis Cosmo lamp ($1,819) shed constellation-like shapes and beams of light, creating a canopy of stars indoors. natuzzi.ca

Otherworldly

From spindly limbed E.T. to fantastical underwater (or intergalactic) outpost, the many connotations of the Atlante lamp ($1,295)

by Slamp make it a limitless, luminous conversation piece. slamp.com

Satellite Session

Both dishy sculpture and radiant light station, the Satellite lamp ($639) from BoConcept is a space-age style statement. boconcept.com

LIGHT FANTASTIC The juxtaposition of geometric forms— shapely marble orb with linear metal—in the Cleo floor lamp ($2,995) by Kelly Wearstler lets worlds collide. kellywearstler.com

DESIGNER’S PICK

i

“The Mouille rotating sconce light is my go-to light. Designed by Serge Mouille circa 1953, it’s a minimal fi xture that’s compatible with any interior, from vintage to traditional.

With a rare blend of functionality and ‘lightness’ that also provides an exclamation mark to every space, it’s a classic that has passed the test of time.� ALDA PEREIRA, VANCOUVER Vancouver-based designer and Western Living 2010 Interior Designer of the Year Alda Pereira loves the classic rotating sconce light ($5,541) from Mouille. sergemouille.com

1 6 J A N U A R Y / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 / westernliving.ca

Alda Pereira: Martin Tessler

Mixed Message

It’s more than great design It’s a concept BoConcept Vancouver l 1275 W 6th Ave. Vancouver l 604.730.8111 Learn more on BoConcept-Vancouver.ca

WLSTYLE // TRENDING

PRODUCED BY

Ni Sjös dt

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GET FUZZY

Liven up a space with warm, plush materials and cozy accent pieces.

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2 Line Art Black silk and merino wool wall-hang weaving ($365) and indigo blue silk wallhang weaving ($350) handmade by Ana Isabel Textiles. anaisabeltextiles.com

3 Dark Feelings Black sheepskin ($130) by Southern Cross. providehome.com

6 Sheep’s Clothing Gold bench with white lambskin ($1,695). thecrossdesign.com

4 Big Blue Blue handwoven wool rug ($1,200) by East India Carpets. eastindiacarpets.com

7 Hard Hit Charcoal nesting tray (from $305) by Martha Sturdy. providehome.com

5 Soft Focus Sheepskin stool ($499) by CB2. cb2.com

1 8 J A N U A R Y / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 / westernliving.ca

8 In the Rough Mihara bottle in black lava ($335) designed by Klein Reid. providehome.com

For more of Nicole’s trend picks, visit westernliving.ca

Kyoko Fierro

1 It’s the Fuzz Blue velvet and brass Goldfinger chair ($2,699) by Jonathan Adler. mintinteriors.ca

SPONSORED REPORT

AYA KITCHENS Living Refined

DESIGN

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1

3 AyA is a Canadian cabinet manufacturer working directly with residential builders, developers, interior designers, and homeowners with more than 30 locations across North America.

AyA offers innovative, quality cabinetry at competitive prices. AyA products respond best to customization and projects that up-sell the finishes. With a vast array of 2,000-plus door style and finish combinations, an AyA kitchen can range from traditional to contemporary, and everything in between.

Founded by AyA Kitchens, AVANI was created to better serve the luxury kitchen market. AVANI was designed in conjunction with renowned creative visionary Dror Benshetrit, founder of New York City-based Dror. AVANI is a highly curated, strictly modern, custom-made collection featuring clean lines, warm textures, movement and fine hidden details. Competing directly with Europe’s best brands, AVANI kitchens are designed with the highest possible attention to detail and quality.

Created by the Western Living advertising department in partnership with AyA Kitchens

4 1. Tall dining room hutches flanking a floating

centre console featuring AyA’s Manhattan Slate Grey Wenge doors and push-to-open drawers and doors.

2. Gorgeous kitchen featuring AVANI’s matte

Sola Light Taupe painted door, Calacatta marble backsplash and gold & brass accents.

3. Fireplace surround featuring AyA’s Manhattan Country Walnut and Fairfax Anthracite doors.

4. Floating vanity featuring AyA’s Chelsea Grey High Gloss drawers

SPONSORED REPORT

BLOOM FURNITURE STUDIO

DESIGN

Where Designers Shop

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BLOOM proudly represents a uniquely curated collection of international and renowned furniture designers and fabric houses which have showrooms in all of the major design centers in North America and Europe. Many pieces are on display in their showroom, along with full catalogues available to assist you in designing that perfect space for your own home or your clients’.

Exceptional customer service and white glove delivery service have set Bloom apart for over 20 years. Top interior design and architect firms in Vancouver love their products as much as they love the service. Visit the beautiful showroom in Railtown and experience the difference from the selection process to the final delivery and installation of your chosen pieces.

Created by the Western Living advertising department in partnership with Bloom

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1. PENTA Tic-Toc Lamps with structure in opaque

anthracite nickel and blown glass in colors: amethyst, smoky, ruby, sapphire, olive, amber.

2. JAB ANSTOETZ Dexter Recliner Dexter is available in a motor-driven or mechanical version.Adjustable backrest, tiltable head part and the foldable foot support.

3. ECART PARIS Bruno Moinard Calaf Armchair

Upholstered with leather or fabric. Structure in brass with “patina” finish. Finishes available: golden, medium, dark.

4. TACCHINI Cage Table Low table in marble and metal – round or square.

ENDOR Sofa, WING chair, KARA tables by

ACCENTO | ANTOINE PROULX | ANTONELLO ITALIA | CARMEL DESIGNS | DESIREE DIVANI ECART PARIS JAB*ANSTOETZ

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ETHIMO

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495 railway street, vancouver | 604.215.0051 | bloomfurniturestudio.com

SPONSORED REPORT

BURRITT BROS. MOV Retail Collection

DESIGN

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Graphic, hand-crafted rugs inspired by the history and iconography of Vancouver are available exclusively at BURRITT BROS CARPET & FLOORS. A proud partner of the Museum of Vancouver (MOV), Burritt Bros has recently re-launched the original series of five history-infused rugs that let you bring a piece of our city right into your home. For each piece sold, a portion of the proceeds go to the museum’s ongoing work to celebrate and preserve our city’s story and operate their school programs.

Created by the Western Living advertising department in partnership with Burritt Bros.

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1. Seltzer Bottles This rug is inspired by MOV’s incredible collection of turn of the 20th Century

seltzer bottles that were once delivered by horse and buggy to Vancouverites. Brilliant colours, etched glass logos and bright silver spouts beautifully translated into hand knotted Tibetan rugs.

2. Map Of Metro Vancouver This rug, based on a map showing the major car routes through Greater Vancouver, was published by the Automobile Club of Vancouver circa 1935.

3. Bus Scroll This rug is based on a bus scroll that listed destinations along the Oakridge bus line in Vancouver. Vancouver’s public transit system completed its transition from streetcars to buses,“from rails to rubber” by 1955.

4. Streetcar Runner This rug is based on a streetcar scroll that listed destinations along the Number 18 streetcar route up and down Main St. in Vancouver.

V��������’� �������� ������� ����� 3594 Main Street, Vancouver | burrittfloors.com

Š2016 California Closet Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Each franchise independently owned and operated.

Every California Closets system is custom designed specifically for you and the way you live.

Visit our showroom or call today to arrange for a complimentary in-home design consultation.

VA N C OU V ER

2421 Granville Street

604.320.6575

californiaclosets.com

SPONSORED REPORT

GINGER JAR FURNITURE Indoors & Out

DESIGN

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4 Celebrating 36 years as a local, family owned and operated company, GINGER JAR FURNITURE is the North Shore’s largest showroom of fine contemporary indoor and outdoor furniture and accessories. In their 20,000 square foot showroom, discover fashion forward European designs for your home; with brands like Gamma, Thayer Coggin, Cierre, Manutti, Gloster, Calligaris, Bontempi, Fiam, Lloyd Flanders, Draenert, Vondom, and Stressless.

They are also recognized for providing concepts for commercial applications such as hotel foyers and pool sides, display suites, as well as restaurants and cafes. Purchase from the showroom and take it home today or custom order your ‘perfect’ piece. Also check out OMG IT’S SMALL BY GINGER JAR, your destination for big style in small spaces; featuring multifunctional collections; as well as trendy, fun accessories like Sid Dicken’s tiles and Fatboy beanbags.

Amazing pendant lighting is also abundant at OMG. Created by the Western Living advertising department in partnership with Ginger Jar Furniture

5 1. KUMO by Manutti Designer Studio: in aluminum & all-weather cushions,

comes in 2 modules that can transform into a sofa or lounger, a lounge chair or cool footrest. Finish and fabric customizable.

2. Faz Planters by Ramón Esteve: Resin made in Spain. Inspired by mineral forms found in nature. Customizable finish.

3. Faz Daybed by Ramón Esteve: Resin and all-weather cushions from Spain.

Weatherproof system for day and night. Finish and fabric customizable. Also available with an outdoor sound system.

4. Wing Bar Table and Stools by A-Cero: Resin made in Spain. Born by weaving together straight and curved lines in a dynamic design that generates movement. Finish customizable.

5. Cave Swing by Jesper K Thomsen: Resin fibre and all-weather cushions.

A new interpretation of the classic swing sofa that can be left outside year around.

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GINGER JAR FURNITURE Indoors & Out

DESIGN

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4 Celebrating 36 years as a local, family owned and operated company, GINGER JAR FURNITURE is the North Shore’s largest showroom of fine contemporary indoor and outdoor furniture and accessories. In their 20,000 square foot showroom, discover fashion forward European designs for your home; with brands like Gamma, Thayer Coggin, Cierre, Manutti, Gloster, Calligaris, Bontempi, Fiam, Lloyd Flanders, Draenert, Vondom, and Stressless.

They are also recognized for providing concepts for commercial applications such as hotel foyers and pool sides, display suites, as well as restaurants and cafes. Purchase from the showroom and take it home today or custom order your ‘perfect’ piece. Also check out OMG IT’S SMALL BY GINGER JAR, your destination for big style in small spaces; featuring multifunctional collections; as well as trendy, fun accessories like Sid Dicken’s tiles and Fatboy beanbags.

Amazing pendant lighting is also abundant at OMG. Created by the Western Living advertising department in partnership with Ginger Jar Furniture

5 1. KUMO by Manutti Designer Studio: in aluminum & all-weather cushions,

comes in 2 modules that can transform into a sofa or lounger, a lounge chair or cool footrest. Finish and fabric customizable.

2. Faz Planters by Ramón Esteve: Resin made in Spain. Inspired by mineral forms found in nature. Customizable finish.

3. Faz Daybed by Ramón Esteve: Resin and all-weather cushions from Spain.

Weatherproof system for day and night. Finish and fabric customizable. Also available with an outdoor sound system.

4. Wing Bar Table and Stools by A-Cero: Resin made in Spain. Born by weaving together straight and curved lines in a dynamic design that generates movement. Finish customizable.

5. Cave Swing by Jesper K Thomsen: Resin fibre and all-weather cushions.

A new interpretation of the classic swing sofa that can be left outside year around.

MCQUEEN by

designer: Giuseppe Vigario made in Italy

exclusively at For more beautiful ďŹ nds for your smaller spaces

1420 Fell Avenue at Marine Drive North Vancouver | 604.988.7328 gingerjarfurniture.com

1400 Marine Drive North Vancouver | 604.988.2789 omgitssmall.com

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JORDANS INTERIORS

DESIGN

Christopher Guy Furnishings

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5 4 Christopher Guy furnishings fuse a timeless beauty and elegance evocative of a cosmopolitan lifestyle, appealing to sophisticated and discerning audiences worldwide.

1. Saskia Delicate “eyebrow” silhouette define this

Well-known for fusing classicism with modernism, Christopher Guy’s style can be described as “contemporary with classical values”. His Chris-x leg design, patented in Europe, US and China, is seen throughout his collections and was inspired by the corseted waist-line of Scarlett O’Hara in Gone with the Wind and the crossed legs of a ballerina. A few of his renowned projects include: Las Vegas: The Venetian, The Georgian Restaurant Harrods; Movie sets: The Devil Wears Prada, Casino Royale,

2. Aster Spectacular diamond shaped mirror

Christopher Guy is just one of many signature brands carried at Jordans Interiors - every one with a rich history behind them as well as strong craftsmanship. Over 85 years ago, Jordans was born out of the passion to bring in the finest quality furniture from the world’s pre-eminent manufacturers. Explore JORDANS INTERIORS, Vancouver & Victoria’s premier home furnishings showrooms. When only the finest will do...

Created by the Western Living advertising department in partnership with Jordans Interiors

unique set, its understated elegance and pure lines allowing it to grace beautifully any interior. surrounded by ephemeral “floating” curl detailing intricately crafted by master carvers from solid hardwood.

3. Chamonix Lavish Handcarved wall secured console table, crafted from solid mahogany.

4. Amarante Christopher’s signature Chris-cross is the perfect counterpoint to the lovingly styled and curvaceous body of this impactful dressing table, topped with an understated tapering oval mirror.

5. Sofia The designer’s choice, this chaise lounge design draws instant attention with sheer elegance and sensual appeal.

I NTER IOR S

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MERIT KITCHENS

DESIGN

Fresh, modern, comfortable—this is the “white kitchen” of today.

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Home takes centre stage for many of life’s most important and not so important moments.

It should reflect who you are, and complement the life you lead. MERIT KITCHENS is proud of their role in transforming houses into homes. For over 40 years, Merit has been designing and manufacturing custom cabinets for the kitchen, bathroom, and throughout the home.

By staying on top of current trends and techniques, their customers enjoy a wide range of choices for cabinets, drawer boxes, door styles, finishes, storage innovations and decorative elements. Merit Kitchens offers cabinetry that combines beauty with intelligent design to help their clients make the most of every moment, in a space that is uniquely them.

Created by the Western Living advertising department in partnership with Merit Kitchens

1. Layering 3 doorstyles to create interest –

contemporary Tofino slab, the ever-popular Blackcomb Flat, and sleek Alu 19 aluminum.

2. Floating shelves with lighting lend an airy feel, while providing decorative storage.

3. Adding sparkle with aluminum doors and cabinetry legs, stainless hardware and mirrored backsplash behind the range.

Beauty on the inside. And out.

We start with superior raw materials and end with the delicate touch of hand-finishing to reveal the wood’s beauty and natural grain characteristics. And on the inside, our solid wood dovetail drawer boxes are sanded smooth and finished with a crystal clear coat - no sharp edges, unfinished surfaces, or unsanded joints.

Modern, contemporary designs and quality European craftsmanship. Merit Kitchens - an experience for life.

Canadian Made. German Engineered.

Toll Free: 1-800-663-2992

www.merit-kitchens.com

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MÖBLER FURNITURE Best in modern furniture

DESIGN

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MÖBLER FURNITURE has been serving Vancouver for over 30 years.

From the beginning, the goal has been to provide exceptional quality and service tailored to modern design and the contemporary lifestyle.

Today, Mobler Furniture has gathered collections from designers around the world, with quality and style driving the search to find the best in condo-sized, modern, affordable furniture.

Created by the Western Living advertising department in partnership with Möbler Furniture

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1. Moritz Loveseat and Sterling Chair Both available in light or dark

grey fabric. Condo sized & perfect for Vancouver | Turner Coffee Table Walnut with functioning storage

2. Eve Bar Stools Available in black or white with walnut trim 3. Dalia Bed Available in queen or double 4. Reno Leather Recliner Available to special order in other colours

BUENO dining table $1598 sideboard $1198

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PARAMOUNT FURNITURE

New Collection

PARAMOUNT FURNITURE has been designing Vancouver area homes since 1972. It has long been the choice of those who desire quality home furnishings and superior service, including complimentary in-home design.

Luxury is not about opulence or great expense. It is the pleasure and joy of using beautiful things every day. Paramount’s vision of the modern home is warm and intimate, as well as stylish and sophisticated. The home should be a retreat; a place where light, space and rich tones conspire to create a setting in which harmony prevails.

Its elegant 50,000 square foot showroom displays styles from classic to contemporary and will satisfy the most discerning tastes. Enjoy exploring Vancouver’s largest selection of high quality home furnishings from the world’s leading manufacturers. Paramount will fulfill your dreams, whether you are looking for that single, perfect piece or to furnish an entire home.

Created by the Western Living advertising department in partnership with Paramount Furniture

DESIGN

THE ART OF FINE LIVING

5520 Minoru Blvd Richmond BC 604.273.0155 paramountfurniture.ca

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RESOURCE FURNITURE think smart. live big.

DESIGN

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Hyper-functional, space-transforming solutions multiply any space and allow smallerfootprint, eco-friendly living without compromise. Meet RESOURCE FURNITURE, North America’s largest and most comprehensive source for cutting-edge, spacesaving living solutions for more than 13 years, and maximizing spaces in Vancouver for over 4 years.

Our wall bed systems are the slimmest available with the fewest moving parts and the highest level of reliability. Their quality, ingenuity of design, sustainable manufacturing practices, and exquisite modern style brings them generations beyond any other wall beds or Murphy beds on the market today. Resource Furniture also sources a large selection of traditional furniture designed and manufactured in Italy.

Created by the Western Living advertising department in partnership with Resource Furniture

1. Tango Sectional Independent sliding seats and flip-up armrest on the sectional chaise. Components available including freestanding sofas and ottomans.

2. Desk Ulisse Dining Multi-functional wall bed and

dining table that seats five. Integrates with modular closet and shelving.

Our wall beds feature: Limited lifetime warranty on all mechanisms Water-based lacquers FSC-CoC certified and CARB (2) compliant materials Biodegradable, solvent-free mattresses

home. reinvented.

day Tango Dual Reclining Sofa/Queen Wall Bed | Plurimo Double-Extension Table | Giralot Revolving Storage | Piano Folding Coat Rack | Six Coffee Tables | Apelle Dining Chair | Maltino Rug

ď ą night

Living room + home office + dining room + bedroom = one powerfully functional room, both day and night. Change the way : the global leader in you use your space with Tango, one of 60+ customizable solutions designed and made in Italy by transformable furniture design for over 50 years. Limited lifetime warranty on all Clei mechanisms.

Exclusively from Resource Furniture. Many items available for immediate delivery.

861 Richards Street | Vancouver BC | V6B 3B4 604.681.0104 | david@resourcefurniture.com resourcefurniture.com Vancouver | New York | Los Angeles | San Francisco | Toronto | Calgary | Montreal | Mexico City

SPONSORED REPORT

SANDY’S FURNITURE

DESIGN

Family owned and operated since 1976

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SANDY’S FURNITURE has been a proud retailer of Natuzzi’s Italian made products for more than 25 years. They invite you to visit their Natuzzi Italia store inside Sandy’s on United Boulevard where you will enjoy a one of a kind shopping experience surrounded by the largest selection of Natuzzi Italia products in Canada.

1. Proxima Bookcase The new Proxima modular wall unit collection is highly versatile and includes benches, drawers,

open cabinets, shelves, A/V solutions and sideboards. The collection is available in various finishes and materials allowing it to fit into any setting.

2. Cabaret Coffee Table The Cabaret is the largest collection of occasional tables Natuzzi produces. Available in many sizes, the top and base of the table are available in various finishes and materials.

3. Astra Lamp The Astra lamp is characterized by the asymmetrical design of the lampshade made of superimposed

opal glass layers, with etched and blown-glass finishes. This lamp is available as a floor or table lamp and also available with a white base.

4. Giasone Rug The Giasone is a thick & durable handwoven rug made of 100% New Zealand wool. The rug is available in 2 sizes and 3 colors, grey, black & anthracite.

Created by the Western Living advertising department in partnership with Sandy’s Furniture

1335 United Boulevard, Coquitlam • 604.520.0800 www.sandysfurniture.ca/natuzzi-italia Mon - Wed: 9:30AM - 6PM • Thurs & Fri: 9:30AM - 9PM Sat: 9:30AM - 6PM • Sun: 11AM - 5PM

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TRAIL APPLIANCES Trendsetting Style

DESIGN

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These innovative products can be found at TRAIL APPLIANCES. With the largest selection of Dacor appliances in Western Canada, Trail Appliances allows customers to see many of the most cuttingedge appliances in the market today.

1. Dacor Discovery™ 48” Dual-Fuel Range With

Dedicated to quality, craftsmanship and innovation, Dacor has integrated fashion, function and technology to create unique kitchen products that reflect the lifestyle and needs of the homeowner.

The world’s first wall oven to feature the integrated Discovery iQ Controller for Android.

The new Dacor products revolutionize the cooking experience for home chefs, ushering in a new era of convenience in the kitchen. Features such as voice activation for its line of smart kitchen appliances and Android™ powered touch screens make cooking effortless and fun.

Visit a Trail Appliance showroom near you or go to www.trailappliances.com to learn more about Dacor products and current promotions.

Created by the Western Living advertising department in partnership with Trail Appliances

an integrated Android tablet, 7” glass touchscreen, Wi-Fi capability and downloads through Google Play.

2. Dacor Discovery™ iQ 30” Single Wall Oven 3. Dacor Discovery™ Wine Station The first automated, temperature-controlled, four-bottle wine dispensing and preservation system for the home.

4. Dacor Discovery™ 36” Fully Integrated Refrigerator with Flush Fit™ With a patented hinge system, which allows the door to swing clear of adjoining cabinetry to allow seamless integration.

BRING YOUR KITCHEN TO LIFE WITH DACOR For the past 50 years, Dacor has designed and built ultra-premium kitchen appliances that possess the most up-to-date technology to bring you outstanding cooking performance. Dacor knows innovation is the key to success and has embraced the challenge of creating the modern kitchen.

Visit a Trail Appliances showroom near you or go to www.trailappliances.com for information on the latest Dacor速 products and promotions.

Meet our Expert Sales Staff

VANCOUVER | RICHMOND | SURREY | COQUITLAM | LANGLEY | VICTORIA | KELOWNA | ANNACIS ISLAND TrailAppliancesBC

@TrailBCStores www.trailappliances.com

SPONSORED REPORT

WINDOWWORKS

DESIGN

Where Vancouver’s designers go for inspiration

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2 At WINDOWWORKS, exquisite beauty meets practicality to create innovative window treatments and coverings that enhance any home. Their wide selection of services includes window coverings, accessories & custom upholstery.

3 1. Windowworks can make

upholstered furniture to your specifications and/or recover your existing pieces. Select from thousands of fabric options.

Windowworks is home to the largest custom drapery and upholstered furniture workroom in Western Canada. For over 25 years they have proudly constructed all types of custom window treatments as well as furniture, bedding, decorations, and accessories.

2. Headboards, ottomans and

When you visit their Richmond showroom, you’ll find nothing less than the highest quality material, expert craftsmanship, and above all, unmatched customer service. As a family-run business, service and reliability are at the heart of everything they do – allowing decorating projects to be completed with ease.

3. Redecorate your bedroom with the options and details you deserve.

When they couple your vision with their expertise, you can be rest assured that your windows are covered.

Created by the Western Living advertising department in partnership with Windowworks

more add the finishing touches to any room. Our attention to detail is second to none.

13331 Vulcan Way Unit 10, Richmond, BC | 604-231-1433 | windowworks.ca

HOMES I N T E R I O R S // A R C H I T E C T U R E // D E S I G N // L I V I N G

State of Play

Janis Nicolay

Kids’ rooms should encourage imagination, and this one, designed by Joanna Vagelatos of The Cross Interior Design, is all about creative play. From the teepee with its cozy sheepskin interior and Designers Guild throw pillows to the kids’ books that line the wall (a simple way to also bring colour into the space), this is a comfy spot for both parents and kids to spend an afternoon. It’s also the perfect kickoff to more of our favourite Great Spaces, just over the page.

westernliving.ca / j a n u a r y / f e b r u a r y

2016 47

20 GREAT

4 8 j a n u a r y / f e b r u a r y 2 0 1 6 / westernliving.ca

SPACES

WL HOMES

Sometimes one room deserves the spotlight. Or in this case, 20 of them.

From a living room that manages to be both private and light-filled to a kitchen design that balances clean lines and organic warmth, these great spaces are worth a little extra attention.

Look for more great room slide shows at westernliving.ca

John Sinal

by Stacey McLachLan and anicka quin

Create privacy without losing light While this home is at a relatively busy intersection, director Sean Pearson of Vancouver’s RUF Project was able to create a sense of privacy without shutting out the outside world—despite the fact that many of the (mostly glass) walls disappear altogether in the summer. A series of wooden louvres outside and that gorgeous floor-to-ceiling fireplace inside create a sense of intimacy without feeling closed in. And the fireplace pulls double duty: it also disguises a concrete column, which disappears behind the black mirrored glass at its midpoint. westernliving.ca / j a n u a r y / f e b r u a r y

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WL HOMES // 20 GreaT SPaCeS Mix and match design eras A traditional sofa is

Living Rooms

Put the spotlight on the architecture with clean-lined furniture The first step in this Vancouver loft renovation was to strip things back to bare bones to let a gorgeous brick wall and wood beams shine. “We wanted the existing architectural elements to have a chance to speak for themselves,” says designer Sophie Burke. In the open-concept living area, a wood-burning fireplace was swapped out for a modern corner gas unit. Now a cozy, grey-upholstered Bensen sofa and slouchy Coyuchi pillows make this the ideal place to curl up and get comfy.

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Clockwise from top left: Lindsay Nichols, Martin Tessler, David Strongman

piled with a selection of brightly patterned cushions; a cushy side chair channels industrial-cool with a pair of caster feet; an art deco fireplace mantel is layered with vintage frames; a mid-century Saarinen end table brings a modern touch. It’s an eclectic mix of styles, all anchored by a bold black-and-white chevron rug, and one that gives this new-build Calgary house a sense of history.

“Incorporating elements from different eras makes it feel like it’s not just a home that’s popped up out of nowhere,” explains Calgary designer Natalie Fuglestveit.

Make it easy to hang art, wherever you want.

By laying clean drywall overtop massive expanses of load-bearing plywood, designer Adam Becker eliminated the search for studs in this Vancouver condo—artwork can now be hung anywhere. “This space is the cleanest I’ve ever done. There are no baseboards anywhere.

All walls float,” says Becker. And while the art in this space may be contemporary, much of the furniture is old-school, like the vintage blue leather Knole sofa and chairs, and the classic Saarinen side table. westernliving.ca / j a n u a r y / f e b r u a r y

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WL HOMES // 20 GreaT SPaCeS

Kitchens

Give a structured design a touch of organic warmth.

Martin Tessler

This modern Calgary kitchen is all clean lines and smooth surfaces, from the lacquered island and thin stainless counters to the bold red back-painted glass backsplash and grey rift-cut oak cabinets—except for that hit of warmth in the form of a live-edge dining table. “I’m always very interested in mixing something highly tailored with something a little less formal and more organic,” says Rachael Gray, principal of architecture firm Gray Partnership. The result doesn’t take away from that very structured feel to the room, which becomes all the livelier thanks to its mix-and-match bar stools.

westernliving.ca / j a n u a r y / f e b r u a r y

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WL HOMES // 20 GreaT SPaCeS

skylight infuses this airy Burnaby living room with sunshine, even on the greyest of days. Designer Sarah Marie Lackey brought in a grey, white and cream palette to make the most of it, and had a creative solution for letting some of that natural light spread elsewhere in the home, too. “We installed a screen instead of a wall as a way to hide the entryway but still let the light be fluid,” she explains.

Update an antique set for a wow statement

Warm up a modern space with wood floors While concrete floors might have been the de facto choice in this ultra-modern space, homeowner Liana Fediuk flipped convention: concrete on the walls, wood on the floor. The finish of the wide oak planks—a custom oil treatment, with the wood grain shining through, gives a whitewash look—isn’t as easy to accomplish as it might appear. “It took about six months of samples,” says designer Tanya Schoenroth, who worked with Fediuk on the home.

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When the homeowners brought Calgary designer Sylvie Croteau-Willard of Collage Interiors on board to bring a modern update to their condo, they also brought a vintage piece along with them: a Duncan Phyfe dining set belonging to her grandmother.

The standard update might have been just an all-white lacquer, but Croteau-Willard gave the captain’s chairs at each end a fun twist: one blue, one yellow. The seats are recovered in a grey faux snakeskin—perfect for a family with young kids, and perfectly fun.

Clockwise from left: Janis Nicolay, Tracey Ayton, Paulina Ochoa. Opposite page: Janis Nicolay.

Dining Rooms

Let in the light with translucent materials A gorgeous double

Include storage in your seating.

With only 600 square feet of space to work with in this Nanoose Bay, B.C., vacation suite, incorporating built-in storage was a no-brainer for designer Angela Robinson. She installed a custom-upholstered dining bench against a hand-stained wood feature wall that lifts up to reveal a stash of cleaning supplies. “If we’d used four chairs, the space would’ve looked too busy and cluttered,” notes Robinson; instead, she added just two Ikea chairs across the table to round out the seating options in this Scandinavian-inspired space. westernliving.ca / j a n u a r y / f e b r u a r y

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WL HOMES // 20 GreaT SPaCeS

Find the fun in a simple palette.

While the rest of this home is done up with bold colour, the bedroom was designed as a respite. But designer Ben Leavitt of Fox Design skipped the classic white-onwhite in favour of richer neutrals: beige, grey, silver and gold. “We were trying to keep it wildly interesting, but as simple as possible,” laughs Leavitt. And interesting it is: above the bed, a curved ceiling is decked out in silver leading to reflect the light of the chandelier at night; in the connected reading room, a resin garden sculpture shaped like a sheep has been painted white and installed behind the sofa to be visible from the bed. “It plays on that idea of counting sheep,” Leavitt says.

Bedrooms

From top: Marcos Armstrong, Janis Nicolay. Opposite page: Tracey Ayton.

Create a bedroom on a wall To be fair, this wall is two storeys—but until Rick Wilson from Radius Architectural Millwork got involved, it was just another slab of concrete in this Vancouver condo. The homeowner was looking for room to house guests in his one-bedroom loft, so Wilson came up with the Murphy bed-and-millwork design on the main floor, with a raw steel gangplank above to reach a second level of storage. The ladder gives access to the second floor, but don’t worry about any awkward carrying—the pulley system, inspired by the client’s love of boats, allows for heavier articles to be hauled up to the second storey.

Use texture to bring warmth to a neutral palette In this Gulf Island home designed by Carrie McCarthy of Carrie McCarthy Studio and Tanja Hinder of Marrimor, the natural, earthy palette of linens and woods is anything but dull thanks to the pair’s thoughtful use of texture throughout the space. Ripple-fold linen drapes line the walls, creating a cocoon-like effect at night; on the bed, a linen duvet pairs with a knit throw cushion and silky throw at the foot; and even the bed itself offers visual texture, with its warp and weft linen coverlet. And the pièce de résistance: that lush wool area rug, a cozy place to step each morning.

westernliving.ca / j a n u a r y / f e b r u a r y

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WL HOMES // 20 GreaT SPaCeS

Entryways Create a space with breathing room If you entertain frequently, your entryway should have plenty of room to welcome partygoers (and it doesn’t hurt to set the tone with a swath of bold, beautiful wallpaper and a cozy bench for easy shoe-tying action). “We must’ve redesigned the stairs four or five times to make sure it wouldn’t be cramped,” laughs Cam Kraychy of Calgary’s Rocky Point Custom Homes.

Warm up the entry with texture A textured rug, oak flooring and beautiful balcony millwork bring a sense of warmth into an open, airy space.

“This was a new unit, but the finishes were very cold,” says Hollam Design’s Adria Brotzel of this Vancouver home. “Our biggest goal was to warm up the entrance.” Even the monochromatic elements have some personality: the all-white wall is lined with horizontal moulding detail that adds some vital texture.

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Go big for your opening statement Vancouver designer Ami McKay installed a sculptural, curving staircase and a custom oversized pivoting door to take advantage of the scale of this West Coast contemporary home. “The visual weight of these key elements along with the mix of natural materials—travertine, warm woods—brings in a laid-back-luxe kind of vibe as soon as you walk in the door,” McKay explains.

Bathrooms

Ema Peter. Opposite page, clockwise from left: Jason Statler, John Bilodeau, Janis Nicolay.

Design the vanity to look like an elegant sideboard.

In this renovated condo in Vancouver’s Crosstown district, designers Chad Falkenberg and Kelly Reynolds of Falken Reynolds Interiors created a striking master bath that owes much of its glamour to that custom-built vanity. “I think whenever you have a piece of furniture,” explains designer Chad Falkenberg, “it somehow feels lighter because it feels like you can move it.” Hidden medicine cabinets behind the mirrors create enough storage space to leave the cabinet’s bottom open for spare towels.

westernliving.ca / j a n u a r y / f e b r u a r y

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Create an office under the staircase.

Ema Peter. Opposite page, clockwise from top: Christy D. Swanberg, Tracey Ayton, Luis Valdizon.

Gutter Credit

Offices

With space at a premium in this home in South Surrey, B.C., Ron Kliewer made sure to keep the office both efficient and visually separated from the rest of the home—office spaces have a tendency to get a little untidy. A boardformed concrete wall creates an architectural separation from the front door; custom white oak millwork suspended from the walls keeps the room feeling airy. And for the person working from home that day: a low window showcases the landscape, perfectly positioned for someone who’s sitting down.

WL HOMES // 20 GreaT SPaCeS

Yes, a home office can be fun Ample storage was key for this Calgary home office, as it’s more than just a place to file paperwork—the homeowner runs an accessory-making business and needs room for her crafting supplies.

Designer Kelly Taylor kitted out the contemporary space with custom drawers (the lower base cabinets are taller than standard height to perfectly stack wrapping paper; another is specifically designed for hiding away the printer) and touches of bright colour.

“The highlight is the lighting: it’s so fun and unexpected,” says Taylor of the Flos Can-Can lamp.

“You can see it from the street. It’s designed to catch your attention.”

Kids’ Rooms

Play with pattern instead of colour To introduce some visual interest into a crisp, clean all-white space—a Vancouver garage that had been converted to a writing and teaching office for the client—designer Andrea McLean bypassed colour and texture in favour of a hit of pattern.

The floors are covered in a festive Spanish porcelain tile, an eclectic look that complements the room’s playful character: across from the desk, a wall made up of reclaimed window frames lets in a gorgeous garden view.

Add a little drama to the ceiling For this nursery in a townhouse in Port Coquitlam, B.C., designer Ben Leavitt of Fox Design Studios decided to give baby Ella—who also happens to be his niece—a shimmering view for when she wakes up from nap time. The gold-leaf stripes took 12 hours to apply by hand, though the designer already had his challenges with this space: the round Restoration Hardware crib had to be cut in half and then refastened once inside the room because of the condo’s narrow staircase. westernliving.ca / j a n u a r y / f e b r u a r y

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WL HOMES // GOLDEN, B.C.

A classic Danish concept informs the design of a Kicking Horse ski cabin.

COMFORT ZONE by barb sligl // exterior photograph by dave best // interior photographs by bryce Meyer

Let It Snow Constructed from Douglas fir and Montana fieldstone, this ski-in/ ski-out home designed

by McKinley Burkhart channels “spirit of place,” with its wilderness setting—and a classic Danish concept of coziness— informing the design.

WL HOMES // GOLDen, b.C.

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hielded by snowy trees amidst rocky outcrops, this cabin in Golden, B.C., feels middle-of-nowhere—except it’s right on the slopes of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, with prime ski-in/ski-out access. A family retreat, it’s a luxe yet down-to-earth alpine hideaway built with hygge in mind.

The enigmatic-sounding Danish word translates roughly to comfort, or coziness. Hygge is a wood-burning fire, a cashmere blanket, a glass of mulled wine or gløgg—just what you’d want at a winter cabin.

So the homeowners tapped Calgary-based architecture firm McKinley Burkart to design their second home with a Canadian take on the homey Danish concept.

Co-founder and architect Mark Burkart worked in tandem with interior designer Landon Anholt to create haute hygge in the mountains. “Before we picked up a pencil, we spent countless hours on the site immersing our senses: looking, smelling, touching all of the natural materials,” says Anholt. “Mossy rocks, oversized rough timber and textured bark have a major role in the architecture and are key players in the interior design.”

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It’s about channelling genius loci, or the spirit of a place, says Burkart. And here, in a wilderness setting of what’s essentially a recreational base, the aesthetic unearthed is modern-elemental. Three natural elements make up the design: stone, wood and glass. Fieldstones from Montana are laid in a rough, rectangular coursing. “Some of the pieces, like the continuous stone lintel over the garage, are Egyptian in their proportions,” says Burkart. Alongside these epic boulders are enormous wood beams, torched and wire-brushed to highlight their grain and texture. “Between the huge, lichen-covered stones and massive timbers, the overall impression is one of the house having tumbled out of the mountain itself,” says Burkart.

These statement-making exterior materials of stone and wood abut expanses of windows, and, together with the glass, also form the interior. There’s no drywall—anywhere. The heavy timber structure and stone slabs that anchor the 4,500-square-foot structure are also the foundation for the interior design. “One of our ideologies was to use the structure as the decorative element throughout the space,” says Anholt, “rather than build a cheap structure that forces the interior to

“Between the huge, lichen-covered stones and massive timbers,” says architect Mark Burkhart, “the overall impression is one of the house having tumbled out of the mountain itself.”

Winter Wonderland The ceiling height throughout the home varies dramatically, from an airy 25 feet in the living room (left) to eight feet on the lowest level, where there’s a cozy ski-bar. In the kitchen (below left and right), warm texture reigns: the cabinets are made from wire-brushed and crosscut oak, the counters are made of raw zinc, and even the hardware has visual depth, constructed from handmade bronze.

westernliving.ca / j a n u a r y / f e b r u a r y

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WL HOMES // GOLDen, b.c.

6 6 j a n u a r y / f e b r u a r y 2 0 1 6 / westernliving.ca

Into the Wild Natural materials throughout reflect the palette outside the window: the screen between the master bedroom (left) and master bath (below) is a custom piece created from birch logs; the lower level features a slate-clad “grotto” (bottom centre) with an indoor hot tub. The light fixture in the stairwell (far left) was a collaboration with Calgary-based architectural lighting company Christian and Plank.

invest in decorative cladding to mimic something it’s not.”

Natural elements outside the doors—the forest and weathered stone surrounding the home—are echoed throughout the three-level, fivebedroom home, sometimes quite literally. A birch-log screen between the master bedroom and bath evokes the forest outside. Tongue-andgroove fir panelling, whitewashed and rough-sawn, is accented with white oak and textured flagstone floors. The raw-zinc countertop in the kitchen looks weathered, while petrified wood stumps are used as side tables. And the great-room fireplace is “battered”—a naturalistic, tapered composition of some of the largest stones in the house—“like a mountain folly laid by giants,” says Burkart.

But it’s the three-storey staircase within a stone tower that may be the most dramatic example of blurring the line between inside and out. The treads transform from stone slabs to solid timber set between cascading black-steel stringers, inching away from the walls as the stairs rise to float free. Suspended over the entire height of the staircase is a custom-made chandelier of exposed bulbs in steel cages, “like mining lights in a shaft,” says Burkart.

At times, the home feels like a wild outpost, yet not at the expense of hygge. Warmth takes precedence over Scandinavian starkness: fur throws, cable-knit pillows, oversized plush sofas and tufted ottomans in nature-inspired hues and rich textures. “Formality and order is set aside for practicality and comfort,” says Anholt. This house is one in which the young family with three boys can play with hockey sticks, run with the dog, hang out in sweats. Anholt describes the aesthetic as strong, big, organic, honest and unpretentious. “The exposed timbers are rough to touch, the stone floor is bumpy, the zinc countertop is unfinished,” he says. “This wasn’t the environment for polished countertops and highly lacquered timbers; rather, we wanted quite the opposite: materials that would patina and embody stories.”

Anholt and the homeowners all agree on a favourite space inside the home: the 25-foot-high great room, where scale and coziness are in harmony. “It’s the ultimate place to hang out and have a glass of wine,” says Anholt. As hygge as it gets. And it turns out that this Nordic term may have etymological ties to the English word “hug”—adding yet another warm layer to this alpine retreat. westernliving.ca / j a n u a r y / f e b r u a r y

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FOOD

R E S T A U R A N T S // E X P E R T A D V I C E // E N T E R T A I N I N G // W I N E // R E C I P E S

A Brand New Day Sometimes something as small as a single dish can help change a city. Take these cornmeal waffles with apple cider syrup. It’s a modest dish, but when Chef Tanya Holland first opened the doors of the Brown Sugar Kitchen in an “emerging” section of West Oakland in 2008, it was this dish—honest, pure, delicious— that started a culinary revolution on the forgotten side of San Francisco Bay. For those who can make the trip to Oakland, our travel guide starts on page 98. For those who can’t, turn the page and you’ll be able to bring a bit of the Brown Sugar Kitchen into your home.

Jody Horton

Iron Clad Tanya Holland’s cornmeal waffles are often accompanied by a “side” of fried chicken.

westernliving.ca / j a n u a r y / f e b r u a r y

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WLFOOD // bites

Spirits

recipe

The San Also Rises Japanese whisky

CORNMEAL WAFFLES WITH APPLE CIDER SYRUP These waffles are based on the rise-overnight, yeasted version made famous by the late cooking teacher and cookbook author Marion Cunningham. I added cornmeal to the batter to give them a distinctive Southern flavour and make them my own. Now they’re one of Brown Sugar Kitchen’s signature dishes and it’s impossible to imagine the restaurant without them.

enters your liquor cabinet.

To make the syrup: In a large pot, combine the brown sugar, vinegar, cider, cinnamon, and ¼ cup of butter. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and let cook until reduced to 1½ cups (about 45 minutes). Discard the cinnamon and keep syrup warm over very low heat. If making ahead, can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 month.

To make the waffles: In a small bowl, combine the yeast and warm water. Let stand until foamy, (about 10 minutes). In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. In another large bowl, sift together the cornmeal, flour, salt, and granulated sugar. Add the yeast mixture to the eggs and milk, then whisk in the flour mixture until thoroughly combined. Whisk in the melted butter until just combined. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to overnight.

BITES

What we’re eating and drinking

Preheat the oven to 250°F. Preheat the waffle iron and brush lightly with oil. Set a wire rack over a baking sheet in the oven.

Remove the waffle batter from the refrigerator and stir in the baking soda. Ladle some of the batter into the waffle iron, close the lid, and cook the waffles until golden and cooked through, (about 3 minutes or according to the manufacturer’s instructions). Transfer the waffle to the rack to keep warm in the oven. Repeat with the remaining batter, placing the waffles in a single layer on the rack.

Serve the waffles warm with warm apple cider syrup. Makes 8—10 waffles and 1½ cups of syrup.

7 0 j a n u a r y / f e b r u a r y 2 0 1 6 / westernliving.ca

Excerpted from Brown Sugar Kitchen, © 2014 by Tanya Holland with Jan Newberry.

Photography by Jody Horton.

Excerpted by permission of Chronicle Books. All rights reserved.

Japanese whisky is having a major moment.

Long dismissed as a Scotch knock-off, the last few years have seen the two major brands, Suntory (of Bill Murray hawking in Lost in Translation fame) and Nikka, march into international whisky competitions and depart with a slew of best-in-show ribbons. (In 2012, Japanese whisky won both the best blended and best single malt categories at the World Whiskies Awards.) To be fair, at its inception it was a Scotch knock-off—the industry began with Masataka Taketsuru travelling to Scotland in 1918 to study whisky making and returning to Japan with his knowledge, and a Scottish wife to boot. He went about setting up the famed Yamazaki distillery on the outskirts of Kyoto for Suntory in 1923 before leaving the company to set up Nikka in 1934. And last year Suntory snapped up Beam Inc. (owner of Jim Beam, Laphroaig and Canadian Club, among others), so the major problem with Japanese whisky—finding it over here—looks to be resolving itself with new distribution channels.

As for taste, the vast majority of Japanese whisky is a blend of malt and grain whisky (think Johnny Walker) for domestic consumption, where more often than not it’s consumed in a highball with soda and those cool ice balls they love over there. But the cream of the crop is a different story—handcrafted with a fastidious approach to quality control, from the best spring water that starts the process to the amazing packaging that finishes it. This is the stuff that leaves bartenders salivating. As a general rule, it emphasizes smoothness above all and is a tad sweeter than its Highland counterpart (though not nearly as sweet as bourbon), making it great for sipping and perfect for blending into pricey cocktails. This new bottling from Suntoryowned Hibiki hits all the right notes: a touch of sweetness, a hint of candied orange peel and an overall gentle demeanour.

Neal McLennan: Kyrani Kanavaros

Hibiki Harmony ($110)

Apple Cider Syrup 1½ cups firmly packed brown sugar 1½ tsp apple cider vinegar 4 cups apple cider 2 cinnamon sticks ¼ cup unsalted butter WAffleS 2 tsp active dry yeast ¾ cup warm water 3 eggs 3 cups whole milk 1 cup cornmeal 2 cups all-purpose flour 1½ tsp kosher salt 1½ tsp granulated sugar ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted Vegetable oil for the waffle iron ½ tsp baking soda

Neal McLennan

o p en i n g s

Kissa Tanto

Vij’s

263 e Pender St., VanCouVer

3106 CaMbie St., VanCouVer

Tanis Ling and Joel Watanabe of Bao Bei could open a Subway and Vancouverites would beat a path to their door, so imagine what will happen when this spot—described as Japanese and Italian—opens around the corner.

It feels like this new location of Vancouver’s beloved Vij’s was announced when the first Trudeau was PM (in reality, it was 2008), but now that it’s actually here, it’s tough to grapple with. No ducking into West for a drink while waiting for your turn? No problem— long live the big new space. vijs.ca

Prairie Noodle Shop 10350 124 St., edMonton

We love the tag line “prairie-inspired ramen,” and we anticipate this beloved pop-up transformed into a bricks-and-mortar spot on hopping 124 Street will wow diners with standout dishes like prairie pork bowl, roasted barley chicken bowl and smoked Gouda miso bowl. prairienoodleshop.ca

c h ef ’s t i p s

Skin Me Want to get restaurant-quality chicken skin at home? The answer is to salt the skin the day before and leave it uncovered in the fridge. The refrigerator will draw most of the moisture away, resulting in a crispier skin.

Mark Filatow, Waterfront Wines, Kelowna

gadget

More Juice!

When juicing lemons, put them in the microwave for 20 seconds—it softens them up and releases heaps more juice.

Megan laMMing, Purebread, Whistler and Vancouver

See more valuable chefs’ tips at westernliving.ca

Cuisipro Magnetic Spot Scrubber ($10) Who doesn’t love the pomp associated with serving wine in a decanter? The poor sap who has to clean it, that’s who. But Cuisipro has tapped into their inner child to create this new wonder that goes where no hand has gone before. Bring on the Barolo! westernliving.ca / j a n u a r y / f e b r u a r y

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WLTRAVEL // wanderlist

1

by Neal McleNNaN

3

2

1 Laphroaig An Cuan Mor ($49)

The appeal of the very traditional Laphroiag is how few bottlings they put out, so pull out this rarity, which blends the classical peaty medicinal with the sweetness of American oak, and watch jaws drop.

2 Bowmore Black Rock ($66)

The classic blend of sweet sherry casks and smoky peat is the chocolate and peanut butter of the whisky world. This dram nails the mash-up at a crazily competitive price for such a serious bottle.

5 4

6

There will be those drinkers who will gravitate to The Macallan no matter what else is on offer. You can serve them the amazing Oscura (which will set you back $1,500 or so) or this light dram with notes of citrus, and they’ll still think you’re a big spender.

4 Highland Park Einar ($80)

2

RARE DRAMS 101

Six whiskies that you’ll only see at duty-free.

Robbie Burns arrives on January 25, and there’s no surer way to impress your kilt-wearing friends than to produce a dram they’ve never seen before. Here’s a guide to what to pick up on your next trip out of the country: the secret whiskies the distillers make only for the duty-free market.

7 2 j a n u a r y / f e b r u a r y 2 0 1 6 / westernliving.ca

3 The Macallan Select Oak ($74)

Highland Park has an entire six-bottle warrior range available only at duty-free. This one is all autumn flavours—smoke and Christmas cake.

5 The Black Grouse Alpha Edition ($45)

Those in the know praise the Grouse blends for their delivery of complex whisky at a low price. This exclusive gives a smoky orange blast at an exceptional price.

6 Chivas Regal The Icon ($4,580)

Vancouver is one of two markets (Dubai is the other) that have this ultrarare bottle composed of the 20 rarest whiskies in the Chivas inventory. Yes, this is an almost-$5,000 blended whisky.

COME CELEBRATE THE ARTISTRY OF MIXOLOGY AND THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE CRAFT.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2016 All funds raised will support Science World’s Class Field Trip Program for underserved schools around the Lower Mainland.

Every child deserves the opportunity to experience the magic of Science World.

#SOC16

INNOVATION L IGHTING

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NEGRO C30 M30 Y30 K100 FUEGO C10 M100 Y90 K5 BLANCO C4 M4 Y6 K0

Pass the

SALT+ PEPPER We love wild sumac and garam masala as much as the next chef, but there’s something about mastering the two pillars of seasoning—salt and pepper—that makes you feel like a pro. Used lightly, they add the perfect finish to a dish; used liberally they make for an arresting presentation. Dust off the shaker and polish up the grinder: salt and pepper are here.

by Julie van Rosendaal // photographs and styling by gabRiel cabReRa Salt-Baked Winter Vegetables, recipe page 76

WLFOOD // salT + pepper

Salt-Baked Winter Vegetables Baking or roasting meat, fish or vegetables nestled in a bed of salt is a centuries-old technique that is enjoying its renaissance (its corollary, encasing a whole fish or bird in a salt crust, is also gaining popularity, but it’s a tad more tricky). Here, a bed of salt helps evenly distribute heat, and trying out the technique with baby winter vegetables will require less of a salt investment than a whole fish or bird.

Coarse salt Baby carrots, trimmed and scrubbed Baby beets, trimmed and scrubbed Baby parsnips, trimmed and scrubbed Fingerling potatoes A few sprigs of fresh rosemary Whole garlic (optional) Olive oil (optional—if roasting garlic) Preheat oven to 400˚F. Lay about an inch of coarse salt in a shallow baking pan and nestle in prepared vegetables in a single layer. Tuck a few sprigs of fresh rosemary between the veggies and cover completely with another inch or so of salt.

If you like, slice the top off a head or two of garlic and drizzle the exposed cloves with olive oil. Nestle on top of the salt without covering over, keeping the cut side up.

Bake for 1 hour, or until vegetables are tender when pierced with the tip of a knife. Rub the skins off the beets while still warm. If you like, serve with the roasted garlic, squeezed out of its skins. Serves as many as you like.

Pepper-Crusted Prime Rib with Green Peppercorn Cream Brined fresh green peppercorns are plump and soft compared to their dried counterparts; they add a unique dimension to a quick sauce for traditional pepper-crusted prime rib, roasted in the oven using the simplest method imaginable.

1 bone-in standing prime rib roast (adjust recipe proportionately depending on how many bones in your roast) Sea salt ¼ cup multicoloured whole peppercorns Green PePPercorn cream 1 tbsp butter 1 small shallot, finely chopped 1 cup beef stock 1 tbsp green peppercorns in brine, drained ¾ cup heavy (whipping) cream Take meat from fridge and sprinkle with salt. Coarsely grind peppercorns in a spice mill or with a mortar and pestle and sprinkle all over the meat, pressing to help adhere. Let roast sit at room temperature for 30 minutes while you preheat oven to 500˚F. Set roast fat side up and bones down in a cast iron skillet. Place in oven and roast for 30 minutes for a 2-bone, 45 for a 3-bone, or 1 hour for a 4-bone.

Turn oven off, leaving the door closed, and cook for exactly 2 hours longer— without opening the oven door.

When ready to serve, transfer roast to a carving board and set skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter and shallot to the pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until soft. Add stock and bring to a simmer, scraping to loosen any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, and cook until reduced by about half. Add peppercorns and crush lightly with a fork. Stir in cream and bring to a simmer; cook for a minute, then serve with prime rib.

Serves 6 to 12.

The pepper grinder of our dreams This prototype from Peugeot is from their “concept design lab.” You hold it horizontally and the pepper falls on the ledge to allow for perfect control. Coming soon to a store near you.

7 6 j a n u a r y / f e b r u a r y 2 0 1 6 / westernliving.ca

WLFOOD // salt + pepper

Salt and Pepper Buttermilk Calamari Salt, pepper and squid are a classic combo; crispy, restaurant-style calamari is easier to make at home than you might think.

1 lb squid, tubes and tentacles 1 cup buttermilk 1 garlic clove, crushed 1 tsp sea salt, divided 1 cup all-purpose flour 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper Canola oil, for frying Green onions, thinly sliced Small red chilies, thinly sliced (optional) In a medium bowl, combine calamari with buttermilk, garlic and about half the salt. Refrigerate for an hour or overnight.

When ready to cook, put flour, pepper and remaining salt into a plastic bag (resealable freezer bags are ideal, with no holes in the bottom). In a wide, shallow pan, heat about an inch of canola oil until hot but not smoking. Test with a small piece of bread—if the oil sizzles vigorously around it, it’s ready to go.

Lift calamari out of the buttermilk using a slotted spoon, letting the excess drip off. Drop the pieces in batches into the bag of seasoned flour and shake about to coat well. Drop pieces into the oil, separating a bit as you do, without shaking the excess flour off.

Cook, turning with tongs or a slotted spoon, until golden and crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Serve topped with thinly sliced green onions and chilies—and a pinch of flaky salt, if you like. Serves 4 to 6.

A wine with some serious pepper Wine modifiers can get out of control in a hurry with all that “an aged Twizzler inside a used Cohiba box” nonsense, but dip into a classic syrah from France’s Northern Rhône Valley and you’ll swear that some joker turned a couple of grinds of pepper in your glass. A good (and well priced at $20) example is Rover from See Ya Later Ranch, an Okanagan wine with a Rhône heart.

WLFOOD // salt + pepper

CHOOSE YOUR OWN (SPICE) ADVENTURE

By Kristin Dunn

sALt 101 Like olive oil and pre-1776 Americans, not all salts are created equal. Here’s a quick cheat of when to use what.

Fleur de Sel

Literally translating to “flower of salt,” fleur de sel is the classic finishing salt: as in a finishing sprinkle just before serving will give a dish the perfect combination of complex and unique flavour.

Smoked Sea Salt

Smoked sea salts undergo a slow smoking process, so they absorb bold, heady flavours. Working well as a seasoning when grilling, oven roasting and, most importantly, barbecuing, this salt will impart a rich smokehouse taste. Using this seasoning in your own rubs, sauces and vinaigrettes isn’t a bad idea either.

Kosher

A classic workhorse salt, kosher is a cheap, largegrain salt that’s made using a commercial process and works well with broad flavours, like seasoning a pork shoulder before slow roasting.

Himalayan Pink Salt

Swap out your ordinary table salt and use coarse Himalayan pink salt for your tabletop mill. It’s the purest salt on the planet and extremely rich in mineral and iron content, so the health benefits alone are incomparable.

PEPPErCOrns 102 Pepper is even more versatile than its saline counterpart—mild, spicy, dry or moist, there’s a pepper for that.

Tellicherry Black Peppercorns

Distinct in rich flavour and excellent aroma, Tellicherry black peppers are aged longer on the vine to grow larger than the regular black variety.

They are valued as the finest of peppercorns.

Muntok White Peppercorns

Overly ripened and earthy in aroma, Muntok white peppercorns introduce a creamy tasting spice that is best enjoyed with sauces, soups and seafood dishes.

These are favoured over traditional black peppercorns among seasoned cooks.

Sichuan (Szechuan) Peppercorns

The tongue-numbing and sensational flavourenhancing characteristics of Szechuan peppercorns are ideal for spicy food lovers. Traditionally used in Chinese cuisine, this spice is good to try when cooking duck or chicken. (Or you can attempt your own Chinese five-spice powder.)

8 0 j a n u a r y / f e b r u a r y 2 0 1 6 / westernliving.ca

Salted, Peppered Caramels Salted caramels have been all the rage for a while—the combination of sweet and salty is irresistible, but so is the kick of warmth freshly ground pepper adds to a soft, chewy caramel.

1 cup white sugar ½ cup packed brown sugar ½ cup butter 1 cup whipping cream ½ cup corn syrup or Lyle’s Golden Syrup 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper 1 tsp vanilla ½ tsp flaky sea salt Butter an 8-by-8-inch pan or line with parchment paper. In a heavy medium saucepan, combine sugars, butter, cream and syrup and cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until mixture comes to a boil.

Cook until mixture reaches 244°F on a candy thermometer, then remove from heat, stir in pepper and vanilla and pour into prepared pan. Sprinkle with salt and let stand at room temperature until set.

Cut into squares and wrap each individually in parchment. Makes about 1 lb.

westernliving.ca / j a n u a r y / f e b r u a r y

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CARE Awards Winners CONSTRUCTION ACHIEVEMENTS AND RENOVATIONS OF EXCELLENCE (CARE) AWARDS OF VANCOUVER ISLAND

T

he Victoria Residential Builders Association showcased Canada’s leaders in sustainable West Coast design and construction at the 2015 CARE Awards, October 17 at the Fairmont Empress Hotel.

The event is a celebration of beautifully crafted homes, kitchens, bathrooms and much more incorporating innovative design, natural materials, and sustainable building practices.

The Gold CARE Award winners are featured in this issue and may be viewed online at careawards.ca. For more information, contact admin@vrba.ca or call 250.383.5044.

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Second City

California Travel and Tourism Commission © Andreas Hub

The world capitals have it easy—stunning architecture, cavernous museums, history on every corner. But if what you desire is that epiphany of surprise, you’re going to have to look a little further to those less-famous cities that live in the shadows of their lauded brethren. Oakland is just such a place. Long overshadowed by neighbouring San Francisco, the city is now coming into its own as one of America’s great culinary destinations, with a core group of upstarts who don’t feel bound by tradition or conventional wisdom.

Oakland native Alec Scott reports on the revolution starting on page 98.

Leave Your Heart The Bay Bridge (itself an underdog) heading away from San Fran toward Oakland.

westernliving.ca / j a n u a r y / f e b r u a r y

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WLTRAVEL // 48 hours in las vegas

By BarB sligl

GAN BEI IN LAS VEGAS

Celebrate the Year of the Monkey in the city that knows how to play.

I high-five Lucky Cat, a nine-foot-tall silver sculpture in the Cosmopolitan, and the maneki-neko—both larger-than-life Vegas flamboyance and beloved Asian talisman— spits out my fortune, telling me to meander.

Given that I’m in fast-paced and luckobsessed Sin City, I take it as a sign to explore another side of the Strip during Chinese New Year amidst crimson paper lanterns, dancing dragons, symbolic menus and inventive cocktails. Las Vegas celebrates this holiday, known simply as CNY, like nowhere else in North America, pulling out the red carpet, quite literally.

friday After checking in at the lantern-festooned lobby of the Aria, my weekend starts with 8 8 j a n u a r y / f e b r u a r y 2 0 1 6 / westernliving.ca

a gung hay fat choy greeting at Blossom, where embroidered cherry-blossom wallcoverings and hanzi-adorned banners set the CNY scene. Here, 80 to 90 percent of the VIP guests are from China. I sample Peking duck, lotus root, sea cucumber, mango sago—just some of the 100 dishes served at this Epicurean Award winner for Best Chinese Restaurant in Las Vegas. And between all those bites, there’s plenty of baijiu (a funky Chinese spirit that’s pronounced “bye-joe,” to the merriment of anyone familiar with its potent punch). Gan bei!

After dinner, I head to the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, where a team of 140 horticulturists creates a Yearof-the-Monkey extravaganza. Overwhelmed by the 20,000-plus flowers, 600-plus trees

and 80,000-litre koi pond, I have a nightcap in the hotel’s Petrossian Bar. Despite there being 399 cocktails to choose from at the Bellagio alone, I opt for a simple gin and tonic, although with kaffir lime leaves and a diamond-shaped ice cube, it’s anything but.

saturday As one of Vegas’s busiest times of year, with Asian visitors and shoppers jamming the city, the retailers get in on the CNY spirit. At the Forum Shops at Caesars, the Roman theme CNY in Las Vegas The Forum Shops at Caesars (above left) looking extra-glitzy; the Cosmopolitan, home of Lucky Cat (above right) and a taste of what to expect this February 8 (centre).

The Forum: Rich Hall/Caesars; CNY festivities: LVCVA Newsroom; the Cosmopolitan: courtesy of the Cosmopolitan Hotel

It’s one of Vegas’s busiest times of year, with Asian visitors and shoppers jamming the city, and retailers get in on the CNY spirit.

Bellagio: LVCVA Newsroom; China Poblano: courtesy of the Cosmopolitan Hotel; Sundance Helicopters/Bob Engelbrecht

is glitzed up even more (if possible), with decorations like a glowing 22-foot dragon.

Amidst a killer group of luxury brands ranging from Longchamp to Tom Ford (and, um, a spiral escalator), I watch local school kids put on a Chinese cultural show before switching my shopping appetite for lunch at Beijing Noodle No. 9, where I get a deft demo in the hand-pulling of this symbol of longevity (think dancing with noodles).

Feeling like I’ve gained an extra life in noodle consumption, I decide I need some wellness at the oasis of the Cosmopolitan’s Sahra Spa and Hammam, where naturalstone walls mimic the slot canyons of the surrounding desert. Post-restoration (via the Moonflower Ritual, which erases some of Sin City’s effects with a jasmine rose clay wrap

and fragrant moonflower oil massage for a new-year-new-you glow), I feel free to fuel up with another CNY meal at China Poblano, a mash-up of Chinese and Mexican fare. CNY specialties include Leaping Over the Dragon’s Gate (red snapper that’s a nod to the myth of a koi turning into a dragon), xiao long bao (soup dumplings garnished with edible gold flakes) and the tasty Lu Yang cocktail (bourbon, orange liqueur, ginger star anise syrup and green tea foam).

of flashy excess that fades fast against the contrast of the Mojave Desert. There’s the now-miniature-looking Hoover Dam, Bowl of Fire, Lake Mead, Colorado River and then just billons of years of geological majesty. As the helicopter descends into the canyon (to the dramatic notes of Wagner’s “Ride of the Valkyries”), I feel like faraway Sin City might be a CNY mirage. And then I’m greeted with a glass of Champagne, Vegas-style. Now that’s how you celebrate a new beginning.

sunday After much revelry, dragons, cats and monkeys, a New Year’s cleansing of sorts is in order. I make like a flying monkey into the Grand Canyon via Sundance Helicopters. As the chopper rises, the city becomes a diorama

Flying High The Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden in full CNY bloom (above left); Sundance Helicopters (above right) taking a top-down approach; a Ten Treasures dish from China Poblano (bottom right).

westernliving.ca / j a n u a r y / f e b r u a r y

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WLTRAVEL // MY NEIGHBOURHOOD

Seppo’s is named after a Finnish logger who helped clear nearly every run at Whistler.

2 3

1

MOUNTAIN MAGIC

Olympian Ashleigh McIvor DeMerit shares her favourite Whistler hot spots.

Raised on the slopes of Whistler, Olympic freestyle skier Ashleigh McIvor DeMerit can’t keep away from the mountain town for long. “I’m just looking for any excuse to move back full-time,” she laughs. In the meantime, she and husband Jay DeMerit (an elite athlete in his own right as the former Vancouver Whitecaps captain) keep two hideaways in the ’hood—a chic condo in Creekside and a rustic cabin (read: no running water) with a killer view of Alta Lake. And when the skis come off, here’s where you’ll find B.C.’s sportiest couple.

9 0 j a n u a r y / f e b r u a r y 2 0 1 6 / westernliving.ca

2 The Garibaldi Lift Company is another one of my favourite spots for cocktails (the Gold Standard is my go-to). It has a huge outdoor patio for sunny days, and floor-to-ceiling windows and a massive stone fireplace, making it an ideal place to cozy up after a stormy day of skiing.

4

3 Seppo’s Bar at the top of Whistler Mountain in the Roundhouse Lodge is a great place to wrap up a day of skiing with all of your friends, whether you’re heading down to the village or to Creekside.

4 Being pregnant, eating well every day is like a job…I’m so sick of salads!

Getting all of the veggies I need in a juice or a smoothie is so nice, especially when I’m on the move. The Naked Sprout, owned and operated by a long-term local, is my answer.

5 If you don’t have plans to hit the slopes at first light, you may want to visit the Fairmont Chateau Whistler for breakfast—their killer buffet has that classic “posh Whistler” feel.

When I was little, I thought it was a palace—I used to draw pictures of colourful wildflowers with the Chateau looking majestic in the background.

5

1: Courtesy of Nita Lake Lodge; 2: Jason Jo; 3: Paul Morrison

Nita Lake Lodge is the only lakeside hotel in Whistler.

1 In my opinion, Nita Lake Lodge is Whistler’s finest hotel. It’s got that high-end boutique feel with incredible attention to detail in the decor and finishings, along with all of the amenities of a big hotel. I love to start my day with a stroll over to Nita’s Fix Cafe for a fancy coffee (or a healthy, fresh juice) and a breakfast sandwich.

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WLTRAVEL // oakland

OAKLAND?

Gutter CreditNeil Conway; signboards: Danielle Tangerines:

Camino

9 2 j a n u a r y / f e b r u a r y 2 0 1 6 / westernliving.ca

By Alec Scot t

The Bay’s second city makes a play for the big time.

Flora

GutterKristen Credit Loken; Hopscotch: Aubrie Pick Flora:

Hopscotch

My grandmother said that her favourite food was “anything cooked by someone else.” The only time I saw Mema tear up in public after my grandfather’s death was when Johnny, the mâitre d’ at their local Italian spot, Il Tulipano, expressed his condolences—formal and heartfelt, just right.

I don’t share her passion for eating out, but I still enjoy it. The city where I live, Oakland, an old industrial port on San Francisco Bay, is suddenly awash in good restaurants. Food writers from around the continent have descended here, marvelling at the creative ways its chefs have put California’s bounty to admirable use.

For sure, there are lots of trendy places in grand, industrial-chic spaces, plying a diversity of culinary waters—Barbadian, Burmese, Korean fusion, soul food, Japanese, Oaxacan, you name it (see “Joys in the ‘Hood” on page 102). But there are just a special few that hit my particular spot: the ones that not only draw accolades from reviewers, but also consistently serve up that something extra.

Camino’s front-of-house manager, Allison Hopelain, is as different a mâitre d’ from Johnny as can be imagined. She dresses in casual, quirky vintage, and notices everything—if something’s off, there she is. “I don’t know what I do here, exactly,” she once said, “but it must be important, because when I’m not here, things fall apart.” At the back of this barn-like space, with its long communal tables cut from a single redwood tree, is her chef/husband Russell Moore, cooking in a blazing hearth, always in a gingham shirt.

YES, OAKLAND. westernliving.ca / j a n u a r y / f e b r u a r y

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WLTRAVEL // oakland

9 4 j a n u a r y / f e b r u a r y 2 0 1 6 / westernliving.ca

Camino

Commis

Commis: Vaness Yap-Einbund

Like so many top Oakland chefs, Moore trained at Berkeley’s Chez Panisse under the first lady of California cuisine, Alice Waters. And here, as there, are ingredients of high quality, combined artfully, the tiny menu crafted each day based on what’s in the market. I’ve had extraordinary roasted lamb from his team, a creamy boudin blanc sausage that he makes himself, some succulent cardoons—edible thistles foraged from nearby.

The pair are always in the place, and it’s been great watching their hard work pay off in positive reviews in the New York Times Magazine and Saveur. A restaurant you like has a way of concentrating your memories—I have my mother enjoying the hell out of her first Dungeness crab; a rather unadventurous acquaintance looking down, daunted, at the electric-green nettle soup that he’d gone and ordered; a work colleague of my partner’s trying to wrest a Bacardi and Coke out of the no-national-brands bar. There’s some solid earnestness to the project: the wines are organic, and they’ve led the movement to incorporate tips in the prices. And some whimsy: at this fall’s launch of their cookbook, home-cut paper masks hung from the chandeliers, including one of a gorilla and an excellent Frida Kahlo.

Where Moore’s food is haute rustic, James Syhabout’s is just haute haute. A meal at his tiny restaurant, Commis, will go through eight small tasting courses, each served on pottery to display the dish to maximum effect. The artistry of the presentation is reflected in the subtlety of the tastes—Syhabout trained at Manresa, south of San Francisco, and Commis is, in Bay Area terms, the opposite of Chez Panisse. So prepared, his production values are high, his meal pacing is careful, and the Zen of the staffers in the open kitchen infects the diners, making those scallops surrounded by a crown of woven escarole feel somehow sacramental. Although there’s usually good-time music playing (old Motown), it never feels casual at Commis, with this rare level of excellence on the plate.

Syhabout just got his second Michelin star awarded to him and is the only Oakland chef so recognized. That’s no surprise. Oakland’s restaurants don’t tend to serve food that is Michelin bait. The old working-class disdain for fancy remains here, in the industrial port whose shipyards helped win the war in the Pacific; its signature

Fusebox

Fusebox: Jen Fedrizzi; Pizzaiolo: Paige Green Gutter Credit

Pizzaiolo

Pizzaiolo

Oakland, an old industrial port on San Francisco Bay, is suddenly awash in good restaurants. Food writers from around the continent have descended here, marvelling at the creative ways its chefs have put California’s bounty to admirable use.

fusion is modern-accented soul food, reflecting the city’s storied, long-established black and Asian communities.

That’s maybe the closest, genre-wise, you can get to describing what Sunhui Chang does at his living-roomsized Fusebox. Chang comes from a factory town in Korea and makes his own hot gochujang sauce and kimchi. But he takes these Korean impulses and runs with them. His highly individual food comes from months of experimentation, writing down what works and what doesn’t in a notebook. Even his brief description of the odysseys that got him to his homemade tofu and (particularly excellent) Korean-fried chicken wings gives evidence of an obsessive nature: “The staff hate me because the sauce has to be applied with a paintbrush.” It’s this spirit of from-firstprinciples experimentation that I admire, his painstaking desire to embody something of himself in his food.

It’s something else that has me returning again and again to our local Italian, in a neighbourhood that’s become a food mecca: Temescal. Pizzaiolo is a far cry from the out-of-The-Sopranos Il Tulipano. Night after night, the diverse and funky humans of Oakland pack its seats, their lively conversations bouncing off the exposed brick walls.

The chef, Charlie Hallowell, is another Chez Panisse alum, and it shows. His pizzas are thin-crust, topped with just a few good things; the vegetables and salad greens come from named farms of impeccable pedigree.

When we last came here, in mid-October, I took particular pleasure in eating this food prepared by others— it had been a while. In September, my rather stalwart partner of 10 years, David, had a tangerine-sized tumour removed from his brain. The operation went well, but there was a worrisome month afterward, one where I cooked three meals a day as he came back into himself.

When, at last, he felt ready to go out again into the world, this was where we went. We had a waitress we’d often had before. He lobbed a couple of his quips at her, and she had good, smart responses. I told her the origin of the L-shaped scar on his head, and she took it in. When we opted out of the dessert, she brought one anyway, on the house—a fresh pear cake with crème fraîche ice cream and huckleberry sauce. “So glad to see you,” she said.

“Welcome back.”

westernliving.ca / j a n u a r y / f e b r u a r y

2 0 1 6 9 5

Fusebox

Fusebox: Jen Fedrizzi; Pizzaiolo: Paige Green Gutter Credit

Pizzaiolo

Pizzaiolo

Oakland, an old industrial port on San Francisco Bay, is suddenly awash in good restaurants. Food writers from around the continent have descended here, marvelling at the creative ways its chefs have put California’s bounty to admirable use.

fusion is modern-accented soul food, reflecting the city’s storied, long-established black and Asian communities.

That’s maybe the closest, genre-wise, you can get to describing what Sunhui Chang does at his living-roomsized Fusebox. Chang comes from a factory town in Korea and makes his own hot gochujang sauce and kimchi. But he takes these Korean impulses and runs with them. His highly individual food comes from months of experimentation, writing down what works and what doesn’t in a notebook. Even his brief description of the odysseys that got him to his homemade tofu and (particularly excellent) Korean-fried chicken wings gives evidence of an obsessive nature: “The staff hate me because the sauce has to be applied with a paintbrush.” It’s this spirit of from-firstprinciples experimentation that I admire, his painstaking desire to embody something of himself in his food.

It’s something else that has me returning again and again to our local Italian, in a neighbourhood that’s become a food mecca: Temescal. Pizzaiolo is a far cry from the out-of-The-Sopranos Il Tulipano. Night after night, the diverse and funky humans of Oakland pack its seats, their lively conversations bouncing off the exposed brick walls.

The chef, Charlie Hallowell, is another Chez Panisse alum, and it shows. His pizzas are thin-crust, topped with just a few good things; the vegetables and salad greens come from named farms of impeccable pedigree.

When we last came here, in mid-October, I took particular pleasure in eating this food prepared by others— it had been a while. In September, my rather stalwart partner of 10 years, David, had a tangerine-sized tumour removed from his brain. The operation went well, but there was a worrisome month afterward, one where I cooked three meals a day as he came back into himself.

When, at last, he felt ready to go out again into the world, this was where we went. We had a waitress we’d often had before. He lobbed a couple of his quips at her, and she had good, smart responses. I told her the origin of the L-shaped scar on his head, and she took it in. When we opted out of the dessert, she brought one anyway, on the house—a fresh pear cake with crème fraîche ice cream and huckleberry sauce. “So glad to see you,” she said.

“Welcome back.”

westernliving.ca / j a n u a r y / f e b r u a r y

2 0 1 6 9 5

homesteadoakland.com

Brown Sugar Kitchen An L.A. food writer once drove the length of California for Tanya Holland’s airy waffles—a family recipe tweaked with techniques she learned at a top Parisian cooking school. brownsugarkitchen.com

Cosecha Cafe

Cosecha

Veteran Dominica Rice-Cisneros runs a cafeteria-style place serving up fresh, lively Mexican classics—one of a few good, casual restaurants renting out space in a circa-1917 covered market in Old Oakland. cosechacafe.com

Doña Tomás

Fourth-generation Japanese-American Kyle Itani’s most popular dishes, the fried oyster appetizer and fried chicken main, are Southern food with Asian touches. hopscotchoakland.com

KronnerBurger Butcher-cook Chris Kronner made his name in San Francisco doing brief gigs in every which place, but has finally found a home, serving up his small, refined burgers in a little white castle on one of Oakland’s nicest streets. kronnerburger.com

Plum Bar and Restaurant

This Oaxacan restaurant from partners Dona Savitsky and Thomas Schnetz single-handedly upped Oakland’s culinary game when founded on a then-derelict strip of Telegraph Avenue in 1999, making it, by now, the city’s answer to Berkeley’s gourmet ghetto. dona tomas.com

A lark for Daniel Patterson, who has two Michelin stars at his San Francisco restaurant Coi: the spirits are often house-brewed, the bar snacks well executed, the walls plastered in sheets of poetry. plumbaroakland.com

Duende

Ramen Shop

Big Paul Klee-style murals look on as groups at this new Uptown restaurant devour guitarist-cook Paul Canales’s mean Basque-style paellas, with rabbit, snails and clams mingling in the saffron-infused rice. duendeoakland.com

At this no-reservations addition to Rockridge’s main drag, three Chez Panisse alums (or their crew) give Japan’s simple weeknight soup a respectful but creative NorCal makeover. ramenshop.com

Real Miss Ollie’s

Flora

Cosecha: Clara Rice; Ramen Shop: Aya Brackett Gutter Credit

Hopscotch

Oakland’s former deco-era flower exchange was transformed into a swanky restaurant before the nearby Fox Theater got its reno, before Uptown became the hopping nighttime destination it is—someone has to have the shrimp and grits. floraoakland.com

Sarah Kirnon named the place for her Barbadian grandmother and reworked her gran’s recipes for Caribbean classics, from black-eyed peas to goat curry from fried chicken to cassava cake. realmissolliesoakland.com

Homestead

Ramen Shop

Married chefs Elizabeth and Fred Sassen use the open-flame techniques they learned at Camino to produce a small, daily-changing menu—including, on a recent visit, a just-so braised rabbit.

For more foodie travel, visit westernliving.ca

westernliving.ca / j a n u a r y / f e b r u a r y

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WL // trade secrets

designed by

The Look

CLEAN AND CLASSIC Finish formal furniture in a modern colour palette for a fresh look.

9 8 j a n u a r y / f e b r u a r y 2 0 1 6 / westernliving.ca

This airy Vancouver sitting room is designated for afternoon tea, so it made perfect sense for designer Victoria McKenney to take design cues from classic European elegance. But she gave the formal, pretty look a modern edge: stock frames were refinished in silver and upholstered in on-trend neutrals and sophisticated patterns to bring warmth to the bright, fresh space.

Tracey Ayton

Victoria McKenney

Photo: Michel Gibert. Special thanks: Stanislav Fiala, architect / TASCHEN. *Conditions apply, see store for more details.

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