City Style and Living

THE CALGARY WOMENS SHOW 2009

2009-10-25T12:38:00.000-07:00

October 24-25 was the Calgary Womens show at the Roundup centre. We were thrilled to meet the vendors. Hardbite potato chips (B.C) founder (and participant on CBC's Dragon's Den Sepp) was a highlight of our visit. A steward of the environment and entrepreneur, we were cheering him on Dragon's Den the whole time.

We sampled some beautiful (and unknown) pears from the Northwest Pear bureau all of which are available at most grocery stores.

One of the other highlights was to meet with Shawn (national trainer) at Smashbox cosmetics. We talked about his recent work on beauties and TIFF attendees, Megan Fox, Penelope Cruz and Kristen Booth. His work at the main Smashbox studio's in California is simply amazing, working on high profile red carpet clients like Charlize Theron, Angelina Jolie etc. with an uncanny precision.

Read more about our chat with Shawn in an upcoming issue of City Style and Living magazine!

http://www.homegrownfoods.com/

http://www.smashbox.com/

PUMCYCLE: RECYCLE YOUR HALLOWEEN PU MPKINS!

2009-10-25T10:49:00.000-07:00

Another Halloween is around the corner (check out this cute house CSL spotted), and what better way to compost/recycle than by taking your pumpkins to a number of recycling units around Calgary.

Refer to the list below, for a location near you:

1) Albert Park/ Radisson Heights Community Centre 1310 28th St. S.E.
2) Bob Bahan Pool 4812 14th Ave. S.E.
3) Bowness 7937 43rd Ave. N.W.
4) Braeside Athletic Park 256 Brookpark Dr. S.W.
5) Bottomsland Park St. Georges Dr. and Seventh Ave. N.E.
6) Confederation Park 905 30th Ave. N.W.
7) Crescent Heights Community Centre 1101 Second St. N.W.
8) Dover Community Centre 3033 30th Ave. S.E.
9) Edgemont Reservoir Site 6911 Edgemont Dr. N.W.
10) EMS Station #6 1940 Westmount Blvd. N.W.
11) Lake Bonavista East entrance to Lake Bonavista
1301 Acadia Dr. S.E.
12) Glamorgan Community Centre 4207 41st Ave. S.W.
13) Haysboro Community Centre 1204 89th Ave. S.W.
14) Marlborough Park 5903 Madigan Dr. N.E.
15) Mayland Heights Deerfoot Athletic Park West of 16th St. N.E., access from 14th Ave. N.E.
16) North Glenmore Park 6615 37th St. S.W.
17) North Haven Community Centre 5003 North Haven Dr. N.W.
18) Park 116 (Huntington Hills Athletic Park) 7920 Fourth St. & Huntstrom Dr. N.E.
19) Park 96 14660 Parkland Blvd. S.E.
20) Pop Davies/Ogden Athletic Park Ogden Rd and Millcan Rd. S.E.
21) Rockyview Alliance Church 6927 Rundlehorn Dr. N.E.
22) Birthplace Forest at Silver Springs Park 37 Silver Springs Dr. N.W.
23) South Calgary Community Centre 3130 16th St. S.W.
24) South Fish Creek Recreation Assoc. 333 Shawville Blvd. S.E.
25) South Glenmore Park Access off 90th Ave. and 24th St. S.W.
26) St.Andrews Heights Community Centre 2504 13th Ave. N.W.
27) Stanley Park 330 42nd Ave. S.W.
28) Triwood Community Centre 2244 Chicoutimi Dr. N.W.
29) Varsity Athletic Park 39th St. and 46th Ave. N.W.
30) Wildwood Community Centre 4411 Spruce Dr. S.W.
31) Woodbine Athletic Park 12625 24th St. S.W.
32) Spyhill Landfill Site 69th St. and 112th Ave. N.W.
33) East Calgary Landfill Site 17th Ave. and 68th St. S.E.
34) Shepard Landfill Site 114th Ave. and 52nd St. S.E.

Give your pumpkin another life and bring it to a recycling facility!

http://content.calgary.ca/CCA/City+Hall/Business+Units/Waste+and+Recycling+Services/index.htm

A HAIRY SITUATION

2009-10-23T01:25:00.000-07:00

We couldn't resist this photo, taken at The core downtown atop the newly built atrium. We noticed (on a chilly October day) this window cleaner, doing his thing, being harnessed by a small wire. Just to remind you, this is probably 5 ish stories high above the cold hard ground....

we salute this young man for his courage. Alas we can have an unobstructed view of the Calgary skyline. Good man.

JOHN HARDY DESIGNER EXCLUSIVE: GUY BEDARIDA

2009-10-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

What a pleasure City Style and Living had, as we were the FIRST CANADIAN PUBLICATION to have an exclusive with renoun head designer at John Hardy Jewellry, Guy Bedarida., where the designer made a personal appearance at Holt Renfrew in Calgary.

Monsieur Bedarida works in Bali, where his vision is carried out. His designs range from sinplistic silver cuffs, earrings, bracelets, to inctricate jewel encrusted one of a kind pieces (google the cinta naga bracelet with aquamarine). The statement jewellry, made by hand truly is something to behold, and we were honoured to meet the designer face to face.

Look for a full feature on this designer in a future issue of City Style and Living magazne.

http://www.johnhardy.com/

HOTEL ALMA OPENS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY

2009-10-21T18:56:00.000-07:00

The grand opening of the Hotel Alma at the University brought quite a crowd to the site. The hotel features 100 rooms, conference facilities and a bistro serving standard quick bites (the spiced almonds and cashew are insanely addictive).

Rooms are small, but modern and economic for both business and student travellers from around the globe.

http://www.ucalgary.ca/hotelandconference/hotel

LATEST CSL CONTEST WINNER

2009-10-11T18:40:00.000-07:00

Congrats to the latest contest winner at CSL: Connie, who won a lovely Gilette prize pack.

For your chance to win great prizes, sign up at:
http://www.citystyleandliving.com

and sign up for the CSL newsletter!
Good luck!

JUST BACK FROM...TOBAGO

2009-10-11T14:26:00.000-07:00

This is the plane ride there - rainbows and all.

Tobago is world renowned for its coral reefs and beautiful aqua water - just look at that colour.

Immortel trees, palms and beyond a small peek of the Caribbean ocean. What a view.

A frangipani bouquet freshly picked, awaits a vase.

Dining on lobster for dinner.

Sunset in Tobago - breathtaking.

Some beautiful flowers encountered during a hike.

Some of us here at CSL enjoyed a wonderful trip to Tobago in the Caribbean. Lots of sunny days, beaches galore, amazing food (see lobster above), hikes, marvellous sunsets, bird watching, snorkeling....and a few surprises too. Look out for our Spring 2010 issue (out in March 2010) for more on this destination.

THE LONDON RESTAURANT FESTIVAL

2009-10-11T13:56:00.000-07:00

The inaugural London Restaurant Festival launched with a splash of red carpet glamour at the Vanity Fair opening party at Quaglino’s, an event that will doubtless become an annual glittering highlight. With the festival’s main events getting underway today, the organisers have announced gratifying levels of interest from chefs, restaurateurs and the public.

Pre-event targets of signing up 500 restaurants were exceeded by more than 10% in the run-up to this week with a typically diverse range of more than 550 London establishments requesting involvement.

This never-before extravaganza, which happily returns a revolving restaurant to London sees one capsule on the capital’s most popular paid-for tourist attraction transformed each evening into a dining room for ten. Seven different celebrated chefs will be cooking. Richard Corrigan from Corrigan’s of Mayfair will cook on the evening of 8th October. Hot on his heels will be Gordon Ramsay on the 9th. The night of the 10th October sees Francesco Mazzei from L’Anima in the kitchen, followed by Vineet Bhatia of Rasoi Vineet Bhatia on the 11th. Zuma Restaurant will have their chef Ross Shonhan on board on the 12th October. Tong Chee Hwee from Hakkasan will be in charge on the 13th. And such was the interest created by this one-off event that last week an additional night was added on the 14th when The Ivy’s Alan Bird and Gary Lee arrive for one final night of exquisite dining.

Just as much interest was seen for the Supersonic Masonic Supper Club, the event from the original pop-up restaurateurs Pablo Flack and David Waddington of Bistrotheque. For the festival they have teamed up with Andaz Hotel to create a 50-seat, three-night-only eatery in the hotel’s Grade I listed Masonic Temple.

The London Restaurant Festival was the inspiration of Fay Maschler, She said, “Restaurants have become a vital part of life, not just for nourishment but for socialising, inspiration, deal-doing and fun. London’s extraordinary breadth and depth of restaurants and our home grown and imported talent deserves to be recognised and celebrated in as entertaining and supportive way as possible. Other great cities have restaurant festivals. Now we do too.”

Sally Chatterjee, interim CEO of Visit London, one of the founding partners of the festival added: “The last 18 months have been challenging for the London restaurant sector. Our aim with the festival was to put them back in the spotlight, to remind people of the quality, value and diversity of the capital’s dining scene, and to encourage people to re-discover eating out in London. We’ve been delighted with just how much interest tourists and locals have shown in the festival, while for those who are yet to make a booking, time is running out so they should check out the London Restaurant Festival website today.”

Also generating a lot of attention is the Starter for Ten Quiz. Hosted by Bamber Gascoigne, the quiz will see a team of top chefs going head to head with a team of well-known critics in the battle to see who has the most foodie knowledge. Taking place at Vinopolis this Saturday (10th October) a new promotion means food fans can now get their hands on two tickets for the price of one. That’s just £25 for two tickets to see this hotly-contested quiz and to enjoy a drinks reception beforehand.

www.londonrestaurantfestival.com

HALIFAX CHEF RAY BEAR IN CALGARY FOR ATLANTIC LOBSTER TOUR

2009-09-06T03:56:00.000-07:00

Chef Ray Bear shared some of his favourite recipes in Calgary at the Sheraton downtown. Canadians are sometimes intimidated by lobsters and lobster season in New Brunswick and PEI is until the end of September.

The delictable assortment of lobster dishes included sushi roll, lobster salad with citrus, and fettucine with mushrooms, bacon and lobster.

This was a great event to showcase lobster in all its glory. Don't save it for special occassions alone, this is a versatible and delicious meat that is suitable for any day of the week. Serve with champagne!

BBQ ON THE BOW

2009-08-28T10:31:00.000-07:00

Save the date- September 5 and 6th!

What’s Canadian Club Whiskey got to do with BBQ On The Bow Festival. Well, it’s the first of a kind competition - Canadian Club Whiskey has signed on with BBQ On The Bow to sponsor the BBQ Sauce Competition to be held on Sat, Sept 5, 2009 as part of the two-day culinary BBQ competition at Eau Claire Festival Market.

Each of the competitors or BBQ Teams will be given a mini of the very best Canadian Club, 12 year old whiskey to be added to their made from scratch BBQ Sauce that will be tested and tasted by 24 Celebrity Judges from around town. Don’t miss this photo opportunity.

The 17th Annual BBQ On The Bow Festival will be held Sat, Sep 5 from 12:00 to 4:00 PM and Sun, Sep 6 from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM at Eau Claire Festival Market. We are Canada’s Oldest BBQ Competition and home of the “ Alberta BBQ Championship ”.

Two SMOKING HOT DAYS of activities. The Saturday kicks-off with team arrivals, BBQ Sauce Competition sponsored by Canadian Club Whiskey and Chef’s Choice sponsored by Barbecues Galores. The main event on Sunday hosts live Main Stage Entertainment featuring local concert bands, Stampede Talent Search winners and headlines top Canadian blues musicians - Mike Clark Band and Johnny V Trio. Other activities on Sunday include the Alberta BBQ Championship, Children’s Craft Tent and Just Kidding Entertainers, a BBQ Food Pit & Kicking Horse Coffee Concession, Street Zone and the General Store featuring Alberta fresh corn & tomatoes, BBQ sauces and cookbooks by local authors for sale to the public.

Debra Wong, Executive Producer states, “In an effort to support Alberta Producers celebrity chefs will be grilling up their favorite recipes in the BBQ On The Bow Kitchen from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Some of the dishes are simply amazing and it’s a great way to promote our Producers and Chefs”.

Join the community for a fun filled day at the 17th Annual BBQ On The Bow Festival 2009.
Sat and Sun, Sept 5 & 6 at Eau Claire Festival Market in the heart of downtown Calgary.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC – FREE OF CHARGE.

For info go to http://www.bbqonthebow.com/

photo's coutresy bbq on the bow

MACKAYS IN COCHRANE

2009-08-26T13:44:00.000-07:00

Summertime would not be complete without a visit to Mackays in Cochrane, Alberta. This is a memory of many kids from Calgary. Some CSL staff remember the signs inside the little store, showing a cone with a scoop of every single flavour of ice cream when they were younger- thinking they could actually order this cone!

This summer, we settled for a small chocolate cone. Yum!!

GALVESTON ONE YEAR LATER

2009-08-18T18:55:00.000-07:00

Series of Events Celebrate 1 year After Ike on Galveston Island
Revival and Reflections- September 8-13, 2009

GALVESTON, Texas (July 13, 2009) – Galveston Island has reached a number of significant milestones through its recovery from the 20 foot storm surge and 110 mph winds brought by Hurricane Ike. In celebration of the Island’s swift recovery the city is hosting a series of events called “Revival and Reflections,” commemorating the year of dedication and resiliency, Sept. 8 through Sept. 13.

“We realized early on that virtually everything in Galveston needed to be fixed and that Ike left nothing in this community untouched,” said Betty Massey, chair person of the Galveston Island Recovery Committee, helping to organize the events. “We knew right away that we wanted to be a stronger, more resilient community and these events will celebrate the hard work we have put forth to make Galveston a better place.”

The week long series of events begins on Sept. 8, the 109th anniversary of the Great Storm of 1900, and will continue through Sept. 13, marking Hurricane Ike’s arrival. There will be a variety of events from giving thanks to the first responders at the United Way luncheon, commemoration ceremonies, a showing of the Ike Documentary, live entertainment and art projects, to various tours of the Island’s progress. A full list of events can be found on http://www.galveston.com/.

Virtually all structures on the Island were impacted by the hurricane causing more than $3.2 billion in damage to housing, infrastructure, beaches, and businesses, as well as tourism related properties and attractions. Recovery on the Island has been progressive; 1.6 million cubic yards of debris has been removed and 19,379 building permits have been processed. More than 75% of Galveston’s population has returned and 110,000 volunteer hours have been spent on recovery projects.

The all important tourism business, bringing in $800 million economic impact annually to the Island, is back in full swing with the majority of hotels open, all but two attractions remain closed and the first phase of a $10 million beach nourishment project complete. A plethora of new businesses have opened and 75% of businesses have already returned to the Island. Various areas of the University of Texas Medical Branch have reopened and the emergency room is planning to reopen in August. These milestones and accomplishments are the reason for the celebration of Galveston Island.

“Revival and Reflections, marking the first anniversary of Hurricane Ike, will celebrate the progress made and motivate the community to continue making the Island a better place for all,” said Massey.

More details on the series of free events or general Galveston information can be found on http://www.galveston.com/ or call 1-888-GAL-ISLE or by emailing info@galvestoncvb.com.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR SUMMER WINNERS

2009-08-15T16:08:00.001-07:00

Eva holds her P&G beauty basket, full of goodies!

Maria looks lovely, with her Yellowtail wine prize pack

Sigrun shows off her bright prize pack from CSL

Yet another great reason to subscribe to City Style and Living magazine, and the CSL newsletter (http://www.citystyleandliving.com/Subscribe.html).

These are the latest lovely set of contest winners (Eva, Maria and Sigrun). Just like you, they signed up for the magazine, and WON!! Thank you to everyone, and if you want to win excellent prizes , don't forget to sign up.

You could walk away with gift certificates, gift baskets, prize packs, and who knows what else could be waiting for you around the corner- just remember, you can't win if you don't sign up!!!

Good luck, and thank you for your continued support

The team at CSL

ROAD TRIP: OYEN ALBERTA

2009-08-11T13:37:00.000-07:00

Surprising, beautiful, calm. Believe it or not, these pictures are on the outskirts of the small North Eastern Alberta town (almost near Saskatchewan), Oyen. CSL took a road trip to see the sights, sounds and food here. Driving along the road (we were one of about a dozen cars on the road), we were captured by the prairie beauty. Unreal blue sky, green farmland and cows galore.

Read more about this roadtrip on the CSL website: coming soon!

http://www.citystyleandliving.com

JUST BACK FROM...QUEBEC!

2009-07-06T12:00:00.001-07:00

Wandering markets, visiting wineries and farmers, and quaint inns, and dining at beautiful restaurants and cafes. Read more about Quebec artisans and the experience in Quebec city and Montreal in our Fall 2009 issue.

CSL

BEHIND THE SCENES OF CSL SUMMER 2009 PHOTOSHOOT "BERMUDA"

2009-06-14T11:57:00.000-07:00

One fine spring day CSL's Bermuda photoshoot brought together a team of photographers, makeup artist and stylists to make some incredible photos. Here our model Alina receives hair treatment from makeup and hair artist Caley (Artists Within).

Derrick Woo who shot the magazine photos shows off behind the lens.

Our behind the scenes photographer Jessie Yardley inspects his collection of cameras to choose the right one for this CSL photoshoot. "Isn't it nice to see the robins back?" asked Jessie as we started taking the shots outside.

Alina gets her makeup applied by Caley.

Alina gets her nails polished in a bright spring coral colour from Essie for the photos.

The shoot also coincided with the launch of Jessie's new website for models, artists and photographers Model Republic.

Want to see how the pictures turned out? Go to http://www.citystyleandliving.com/ and view the Spring 2009 issue now.

http://www.artistswithin.com/

http://www.derrickwoophotography.com/

http://www.modelrepublic.net/

BONTERRA TRATTORIA AND NINO NEGRI WINEMAKER DINNER

2009-06-14T10:31:00.000-07:00

A roaring fireplace, one of many, comforted guests to this wonderful evening.

The tables were set as guests arrived to the wine tasting and dinner. The patio at Bonterra filled with minature lilacs, vines and all manner of flowers provided a beautiful setting. Fountains, flowers and foliage combined made a beautiful impression.

Chefs, wine enthusiasts, and food aficianados all gathered to celebrate Nino Negri and its winemaker Stefano Puppini. Bonterra's manager John made a stop at every table to ensure that everyone felt welcomed and at ease.

Here, the marketing represenative for the Nino Negri speaks about the grapes used to make this Italian wine from Lombardy.

Both white and red wines from Nino Negri decorated every table. Edible arrangements of bread sticks were also used for the tablescape and tasted light, sweet and unlike any other bread sticks we've ever had.

On the menu (pictured above and below):

Lamb Duetto Pistachio Crusted Loin and Roasted Chop paired with Valtellina Superiore Sassella Le Tense 2004

Almond and Cherry Crostata with Vanilla Bean Gelato and Pecorino Tuscano paired with Dobogo Tokaji Aszu 2000

The crostata was a standout, with the almond providing the perfect balance to the cherries. It was a lovely Calgary evening, with the sun still providing its radiance late into the night - a wonderful backdrop for the wine and food.

http://www.bonterra.ca/

http://www.ninonegri.it/

GANDHI SOCIETY OF CALGARY 10TH ANNUAL DINNER AND LECTURE

2009-06-11T21:48:00.000-07:00

(Doors open at 6:00 pm - Samosas, Pakoras and Soft Drinks served)

Date: Sunday, September 27, 2009

Time: 6:00 PM

Location: NIRVANA RESTAURANT
1009 - 5075 Falconridge Boulevard NE,
Calgary

Dinner Type: Vegetarian

Cost: $30.00

Speaker: Dr. Victor Ramraj
(“The Man Who Suffers and the
Mind Which Creates: V.S. Naipaul
on Mahatma Gandhi”)

DINNER: 7:00 pm

LECTURE: 8:00 pm

Introduction of Speaker: Dr. Irving Hexham

For Tickets Contact:

Anthony Parel: 239-4480 (parel@ucalgary.ca)

Annie Looyis: alooyis@telus.net
Phone: 547-9879

Saroj Tiwari: tiwari@ucalgary.ca
Phone: 275-4020

Yvonne Hébert: yhebert@ucalgary.ca
Phone: 220-7361

ED HARDY LUXURY COACH

2009-06-03T10:04:00.000-07:00

This is a vehicle of imposing dimensions and presence. Large scale versions of Ed Hardy’s tattoo-inspired designs are printed over the entire coach, and the result is eye popping.

As a mobile billboard, the full graphics 'wrap' is grabbing attention on the road wherever it goes.

The coach’s sumptuous interior provides an ideal hospitality environment for a VIP lounge and media hosting centre, while setup on location at special events.

The coach will also function as a product showcase and mobile retail outlet, facilitated by a large area with generous awning coverage, an outdoor video screen for presentations, a refreshment station and more.

This summer’s tour schedule includes several events at Circuit Mont-Tremblant, the Montreal Jazz Festival, the Crescent Street Ford Racing (NASCAR) Festival, and several regional kart racing events. Further touring plans include events across Canada, as well as the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games.

Christian Audigier, the charismatic fashion icon responsible for the success of the Ed Hardy brand, will personally be attending the Montreal NASCAR events to be held August 27 to 29, 2009.

www.edhardyshop.com

HOT RIDES

2009-06-03T09:24:00.001-07:00

The Spyker

Interior of the blue Bentley

CSL was exclusively invited to the opening of the new Dilawri Group's Aston Martin/Bentley/Spyker dealership in southwest Calgary a few weeks ago.

The showrooms are visually stunning, perfectly accentuating the sexiness of each car. Dilawri is the exclusive deal for the Dutch made Skyper- of which only 600 odd cars are found worldwide.

We took a sky blue Bentley sportscar for a spin around the city and were amazed by the butter smooth drive- one only need to touch the gas to accelerate easily. The creamy yellow leather interior accented by oak panelling added to the cozy feel in this vehicle.

If you are looking for a new Aston Martin, or want a thrilling afternoon, visit the showroom- you never know what you might come home driving!

All photos copyright K&S Media 2009

AN EVENING AT DIVINO WITH THE SUTTON PLACE HOTEL

2009-05-08T18:50:00.000-07:00

The light afternoon rain sprinkled through downtown Calgary before our evening began at Divino. We were invited to meet with some of the managers and executive team at the Sutton Place Hotel’s from Edmonton, Vancouver, Toronto and Chicago
(The Edmonton property was feature in the Winter 2008/2009 issue of City Style and Living magazine: http://www.nxtbook.com/dawson/ksmedia/citystyleandliving-winter08/)

The appetizers were delightful little bites featuring onion and cheese tarts, crisp zucchini tarts, crisp crab pouches and the selection of cheeses were abundant and a great pairing with the wine as always one of the strengths of Divino.

“We do a lot of business with Calgary, we have great restaurants and have a central location which is great for business travelers”, explained Richard Wong of the Sutton Place Edmonton.

The evening exemplified the strength of the hotel- the people. While each of the properties boast stunning décor and rooms, the friendly and helpful staff keeps travelers returning, as Richard Taylor from the Sutton Place Vancouver adds, “we have beautiful hotels but we're very down to earth, family friendly and accessible as well”. Well said.

ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY FOR DAVID WALKER

2009-05-03T12:00:00.000-07:00

David Walker

Garth, manager at Olives chats with the crowd

Chef Jonathan Canning enjoys a taste

The spread

Robert Bunka shows off the caramel corn

Two guests enjoy the scene

David carefully pours a glass of cremant

There is one thing David Walker and his team excel at is the ability to make people come together around great wine. The friendly and accessible staff lend a refreshing atmosphere to 100 wines by David Walker. The tasting drew a sizeable crowd- greeted at the door with caramel popcorn (you guys really know how to get the party started!)

Several of David's (and his customers) favourites of 2008 were available for tasting, as well as a peek at new favourties from the 2009 collection.

The talented Executive chef at Olives, Jonathan Canning , treated guests to appetizers including grilled shrimp, tuna, salmon and beef tartare, adding, "David loves his tartare".

A lovely charcuterie platter of cheese, meet and olives was also served alongside the wine.

After one great year, here's to another 100!!

http://www.davidwalkerwines.com/

OLIVES RESTAURANT AND 100 WINES BY DAVID WALKER PRESENT AN INTERACTIVE EVENING WITH KATRINA FETZER

2009-05-03T10:01:00.000-07:00

Ceago, which means grass seed valley, a brand of biodynamic wines from California

David Walker and Katrina Fetzer have a spirited conversation

Cremant is served to celebrate the event

An evening of wine, food, hospitality and education in honour of the intriguing biodynamic wine, Ceago, was held April 30 at 100 Wines by David Walker and Olives restaurant (conveniently located right next to each another).

It was wonderful to meet many of the people involved in the wine making process (from producing wine to selling and enjoying it), especially because we profiled premier California biodynamic wine maker Ceago and 100 Wines by David Walker which carries this brand in Calgary in the Spring 2009 issue of City Style and Living magazine.

Katrina Fetzer, whose family owns Ceago, spoke about living amongst lavender fields, olive groves and portable chicken coops at her family's vinegarden. As she spoke about the process of making wine biodynamically, it became apparent how practical and intuitive the process really is. Katrina explained that one of the formulations suggested by Rudolph Steiner calls for ground quartz crystals to be sprayed on the vines so that the sunshine will be reflected and magnified (which is useful on overcast days). She said that when they were first experimenting with the formulation at Ceago, they sprayed too much of the crystals and everything was scorched. Even today, if someone at the winery gets some of the quartz on them during spraying they will get sunburn.

For more about biodynamic wine check out the Spring issue at:

http://www.citystyleandliving.com/

Executive chef Jonathan Canning and General Manager Garth Brown of Olives spoke about the social aspect of food and wine. Chef Canning was inspired by Ceago wine and olive oil (available at their winery) for his menu.

Left, manager Brown and right, Chef Canning

Ceago's famed olive oil

Olives provided some beautiful appetizers for the evening.

From 100 Wines by David Walker we walked across the hallway to Olives. And now onto the menu and pairings for the evening.

The beautiful tablescape at Olives just as the sun was setting

The first course: Marinated Kona Blue Kampachi, preserved lemons, coriander salad, yuzu, paired with Ceago Vinegarden Sauvignon Blanc 2006

The second course: Sous-vide Atlantic Lobster beef tongue tortelini, purple haze carrots, shellfish reduction, paired wtih Ceago Vinegarden Syrah Rose 2007

Our special dish of halibut

Third Course: Ceago Olive Oil Poached Wagyu Beef fava beans, morel mushrooms, veal jus, paired with Cego viengarden Merlot 2002 and Ceago Vinegarden Cabaret Sauvignon 2002

Fourth Course: Red Wine Chocolate Cake Currant Glaze, Black Cherry Gelato

After the last course was eaten and the chefs and sous chefs came out to loud applause, the lively conversation continued across the dining room. By then, the sun had long since set, and all that remained were Katrina's words, "At Ceago, we want our wines to speak to a sense of place."

www.ceago.com

www.davidwalkerwines.com

A SUNNY DISPOSITION

2009-05-01T09:55:00.000-07:00

SUNTERRA MARKET WESTJET CAMPUS REDEFINES THE CORPORATE LUNCH ROOM
Sunterra’s newest market location brings nourishment and convenience to busy WestJetters

Calgary, Alberta – The opening of Sunterra’s eighth market, located in the new WestJet Campus, marks the marriage of two Calgary-based, locally-owned companies who share a common vision and focus on people.

“We are thrilled to join WestJetters in their new home,” says Sunterra President Glen Price. “WestJet has a strong and continued commitment to its people and to enriching their corporate culture; we are proud to be a major part of that experience.”

“We’re very pleased to be working with Sunterra in our new Campus building,” says Fred Ring, WestJet Executive Vice President, Corporate Projects. “We choose the people we work with very carefully, and make sure they share the same values, the same goals and most of all, the same kind of focus on customer service. Sunterra is a home-grown, hard-working, successful Alberta company, just like us.”

The same sense of comfort and well-being throughout the campus can be found within the new market, designed to help support busy WestJetters by providing healthy, nourishing food options that complement their lifestyle.

“We took the campus building philosophy that everyone has a ‘right to light’ and applied that to our campus market,” says Price. “Everyone has the right to enjoy food, whether at home or at work, that is healthy, wholesome, nutritious and fresh.”

The market elevates the concept of convenience, from prepared three course meals at an affordable price to customized, nourishing catering services; to freshly prepared daily lunch offerings. Sunterra will be hosting cooking classes at the campus, designed to be fun, informative and entertaining. And, as the on-site vendor, is providing healthy options and fresh, signature products at stations throughout the building.

“This definitely isn’t your average corporate lunch room,” says Price. “A big focus for us is offering affordable convenience to our customers to remove the stress and chore of getting a meal on the table or packing a lunch. We’ll even shop for WestJetters and deliver their groceries to their home or office.”

The new market is an exciting aesthetic blend of the traditional, European-style market concept paired with modern, clean and fresh features meant to complement the cheerful feel of the new campus.
The partnership itself is a perfect fit between two companies who have succeeded in challenging the traditional business models in their respective industries.

“We have partnered with a company who shares the same commitment to quality and so many of our core values,” says Price. “At a time when many companies are facing difficult circumstances, we feel very fortunate to be expanding, growing and cementing new partnerships with great companies like WestJet. The sky’s the limit.”

www.sunterramarket.com

JUST BACK FROM: HOUSTON

2009-04-03T16:33:00.000-07:00

In Galveston at Moody Gardens

At NASA

A Victorian Inn in Galveston

Some CSL staffers went to Houston and Galveston Texas for a upcoming story in City
Style and Living magazine.

Imagine Calgary without the snow, graffiti, or Chinooks and with better shopping, huge freeways and hundreds of restaurants to choose from. Then multiply the population by six and you have Houston. As one of the largest cities in the United States, Houston still feels accessible and spread out with lots of greenery (an especially welcome sight, as we had left snow and frostbite here ). Check out our photo at NASA above.

From Houston the team headed about 45 minutes to Galveston, a seaside town. Though it was in the headlines last year because of hurricane Ike, Galveston is definitely back up and running with plenty to do for the entire family.

Look for more in the Fall 2009 issue of City Style and Living Magazine.