HomeFront 2008spring

HOMEFRONT
SPRING 2008
Love your
bathroom:
Stunning,
romantic and
one-of-a-kind
On tour:
Cruising the Amazon
Jamaican rendezvous
Culinary adventures
Celeb island hideaways
Glamour in Beverly Hills
Intimate spaces, special places

EXTRAORDINARY CABINETRY by
The
Louis Philippe
Collection
N e f f o f To r o n t o
Design Studio
Avant Garde Contemporary Design to Classic Traditional Cabinetry
8 2 A v e n u e R o a d • To r o n t o • 4 1 6 - 9 2 1 - N E F F ( 6 3 3 3 )
neffkitchens.com
L o n d o n • P a r i s • N e w Yo r k • B e v e r l y H i l l s • M i a m i • N a p l e s • M o s c o w • D u b a i
EDITOR’S MESSAGE
Private hideaways,
peaceful holidays
S oaking up endless views, sharing
nights with a billion dancing
stars or curling up with a book
in your own library …
At home or away, enjoying private
(pg. 17), dreamy bathroom spaces that
promise to set your heart thumping
(pg. 42), and French country kitchens
that will help you re-create forever
that romantic week you spent in
spaces where we can find peace and Provence (pg. 34). We’ll even help
quiet has become a splendid occupa- you decide where to go to learn prized
tion. And when we seek sanctuary in culinary tips from the masters who
a city or country home or look for a run cooking schools around the world
respected hotel or spa that will pamper (pg. 80). (Hint: start hunting right
and take care of us, it becomes pretty here in Ottawa, or if you’re more of a
clear that only the best will do. wanderer, set your sights on destina-
Tranquility or respite comes in tions as far away as Switzerland and
many forms and means different French Polynesia.)
things to different people. Is it listening This issue is also packed with
to the fountain that is the focal point fabulous design ideas, lots of delicious
of a water garden? Could it be the calm- pictures, and page after page of beauti-
ing sense of value and responsibility ful products and tantalizing room
we cherish after decorating with settings that are guaranteed to send
unique indigenous materials? Does it you shopping.
take your breath away to stand in front For our travel buffs, come with us as
of magnificent picture windows in a we cruise down the mighty Amazon
dining room where exquisite chande- to Rio in search of adventure (pg. 58) Cruising the Amazon with Silversea.
liers take centre stage? Or might and noteworthy Brazilian wines (pg. 86)
collecting and admiring fine furnish- and journey into the some of the most
ings, original art or vintage wines exclusive private hideaways in the
bring endless satisfaction? Caribbean (pg. 64). You’ll have no
In this edition of Homefront, we trouble figuring out how to plan your
introduce you to things both nearby next escape and dreaming of the inter-
and far away that will surely bring esting treasures you’ll find to bring Caroline Tapp-McDougall,
you pleasure. Look for gorgeous gardens home to show off. Editor-in-Chief
My travel picks
Best new spa: Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach, opening late 2008. Page 77
Most funky hotel: Hotel Monaco, Portland. Page 79
Best place to hide: The Caves, Negril. Page 64.
H O M E F R O N T SPRING 2008 3
favourite
things
Photo: Le Cordon Bleu

Photo: Porsche Design Studio
Steel and bubbles

A rare work of art, the Veuve Clicquot
Vertical Limit wine cellar by Porsche
Design Studio blends the sleek
lines of steel with the brilliance
of champagne in a monolith that
is both unexpected and fabulous.
Photo: Kalamazoo
www.veuve-clicquot.com
Bold and Yakitori inspired

Looking to modern Japanese
beautiful architecture and Tokyo’s popular
With its origins in yakitori carts for grilling technique,
Basil, Switzerland, Kalamazoo’s sculpture-like
in the late 1800s, Edo Grill turns up the heat on
Laufen has style, form and function.
become known www.kalamazoogourmet.com
worldwide for its
ceramic tile and
sanitaryware, much
of which is now made fen
Lau
to:
in Spain and Brazil. P ho
www.laufenusa.com
Diva espresso
The Sensmilano coffee machine
by Andreas Seegatz is Casa
Bugatti’s answer to fashion-
forward kitchen and giftware.
Photo: Casa Bugatti
www.casabugatti.com
Pushing posh
Photo: The Florian – Residences of Upper Yorkville
Adding more than a touch of glass to the corner of Davenport and

McAlpine, The Florian, The Residences of Upper Yorkville promise
a quieter, more serene alternative with more unobstructed views
than its neighbours. You can’t help but love these euro–style interiors!
www.diamantedevelopment.com
®
DeARTE
Inte riors
You have always appreciated beauty and artistry. Let completion while giving first class attention to his
your home reflect your personal style with custom clientele. To book an appointment with Maurizio Pilato,
furnishings by DeArte Interiors. DeArte is home to a large please call 905-264-0955.
selection of traditional and contemporary custom pieces
that embody exquisite design, harmony, strength, and
elegance. All elements of production are developed and
overseen by Maurizio Pilato, whose goal is to design
beautiful, friendly, inviting interiors from inception to Maurizio Pilato
www.dearte.ca
643 Chrislea Road Unit 3 • Woodbridge ON • 905.264.0955
www.dearte.ca
Lakeside lux
With the summer entertaining
season here again, it’s time
to set up a stylish outdoor
kitchen near the shore
and while away long lazy after-
noons with family and friends.
www.californiaoutdoorkitchens.com
Garden collectibles
Steeped with history and tradition,
fragrant day-blooming water lilies
Pho
to:
Ca
(nymphaeaceae) are challenging
to cultivate but immensely
li fo
ia
rn
O
utd
oo
rK
rewarding to collect.
itch
en s
Photo: SICIS
For romantics only
You’re guaranteed to fall in love with
soaker tubs and candelabrum when
you discover our article on page 43.
White wedding www.sicis.com
Sweet and simple, or grand
and formal, there’s nothing
quite as charming as exchanging
vows in the garden. Orchid black
This season’s emerging
colours are all about
extremes. Taking its
place beside peppercorn
and nocturnal gray,
intense orchid black is
but one of the mysterious
dark colours in Sico’s
paint palette for ’08.
www.sico.ca
o
Sic
to:
Pho
Sweet dreams
Photo: Yves Delorme
From the beautiful regions of France to the ornate baroque of

the Rialto in Venice, savour new patterns from France’s Fremaux
family, purveyors of fine linens for more than five generations.
www.yvesdelorme.com
10 H O M E F R O N T SPRING 2008
JL@K< '*1 =CFFI +0
Table Contents
features
OF
Inspired outdoor spaces 17
Come explore these bold,
Photo: Jackson Huang for Mark Hartley Landscape Architects

artistic garden hideaways.
Love your bathroom 42

Looking to create a romantic
refuge right in your own
home? Look no further
than…your bathroom?
By Sarah Plummer
iRevolution 50
Apple’s iPod has spawned an ecosystem
Photo: Bowers & Wilkins of compatible products, and this season
we share our favourites.
By Marc Saltzman
Cruising the Amazon 58

Visiting beautiful Brazil and
to:
SIC
IS
lighting up the night in Rio.
Ph o
By Helmut Dostal
Photo: St Kitts Marriott Resort & The Royal Beach Casino
Feeling the “vibe” 64

Chris Blackwell’s iconic Island
Outposts are known for their star studded
charm and stunning surroundings.
By Ian Corks Photo: Silversea
The secret island 66

Welcome to the island
Florida: sun, spa and golf
Photo: Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort and Spa

of St. Kitts, where life
moves at your pace. By Donna Carter and
By Caroline Tapp-McDougall Caroline Tapp-McDougall
Jamaican rendezvous 67 In the winners’ circle 72

Sparks fly at the Negril and Fairmont’s Turnberry Isle
Swept Away Couples Resorts gets the blue ribbon prize
in Jamaica. for golf and family-friendly fun.
Photo: Couples Resorts
The lap of luxury 74

An exclusive visit to Trump’s
Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach.
Soak up the fun 76

Cushy cabanas, a lazy river and a
championship golf course to boot
at ChampionsGate.
Photo: Trump Mar-a-Lago
Spa-ing in Yorkville 83 Bedtime at the Ritz 77

Take a moment out of your busy Come evening, the entire
schedule to rest, relax and restore resort gets “turned-down.”
at the Novo Spa.
By Ashleigh McDougall Daring to be different 79
Homefront drops in to visit the Hotel Monaco
and see its fabulous new facelift.
Pho
to:
ot
H
el
Mo
na
co ,
Portl
and
146 Dupont St. (at Davenport Rd.)
Toronto, ON., Canada
email: info@wstudio.ca
tel: 416. 929. 9290
WWW.WSTUDIO.CA
SK U # 2 4 4 4 5 • T i b e t a n W o o l & S i l k
Table Contents
OF
TM
Photo: Porsche Design Studio

your magazine for design and quality living
a publication of BCS Communications Ltd.
Favourite things 6, 10
departments
Vol. XVII, No. I
Steel and bubbles.
Editor-In-Chief Diva espresso. Pushing posh.
Caroline Tapp-McDougall
For romantics only.
Publisher
Helmut Dostal
Homefront picks 30, 56
Art Director
Joseph Finbow The perfect setting. Garden gorgeous.
Graphic Design
Seductively curvaceous.
Craig Hanley
Linda Wheaton
Living in luxury 28
Assistant Editor
Chris Noone
From waterfront
condos to
Editorial Assistant
Sarah Plummer contemporary
Contributors
Forest Hill mansions.
Donna Carter By Lisa Van de Ven
Sebastien Centner
Ian Corks
Photo: Cuisine Sologne by de Tonge
Barbara Kingstone Bella cucina 34

Wanda Love Nothing says cozy
Ashleigh McDougall
Kylie McKenzie elegance quite like
Barbara D. Ritchie French country.
Amélie Sabbagh
Marc Saltzman
By Amélie Sabbagh
Lisa Van de Ven
Duane Wells Cooking up a storm 80
Manager Business Development Travel the world and learn some
Christine Newman
savoury, international culinary secrets. tut
e
ti
Account Managers Ins
Vivienne Crespi By Barbara Kingstone wa C

ulina
r yA
rts
Otta
Photos: Le Cordon Bl eu
Al Henderson
Production Manager Spa trends 84

Ken Eperon
Out of the office, into the spa.
Covers Courtesy of By Wanda Love
Victoria & Albert Baths and
Alchemy Glass & Light
Circulation Consultant Bits & Bites 85
Publication Partners Schmoozing with Gordo at c5.
Newsstand Distribution
Transmedia Group Ltd.
Hot off the vine 86
Published by
BCS Communications Ltd.
Brazilian bravados in the world of wine.
255 Duncan Mill Road, By Barbara D. Ritchie
Suite 803
Toronto, Ontario M3B 3H9
Tel. (416) 421- 7997 ext. 319 Living “Wells” 89
Fax (416) 421- 8418
www.homefrontmagazine.ca The glitz, the glamour, take a peek
e-mail: homefront@bcsgroup.com at what’s dazzling in Beverly Hills.
All rights reserved By Duane Wells
©2008 BCS Communications Ltd.
Printed in Canada
Homefront™, your Magazine for Homefront entertains 96
Design and Quality Living, is published
Spring flavours and favours.
Photo: Bruce Gibson
by BCS Communications Ltd. Contents

may not be reproduced without written By Sebastien Centner
rn
co
permission from the publisher.

Al
n
Jo
o:
ot
Homefront™ is a trademark
Ph
owned by BCS Communications Ltd.

ISSN 1195-6828 Weekender 98
Photo: The Westin Times Square
Circulation audited by:

Mother and daughter
,
shop til they drop
in New York. DESIGN
SHOWCASE 98
By Kylie McKenzie
F A I R F I E L D S
THE RESERVE: OUR FINAL PHASE
ONLY FOUR ARCHITECTURALLY CONTROLLED
TWO ACRE ESTATE LOTS AVAILABLE
25 EDEN VALE DRIVE - $4.1 Million
20 FAIRFIELD DRIVE - $2.45 Million

The Premier Estate Community
JUST NORTH OF THE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL IN KING CITY
Brokers Paul McDonald/Jayrene Thomson
RE/MAX York Group Realty Inc. Brokerage
Shown by Appointment
905-727-1941
www.fairfieldestates.com
Plan for Performance
JELD-WEN windows, interior doors and exterior doors provide a range of
installation options to fit the needs of your project while features such as
energy-efficiency, durability and noise control fit the needs of your life. When
you start with JELD-WEN, you can plan on enduring performance.
www.jeld-wen.ca
©2007 JELD-WEN of Canada, Ltd. Reliability for real life is a trademark of JELD-WEN, inc., Oregon, USA. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
OUTDOOR LIVING
Inspired
Photos: Jackson Huang for Mark Hartley Landscape Architects
outdoor spaces
Gardens have always been a welcome refuge where landscape architects create bold, artistic
spaces and places. Join us as we explore some of the diverse gardens created by Mark Hartley
Landscape Architects to respond to the environment, the architecture and the homeowner’s needs.
Designs always have a clear structure that maintains
the “bones” of the garden throughout the season.
Correspondent with the harder structure,
the softer plant forms, with their ever-changing
rhythms, appeal to the senses.
The loose symmetry and repetition of
both the soft and hard material assist
to deliberately divide the space,
creating a series of courtyards.
The architecture of the garden should
blend with the architecture of the home.
As well, the furniture used here is light
and transparent, which illustrates how
your patio furniture should accent your
garden design, rather than overwhelm it.
Architect: Moriyama & Teshima Architects Project: Toronto House
For luxury homeowners — and the architects, designers and custom builders who create their dreams —
Loewen is the brand that delivers an unrivaled combination of artisanship, experience, and environmental
sensibility in an extensive line of Douglas Fir, FSC Douglas Fir and Mahogany windows and doors.
Contact Loewen at 1.800.563.9367 to begin the experience.
Discover the world’s most inspiring windows and doors at www.loewen.com Design. Create. Inspire.
An oasis in the city! Imagine yourself on
a warm summer night in this garden room,
with family and good friends. Why drive out
of town when you can enjoy this retreat in
your own back yard?
Garden lighting can
dramatically emphasize
the forms and textures
of the trees and shrubs,
animating the garden
after dark.
A stepping stone
path slowly leads
you further into the
garden. It knits
together the hard
and soft materials.
Interesting plants
frame the entrance to an
expansive garden, ephasizing
the views beyond.
Over the past 15 years, Mark Hartley and his team have created some of the most
admired gardens in Canada. Educated in both Great Britain and Canada, and having
travelled the world, Mark brings a great depth of cultural, environmental, architectural
and technical knowledge to his garden designs. Mark Hartley Landscape Architects has
transformed many spaces ranging in size and space from rooftops, to town homes, to
country estates.
www.markhartley.ca
HOMEFRONT REAL ESTATE HOMEFRONT REAL ESTATE HOMEFRONT REAL ESTATE HOMEFRONT REAL ESTATE
Living in luxury By Lisa Van de Ven
CONDO
On the waterfront
Follow the Beaver River to where it
meets Georgian Bay in Thornbury,
outside of Collingwood, and you’ll
find Eleven Bay Street, the new luxury
townhouse project by developer Rendering: Harbour Vista Inc.
Harbour Vista Inc. and builder LeBoeuf

Projects Inc. The water views are only
part of the project’s charm, with exterior
designs of stone and stucco, featuring
front and back porches as well as cornice
and trim detailing.
There are 13 townhouses in total, RECREATIONAL REAL ESTATE
with interiors that include private

elevators, granite or marble kitchen Sand and sea
countertops, gas fireplaces, walk-in
California closets, and hardwood and The real estate market is booming, the Group, a Canadian developer building
broadloom flooring. A property man- sun shines 350 days of the year, and country-club style developments.
agement company will take care of the beach is known for its beauty. Steps away is, according to Conde
maintenance, including snow removal What else do you need to know? Nast, one of the world's top beaches,
and grass cutting. Overlooking Grace Bay on the Turks while close by residents can enjoy
Surrounding the site are the quaint and Caicos island of Providenciales, the area’s storied scuba diving, as
shops and restaurants of Thornbury Villa del Mar is a luxury recreational well as snorkeling, spas, restaurants
itself, the skiing of Blue Mountain condo-hotel project with a Spanish- and ocean-side relaxation.
and the amenities of Intrawest’s Mediterranean design that’s appealing to The first phase of Villa del Mar fea-
Village at Blue. The Georgian Trail Canadians. The venture is by the Kaitlin tures 42 units, ranging from 653 to 1,077
runs past the site. square feet, all furnished and with
The homes range in size from 2,250 expansive balconies or terraces. Prices
to 3,760 square feet and in price from range from U.S. $350,000 to $945,000,
$650,000 to $1.2 million. Occupancy with rental pool options available.
Photo: Villa del Mar
begins fall 2008. Occupancy is scheduled for summer 2008.

Call 1-800-265-3949 or 705-444-7653, Call 649-231-7083 or go to www.
or go to www.elevenbaystreet.ca. villadelmargracebay.com.
RESIDENTIAL
Clean-lined contemporary
“It is not your cookie-cutter house.” So levels, with ceiling heights of nine to
says Sharon Bobkin, sales representative 10.5 feet. Highlights include a two-
for Forest Hill Real Estate Inc., about the sided gas fireplace and master suite
home that she’s selling at 92 Old Colony walk-out balcony; a media room; a
Road in North York. The house is over spa/exercise space with a steam room
Photo: Forest Hill Real Estate Inc.
7,000 square feet in size and features a and a glassed in hot tub; a wine bar;
clean-lined limestone exterior with a and an entertaining room with a wet
gated entrance, a four-car garage, and a bar and a fireplace. The asking price of
heated flagstone driveway. the home is $6,995,000.
Inside, an elevator services all three Call Sharon Bobkin at 416-226-1987.
HOMEFRONT REAL ESTATE HOMEFRONT REAL ESTATE HOMEFRONT REAL ESTATE HOMEFRONT REAL ESTATE
CONDO
Calgary condo
The name says Montana, but if you and which will be surrounded by
want to find it, the location is pure extensive landscaping to complement
Calgary. the mature neighbourhood around it.
Already under construction, The Remaining traditional suites in the
Montana is ProCura Real Estate building range from approximately
Services’ ongoing luxury condomini- 700 to 1,555 square feet are priced
um tower, rising up 27 storeys in from $400,000, and feature nine-foot
Calgary’s Beltline District. Just south ceilings, granite countertops and
of downtown, the neighbourhood is natural-gas hookups on the balcony
close to the restaurants, clubs and or terrace. A selection of 13 “estate
boutiques of Uptown 17th Avenue, homes”—penthouse-style suites—is also
“one of the top 10 retail areas in available, ranging from 1,900 to 2,500
Canada,” according to Robert Moroto, square feet and priced from $1.7 million.
Photo: ProCura Real Estate Services

Marketing Manager for ProCura. “We Those suites include 10-foot ceilings,
are literally overlooking it,” he adds. gas fireplaces, and granite bathroom
“Between us and it is a park.” and kitchen countertops. Occupancy is
Adding to the location is the design scheduled for fall 2009.
of the building itself, which features Call 403-802-5888 or visit www.the
brick and glass accented with stucco, montana.ca for information.
CONDO HOTEL
Florian flavour
With interiors by Brian Gluckstein dramatic architecture with glass galleries, shopping and restaurants,
and architecture by Hariri Pontarini curtain walls paired with rich, deep not to mention the Bloor Street and
Architects and Young + Wright purple, museum-quality brick. There Yonge Street subways.
Architects, The Florian, Diamante will be a 24-hour concierge, valet Suites range from 743 to over 2,875
Development’s newest condominium service, wine cellars, and a party square feet and are priced from
project, is sure to make a mark on its room for residents and their guests. $700,000 to over $4 million. For infor-
Yorkville neighbourhood. The building, Close by, of course, will be everything mation, call 416-599-7667 or visit
currently in pre-construction, features Yorkville is known for: museums, art www.theflorian.com.
Photos: The Florian
garden
gorgeous
C asual indoor/outdoor
furniture is an invest-
ment that should enhance
your home and deliver
comfort, pleasure and timeless good looks for many years. Yes, you
can buy casual furniture from your local garden centre, mass mer-
the perfect chant or even some grocery stores. However, savvy shoppers have
learned that they can save time and have a better, top-of-the-line
setting selection by visiting a specialty retail location early in the season.

www.deckanddock.ca
N eff Kitchens announces the

opening of their Toronto
showroom in the fashionable
Yorkville district at 82 Avenue
Road. Their historic building
optimize
is the perfect setting for the
launch of their new Louis
your space
Philippe Collection. Indeed,
the architectural wonder of
this space complements both
K omandor organizes and creates
interiors that are carefully
matched to a customer’s needs and
their traditional and contemporary kitchen lines. Celebrating over lifestyle. Make your selection from a
40 years in Canada and worldwide, Neff invites you to visit their stylish combination of designer panel and glass
new showroom or call 416-921-6333. colours, which include attractive opaque and sandblasted glass.
www.neffkitchens.com www.komandor.ca
Laurentide... it’s not only about cooking!

With innovation, style and quality as our calling cards, your dream kitchen will be the talk of the town.
Visit our showroom or ask about our free in-home consultation.

2700 Dufferin Street, Toronto, ON Canada M6B 4J3
LAURENTIDE KITCHENS Telephone: (416) 736-7300
This is the one!
Custom-crafted kitchens in modern and “old-world”
framed cabinetry. Designed to the highest level of
beauty and quality.
Perola
KITCHENS & INTERIORS LTD.
3151 Lenworth Drive, Mississauga, Ontario L4X 2G6
Telephone: 416-766-8202 www.perolakitchens.com
KITCHENS HOMEFRONT KITCHENS HOMEFRONT KITCHENS HOMEFRONT KITCHENS HOMEFRONT KITC
Bella
cucina
You can really trust the French when it
comes to cuisine. And it’s not just about
the food; it’s that certain art de vivre that
they’ve cultivated for centuries. From putting
together a menu, to the quality of products,
to the presentation, everything matters in France.
Indeed during the 17th century, one of the most famous
goes French country
chefs, Francois Vatel, even committed suicide because his fish
1. Keep fresh lavender, thyme order was not on time for the feast he prepared for Louis XIV
5 tips and rosemary on your countertop,
at the Château De Chantilly. Now that’s taking “sense of
to get not as patterns on your kitchen
the look towels. 2. Favour candle lighting.

3. Always have some good bread,
occasion” just a little bit too far! With that French attitude
tapenade and pastis to throw together an aperitif. 4. Get rid of
for hospitality in mind, pull out a great recipe or two and
any ready-to-eat frozen food. 5. Learn how to make homemade jam. get in the mood for spring.
H E N S H O M E F R O N T. K I T C H E N S H O M E F R O N T K I T C H E N S H O M E F R O N T K I T C H E N S H O M E F R O N T K I T C H E N S
Photo: Gien
Timeless earthenware
Pont aux Choux is traditional French-
Happy pork style, ivory-coloured dinnerware
From a long line that features Gien’s famous “grains
of French pig of rice” relief pattern.
butchers and
farmers, Stéphane
Reynaud knows
swine. His 150
Photo: Blanc d’Ivoire
delectable recipes
celebrate the pig
in all its glory,
from slaughter
to supper.
Photo: Phaidon
Indulge your table

Be inspired. When throwing a garden party,
scatter a few bouquets, candelabrum and other
bucolic pieces. Give your table an air de fete.
Wake up gently
In the spirit of
Cafe de Flore,
Nothing beats this espresso
homemade machine from
This Mauviel copper Casa Bugatti
jam pan is not only gives you perfect
a beautiful display design with
piece but also a retro touch.
perfect for making
Photo: Casa Bugatti
delicious home-
made preserves.
Photo: Mauviel
Try apricot and

almonds, or
figs and vanilla.
Photo: Chelmsford by Neff
Chefs love copper

Copper is the specialty of Mauviel, a family-owned
manufacturer founded in 1830 in Normandy. Many famous
chefs around the world are “Mauviel-aholics” and confess
that slow cooking in copper is the secret to great sauces.
Photo: Mauviel
French country
This eat-in kitchen is all about mixing old and new. Try lots of
wild flowers and plenty of bold colours to enhance your decor.
Hand-crafted
The region of Provence has inspired de Tonge’s designers for
over 40 years. Their kitchens reflect the soul of this rich region,
where the art of living is all about cuisine, family and friends.
Spacious and bright

White cabinetry with a cathedral
ceiling and exposed beams create this
warm and inviting kitchen. Display
treasures on open shelves.
Smell that
chicken roasting?
The gorgeous
La Cornue
Flamberge is an
authentic vertical
roasting spit.
Roast up to
four chickens
simultaneously
or skewer very
Vintage charm large pieces
Rethink antique of meat.
pieces for your
modern lifestyle.
This Antalya lantern
Photo: La Cornue
by Blanc d’Ivoire is
the ultimate French
touch. Hang it,
stand it, adore it.
Photo: La Cornue
The Stradivarius of cuisine

If you are a real gastronome, a good
cook or simply a true food-lover, a
Chateau La Cornue range is the absolute
must-have. Still individually hand-made
and manufactured to order, you’ll have
Shown here: a large
a choice of 26 special colours from
stainless steel hob, two
lavender blue to sahara sand. Choose
vaulted ovens with Cornue’s
your features. Bravo.
unique technology, a gas
oven, an electric bake oven
and two bottom-warming
drawers.
Get out your blanket

Intimate or grand—
make any moment
special. This lovely
picnic basket from No more
D’Artagnan features morning-after clean up
Photo: Tefal
T-Fal introduces the EZ

Photo: D’Artagnan
Smoked Duck Breast,

Saucisson Sec, Bayonne Clean deep fryer. Enjoy some
Ham and Mousse tasty country french fries at
Truffee with organic home. Make them healthier
Charcuterie Crackers. with olive oil. Good news
is all parts of the fryer are
dishwasher safe.
Proudly Serving
Three Generations of Canadians
Photo: Thermador
Kitchen vignette
With the right tools—this professional range,
a good size refrigerator, and inspiration from High-end home for bottles
around the world—you’re ready to be the chef. For the most demanding oenophiles,
the Thermador wine preservation
column keeps wine at the ideal
constant temperature and humidity.
Photo: Mauviel
Gone fishing
With this Mauviel fish kettle, you can
Photo: Thermador
lay your whole lake trout on the grid

to steam in it’s own juices. You can also
use the kettle to make a really spectacular
presentation at the dinner table.
From
my travels
French country comes to Canada
Founded by Belgian chef Alain Comont in Brussels in
1990, Le Pain Quotidien is finally opening in Toronto. Look the French Countryside. The menu revolves around excel-
for Le Pain’s new location at 508 Eglinton West. As a lent organic loaves and fresh, healthy food known to
little child, Alain Comont loved watching his aunt bake. be part of the hearty and laid back French country way
This, along with the discovery of the of life. For breakfast you can enjoy a wide variety of
cookbook L’Encylopédie de la Gastronomie sourdoughs, croissants and brioches. Come lunchtime, try
Française, cast a spell on him. Later, as a a tartine, an intriguing open-face sandwich with various
chef at one of Belgium’s top restaurants, he toppings. Then, indulge in a mouth-watering pastry.
started baking his own bread. Soon after, This bread lover’s paradise is also a very convivial
his café/bakeries sprouted up in Belgium, atmosphere, brought about by a simple but warm decor
France and England. The rest is history. and the huge communal wooden table where it couldn’t be
Needless to say, everything at Le Pain easier to strike up a conversation. Those of you who are
Quotidien makes you feel like you’re in shy can also enjoy privacy at other tables. Vive le pain!
Shopping information
(Page 35) Pont aux Choux service by Gien at William Ashley, Toronto 416-964-2900 • Pork & Sons by Stephane Reynaud published at Phaidon Press www.chapters.ca • Table accents by
Blanc d’Ivoire www.blancdivoire.com • Jam pan by Mauviel www.citychef.ca • Espresso machine Bugatti at Bergo Designs, Toronto 416-861-1821 • (Page 36) Pot by Mauviel www.citychef.ca
• Ceramic dishes by Blanc d’Ivoire www.blancdivoire.com • (Page 37) Cuisine Sologne by de Tonge www.detonge.com • Antalya lantern by Blanc d’Ivoire www.blancdivoire.com
• La Cornue Flamberge www.williams-sonoma.com • (Page 38) La Cornue Château range and roasting station www.williams-sonoma.com • D’Artagnan gascon picnic basket www.dartagnan.com
• T-Fal EZ Clean Deep Fryer www.t-fal.ca • (Page 40) Fish Kettle by Mauviel www.citychef.ca • Thermador wine preservation column www.thermador.ca.
HOMEFRONT LIQUID ASSETS HOMEFRONT LIQUID ASSETS HOMEFRONT LIQUID ASSETS HOMEFRONT LIQUID
Love
your bathroom
By Sarah Plummer
Intimate spaces,
special places
“Laziness is nothing more than the

Photo: Victoria & Albert Museum Bath
habit of resting before you get tired.”

~ Jules Renard ~
P lanning an intimate
night in? In search of
Photo: Vasca
good, old-fashioned, chival-
rous passion or a great spot to
hide away? A gorgeous bathroom
should be high on your list of
places to spend a few private hours.
Living abroad in London at an
early age, I became acquainted with
the British custom of “drawing a bath” and since then I’ve made it my mission
and all too quickly fell in love. What to hunt for the best bathrooms I can
better way to spend a rainy Sunday find everywhere I go. In fact, with each
afternoon than languishing in an over- move up, I’ve taken great delight in
sized clawfoot tub? It was the indulgence musing about and creating the ultimate
of not taking the phone and secretly bathroom.
withdrawing from the hustle and
bustle that drew me in. And then it My pièce de résistance
was the historically romantic setting Most designers will agree that using
on the top floor of my big old house, the bathtub as a focal point for your
complete with its antique chandelier suite or even as part of your bedroom
and roaring fire, that kept me submerged will create a dramatic yet romantic
in bubbles long after my fingers and feel. But there are no rules; it’s all
toes had wrinkled. about your space and your taste. While
Years later, I cherish those memories, continued on page 44
Photo: Althea Ceramica
Photo: BainUltra
Modular in form, pieces from Althea BainUltra’s Euphonia headset closes out the
Ceramica’s minimalist collection can be world to heighten your relaxation experi-
combined in many ways to set the stage ence. Select from their musical choices, or
for your bathroom space. create your own harmonious repertoire.
space is the ultimate luxury, size doesn’t strategically placed under a fabulous,
always matter when it comes to getting fairytale chandelier or around bespoke
away. In fact, even a smaller space, if furniture.
well planned, can be cozy and intimate. Using the materials of your choice,
Thankfully for bath lovers like me, vanity and wall units, skirting boards,
manufacturers are putting a modern architraves and pelmets will offer
day twist on a traditional favourite by superb finishing touches.
re-inventing the clawfoot tub in ways
we’d never thought possible. Many are Cool days, hot nights
truly works of art. Needless to say, there is little I savour
Elegant tubs, whether classic, more than filling my tub to the brim
Mediterranean, or minimalist, can now with steaming hot water and seasoning
be sourced in a variety of materials, it with oils and bubbles. But like a
shapes and sizes from ceramic to cast good theatrical performance, the
iron to brass and from square to round. scene must be set. Keep in mind that
Currently appearing on the bathroom great bathroom design doesn’t begin
Photo: Burgbad
design runways are large ornate and end with just the tub, or the toilet
tubs set in the centre of the room or continued on page 46
“Sometimes I sits and thinks,

and sometimes I just sits.”
~ Satchel Paige ~
Photo: Laufen by Maurizio Marcato
Photo: Victoria & Albert Museum Bath

“An unhurried sense of time

is in itself a form of wealth.”
~ Bonnie Friedman ~
Photo: Burgbad
KOHLER: As I See It, #3 in a series
ARTIST: Sacha Waldman
LAVATORIES: ChordTM and

WaterCoveTM Wading PoolTM
lavatories.
FAUCETS: Stillness®
In shallow pools, we found

our pearls.
800 KOHLER
kohler.com/chordca
©2008 Kohler Co.

and the sink for that matter. Although

vital to the look and feel you’re aiming
for, the essentials are just the first
step to creating your romantic retreat.
Think ornate fireplaces, gold-gilded
mirrors, elaborate trimmings and
decadent accessories that will embel-
lish the room’s comfort factor while
creating ambience, drama and lavish
style. Choose clear, glass containers
or unique vases that allow the beau-
tiful tints and shades of luxury soaps
and bath oils to complement your
colour equation and release scents
that will ignite your senses. And add
lush fabrics in bold hues with inter-
esting textures such as cashmere
towels, floor-to-ceiling drapes and
soft throw rugs for the floor to help
set the scene.
You can even introduce a heated
floor and towel warmers for some
spa chic. Imagine stepping from the
bath onto soothing warm tiles and
wrapping yourself in a thick, white,
fluffy towel.
Time for two

Lighting is also a crucial element of
the romantic bathroom equation. It
isn’t hard to imagine beautiful candles
and silver candelabrum as simple last
minute additions, but creating the
right mood for a dreamy bathroom is
definitely about making the right
lighting choices during the building
or renovation process. Chandeliers,
pendent lights and iron wall sconces
are classic and can be easily dimmed
Photo: SICIS
on a moment’s notice. Soft, secondary

lighting should be installed to enhance
Photo: Alchemy Glass & Light
Photo: Althea Ceramica
Photo: Kohler
Use coloured lighting for emphasis. The bold, blue The beauty of this bathroom lies in its Alchemy's new celestial series of sinks are made
look pronounces the elegance of this sink. simplicity. The gorgeous chandelier and from a process that combines precious minerals,
gilded mirror are lavish accents that take this metals and glass. Each sink can be a truly stunning
minimalist room from just white to just right. accent to your bathroom.
Photo: Laufen by Maurzio Ma

the mood and perhaps even draw you can do to add a touch more sensu- mere necessity to a crucial indul-
attention to specific details or design ality to your bathroom so that it gence. Creating an intimate space to
elements. Add a vase of long-stemmed becomes one of your favourite places invigorate, rejuvenate and unwind has
roses and a bottle of French cham- and a refuge for whenever the mood become fundamental in the transforma-
pagne, and you’ve got ambiance! strikes you. tion of the master bath to a luxurious
There really is no limit to what Bathrooms are evolving from a bathroom suite.
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HOME E N T E R TA I N M E N T
Photo: Sharp
iRevolution
Apple’s mega-popular media player, the iPod,
By Marc Saltzman
has spawned an ecosystem of compatible products.

Here we look at a few of our favourites.
W ith an estimated 125 million

units sold since its debut
in 2001, the almighty Apple
iPod isn’t just a popular tech toy, it
has become the undisputed cultural
30,000 feet). The hottest accessories
are for enjoyment in your home,
including ways to connect to your
television for a big-screen and surround
sound experience.
icon of our time. Here we look at a few recommended
These small, sleek and powerful add-ons, whether you own an iPod
media machines play thousands of nano, iPod classic or iPod touch.
songs and hundreds of videos, as well
as carry your photos, podcasts and Ultimate speaker docks
games. And now iPod users have a The aptly named Zeppelin ($649.99;
seemingly limitless number of acces- (www.bowers-wilkins.com) is a high-
sories to get even more out of their end, blimp-shaped iPod speaker system
portable player. from Bowers & Wilkins that sounds
In fact, despite its small size, the extraordinary—and is extraordinarily loud
iPod isn’t just for people on the move with its 25 watts per speaker and 50-
(whether at the gym or on a plane at watt woofer. The iPod fits on a small
Photo: Vuzix
Sit on this
Before we sat on this thing we thought
the iBeanbag chair (from $179;
www.ibeanbagchair.com) was a cross
between hippie furniture from the late
,
60s and a blatant attempt to cash in
on the iPod phenomenon. OK, so that’s
Photo: Bowers & Wilkins

basically what it is, but we like
it. Simply plug your music
Photo: iBeanbag
player into the side of
this Montreal-made
product, turn the
The Bowers & Wilkins’ Zeppelin is the cleanest-sounding and most powerful iPod speaker
dock we’ve heard. sound and bass
levels to your
extended cradle that makes it look as television when plugged into a video desired volume,
though it is floating on air. The iPod. The iWear creates this effect then kick back
Zeppelin includes an integrated with its twin 640x480 (920,000 pixels) to hear the tunes
equalizer, S-Video out (to connect to a LCD displays. through the integrated
television) and wireless remote. If Battery life lasts five hours between speaker system, 20 watts of
you’re looking for portability for the charges, so it will easily last total power). You can also
cottage, boat or beach, however, look on a flight from say, Toronto connect the iBeanbag to a
no further than the great-sounding to Los Angeles. Plus, the ear- TV, laptop or portable DVD
Bose Portable SoundDock ($449.99; buds are both removable and player.
www.bose. com), which includes a upgradeable.
built-in rechargeable battery. A/V heaven
Many high-end audio/video
Big screen, small size receivers today include or
Enjoy your favourite iPod- support iPod docking stations
Photo: Vuzix
based movies, TV shows for those who want to listen
and video podcasts in to their favourite music at
the privacy of your own home without earphones.
virtual movie theatre with Another advantage to a
the Vuzix iWear AV920 receiver with video out-
($349.95;www.vuzix.com), put is the ability to watch
a new pair of audio/video glasses Simulate a 62-inch screen in the privacy any TV shows, movies, music
which simulate a 62-inch big screen of your own home with the Vuzix iWear A/V headset. continued on page 52
Photo: Sharp
ing some that glow in the dark). If
you’d rather design your own protec-
tive cases, iFrogz iPod cases ($21.99;
www.ifrogz.com) are made and shipped
only after you choose from thousands
of design options on the website, such
as the silicone skin, transparent
Photo: Denon
screen, click-wheel cover, and band

that covers the edges of the player.
Many audio/video receivers, such as this Denon model, let you connect your iPod to
listen to music on your stereo or view photos and videos on your big-screen television. TV tunes
As I wrote in the last issue of Homefront,
videos, video podcasts or camcorder such as the iSkin product (from $29.99; the Apple TV product (from $249;
footage stored on the video iPod on www.iskin.com), a flexible and stretch- www.apple.ca), which connects to
your big-screen television instead of able silicone “skin” that cozily pulls your widescreen television and joins
on the iPod’s mere 2.5-inch display. over your iPod’s body and is available your wireless network, is a powerful
The Denon AVR-3808CI ($1,749; www. in multiple colours and styles (includ- and elegant way to access all of the
denon.ca), for example, offers a dedi- media stored on your computer’s
cated iPod port for use with one of iTunes library in another room, includ-
three optional Denon docks (from ing music, podcasts, photos and
$150), while the top-of-the-line Pioneer videos. Because of the built-in hard
Elite SC-09 TX receiver ($7,999.99; drive (up to 160-gigabytes for the
Photo: iSkin
www.pioneerelectronics.ca) lets you $349 model), you can also take this
connect any iPod directly via USB cable. media-packed book-sized device to
another television, such as one in a
Just in case hotel, cottage or family member’s
Protect your investment with the iSkin
Protect your iPod in style. Cases and family of iPod skins, available in multiple house. At the recent Macworld show in
sleeves make perfect iPod companions, colours and designs. continued on page 54
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has its magic www.artboulle.com
Furnishings Doors
San Francisco, Apple announced new trol your tunes even from another Shure sounds good
upgrades for its Apple TV product, room (up to 20 feet). If you’re ready to
including enabling access to the ditch those white
iTunes Store directly from your TV and Can you hear me now? earbuds that came
allowing U.S. users to rent digitally Familiar with FM transmitters, those with your iPod for
distributed movies. (No word on when small devices that plug into your something better,
Photo: Shure
this will be offered to Canadians). MP3 player and let you listen to your the Shure SE530s
music wirelessly on a nearby FM ($599.99; www.shure.
al Conversation piece radio? It can be difficult to find an com) sound remarkable, and do a
di
Ra
Perfect for kitchen unused spot on the FM dial (especially terrific job in keeping the outside
BL
o: J
countertops, fam- in Toronto) to hear your music world from entering your ears. These
Phot
ily room tables clearly. Belkin’s new sound-isolating earbuds include foam
or even bedroom TuneBase FM ($99.99; tips to place gently in your ear—and
dressers, the JBL w w w. b e l k i n . c o m ) a “deluxe fit” kit with various sizes
Radial ($299; www. with “ClearScan” tech- and materials so you can choose
jbl.com) is a unique- nology automatically what’s best for you—and the high-
looking circular iPod seeks out the clearest definition micro speakers (with excel-
docking station and 30-watt speaker FM frequency to play lent bass) deliver crisp-sounding
system that sounds as good as it your tunes. For exam- audio from your music device. Shure,
looks. Available in bone white or piano ple, it might find that an award-winning leader in high-end
black, this stylish portable accessory 93.7 FM is the best earbuds, claim these earbuds can block
fits all iPod types with swappable possible spot to hear more than 90 per cent of outside noise.
Photo: Belkin
adaptors, supports other MP3 players your iPod music, From my trial with them, I’m inclined
and includes a video-out option to while in another city to agree.
view photos or videos on a nearby it might be 101.1 FM.
television. The wireless remote uses Marc Saltzman is a recognized expert
TuneBase FM
radio frequency (RF) instead of with ClearScan in consumer electronics, computers,
infrared (IR); therefore, you can con- technology. video-gaming and Internet trends.
appointment 416-821-3020
v i e w g a l l e r y w w w. k o m a n d o rc l o s e t s . c o m
Custom Closets, Doors and Cabinetry

5
Back it up Similarly, podcasts, a word that fuses iPod
things Chances are you use more than one com-

puter in your life and therefore need to
transport files between them—such as
from a home PC to an office computer or
with broadcasting, are free downloadable
programs from the Net.
Learning is fun
you didn’t from a desktop to a laptop computer.
Consider your iPod a smarter choice than
iTunes is also offering a service called
iTunes U, which is content from universities,
know one of those USB Flash drives as it can

store much more data.
including lectures, study sessions, lab demon-
strations, language tutorials and campus
about Game on!

tours. And travellers can also use their iPod
as a language translator: a new product
your iPod While the graphics aren’t as impressive as

a Nintendo DS or PlayStation Portable,
your iPod fares well as a portable gaming
device. A few games are included with
called iSpeak ($15.95; McGraw-Hill) offers
CDs packed with keywords and phrases,
each organized into various categories.
If you’re only using your iPod for music, the device, including Solitaire, but for a Get organized
photos and videos, you’re not getting couple of bucks you can download nearly When docked with your PC, your iPod can
the most out of your two dozen digital diversions. synchronize with Microsoft Outlook and
portable player. Here’s Outlook Express (or Address Book and
a brief look at five lesser- Books and podcasts iCal on a Mac), and can store many more
known iPod functions. Audiobooks aren’t meant to replace phone numbers than your cell phone. To
reading, but they’re certainly handy activate this feature, open your iTunes
on rush hour commutes to and from software and select the Options tab. Now
work, on long road trips or while click the Contacts tab and check off where
your eyelids are heavy on airplanes. it says Synchronize. For calendar entries,
iPod owners can download open iTunes and select Options. Click the
Photo: Apple
more than 20,000 audio- Calendars tab and check off to sync your
books from the iTunes store. desired program from the list.
works of art
A rt Boulle is said to be
a hallmark of supreme
craftsmanship and exceptional
beauty. Their new collection
showcases splendor in the
sophisticated details, which
reveal exquisite aluminium,
heavenly vanities cast and iron in one-of-a-kind
masterpieces. Art Boulle
W hile Torontonians were still

raving about his Custom
series Kitchens & Baths, Mike Tuk
is open to an exclusive
clientele by appointments.
www.artboulle.com
was busy planning an encore. He
calls it “The finest collection of
vanities—online.” And fine it is!
Sleek, tempered glass creations in
gently flowing styles and striking finishes are definitely a collection
to check out if you’re planning an upgrade anytime soon. casement
www.miketuk.com/shop
replacement
a taste of Italy T he ultimate casement
window. Engineered
T he Outdoor artisan pizza oven to exacting standards of

from Kalamazoo takes backyard performance, flexibility and
kitchens to a whole new level of quality, the new ultimate
global gourmet. Hand-crafted replacement casement
of stainless steel, the gas-fired window boasts incredible
oven even has an integrated size capability, optimum
smoking drawer for that wood- design flexibility, and a
fired flavour. Kalamazoo products are revolutionary easy wash hardware system. Available in operator,
available online or through specialty dealers. stationary, picture and awning variations, these windows feature
www.kalamazoogourmet.com a narrow 2–3/16” jamb, making them versatile to use in a wide
variety of replacement or new build applications.
www.marvin.com
laundry never looked

so good seductively
curvaceous
T he Fountainhead
Petite Vanity suite
offers versatility and
personalization, while
its gentle, flowing
lines bring serenity
to the bath suite.
It features one full
Y ou’ve never done laundry like this. Whatever your decor, space
requirements or family size, Frigidaire ® washers and dryers
fit your home and your lifestyle. Enjoy contemporary styling with
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them looking their best. sensor lighting, measures a sleek 21 inches and is available in
www.frigidaire.ca two distinctive wood finishes: Blanche Maple and Truffle Ash.
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SOUTH AMERICA, BRAZIL
Cruising the
undiscovered
the speed of travel
just got slower
By Helmut Dostal
Photo: Silversea
Days at sea... Time for rest, relaxation and plenty

of whale sightings.
Photo: Silversea
C ruising is deemed by many to be

the most romantic, comfortable
and easiest way to see the
world, and setting sail on Silversea’s
Silver Wind certainly proved to be one
generous and were less crowded than
other ships, And there was, of course, a
high level of personalized service, an
abundance of fabulous food, and a
plethora of extras that made this an
of the more luxurious ways to travel. extraordinary voyage. Life on board
Boasting an incredible crew to passenger was next to perfect—although we
ratio and standards that aim to be some were excited to hear that the ship will
of the industry’s finest, it comes as no soon be heading into dry dock for an
surprise that plenty of Silversea regulars interior facelift.
Cortesy of Rio Convention and Visitors Buereau
were on board for our voyage down the Our 10-day Brazilian cruise began in
mighty Amazon. Florida, where we boarded a private
The Silver Wind was launched in 1995 charter that took us to Manaus, a rough
and has weathered well. One of four and tumble city that has undeniably
ships specially designed with renowned seen better days. Today, it has re-invented
Italian style, it’s an elite vessel purpose- itself as a hotbed for the burgeoning
fully designed to accommodate fewer electronics industry, but the glam of
guests. Our ocean-view suite with a days gone by has yet to return.
Copacabana and Ipanema, two of Rio’s famous
beaches, have inspired musicians to write songs large, private balcony was comfort From there, we set sail. While we
about them. plus. Public spaces seemed to be more settled in, met our cabin crew, and
Amazon:
Rio’s enormous statue of Christ the Redeemer,
arms outstetched, has been overlooking the
Rodrigo de Freitas Lake for more than 70 years.

Built by slaves during the sugar boom, churches
throughout Brazil are extremely ornate and, in
many cases, have been recently restored.
waited for other passengers to arrive, Time passes gracefully on the river,
we signed up for a short shore excursion as it did during our several days at
to The Teatro Amazonas, an opera house sea. There were no frantic schedules or
built in 1896. The only notable landmark routines to hem us in, and so we spent
and reminder of the massive wealth of our time enjoying breakfast al fresco
the turn-of-the-century rubber boom, under a golden sun, taking in an exotic
the theatre’s claim to fame was that it treatment in the cozy yet more than
was prominently featured in Werner adequate spa, catching up on e-mail,
Herzog’s 1982 film Fitacarraldo. Touring reading the international papers in the
aside, to spend any more time in town library, or unwinding on the pool deck.
was simply not worth it. We definitely Mealtimes were open seating and,
preferred the comfort and safety of with the exception of formal evenings,
the ship. surprisingly relaxing. Most evenings,
When the captain pulled up the our favourite place for dinner was the
anchor the next morning, it was none to La Terrazza, an intimate restaurant at
soon. Ready to see and learn more the back of the boat that offered an
about the mighty Amazon, the Brazilian innovative a la carte Italian menu. Aside
rainforest, the jungle, and the local lore, from the fresh and flavourful cuisine,
There are few sights as stunning in Rio as the
we were eager students for the on-board the exquisite service brought us back glass-like surface of the water in the Lagoon,
historian’s lecture series. time and again. By day, we attended home to a beautifully lit, floating Christmas Tree.
frequent lectures by our on-board While it was tempting to remain
expert, a prominent historian from an cocooned within the confines of the
Ivy League university who knew the ship, to do so would have been to miss
region like the back of his hand. By out on some of the interesting shore
night, we were invited to the theatre for excursions. While sites are certainly not
classical performances, jazz ensembles as varied as other cruises we’ve been
and a stand-up comedy show. The enter- on and the jungle/rainforest adventure
tainment unquestionably catered to opportunities were less available than
the older crowd, but feeling so laid back expected, the city tours were well-
we really didn’t mind. run and quite interesting. Highlights
Cruising and learning about the included stops in cities along the way:
Amazon itself was obviously the reason
we were there. Belem, founded in 1616 by the
Tales of the early explorers, the sugar Portuguese, became an important
and rubber booms and the influence marketplace during the rubber boom.
of church and state, right up to today, Today it’s the 10th largest cities in
made the trip all the more meaningful. Brazil and is pivotal to new industries
“Amazonia,” as the Brazilians call it, where expansion is being encouraged
sprawls over an area that covers by the government.
2,700,000 square miles and eight South
American countries. Santarem, once the home of the
Inaccessible by road and ruled by Tapajos Indians, has a new economy
Welcome back! It was always a pleasure to return harsh weather conditions, the Amazon based on agriculture, cattle and mining.
to the Silver Wind after our shore excursions.
river bank remains a remote and chal- Most recently, there has been a huge
lenging place to live. Formidably hot in growth in the number of soy planta-
the summers and subject to extreme tions. (The export of soy will hopefully
flooding in the rainy season, there are be the next boom for Brazil.) Our
thousands of uninhabited hectares of arrival into port offered a good look
jungle rain forest home to over 60,000 at local colour as hundreds of tiny
specials of tropical plants and 14,700 riverboats that ferry people and goods
species of animal life, many unique to shared the pier.
the area.
The Amazon River itself is cris-crossed Natal, host to dozens of sandy white
by an arterial network of 50,000 miles of beaches, Tabatinga, the cliff of dolphins,
tributaries, only 14,000 miles of which is and its imported camels, claims
navigable. The Amazon accounts for 15 tourism as its most important industry.
per cent of all of the waters discharged Fishing is a staple with shark cartilage
into the world’s oceans, and its water, being a major export to Japan as is the
we’re told, has a chemical purity equiva- cultivation of tropical mangos, guavas
lent to distilled water. The basin is home and cashews.
to 4,000 species of trees, of which only
Lunching on the outdoor terrace of La Terazza
restaurant became a daily ritual. half have been successfully utilized on a Recife has been called the Venice
commercial basis. of Brazil because it is dissected by
By far, the most memorable part of waterways and connected by bridges.
our trip was the sunny day when we The coast is lined with coral reefs, and
were summoned to the upper deck sailors in crude log rafts with beautiful
while the crew was navigating the sails think nothing of heading out
narrowest portion of the river. It’s a tight on the high seas. During carnival, more
passage with hairpin bends called the than one million people open the festiv-
Breves Narrows. Not only did this afford ities at Galo da Madrugada.
us a once-in-a-lifetime, close-up view of
the native people living on the river- Salvador, perhaps the wealthiest in
banks and chasing the ship in their dug the region, has a rich mix of European
Photos: Silversea
out boats, but it also demonstrated the and African influences. The historical
amazing navigational skills of our ship’s centre of Salvador, the Pelourinhoi is
captain and his river pilots. (The Silver full of historical monuments and
Twin ships, the Silver Cloud and the Silver Wind
were designed by Petter Yran and Bjorn Storbaaten Wind is apparently the largest vessel that has been declared a World Heritage
of Oslo. can travel through these waters.) Site by UNESCO.
There’s nothing like a fine cigar and a glass
of port to end the perfect day on board.
Formal evenings add to the romance of being at sea.
Rio de Janeiro was the Silver Wind’s complete with a fight scene on the aerial
final port of call. cable car, was filmed on site. We decided
Cruising into Rio’s harbour was to play it safe, and kept the door closed
absolutely spellbinding. The much- while enjoying the awe-inspiring view
photographed Sugar Loaf is perhaps of the famous Copacabana beach.
the most famous hill in the world. For those visiting the city, we have
We’re told it earned its name by its three suggestions. We opted for them all:
resemblance to the old measuring Indulge in a helicopter ride to fly over
instrument, historically used to make the area and put everything in perspec-
a local delicacy called “sweet bread.” tive. Next, take a trip to the statue of
Equally thrilling was the trip by over- Christ the Redeemer. To reach the statue,
head cable car, which ascends the Sugar which is perched 7,000 feet up on the
Loaf hills twice every hour. We were Corcovado Hill, we took the train which Nightly performances by world-class entertainers
told that a James Bond movie thriller, cut through the forest to the foot of the are held after dinner in the Silver Wind’s theatre.
In Santarem, which is situated at the convergence statue where escalators and lifts helped Street is regarded as the most august of
of the Amazon and Tapajos rivers, known as us scale the final hurdle. From the streets that emerged from Visconde. The
the “wedding of the waters,” Eco River Tour statue’s vantage point, the scenery was large Brazilian jewelers are found here,
& Maica Lake explores the eco-system of the
Amazon on one of the riverboats that meander quite stunning and on sunny days the as are some of the best names in interna-
past native homes. view over Logoa, Ipanema and Leblon tional fashion such as Cartier and Louis
is indescribable. Vuitton. The surrounding roads offered
Finally, take a trip to the beaches and charming restaurants, bistros and cafes
to the luxury-shopping district. Legend in keeping with the area’s eminence.
has it that 45 years ago, two friends were Overall, spending time in this famous
having a beer on a corner in Ipanema, city made the whole trip to Brazil worth-
near the beach. The admiration of a while for many of our fellow passengers.
beautiful woman who was passing by There certainly was plenty for us to see
turned into the now famous song, “The and do, both night and day.
girl from Ipanema.” This moment of Regretfully, in Rio we had to leave
artistic acclaim also became the anthem our beloved ship and head for home
to this borough. While travelling the with memories that will last a lifetime.
famous city, we heard that fashion in But, like the other repeat cruisers that
the area has never been so vigorous. All we met when we first embarked from
along Visonde de Piraja Street, a succes- Manous, we’ll find our way on board
The “Meeting of the Waters” on the Amazon River sion of galleries and shops are one again soon—perhaps even for the 2008
occurs about 8 miles from Manaus, Brazil, when gigantic window display of the designs world cruise!
the “white” Solimoes River meets the “black”
Rio Negro.
and colours of the season. Garcia d’avila www.silversea.com
Photo: Silversea
Genipabu Dune Buggy Rides are the transportation

of choice for visitors to Natal, Brazil, where you
can ride the famous sand dunes and explore
celebrated stretches of coastline.
BAHAMAS, NASSAU
Feeling
the “vibe” By Ian Corks
with celebrity cache
Visionary Chris Blackwell’s Island Outpost properties

are known for character and stunning surroundings.
From Compass Point and Pink Sands in the Bahamas,
to Goldeneye, Strawberry Hill, Jake’s, and The Caves in Jamaica,
Photos: Island Outpost
it’s all about the vibe.
64 H O M E F R O N T SPRING 2008 The Caves

Jake’s
F rom its origins as a private

hideaway for musicians record-
ing at the legendary studio
next door, to its rebirth as an exclusive
boutique resort, Compass Point is a
Blackwell opened Compass Point
Resort in 1994 as part of his stylish
Island Outpost chain of exclusive
Caribbean properties, and it was an
instant hit. Now recently re-launched
Bahamian icon. after a multi-million dollar refit, it’s
Thanks to the resort’s 20-minute creating news all over again by offer-
drive from town, the guests who stay ing a unique experience for trendset-
here are offered a serene alternative ters wanting to “kick back and relax”
to the crowds of Nassau’s Cable Beach with a certain sense of upscale style.
and the hustle of Paradise Island. To ensure intimacy (read privacy!),
Above all, Compass Point Resort and the resort is limited to only 18 suites,
Spa has its own distinct energy that made up of two-story cottages and
seems to appeal to celebrities, the rich single cabanas all painted in bold,
and the not so famous. It’s a buzz drawn lively Junkanoo colours. Decor is
from the history and close association vibrant, yet calming, with natural Goldeneye
with one of the world’s most famous wood floors, whitewashed walls and
recording studios. bright island prints and furniture. as someone special, so everyone feels
Built in 1977 by Chris Blackwell, Throw in the new delicious duFage comfortable.”
founder of Island Records and the man Spa and the golden sands of the But of course, celebrities are celebri-
who introduced Bob Marley and reggae adjacent—and never busy—Love Beach, ties, and Compass Point has seen and
to the world, the resort has played host and the scene is set. continues to see more than its fair share.
to a virtual who’s who of music, from “I think part of our appeal is that Shakira held her New Year’s Eve party
David Bowie and U2 to newer stars we don’t make an extra fuss about here and part-time local Sean Connery
like Shania Twain, Enrique Iglesias anyone,” suggests general manager is a frequent visitor to the lively bar and
and Shakira. Skip Scully. “All our guests are treated ocean-side restaurant. “In fact, we
added our most expensive bottle of wine
to our cellar—a $300 1993 Chateau
Mouton Rothschild—because we know
it’s Connery’s favourite,” laughs Scully.
“But since then, every time he’s been
here, he just orders Red Stripe beer.”
Just a three-hour flight from Toronto,
and an easy 10-minute drive from
Nassau International airport, Compass
Point is a terrific place for a quick relax-
ing getaway and is the closest of the
charming premium properties market-
ed under the Island Outpost banner.
Compass Point resort
www.islandoutpost.com
C A R I B B E A N , S T. K I T T S
The
“secret” island By Caroline Tapp-McDougall
Photos: St. Kitts Marriott Resort & The Royal Beach Casino
I t’s been called one of the most

friendly, relaxing and romantic
places in the Caribbean. Located in
the Leeward Islands, St. Kitts is a mere
23 miles long and five miles across at
its widest point. Lush with hikeable
rainforests, volcanic mountains and an
intoxicating blend of sunlight, sea and
fresh air, the island is truly one of the
best kept tropical secrets.
Nature rules
Unlike other vacation destinations in well-run and beautifully located St.
the Caribbean, St. Kitts is still quite Kitts Marriott Resort. This 26-acre West
undeveloped and is focused on pre- Indies-style paradise on the beach has
serving its natural beauty and its eight restaurants, three lounges and
rural communities. While the hospitable the sizeable 35,000-square-foot Royal
Kittians are keen to attract more visitors, Beach Casino for gaming fans.
their government is still moving
cautiously and wisely by tightly regulat- Family friendly
ing development—buildings here can An ideal hotel for families, the Marriott
be no higher than the palm trees. offers plenty of on-site activities and
Hopefully, they can learn from other even helps guests arrange fun-filled
islands’ mistakes and preserve their historic tours of restored fortresses,
pristine beaches. haunted plantations and ancient petro-
glyphs. A popular favourite is the
Best spot on the island St. Kitts railroad tour where you can
Home base during our stay was the hop on for a unique journey around the
island, hear tales of the sugar cane Hitting the links
years and enjoy spectacular views Consistently voted one of the region’s
of the ocean, mountain and villages. best and the only course in the
The impregnable fortress of Brimstone Caribbean boasting holes on both the
Hill is a fascinating site to visit or Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea,
host a special event. We were treated the Royal St. Kitts is a Thomas McBroom,
to a formal torch-light dinner at the top 18 hole, par-71 championship course. Its
of the historic fort by our Marriott signature 15th hole is a downhill par
hosts—a memorable event with all five three that showcases the beauty of the
gourmet courses prepared outdoors as sea and the neighbouring islands.
we watched. www.marriott.com
Escape to the spa

Emerald Mist Spa is a modern, 15,000-square-foot complex
complete with salon and fitness centre. Its quiet location away
from the main activity area of the resort makes for a nice escape.
The recommended Kittian Massage is a delightful island specialty
incorporating long flowing strokes designed to improve circulation and
enhance lymphatic drainage.
CARIBBEAN, JAMAICA
Jamaican
rendezvous
A mid scenic stretches of white
sandy beach, an abundance of
lush tropical gardens and
colourful, local decor, Couples Resorts
promises a sizzling, romantic all-inclu-
The mood here is laid-back, casual
and unpretentious as is the all-inclusive,
no tipping policy. On staff locals are
very friendly, nothing is rushed, and
nothing is too much trouble, provided
sive getaway. you aren’t in a big hurry. Rooms are
It’s early in the season and we’ve spacious, clean and simply appointed
been invited to visit an eclectic group Caribbean style.
of Caribbean resorts founded by the Every day can be a new experience
Photos; Couples Resorts, Jamaica
legendary Abe Issa, father of Jamaican or just an intoxicating ode to intimacy

tourism. Couples Sans Souci, Negril, and relaxation. Very popular together-
Swept Away, and Ocho Rios are all a ness spa treatments are the ultimate
balance between cool, playful and pure pampering experience. Here, even a
fun in the sun for couples looking to tennis lesson is a passionate affair.
share time together. continued on page 68
We’re interested in staying active,
especially after the first few days of
indulging during the generous meal-
time buffets, so we’re pleased to discov-
er that there’s plenty to see and do. In
fact, as we move around we find that
each resort can give us a slightly differ-
ent flavour and menu of activities.
Couples Swept Away is a pre-eminent
dive centre, where qualified instructors
and personal caddies are on-hand to
help beginners needing certification
and experienced divers ready to explore ourselves on the resort’s exclusive
hidden wrecks. It also has a 10-acre private island, Dunn’s River Falls and
sports complex where we find hard and a lazy horseback ride are on our agenda
clay tennis courts, facilities for squash at the historically charming Couples
and racquetball, a half-mile outdoor Ocho Rios.
jogging track and a 25-metre lap pool. The more peaceful Couples Negril,
The best classes: reggae dancing and just five miles from downtown on
body sculpting! Seven Mile Beach facing the crescent
Etched into the picturesque emerald shaped Bloody Bay, is our favourite.
cliffs of Jamaica’s fabled north coast The evening catamaran cruise on the
and more European in style, Couples Caribbean Sea is the best spot for a
San Souci (French for “without a care”) romantic interlude. Or you can choose
is the newest addition to the Couples a tropical wedding on the beach if
family. Here, at what’s being called you’re so inclined. Just show up and
“the Jewel of Jamaica,” day melts let it happen, or call the resort’s
Photos; Couples Resorts, Jamaica
into night with exceptional dining and Director of Romance and it’s as easy
authentic Caribbean entertainment as one, two, three.
each evening. When we’re not sunning www.couples.com
Find Your Own Personal Style
Our selection of more than 1200 knobs and 75 finishes is certain to accommodate every taste.
Our FREE 256-page hardware catalog offers attractive and practical solutions that put the finishing
touches to well-designed kitchens, bathrooms, and cabinets.
Drop by one of our stores to view our hardware display, or request

a copy of our catalog by giving us a call or visiting us online.
1-800-683-8170 www.leevalley.com
Scarborough Toronto Weston Burlington London

1275 Morningside Ave. 590 King St. W. 5701 Steeles Ave. W. 3060 Davidson Crt. 2100 Oxford St. E.
SOUTH FLORIDA, AVENTURA
Sun,
golf, spa...
Too bad Florida isn’t really
part of Canada
By Caroline Tapp-McDougall and Donna Carter
Reading by the pool, re-charging at the spa
or hitting par on the back nine,
Florida is just what the doctor ordered.
SOUTH FLORIDA, AVENTURA
The tricky par-three third hole
on the Soffer course is all about
distance, control and accuracy.
Hit short and your ball will be
swimming. Hit long or wide and
it will probably find a bunker.
In the winners’ circle

Turnberry Isle is a blue ribbon
player on the Florida golf scene.
O ften referred to as Florida’s

country club hotel, the
Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort
and Spa is a stunning Mediterranean-
style hotel that sits on 300 tropical acres.
most “A” list beaches. There is a 117-
slip marina for docking the yacht or
deep-sea fishing. And dining is a notch
above the crowd. You can cap off a day
with a fabulous meal at one of the
Inspired by Europe’s finest hotels, it hotel’s upscale restaurants, including
was originally developed as an exclusive the highly anticipated Bourbon Steak, a
sports mecca for private club members. Michael Mina restaurant and the first
Today, after what’s rumored to be a to be established in the sunshine state
serious $100 million facelift, the resort by the culinary legend.
remains a family-friendly destination
for the well heeled. Find your energy
The resort opened its 25,000 square-
Time out foot, Tag Galyean-designed spa in 2001
Photos: Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort and Spa
The resort added even more reasons to and wisely became a Willow Stream
visit with its family friendly tropical Spa just a few years ago. True to the
Laguna pool, a meandering lazy river, brand, spa-ing here is a fast-forward
a 180-foot waterslide, private cabanas route to peace, quiet and recovery
and of course, tennis. Guest accommo- from the daily rush. While the lounge’s
dations are now rated some of the vistas are not as spectacular as at
finest in the South. The private Ocean other Willow Streams we’ve visited
Club on the Atlantic has one of the (Banff Springs, Fairmont Southampton),
it certainly has a bright, spacious and The Soffer course, for example, has an
relaxing atmosphere from the moment awesome island green that overlooks
we walk in the door. Lush with the a 64-foot cascading waterfall, a design
natural aromatherapy of their tropical combination that makes for an unfor-
surroundings, many treatment rooms gettable finishing hole.
open up onto lovely flower-lined ter- Elevation changes not usually
races where pre-treatment foot soaks associated with Florida courses help
are often enjoyed. make each of these tracks distinctive.
If you’re game for golf, it’s literally them into a pair of Florida’s finest. Although they are risk and reward
steps away from the hotel’s back doors. World Golf Hall of Famer Raymond courses, both layouts provide a fair
Here, two original 18-hole courses, Floyd completely re-did both of these test of golf for all skill levels. And
the Soffer and the Miller, have championship golf courses from tees with fairways and greens manicured
received a $30 million makeover that to greens, and the results are stunning. to the nth degree, each of these new
was part of the Turnberry’s tremen- Both feature gently contoured fair- 18-hole gems is a distinct pleasure
dous transformation. The complete ways, severe doglegs, undulating to play.
redesigns of both layouts have turned greens and spectacular water features. www.fairmont.com/turnberryisle.com
A day at the spa

Feast of flowers
When Ponce de Leon landed on the shores of Florida, he marveled at the bountiful wildflowers and
called the area “la Florida” in honour of Spain’s Easter celebration. In celebration of Florida’s wildflowers
and Ponce’s well-known Feast of Flowers, this 60-minute signature treatment was created by Willow Stream.
Enjoy a skin-softening, aromatic, sea salt scrub followed by a Florida rain massage with a gentle application
of wildflower essences. Divine.
Golf performance treatment massage
A Willow Stream original, this therapy is endorsed by world-class professional golf
instructor David Leadbetter and professional golfer Charles Howell III. The combination
of massage, stretching and acupressure promises to aid in improving golf performance
and avoiding injury. The treatment assists in improved balance and swing rotation
for distance and accuracy.
Up to par body experience
For the ultimate in toning and hydrating sun-exposed skin, this one hour treatment is
good for the body and mind as well. Begin with a nutrition avocado wrap and scalp
and hair treatment following by a customized massage with pure avocado oil.
S O U T H F L O R I D A , PA L M B E A C H
The lap of luxury

Can anybody trump “the Donald”
when it comes to creating a posh resort
Photos: Trump Mar-a-Lago
and championship golf course? By Donna Carter
I t’s hardly surprising that billionaire

real estate mogul Donald Trump
elected to buy a sprawling Palm
Beach estate in the town that’s widely
considered the epicentre of Florida’s
them all,” he said. It’s rumoured, in
fact, that Trump has been offered more
than $200 million for the property,
with one of the proposals coming from
a Sheik from the Middle East.
one of a dozen fireplaces.
Guests are inevitably impressed
with Mar-a-Lago’s 18,000-square-foot
grand ballroom, a room that Trump
spent $35 million to modernize. “I
high society of old-money families Today, Mar-a-Lago operates as a modelled its interior after Versailles,
and affluent newer celebrities like Bill private club and guest resort whose and there’s nothing else like it in
Gates, Rod Stewart, Jimmy Buffett and famous visitors have included Prince the United States,” he said. Everything
Roxanne Pulitzer. Charles, Bill and Hillary Clinton, about the property is designed to
Moreover when “the Donald” does Paul Anka, Regis Philbin and Barbara perfection right down to the main
something, he does it right. Walters. In 1994, Michael Jackson and iron-and-glass entry door that weighs
Consequently, when he purchased Lisa Marie Presley spent their honey- 350 pounds and regularly opens to a
Mar-a-Lago in 1985—a 20-acre estate moon there. constant stream of guests arriving in
built in the 1920s by cereal heiress Famous or otherwise, guests are Bentleys, Ferraris, Lamborghinis and
Marjorie Merriweather Post—he accommodated in 58 ultra-deluxe, chauffeured limos.
committed to bringing the neglected beautifully appointed bedrooms. The Trump enhanced Mar-a-Lago’s
property up to Trump standards. The 62,000-square-foot mansion also has amenities by adding a world-class
centrepiece of the estate is a 118- palatial public rooms that are awash spa, a new swimming pool, a tennis
room Mediterranean-style casa that in opulence. They feature everything centre and croquet. There’s even a
the man with the Midas touch has from gilded ceilings to genuine oriental croquet instructor on staff to teach you
fully restored to its original grandeur. rugs, spiral staircases, giant crystal the intricacies of the sport. In addition,
When it was completed, he bragged chandeliers, marble statuary and Mar-a-Lago guests have exclusive use
that Mar-a-Lago was the best house in Venetian silk tapestries. A gleaming, of an oceanfront beach club across
the United States, even above San wood-lined bar features a large portrait the road from the estate.
Simeon and the Breakers in Newport of “the Donald” and a brass replication All in all, once renovations and
Rhode Island. “This is the greatest of of his family crest graces the front of new additions were completed, there
seemed to be only one thing missing: Golf Course. He brought in three the course. A respected American golf
a championship golf course. Just like million cubic yards of earth, more instructor once said there are many
the estate’s restoration project, Trump than 5,000 trees and an abundance of U.S. courses that are aesthetically
embraced the challenge of building what flowers and shrubs to achieve one of striking, well designed, beautifully
turned out to be not just one of Florida’s the most visually stunning landscapes maintained, or challenging but fair,
premier golf courses but one of the finest in the realm of global golf. This course but few meet all these criteria and
in the United States where only guests is a great departure from Florida’s Trump International is one of them.
of Mar-a-Lago are permitted to play. typically flat-terrain tracks. Its design The Donald also saw to it that the
Trump purchased a parcel of land plan resulted in dramatic elevation course’s clubhouse was likewise in a
minutes from the estate where he changes up to 60 feet, lofty waterfalls class of its own. After a gated entry,
launched the development of his five- and man-made lakes, features that two long rows of tall palms lead up to
star, world-class Trump International added both interest and challenge to a glistening white building that houses
a pro shop, a casual yet elegant dining
room and bar, plus locker rooms fea-
turing banks of gleaming mahogany
lockers, richly carpeted floors and
mega size chandeliers.
Overall, Trump’s Mar-a-Lago and
golf course are a perfect fit with
the Palm Beach high-life image of
an exclusive enclave dotted with
multi-million dollar mansions, posh
vacation havens and the city’s famous
Worth Avenue of upmarket shops
and chic restaurants.
www.maralagoclub.com
SOUTH FLORIDA, ORLANDO
Soak up the fun

Photos: The Omni ChampionsGate
Championship golf courses

and cushy cabanas make
down-time a family affair.
I f you want Disney but not the 24/7

action that comes with it, Homefront
has found just the place to camp out
in style. Close by, yet still far enough
away, the theme parks are easy to get
us down with a “sprinkle,” when it was
just too much effort to even roll into the
pool. And how great were those pool-
side smoothie samples brought by good-
looking pool concierges who served up
to and easy to escape from. And who chilled towels and complimentary
wouldn’t want to be within 10 minutes fresh fruit on the hour, every hour?
of the Premier Outlets (Burberry, Coach, When the kids got too loud we escaped
Escada, Fendi, here we come!) or the to the Meditation Garden to watch the
1.2-million-square-foot Mall at Millenia chefs picking herbs in the garden and
to do some serious shopping. then went to the spa to read magazines par, is that ChampionsGate is the world
Amid 1,200 acres of natural wetlands while our toes were being polished. headquarters of the David Leadbetter
and orange groves, The Omni Champions Golf Academy, so you’ll find top-notch
Gate offers ample room to roam and Cuisine collections instructors. Take time to play both
play, thanks to fabulous pools as well as Zen, with its sake and sushi bars, is courses, the National and the
recreational facilities and amenities the most impressive of the Champions International, because each one offers a
ideal for kids of all ages and abilities. four in-house dining options. At twilight, different level of challenge and is diverse
our Zen guide led us to our discreetly in character. While these tracks will only
Sensible and stylish private table and spent the evening get better as they mature, even now they
With the addition of The Villas at coaching us through a delightful Pan- are widely regarded as among the best in
ChampionsGate, the resort can now Asian tasting menu. Later, at David’s Florida. The National Course is a classic
offer a choice of 730 airy, Florida- Club, we lounged in comfortable leather design that is less difficult than its sister
inspired rooms and suites that are very chairs with a glass of cognac. course with wide fairways, large greens
well equipped. Of course, we can’t help and very few obstructions. On the other
but recommend the best in the house, Golf therapy hand, the International Course is a
the 2,100-square-foot Presidential and One of the best places to work off the links-style layout reminiscent of the great
Omni Suites where sweeping balconies, irresistible cuisine offered in the hotel’s tracks found in Scotland and Ireland. It
large bedrooms and principal rooms, as restaurants is on one or both of the features sand dunes, pot bunkers, long
well as magical views of the pools and resort’s two 18-hole championship golf and tight fairways, and small and quick
golf courses, are the order of the day. courses. Nationally acclaimed, this greens—a combination of challenges
facility boasts 36 brilliantly designed that offer a true test of golf. Play it smart
Little treats we loved holes created by Aussie golf legend by warming up on the National before
At the pool, the Spritz Stewards became Greg Norman. The icing on the cake, taking on the International.
our new best friends, coming to cool particularly if your game is not up to www.championsgate.com
F L O R I D A , PA L M B E A C H
Photos: Ritz-Carlton
Bedtime
at the Ritz
Hot “turndowns” are
this year’s talk of the town
W here better to cause a stir

than in Palm Beach where
guests and locals alike are
gossiping about whose turning down
the lights and fluffing the pillows at
out onto the grand terrace, the resort
comes alive at night. As the waves
roll onto the beach, the grand firepit is
ceremoniously lit, and divas and their
darlings snuggle on luxurious beaded
the Ritz. pillows with cozy throws. Defiantly
Combine a roster of who’s who in decadent and deliciously divine, this is
hotel design and one of the most beau- definitely not the Ritz-Carlton that dad
tiful beaches in West Palm Beach, and used to frequent.
a sexy new evening tradition called The hotel’s New Angle restaurant is
“Resort Turndown” and you’re bound as good to look at as it is to dine in.
to draw a “must-see” crowd. Dramatic and engaging with chocolate
The brainchild of the design team, velvet covered walls, an underlit onyx
turndown subtly transforms the entire table, glowing candles and a 540 bottle
hotel from it energetic daytime per- active wine wall, it has a lively chic
sonality into a sultry evening hot spot atmosphere. Chef David Mullen is a
with ambiance to spare. rising star worth watching with his
Photos: Ritz-Carlton
Blending the elements of fire and new twist on regional seafood and his
soul throughout the decadently white terribly naughty desserts.
candle-and-chandelier-lit lobby bar and www.ritzcarlton.com
F L O R I D A , PA L M B E A C H
Palm Beach pampering

SiSpa Babor Institut
R eady to discover the legendary white sands of

Singer Island, Homefront accepted an invitation to
rejuvenate at the recently opened, ocean inspired
SiSpa at the Resort at
Singer Island—a mem-
B eyond mere indul-
gence, the secrets of
Babor have captivated
European women for decades,
so it comes as no surprise
ber of the Starwood that Palm Beach locals and
Luxury Collection. The visitors alike are lapping up
8,500-square-foot well- the German-inspired body
Photo: Resort at Singer Island
ness retreat combines and skin-care treatments.
Photo: Babor Institut

an innovative spa menu Homefront visited this world-
with a delightfully mod- class facility in the Royal
ern atmosphere that Poinciana Plaza to discover
just oozes tranquility. how European botanical traditions combined with leading-
Highly recommended: lunch at the award-winning edge technology can really make a difference. Treatments
restaurant, Solu, and a few nights in the ultra-spacious and here are private, luxurious and, best of all, effective. It’s well
beautifully appointed presidential suites. The views from worth booking one of their royal treatments and learning
the huge top floor terraces are truly stunning! more about Babor’s respected product line.
www.starwoodhotels.com www.babor-institut.com
OREGON, PORTLAND
Daring to be different
Hotel Monaco
By Caroline Tapp-McDougall
F orget predictable, dull or

neutral, especially in “flower
power” Portland.
Instead we opted for the
warm attitude, eclectic
Cheryl Rowley, the result is a “dramatic
palette of periwinkle, espresso, and
rich pink coupled with canopied
chairs and decorative pieces.”
Add bold stripes, bright
plush decor and seduc- lacquered surfaces and
tive charm of the new those unforgettable
Hotel Monaco. Under Kimpton animal-print
the guidance of Craig bathrobes and, as the
Thompson, one of the designer promised, we
most hands-on, friendly feel the same sense of
GM’s we’ve met, Kimpton wonder as we would visit-
Hokis has taken this land- ing the grand old home of a
mark guest favourite and revitalized it well-travelled eccentric.
into a whimsical nouveau hotel with Memorable, fun and delightfully
overflowing style. Michelin four star!
Redesigned by Beverly Hills-based www.monaco-portland.com
Beyond Portland’s
micro-breweries...
Wander into SAID, a tiny
design shop in Multnomah
Village. Owner Sue Augustyn’s
twist on refurbishing vintage
combines with custom quirky
to give browsers an irresistibly
unique collection.
Tour Portland’s famous gardens.
From the International Rose Test
Garden to the Classic Chinese and
Japanese Gardens, there’s plenty
to inspire green thumbs.
Dining out in Portland is divine.
Our favourites: Nostrana is best in
class for Italian fare, especially for
their gnocchi, and is worth a return
visit to Portland all on its own and
Photos: Hotel Monaco, Portland
the award-winning Southpark

Seafood Grill and Wine Bar in the
cultural district serves up the freshest
North-west fare, Mediterranean style.
G R E AT E S C A P E S
Photos: Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa Culinary Arts Institute
Cooking
up a storm
From dim sum to Marsala curry, the popularity of culinary travel for discerning gourmets
and foodies has created opportunities around the globe for learning, laughter and fine dining.
By Barbara Kingstone
Canada Italy
Le Cordon Bleu Villa Buonvisi
Started in Paris in 1895, Le Cordon Bleu school has
since been the culinary faculty of choice. A
friend’s daughter went to Paris for a several week
course. She returned home with a portfolio of
recipes, new chutzpa in the kitchen, her diploma,
an apron and a knife set. Now you can’t get this
20-something enthusiast away from the stove.
However, if you’re
not up to crossing the
pond and don’t want to
stray too far, the nation’s
capital, Ottawa, may be the
Ph
oto
solution. Le Cordon Bleu
s:
Le
Ottawa Culinary Arts Institute is a
Photo: Villa Buonvisi

Co
rdo e
n Ble titut
u Ottaw s Ins
a Culin ar y Art great weekend getaway.
www.cordonbleu.net
The spacious and majestic Villa

Switzerland Buonvisi in Lucca, Tuscany, casts a
magical spell on all its guests. It’s as
Waldhotel Fletschhorn much fun being there as the food is
When a restaurant has a Gault & Millau rating of 18 points delicious. Chef Lucullus starts his
and a chef that wins the Chef of the Year award in 2007, class by telling the history of the pizza
it doesn’t take too much grey matter to know the and the most memorable is Pizza
on-site cooking school is a winner. Fletschhorn Hotel in Margherita. Not only is it named after
Switzerland is known for its irresistible sauces. The secret the Queen of Italy, who reigned from
is out now that Chef Markus Neff opened the door to his 1900 to 1926, but also it features the
kitchen and has invited guests to partake in a two-day colours of the Italian flag; loyal and
cooking course. Loaded down with recipes, ideas and tips, delicious with red tomato sauce, white
you may just need an extra piece of luggage. This rustic cheese and green basil. The grand
Photo: Fletschhorn Hotel
hotel may be filled with modern art but if you think it is finale is a nutella pizza—what a sweet
too abstract, it may be because you’ve tasted one of their and unexpected ending to a less-than-
20,000 bottles of wine. Cheers! ordinary pizza-making class.
www.fletschhorn.ch www.villavacations.com
Thailand
Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel
In Bangkok I decided to tempt culinary fate at the Royal
Orchid Sheraton Hotel and Towers, located on the Chao
Phrya River. The convenient Siphaya stop, a local express
water taxi, is only a few minutes away, so it is easy to visit
Photo: Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel

the early morning produce market with Chef Charoensri as a
prelude to my classes. Chef points out his favourite stalls
and vendors where we find a plethora of unusual fruits and
veggies, like lemon grass, Kaffir eggplants (tiny green balls),
dragon fruit and galangal, which looks like ginger.
Back at the Thara Thong (Golden River) Restaurant, it is
truly hands on. Every utensil from pots, pans and a small coconut cream, add green curry paste, fish sauce, palm sugar,
stove to dishes filled with spices and herbs arrives on a horapha (basil leaves) and mandatory chilies. Finally we
mobile table. get to the Pad Thai Sai Kai (fried small rice noodles), a Thai
After each course has been cooked, we share our culinary favourite. Combining bean sprouts, chopped white radish,
triumphs. Tom Yum Goong Yai (hot and sour prawn soup) is soybean curd, peanuts, garlic, tamarind juice and ground
the starter. Ingredients include large prawns, lemon grass, dried chilies was much easier than I expected. Now I mix the
galangal, lime juice and very hot chilies, which are crushed finale, Yam Wun Sen (spicy mung bean noodle salad). This
together with a pestle before I add kaffir leaves. Kaeng Kiew school is simply a marvelous experience and a great way to
Wan Gai (green chicken curry) gives me the opportunity to learn and eat at the same time.
cut the chicken into long thin slices, squeeze one cup of www.sheraton.com
Thailand French Polynesia

Oriental Hotel Bangkok Raiatea Hotel
Across from Bangkok’s inner city Chao Phrya River is the Here lies perhaps one of
famed Oriental Hotel’s state-of-the-art cooking complex, the most impressive and
Photo: Raiatea Hotel

which offers an experience that more and more travellers most unusual cooking
are requesting. There are classes for vegetable carving and classes I’ve ever attend-
almost every Thai dish. Held Monday to Saturday from 9:00 ed! On the very blue
am to 12:30 pm, the classes leave you with the afternoon waters of the Pacific
free to wander about the vibrant city and explore its bustling Ocean in the Tuamotu Islands is one of the world’s most
markets and soaring skyscrapers. beautiful hotels. The over-the-water cabins have removable
www.mandarinoriental.com glass tabletops so guests can feed the fish from their room—
a good reason to stay in-cabin. However, I was scheduled to
go snorkeling and hand fishing with the hotel’s guide, Kana.
Little did I know that hand fishing meant holding a large
piece of carved wood with dozens of meters of fishing wire
wrapped around it. After tuna was added to the hook, one
of my fishing mates actually hooked a smallish shark,
which was thrown back. I caught a red snapper and a
grouper in short order. This was lunch!
On a small motu (island), Kana had built an open
sided structure with benches and tables and all the
necessary cooking accoutrements. The barbeque was
quickly heated and soon the noontime meal was grilling
and sizzling. While we cooked, Kana climbed a coconut
tree and quickly had us grating the coconut, then strain-
ing it for the “milk,” which we mixed into poisson cru (raw
Ph
oto
tuna and various veggies). Our fabulous lunch was devoured

M :
an
r in
da
O
r ie
with not even a morsel left to throw to the waiting colourful
nta
l Ho
tel
fish. This repast in the sun in the middle of the South Pacific
was a great lesson in how to grill the catch of the day.
www.pearlresorts.com continued on page 82
Cooking at Aman treats are on the menu.
While you’re in the area, why not stop on the Island of
Once a hotel chain knows it’s on to a good thing, it tends to the Gods, Bali. The tailored
feature it at most of their locations. Aman Resorts, a five-star program starts at sunrise at
resort chain if ever there was one, saw the rising popularity the Amankila’s market.
in cookery as a favoured experience for their guests. Many On the guided tours
want to know how to cook authentic recipes, and they can of Klungkung, the
always count on one-on-one sessions with the chefs. local market, we
However, as these classes become more popular, the lessons even participate in
are becoming more structured. Book ahead! purchasing the fresh
www.amanresorts.com ingredients. We are
also delighted to take a
Aman India trip to a traditional cake factory an Re
sor ts
Photo: Am
In India (Ranthambhore, Rajasthan) to watch how palm sugar is made,

for example, Aman-i-Khas doesn’t before heading back for the half-day lesson.
have a set menu, but the chef talks
with each guest and plans their Aman United States
menu during their stay. For instance, Closer to home, we visit Amagani in Jackson Hole,
Wyoming. For the aspiring chefs, cooking demonstrations
Photo: Aman Resorts
if a guest wants to have hands-on

classes, they can be arranged. I elect are held right in the kitchen. There are 10 of us here, ready
to take a morning class and go off to to learn the tricks of the trade. Armed with a chef’s knife and
the organic vegetable gardens to hat, we even look the part.
select the veggies and herbs. This is followed by kitchen This experience has a curriculum that includes wild
instruction, along with duties such as roasting and grinding game, duck prosciutto with caramelized pears, grilled veni-
spices for our own fresh Marsala curry. Indian food is slowly son chop and rabbit sausage.
cooked during the day, and then served to us for dinner.
Aman Indonesia
If you can’t get enough of the Aman experience in India, try
Java where the focus is on authentic Indonesian dishes.
Each class lasts two hours and is limited to a group of
only four people. A good beginning is learning how to brew
a fresh cup of Java and finding out about fresh and dried
spices, often with medicinal properties. The chef then
Photo: Aman Resorts

demonstrates three dishes, which the lucky participants
have for lunch. Soufflés are demonstrated in the pastry
kitchen, and mouth-watering naughty-but-nice chocolate
Hong Kong
Pokfulam Training Centre Complex
When I lived in Hong Kong, I found the Chinese Cuisine Training Institute not far from my apartment in Pokfulam. From
10:00 am to 2:00 pm, Monday to Friday, the classes offer a brief introduction to the history and culture of Chinese cuisines
and the various cooking methods of the many regions. I regret that I learned about this well-known establishment just as I
was about to leave Hong Kong, but my friends had only praise for the emphasis on teaching.
ccti@vtc.edu.hk
Peninsula Hotel
Never one to sit on its laurels, Hong Kong’s renowned,
year-old, glamorous Peninsula Hotel has its prestigious
Peninsula Academy. There are two types of classes avail-
able. A private culinary experience with a one-on-one
cooking class headed by one of the hotel’s top chefs and
followed by lunch. The other, a dim sum-making class, is
held in the kitchen of the Spring Moon restaurant. Some of
the best dim sum I’ve tasted. If you’re interested in baking,
Photo: Peninsula Hotel
look into taking the pastry course, located in Kowloon.

www.peninsula.com
O N TA R I O , T O R O N T O
Time for
togetherness By Ashleigh McDougall
P rivate spa suites for couples

are certainly sought after these
days, so it came as no surprise
that Novo Spa on Avenue Road has
created a special couple’s sanctuary.
The suite was a great place for us
both to escape. Its state-of-the-art colour
therapy steam shower for two features
therapeutic options like pulsating body
jets, a rainforest cascade showerhead,
As luck would have it, my beau and muscle relaxing steam or wet heat and
I found time to check in for massages. a uniquely energizing chromatherapy
system. Thanks to Novo’s experienced
registered massage therapists, our aroma-
therapy massages were heaven sent.
Looking to try something a little
different? Ask about the Om Well-
Being Treatment and Steam Bed Body
Photos: Novo Spa
Therapies inspired by the Tibetan

philosophy.
www.novospa.ca
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Spa trends By Wanda Love
Fly through the air with the greatest of ease

According to research from the International Spa Association,
day spas continue to dominate the spa industry in Canada
at 77 per cent, with destination spas accounting for a mere
one per cent. However, some of us are probably crossing the
border for a spa experience, which would influence our desti-
nation spa participation numbers. Typically destination spa
wellness programs combine fitness such as hiking, cycling
and other outdoor pursuits, meditation, spa treatments and
healthy cuisine. At Solace Spa at Boyne Mountain in
Michigan, they’ll literally sweep you off your feet with their
Trapeze-Experience. After a ground lesson and warm-up,
guests are strapped into a harness and are soon flying high
above the net on a trapeze. According to spa director Sean
Handler, it’s a great opportunity to learn more about yourself
and overcome your fear. This summer, Solace Spa is offering
a package including the Trapeze-Experience, one night accom-
modation, breakfast, and a spa treatment.
Never too old to spa

Savvy real estate developers are building a spa as a key
component in their planned communities, targeting both
baby boomers and young families. Origin at Longwood, a retire-
ment community in Nanaimo, BC, features the Evergreen Spa.
This innovative continuing care retirement community offers
spa and esthetic treatments including manicures, pedicures,
facials, massage, reflexology and more. Catering to the wellness
lifestyle, they’ve hired an executive chef committed to growing
his own herbs and using 80 per cent or greater scratch-cooking
methods to ensure tasty, nutritious, gourmet meals. Look for
more Origin Retirement Communities soon in Orangeville,
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Orillia and Brampton.
Blackberry addiction
Do you hyperventilate at the thought of turning off your
Blackberry long enough to relax for a spa treatment?
According to AOL’s Email Addiction Survey, the average
e-mail user checks mail about five times a day, and 59 per
cent with portable devices are using them to check e-mail
every time a new message arrives. And 37 per cent are check-
ing while they drive! Industry studies suggest four out of five
spas report consumers want less connectivity, preferring to
relax and enjoy the spa experience. But one in five have found
that their guests wish to stay connected right at the spa. For
those suffering from a Blackberry addiction, there is a new
treatment creeping onto spa menus, the Blackberry hand
massage. Using acupressure and massage techniques, it
relieves stress and tension in the thumbs and wrists to help
ease the muscles and reduce repetitive strain injuries.
Wanda Love is with the Calgary-based Santé Spa, Canada’s

first medical spa.
HOMEFRONT’S BITES &S I P S
Dinos are back

Schmoozing with Gordo, the Royal Ontario Museum’s By Helmut Dostal
90-foot Barosaurus skeleton, and dining at c5
was on our list of must-do’s last month.
Photos: Royal Ontario Museum, c5 restaurant lounge
Located on the fifth floor of the new Michael Lee-Chin Crystal, c5 Restaurant Lounge
has a sleek and modern atmosphere and offers guests a spectacular view of the city.
c5’s Chef de Cuisine, Ted Corrado, infuses Canadian
L ocated in the pinnacle of the ent serving groups showcasing local favourites with international flavours.
new Michael Lee-Chin Crystal, and seasonal cuisine that we mixed,
c5 restaurant lounge was matched and shared. Our favourites
designed by II BY IV Design Associates were grilled Quebec foie gras with a
to be sparse yet elegant. The lounge, chorizo tartlet, cherry chutney and
with its dark leather seating and stun- an aji amarillo sauce, followed by the
ning glass sculpture, is definitely the fennel dusted wild black bass with
place for a designer martini. Our first salsify caper relish, grilled radicchio
impression of “a little too industrial” and black olive sauce.
mellowed as the evening progressed As for those big, bad hadrosaurs that
and diners filled the tall, very open are 65 million years old, they’re quite
space. Chef de Cuisine Ted Corrado’s formidable and well worth visiting.
menu was a tasting treat with five differ- www.c5restaurant.ca
TA S T I N G N O T E S
Hot off
the vine
By Barbara D. Ritchie
Profiling Brazilian wines phylloxera in the late 1800s. The

Brazil has been making wine since the temperate climatic conditions in the
late 1800s and is now the fifth largest southern part of Brazil, where the
wine producer in the southern hemi- country’s wine region is concentrated,
sphere after Argentina, Australia, Chile was what originally attracted the
and South Africa. But unlike Argentina, Italians. However, even now the above
Chile and even Uruguay who have built average rainfall makes it challenging to
quite a presence in the export market, ripen the grapes, which caps the wines’
the vast majority of Brazilian wines alcohol content at 12.5% to 14.0%. As
have been consumed domestically. a result, Brazilian wines are known to
Today, Brazil is undergoing the same be less powerful than those produced
renaissance that has been sweeping in Argentina and Chile and have higher
the world’s winemaking regions, and acidity. The price point of Brazilian
the current generation of Brazilian wines is lower than their South
winemakers is committed to raising the American counterparts as well, with
profile of their wines abroad. most priced in the $12 to $15 range in
Photo: Cris Berger

Many Brazilian wineries were founded this market.
by Italians, mostly from the Veneto A delegation of Brazilian winemakers
region, who immigrated to Brazil begin- visited Toronto last fall to introduce us
ning in 1875. Because Brazil’s vines to some of their finest wines which Castle hotel to stage their tasting since
were grown from rootstock brought they’re hoping to encourage Canadians Toulà has its roots in Italy’s Veneto
from Italy, the wineries were fortunate to fall in love with. They chose the region. The food was catered by Cajú, a
enough to escape the devastation of Toulà Restaurant in the Westin Harbour Brazilian restaurant in Toronto.
The Miolo Wine Group is one of
Brazil’s more prominent wineries. It is
also one of the largest, producing at
least five million litres per year of wine.
Miolo has forged an international
alliance with Spain’s Osborne group.
Founded in 1897, the Miolo family
switched their focus from grape growing
to wine production in 1990. Merlot
Terroir Miolo 2005 is intense in colour
with blackberry fruit, underpinned by
an herbaceous character and subtle
Photo: Brazilian Consulate
leather notes.
The founder of Casa Valduga arrived
from Italy about the same time as the
Muitos Capoes, Brazil.
Miolos. Another impressive winery with
its focus on sparkling wine, Casa has a price tag of (U.S.) $104 per bottle.
Valduga’s production is much smaller It is an unusual blend of 80% Tannat
at one million bottles per year. Casa and 20% Ancilota, a more obscure
Valduga Cabernet Sauvignon Gran Italian varietal. A luscious wine, its
Reserva 2004 (13.0%) is an intense deep intensity shows in the dark garnet
wine, with a deep plum colour and colour and sweet cranberry fruit.
Photo: Douglas Coelho

excellent fruit extraction. Ten months Started in 1964 by four brothers who
in French oak results in elegance in the emigrated from Italy, Vinhos Mioranza
wine, which has layers of vanilla and is a larger producer at four million
cedar underpinning dried fruit flavours. bottles per year. Mioranza Cabernet
Pizzato Vinhas & Vinhos was started Pizzato Vinhas and Vinhos. Sauvignon 2005 Serra Gaucha (13.5%)
by an Italian wine-growing family brothers who are focused on quality, not comes from one of Brazil’s better
that arrived in 1875. They didn’t quantity, they are a smaller producer, vintages thanks to a more moderate
begin producing under their own label at only 360,000 litres per year. Gran rainfall level. Inky in colour, it shows
until 1991. A boutique winery at only Reserva Boscato Cabernet Sauvignon good acidity, with round, ripe cherries
120,000 bottles, they are producing 2002 (12.1%) is a single varietal, with and plums on the palate.
some intriguing wines. Pizzato Concentus an appealing brick colour and soft, Also worth noting is Panceri Vinhos,
2004 (13.0%) is a blend of equal round fruit flavours of red plums and a small, family winery that produces
parts Merlot and Tannat, with 20% cherries. It has good complexity, with roughly 150,000 bottles per year. Pisani
Cabernet Sauvignon, and is aged two mocha, vanilla and hints of cedar and & Panceri Grande Reserva 2004 (13.0%)
years in American barrique. Tannat is herbal notes in the long finish. is a Cabernet Sauvignon that shows a
the grape that Uruguay has built its Don Laurindo is an even smaller medley of red berries and cranberries,
reputation on. Inky plum in colour, family-owned winery, at just 110,000 with cedar, vanilla and herbal notes.
with up front dark berry intensity, this litres per year. They not only are cap-
wine has an appealing, bitter aspect in turing notice for their quality wines Barbara D. Ritchie is a Toronto-based
the finish. but also have one of the more expen- wine, food and travel consultant and
Boscato is another winery to watch. sive Brazilian wines on the market. Don journalist, and an internationally
Launched in the early 1980s by two Laurindo Gran Reserva 2002 (13.7%) accredited wine judge.
A Lakeside Spa, Tennis and Golf Resort
Sweet Escape
• Award-winning cuisine, charming accommodation and
soothing spa service
• Professional instruction and “play and stay” packages for
tennis and golf with guest access to The Ridge at Manitou
• Watersports, fishing, mountain biking, wine tasting and more
• Serenely located on the shores of the beautiful and unspoiled
Manitouwabing Lake, east of Parry Sound
• Just two hours north of Toronto
www.manitou-online.com Reservations 1.800.571.8818

Infiniti Downtown is moving
from Yorkville to our new space in
the heart of the Distillery District,
at 43 Eastern Ave.
Our new I-REDI facility will be the

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unparalled in design. Except of
course for our beautiful vehicles,
which will now have a setting as
magnificent as they are.
Infiniti Downtown
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P: 1-866-763-6918
dfcauto.com
Photo: __________________
LIVING “WELLS”
Hollywood might provide Los Angeles with a good deal of its allure, but Beverly Hills is without
question the city's crown jewel. It’s almost cliché palm-tree-lined streets are bedazzled
with Ferraris, Rolls Royces, Porsches, and Mercedes. And its sidewalks are embroidered
with living legends, diminutive goddesses, divas in-training, and media moguls galore.
That’s life in
By Duane Wells
Beverly Hills
It is the dominion of the jet set, the super are greenlighted, and dreams are fash-
rich, the über glamorous, and some of ioned into reality. The work may be
the most powerful people in the world. done elsewhere, but the decisions are
Fittingly, Beverly Hills is also home made in the hallowed, architecturally
to some of the very best the world inspired corridors of power found in
has to offer in every arena. From the the legendary office towers.
choicest shops, to the most exquisite For the business traveller, Beverly
dining, to the swankiest accommoda- Hills provides the unique opportunity
tions on earth, the 5.7-square-mile to work and play in a surreal environ-
perimeter of prime real estate that is ment where the rules are a little more
Beverly Hills epitomizes luxury. relaxed and the playing field is a whole that means leaving the wingtips and
However, behind this curtain of lot more grandiose. Brooks Brothers suit and tie at home.
glamour and high living lies a city While the city is a bastion of prestige That look might cause quite a rumble
bustling with enterprise. In addition to and privilege, it is not a formal city on Wall Street, but it will fall on
housing more than 900 of the world's when it comes to the manner in which deaf ears in Beverly Hills where ties
premier retailers, Beverly Hills is the business is done or in which one dress- are rare and names like Varvatos,
very cradle of Los Angeles’ creative es to execute it. Deals are cut over low Zegna, Versace, Armani, and Hugo
community. Leading entertainment key breakfast meetings at high profile Boss rule the roost. And for you
powerhouses like Castle Rock Enter- eateries, over late lunches by the ladies that means leaving the severe
tainment, The Firm, DreamWorks SKG, pool, or over smart cocktails at one of suits and panty hose at home, lest you
Imagine Entertainment, Merv Griffin the many fashionable local watering be mistaken for an actress preparing
Enterprises and William Morris reside holes. Casual elegance in dress is more for a role in an upcoming thriller about
in this “tony” little enclave where often than not the order of the day— corporate America in the 1980s.
superstars are made, blockbuster films no matter the size of the deal. Guys, Also of note is the definitive rhythm
of Beverly Hills. Knowing where to go
Photo: Jon Alcorn
when and when to go where is key. For

the penultimate power breakfast, The
Polo Lounge at The Beverly Hills
Hotel is the hands-down choice. For
many of Hollywood's power brokers,
this quaint room is like their own per-
sonal breakfast nook. Other power
breakfast spots include The Belvedere
at the Peninsula Hotel (a favourite
for stars like Whitney Houston) and
the venerable Nate-N-Al's Deli &
Restaurant from which the likes of late
Hollywood Godfather Lew Wasserman
shaped careers over one of the best
salmon scrambles and some of the best
Photo: Beverly Hills Hotel

bagels and lox the town has to offer.
For lunch, The Ivy on Robertson
Boulevard is the perfect place to
sneak in a healthy dose of star watching
while sealing your business deal. The
signature Ivy Gimlet, fish and chips, The “45 Dollar Salad” with lobster, foie entire world will gladly come to you.
and seafood risotto at this industry hot gras, black truffles, seared Ahi Tuna, If you find yourself with a little
spot are also winning complements to and white asparagus, among other downtime during your stay in the
any business dealings. But don’t take assorted ingredients, is the type of 90210, your best bet is to indulge in
my word for it; ask Tina Turner, Kylie “only in Beverly Hills” menu item that Beverly Hill’s favourite pastime: shop-
Minogue, Demi Moore, Oprah, Barry must be sampled to be appreciated. For ping. Two Rodeo Drive, an open air,
Diller or either of the Hilton sisters, Italian, Il Cielo Italian Gardens is a European-style shopping mall which
all of whom are Ivy regulars, for confir- beautiful dining experience and just houses high-end retailers like Tiffany &
mation. The Grill on the Alley, an about as authentically Italian as it Co. and Badgely Mischka, is a fun little
all-American classic, is another stalwart gets in Southern California. Sushi lovers jaunt, while Rodeo Drive holds a treas-
90210 lunch favorite. As is Barney often swoon over the selection at ure trove of boutiques like Gucci, Prada,
Greengrass at Barney’s New York, Matsuhisa before passing out when Hermès, Giorgio Armani, and Dolce &
where you can combine a fitting for the the bill arrives, just as the more carniv- Gabbana that can easily provide a
latest Rick Owens ready-to-wear with a orous business travellers tend to be full afternoon’s diversion. On nearby
smashing and surprisingly reasonably stunned by the enormous portions at Wilshire Boulevard, there’s also a
priced lunch of smoked sturgeon or the swank Mastro’s Steakhouse, Saks Fifth Avenue West and a Neiman
chopped liver on a bagel. For business where the martinis are strong, the Marcus outpost as well as Barney’s New
music is live, and stars like Patti York, which is worth visiting if only to
Labelle, Tom Cruise and Katie take in the beauty of the store and the
Holmes nosh on menu favourites like blonde wood spiral staircase that curves
lobster macaroni and cheese. up its five floors of designer fashions.
Finally, no list of eateries in Beverly Another downtime option is a bit of
Hills would be complete without pampering. If there’s one thing Beverly
mention of three places so Hollywood in Hills does well, it’s pampering. Treat
nature that Jackie Collins could not yourself to a spa day at the Raffles
have designed them better herself. Amrita Spa, the Peninsula Spa or
Newcomer Cut, the venerable Spago, the Four Seasons Spa, or splurge on a
and Mr. Chow are as much a part of the fantastic new haircut at one of Beverly
fabric of Hollywood’s elite as CBS, NBC, Hills’ high profile salons like Frederick
and Universal. If your expense account Fekkai Beaute de Provence or the
can bear them, you will be in for a star- José Eber Atelier (just be sure to book
Photo: Tavo Olmos
studded culinary treat. well in advance).

In terms of accommodations, the Beverly Hills is many things to
choices are many. From the minimalist many people. To some it’s all about
travellers from the East Coast who find and modern (The Avalon, Le Meridien, glamour and sophistication. To others
themselves weary of California cuisine and The Mondrian, all of which are it’s a magnificent shopping destination.
after a while and in need of something popular with urban hipsters and metro- And still to others it’s a place of
a little more familiar, Barney Greengrass sexuals—particularly music industry business. Irrespective of the reason for
is often the panacea for their longing. types), to the ornate and opulent (The your visit, one thing remains constant:
Speaking of the familiar, for a more Beverly Hills Hotel and The Beverly Beverly Hills is a unique and magical
casual, homestyle lunch experience, Wilshire Hotel) to the truly quirky place. Perhaps, the city’s tagline says it
Kate Mantilini and the popular (Maison 140, a 44-room French—and best when it proclaims “Some things
Beverly Hills eatery Jack N Jill’s both Far East-inspired luxury boutique hotel, can only happen here.”
offer upscale comfort food in true which was once owned by silent film
Southern California style. star Lillian Gish), there is something to Duane Wells is a Los Angeles-based
For dinner (or anytime you can get suit every taste. fashion and entertainment wunderkid
a reservation), Jaan at the L’Ermitage At the top of the heap is the who has his eye on Toronto as his next
Hotel, where food becomes delectable Peninsula Hotel, a Mobile 5 star prop- place to stir things up. He can be reached
art, is an experience not to be missed. erty. Stay at their private villas and the at duane.wells@gmail.com.
LE S S I S M O R E. LIT E R ALLY.
Small in stature but big on capacity, the AEG washer consumes only one third the electricity and half the water compared to
a typical top loading washing machine. European efficiency is at work, using technology that senses the murkiness of the
water until clothes are rinsed clean. Not to be left out, AEG dryers tumble, in the true sense of the word. Warm air passes
through the drum as it gently rotates in both directions leaving clothes crease-free in less time than a conventional dryer.
Learn more about AEG laundry appliances and how less means more at euro-line-appliances.com. Go greener. Go cleaner.
T H E L AVA MAT W64810 & L AVAT H E R M T 368 0 0 from

INTERIOR DESIGNERS • ARCHITECTS • DESIGNERS / MAKERS
RENOVATORS • ARTISTS
Design. In the details.
Kingsmill Kitchens & Baths 2898 Bloor Street West, Toronto, Ontario M8X 1B5
Telephone: (416) 207-0774 www.kingsmillkitchens.com
HA
C IR JAM CHAIR
Innovative, eclectic, exciting.

Chair Source presents Calligaris,
our latest avant-garde designer
decor inspiration.
w o o d . m e t a l . i r o n . c h a i r s . s t o o l s . t a b l e s
Hours: Monday to Saturday 10am - 6pm, Closed Sundays
8305 Jane St. Unit 4, Concord, ON (just north of Hwy 7)
tel: 905.761.8790 toll free: 1.888.275.5577
chairsource.ca
Classic Solid Wood Furniture
designers and makers of fine solid wood furniture
York County Collection
Tulip buffet in tiger maple
Our furniture is made right

on the premises. Furniture for
every room in your home.
We will make it just for you.

You choose the wood, size,
colour and style. Crafted from
the finest solid wood with beautiful
finishes. Classic designs inspired from
traditional and contemporary forms.
Come visit our factory showroom,
you will be impressed.
Real Luxury in
Solid Wood
129-131 Oakdale Road, Downsview, Ontario

416.742.7522
w w w. c a n a d i a n w o o d d e s i g n . c a
SMART FORTWO PURE COUPÁ
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H O M E F R O N T E N T E R TA I N S
Spring
flavours and
favours By Sebastien Centner
Fresh foods and fancy accent items

for your seasonal entertaining
F inding new and exciting ways

to break out from winter hiber-
nation and saying goodbye to
cabin fever has become somewhat
of a Canadian pastime as the snow and
less likely (as much as 50 per cent) to
spend time with friends and acquain-
tances. So by the time the crocuses and
tulips start to push their way out of the
ground, I know I’m not the only one
ice melts. anticipating the warmer months ahead.
Of course, family time around the Fortunately, this season will see
house is wonderful, but we all know some exciting new concepts in enter-
that the months from January to March taining. After all, what better time of
can drag on. Recent surveys have year is there to host a crisp cocktail
Photos: Bruce Gibson
shown that during these months, we party or a casual dinner?

don’t head outdoors as much and we are In this issue of Homefront we bring
you the latest in spring-inspired menus
and decor.
During the spring thaw, your menus Sebastien’s
should include fresh and fragrant ingredi-
ents, while their presentation should
reflect the bright colours of spring flowers
in bloom.
faves
Food ideas abound. As an alternative to For recipes please visit www.eatertainment.com/homefront
a single starter, begin the meal with bite-
size canapés or an amuse-bouche or two:
peach and pork carpaccio with sugared Just a touch of acrylic
dates in a saffron wrapper, chicken cilantro This elegant (and collapsible) candelabra is my pick
cones with pesto yogourt, or a lime and for the must-have decor item for the spring season.
anise-dressed raw beef on fried wonton It adds a touch of elegance in a whimsical way and
will prove to be popular with guests. can be incorporated into almost any entertaining
For the main course, think local, then situation, from formal to fun.
add an infusion of something exotic.
Sugar cane steamed cod with rhubarb and Modern fare
soy chutney is one of my favourites. Or After a bit of
take advantage of the Local Flavours Plus searching I was
program and serve up an Ontario pork thrilled to find
tenderloin with pear and basil risotto, this innovative set of china plates, which
finished with roast asparagus. Of course, range in style from mildly interesting to outright
adding to the presentation of the main wow! Nowadays your food presentation
course is key, and a different style of isn’t just limited to round or square plates;
service plate will make a dramatic back- kick it up a notch with specialty china
drop to the main fare. plates and serving pieces.
Despite the main course being the
showpiece of the evening, think of your What’s hot on the shelves
dessert as the last thing your guests will Now available in local liquor stores, pre-mixed
remember. This spring, end the meal prosecco cocktails are the sensational new toast
with two very different desserts, each for the season. Paris Hilton’s Rich® Prosecco comes
of which will leave a lasting memory: in trendy gold cans and features flavours such as
sangria poached pear on mango hibiscus Royal and Passion.
sticky rice served in a rock glass to
accentuate the colours, or Asian-infused
Crumpled china
vanilla ice cream served in a traditional
If you liked the
Asian takeout container with cinnamon
scatterings of
and brown-sugar wonton chips.
crumpled fashions we saw over the winter
As for drinks, opt for bubbly and fun.
then you’re in for a treat! Anything in crumpled
Champagne cocktails are perfect, and new
china, such as bowls, espresso cups and platters,
pre-mixed prosecco cocktails are hot.
is all the rage this spring.
Simply add a raspberry or peach garnish,
then serve.
So this season, reach for the phone Our pick for “hostess gift of the season”
and say goodbye to cabin fever (at least This little marvel will dazzle any woman
until next winter). What better way to who receives it. No need to worry about
celebrate spring’s arrival than by bring- leaving your purse on the floor of a crowded
ing together friends for a get-together restaurant, or balancing it on the back
with great food and good company. of a chair, the purse hook easily attaches
As always, bon appétit! to any table and keeps your purse
handy and safe.
Rich Prosecco: www.grapebrands.com
China Serving Pieces and Glassware: www.fortessa.com
Purse Hook Crumpled China & Miscellaneous Décor:
www.atdesignhome.com Sebastien Centner is one of Canada’s leading entertaining experts, the Director of
Candelabra: shop.eatertainment.com Eatertainment Special Events & Catering and the recipient of numerous awards, including
Menu: Executive Chef Scott Connor
Top Caterer in Canada. A regular contributor to Homefront magazine, Sebastien can also
Location: We are fortunate to have done our photoshoot
for this issue’s column at Toronto’s Décor Store, At Design,
be seen on ET Canada, Cityline, eTalk and Canada AM providing ideas and inspiration
where our hosts Arminé and Terese offered a fresh to hosts across the country. He can be reached by email at sebcentner@eatertainment.com
spring canvas on which to present our menu. or by visiting www.eatertainment.com.
resource guide
3-D Exteriors Jeld-Wen Windows and Doors
WEEKENDER threeD@telus.blackberry.net 25 www.jeld-wen.ca 16
Amati Kinetico
Location! www.amaticanada.com
Art Boulle
45 www.kinetico.com
Kingsmill Kitchens & Baths

22-23
Location! Location! www.artboulle.com
Audi Uptown Markham

www.audiuptownmarkham.com
53, 56
63
www.kingsmillkitchens.com
Kitchen Designers Plus

www.kitchendesignersplus.com
93
39
By Kylie McKenzie
Audio One Kohler
www.audio-one.ca/hf 52 www.kohler.com 47, 56
I t’s a woman’s dream come

true to spend a weekend
shopping in New York with
her daughter. And if you put
theatre on the agenda, well then
Bennett Design Associates Inc.
www.bennettdesignassociates.com
Binns Kitchen and Bath

www.binns.net
94
19
Komandor
www.komandorclosets.com
Laurentide Kitchens
416-736-7300
30, 54
30
Bin Solutions Le Boeuf Properties
Photos: The Westin New York

it’s even better. www.binsolutions.ca 55 www.leboeufproperties.com 57
From glittering signs of land- Canadian Wood Design Lee Valley Tools
mark tourist attractions, to gourmet www.canadianwooddesign.ca 94 www.leevalley.com 69
restaurants and Broadway’s star- Canaroma Loewen
studded performances, everything www.canaroma.com 49 www.loewen.com 21
is in walking distance or just a quick taxi ride from our home Chair Source Mercedes-Benz
base, The Westin Times Square. www.chairsource.ca 93 www.mbtoronto.ca 95
After a quick breakfast in the Westin Executive Club, we’re DeArte Interiors Mike Tuk
off to explore the city. For anyone worth her Manolos, Barney’s www.dearte.ca 7 www.miketuk.com 41, 56
is the final word in edgy fashion. It’s tempting to just stay here Deck & Dock MintoMidtown
for the whole day, but curiosity prevails and we’re off again www.deckanddock.ca 30, 80 www.mintomidtown.com 11
to Fifth Avenue. Classic New York, of course, is the wonder- Designers Walk The Montana/ProCura
ful and traditional (if perhaps a www.designerswalk.com 93 www.themontana.ca 27
little stuffy) Bergdorf Goodman. Downtown Porsche Multi-Cast Design
What better place to get lost www.dfcporsche.com 4-5 www.multicastdesign.com 93
than the fifth floor shoe salon? Eatertainment Neff Of Toronto
The perennial favourite, we’re www.eatertainment.com 84 www.neffkitchens.com 2, 30
told, for a number of Canadians Elegant Sofa Pars Moulding
who flock there seasonally to purchase upwards of 10 pairs of www.elegantsofa.com 78 www.parsmoulding.com 94
shoes at a time. Euroline Appliances/AEG Patio Enclosures Inc.
The real draw for my daughter is the stylishly re-invented www.euro-line-appliances.com 91 www.patioenc.com 80
meat-packing district, officially known as Gansevoort Market, Fairfield Classic Collection Permawood Solariums
with its vibrantly chic boutiques and shops. She has her www.fairfieldestates.com 15 www.permawood.com 54
heart set on meandering through the gourmet stalls and Gib •San Pools Perola Kitchens
shops in the Chelsea Market, especially the Fat Witch Bakery, www.gibsanpools.com 8-9 www.perolakitchens.com 32-33
apparently voted “one of the city’s best,” where we share a Grand Touring Automobile Sony/Appliance Canada
delicious brownie. Also worth stopping www.bentleymotors.com/bentleytoronto 99 www.sony.ca www.appliancecanada.com 100
into is Vitra’s 9th Avenue showroom. Its Great Garden Revival Company Inc. Thermador
sparse 12,000 square feet of museum-like www.greatgardenrevival.com 94 www.thermador.ca 31
space showcases ultra-modern furniture Infiniti Downtown Watermaid Canada
www.dfcauto.com 88 www.watermaid.ca 92
designers such as Noguchi, Eames and
Stark—one of the finest collections I’ve Inn at Manitou W Studio
www.manitou-online.com 87 www.wstudio.ca 13
seen in a while.
Over on 14th, we absolutely fall in love
with Louboutin’s special blue-soled wedding shoes (and my
daughter’s not even engaged!) Instead, we settle for a pair of Not only does the Westin have heavenly beds,
linen peep-toe pumps with lizard trim. Catriona Mackechnic’s they now offer in-room spa services. Relaxation
euro fab lingerie gallery, where hand-made knickers are massages are suddenly a major priority, and
displayed like works of art, particularly charms us. soon after we call, a spa basket arrives complete
After shopping, the fun didn’t stop. We stop to dine on with a CD, earphones, a healthy treat and bot-
Restaurant Row and then take in a performance of Wicked, the tles of water. The massage therapist follows shortly thereafter.
long-running Broadway musical. The best news? Après spa we don’t have to move a muscle and
After our energetic day about town, feet sore but satiated, stay comfortably ensconced in our New York home away from
we hurry back to our spa-inspired guest room at the Westin, a home. We’ll be back!
haven for peace, calm and excellent service. www.westin.com/timessquare
THE 2008 BENTLEY COLLECTION.
DIFFERENT CHARACTER. SAME DNA.
If you have always dreamed of Bentley ownership, there has never been a wider choice. Or a wiser one.
For some, the bespoke exclusivity of the Arnage four-door will exert the greatest appeal. For others, it
will be the performance focus of the 552 hp all-wheel drive Continental GT coupé; or perhaps its
spacious four-door stablemate, the Continental Flying Spur.
Still undecided? Bentley Toronto has the complete story. Rest assured: there are no wrong choices.
BENTLEY TORONTO
740 Dupont Street, Toronto, ON M6G 1Z6 Tel 866 501 7843
www.bentleymotors.com/bentleytoronto
© 2008 Bentley Motors Canada, Ltd.

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HOMEFRONT

Intimate spaces, special places

Photo: Le Cordon Bleu

Steel and bubbles

Bold and Yakitori inspired

Adding more than a touch of glass to the corner of Davenport and

From the beautiful regions of France to the ornate baroque of

Photo: Jackson Huang for Mark Hartley Landscape Architects

Love your bathroom 42

Cruising the Amazon 58

Feeling the “vibe” 64

The secret island 66

Photo: Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort and Spa

Jamaican rendezvous 67 In the winners’ circle 72

The lap of luxury 74

Soak up the fun 76

Spa-ing in Yorkville 83 Bedtime at the Ritz 77

Photo: Porsche Design Studio

Barbara Kingstone Bella cucina 34

Vivienne Crespi By Barbara Kingstone wa C

Production Manager Spa trends 84

by BCS Communications Ltd. Contents

permission from the publisher.

owned by BCS Communications Ltd.

Circulation audited by:

25 EDEN VALE DRIVE - $4.1 Million

20 FAIRFIELD DRIVE - $2.45 Million

Contact Loewen at 1.800.563.9367 to begin the experience.

Living in luxury By Lisa Van de Ven

Harbour Vista Inc. and builder LeBoeuf

with interiors that include private

begins fall 2008. Occupancy is scheduled for summer 2008.

Photo: ProCura Real Estate Services

setting selection by visiting a specialty retail location early in the season.

N eff Kitchens announces the

Laurentide... it’s not only about cooking!

Visit our showroom or ask about our free in-home consultation.

the look towels. 2. Favour candle lighting.

Indulge your table

Try apricot and

Chefs love copper

Photo: Cuisine Sologne by de Tonge

Spacious and bright

The Stradivarius of cuisine

Get out your blanket

T-Fal introduces the EZ

Smoked Duck Breast,

lay your whole lake trout on the grid

“Laziness is nothing more than the

habit of resting before you get tired.”

“Sometimes I sits and thinks,

Photo: Victoria & Albert Museum Bath

“An unhurried sense of time

ARTIST: Sacha Waldman

LAVATORIES: ChordTM and

In shallow pools, we found

©2008 Kohler Co.

and the sink for that matter. Although

Time for two

on a moment’s notice. Soft, secondary

Photo: Laufen by Maurzio Ma

SIMPLY FOR YOUR LIFESTYLE