Girl About O-Town

Tonight, the live telecast of the 82nd Annual Academy Awards will be viewed by tens of millions around the world.  Many will be watching at home, and others will make it an evening to remember by throwing or attending parties just for the pure fun of it.  Here in Ottawa, The Mayfair Theatre will be broadcasting the ceremony on the big screen for their members, and serving drinks to benefit non-profit theatre company Negative Theatre.      

While I do love to look at all the glamourous gowns sported by Hollywood starlets, I sometimes find watching live just a touch too unpredictable to be comfortable.  Instead, the inevitable trips, slip-ups, and flops make me cringe with embarrassment, and I usually end up leaving the room and waiting for these memorable moments to pass.  Mostly, I’m interested in who wins, what movies I still need to see, and yes – who were the best dressed, but these can easily be summarized in just a few short paragraphs in the next day’s newspaper. 

So, while I remain undecided about my approach to tonight’s Academy Awards ceremony, I do think today’s top-ten list of my favourite film genres is ‘apropos’…no?

Here we go, in no particular order:

1.  Quirky dysfunctional family movies.  Take Little Miss Sunshine, Running with Scissors, and the classic Royal Tenenbaums for example.  There is something juicy yet comforting about other peoples family foibles, especially when they sometimes seem strangely familiar.

2. Cheese-ball romantic comedies (preferably taking place in high-school or at the Whitehouse or both).  Ok.  I confess, I’m talking about Chasing Liberty and First Daughter here, but you get the idea.  Add outrageously implausible romances The Wedding Planner, Maid in Manhattan, and Monster-in-Law to this list, and it would appear that J.Lo in a starring role is also a key contributing factor.

3. Movies about movies, musicals, and theatre productions.  You know the ones  – Woody Allen’s Hollywood Ending,  State and Main or The Producers, for instance.  I loved Moulin Rouge, Chicago and Nine too.

4. Shameless slapstick movies, made mostly for kids.  Daddy Daycare comes to mind, as does Christmastime favourite Home Alone.  I can’t help it.  I laugh when people fall down (only if they don’t get hurt).  Sorry. 

5. Capers & Cons (preferably involving glamourous international jewel or art thefts).  The Thomas Crown Affair with Pierce Brosnan and  Renee Russo is at the top of my list in this genre, since it was so elegant and the costumes kicked ass, but there are many others worthy of watching too.   The Italian Job, any of the Oceans movies, or even my dad’s favourite Dirty Rotten Scoundrels are sure to please if you’re looking to live vicariously for awhile. 

6. Mockumentaries:  This is Spinal Tap, Best in Show, and A Mighty Wind have to be among the funniest.  Admittedly, these often star many of the same actors, but what the hell – I always know I’ll be in for a laugh.

7.  Political comedies:  Recent release In the Loop had me rolling on the floor.  See this movie, and then decide if the political staffers you know would find it equally as funny.  Dave with Kevin Kline was sweet and satisfying, as were Man of the Year and Swing Vote.

9.  Epic intergalactic battles between good vs. evil:  Star Wars (all of them), Star Trek (most of them) and yes – Avatar.  Need I say more?!

10.  Loose Literary Fun:  Baz Lurman’s  Romeo & Juliet was a wild ride, Shakespeare in Love was delightful, and ensemble piece Six Degrees of Separation while not based on a book, makes many a literary reference.

The general trend for me is clear.  This girlaboutOtown appears to be most entertained when she leaves laughing or has a silly grin stretched across her face.   

What about you?  What film genres do you favour?

For the past few days or so, I’ve been on a bit of a virtual vacation.  Now this is not to say I have strayed too far away from my computer, but it does seem that I’ve been otherwise occupied by some serious Ottawa-related fun!

This girlaboutOtown was lucky enough to win two tickets to the February 21 matinee performance of Girls Night: The Musical, at Nepean’s Centrepointe Theatre.  Admittedly, it was my first visit to this west-end gem of a facility, and I was suitably impressed.   Apparently, I’m not alone!  This classy community venue was awarded Performing Arts Centre of the Year (2009) at the Canadian Music and Broadcast Industry Awards last March.  

Anyway,  Girls Night: The Musical was a barrel of laughs, and was followed up by “Girls Night: For Real” at one of my perennial favourites, the always fantastic 4th Ave. Wine Bar.   What more could a couple of gossiping girlfriends want on a Saturday night?

Fast forward to last Thursday, and it was over to Somerset Street’s Raw Sugar Cafe to see Ottawa’s own Kirk Ramsay aka Giant Hand, and opening acts Ben Somer and Matt Paxton both from Hamilton, Ont.   For someone like me, who is a sucker for singer songwriters, these young artists offered up acoustic music that was intelligent and provocative, but each in their own way.  Warm but not raucous inside, the Raw Sugar Cafe was the perfect setting for an intimate couple of sets, and the show an excellent antidote to the cold and snow outside.

While this girlaboutOtown thoroughly enjoyed all three performances, it was Giant Hand I went to see.  Having taught himself to play guitar only 2 years ago, Kirk Ramsay has been steadily gathering steam ever since, and has found himself stage front in record speed.  Not only has he conquered the instrument, he has confronted his pent up emotion with raw honesty and shaped it into a series of hauntingly beautiful folk ballads.   If you haven’t heard him yet, listen here and/or check out Ramsay’s next show coming up March 20 at the Irving Greenberg Theatre.

                                 Photo by Aaron McKenzie Fraser for Ottawa Magazine, via Giant Hand. 

Finally, last Friday afternoon, I managed to squeeze in a lovely lunch with friends at one of my favourite new stops, Babbo’s Italian Food Shop on Main St. at Lees.  This unassuming little eatery specializes in panini sandwiches, homemade pasta and Italian pastries made from scratch.   With just a few window tables, the food is good to go -  but if you’re eating in – the service is super friendly and the short wait painless. 

This week is shaping up nicely too, as my lucky streak continues!

Thanks to a great giveaway over at arts & culture blog OttawaTonite, I won another set of tickets, this time to see STOMP at the National Arts Centre tonight.  I’ll be taking my equally lucky little girlaboutOtown, who will no doubt be inspired to continue her improvisational kitchen dances once she’s seen what can happen when you follow the beat of your own drum.  

Thursday, the good folks at the Great Canadian Theatre Company are hosting a few very fortunate OTown bloggers for the opening night presentation of blood.claat, a one ooman story, and for this opportunity, I am most grateful.  I look forward to seeing the coming of age story of a 15 year old Jamaican girl performed by award winning dub poet, actor and playwright  d’bi.young anitafrika, and to experiencing an entirely new perspective.

All in all, not a bad stretch for a culture-loving, bootstrapping businessperson on a budget!

A couple of posts back, I reflected on the 5 P’s I try to remember regularly with respect to entrepreneurship.  The following is related directly to #5.

If you haven’t already heard, I hope you can come!

Thinking of making a move? Feeling overwhelmed? Why not have some fun with your house hunt instead?

The fella and I  combine real estate with design coaching to help you  find the right place, understand the space, and express your personal style.

Please join us TOMORROW at our seminar for homebuyers!

We help you better understand your options and opportunities before you go shopping for a property.

Learn what suits your budget, and where.  See more than a set of rooms.  Figure out how to know if a home fits you.

Design thinking.  So you can start smart and buy better.

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The increasing popularity of modern design is evident everywhere.  In print, online, and even when walking down the street here in Ottawa, it is clear that a clean-lined, clutter-free  minimalist aesthetic is appealing to more people than ever before.   Rather than remaining the preference of a marginal few with the most progressive visual ideals, it could be argued that the modernist style is moving rapidly into the mainstream.

For those of you who have not yet noted this new direction, the recently published  2010 edition of Ottawa Magazine’s Interiors Edition is a celebration of some of the city’s most magnificent modern homes.  Local bloggers like Marie of ModernOttawa (MOOT) and Eric of West Side Action have been diligently tracking the trend towards modernism, and have documented their discoveries with intelligence and integrity.  Just in driving around town, the growing incidence of modernist-style infill seems difficult to refute.  Even Ottawa’s most established purveyor of contemporary furniture Phillip Van Leeuwen is now just one among many, including Mikaza Home, Structube, mass retailer EQ3, and mid-century experts Found Design.

Interestingly, modernism began as a rejection of what was considered conventional:

“The modernists were keen to shake off the intellectual, creative and cultural norms of the Enlightenment and to push the boundaries… Modernism started as an intellectual movement, but soon spilled over into all parts of life, from the political to the creative.  Literature, art, music and design – both architectural and interior design – all fell under the influence of modernism….a rejection of the ornate flourishes of other design styles, such as Gothic, Renaissance and Victorian styles of design.”           -From LovetoKnow.com

This girlaboutOtown can’t help but wonder what this current cultural shift will mean.  Still a ways off from 40, I worry a bit about a waning appreciation of older things.  What will happen when nobody wants an antique anymore?  Who will continue to collect?  What will be done with all of the art?  Will the desire to decorate in a more traditional style simply die away?

I for one, hope not.  While I can certainly do new, and understand the attraction towards the clean, open austerity of modern design, I know that in real life, it’s a look that is unattainable for me.  I’m just more comfortable in the presence of personalized clutter and a touch too nostalgic to let go of my family’s finest old furnishings.

My mindset may be squarely in modernist territory, but I still have classic aesthetic taste!   To me, “traditional” signals subtle sophistication and a respect for the past, but is still fully functional, cozy and inviting for today’s way of life.  This isn’t to say that timeless styling doesn’t require a contemporary twist to bring it forward, but not at the expense of elegance please!  

How about a few of these pieces to inspire your imagination? 

1. Oval Inset Mirror with Bevel by Pottery Barn  2.  Wellington Centre Table by Thomasville  3.  Bronze Ceramic Table Lamp by West Elm  4.  Campton Console Table in Ming Red by Pottery Barn  5.  Brompton Hall Terrytown Sofa by Thomasville   6. English Roll Arm Studio Upholstered Chair by Restoration Hardware  7.  Perched Bird Accent Table by Pier 1  8. Nizam Kirman Rug by Elte  9.  Alexis Ceramic Table Lamp in Blue by Pottery Barn  10.  Antique Brass Faux Bamboo Chair from 1st Dibs  11.  Kiono Floor Screen by Pier 1

What can I say?  While the little girlaboutOtown and the fella went to see a movie this past Sunday afternoon, I snuck out to a champagne cocktail party to celebrate the launch of three new local businesses.  It was a perfectly agreeable alternative to yet another animated princess movie for me, although perhaps not as far from a fantasy fairy tale as one might first think…

Hosted by three talented and enterprising young women to watch, this was one well-attended and classy party with a point.  Appropriately associated with Valentine’s Day, the event was intended to introduce these smart new entrants to Ottawa’s increasingly stylish wedding industry.  Regardless of where you stand on weddings, it is hard not to appreciate the genuine artistry these women entrepreneurs have expressed through their respective business endeavours.

Accomplished photographer and cinematographer Bridget Redmond of First Kiss Films uses classic cinematic techniques to chronicle “that special day” on 8mm and 16mm film stock to create moving memories that will certainly be worthy of a watch for many years to come.   Beautifully shot and artfully edited, Bridget’s films are timeless, inspired and astonishingly appealing.  

(While I was once married, my time for wedding cinematography has probably past.  Nevertheless, I find myself wishing Bridget Redmond would consider spending a day with me and my three so we too might look through such a lovely and nostalgic lens at our lucky love!)

Photo of Bridget Redmond by Natasha Moine Photography, via First Kiss Films.

Anastasia Wilde, along with her partner in candy crime Jean Francois Labelle, are labouring together to make hand crafted chocolate treats with traditional fondant centres.   Be Sweet Chocolates came about as a result of Anastasia’s “artistic appetite”, a few family recipes, and plenty of very pleasant taste -testing.  Charmingly, these delightful bites are cooked up at a local maple sugar shack using fresh cream and fine sugars, and can be special ordered in small batches for any occasion.

Finally, Anne Marie Bouchard of AMBPhoto is a photographer of considerable talent who will no doubt be very busy this upcoming wedding season.   For Anne, weddings represent all the things she loves to photograph most, and offer her an opportunity to capture moments that might have otherwise been missed by those in the throes of their festivities.  Based on the stunning magazine-style photos I saw, Anne and her camera don’t miss much at all! 

Photo of Anne Marie Bouchard, by Bridget Redmond via AMBPhoto.

Oh, and while we’re on the subject of wonderfully personal weddings, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Wed By Hand, Ottawa’s first ever “Indie Wedding Show”. 

Coming up so very soon, this unique event connects cool couples with local crafters ready to help add personalized details to their special day. The show will feature a variety of artists making everything from the lettering on invitations to the last drop of icing on a wedding cake, and offer a one-stop-shop for budget-conscious brides delighted to dress in previously loved wedding wear.

Wed By Hand will take place on February 27, 2010 from 10am-3pm at the Courtyard by Marriott, 350 Dalhousie Street.  Admission is only $3 and proceeds from the event will benefit Team Diabetes Canada!

Last night, this girlaboutOtown had the privilege of eating out, and these days this isn’t something I take for granted.

A few months back, the fella received a generous gift certificate for some fine dining at the Fraser Cafe, thanks to my bro and his lovely wife.  Because we’ve been so busy with business-related things, we just hadn’t made the time to make a reservation until yesterday.  Celebrating nothing in particular and everything we’ve experienced this past while, we headed out for a mid-winter culinary indulgence.

I do confess that foolishly, I forgot my camera, so there is no photographic evidence of the feast, but it was a very memorable meal none the less.

Beginning with a selection of cheese and charcuterie, we dove right in and devoured a series of divine Canadian cheese including Ciel de Charlevoix, PEI clothbound cheddar and Cape Vesey from the Fifth Town Artisan Cheese Co. in nearby Prince Edward County. 

Following these delicious prize winning cheeses (and our conclusion that loving cheese could quite conceivably be our new hobby), our much anticipated main dishes arrived at the table.

It was Braised Lamb and Beef Stew for the fella, complete with wide noodles and seasonal vegetables, and the Kitchen’s Choice for me.  “It’s melting in my mouth,” he said after his first bite, while I was slowly savouring the flavours of my mystery dish revealed.  The Roasted Duck on Mushroom Risotto was scrumptious and wonderful, and assembled with flare.  I learned a lot later from Chef Ross of the Fraser brothers two, who was kind enough to stop by and share a few secrets about what was involved in the evening’s prime plate.  In addition to a splash of cranberry sauce on the side, my risotto had been traced with a wee bit of truffle oil and the duck finished off to perfection with a soft-handed shake of sherry vinegar and honey.  Yum.

When we were done our dinners, the fella was “too full” for more and turned down desert, but this girlaboutOtown just could not resist.  Disappointed I wasn’t going to be able to try two sets of sweet treats, I opted for the Warm Doughnut with Caramel Apple Sauce over the Baked Brownie with Peanuts.  Imagine my delight when small tastes of both appeared, each served with ice cream beside!  Imagine also (if you can) my surprise when the fella somehow found his fork again…

Having not visited the Fraser Cafe in it’s new location, this girlaboutOtown had not yet experienced it’s expansion from somewhere kind of quaint but pretty great to real live restaurant heaven.  This dining destination has indeed stepped it up, with a sophisticated yet welcoming interior, a much bigger kitchen and touches of true personality peppered throughout.  The service we received was superb, and  parking wasn’t even a problem!

In the end, the fella and I found ourselves quite sufficiently sophonsified.  Anymore would have been superfluous to our capacity…

Fraser brothers photo by Darren Brown, via Ottawa At Home