Patios other than mine, that is.  Despite my deep affection for this quaint little cottage I call home, it doesn’t exactly win the neighbourhood award for lovely landscaping.    Gardening has never been my forte, and somehow, finding a few spare moments to even sweep off my deck just doesn’t seem to make my “to do” list.  At least the wee little patch of lawn out front occasionally gets cut, thanks mostly to my kind and patient neighbours. Growing the green space of my dreams, on the other hand, goes way beyond my aptitude or abilities.  A green thumb I am not.

This year, I vowed different.  I had a plan.  I was going to give it all up for good!  I was going to turn over my territory to the trees and let the gardeners get growing….

If you haven’t already heard of the VegetablePatch.ca, then no doubt you will soon.  Jesse Boynton Payne, founder and Chief “Green Bean” of the VegetablePatch.ca, began growing and selling organic vegetables from urban gardens all over the city just last year.  This year, the VegetablePatch.ca will adopt a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) model, and will be distributing sustainably grown produce to shareholders right here in the city centre.  Making use of otherwise underused land like…say…my backyard…Boynton Payne is making organic, environmentally friendly eating easy, affordable and fun.  How cool is that?

As for the aforementioned trees,  the City of Ottawa Trees, Reforestation and Environmental Enhancement Program (TREE) is an initiative that has been underway since 2007 to nurture the Ottawa’s urban forest by planting 100,000 trees before 2010.  By planting trees all across the city, we can maintain forest cover and help combat climate change.   Apparently, a variety of trees are available for planting in the spring and fall, on a first-come, first-served basis.  All you need to do is call 613-580-2424, ext. 1TREE (18733) or email TREE@ottawa.ca.

So, since I’m all for organic gardens (so long as I’m not responsible) and terrific trees, I thought I was all set for the season.  Well, turns out I wasn’t the only lazy landscaper with a genius plan.  The VegetablePatch.ca has already filled their garden space quota and the City is now accepting registrations for tree deliveries in the fall…

Looks like this spring, I may have missed out!

Photo credits: Pat McGrath/Ottawa Citizen, Robert J. Galbraith/Can West News, and  flora.org.

Anyway, these Courage City profiles have proven to be some of the blog’s most popular posts, and have been a favourite feature of mine.  As it turned out though,  spending a few hours talking to totally interesting and inspiring people was easy and entertaining.  Reflecting afterwards and actually doing justice to their stories in print was not so easy.  Instead, it was a wee bit intimidating, not to mention time consuming, and since starting back to school, I’ve been hard pressed to carve out the required hours. 

Fast forward to today, and to the Earth Day launch of Beautiful Destruction, an exhibit of  Louis Helbig’s compelling aerial photographs of the Alberta Tar Sands being held in conjunction with the Ottawa International Writer’s Festival. 

Helbig, a local photographer, pilot, and owner of Egami Image, once the subject of one of my most daunting Courage City assignments, spent 6 weeks last summer flying West in antique plane and taking pictures that truly are worth a thousand words.  These photographs with their abstract artistic sensibility, striking colour and fascinating detail, make a powerful statement about what is happening at the Alberta Tar Sands.  Even for those of us who aren’t fully engaged in this issue, Helbig’s images make it hard not to stop, to think and to start to pay attention.

Read more about Louis Helbig’s Tar Sands journey here, and check out his exhibit if you can.  It runs from April 22-May 2 at St. Brigid’s Centre for the Art & Humanities, 314 St. Patrick Street.

There because of my new year’s resolution to learn more about wine, I confess didn’t know a lot going in.  Little more than the basics, really.  Despite more than a few forays into wine tasting, I never seem to absorb any of the specifics.  Instead, I get caught up in the moment, and my memories end up being more experiential than flavourful. 

This time wasn’t all that different, even after vowing to be more discerning in my learning.  Here is a bit about what I experienced, and what impressions I left with…

With more than 100 wine selections to choose from, it was no small accomplishment that I left with any memory at all!  From the outset, the fella and I planned to try only wines that were new to us, and to leave those widely available at the local LCBO to another time.  In the end, this proved to be the best approach for us.  While we may have savoured fewer samples, we definitely discovered a couple of big hits among the inevitable misses. 

Interestingly, our top picks were as much about the people behind the wines as they were about the wines themselves.  As delicious as many of the products were, it seemed that the winemakers’ enthusiasm helped to set their wines apart.  A true oenophile may care more about the grape varietal or the bouquet than how approachable or informative a winery representative might be, but I believe there are probably many more like me.  Perhaps it is ever- so- slightly less sophisticated, but I just want to know why I am enjoying a particular taste or flavour, and I want to be free of the feeling that I should be able to exhibit some kind of expertise. 

So, to my mind, it is the winemakers who  put people at ease, help them to understand, and inspire a better appreciation that make the most memorable wines. 

Stratus Vineyards was exactly this kind of winery.   Makers of only two very distinctive signature wines, Stratus artfully combines several grape varieties into an “assemblage” , or blend.  These two wines, aptly named White and Red, were presented with passion by the lovely Suzanne Janke from Stratus and the charming Carlo Buffone, an Ottawa-based wine agent specializing in only the best boutique brands, and owner of Mama’s Boy Wines. 

Carlo Buffone & Suzanne Janke at the Wines of Ontario Winter Wine Fair

Both were warm, engaging, and totally into it.  Positivity and pride oozed as they lovingly described the wine and instructed us on their qualities, without even a hint of pretention.  In short, these two highly personable enthusiasts made it easy to understand, appreciate, and to remember Stratus wine. 

And, as it turns out, Stratus wines happen to be very well known and respected among “those in the know”.  Perhaps our palates aren’t so plain after all!  

The Stratus vineyard limits the number of grape clusters grown per cane, and hand picks the fruit before the winemaker ages the wine in French oak barrels.  What doesn’t quite make the cut gets blended to create Wildass Red and White, a slightly less pricey – but still very tasty – alternate offering.   The  Stratus winery is also LEED (Leadership in  Energy and Environmental Design) certified by the Canada Green Building Council, and is the first winery in the world to achieve this designation.  It even features an award winning tasting room by interior designer Diego Burdi of burdifilek, demonstrating an uncompromising commitment to excellence in all that the winery does.  Fittingly, the Stratus brand promises to be “the future of tradition”, which of course appeals enormously to this vintage living girlaboutOtown. 

While Stratus is not available at the LCBO, it can be purchased direct from the winery or through Carlo at Mama’s Boy Wines (for commercial and private clients).  And, when around town, keep your eyes open.  You can find this wonderful wine at renowned local fine-dining establishment Beckta, which recently co-hosted a Taste of Winterlude Winemaker Dinner with Stratus, and at Stephen Beckta’s new restaurant Play Food & Wine, which featured Wildass at their Winterlude Winemaker Dinner.

Anyway, for a few other yummy and sometimes hard to find wines, try:

• 2007 Counterpoint by Lailey Vineyard
• 2006 Baco Noir by 20 Bees
• 2007 Pinot Noir by Tawse Winery

Or, if you want to learn more, the LCBO’s current promotion is Red Wine 101, and offers wine appreciation basics, serving tips and even food pairing advice.  Check out their website and podcasts here.

And last but not least, if you are looking for some truly amazing cheese to accompany your wine, try anything from Fifth Town Artisan Cheese Co., available in Ottawa at Nicastro’s and La Bottega on York St.  This environmentally and socially responsible cheese producer in Prince Edward County offers up gourmet, hand made cheeses of fresh goat and sheep milk.  This stuff was simply sublime.

Working with freshwater pearls, semi-precious gems, foiled glass, Swarovski crystals, and sterling silver among other things, this local entrepreneur has been hand-crafting and selling one-of-a-kind pieces for over 5 years.   Recently, Walker-Khoury expanded into the area of custom bridal jewellery, and has helped more than a dozen soon-to-be betrothed ladies express their personal style on their wedding day.  Currently, Frash Femme is  available online and at Victoire, one of Ottawa’s most established and popular Indie boutiques.

As it turns out, Isobel Walker-Khoury is what I once heard referred to as an  “embedded creative”,  which means that she spends her most productive hours in a job completely unrelated to her deepest passion or true talents.  It also means that she – like me – harbours some pretty serious escape fantasies.  So, given this most interesting added twist,  I set out to find out more about a fellow cubicle dweller with creative ambitions! 

In short, here is a bit of what I learned about Isobel…

Hometown?  I was born in Red Deer, Alberta and lived in Edmonton until 1989 when I moved to Ottawa.  I  have loved it ever since.

Occupation? Public Servant/Indie Jewellery Designer

Passions?  Fashion, designing jewellery, mid -century modern furniture and films.

I am at my best when…   I have had a really good sleep, or a nice hot drink and some new jewellery supplies.

Wildest dream?   To travel around the world (literally) and sell my jewellery out of a backpack.

Most treasured belongings?  A vintage Eames side chair that I restored myself. 

source

Perfect day?  A long day of making jewellery, while watching great films and munching on my mums mac & cheese.

Childhood ambition?  To be a writer.

What do you talk about most?    Fashion, love, films, and of course, my aspirations!

Can’t live without?   My cats, my husband and Value Village (not necessarily in that order!).

Favourite colours?  Aqua and hot pink.

What impresses you?    A unique fashion sense.  It really doesn’t matter what size a person is, if they have a unique style that suits them, I find it very sexy.

Where do you feel most at home and why?   I feel at home at Chapters.  You can find me there at least once a week flipping through books and magazines looking for inspiration. And, my non-fat decaf Caramel Macchiato is never far!

Where do you find inspiration?   Films, magazines, and my friends.

What recommendations can you make for eating, shopping, and having fun here in O-town?

Eating?   Totoya Sushi restaurant  on Dalhousie.  It has an amazing sushi pizza and the best all you can eat deal!  

Also, I can’t lie.  I am a sucker for the Wendy’s JR Bacon Cheeseburger. ( And – yes – I dip my fries in my frosty!).

Shopping?  Value Village, Victoire,  and the Ladyfest Ottawa craft shows.

All around fun?    Movies at the Bytowne Cinema and the Canadian Film Institute.  And,  I love having Rock Band parties!

Instead of spending big money on martinis, why not splurge on a ticket for a gala fundraiser?  What could be better than getting dolled up for a big dinner, seeing a show or even dancing the evening away – all in support of a good cause.  Ottawa’s events calendar is chock- a- block of such opportunities, and aligning your social life with a sense of social justice can have tangible benefits for you, your community, and the world beyond. 

Here are a few upcoming events worthy of a splurge, along with some outfit options…

This Saturday, February 14, the black-tie Snowflake Ball 2009 will be held at the Hilton Lac Leamy.  This gala will benefit those suffering from Crohn’s, Colitis and colorectal cancer through The 3C Foundation and CHEO’s Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Centre, sponsored by the CHEO Foundation.  This swank affair will be a Masquerade, and guests are encouraged to don masks or 18th century costumes in the spirit of a Venetian “carnivale”.  In addition to cocktails, Cordon Bleu cuisine and live music, there will be live performances, a charity auction and take away party favours courtesy of PRADA perfumes.   Tickets are $250/person, and available here.

         
                              Snowflake Masquerade – by Kitelove on Polyvore.com

Or, for the more arty advocates, what about the V-Day 2009?   This local event is part of an international V-Day movement, which combines the grass roots efforts in 119 countries to raise awareness and funds to stop violence against women and girls.  Money raised at this weekend’s benefit performances of the well-known off-Broadway show “Vagina Monologues” will go to the Sexual Assault Support Centre (SASC) in Ottawa and to the V-Day International Spotlight Campaign to stop rape in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The V-Day Ottawa shows will feature performances by scores of Ottawa women, including a few local celebrities like Globe & Mail Senior Political Jane Taber and CTV weekend anchor Kimothy Walker, in addition to a generous number of raffle prizes and a “made by men” bake sale.  Two shows will take place on February 20 and 21 at the Bronson Centre. Tickets are $20 ($25 at the door) and may be purchased in advance at Venus Envy, the Ottawa Women’s Credit Union, Mother Tongue Books, Sophia Esthetic and Collected Works.  For more information, click here.

Arty Advocate – by Kitelove on Polyvore.com

Finally, for those music lovers out there, Ottawa’s annual Black & White Opera Soiree concert and gala will take place Feb 21.at the National Arts Centre.  Presented by Bell, TV news anchors  Peter Mansbridge, Lloyd Robertson and Bernard Derome will host a “Gilbert and Sullivan on Parliament Hill” evening, with proceeds benefiting the National Arts Centre Orchestra and Opera Lyra.

See the show on its own, or join a fabulous gala celebration that includes cocktails, dinner, the concert and a VIP post party complete with the star performers. Tickets for the concert are priced between $50 and $80, and can be purchased through TicketMaster outlets (613-755-1111) and the NAC box office. To go to the gala for $325/person, call 613-947-7000, ext. 322 or 613-233-9200, ext. 224.               
                                          black & white soiree – by Kitelove on Polyvore.com

And, if the bottom line ticket prices are still a bit too steep, don’t despair. You can always get involved by volunteering your time.  Behind the glitz and glamour of a gala night, there is plenty of planning and preparation to be done, and “many hands do make light work” as they say.

I myself have found a cause to get behind, but more on that later.  For now, consider some fabulous fun with big benefits!

While I do love to scrounge around at the local Sally Ann or Value Village in the hopes of scoring a find, there is really something to be said for taking a more civilized approach.  Rather than suffering bright lights and sifting through the racks, the little girlaboutOtown and I had a lovely morning browsing in the warm glow of the sun, surrounded by the sounds of Jack Johnson singing softly in the background, and indulging in some seriously sweet treats.  All of this, and we were presented a spectacular selection of top notch vintage pieces, lovingly curated and displayed with careful attention to detail.

Legendary in local circles for her vintage clothing collection, Harris was trying out the “trunk show” concept following the recent closure of her Ottawa Antique Market store.  With considerable stock still in storage, and plans to continue selling her wares at various antique and vintage clothing shows, Harris was looking to  reduce her inventory to a more manageable and moveable size.  Lucky for us! The variety of clothing, jewellery, and accessories was impressive, and the prices were downright fabulous…

It is clear that Harris loves her work, and is deeply committed to the ‘rescue’ of top quality, finely crafted, beautifully preserved iconic wardrobe pieces.  This was no traveling trunk of junk.  Instead, Harris made it super easy for vintage fanatics, shopaholics and fashionistas alike by offering up the good stuff.  From refined sweaters and scarves to elegant dresses and coats, it was hard not to “ooo” and “ah” aloud while taking each and every timeless piece out to admire, even when there was no chance it was going to fit. 

In any event, it seems to this girlaboutOtown that Harris’ trunk sale was a total success.  In addition to the Harris team of friendly (and very well dressed) helpers, there were plenty of people enjoying this uncommon occasion who obviously appreciate the appeal of vintage fashion.   The dressing room was permanently occupied, the racks were constantly replenished, and the spirit of cooperation was tangible.  I, for one, hope this first was not the last!

For more about Mary Ann Harris, check here. To find out more about upcoming shows and events, join her new Ottawa Vintage Fashion News Facebook group.

Vintage Rage announcement courtesy of Mary Ann Harris, photo collage by me.

t  While browsing through this month’s Cookie Magazine, I was struck to learn that while 75% of moms are most often their family’s photographer, 66% wished they featured in more snapshots.  As it turns out, I am not alone!  Since discovering the wonders of digital photography, I have been very busy documenting life in all of its colour, but I too have noted my pronounced absence from the pictures.  Apparently, control of the camera leads to a serious lack of visibility in the context of your own personal history. 

Haven’t we all gazed wistfully at photographs famous and not-so famous people engaged in their regular lives?  Whether you notice or not, pictures of families in action are prevalent everywhere – online and in print, and most often, moms are present and accounted for.  While these photo spreads might be entirely staged and shot by professionals, they do serve as a reminder to us all that sometimes we really should be a part of the bigger picture. 

I am at a point in my life that I would like to look back on fondly.  While there is always someone who can take a passing snapshot, these aren’t always the most flattering, and someday I’m sure I will really want to remember how great I feel now.  So, this year I am resolved to have some pictures taken.  Rather than wait for an occasion, I want the expert eye of a photographer to capture life as it is, and to help me see myself within it – for posterity.  

There are tons of great photographers here in Ottawa, and many will take headshots or portraits either in studio or on location.   Don’t forget Rémi Thériault, subject of on of this girlaboutOtown’s Courage City profiles.  He is fabulously talented and conveys a ton of personality in the portraits he takes.  For more on Rémi and his work, you can follow his blog.   Alternatively, check out this list for other local professionals, and aim to see yourself or your family in print.

t  Also on my mind is the strong possibility that I’m going to have to get serious about wine.  I’m a grown up now, and at the very least, I really should have a better idea of what to bring to a dinner party.  I used feel comfortable with a couple of tried-and-true varieties that were once characterized as “very ok” by a good (and honest) friend of mine who considers herself a connoisseur.  However, these brands have become a little too common and predictable for Ottawa’s increasingly sophisticated palate.  Worst of all, these selections betray my ignorance, which never makes me happy….

There seems to be no end to the opportunities to learn the grapes.  This town is seriously wine crazy.  In addition to Algonquin College’s respected Sommelier Program and Wine Recognition Certificate, Ottawa-based company Groovy Grapes serves up all kinds of wine tasting events and also keeps a running list of wine related events in the region.  Of course, there is always the LCBO run wine appreciation courses at both the Rideau St. and Nepean locations, as well as local blog Cheap Eats Ottawa which regularly posts their picks on a LCBO Vintages Value list.

Anyway, I confess I’m not totally into it, and I probably won’t ever want to know more about wine than I do about say…vintage clothing, antique furniture or old world textiles.  That said, I do feel somewhat compelled to step it up a notch.  So, in the spirit of enhancing my understanding of spirits, I should probably take advantage of one of these upcoming intriguing learning possibilities. 

February 7 – Groovy Grapes at the Urban Element:  How to Match Wine with Cheese

February 18 – Taste of Winterlude: Ontario Winter Wine Night Out – Wine Show Tasting 

April 1 – The Westin Ottawa: California Wines in Canada Fair 2009

t You may have missed it, but in the past year, Ottawa has gone upscale when it comes to the beauty biz.  There are the swanky new Beauty Boutiques popping up at a Shopper’s Drug Mart near you and famous international retailer SEPHORA has settled in to some prime real estate at the new and improved Rideau Centre.  Add to this scene Murale, a new player that has just set up shop in Orleans.  This exclusive beauty destination sells over 200 luxury brands and offers specialized services.   

No more excuses ladies.  While it may be a ways off, I am determined to age gracefully and I’m not too proud to depend on a little product to help.  I have come a long way in recent history – due in part to a watershed visit to Holt Renfrew – but I do accept that skin care can get complicated.  It may finally be time to get out and explore the crowded world of beauty products, and to learn learn all that I can from the pros!

Images from: Cookie Magazine, Rémi Thériault, LCBO, Wine Council of Ontario, and SEPHORA.

2008 was good to me.  Since starting to blog, this girlaboutOtown has really been out and about.  I’ve been having tons of fun doing different things, exploring new places, meeting inspiring people, and even uncovering cool ideas along the way.  Your encouraging feedback is most appreciated too. Thank you so much for reading!

There is so much more to discover and experience though, and I am resolved to share what I learn as I go.

So, why not make a list? Why not consider a few Ottawa related personal objectives for the upcoming year?  After all, this is the time year when we’re supposed to take stock, reflect and then look forward to what is ahead.  Stretching beyond our individual comfort zone – especially in the context of our community – has immeasurable benefits.  Of this, I am sure. 

Here are a few things I hope to do in 2009…

t Here in Ottawa, there are a host of independent galleries that exhibit works from a range of local, national and international artists.  I don’t stop in to see as often as I would like, and I want to more often.  Vernissage openings seem to me the best option for this, and many galleries host these regularly.  What better way to see new art than in the company of  the artist, with a DJ spinning and a glass of wine in hand? 

This weekend @ Gallerie La Petite Mort Gallery:

Hayden Menzies/Inside & Out/ New Paintings

January 2 – February 4, 2009

Sponsored by CKCU 93.1 FM

Awhile back, I was in San Francisco for one of their First Thursday’s.  Galleries in SF, and now in many other U.S. cities, coordinate events and openings on the first Thursday of every month.  Since then, I’ve wondered about the possibility of a similar tradition here in O-Town?  Until such a time, I will try to find a way to drop into a few more Vernissage openings.

t Similarly, I’m feeling like it might be time to give classical music a serious second try.  The last time I went to listen is now the stuff of family legend.  My Dad and I, in the spirit of  father/daughter bonding, made a date together to the NAC to hear the Orchestra.  Nestled into our cozy seats, enveloped by semi-darkness, and lulled by the sweet sounds of the string instruments, we both promptly fell asleep.  A bonding experience indeed… 

Anyway, I am certain that nowadays, I would appreciate a few evenings  of classical inspiration.  And, what an opportunity to bond with my little girlaboutOtown who has expressed a genuine interest in learning the violin!  Perhaps we’ll try to see Amanda Forsyth, one of Ottawa’s most glamourous and talented women, play in May.  What better way to impress upon a little one that music of all kinds can be cool.  Listen here for more from Ms. Forsyth.

t This year, as my fascination with decorative design,  architecture and antique furniture deepens, I really don’t want to miss Ottawa’s annual House Tours.  By catching even a glimpse of  how others live and how they express themselves, I am sure to gain even greater insight into how it is we find ourselves “at home”.  And, for an added bonus, these house tours are also important fundraisers for worthy local charities. 

I’ll be looking for both the Ottawa West and the IODE annual House Tours later on in the year.

t Also on the list for 2009 is my triumphant return to skis.  It’s been more years than I care to admit since I have donned the downhill’s and there is no avoiding it any longer.  In spite of my aversion to dangerous speeds, bitter cold and silly looking snow pants, I am finally convinced that outdoor pursuits of this nature may actually serve me well.  At the very least, a little winter sun will help ensure a minimum dose of Vitamin D.

In addition, I’ve received a very fine invitation from my Wakefield friend who has kindly offered to host a day of cross-country skiing, followed by a dunk in her hot tub under the stars.    Hmm.  I guess I could be persuaded!

Stay tuned for more ideas and plans for 2009…

Image credits: Painting from Hayden Menzies @ Gallerie La Petite Mort Gallery, Amanda Forsyth.com and The Ottawa West House Tour, and Gorsuch.

This get up and go girl has been on the job for just over a month, and has already kicked this comprehensive online City Guide into full gear, adding considerable value to the site by incorporating original content.  Hoping to draw readers who are looking for more than just basic information, Tomovcik wants to nurture Ottawa’s arts scene, celebrate local writers, artists and photographers, and build a community bloggers – all while keeping us all up to date on what’s happening around town.  “People have stuff to say” she says, “and there are amazing people you never hear about!”.  Anyway, this is just my kind of thinking, and I am pretty pumped about participating.                  

Every week or so, an Ottawa focused girlaboutOtown post will be featured on Ottawafocus.com (tee hee).  And, soon I will start contributing exclusive articles focused on interior decoration and design.  Check me out here!            

For those of you who may not have come across Ottawafocus.com, it began back in 2007 when a couple of techie types over at Atomic Motion, a local web development company decided to create Ottawafood.com as a weekend lark.  This exhaustive web based restaurant listing quickly became a premier online destination for local dining enthusiasts looking for good information. Following on the heels of their overnight success, these same Atomic Motion dudes decided to build Ottawafocus.com, an even bigger site – this time with event listings, a museum and theatre directory and even neighbourhood guides – in addition to restaurants and bars.  Well designed and easy to use, the site enables local organizers a free and easy way to expose their event to a rapidly growing audience.  And, their movie listings are the best around!

Enter Ren Tomovcik.  Employed primarily as a writer, Tomovcik only works on Ottawafocus.com some of the time.  She is passionate about the portal’s potential though, and longs for the day when she will be managing and writing on the site full time.  In the interim, Tomovcik understands the value of the experience she is gaining, and continues to create opportunities by simply doing what she loves to do.   In addition to her day job, Tomovcik hosts Renegade, a bi-weekly radio program on CKCU-FM Radio 93.1 and writes content and reviews for AllGirlArcade.com, an online gaming community for girls. 

So what does this amazing person you may not have heard about have to say?  Here is just a bit…

What do you crave?   A good cup of tea.

What is your greatest indulgence? Chocolate.

Do you collect?  I tried collecting stamps.  I have a ton of stamps.  Really, I have more stamps than I should for someone who doesn’t know anything about stamps.  I tend toward short term obsessions.   I will decide to collect something, furiously go about acquiring what I need to complete the collection, and then go and sell it all on e-bay. 

What are you afraid of?  Failure.  And making bad choices.

What is your biggest challenge?  Focus.  Its an ongoing challenge for me to decide what I want to do with my life.  I have so many passions, and want to dip into so many things, I sometimes feel like there is just so much to jam into the little time we have!

Fiction or Non-fiction?  Fiction.  I read to escape.  I get enough non-fiction in real life

What can you not live without?  The internet.  It’s maybe a symptom of our modern world, but I feel I need communication to feel in touch with the world.  Too long without the internet, and I feel disconnected…

First job?  A counter attendant in a jewellery store.  I was 16…

What is your secret hidden talent?  Parallel parking.

Describe your personal style?  My current personal style is dictated by what will look the least windblown after ten minutes outside in an Ottawa snowstorm.  It’s all about hats and finding waterproof footwear that isn’t too abominably ugly!

What about Ottawa?  Where is the best place to see live music?  Wherever there’s a good band playing!

Favourite Restaurant?  Mamma Grazzi’s.

Best Ottawa breakfast?  Cora’s.

Favourite place to shop?   The Market.

This girlaboutOtown is pretty sure Ren Tomovcik is someone with something to say!  No doubt we’ll be hearing more from her as she continues to do more of what she loves.

Local businessman Steve Martin has attracted a considerable amount of curiosity and attention since The Gladstone’s opening earlier this fall, and the shows have been getting rave reviews.  It seems that all of O-town is fascinated by this latest audacious addition to the city’s theatre scene, astonished by Martin’s intrepid renovation of the deserted former home of the Great Canadian Theatre Company, and dazzled by the glamourous design.  Like a rush of wind on a crisp fall day, Steve Martin and the Gladstone theatre have shaken things up here in Ottawa, and are offering up something seriously fresh.

Inspired as always by stories of courage, creativity and commerce, I too wanted to know more about the man in the canary yellow jacket.  So a few weeks back, I set out to track this Mr. Steve Martin down, and see if he might be willing to dish in more detail about himself, his motivation, and his new venture.  As things turned out, he was utterly accessible and totally keen.  Early on a Monday morning, I met him outside the front doors of the theatre.  His shirtsleeves were rolled up and he and his crew were already working hard.  Between productions, they were feverishly switching sets in time for their next opening night.  “We all need to get paid” Martin said, ” we don’t have a lot of time between shows!”.  He did however, make time to sit down and talk, to offer some insight, and to share some stories.

Having been to see The Gladstone’s hit opening production “How the Other Half Loves”, I had kept the show program.  To me, Martin’s passion and warmth was evident even in written form, and the program contained some good clues worthy of further exploration.  Particularly intrigued by his repeated invitation for show- goers to “Experience Theatre”, I began our conversation by asking him what he meant.  More than just a catchy tag line, it was soon clear this is a meaningful mantra for Martin, and it wasn’t long before I found myself nodding in agreement as he elaborated with enthusiasm.

Martin’s dedication to the theatre was instantly obvious.  He expanded on the notion of a live medium with no artificial barriers between players and an audience, and he talked about the skill required by actors who must remain in character for extended periods.  Revealingly, he also lamented that all too often, one’s theatre experience is limited to the darkness surrounding a lit stage, and that many other aspects – from ticket purchase and arrival to coat check and intermission – can leave people cold.

To him, a great night out shouldn’t be contingent solely on the success of a production. Instead, an evening of theatre should be all encompassing, and should generate genuine excitement, anticipation and inspiration.  Because of this fundamental belief, real people answer the phone when you call The Gladstone for seats, there is no glass in the box office window, and smartly uniformed ushers greet you in person with a smile to check you off their guest list.  No anonymous ticket transactions at The Gladstone!  Martin wants people to feel like they’re important from before they arrive until long after the show is over, and he hopes each and every individual remembers their evening out as special event.  Here, he and I see eye to eye.

This “Experience Theatre” philosophy extends to the carefully conceived exterior architecture and interior decor, as well as a consistently high caliber approach to marketing and graphic design.  Even the clever and irreverent show programs, chock full of interesting facts and amusing anecdotes, reflect Martin’s desire to create a lasting memory.

With not much more than a gut feeling and a clear vision of what he perceived was missing in Ottawa, Martin set out to build something different, trusting in his ability to achieve it.  Searching the Internet for inspiration, he collaborated with local experts to customize The Gladstone’s distinctive marquee, refurbish the exterior and to redecorate with his “Experience Theatre” mantra in mind.  With design-builder Gordon Weima,  Judith Wightman a talented hobby decorator (executive headhunter by profession), and Ottawa based marketing firm Sum Inc. among others on the job, a remarkable physical transformation has occurred, and The Gladstone’s uniquely appealing brand has been thoroughly established.  From red curtain to cast, soap dispenser to show program and from wallpaper to website, The Gladstone does not disappoint. 

Characterizing himself as a dreamer in his youth, Martin claims he always had a vivid imagination.  Born in Montreal and raised in the Niagara region, he says whenever he watched TV, he would identify with the protagonist.  “I would imagine myself as Perry Mason” he says, “and I would always be solving mysteries or coming to the rescue.”

Never a huge fan of school, playing pretend evolved into work for Martin very early on.  His first job was sweeping up at the now defunct Maple Leaf Village Amusement Park in Niagara Falls.  It didn’t take him long to move up to master of the midway though, refining his performance skills by attracting scores players to the carnival games with the biggest and best prizes.  While facilitating frivolity and fun, he also discovered his love for acting. This led him to straight to drama class in high school, where he confirmed his passion for the theatre.  Martin still credits his favourite teacher Judy Kirland with igniting this passion, and for nurturing his dreams.

Following high school, Martin continued doing what he loved, acting in various summer theatre productions and filling in with whatever jobs were required for him to survive.  After awhile, his circumstances changed, and he decided it was time for a ’serious’ job with the federal government.  “It was a lot like acting”, he recalls with a smile, “although I’m sure that wasn’t why they hired me!”.  While working at his desk job, and still longing for the stage, Martin came upon ballroom dancing by accident.  Walking in to a studio one day, he inquired what kind of experience was necessary to become an instructor, and was delighted to be hired and then trained.  Martin began his career in professional ballroom dancing right then and there, and hasn’t looked back.

After a couple of moves, Martin eventually ended up in Ottawa with his wife Marilisa Granzotto, also a talented ballroom dancer.  They came to open the Arthur Murray Dance Studio now just up the street from The Gladstone, and the two have worked side by side raising a family and running a business ever since.   In addition to their strong and successful partnership, Martin and his wife are also committed to their family.  For Martin, the kids are a priority, and he is comfortable knowing that by doing what he loves to do and by trying his best to do it well, he is setting a good example.   Now, with his better half running the show at the Dance Studio, Martin is finally starring in the real life role of his lifetime – as hero in his own dream scene.

As much as he loves a good show, opening The Gladstone is all about business for Martin.  Convinced that there is room for a commercial theatre here in Ottawa, he is serious about the success of his endeavour.  Not wanting to rely on philanthropy or public funding, Martin knows that to compete in an “arts & culture town”, he has to provide outstanding customer service in addition top notch performances, and he knows that he needs bodies in the seats. 

It seems Martin’s midway days may have left a lasting impression.  Almost instinctively, he understands that its not just the big prize that brings customers back, it is the sum of their theatre experience.  He also knows the way he deals with people makes or breaks that experience – so he does everything he can to ensure its a good one – even if it means stepping out in a canary yellow jacket.  For Martin, that’s just show business.

Here are some more interesting insights from the man behind the marquee…

♣  What constitutes a perfect day?  Mont Tremblant with my kids.

♣ What is your greatest indulgence?  More than anything, I savour time with my kids.

♣ What are your most treasured belongings?  Photographs.  It may sound cliche, but it is true. 

♣ What impresses you?  Integrity and good service.

♣ Favourite movies?  Ooo.  That’s easy.  I’ve got five, and I never get tired of them.  The original Willy Wonka with Gene Wilder, Groundhog Day with Bill Murray, The Sandlot, The Princess Bride and A Christmas Story.  They’re all feel good stories that are funny without being stupid, and I can watch them with my kids.

♣ Favourite Ottawa spots for eating out?  Dominic over at the Trattoria Caffe Italia on Preston offers fabulous food and great service.  I’m a regular over there, and Dominic looks after me.  Oh, and Moe Attallah’s Newport Restaurant on Richmond Rd. is a local legend for good reason.  His reputation is well earned.  If its not right, he fixes it.  Simple.