Books, books and more books….

There is something very comforting about being surrounded by books.  So you can only imagine how pleased we were to hear that home libraries are making a comeback, even with the growing generation of e-readers. It’s people like our friends and neighbors Rod and Kim from The Paper Hound who have been a part of this movement.  They have done an amazing job at making sure that books will always be a part of our lives.  You see, libraries bring us back to where we’ve been and where we want to go – they shelter memories and the stories that have somehow touched us.  Needless to say, libraries as decor excites us, as we’ve always said, “like a great written work, great interiors tell a story”.

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Image from Cartoloji

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Image from Dayoris Custom Woodwork

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Image from Shift

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Image from studiofour

Happy Holidays 2014

Happy Holidays 2014

ZWADA home’s Favorite – SAKURA Cherry Blossom Green Tea

While living in Tokyo, one of our good friends introduced us to this beautiful green tea from France and we immediately fell in love.  SAKURA, the legendary tea from MARIAGE FRÈRES flavoured with tender cherry blossom, has a delicately sweet and floral note.  A tea your guests are sure to remember.

 

 

茶柱が立つ (Chabashira ga tatsu) – In Japan it is a sign of good luck to have a tea stalk floating upright in your tea.

 

 

▶ MARIAGE FRÈRES – SAKURA Cherry Blossom Green Tea

 

ANN SACKS to open in Vancouver!

We are so pleased to hear that ANN SACKS will soon be opening a new showroom in Vancouver.  We fell in love with the company years ago while installing a hand painted Sakura Wall Mural for a project in Alberta.  Their passion lies in helping you make your home an expressive, exceptional space.  They’ve built their reputation with innovative and beautiful tile, stone as well as plumbing.  Whether your setting is traditional or modern, ANN SACKS offers an infinite variety of inspiring designs at a wide range of price points.  Opening in 2015!

 

ANN SACKS Lucian Metallics

 

Salari Fine Carpets – First Anniversary Celebration

 

Floral installation for Salari Fine Carpets First Anniversary Celebration.

Congratulations!

 

Barclay Street Project

We recently completed a design project for a young couple who live in the heart of downtown Vancouver. Surrounded by restaurants, shops and great nightlife, they wanted the space to be simple and uncluttered, yet inviting. We chose contemporary pieces and kept furniture to a minimum. The space was accented with just enough colour and texture to it give it some interest.

▶ Barclay Street Project Photos

 

 

Togenkyo – A Paradise on Earth

We enjoyed watching the documentary about Kazuyuki Ishihara, the Japanese landscape artist who recently won the Best Artisan Garden Award at the Chelsea Flower Show 2014.  This garden has been inspired by the fable of Tongenkyo, a place of beautiful scenery that can help people forget their troubles.

 

 

The combination of round river rocks with moss planted around them and then further carried throughout design, creates layers and gives more depth to the garden.  In addition, so many different colours of maples were used to give an overall softer relaxing atmosphere.

 

 

The sound and presence of running water is an important element in Japanese garden design, and is one that Kazuyuki mastered perfectly.

 

Kazuyuki Ishihara

* Photos from Nikkei Trendy Net

Exploring BC Local Vineyards – Campbell Valley Wine Festival

We spent last Sunday with friends taking part in the Campbell Valley Summer Wine Festival in Langley.  Our friends, who had just returned from a trip to France and Italy the week prior, were very impressed by the wonderful local vineyards scattered throughout the valley.  Each was unique and charming in its own way.

Township 7 Vineyards & Winery

http://www.township7.com

We loved the hospitality and wonderful award winning wines of this vineyard and winery.  Our guests were delighted with the handcrafted wines, that they joined the wine club and had a case of the Provence-style Rosé shipped home for an upcoming dinner party.

 

 

 

Our Pick:
Rosé 2013

 

 

Backyard Vineyards

http://www.backyardvineyards.ca

We felt like we were with friends at a country BBQ – wonderful music by Canadian country girls Robyn & Ryleigh.  Great quality varietal, blended and bubbly wines that are made from 100% BC Grapes.

 

 

 

Our Pick:
2011 Syrah

 

 

Chaberton Estate Winery

http://www.chabertonwinery.com

We were here just a week earlier for Sunday lunch at the Zagat-rated Bacchus Bistro.  The delicious French cuisine paired with their award-winning wines certainly makes for an enjoyable afternoon.  The beautiful 55-acre property is the oldest winery in the Fraser Valley and the third largest estate winery in BC.

 

 

Our Pick:
2004 Reserve Syrah

 

 

Vista D’oro Farms & Winery

 

We fell in love with Vista D’oro – a farm and winery established by the husband and wife team of Patrick and Lee .  Lee, otherwise known as ‘The Jam Master’, does an amazing job creating and producing preserves.  She truly has a broad knowledge of flavour pairings – very creative.  Patrick who started out making wine as a hobby, now shares his passion with others.  The winery’s flagship is their D’oro – a fortified walnut wine that is to die for.

 

 

 

 

From the Preservatory :
Raspberry & Merlot with Peppercorns
http://www.vistadoro.com/season/spring

 

 

 
 

The Perfect Peach

We used delicious locally grown BC peaches in making this sublime cold soup taken from Food and WIne magazine.  The delicate balance of flavours and freshness of the ingredients made it the perfect starter for a summer BBQ with friends – sensational!

 

http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/chilled-peach-soup-with-fresh-goat-cheese 

 

 

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Summer in the City

Just returned from a wonderful week in Montreal!  We were down east finishing off our latest project – a loft in Griffintown.  Once again, we were taken back by the architectural beauty of the city as well as the warmth of the people.  With our friend Anthony (Café Myriade) as our guide, we were able to explore a few new places as well as hit a couple of our old favourites.

 

Hotel

Hotel Omni Mont-Royal

1050 Rue Sherbrooke Ouest, Montréal, QC H3A 2R6
Phone: (514) 284-1110

Loved the location, as it was central and easy to access all areas of the city.

Image from Hotel Omni Mont-Royal

Restaurant and Cafe

Le Vin Papillon

2519 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Montréal, QC, H3J 1N4

Sat at a picnic table on the back outdoor patio – the only place to be.  These wings were only a part of an amazing late night dinner.  Teamed with a bottle of organic wine,  it had all the makings of a perfect summer evening.

 

Hôtel Herman

5171 Boulevard Saint-Laurent, Montréal, QC H2T 1R9
Phone: (514) 278-7000

Great space with delicious food to match.  The lamb tartare is to die for.

 

Lawrence

5201 Boulevard Saint-Laurent, Montréal, QC H2T 2L9
Phone:(514) 503-1070

The server recommended the burger and it certainly did not disappoint.  Apparently, people come from all parts of the city for just the burger – now I understand why.

 

Maison Publique

4720 Rue Marquette, Montréal, QC H2J 3Y6
Phone: (514) 507-0555

We had the pleasure of meeting chef/owner Derek Dammann who is a definitely a master at what he does.  Not only was the evening a culinary adventure, his stories and sense of humour added to the night.  Bar counter is the way to go!  

 Derek Dammann (left) and partner Jamie Oliver (right)

Image from eater.com

 

Café Myriade

1432 Rue Mackay, Montreal, QC H3G 2H7
251 Saint-Viateur O, Montreal, QC  H2V 1Y1

What more needs to be said – the absolute best coffee in town.  The local dairy Société Orignal that supplies the milk for the drinks is deliciously rich and sweet – no sugar needed.  The beans come from 49th Parallel Roasters which is based in Vancouver.  If you haven’t tried their coffee or bought their beans, you don’t know what you’re missing.

 

Previous blog about Montreal:
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             Vive Montreal!