<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" xmlns:georss="http://www.georss.org/georss" xmlns:geo="http://www.w3.org/2003/01/geo/wgs84_pos#" > <channel> <title>Christopher Massardo – DelectablyChic!</title> <atom:link href="https://www.delectablychic.com/author/christopher-massardo/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://www.delectablychic.com</link> <description>Food, style, travel, events and more...in Toronto and around the world</description> <lastBuildDate>Tue, 14 Jul 2015 15:11:58 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2</generator> <site xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">55826681</site> <item> <title>Design Time with Luc Crawford</title> <link>https://www.delectablychic.com/design-time-with-luc-crawford/</link> <comments>https://www.delectablychic.com/design-time-with-luc-crawford/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Christopher Massardo]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 14 Jul 2015 14:00:48 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Home]]></category> <category><![CDATA[condo]]></category> <category><![CDATA[condo living]]></category> <category><![CDATA[home]]></category> <category><![CDATA[interior design]]></category> <category><![CDATA[interior designers]]></category> <category><![CDATA[interviews]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Luc Crawford]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ottawa]]></category> <category><![CDATA[small space living]]></category> <category><![CDATA[urban life]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.delectablychic.com/?p=23645</guid> <description><![CDATA[Interior design takes a certain level of; creativity, genius, business sense and an over all understanding of aesthetic to really get it right. It’s more than just, “bright colours” and some “furniture flow” when it comes to designing a space. Finding all of these traits in a designer, plus that feeling of confidence knowing you’re […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Interior design takes a certain level of; creativity, genius, business sense and an over all understanding of aesthetic to really get it right. It’s more than just, “bright colours” and some “furniture flow” when it comes to designing a space. Finding all of these traits in a designer, plus that feeling of confidence knowing you’re not going to have your wallet taken to the cleaner is a challenge in it self. Yes, interior design isn’t cheap, and you get what you pay for. However, that doesn’t mean you’re going to give up your first born just to have a beautifully designed and decorated home. I caught up with Ottawa based Luc Crawford, Crawford has been in the interior design world for over twenty years. His design work has garnered him media attention, a number of awards, and has been featured in countless publications including Christie’s International magazine, Our Home magazine, Reno and Décor magazine, and many more! Sitting down with Crawford, he shared some insight into his background and some advice on decorating for city living.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/banner_LucCrawfordIMAGE.jpg"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="23650" data-permalink="https://www.delectablychic.com/design-time-with-luc-crawford/banner_luccrawfordimage/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/banner_LucCrawfordIMAGE.jpg?fit=540%2C227&ssl=1" data-orig-size="540,227" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="banner_LucCrawfordIMAGE" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/banner_LucCrawfordIMAGE.jpg?fit=300%2C126&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/banner_LucCrawfordIMAGE.jpg?fit=540%2C227&ssl=1" tabindex="0" role="button" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-23650" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/banner_LucCrawfordIMAGE.jpg?resize=540%2C227" alt="banner_LucCrawfordIMAGE" width="540" height="227" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/banner_LucCrawfordIMAGE.jpg?w=540&ssl=1 540w, https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/banner_LucCrawfordIMAGE.jpg?resize=150%2C63&ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/banner_LucCrawfordIMAGE.jpg?resize=300%2C126&ssl=1 300w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-recalc-dims="1" /></a></p> <p><strong>What pulled you towards interior design?</strong></p> <p><em>It would have to be my creative approach to everything I do, I have always been passionate about residential and commercial design.</em></p> <p><strong>What do you love most about what you do?</strong></p> <p><em>I enjoy making a space beautiful. I love to see the appreciation my clients have for my work. They love their space, I love their home</em></p> <p><strong>What do you love the least?</strong></p> <p><em>False expectations, over promising and under delivering.</em></p> <p><strong>What would you say is the biggest misconception about what you do?</strong></p> <p><em>Consumers believe that designers are a luxury item costing top dollar, when that isn’t the case. A consultation with a designer to point you in the right direction is only going to cost about the same as a registered massage.</em></p> <p><strong>Tell us something about your job that people would be surprised to hear?</strong></p> <p><em> I do more than choose paint, fabric and furniture. As designers we specialize in everything and at the top of our list is construction and renovation.</em></p> <p><strong>Is there an interior designer whose career you look up to?</strong></p> <p><em>Kelly Hoppen – her approach to design is flawless, sleek and always on trend.</em></p> <p><strong>Who inspires you?</strong></p> <p><em> My husband and two girls.</em></p> <p><strong>Can you give us some design tips for small space (condo) living?</strong></p> <ul> <li><em>Desk behind the sofa paired with a small clear chair, this desk against the back of the sofa invites sliding right in for a little work or reading. It could even double for a dining space.</em></li> <li><em>Daybed in the living room Any of us who have lived in a studio can appreciate this idea: A daybed is a great way to meld your sleeping area into a one-room-living or studio.</em></li> <li><em>Matching cabinets and walls. Paint all walls and kitchen cabinetry in all one colour. This is a great way to incorporate a kitchen that’s part of the main living space and allows use of a bold colour without drawing too much attention to the kitchen. Bold colour on the ceiling is always a great design feature.</em></li> <li><em>Deep monochrome colour A dark, all-one-colour scheme always feels lush and relaxing. Forget trying to make the room seem bigger and embrace the coziness and simplicity. Of course, it doesn’t hurt if the room has a killer view of the CN tower.</em></li> <li><em>Skinny and clear coffee table. A narrow coffee table does the job of providing a little horizontal surface in the center of the living area without taking up a big footprint.</em></li> <li><em>Small accent decorative chair or ottoman keeps the room decorative and practical.</em></li> </ul> <p>You can check out more from Crawford at <a href="http://www.luccrawford.com" target="_blank">www.luccrawford.com</a></p> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>Image credit: Company</strong></em></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.delectablychic.com/design-time-with-luc-crawford/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">23645</post-id> </item> <item> <title>A Meal at Ottawa’s Mezzanotte</title> <link>https://www.delectablychic.com/a-meal-at-ottawas-mezzanotte/</link> <comments>https://www.delectablychic.com/a-meal-at-ottawas-mezzanotte/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Christopher Massardo]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 16 Jun 2015 13:00:13 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Dining]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Restaurants]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Byward Market]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Canada's Capital]]></category> <category><![CDATA[italian]]></category> <category><![CDATA[italian cuisine]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mezzanotte]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mezzanotte Bistro Italiano]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ontario]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ottawa]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ottawa Restaurants]]></category> <category><![CDATA[travel]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.delectablychic.com/?p=23480</guid> <description><![CDATA[Fine dining in Ottawa isn’t hard to find, but that is really more of a problem than it might sound. Ottawa’s Byward Market is full of locations that will provide you with a satisfactory experience, however, if you’re anything like me, satisfactory just isn’t good enough. I want it all when it comes to my […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Fine dining in Ottawa isn’t hard to find, but that is really more of a problem than it might sound. Ottawa’s Byward Market is full of locations that will provide you with a satisfactory experience, however, if you’re anything like me, satisfactory just isn’t good enough. I want it all when it comes to my dining experience, really. Inexpensive, large portions, friendly staff and style that transcends beyond your typical restaurant locale. Like I said, I want it all, and why shouldn’t you? If you’re going to spend those hard earned bucks on an afternoon or evening out, make it count!</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/mezz_3.jpg"><img decoding="async" data-attachment-id="23485" data-permalink="https://www.delectablychic.com/a-meal-at-ottawas-mezzanotte/mezz_3/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/mezz_3.jpg?fit=540%2C380&ssl=1" data-orig-size="540,380" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"Julie Lalonde Photography","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="mezz_3" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/mezz_3.jpg?fit=300%2C211&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/mezz_3.jpg?fit=540%2C380&ssl=1" tabindex="0" role="button" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-23485" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/mezz_3.jpg?resize=540%2C380" alt="mezz_3" width="540" height="380" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/mezz_3.jpg?w=540&ssl=1 540w, https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/mezz_3.jpg?resize=150%2C106&ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/mezz_3.jpg?resize=300%2C211&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/mezz_3.jpg?resize=65%2C45&ssl=1 65w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-recalc-dims="1" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>The interior of the restaurant</em></strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;">One delectable destination that actually gets a checkmark for everything on my list is <a href="http://www.mezzanotte-bistro.com/" target="_blank">Mezzanotte Bistro Italiano</a>, opened in 1996 by current owner Tony Canonico. Located in the middle of the bustling and trendy Byward Market, Mezzanotte offers a mix of authentic and innovative Italian cuisine with a very welcoming, but chic atmosphere. The interior decor gives the restaurant a feeling of sophistication, but also a light, airy, relaxed vibe. Rich with natural light and bright white furniture accents, Mezzanotte sits at the crossroad where open concept meets urban chic.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/mezz_2.jpg"><img decoding="async" data-attachment-id="23486" data-permalink="https://www.delectablychic.com/a-meal-at-ottawas-mezzanotte/mezz_2/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/mezz_2.jpg?fit=540%2C301&ssl=1" data-orig-size="540,301" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="mezz_2" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/mezz_2.jpg?fit=300%2C167&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/mezz_2.jpg?fit=540%2C301&ssl=1" tabindex="0" role="button" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-23486" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/mezz_2.jpg?resize=540%2C301" alt="mezz_2" width="540" height="301" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/mezz_2.jpg?w=540&ssl=1 540w, https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/mezz_2.jpg?resize=150%2C84&ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/mezz_2.jpg?resize=300%2C167&ssl=1 300w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-recalc-dims="1" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>A delicious dish from Mezzanotte</em></strong></p> <p>The staff is friendly and attentive, and are more than happy to make suggestions if you’re a first time diner. This is really no surprise after meeting the owner, Canonico. Canonico radiates a positive and contagious energy that shows you instantly how much he loves what he does. “What I love the most about this business is being around people, meeting new people, every day becomes a new adventure.” Canonico says with a smile. And it’s true! Upon further inquiry trying to find the one thing he doesn’t like about the business, Canonico responds, “I can’t say I dislike anything. I love everything about this business.” The difference between him and others is that he really means it. You can walk into Mezzanotte almost any time they’re open (trust me, I have) and there is Canonico, working as if the restaurant is in it’s first year. Happily greeting folks as they enter the restaurant and frequenting tables to check on his guests. It’s a very personal touch, but it works. With every greeting to his clients, smiles grow from ear-to-ear and their experience begins on a positive note from that one, simple gesture.</p> <p>The menu offers both meat and vegetarian dishes. Below are a few of my suggestions and favourites!</p> <p><strong>Starter</strong></p> <ul> <li>Mozzarella Arancini : Sicilian style risotto balls made with white wine and Parmesan cheese, filled with mozzarella cheese over a rose sauce topped with fresh ricotta.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Main</strong></p> <ul> <li>Pasta alla Vincenzo (vegetarian): Spinach and Cheese Mezzaluna in a Rose sauce</li> <li>Pasta Basilico: Cheese tortellone served with pine nuts, mushrooms and grilled chicken in a basil pesto cream sauce.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Dessert</strong></p> <ul> <li>New York Style Cheesecake: New York Cheesecake topped with Strawberries</li> </ul> <p>But don’t just take my suggestions, when asking Canonico about his favourite dish he responded with, “our Chilean Seabass. It’s quite popular as well.” For a cooking tip Canonico emphasizes, “everything is always better with parm, everyone that works at Mezzanotte knows how I feel about Parmesan. It’s always better with parm!”</p> <p> </p> <p><em><strong>Mezzanotte is open Sunday: 3:00-10:00pm, Monday to Wednesday: 5:00-11:00pm, Thursday and Friday: 11:30am-11:00pm, and Saturdays, 11:30am-12:00am. Reservations are always good (especially in the evenings) as seats can fill up fast. Mezzanotte is Located at 50 Murray St, Ottawa.</strong> </em></p> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>Photos provided by Mezzanotte Bistro Italiano</strong></em></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.delectablychic.com/a-meal-at-ottawas-mezzanotte/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">23480</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Q&A with Jackie Bonilla Fruit Couture</title> <link>https://www.delectablychic.com/fruit-couture/</link> <comments>https://www.delectablychic.com/fruit-couture/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Christopher Massardo]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 22 Jul 2014 13:00:53 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Art]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Arts, Entertainment & Culture]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dining]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Canadian businesses]]></category> <category><![CDATA[fruit arrangements]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Fruit Couture]]></category> <category><![CDATA[fruit floral arrangements]]></category> <category><![CDATA[interviews]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Jackie Bonilla]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ottawa]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.delectablychic.com/?p=20998</guid> <description><![CDATA[A recipe or preperation of food, is more often then not a lot of work just to prepare and ensure a delicious taste. Now how about the work needed to make that food especially visually appealing? Not just visually appealing, but visually creative! Jackie Bonilla of Fruit Couture in Ottawa, Ontario, specializes in custom fruit […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A recipe or preperation of food, is more often then not a lot of work just to prepare and ensure a delicious taste. Now how about the work needed to make that food especially visually appealing? Not just visually appealing, but visually creative! Jackie Bonilla of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fruit.couture/" target="_blank">Fruit Couture</a> in Ottawa, Ontario, specializes in custom fruit arrangements and desserts that cause a slight hesitation prior to eating, simply because, the arrangements and desserts look so beautiful. With a background in public relations, Bonilla craved something in a career where she could also flex her creative muscle in a different atmosphere. In September 2013 Fruit Couture launched by chance and has been busy with orders since. Bonilla sat down to share her experiences launching the new venture.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/drummer-bear.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="21003" data-permalink="https://www.delectablychic.com/fruit-couture/drummer-bear/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/drummer-bear.jpg?fit=540%2C360&ssl=1" data-orig-size="540,360" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":""}" data-image-title="drummer bear" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/drummer-bear.jpg?fit=300%2C200&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/drummer-bear.jpg?fit=540%2C360&ssl=1" tabindex="0" role="button" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-21003" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/drummer-bear.jpg?resize=540%2C360" alt="drummer bear" width="540" height="360" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/drummer-bear.jpg?w=540&ssl=1 540w, https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/drummer-bear.jpg?resize=150%2C100&ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/drummer-bear.jpg?resize=300%2C200&ssl=1 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-recalc-dims="1" /></a></p> <p><strong>Why did you launch Fruit Couture?</strong></p> <p><em> I decided to start my business after making an owl fruit sculpture and platter for my friend’s baby shower. After I posted it on my social media, I had people asking me if I can make one for them, then it just took off from there! I enjoyed the final product of my creations so it motivated me even more to continue creating art with fruits.</em></p> <p><strong>Was is it your plan to become a business owner/entrepreneur? </strong></p> <p><em>Owning a business has always been a dream of mine. Since I can remember, I always knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur. I’ve always had many business ideas but Fruit Couture just stuck with me because it gave me the opportunity to use my creative side along with my entrepreneurial skills and public relations background.</em></p> <p><strong>What do you love most about what you do?</strong></p> <p><em> I love being able to use my artistic side and really create a new market for this type of product or art if you will, that has not really been explored by many people in the city.</em></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/2014-04-30-22.41.10.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="21004" data-permalink="https://www.delectablychic.com/fruit-couture/2014-04-30-22-41-10/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/2014-04-30-22.41.10.jpg?fit=540%2C810&ssl=1" data-orig-size="540,810" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":""}" data-image-title="2014-04-30 22.41.10" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/2014-04-30-22.41.10.jpg?fit=200%2C300&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/2014-04-30-22.41.10.jpg?fit=540%2C810&ssl=1" tabindex="0" role="button" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-21004" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/2014-04-30-22.41.10.jpg?resize=540%2C810" alt="2014-04-30 22.41.10" width="540" height="810" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/2014-04-30-22.41.10.jpg?w=540&ssl=1 540w, https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/2014-04-30-22.41.10.jpg?resize=100%2C150&ssl=1 100w, https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/2014-04-30-22.41.10.jpg?resize=200%2C300&ssl=1 200w, https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/2014-04-30-22.41.10.jpg?resize=150%2C225&ssl=1 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-recalc-dims="1" /></a></p> <p><strong>What do you dislike most (if anything)? </strong></p> <p><em>I’m over protective of my work so I get a little bothered when I see people who have followed my career start copying my ideas and sell it as their own.</em></p> <p><strong>Which do you prefer, quality or quantity and why? </strong></p> <p><em>Quality is a priority to me because if someone has a passion for something then they should give it their 100% and only use the finest materials that will help them accentuate their quality of work. I never send anything out to a client unless I think it’s perfect!</em></p> <p><strong>How would you like to see Fruit Couture grow from here? </strong></p> <p><em>I haven’t done the research yet, but I would love to see Fruit Couture grow into a franchise one day!</em></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> <p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>Photos courtesy of Fruit Couture</strong></em></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.delectablychic.com/fruit-couture/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">20998</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Coconut Curry Tomato Soup</title> <link>https://www.delectablychic.com/coconut-curry-tomato-soup/</link> <comments>https://www.delectablychic.com/coconut-curry-tomato-soup/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Christopher Massardo]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 25 Jun 2014 13:00:43 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Dining]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Recipes]]></category> <category><![CDATA[coconut curry tomato soup]]></category> <category><![CDATA[coconuts]]></category> <category><![CDATA[comfort food]]></category> <category><![CDATA[curry]]></category> <category><![CDATA[recipes]]></category> <category><![CDATA[tomato soup]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.delectablychic.com/?p=20768</guid> <description><![CDATA[For myself, soup is not only a comforting dish, but what I enjoy most is the room you have to play when cooking a good soup. A simple twist of the wrist with your seasoning can completely change your dish! Currently, I am on a bit of a “curry kick”, specifically yellow curry, I swear […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>For myself, soup is not only a comforting dish, but what I enjoy most is the room you have to play when cooking a good soup. A simple twist of the wrist with your seasoning can completely change your dish! Currently, I am on a bit of a “curry kick”, specifically yellow curry, I swear it makes anything taste a little bit more fancy (it and goat cheese!). Now as somebody who doesn’t always get their proper servings of fruits and veggies, when I can, I try to ensure I get the most bang for my buck for nutrients and health benefits. Curry seasoning itself has several health benefits such as: anti-inflammatory helping with muscle and joint aches, reducing blood pressure, and it also may stimulate the immune system to get rid of the amino acids that form the plaque in the brain that’s associated with Alzheimer’s Disease. Then we have tomatoes, packed with lovely lycopene, it offers powerful antioxidant protection. So together (with all of our other ingredients), that’s one healthy soup! This recipe serves two people.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/coconut-curry-tomato-soup.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="20772" data-permalink="https://www.delectablychic.com/coconut-curry-tomato-soup/coconut-curry-tomato-soup-2/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/coconut-curry-tomato-soup.jpg?fit=540%2C378&ssl=1" data-orig-size="540,378" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"2.4","credit":"","camera":"iPhone 4S","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1403622184","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.28","iso":"800","shutter_speed":"0.066666666666667","title":""}" data-image-title="coconut curry tomato soup" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/coconut-curry-tomato-soup.jpg?fit=300%2C210&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/coconut-curry-tomato-soup.jpg?fit=540%2C378&ssl=1" tabindex="0" role="button" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-20772" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/coconut-curry-tomato-soup.jpg?resize=540%2C378" alt="coconut curry tomato soup" width="540" height="378" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/coconut-curry-tomato-soup.jpg?w=540&ssl=1 540w, https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/coconut-curry-tomato-soup.jpg?resize=150%2C105&ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/coconut-curry-tomato-soup.jpg?resize=300%2C210&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/coconut-curry-tomato-soup.jpg?resize=65%2C45&ssl=1 65w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-recalc-dims="1" /></a></p> <p><strong>You will need…</strong></p> <ul> <li>2 cans condensed tomato soup (aprox 298ml each)</li> <li>1 can coconut milk (398ml)</li> <li>1 tablespoon spoon finely chopped garlic</li> <li>1/2 chopped onion</li> <li>2 table spoons of yellow curry paste</li> <li>1 tea spoon black pepper</li> <li>1 tablespoon spoon crushed chilli peppers (if you like a little kick)</li> <li>1/2 cup of green peas 1 cup of chopped broccoli</li> <li>1/2 cup of corn</li> <li> 1/2 cup of rice</li> <li>2 chopped tomatoes</li> <li>1/2 of a lemon</li> <li>2 teaspoons of sour cream (optional)</li> </ul> <p><strong>Instructions:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Add cans of tomato soup and coconut milk into a medium to large sized pot</li> <li>Add in chopped garlic, chopped onion, black pepper, curry paste and chilli peppers</li> <li>Bring to boil while stirring often</li> <li>Once brought to boil, add green peas, corn, rice and tomatoes</li> <li>Set temperature to low</li> <li>Stir often and cook for about 20 minutes</li> <li>Let cool</li> <li>Add slice of lemon to centre of each dish (adds a little flavour)</li> </ul> <p>Serve. Like it extra creamy? Add a tea spoon of the sour cream (per bowl) into the centre of the soup and mix it in before adding your lemon slice!</p> <p>Enjoy! <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/72x72/1f642.png" alt="🙂" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.delectablychic.com/coconut-curry-tomato-soup/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">20768</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Spicy Sweet Potato and Coconut Soup</title> <link>https://www.delectablychic.com/spicy-sweet-potato/</link> <comments>https://www.delectablychic.com/spicy-sweet-potato/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Christopher Massardo]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 09 Oct 2013 13:00:34 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Dining]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Recipes]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Christopher Massardo]]></category> <category><![CDATA[coconut]]></category> <category><![CDATA[fall recipes]]></category> <category><![CDATA[root vegetables]]></category> <category><![CDATA[soup]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sweet Potato]]></category> <category><![CDATA[sweet potato and coconut soup]]></category> <category><![CDATA[sweet potato soup]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.delectablychic.com/?p=18162</guid> <description><![CDATA[Sweet potatoes in my opinion are a bit boring, but they are terrific sources of Vitamin B6, a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin D and they contain that wonderful beta carotene(that keeps our eyes healthy and assists with keeping our immune system top notch). So, because I don’t find the taste of sweet potatoes […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Sweet potatoes in my opinion are a bit boring, but they are terrific sources of Vitamin B6, a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin D and they contain that wonderful beta carotene(that keeps our eyes healthy and assists with keeping our immune system top notch). So, because I don’t find the taste of sweet potatoes all that amazing I was interested in finding a way to put them to good use. A delicious thick and spicy soup is something I think a lot of us crave from time to time especially in the Fall and Winter months. With the cold weather slowly on it’s way here, this is a soup that’s fairly easy to make but should heat you up!</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/SpicySweetPotato.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="18165" data-permalink="https://www.delectablychic.com/spicy-sweet-potato/spicysweetpotato/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/SpicySweetPotato.jpg?fit=540%2C382&ssl=1" data-orig-size="540,382" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"3.1","credit":"","camera":"FinePix S1600","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1380767566","copyright":"","focal_length":"5","iso":"800","shutter_speed":"0.0192307692308","title":""}" data-image-title="SpicySweetPotato" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/SpicySweetPotato.jpg?fit=300%2C212&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/SpicySweetPotato.jpg?fit=540%2C382&ssl=1" tabindex="0" role="button" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-18165" alt="SpicySweetPotato" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/SpicySweetPotato.jpg?resize=540%2C382" width="540" height="382" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/SpicySweetPotato.jpg?w=540&ssl=1 540w, https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/SpicySweetPotato.jpg?resize=150%2C106&ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/SpicySweetPotato.jpg?resize=300%2C212&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/SpicySweetPotato.jpg?resize=65%2C45&ssl=1 65w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-recalc-dims="1" /></a></p> <p><strong>Ingredients:</strong></p> <p> </p> <ul> <li>1 1/2 pounds of sweet potatoes</li> <li>1 tablespoon of vegetable or coconut oil</li> <li>1 onion, chopped</li> <li>1 (2 inch) piece of fresh ginger, thinly sliced</li> <li>1 tablespoon of green curry paste (add more if you like it extra spicy)</li> <li>1 (15 ounce) can of unsweetened coconut milk</li> <li>3 cups of vegetable broth</li> <li>3 1/2 tablespoons of lemon juice</li> <li>1 teaspoon of sea salt</li> <li>1/2 teaspoon black pepper</li> <li>1/2 teaspoon fine chopped garlic</li> <li>toasted sesame oil (or toasted sesame seeds)</li> <li>fresh cilantro for garnish, (if you’re not into cilantro) try a bit of chopped green onion with a sprinkle of shredded cheese!</li> </ul> <p><strong>Directions:</strong></p> <p> </p> <ol> <li>Wash sweet potatoes and slice into 1 inch thick medallions. Place the chunks into an appropriately sized pot of boiling water. Allow the sweet potatoes to boil for about 20 minutes until they can be easily pierced with a fork. Drain the water and let the contents cool.</li> <li>Heat the Oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion and ginger and stir continuously until tender. Add the curry paste and stir into the mix for about a minute. Add the coconut milk and vegetable broth. Stir the mixture occasionally while you bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low.</li> <li>Remove the skins from the sweet potato chunks (they should peel off quite easily). Break up the sweet potato into smaller pieces using a fork. Add the pieces to the soup pot along with the lemon juice and sea salt. Allow the sweet potato to soak up the flavour of the soup mixture for about 5 minutes.</li> <li>Add all contents from the soup pot into a large blender. Blend soup until it assumes a consistently smooth texture.</li> <li>Return blended soup to the pot and let simmer for a few minutes.</li> <li>Add garnish.</li> <li>The soup is now ready to serve! (Let cool for a bit as it will be hot)</li> </ol> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.delectablychic.com/spicy-sweet-potato/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">18162</post-id> </item> <item> <title>The Eats and Fashion Treats of Westboro</title> <link>https://www.delectablychic.com/westboro/</link> <comments>https://www.delectablychic.com/westboro/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Christopher Massardo]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 24 Sep 2013 13:00:56 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Dining]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Fashion and Style]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Restaurants]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Shopping]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category> <category><![CDATA[AMH Fashion]]></category> <category><![CDATA[boutiques]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Fashion]]></category> <category><![CDATA[hip]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ottawa]]></category> <category><![CDATA[shoes]]></category> <category><![CDATA[shopping]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Style]]></category> <category><![CDATA[The Works]]></category> <category><![CDATA[trendy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Vien Avec Moi]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Westboro]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.delectablychic.com/?p=18047</guid> <description><![CDATA[Ottawa has always been a tourist destination being the nation’s capital. These days, the reason why people are flocking to Ottawa is a little different. Travellers from Toronto, Kingston, Montreal and more are looking to enjoy that mix of city and nature that Ottawa so uniquely offers but also for the diverse shopping experience. The […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Ottawa has always been a tourist destination being the nation’s capital. These days, the reason why people are flocking to Ottawa is a little different. Travellers from Toronto, Kingston, Montreal and more are looking to enjoy that mix of city and nature that Ottawa so uniquely offers but also for the diverse shopping experience. The only real problem is when you only have a weekend, with so much to do and so many different area’s of Ottawa, it’s hard to fit it all in!<br /> While the downtown core of Ottawa is fantastic and full of almost everything you want to do and see, there are some other area’s really worth checking out. The Westboro area of Ottawa has many one of a kind shops, restaurants and unique spots to pop in to. So when you get to Westboro here’s a list of places you shouldn’t miss.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/ViensAvecMoi.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="18048" data-permalink="https://www.delectablychic.com/westboro/viensavecmoi/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/ViensAvecMoi.jpg?fit=540%2C405&ssl=1" data-orig-size="540,405" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"3.1","credit":"","camera":"FinePix S1600","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1374198275","copyright":"","focal_length":"5","iso":"200","shutter_speed":"0.0111111111111","title":""}" data-image-title="ViensAvecMoi" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/ViensAvecMoi.jpg?fit=300%2C225&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/ViensAvecMoi.jpg?fit=540%2C405&ssl=1" tabindex="0" role="button" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-18048" alt="ViensAvecMoi" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/ViensAvecMoi.jpg?resize=540%2C405" width="540" height="405" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/ViensAvecMoi.jpg?w=540&ssl=1 540w, https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/ViensAvecMoi.jpg?resize=150%2C112&ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/ViensAvecMoi.jpg?resize=300%2C225&ssl=1 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-recalc-dims="1" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Vien Avec Moi</em></strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://viensavecmoi.ca/" target="_blank">Viens Avec Moi </a>(1338 Wellington Street West): This chic boutique has us thinking we’re in SOHO when we step in. The friendly and very style savvy staff will ensure you a comfortable shopping visit and will make great style suggestions (take them!). It’s no wonder, the owner’s are also modelling agents and one of the owners is a fashion stylist (seriously!). Brands carried range from Courage Brand and Jenny Bird to BB Dakota and Pink Stitch plus so many more!</li> <li><a href="http://www.threewildwomen.ca/" target="_blank">Three Wild Women</a> (263 Richmond Road): Known to many in Ottawa, Three Wild Women cater to a very diverse group of clients. It likely has something to do with their wide range of sizes and styles. Brands carried range from Caty Lesca, Janska and Nally & Millie to Sympli and many more!</li> <li><a href="http://maxsshoerepair.com/" target="_blank">Max’s Footwear Boutique and Cobbler</a> (1264 Wellington Street West): Stand alone shoe stores (outside of a mall) that aren’t part of a big chain can be tricky enough, but one with unique brands and styles, that’s something else entirely. Max’s footwear boasts a wide array to choose from and even has a reasonable selection of unique men’s styles. Prices and styles range, so there’s a good chance there is something there for anybody.</li> <li><a href="http://flockboutique.ca/" target="_blank">Flock Boutique</a> (1275 Wellington Street West): Canadian focus is very much what Flock boutique is about! The big sister shop to Ottawa’s WorkShop Boutique. Flock carries a diverse range of Canadian made clothes, accessories and gifts. Flock also offers classes in sewing, knitting and jewellery making t’boot!</li> <li><a href="http://www.amhstyle.com/" target="_blank">AMH Style</a> (1440 Wellington Street West): Fashion finds galore, this shop carries so many different brands, it’s hard to try and list them. AMH Style is a high end consignment shop where inventory coming in is monitored with careful eyes. The high standard for what makes it onto the shelves is very apparent as you begin to sift through the racks with your eyes popping open as your fingers slide the hangers one by one reading the brands you thought were hard to find.</li> </ul> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/AMH-Style.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="18049" data-permalink="https://www.delectablychic.com/westboro/amh-style/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/AMH-Style.jpg?fit=540%2C405&ssl=1" data-orig-size="540,405" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"3.1","credit":"","camera":"FinePix S1600","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1374198614","copyright":"","focal_length":"5","iso":"800","shutter_speed":"0.0111111111111","title":""}" data-image-title="AMH Style" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/AMH-Style.jpg?fit=300%2C225&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/AMH-Style.jpg?fit=540%2C405&ssl=1" tabindex="0" role="button" class="size-full wp-image-18049 aligncenter" alt="AMH Style" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/AMH-Style.jpg?resize=540%2C405" width="540" height="405" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/AMH-Style.jpg?w=540&ssl=1 540w, https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/AMH-Style.jpg?resize=150%2C112&ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/AMH-Style.jpg?resize=300%2C225&ssl=1 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-recalc-dims="1" /></a><strong><em>AMH Style</em></strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;">With all that shopping, no doubt you’re hungry and with an eye on keeping your money for all your fabulous finds, here’s a few places that won’t snag all your dough:</p> <p> </p> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.worksburger.com" target="_blank">The Works</a> (326 Richmond Road) : Want a burger? Want a delicious poutine? I could keep going with the food question’s but I wont. The Works is the perfect spot to sit down with friends and have some guilty pleasure food! A wide variety of burger options, as well as unique poutines that will leave you unsure of how to pick only. The portions ensure you walking out stomach full and satisifed with out busting the wallet (<strong>Editor’s note: While this is a national, the menu can vary, depending on location. Often, the items are similar, with names localized</strong>).</li> <li><a href="http://www.siambistro.com/" target="_blank">Siam Bistro</a> (1268 Wellington Street West) : Don’t walk a step further down Wellington West if you’re looking for mouth watering Thai food. Generous portions, a relaxing atmosphere and the selection are just a few reason’s to give this spot a try. The owner Montha McGinnis formerly taught Thai cooking lessons in Ottawa for over ten years! (Highly suggest trying their Pad Thai).</li> <li><a href="http://www.parmaravioli.ca/" target="_blank">Parma Ravioli</a> (1314 Wellington Street West) : Sometimes sitting down for a fresh made sandwich or a big plate of pasta is exactly what you need to fuel up in between shop hopping. Plus after eating, it’s a great place to buy some fresh pasta to take back with you. The in-restaurant store has a great selection of pasta and sauces.</li> </ul> <p> </p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.delectablychic.com/westboro/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">18047</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Ottawa Fashion Week S/S 2013</title> <link>https://www.delectablychic.com/ottawa-fashion-week-ss-2013/</link> <comments>https://www.delectablychic.com/ottawa-fashion-week-ss-2013/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Christopher Massardo]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 23 Oct 2012 09:00:59 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Fashion and Style]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Fashion Week]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Canadian fashion]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Capital Region]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Christopher Massardo]]></category> <category><![CDATA[clothing]]></category> <category><![CDATA[eastern Ontario]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Elena Hinke]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Fashion]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Fashion designers]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Illyria and Good Luck Shirts]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ontario]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ottawa]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ottawa fashion]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ottawa Fashion Week]]></category> <category><![CDATA[sala san marco]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Style]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Y! D.N.A.]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.delectablychic.com/?p=12964</guid> <description><![CDATA[Ottawa Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2013 shows flew by during the show dates of October 12th-14th. The venue this season was the quaint and comfortable environment of Sala San Marco on Preston St. The three days of shows offered designers locally from Ottawa as well as designers from Ottawa, Montreal, USA and more. The location was […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Ottawa Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2013 shows flew by during the show dates of October 12th-14th. The venue this season was the quaint and comfortable environment of Sala San Marco on Preston St. The three days of shows offered designers locally from Ottawa as well as designers from Ottawa, Montreal, USA and more. The location was a great and not obvious choice, wonderful atmosphere and fairly easy flow for moving around between shows with a portion of the street being closed down to allow easy access to the Marketplace/L’Oreal tent. However, the layout for seating on the runway while did allow more attendance, wasn’t the best.</p> <p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/ElenaHinkeOFW5176Photography-by-Lindsey-Gibeau-Valberg-Imaging.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="12980" data-permalink="https://www.delectablychic.com/ottawa-fashion-week-ss-2013/elenahinkeofw5176photography-by-lindsey-gibeau-valberg-imaging/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/ElenaHinkeOFW5176Photography-by-Lindsey-Gibeau-Valberg-Imaging.jpg?fit=576%2C864&ssl=1" data-orig-size="576,864" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"4","credit":"","camera":"NIKON D3S","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1350244816","copyright":"","focal_length":"150","iso":"2000","shutter_speed":"0.0025","title":""}" data-image-title="ElenaHinkeOFW5176Photography by Lindsey Gibeau, Valberg Imaging" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/ElenaHinkeOFW5176Photography-by-Lindsey-Gibeau-Valberg-Imaging.jpg?fit=200%2C300&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/ElenaHinkeOFW5176Photography-by-Lindsey-Gibeau-Valberg-Imaging.jpg?fit=576%2C864&ssl=1" tabindex="0" role="button" class="wp-image-12980 aligncenter" title="ElenaHinkeOFW5176Photography by Lindsey Gibeau, Valberg Imaging" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/ElenaHinkeOFW5176Photography-by-Lindsey-Gibeau-Valberg-Imaging.jpg?resize=518%2C778" alt="" width="518" height="778" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/ElenaHinkeOFW5176Photography-by-Lindsey-Gibeau-Valberg-Imaging.jpg?w=576&ssl=1 576w, https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/ElenaHinkeOFW5176Photography-by-Lindsey-Gibeau-Valberg-Imaging.jpg?resize=100%2C150&ssl=1 100w, https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/ElenaHinkeOFW5176Photography-by-Lindsey-Gibeau-Valberg-Imaging.jpg?resize=200%2C300&ssl=1 200w, https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/ElenaHinkeOFW5176Photography-by-Lindsey-Gibeau-Valberg-Imaging.jpg?resize=150%2C225&ssl=1 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 518px) 100vw, 518px" data-recalc-dims="1" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>Elena Hinke</strong></em></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/ElenaHinkeOFW5017Photography-by-Lindsey-Gibeau-Valberg-Imaging.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="12979" data-permalink="https://www.delectablychic.com/ottawa-fashion-week-ss-2013/elenahinkeofw5017photography-by-lindsey-gibeau-valberg-imaging/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/ElenaHinkeOFW5017Photography-by-Lindsey-Gibeau-Valberg-Imaging.jpg?fit=576%2C864&ssl=1" data-orig-size="576,864" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"4","credit":"","camera":"NIKON D3S","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1350244493","copyright":"","focal_length":"86","iso":"2000","shutter_speed":"0.0025","title":""}" data-image-title="ElenaHinkeOFW5017Photography by Lindsey Gibeau, Valberg Imaging" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/ElenaHinkeOFW5017Photography-by-Lindsey-Gibeau-Valberg-Imaging.jpg?fit=200%2C300&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/ElenaHinkeOFW5017Photography-by-Lindsey-Gibeau-Valberg-Imaging.jpg?fit=576%2C864&ssl=1" tabindex="0" role="button" class="wp-image-12979 aligncenter" title="ElenaHinkeOFW5017Photography by Lindsey Gibeau, Valberg Imaging" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/ElenaHinkeOFW5017Photography-by-Lindsey-Gibeau-Valberg-Imaging.jpg?resize=518%2C778" alt="" width="518" height="778" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/ElenaHinkeOFW5017Photography-by-Lindsey-Gibeau-Valberg-Imaging.jpg?w=576&ssl=1 576w, https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/ElenaHinkeOFW5017Photography-by-Lindsey-Gibeau-Valberg-Imaging.jpg?resize=100%2C150&ssl=1 100w, https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/ElenaHinkeOFW5017Photography-by-Lindsey-Gibeau-Valberg-Imaging.jpg?resize=200%2C300&ssl=1 200w, https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/ElenaHinkeOFW5017Photography-by-Lindsey-Gibeau-Valberg-Imaging.jpg?resize=150%2C225&ssl=1 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 518px) 100vw, 518px" data-recalc-dims="1" /></a><br /> <em><strong>More Elena Hinke</strong></em></p> <p style="text-align: left;">You know, I love Ottawa, and I’m very supportive of the rising fashion market here. More fashion publications are starting, designers are more confident (some too confident), fashion artists are learning how to not only survive, but thrive. The past couple of seasons of Ottawa Fashion Week really honestly, were great. You could see definite growth as the seasons progressed, this season I feel as though they didn’t move forward. It felt like something similar to a season 3-4 seasons ago when Ottawa Fashion Week was much younger. I wasn’t alone with my thoughts.</p> <p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/YD.N.AOFW5386Photography-by-Lindsey-Gibeau-Valberg-Imaging.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="12982" data-permalink="https://www.delectablychic.com/ottawa-fashion-week-ss-2013/yd-n-aofw5386photography-by-lindsey-gibeau-valberg-imaging/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/YD.N.AOFW5386Photography-by-Lindsey-Gibeau-Valberg-Imaging.jpg?fit=576%2C864&ssl=1" data-orig-size="576,864" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"3.5","credit":"","camera":"NIKON D3S","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1350169681","copyright":"","focal_length":"122","iso":"2000","shutter_speed":"0.0025","title":""}" data-image-title="Y!D.N.AOFW5386Photography by Lindsey Gibeau, Valberg Imaging" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/YD.N.AOFW5386Photography-by-Lindsey-Gibeau-Valberg-Imaging.jpg?fit=200%2C300&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/YD.N.AOFW5386Photography-by-Lindsey-Gibeau-Valberg-Imaging.jpg?fit=576%2C864&ssl=1" tabindex="0" role="button" class="wp-image-12982 aligncenter" title="Y!D.N.AOFW5386Photography by Lindsey Gibeau, Valberg Imaging" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/YD.N.AOFW5386Photography-by-Lindsey-Gibeau-Valberg-Imaging.jpg?resize=518%2C778" alt="" width="518" height="778" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/YD.N.AOFW5386Photography-by-Lindsey-Gibeau-Valberg-Imaging.jpg?w=576&ssl=1 576w, https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/YD.N.AOFW5386Photography-by-Lindsey-Gibeau-Valberg-Imaging.jpg?resize=100%2C150&ssl=1 100w, https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/YD.N.AOFW5386Photography-by-Lindsey-Gibeau-Valberg-Imaging.jpg?resize=200%2C300&ssl=1 200w, https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/YD.N.AOFW5386Photography-by-Lindsey-Gibeau-Valberg-Imaging.jpg?resize=150%2C225&ssl=1 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 518px) 100vw, 518px" data-recalc-dims="1" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>Y!D.N.A.</strong></em></p> <p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IllyriaandGoodLuckShirtsOFW3874Photography-by-Lindsey-Gibeau-Valberg-Imaging.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="12981" data-permalink="https://www.delectablychic.com/ottawa-fashion-week-ss-2013/illyriaandgoodluckshirtsofw3874photography-by-lindsey-gibeau-valberg-imaging/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IllyriaandGoodLuckShirtsOFW3874Photography-by-Lindsey-Gibeau-Valberg-Imaging.jpg?fit=576%2C864&ssl=1" data-orig-size="576,864" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"4","credit":"","camera":"NIKON D3S","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1350167328","copyright":"","focal_length":"130","iso":"2000","shutter_speed":"0.0025","title":""}" data-image-title="IllyriaandGoodLuckShirtsOFW3874Photography by Lindsey Gibeau, Valberg Imaging" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IllyriaandGoodLuckShirtsOFW3874Photography-by-Lindsey-Gibeau-Valberg-Imaging.jpg?fit=200%2C300&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IllyriaandGoodLuckShirtsOFW3874Photography-by-Lindsey-Gibeau-Valberg-Imaging.jpg?fit=576%2C864&ssl=1" tabindex="0" role="button" class="wp-image-12981 aligncenter" title="IllyriaandGoodLuckShirtsOFW3874Photography by Lindsey Gibeau, Valberg Imaging" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IllyriaandGoodLuckShirtsOFW3874Photography-by-Lindsey-Gibeau-Valberg-Imaging.jpg?resize=518%2C778" alt="" width="518" height="778" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IllyriaandGoodLuckShirtsOFW3874Photography-by-Lindsey-Gibeau-Valberg-Imaging.jpg?w=576&ssl=1 576w, https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IllyriaandGoodLuckShirtsOFW3874Photography-by-Lindsey-Gibeau-Valberg-Imaging.jpg?resize=100%2C150&ssl=1 100w, https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IllyriaandGoodLuckShirtsOFW3874Photography-by-Lindsey-Gibeau-Valberg-Imaging.jpg?resize=200%2C300&ssl=1 200w, https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IllyriaandGoodLuckShirtsOFW3874Photography-by-Lindsey-Gibeau-Valberg-Imaging.jpg?resize=150%2C225&ssl=1 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 518px) 100vw, 518px" data-recalc-dims="1" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>Illyria and Good Luck Shirts</strong></em></p> <p>That being said, there were some absolute stand outs, that I truly enjoyed! Y!D.N.A once again delivered a spectacular show, DARE by Gwen Madiba showed us evening wear with an edge, Illyria and Good Luck Shirts convinced us that wearable and casual can be cool and Elena Hinke let couture gowns glide down the runway. Looking forward to next season!</p> <p> </p> <p><em><strong>All photography by Lindsey Gibeau of Valberg Imaging</strong></em></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.delectablychic.com/ottawa-fashion-week-ss-2013/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">12964</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Canadian Designer Profiles: Ottawa’s Demü</title> <link>https://www.delectablychic.com/canadian-designer-profiles-ottawas-demu/</link> <comments>https://www.delectablychic.com/canadian-designer-profiles-ottawas-demu/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Christopher Massardo]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 10 Oct 2012 12:00:16 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Designers]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Fashion and Style]]></category> <category><![CDATA[andre bellemare]]></category> <category><![CDATA[angie bellemare]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Canada]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Canadian designers]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Capital Region]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Christopher Massardo]]></category> <category><![CDATA[clothing]]></category> <category><![CDATA[demu]]></category> <category><![CDATA[demu label]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Fashion]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ontario]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ottawa]]></category> <category><![CDATA[ottawa designer]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ottawa fashion]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Style]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.delectablychic.com/?p=12684</guid> <description><![CDATA[Anybody who knows me, knows I’m a total nerd for comic books and for that ‘one of a kind’ shirt! Now, imagine my amazement to find an Ottawa based clothing company that appeals to both of those needs? (yes I said needs). I had the opportunity to chat a bit with the wonderful duo (Angie […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Anybody who knows me, knows I’m a total nerd for comic books and for that ‘one of a kind’ shirt! Now, imagine my amazement to find an Ottawa based clothing company that appeals to both of those needs? (yes I said needs). I had the opportunity to chat a bit with the wonderful duo (Angie and Andre Bellemare) of Demü, the Ottawa based clothing company launched in 2009 and growing fast!</p> <p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/demu-1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="12765" data-permalink="https://www.delectablychic.com/canadian-designer-profiles-ottawas-demu/demu-1/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/demu-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&ssl=1" data-orig-size="800,800" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":""}" data-image-title="demu 1" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/demu-1.jpg?fit=300%2C300&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/demu-1.jpg?fit=640%2C640&ssl=1" tabindex="0" role="button" class="wp-image-12765 aligncenter" title="demu 1" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/demu-1.jpg?resize=480%2C480" alt="" width="480" height="480" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/demu-1.jpg?w=800&ssl=1 800w, https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/demu-1.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/demu-1.jpg?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/demu-1.jpg?resize=80%2C80&ssl=1 80w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-recalc-dims="1" /></a></p> <p><strong>When were you first interested in fashion?:</strong><br /> <em>I (Angie) studied Architecture in University and have always had a passion for design. I love the idea of bringing a 2 dimensional idea to life. I have loved it since a young age. I was always building and creating things, the love for fashion came a bit later though. In a strange way, architecture is much like fashion. A lot of what i learned in school translated into the required techniques for our business.</em></p> <p><strong>How did you first get started in fashion?:</strong><br /> <em> The idea of owning and designing for a clothing label really clicked for us when we attended the Magic trade show in Las Vegas in 2009. We were both still in school at the time. We quickly realized that to make it in this industry you had to have more then just a passion for art and design. We needed a business mind, and this is where Andre came in. As a business grad, he makes the perfect other half of our team.</em></p> <p><strong>Who is your client?:</strong><br /> <em> Our client is the young adult who believes and respects that there is a story behind everything. He or she is loyal to brands based on what they stand for and who they are. Our customer embraces their inner nerd, and makes it look good while maintaining a humble persona. We constantly hear stories about how some of our customers ran in to other customers on campus, or at the movies, or in any social setting and sparked a conversation solely because they were both wearing Demü. As a smaller artisan brand, this is something we thrive to maintain; a sense of community when you buy a Demü piece.</em></p> <p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/demu_black_and_blue_pouch.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="12767" data-permalink="https://www.delectablychic.com/canadian-designer-profiles-ottawas-demu/demu_black_and_blue_pouch/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/demu_black_and_blue_pouch.jpg?fit=717%2C960&ssl=1" data-orig-size="717,960" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":""}" data-image-title="demu_black_and_blue_pouch" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/demu_black_and_blue_pouch.jpg?fit=224%2C300&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/demu_black_and_blue_pouch.jpg?fit=640%2C857&ssl=1" tabindex="0" role="button" class="wp-image-12767 aligncenter" title="demu_black_and_blue_pouch" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/demu_black_and_blue_pouch.jpg?resize=502%2C672" alt="" width="502" height="672" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/demu_black_and_blue_pouch.jpg?w=717&ssl=1 717w, https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/demu_black_and_blue_pouch.jpg?resize=112%2C150&ssl=1 112w, https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/demu_black_and_blue_pouch.jpg?resize=224%2C300&ssl=1 224w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 502px) 100vw, 502px" data-recalc-dims="1" /></a></p> <p><strong>What inspires you?:</strong><br /> <em> Above anything else, I believe travel inspires us the most. It inspires new designs ,creativity, our way of thinking, but most our drive to succeed. We love traveling to foreign places and soaking up all that the culture has to offer. The people, food, art, architecture and obviously fashion trends can be a huge inspiration for a design or even a collection.</em></p> <p><strong>Are you constantly designing/making pieces or is it more of “when I am inspired”?:</strong><br /> <em> Yes to both actually, I am constantly inspired and am therefore constantly designing. However, in terms of deadlines and final products, there is a strict schedule to follow. The fashion industry has buying and selling seasons which must be followed in order to have any once of success. As soon as our designs are presented for spring/ summer 2013 it will be right back to designing for fall/winter 2014.</em></p> <p><strong>With a lot of pieces/designs there seems to be a ‘comic book’ type of element, can you elaborate on that?:</strong><br /> <em>Our two latest collections were entitled Vigil-Anti and Anti-Hero , respectively. Both , heavily inspired by comic books as well as famous superheroes and villains of all kinds. Both seasons were hugely successful and got a lot of attention. We fully immersed ourselves into the comic book world. With the help of a great photographer (Gord Weber) , hair and makeup, stylist and many helping hands we brought our very own Demu comic book to life.</em></p> <p><strong>Biggest lesson you’ve learned since you started?:</strong><br /> <em>The biggest lesson we have learned is probably that nothing ever goes as planned. You always have to have a plan B or C … even D sometimes. Things also always take more time then expected. We quickly learned this lesson and we always make it our mission to fully plan everything out with a little extra padding for time.</em></p> <p><strong>Best piece of advice you can give somebody starting out as a designer?:</strong><br /> <em>Many new designers don’t realize that being a talented pattern-maker , seamstress or drafter doesn’t automatically translate into a thriving business. If you are a one man (or woman) show make sure to school yourself or find a partner with a good understanding of business, marketing, accounting, production…and the list goes on. Also learn the art of negotiation ,it will no doubt come in handy.</em></p> <p><strong>How would you like to see DEMU grow/expand?:</strong><br /> <em>Dem<em>ü </em>is growing faster than we can keep up with it, which is amazing! We are finding more and more people know about the brand and love it. We want to constantly grow, develop and change the what, who, where, when and the how. We want to grow our collections and WHAT we sell, eventually adding lifestyle products such as art,accessories and even collectibles. We are constantly striving to increase the people WHO know and talk about the brand. WHERE Demü is sold will eventually grow to bigger cities and foreign countries. Finally, we want to revolutionize WHEN people buy and HOW they shop for our product.</em></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.delectablychic.com/canadian-designer-profiles-ottawas-demu/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">12684</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Travelling in Italia, Part II: Genoa and Monterosso</title> <link>https://www.delectablychic.com/travelling-in-italia-part-ii-genoa-and-monterosso/</link> <comments>https://www.delectablychic.com/travelling-in-italia-part-ii-genoa-and-monterosso/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Christopher Massardo]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 21 Aug 2012 12:00:57 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category> <category><![CDATA[beach]]></category> <category><![CDATA[beaches]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Christopher Massardo]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Europe]]></category> <category><![CDATA[europe travel]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Genoa]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Italy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Monterosso]]></category> <category><![CDATA[travel]]></category> <category><![CDATA[travel story]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.delectablychic.com/?p=11581</guid> <description><![CDATA[When traveling, especially when on vacation, many love a good beach! The ocean is great for the skin, get a nice little glow from the sun (remember your SPF!), eat some delicious food beach side, what about any of that doesn’t sound attractive? Genoa Genoa city scape Genoa is one of Europe’s largest cities on […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>When traveling, especially when on vacation, many love a good beach! The ocean is great for the skin, get a nice little glow from the sun (remember your SPF!), eat some delicious food beach side, what about any of that doesn’t sound attractive?</p> <p><strong>Genoa</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/cityscape_genoa2.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="11858" data-permalink="https://www.delectablychic.com/travelling-in-italia-part-ii-genoa-and-monterosso/cityscape_genoa2/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/cityscape_genoa2.jpg?fit=2048%2C1536&ssl=1" data-orig-size="2048,1536" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"BlackBerry 9700","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":""}" data-image-title="cityscape_genoa2" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/cityscape_genoa2.jpg?fit=300%2C225&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/cityscape_genoa2.jpg?fit=640%2C480&ssl=1" tabindex="0" role="button" class="wp-image-11858 aligncenter" title="cityscape_genoa2" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/cityscape_genoa2.jpg?resize=540%2C405" alt="" width="540" height="405" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/cityscape_genoa2.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/cityscape_genoa2.jpg?resize=150%2C112&ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/cityscape_genoa2.jpg?resize=300%2C225&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/cityscape_genoa2.jpg?w=2048&ssl=1 2048w, https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/cityscape_genoa2.jpg?w=1280 1280w, https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/cityscape_genoa2.jpg?w=1920 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-recalc-dims="1" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Genoa city scape</em></strong></p> <p>Genoa is one of Europe’s largest cities on the Mediterranean sea which means, lot’s of beaches! The Bank of St.George which is located in Genoa is one of the oldest in the world dating back to the 1400’s. The cityscape is gorgeous day and night, the shopping area’s are easy to navigate such as the Galleria Mazzini. By now of course you know the food is fantastic! I say, even when eating something as simple as pizza, when you do, try a different pizzeria each time, variety is the spice of life right? The subway system is very clean and possibly one of the smallest distance wise I have ever seen, easy to use though!</p> <p><strong>Monterosso</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/beach_monterosso.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="11859" data-permalink="https://www.delectablychic.com/travelling-in-italia-part-ii-genoa-and-monterosso/beach_monterosso/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/beach_monterosso.jpg?fit=3072%2C2304&ssl=1" data-orig-size="3072,2304" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"9","credit":"","camera":"Canon PowerShot A470","caption":"","created_timestamp":"315532812","copyright":"","focal_length":"6.3","iso":"80","shutter_speed":"0.00625","title":""}" data-image-title="beach_monterosso" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/beach_monterosso.jpg?fit=300%2C225&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/beach_monterosso.jpg?fit=640%2C480&ssl=1" tabindex="0" role="button" class="wp-image-11859 aligncenter" title="beach_monterosso" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/beach_monterosso.jpg?resize=540%2C405" alt="" width="540" height="405" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/beach_monterosso.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/beach_monterosso.jpg?resize=150%2C112&ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/beach_monterosso.jpg?resize=300%2C225&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/beach_monterosso.jpg?w=1280 1280w, https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/beach_monterosso.jpg?w=1920 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-recalc-dims="1" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Beach in Monterosso</em></strong></p> <p>Monterosso is one of the five villages of Cinque Terre and also a beach city. Less than a year ago this beautiful city was devastated by floods and had I not already known that, I would not have been able to tell. The streets, the stores, everything looked beautiful. This is absolutely a tourist hot spot as the beaches were full of beach goers from all around the globe. If you are a sea food lover, this place will have something to peak your interest I’m sure. For shopping you could absolutely find a very nice decorative piece or unique piece of art work within some of the boutiques. The winding road also gives lot’s of great opportunity for beautiful mountainside and beach photos.</p> <p>So there you have it, just enough visuals and points to get your curiousity at least peaked if you hadn’t though about going before.</p> <p>Ciao!</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.delectablychic.com/travelling-in-italia-part-ii-genoa-and-monterosso/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">11581</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Travelling in Italia: Part I</title> <link>https://www.delectablychic.com/travelling-in-italia-part-i/</link> <comments>https://www.delectablychic.com/travelling-in-italia-part-i/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Christopher Massardo]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 15 Aug 2012 12:00:17 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Christopher Massardo]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Colesium]]></category> <category><![CDATA[delectably chic]]></category> <category><![CDATA[europe travel]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Italy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Milan]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Rome]]></category> <category><![CDATA[travel]]></category> <category><![CDATA[travel story]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.delectablychic.com/?p=11579</guid> <description><![CDATA[I’m going to start by saying there is nothing exaggerated about how good you hear the food is, no matter what city you travel through in Italy! I’m not a huge fan of pizza here in Canada, but there, yeah, big fan! My diet the entire time was primarily pasta, pizza, bread and cheese with […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I’m going to start by saying there is nothing exaggerated about how good you hear the food is, no matter what city you travel through in Italy! I’m not a huge fan of pizza here in Canada, but there, yeah, big fan! My diet the entire time was primarily pasta, pizza, bread and cheese with a massive variety of each and it was absolutely delicious. Enough about that, let’s get into some of cities, the sights, the shopping and so on!</p> <p><strong>Milan</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/767px-Galleria_Vittorio_Emanuele_II_in_Milan.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="11776" data-permalink="https://www.delectablychic.com/travelling-in-italia-part-i/767px-galleria_vittorio_emanuele_ii_in_milan/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/767px-Galleria_Vittorio_Emanuele_II_in_Milan.jpg?fit=767%2C600&ssl=1" data-orig-size="767,600" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":""}" data-image-title="767px-Galleria_Vittorio_Emanuele_II_in_Milan" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/767px-Galleria_Vittorio_Emanuele_II_in_Milan.jpg?fit=300%2C234&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/767px-Galleria_Vittorio_Emanuele_II_in_Milan.jpg?fit=640%2C501&ssl=1" tabindex="0" role="button" class=" wp-image-11776 aligncenter" title="767px-Galleria_Vittorio_Emanuele_II_in_Milan" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/767px-Galleria_Vittorio_Emanuele_II_in_Milan.jpg?resize=537%2C420" alt="" width="537" height="420" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/767px-Galleria_Vittorio_Emanuele_II_in_Milan.jpg?w=767&ssl=1 767w, https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/767px-Galleria_Vittorio_Emanuele_II_in_Milan.jpg?resize=150%2C117&ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/767px-Galleria_Vittorio_Emanuele_II_in_Milan.jpg?resize=300%2C234&ssl=1 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 537px) 100vw, 537px" data-recalc-dims="1" /></a><strong><em></em></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II</em></strong></p> <p>Milan is a city I would describe as very urban if that makes sense. The architecture is photograph worthy and the churches are just breathtaking. Fashion is of course abound with the worlds top designers more or less lined up for you one after the other, after the other. Then of course there is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II which is an enormous indoor/outdoor shopping area that houses some pretty high end boutiques and restaurants but also more affordable stores and souvenir areas. The other amazing thing about the Galleria is that is also houses a 7 star hotel within the upper levels.</p> <p><strong>Rome</strong></p> <p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/coliseumexterior_rome.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="11778" data-permalink="https://www.delectablychic.com/travelling-in-italia-part-i/coliseumexterior_rome/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/coliseumexterior_rome.jpg?fit=3072%2C2304&ssl=1" data-orig-size="3072,2304" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"9","credit":"","camera":"Canon PowerShot A470","caption":"","created_timestamp":"315532808","copyright":"","focal_length":"6.3","iso":"80","shutter_speed":"0.01","title":""}" data-image-title="coliseumexterior_rome" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/coliseumexterior_rome.jpg?fit=300%2C225&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/coliseumexterior_rome.jpg?fit=640%2C480&ssl=1" tabindex="0" role="button" class="wp-image-11778 aligncenter" title="coliseumexterior_rome" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/coliseumexterior_rome.jpg?resize=540%2C405" alt="" width="540" height="405" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/coliseumexterior_rome.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/coliseumexterior_rome.jpg?resize=150%2C112&ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/coliseumexterior_rome.jpg?resize=300%2C225&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/coliseumexterior_rome.jpg?w=1280 1280w, https://i0.wp.com/www.delectablychic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/coliseumexterior_rome.jpg?w=1920 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-recalc-dims="1" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Coliseum</em></strong></p> <p>Rome is beautiful, everything about Rome was delightful. Fairly easy to navigate and offering some very iconic and memorable sights, it’s somewhere I am very glad I checked out. Remember you’re in Italy, so every city, especially the big ones the fashion is there. The amazing sights though, Rome just might win. If it’s the Coliseum, The Trevi Fountain or The Spanish Steps, which are just a few of the amazing sights, you really feel as though you’re getting a little glimpse into history. There was a great vibe to the city and a lot of the waiters in restaurants seemed to be very happy to try out their English which at times was helpful.</p> <p>Next up we talk a little bit about Genoa and Monterosso, in other words, let’s go to the beach!</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>Image Credits: Galleria photo by High Contrast; Coliseum photo by Christopher Massardo</strong></em></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.delectablychic.com/travelling-in-italia-part-i/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">11579</post-id> </item> </channel> </rss>