Meat and Greet

Vitamin Daily — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 04:00:00 +0000

With a custom-built rotisserie , a vintage-style slicer and charcuterie bar, CharCut Roast House caters to carnivores—so don’t be surprised if you see a pig’s head staring back at you. (OK, so maybe we were.)

Located at the new Hotel Le Germain, this eatery plays into its urban-rustic narrative perfectly with wood tones, a large Douglas Fir communal table and jars of pickled veggies (balanced meal? sure!) lining the bar.

Start with something light like the slow roasted heirloom beets with mint, basil and goat cheese ($9) or kitchen pickles with house vinegar ($6). With a roasted garlic sausage patty, cheese curds and fried egg, the decadent share burger ($2.50 per oz.) is not meant for a dainty stomach—or a first date.

CharCut Roast House, 101-899 Centre St. SW, Calgary, 403-984-2180, www.charcut.com

Paris Pics

Vitamin Daily — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 04:00:00 +0000

As if we needed another reason to dream of a Parisian escape, photographer and breakfast blogger Jennifer Causey has released a new book, Simply Paris: A Photographic Journey (US$24.95).

In the tome, the Brooklyn-based photographer documents a recent trip to the City of Lights through photos of her favourite places, people and things. We love the intense flea market shots and rundown bookstand pics. Naturally, a number of mouthwatering Parisian breakfast shots also made the cut.

Sadly, for now, homemade crepes will have to do.

At Blurb.com

Petal Pushers

Vitamin Daily — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 04:00:00 +0000

Baby’s breath and greenery filler be gone.

At the new floral boutique Modern Petals, the mandate is let the flowers shine. With an L.A.-boutique feel, the shop’s large windows, stark white interior and contemporary artwork set the scene for the modern floral arrangements.

Inspired by popular cocktails, choose from bouquets (from $35) online, including the Tequila Sunrise, Cosmopolitan Twist or our pick, the Perfect Manhattan (pictured).

Now you're in bloom.

Modern Petals, #147-5005 Dalhousie Dr. NW, Calgary, 403-247-3344, www.modernpetals.com

Dresser Up

Vitamin Daily — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:00:00 +0000

Sometimes you want something old and sometimes, something new. And when it comes to your home, who said you can’t have both?

The collection of dressers (from $550) by Just Raquel Boho Vintage Furniture lets you pay homage to bygone eras while still maintaining a modern esthetic.

Antique dressers are hand-sanded, refurbished and painted in bold hues. Each drawer is lined with damask wallpaper and adorned with funky new knobs. So if you love grandma’s dresser but it just doesn’t work in your home, get it redone in a fire engine red and voila, it’s the perfect entryway piece that’s still part of the family.

At Poor David’s, 312 First St. W., Cochrane, 403-851-2070.

Saved by the Gel

Vitamin Daily — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 04:00:00 +0000

Sometimes life is a real nail biter.

Save your cuticles with Lovin’ that Lanolin Cuticle Gel by All Things Jill ($6). A mix of lanolin (known for its antiseptic and healing qualities), apricot, beeswax, Vitamin E, lavender and eucalyptus softens and hydrates nails and cuticles.

How handy.

At the Green Calgary Ecostore, 809 Fourth Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-230-1443, www.greencalgary.org/ecostore/

Wood Works

Vitamin Daily — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 04:00:00 +0000

At your next dinner party, add a little personality to your cheese platter with a wood cutting/serving board by German home accessories line Pension fuer Produkte.

Made of acacia wood, the boards come in different sizes (from $31) and each one has a little character engraved on the edge. Choose from an Eskimo, a skier, a golfer, a fisherman or an astronaut, among others. Great conversation starters, they’re also the perfect gift for the chef in your life who also dabbles in other extracurricular activities.

At Steeling Home, 1010 17th Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-245-0777, www.steelinghomestore.com

Apple of Your Eye

Vitamin Daily — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 03:00:00 +0000

If an apple of day keeps the doctor away, we've got an MD in Triple Jim's Crispy Organic Apple Chips.

Grown and manufactured in B.C., these tasty apple chips are completely natural—and addictive. They make a perfect afternoon snack or post-dinner sweet treat.

Apples for dessert? Aren't you clever now.

Triple Jim's Crispy Organic Apple Chips, $3.99 (or 2 bags/$5 on sale now) at Whole Foods, www.wholefoods.com

Hotel High

Vitamin Daily — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 04:00:00 +0000

The West just got a lot more luxe with the opening of Hôtel Le Germain Calgary.

The 143-room boutique hotel has the same modern esthetic as its sister locations in Toronto and Quebec, with volcanic stone floors, wood paneling, soft leathers and plenty of natural light throughout the downtown space. Admire the dramatic spiral wooden staircase leading to the conference area, get touchy with the felt wall by artist Kathryn Walter, and finally, have a seat at the Central 899 lounge where champers is served by the flute.

And the rooms—spacious and warm with high-end amenities and possibly the largest rain shower heads known to man—are laid-back luxury at its finest.

We’re booking in for a staycation.

From $279 ($199 intro special until the end of March), Hôtel Le Germain, 899 Centre St. SW, Calgary, 403-264-8990, www.germaincalgary.com

Gone Baby Gone

Vitamin Daily — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 04:00:00 +0000

You swear you’ll never use it but the ominous phrase, “When I was your age,” will inevitably become part of your vocabulary one day.

And nothing reminds us of that more than Obsolete: An Encyclopedia of Once-Common Things Passing Us By by Anna Jane Grossman.

Through a collection of short essays and illustrations, the author covers more than 100 everyday items, ideas and trends that are quickly disappearing. Take a walk down memory lane with mixed tapes, camera film, boom boxes and handwritten letters.

Grossman even tempts fate by announcing the book itself fits the bill. Touché!

$15.12 at Amazon.ca

Photo Op

Vitamin Daily — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 04:00:00 +0000

We never leave the house without our point-and-shoot and lately, it looks like we’re not the only ones.

In addition to their impeccable style, all the cool girls snapped for street-style blogs are sporting leather Leica camera cases (Kate Bosworth is also a fan). The accessory du jour (from $119.95) is made for the company’s D-Lux series of cameras but could easily hold a different compact.

Casually slip it over your shoulder or around your neck old school style, add a little attitude and you’ll be snapped on the street in no time.

At the Camera Store, 802 11th Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-234-9935, www.thecamerastore.com