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Souvenirs
Take it Home...New Brunswick
14/07/10 16:06
Where is it? Ste. Anne de Kent
Describe it. Throughout New Brunswick, locals are buzzing about Olivier Soapery, a homegrown family business-turned-franchise that is also cleaning up in Quebec, Ontario and New York City. More than just a natural olive oil soap factory, the impressive headquarters in tiny Ste. Anne de Kent is an “economuseum” dedicated to preserving and teaching traditional soap making. There’s a dazzling shop, too, where you can buy all sorts of lovely toiletries packed in way-too-cute-to-trash boxes. This sweet butter-scented soap, for instance, is designed to refresh your own claws after a succulent (but stinky) east coast lobster feast.
How much? $9.95 at www.oliviersoaps.com
FROM MY FOOD AND SOUVENIR COLUMN IN
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A World of Souvenirs
19/06/10 15:07
Goodbye Stodgy Ottawa - Hello Stockwell Day Finger Puppet
26/04/10 15:56
OTTAWA – So you think you know Ottawa.
If you’re an Ontarian, it’s easy to trace the origin of your “been there, done that” mentality. It was that mandatory class trip in eighth grade, when you reluctantly dragged your awkward limbs around Parliament Hill, the war museum and the mint.
Who gave a hoot about Sir John A. Macdonald back then? You were more impressed by lunch at the Rideau St. McDonald’s.
All of those stodgy old attractions continue to bore teenagers to death. But if you haven’t visited the capital since Brian Mulroney ruled the roost, you’re in for a pleasant surprise.
You can still absorb lots of Canadiana, only without the clichés. Here are a few Ottawa tourist activities with updated options.
Read on HERE
Take it Home...Colorado
22/01/10 11:57
Where is it? Fort Collins, Colorado
Describe it. Finding a brewery to tour isn’t tough. Finding one that’s as inspiring as The New Belgium Brewing Company is nearly impossible. Yeah, they’ve got some more-than-drinkable Belgian-style beer (and you’ll sample multiple glasses of it along the way), but what’s really intoxicating is the fun, progressive vibe of the company itself. They’re so big on both sustainability and treating their staff right that they award employees a cruiser bike after their first year. They also sponsor a major bike festival and have a beer called “Fat Tire.” The staff are clearly stoked on the fun factor. Maybe it’s because they get to use a spiral slide instead of a staircase. You’ll be grinning, too, when you get to try it at the end of the tour.
How much? $5 US in the brewery gift shop. For more information visit www.newbelgium.com
FROM MY FOOD AND SOUVENIR COLUMN IN
Denver Souvenir Shopping's a Snap!
12/01/10 15:31
God, I love finding the ultimate souvenir. So often, you end up with that “what was I THINKING?” moment when you get back from a trip, 
as you pull that ugly-ass piece of native art out of your bag (it looked good in its original setting, I grant you that) and commit it to a lifetime of attracting dust on the top shelf of your bookcase.
Personally, I’d rather pick up functional souvenirs. Topping the list: CLOTHING.
In Denver this week, I scored this sweet cowgirl shirt at Rockmount Ranch Wear. Not only is it country chic, but it’s got authenticity to boot: this is the very store where the snap-up Western Shirt was invented in the ’40s. Yee Haw!
They’ve got loads of cute, contoured girly shirts as well as scads of dude wear. And even if you don’t get a kick out of Western wear, get some for your lover’s sake. They’ll appreciate the convenience of the snaps, if ya know what I mean.
Have you ever come home with an awesome piece of souvenir clothing? What was it?
Personally, I’d rather pick up functional souvenirs. Topping the list: CLOTHING.
In Denver this week, I scored this sweet cowgirl shirt at Rockmount Ranch Wear. Not only is it country chic, but it’s got authenticity to boot: this is the very store where the snap-up Western Shirt was invented in the ’40s. Yee Haw!
They’ve got loads of cute, contoured girly shirts as well as scads of dude wear. And even if you don’t get a kick out of Western wear, get some for your lover’s sake. They’ll appreciate the convenience of the snaps, if ya know what I mean.
Have you ever come home with an awesome piece of souvenir clothing? What was it?
Take it Home...Arizona
26/11/09 13:49
Where is it? Arizona
Describe it. You’re not getting a cactus through airport security. You’re just not. And even if you do, the other passengers will think you're a prick as you drag it down the aisle. However, nobody can deny that the bristly plants are part of Arizona’s charm. For a more manageable memory, pop in to Armadilla Wax Works and scoop up one of these kitschy but cute cactus candles that smell like “desert rain.” A far cry from dollar store dreck, Armadilla has been making these candles by hand for over 25 years and the store is still owner-operated. Over 40 delicious scents reside at the wax emporium.
How much? $11.95 US at the stores in Prescott (103 N. Cortez Street) and Flagstaff (21 E. Aspen Avenue). Also available online at www.candlefactorystore.com.
FROM MY FOOD AND SOUVENIR COLUMN IN
Take it Home...Bavaria
20/10/09 17:53
Where is it? Bavaria, Germany
Describe it? Breakfast is a big deal in Germany, usually consisting of farmhouse favourites like cold cuts, cheese, bread and a hard boiled egg. It is of course especially crucial to stock up on breakfast if you’re going to be suiting up in Lederhosen and getting hosed at the beer hall in the afternoon. Bavarians traditionally chop it all up on one of these cutting boards and don’t bother with a plate.
How much? These novelty breakfast boards, featuring typical Bavarian images, are €7.90 each at Obacht (Ledererstrasse 17, Munich - www.obacht-web.de).
FROM MY FOOD AND SOUVENIR COLUMN IN
The Coffee Buzz
14/08/09 15:27
A trip...
.When simply drinking coffee is not enough of a caffeine fix, why not partake of an entire vacation that revolves around java? Finca Rosa Blanca resort in Costa Rica is offering a three night Coffee Harvest Package this autumn. Guests will be lodged in suites overlooking the coffee fields at this lush boutique
property, which was deemed one of the top 10 eco-resorts in the world by Trip Advisor. But the buzz won’t stop there: they’ll be supplied with traditional woven baskets, hats and scarves and sent out with local pickers to harvest, clean, dry and roast the beans. Then comes the “coffee cupping session” – a lesson on rating gourmet beans – and a workshop on making cappuccino, lattes and a traditional Costa Rican cup of coffee using the chorreador method. Finally, caffeine cravers will be permitted to crash a little during the Tiramisu Spa treatment: an organic coffee, clove and citrus bath soak, honey and almond body exfoliation, facial and full body massage.
The Coffee Harvest Package runs from October 1 to December 14 and costs $1398 (based on double occupancy. For more info, visit fincarosablanca.com, or call 506-2269-9392.
And a sip...
What is it? A Starbucks Mug
Where is it? Seattle
Describe it? Everybody and his brother is striding around with a Starbucks cup of some sort these days. Yawn. If you really want to rise above all the cappuccino commoners, you must get yourself down to Seattle’s Pike Place Market, site of the very first Starbucks, which opened in 1971. The ubiquitous green logo is conspicuously absent: this location bears the original brown insignia, harkening back to the days when they sold coffee, tea and spices to Westcoast hippies. Buying a piece of souvenir merchandise like this java vessel here might suggest that you were a fan before Starbucks “got big and sold out.”
How much? $11
FROM MY FOOD AND SOUVENIR COLUMN IN
.When simply drinking coffee is not enough of a caffeine fix, why not partake of an entire vacation that revolves around java? Finca Rosa Blanca resort in Costa Rica is offering a three night Coffee Harvest Package this autumn. Guests will be lodged in suites overlooking the coffee fields at this lush boutique
The Coffee Harvest Package runs from October 1 to December 14 and costs $1398 (based on double occupancy. For more info, visit fincarosablanca.com, or call 506-2269-9392.
And a sip...
Where is it? Seattle
Describe it? Everybody and his brother is striding around with a Starbucks cup of some sort these days. Yawn. If you really want to rise above all the cappuccino commoners, you must get yourself down to Seattle’s Pike Place Market, site of the very first Starbucks, which opened in 1971. The ubiquitous green logo is conspicuously absent: this location bears the original brown insignia, harkening back to the days when they sold coffee, tea and spices to Westcoast hippies. Buying a piece of souvenir merchandise like this java vessel here might suggest that you were a fan before Starbucks “got big and sold out.”
How much? $11
FROM MY FOOD AND SOUVENIR COLUMN IN
This Pearl is Fishy
31/07/09 13:02
Where is it? Macedonia
Describe it? One of the oldest lakes in the world, crystal clear Ohrid is a popular holiday spot and a source of major pride for Macedonians. It is also a source of the unique Ohrid Pearl, which is crafted from the scales of the endemic Plasica fish. But buyer, beware: only a handful of local families sell genuine Ohrid Pearls, so we’re thinking it’s best to bypass the makeshift souvenir table near the McDonalds. Just a hunch.
How much? This silver ring cost $32.
FROM MY FOOD AND SOUVENIR COLUMN IN
A Saintly Souvenir
03/02/09 12:46
Where is it? Puerto Rico
Describe it? An old Catholic tradition in Puerto Rico, these handmade, painted wooden saints came back into vogue in the 1960’s as a secular collectible. Due to the importance of Three Kings’ Day (Jan. 6), the smart choice for an authentic souvenir is the three wise men.
How much? It varies depending on craftsmanship, but we got this one for $28US at a shop in Old San Juan.
FROM MY BIWEEKLY FOOD AND SOUVENIR COLUMN IN
Shi's So Lovely
15/09/08 17:07
What is it? Hand Crafted Jewellery by Shi Studio
Where is it? Victoria, B.C.
Describe it: If you want a lasting memento of Victoria’s Chinatown but shun the sweatshop-direct fans, tea sets and Hello Kitty paraphernalia, consider one of Shi Studio’s stunning pieces. Local designer Cory Judge paired sumptuous Chinese silk with glass and the outcome is eye-popping, one-of-a-kind jewellery. Shi’s selection ranges from elegant classics like pendants and earrings to edgier items like belt buckles, cuffs, chokers and cufflinks.
How much? From $48 (small earrings) to $135 (sterling silver cufflinks). Available at Oscar & Libby’s (770 Fort Street in Victoria) and online at www.shistudio.com
I’ve had this Shi pendant for years, and every time I wear it I get compliments.
FROM MY BIWEEKLY FOOD AND SOUVENIR COLUMN IN
YES! This product has been tested and approved by REB