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TRUST. REACH. RESULTS. BRIAN, TIMOTHY, JOAN M cGUIGAN AGENTS IMMOBILIER AGRÉES / CHARTERED REAL ESTATE AGENTS

www.McGuiganPepin.com See our listings on the back page. February 2007 –v2.2 Arts & Entertainment on the Island and Beyond 27,000 copies

RESTAURANT REVIEW Tapeo and Sala Rosa p. 1 WINE Valentine’s Picks by Carola Price p. 9 Have Mon trealers FOOD for Valentine’s Day by Anthea Dawson p. 3 BOOK REVIEW Bryson’s Thunderbolt Kid and Unea rthed the Burroughs’ Running with Scissors by McKenzie p. 7 MOVIES Notes on a Scandal by David Price & Catherine McKenzie p. 10 Foun tain of Yout h? ART Parisian Laundry by Chris Hand p. 6 COUNTRY DOCTOR Colds p. 7 by Kristian Gravenor PRACTICAL POINTS Investing p. 14 In the health-food industry, you relish the day a customer TOWNSHIPS CALENDAR pp. 14-15 waltzes in demanding a previously unheard-of product with sup - DRIVING Review: Mazda R-8 by M. Presseau p. 13 posedly stupendous health benefits. REAL ESTATE Not long ago, pomegranate juice seekers were rare, but the Home Inspections by Barry Schreiber p. 11 Listing Agent Counterpoint by Janice Newton p. 11 pink juice has made a rapid switch from strange to staple. A sur - Eastern Townships Real Estate p. 15 vey of Westmount and NDG grocers suggests that many health- conscious consumers have developed a healthy addiction to the stuff. Chris Hills, manager of À Votre Santé health-food store on Sherbrooke St., reports that the craze caught fire about two years ago when locals read about the continued on page 8 Pomegranate juice is all the rage at Montreal health food stores. Restaurant Review Maternally Yours A Tale of Two Tapas Overnight Camps: Part 1 of 2 by Stuart Woods by Annika Melanson The leading culinary destination of the moment isn’t Paris, Ahhh, the thought of heading off to sum - New York or London, but the Basque city of San Sebastian, which mer camp in flip-flops and tie-dyed T-shirts, boasts the highest per-capita concentration of Michelin stars in and seeing old friends from the summer before who have be - the world. Its renown is the legacy of la nueva cocina vasca (New come pen pals over the winter months (or is it e-mail pals Basque Cuisine), which in the late-1970s invigorated Spanish these days?). Many of us have fond memories of summer haute cuisine. Defined by diminutive, exquisitely crafted portions camp: learning new skills, spying on the boys (or girls!), mak - and an irreverent attitude towards flavour, texture and tradition, ing new best friends and even a first crush. the Basque style fused the concept of continued on page 12 Overnight camp provides a healthy, continued on page 4 2 – Vivva MONTREAL – February 2007

Happenings Vivva Montreal’s guide to what’s on around the island.

Music Neiges & Maison de la Culture NDG, 3755 for students. Church of St. Andrew & St. suitable for ages 5 to 12. Free. Maison de la ឣ Quebec klezmer and gypsy ensemble Botrel. For more information and to Paul. For tickets and information call Culture NDG, 3755 Botrel. For more Gadji-Gadjo perform traditional music reserve tickets call 514.872.6889 or 514.487.5190 or go to www.ocm-mco.org. information or to reserve tickets call from Eastern Europe. Tickets are free. 514.872.2157. February 18 at 8 pm . 514.872.2157. February 4 at 3 pm . ឣ The Arcade Fire plays five sold-out shows Maison de la Culture Côte-des-Neiges, Cinema Art 5290 Cote des Neiges. For information call at the Ukrainian Federation, 5213 514.972.6889. February 1 at 8 pm . Hutchinson. 50 tickets are being reserved ឣ Films That Transform . The McGill medical ឣ Mexican artist Estela López Solís ’ large- ឣ Toronto-based nine-piece God Made Me at the door for each show. Tickets are $25. faculty’s ongoing film series features format landscape photographs are turned Funky showcase their God-given talent at February 6 to 10 . Joseph Guinta: A Silent Triumph , which on their head through digital ឣ Local impresario Global NTT’s bi-monthly documents the 95-year-old Montreal manipulation. Lejanía – Éloignement is a showcase continues, featuring Sule on artist’s preparations for a major collection of recent work. Quebec artist February 6 and spoken word trio Ashes on retrospective of his work while coping with Patrick Beaulieu spreads stardust in the the Table on February 20 . Jello Bar, 151 his wife’s worsening Alzheimer’s disease. form of hundreds of small, star-shaped Ontario East. Tickets are $6. For tickets Tickets are $10, $15 for students and lights. His new installation, Poussières and info go to www.globalntt.com. seniors. Moyse Hall, 853 Sherbrooke St. d’étoiles , features video footage of Mexico Showtime at 10 pm. West. February 13 at 7 pm . and the Yamaska region of Quebec. ឣ Emerging Canadian pop diva Eva Avila at ឣ Pianist Louis-Maxime Dubois accompanies Maison de la Culture NDG, 3755 Botrel. Métropolis. Tickets are $29.50. For tickets silent films of Charlie Chaplin and Buster For more information call 514.872.2157. God Made Me Funky gets funky go to www.ticketpro.ca. February 14 . Keaton. Maison de la Culture Côte-des- Vernissage February 9 at 5 pm . Jello Bar, 151 Ontario East. Tickets are $10. ឣ Free jazz at Maison de la Culture NDG, Neiges, 5290 Côte des Neiges. For Community Events For tickets and info go to 3755 Botrel. Trio Lauzier Perkin Kuster information call 514.972.6889. www.globalntt.com. February 2 at 10 pm . performs February 15 at 8 pm ; Tricycle February 18 at 3 pm . ឣ Celebrate the season at the Westmount ឣ Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Maison de performs February 17 at 8 pm . ឣ The NFB screens a program of animated Winter Carnival . The event features la Culture Côte-des-Neiges & NDG ឣ Johnny Clegg, “White Zulu” and Jazz short films. Maison de la Culture NDG, broomball, sleigh rides, hot chocolate and presents a series of programs devoted to Festival favourite, plays Métropolis. 3755 Botrel. For more information or to evening entertainment at Victoria Hall. that most romantic art form, the tango. Tickets are $37.50. For tickets go to reserve tickets call 514.872.2157. February Westmount Park and Westmount Arena. Performances by Buenos Aires trio Cien www.ticketpro.ca. February 23 . 25 at 3 pm . For more information call 514.989.5353. Caminos (February 3 & 8) ; Montreal-based ឣ Celebrate black history month with a free Theatre February 1 to 3 . musician Romulo Larrea , who plays performance by Festival international ឣ Troubadour Richard Desjardins (aka bandoneón, a traditional instrument Nuits d’Afrique alumnus Annie Ébène . ឣ Montreal-based theatre group Geordie Guétare) is the guest of honour at the similar to the accordion ( February 6 & 20 ); Maison de la Culture Côte-des-Neiges, Productions presents The Secret Life of the seventh edition of Festival Voix d’Amér- and a program of South American- 5290 Côte des Neiges. To reserve tickets Octopus , a children’s play about how rival iques , a bilingual festival of oral literature, inspired music by trio La Shunta call 514.872.6889. February 23 at 8 pm . classmates come together to care for Fred spoken word and “text (February 21 ). Tickets are free, but ឣ McGill Chamber Orchestra presents a the Octopus. Performed in English and in performance.” The continued on page 3 reservations are recommended. Maison de rising star in the world of classical organ: la Culture Côte-des-Neiges, 5290 Cote des 20-year-old Felix Hell performs music by Handel and Poulenc. Tickets are $30, $15

ɀ Distributed by Canada Post to 22,000 residential and business addresses in Westmount and eastern NDG (H3Y, H3Z and H4A) and 1,300 business addresses in Knowlton, Sutton, Magog, North Hatley and Ayer’s Cliff. Bonus for next three issues: 3,700 business addresses in down - town Montreal (H3H, H3G and H3A) ɀ 600 copies distributed to over 45 waiting-room drops. ɀ Monthly. Distribution begins on the last Tuesday of the month, except January. We understand that some people do not want to get Vivva Montreal in their mailbox. If this is the case, Canada Post advises that you place a sticker on your mailbox that says, ‘No ad mail.’ Chers concitoyens et concitoyennes qui ne veulent pas recevoir Vivva Montreal chez eux: nous ne sommes pas capable de bloquer une adresse individuelle. Il faut mettre une étiquette près de votre fente à lettres qui lit « Pas de média-poste ». 310 Victoria #105 Editor: David Price 514.935.4537 Westmount, QC H3Z 2M9 Assistant editor: Fax: 514.935.9241 Stuart Woods 514.223.3578 [email protected] Design: Studio Melrose Vivva Montreal is a provisional Check out back issues of Vivva affiliate member of the Montreal at www.vivvamontreal.com. Advertising sales: Quebec Community Newspapers Association. Copyright 2006. All rights reserved. Annika Melanson 514.223.3567 Vivva Montreal is published by Sherbrooke-Valois Inc. – Locally owned, operated and staffed. Vivva MONTREAL – February 2007 – 3

4 Tbsp. black sesame seeds Cooking 4 cups mixed greens 1 bunch medium asparagus, trimmed, blanched and cut into diagonal chunks 1 red pepper Recipes for Romance 1 yellow pepper 4 scallions, chopped by Anthea Dawson Though there is little scientific proof to 2 Tbsp. chopped basil confirm that certain foods make you hot 2 Tbsp. seasoned rice- Now that the holiday season is officially under the collar, there is a long history of vinegar over, we Canadians start to feel a little tales through the ages to back up the 4 Tbsp. sesame oil withdrawal. While our American neigh - claims. 4 Tbsp. coriander, chopped bours celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day Probably the most notorious aphro - (for garnish) and George Washington Day, we settle in disiac is the oyster, the true pearl of the Pre-heat oven to 350°F. for a long haul of full work weeks. Thank ocean. Here in Montreal you can find a Season salmon fillets with heavens for Valentine’s Day. Yes, it may wide variety of Atlantic oysters in most fish salt and pepper to taste. In a seem like just another Hallmark holiday, markets, and February is one of the best cast-iron skillet, heat veg - but February 14 offers us a reason to come months to sample them. etable oil until smoking. Sear together and celebrate. Oysters, like most shellfish, follow the salmon fillets on one side something known in the cooking world as (flesh-side down) until crispy Eat Your Heart Out “the R-rule,” meaning that they are at their and golden. Flip fillets and There are many types of food and drink best during months that have the letter R keep them in the skillet, but that have long been considered aphrodisi - in them. Luckily for us, that includes most remove from heat. acs, edible delights that get your blood of the dismal winter months, and what Meanwhile, prepare the The oyster: natural aphrodisiac pumping and get you in the mood for love. better way to jazz up your Valentine’s Day glaze by mixing together all ingredients 3 large eggs 1 than with these delectable treats? Whether except for the black sesame seeds. Evenly ⁄2 cup sugar HAPPENINGS... continued from page 2 1 you prefer the saltier Malpeques and Cara - spread the glaze over the seared salmon ⁄3 cup flour quets or the fruity Pine Island variety, oys - fillets and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Put Confectioner’s sugar week-long festival includes a showcase of ters on the half-shell are a true delicacy the skillet in the oven and bake at 350°F Pre-heat oven to 450°F. Toronto talent, a free daily “5 à 7” series that require little fanfare – just a wedge of for 4 to 5 minutes (for medium-rare) or 8 Butter 6 6 oz. ramekins and dust lightly and a late-night open mike. Casa del lemon, cocktail sauce or a dollop of mig- minutes (for medium). Remove from with flour. Set ramekins on a baking sheet. Popolo, 4873 St. Laurent & Sala Rosa, nonette (a red-wine vinegar dressing). oven and set aside. Melt butter in a small saucepan. In a 4848 St. Laurent. Tickets available at the While the salmon is baking, throw to - small bowl, pour melted butter over choco - door or in advance at www.admission.com. More Aphrodisiacs Go to www.fva.ca for more information. gether the salad by mixing the vegetables late and stir until smooth. February 2 to 9 . Other edibles that can spice up your love together in a large bowl. Whisk together Using an electric mixer, beat the eggs in ឣ Young, Gifted and Black . A program of life and your menu are asparagus (a hor - the seasoned rice-vinegar and sesame oil a separate bowl at medium speed until drama, music, dance and spoken word in mone stimulant famous for its suggestive in a small bowl and toss with the salad. they are thick and pale. Beat in flour and celebration of black history month. Tickets shape and high levels of vitamin E), basil To serve, divide the salad evenly add chocolate mixture. Pour batter into the are $20, $15 for students. The Oscar (which boosts fertility), ginger (which amongst 4 plates (being sure to get each ramekins and bake in the middle of the Peterson Concert Hall, 7141 Sherbrooke St. stimulates the circulatory system), and veggie on each plate). Place salmon on top. oven for 12 minutes, or until a dime-size West. For information call 514.918.3352; chili peppers (which boost heart-rate and Sprinkle generously with coriander and shape appears in the centre of the cake. for tickets go to www.admission.com. release endorphins, creating a natural serve! Let cool for 1 minute. February 3 at 8 pm . high). ឣ The Jean Monbourquette Foundation Serves 4. Sift confectioner’s sugar over each cake And then, of course, there is chocolate. and serve with French-vanilla ice cream. presents The Honourable Senator Roméo Molten Chocolate Cake Dallaire , who chairs a conference about The longtime favourite gift of lovers on Serves 6. Valentine’s Day, chocolate is the most fa - 4 oz. (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut children and war. Proceeds go to the Jean Anthea is the executive chef of Simply mous of the aphrodisiacs, and there is into pieces Monbourquette Foundation. Tickets are Wonderful, a catering company. $50. The Oscar Peterson Concert Hall, some scientific evidence that explains why. 4 oz. bittersweet chocolate, coarsely 7141 Sherbrooke St. West. For tickets call Containing chemicals that affect neuro - chopped 514.848.4848 or go to www.admission. transmitters in the brain, as well as an - com. February 12 at 7:30 pm . tioxidants – enzymes that prevent cancer Westmount At the New Forum (Bell Centre) – good-quality dark chocolate is the perfect Park United way to finish off your Valentine’s Day. Singing Valentines ឣ For tickets and information go to www. Church bellcentre.ca or call 514.790.1245. say “I love yo u” with a song. Hoisin-Ginger Glazed Salmon 4695 de Maisonneuve Blvd. W February 5 Billy Talent with Asparagus Surprise your loved one with a romantic memory corner Lansdowne February 14 to 16 Gregory Charles that will last a lifetime! A women’s a capella quartet (514) 937-1146 4 8 oz. salmon fillets, skin removed will bring a serenade in romantic four-part harmony. February 19 Barenaked Ladies kosher salt & pepper Weekly Saturday February 21 Gipsy Kings Valentines can be delivered to private homes, offices, 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil restaurants, health clubs, businesses or wherever Service February 23 Jonas 4:30 p.m. February 24 Rod Stewart Glaze: you would like. February 10, 11 & 14, 2007 h Reserve now. March 4 Josh Groban 4 Tbsp. hoisin sauce Don’t like to get up early? March 7 to 11 Disney on Ice $30. All Valentines include: a flower, two 1 Tbsp. ginger, minced Busy during the day? March 28 Christina Aguilera 1 tsp. garlic, minced romantic love songs, chocolates and card. April 5 Nelly Furtado 1 tsp. hot chili sauce Contact: Gail Kelsall – 514-683-6771 Come relax and enjoy April 6 Harlem Globetrotters 1 Tbsp. soy sauce [email protected] worship & warm fellowship at WPUC. April 10 Il Divo 1 Tbsp. sesame oil www.montrealcityvoices.com 4 – Vivva MONTREAL – February 2007

MATERNALLY... continued from page 1 important component of a successful choice. This is the person that has the non-threatening environment for the im - most interaction and the greatest effect portant work of separating from parents, upon the campers.” and gaining self-confidence and inde - You can get a feel for the director by im- pendence. It is a place to learn teamwork, agining how your child will interact with sharing and cooperation while enjoying him or her. Will your child feel comfort - the great outdoors. able telling them if there is a problem? If If you are considering sending your child off for the first time and are overwhelmed with the abun - dance of choice out there, then read on. Summer Camp Experts I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Lynn Yaphe of Stu - dent Camp and Trip Advisors . Lynn and her business partner Koral Zeidel offer a free consulting service to families who are inter - ested in camps, trips, tours and schools for their kids during sum - mer vacation. Lynn and Koral have been in business since 1970 and offer a personalized service. They begin by interviewing each family to ascertain a child’s specific inter - See Camp Checklist p. 6

ests, so that they can suggest an ap - Canoeing – A Camp Favourite propriate camp from among the more than 650 programs the company they are proud of a new achievement? If represents in Canada, the US and Europe. they are feeling lonely or homesick? When If anyone knows how to choose the right meeting the camp director, take the op - summer camp for your child, it’s these portunity to talk about anything special ladies! Lynn Yaphe says she spends every that is going on in your child’s life (e.g., a summer visiting camps “to see programs new baby at home, a divorce, if your child in action, get to know directors and staff, is a bed-wetter or has difficulty making talk with campers and assess the physical friends and socializing). That way, the campus.” camp staff will be better prepared to deal Lynn has given me the scoop on what to with your child’s unique circumstances. look for in an overnight camp for children “Camp should be a positive experience ages 7 to 18. that your child looks forward to summer According to Lynn, an important first after summer,” says Lynn. “The cama - step when choosing the right camp for raderie and continuity that camp can pro - your child is meeting the camp director. “A vide is invaluable.” good rapport with the director is a most To set up a personal appointment with a representative from Student Camp and Trip Advisors, contact Lynn Yaphe GINETTE & JEFF STEELE at 514.482.1462 or Koral Zeidel at 514. 482.6756. More Advice Ask yourself and your child what your expectations of the camp experience are. Is your child involved in a sport in which he would like to excel? Would you like to encourage your child to try new activities Milkman – Ho me Deli ve ry and experience something completely dif - ferent? Does your child have special needs Lactantia dairy products (e.g., diabetes, learning difficulties, aller - gies, a weight problem, physical or men - Organic & soy milk also available tal disability, etc.) All of these things must be taken into consideration. 450 829-3852 Specialized camps run Happily in service since 1979 the gamut from sports continued on page 5 Vivva MONTREAL – February 2007 – 5

e Located on 320 acres bordering Visit us at th Mount Orford Provincial Park! Camp Fair Feb. 27 Parkside Ranch Summer Program Activities: Trail riding on horseback, mini-golf, soccer, baseball, mountain biking, fish - ing, volleyball, swimming, archery, handicrafts, hiking, camp-fires, out trips, riding lessons during 2-week camps, daily devotional readings from the Bible. Two Week Camps One Week Camps Session Ages (co-ed) Start End Session Ages (co-ed) Start End #1 10-16 June 24 July 7 #4 13-17 Aug. 4 Aug. 11 #2 10-16 July 8 July 21 #5 9-12 Aug. 12 Aug. 18 #3 10-16 July 22 Aug. 4 For further information contact: Parkside Ranch Inc., 1505, Alfred-Desrochers, Orford, QC, J1X 6J4 Tel.: 819 868-0431 • Fax: 819 868-6730 • E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.parksideranch.com

MATERNALLY... continued from page 4 Some important points to consider when choosing an overnight camp: camps to creative arts camps, adventure • Is the camp co-ed? camps to science camps, as well as camps • How is the camp staff trained and what specializing in the performing arts, music, are their qualifications (first aid, CPR, language and education. I can’t say that etc.)? math camp would have been my cup of • What is the ratio of camp counsellors to tea, but to each their own! campers? • Is there a nurse and/or doctor on staff? Overnight Camp Resources • What kind of communication is permit - Memory Lane Yummy It is a good idea to ask for references ted with the parents? from families whose children have at - • Are visits allowed? 5560 Monkland Ave. for Babies! tended a particular camp. Having said • What are the accommodations like? 51 4-482-0990 Create A Lifetime this, it is important not to rely solely on • What is the camp’s attitude regarding Mix of clothing, used and of Good Eating word-of-mouth. The camp where your discipline? new samples, books, toys niece thrived may not be suitable for your Habits. child. There are rarely terrible camps, only Summer Camp Fairs camps that are a terrible fit for your child! To find out more, I suggest attending Do your detective work and choose care - the Montreal Camp Fair hosted by Mon - fully. treal Families . Approximately 40 summer When choosing an overnight camp, con - camp directors will be on hand to answer sult the following online resources: l’As - any questions you might have about their sociation des camps du Québec (www. camps. The event will mostly feature camps.qc.ca), the Ontario Camping Asso - overnight camps from Quebec, Ontario ciation (www.ontariocamps.ca) and the and the US, as well as some local day American Camp Association (www.aca - camps. It is suggested that your child ac - camps.org). These camp associations pro - company you so that they can get a feel for vide you with a list of accredited camps, as which camp they like best. Admission is well as criteria for keeping campers happy, free. Lower Canada College, 4090 Royal healthy and safe. Note that certified camps Ave. For more information call 514. are visited by camp consultants and must 487.8881 or go to www.montrealfami - adhere to health, safety and staffing-ratio lies.ca. February 26, 6 standards. pm to 8:30 pm . continued on page 6 6 – Vivva MONTREAL – February 2007

MATERNALLY... continued from page 5 Camper’s Checklist L’Association des camps du Québec also Ⅺ Bathing suit hosts Camp Caravan 2007 , a camp fair Ⅺ Long pants with more than 30 accredited Quebec Ⅺ Sunscreen camps. Camp directors will be available to speak to parents and kids. Place Laurier, Ⅺ Bug repellent March 9 to 11 . Olympic Stadium, March Ⅺ Camera 30 to April 1 . For more information call Ⅺ Hat 514.252.3113 or go to www.camps.qc.ca. Ⅺ Shorts and T-shirts Ⅺ Flashlight Annika Melanson is the author of The Montreal Pocket Parent and Ⅺ Toiletries Le Bottin des Bambins and co-author of Ⅺ Closed walking shoes, hiking boots Yummy in My Tummy in Montreal. or running shoes Ⅺ Rain jacket & rain boots Ⅺ Sweatshirts & polar-fleece vests Ⅺ Canteen or water bottle FIND THE RIGHT Ⅺ Socks and underwear CAMP OR TRIP Ⅺ Stationery, and pre-addressed and pre-stamped envelopes for writing FOR YOUR CHILD home (you hope!) • Canadian • American • European Ⅺ Sleeping bag and pillow Programs Available Ⅺ Books, cards & a journal Now in both Ⅺ Send medication in its original pack - STUDENT CAMP & TRIP age with dosage information. Ensure languages! ADVISORS that your child’s doctor’s number is A Free Service Since 1970 visible Maintenant en Personal Interviews Ⅺ Label everything! To order labels Personalized Matches contact Stuck on You (www.stuck - deux langue s! Koral Zeidel Lynn Yaphe onyou.biz/canada) or Mabel’s Labels 51 4 482-6756 51 4 934-1462 (www.mabel.ca)

Mathieu Gaudet works in MDF. Yes, But where I was sorely disappointed was Art Review: Parisian Laundry you read that correctly: medium density fi - in the multi-syllabic art-speak nonsense breboard is his medium of choice. But un - distributed before entering the room, like the cabinets in your kitchen, or the which attempted to explain and rational - desk you got at IKEA, Gaudet’s work looks ize the art. To quote the “text”: “ Formica , more like something the Mad Hatter which means ‘ant’ in Latin … deals in fact Fresh and Clean would use to make one of his headpieces. with the web of connections that can be They also could be details from a three-di - woven together between a virtual charac - by Chris “Zeke” Hand collages of three or four different images. mensional relief map of the Canadian ter and the public.” For the most part, they feature an exterior Shield, or a miniature skate park. Your Oops! Wrong! Big mistake! Formica is Parisian Laundry is one of the bright shot of some fancy-ass 21st-century Cana - choice. actually the laminate that goes on top of new stars in the Montreal exhibition fir - dian building, a person sort of looking like The awe-inspiring objects of the after - MDF. It was invented almost 100 years mament. It had a soft opening in 2005, they might be a mirror image (which in noon, however, were Tim Lewis’ models of ago: it’s copyrighted, trademarked and came into its own in 2006 and now, in fact they aren’t), and an image of some a bunch of human beings small enough to protected by the Formica Corporation. Ap - 2007, has hit the ground running, leading “nature” in the middle. From where I was fit in your pocket. The work is similar in parently, it was initially intended as a re - the rest of Montreal galleries onward and standing, they look pretty gosh-darn cool. function to a zoetrope, one of those spin - placement for mica – hence the lack of a upward into the future. I’m good friends Ms. Cohen’s photographs are also dis - ning wheels from the 19th century con - space between the two words. with the director, and know the owner, and persed throughout the large exhibition sidered to be the first animated film. Mr. The pamphlet goes a long way towards always have a very nice time when I go space. Unfortunately, for my taste they Lewis, however, dispenses with the wheel, convincing me that I should continue (and visit. aren’t dispersed far enough away. Her the mirror and the vertically cut slits in the you can too) to ignore any and all texts that The exhibit on the main floor is a two- photographs – extremely static shots of the sides. As far as I can tell it, is a negative re - accompany art exhibits that contain words person show organized by Jean-François insides of rooms, devoid of humans – are versal, or an illusion of an illusion. longer than three syllables. Bélisle, featuring the work of Lynne Cohen barren of any emotion. Looking at them is Parisian Laundry , 3550 St. Antoine. For and Denis Farley . like looking at a wall: cold and dispassion - Show, Don’t Tell more information call 514.989.1056 or go Cohen has been getting an awful lot of ate. Down in the basement of the Parisian to www.parisianlaundry.com. All shows exposure in Montreal recently. A series of Laundry is an “interactive video system” continue to February 24 . her photographs was included as part of Fresh Faces by Philomène Longpré . Chris “Zeke” Hand runs Zeke’s Gallery. the Sound + Vision show at the Montreal I had to pick my jaw up off the floor If you ignore all the textual references to All opinions expressed herein are his own. Museum of Fine Arts in the summer of when I discovered the work of Tim Lewis what she is doing and how she is doing it, He does not represent, manage, consult or 2006. In that show her photographs were and Mathieu Gaudet elsewhere in the it is an interesting piece of art. I actually otherwise have ANY affiliation with the paired with those of Stan Douglas. gallery. I had never heard of either artist sat through it twice in its entirety. And as artists or galleries he writes about, Denis Farley pretty much nails it dead- and their work is a wonder and a joy to be - I can’t stand most video art, I consider this unless it is explicitly stated. on. His large-scale photographs are digital hold. the equivalent of two thumbs up. Vivva MONTREAL – February 2007 – 7 Book Review Country Doctor Childhood Revisited Confronting the Common Cold by Catherine McKenzie pies, and then the disco-goers, and then By Dr. Virginia Heese mune system by getting a lot of sleep The Life and Times of the greedy yuppies of Wall Street . (enough to feel rested ) and drinking plenty the Thunderbolt Kid Was it because of the shock of learning What we call “the common cold” is in of fluids , especially if you have a fever. by Bill Bryson what the real world was all about? I guess fact a group of symptoms caused by many Sadly , no medication will cure the com - it is the nature of our humanity that we different viruses. The symptoms include mon cold, but many over-the-counter Running with Scissors don’t like being lied to, even if the lies are sore or “scratchy” throat (which often dis - remedies will help ease your symptoms. by Augusten Burroughs pleasant and we were happier in our igno - appears quickly), nasal symptoms (such as I usually recommend that my patients If I had really applied myself, I might rance. runny nose, sneezing and congestion ) and limit the number of cold medications they have been able to come up with two mem - coughing (which tends to show up a cou - take in order to limit the number of possi - oirs about childhood that were more dif - Innocence Missing ple of days into the illness ). Mild fever and ble side-effects . Instead, target the symp - ferent than the two I read this month. But In Running with Scissors , Burroughs re - headache may also be present . tom that bothers you most. then again, maybe not. calls a much darker childhood that few Colds usually hang around for between If your throat is bothersome, warm salt- would have fond memories three to seven days in a normal, healthy water gargles can soothe the pain. Pain-re - Innocence Lost of. Much of Burroughs’ person, but some may linger on for up to lievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen First, I read The Life and Times of the childhood was spent with two weeks. work well for sore throats (and headaches Thunderbolt Kid by Bill Bryson, admittedly the Finches (the family of Colds are caused by different types of and fever) – try taking them a half-hour be - one of my favourite authors. Bryson is at his mother’s psychiatrist), viruses, of which the most common – the fore meals to maximize your comfort his best in this recounting while his mother went rhinovirus group – includes more than while eating. I recommend popsicles and of his childhood from ages through a series of psy - 100 strains. The vast number of different ice chips if cold feels best ; if warm liquids 6 to 12 in mid-20th century chotic episodes after his al - strains means that there is a huge number feel better, get yourself an insulated mug middle America. Bryson re - coholic father left the house. Burroughs is of viruses a person is susceptible to in and slowly sip hot tea. For nasal symp - members his childhood as a quasi-adopted by the Finches, a dysfunc - their lifetime, and this is why developing a toms, try non-medicated saline nasal-spray Normal Rockwell, Pleas - tional group of misfits led by the com - vaccine has been unsuccessful. to soothe and help clear out your passages. antville , The Truman Show pletely unorthodox Dr. Finch. Cold viruses are very contagious and are Breathing the hot steam of a warm bever - kind of place, without any of Some truly awful things happened to spread when the virus makes contact with age or hot shower (you don’t have to be in the present-day cynicism that we now tend Burroughs. He was gay, and had a two- the mucus membranes of a person’s eyes, it!) reduces nasal to infuse into these types of portraits. year relationship with a 30-year-old man nose or mouth. This occurs by inhaling congestion. Avoid continued on page 14 Things were simpler then, and that was who was also an adopted son of the the virus particles when an infected per - a good thing. People were more naïve, and Finches. Burroughs describes their sexual son breathes, sneezes or coughs, or by they reveled in their innocence. And encounters as they must have been: raw, touching eyes, nose or mouth with hands somehow, all of this co-existed with the abusive, scary. Yet he thought he felt love contaminated by the virus. Many cold sinister things that were going on in the for his abuser, and that also comes viruses are hardy and can survive on sur - world: men who had come home from through. faces such as door handles, phones or years of hell in World War II, the Cold War, His father was absent and refused to ac - countertops for several hours . the rise of communism, the beginning of cept Burroughs’ collect calls. And his The number one way to protect yourself the civil rights movement. It seems hard mother, despite her love for him, was too is to wash your hands frequently; it also to believe, but Bryson makes you believe busy dealing with her own breaks from re - helps to keep your hands away from your it, and makes you laugh out loud while ality to provide any continuity. So he sim - face. Alcohol -based hand -rubs are a good doing so. ply floated along, hanging out with the alternative when soap and water aren’t Ironically, the funniest moments come other Finch children, barely going to readily available. when Bryson describes how he never fully school, dreaming of owning a chain of Treatments fit into this world that he loves so much. hair salons and writing in his journals. While other people’s parents were fretting Let’s say you have come into contact about nuclear disaster, his father was fret - Lost in Translation? with one of these mean little viruses. Con - ting about saving a buck. While other chil - I have not seen the movie based on the trary to what many people think, taking dren were coddled by their mothers with book that came out earlier this year, but I antibiotics (or , more precisely, antibacterial milk and cookies after school, his mother wonder how it could have been translated medication) is NOT the first thing to do at worked as a journalist and was never to film. Or how the movie could have been the onset of symptoms. The reason is sim - much of a homemaker. And while other funny, as it reportedly was. Because, while ple: viruses are a much simpler life-form kids bought every story they were told, this is a well-written book, I did not find it than bacteria, which are complete cellular Bryson refused to hide under his desk funny. I can appreciate black humour, but organisms with the ability to reproduce. when a siren wailed and was labelled a this is black-hole humour where no light Viruses, on the other hand, are like little communist. exists, not even one particle. packages of information that NEED If you want to read a very funny series human cells to reproduce. You can design Ignorance Can Be Bliss of memoirs about a man growing up gay antibiotics to kill bacteria without harming It struck me, though, after I had com - in a slightly dysfunctional family, read any human cells, but it is difficult to wipe out pleted the book, that these same kids who of David Sedaris’ books before you read viruses without harming the host cells . had such a nice time are the same kids this one. The fact is that your body’s immune sys - who were so pissed off with the govern - tem will have to do the work of defeating Catherine McKenzie is a Montreal lawyer. ment a decade later. They became the hip - the cold. You can support your body’s im - 8 – Vivva MONTREAL – February 2007

POMEGRANATE ... continued from page 1 for the ticker that slows the hardening of the best stuff comes from his arteries by encouraging the production of native Azerbaijan. “Pomegran - health benefits packed into the hard- nitric oxide, the mortal foe of cholesterol ates were first domesticated in shelled hand grenade of health. and plaque. The study shows that antioxi - Azerbaijan and northern Iran The first wave of pomegranate juice dant levels in pomegranate juice are around 3000 BC, and you can fiends was the lineup of usual suspects, higher than in other highly touted rival find ancient manuscripts from but that group has expanded. “We sell juices, such as blueberry, cranberry and or - that time suggesting the treat - quite a bit of it now to all sorts of people,” ange, as well as red wine. ment of many diseases with says Hills. “Pomegranate juice was really, The juice, which costs between $2 and pomegranate juice.” really hot this past year, due to its antioxi - $6 per litre, is also reputed to be a youth Souleimanov says his Azer - dant content. People like it for health rea - tonic, containing polyphenols, tannins baijani pomegranate juice is sons, but it’s a little bit exotic and it’s low and anthocyanins that lay waste to free possibly the healthiest product in sugar. When you taste it, you’ll notice it radicals – the stuff that decays DNA. out there, since it isn’t from has a distinctly tart berry flavour.” Hills says that longevity is a big draw in concentrate or mixed with any - The drink has long been commonplace the health world. “Once it gets out that thing else. “Just try it next to in Turkey and Iran, and it’s considered the something can prolong your life, then it another type and you’ll taste national drink of Azerbaijan, a country really starts to attract attention.” Seasoned the difference.” where locals can differentiate between 30 health-seekers are also chasing the foun - Another proselytizing pom- varieties of the fruit and where centenari - tain of youth in other lesser-known an - egranate peddler is Nasser ans were common well before the advent tioxidants, such as the goji berry from the Akhavan, who imports his of Western medicine. Himalayas and the acai berry from the own brand that he sells at The pomegranate parade has pulled in Brazilian rainforest. Like the pomegran - Marché Akhavan on Sher - more strays. “Now we get people buying it ate, these fruit are jammed with flavonoids brooke St. “Where I come who have learned about it from reading and a number of essential acids. from in Iran, you can walk and from word-of-mouth, including peo - down the street and see people ple who have only recently started think - Montreal’s Mavericks at little booths where they ing about their health. My own father Perhaps Canada’s prime pomegranate squeeze the juice right in front started drinking it after having heart is - pioneer is Azer Souleimanov, who ditched of you. The fruit is cheap over sues,” says Hills. a lucrative career in software program - there. It would be cheap here, Chris Hills, manager of À Votre Santé, According to a 2005 study published by ming to preach the gospel of pomegranate too, but it costs a lot to bring it reports a surge in demand the Proceedings of the National Academy juice, which he imports and markets over.” Supermarché Fletcher (Metro) on Vic- of Sciences, pomegranate juice is a tonic under the PomeGrande label. He insists Akhavan says that pomegranate juice is toria Ave., Westmount’s largest grocery rivaled only by fresh dates as the hottest store, also has its pomegranate juice item in his store. junkies to answer to. “If we run out, boy, do we ever hear it from the customers,” Ancient Origins says one clerk. The fruit, which some believe to be what Graham Fletcher, who has owned the Eve offered to Adam, was first farmed in store for 21 years, sees 22,000 customers 3000 BC in the Goychay plains of Azer - pass through the store each week. About baijan, a former Soviet republic with a 24 bottles of pomegranate juice fly off the MacDougall, MacDougall & MacTier population of 8 million roughly the size of shelves daily. Those numbers have led him Maine. to bring in a whole new line of the juice. helps you achieve your life goals. The Bible is full of references to the Fletcher confesses that he’s never tasted fruit, which is also a mystical symbol of the juice himself, but he knows what kind prosperity and fertility in many cultures. of people have taken to it. We succeed when you do. Researchers, however, are more interested “What kind of people come here and in its ability to reduce the oxidation of LDL buy this?” asks Fletcher. “Smart people.” cholesterol, the stuff that clogs arteries. It This is our promise. This is what we do. Kristian Gravenor is a Montreal also contains elements known to diminish journalist, author and unrepentant blood clots and lower blood pressure. It has been this way since 1858. pomegranate juice addict. Some evidence indicates that it deters breast cancer. To learn more about our personalized Montreal-area stores such as the Hud - Where to go investment management approach son IGA have seen such demand for the Aliments Naturels A Votre Santé juice that they specially educate their pro - 5126 Sherbrooke St. West Visit our web site: www.3macs.com duce staff about the benefits of pome - 514.482.8233 granate juice. Prior to accepting a post as manager Marché Akhavan or contact us: of Les 5 Saisons on Greene Ave. at de 6170 Sherbrooke St. West 514.485.4744 William Cowen, Branch Manager Maisonneuve Blvd. West, Jean-François Dugal made sure they were stocking Les 5 Saisons pomegranate juice. “I started here in Sep - 1250 Greene Ave. MacDougall, MacDougall & MacTier Inc. (514) 394-3000 tember, but from where I worked before I 514.931.0249 knew it was a good seller, so I made sure Member of Bourse de Montréal & Toronto Stock Exchange, they had it here.” Since then, pomegran - Supermarché Fletcher Investment Dealers Association of Canada & CIPF. ate juice has been a tonic for troops of 4849 Sherbrooke St. West workers who drop by at lunch to down the 514.488.4083 drink. Vivva MONTREAL – February 2007 – 9

lar – the choice is entirely up to the re - cheeses, figs and blackberries, but it Wine ceiver, I suppose. Perhaps a well planned also suits crème brulée and chocolate meal around the gift will invoke mad fondue. It has a long finish full of drinking and eating followed by mad other rich, black fruit and some smokey things. Look at the SAQ website as they character. You can refrigerate it for up have lots of special bottles. From sauternes to a week, because you may not fin - Pretty in Pink to port and many vintage champagnes, all ish it in one go. will go nicely with chocolate-dipped straw - 16/20 Lamura IGT, Casa Girelli, by Carola Price than a Californian merlot, an expressive berries and a smile. Sicilia, Italy. SAQ# 10510151. $12.40 banyuls from Roussillon, or an Italian nec - Whether you share Valentine’s Day with This rosé is best enjoyed with veal In just a few short days, florists’ win - tar known as recioto della valpolicella to others or keep it between the two of you, picatta or roasted chicken with an dows will fill with dazzling, ruby-red, long- pair with this dessert. Even the most basic enjoy something special. We never seem herb and truffle rub. It has a slightly stem roses. And fitting to the time of year, home-chef can make this recipe, and with to take out the good china, crystal and fine vegetal green nose with some straw - there will be an abundance of shades of good wine choices, dessert will be a true wine on just any given night, so now is the berry and honey balancing out a flo - pinks and reds adorning boxes of choco - showing of your love and affection. time. Eat and drink with passion and ral flavour in the mouth. Match it with a lates of every shape and size. For those who take the high road and Valentine’s Day may just trickle into your berry tart with lemon-shortbread crust. Valentine’s Day is right up there with steer clear of desserts, fresh fruit and everyday. 19/20 Mumm Cuvée Napa Rosé, your wedding anniversary, in which a cheese may be the perfect ending to an California, USA. SAQ# 00433144. panic may ensue due to the simple fact evening. This brings out ports, sherries, Wines with Passion $30.50 that you’re obliged to one-up yourself. If ice wines and great big fat cabernet sauvi - 16.5/20 Merlot, Forest Glen, This may be the star of the night. you gave her a single rose on your first gnon. In order to loosen up the tannins in Sonoma, California SAQ#00708263. Fine bubbles in the glass swirl date, how do you top that and show your the wine, we need lactic acid and stinky, $19.95 around your mouth in preparation woman you adore her? gooey cheeses like Saint André or Roque - This is a bold wine filled in the for the food to come. It is medium- As a foodie, I fort . nose and mouth with chocolate, bak - bodied and refreshing, with a slightly would say that Creamy or fruity desserts let whites like ing spice, pepper, plums and berries. strawberry and floral nose and flavour. It you can’t eat demi-sec champagne, sauternes and tokaji This is a good wine for dark-choco - is well matched with strawberries and roses and that aszu from Hungary shine through. The late desserts, roast veal in balsamic glaze panna cotta, aged goat cheese and spicy each bite of an acidity and sugar in the fruit is comple - and medium-bodied cheeses like Oka or Thai shrimp with cilantro and lime. artisan’s choco - mented by the wine, all the while swirling Victor et Berthold. Carola is a sommelier & chef . She is a late is like sip - sweetness around the tongue. 18/20 Vigneto Fiorato, Tommasi, recioto member of the Canadian Association ping an expertly della valpolicella. of Professional Sommeliers and The In the Pink crafted and SAQ# 00927335. $23.05 International Sommelier Guild. She can well-cellared You may have decided to forget about I pair this with roasted nuts, bold be reached at [email protected]. wine. As a your kitchen and take your honey out for a woman, I am Rosés aren’t just for night on the town instead. Armed with predisposed, it summertime sipping flowers or sparkling jewels, you head to seems, to adore chocolate. For me, the your favourite bring-your-own-wine resto darker the chocolate the better the flavour. and decide to have something pink in your Chocolate is a lot like wine, and the two bag. can complement each other in so many I cannot stress enough that rosé is not different combinations. I have the follow - just for the summer. Some rosés can be ing suggestions for this celebration of love quite tannic and suited for heavy-flavoured and desire in the food and wine depart - foods. Ladies love it and it looks so good ment. The romance is entirely up to you. in the glass. Just remember, the heavier the grape the more flavour in the wine. Just Desserts Lava cakes are still a hit at restaurants all Wine as a Gift over town. Dense, rich and spilling dark What if your valentine is a wino like me? and creamy liquid cocoa when a fork Your Valentine’s Day wine can be for im - breaks them open, there is nothing better mediate enjoyment or be suited for the cel -

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You are a watcher. You write life Notes on a Scandal , excellently acted by down in your diaries instead of living it. Judi Dench and Cate Blanchette, is an in - You are desperately alone. And one day, side-out primer to one of those mid-30s this beautiful woman comes into your life. female-teacher-has-sexual-relationship- She seems lost, but worth helping. You with-lithe-young-boy scandals that seems reach out, she reciprocates. She seems, to obsess the media in between wars and not perfect exactly, but worth loving. Sud - terrorist attacks. denly you are not so alone. Suddenly you have something to take note of. Opposites Attract Imagine you are an English Marie Kay A Realistic Duo Letourneau. You have been raising your What follows is the story of these two children and are married to an older man. women, and how their intersection affects You are an artist and have always dreamed both their lives. This relationship is doom- of teaching art to underprivileged chil - ed from the start, but the length of it, and Two celluloid Queen Elizabeths face off in Notes on a Scandal dren. You want to bring some light and the manner of its ending are, if not a com - beauty into their lives. So you start teach - plete surprise, a full and compelling story. The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999), or the latest Year of Living Dangerously (1982) (with Mel ing at an inner-city London school. There This is not a fun, entertaining movie Prime Suspect installment. Sometimes hor - Gibson, Sigourney Weaver and the female you find many children who don’t care (though there are a few biting British re - ror can come from the true, and even rou - actress Linda Hunt as the male character about what you have to teach them, and marks that elicit laughter). Rather, it is a tine, in people’s lives. As I had hoped, both Billy Kwan). Like Dench, Billy is an ob - one who does. He is a beautiful, black vehicle for two powerful and talented actresses have received Oscar nominations server, a cataloguer, and the spookiness of Irish, 15-year-old boy. And he is pursuing women to portray two complex and realis - (leading for Dench and supporting for both films comes from inhabiting the you. tic women. Watching it I was reminded of Blanchette). They are greatly deserved. minds of these characters. Now imagine you are a British spinster, the spooky, slightly off feeling created by Be warned, though: unlike Ripley and its He Said: episodes of Italian sun, jazz and Gwyneth Paltrow, or Living Dangerously and its vi - This is a very well-acted movie. As the gnettes of politics, geopolitics neo-/post- senior actress with a great and surprise- colonial exoticism and a young Sigourney filled performance, Judi Dench may get Weaver, this movie’s mood is relentless. more attention than Cate Blanchett, but I Behind it – at best – is drab British lower- would give greater accolades to the latter. middle-class life. Nothing exotic here, For Dench, playing a curmudgeon – no folks. matter how multifaceted – must be great And that’s why this movie is hard to rate fun and, in any event, builds on her work or to recommend. If you like the weird, in the James Bond franchise and as Eliza - enjoy the fringe or love the anti-hero, go beth I in Shakespeare in Love (1998) for it. If your tastes are more conventional (amongst other roles). Maybe it is not such (humour, romance, action, travel, good a stretch by now… characters triumphing over obstacles – or Blanchett (an Australian), on the other even coming to tragic, undeserved ends), hand, has been all over the road (in a pos - avoid it. itive sense): homely and American in The Talented Mr. Ripley , as Katharine Hepburn and American in The Aviator (2004), as Elizabeth I and English in Elizabeth (1998) – plus roles in films as diverse as The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004) and the Lord of the Rings movies. In this film, she is an ineffectual disciplinarian, but not clueless nor without merit as a teacher; vulnerable, but not wholly without spine; Hospitality Corner Gift Shop maternal, but not saintly – in short, realis - Montreal General Hospital tic and believable. 1650 Cedar Avenue Entrance (6th Floor) Coffee Shop, Catering Service Not Everyone’s Cup of Tea and Gift Shop I agree with Catherine about the Ripley 514.934.1934x43026 comparison. Like that film, Notes on a [email protected] Scandal is creepy. I am also reminded of All profits are donated to patient care the badly named, but absolutely excellent at the MGH. Vivva MONTREAL – February 2007 – 11

era with a recording device, he continually the inspector after the inspection for a ver - Real Estate: Home Inspections drops off cartridges to the person at the bal summary. It’s their job to discuss prob - computer. By the end of the inspection, a lems and not what is right about the written report is delivered to the buyer. If house. One time, after listening to a litany you are on a tight timeframe, find an in - of problems that depressed my first-time spector with this capability. buyers, I asked the inspector if he would What You Need to Know buy the house. His answer: “In a minute … Be Present if I could afford it.” by Barry Schreiber tor . On certain occasions, it’s wise to com - One final thought: be present at the in - Sometimes you just have to know how mission a second report. In fact, often a spection, especially if you’re a buyer. to talk to inspectors. And remember – no You’ve made an offer seller will commission a report before Typically, an inspection takes from four house is perfect. There are virtually always on a house and it was ac - placing his house on the market to know to six hours. The buyer, and indeed the in - improvements to be made. cepted over a competing what to repair. spector, may have some questions that the Barry Schreiber is a marketing specialist bid because you had a 2) Some reports seem to make big issues seller may be able to answer. It’s often bet - and affiliated real estate agent with Sutton pre-approved mortgage, out of minor problems. If it’s your first ter and more private to have the seller Centre-Ouest. If you have a question for you clever person. Now time reading a report, it can be alarming; available only by phone. him, he can be reached at 514.781.2425 and it’s time to fulfill the last so rely on your agent to help you. Inspec - It’s also always prudent to sit down with [email protected]. condition – the home inspection – and the tors can’t be experts at everything. To pro - property is yours! tect themselves, many inspectors have Real Estate Counterpoint Get the Report in Writing pages and pages of disclaimers absolving them of responsibility. This is normal. The home inspection report is a critical Often, problems are detailed without re - The Not-So-Secret Life of a Listing Agent document. Both agents and homeowners pair estimates suggested, so it sounds ter - hold their breath when the home inspec - ribly costly. tor arrives, because his negative findings Re: “The Secret Life of ‘Selling’ Agents” – cial and good service is the only way to get After reading one particular report, I can kill a deal – and, in fact, many deals Vivva Montreal , January 2007 it. In the past , we have often listed and asked the home inspector to meet with my fall apart as a result of this report. sold the same property two or three times. now distraught client a second time. I By Janice Newton The report is important not only be - All of this experience leads to a better asked the inspector what caulking the win - cause it is often the final key in conclud - After reading the above-mentioned arti - understanding of the many situations that dows and redoing a few window sills ing a sale, but because it will serve as a re - cle, I felt there were some misconceptions can and do come up in the sale of a prop - would cost. It certainly wasn’t a deal minder in written form of what needs that should be addressed. erty. Negotiating an offer is not just about breaker. But as a result of the detailed lan - repairing. And should major unforeseen price; there are many other factors , such guage of the report, you would have Selling Agent’s Role problems ensue after the sale (like the roof as occupancy and financing. An experi - thought heat sieved out of the house. I also falling apart after a year, when the report Firstly, what is a listing agent? It is the enced agent knows how to put it all to - had the buyer re-examine old heating bills said it would last for ten), your inspector listing agent who signs the brokerage con - gether so that both parties are protected. to place the discussion in a realistic cost may have to take responsibility. This is tract with the vendor and takes responsi - How does an agent get started? They context. why you want to make sure your inspector bility for the sale of a property ensuring work with buyers until they can establish is insured when you engage him and that 3) Third reason: the overly detailed report. that all the information is accurate (e.g., themselves. They do open houses for you receive the report in writing. When a buyer gets cold feet (also known certificate of location, documenting any other agents. They pound the pavement , as “buyer’s remorse”) and wants out of a renovations and being aware of any de - they knock on doors and some even write A Negative Report Can Affect deal, he can ask his inspector to detail fects affecting the property ). Listing agents articles for local newspapers. But remem - a Property’s Future Sale every possible problem. If the buyer’s are the only ones who may advertise or ber, “You have to list to last!” Once a report is given to the vendor, the agent has written a clause to the effect that market the property. They set up appoint - Janice Newton is a member of the vendor will undoubtedly share it with his the inspection must be to the buyer’s “en - ments and conduct open houses, negoti - Newton Family Team, which is agent. If this is the case, both must declare tire satisfaction,” it is pretty difficult to ate offers and deliver the deeds to the pur - comprised of her mother, Nancy; and knowledge of the problems detailed in the stop the buyer from cancelling the offer. chaser’s notary. sisters Deborah, Dale & Nancy Jr. Together report to future prospective buyers. If it is But without that clause, the problems Some would suggest that listing agents they have garnered over 100 years of real discovered that the vendor and his agent must be shown to devalue the property. rarely sell their own listings and rely heav - estate experience both as listing and selling concealed knowledge of a fault, there can Miss the Deadline and ily on hundreds of selling agents. Yes , list - agents. Janice is an affiliated agent and an be severe legal repercussions and a future the House Is Yours! ing agents do collaborate with other owner of Royal LePage Groupe Newton. deal may fall through. agents, but , in my firm’s case, we sell over She can be reached at: 514.481.0241. One way to salvage this situation is for Because good inspectors are in demand 50% of our own listings. And we don’t the owner to make the repairs suggested and buyers are often given only 7 to 10 abandon our listings to an assistant agent. in the report. Then the vendor can hon - days to arrange for an inspection, it should (We don’t even have one.) We are all ac - estly say that the house had an inspection be started right away. You will usually have tively involved with all of our listings. that indicated repairs, but that all sug - an additional four-day grace period after gested repairs have been made. the inspection deadline to decide whether How Agents Succeed to continue or cancel the offer. In my opinion , there is no such thing as Choosing a Home Inspector Inspectors eager for work will tell you a “top selling agent” or a “top listing Margaret Guthrie It is always the buyer who chooses the they can have your written report in two or agent”. There are only “top agents”. Top Agent immobilier affilié Affiliated Real Estate Agent inspector. Inspectors should be chosen three days. That is often wishful thinking. agents list and sell , and are constantly re - carefully and their reports should be read Plan on it taking longer. If you miss the plenishing their inventory of properties 4 Westmount Square, # 110 with the help of an agent. Here’s why: deadline to reject a property, it is deemed and buyers. That’s how they stay on top. Westmount, QC H3Z 2S6 1) There is no uniform standard for home that you have accepted the report and the Because of their large inventory of proper - Office: 514 934-1818 inspectors. Inspectors have a variety of condition is automatically removed. ties, top agents also have a large list of po - Fax: 514-934-0478 backgrounds and capabilities, so reports Some inspectors bring in a team with a tential buyers. In addition , they tend to re - Home: 514-933-7645 can vary widely. Choose an inspector who laptop computer and a printer. As the in - ceive referrals from clients and agents Cell: 514 244-1610 has many years of experience as an inspec - spector makes his inspection using a cam - from other areas. Repeat business is cru - E-mail: [email protected] 12 – Vivva MONTREAL – February 2007

RESTAURANT... continued from page 1 Where to go nouvelle cuisine with the rustic, populist Tapeo tradition of tapas. 511 Villeray – 514.495.1999 Like hors d’oeuvre, tapas are small www.restotapeo.com dishes meant to prefigure a larger, more Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday to substantial meal. They were born in mid- Friday 19th-century Seville, where, according to Open for dinner on Saturday lore, an enterprising inn-keeper placed slices of ham, cheese and bread on wine Sala Rosa glasses, to prevent flies and airborne dust 4848 St. Laurent – 514.844.4227 from sullying the drink. Customers re - www.casadelpopolo.com/restosala ferred to the ad-hoc creations as “tapas,” Open for dinner Tuesday to Sunday which means “cover” or “lid.” Kitchen closes at 11 pm, but the bar Each region in Spain boasts distinct Live flamenco at Sala Rosa (Courtesy N. Johnson) stays open until 3 am. traditions, and tapas can describe literally Free flamenco performance on hundreds of dishes. (In San Sebastian, low beats, smothered in a rich, though Operating under the auspices of the Thursday nights, beginning at 9 pm. the correct term in the consonant-laden colourless, veal reduction. Centre Social Espagnol, Sala Rosa attracts Basque language is pintxos .) Their defin - By then I’d tasted all the variety of a a schizophrenic mix of aging bohemians, ing characteristic is that they are con - multi-course meal, but was prevailed upon wizened Spaniards and scruffy Mile End stand up to endless rounds of fruit-per - sumed in a bar, or rather a succession of to indulge in a second round. hipsters. fumed sangria, the overpowering din and bars, in a ritual that often lasts well past A generous tilapia filet, served in a china We nibbled on a plate of unremarkable garish artwork that adorns the walls. dinnertime. dish the shape of a flat-bottomed canoe, green and black olives while consulting Part of me is inclined to believe that Sala In Montreal, where the climate is an ob - was brought to life by a bitter mash of rap - the bulky menu, which lists over 30 tapas Rosa, with its dingy cachet and rustic stacle to aimless, alcohol-fueled tapas-bar ini and chopped pecans. The beef tartare organized by ingredient, as well as several palate, is closer to the original tapas, which crawls, tapas restaurants have to compete was another highlight, a spicy mélange of main courses, paella and bocadillo (sand - after all was rimed in dust and fly car - with restaurants serving full-course sit- raw meat, sprouts, chopped celery and piri wiches). casses. However, most people rightfully down meals. Therefore, it was in defiance piri, ballasted by a crunchy carapace of The waiter warned me off the house red aren’t concerned with questions of histor - of the season that I made reservations at a matchstick frites. The patty was topped by – a disreputable Spanish wine that comes ical authenticity when eating out. It’s pair of tapas restaurants on a recent week - a fat green olive with an almond-sized pit. in litre bottles – and suggested instead the where the expression “savouring the mo - night and summoned an ensemble of (Bowls of these, at hand throughout the sangria, a compulsively drinkable concoc - ment” comes from. meal, were dispensed like salted peanuts tion served in a plastic beer pitcher. sybaritic peers. Stuart Woods is the assistant editor at a sports bar.) Part I: Tapeo Authentic Experience of Vivva Montreal. Our first stop was Tapeo , an upbeat and Upscale, Original Fare Our first round was a satisfying spread trendy restaurant on a lonely stretch of The food was simple, fresh and imme - of typical tapas. Here, Spanish tortilla was Villeray. diately pleasing: each tapas – like a mem - served in the traditional style: an inch- We were greeted with a plate of crispy, orable aphorism – the refined expression thick, dinner-plate-size omelette with large Alpenhaus matchstick-thin frites and a shallow dip - of a bold thought. And like a good apho - hunks of savory potato and chorizo. De - ping-bowl of extra-virgin olive oil, giving rist, the chef had no shortage of bright spite its unfortunately browned exterior A touch of Switzerland us something to munch on while perus - ideas. and the unwieldy potato chunks – more in Montreal – ing the varied menu. In the same spirit, the service was in - halved than chopped – the tortilla was im - Our first dish was the best Spanish tor - formal but assiduous, the atmosphere re - mensely satisfying. not to be missed. tilla I’ve ever tasted: a stack of thin-sliced laxed. I observed one party linger over the This was followed by a separate dish of Alpenhaus is located between down - potatoes held firm in a mortar of whisked coffee course for the duration of our meal, four large sardines with heads and tails town Montreal and Westmount in despite the fact that Tapeo is busy enough attached (we sliced up the belly with our egg, like a brick of marble veined with Shaughnessy Village. The restaurant re - translucent, perfectly cooked potato. to require reservations on weeknights. bread knives); a plate of Spanish ham that cently celebrated its 39th anniversary. The tortilla was followed in quick suc - With this amount of care and attention the waiter mistakenly referred to as “pro - cession by a plate of charcuteries – velvety to detail, Tapeo deserves its outstanding sciutto”; and a cazuelita (traditional terra - Alpenhaus is a romantic restaurant that slices of serrano ham accompanied by reputation and devoted clientele. cotta tapas dish) containing two quails, offers authentic fondues, as well as other manchego cheese and a tangle of mari - overdone to the point of rubbery tough - excellent European dishes. Part II: Sala Rosa nated, assertively seasoned orange and yel - ness and returned to the kitchen virtually 1279 St. Marc low bell peppers; spicy chorizo topped by a When some restaurants are closing, it’s untouched. just west of downtown simple garnish of celery root and white still possible to eat heartily at Sala Rosa on The final tapas of the evening earned beans; and a handful of locally grown pied- St. Laurent, downstairs from the live kudos, despite the protestations of an over - 514 935-2285 de-mouton mushrooms and chopped yel - music venue of the same name. worked digestive system. Reminiscent of www.restaurantalpenhaus.com a dessert course, it consisted of four orbs of fried goat’s cheese, plunked in a nim - bus of honey that radiated from a pile of La Maison de Kum Mon caramelized onions. Szechuan Cuisine Carpe Diem Restaurant Authentic Cantonese The food at Sala Rosa was unpretentious and prepared without flourish. The 6565 Côte des Neiges kitchen’s unsophisticated vocabulary con - FREE DEL IVE RY: sisted entirely of terms like “salty,” “crispy,” “spicy” and “sweet” – which is 51 4733-602 9/1067 precisely the assertive palate required to Vivva MONTREAL – February 2007 – 13

love. It’s highly suggested, somewhere in curve, kick the rear out exactly the amount Driving: The Mazda RX-8 the Yellow Pages-size manual, that the ex - you want it, touch the brakes, precisely tremely high-revving engine be brought play the steering wheel, feel the car react, up to running temperature before driving. and do it again. It’s just so easy and bal - Look, you could start ’er up and take off, anced that you won’t get tired from driv - but it’s not “suggested.” You’ve got to ex - ing all day long. Love It or Hate It ercise patience in shutting her down too. You can either snick around the amaz - Rev the engine in neutral then let it idle a ing six-speed short-throw gearbox, heel- by Michael Presseau triangle theme (look, they’re everywhere!), bit to drain most of the fuel from the com - toeing the perfectly placed pedals (they are amongst other styling features, add to the bustion chambers, and never shut the en - a bit too close for winter boots), or let the Compromise isn’t about take-it-or-leave- car’s uniqueness. A decent size trunk also gine down while still cool or, my friend, engine ride way up to its 9,000 (!) rpm it; compromise is about take-it-and-live- arguably makes it a practical vehicle. you’re going to flood it.) red-line. The engine is so smooth and con - with-it. Its connotation is dependent on When all is said and done, the car certainly Yes, that’s when the fun begins. Good sistent that the dashboard actually beeps context, and it may be either bad or good. looks unique. But you are either going to gracious, the car is an absolute dream to to warn you to change gears when the When it comes to buying a car, however, it love it or hate it. drive. The small size of the engine enabled tachometer hits its limit. This is a driver’s ultimately means one thing only: remorse. the engineers to push it way back in the car through and through. There is so much that is undesirable Slow To Get Going front of the chassis, resulting in a Except, however, for one thing: the lack about the Mazda RX-8 that at first glance The RX-8’s minuscule 1.3-litre, naturally front/rear 48/52% weight distribution. It of torque. There’s no other way to say it: one would be mad to live with any of it. aspirated powerhouse accomplishes a re - drives like a mid-engined rollercoaster this car needs more. It deserves more. That is, until one sits in the cockpit and spectable 232 bhp at 8,500 rpm and 159 scalpel with a steering wheel. Throw the While this is Mazda’s showcase sports car sets it underway. There isn’t another car lb/ft of torque at 5,500 rpm. (You get a bit and “Zoom Zoom” standard- currently in production quite like it. less with the free automatic transmission bearer, it’s not their fastest car option, but heck, if you want a Ford Tau - off the line. It’s not even their A Wankel Engine rus, buy a Ford Taurus.) That’s enough to second fastest. You’ll soon see Mechanically, what really sets this vehi - propel the 1,389 kg front-engine rear- the taillights of a Mazdaspeed cle apart is the beer-keg-size propulsion wheel-drive car from nought to 100 kph in 6 containing family and slob - system known to motorheads as a twin- just under six seconds. Nice… but not blaz - bering dog when the light rotor Wankel engine. While a number of ingly fast. turns green. It’s one of the in - manufacturers have given it a shot, Mazda What the engine lacks in size, it more herent weaknesses of the ro - is now the only company that uses a than makes up for in thirst. Don’t believe tary engine; but while it will Wankel in one of its cars. the Mazda pamphlets that claim 12.8/9.2 take longer to get up to speed, Way back in the 1920s, German innova - litre consumption per 100 km of city/ there is no car that’s easier to tor Felix Wankel was able to reproduce the highway driving. This is the only car that keep there. four strokes of a regular combustion en - I’ve driven where I could actually see the The RX-8 is not about com - gine with a triangular-shaped rotor placed fuel gauge needle saunter towards “E” The Mazda RX-8 is built for connoisseurs of the open road. promise; it is all about bal - in an oval chamber that spun an eccentri - while running. What’s more, the engine car into a corner and it never lets up. The ance in which the driver plays the part of cally-shaped drive shaft. The important uses oil as part of the combustion process, GT-package standard dynamic stability the fulcrum. Once behind the wheel, we part in this abridged whoopdeedoo is that so it goes through 5W-20 like Britney control, limited slip-differential and trac - forget all the car’s undesirables and are this high-revving, piston-free engine could Spears goes through Cheetos. But hey, we tion-control driver’s aids rival the best consumed by the distinctiveness that produce the equivalent amount of power sports-car pilots aren’t trying to impress from any car manufacturer, and never makes it a pleasure to drive. This car as a normal engine, but at half the size and tree-poetry Birkenstock consumers any - have they been so well implemented or shouldn’t be purchased for prestige or to with far fewer moving parts. way. unobtrusive in a car at this, or possibly transport the ankle-biters to soccer prac - The RX-8’s styling also sets it apart. This Start the car and wait – no, just a bit any, price point. tice; rather, it is bought to be driven. When is an authentic sports coupe, but it has more. Ok, now, go. That’s when the fun you start looking at maps just to find those four doors. The ingress to the back seats, begins. (The use of different types of metal Built for Drivers roads with the most bends between points which are fully comfortable for adults, is in the construction of the rotary engine, But if you want to have real fun, shut all A and B, then you’re at liberty to tip the made possible by the doors’ characteristic what with their different coefficients of ex - that nonsense off with the button just over scales in whatever way suits you best. clam-shell arrangement. Generous fender pansion, makes starting the RX-8 some - your left knee, grab the helm, and you’re Michael Presseau is a Montreal-based flares, side vents and the repeated rotary- thing only an obsessive compulsive can in complete control. Push it hard into a car enthusiast.

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What the Mean Means: Oil, Loons & Copper Valentine ’s Day Escapes by John Smith were multiple forecasts of parity. Now, in Though Valentine’s Day falls on a trails, heated “prospector’s tents” along the scheme of things, the loonie is an odd Wednesday this year, there are plenty of in - certain routes and rustic overnight ac - We have recently seen some remarkable lot in the basket of currencies. So if you are centives to turn a romantic evening into a commodations, as well as winter camping, changes in the underlying factors that a big and leveraged hedge-fund, you can weekend jaunt. Parc du Mont-Mégantic is an ideal setting made Canadian financial markets the dar - suck up a few billion loonies in a couple for outdoor intimacy. For those who pre - lings of the universe. of weeks without breathing hard. And that Gourmet Getaway fer nature in measured doses, the park For example, oil – that most fundamen - can have a major effect on the price. And For a truly memorable Valentine’s Day, provides a daily shuttle service to the sum - tal of commodities – was forecast to be so it came to pass. “But wait,” you ask. escape to Hovey Manor in North Hatley. mit of Mount Megantic; then it’s up to you trading at some $75 to $100 (US) a barrel “What if they want to sell?” Another zingo Renowned for its highbrow, French-in - to cruise down the slopes on ski or snow - by 2007, and Canada was going to be and the bird rests at 84 cents. And revert - shoe. gushing cash from every tap in Alberta. ing to the mean ... about 80 cents. On Saturday nights throughout the win - It looks now as if oil is doing what most ter ASTROLab presents a series of special markets do over time: reverting to the Lessons & Personalities events for stargazers, which includes din - mean. Somewhere between $40 and $50 a Now, what have we learned in all of this? ner, skiing and snowshoeing on a torch-lit barrel is considered the mean. The best Firstly, commodity and currency markets trail, and a guided tour of the cosmos. you will hear about the game is, “Hold are volatile. But they tend to swing around Overnight packages for skiers and snow - ’em.” Which is the weasel’s way of saying, fairly well-defined baselines, and it is the shoers begin at $49 per person. Daily “We haven’t got a clue.” wide swings on either side of the slope shuttle service to the top of the mountain that cause the average investor to become is $17. Saturday evenings with ASTROLab Rocks & Loonies either lucky or disconcerted. These ex - begin at $28 per person. Parc du Mont- The fall also saw the culmination of tremes are aided and abetted by large Mégantic, 189 Parc, Notre Dame des Bois. takeover battles for Canada’s major min - pools of capital that circulate throughout For more information call 1.800.665.6527 ing companies. As the price of copper the world, looking for a trade that will en - or go to www.parcsquebec.com. Hovey Manor: Haute cuisine, classic ambiance. rocketed to new highs and nickel invento - hance their portfolio’s annual return. ries sank to new lows, the pencil-heads Secondly, we should learn that when ex - spired menu, which features seasonal and Pamper Yourself who quantify these things forecast the perts agree on something, they will be regional ingredients, Hovey allows diners For a relaxing getaway, head to Spa East - world was running out of mineable ore wrong in the short run, since they have al - to enjoy the sophistication of nouvelle cui - man , one of the largest spas in the Eastern bodies. Since then copper has sold off ready bought into the idea and are telling sine in an old-fashioned, wood-panelled Townships offering a long list of personal - about 30% and nickel inventories seem to you about it; so you will buy in at a higher dining room. ized services. Packages include traditional be getting back to normal. price and make them rich. Beware the For the week of February 10 to 17, Hovey treatments like massage, facials, mani - “So what,” you say? Well, all of these conventional wisdom! It may be correct in Manor is offering an overnight package in - cures and pedicures, as well as access to comings and goings in commodities have a few years, but it will most likely be wrong cluding accommodation, breakfast in bed the Hammam (Turkish steam bath), a made the loonie a vulnerable currency. over the next 8 to 12 months. and a three-course dinner including a di - gourmet dining room and onsite naturo - When the world discovered that we had oil gestif. Rates start at $135 (including tips) pathic consultants. Set in 315 wooded John Smith is the nom de guerre of and copper and uranium, they turned per person per couple. Hovey Manor, 575 acres, the spa also offers fitness packages a retired investment executive. John has their beady eyes and trading screens in our Hovey, North Hatley. For reservations call featuring cross-country skiing, snowshoe - been a broker, investment banker and direction, and zingo!: the loonie was quot- 1.800.661.2421 or go to www.manoir ing or skiing at nearby Mount Orford. trader in Montreal and Toronto. ed at 92 cents to the US dollar. And there hovey.com. Overnight packages begin at $165, with reasonably priced à la carte services (a one- COUNTRY DOCTOR... continued from page 7 chest pain or shortness of breath is an - The Great Outdoors hour massage is $80). Spa Eastman, 895 other good reason to seek medical atten - After winter’s late arrival, nature lovers Diligences, Eastman. For reservations call smoke and other lung irritants. Over-the- tion. Severe headache with fever or neck are eager to get outside and enjoy the 1.800.665.5272 or go to www.spa-east - counter decongestants can relieve sinus stiffness may best be evaluated in an snow. With over 75 km of high-altitude man.com. pressure, but should always be used with emergency room. Have a low threshold to caution . be evaluated if you have a high fever – 101°F or 38.5°C, especially if it persists over Know When to Consult Your Doctor a couple of days. Any person with chronic Boulangerie Owl’s Bread It’s important to know when to seek illnesses is at risk for more severe illness Since 1994 in Mansonville. Now in Magog . medical help. Cold symptoms worsen over and should also strongly consider check - 2 locations to serve you the first few days, but ease up over the next ing in with their doctor. A European touch in the Eastern Townships seven to fourteen days. If any one symp - Never forget that your healthcare tom starts to get worse and worse – that is, provider – someone familiar with your Traditional French bakery: bread with no fat or sugar. your symptoms come to a focus – or your health status – is the best source of infor - Homemade products: jams, smoked salmon, foie gras and pâtés. symptoms don’t improve at all over 7 days mation for your recovery . – you may want the once-over from your Dr. Heese is a Canadian and American Brome Lake Duck specialities family physician. For instance, a severe Board-certified family physician and a 2 restaurants, 2 different concepts. 1 rul e: excellence persistent sore throat with high fever (over graduate of McGill. She resides in Vermont. 101°F or 38.5°C) without the typical nasal She cannot stress enough that the general 299 A Principale – Mansonville – 450 292 3088 symptoms of a cold could indicate a bacte - advice supplied above should not, and 428 Principale O – Magog –819 847 1987 rial throat infection that would benefit cannot, replace the individualized advice www.owlsbread.com from antibiotics. A cough associated with and care of your own family physician. Vivva MONTREAL – February 2007 – 15 Music Eastern Townships Events Racing fiends compete for $130,000 at Four hands, two pianos. Fred Farrugia the 9th edition of the Challenge sur glace , and Robert Huberdeau pay tribute to where stock-cars, motorbikes and ATVs pianist André Gagnon . Tickets are $14. about the life of the Montreal bard. Tick - Sport compete on the slippery stuff. Also Pavillion des Arts et de la Culture de Coat - ets are $7, $5 for members. Arts Knowl - featured: tubing, sleigh rides and ice Grand Prix de Valcourt , a showcase for icook, 116 Wellington, Coaticook. For tick - ton, 9 Mount Echo Rd. For more informa - sculpture presented by the Carnaval de snowmobile racers and enthusiasts in the ets and information call 819.849.6371 or tion call 450.242.2270 or go to www. Sherbrooke . Admission is free, but grand - “world snowmobile capital.” Tickets are go to www.pavillondesarts.qc.ca. February theatrelacbrom.ca. February 4 at 5 pm . stand tickets are $20. For information call $25, free for children under 12. 917 Route 4 at 12 pm . Théatre Lac Brome screens The Last 819.560.4270 or go to www.challenge - Trapper , about a Yukon trapper, his pack of 222, Mariecourt (just outside of Valcourt). canada.com. For tickets call 819.560.4270 Movies sled dogs and their dying way of life. Tick - For tickets and information call or go to www.admission.com. Palais des 1.866.532.7543 or go to www.grandprixval - Théatre Lac Brome screens Leonard ets are $7, $5 for members. Arts Knowl - sports, 350 Parc, Sherbrooke. February 22 court.com. February 16 to 18 . Cohen: I’m Your Man , a documentary ton, 9 Mount Echo Rd. For more informa - to 25 . tion call 450.242.2270 or go to www. theatrelacbrom.ca. February 4 at 5 pm . Lecture Series Historian Jim Manson ’s winter lecture series continues with three lectures: “Ever Vigilant: Freemasonry in the Eastern Townships, circa 1900,” “Class before Race: French-Canadian Nationalism as seen by English-Speaking Townshippers during the Duplessis Years” and “The People’s Choice: Glen Brown’s Life in Pol - itics.” Presented by the Brome County Historical Society. Admission is free. Old Court House, 15 St. Paul Rd. For informa - tion call 450.243.6782. February 10, 17 & 24 at 1 pm .

ROMANTIC MOONLIGHT in your garden, through the LAKE ACCESS & SUNSET VIEW - So many great COSY SKI HOUSE – You won’t find a large selection at KNOWLTON trees and on the reflecting ponds. Just one of the features! One-level living with 3 bedrooms, hardwood this price! Many improvements and renovations already charms of this very affordable and well-maintained floors, imposing fireplace and a kitchen that you can done, creating a trouble-free country retreat in the heart 3 Victoria two-bedroom, bright home on the outskirts of the live in with its cosy woodstove. Almost an acre of land, of ski country. 2 bedrooms main floor,private master village of Knowlton. $169,000 just minutes from the Autoroute 10. $435,000 suite upstairs. $129,000 450 242-2000 Fax: 450 243-0914 [email protected] Eastern Townships Living by Lois Hardacker Chartered Real Estate Agent

JUST WHAT YOU NEED – Downtown Knowlton condo DOGS AND HORSES – Country life exemplified. Ex - WATERFRONT BUILDING LOT – 131 feet on beautiful THE JOYS OF FAMILY LIFE are yours, here near Brome with 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, kitchen with breakfast cellent stable with groom’s quarters, kennel, 165 acres, Brome Lake, 1.9 acre, sunrise views across the water. Lake. 6 bedrooms, many with adjoining bath, large nook, wood-burning fireplace, private balcony, inter - trails, ponds, great hunting. Roomy bungalow with Well-located between Knowlton and the Eastern Town - open plan living/dining room, pine flooring. 1.7 acres com and locked entrance, and the comfort and con - hardwood floors, 2 fireplaces and a view of your private ships Autoroute, this would be the ideal site for your of land and a registered lake access just steps away. venience of inside parking. $180,000 lake, inground pool. $749,000 new country home, $469,000 Check it out! $197,000 16 – Vivva MONTREAL – February 2007

TRUST. REACH. RESULTS.

BRIAN, TIMOTHY, JOAN M cGUIGAN AGENTS IMMOBILIER AGRÉES / CHARTERED REAL ESTATE AGENTS

E IC D R L P O W S E N m Westmount Spectacular, 6-bedroom family home, Upper Westmount Located on a quiet 6-house street, Westmount Prime location – Grove Park. Elegant, spa -

o loaded with architectural details and quality renovations. near the look-out and park. Highest quality renovations, cious rooms, ideal for entertaining. Gourmet kitchen has Deluxe eat-in kitchen/family room/office. Beautifully fin - from top to bottom. Low maintenance house with auto - top notch appliances, granite counters, quality cabinetry c ished basement. Absolute move-in. Asking $1,525,000 matic irrigation system, garage, perfect for busy profes - with dinette. Gar. Asking $1,050,000 . Virtual tour: www.mcguiganpepin.com/571408 sionals. Asking $1,375,000 Virtual tour: www.mcguiganpepin.com/571472 Virtual tour: www.mcguiganpepin.com/570755 n i p e P n

E Y a IC D U R L B P O T g S W S E

i E N B

u Westmount Prime location, close to shops, transit, park. Westmount Beautiful Victorian townhouse facing Staynor Downtown Situated at the back of a quiet courtyard in a Magnificent house blending contemporary and old world Park. Three bedrooms, plus two bedrooms in basement, prime downtown Montreal location, this house has po - charm. Quality renovations, street-level multipurpose of - parking, garden. Walk to Atwater and Westmount Square. tential for renovators. With 4 bedrooms, plus two in the G fice space, 2 pkg. Worth the price. Asking $955,000 Asking $570,000 basement, house is bright with windows on 3 sides.

c Virtual tour: www.mcguiganpepin.com/571213 Virtual tour: www.mcguiganpepin.com/571163 Asking $599,000 M . w w w T N E R R O F Downtown Luxurious historical condo on des Pine W. Nun’s Island Lovely condo in Jardin de l’Archipel. 1465 The Canal One bedroom condo, corner unit, walk to At - near Peel. Two-bedroom condo with 1.5 bath. 1400 sq. square feet offering wonderful views of the river. 3 bed - water Market, metro. Pleasant view of park. Garage, air plus 100 sq. ft balcony overlooking pool, downtown and rooms, 2 baths, garage, central air. Offers. Asking conditioned. Asking $189,000 river. Parking, storage, snow removal included. Asking $259,000 $2,300/mo, heated .

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