Tag Archives: Editorial

Kiss the Chef: DaiLo

August 12, 2016

A recipe from DaiLo guaranteed to get you some.

Photos by Ishmil Waterman
Words by Nicole Pimentel

In a time when the food scene is on a high, Toronto Chef Nick Liu opens up about being the “bad-ass big brother” of pan-Asian cuisine and what it takes to standout in the restaurant industry today.

DaiLo, in its literal translation, comes from Cantonese origin, meaning ‘Big Brother’ which is used as a term of endearment to show love and respect to an elder. It is also interpreted to mean “Boss, or Bad Ass”, both of which Lui considers a reflection of both his personality and culinary style.

Nick Liu, owner of DaiLo

At the age of 19 and straight out of culinary school, Liu began work at the sophisticated, long-standing Toronto establishment, Scaramouche where he cut his teeth for nearly a decade. Fast-forward to 2013, upon his return from world travels, Lui would spend the next 3 years would running Niagara Street Café, which would earn him notable acclaim for his ever-changing menus and creative takes on Asian ingredients. From here Liu began to operate on-trend pop up restaurants throughout the city until he found the space where he would occupy his very own brick and mortar restaurant. Enter DaiLo. The hot new College Street restaurant where vintage photos of Liu’s family adorn the raw unfinished walls, hand painted in detailed chinoiserie style murals. Brass plated filigree screens separate the banquets, while rich teals

Enter DaiLo. The hot new College Street restaurant where vintage photos of Liu’s family adorn the raw unfinished walls, hand painted in detailed chinoiserie style murals. Brass plated filigree screens separate the banquets, while rich teals make up the seating arrangements.

Nick Liu, owner of DaiLo cooking

With his roots in Asian fare and his training in French Cuisine, Lui describes his style of cooking as ‘New Asian Cuisine’ – Asian food that has not yet been created. Travelling the world and cooking in Michelin star restaurants throughout Europe, London, Australia and Singapore, Liu developed his unique culinary style from a collection of flavors and experiences around the world. Finding their way onto the creative menu, Asian-inspired and high-quality ingredients like Ponzu Beef Carpaccio, Truffle Fried Rice, Peeking Glazed Duck Breast, Fried Watermelon and of course, the ‘guranteed to get you some’ melt in your mouth Pumpkin Dumplings.

When pressed on if we could expect something from him in the near future, Liu, with a sheepish grin jokingly replied “yes, but I can’t tell you more than that” as he slowly pulled what appeared to be an architectural floor plan off the table, out of sight.

pumpkin dumplings from DaiLo

Pumpkin Dumplings
with brown butter soy, truffles, almond crumble, white rabbit candy glaze

Makes approx. 4 servings

Ingredients needed:
1 pumpkin
1/2 cup brown sugar
2T Veg oil
1/2 ” piece of ginger sliced thin
2 cloves garlic sliced thin
3 sprigs thyme
1T salt
2T rice vinegar
piping bag
1 pkg. wonton skins
1 egg beaten

Method:
Cut pumpkin in half and scoop out all the seeds.
Drizzle veg oil on the two halves and sprinkle 3T brown sugar, 1T salt, the sliced garlic, sliced ginger and thyme on the pumpkin as well.
Place on a baking tray and bake at 425 with the skin side down until the flesh is soft and nicely caramelized.
Scoop out flesh and place in a food processor with rice vinegar.
Puree until smooth and season with more salt and brown sugar if necessary.
Put puree in a piping bag and pipe approx.
1T of puree in the middle of 20 wonton skins.
Brush 2 sides of the wonton skins with egg wash and fold over to create a triangle.
Seal edges well.
Brush a small amount of egg wash on one of the corners and connect the two corners sealing them to form a tortellini style dumpling.
Keep dumplings in fridge or freezer until needed.

botanical battle by artist morgan jones

A Botanical Battle by Artist Morgan Jones

Battling it out for your summer wardrobe are printed tops matched with micro-patterned shorts.

Photos by: Ishmil Waterman / Creative Director: Morgan Jones

artist morgan jones outfit 1

Pullin Tank $55 / Selected Homme Shorts $85 / Andersons Belt $160

artist morgan jones outfit 2

Haspel Shirt $225 / Ted Baker Shorts $145

artist morgan jones outfit 3

Handsome Me Shirt $75 / Individual Shorts $105

artist morgan jones outfit 4

Pullin Tank $55 / Selected Homme Shorts / $85 Andersons Belt $160

artist morgan jones outfit  5

Top: Individual T-shirt $65 / Individual Shorts $105 / Anderson Belt $160 Bottom: Selected Homme Shirt $75 / Haspel Shorts $165 / Ted Baker Shoes $275

The artist Morgan Jones uses masks to represent our social self, the people we pretend to be for everyone else. The balloons represent our essential self, who we really are… but generally never get to be which is why they are always floating out of reach.

couch surfing casual style feature image

WORDS: SHAUN MARQ / PHOTO: MARK BINKS

There ain’t no shame in couch surfing

Even the wealthiest of Torontonians can be found shacking up in a friend of a friend’s swanky New York loft in order to take in the full Big Apple experience. Whether saving a few dollars or not, we will show you how to feel confident, comfortable, and look like you’ve got it together as you hop from sofa to sofa.

couch surfing 1

Oversized tufted sectionals make for some of the best makeshift beds for guests! Grab a big duvet, and feel right at home. Kick up, relax and play it casual cool with this navy stunner. You may even feel so inclined to have some friends over when the host is away, but our advice is think again because really, who has time to change into pants anyway.

Outfit details: Champion for Todd Snyder T-shirt $85 / Champion for Todd Snyder Zip Up $225 / Wheelers Shorts $135 / Ted Baker Sandals $75 / Nixon Watch $175

couch-surfing-1

This downtown loft has it all. If you find yourself in a spot with furniture worth more than your mortgage, sprawling windows and silk rugs you are afraid to step on, then bring your A-Game and learn a few tips of the trade from your host during your stay. Spend your days and nights lounging in a refined, ready to take on anything, sporty look – sans the game and pizza boxes of course.

Outfit details: Cahill Bomber $235 / Selected T-shirt $55 / Champion Cargo Sweatpants $198 / New Balance Sneakers $100 / Neighburr Baseball Cap $74

couch-surfing-2

If you have friends with a picturesque locale in the North of Vermont or the backwoods of Muskoka, make sure you pack for an intellectual time. Sophisticated comfort is the key here, make sure to take notes from your good ol’ pops. Here we take couch surfing and bring it next level- to the chair. Grab the clicker, a great book and a gin and tonic while you cozy up for a great stay.

Outfit details: Blue Industry Sweatshirt $120 (layered over) / Zanerobe White T-shirt $50 / John Varvatos Sweatpants $148 / Garment Project Sneakers $257 / Neighburr Baseball Cap $74 / Daniel Wellington Watch $265

spring wardrobe fashion trends feature image

4 Looks to Incorporate Into Your Spring Wardrobe

Photos by Patrick Lacsina

1. Botanical Prints

These aren’t feminine florals. They’re brass botanical prints that make sure you don’t get lost in a crowd… after all it is a jungle out there.

spring wardrobe botanical prints

Outfit details: Lords and Fools Blazer $649 / Outclass Shirt $185 / Individual Seersucker Pant $185 / Anderson Belt $175 

2. 70’s Night Out

If you want to own the night, then go out with some swagger. And no decade had more swagger than the 70’s – bold peak lapels with even bolder prints, men were men and weren’t afraid to show off.

spring wardrobe 70s night out

Outfit details: NYFS Check Blazer $695 / Oscar Shirt $225 / Van Gils Pants $225 / Paradigma Tan Brogue $375 / Anderson Belt $198

3. 50’s Casual Style

The one thing guys need to learn is casual does not have to mean sloppy. You can be comfortable and look smart at the same time. Think Don Drapper in Hawaii. Trust us. Bowling shirts, polo’s and short(er) shorts will do more justice than logo shirts and board shorts ever will.

spring wardrobe 50s casual style

Outfit details: Dimattia Polo $150 / John Varvatos Shorts $138 / Anderson Belt $175

4. Lightweight Sweaters

Who wears a sweater in the summer? You can! Chilly nights on a patio are a great time to wear a light sweater or layered under a blazer instead of a t-shirt for smart casual style. Even better, if you’ve been working out… they hug and drape in all the right places.

spring wardrobe lightweight sweaters

Outfit details: LAB Sweater $225 / Haspel Seersucker Pant $288 / New Balance Retro Sneaker $100

silicon north tech companies

Written by: Chris Metler

Toronto has become a leading hub and startup ecosystem for high-tech innovation and development. And while some of the most dynamic figures in the landscape are taking wildly different approaches, they’re all looking damn good while doing it.

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ABRAR SIDDIQUI & VINH NGUYEN

“To make our ambitious vision for commerce into a reality and build the type of robust tools needed, it was crucial to assemble the right team from the beginning.”

According to Abrar Siddiqui and Vinh Nguyen – co-founders of mobile experience generator Lucova – their company was formed by a group of complete strangers. A collective who shared a common vision to leverage the powers of technology so they could bring back a sense
of community and human connection to commerce. Think mom-and-pop shops, small town businesses, and neighbourhood hangouts. Places that could provide customers with a feeling of authenticity and personalization leading to true loyalty.

By arriving at these solutions, Lucova has been behind a few firsts in the market. They were the first to launch hands-free mobile payments, as well as introduce the element of selfies to complete the security components of their payment platform. And in order to make those tools work effectively, Lucova had to make it possible for multiple iOS and Android devices to talk to each other. It was an important technology challenge that they successfully overcame along with many others.

“For any professional organization, it’s essential to showcase the right image. Somehow our tech industry is seen as a place where professional dress codes are ignored, but that’s not always the case.”

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JOHN WILK

“Throughout the course of life – be it personal or professional – you have the chance to push your limits, experience new things, and constantly adapt. Challenging myself keeps me on the pulse. I love how that energy also fuels my team.”

From heli-skiing in Whistler to learning how to fly an airplane to setting sail… when John Wilk sets his mind to something, he follows through. He’s a man who prides himself on integrating a ‘try anything once’ approach in life to the workplace at his Toronto-based digital agency: Climax Media, shortlisted in The Globe and Mail’s “Great Places to Work in Canada 2016.”

This is a well-deserved accolade for a team that started out with three people focusing on tech development to now over 40 employees as a full-service digital agency. In Wilk’s opinion, a key lesson learned was the impact his lifestyle and ambition had on his staff. He consistently strives to build mutually beneficial relationships. This includes providing motivation and opportunities for growth, as well as a positive work environment fuelled by the desire to push the envelope and constantly challenge the status quo.

“I like the idea of a successful man dressing casual, confidently. I love sporting a blazer with denim. It’s a dual combination that can transition from day to night. A blazer, Zanerobes, and sneakers… that’s my look.”

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ANTHONY CARBONE

“Success is relative. I’m my own hardest critique. By following my passion to branch out as a solo entrepreneur after losing my job – and going from negative six figures to positive six figures in the bank in less than two years – it’s definitely a sign of triumph.”

As the creator and chief educator at Instagram powerhouse Wolf Millionaire Inc, the challenges of starting a business resonate deeply for Anthony Carbone. It ultimately comes down to having enough money saved to run the course of up to two years without income, the confidence in your idea and the abilities to execute to profitability, scaling and hiring and delegating tasks, plus securing appropriate mentors in your niche. But working as a solo entrepreneur without a partner is a rough roller coaster. As Carbone puts it, every ounce of stress is on your shoulders.

Today, what’s evolved into Wolf Millionaire has become the world’s leading authority on everything that is Instagram. During the last couple years, Carbone has spent more than 18 hours a day on Instagram performing over 10,000 controlled experiments through posting photos while observing every outcome. He has grown from one Instagram account with 700 followers to a network of 30 accounts with over 16+ million of them. In fact, his Instagram network is currently growing by more than a million followers every month. Carbone even recently launched a second company called WolfMillionaire.com, where he teaches people how to follow their passions, properly take or curate photos, grow their Instagram accounts, and make money like he has.

“I enjoy an edgy, casual business style; dressing the part whether going into the office or working from home. While I understand that the clothes don’t make the man, I think representing myself and amplifying my image as a young entrepreneur from walk, talk, and looking the part have no doubt helped me prepare to secure some very big deals this past year.”

 

bar raval fix me a drink

Photographer: Ishmil Waterman
Words: Nicole Pimentel

Bar Raval is known to be the hotspot in Toronto, specifically little Italy. The Sangria is to die for and watching the two owners in action is worth every last penny.

Bar Raval drink #1 Drink shot John Varvatos Blazer $498 / Aviator Nation T-shirt $98

Bar Raval is the place to get a cocktail in Toronto. There is a distinct dynamic between Mike Webster and Robin Goodfellow, Co-owners, and Barmen of Toronto’s much hyped, Gaudi-esque Spanish pintxo bar – Bar Raval. If you have ever had the pleasure of catching these two behind the bar together, you realize the two in action is synonymous watching two dancers effortlessly execute their craft. They move in unison, they’re charming, professional and well, just down right fun to watch.

With countless awards and cocktail competitions under their belt, there is no doubt these two can whip up an expertly crafted cocktail on the fly, to suit any palette. We asked them to make us two of their favorites, and they undeniably delivered two unique and distinctly memorable cocktails. Here they show us how to make The Naughty Nurse and Speak of the Devil.

Bar raval outfit

Right: Individual Blazer $250, Pullin T-shirt $55, Zanerobe Sureshot $125,Outclass Trainer $395. Left: John Varvatos Blazer $498 / Aviator Nation T-shirt $98 / Zanerobe Sureshot $110 / Garment Projects Sneakers $290

Speak of the Devil:

– 1.25oz Godderham and Worts whisky
– .9oz Guerra Dry Vermouth
– .25oz China China

METHOD:
Stir over ice in mixing glass until properly chilled, strain into chilled 10oz
Old Fashioned glass with ice. No garnish.

Bar raval drinks

The Naughty Nurse:
– 1oz Lot 40 Rye
– 0.5oz White Port
– 0.5oz Campari
– 0.5oz Cinnamon Grenadine
– 1oz Lemon Juice
– 2 dash Angostura
– 2 dash Peychaud’s

METHOD:
Shaken with ice until bone cold, served over cracked ice in a Collins glass.