Friday Feature- Marie Fitrion and Daniel Holloway, Urban Acorn Vegan Catering Duo, Dish On Uniting Foodies Via the Healthy and the Delectable

Marie Fitrion and Chef Daniel Holloway, founders of Urban Acorn Catering, stand firm on the foundation that 'food should unite'.  This food-passionate duo manages not only to serve up delightfully delicious dishes, but caters to vegan, gluten-free and flexitarian tastes with their broad spectrum of unique recipes. They accomplish this all while managing to bring diners together over their scrumptious eats, whether at an event for which Urban Acorn has been brought in to cater or within their newly renovated and inviting space at which they host monthly supper clubs.

Food Should Unite

Daniel Holloway, a skilled chef who took up mastering the art of fine cuisine at the age of sixteen, and Marie Fitrion, a vivacious and driven food enthusiast with an exceptional business sense and flare for the creative, joined forces back in 2012 at which point they began to set the wheels in motion to launch their catering business. Urban Acorn budded quickly and continues to grow due to a clear vision and obvious passion the two share.

Pictured above: Daniel Holloway and Marie Fitrion, Founders of Urban Acorn Catering

Over the past few months, the creative and sociable couple have expanded Urban Acorn by overhauling a large floor space in the Junction Triangle. Here the two host their monthly supper clubs that each follow a fun and often quirky theme.  From Festivus themed supper clubs to themes involving a focus on various Toronto neighbourhoods, highlighting specific cultures and food-based traditions, there is no shortage of creativity and healthy deliciousness in the space.   All supper clubs include a four course meal with tea and coffee to complement which is served in their newly renovated, beautiful and airy space,

www.urbanacorn.ca

To join in on an Urban Acorn sociable supper club, you have to act quickly! The space seats sixteen guests which allows for an intimate setting while dining and learning about the preparation methods that are used to produce the spectacular and healthy dishes that are served. This also means, however, that Urban Acorn sells out for these events quite speedily. Be sure to check the Urban Acorn website for details about the upcoming supper clubs so you don't miss out! http://www.urbanacorn.ca

www.urbanacorn.ca

After having a chance to visit this newly renovated and remarkable space which is located in a hidden away courtyard that is also home to numerous other businesses of the artisan world, I was able to pose a few questions to the lovely Marie about her and Daniel's journey over the recent years.

City Sophisticate: How long has Urban Acorn Catering been serving up delicious healthy-minded dishes?

Marie Fitrion: Urban Acorn began as a University project back in 2012. I was a 3^rd year public relations student with a background in event management and marketing, and my partner Daniel was a talented private chef working in the Burlington area. We decided to put our talents together and officially launched in 2013.

City Sophisticate: What was it that drew you to beginning not only a catering company, but a gluten-free, vegan catering company?

Fitrion: Daniel and I have many friends and family members who are with vegan, vegetarian or gluten sensitive. We know that for these individuals large social gatherings such as weddings or office parties often means they won’t be eating much if at all or worse be forced to bring their own food. We also considered how extremely difficult it would be for blended families and couples (one eats meat for example and one does not) to have events catered. We decided we’d focus on a Flexitarian (flexible +vegetarian) approach to our services and offer both vegan and non-vegan options with the same effort and dedication. Daniel had never cooked vegan before we met in 2011, but he was eager for a challenge and if you ask me I think learning how to cook vegan food has actually made his non-vegan items taste even better than before.

Baked Wild Ontario Walleye, Lemon Fingerling Potatoes, Butter Glazed Asparagus, served with Dill & Leek Soubise

City Sophisticate: What sorts of events do you find Urban Acorn Catering is requested for most?

Fitrion: Lately it’s been all about weddings. I think the Flexitarian concept really hits home when two families are merging and no one wants anyone to feel left out. Most of our couples are either both vegan and want and entirely vegan wedding or they are blended and want a mix of both for their event. Either way couples tend to appreciate the experience of custom creating their menu and having a real say in what they’ll be enjoying on their big day.

City Sophisticate: How has your business expanded over the past few years?

Fitrion: When we started out we were trying to find affordable kitchen space in the city (which is very hard) while simultaneously attracting clients. Our first client was a local coffee shop, Lit Espresso Bar whom we sold ciders and juice. Fast forward two years later and we have stopped with small deliveries and concentrated on the event side of the business. We also recently acquired a commercial space which we converted into a kitchen studio in the Junction Triangle.

City Sophisticate: Are you intending to expand Urban Acorn Catering to eventually include a front store for walk-in purchases?

Fitrion: I’d be lying if I said it hasn’t crossed our mind but I think Daniel and I both agree that we want to keep a good work/life balance and unfortunately store fronts and restaurants are not really what we are working towards. We do both have a dream of maybe owning a bed and breakfast in the country one day where we could host weddings onsite.

City Sophisticate: Your newly renovated space is beautiful and has been transformed from an industrial-style unit into a quaint and warm loft. Why did you decide on Toronto’s Junction neighbourhood to expand to?

Fitrion:  In a lot of ways our heart has always been in the Junction. I lived about 5 minutes away from our space when Daniel and I met; since we used a variety of commercial kitchens around the city at the time, we both always felt like Urban Acorn was conceived in that neighbourhood. We actually support one of the local school’s holiday arts and crafts sales by donating and serving lunch. When we started our search for a space we were hoping to find something in the Junction and reached out to a few local vendors including Rebekka Hutton of Alchemy Pickle. She told us about the industrial style lofts in the area and it was love at first site.

Vegan King Oyster Mushroom Gnocchi tossed in a Roasted Red Pepper Emulsion garnished with Summer Peas and Baby Zucchini

City Sophisticate: If you could pick one dish or item from your menu as a showcase delicacy, what would that be?

Fitrion: That’s a tough one  so I’ll permit myself to choose one entrée and one hors d’oeuvre. Daniel makes a mean duck confit and paired with his wild mushroom risotto I salivate at the mouth every time I put it on a menu. For the Hors D’oeuvres it’s got to be his latkes which he can make vegan and gluten free topped with some delicious vegan cranberry apple butter.

City Sophisticate: What advice do you have for anyone who is in the dreaming stage of starting their own company in the food industry?

Fitrion: I’d say first do tons of research… this industry is highly regulated and you need to make sure you know what types of permits you need before you get started. Second: Think simple. It doesn’t have to be over the top food, it just has to be made well, priced fair and taste great. Third: Be prepared to work hard and  miss out on a lot of social events; at first the time and dedication may seem overwhelming but once you hit the tipping point things will be fine. And lastly never lose sight of why you started this journey in the first place and take time to celebrate your milestones.

Vegan and Gluten Free Crispy Seared Polenta Gateau, Creamed Spinach Scalloped Potatoes with Lemongrass tossed Asparagus and Parsnip Chips

Urban Acorn dishes are a delight to the senses; beautifully plated and visually appealing food that is extremely pleasing to the palate and is as equally healthy as it is delicious, what more could a food-lover ask for?

I would like to thank Marie and Daniel for sharing about their experience as small business owners in the vast metropolis of Toronto and for uniting diners over their inspired menus in such a beautiful new location. Congratulations and much success to Urban Acorn in the future!

Happy and healthy dining!

Jessica Ashley

The Perfect Fall and Winter Coats- No Need to Abandon Style Because of the Frigid Temperatures

Let's face it, winter is fast approaching. Those negative temperatures are inevitable. Don't get caught garbed in a shapeless sack to keep warm and abandon all things fashionable. The winter months can be made far less depressing with a few key outerwear pieces. There are a plethora of stylish choices for coats and jackets this season. Below are a few of my favourites.

Vince Camuto

Funnel Neck Rabbit Fur Coat

$590

Belted Faux Fur Front

$305

BCBG 

Savanna Fur Hooded Jacket

$922

Johnna Long Motto Jacket

$616

Victoria Fur Collar Wool Jacket

$691

Club Monaco

Everett Coat 

$595

Rowan Coat

$595

Add

Down Parka

$661

Down Long Coat With Fur Border

$772

Guess

Long-Sleeve Faux Fur-Trimmed Coat

$238

Long-Sleeved Faux Fur-Trimmed Hooded Anorak Jacket

$238

H&M

Duffle Coat

$70

Boucle Coat

$129

Get winter ready and stay fabulous,
Jessica Ashley

Top Wine Bars in Toronto-As Selected by Moi

I have to admit that I have a love for wine that runs deep, especially red; it's something about the aromas and succulent flavours that keep me (responsibly) sipping away on this magical liquid of the vineyard.  Pass me a full-bodied Brunello with a delicious plate of smoked meats and fine cheeses, perhaps two or maybe ten chocolate treats to complement, and I'm in a temporary heavenly trance. I've come to realize that the fabulous city of Toronto offers many locations that are suitable for me to experience this other-wordly, state of being on the regular. Wine bars of the GTA unite! Below you will find a solid list of my personal favourite T.O. wine bars.


Crush Wine Bar

In the heart of the entertainment district, Crush Wine Bar offers up a wonderful selection of both local Ontario wines and wines from around the world.  Pair any or many of these flavourful options with scrumptious selections from a menu that is definitely not lacking in variety of local, fresh, seasonal products and you'll understand why it's made it as one of my top options for a wine and dine experience in the city. French inspired cuisine and choice organic meats, prepared by chef extraordinaire, Trista Sheen and guided wine selections courtesy of Crush's Sommelier , Tiffany-Jamieson-Home, lead to a truly incomparable experience for the senses.  Yes, I have a bit of a crush on Crush.

http://www.crushwinebar.com/default.htm

Ciao Wine Bar

For an authentically Italian experience and a wonderful ambiance in the Yorkville neighbourhood head to Ciao Wine Bar. The soothing atmosphere and rustic-meets-modern decor will have you thinking you've been transported to the hillsides of Tuscany. The remarkable and expansive cellar allows for tasting of a wide variety of wines from numerous regions. And if the wine selection isn't enough to draw you in, maybe Ciao's alabaster pizza bar and reasonable prices will be the perfect persuasion.

http://www.ciaowinebar.com/index.html

Cibo Wine Bar

This classy locale, also in the entertainment district on King West, kicks happy hour up a notch with its vaulted and beamed ceilings, airy space, beautiful and helpful staff and inviting aromas, most likely produced by the wood-burning oven and the Italian delicacies it may be firing up at any given moment.  The stone glass walls and extravagant entrance may beckon you into the space, but the warm atmosphere, five star service and exquisite Italian delights in both the beverage and cuisine categories will be sure to keep you here. You most likely will be made a return visitor, much like I now am, to this top choice wine bar.

http://www.cibowinebar.com/cibo_ks/index_ks.html

Archive 909 

For a true wine-lover's experience, Archive 909, located just North of Trinity Bellwoods Park on Dundas Street, is a charming and affordable option. 'If you prefer to skip the bottle and try as many different varietals and blends as possible, then Archive is where you need to go. The snack bar (most items are under $10) features an incredible selection of sparkling, white, and red wines available by the glass. Sparkling wines start at $13; whites and reds start at just $4.50 a glass.' An airy and inviting quaint establishment with simple yet elegant decor, is the perfect destination for an introduction to some truly extraordinary, palate- pleasing wines. Pair these tantalizing choices with some delectable tapas or rich chocolate truffles and you'll fall head over wine rack for this delightful destination.

http://archive909.com/

Ascari 

This Leslieville wine-lover's paradise offers a vast selection of Italian wines and a wine list which changes daily. 'The generous five-oz. pours start at $9 with nearly 15 wines daily available by glass. Although Ascari's primary focus is Italian wines, some local juice can also be spotted from time to time.' Pair any or all of these selections with Chef John Sinopoli's  homemade Tagliotelli or delicious Duck Confit and you'll add Ascari to your top choice list for wine bars as well! 

http://www.ascarienoteca.ca/

Gusto 101

 In having the perfect name that demands due respect for all things 'tasty' within its walls, Gusto does not disappoint. Tasty selections for all appetites and palates line the menu of this fine eatery 'Wine on tap for $1 an oz.' What more could you ask for?  'Gusto 101's house-wine special lures in wine lovers by the dozens to sit at the bar and sip Cabernet Sauvignon while enjoying margherita pizza and ricotta ravioli.' Enjoy wine from a selection of well-priced bottles, some local and some rare.  Make Gusto 101 your next 'tasty' retreat for all things of and off the vine.

http://gusto101.squarespace.com/

Wine and dine and wine and dine some more.  With the above list at your fingertips there is no excuse for ignoring these orders.

Happy tasting!
Jessica Ashley

We Remember

To all of those brave men and women who have given their lives and to all of those who continue to fight for our freedom in this world...we remember:

Stay Fabulously Fit in Fun Ways During the Dreaded Winter Months

With the cooler weather approaching, we must bid adieu to using the outdoors as our vast and endless fitness centre (although I know there are some die-hard outdoor enthusiasts who dig getting fit in bone-chilling temperatures. Well done to you!) For most of us, running through our regular routine and rotation of the various equipment at our indoor local fitness centre, throughout the winter months, can often get monotonous, mundane and downright boring. Have no fear! I'm here to share about numerous establishments that allow fun alternative methods for burning calories and keeping fit throughout the festive season and on into the dreaded looming deep-freeze that is Canadian winter.


Cirque-ability


'Cirque-ability is a Toronto aerial, acrobatic and fitness studio. In 2008, Heather Kentner opened up Cirque-ability in a small west end loft. Heather created a studio where students of all ages and abilities could have fun participating in circus inspired classes. Students come to Cirque-ability to learn the art of circus, improve their fitness and have fun! However, the real success that comes from discovering your “cirque-ability” is feeling inspired to do the things that you never thought possible.'

http://www.cirque-ability.com/Cirque-ability_Toronto/About_Us.html



Barreworks

'Using the ballet barre, resistance bands and weighted balls, you will be engaged in an energizing combination of exercises that is unlike anything you’ve experienced before. Muscle sculpting, cardio training, core conditioning and deep stretching with an emphasis on posture and alignment. All this, set to a kick ass playlist.'

http://www.barreworks.ca/

Flirty Girl Fitness

'Our Studio offers up to 100 classes per week each striking the perfect balance in delivering highly effective, yet fun and entertaining workouts.  We want to ensure you love working out so much you’ll make it a regular part of your daily routine – not because you have to, but because you LOVE to!

Bikini Boot Camp.  Zumba.  Core & Cardio.  Abs & Booty.  Women & Weights.  Hottie Body Boxing.  Coyote Ugly.  Pole Dance.  Kettle Bells.  Lean Machine and many more.'

http://flirtygirlfitnesstoronto.com/

KRUDAR MUAY THAI- Martial Arts

'Designed to carve the most sculpted physique, clear the mind of stress, shed the pounds, and gain some serious martial art skill, as well as so much more, Krudar has many classes to offer for all levels. Muay Thai, Spinning, Boot Camp, Strength Training, and Private Lessons. We welcome Kids, Youth, Adults, and Fighters. Our mission? To help people live better lives through the art of Muay Thai.'

http://www.krudar.com/

OIP Dance Centre- Hip Hop Classes

'OIP Dance Centre makes dance fun for anyone. Purchase your membership in person or over the phone – the steps are easy and it takes just minutes to complete. Become an O.I.P. Member and take every single class in our schedule for only $95 dollars per month. NO enrollment fee.'

http://www.oipdance.com/

Sky Zone- Indoor Trampoline Park

'We are dedicated to providing you with the pure joy that comes with flying. We are sky lovers, thrill seekers and people who believe that jumping is freedom. We believe fitness can be fun and play can be smart. We are healthy and bursting with energy. We fly high and keep it safe. We are Sky Zone.'

http://www.skyzone.com/ca/toronto

The Yoga Lounge

'The Yoga Lounge is now in its seventh year. It is open seven days a week to provide more than forty classes and workshops. We offer a very comprehensive yoga program that ebbs and flows to assist the mind and body in adapting to the ever-changing environment we live in. Weekly classes range from gentle restorative to stretch yoga (a studio favourite), progressing to a hatha practice that often threads Iyengar elements, which raise consciousness of the importance of anatomy and alignment. Ashtanga/vinyasa is a flow of yoga postures and is also a studio favourite. This type of practice can give even those already in good physical condition a serious workout.'

http://theyogalounge.net/


Have fun with fitness! Discover your winter pick-me-up and stay fitastic!

Be health happy!
Jessica Ashley

Friday Feature- Shane Vitaly Foran, founder and designer of Vitaly Design, talks inspiration and future direction of the brand

It was from the remarkable beauty and serene setting of Ubud, Bali that the inspiration for Vitaly Design was born.  Founder and chief designer, Shane Vitaly Foran continues to draw on the inspiration from his time spent in Indonesia,  which is of great benefit to Vitaly clientele seeing as the quality, craftsmanship and beauty of the Vitaly brand are consistently celestial.   

www.vitalydesign.com

'Vitaly was given its first breath of life in Central Bali, Indonesia. Legend has it that founder Shane Vitaly Foran, a Toronto, Canada native, had decided to put his corporate job on hold in order to combat a growing sense of apathy and burn-out. During six weeks of unplanned pilgrimage, Shane found Ubud, a small haven for artists and other wanderers. He spent three weeks there amongst the pale straw huts and towering bluffs in a state of introverted reflection. Entranced by the the town's natural beauty, Shane began dreaming of hand-crafted jewelry that would fit the many faces of everyday fashion.'

And from this dream Shane did not waiver. The Vitaly brand has flourished over the recent years and continues to expand its reaches by appealing to both men and women due to the unisex nature of the skillfully-made pieces. A clothing and apparel line has also become a new venture for Vitaly Design. The garments, mostly tees and tanks, are simple, stylish and of obvious exceptional quality. 

www.vitalydesign.com

Vitaly Design is set to release its latest collection this month named Interchangeables. I'm beyond honoured that Shane Vitaly Foran, himself, joined me in answering a few questions about the line, his inspiration and about his hopes for the future of Vitaly:

City Shophisticate: Your brand has taken off in the past couple of years and has an intriguing back story. Your pieces are beautiful and bold yet understated and clean.  Are all pieces inspired by your time in Indonesia and the Indonesian culture?

Shane Vitaly Foran: My first collection, the ‘Bali Collection’ which was about three and a half years back, was largely inspired by my time in Bali, though admittedly that was more from a materials standpoint. Being that I started designing in Bali and that’s where our manufacturing was originally done, I looked to their craftsman’s work to see what they were capable of and what materials they specialized in. Since then, however, my collections are largely inspired by street wear, architecture and watches.

www.vitalydesign.com

City Sophisticate: What three words would you use to describe Vitaly jewelry?

Vitaly Foran: Yikes… this is an incredibly difficult question. Perhaps… Clean, Unisex and Lifestyle

City Sophisticate: How would you describe your clothing and apparel line?

Vitaly Foran: Vitaly’s clothing line is still in its very early stages. We were always a little nervous about jumping into that world as we felt we were stepping outside of what we do well. That said, while you’ll currently only find tank tops and t-shirts, I suppose the descriptions of both our jewelry line and our clothing line would be similar.

City Sophisticate: Who do you design your clothes and jewelry to suit most?

Vitaly Foran: Our motto is ‘Designed with our friends in mind’ That has always been my approach. I’m very fortunate in that I have a huge circle of friends and it’s made up of all kinds of interesting and unique people. With that variety comes many different styles and therefore many different inspirations. I really like to think that there’s at least one Vitaly piece for everyone.

'Designed with our friends in mind'

City Sophisticate: Can we expect that in the future for Vitaly we will see more pieces that are geared towards women?

Vitaly Foran: When I first started designing, I was designing for men, but women seemed to really like it as well so I started introducing smaller sizes. While I remained convinced for the first three years that Vitaly was largely a men’s brand that some women were into, after looking at the numbers and after seeing the responses to our pop-up shops, I’ve come to realize that it’s a very even split and is even starting to lean more towards women. All that said, while I’m apprehensive to explicitly say that I’m designing pieces that are ‘geared’ towards women, I guess you could probably say that!  I’m a big believer in slashing those kinds of gender lines, and so I do hope I’ll see both sexes wearing the designs regardless. There are some pieces in our newest collection, “Interchangeables”, which we’re launching this month, for example, that may be considered more ‘feminine’.

www.vitalydesign.com

City Sophisticate: I know, seeing as there are so many remarkable pieces to choose from, that this may be tough to respond to, but what piece in your current collection are you most proud of?

Vitaly Foran: I think I’ll probably always be most proud of our ‘Sua’ ring / pendant combo. It’s become somewhat iconic for us, and it’s the piece that I constantly see when I go for a walk downtown Toronto… It’s a pretty amazing feeling to walk by multiple people you’ve never met all of whom are wearing something you’ve designed – more often than not, that piece is a Sua.

www.vitalydesign.com

City Sophisticate: The founding story of Vitaly is extremely inspirational. What words of wisdom would you give to anyone that is considering chasing a dream in design and/or fashion?

Vitaly Foran: The same thing I tell everyone- it’s okay to dream – I’m absolutely a dreamer… but unless you’re also a doer and passionate about what you’re doing, you may want to look elsewhere. This industry, much like many others of course, is not for the faint of heart. You will likely have to stretch yourself to points you’ve never thought imaginable before you have any idea if your dream will be a success. If you REALLY love what you’re doing though, you’ll make it work.

Pictured above: Founder and designer at Vitaly Design, Shane Vitaly Foran

www.vitalydesign.com

Here's a bit of a sneak peek at the new 'Interchangeables' collection by Vitaly Design

Interchangeables

Diamonds

Polished

Cheetah

Eel

Matte

Zebra

The 'Interchangeables' collection is incredibly appealing to both men and women. I've definitely got my eye on the zebra and cheetah selections!

City Sophisticate would like thank the talented, and dare I say extremely handsome, Shane Vitaly Foran for sharing the above words of wisdom and giving us a bit of insight into the world of the genuine and creative genius behind Vitaly Design. Thank you to the entire Vitaly team for your input and additions. Much continued success to the Vitaly brand!

Visit  http://www.vitalydesign.com/ for information about current collections.

Stay Fabulous!
Jessica Ashley