Favourites - OpenRoad Driver

etter driving living and you 

WINTER 2008 / 2009 · www.OpenRoadDriver.com 

Top 10 HealTH Books · Florida’s Magical keys · New Tax Free saviNgs 

FavouriTe Blue cHeF · aMaziNg grace TowNHoMe · HigH BeaM eveNTs 

Neue audi iN TowN · desigN FavouriTes 

Favourites 

Experience the OpenRoad Difference

We can help you grow 

your business into whatever 

you want it to be. 

Whether you’re just starting out or well established in your practice, 

managing your professional and personal finances can be a challenge. 

The BMO Professionals Program offers comprehensive financial 

solutions for all your practice financing and deposit needs. We can 

provide up to 100% financing 1 , with competitive interest rates, 

special banking offers for you and your staff, AIR MILES ®† reward miles, 

and so much more – all customized to meet your specific needs. 

For more information contact: 

Esther Chan 

Professional Banking Specialist 

604-340-9817 

Howe Gu 

Professional Banking Specialist 

778-389-0300 

1 Subject to meeting the Bank’s usual credit criteria. 

TM/® Trade-marks/registered trade-marks of Bank of Montreal. 

®† Trademarks of AIR MILES International Trading B.V. Used under license by LoyaltyOne, Inc. and Bank of Montreal.

‡ 

A Features 

In this issue 

10 People Customer Spotlight 

Earning His Turns – Cactus Club’s 

Richard Jaffray 

12 Food Plates 

Am I Blue? – Blue Water’s Frank Pabst 

14 Travel Where Our Road Takes You 

Florida’s Magical Keys 

20 Autos Rev 

Three Newest Models 

36 Money Trade In 

My Favourite Thing – Tax Free Savings 

40 Real Estate Curb Appeal 

Amazing Grace Townhome 

44 Design Interiors 

A Few of My Favourites 

48 Health Trim Lines 

Words to Live By – Top 10 Health Books 

52 Community Community Heroes 

Wonderful People – Special Olympics BC 

.................................................................................................................................................................................... 

A Extras 

8 Zoom-Zoom to Port Moody 

OpenRoad Mazda Opens 

26 OpenRoad Service Coupons 

28 OpenRoad Parts Coupons 

30 It’s Neue 

OpenRoad Audi Supplement 

.................................................................................................................................................................................... 

A Regulars 

2 Publisher’s Note 

3 OpenRoad Locations 

4 The Customers Always Write 

6 OpenRoad Experience 

Dealership News 

24 Ask The Experts 

Favourite Free and Paid Service Tips 

56 High Beams 

OpenRoad Events 

14 

36 

48 

‡ Cover Image: Photography: Alistair Eagle · Performer: Shawn Nakamoto, Yuaikai Ryukyu Taiko · Art Direction: Will Fong & Haydex Li 

12 

30 

40 

56 

OpenRoad driver |

⁄ 

OpenRoad driver | 

Publisher’s Note 

It’s almost the end of the year 

so, of course, it is party time! and no, 

we are not talking political parties 

either – the Us election is now firmly 

behind us. 

Celebrations have been many at openroad. 

The official opening at openroad audi, 

featuring the all-new a4, brought out 

more than 600 late-night audi owners and 

enthusiasts, with 

one lucky couple 

driving away in a 

brand new audi tt. 

shortly thereafter 

we launched the 

brand new tl, the 

most powerful car 

that acura has ever 

produced. Japanese 

‘nihonshu’ or sake 

was paired with 

ear-shattering taiko 

drums as we rocked 

the north shore. 

We also celebrated 

the addition 

of an all-new member 

to the openroad 

family, namely 

openroad mazda 

in Port moody. Kirt 

Gill and his fine team of mazda professionals 

are more than ready to meet the large 

crowds that the all-new mazda6 and soonto-be-released 

mazda3 will generate. 

This issue is focused on our favourite 

things. one of mine, without a doubt, is 

regularly prepared by our featured driver 

this month, my close friend and founder of 

Cactus Club Café, richard Jaffray. 

Cert no. XXX-XXX-000 

XX% 

If you haven’t already tried his mini burgers 

at the new Burrard street location you 

are missing out. 

and you will find some fascinating feature 

articles in this issue, as our authors 

rise to the challenge and reveal their favourites 

for us. trim lines presents its top 

10 health and wellness books of all time, 

while our trade In investment expert tells 

us everything we 

need to know about 

his favourite new 

tax-free federal savings 

plan. In these 

times we could all 

use a healthier and 

wealthier lifestyle! 

and what colour 

do you think is the 

new black? our 

Interiors expert 

tells us in his piece 

on favourite design 

things. In our Plates 

food feature, Blue 

Water Café’s frank 

Pabst reveals what 

he would do with his 

favourite ingredient 

if he appeared on 

the Iron Chef television 

program. here is a hint. his secret 

ingredient is related to the ocean, just like 

our travel destination, where we take an 

eventful driving tour through florida’s 

magical Keys. 

There is so much in this edition of 

openroad driver that it has become one of 

my favourite issues. I hope it will be one of 

yours as well. happy driving! 

Christian Chia 

President, openroad auto Group 

‡ We are proud to have saved 29 trees and 745 kilograms 

of solid waste from the environment with this issue of 

OpenRoad Driver. We have also lessened our environmental 

impact by 7,252 kWh of energy and 56,205 litres of effluent. 

This issue is printed by our Forest Stewardship Council 

FSC-certified printer on FSC-certified 10% post consumer 

waste PCW paper. 

Winter 2008 / 2009 www.OpenRoadDriver.com 

OpenRoad Driver 

c/o OpenRoad Auto Group Ltd. 

13251 Smallwood Place 

Richmond, BC, Canada V6V 1W8 

Tel: (604) 232-5347 Fax: (604) 232-5323 

E-mail: inquiries@openroaddriver.com 

Publisher: Christian Chia 

publisher@openroaddriver.com 

Editor: Will Fong 

editor@openroaddriver.com 

Art Direction, Design: Atmosphere 

Design, atmos@telus.net 

Contributing Writers: Will Fong, Bruce 

Forster, Gerry Frechette, Marcie Good, 

Vreni Gurd, Ben Hudson, Rick and Chris 

Millikan, Al Nagy 

Contributing Photographers: Alistair Eagle, 

Jordan Junck, Haydex Li, Suzie Mah, Rick 

and Chris Millikan, Karim Virani 

Advertising, Sales: Will Fong 

sales@openroaddriver.com 

Circulation: Kirk Integrated Marketing 

Services, Canada Post, OpenRoad 

Auto Group 

Change of Address Notices: Return covers 

of undeliverable copies to OpenRoad 

Driver, 13251 Smallwood Place, Richmond, 

BC, V6V 1W8 or send e-mail requests to 

inquiries @openroaddriver.com. 

Postmaster: Send Canadian address 

change forms to OpenRoad Driver, 13251 

Smallwood Place, Richmond, BC, V6V 1W8 

Publications Mail Agreement No. 

40599157 

OpenRoad Driver is published twice a 

year by OpenRoad Auto Group Ltd. 

All rights reserved. No part of this magazine 

may be reproduced without prior 

written permission from the publisher. 

OpenRoad Driver is not responsible for 

unsolicited manuscripts, images and 

photographs. 

All views expressed in articles published 

in this magazine are those of the authors 

and not necessarily those of OpenRoad 

Driver. All letters sent to OpenRoad 

Driver become the sole property of 

OpenRoad Driver and may be used and 

published in any manner without obligation 

and without liability. 

Advertising in OpenRoad Driver does not 

indicate an endorsement by the publisher 

or OpenRoad Auto Group. The publisher 

accepts no responsibility for advertisers’ 

claims. The publisher does not recommend, 

guarantee or endorse the quality 

of services or products within advertisements, 

advertorials and editorials. 

Printed in Canada by Teldon Print Media

Locations 

MiddlEgAtE hoNdA | BuRNABy 

6984 Kingsway 

Burnaby, BC, V5E 1E6 

T 604.525.4667 F 604.525.8692 

MiddlegateHonda.com 

NoRth ShoRE AcuRA | NoRthShoRE Auto MAll 

828 Automall Drive 

North Vancouver, BC, V7P 3R8 

T 604.929.6736 F 604.990.7623 

NorthShoreAcura.com 

opENRoAd Audi | VANcouVER 

2395 Boundary Road 

Vancouver, BC, V5M 4W5 

T 604.293.AUDI (2834) F 604.298.1329 

OpenRoadAudi.com 

opENRoAd hyuNdAi | RichMoNd Auto MAll 

5571 Parkwood Way 

Richmond, BC, V6V 2M7 

T 604.606.9033 F 604.606.9003 

OpenRoadHyundai.com 

opENRoAd lExuS | poRt Moody 

3150 St. Johns Street 

Port Moody, BC, V3H 2C7 

T 604.461.7623 F 604.949.7623 

OpenRoadLexus.ca 

• openroadautogroup.com 

opENRoAd MAZdA | poRt Moody 



T 604.461.9111 F 604.461.7988 

OpenRoadMazda.ca 

opENRoAd toyotA | poRt Moody 



T 604.461.3656 F 604.461.9140 

OpenRoadToyota.ca 

opENRoAd toyotA | RichMoNd Auto MAll 


Richmond, BC, V6V 1W8 

T 604.273.3766 F 604.273.2892 

OpenRoadToyota.com 

RichMoNd Auto Body | RichMoNd 

2691 No.5 Road 

Richmond, BC, V6X 2S8 

T 604.278.9158 F 604.270.9105 

RichmondAutoBody.ca 

RichMoNd lExuS | RichMoNd Auto MAll 


Richmond, BC, V6V 2M6 

T 604.273.5533 F 604.270.9028 

RichmondLexus.com 


Share your thoughts... 

the 

customers 

Always 

Write 

WONDERFUL JOB 

I wanted to say thank you for the 

excellent service. I have worked 

in the car industry and you do a 

wonderful job of CSI. Your advisors 

have always been helpful, courteous 

and have gone above and beyond 

to look after me. I just released 

my book and I wrote about your 

company on page 45. I thought you 

would enjoy seeing what I wrote. 

Jan J. on OpenRoad Auto Group’s 

staff associates and service 

.... 

Excellent service department. They 

did their usual super job at getting 

the job done well. 

Myron L. on North Shore Acura’s 

service department 

.... 

A very pleasant and technically 

excellent job done by service consultant 

Bob Lund. My visit at service 

was unexpected and Bob helped 

me diagnose and repair the car the 

next day. Bob was constantly in 

phone connection with me offering 

different important solutions to fix 

the car fast. I’m very pleased with 

all the work and the pleasant visit in 

your new building. 

Jack U. on OpenRoad Audi’s service 

advisor, Bob Lund 

.... 

I was very pleased with the excellent 

service your staff provided 

me at OpenRoad Hyundai. Brian 

Park is an excellent sales advisor 

teamed up with your business office 

manager Tina Canave. I had been 


looking for a car since early 2008, 

and the only one who was able to 

convince me to buy is Brian. I have 

recommended you to all my friends. 

Maria K. on OpenRoad Hyundai’s 

sales advisor, Brian Park and business 

office manager, Tina Canave 

BEST SERVICE 

This is the best service I can find at 

any car dealership. Anke is terrific! 

Trevor H. on Richmond Lexus’ service 

director, Anke Minty and the service 

team 

.... 

We found Cameron Ma to be efficient, 

helpful and very personable. 

We bought our third Lexus about 

two years ago from Earl Hooey 

another personable and helpful 

man! Best of all we just purchased 

our fourth used Lexus, a 2003 ES 

300. What a car! The best one of 

all. Our thanks to general manager 

David Lam, service advisor Steve 

Armstrong, and product specialists 

Earl Hooey and Bruce Macfarlane. 

Bob and Marg L. on the sales and 

service teams at OpenRoad Lexus 

Port Moody 

.... 

I have been very pleased with the 

service at Open Road Toyota in Port 

Moody. I rely on David Pearce, the 

service manager, and more importantly, 

trust him. I have found the 

entire service department to be caring. 

So when my daughter needed 

a vehicle, she came in from a 

nearby city and we purchased with 

two salespeople, Andy Ching and 

Obaid Qureshi. They both handled 

our purchase in a very professional, 

courteous manner, and we left very 

pleased. I have another daughter 

who needs a new vehicle... and 

guess where I’m hoping she’ll buy? 

Marg G. on OpenRoad Toyota Port 

Moody’s service manager, David 

Pearce, the entire service department, 

and product advisors, Andy Ching and 

Obaid Qureshi 

BLOWN AWAY 

Thank you for making the delivery 

of our new Lexus such a nice experience. 

Our friends gave us a ride to 

your showroom and were blown 

away with the delivery process. 

They have owned nothing but 

Dodge vehicles all their lives and 

have never been treated as royally 

as we were treated. 

Rob and Wendie G. on Richmond 

Lexus product specialist, Bastiaan Van 

Der Hoek, and the vehicle delivery 

team 

.... 

I am a long-time customer at the 

service department. My experience 

was all positive and the latest visit 

was beyond my expectation from 

Peter. He was amazing. He spent 

lots of time helping me out and I 

could never thank him enough. 

Danea C. on OpenRoad Toyota 

Richmond’s lot associate, Peter Liang 

We like mail... 

Send feedback on OpenRoad Driver 

to: comments@openroaddriver.com

Helping you insure all your life’s elements.... 

because you have better things to do 


News from our Dealerships... 

OpenRoad 

Experience 

EXPERIENCE THE 

DIFFERENCE 

Experience the OpenRoad 

Difference. It’s the first anniversary 

of OpenRoad Auto Group’s 

slogan. No doubt you’ve heard 

our catchy jingle and music, and 

seen the new look of our retail 

campaigns. In the next few 

months you can expect more 

unique programs to show you the 

difference between an OpenRoad 

store and other dealerships. After 

all, why just buy a car… when you 

can own an OpenRoad car? 


Photos: Haydex Li 

NEW GENERAL MANAGERS 

COO Rob Steele has announced 

a new team of general managers 

at OpenRoad to join Ian Quinn 

of Middlegate Honda Burnaby, 

Vincent Lau of OpenRoad 

Audi Vancouver and Barry 

Chyzowski of OpenRoad Hyundai 

Richmond. There are four new 

general managers who have been 

promoted within the company: 

Mark Worbeck of Richmond 

Lexus, Patrick Lau of OpenRoad 

Toyota Port Moody, David Lam 

of OpenRoad Lexus Port Moody 

and Aly Jiwani of North Shore 

Acura. Joining the company as a 

new general manager is Kirt Gill 

of OpenRoad Mazda Port Moody. 

Rob Steele remains general 

manager of OpenRoad Toyota 

Richmond. Congratulations to all! 

S.U.C.C.E.S.S. 

Product advisor Andy Lee and general sales manager Larry Cho congratulate 

Bobby Poon, the lucky winner of a 2009 Toyota Corolla courtesy of 

a S.U.C.C.E.S.S. fundraising raffle. OpenRoad’s business office manager 

Debbie Lew and sales manager Peter Tai join in the happy presentation 

by OpenRoad Toyota Richmond.



Experience 

PURSUIT OF A 

NEW LEXUS LOCATION 

Richmond Lexus is expanding and moving to serve you better. In order 

to build the ultimate flagship Lexus store in the Richmond Auto Mall, 

we are moving to an interim location. Richmond Lexus is being relocated 

temporarily to downtown Richmond at the corner of Lansdowne 

Road and Minoru Boulevard, at 5660 Minoru Boulevard, just one block 

west of No. 3 Road across from the Lansdowne shopping centre. Visit 

us at www.openroadlexus.com or call (604) 273-5533 to check on our 

temporary and ultimate facilities. Join us as we embark on an exciting 

journey to create a luxurious Lexus facility like no other. 

XX% 

29 TREES BETTER 

Go green with OpenRoad. This 

new issue of OpenRoad Driver 

magazine will save 29 trees and 

745 kilograms of solid waste. 

Cert no. XXX-XXX-000 

It will also save 7,252 kWh of 

energy and 56,205 litres of effluent 

from the environment (source: Green Workplace). By 

taking another green step, we now print on Forest 

Stewardship Council FSC-certified paper using Nature 

Web® #3 web paper at 10% post consumer waste 

(PCW) recycled content. We are proud that our printer, 

Teldon Print Media, is also FSC-certified. OpenRoad is 

pleased to play our part in environmental responsibility. 

Photo: Suzie Mah 

RETAILING IT RIGHT 

with one of OpenRoad’s new retail 

campaigns throughout the year. 

DRIVE OUR WAY 

TO A NEW HYUNDAI 

OpenRoad Hyundai is growing 

and moving to a new location, 

with the added convenience of a 

larger site inside the Richmond 

Auto Mall. We are sure you will 

love your brand new Hyundai 

location at the main entrance to 

the auto mall off Jacombs Road 

and Westminster Highway in 

Richmond. Our newly renovated 

store will boast more parking and 

vehicle displays. Visit us at www. 

openroadhyundai.com or call 

(604) 606-9033 for details on our 

move. OpenRoad Hyundai continues 

to lead the way in delivering 

affordable luxury and superior 

customer service, so drive our 

way soon. 

MIDNIGHT MADNESS 

OpenRoad’s company-wide 

Midnight Madness event was 

a smash hit. All stores opened 

until midnight with promotional 

offers and festivities that offered 

a decidedly Chinese flair and 

theme. In addition to the savings, 

guests enjoyed lion dances, 

moon cakes and free lanterns at 

OpenRoad Toyota Richmond. 





Experience 

Zoom-Zoom 

TO PORT MOODY 

OpenRoad Mazda Opens 

E 

VERYDAYSEEMSTOBRINGSOMETHINGNEW. 

New sign, new paint, new ownership and a 

whole new way of doing things. OpenRoad 

Auto Group has acquired a Mazda store in Port 

Moody. Open since September 2008, it’s hard 

not to notice the difference already. 

There are plans to install a brand new building. In the 

meantime, the existing facility is being transformed both 

inside and out to add the OpenRoad touch for now. As 

you drive the main artery along St. Johns Street, you can 

see the renovations in full swing. The building is already 

fresher and brighter – more inviting – with the new carpet, 

furniture and site enhancement elements scheduled to 

arrive soon. 

“We knew we had our work cut out for us to update 

the building, but what a difference already,” says 

OpenRoad president Christian Chia. “Sometimes it’s challenging 

to put our stamp on an acquisition that comes 

with an existing facility,” he continues, “but we were very 

excited to add Mazda to our growing portfolio. It’s such 

a great brand and everyone at Mazda Canada has been 

outstanding. Ultimately we want to make sure that the 

same service and different experience OpenRoad is known 

for, can now become available at Mazda in Port Moody.” 

As part of the transition, Chia and chief operating officer 

Rob Steele wanted to establish great bench strength 

as their first priority. “We wanted staff associates that 

would be second to none in terms of Mazda experience 

and knowledge,” says Steele. As a result, a deep team 

by Will Fong 

of Mazda experts is now in place, with over 100 years of 

combined experience in Mazda products and services. 

Kirt Gill joins OpenRoad as the new general manager 

of our Mazda location in Port Moody, having originally 

started with Mazda back in 1985. Roger Bhajan and John 

Yeung are sales managers with eighteen years and seven 

years of Mazda sales expertise respectively, while new 

fixed operations manager Jonathan Jaehrlich started his 

automotive career on the sales side with Mazda in 1991, 

and technician Richard Houghton has worked on Mazdas 

for twenty years since 1989. In both the sales and service 

departments, there are many staff associates here with 

over five and ten years of Mazda experience each. Bench 

strength, indeed. 

While OpenRoad adds its magic touch to the building 

renovation and staff development, Mazda delivers the 

sporty fun to every driving experience through its exciting 

new products and services. Now available in GS or GT 

trim, the 100% new 2009 Mazda6 mid-size sedan is larger 

boasting a list of standard features that would impress 

anyone. With winter driving conditions, there’s never a 

better time to choose a Mazda CX-7 or CX-9 SUV. And 

look for the highly anticipated all-new 2010 Mazda3 

coming in spring 2009. It will be the first full redesign of 

Mazda’s best-selling sports compact in five years, very 

much worth the wait. 

So zoom-zoom to OpenRoad Mazda soon. 

Something new and very different is happening with 

Mazda in Port Moody. 

‡ OpenRoad Mazda Port Moody 

3170 St. Johns Street, Port Moody, BC, V3H 2C7 

T: 604.461.9111 F: 604.461.7988 

W: OpenRoadMazda.ca

A d i f f e r e n t CX-7 e x p e r i e n c e 

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Experience the OpenRoad Difference 

a t O p e n R o a d . 


Port Moody, BC 

www.openroadmazda.ca 

www.openroadautogroup.com 

Tel: 604-461-9111 


customer 

Spotlight 

Earning His Turns 

OpenRoad driver | 0 

RIcHaRD JaFFRay 

of cactus club café 

Despite reeling in the most famous chef in Canada into his operations, 

opening a stunning $6.5-million Cactus Club restaurant in the heart 

of downtown Vancouver, and ringing in well over $100 million in sales 

for 2008, richard Jaffray still finds time to go surfing, go skiing, and 

talk to openroad driver magazine about running one of the most successful 

restaurant companies in the country. 

Interview by Ben Hudson

Photo: Courtesy of Richard Jaffray 

Vancouver’s casual restaurant scene 

has to be one of the best in the 

world. Why do you think there are 

so many amazing places to eat here? 

There are incredible fine dining restaurants 

all over the world, but casual places 

simply do not compare to what we have 

in Vancouver. restaurants in most cities 

are split into two streams: casual dining 

and fine dining. But in Vancouver, the 

hyper-competitive market has forced 

everyone to find new ways to attract and 

keep customers. The casual side has had 

to improve their food and service and the 

fine dining operators have had to find 

ways to inject more fun into their business. 

The result was the creation of an 

entirely new category – casual fine dining. 

How do you define casual fine dining? 

Casual fine dining starts with high quality, 

freshly prepared food and ingredients 

that, in most other cities, would be 

reserved for high-end restaurants. There 

must also be high standards of service 

without the pomp and circumstance of 

formal dining and of course, a stylish, 

contemporary and fun atmosphere. 

Is that a restaurant concept you created? 

no, there was a small group of restaurants, 

including Cactus Club, who played 

a leading role in creating the casual fine 

dining concept. for me, it started about 

ten years ago when I really began to focus 

on quality food, dynamic service and the 

creation of beautiful restaurants decorated 

with beautiful art. Places that, on 

the surface, could easily be a fine dining 

location. 

You guys have some fantastic art in 

your restaurants, any truly unique or 

original pieces? 

There’s a few. our collection includes a 

handful of original pieces from andy 

Warhol, Jean-michel Basquiat, and 

anthony hopkins. 

Is art collecting a personal passion? 

I have started to develop a bit of a passion 

for it. I think that is part of the experience 

of doing something authentic in my 

restaurants and it has carried over. 

When Cactus Club picked up the 

“Iron Chef” Rob Feenie, it seemed 

like the biggest restaurant coup in 

history. Was bringing Rob on board 

something you had been planning? 

We’ve been friends for years and I had 

been looking for an opportunity to work 

with a top Canadian chef. The timing 

was perfect. he’s one of the top chefs 

in Canada and certainly one of the best 

known Canadian chefs in the world. so 

yeah, it certainly was a coup for us. 

Has he had a substantial impact on 

your business? 

Unbelievable. I have worked with some 

very senior talent in the past and rob 

has exceeded my highest expectations in 

every regard. his presence is felt in every 

aspect of our business. he is very hard 

working. he is always thinking about new 

recipes and menu ideas. our biggest challenge 

has been just keeping up with him. 

So you hired one of the hottest 

chefs in the industry and you recently 

opened your flagship location in 

Bentall 5. How did that play out? 

I had been thinking about a location like 

Bentall 5 for six or seven years. even 

before that tower was built I thought it 

was an amazing location. It was certainly 

the biggest deal I’d ever done. I have to 

admit my stomach was in knots after we 

Outside of Tofino, my 

favourite place is Hawaii. I 

try to get out there two or 

three times a year. I also 

try and hit at least one 

international destination 

a year – somewhere I’ve 

never been before. 

signed the papers, but looking back now I 

don’t know what I was worried about. 

Despite all the success you’ve 

enjoyed. There have been some 

setbacks. Your foray into Edmonton 

didn’t go so well. What did you 

learn from that experience? 

Probably the biggest mistake we made 

was adjusting our business model on 

preconceived ideas we had about the market 

in edmonton. We’re heading back to 

edmonton to open a new flagship restaurant 

so, you know, we’ve recovered from 

that experience. 

So are you going to take some time 

off to go surfing? 

Well, we opened two new locations this 

year and launched The Village tap house 

in West Vancouver. It’s been a pretty busy 

year but I did manage to sneak down to 

California to surf for a week. 

Where’s your favourite place to surf? 

outside of tofino, my favourite place is 

hawaii. I try to get out there two or three 

times a year. I also try and hit at least one 

international destination a year – somewhere 

I’ve never been before. 

Surfers traditionally have a strong 

connection to the environment; did 

that play a role in your involvement 

with Ocean Wise and The Green 

Table network? 

oh, definitely. Cactus Club was one of the 

founding members of the Green table 

network, an organization that helps restaurateurs 

take a more environmentally 

friendly approach to their business. our 

membership in ocean Wise was something 

one of my chefs suggested and I’m 

glad he did. It’s a great fit for me personally 

and for Cactus Club. 

Tell me about the bathrooms in your 

restaurants. They’re legendary. 

Where did the idea for those bathrooms 

come from? 

our bathrooms really just evolved out of 

the desire to create an incredible experience 

for our customers in every aspect of 

our business. I knew we had really hit it 

when I was on the chairlift at Blackcomb 

and I overheard two ladies talking about 

how amazing the washrooms were in the 

Granville and Broadway location. from 

that moment on I knew that was something 

we would keep going with. 

So you’re a skier and a surfer? Is that one 

of the reasons you drive an Audi Q7? 

The sports I enjoy require the space and 

performance of an sUV. I test drove just 

about everything out there and I really 

liked the image that audi projects. But 

I’ve got to tell you, the fact that I could 

fit my longboard surfboard inside the Q7 

and close the hatchback sealed the deal. 

That’s one of the best reasons I’ve 

heard for choosing an Audi! 

Well, it’s that, and the Q7 drives like a sports 

car. of all the vehicles I test drove I just loved 

the Q7. I thought it was the best. 



Plates 

Am I 

Blue? 

truly great food can 

be an almost spiritual 

affair. I felt that rare 

occasion of spirituality 

through a divine 

sablefish creation at 

the recent openroad 

audi grand opening. 

by Will Fong 

Executive Chef Frank Pabst, 

Blue Water Café 

Seafood Tower with Dungeness Crab

Photos: Courtesy of Blue Water Café 

FolloWInG hIs star tUrn 

as celebrity chef at our grand 

opening, I wanted to know more 

about Blue Water Café’s executive 

chef, frank Pabst, and find 

out if he would share his prized recipe 

for the sablefish he served at our event. I 

also wondered if Pabst would elaborate on 

sustainable seafood practices, or reveal 

any of his own personal favourites. he 

did just that. 

so, am I blue? not with frank Pabst 

around. fresh from his piercingly 

straightforward answers – and culinary 

heights – Pabst could lift anyone’s spirits. 

You often talk about the importance 

of responsible seafood practices. 

What does that mean to you? 

responsible seafood practices are crucial 

to me when I create a menu. We have to 

make sure we choose the right seafood 

varieties, the ones that are sustainable and 

abundant and that are fished without any 

damage to the ocean habitat. If we are not 

more careful and selective today, certain 

species could be lost forever in ten years. as 

chefs we have a responsibility to introduce 

lesser-known and under-appreciated species 

like sardines, herring, mackerel and 

sea urchin. at Blue Water we call them the 

unsung heroes of the sea. I like to combine 

these seafood varieties with complementary 

familiar flavours to make them more 

approachable to our guests who have never 

tried them before. People are usually very 

surprised how much they actually enjoy 

these rather distinctive-tasting varieties. 

RECIPE 

Serves 4 

4 boneless six-ounce portions 

Sablefish skin on 

4 – 170 gram portions 

Marinade: 

1/4 cup sake 50 mL 

1/4 cup mirin 50 mL 

1/4 cup sugar 50 mL 

26 ounces miso paste 750 g 

Garnish: 

2 large Japanese eggplants 

3 green onions very thinly sliced 

1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds 

4 Tbsp ponzu sauce 

2 Tbsp sesame oil 

These varieties are also very healthy and 

packed with omega 3 fatty acids. I work 

very closely with the Vancouver aquarium 

and their ocean Wise Program to ensure 

that we offer only sustainable seafood 

choices on our menu. 

Now why did you choose Canada 

after such success in Germany and 

France? 

The years I spent in Germany and france 

were very important to me. They formed 

and shaped me as a chef and taught me 

more than just the basics in cooking. 

I would call them my university years 

– seven altogether – where I learned from 

kitchen masters like Christof lang, serge 

Philippin, dominique lestanc, Jacques 

Chibois and daniel ettlinger. The reason 

I chose cooking as my profession was not 

only because of gastronomical interest, 

but also because I wanted to see other 

parts of the world, meet interesting 

people and characters, learn different languages 

and make a living doing it. What 

better way than combining these things 

with a passion for cooking and becoming a 

chef? Canada and Vancouver were more by 

chance to start with, and later on, professional 

and private success kept me from 

leaving this beautiful part of the world. 

Well, Vancouver is the beneficiary. 

Now tell me about your favourites. 

Other than Blue Water Café, where 

do you like to eat and which restaurants 

impress you? 

my favourite restaurant choices are West 

restaurant on Granville street and Cincin 

ristorante on robson street. 

Preparation: 

1. Boil sake for one minute to evaporate 

the alcohol, dissolving sugar in it 

and adding mirin. 

2. Stir miso paste into sake mix until 

smooth. Chill. 

3. Place sablefish filets in a large ziplock 

bag and add 1/2 cup of marinade. 

Close the bag and toss the filets with 

the marinade. Refrigerate overnight. 

4. Cut Japanese eggplant into 1/2 

inch dices and cook in sesame oil until 

lightly browned. 

5. Add green onions, sesame seeds 

and ponzu sauce. Adjust seasoning 

Outstanding choices. And what is 

your favourite kitchen gadget? Who 

makes it? 

It would have to be a rechargeable immersion 

blender made by Breville for quick 

emulsions and airy sauces. 

Now that we know your favourite 

gadget, tell us where you like to 

shop for your ingredients. 

Without giving away too many secrets, 

two of my favourite stores are Parthenon 

supermarket and dan-d-Pak. They are 

both on West Broadway in Vancouver. 

And what is the strangest thing that ever 

happened to you in the kitchen, or the 

strangest request you ever received? 

I can tell you about the strangest thing 

that I have ever seen in the kitchen. It 

must have been escargot caviar, or snail 

eggs. They were white-pinkish looking 

pearls that needed a rather acquired taste 

to appreciate them. 

Finally, one last hypothetical question. 

If you appeared on the television 

program Iron Chef, what do you hope 

would be the secret ingredient, and 

how would you use it to its fullest 

potential? 

It would be sea urchin. are you surprised? 

I would prepare sea Urchin and scallop 

mousse with wakame seaweed and leek 

salad; squid tagliatelle with sea urchin 

sauce; Cucumber Vichyssoise with sea 

urchin roe and kusshi oysters; sea Urchin 

with white asparagus and blood orange 

sabayon; and sea Urchin Ceviche with 

ponzu, soy and ginger. 

BC Sablefish with miso sake glaze 

Japanese eggplant with sesame, soy and yuzu 

with salt and pepper. 

6. Remove sablefish and place skin 

side down on parchment paper lined 

baking sheet. 

7. Spoon some marinade on top of 

the filets. 

8. Broil in oven on medium rack for 

10-12 minutes until fish is cooked 

through and sablefish top is nicely 

browned. 

9. Divide eggplant onto four plates. 

10. With a spatula carefully remove 

the sablefish filets from the skin 

and place on the eggplant garnish. 

Decorate with daikon sprouts. 



Where Our Road Takes you 

Florida’s 

Magical 

Keys florida’s 

Keys stretch 126 miles southward. 

Crossing the first of 43 bridges onto Key largo, 

we soon notice whimsical fish-shaped mailboxes 

lining highway 1; sculpted dolphins and 

cheeky manatee tuck letterboxes under their 

fins. little did we know how much Islanders 

love nature! 

Words and Photos by Rick and chris Millikan

in Key larGo retIred math teaCher laUra QUInn 

founded emergency and recuperative care for injured birds 

at florida Keys Wild Bird rehabilitation Center. Walking 

its bromeliad-bordered nature trails, we spy sheltered owls, 

hawks and osprey. Brown pelicans perch and preen in trees 

and upon rooftops. along winding boardwalks, gulls wheel, 

snowy egrets groom and pink ibis stalk minnows and crabs 

in the shallow bay’s shaded mangrove channels. In a clearing, 

black turkey vultures patiently perch, awaiting the 3:00 wild 

bird feeding. 

at Usa’s first underwater park, Pennekamp Coral reef state 

Park offers boats with glass bottom views or up close scuba looks 

at north america’s only living barrier reef. after walking its 

nature trails and beaches, we board an afternoon catamaran to 

snorkel one section of this Key’s 120-mile reef. 

our captain zigzags through spidery-green mangroves past 

other adventurers in kayaks and canoes before crossing five 

miles of dark-blue ocean to molasses reef. here the famed 8-foot 

replicated Christ of the abyss gazes upward, arms outstretched 

to aquanauts. The captain warns, “Please don’t hug him! he’s 

covered with fire coral!” 

swimming amid purple fans and colourful soft corals or communing 

with vivid parrotfish, sergeant majors, blue-striped 

grunts and yellowtail snappers, I watch a green moray eel 

wriggle into its rocky lair. and bless my snorkel, there’s a golden 

french angelfish! 

southward from Key largo, Islamadora’s six islands boast 

seas brimming with game fish…and a huge fleet of boats…yet 

landlubbers find plenty to do. Vivid sculptured turtles, tropical 

birds and eccentric frogs lure us into rain Barrel artists Village. 

Inside, we stroll through floral gardens and a maze of charming 

shops, admiring unique pottery, jewelry, stained glass…and 

even specialty foods like mango ketchup and lime marinade. In 

several galleries we watch artisans at work. The village namesake 

stands out back: a large weathered rain barrel. 

not far away a gigantic conch shell announces Theater of the 

sea. soon we attend a splashy dolphin show. according to the 

trainer, these dolphins have great fun entertaining us. along 

the far shore of a lagoon we spot psychedelic parrotfish, graceful 

stingrays and seagulls gathering for nutritious handouts. 

Thriving amid lush gardens, brightly hued macaws earn their 

birdseed performing surprising tricks and solving puzzles. 

trainer Julia explains, “Their eternal raucous squawking and 

constant ripping of furniture continue over their ninety-year 

lifetime. In fact, macaws regularly outlive their welcomes…and 

their owners.” This explains the donation of these amazing ‡ 

Just south of Key Largo, Rain Barrel displays the vibrant, 

wondrous art of the Florida Keys. 


FLORIDa’S 

MaGIcaL KEyS 

salvaging ships from surrounding reefs 

made Key West the richest town per 

capita in the U.S. for fifty years. 

birds. strolling through profuse orchid gardens we discover other 

adoptees, including iguanas and recuperating green turtles. 

off the highway, Pioneer Cemetery honours local families of the 

early 1800s, who lived in isolation until 1912 when henry flagler 

extended his east coast railroad to Key West. admiring a lovely 

battered angel, an aged gardener tells us, “y’know, the hurricane 

blew her right off etta Pinder’s grave; she landed on the old railway 

line, but survived her flight. Wing broken, she still watches over 

etta…” a roadside monument memorializes this 1935 hurricane 

that devastated both the Keys and flagler’s overseas railroad. 

today’s “overseas” highway follows the original rail bed and often 

parallels old trestles. mostly rusted and abandoned, ardent fishermen 

cast lines from the several revamped sections. 

dedicated to a local environmentalist, nearby anne’s Public 

Beach is picture perfect. a boardwalk rises through green mangrove 

thickets linking its two golden shores. lured into shallow 

turquoise waters, we wade out and cool off in gentle breezes 


Islamadora’s Theater of the Sea offers brilliantly 

performing macaws and splashy dolphin shows. 

before heading across the next bridge to robbie’s marina. 

There we meet a grinning tackle shack guy, who tells us, “years 

ago, robbie and his wife started feeding a tarpon struggling in 

shallow dockside waters. Wading in to help, he discovered its 

ripped jaw. Plunking it into our oxygen-rich shrimp tank, he 

called old doc roach, who used his wife’s mattress needles and 

some twine…and scarface became the first tarpon in stitches!” 

he grinned, “ol’ scarface recovered and was released, but kept 

coming back, usually with friends. today, you can marvel at the 

50 to 100 silver-green tarpon under the docks.” Kneeling, we 

gingerly feed them from a bucket. several tarpon leap and flash, 

snatching the baitfish before circling pelicans can scoop them up. 

at Grassy Key in marathon, we’re at the Keys’ midpoint. Crane 

Point museum and nature Center intrigues many visitors. once 

home to an Indian village, nature trails now loop through botanical 

gardens and native thatch palm hammocks to the Keys’ second 

oldest residence, the adderley house. George adderley built this 

Bahamian-style home in the 1890s using tabby, a concrete made 

from burned shells. his family earned its livelihood selling turtles, 

sponges and charcoal made from surrounding buttonwood trees. 

a woodsy trail leads us past a bird rescue centre filled with happily 

chirping patients and out to placid florida Bay’s shoreline. 

at the dolphin research Center, mary leads us to friendly 

interactive encounters and educational performances: vocalized 

greetings, shaking fins with us newcomers, painting t-shirts and 

even towing human acquaintances around their natural pools. 

she smiles, “swimming with dolphins began here over 35 years 

ago.” from a floating platform, we stroke slick bottlenose backs 

and pat cool, rubbery fins. admissions fund studies measuring 

their amazing intelligence. and almost next-door, a turtle 

hospital offers unique medical treatment for over seventy jeopardized 

turtles annually. 

on the southern edge of marathon, a ferry takes us to tiny 

Pigeon Key tucked beneath the old seven mile Bridge. our guide 

tom regales us with the story of railroad magnate henry flagler, 

describing the hardships of the rail workers who had lived in this 

island village. 

across new seven mile Bridge lie the lower Keys’ spectacular 

natural environments. Big Pine national Key deer and Great White 

heron refuge was established in 1957 when only 50 Key deer 

remained. found nowhere else, they stand only 21-24 inches high. 

today over 300 of these gentle animals thrive here. 

The Keys’ largest freshwater body lies within this refuge. 

resulting from a left over railroad limestone quarry, Blue hole 

nowadays is home to a variety of fish, birds and reptiles. hoping 

to glimpse tiny deer stopping for a cool drink, we observe soaring 

hawks, sunning alligators, one bright green iguana, red-eared 

turtles and a resplendent wading heron. 

Known for historical…and hysterical…fun, Key West sparkles 

at the end of the road. at sunset we join spectators overflowing 

mallory square, watching the jugglers, fire-eaters, acrobats and dog 

performances along the waterfront. many visitors sail out drinking 

in the golden rays. starting in open-air restaurants, other thirsty 

sorts do the duval crawl, barhopping along this main street. 

In the morning we stroll to the landmark three-story Curry 

mansion built in 1855 and view its elegant furnishings and crystal 

chandeliers hauled from shipwrecks. a penniless immigrant, 

William Curry became a salvager and thus the town’s first millionaire. 

salvaging ships from surrounding reefs made Key West the 

richest town per capita in the U.s. for fifty years. 

Increasingly, european-Bahamians like Curry arrived after 

1830. dubbed Conchs, they developed a gastropod cuisine to 

avoid British meat taxes. now all Key West natives call themselves 

Conchs. 

happening and stylish, it’s no wonder James audubon, ernest 

hemingway, harry truman and other notables spent time relishing 

its pretty pastel turn-of-the-century neighbourhoods. 

Walking and hopping on-and-off trolleys, we visit their homes, 

steep ourselves in museums and enjoy still other attractions. 

and after days of indulging in Key West’s charm, we return to 

miami and home, full of appreciation for florida’s magical Keys.

A D I F F E R E N T T L E X P E R I E N C E 

2009 TL 

2009 TL SH-AWD 

Starting from $41,815 including F&PDI Starting from $46,315 including F&PDI 

Why just buy an Acura, 


A T O P E N R O A D . 

Experience the OpenRoad Difference. 

when you can own a Nor th Shore Acura? 

828 Automall Drive 

Northshore Auto Mall 

North Vancouver 

Tel: 604 929-OPEN (6736) 

www.northshoreacura.com 



A different Highlander and RAV4 

experience at OpenRoad. 



Why just buy a Toyota, 

Prices Plus Taxes and Accessories. 

2 0 0 9 


Starting from $42,490 including F&PDI 

when you can own an OpenRoad Toyota? 

RICHMOND 


(Richmond Auto Mall) 

Tel 604-273-3766 Dealer D7825 

www.openroadtoyota.com 

2007 B.C.’s No. 1 Toyota volume store 


PORT MOODY 


(5 mins west of Coquitlam Centre) 

Tel 604-461-3656 Dealer D7826 

www.openroadtoyota.ca 

2007 Toyota Truck Elite Winner

2 0 0 9 

Starting from $28,070 including F&PDI 

Price is MSRP before freight and PDI and applicable taxes. Please consult OpenRoad Audi for complete details. 


AuTO FEATuRES 

AcuRA tl 2009 

W 

ITH UNIQUE AND DRAMATIC STYLING, 

more-powerful engines and a new Super Handling 

All-Wheel Drive model, the all-new fourth-generation 

2009 Acura TL is designed to be the most exciting performanceluxury 

sedan in Acura history. With a choice of two powerful VTEC 

V-6 powertrains (280-hp 3.5L and 305-hp 3.7L), Electric Power 

Steering, and a luxurious and technologically advanced interior, 

the new TL sets the future direction of the Acura Division. 

Replacing the previous TL Type-S is the TL SH-AWD model, 

built exclusively for the enthusiast driver with special suspension 

and steering tuning, and the most powerful engine ever offered 

by Acura. 

The SH-AWD system was designed to dramatically enhance 

sporty handling in addition to further enhancing the vehicle’s 

winter-driving capability. By employing torque vectoring, in hard 

cornering under acceleration, it can send more torque as well 

as overdrive the outside rear wheel, thereby creating a “yaw 

moment” that enhances vehicle dynamics by generating a turn-in 

effect. 

Those who like a car with all the latest technology will love the 

TL. Standard are XM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth Audio, USB port 

and AUX jack connectivity, plus HandsFreeLink wireless telephone 

interface. The available Technology Package adds Navigation 

System with Bilingual Voice Recognition, 8-inch full-VGA high-resolution 

colour display, Acura/ELS Surround 10-speaker, 440-watt 

premium sound system with DVD-Audio, DTS, and a 2,500-song 

hard disk drive (HDD) media storage, in addition to the previously 

mentioned features. 

The new Acura TL is as leading edge as the drivers it is 

designed for. 


Car Profiles by Gerry Frechette 

Specs TL 

ß BASE PRICE: $39,990 - $43,490 

ß BODY TYPE: 4-door, 5-passenger midsize 

sedan 

ß LAYOUT: Front engine/front-wheel 

drive/AWD 

ß ENGINE: 3.5-litre V6, SoHC, 24 valves / 

3.7-litre V6, SoHC, 24 valves 

ß HORSEPOWER: 280 @ 6,200 rpm / 305 @ 

6,300 rpm 

ß TRANSMISSION: 5-speed automatic 

ß BRAKES: 4-wheel disc 

ß LENGTH: 4,809 mm (189.3 in) 

ß WIDTH: 1,880 mm (74.0 in) 

ß HEIGHT: 1,452 mm (57.1 in) 

ß WHEELBASE: 2,775 mm (109.2 in) 

ß WEIGHT: 1,678 kg (3,699 lbs) 

ß FUEL ECONOMY: 3.5 City: 11.6 L/100 km (24 

mpg Imp) Hwy: 7.5 L/100 km (38 mpg Imp) 


mpg Imp) Hwy: 8.1 L/100 km (35 mpg Imp) 

ß FUEL TYPE: Premium 

ß WARRANTY: 4 yrs/ 80,000 km, 5 

yrs/100,000 km powertrain warranty

MAZdA6 2009 

T 

HE ALL-NEW MAzDA6 SEDAN, 

the recent winner of the 2009 AJAC 

Family Car of the Year ($22,000- 

$30,000) award, will certainly draw a lot 

of attention in the new OpenRoad Mazda 

showroom in Port Moody, and for many 

good reasons. 

In designing the new model, Mazda’s 

engineers continued their emphasis on 

class-leading driving dynamics while also 

enhancing overall dimensions, interior 

refinements and craftsmanship. 

Available in GS and GT models as 

before, the Mazda6 will be offered with 

either a four-cylinder or V6 engine, both of 

which are larger and more powerful than 

before. The four is now up to 2.5 litres 

from 2.3, and puts out 170 hp, while the 

V6 is a big 3.7 litres with 272 hp. 

The last-generation Mazda6 was less 

roomy than similar sedans. That has been 

rectified in the new model, and both front 

and rear occupants benefit from more 

headroom, shoulder room and legroom. 

For its starting price of only $22,495, 

the Mazda6 is very well equipped with air 

conditioning, power windows, locks and 

mirrors, six-speaker audio with auxiliary 

input, engine immobilizer, and tilt-andtelescopic 

adjustable steering wheel 

with integrated cruise control and audio 

switches, to name just the major features. 

On the safety side, standard are antilock 

four-wheel disc brakes, six airbags 

including side curtains, and tire pressure 

monitoring system. Dynamic stability control 

is available. 

All that power, roominess, value and 

safety are wrapped in a sleek and elegant 

new body that looks more like that of a 

sport-luxury sedan. The Mazda6 is a family 

car with high style and great value. 

Specs MAzDA6 

ß BASE PRICE: $22,495 - $27,495 

ß BODY TYPE: 4-door, 5-passenger midsize 

sedan 

ß LAYOUT: Front engine/front-wheel drive 

ß ENGINE: 2.5-litre I4, DoHC, 16 valves / 3.7litre 

V6, DOHC, 24 valves 


6,250 rpm 

ß TRANSMISSION: 6-speed manual/6-speed 

auto (5-speed auto optional) 


ß LENGTH: 4,940 mm (194.4 in) 

ß WIDTH: 1,840 mm (72.4 in) 

ß HEIGHT: 1,470 mm (57.8 in) 


ß WEIGHT: 1,486 kg (3,276 lbs) 

ß FUEL ECONOMY: 2.5 City: 10.4 L/100 km 

(27 mpg Imp) / HWY: 6.9 L/100 km (41 

mpg Imp) 


mpg Imp) / HWY: 8.0 L/100 km (35 mpg Imp) 

ß FUEL TYPE: Regular 

ß WARRANTY: 3 yrs/ 80,000 km, 5 

yrs/100,000 km powertrain warranty 


AuTO FEATuRES 

T 

HE NEW AUDI A4, IN SEDAN AND AVANT WAGON CONFIGURATIONS, CAN 

trace its lineage back to 1972, and it carries on the tradition of evolution in engineering 

and technology that has earned it many happy owners, and awards like 

the 2009 AJAC Luxury Car (over $50,000) of the Year. 

The new A4 is not a major departure in styling from previous A4s, but it is under its 

skin that much has changed. A new chassis architecture sees the engine moved some 16 

cm rearward, which enhances the handling balance and overall performance of the car. 

The A4 is wider and longer than before, yielding significant gains in interior space, 

especially in the back seat area. All A4s have luxury touches like sunroof, automatic 

climate control and leather seating surfaces. A full suite of safety equipment is standard, 

including six airbags and Electronic Stability Program. Navigation, Technology and Sport 

packages lead the way in available options. 

As before, the A4 will be available with 2.0-litre turbo four or 3.2-litre V6, both with 

FSI direct injection and Audi Valvelift system for more power and efficiency. The 2.0T 

has the option of six-speed manual or Tiptronic automatic, driving through the famous 

quattro all-wheel drive system, or a CVT transmission and front-wheel drive. The V6 has 

Tiptronic and quattro only. 

With the new generation A4 comes new technology, including LED daytime running 

lights which are uniquely styled, Drive Select which allows customization of steering, suspension, 

throttle and transmission performance, and Side Assist blind spot warning system. 

The new Audi A4 is at the forefront of design and engineering in the luxury sport 

sedan arena. 


Audi A4 2009 

‡ Gerry Frechette is a full-time automotive journalist based in Vancouver. His 

parents say that he stood in his playpen and named cars going down the street, and 

some 17 years ago, he took this life-long love of cars and applied it to a career writing 

about them. At that time, he joined the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada, 

where he remains a member today. 

Specs A4 

ß BASE PRICE: $41,200 - $64,900 

ß BODY TYPE: 4-door, 5-passenger 

compact sedan / 4-door, 5-passenger 

compact wagon 

ß LAYOUT: Longitudinal front engine/frontwheel 

drive/AWD 

ß ENGINE: 2.0-litre I4, DoHC, 16 valves, turbocharged 

/ 3.2-litre V6, DoHC, 24 valves 


6,500 rpm 

ß TRANSMISSION: 6-speed manual/6-speed 

automatic/CVT 


ß LENGTH: 4,307 mm (169.5 in) 

ß WIDTH: 1,826 mm (71.8 in) 

ß HEIGHT: 1,427 mm (56.2 in) 


ß WEIGHT: 1,730 kg (3,814 lbs) 

ß FUEL ECONOMY: 2.0 City: 10.1 L/100 km / 

Hwy: 7.4 L/100km 

ß FUEL ECONOMY: 3.2 City: 12.1 L/100 km / 

Hwy: 7.7 L/100 km 

ß FUEL TYPE: Premium recommended 

ß WARRANTY: 4 yrs/80,000 km, 4 

yrs/80,000 km powertrain warranty

Dealer D7828 

A different Pilot experience 

at OpenRoad. Starting from $38,380 including F&PDI 



Why just buy a Honda, 

when you can own a Middlegate Honda? 

6984 Kingsway, Burnaby 

(Five minutes east of Metrotown) 

Tel: 604-525-4667 

www.middlegatehonda.com 



‡ 

‡ 

QUIZ OUR PANEL...direct your questions to: inquiries@openroaddriver.com 

include “Ask the Experts” in the subject line. 


Ask the Experts 

THE PANEL [from left]: Jonathan Jaehrlich, Greg Dowswell, 

Cameron Ma, Sharon Timmons 

We gathered our four service experts 

together to let you in on some of their 

service favourites. You’ll be surprised 

to learn some of their secrets and 

some unexpected answers too. Happy 

reading and happy motoring! 

Q Hi everyone. We’re here to talk about our service 

favourites and ’tis the season for giving. Tell 

me, what is your all-time favourite free service tip 

to share with our readers? Something that won’t 

cost them a dime. 

Cameron: That’s a good one. make sure you keep your air conditioning 

/ climate control system on “fresh air” setting, or you’ll have 

bacteria buildup in your evaporator, and your vehicle will smell like 

a locker room when you run your a/C. The reason being is that if you 

have the system on “recirculate” it keeps the air trapped inside the 

cabin of the vehicle, and this will promote bacteria growth. With a 

constant supply of fresh air, the bacteria will me minimized. 

Sharon: Well, mine isn’t exactly free, but I think you should 

always keep a good pencil case with a zipper in your car, the kind 

that fits into a school binder. It goes in my glove box and contains 

important items: business cards of the dealer I take my car to, the 

number of my ICBC agent, the number to roadside assistance, my 

cell phone charger, a copy of my extended warranty, the number 

to the body shop I use, a quarter for the payphone and a small bag 

of m&ms. In the unlikely chance I’ll be waiting by the side of the 

road, gotta have m&ms for comfort! 

Our Panel of Service Experts 

Answers Your Questions. 

Jonathan: my favourite free thing is visibility. That includes 

seeing and being seen. It doesn’t take much to keep both the 

inside and outside of your windows clean. after all, it’s important 

for a driver to instantly recognize all that’s happening on 

the road. It’s paramount to everyone’s safety. Visibility also 

includes your vehicle’s lights. at the very least, you can check 

your lights at each gas fill up, not only for proper operation, but 

also cleanliness. a quick clean of your lights could save a life. 

Greg: I can attest to that. But having driven across Canada at 

least a dozen times, I’d like to offer a few free tips to ease the 

chore of distance driving. That’s really safety related too. first, 

plan your route, then let someone know where you’re going and 

when to expect you back. Get some sleep and don’t stay up all 

night packing. driving fatigue is a leading cause of car accidents 

and you can reduce that risk with a good night’s sleep. I also take 

water on road trips. In the summer people tend to use the air 

conditioning in their cars. Part of the job of a/C is to dry the air 

and everything inside. When you breathe, you expel moisture in 

dry cabin air, which dehydrates your body. When dehydration 

reaches a critical level, you become tired and lethargic. drinking 

water during long trips can help prevent the effects of a/C dehydration. 

Good for safety and good for you too!

Q Great stuff on the free side. 

So if we open up our wallets and 

purses, how about your favourite 

paid service recommendation, if 

you could choose only one? 

Jonathan: my answer is short and 

sweet on the paid side. I always encourage 

doing all the routine maintenance 

and repair on a vehicle as it comes along. 

Putting things off, generally, only leads 

to bigger and more expensive repairs. It’s 

common sense. If you follow the routine 

maintenance and you’re good to your car, 

it’ll be good to you. 

Greg: I couldn’t agree more. everyone 

needs to follow their maintenance schedules 

to keep their vehicles in optimum 

operating condition. 

Sharon: agreed! 

Cameron: Well, and just for me specifically, 

I have to highlight fluid changes. 

you just can’t change the fluids too much. 

The fluids in your vehicle go through 

some pretty harsh operating conditions, 

Part of the job of A/C is to dry the air 

and everything inside. 

so you want to ensure maximum protection. 

In my travels as a technician, I’ve 

found that once a fluid is discoloured or 

contaminated, some damage has already 

been done to that component, so change 

the fluids on a regular basis, which may 

mean changing them more frequently 

than what the manufacturer suggests. 

Q Great. And finally, maybe we 

can all learn a thing or two, or 

at least get to know you better. 

What is your favourite thing to 

have in the car? 

Greg: Good music. When I choose 

tunes for the road, I like to dig deep into 

my music library and find something I 

haven’t heard in a while. If I listen closely, 

I always hear something in a song I’ve 

never heard before. 

Cameron: Well, I don’t have this in my 

own personal vehicle, but the option that 

I have used and most people who visit 

me at the service counter swear by, is the 

navigation Bluetooth system. you may be 

familiar with your own local area, but not 

Ask the Experts 

a different city. having a guide along can 

be invaluable for your family and your 

sanity! Plus the safety aspect of not having 

my hands fumbling with a phone is 

worth its weight in gold in my books. 

Sharon: my favourite thing is a slow 

moving gas gauge. That might not sound 

too exciting but I know that to keep that 

gas gauge moving slowly, I have to make 

sure the servicing on my car is up to date, 

my tires are properly inflated, and I have 

to unload any unnecessary cargo in the 

trunk. That’s the key to happy motoring! 

Jonathan: I guess all the usual things 

like music come to mind, like Greg said, 

but one thing that stands out for me is 

just a simple small garbage bag. having 

seen more than a few vehicle interiors in 

my time, I can attest that a small garbage 

bag would be a good investment for a lot 

of people. a clean organized car interior 

will make any driver feel more in control 

of their surroundings and can lower their 

stress, especially those traveling with 

children. Better control and lower stress. 

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OpenRoad audi 

IT’S NEUE! 

Audi is the first European brand in OpenRoad Auto Group’s portfolio, symbolic 

of the many firsts and milestones that OpenRoad Audi itself has achieved 

through its opening. The new OpenRoad audi store is Vancouver’s only 

Audi location. It is also one of the largest stand-alone Audi locations in 

Canada and is the first to carry Audi’s new Terminal-style architecture. 

Words by Will Fong 

Photos by alistair Eagle

Photo: Alistair Eagle Art Direction: Victoria Clements, Posh Entertainment Model: Tym Roder Body Paint: Samantha Rae 

D 

desIGn and lUxUrIoUs detaIl 

are everywhere to be seen. This building’s 

clean lines seem to be more gallery than 

dealership. Its soaring height and dramatic 

architecture showcase a pure glass, 

white and silver motif. stepping into 

openroad audi is like stepping into a 

high-end boutique. This is european elegance 

at its most refined where guests can 

relax on exclusive imported white leather 

chaise furniture in front of a 40-inch 

plasma flat screen television. restrooms 

feature granite and marble with frosted 

glass finishings, blond hardwood, wall 

faucets and porcelain vessel sink basins. 

If you’re looking for substance, 

openroad audi boasts a 12-vehicle showroom, 

14 service bays, full detail service and 

an on-site automated car wash. Customer 

services are befitting of the only audi location 

in Vancouver. They include complimentary 

Wifi and individually brewed cappuccinos, 

espressos, lattes and hot chocolate. 

Continuing its series of firsts, openroad 

audi is the first and only store in British 

Columbia to offer audi exclusive where 

clients can personalize their finishing 

selections through exclusive samples of 

customized paint finishes, fine woods 

and exclusive leathers. add to this the 

sleek Quattro Café and audi Boutique 

and we have a building whose design 

and features are a true reflection of the 

audi vehicles it gracefully displays. ‡ 


IT’S NEUE! 

OpenRoad aUDI 

from the a3 to the r8, audi has created true excitement in 

the luxury market with an impressive lineup of 2008 and 2009 

models. The brand new 2009 a4 sedan and avant wagon are 

making big waves with bolder styling, a unique brow of led 

daytime running lights, a larger capacity, but lighter weight and 

better fuel efficiency. In 2008 the a5 and s5 coupe were released 

with a 4.2-litre V8 engine that produced 354 screaming horsepower. 

audi also introduced its mid-level a6 and s6 line with a 

new layout and new materials on the inside, while their largest 

vehicle, the a8 and s8 line, was refreshed with extra accoutrements 

on the exterior. all-new in 2008 are the sporty tt coupe 


and tt roadster, plus the incredible r8 supercar. showcasing 

audi’s signature bold styling, the flagship r8 received the highest 

accolade, winning the 2008 World Car design of the year in 

2008. 

as for audi sUVs, look for the 5-passenger all-new Q5 coming 

next year and the larger Q7 diesel, audi’s much-anticipated first 

diesel release in north america scheduled for 2009. 

With so much success behind audi’s recent releases, and a 

stunning new facility in central Vancouver, it’s no wonder there 

is so much optimism and enthusiasm at openroad audi. says 

general manager, Vincent lau, “It’s ‘neue.’ and it’s very exciting!”

OpenRoad audi is the 

first and only store in 

British columbia to 

offer audi Exclusive. 

The Facts: 

· central Vancouver location 

· over 60 guest parking stalls 

· 25,000 square-foot store 

· 14 service bays 

· 12-vehicle showroom 

· full detail service and on-site 

automated car wash 

· customer complimentary Wifi, valet, 

lounge with 40” plasma flat screen TV 

The Team: 

Vincent Lau General Manager 

Michael Hwang Sales Manager 

Scott MacLean Sales Manager 

Angela Wu Business Office 

Manager 

Mark Chambers Service Manager 

Chris Edwards Parts Manager 

The Contacts: 

OpenRoad Audi 


(between Lougheed and Grandview) 

Vancouver, BC, V5M 4W5 

T: 604.293.AUDI (2834) 

F: 604.298.1329 

OpenRoadAudi.com 


Proud to be the architectural firm for OpenRoad 

3707 First Avenue 

Burnaby, B.C., Canada 

V5C 3V6 

tel: (6o4) 298-3700 

fax: (6o4) 298-6081 

Richmond Lexus 


Automotive � Mixed Use � Commercial / Retail � High Rise Residential � Low Rise Residential 

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OpenRoad Lexus Port Moody 

OpenRoad Audi Vancouver 

OpenRoad Toyota Port Moody 

PROUDLY 

serving the



Trade In by Al Nagy, CFP 

My 

FAVouRitE 

Thing 

New Tax-Free SaviNgS accouNT 

I’ve got Julie andrews stuck in my head. 

actually her song, “my favourite Things” from the sound of music is 

humming along in my brain as I think of my favourite things when 

it comes to investing and financial planning. you know the song – 

“raindrops on roses, and whiskers on kittens…”

I 

’m no lyrICal GenIUs, BUt I’m rePlaCInG those 

words with the following: “saving your dollars, without 

paying taxes. Planning your future, and growing your 

net worth…” These are a few of my favourite things. 

Beginning in January of 2009, Canadians 18 years of 

age and over will be able to invest without paying taxes, thanks 

to the new tax free savings account (tfsa) introduced in the 

february 2008 federal Budget. It is sure to become a preferred 

strategy because when it comes to financial planning, real innovations 

that can benefit almost anyone are as common as Julie 

andrews singing off-key. here’s how it works. If you live in 

Canada and are at least 18 years of age, you will be able to contribute 

up to $5,000 per year to a tfsa and then watch it grow 

without paying tax throughout your lifetime. If you do not plan 

to contribute right away to a tfsa, no problem. your unused 

contribution room will accumulate year after year. and what you 

take out, you can put back in – that’s music to my ears! 

Presently, if you were to invest in a non-registered savings 

account, any earned interest, capital gains or dividends are taxable. 

not so with the tfsa. and that is why it will strike a chord 

with Canadians who are serious about avoiding tax. 

The name tax free savings account is a bit misleading as it 

is actually a plan, and its very nature presents many planning 

opportunities. eligible investments include mutual funds, money 

market funds, cash, publicly traded stocks, corporate and government 

bonds and guaranteed investment certificates. 

Because the tfsa is targeted to such a wide financial and age 

demographic, the potential uses make this program very appealing. 

Consider the various life stages of Canadians and where you 

might fit in: 

• YOUNG ADULTS: 

The tfsa could be used to create an emergency fund equivalent 

to three months of income. In a tfsa you will not pay tax 

on the interest income, and withdrawals can be returned to the 

tfsa without penalty once the “emergency” has been resolved. It 

could also be used for retirement savings if you are in a low tax 

bracket where a tax deduction from an rrsP may not seem very 

valuable. you could put money into the tfsa, let it grow tax free 

and then transfer it to an rrsP in later years when your income 

is greater and your tax refund would be larger too. 

• YOUNG FAMILIES: 

Parents frequently establish informal trust accounts for the 

children, hoping to “income-split” on the capital gains, but 

under the Income tax act, that generally requires that the transfer 

to the informal trust be “irrevocable,” and that the parents 

turn the funds over to the child at the age of majority. Using 

tfsas means that the parent retains full control over the use 

and timing of any withdrawals. The parent has no obligation to 

share the funds with the child if the child is not mature enough 

to receive the funds. In the case of income splitting with 

spouses, if an individual gifts property to his or her spouse, the 

first-generation income and the capital gains from the property 

will attribute back to the first spouse. In contrast, if the individual 

gifts property to the spouse’s tfsa, there will be no income 

or gains attributed back. 

• MIDDLE AGED BABY BOOMERS: 

There are nine million Canadians in this category, and many of 

them are in their peak earning years and are maximizing their 

rrsPs. The tfsa provides another way to save for retirement. 

45% of canadians are not yet 

aware of the plan. 

• RETIREES: 

some seniors may receive more money than they need to live on, 

from their rrsPs, pensions, oas and CPP. Putting the excess 

amounts into the tfsa will allow them to build up a non-taxable 

reserve. early retirees may use a tfsa to protect them 

from the oas clawback. The tfsa would also result in a terrific 

tax-free inheritance for their children. ‡ 

The graph below illustrates the difference between investing in a 

TFSA versus investing the same amount in a taxable non-registered 

savings account over a five-year period. A one-time investment of 

$10,000, earning 3.5% annual interest would be worth $782 more in 

a TFSA than it would in a taxable savings account. 

After Tax Value of Short Term Savings 

$12,000 

$11,500 

$11,000 

$11,877 

$11,095 

TFSA Non-registered 


My FaVOURITE 

Thing...Tax Free 

If you were to use the tfsa for long-term savings, that difference 

would be magnified because you would be able to invest in 

something that would generate a greater rate of return for a longer 

period of time. This is where a tfsa would be used to supply 

cash flow needs in retirement. let’s say you only contributed 

$200 per month to a tfsa for twenty years. Based on a moderate 

rate of return of 5.5% the tax savings would be a whopping 

$11,045 compared to a non-registered account as shown in the 

chart below. 

TFSA vs. Unregistered Savings 

$28,480 

$48,000 

Taxable Savings 

Notes: Combined federal and provincial tax savings based 

on a $200 monthly contribution for 20 years and a 5.5% rate 

of return. For unregistered savings, a 21% average tax rate 

on investment income is assumed (based on 40% interest, 

30% dividends and 30% capital gains, and a middle-income 

earning account holder). 


Tax Savings 

$11,045 } 

$39,525 

$48,000 

TFSA 

Investment 

Income 

Contributions 

you will be able to contribute up to 

$5,000 per year to a TFSA and then 

watch it grow without paying tax 

throughout your lifetime. 

a recent survey by harris/decima research in which 2,500 

Canadians were polled nationwide reveals 50% will open a tfsa 

in 2009. 81% of respondents with over one million dollars in 

assets intend to maximize their contributions. The survey also 

revealed that 45% of Canadians are not yet aware of the plan. 

Will the tfsa replace the need for an rrsP? In some cases it 

will. Generally, if you expect your marginal tax rate to decrease 

in retirement, your focus should be on accumulating money 

inside the rrsP. however, if your taxable income will be the 

same or higher in retirement, the tfsa would be the best choice. 

however, it is important to consult with a professional to consider 

these outcomes as a part of a complete financial plan. 

so if the tax man tries to bite, simply remember the tfsa as 

one of your favourite things, and then you won’t feel so bad. 

‡ Al Nagy, CFP®, is a former hockey 

broadcaster who traded in his microphone 

for a financial calculator twelve years 

ago. A professional financial consultant 

with Investors Group, who has earned the 

Certified Financial Planner® designation, Al 

is a skilled public speaker who helps people 

who are preparing for retirement. He can be reached at: 

al.nagy@investorsgroup.com

A different A4 experience at OpenRoad. 

�� 

Starting from $43,495 including FR & PDI 


Why just buy an Audi, 

when you can own an OpenRoad Audi? 


D# 30579 


(south of Lougheed Hwy, 

between Vancouver and Burnaby) 

Tel: 604-293-AUDI (2834) 



“Audi,” “Vorsprung durch Technik,” “A4,” “quattro” and the four rings emblem are registered trademarks of AUDI AG. ©2008 Audi Canada. Visit OpenRoad Audi for full details. 



curb appeal 

amazing GRACE 

The grand curved staircase is an immediately striking feature in this new townhouse 

at yaletown’s Grace residences. It’s not what you usually expect to see in a downtown 

suite, but neither are the tall ceilings, elegant lighting fixtures, and private garden 

terrace. That spacious and luxurious character was exactly what developer James 

schouw intended to convey in this unique property. 

Words by Marcie Good Photos by Karim Virani

“My aPProaCh has Been to Create homes 

that are more on par with what people expect 

when they build a fancy custom home,” he 

says. “I’m saying, why can’t you have that in a high-density 

urban environment?” 

This 1,500 sq. ft. two-bedroom townhome has the feeling of 

a two-storey home, built to world-class standards with the finest 

quality finishings and materials throughout. some of those 

include a gas fireplace, high-end kitchen equipped with fisher 

Paykel and sub-Zero appliances and warm cherry cabinetry, porcelain 

tile, and opulent bathrooms with heated floors and ironclaw 

tubs. The concrete walls between homes provide maximum 

soundproofing, allowing more privacy than many single-family 

residences. 

In layout and design, this townhome is distinct from every 

other unit in the Grace. It is currently listed for $1.495 million 

by Virani real estate advisors, an innovative luxury home marketing 

firm with international expertise. “The Grace residences 

has distinguished itself with fine architecture and an outstanding 

attention to design and detail,” says Karim Virani. “This is 

truly one of downtown Vancouver’s finest addresses.” 

In keeping with the elegant character of the home, the interior 

has been staged with furniture and décor products by Calligaris of 

Italy. This couture home furnishings company ‡ 

“I would challenge anybody to find 

a building anywhere in the world 

that looks like that,” says developer 

James schouw. 


amazing GRacE 

recently opened its first shop in Canada, located nearby in 

yaletown. founded in 1923, Calligaris follows the “freedom of 

living” concept, which emphasizes extreme versatility and functionality 

in its high-end furnishings. 

The 52-unit Grace at the corner of drake and richards stands 

out among the towers of yaletown, visible from false Creek. Its 

inspired architecture is grand in style and form, and yet many 

elements feel intimate, such as the garden-level terraces and courtyard. 

references include the european classical stately columns 

The interior has been staged by 

couture home furnishings company, 

calligaris of italy. 

and the street-oriented appeal of a new york brownstone building. 

schouw often hears these comparisons, and yet the Grace has its 

own distinct flair. “I would challenge anybody to find a building 

anywhere in the world that looks like that,” he says. 

as with all his buildings, the inspiration started at the 

ground with a neighbourhood perspective. The original concept 

for the building centred on the courtyard and the 30-foot arched 

breezeway. “That was the first vision,” he says. “a garden space to 

connect right through the property. I wanted the building to be 

interesting from the street.” 

The entire site is motivated by the idea of “habitable art,” 

and every angle provides a sumptuous scene. several sculptures, 

interpretations of the mythical Graces by artist derek 

rowe, adorn the exterior. a dramatic three-storey wrought iron 

entrance gate leads to the breezeway, where lush gardens spill 

from every ground-floor terrace. at the end of this corridor is a 

peaceful courtyard framed by pillars, with a central fountain. 

Grace was awarded “Best Garden in downtown Vancouver” by 

the Vancouver Parks Board and the Vancouver Garden Club. all 

the landscaping is irrigated by a rainwater recovery system. 

other features of the Grace also demonstrate cutting-edge 

green technology. It was the first high-rise building in the city 

to incorporate a geothermal heating and cooling system, which 

reduces energy costs and dependency on conventional energy 

sources. dozens of pipes located hundreds of feet underground 

collect stored heat energy. 


The Grace was also the first residential building in Vancouver 

to use biometric technology. This security system, which uses 

fingerprint recognition, is widely used by government and intelligence 

agencies. residents have no need to carry keys or cards. 

Their homes and cars are protected by video surveillance, motion 

sensors and alarms. 

residents of the Grace also have access to an impressive array 

of amenities, including a steam room, meeting gallery, massage 

room, fitness facilities, children’s play area and a pool that flows 

from indoors to out. a resident concierge is on duty in the lobby, 

and a fleet of bike cruisers and mopeds is available to all residents 

as well as a chauffeured rolls royce Phantom. 

The vibrant street life, abundance of shops and restaurants, 

recreational opportunities, and the seawall around false Creek 

are what makes yaletown such a popular place to live. Those are 

precisely the things that James schouw loves about this neighbourhood 

where he’s lived for 14 years. “I rarely get in my car,” he 

says. “We see a lot of people, as they reach or approach retirement 

years, who don’t want to go out on a farm and live in isolation, 

they want to live in an exciting place with culture, restaurants 

and activity. my push has really been to create homes that don’t 

require them to sacrifice the character of the home they live in.” 

Karim Virani has been in the real estate business over 21 

years and specializes in selling notable homes. Virani real estate 

advisors has distinguished itself with outstanding customer service 

and a highly strategic and innovative approach to marketing 

and selling luxury homes. 

‡ Karim Virani is the president of 

Virani Real Estate Advisors and one of the 

North Shore’s most accomplished real 

estate professionals. A licensed realtor since 

1988, Virani has consistently been one of 

Vancouver’s top producers. 

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I am often asked if I have any favourite things when it comes to 

designing and decorating, and I always have to stop, take a moment, 

and think. This is because there are just too many things that 

crowd to the top of my current list! 


Interiors 

A Few of My 


Favourite Design City? 

Paris, hands down 

the CIty of WIne Women and sonG has Been one of 

the big influences on the world for a long time. It seems that 

there is good design everywhere you turn in Paris. This is one of 

the nicest cities in the world to walk around in as the older centre 

is very human scaled. from the museé des Beaux arts at the 

louvre, which is the repository for everything fine, french and 

designed, to the marché aux Puces, or flea market, which is the 

place where everything else seems to end up, there is no lack of 

beautiful things to inspire any space. 

Then there is the food, the wine and the style that french 

men, and especially women, flaunt with seemingly effortless 

ease. It would not be difficult to devote an entire page just to 

by Bruce M. Forster 

fashion, so I’ll leave that to others and another time. Just suffice 

to say that the elegant simplicity that the french bring to 

fashion is something that we could all strive towards. no one 

replaces their entire wardrobe, but adds a new key element to 

bring them up-to-date. 

The french have been very good at the wine thing for a long 

time as well. I love a place where “table wine” is not looked down 

on as something that should stay in a brown paper bag. also, 

where on earth would we be without champagne, and all of its 

imitators as well? no matter the occasion, it is always better 

with something bubbly and sparkling to drink. as they say, vive 

la france, and especially vive le Paris!

Favourite Design Store? 

ABC Home, New York City 

yoU haVe to see It to BelIeVe It. 

This store truly brings to mind the axiom 

of being a kid in a candy store. The minute 

that you walk in the door, you don’t know 

where to turn, as there are so many things 

that vie for your attention. The concept of 

the store is really a world-influenced bazaar 

that offers everything (almost) good for 

your home. There are tempting fabrics, 

eclectic furniture, lots of accessories, and 

a department that has the most amazing 

china, glassware and silver. enough that 

you want to go right home and throw out 

your old, inferior stuff, and set a dazzling 

new table. 

one of aBC homes’ major departments 

is floor coverings. here you can find almost 

anything, and really good examples, at that. 

lots of Persian-style rugs, lots of other 

ethnic pieces, and lots of contemporary 

texture. really, you could almost take the 

entire store home, at least that is what aBC 

home would like you to do! 

Favourite Design Magazine? 

– That great British publication 

“The World of Interiors” 

trUe to enGlIsh Understatement, 

WoI, as it is known to those who know, is 

a wonderful mix of contemporary, traditional 

and everything-in-between interiors. 

This is not for the dIy enthusiast; as 

a matter of fact, there is not even a hint of 

it, which is so very refreshing. What you 

will find is well written editorial, accompanying 

very good photography. There is 

lots to inspire you, and lots to learn from 

as well. What I find especially appealing 

is the ongoing presentation of great interiors 

in historical buildings, all over the 

world. If your idea of a good holiday is to 

march smartly from museum to gallery to 

church, then these historical interiors can 

act as a great starting point for further 

exploration. 

‡ 


a few of my 


Favourite Colour? 

The colour purple 

as dIana Vreeland saId aBoUt PInK 

being the new black in the ’70s (or was it 

the ’80s?) purple is already hot in fashion, 

and will be even more so in your 

home in the next eighteen to twenty-four 

months. Purple is the convergence of 

red and blue, and replaces both of them 

when it acts as an accent colour. Think 

royalty, elegance, luxury and wine (there 

it is again!). I really like the colour on the 

wall, in anything from the palest of lilacs 

or lavenders, to the deepest shades that 

are almost grape black. It is a very good 

colour that complements a lot of other 

colours as well, working very well with 

browns, greys, some of the warm green 

tones, and even ochre yellows. 

Favourite Chocolate? 

Dark 

It has to Be darK, WIthoUt a doUBt. 

The more cocoa butter the better, as that 

means more flavour. any time of day is 

chocolate time, as far as I’m concerned. 

one of the best accompaniments, especially 

for dessert, is a good rich red wine. 

hmmm, more wine. you’re going to think 

that that is all I do – eat chocolate and 

drink wine. Unfortunately, that isn’t the 

case, but wouldn’t that be nice! 


Favourite Style? 

A bit tricky 

to my mInd, any style Is Good 

as long as it is well done, and not some 

pale imitation. I like almost anything 

from the orient, anything european, and 

have a great passion for things ethnic, as 

long as they are honestly presented when 

used in a room. now having said that, I 

don’t make Chinese bedrooms, or louis 

Quatorze living rooms, as that would be 

just too much. I leave that to museums 

and movies, both of which create wonderful 

period settings. I’m often inspired by 

such things, but would only use a little 

bit of something oriental, ethnic or 

european in a room. In that way, the contrast 

between the pieces with the extra 

style sets off the rest of the room, which 

often is very simple. 

‡ Bruce M. 

Forster is the owner 

of Preston’s Interiors 

Limited, specializing in 

upper-end residential 

design. He is a 

member of the Interior 

Designers Institute of 

BC and the Interior Designers of Canada, 

NCIDQ. He has designed for international 

summits such as the G8, APEC and 

Commonwealth Heads of Government, 

and created numerous designer show 

homes, special events and exhibitions.

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(Richmond Auto Mall) 

Tel: 604-606-9033 





Trim Lines 

Words 

to LIVE 

Top 0 Health and 

Wellness Books 

By 

I have always been fascinated 

with learning how 

the human body works, 

what makes us tick, and 

what we need to do to 

remain healthy. some may consider 

my evangelical obsession with the 

topic to be a sickness, as I seem to weave 

the subject of health and wellness into 

pretty much any conversation I have, 

often to the chagrin of the other parties 

involved! my clients, as they showed 

up on my doorstep with their various 

aches, pains and health issues, would 

always give me something new to study, 

as I tried to gain the knowledge I needed 

to be able to really make a difference in 

their lives. 

by Vreni Gurd

a 

nd as I read throUGh BooK after BooK, and stUdy 

after study, I discovered a commonality to our health problems. as 

we move forward in our modern world, we are moving further and 

further away from the laws of nature, by which we mUst live in order 

to be healthy. We pay lip service to the idea that we must have balance 

in our lives, but very few of us really live it, and I don’t mean only with respect to balancing 

work, play and family time. We no longer balance the yin and yang of light and 

darkness even though both are vital to our health; exercise and movement with rest; 

time in nature with time in the city. our society is so status-driven that many of us 

constantly feel inadequate, driving us to land that prestigious, well paid job, or to buy 

a bigger house or to get the latest fancy gadget – to essentially buy our happiness and 

work ourselves to the bone rather than to simply accept who we are, and be okay with 

where we are at in our lives. 

most of us now eat a diet our ancestors would not recognize at all. many of the food 

ingredients we are eating regularly now did not even exist 150 years ago, when chronic 

diseases like heart disease and type 2 diabetes were very rare. We are victims of our own 

success, where the industrialization of our food supply, the invention of the light bulb, 

the evolution of sedentary jobs, the invasion of chemicals into every part of our lives, 

and the psychological need to be successful, have messed with our hormones and overwhelmed 

our detoxification capabilities. The result? Increased levels of chronic disease. 

But there is much we can do to become healthy again. Below is a collection of books 

that I think are among the best on the topics they cover. some of these books were lifechanging 

for me, as when faced with the evidence, they forced me to re-evaluate my old 

beliefs, especially with respect to nutrition. They also made me understand the importance 

of things such as darkness, which I had not previously considered vital to our 

health at all. These books are all geared to the layperson, although many would greatly 

assist physicians and others in the healing professions to help their patients. 

With no further ado - drum roll - here is the list, starting from 10 and counting down 

to number 1! 

10 

Fast Food Nation 

by Eric Schlosser 

A great book about how corporate profit and the systemization of food processing 

has resulted in a complete degradation in the quality of food being produced. Far 

more important to these companies than producing healthy food is finding ways 

to make you buy their product. It is frightening to learn the extent to which some 

companies have gone to prevent regulations that would stop them from selling 

contaminated food. Also talks about the social consequences of low-wage fast 

food and food processing jobs on communities. A book that will put you off fast 

food, which will definitely improve your health. 

9 

Nonviolent Communication 

- a Language of Life 

by Marshall B. Rosenberg, PhD 

Relationship stress is often rooted in a communication style that stimulates an 

angry or defensive response in the other person. Learning to communicate in a 

nonviolent way that still allows you to express your feelings and get your point 

across can do much to reduce stress. Stress is implicated in heart disease, diabetes, 

depression, digestive issues, osteoporosis, immune disorders, thyroid problems 

and others, so learning to control stress is vital to improved health. ‡ 


8 

Words to LIVE by 

Loving 

what is 

by Byron Katie 

In situations where we are unhappy 

about something completely out of 

our control, accepting the reality of 

the situation is the ticket to emotional 

happiness. It is the stories we tell 

ourselves about our problems or situations 

that make us miserable. Just 

as it makes no sense to get upset 

about the rain, it makes no sense to 

tie ourselves in knots about the career 

choice of one’s child, the relationship 

problems of a relative or friend, or 

the inability of a spouse to pick up 

after himself. Ultimately the control 

lies with the other people involved, so 

although we can lend an empathetic 

ear, there is no point wasting emotional 

energy. Far better to devote energy to 

things truly within our control. 

6 

BioBalance: 

The Acid/ 

alkaline Solution 

to the Food-Mood- 

Health Puzzle 

by Dr. Rudolf A. Wiley 

One of the early researchers in the 

concept of personalized nutrition, Dr. 

Rudolf Wiley used venous pH to determine 

the type of diet needed by the 

client. Different individuals burn (oxidize) 

their food at different rates, and 

the type and ratio of food eaten can 

either slow down or speed up the rate 

of oxidation. Both slow and fast oxidizers 

that are eating an inappropriate diet 


for them may develop similar symptoms 

of illness, but they require different 

diets in order to resolve their biochemical 

imbalances. Dr. Wiley spent 

his career balancing the biochemistry 

of those with mental illness through 

food and specific nutrient therapy. 

Although the book predates the discovery 

that, in some people, the autonomic 

nervous system dominates over 

the oxidative system, which would 

reverse food ratios, his blood pH testing 

system as well as the food/mood 

diaries can still be used to resolve 

mood, lethargy and weight issues. 

7 

Nutrition 

and 

Physical 

Degeneration 

by Dr. Weston A. Price 

This book was at the top of the list on 

my first draft. Dr. Weston Price traveled 

the world in the ’30s studying 

primitive societies that had not yet 

come in contact with “white man’s 

food,” and discovered vibrantly 

healthy populations with good bone 

structure and minimal tooth decay. 

The diets were as varied as the societies 

he studied, but no society was vegetarian, 

and many societies actively 

sought out a particular food (usually 

a form of saturated fat) to give to 

their newly married couples, pregnant 

women and young children to ensure 

good development. If you are planning 

to have children, this would be 

a good book to read before conceiving, 

as the nutritional status of both 

parents prior to conception is very 

important to the lifelong health of the 

children. 

5 

Why Zebras 

Don’t get 

ulcers - an updated 

guide to stress - 

related disease and 

coping 

by Robert M. Sapolsky 

A comprehensive book on the topic of 

stress written for the layperson. Quite 

funny at times, but also quite involved, 

one learns a great deal about the 

physiology of stress. Lots of good suggestions 

here on how to reduce one’s 

stress levels as well. I put this book 

in the top five because I now believe 

that chronic stress, whether physical 

or psychological, results in a deterioration 

in hormone balance in the body, 

which eventually leads to disease. 

4 

Your guide 

to Healthy 

Hormones 

by Daniel Kalish, DC 

Particularly in middle-aged women, 

but also applicable to women and 

men of all ages, hormone imbalance is 

frequently the cause of a large variety 

of health issues including insomnia, 

overwhelming fatigue, lethargy, breast 

cancer, PMS, depression, hypo or 

hyperthyroid, osteoporosis, diabetes, 

cardiovascular disease, decreased 

libido, to name a few. This book gives 

a good overview of the hormone, 

digestive and detoxification systems, 

and how they interact. It examines 

how problems arise, and how functional 

testing can lead to appropriate 

diet and lifestyle recommendations 

and supplementation if needed, in 

order to rebalance the systems and 

get them functioning optimally again. 

The key is treating the individual’s 

imbalance rather than the general 

health problem.

3 

Lights out: Sleep, 

Sugar and Survival 

by T.S. Wiley and Bent Formby 

Circadian stress is epidemic in our 

society. Very few of us take enough 

restorative time, let alone dark time, 

and the consequences are destroying 

our health. Many of our hormones 

have circadian rhythms, some determined 

by the amount of our exposure 

to light or darkness. Inadequate 

darkness and too much time in the 

light leads to hormone imbalance, 

carbohydrate cravings, weight gain, 

depression, and possibly cancer and 

heart disease. If you can get past the 

sensational style in which this book 

is written, the information is interesting, 

valuable, and definitely well 

researched, as over a third of the book 

is references. 

2 

How to eat, Move 

and Be Healthy! 

by Paul Chek 

This, in my view, is the best book on 

general health and wellness that I have 

currently read. It covers everything 

from nutrition to exercise, sleep to 

digestion, chronic stress and more. 

Through questionnaires, it helps you 

personalize your nutrition as well as 

your exercise program, which is vital 

for success. The book is easy to read, 

with lots of photographs and diagrams 

to help the reader understand the concepts. 

If you only want to buy one book 

that covers it all, this is the one to get. 

From GOOD CALORIES, BAD CALORIES: CHALLENGING 

THE CONVENTIONAL WISDOM ON DIET, WEIGHT 

CONTROL, AND DISEASE by Gary Taubes, copyright © 

2007, 2008 by Gary Taubes. Used by permission of Alfred A. 

Knopf, a division of Random House, Inc. 

‡ Vreni Gurd was the top graduating student in PHE from the 

University of Toronto in 1992, and is continually furthering her education 

in exercise, nutrition and health. As a C.H.E.K. 3 practitioner 

and holistic lifestyle consultant, Vreni’s current Vancouver practice 

involves helping clients feel better through posture correction, 

corrective exercise, metabolic typing, and nutrition and lifestyle 

counseling. Vreni@wellness-works.ca www.wellnesstips.ca 

good calories, Bad 

Calories: Challenging 

the Conventional 

wisdom on Diet, 

weight control, and 

Disease 

by Gary Taubes 

It’s not the fat – it’s the sugar! 

Probably the most important recent 

book written on nutrition that finally 

exposes the colossal mistake that 

medical researchers and governments 

made (and are still making) with 

respect to what we are being told to 

eat to keep us healthy. Gary Taubes 

examines the science to show that 

there is very little scientific evidence 

that the low-fat dogma we have been 

living with for over thirty years is suitable 

for everyone. Our efforts to take 

the saturated fat out of our diet have 

caused us to eat a diet high in sugar 

and flour products, resulting in an 

explosion in chronic disease, like type 

2 diabetes, heart disease and obesity. 

I think this should be required reading 

for all medical doctors, dieticians and 

nutritionists, as well as for anyone that 

is struggling with weight issues, or is 

suffering from disease. 

This article provides general information and is not to be construed as medical advice or an endorsement. Educational information provided is not a substitute for 

regular professional health care and nutrition advice. Always consult your qualified health care professional and nutritionist for questions regarding your well being. 

OpenRoad Driver does not warrant the accuracy of statements. We rely on the author to present factual material and cannot accept responsibility for the accuracy, 

utility or safety of the material published. 

1 



community Heroes 

Wonderful People 

Doing Wonderful Things 

People who make the Special Olympics special 

Words by Ben Hudson 

Photos by Jordan Junck 

How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single 

moment before starting to improve the world. 

-Anne Frank 

When asked to describe special olympics British Columbia (soBC) volunteer 

and coach heather hamilton Wright, long-time athlete nick Chan says, “she is 

a wonderful person, an incredible coach and a true friend.” But his description 

doesn’t stop there. he goes on to say that heather has taught him to believe in 

himself and his abilities. most importantly, he says, “she has changed my life, 

and the lives of hundreds of other athletes just like me.” The conviction with 

which he speaks is just as inspiring as the words he chooses.

it Was a ChanCe IntrodUCtIon 

at the local gym that inspired heather to 

volunteer with special olympics British 

Columbia in 2000. since that day she 

has become one of the most respected, 

admired, and beloved coaches in the organization. 

But when you ask heather about 

her experience, she plays down the enormous 

impact she has had in these athletes’ 

lives and gives credit to all the other volunteers 

who make the special olympics 

special. But, when pressed about her commitment 

and involvement she concedes, “I 

was a fairly dedicated athlete in the past 

and I was looking for a way to give something 

back to the community that had 

given me so much.” and give back she has. 

Before becoming head coach of the track 

and field team, she worked on several local 

committees, acted as the fundraising cocoordinator, 

and the regional co-coordinator 

for soBC. today she is, among other 

things, helping to shape the newly developed 

fUndamentals youth Program that 

is designed to help young athletes develop 

the basics skills they’ll need to pursue 

their athletic ambitions. 

The former head coach of the track and 

field team describes herself as “a member 

at large.” heather explains, “Being head 

coach of the track team was an amazing 

and enriching experience. I stepped down 

because there were so many passionate, 

talented, and enthusiastic young coaches 

out there, and I wanted to ensure they had 

the opportunity to share the wonderful 

experiences I had as a coach.” In her current 

capacity heather has found new and 

important ways to contribute to soBC. 

one of those ways is through the speakers 

Bureau, a program she developed to teach 

athletes to become ambassadors for soBC. 

as part of this program, the athletes learn 

how to make presentations that raise 

awareness about the special olympics 

movement and describe how they have 

benefited from the program. “If you ever 

want to see a room full of professional 

hockey players moved to tears, you should 

watch one of these speeches,” heather 

says with a proud smile. 

But what is so special about these 

athletes that moves grown men to tears 

and inspires special olympics volunteers 

There are more than 2,700 volunteers all 

with hearts as big as Heather’s. 

like heather to dedicate so selflessly to 

the program? dan howe, President of 

special olympics, believes that it is the 

purity of spirit with which these athletes 

pursue their dreams and goals. he says, 

“from your very first interaction with the 

athletes, you are helping them to achieve 

the goals they have set for themselves. 

as the athletes progress you can see the 

positive impact you have had in their 

lives. everybody involved in the process 

is elevated to a higher level and that is a 

truly inspiring experience.” 

When asked why heather thinks people 

become so entrenched in the organization, 

she echoes dan’s observations. “The 

most inspiring thing,” she says, “is that 

your effort is rewarded almost immediately. 

That, and I laugh more than I do in 

my normal life and as coaches, we get a lot 

of hugs.” 

as incredible as heather’s dedication 

and commitment to soBC are, perhaps 

the most inspiring thing about her experience 

is that it is not unique. “special 

olympics is driven by the dedication of 

our volunteers,” explains dan. “There 

are only 13 paid staff. everybody else is 

a volunteer.” altogether there are more 

than 2,700 volunteers all with hearts as 

big as heather’s. “They are all wonderful 

people doing wonderful things,” says 

dan. But heather stands out because of 

the success she has enjoyed as a coach and 

her unique ability to bring new ideas and 

programs to life at soBC. In winning the 

howard Carter award as an outstanding 

coach, her efforts were formally rewarded 

by soBC. But for her, the biggest reward 

is just being with the athletes and working 

with the other volunteers who give so 

much of themselves to help the athletes 

reach their potential. 

“Potential,” says heather, “is something 

that should never be underestimated. 

everybody should be given the 

opportunity to do their best.” and, 

thanks to volunteers like heather, these 

athletes will have a chance to prove that 

they can. 

‡ Since 1980, Special 

Olympics BC (SOBC), a registered 

charitable organization, has provided 

high-quality sports programs and competitions 

to meet the needs and interests of 

individuals with intellectual disabilities, 

enriching lives and celebrating personal 

achievement through positive sports 

experiences. 

These sport opportunities provide 

athletes with far more than the physical 

benefits of improved health and athletic 

ability. The participation in sport provides 

opportunities for athletes to develop 

social skills, cultivate friendships, strive for 

and achieve goals, and increase their selfesteem 

– enabling athletes to win at sport, 

and at life. 


BE A FAN OF SPECIAL OLYMPICS 

If you are a fan of courage, if you admire determination, 

and if you can’t help but share in the joy of victory, 

then you are already a fan of Special Olympics. 

Why not make it offi cial? 

BE A FAN 

VOLUNTEER DONATE PARTICIPATE 

604.737.3078 1.888.854.2276 WWW.SPECIALOLYMPICS.BC.CA 



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Events! 

Words by Will Fong 

Photography by alistair Eagle 

Explosion Africaine! 

openroad auto group client concert 

OpenRoad auto Group and president christian chia 

gathered clients from all ten of our stores together 

for the first time, transporting our guests to Africa 

through song and dance. Explosion africaine was 

a high-powered sensory experience, and a unique 

celebration of the rich musical and dance tradition 

of Guinea in West africa. 

PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP with Festival Vancouver, 

our special evening featured a troupe of dancers, 

drummers and singers assembled by the venerable Sal 

Ferreras and noted Guinean artistic director N’Nato Camara, 

the former principal dancer with the Ballet Taille. The stage 

came alive and burst with heart-stopping performances, featuring 

the acrobatic moves and soul-stirring sounds of kora, 

djembe and balafon. OpenRoad is proud to have hosted and 

recognized 1,200 of our clients across all member-stores of 

the OpenRoad family. It was an electric evening out of Africa 

and a memorable example of how OpenRoad always strives to 

provide a totally different experience for our guests.




Events! 

Neue! 

openroad audi grand opening & 

2009 a4 Launch 

OpenRoad launched Vancouver’s long-awaited 

Audi location in spectacular style with Neue, a 

sensuous and sophisticated interpretation of 

audi and our new OpenRoad audi building on 

Boundary Road. 

ACROBATIC CIRQUE ARTISTS performed, while bodypainted 

dancers impersonated the all-new 2009 A4 

that also made its debut. Guests enjoyed creations by 

celebrity chefs Frank Pabst of Blue Water Café and master 

pastry chef Thomas Haas. Front and centre, DJ Leanne spun 

some uber-vibey music while the Underground Circus thrilled 

the audience. The crowd was standing room only when our 

president, Christian Chia, received congratulations from the 

head of Audi Canada, executive vice president Diego Ramos. 

Beautiful Audi vehicles were clearly evident. The new 2009 

A4 was unveiled with jaw-dropping theatrics. And no one 

could miss the unique design of the A4’s new necklace or 

brow of LED running lights. The evening was capped off with 

Audi swag bags and a series of luxurious prizes from sponsors 

The Wickaninnish Inn, Artisan Wine Co. and OpenRoad 

Audi, announced by general manager, Vincent Lau. Following 

a spectacular grand opening and A4 launch, there’s a “Neue” 

sporty and sophisticated kid in town – OpenRoad Audi.




Events! 

E-motion! 

North Shore acura 2009 TL Launch 

General manager aly Jiwani and his team at 

North Shore Acura launched the all-new 2009 

Acura TL with E-motion, an evening of motion 

and emotion. 

T 

O HELP CELEBRATE the arrival of Acura’s new sport 

sedan, guests enjoyed new-style Japanese cuisine by 

head chef Masa Kudo of Vancouver’s dazzling Lime 

Restaurant. The sushi and hot tapas were sublime, especially 

the snow crab rolls and crispy avocado rice croquettes, while 

everyone enjoyed the accompanying Painted Turtle wines and 

karai sake. 

The TL was launched in dramatic fashion by the Yuaikai 

Ryukyu Taiko dance troupe from Okinawa, featuring a unique 

series of karate-flavoured taiko drum performances. But the 

Acura TL was the true star of the night, as guests lined up to 

admire the many features of the new 2009 model after its dramatic 

taiko unveiling. You could feel the excitement over the 

fully loaded version on display. At the end of the evening, it 

was a fitting reaction that reflected the theme of our TL launch 

at North Shore Acura.




Events! 

unforgettable! 

richmond Lexus & openroad Lexus 

Port Moody club Lexus concert 

When you combine world-class acoustics with 

a world-renowned percussion ensemble, the 

event is unforgettable. 

RICHMOND Lexus and OpenRoad Lexus Port Moody 

combined their efforts to stage a Club Lexus concert 

for 1,000 guests at the stunning Chan Centre for the 

Performing Arts. Our Lexus owners were treated to a concert 

featuring the Ju Percussion Group, Taiwan’s beloved ensemble 

of percussionists and winners of the Golden Melody Award, an 

equivalent of the Grammy in Taiwan for Best Performer. Our 

two Lexus stores sponsored Ju Percussion Group for its first 

visit to Canada since 2001. 

This was concert, theatre and spectacle all in one evening. 

The group demonstrated its innovative musicality using 

Western percussion instruments and Chinese gong drum 

music, performing commissioned works from China to Brazil 

and Japan to the United States. Completely original and truly 

unforgettable, courtesy of general manager Mark Worbeck’s 

Richmond Lexus team and general manager David Lam’s 

OpenRoad Lexus Port Moody team.


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