Something similar to that feeling happens when you walk into Clément!ne Café Déli on St. George Street. It’s a bright, fresh, smiling sort of place.

That resonates with owner Clement Dugas’ easy but keen and rather off-beat sense of purpose. Sipping an espresso, relaxing after a busy lunch time, he gestures expressively as he talks about his vision and future plans for the Café.   

“I wanted to create a friendly place with what I call a fresh early morning ambiance,” he says. “To show breakfast and lunch food can be fast, easy, uncomplicated, but also fresh, good tasting, healthy and affordable.”

Since opening in March 2009, Clement has seen a steady growth in clientele that is diverse. Business people request a quick early coffee to start their day, the lunch crowd, enjoys soups, salad and sandwiches, Saturday sees kids and parents drop in.

Clément!ne has also become something of a cultural centre; where art and music can be discussed with fervour. Local artists show their work, with exhibitions changing every six weeks. “I feel everyone, staff and customers, should have input to help us grow,” says Clement. “It’s about receiving and giving.”

Clement’s interest in owning a café began when he worked at Calactus; starting as a dish washer and becoming the kitchen manager. After travelling across Canada and through Europe he returned home full of ideas and ideals, giving himself two years to develop his business plan.

Both his parents are artists; his mother is a designer, his father a poet and visual artist, and they own the vintage clothing store next door to the café. Clement received good advice from them as small business owners, with a dash of artistic flair added in for good measure.

Not surprisingly colour is a major factor for Clement and the first impression when you enter Clément!ne. Painted in fresh fruit-flavoured hues of orange, lime and yellow, with the original tin ceiling a moody blueberry. Furniture is quietly eclectic, there are papers and magazines to read and a community notice board complete the funky vibe.

Crockery is Art Deco inspired and the kitchen is right in view so you can see your menu choice being freshly prepared. All items on the menu are made fresh daily and there is plenty to choose from. A long lost of coffees and teas is complemented by fresh fruit juice and you can add a shot of healthy wheat grass to one of these.

Deliberately keeping the menu simple Clément!ne offers, European-style breakfast, a choice of bagels, croissants and breads with jam or cheese, and Balkan yogurt breakfast or fruit salad. For lunch there are panini and melts, salads, including Greek, pasta and couscous.  Sweet teeth with enjoy biscotti, and scrumptious pies.

Working with other local food entrepreneurs, Clement buys his breads from the European Bakery, pastries from Tony’s Pastries and his deli meats from Degenhardts.

Away from the Café Clement’s serious hobby is his music. A multi performer he plays guitar, piano, banjo and bass. He also takes long walks with his high-energy spaniel before settling down to the paper work necessary to every business owner.

He talks of Clément!ne as a child, saying it is important to teach it then let it live on its own. “I hope my energy and opening a business will bring other new businesses to this area, creating a new area” he says. Looking ahead his vision for summer includes a terrace fronting on St. George Street and envisages staying open later to enjoy warm summer evenings.

Clément!ne Café Déli is located at 241 St. George Street. Phone number: 384-4782. It is open Monday to Friday 8 am to 5 pm; Saturday 9 am to 5 pm; Sunday 10 am to 4 pm.

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Carrie is the owner of the popular whole foods store Sequoia, and Lacey, well she is just four months old and happy to be with Mommy in this bright wholesome environment.

Sequoia is a Mecca for anyone who cares about what they eat and use personally and in their homes. The shelves are filled with healthy cereals and grains, gluten-free products, organic cosmetics, beauty and personal care items and green supplements. Rainbow-hued fresh organic fruits and veggies gleam by the window; the store exudes an atmosphere of health and sun-filled energy.

Carrie tells me the inviting aroma of champagne is about to be added, albeit temporarily, as Sequoia celebrates a grand re-opening in its new location and a milestone five years in business. From its beginnings in one room on Weldon Street, the store had expanded in response to customer’s requests until, like a giant pumpkin, it needed more fertile growing space.

Of the sunny location at 114 Highfield Street, Carrie says: “It called to me the moment I walked in.  I had been thinking about moving and it was the right place at the right time.”

The new space is about twice as large as the previous space, open and bright and Carrie has organised it more into departments. Organic shampoos and bath products create a stained glass effect in the front windows; grains and gluten-free products are near the rear; and the baby department has grown, overseen and approved by Lacey.

If moving in tandem with having a new baby - Carrie’s elder daughter Mychal is three and a half - seems daunting, Carrie has never been one to resist a challenge. She credits husband Joel, a wrought iron craftsman, with much of the necessary reorganisation and making new shelves.

After graduating from Bishops University with a degree in psychology she was still seeking her direction. The Canadian College of Nutrition in Halifax was her next stop on the journey and then she made the decision between teaching and caring.  Naturopath Blossom Bitting was a long-time friend and to Carrie it seemed a natural link to be associated with the practice.

“I was seeing the demand for more variety in healthy food,” she says. “People were becoming more aware, educating themselves about nutrition and providing one-stop shopping for so many of their needs seemed right.” This marketing approach has increased traffic she says.

Many of Sequoia’s customers are young families with children who are informed about nutrition and food contents, who want to ensure their children have a healthy start in life.  To aid this there are healthy snacks and lunch items as well as the eagerly bought up fruit and vegetables.

Carrie buys these locally and from Seaspray Atlantic, a co-op that deals with three certified organic farms in the Atlantic Provinces. This allows her to offer the widest selection possible.

“I always try to make moral decisions, not ones based on the dollar,” she says with sincerity.

Staff at Sequoia are all registered holistic nutritionists, ready to answer your questions. They and Carrie take on-going training in new products and developments. The customer service desk provides an area for one-on-one consultations.

I’d like to linger in the well-appointed kitchen; the aroma is tickling my taste buds. This is where the daily to-go lunches are prepared, assembled and ready to go from 10 am. There is always a rice bowl available and on Mondays and Wednesdays a delectable vegetarian paté. This being a Saturday morning, I make an underlined note on my pad to be there early on a coming Monday.

 Sequoia is located at 114 Highfield Street. Open Monday to Friday 9 am to 8 pm; Saturday 9 am to 6 pm; Sunday 12 noon to 5 pm. www.sequoiafoods.ca.  Phone: 506.386.8518.

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Sometimes we know we want to paint walls, re-arrange furniture, add new colours, hang a new painting, but are not quite sure just what to do. That’s when we walk through the door at Frame Quest and step into a space filled with some of the best interior design ideas, furniture and accessories. All ready to inspire you.

The name may be a surprise. But look around. Marc Blanchard, a framing expert for 30 years, has developed an unerring instinct for items, colours and visual effects that will make it easy and exciting to give your rooms the new look you’ve been dreaming about. Whatever your quest, if it is about refurbishing, re-designing or staging your home, this is one inspiring place to visit. Cleverly he has created vignettes and mini rooms within the store, each one brimming with great ideas of how to juxtapose colour, texture and shape.

“I believe in offering advice and good service and always enjoy helping customers create rooms they will love,” says Blanchard. He adds people often bring in photos or digital cameras to show him what furnishings they own, which helps him really get involved. “People usually know what they like; they just need a little help putting it all together.”

Today we are creating homes that reflect a modern aesthetic, with clean simple lines. We are seeking space rather than clutter, a contemporary mix of organic and natural with practicality.  One way to achieve this is the use of smaller size furniture, particularly seating and side tables. Marc Blanchard prepared for this trend more than a year ago.

“We were seeing more people downsizing, moving to condos and I felt there was a lack in Moncton for such furnishings, at reasonable prices, while continuing to offer quality.” Furniture and accessories are imported from India, the Far East and Europe, all with a discerning eye for style, quality and maximum impact.

Originally from Richibucto, Marc spent several years in the framing department of Zwicker’s Gallery in Halifax. He moved to Moncton so his children could attend French schools. Framing continued to be his main focus until he moved to his present location on Mountain Road six years ago.  Frame Quest is about family today; his daughter Michelle creates miniature ’still lifes’ with sand art and his son Andre works in the store.

Once Marc began adding interior design items, this side of the business grew; to the point that the furnishings and accessories have increased from 15 per cent of sales to more than 50 per cent. Though art is one of his best sellers and his selection of frames is extensive.

In addition to welcoming customers to his store, Marc Blanchard also does home consultations. He frequently sells to interior designers.

Though the store’s own colour schemes change, in fact twice a year he re-paints and adds new wall paper, some things are constant. There is always a selection of items in blues and browns; costal colours he says that are favoured locally. Marc says greys and charcoal are popular neutrals. “If you like strong colour on your walls, keep your furniture neutral and vice versa,” he says. Other decorating tips include carrying colour through the house, so the overall view has a ‘flow’. Especially important in open-plan homes.

Marc loves the sheen and brilliance of metallics. “They are always a good accent in any room, and are also neutral” he says. You will always find his favourite silver in stock as well as copper and bronze, the newest finishing touches.

As the lettered sign on the floor the day I visited said - ‘Comfy and Cool’.  Frame Quest is both of these and more.

Frame Quest is located at 1201 Mountain Road, Moncton (in the Wedgwood Building). Opening hours are: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 9 am to 6 pm; Thursday and Friday, 9 am to 8 pm; Saturday 9 am to 5 pm. From October to March the store is open Sunday 12 noon to 5 pm. Phone: 506.384.7770.

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 So passionate that a career he began 30 years ago while a schoolboy still has him exclaiming “I love it”.

 And it is easy for us to love what Tony creates. Even before you lift the first forkful to your anticipating lips, the visual artistry, the aroma of fruit and fine chocolate, warm, buttery croissants and freshly ground coffee heralds the treat on your plate, in your cup. Tony’s Pastries, the unassuming European inspired bistro tucked away in a small plaza on McLaughlin Drive appears to be one of the city’s best-kept secrets.

 This month Tony celebrates his second anniversary in his attractive shop where the enticing display of pastries, tarts and cakes draws you in, and draws you back again, and again. How can you choose between a Jour et Nuit, a Raspberry Shortbread Cookie or an Apple Breton?  Well of course you can’t, but there is always another visit, to savour another selection, perhaps an Espresso Brownie or a slice of Raspberry Swirl cheesecake. What a choice.

 Tony has been selling his, delicious irresistible cakes at the Moncton Market since 2002.  “Many people wanted to have my pastries during the week as well,” he says. That is perfectly understandable. He chose this location because it is an easy drive from almost anywhere in the city, and I suspect beyond, and there are no parking problems. It all fits in with his philosophy; “I enjoy people and like to make them happy with beautiful things.”

 Making beautiful things, in other words super delectable pastries, has been Tony’s life since he had a part-time job during school, working at the Hotel Newfoundland. After cookery and baking training, his career took him from Cape Breton and Saint Andrews, New Brunswick to Jasper Park Lodge and back to the Maritimes, when in 1997 he became Executive Pastry Chef at the Beausejour in Moncton.

 Along the way he has accumulated an impressive collection of awards and medals, created many special dinners and taught cooking seminars. Tony has been strongly influenced by European pastry chefs; working with them and taking additional courses until he felt ready to become his own boss and master of his art.

 That he is a master cannot be doubted. Just one mouthful of a Three Amigos - a dome of white, milk, and dark chocolate mousse on a layer of chocolate and almond sacher - will convince you.

 At Tony’s Pastries you can enjoy a coffee, tea or hot chocolate with your pastry, have a light lunch and take home bread or croissants for tomorrow’s breakfast. Not only is everything on his menu made fresh from scratch using the finest ingredients, Tony is also aware of dietary needs, making a selection of flourless cakes.

 The atmosphere is intimate, chairs and tables outside for fine weather lunches. The interior has the feel of a small Italian restaurant; light terracotta walls set off the scrumptious display. Expect to find seasonal fruits used in his desserts. I’m waiting for the chocolate and pear confection.

 There’s no doubt Tony’s venture is successful. In two years he has increased his staff from three to nine, all of whom are trained in baking, their happy smiles showing how much they enjoy their work.

 Catering too is available; for six or 250 people. While Tony and I were talking he had an order for a golf-themed birthday cake and was immediately into discussing how he would create the undulating course, where the ‘hole-in-one’ would go. As his wedding cakes and chocolate sculptures attest, he loves to get involved in creating something different and unusual.

 He is also planning to expand. Such is the future of success. To expand his catering to include seafood dishes, to sell gourmet cheeses at the shop, even to increase the size of his bistro.

 Tony’s philosophy goes thus; “With a good cheese, some Belgian chocolate and a glass of wine, what more can you ask for?”

 If this sounds like paradise, that can be delivered. One of Tony’s popular pastries is a chocolate caramel mousse dome with crème brûlée in the centre on a layer of almond sponge cake and crispy hazelnut wafer, finished with 24 carat gold. It’s called Paradis. Top this off with La Perle - a white chocolate mousse dome with passion fruit crème brulee in the centre and truly the angels have kissed your lips.

 Tony’s Pastries can be found at 137 McLaughlin Drive in Moncton. The bistro is open Monday to Saturday 7.30 am to 6 pm.

Phone: 384-8669; e-mail tonyspastries@nb.aibn.com; website www.tonyspastries.ca.

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The name, whether with English or French accent, conjures up thoughts of a journey, of new discoveries, of places to be visited. During his 25 years in business owner Pierre Sansfaçon has moved location several times, but always stayed true to his vision and beliefs.

“It al began with my passion for books,” Pierre tells me. “I was hoping to have a bookstore with the emphasis on spiritual reading, but soon realised I would not make anything like a profit.”

Luckily, for his many customers, myself included, Pierre widened his scope, initially to used and new books and records. But always making sure he stocks spiritual and French language books.

Now we can find one of the widest varieties of speciality clothing; colourful in patchwork, batik dyed and woven, pure ivory in unbleached cotton. Unique bags to carry your purchases from here and other stores, much more attractive than plastic. World music CDs soothe and enliven, there is a good selection of hand drums, belly dance costumes and it’s definitely the only place in town to buy incense.

While it maybe summer all year round at Passage, Pierre makes sure cold New Brunswick winters are provided for. This fall expect to discover warm woollen sweaters and coats from Nepal

Originally a musician from Saint Jerome in the northern end of Montreal, Pierre Sansfaçon first came to the Maritimes because of his other passion, music. A bassist he played back up for several Acadian musicians, visiting more and more frequently. One tour was prophetically named ‘On est venu c’est pour rester’.

Having finally come to stay he began turning his dream into reality, but the journey was not over. Before celebrating Passage’s 25^th anniversary last fall, the store, which began on Mountain Road, had homes in Highfield Square, downtown, where it was burned down and Champlain Place, before retuning to a larger spot in Highfield Square.

For some of this time books remained Pierre’s focus. Fortuitously and significantly he was involved with Canadian Crossroads International, an organization bringing people from other countries on cultural exchange visits. As a host he appreciated the clothes his guest wore, the crafts they created.  Happily the Passage we know today began its colourful existence.

“We began with jewellery, then some clothes,” he recalls. Long fascinated by Asia and eastern philosophy and spirituality, he and his partner, Jacinthe Dufour, began their passage.  For more than 15 years they have visited Indonesia Thailand, Nepal and India, plus some Central American countries. Sometimes Pierre travels solo. Jacinthe having her own professional career, renewing friendships, discovering new merchandise, helping families he has come to know. “Buying directly from the people who make the crafts and clothes, I can control the quality, but just as important, help them.”

Pierre says he always considers what his customers would like to discover in the store, but adds smiling, “I have to like it as well.”

His selection is mostly intuitive and everywhere he believes in respecting the universe. “As I travel I realise angels are guiding me, helping me. I feel very connected to the people I meet and buy from.”

Caring deeply about what he sells, Pierre Sansfaçon hopes people will find “refreshment” when they explore his store. Many are attracted by the ambience, then discover unexpected treasures, just the right item for them. The day I was interviewing Pierre for this feature, a lady came in without anything specific in mind. Searching the shelves she found a gorgeous singing bowl that literally ’spoke/sang’ to her. Years of visual and aural enjoyment are promised.

Passage brings the world to the city. In colour, sound, prose and poetry, individual ethnic traditions come alive and find a place in our lives.

Passage is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm; Thursday, Friday 10 am to 9 pm; Sunday 12 noon to 5 pm. Phone (506) 855-6916. A website is under construction.

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Entering the store at 229 Collishaw Street, clients will find an ambiance as comfortable as a well-appointed living room. Owner and store manager Jeff Garcia routinely brews up a welcome cup of espresso for sipping while trying and selecting. Garcia, who has spent his career in men’s wear, is irrepressibly enthusiastic, and knowledgeable about every aspect of men’s clothing and accessories. He can hold forth with eloquence on the finer points of shirt collars and the sartorial advantages of a Four in Hand tie knot.

Whatever your lifestyle and profession you will always be suitably outfitted at Zachary Samuels. Today’s business attire is now part of the global economic expansion. Business wear previously included casual business clothing, now it’s certainly a dress for success look. Investment dressing has always been a main street story and today the world of business is not just in New Brunswick, not just in Canada. Everywhere professionals present themselves with confidence knowing they are well-dressed and ready for business, wherever that may be.

Clothing at Zachary-Samuels has an international flavour. From Italy there is Navigare and Stefano Corsini, plus an extensive selection of fashionable white and interestingly coloured shirts in the Dorani collection, tailored in Canada.  Add to these Pringle of Scotland, Hiltl from Germany, Old Taylor of Spain. You will also discover Valentino Marini knitwear, cotton sweaters from Green Coast, Seal Kay denim and Omega Bespoke Couture Collection.

When it’s time for Father’s Day, birthdays or other gift-giving occasions. Zachary Samuels offers stylish handmade ties from Dion. The company has designed a special blue stripe tie as a fund raiser for prostate cancer and Jeff Garcia was chosen as exclusive retailer in Atlantic Canada. “It’s the pink ribbon equivalent for men”, he says.   A companion ladies scarf is also available.  At Samuels customers will also find silk hand-rolled, hand-sewn pocket squares, bow ties, ascots, cummerbunds and vests.

Other accessories include cufflinks by David Donahue. These may be silver and gold plated, some are more formal featuring real stones, all suitable for every occasion. Garcia says convertible cuffs are increasingly popular.  Italian leather belts by Stefano Corsini are a popular, always sure to please gifts.

Also in stock is aluminum art by Hoselton; sculptures of birds, animals and wildlife plus sports figurines. If incredibly none of these appeal, Zachary Samuels has Gift Certificates too.

Jeff Garcia brings more than 30 years experience in men’s’ wear, custom and ready to wear. At age 11 he was helping his mother in the clothing store she managed at York University. He began his professional career with Harry Rosen’s flagship store on Richmond Street, Toronto. He then worked with Ports International as a buyer for accessories and merchandise, plus training staff. Following several years with Fidani in Yorkville, Toronto, Jeff marketed high end custom shirts, including Savoia and private labels, to retailers across Canada, later working at Holt Renfrew in Yorkdale.

Arriving in Moncton he worked at Colpitt’s Mens Wear and pioneered the re-opening of Cecil d’s Studio.

In November 2008 Garcia opened Zachary Samuels, recognizing the need to provide exceptional quality, fashionable clothes for every man’s lifestyle. When men need a new business suit, casual wear or accessories they can rely on the staff’s expertise in selecting exactly the right men’s clothing from among the best designers and makers in the world. Ensuring they are properly measured and fitted for clothes designed not just for good looks but for quality and longevity.

“At Zachary Samuels we believe in the well-known quote, says Garcia “It’s better be to be looked over, than over looked.

When you shop at Zachary-Samuels you never need worry about being overlooked. Quiet affordable elegance are key words. In the board room, on the golf course or on the road you will always be appropriately well-dressed for every occasion in your busy lifestyle.

Zachary Samuels is open Monday to Wednesday and Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm; Thursday 10 am to 8 pm. Phone 383-8779. www.zachary.samuels.com

Photo credit: Daniel St. Louis (except store sign)

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 “Nothing,” replied the irrepressible owner of this ever-fascinating shop. “Remember, everything I have is old, some of it’s made new again.”

 Pauline Duguay’s enthusiasm for old furniture, in fact for everything old, brings exceptional finds for decorators and collectors. Whether you live in a modern or century old home, you will find lots to delight the eye and enliven your home and garden. Recycling has never been so rewarding.

 Pauline’s John Street shop is a perfect, creative and artistic example of today’s mantra: ‘Reuse, Restore, Recycle’ and, she adds, re-imagine your home with some of these much pre-loved items and artifacts in your living room, kitchen or bedroom. There’s always a delightful sense of a treasure hunt when you visit. First though, you will receive a rapturous welcome from Chester, Pauline’s 13-year-old poodle-terrier, who is as photogenic as he is friendly.

 Once Chester has settled on his blanket, or a favourite chair, your eye will be captured by the glowing colours of stained glass, by the sparkle of sunlight through the green glass of old wine and olive oil jars, by the patina on an old chest or the soft milk paint of a cupboard. Boutique Recycl’ Art & Antiques stocks a cornucopia of mirrors, decoys, chairs, lights from hospitals, schools and churches, kitchen memorabilia, all dating from the nineteenth century to the Art Deco period.. Window frames from old houses and churches get new life and style, becoming mirrors, or as in my home, striking architectural elements.

In a signature touch, all prices are hand-written on old brown luggage labels, attached to chandeliers, or cupboard handles with raffia ties.

Pauline is enthusiastic about all of it; but I divine her big favourite is wood furniture. Whether the big harvest tables made from 130-140 year-old wall boards, the glass fronted cupboard, the sides of which are old doors recycled, the pale blue paint on a hutch, the armoires imported from Europe or the oak sideboard, once covered in 10 coats of dark brown paint, now buffed to perfection.

 Pauline spends hours doing all the stripping, sanding refinishing, painting or staining and varnishing of the furniture she sells, and says she loves doing it. With her partner, Doug Thornton she creates the harvest tables, currently in big demand. “Many of them are custom made for large modern homes,” she says, ading the new and old blend well together. “Also people work hard nowadays and want to come home to comfortable furnishings and casual living for a relaxed lifestyle.”

 Finds at the shop need not be confined to indoors. Pillars, benches and chairs can be used in our outdoor living rooms during summer months and be re-purposed, usefully or decoratively, indoors when the leaves begin to fall.

 Upstairs in the former apartment of the 1930s shop that was once two stores, a grocers and a barbershop, are four rooms full of furniture, architectural findings, a ’30s style ‘grandma’s kitchen’, a serene white table and chairs. Primitive, Victoriana, country and Art Deco live comfortably side by side. “I buy what experience tells me will sell, mainly practical, useable pieces, going with trends, and most important, my gut that tells me someone will love it.”

 About 15 years ago Pauline Duguay was suddenly the single parent of two young daughters and her unemployment was running out.  She took a 12-week start your own business course at the YMCA, produced a business plan that gained her a provincial loan, specifically geared to getting women into the work force, and always a collector, re-finisher and recycler, began her venture selling many of her own collectibles. 

 Today her store has been featured in Style at Home, one of Canada’s premier decorating magazines and she has customers across the country and from the Unites States. With Doug, and of course Chester, Pauline sources her stock throughout the Maritimes and on trips to New England. Always returning with furniture to re-finish, and when she closes the shop, to relax in her 1870s home.

 Boutique Recycl’ Art & Antiques is located at 149 John Street, corner of High Street, in Moncton.  The shop is open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 5 pm and on Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm. Check out the website: www.recyclartandantiques.com.

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Sunlight glints on the gleaming surface of the glass coffee table.  Vivid colours from an original oil painting catch your eye, soft wool rugs from India entice your feet, the clean lines of a sofa invite you to sit.

Some rooms in our houses have drama, others offer comfort or serenity.  Bathrooms should be spa-like and restoring, kitchens practical. In our busy lives we all need places where we can be comfortable and find quiet to read, relax and rewind. Our furnishing choices often reflect our lives, and personalities, and we seek great style at affordable prices.

The opening paragraph of this article was written during my recent visit to Éra Urbano, the store for interior furnishing with a sophisticated, contemporary edge. Located in the former Brown Holder building at 264 Botsford Street, Éra Urbano is filled with furniture and home accessories to delight the eye, inspire your decorating plans and offer you the best of fashionable home décor in this area.

Louiselle Noël

“At Urbano we always want to offer good quality, contemporary furniture that is affordable, says owner Louiselle Noël. “We are not exclusively high end, but all our furniture is very fashionable, well-designed and mostly made in Canada.”

Noël has owned Éra Urbano since the summer of 2008.  For her it was a ‘coming home’, her turn to fulfil yet another dream. This energetic, vivacious entrepreneur is also a documentary film maker with an impressive resume that includes five years cinematography studies in Paris, working for TVO in Toronto and in fashion and interior design. “As a family we had been away from Moncton for 12 years, so it was time to bring our memories home.”

For a number of years the business, then known as Design Plus, was operated by local architect Rene Claude. Louiselle Noël has brought a different approach to merchandising the store.  A fresh take on modern living, more eclectic selection, spare-lined, vibrantly coloured, all creatively displayed. Providing great style at prices everyone can afford and appreciate, whether planning for a major renovation or contemplating smaller updating touches.

Pauline Blacquière

Store manager, Pauline Blacquière is always available for consultations and advice. With a degree in interior design, she has a keen aesthetic sense of just what a client needs and will love to live with.

“We are finding clients are more adventurous. As they travel more they are seeking some of what they have seen in other countries to enhance and decorate their homes here,” says Louiselle.

Among the favourite collections are g.romano, an eco-friendly line from Montreal, known for its seating selections, and eq3 from Winnipeg, Both Canadian made, they offer excellent quality as well as being exceptionally fashionable design. Also from Montreal, is Mobica, a very contemporary line that include bedroom and dining room furniture as well as entertainment centres.

Noël describes her own nineteenth century house as furnished with a happy mix of modern and antique pieces, very colourful with lots of art and collectables form the family’s travels.

Éra Urbano not only stocks chairs, sofas coffee tables, lighting, rugs and original paintings by local artists, the outdoors benefit from Louiselle Noël’s expert eye. Nowadays our open-air areas are outdoor rooms, designed with as much care as the interior of our homes.

At Éra Urbano you will find patio and poolside furniture and garden accessories. Much of the furniture is sculptural in effect, coming apart to create chairs, tables and stools.

While bringing clients the best Canada and the world has to offer for home and garden, Louiselle Noël herself continues to develop her own two worlds. She is currently well into production of her second documentary for the National Film Board. It focuses on children with mental health issues and is being filmed in London, Ontario, Halifax and Montreal as well as Moncton. Seems there is no end to her creativity.

Éra Urbano, 264 Botsford Street, Moncton, New Brunswick.

Phone 506.384.4372.   www.eraurbano.ca

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While the awnings of the store on busy Mountain Road in Moncton are classic black and white, the interior is suffused with a varied colour palette, rich textures and an air of quiet elegance fashionable elegance and ease.

The original harlequin character of the Commedia dell’ Arte was usually dressed in a costume of richly coloured patches; a striking figure onstage. Equally striking in-store at Harlequin are edgy, attention-focused fashions from Nic & Zoe and Eric Alexandre, French-designs from Katmai along with classics and career clothes from Jones New York, Olsen and Michael Kors and casual, sportif looks from Gelco and Jeanne Pierre and Canadian labels Spanner and Periphery.

Since stocking the amazing ‘Not Your Daughter’s Jeans’ last year, Harlequin sees them fly off the rack almost daily.

New this season is an eco-friendly organic hemp collection from Aventura Clothing, pretty summer dresses from Lily, a selection from the European label Stills and elegant casuals from Madison Hill. Every fashion magazine is showing cropped pants and Harlequin anticipated  this easy look with a good selection.

Colour fashion trends to to brigthen fashipn-conscious eye are sunny yellows, fresh, clear turquoise and ocean blues. Apricot and lime green sharpen colour senses and add spice to basics. Buttons and beads are to be found trimming sweaters and soft tops.

Pinks, from soft to rich, remain a frefshing accent to basic neutrals. And there’s a good-enough-to-eat range of rich cream, milk chocolate, cinnamon and spice. Perennial classic favourite black and white is always right and always elegant for every age.

With economic concerns on everyone’s mind, it’s important to remember that quality is always the best, and lasting, buy. One or two outstanding pieces can add invalubale impact to a woman’s wardrobe, updating your style and bringing fresh sparkle to you lifestyle’s needs. Search carefully and you will find some exceptional savings in the Sale room.

Value and quality have always been a major focus for Harlequin owner Maureen Dean. It must be said that surviving and thriving, celebrating 25 years in the fashion business, testifies to her knowledge of the business, and her determination to find clothes that women will feel good wearing.

“I enjoyfinding clothes that are a little different, not too expensive and that our customers will enjoy as well,” Maureen says.

Her wide-ranging interests - design, weaving, textiles, pottery - led Maureen to study Fine Art at NASCAD in Halifax. She considered teaching, but while her children were young worked in occupational therapy, in retail and did window dressing. These experiences formed an excellent basis for her fashion business. By the time her children were into their teens, her husband Alex was considering leaving his high-stress business job and Harlequin sprang onto the local fashion stage.

Now the store is a destination for ladies from Fredericton, Saint John, Sussex, Nova Scotia and PEI. A relaxed, non-pressured sales atmosphere offers personalized fashion advice, and lots of lovely clothes.  Ample parking is an added plus.

Fashionable finds to suit every lifestyle and taste are ready to be discovered at Harlequin.

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Entrance to Maelstrom Cafe-Bistro

My first meal in Moncton was at Café Bistro Maelstrom.

I’d just moved from Saint John and a friend there had said; “You must meet someone I know, I think you’ll like each other.” So we met for lunch.

The potential friendship didn’t flourish, but I still remember what I ate; a mini pizza with shrimp, pear and brie. An inspired mix of flavours and textures.

Not gaining a new friend was more than compensated for by discovering Maelstrom, and the eating pleasure lasted.

 Maelstrom had been open about a year at that time. Now four years after opening it is as warm and welcoming and more popular than ever. Three colour-saturated rooms - think Matisse’s green sideboard, his rich burgundy walls, his red table cloths - funky lights, fabric wall hangings, primary colour tables, and food that nourishes and satisfies the senses and the word is eclectic. An apt description that sits happily with owners Emilie Theriault and Marc Blanchard.

Owners Emilie Theriault and Marc Blanchard

Admittedly serendipity, luck and gutsy entrepreneurism are also part of the successful melange.

 And the name?  One meaning of Maelstrom is ‘an irresistible force that draws you in’.  Sounds just right.

 When they met one summer in Emilie’s home town of Caraquet, Marc had spent 10 years in advertising in Montreal and was ready to embrace change. Though Emilie says she had wanted to have a restaurant since we was 18 that was not in their immediate plans. The couple took off for a year’s travel in Europe.

A Maelstrom menu favourite

 A hint of future ventures was experienced during that year. Needing to earn some money, Marc found work in a restaurant in the French Alps. “I was hired to wash dishes. The first day the second cook didn’t show and I quickly moved to helping prepare meals for more than 300 people,” he recalls with his infectious laugh.

 Returning they discovered the heritage property on the corner of Botsford and Alma streets. Built in 1878 the original family home had become a boarding house, losing some of its charm in the process. Marc and Emilie spent a year renovating the building, putting their personal, idiosyncratic stamp on each room. Emilie has a fine arts degree from Universite de Moncton, which probably influences the vibrant colour schemes, and both have a quirky sense of what they like, which obviously is what their customers like.

 “Our first venture was a café, somewhere to have coffee and dessert,” says Emilie. “A coffee house like many we had been to in Europe.” The menu has changed over the years to become the light, original, creatively presented dishes everyone enjoys today. “We focus on making our meals from scratch, using fresh local food whenever possible,” says Marc. 

Vibrant coloured rooms and local art define Maelstrom

 The food takes its inspiration from many restaurants and bistros they visited in Europe. There is Maelstrom’s take on Croque Monsieur, all oven baked and  including Croque Pesto, Croque Epinards and Croque Maelstrom, this one with shrimp and scallops.  There is plenty for vegetarians too. Among wraps and Paninis the all-time favourite is Panini Toscane. Marc says diners imagine with every bite they are in Italy - under the Tuscan sun.

 Desserts, made by Emilie, are classics from their mother’s and grandmother’s kitchens. Frequently requested are Carrot Cake and Sugar Pie. Maelstrom is also fully licensed.

 Emilie and Marc invite local artists to exhibit at Maelstrom.  Exhibitions change every two to three months and begin with an opening evening meet-the-artist reception.

 Entering Maelstrom the ambience, visual and culinary is decidedly Parisian-European bistro. Whether you go for lunch or dinner, or to catch up with friends over a coffee, the atmosphere is cosy, intimate, laid back, relaxed with a vibe that says ‘welcome’, ‘bien venue’.

 Maelstrom Café-Bistro is located at 184 Alma Street  Moncton. (506) 389-3602 

www.cafemaelstrom.com

Another colourful dining room at Maelstrom

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