Every Spring, the great gift of Easter is Hope. These are words echoed by the Pope, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and many more. The word Hope means different things to different people. Some hope for lots and lots of chocolate eggs and chocolate bunnies. Some hope to win the “eat your weight in chocolate” contest. Some hope for some new sparkly Easter jewels. We all hope for the love and affection of friends and family, the honour of our country, and that Spring will be a harbinger of sunny days and new beginnings.
Charles Pachter
Quick, name three Canadian icons: the Flag, the Moose and artist Charles Pachter, who brought the first two into the public consciousness. Irreverent, but not disrespectful, he has painted Queen Elizabeth II, and almost the entire Royal family, riding a moose. My personal favorite is Queen Elizabeth II choosing hats from a closet. Charles Pachter is one of Canada’s most celebrated contemporary artists, renowned for his vibrant and iconic depictions of Canadian symbols. A painter, print-maker, sculptor, designer, historian, and lecturer, Pachter’s work often merges playful, even elements with deeply iconic imagery. Pachter’s art frequently features motifs such as the Canadian flag, moose, and portraits of the Queen, rendered in a bold, Pop Art style that combines clarity and whimsy. His works are held in prestigious collections, including the Portrait Gallery of Canada and the Canada House in London. Honored as an Officer of the Order of Canada and a Chevalier of France’s Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, he has left an indelible mark on Canada’s cultural landscape. You can see his work at either one of his studios: 22 Grange Avenue in Toronto, or MOFO Moose Factory of Orillia, Ont. Give him a call, he would love to give you a tour.
How did chocolate come to symbolize Easter? The one reason is that chocolate puts a smile on our face and brings happiness to our heart. Purdys’ chocolate-loving people are more passionate than ever this year. The vast variety of chocolate treasures, from small gold and purple foil-covered eggs, to bars, luxurious boxes of chocolates, and many Vegan specialties, are all made with sustainable cocoa on Canada’s west coast. Community spirit thrives throughout the company. From their Seasonal Fundraising program to Purple Partnerships they make sure to find opportunities to support, advocate and craft more kindness, spreading sweet love along with chocolate.
A new and exotic Persian shop has opened in Yorkville—and I can guarantee you will not leave empty handed. Tavazo is a family business with deep roots that date back to 1912 in Tabriz, Iran. What began over a century ago has grown into an internationally recognized name known for premium dried nuts, fruits, traditional pastries and spices. Since the beginning. They have been committed to providing 100% natural products free from additives or preservatives. The offerings include naturally grown sun-dried nuts, fruits and vegetables. I am full of questions, and they are answered with patience. Everything is displayed in antique cupboards, and my choices are each put in small plastic bags. The perfume of saffron and rosewater stays true to its heritage. You can be sure I came back the next day to buy some Easter gifts to share with friends.
We love celebrating the season with sparkly new Spring jewellery. Jewellery is more than something you just wear. Mairi Shewfelt is the founder and designer of a company founded in 2021 by two women on a mission to redefine beauty and sustainability. They work with expert goldsmiths in Toronto who use recycled gold, silver, and precious stones to create pieces as beautiful and unique as the women who wear them. Designed to be cherished forever, I can put these pieces on in the a.m. and I’m dressed for the day, every day—in good taste. Jewellery is the best gift—it does not melt and it does not wilt, and these pieces have a way of becoming part of your personality.
If you have the will to believe, the story goes that in 1700, a family of Dutch immigrants brought the tradition of an adorable, long-eared bunny with them to Pennsylvania. At Easter, the bunny would lay coloured-eggs and place them in nests in the tall grass for all the children to find.
I believe a different story. In fact, I know that Gold Easter Bunnies and a whole variety of chocolate goodies are brought to us by Lindt Chocolate all the way from Switzerland. The chocolate bunnies are the perfect gift for everyone from Teachers to Grandmas and everyone in between. No gift wrap required—the bunny speaks for itself.
Forward Marche!!
Strolling through the memory lane of dining experiences in Toronto, I paused at Movenpick. Marianne and Jorje Reichart landed in Toronto in 1982 and opened a restaurant that was like a European marketplace. A giant buffet of deliciousness. Our family loved it, especially the kids and my husband, who could wander around and order whatever they liked. The bakery put out fresh bread and croissants all day. The fruits and vegetables were perfect. It appealed to Bay Street, to Bayview and everyone in between. Movenpick was the best choice for first dates—actually for any evening out. Besides playing host and hostess to the city’s diners, the Reicharts adopted twin babies and all the world was beautiful. They built and expanded until—Boom! Two things happened: trouble with the European owner when they took the company public. And a catastrophic accident that left Jorge with brain damage. Marriane’s memoir, The Reichart Story, is about a unique time in the social fabric of Toronto. It will make you smile, and you may wipe away a tear. Easy to order, Marianne will autograph a copy and send it to you. Order a signed copy from: www.thereichartstory
