The French Way

The French Way is the

Right Way

Academy Road has recently gained the talents of a French-trained chef in one of the many restaurants, bistros and cafés that line the road. "I brought him to Canada," explains Larissa, Chef Olivier Fortat's wife. Growing up on Wellington Crescent, Lorissa knew that when she made it back to Winnipeg, Academy Road would be a great location for her husband. "Our main focus is baking and pastries, boasting an all day breakfast (as only the Europeans will allow) in the shop," explains Larrisa, "and we serve French-inspired sandwiches and salads for lunch."
The French Way's strength is the talent in the kitchen and its quality of food – the best ingredients being created by a great chef, who has owned restaurants in both Paris and Monaco.
"We're a destination for Winnipeg's French community," explains Larissa, "and rely on walking traffic from Academy."

The French Way is located at 612 Academy Road, 487-1997.

Lux for Sprouts

European Style for Kid Culture

If you're looking for a little culture quality for your kids, look no further than Academy Road's newest kid-inspired boutique, Lux for Sprouts. "We're a one-stop shop for toys, accessories and clothing (up to size 8) for your kids," explains Charmaine Gibson, the mother of the mother daughter team behind Lux for Sprouts. "Academy Road has a great reputation. The clientele and customers live and shop here."
Lux for Sprouts is always searching for European-based products – many of their current lines are from The Netherlands, Spain, Brazil and England. "We have price points for everyone," exclaims Gibson.

Lux for Sprouts is located at 620 Academy Road, 589-8889, www.luxforsprouts.com.

Academy Road BIZ is always alive with activity, especially when it comes to new businesses opening up in the area. Here's what's new to check out.

Average day on Academy

The Brilliance of Glitz

Glitz

For any independent business to make it to their third year anniversary is a huge accomplishment. But one in the gift giving genre, makes it even more of a feat.
When we first sat down with Jennifer Vermette, owner of Glitz, it was hard to believe that it has been 3 years. Regulars of Academy Road still remember seeing the sign first go up, wondering what "Glitz" was, like it was yesterday. We asked Vermette, who earned her degree in Environmental Design from the Faculty of Architecture, what's changed over the last 3 years. "We're up to over 150 artists being represented in the store." That's 3 times as many when the Glitz doors first opened. The best part is not the sheer number, but rather the fact that they're all Canadian artists.
The quality and uniqueness of the products brings back a time when gift stores offered items that couldn't be found everywhere. Of those 150, an amazing 90% are exclusive to Glitz. Shoppers will find themselves surrounded in beautiful colours, textures and shapes of the handmade gifts of glass, pottery and jewellry.
"70% of our customers are local," says Vermette. She believes it's because "people want to support the local business... they want to support small business." She sees a benefit to being located in an area that has a business improvement zone (BIZ) working to promote the area merchants and the overall well being of the zone. "I would like to see Academy Road become even more of a destination walkway."
Glitz was conceptualized and built out of a desire to be something different. It's good to know that customers of Academy Road share that desire.

Glitz is located at 586 Academy Road, 487-3444, www.glitzgallery.com.

The Academy Road BIZ makes every effort to list current event information. Details may change without notice. Contact the business itself for updated information.

Academy Road Live! Street Festival
Mark your calendar and join us Saturday, June 6th, rain or shine!
Enjoy street performers, petting zoo, mini carnival, retail displays and specials, food sampling, live entertainment and more.
Noon until 5:00 pm (NOTE: most stores open at 10:00 am)

info@academyroadbiz.com, www.academyroadbiz.com

Woodlands Gallery
Capturing A Fleeting Moment - New Paintings by Weiming Zhao
Exhibition of new paintings by Manitoba artist Weiming Zhao on display in the gallery May 28th to June 13th. Instead of painting in a studio, Weiming prefers to paint directly from the beauty of what surrounds him outdoors en plein air (in open air). Meet featured artist Weiming Zhao in person on Saturday, June 6th during the 10th annual Academy Road Live! street festival. Weiming will be setting up an easel outside, in front of the gallery and painting views of the street. Watch his painting come to life right before your eyes.

535 Academy Road, 947-0700, info@woodlandsgallery.com, www.woodlandsgallery.com

emile&etienne
Happy birthday to us!
Our one year anniversary is coming up. We are celebrating from May 5th to 10th, with food and entertainment on

Saturday, May 9th.

538 Academy Road, 21-2727, sabena@emileetienne.com, www.emileetienne.com

Saucers Cafe
Mother's Day Brunch
Join us for Mother's Day Brunch, a la carte menu.
Sunday, May 10th 10:00 am to 1:30 pm

570 Academy Road, for reservations call 489-9204

Paradise Found Art School
A Really Big Art Show
The Annual Exhibit of Art from the Junior, Advanced, Teen and Masterclass Programs
Opening Event: Sunday, May 10th from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Show Continues: Monday, May 11th to Saturday, May 16th from 11:00 am - 6:00 pm daily

565 Academy Road, 488-5944, www.paradisefoundartschool.com

Essentique Salon & Spa
Third Annual Sam Caci Golf Tournament
Sam, an active member of Winnipeg’s business community, was the proud owner of Puressence, an Aveda Concept Salon, for the last 6 years, and enjoyed a business partnership with his brother John in the hair and beauty industry for decades. Very active in the community, Sam was also a member of Alcoholics Anonymous for several years – the “safe haven” he credited with saving his life. Sadly, Sam ultimately lost his battle with cancer in 2007, but remained upbeat and a true inspiration to all who knew him until the very end.
To continue his charitable work and honor his memory, an afternoon of golf and an evening dinner at Bel Acres Golf & Country Club are being held with proceeds going to both AFM and Cancer Care.
We are seeking donations and sponsors to make this year our best yet.
June 15th
To donate, or for more information, please call 489-0100, or via email at Essentique@mts.net, 545 Academy Road

European Shoe Shop
"Colour Me Naot"
For those passionate about the exceptional style and comfort of Naot shoes, come see our vast selection in the Naot colours of this season and meet the company representatives. Enter your name in a draw for a pair of Naot sandals.
May 29th, 30th and June 1st

436 Academy Road, 487-4193

European Shoe Shop

Mephisto Event
Try on a pair of the world's finest footwear and meet the company representatives. Join us for the launch of Mephisto Sono. Sono's unique construction provides a comfort level that is beyond any available today. Enter the draw for a pair of Sono shoes.
May 22nd to 24th

436 Academy Road, 487-4193

lux for sprouts
Spring for Sprouts
Save $10 off your next purchase for your little sprout of $50 or more in-store, or visit our online store at www.luxforsprouts.com using coupon code: academyroadbiz10off (cannot be combined with any other offer)
April 15th to May 30th

620-D Academy Road, 589-8889, info@luxforsprouts.com, www.luxforsprouts.com

Pilates Mantioba
Spring Mat session
Monday, April 20th for 10 weeks to Saturday, June 27
Sign up at Pilates Manitoba

390 Academy Road, 487-2287, info@pilatesmanitoba.com, www.pilatesmanitoba.com

Ce Ce's Ice Cream (formerly Dorothy's Ice Cream)
Open for the 2009 Season
433 Academy Road, 415-4330
(HOURS TO COME)

Lake Life
Mom's the Word event
May 1st to 10th
Shop our great selection of fashion, jewelery, fragrances and soaps or great home decor for Mom! Come in and choose the perfect Mother's Day gift, and receive a $10 gift certificate for mom to use towards future purchases.

440 Academy Road, 256-9875, lakelife@mts.net

Summer Solstice Swimwear Spectacle & Fashion Show
June 5th to 20th
To celebrate the official arrival of summer, we will be having a great swimwear fashion show and sale! Featuring new arrivals from Jantzen, Jag, Perry Ellis, Raisins and Leilani, beach and dockside accessories as well as fun suits from Hatley for

the kids.
The sale begins June 5th and leads up to our fun fashion show on Friday, June 19th – please RSVP for the fashion show. Free mini-pedicures and cocktails!

440 Academy Road, 256-9875, lakelife@mts.net

Academy Optical
Prescription Summer Sunglasses
Academy Optical is proud to present an exciting lineup of new sunglass looks for the season. All current styling are capable of having a prescription. We also are carrying a new line of specialty sunglasses for motorcyclists, skiing, cycling and other outdoor activities.

525 Academy Road, 488-2800, academyoptical@mts.net

Dr. Manfred Ziesmann Cosmetic Surgery Clinic
New Store Opening
Offering a wide range of services including: Botox, Juvederm, Perlane, Restylane Lipo Dissolve and chemical peels.

559 Academy Road, second floor, 488 - 6559, by appointment only