YYC has been treated to a real summer this year, and we couldn’t be happier about it. Tons of sunny rays, delicious eats, and cool downs on the Ave’s patios have already made it a summer to remember. That said, our sunnies have seen some wear and tear and so has our skin. 17th has you covered for eyewear, skin care and at least one more patio session that’s not to be missed.
Ollie Quinn
Hailing from Vancouver, Ollie Quinn (829 17th Ave SW) is the Ave’s latest eyewear boutique. Quickly making its mark on YYC, OQ is uping everyone’s glasses game with their ultra affordable and trendy lenses and frames – for both men and women. “We carry 300 frames in a variety of styles and colours at one reasonable price point of $145, including the highest quality, polarized lens,” shares Store Manager Candace.
At Ollie Quinn, we believe in providing a quality product at an affordable price.
The rays are strong this season, so it’s important to protect those eyeballs of yours. There’s no reason why you can’t do it in style: Ollie Quinn’s lead designer, Sebastien Brusset, has over 20 years of experience in the industry and has worked for designer brands such as Savile Row, Tag Heuer and Leica. That kind of resume guarantees you’ll be looking at frames that are fun, modern and practical without sacrificing style.
“Our in-house optometrists are constantly reminding customers that while sunglasses are an important reflection of individual style, lenses are also a necessary part of preventative eye health,” explains Candace. “Wearing polarized glasses is key to preventing macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss. Good sunglasses also work to prevent cataracts progressing faster than they normally would.” The solution? Step into Ollie Quinn and pick a pair of stylish sunnies that keep your eyes safe and healthy all summer long.
Vivid Salon on 17th
Looking to get a new summer do, enhance your look or pamper your sun-kissed skin? Vivid (1107 17th Ave SW) has you covered. This salon transforms those who walk through their doors with dedicated, highly-trained stylists and technicians. Want it all? You’re in luck. They’re a one-stop-shop for all of your beauty needs.
An easy breezy summer makes it easy to forget about skincare, but that’s when it couldn’t be more important. We met up with Karima, Vivid’s Skincare Specialist who let us know that YYC is the sunniest city in Canada. That means prevention is key, but if you aren’t careful, you may need to do some backtracking and repair some sun damage that might have happened during those patio sessions with your pals.
“Sun damage can cause fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, dark spots and more,” explains Karima. Luckily, Vivid Salon carries an SPF 50 mineral based powder sunscreen from Colourscience that Karima highly recommends. “You can apply it right on top of makeup and it’s perfect when you’re on-the-go, or if your skin is sensitive to liquid sunscreen.
YYC is a sunny city so sunscreen is a must all year around.
If you know your skin is in need of repair, Karima recommends getting a Silkpeel Dermalinfusion. “This is one of our most popular treatments. It’s an advanced skin-resurfacing treatment with a serum infusion that treats hyperpigmentation, dry skin, photodamage and acne,” she adds. “The results of this procedure is smoother, brighter and clearer skin, all in 30 minutes!”
Cilantro
The smoky aroma of their wood-burning oven is an avenue staple, and the talented culinary team at Cilantro’s (338 17th Ave SW) has been serving up unconventional California-southern style food for over 20 years. Walk through its beautiful wooden doors and you’re instantly transported into a rustic S0-Cal oasis.
This landmark and culinary veteran of 17th continues to be a destination for a perfect alfresco meal. Their patio is the spot to escape the hustle and bustle, you can settle in and enjoy garden style summer vibes without ever having to leave the Ave.
Twinkling lights overhead, lush greenery and fresh blooms offer the perfect setting for a romantic date, or a long overdue catch-up with a cocktail in hand.
“We offer a unique, Californian-infused menu, and you can expect a great selection of game proteins that are harvested on our Rocky Mountain Ranch just west of Bragg Creek,” General Manager, Ryan McLeish tells us. “Our variety of flatbreads, sandwiches, house-made pasta and mouth-watering list of charcuterie cheeses ensures there’s something for everyone.”
The perfect combo of eats on a hot summer evening? Opt for the Buffalo Mozzarella Salad, New Zealand Lamb Rack and Line Caught Halibut. Pair these with one of their many handcrafted cocktails like their Perennial Pimms or a glass of rosé to escape the summer heat. Take advantage of the last weeks of summer put Cilantro on top of your list of patio stops.
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