Faces Magazine November December 2025

BROOKE HENDERSON

CANADA’S GREATEST GOLFER

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IN THIS ISSUE

P.26

Brooke Henderson

Canadian golf star Brooke Henderson reflects on her record-breaking year, family ties, and what it means to bring the Canadian Open trophy home again.

P.38

Julia Hladkowicz

Ottawa-born comedian Julia Hladkowicz shares her journey to America’s Got Talent and L.A.’s comedy scene, and why she still calls Ottawa home for the holidays.

P.47

La Bottega Nicastro

Inside Ottawa’s beloved La Bottega Nicastro, cousins Pat and Rocco share how their family’s century-old Italian grocer continues to thrive as a modern market, café, and community hub.

P.54

Smith Plastic Surgery

Dr. Sean Smith, co-founder of The Ottawa Clinic, discusses the changing culture of plastic surgery, patient-first care, and why subtle results make the biggest impact.

IN THIS ISSUE

P.36

The Early Winter Trend Report

As the season deepens, homes turn inward, layering texture, tone, and tactile comfort for the colder months ahead.

P.44

Al’s Steakhouse: Aged to Perfection

Inside the family-owned steakhouse serving Canadian Prime beef and timeless hospitality since 1967.

P.52

Tony Graham Lexus

At Tony Graham Lexus, luxury steps beyond black, white, and grey, showcasing their bolder shades for 2026.

P.60

The Manhattan, Perfected

A closer look at the cocktail that defined New York City.

P.62

By The Numbers

Research-backed hacks to boost life and work.

FIND FACES

Faces Magazine is distributed bi-monthly and offered free at select locations across Ottawa and in cities across Eastern Ontario. Full issues are also available online.

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Editor In Chief

Evan Childerhose

Publisher

Justin MacKinnon

Hank’s Paw Publishing (A Division of 8624771 Canada Inc.)

Creative Director

Cathryn Wheeler

Accounting/Finance

Linda Zhang

Managing Editor

Alex Feeney

Sales Manager

Quinn Valters

CONTRIBUTORS

Steve Warne

Dan Lalande

Orion Taylor

Alex Feeney

Michelle Li

Jordan Palleck

Corey Stone

Christopher Lord

Molly Burke

Garry Thom

Mark Steele

Ryan Bova

Eric MacIsaac

Kenzie Murphy

Jamie Brown

Robert Smith

Kate Wright

Meaghan Vincent Guillaume Dubois

Connor Khonick

Todd Hamilton

Marc Paul

Lindsay Risto

Morris Miller

Hugo Tremblay

Neil Jeffrey

Michael Smith

Daniel Harrison

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Sean Sisk

Nicolai Gregory

Jessica Thomas

Lenz Studio

Chris Tanouye

John E. Sokolowski

Jana Chytilova

David Maman

Andre Ringuette

Connor Armstrong

Taylor Condon

Peter Wright

Yana Klaiz

Where To Go In November

The Ottawa Wedding Show

November 1st - 2nd EY Centre

Ottawa Pet Expo

November 1st - 2nd EY Centre

Mrs. Doubtfire

The Musical

November 4th - 9th NAC

Wines by Nature

Natural Wine Festival

November 6th

Horticultural Building

Orleans Cork & Fork Festival

November 7th - 8th NAC

Tom Green: Stompin’ Comedy Tour

November 14th NAC

National Remembrance Day Ceremony

November 11th

National War Memorial

Crave Food & Wine Festival

November 14th - 15th

Rogers Centre

Nate Smith

November 15th

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Dallas Smith

November 28th NAC

Ottawa Christmas Market Opens

November 21st

Lansdowne Park

The Museum’s Christmas Market

November 27th - 30th Museum of History

B BROOKE HENDERSON

The Pride of Smiths Falls Shines Again

Brooke Henderson’s 2018 Canadian Open victory in Regina wasn’t just any victory, it was Canadian golf history. The Smiths Falls native became the first Canadian woman in 45 years to claim our National Open Championship, following in Jocelyne Bourassa’s footsteps from 1973.

No other Canadian LPGA player has ever won the tournament. Not once.

But this past August, Henderson made sure Canadians didn’t have to wait another five decades to see it happen again. She won the championship a second time, this time at the Mississauga Golf and Country Club.

By Steve Warne

by Sean Sisk

“This week was beyond special,” Henderson told the media, right after her victory. “To be able to finish it off and hoist the trophy again is extremely cool. It feels super surreal. The crowds were phenomenal. To be able to play so well in front of them really means a lot to me, too. I’m so grateful for all of their support.”

Because this tournament was closer to home, the crowd included more of the people closest to her who were able to share in the moment.

“This one was a bit different than my win in Regina,” Henderson told Faces. “To have so many friends and family at Mississauga, and so much on the line for the last few holes, made this win feel extra special. It was great to celebrate with everyone there.”

Those last few holes in the final round turned into a two-player duel, with Henderson trying to fend off Australia’s Minjee Lee. Lee had three birdies in her final six holes, but it wasn’t enough to catch Henderson, who shot a 4-under 67 to win the trophy and according to the LPGA website, a prize cheque of $412,500.

However, there was extra reason for Henderson to celebrate this victory because it came with a sense of relief. It was her first LPGA victory in 64 starts, a stretch of two years and seven months, ending one of the longest droughts of her career.

Henderson told Faces she felt like her game had been rounding into form in previous tournaments. And what a time for everything to finally click.

“My game had been quietly trending in the right direction for quite some time before the event,” Henderson said. “In the weeks leading up to the CPKC Women’s Open, I had been hitting it well. My ball striking carried into the week, and it was great to see a few more putts start to go in. My game really lined up well at the right time!

Henderson’s list of achievements already reads like a Hall of Fame résumé: With the win in August, she adds to a dazzling total 14 LPGA victories, the most Tour wins ever by a Canadian golfer – male or female –and it isn’t particularly close. She now has half a dozen more wins than Sandra Post, Mike Weir, and George Knudson. Until Henderson came along, those three were regarded as Canadian golf royalty, and they still are, but Henderson looks poised to lap all three.

Because at 28, even with all of her accomplishments in the game, Brooke Henderson probably still has more golf in front of her than behind her.

What’s your strategy at the Canadian Open when there are so many extra demands on your time that week? How do you keep it from interfering with your routine and the things you need to do to be at your best on the course?

I set a gameplan for each day of the week and focus on the items I need to prepare for the event. It is a busy week for me with so many great fans and partners cheering me on! I was able to ride the momentum from the crowd to give me that extra energy to close out the win!

“

Professional golf is a journey. I like to focus on the present and trust the process.

”

You’ve accomplished so much in the sport. Does your passion level for golf and motivation to win still burn as bright today as when you started on the tour?

Professional golf is a journey so I like to focus on the present and trust the process in golf. While you want to see strong results every week, I try to focus on working toward bigger goals. It’s always satisfying to see hard work pay off with a good finish!”

What does it mean to you to have your sister as your caddy and your dad as a coach?

I love spending time with my family. I grew up playing golf with both Brittany and my dad after school and traveling to tournaments. Those are some great memories, and we have been fortunate to continue that close relationship into professional golf. Having my dad as my coach and sister as my caddy makes pursuing my dreams on the course that much more special!

You’ve been able to ditch the glasses this year. Can you tell us about that and what it’s meant to your game?

I had surgery last year which now allows me to wear contacts. I had worn glasses since 2023 to help with some of the longer distances but seeing the frames out of the corner of my eye was a bit distracting when looking down the line. Now with them off, I feel more free.

What do you miss about playing hockey, and does the mindset you need to be a goalie help at all with the golfer’s mindset?

One of the great things about growing up in Canada is the opportunity to play so many different sports throughout the year. I focused on hockey and golf but played all kinds of sports when I was young. Looking back on it, I still draw on those early years with athleticism and a focused mindset.

Can you tell us about your partnership with the Ottawa Senators and why it’s such a good fit for you?

I always loved the Ottawa Senators growing up. To now partner with them is a great way to stay close to hockey and take a few key learnings from how players are staying at the top of their respective sport!

We try to soak in the love, joy and peace that surrounds the Christmas season. “

Which LPGA players did you look up to when you were younger?

Morgan Pressel and Annika Sorenstam. Both were amazing players, and just as impressive off the course.

What advice would you give to young golfers dreaming of the LPGA Tour?

Work hard, dream big, and go for it!

Which club do you have the most confidence in and why?

Driver. Tee it high and let it fly!

Away from golf, how do you like to recharge and relax?

Whenever I get a chance during off weeks, I like to get outdoors. In what can sometimes be a busy lifestyle, it is great to take some time to appreciate the beauty and peace around you.

If you weren’t a professional golfer, what do you think you’d be interested in doing instead?

Both of my parents were teachers. If professional golf didn’t work out, I always liked the idea of following in their footsteps to teaching!

Who’s the most famous person you’ve ever played with in a pro-am?

Seeing hockey greats like Bobby Orr (now on the golf course) or some of the athletes that play in the celebrity side of the Tournament of Champions is a really cool experience!

Can you describe what the Henderson family usually does for Christmas?

We love celebrating Christmas! We enjoy going to Church on Christmas Eve and spending time with family and friends around the holidays. We try to soak in the love, joy and peace that surrounds the Christmas season.

What’s your favourite Christmas carol?

O Come All Ye Faithful and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing are two of my favourite Christmas songs!

What was your favourite childhood Christmas gift?

My grandparents would often get me a new hockey stick at Christmas and that was always very exciting!

What’s your best childhood Christmas memory?

Singing and listening to Christmas Carols on Christmas Eve in Church is one of my favourite memories. I have always found it to be very special and powerful.

As Brooke Henderson reflects on 2025 and looks toward the holidays and the new year, her one-of-a-kind golf story continues. And her fans, warmly known as The Brooke Brigade, will be celebrating every exciting new chapter she adds.

The Latest

What’s New In Local Living

Two of Ottawa’s Chinese Eateries Rank Among The Best in Canada

Gongfu Bao and Takumi BBQ have been named among the Top 50 finalists for the Chinese Restaurant Awards’ Elite 30 Canada, underscoring the city’s growing reputation in Chinese cuisine. The finalists were selected by a panel of 15 judges, including food writers, chefs, and frequent diners, who evaluated restaurants across the country for culinary creativity, consistency, and authenticity.

Ottawa Begins Direct Flights to Bahamas

Ottawa Ranked Fourth Safest City in Canada

A new report ranks Ottawa as the fourth safest city in the country, based on national crime data compiled for 2025. The study evaluated each city using a crime index and a safety index, reflecting residents’ sense of security and local policing performance, and

comparing residents’ perception of local crime to actual numbers. With a crime index score of 31.3 and a safety index of 68.7, Ottawa placed just behind Quebec City, Oakville, and Barrie, outperforming most major metropolitan areas in Canada.

Ottawa travellers will soon have more options for tropical getaways, as both Air Canada and Porter Airlines are launching direct service to Nassau, Bahamas.

Beginning this December, Air Canada will introduce weekly non-stop flights from Ottawa International Airport to Nassau, while Porter Airlines will add its own once-weekly route starting December 13th. The additions mark the first time in several years that Ottawa will have direct access to the Bahamas, expanding the city’s winter travel network and making sun destinations more accessible for local passengers.

Noun.

The Early Winter Trend Report

As winter settles in, interiors turn inward, becoming warmer, softer, and more expressive. The trends for late 2025 and early 2026 lean into comfort with sophistication: layered textures, rich materials, and lived-in elegance. Minimalism gives way to mood, with homes designed to feel tactile, grounded, and deeply personal.

02

Layered

Lighting

Say goodbye to the harsh overhead glare. This season, lighting design is all about mood, depth, and flexibility. Layered lighting uses sconces, floor lamps, pendants, and task lights to create warmth and dimension throughout the home. It’s less about brightness and more about atmosphere, transforming any space into one that feels relaxed.

01

Layered Surfaces

Flat, painted walls are losing favor. Designers are opting for textured surfaces, like grasscloth wallcoverings, reeded wood slats, micro-embossed plaster, or patterned tile insets, to inject depth and personality into rooms.

03

Dressers on Display

Once sidelined by built-ins and walk-in closets, dressers are reclaiming their place as statement furniture. No longer just for storage, they’re becoming part of the room’s design story, styled with layered accents like ceramics, framed photos, and stacked books.

Ottawa-born comedian Julia Hladkowicz has brought her sharp wit to stages across North America, appearing on America’s Got Talent, Just For Laughs, and Netflix Is A Joke. She now lives in Los Angeles, performing, writing, and co-hosting her upcoming podcast Do Not Recline

In Conversation with

JULIA HLADKOWICZ

With

viral stand-up clips, a new

podcast on the horizon, and a return home for the holidays, comedian Julia Hladkowicz proves that laughter really does travel well.

BY CATHRYN WHEELER

She’s graced stages across North America, appeared on America’s Got Talent, Netflix, Just For Laughs, and Don’t Tell Comedy, and shared the spotlight (and the punchlines) with her husband, fellow comedian Matt O’Brien. But long before Julia Hladkowicz was making audiences laugh on international stages, she was a shy kid from Ottawa finding her voice as “the Chicken” in her elementary school play.

Growing up in the capital, Hladkowicz describes her childhood with signature wit. “Oh, you know, it was a typical Ottawa childhood,” she says. “Frolicking in the tulips, skating the canal, hanging out with government officials, rubbing elbows with politicians. Usual kid stuff.” Her love of performance took root early, nurtured by afternoons at Centrepointe Theatre, weekend trips to the ByWard Market with her mom, and summers spent knitting, gardening, and goofing around with her sister and grandparents. “I was actually a pretty shy kid,” she recalls, “but when I got a big laugh as the Chicken in Jack and the Beanstalk, it felt great. That was it for me.”

By high school, she was all in. Choosing Canterbury Arts High School over Glebe, Hladkowicz dove into drama, improv, and dance. “I had glasses, braces, and a perm,” she laughs. “So, I got funny. It was the only way.” When top theatre schools didn’t pan out, she pivoted, enrolling at Humber College for Comedy Writing

“It was a bummer, but that’s show biz baybeeeee. We’re married, competing against each other, on a reality TV show.

What more do ya want, eh?!”

and Performance at just 17. “I applied on a whim,” she says. “I can’t believe how young I was. But that’s where it all started.”

Her early days on stage were rough and glorious all at once. “I had confidence and quirk, but I was… not good,” she admits. “I didn’t know who I was as a human, let alone as a comedian.” Stage time at Toronto’s Spirits Bar & Grill and a warm welcome from the late Joanna Downey gave her the foundation she needed. She got better, earned a spot with Yuk Yuk’s, and began touring across Canada, “sometimes in clubs, sometimes in a hockey fundraiser at a poorly lit community centre.”

Recognition followed quickly. She was nominated for the “Fresh Meat” Award in honour of Tim Sims, performed on the legendary Bitch Salad showcases, and was embraced by Toronto’s queer comedy scene. Commercial work soon became her bread and butter, including two Lindt ads alongside tennis icon Roger Federer. “In 2015 I was a New Face at Just For Laughs,” she says, “and in 2016, I did my first TV taping. That year ended with a sold-out New Year’s Eve show at Massey Hall, then we packed up my dad’s old Mazda and drove to L.A. eight days later.”

That leap led her straight into the bright lights of America’s Got Talent . “Honestly, I wasn’t going to audition,” she says. “Then Matt got a showcase, and the booker asked if I wanted to do one too. I figured, why not?” The process was surreal, part spectacle,

part marathon. “It’s the only show where a comedian is competing against a nine-year-old singer or a 30-person dance crew from Berlin,” she laughs. “You’re just hanging out in a massive airplane hangar with everyone, trying to stay focused.”

She and Matt performed back-to-back, an unforgettable television moment. “I was freaking out a bit,” she admits. “Terry Crews is clutching my shoulders, a camera’s in my face, Matt’s killing it, and then it’s my turn. So I walked out and started twerking. To no music. I don’t know why, but it broke the tension.” Mel B’s immediate reaction was “I can already tell I like you,” and that set the tone. “She told me she loved me! I was obsessed with the Spice Girls growing up, so that was a full-circle dream moment.”

Despite both receiving four yes votes from the judges, neither advanced to the live shows. “It was a bummer, but that’s showbiz, baybeee,” she says, laughing. “We’re married, competing on reality TV, both get yes votes and standing ovations... what more do you want, eh?!”

Now based in Los Angeles, Hladkowicz continues to write, perform, and create. She and Matt recently faced off on Roast Battle Canada. “It’s nice being married to someone who fully understands this insane career,” she says. “We keep each other laughing. We make silly videos, run podcasts, and have a new one, Do Not Recline, coming before the end of the year.”

“One night my husband was snoring and I couldn’t sleep. I rolled over and wrote, ‘MEN SNORING IS THE PATRIARCHY,’ and that turned into one of my favourite jokes.”

Her comedy heroes range from Robin Williams—whom she met early in her career—to modern icons like Rory Scovel and Nikki Glaser. “I admire comics who are authentically themselves,” she says. “Nikki’s incredible, she writes nonstop and still finds time to lift up other comedians.” Her own material often stems from everyday life. “One night Matt was snoring, and I couldn’t sleep,” she says. “I wrote down, ‘MEN SNORING IS THE PATRIARCHY.’ That became one of my favourite jokes.”

Offstage, Hladkowicz credits her family for shaping her humour. “My mom’s hilarious without meaning to be, and my dad introduced us to plays and classic comedies like Airplane!,” she says. Diagnosed with ADHD later in life, she reflects that comedy became a natural outlet. “I always felt a bit ‘other,’ and humour was my way of fitting in.”

For those hoping to follow in her footsteps, she doesn’t sugarcoat it. “Don’t do it! It’s a trap,” she jokes. “But if you must, immerse yourself completely. Go to open mics, be nice to everyone, and don’t compare yourself. It’s a long road, so enjoy every minute.”

This December, she’s back in Ottawa for a one-night co-headline show with Matt O’Brien at Laugh Lounge on December 13th. “Flying around the holidays with our rescue chihuahua is stressful,” she laughs, “so we’re celebrating Christmas early this year.” Her perfect Ottawa holiday? “Fireplace roaring, Christmas tree sparkling, a glass of wine and a cheese plate, watching Christmas Vacation with family. There’s no better feeling than being snug as a bug in a rug when it’s cold outside.”

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Life. Beyond business.

Al’s Steakhouse: Aged to Perfection OTTAWA

When it comes to steak in Ottawa, some places transcend trend and, in doing so, they define it. Al’s Steakhouse has perfected the art of simplicity: expertly aged cuts, familiar faces, and an atmosphere where the rituals of dining remain unchanged.

Since opening its doors in 1967, Al’s Steakhouse has remained a family-owned institution—now operated by Al’s son, daughter, and grandson. Nearly six decades later, it continues to set the standard for Ottawa dining, known as the city’s first and longest-running steakhouse. Guests are welcomed like family into its lively, always-bustling atmosphere, where familiar faces fill the dining room seven days a week.

Serving up some of the city’s best steaks cooked over live charcoal, Al’s features certified Angus prime beef, fresh seafood, and timeless steakhouse sides. The in-house butcher ages and prepares each cut on-site, ensuring unmatched flavour and quality. With an award-winning wine list, complimentary parking, and a celebrated Happy Hour from 3–6 PM daily, it’s no wonder Al’s has been voted Ottawa’s Best Steakhouse four years running in The Ottawa Awards.

Day In The Life Of La Bottega Nicastro A

Six A.M. Time for Pat Nicastro to rise and enjoy his first espresso. After that, he dutifully ventures to the Byward Market-based groceteria and social hub proudly emblazoned with the family name. Many members of the staff are already there, prepping for another day in the life of La Bottega Nicastro, the hundredplus-year-old Italian food store Pat and first cousin Rocco Jr. converted into a combination fine food shop, café, lunch counter, and catering business in the chancy ‘90s.

“You don’t work for Pat and Rocco. You work with them.”

“Everybody who works here is great,” Pat informs the day’s first enthusiastic visitor: me. “Our job, Rocco and I, is essentially management. We hire the good people, then we give them the right tools: support, supplies, autonomy. If we do that right, they do their job right based on our example.”

A job accomplished with, to boot, a tremendous amount of pride and loyalty. While other food emporiums struggle with turnover, La Bottega Nicastro can boast of tenures from ten to thirty years. Yes, some employees are family, so there’s a vested interest - but many are there because, as Catering and Event Manager Larissa Beznaczuk-Smyrnew gratefully acknowledges, “You’re allowed to stay in your lane. They are always open to new ideas and they help make the vision happen,” the sunny one-time wine broker elaborates: “You don’t work for Pat and Rocco. You work with them.”

Giovanni “John” Adamo, La Bottega’s longtime cheese expert, arranges freshly cut wheels with the same care he’s shown for decades behind the counter.

And work hard. While Rocco joins Pat to look over the needs of the day, the worker bees are busily handling deliveries, kneading bread, and prepping the deli counter, to list but a few of the countless tasks that keep the shelves stocked, the bakery brimming, and the meats piled high.

After all, three sets of customers are about to rotate through 64 George Street: the early birds, the lunch trade, and the after-work crowd. On Friday nights, the one evening that the store stays open past 6 PM, it welcomes yet another demographic since they are also open for dinner. But whoever shows up, they’re all guaranteed two things: a plentiful supply of the Italian staples that they’re looking for (along with a few surprises) and an up-close-and-personal encounter with those who are minding the shop.

LA BOTTEGA

“What we carry and how we act,” says Pat, “is aimed at keeping our regulars happy and impressing first-timers.”

That aspiration starts with the inventory, determined over those early morning check-ins. Pat plays the enthusiast, Rocco Jr. the strategist. “We make a great team,” Rocco affirms. “That said,” adds Pat, “we also rely on in-house expertise, as well as our longtime suppliers and salespeople.”

“Our vision,” Rocco shares, “is to create the European shopping experience in Ottawa. In Europe, people buy food for the day or for the next few days - so it’s current, it’s quality. Plus, in Europe, food shopping is a social occasion.”

The boys know whereof they speak. They travel regularly to ancestral Calabria, scouting products sure to provide Ottawa with an authentic taste of Italy. The Nicastros are even investors in a number of olive groves, from which they produce the best-selling oil that bears their name, available in-store and at other select boutiques.

In-house, you’ll find it alongside other delectables like their homemade pasta sauces, in aisles that may be full with product, but are surprisingly easy to navigate. “Layout is extremely important,” Rocco details. “We have a saying: ‘You’re only as good as your store looks today.’”

And if you’re stuck at the office and can’t get away to their intimate lunch counter - run by Chef Rene Rodriguez, no less, the Top Chef Canada Season 4 winner and the guy who, in 2017, beat Bobby Flay - or to the adjacent deli where over 300 Italian sandwiches are made every day, no problem! La Bottega also runs a successful catering division accommodating lunchtime work sessions and corporate get-togethers.

BOTTEGA

“When you love what you do, the rest comes easy.”

Then, there are those closed-door affairs, everything from wine tutorials to cooking classes, hosted by Team Larissa.

Occupied as everybody is, though, nobody is complaining.

“When you love what you do,” longtime cheese authority Giovanni “John” Adamo says, “the rest comes easy.”

“The famously friendly fromager’s theory is proven when, their espresso cups empty, Pat and Rocco unlock the doors to greet the day’s inaugural customers. Pat immediately engages in small talk; Rocco unpacks incoming boxes; Larissa and her team deconstruct last night’s soiree while setting up the next one; Rene starts prepping his faithful grill; Giovanni wields a wedge from a wheel and adds it to the display of fresh cheeses that he treats like family.”

Una giornata nella vita di La Bottega Nicastro!

2026’S MOST ANTICIPATED TRENDS

LUXURY

IN COLOUR

Breaking the myth of “safe” shades, Lexus brings vibrancy to the luxury lane.

At Tony Graham Lexus, luxury steps beyond black, white, and grey, showcasing their bolder shades for 2026. Each colour captures a distinct mood, from energy to elegance, proving that Lexus is as expressive as it is refined.

Learn more at Tony Graham Lexus

The 2026 Lexus NX 350H

Colour: Grecian Water

The 2026 Lexus NX and NX Hybrid, with its confident design and advanced Lexus Interface technology, wears Grecian Water, a cool-toned metallic blue that shifts with the light. This vibrant shade evokes clarity and confidence, reflecting the NX’s balance of bold styling and intelligent innovation.

The 2026 Lexus IS 500 0H

The 2026 Lexus IS 500 commands attention in Flare Yellow, a vibrant, metallic finish that highlights every sculpted line of its provocative design. Agile and performance-driven, this bold hue evokes energy and exhilaration, perfectly matched to a sedan built to thrill.

The 2026 Lexus GX 550

Colour: Nori Green

The 2026 Lexus GX 550 blends rugged power with refined style, made even more striking in Nori Green Pearl. Shifting between deep green and golden hues, this distinctive finish evokes strength and sophistication; the perfect match for an SUV built to conquer trails with luxury and confidence.

The 2026 Lexus RX 500h 0H

Colour: Copper Crester

The 5th generation Lexus RX 500h F SPORT Performance makes a statement in Copper Crest, a lavish blend of copper, rose gold, and pink tones that turns every drive into an arrival. Powerful and dynamic, this radiant hue evokes sophistication and daring, reflecting the RX’s role as the boldest expression of Lexus luxury yet.

RESTORING CONFIDENCE

Dr. Sean Smith and The Ottawa Clinic are raising the bar for modern aesthetic medicine in Ottawa.

BY CATHRYN WHEELER PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICOLAI GREGORY

At The Ottawa Clinic, refinement begins long before the first incision. Under the leadership of Dr. Sean Smith, his practice has become a cornerstone of patient-focused plastic surgery in the capital, where precision, safety, and natural results take precedence over passing trends.

Dr. Smith’s philosophy is guided by both technical excellence and genuine empathy for his patients. A board-certified plastic surgeon and co-founder of The Ottawa Clinic, he operates at the Queensway Carleton Hospital, Almonte Hospital and Carleton Place Hospital, combining reconstructive expertise with aesthetic vision. For him, the goal is simple: to help patients feel like themselves again.

“Most of my patients just want to feel like themselves again,” he says. “They want to feel comfortable in their own skin after major life changes such as pregnancy, weight loss, or aging.”

Raised in Wakefield, Quebec, Dr. Smith grew up surrounded by both creativity and logic. His father taught physics, and his mother taught art. That mix of influences shaped his way of thinking and continues to guide his work today. After earning his medical degree and completing his plastic-

surgery residency at the University of Ottawa, he pursued advanced fellowships in aesthetic, breast, and craniofacial surgery at the University of British Columbia and The University of Ottawa, which included work at The Ottawa Hospital and the Children’s Hospital. He later returned to Ottawa to establish his practice and, in time, launch The Ottawa Clinic in Ottawa’s west end.

At his clinic, Dr. Smith focuses on helping patients reconnect with their confidence. “Each procedure is personalized to restore balance and harmony, and I’m always working to perfect my technique to deliver the most natural results possible,” he says. His practice offers a full range of surgical and nonsurgical treatments, including facial rejuvenation, breast surgery, and body contouring. Each plan is tailored to the individual, designed to achieve results that are subtle, natural, and long-lasting.

That patient-first mindset shapes every stage of care. Consultations at Dr. Sean Smith Plastic Surgery are unhurried and collaborative. Dr. Smith often spends an hour or more discussing a patient’s goals, reviewing 3D simulations with CRISALIX imaging software, and mapping out realistic outcomes. “Communication is everything,”

Dr. Sean Smith, BSc, MD, FRCSC, is a board-certified plastic surgeon at The Ottawa Clinic and operates at the Queensway Carleton Hospital, Almonte Hospital and Carleton Place Hospital. A University of Ottawa graduate and instructor, he completed fellowships in aesthetic, breast, and craniofacial surgery.

he explains. “If risks are too high or expectations aren’t realistic, we take a step back. Cosmetic surgery is elective, so there’s never a reason to proceed unless it’s safe and likely to deliver a satisfying result.”

At The Ottawa Clinic, where Dr. Smith serves as co-founder and co-director, collaboration is at the heart of the practice. “We’ve built a true team environment,” he says. “Our nurses not only support patients after surgery but also provide non-surgical treatments like injectables, lasers, and skincare. It’s a comprehensive model that ensures continuity of care.” With a highly compassionate and dedicated team of Patient Care Coordinators, the result is a seamless patient experience that feels professional, personal, and deeply supportive.

As a clinical instructor at the University of Ottawa’s Division of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Smith is equally committed to education. At the Queensway Carleton Hospital, he mentors residents in reconstructive procedures, providing hands-on experience in a realworld surgical setting. He also lectures at the University seminar series “Teaching keeps me sharp,” he says. “Explaining why you do something strengthens your own technique. Teaching reminds me why I love surgery.”

While technology and techniques continue to evolve, Dr. Smith believes the most significant shift in plastic surgery has been cultural. “The pendulum has moved away from overdone looks to refined, timeless enhancements,” he says. “When surgery is done well, it should be invisible. People should notice you look great without knowing why.”

“The pendulum has moved away from overdone looks to refined, timeless enhancements. When surgery is done well, it should be invisible. People should notice you look great without knowing why.”

He also cautions patients to approach cosmetic trends with care. “Injectables and energy-based treatments are often a great option for our patients, but not always,” he says. “Having board-certified professionals, cosmetic nurses and aestheticians under one roof ensures patients receive the right treatment for their goals, not just what’s popular online.”

Outside of surgery, Dr. Smith lives in Ottawa’s west end with his wife and two children. He finds balance through skiing, cycling, golf, and coaching young athletes. “Teaching them feels a lot like mentoring residents,” he says. “It keeps me grounded and reminds me that growth is a lifelong process.”

At its core, his philosophy remains simple and human. Whether reconstructing after trauma or refining through elective surgery, his purpose is the same: to restore confidence and comfort. “Every patient is unique,” he says. “My job is to understand their vision and help them see the best version of themselves.”

In a field often associated with transformation, Dr. Sean Smith and The Ottawa Clinic stand apart for their authenticity. Through a thoughtful mix of skill, compassion, and care, they continue to redefine what modern plastic surgery can be in Ottawa—measured, meticulous, and deeply human.

Dr. Sean Smith, co-founder of The Ottawa Clinic, pictured in the clinic’s main hallway. The practice has grown to include 6 consult rooms and 5 treatment rooms, providing fullspectrum aesthetic and reconstructive care.

FACES MAGAZINE

HEALTHY HOLIDAY SWAPS

Festive food doesn’t have to mean overdoing it. These swaps keep the spirit (and flavour) intact, minus the extra sugar and heaviness.

Swap Eggnog for Spiced Oat Milk or Nut Nog

Traditional eggnog can pack over 300 calories per cup. Swap it for a spiced oat or almond-based version; just as cozy, but lighter and dairy-free. Warm it on the stove with cinnamon sticks and a touch of maple for holiday flair.

Swap Peppermint Mocha for Cacao Mint Tea or Oat Milk Cocoa with Peppermint Oil

That coffee shop peppermint mocha can sneak in over 400 calories and 50g of sugar. For a cozy, cleaner option, try unsweetened cacao tea with fresh mint—or make a homemade oat milk hot chocolate with a drop of food-grade peppermint oil and a sprinkle of cinnamon. You’ll still get the festive flavour, minus the sugar spike.

Swap Christmas Cookies for Almond Flour Thumbprints or Dark Chocolate Bark

Trade buttery, refined flour cookies for almond flour thumbprints sweetened with honey or a festive bark made with dark chocolate, pistachios, and cranberries. Satisfying, seasonal, and easy to gift.

InSpirits

Revisiting the world’s most enduring cocktail.

THE BASE

Rye whiskey was the original choice: spicy, assertive, built for conversation. Bourbon brings roundness, while Canadian whisky adds a touch of restraint. Modern bartenders sometimes blend both, chasing the balance between heat and honey. “The Manhattan is a dialogue between the spirit and the vermouth,” says Elliot Crane, bar director. “The whiskey should lead, but not dominate.”

The Manhattan, Perfected

A Closer Look at the Cocktail That Defined New York City.

The Manhattan, dark, direct, and unapologetically adult, is a mood as much as a drink. Born in the 1880s at New York’s Manhattan Club, it’s a cocktail that has aged as well as the spirits inside it: equal parts style and precision.

THE VERMOUTH

Sweet vermouth is not a background player. Carpano Antica offers richness and vanilla warmth, while Cocchi di Torino adds herbal depth. It must always be refrigerated and used within a month. Flat vermouth is the silent killer of a good Manhattan.

THE RATIO

The golden rule of two parts whiskey to one part vermouth is only a starting point. The “Perfect Manhattan” splits the vermouth evenly between sweet and dry, creating something cleaner and less heavy. A dash of Angostura or orange bitters ties it together, though some bartenders use both for complexity.

THE GARNISH

The cherry is not optional. Skip the bright red maraschino and opt for a Luxardo or Amarena. For a more aromatic finish, a lemon twist expressed over the surface completely changes the opening note.

THE

GLASS

The glass defines the Manhattan’s tone. Served up in a chilled coupe, it’s elegant and precise, allowing the drink’s aromatics to rise cleanly. On the rocks, the same cocktail becomes more contemplative, its edges softened by slow dilution. The glass signals intent: stemmed glass for ceremony, heavy tumbler for reflection.

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Numbers By The

Research-backed hacks to boost life and work.

Phubbing: The Silent Relationship Killer

Recent studies show that “phubbing,” or ignoring your partner to look at your phone, can quietly erode relationship satisfaction. In one study of more than 500 adults, those who experienced more partner phubbing also reported greater loneliness and lower overall happiness. Other research has found that being phubbed can trigger feelings of rejection, lower self-esteem, and reduce trust between partners. Over time, these small moments of distraction add up, leading to a noticeable decline in relationship quality and life satisfaction.

Talking to AI: More Than Tasks

A growing body of research suggests that conversations with AI are no longer just about convenience and more about connection. In a 2025 study of 527 users of the voice-based mental-health chatbot Clare®, 35% said they expected emotional support, 32% used it to express feelings, and over a third admitted to preferring AI because it helped them avoid embarrassment in face-to-face conversations.

Among teens, the numbers tell a similar story. Common Sense Media’s Talk, Trust and Trade-Offs report found that 72% of teens have used an AI companion, with 30% citing entertainment as their main reason, 28% naming curiosity, and 33% saying they’ve discussed serious or personal matters with an AI instead of a person.

The data reveal a quiet drift toward digital intimacy, one that might make us more comfortable with machines, but less connected to each other.

Emotional Stability, Not IQ, is the Best Predictor of Career Success

A long-term Harvard study tracking hundreds of professionals found that emotional stability is a stron ger predictor of career success than intelligence. Researchers discovered that individuals who re mained calm under pressure, man aged stress effectively, and main tained steady moods were more likely to earn higher salaries and advance in their careers than those with higher IQ scores. The findings suggest that traits like self-control, adaptability, and resilience matter more than raw intellect when it comes to long-term achievement and leadership potential.