BizBeat
BY MORRI
MOSTOW
Tools to treasure for Father’s Day
Looking for that special Father’s Day’s gift? Then check out the 18th and 19th century antique tools on display until June 18 in the window of Golden Swan Antiques, in Knowlton. These unusual wood-and-iron hand tools, with evocative names like “cooper’s chamser knife” and “curved froe,” were all used in the making of wooden barrels or buckets. Each tool comes with a label describing its use and approximate period. Prices range from $55 to $275.
“These tools are highly collectible and would be of special interest to woodworkers,” says owner Gail Gibbs, who has a done a themed tool display every Father’s Day since opening her store three years ago. Golden Swan is one of the few dealers in the area that carry antique tools. In addition to this special collection of barrel-making tools, she also sells more generic tools, like planes, hammers and levels, all year long.
Golden Swan Antiques, 305 Knowlton Road. Open six days a
week from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Tuesdays). call (450) 242-2946.
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Camlen was a big hit at the Toronto International Home Furnishings Show in early June. Its line of fine, pine antique-style furniture attracted 15 new customers, mostly retail stores and interior decorators, from across the country. The company is doing so well at tradeshows — orders doubled after their first exposure in 2000 — that it plans to attend its first U.S. tradeshow next year. Its catalogue of quality, handmade antique reproductions includes such modern additions as computer cabinets and entertainment units, sized for today’s equipment but with the authentic look of old-style pine armoires.
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RoCoCo, the high-fashion designer outlet owned by Anita and Jacques Laurent, is in the process of moving from 109 Lakeside to 299 Knowlton Road, a building they purchased with L’Emporium du Village owners Peter and Roxanne Stasney. Their adjoining stores will soon be accessible from inside. The building was formerly owned by Peter Marsh, who has moved his Stuart Realties office across the street.
“We’re thrilled to be in such a prime location and in such a beautiful old building,” says Anita Laurent, a former fashion model, who moved to Knowlton with her French photographer husband, Jacques, 12 years ago. The mezzanine of the new store will soon feature a photo gallery, where he will display and sell his work. The couple also owns a second RoCoCo shop in Aurora, Ont.
Laurent’s collection of French, German, Dutch, Danish and Finnish women’s clothing at wholesale prices attracts regular customers to Knowlton from New York City, Boston and Toronto. The next few weeks will be a transition period, as the new store stocks its fall lines and the old store puts its stock on sale.
Watch for RoCoCo’s clearance sale at 109 Lakeside
Road, Knowlton, and the opening of the new store at 299 Knowlton Road, next week,
renovations permitting. Call (450) 243-6948.
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There’s always something new and epicurean on the menu at Virgo
Catering. The shop recently began carrying Highwater Deer products: a terrine with
hazelnuts, smoked sausage, and médaillons filets perfect for broiling. These delicacies
are sometimes featured at the Knowlton Pub’s popular Monday night pasta bar and
Sunday brunch, both prepared by chefs extraordinaires Virgo Romano and assistant
René Savage.
Traiteur Virgo Catering, 255 Knowlton Road, Knowlton.
Call (450) 243-0834
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The Knowlton Pub’s menu just got bigger and better thanks to Virgo Romano, who also oversees the Pub’s food services when he is not running Virgo Catering across the parking lot.
Bistro Knowlton Pub, 267 Knowlton Road, Knowlton. Call
(450) 242-6862
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