Eat This! Drink That!

Now from her permanent studio overlooking the French River Laurie Cochrane puts her mind and spirit into stunning paintings. Come along and listen as she discribes the colours, formats, and content of art that just pleases the soul of those from northern Ontario. Wispy bent white pines may be stereotypic, but they are so comforting... you can almost hear the wind singing in their needles.

He has worked as a line cook, he has done work camps, he has years of experience in food preparation and presentation; meet Sylvain. His passion project is to address food insecurity in the French River area. Listen along and be captivated by his passion.

Hugh Kruzel interviews Kaitlin Fong about her online platform, Dine Find, which helps people with dietary restrictions find suitable restaurants. Kaitlin, who has gluten and dairy allergies, and her co-founder, who is vegetarian and egg-free, are creating an app to address the challenges of dining out with dietary restrictions. Dine Find launches on May 15 with a website, offering features like a directory, blog, and restaurant recommendations. They plan to expand to help all Canadian and will of course target cities like Toronto early. Kaitlin has won pitch competitions, securing additional funding for her venture. The platform aims to promote inclusive dining and support local businesses.

Hugh Kruzel and Daniel Clarke discussed the challenges of elder care, focusing on the differences between long-term care and retirement homes. Daniel highlighted the need for proactive planning, noting that 50,000 people in Ontario are waiting for long-term care beds. He emphasized the importance of tailoring care to individual needs, including cultural and linguistic preferences. Daniel's platform, Elderado, helps families find suitable elder care options by providing detailed information on 1,400 homes in Ontario. They also touched on the emotional and logistical challenges of moving elderly family members, particularly in terms of maintaining community connections and addressing spousal reunification issues.

Come along and meet Shiv. Hardworking this young entrepreneur is carving out a piece of his own following. From 8 am to midnight his family's food truck offers authentic flavours and great value. Following his father's recipes you just know you are in for a taste adventure. Soon as you drive along the Kingsway in Sudbury there will be two unique menus and with warming weather some outdoor seating... Indian Masala is a destination!

Chefs Rob Ruthart and Kris Roszel have teamed up to do a menu that is more than their exceptional soup and bread. Rob does lovely loaves crusted with corn meal, while Kris takes traditional soup recipes and explores how they can be expressed in novel and exciting ways. The choices also include some super tasty melts - like the extra garlicy Vampire Slayer - and an all-day breakfast. Watch chalkboard for daily specials and be delighted.

The ice storm is over, the snow is melting, and the sap is running. This weekend (April 5 and 6) you should visit SucrerieSéguin Sugarbush. There will be taffy, and of course maple syrup for sale. See the landscape and embrace this spring tradition. Bring your rubber boots!

Here's a conversation with Susan Levesque about the future downtown art gallery. Susan is fundraising for this project and speaks about the value of the gallery to residents and visitors, the location, and its 20,000 sq ft, 5 floor presence in Tom Davies Square.

Edmonton was a happening place in the wild west of the 70s and 80s. Masha Krupp showed up on the scene and became the coat check girl at The Point After. This interview takes place at the launch of her book on the stars of hockey and football who showed up at The Point for dinner, drinks and dancing.

Let's talk with Richard Barlow about the Habitat for Humanity's ReStore. Richard is the manager and definitely passionate about what this resale venue offers all kinds of people. As we talk and walk about the store it is apparent this is not someone's junk. There are treasures to be found, and as everything that comes in is a donation, prices are super accessible. Visit and be surprised by the selection.

Okay, you don't have to go halfway 'round the world to talk about wine... you can just cue up this episode. Kritian Kielmayer knows about wine! Not just Hungarian vineyards and bottles, but the broad european landscape. I had the good fortune to sit and listen to his words on wine at the Kimpton BEM in the fall of 2024. He has buckets of passion for this industry and the enjoyment of what starts out as grapes... and becomes so much more.

With a broad repertoire - at his fingertips - Nicolas Kilhoffer is one with the keyboards. I had the good fortune of hearing (and watching) him play at St. Peter and St. Paul's Anglican Church in Esquimalt. Studying piano at 7 he taught himself the organ at 10 and by 2017 was enrolled the Conservatoire in Strasbourg. This 22 year old can make the pipes sing. He has now returned to France after travel to Canada (studying at UVic), Hawaii, and teaching in Nairobi.

Black and white images of couples, colour photos of dancers, a fully kitted out studio... Michael Kaiser is ready for you on-site, or out in the landscape of your choice. His wedding photos are remarkable and timeless. There is an inventiveness and playful nature to what he produces. Join me for a conversation with this professional on what photography and photographic memories can do for your quality and enjoyment of life.

I wanted to know more about the use of AI in some current research and applications. Over coffee at Salute - here in Sudbury - Augustin Marks de Chabris outlined his Master's thesis work on potential efficencies using AI in the underground/mining environment. Naturally we talked about robotics, cybersecurity, and the future. I found Augustin optimistic and at the same time very aware of the hestitancy by many in the adoption of new technologies. In all a very topical and fascinating conversation.

Family photos, documents, memories... the Koivu family has preserved their history. In late 2024 I went to visit with them and look through albums and be listen to stories. George was 99 then, and this was the first year he had missed being present at a Remembrance Day ceremony. Two weeks later daughter Kathy texted me to share that their Dad was gone. Mentionned in one article, featured in another I now covered his memorial service at the local (Chelmsford) Legion. This episode is a tribute to a life lived well.

Ryan and I have been wanting to do an episode of QOL together for years. And finally... we did it! Ryan's motto is "If you have a dream, don't let anything stop you," and you can add "Dream big, work harder," to that philospohy. His store on Lasalle is just filled with great messages. Come along and listen to how Ryan's positivity is infectuous.

Want to know more about plans for the new central library? CEO and Chief Librarian Brian Harding walks me through the decision-making and process of relocating the central library. We talk broadly and specifically about everything from cost, to how this is an opportunity to express new and best practices in service delivery. Accessibility, use of natural light, investment in literacy are but three of the areas we touch on.

I visited with Melissa and Lisa to see what they have created on Regent Street in Sudbury. Adjacent to The Nickel Refillery this cute space offers guests and place to hang out. Not only is there great coffee (and teas) but handmade vegan and vegetarian soups and sandwiches. Here we have a conversation about their entreprenneurial journey and what's on the menu.

What was once a tonic to soothe the emperor came a drink that can be called a digestif. The Italians call this alcoholic beverage amaro, and Germans magenlikor. The history of the Zwack family and the unfolding of the political and economic landscape of Hungary are parallel stories. Take the tour and understand the ingredients and aromatics that make up this unique product line. Many thanks to Szabados Olivér for the conversation at Uniucm Ház in Budapest.

In this episode of QOL we visit with Sue Scherzingerat Gourmet World. From cold cuts to cheese, and chocolates to cookies, this is the place to go for all kinds of European goodies. Yes, I think you can do all your holiday shopping right here! There are always sandwiches (served with a snappy Knax pickle) and soup for a satisfying lunch. Let's explore the aisles and show cases with Sue and see the house-made cakes and desserts. Check out their website to see it all: www.gourmetworld.ca