Eat This! Drink That!

Napa Valley College is Paul Wagner's principal place to talk wine and wine education. He also teaches in Europe and across the world.  In this episode he shares the effects of the 2 fires on 2020 harvest.  With over 600 wineries he has his finger on the pulse of what goes on across this AVA.  

I interviewed Rick McCutcheon multiple times in the barely 2 years since Ricky Lee's fired up the grill.  His 12 burger options are built from a strong foundation:  quality ground steak triple A beef.  COVID has had an impact on all restaurants and Ricky Lee's takeout has continued to serve customers throughout.  McCutcheon took calculated steps in expanding both inside seating and a fresh patio, while maintaining speed of service and quality of product.  Winner of 2019 "Best Burger" during Burger Wars for the "Proud Canadian" they also offer poutine and surprisingly large menu choices.  

Fatigue has huge impact on QOL.  Seems we all cut corners on sleep.  WorkSafe BC researcher and specialist Heather Kahle talks about the potential for injury, the threat to others, the impact in the workplace and even effects on the commute.  The signs of fatigue are not always so easy to read and often are recognized too late.  Listen along to learn more about the effects of COVID on the quality and quantity of sleep we need to be functional and have an enjoyment of life.

Rick Guthrie, Executive Director of the Elk Lake Eco Centre is justifiably proud of the grounds, buildings and operations at this centre.  The ability to host retreats, support outdoor learning and eco-tourism is captured in the architecture and very well appointed lodgings.  Rick speaks on the history of the property and all its current attributes.  

Del Rollo's job is leading the industry and government relations, and effecting policy and regulations for the 21st century. After years at the Four Season as a wine buyer he has - for the last two decades - worked for a large wine organization that includes the well known Jackson Triggs label.  But here we talk more about the broad strokes across the industry; how it has evolved and where it is going.  Del has been on the Board at Niagara College and this year takes on a more senior role.  

Guest Ashley Campeau describes the trails and pathways that make up Rainbow Routes.  We also talk about the 2nd annual Camino Challenge that is an homage to the true Camino.  If you want to put one foot in front of the other and explore urban, suburban, and wilderness the Rainbow Routes, Lake Laurentian, and a section of the Great Trail go to their website (download some maps) and then go exploring.  

What could you do to help community?  Well, you could write a cookbook.  Not just any cookbook.  Colin Beadle of Thunderbird shares the story of the efforts of his colleagues at Atomic Cartoons.  The full value of the sales goes to support a Vancouver food program.  The first run of 1000 copies is selling fast.  You read about it in the Globe and Mail, now tune in here to learn more.   

The Keasts are owners of the twin and adjacent stores that make up Regency Wine and Flowers.  Located In Sudbury on Lorne Street (not their original location!) not far from the Beef 'N Bird this tag team couple of Jennifer and Ron do improve clients' quality of life.  Ron runs the ferment-on-premise, while Jen attends to floral requests from a diversity of needs: weddings, Valentine's, graduation, funerals.   Join Hugh as he learns about the what and when of giving flowers.  

Embracing the "Active Transportation" model Mayor of Sudbury, Ontario Brian Bigger has launched his Velomobile onto the region's streets (and highways).  If you spot a white rocket (with blue pinstripes) in your neighbourhood it has to be Brian.  A Velomobile is basically a recumbent bicycle with a aerodynamic faring that encloses the rider.  This one is totally human powered!  This talk with Brian shares his passion for the concept.   

Using the telephone effectively has likely been discussed since Bell called "Mr. Watson, come here; I want you"! The telephone may have changed and become untethered  from hardwired world, but how you answer, what the voicemail says and offers, and how it integrates with other systems is 21st century.   Linda Hunter Business Sales Executive, Rogers Authorized Dealer, Beyond Wireless talks about messaging, remaining current and correct, and general presentation in both personal and business life.

I got to meet Dawn at the Sudbury Symphony Orchestra where she cut her teeth managing a organization in transition.  She describes her tenure and what she has moved on to after the SSO.  Reluctantly (but successfully) she has returned to the world of musical entertainment/education/enlightenment covering a succession of maternity leaves in the TSO administrative team.  

The first urban farm for Sudbury addresses a number of opportunities.  Hugh talks with those connected with growing food and also the program leaders.  This team engaged with youth at risk to connect them with the soil - plus healthy food - and positive choices.  MPP Jamie West reflects on what it was like growing up in the neighbourhood, how re-vegetation has greened the entire landscape, and the value of programs like this one. 

I knew Jeff Hundertmark back in Ontario when he worked at Marynissen Estates and other properties.  An outstanding winemaker he headed west and joined Mt. Boucherie as they changed and grew.  Jeff talks about the differences and similarities  between the provinces' growing regions.  

Executive Director at Community Radio Fund of Canada / Fonds canadien de la radio communautaire Alex Freedman shares his passion for radio as a way to distribute information and stitch communities together.  In "news deserts"  community radio is the only media platform and must be encouraged to not just survive but to thrive.  The backbone for all stations are the cadres of dedicated volunteers who invest untold hours in producing content.  Alex celebrates that programs often deep-dive into topics - such a contrast to the clips and sound bites of mainstream media - by taking the time to fully explore and dialogue.  In the changing Canadian demographic landscape on campuses, within linguistic/cultural groups - and geographically - radio has a significant role to play even in 2020.  Join Alex as he talks about community radio's past, present, and future. 

He tells me he has tasted over 70 different kinds of dogs.  Grant Trayner is fast becoming a connoisseur, an aficionado, and expert on what make a good dog.  This is just pure fun and like any quest it is likely never to end... or is there the best of the best just waiting out there for him to discover?  That TOP DOG that is "Best IN Show"!   

With Bob Blumer's newest cookbook "Flavour Bomb" set to launch on the 20th of October it was time to talk food, food trends, and food future.  This Canadian food personality has seen the ground shift on what we buy, what we prepare, and what we eat.  When it come to food Bob even goes after Guinness records.   "Bob Blumer was the host of Food Network's The Surreal Gourmet, Glutton for Punishment, and World's Weirdest Restaurants. He is also a cook book author and illustrator. Blumer was born and raised in Montreal, Quebec, but now resides in Los Angeles, California. Bob serves as an Ambassador to Second Harvest in Toronto spreading the word about food rescue and hunger relief."  - from Wikipedia

Want to know more about locally 100% grass fed local beef?  Enjoy these interviews with members of the family at Dalew Farms.

Want to know the future of this country? Ask Darrell Bricker of Ipsos.  He utilizes the census data and makes informed predictions concerning more than the next 5 years.  How will our aging population deal with quality of life and what decisions will we make about housing, education, policies, and purchases? Join me as Darrell discusses his most recent book NEXT. 

The Decanter Wine Awards is an annual event where thousands (maybe 10s of thousands) of wines are evaluated, scored, and awarded medals:  "Now in its 16th year, the Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) is the world's largest and most influential wine competition. Judged by the top wine experts from around the globe, the DWWA is trusted internationally for its rigorous judging process."  Andrew Jefford is a judge.  He lives in the south of France and writes for a wide spectrum of news platforms (he also writes and contributes to books) on topics from spirits to port.   Here is what Robert Parker said of Andrew Jefford: “One of my favorite wine journalists, and a guy who is up in the top echelon with Matt Kramer and Jancis Robinson….Andrew Jefford, has an exceptionally fair and balanced piece on the free Decanter magazine website called….”Wither Tasting Notes”….most people would think this goes to the heart and soul of many wine magazines, blogs, etc. but he ,as he usually does, analyzes it in

CARP member Jack Decorby shares the story of a bicycle accident and his subsequent hospitalization.  Now in recovery and rehabilitation we talk about the process and his experiences in healthcare during COVID.  Jack and Joyce volunteer extensively in the community including 12 years of engagement with NOSM (the Northern Ontario School of Medicine) where he is a standardized patient partaking in role/case presentation of scenarios to doctors in training.  Naturally, we include dialogue on quality of life!