Eat This! Drink That!

The pleasure of seeing Lisa grow her audience and influence has reflected a rising awareness of the importance of "health" in our work and personal lives.  Over this last decade she has shared a message of hopefulness and wellness.  As individuals and corporations we have begun to acknowledge that health & safety, and health & hapiness are so important to vitality and longevity.  Join this conversation that touches on both the past and current impact of COVID, and how we can seek and find joy in out lives. 

Locally sourced ingedients - including caccao - from the estate of Lars Soderstrom combined with exotic Spice Islands flavours and this story could just be about the end result; a product.  Lars shares more from his perspective as an entreprenneur and - of course - we talk quality of life!

Visits to California are usually punctuated by exclamation marks.  In this case a stay in a home in the middle of its own vineyard is the bonus.  The interview with Rafael Maldonado explores their family history, the story of the home and the cultivation of the vines.  Mostly planted with Syrah Rafael describes his wine-making journey with enthusiasm and - as we know - with any real estate, location is key: his east and west aspects are also different drainage and soil types.  Come with me to just outside Solvang, in the Santa Inez Valley, and meet Maria and Rafael. 

Located in the Food Court at Elm Place Sudbury this is quite a gem.  I was delighted to be able to interview Mohammad Abdollahzadeh who is chef/owner.  Very good food for take-out.  Amazing flavours.  

There is hope the Pandemic is on decline.  Sleep was disturb when we entered - the disruption of schedules was part of this - and over the last 18 months we formed new patterns.  Now new anxiety from return-to-work, return-to-school, and return-to-travel, is again condensing sleep, changing sleep, altering behaviours.  Dr. Katharina Lederle shares her expertise in the field of sleep, fatigue in general, talks about her updated book "Sleep Sense" and proposes ways to realign to changing circumstances.  

You know Cara's Convenience on Lorne for the great sandwiches, pick-up pastas, and subs.  Originally Cara's Rocket Luncher was out at events, activities, exhibitions... you know "have wheels, will travel." Well COVID put an end to all that.  Now on site at 1055 Lorne the Rocket Luncher is transformed from a deli on wheels to burgers, fries, poutine, pogos and more.  Yes, even hard ice-cream.  Starting August 9th Pickerel will be featured on the menu.  Julien tells us all about plans for the rest of summer 2021. 

Dr. Katharina Lederle's specialty is the analysis of sleep and fatigue.  She delivers workshops on what to do to counteract sleep disturbance and deprivation.  Her book "Sleep Sense" is available at Amazon, Indigo and other online retailers.   Over the last few years Dr. Kat has appeared on this show and podcast, but now with COVID-19 her thoughts on sleep, and sleep hygiene are even more valuable.

Catherine Schmuck started her career on ships.  She "graduated" from short-order to head chef on tankers and freighters sailing the Great Lakes and east coast.  2 decades on the land running her own Creperie on the slopes of Mt. Tremblant she now has returned to the water.  The cookbook features reliable recipes that you can replicate dependably.  Listen to Catherine tell how the book developed and, yes, the photography is done by her too.  Google Ship to Shore Chef or type www.shiptoshorechef.com to pre-order

Despite the Pandemic you can still make the most important donation: The Gift of Life.  Canadian Blood Services invites you to sign-up and turn out.  They have protocols in place. The need for blood products continues.  Please consider donating. 

Inspired by the then Art Gallery of Ontario featured exhibition on French Impressionism Executive Chef Renée Bellefeuille created another spectacular menu. I had a chance to attend a 2019 event featuring Mexican plates in honour of Guillermo del Toro Gómez and knew this would be another must-attend memorable evening.  Pre-COVID it was nothing to catch the 4:00 to Toronto and arrive in time for appetizers and sparkling.  An homage to six Michelin Star decorated Eugénie Brazier (1895 – 1977) of  Lyon each dish was both simple and complex.  This recording captures some of the excitement as well as a fulsome conversation with Chef Renée.  

Jamie Lunn, Public Awareness Officer with the War Amps shares her story and the value of the War Amps program to any amputee. 2021 marks the 75th anniversary of The War Amps Key Tag Service. To date, more than 1.5 million sets of lost keys have been returned to their owners.  If you do not receive key tags, you can order them at waramps.ca or call toll-free at 1-800-250-3030.

I've been wanting to "podcastize" (it is a word?) this interview with Gary Eberle for some time.  Not everything from the broadcast makes it to this more permanent platform, but this needed to be.  Gary talks about his wine epiphany and how he left one PhD program to join another.  His interest in grape growing/winemaking advanced at UC Davis and led him to Paso. Land was $50 and acre and it was a frontier. Syrahs, big Cabs are now the trademark of his skills. There's lots more to the portfolio. Come along for the ride in part 1 of potentially 3 episodes exploring Eberle Wines and the man who helped put Paso on the map.

Meghan Brazil speaks on the how the automotive sales arena has become more transparent and less adversarial.  Meghan is a sales professional at Sault Ste. Marie's Great Lake Honda and provides listeners with insight into how she can help customers determine the right vehicle, the right options, the right payment choice.  Everything from the latest gadgets,  to absolute necessities (like heated seats and steering wheels in Northern Ontario), Meghan shares her opinions on cabin comfort and colour choices.  Come along for the ride!

What brought Jonathan Pinto to Sudbury and what are his initial impressions?  I had to ask him this and more.  Not exactly his first winter in the 705 as he grew up in Peterborough, but after 8 years in Windsor this has to be a change.  He's loving it!  His family has embraced being here too.  Listen to this episode and find out why.  

It's likely the way of the future.  Wine came in bottles and then tetra bricks, then bladders in boxes, and now cans.  Oli from the Copper Crew talks about his company's South African wine-in-can portfolio.  "Empire of Booze" author Henry Jeffreys joins in with his perspective on supermarket wines and products that really leave you wondering "did it come from a can?"

Opening at 5:30 am Cara's sandwich bar is a popular spot for workers of all sorts.  I often stop here on my way to the mines to be in time to catch the cage.  There are regulars in the line-up.  They know Cara's will build them not just a beautiful sandwich, but a masterpiece.  This is the meeting of quality and quantity.  Oh Yah!  These are big.  I speak with Cara's husband Julien Marleau about the history and what's on the menu. It is hard not to order my regular Rueben - because I love it so much - and try the rest of the choices, but no matter what you choose you won't be disappointed. 

I interviewed Veronica Desjardins in the time between lockdowns and Grey Zone rules.  Veronica educated me on the history of the Towne House - especially since her family's involvement beginning in 1978 - and how it became a legendary live music hub.  Of course during these times, no performances happen, but their little kitchen is pumping out some great food.  Scanning the menu there are amazing burgers, hand-cut fries, poutine, and a good selection of salads and sharables. Despite what the audio says it is take-out only at this time folks.  

There is that moment when you eat something and joy happens.  Can a bagel deliver that?  As Northern Ontario's only bagel bakery, you have to step in and breathe deeply. You know the flavour and texture will be heavenly. Salty Dog Bagel's Justin Sawchuk shares the story of the first days of baking, the attendance of the local farmers' market, and then opening of a bricks and mortar location.  

Jason Heaton has a passion for smoking things.  His restaurant in the south end of Sudbury has ribs, sausages, chicken skewers, wings and more.  I picked up a meat tray and was blown away by the brisket.  House-made beans, a special sauce coleslaw, a salad... and you have a meal for many.  His menu of course has many other options from poutine to pulled pork sandwiches.  Eating in house there are 8 taps, and a broad selection of bourbon.  You just have to have a Jones Soda to go with the feast!  

Bon Vivant Shawn Soole is  the master of cocktails.  He knows ingredients, the players, and excels in the client experience.  He has been a guest here in 2019 on the launch of book number two.  With his third book completed we talk about the explosion of British Columbia distilleries and the future of the spirits industry across Canada.