Eat This! Drink That!

A landmark for breakfast on the Sudbury map, Jak's has been here for more than 3 decades. Drawing in people on the road to work, or families on the weekends, this is both on your way and a destination.  Chris is the new owner, and he is not messing with the success of this place.  Menu has all the favourites and only minor tweaks have been instituted to reflect 2020.  His Mom makes pies!  I have yet to try her Pecan Pie.  Listen along as Chris shares how this - his first venture from the back-of-house - entrepreneurial journey has been just the right thing at the right time.   

I worked for Laurel back one or a few decades back.  Her company, Propeller, advances the awareness and supports sales growth for the Wines of South Africa (WOSA) in Canada.  There is great value in wines from this "old world" wine region as well as exciting flavours and traditional noble grape varieties.  If you are unfamiliar with Chenin Blanc or are looking for bang for your buck check out wines from South Africa.

Can you recall the first time you tasted something new?  I think many of us can.  I believe my first experiences with Hummus was 40 years ago on Bloor Street in Toronto.  Like so many taste adventures it was illuminating.  We asked "why have I not had this before?" It was a very good question.  Canadians were waking up to global cuisine!  For Deke Zaher Hummus has always been a part of his world, his diet, his cultural identity.  Zaher's Small Batch has become a Sudbury staple.  You can buy it at grocery stores, and certainly at his shop on Elgin near MacKenzie streets has all the flavours.  Locally made, fresh, and preservative free his product line has names like Number 13, Baba Mia, and Sunshine.  Passionate and ever so enthusiastic Deke shares his story of transformation and desire for awareness and inclusion.  

CEO Alain Desmeules of ewool shares the story of growing up and facing Canadian winter in Chicoutimi.  It's six months of slush, cold, and snow for most of us.  How to be warm and stay warm is sometimes a challenge. It can crush your enjoyment of the beauty of the season! Sure layers are part of the solution, but what if there was a technology that could answer the call.   Frustrated and disappointed by what was on the market Alain developed and launched ewool's  Powerful Heated Wearables into the world of exploration, cold weather work... and provided a solution to the "I hate winter" mantra of Canadians coast to coast to coast. 

I grew up with birch trees, rocky shores, and the smell of wood smoke from the sauna.  Allan at  Kangas Saunas shares his perspectives on the values and methodology of enjoying a sauna.  This business has been open since 1968 and serves not only the Finnish and Nordic community (a significant proportion of the Thunder Bay demographic), but even travelers passing through northwestern Ontario along the Trans-Canada highway.   

This program's ideas of a hotel alternative as a place to stay is transferable world-wide.  I don't know why there aren't more hostels like this across our country.  Holly Watson has hIt on the perfect blend of personal space,  common space, and genuine hospitality.  It is more than the sum of its ingredients!  From welcome to good-bye, my stay in Thunder Bay was uplifted by each time I walked down the street and  opened the door at The Haven.  Holly and her staff (a nod to the ever present helpfulness and engagement of Hanuman) plus "Boss" -  the house dog friend - have made this a true Haven!  

"The Hunter Chef Cookbook" by Chef Hunter celebrates the geography and bounty of Canada from coast to coast to coast.  With landscape photography by Michael Hunter and images of plates by Jodie Shapiro this is only one of about 4 books that have explored this topic.  Jeremy Charles  of St John's feature restaurant  Raymonds "Wildness: An Ode to Newfoundland and Labrador" is also in this category.  Michael Hunter is Chef at Antler in Toronto.  The book contains not only stunning photos and amazing recipes, but a how-to butchery guide.  I catch up with Michael as he is readying for a Moose hunt beyond Timmins in the fall of 2020.

Owners Chad and Dave have had years of fun running M.I.C.  Located on the N.E. corner of Falconbridge Road at the Kingsway this Sudbury eatery is local and independent.  Menu driven by desire to capture "what is Canadian?" and decor too celebrates our history.  Did I mention that they have a Whiskey Pub that has 99.9% of all Canadian brands?

Sometimes it is so difficult to encapsulate what an episode is about.  You think you are going to talk about gift baskets and then you discover social and ecological questions... and so much more.  Saul Brown attended the Bainbridge School and while earning his MBA did each of his assignments with the express goal of furthering a business idea.  Follow this entrepreneur's journey and you will understand his encouragement of supporting social enterprises, his use (reuse) of shipping materials, and his pursuit of authentic and meaningful gifting.  www.itsaulgood.com   offers unique curated boxes/baskets are filled with artisan created treats from Canadian suppliers.  https://www.itsaulgood.com/ will get you right on their webpage.

Amy Henson, and Bruce Doran of Sudbury's Science North share information and enthusiasm for Hands Only CPR.  Sign up to learn how to potentially increase the likelihood of helping someone's  survival from Cardiac Arrest.  An uncomplicated methodology and straightforward learning will be delivered by ZOOM in November 2020, and in January and February (Heart Month) of 2021.  One of the session will be en francais.!  

I speak with Kelsey Cutinello her newest venture The Shawarma Shop on Lasalle in New Sudbury.  Inspired by traditional Lebanese food there is a definite adherence to authenticity with a fresh approach to everything from decor to delight!  Think Shawarmas and Falafels 2.0

The art of Franklin Carmichael is explored in a now available exhibition.  From the holdings at AGS and the family of Franklin Carmichael these pieces display to creative process.  Often "unfinished" these paintings share an enthusiasm for the landscape of Northern Ontario.

Arthur Trudeau offers a unique way to experience the great outdoors.  Using ATVs that are wheeled in the summer, spring, and fall and tracked in the winter you can join a guided tour in the big bush.  With a background in conservation Arthur has guests learn about the forest animals and land interactions, talks of First People's understanding and respect for  the land, lakes and sky.   Going human powered Amanda's Thrive Tours can be on foot, by canoe, or even using snowshoes. She is in "Start-up" mode with this business, having managed Mukwa for 3 years in collaboration with Arthur. Come and join this conversation on getting fresh air in Northern Ontario.

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.

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.