Eat This! Drink That!

Recorded at Habit on Pandora Ave in Victoria in the spring of 2020, Chef Heidi Fink talks about her education (mostly self taught) and what she teaches students at Camosun College on Vancouver Island.  Decades of experience in food prep Heidi shares views on trends and the future flavor of restaurants in Victoria and across the country.  There is some discussion about the rise of food trucks and street food as part of this.  

Maher Khalil owns and operates both downtown Sudbury's Hourglass Restaurant & Lounge as well as SRO.  Housed in a renovated Victorian built in 1894, the Hourglass offers gluten free options as well as a private banquet room that seats up to 40 people.  Maher has worked in the industry for decades and so speaks with some authority on what hospitality is about.   

Hockey connoisseur Mike COMMITO  talks hockey and the value of hockey to the Canadian way of life.  Our conversation deals with how it enriches quality of life, and naturally - given the timing - the effects of Covid-19 on the season, players, and fans. 

The Power of Attorney for Personal Care and Power of Attorney for Finance are two useful documents that you can use to direct those who make decisions for you when you cannot.  If you are incapacitated who will speak for you?  Guest Madeleine Hebert explains the importance of these tools. 

Travelers have stress; some more than others. What if you could sit and gently pat a calm dog?  Would that help?  Well, research says we can benefit from having contact with a fur friend.  There is a wonderful group of people and dogs that come out to YYZ.  You will find them walking the concourses. They welcome you warmly to come and say hello.   A big THANK YOU to Tori Gass for setting up this interview.  This is episode two of two.  

For more than 5 decades Ivan Wheale has been painting what stirs his heart. Living on Manitoulin Island - it has only one set of traffic lights - is much to his liking.  He sails the North Channel of Georgian Bay and is inspired by the windswept White Pines, and the glacially modified landscape.  Water, rock, and evergreens are emboldened by stunning skies.  Soon to be 86 his upcoming exhibition at Perivale Gallery features 23 new works.  On Sunday, May 17th, 2020 from 1 - 5 the gallery will be open and Ivan will be present. 

Visiting Bernard Callebaut in Victoria I caught up with manager Brad Potentier and talked and tasted the wonderful chocolates on offer.  The store fittings and lighting highlight the quality products.  These are "serious" chocolates that now include savory as well as sweet.  Think rosemary and spiced sea salts for charcuterie boards!  Yes, why not a 5 course dinner that has paired chocolate treats with each experience.  

I am inspired by the people I meet.  Andrew is definitely a model for how to turn lemons into lemonade.  Wheelchairs, adapted spaces, and loads of supportive friends Andrew leads a happy and productive life.  He is an entrepreneur, educator, husband and father. Injured in a hockey accident this has not slowed him down.  We talk about his garden, how he has adapted and become aware and agile - through technology and assistance - to do anything.  We live in amazing time period where many can become enabled differently. 

Legendary fishing guru Bob Izumi is my guest on this episode.  I just want to listen to it over and over for the stories he shares.  Fishing does improve your quality of life folks!

I loved recording this episode.  The Doran Planetarium at Laurentian University is a little gem of a facility.  Dr. Paul Emile Legault shares his enthusiasm and strongly believes knowledge about space, our solar system, our planet enriches our lives.  

I would not normally include family on my program, but the topic is interesting enough to engage everyone at the table.  Over dinner in a Bavarian wood 3 young Germans and 2 Canadians answer questions about tattoos. Why get a tattoo, what image(s) to select, and where to place them are but three of the discussion elements.

Trained in Cariology Dr. Shane Williams - transplanted from Newfoundland to Bracebridge, Ontario - talks with Hugh about balance, plant-based diets, and the larger concept of health.  His practice is unique in the Muskokas and has attracted attention of many across a much larger landscape.  He also hosts learning opportunities, focused dinners, lectures, and consultations on wellness.

A conversation with Paul Lacerte on the Moosehide Campaign.  

Emma Knight offers a snapshot of how Greenhouse started, their journey, and what they are today.  Cold Pressed juices of all description are now available nationally.  I am delighted to find them in the Air Canada Café near gate 22 at YYZ.  Listen and learn what makes their product line different - and better - than others on the market.  Growth from one 300 sq ft facility to the manufactory and distribution system of 2020 has been rocket-like, but Greenhouse has kept true to it vision. 

Max Merrifield speaks on the upcoming 49th edition of NLFB.  This is Canada's longest continuously running folk festival and it happens right here in the Nickel Capital every July.  

Dermatologist, Dr. Lyne Giroux describes some of the many diseases of the skin, treatments and fresh research.  Her clinic does both the medical and cosmetic services that keep people healthy, and also happy with the look and feel of their skin.

With several books behind her and an upcoming release (May 2020) of one on Grief, Lise Leblanc knows the value of caregiving.  She also speaks on the potential for burn-out and being overwhelmed by situations the caregiver faces.  While there are professionals the bulk of caregiving falls to family members who do not always have the skills, knowledge, network, nor capacity to deal with increasing levels of need.  Lise shares her story and talks about how her insights, observations, and real world experiences may help you in this role.

Do you know where the only Canadian drive thru healthfood store is?  Val Caron is located just 15 minutes north of Sudbury's downtown core and One Stop Naturals is housed in a repurposed Harvey's.  The drive thru could have been seen as a detractor, but Jessica Ernewein had the vision to use it in many novel ways.  Not only organic teas and coffee are take out, but place your order for homeopathic remedies, and organic products and you can pick it up at the window.  If getting in and out of you vehicle is difficult imagine what this means! A wonderful bright store with clean lines and knowledgeable staff... listen to this episode and learn more.  

This episode was recorded at The Royal Ottawa Golf and Country Club in the fall of 2018 and broadcast in June of 2019.  The tasting demonstrates the diversity of Italian wines, the spectrum of grapes, and the geographical and soil complexities in selecting varieties and vineyards.

Jazz Sudbury's Allan Walsh sits down with Hugh at Kuppajo to talk about the annual September Festival and the history of jazz in Sudbury