Eat This! Drink That!

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. 

I always was amazed - during my time(s) in the US - that folks would drive 2 hours for the best pizza, wings, ribs.  I don't know if it is the destination or the journey, but here I was heading north of the city to the town of Capreol.   Justin Seguin has built an homage to First Responders and the paraphernalia and photos are not just there to be pretty decorations.  If you are a firefighter, police officer, or paramedic this is your place to hang out.  Actually everyone is welcome! With apologies for sound quality.  We had to maintain social distancing of +6 feet and in the background refrigeration added to the environmental hum.   

Lisa Jones has invited me in to document the construction and completion of the Hilton Garden Inn project in Sudbury.  Over the last 22 months from ground to the top of the 6th floor, from the concretes to the carpeting I've had the honour to capture audio snapshots of the process of building a hotel.  This EP of the events of February 23rd celebrates the work of many. The gathering is a compilation of conversations including housekeeping staff, sales, food services, sales, and of course acknowledgement of the leadership, management and investment teams in making it all come together.  Bravo!

Jim Cassels has been "Simply the Best" for 42 years.  His Broad Street shop is home to the finest clothing and accessories from shaving to sox. Dressing gowns, pajamas, ties to top hats this gem of a store can outfit you and delivers checkmarks on Quality of Life in all departments.  Waterford Scotch glasses, locally crafted walking sticks, French cuff shirts to bespoke footwear, you won't find another place like this.  Located just steps from boutique hotels, a short stroll from The Empress, you can arrive in torn jeans, Crocs and a faded t-shirt and depart a well-dressed bon viveur kitted out with all that is simply the best. 

This is an updated version of an earlier recording celebrating Hazel McCallion's 100th birthday.  It includes Hazel's retirement address after 36 years as Mayor of Mississauga. 

I cannot recall exactly the first time I met Vin Greco. It was back in the 80s. For 2 summers he had a wine segment on the local CBC station.  I do know he has a passion for wine; I listened and learned.  It was something that I took to heart.  Today he has a bi-weekly column in SooToday and now also features food and recipes.   He shares his journey and talks about the pleasure wine.  It was like turning back the clock to better days.  

For 36 years "Hurricane" Hazel McCallion was Mississauga's Mayor.  She held other posts before and only retired at 96: n total 50 years of political life! In this episode I speak with Ron Duquette who is instrumental in the February 14th 2021 celebration of her life and successes.  We talk about where she came from, the way she led the way for a growing city, and her role in making women's hockey an Olympic sport.