Eat This! Drink That!

What are you to do for Valentine's 2020?  Chef Filippo Rocca has suggestions. We talk about the impacts of the Stay-At-Home Order on his restaurant - and the industry in general - and his hopes for a brighter future once things improve. 

Tropical paradises, swaying palms, million dollar views... no snow!  Judy and Aubrey Millard have sailed the world and share their experiences with us here on this episode of QOL. Interestingly Aubrey says Canada offers some of the world's most beautiful places to sail.  They love the North Channel of Georgian Bay and and now no longer do trans-Atlantic crossings.  Living in Elliot Lake these last years they communicate their journeys with clubs and individuals through their travelogues.  

In this 4th and final episode, Brooke speaks with youth climate activist Sophia Mathur. The two discuss how climate change will impact younger generations profoundly and how working intergenerationally is integral to creating real change.

This interview is from a broadcast back in 2018.  I spoke with Duane Franklin of Fawcett Mattress of Victoria BC about what is in most mattresses (composition) as well the construction of their mattress.  In essence natural ingredients, avoidance of components that shouldn't be there and quality craftsmanship make theirs a better bed.  

Sitting in the terminal dome car on the Canadian as it approaches Vancouver I talk with Brad Keillor about the journey, its highlights and all the amenities.  From dining to accommodation we examine all the pluses - and any minuses - of this unique (or nostalgic) method for seeing more.  I often do the 5 hour flight across country, but in no way is it as satisfying as rail.  If you have the time (and the money) this is the way to travel.    

Bass Samaan has a passion for growing and sharing fruit trees.  Oh, I should share that he also grows Cedars of Lebanon.  A kid who left Beirut during the civil war years now lives in Bethlehem Pennsylvania and now nurtures a hundred varieties of figs, mulberries, pawpaws, pomegranates and so many others... now if that's not worth a story!  Go to https://treesofjoy.com/ for more

Dr. Davis Edgell has written several academic books on tourism and specifically on the topic of sustainable tourism.  In this episode of QOL we talk about the impacts of the pandemic on tourism today, the long-term impacts tomorrow, and the possibilities and probabilities in tourism regionally, nationally, and globally in years to come.  

Program Manager Natalie Labbe shares her enthusiasm for Parkside Without Walls.  Using Zoom or even just the phone this new initiative offers older adults the opportunity to participate in coffee talks, book discussions, line dancing, yoga and just about any activity you can imagine.  Not geography, parking nor weather will stop you from signing up (or even hosting) an one off event - or series - on any topic that interests you.  You can be in the CGS region, North Shore, Manitoulin or the wider world and join in.  Most programs are free of charge though membership does support the larger program and delivery.  Have a listen and find something that excites you.  

Ben Farella is the owner of North Bay's gd2go restaurant (just one of his many business ventures over the years).  He has valuable insight into the world of offering excellence in customer service, healthy food options, and  retail operations during the stay-at-home order of January 2021.  A Laurentian University grad, marketing whiz and serial entrepreneur his insights may help you as a consumer, a person conscious of wellness, and for others who are running businesses (not just restaurants) during these difficult times. 

In this episode, Brooke speaks with Jennifer Gosselin RSW, who is a social worker with St. Joseph’s Health Centre in Sudbury, Ontario. The two discuss their love of working with older adults and explore potential blindspots in social work education around working with this population.

In this episode, Brooke speaks with Bob Poldon who has recently become a grandfather, but explains that in his mind he is still in his 20s. The two discuss ageism as a system of oppression that impacts older adults and explore how it can also discriminate against youth. Brooke Davies, guest host talks, about Ageism.  Episode 2.

In this episode, Brooke speaks with her Mom who will be turning 60 this year. The two discuss what 60 represents for Brooke and her mom, as well as some fears and joys associated with getting older. There are 4 episodes in the guest hosted series on Experiences with Ageism.

How to cope with the 28 day Stay at Home Order?  Mental and physical health is important always, and maybe you are having a tough time imagining how to get through the next 4 weeks.  Here President and Founder of New Day Wellness Inc., and award-winning entrepreneur, corporate wellness coach, author and TV Host Lisa Lounsbury shares ways and means to be safe, be well, and be healthy. 

A growing awareness of wine is a theme I've discussed with other guests, but this time I connect with John Szabo MS in Prince Edward The County a new frontier (actually several decades old now) for wine in Ontario.  John has recently released a story on the ancient viticultural practices and wine pleasure in the buried cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum.  What can we learn from 2000 years ago?  Well for John it was a chance to compare with  current vineyards and practices in volcanic soils today.   With a colleague Sara d'Amato The Wine Thieves was launched a new podcast, He contributes to WineAlign and many glossy publications such as Modalina, Monarch and other lifestyle magazines. He has found ZOOM a great way to engages more easily with the wine community globally.  

In the last few months I've had wonderful opportunities to talk about wine with industry thought leaders.  Anthony Gismondi has been writing about  and broadcasting on the topic for more than 3 decades.  We have a conversation on the changing nature of Canadian (and International) wine scene. There is also the importance of wine writing in expanding an educated audience; Anthony reflects on influencing past, present and future purchasing habits.

Dara Sutin shares her enthusiasm for Cooking From Home, the project that has already garnered $15,000 in support for the non-profit Not 9 to 5.  This organization helps those in the hospitality industry who have mental health issues or struggle with substance abuse. Workers in restaurants, and food service generally, have been drastically impacted by the Pandemic; this has exacerbated challenges for many.   Together with input from chefs, illustrators, photographers, Dara (chef, writer and food stylist) launched this online and downloadable guide.  She hopes to go to a hardcopy version in 2021.    In this episode of QOL Dara also shares what a food stylist is and what they do.  

Guests Shelley Busch  (Culinary Coordinator),  Yura Monestime (Director, Academic Operations and Business Development), and Chef Professor Derek Lawday join in conversation on this recent episode of QOL. The culinary program at North Bay's Canadore College is 3 decades strong and delivers kitchen skills, management and more. Naturally we talk about how the program works, who it serves, and the outcomes of both the 1 and 2 year streams.  100 Elements is their hidden gem of a teaching restaurant.  At this time they offer only curbside pick-up, not dine-in. 

Sue (Suzette) Peters started a small destination hot beverage, decor and dessert space on Cedar Street.  It has grown and now after 4 years she is ready for the next transformation.  We talk about her journey and her aspirations.  Once we emerge from this current (January 11th, 2021) lockdown Sue will take time and re-invent the space.   With the onboarding of Chef Mark Currier The Cedar Nest offers private and fine dining experiences as well delightful lunches and the chance to just sit down and slow the spin of the world over coffee, conversation, or contemplation. 

I may be wrong but it is my belief there are no other wine bars north of cities like Toronto, or Ottawa/Gatineau.  Stephanie Piché wanted to remedy this and with her expert knowledge has created a new and novel space.  Wander Food & Wine has a collection of regions, grapes, and styles that celebrate the gift of the vine.  Small plates compliment the by-the-glass and by-the-bottle service.  The décor is delightful, the selection extensive.  

Brewmaster Michael Guillemette, owner John Arnold, plus partner and veteran restaurant operator Stacey Cameron, have put their heads together on this marvelous departure from the ordinary.  This is no micro-brew pub, and it isn't a road house either.  What is is the best of several worlds. Beyond offering great ales, lagers, IPAs, stouts and sours it has a storefront retail operation that sells beer, granola, house-made caramel popcorn, pizza, pies, and bread.  Innovative tastes, a super shareable menu, and plenty of parking add up to what is a super situation .  Out of the ordinary is definitely a way to describe what you will find here.  "Everyone today can pretty much make good beer; I aim to offer better than good," sates Guillemette.