Eat This! Drink That!

I read a statistic that said Ontario has 4.6 million adults over the age of  65 (Brooke Davies 2020) and as both a political force and social force this is a significant group.  Dr. Pianosi - a gerontologist who lectures at Laurentian University (Huntington) in Sudbury - educates me on correct terms, perspectives on aging and  ageism. She speaks on how our society is changing and adapting to a growing population of older adults as well the opportunities it presents. 

They kept crossing paths, sometimes they worked together: and their views and aspirations aligned.  Dave Temmerman and Jason Heaton started Hardrock 42 Gastropub 10 years ago.  In search of a perfect Reuben sandwich I returned to this beer Mecca and had a good long chat with Chef Dave on their journey and the present and future.  

Opening a place during COVID is a bit contrarian, but for Roberto Ferrucci it was the right time.  November 26th by only word-of-mouth the crowds came and took away.  This is no sit down place; it is strictly take-out.  There are 5 styles (or customize) that are all New York inspired.  Thin crust with the freshest of ingredients they emerge from the 100% wood-fired oven to rave reviews.  

A conversation with Marissa Holla is always interesting. As the concierge at Palladino BMW she talks about the choices, options, and joy of driving a BMW.  

This is a conversation about air travel, the effects of the Pandemic on the industry, and specifically the operations of Fly Sudbury.  CYSB or Sudbury Airport has, like so many, experienced a significant decline in travelers, flights, and associated revenue.  I speak with Jean-Mathieu Chenier from the administration of Fly Sudbury about current conditions, safety and health protocols / procedures, and aspirations for recovery.  

Henry Jeffreys knows more about what trends we have seen and are seeing.  He tastes routinely, and writes about what he crosses paths with and experience in the glass and on the shelf.  We talk about British Wines and the changing nature of consumer choice in the UK and globally.  Hours ahead of North America they are actually leading us also on wine knowledge and food and beverage writing.  Henry generously talks about the whole of the hospitality industry during the Pandemic. 

This is the second time I've recorded an episode with Denise Regaudi.  Denise owns Huckleberries Chocolatiers in downtown Sudbury. Truffles and treats this is the place to take a deep breath and absorb the aromatics exotic and enticing.  Buy a box and just see if you can stop at one bite of joy.   

The Pagnuttis are Northern Security.  I have known the family and watched the company grow from locksmithing to that and so much more.  Mike has now 25 years of full-time engagement taking on ownership from his parents.  The transition from keys and door locks to robust deadbolt systems and electronic access by cards, fobs or even your smart phone is moving at a rapid pace.  Don't be the victim of a B&E.  "Better to make changes 2 months too early, than 2 weeks too late," shares Mike.  By failing to evaluate your current status you could be leaving the door open to financial or object loss, and a reduction of your enjoyment of life.  I talk with Mike on how you can improve the peace of mind of home and business owners.  

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.