Eat This! Drink That!

The Decanter Wine Awards is an annual event where thousands (maybe 10s of thousands) of wines are evaluated, scored, and awarded medals:  "Now in its 16th year, the Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) is the world's largest and most influential wine competition. Judged by the top wine experts from around the globe, the DWWA is trusted internationally for its rigorous judging process."  Andrew Jefford is a judge.  He lives in the south of France and writes for a wide spectrum of news platforms (he also writes and contributes to books) on topics from spirits to port.   Here is what Robert Parker said of Andrew Jefford: “One of my favorite wine journalists, and a guy who is up in the top echelon with Matt Kramer and Jancis Robinson….Andrew Jefford, has an exceptionally fair and balanced piece on the free Decanter magazine website called….”Wither Tasting Notes”….most people would think this goes to the heart and soul of many wine magazines, blogs, etc. but he ,as he usually does, analyzes it in

CARP member Jack Decorby shares the story of a bicycle accident and his subsequent hospitalization.  Now in recovery and rehabilitation we talk about the process and his experiences in healthcare during COVID.  Jack and Joyce volunteer extensively in the community including 12 years of engagement with NOSM (the Northern Ontario School of Medicine) where he is a standardized patient partaking in role/case presentation of scenarios to doctors in training.  Naturally, we include dialogue on quality of life!  

Author of "The Essence of Wine: Celebrating the Delights of the Palate" Alder Yarrow shares his enthusiasm for wines in his backyard (California) and the wines of the world.  I seemed to be following Alder some years ago on an exploration of Hungary's Tokaji region, and though we never caught up then we do now on QOL.  Alder talks about his own wine education and journey - and how he began what was then one of the first wine blogs - and how you too can learn and enjoy; expanding your knowledge and enjoyment.  

One career?  No more.   Paul Gault followed his passion from print media to wine and wine education.  A graduate of the Algonquin College Sommelier  program he fast-tracked into a new industry.   Now as Somm4ALL he provides learning opportunities and quality representation for wineries in the National Capital Region.  Listen to Paul's journey and his words on wine.  

Contributor to CBC's Radio Noon and Ontario Today Konrad Ejbich has decades of understanding the wines of Ontario and Canada.  Author, broadcaster, and travel writer Konrad has provided insights and information to listeners that was valuable to them as consumers.  He challenges you to recognize the excellence in our home grown industry.  

As (hopefully) the Pandemic wanes it is time to restart various sectors of the economy.  Meredith Armstrong. Acting Director, Economic Development speaks on the plans for Greater Sudbury.  The opportunities and challenges we talk about from this conversation in the Spring of 2020 may already have morphed, and the implemented efforts too may have shifted.  This program was originally broadcast on CKLU as a Special.  

I want to sing "over the rainbow" as the downtown "City Centre" is now renamed Elm Place.  This is not just a refresh of name only.  Office and retail spaces are not static and the owners of this mall are acutely aware of the transformations happening not just in this downtown.  Property Manager Robert Green walks me through the changes "in the heart of Sudbury."  For those listeners who have lived here 50 plus years I wonder if you too are singing the lyrics to advertizing from the 1970s?  

How have, how are, and how will businesses cope with the impacts of Covid-19?  What impacts has it had on members of the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce? Syed Raza speaks from his experience and position at the Chamber adding insights and interpretations.  Though this episode is focused on Sudbury, we go broader into provincial, national, and global implications.  

Stevie Kim is the publisher of "The Jumbo Shrimp Guide to Italian Wine" and in her role of marketing all that is Italian Wine this is a marvelous primer.  I spoke with Stevie as Northern Italy was emerging from lockdown so naturally we also included a conversation about the effects of the Pandemic on the sales of wine as well as international travel connected with promoting product and providing education worldwide. 

Restaurateur Steve Beckta talks about dining in Ottawa and specifically the world of Play, Gezellig, and Beckta, and how he and his team pivoted during the Pandemic with Curated by Beckta home delivery.   A graduate of the early days of the sommelier program at Algonquin College Steve spent 4 years in New York City honing his skills at top properties.  Influential in changing the food and service landscape Steve returned to Ottawa in 2002 and his trajectory was ever upwards. As restaurants reopen their doors tomorrow (July 17th, 2020) we wish them well and look forward to sitting, opening a menu and enjoying their exceptional welcome and quality dining experience.

Who doesn't love cashews?  Well Nuts for Cheese are making a non-dairy cheese... and now two butter options. Cashews are the base for it all.  Organic and Fair Trade cashews!  Join me as I ask Candace Campbell, marketing director, about the process, the progress, and the progression of the company as it reaches across Canada and now into the United States marketplace.  

21 years ago the community of Inuvik turned their hockey arena into a community garden.  Replacing the roof with a transparent surface essentially offered an 18,000 square foot space to grow vegetables in a moderated space.  They only use the growing season as there is no supplemental heating, but when summer arrives things thrive. 56 days of continuous sunlight. The result is amazing bounding production at the peak of summer and on towards Labour Day.   Executive Director, Ray Solotki, talks about the history, this year's season, and the challenges faced as the Pandemic changed how they operate. 

In the 2000s while attending Royal Roads I got the opportunity to reconnect with Bob Bateman.  He was giving a series billed as "Sketchbook Talks" and would show up on campus every few months to describe trips, travels and adventures.  While on location he would compile a series of impressions into pages and pages of detailed images with words and sometimes arrows highlighting features or unique attributes of birds or other animals. These often formed the basis for large canvases on his return to his studio. Now in his 9th decade he kindly took my call. We talked about his beginning years as a geography teacher, his love of encouraging people (especial young people) to experience the natural world, and the emergence of ecological awareness.  

Benjamin MacKenzie is BACK!  Yes, with movie theatres still closed the summer pop-up drive-in is a great option for entertainment.  In this episode Benjamin discusses the logistics, locations, and love people have for the iconic drive-in.  Of course observing pandemic protocols there is pre-booking / pre-payment for tickets and concessions.  Two nights in Sudbury, add Manitoulin, North Bay, and Timmins;  he has a busy schedule.  m

Augustina Valenza CEO of Fragola Baby and Toddler Food describes her entrepreneurial journey.  Mouth watering options introduce flavours and textures in nourishing combinations at the right time for your child.  Brain food, body food this is not just time saving, but the home delivered packaging is reusable. Recorded in April 2020 this episode is part of an exploration of the impacts of SARS-CoV-2 on business, individuals, families, and communities.   

In the vastness of that which is the Canadian Arctic a lone figure canoes and portages west to east.  Read his best selling book "Beyond the Trees" or download and watch the 4 month journey.  Fraught with contrary winds, hordes of biting insects, and the horizon to horizon daylight Adam shares stories - challenges and awe - on this episode of QoL.  

Marketing; we love it, we hate it.  But at its core it connects you with goods and ideas, and those offering with an audience.  Jeff MacIntyre has a wealth of knowledge and practical experience in helping retailers and regions share their story.  He talks about how downtown districts can revitalize by showcasing their uniqueness.  Naturally we do back and forth on restaurants and destinations.  Formerly of Fuel Media and now with Marketing Hounds he also has devoted time to his role as Chair - and now past Chair - Downtown Sudbury.

The Pandemic is having ripple effects throughout our economy and our lives.  David St. George is the Communications Director at reThink Green.  Our conversation goes from rethinking urban and personal transportation to food security to choices in everything we do.  Listen along on this wide ranging dialogue.  This episode was recorded at the end of May 2020.

Travel with the amazing Nelles Shakleton as she describes her employment arc. Decades in the hospitality industry started with her birth into a prairie diner run by her parents, then service at the iconic (Westin) Bayshore in the time of Howard Hughes.  I caught up with Nelles at the Tea Room at Government House on the grounds of the home of BC's Lt. Governor.  

Leaders Under Fire: The CEO's Survival Guide to Navigating Corporate Crisis  by Jeff Chatterton and Conway Fraser Conway Fraser shares his insights on leadership, and being a leader in a time of crisis.  Co-authored with Jeff Chatterton this guide is just over 140 pages of valuable, distilled, learnings from two top industry gurus.   At one time there was a red book any CEO could pull off the shelf and it would say what to do; now reaction times are tighter and one wrong message can cost you your job or turtle a business.  Knowing how to communicate the right words and tone in a timely manner is more essential than ever.   Conway was scheduled for a book launch in mid-March in Sudbury, but as we know SARS-CoV-2 changed everything.   Listen to this episode to learn how you can have a copy of "Leaders Under Fire"