Eat This! Drink That!

Visiting Taylor Bell at Wildness Ranch Glamping Retreat in Chelmsford, Ontario you begin to realize the alure of being in a tent under a forest canopy. The big open marshland to the south would be a birdwatcher's paradise. Perhaps watch meteor showers or the Northern Lights while sitting by your campfire. Off-grid this is not just a place to unwind and unplug, but to regain some peace.

On the hottest days of the year Lecoupe Ice is busy ensuring you and your beverages keep cool. I spoke with Daniel Mensour about this second and third generation Sudbury family business at their manufacturing centre in Val Caron. Block ice and cube ice for your cooler, Luxury Ice Balls and prisms for specialty drinks, what you find are consumables that improve your quality of life. Come along and listen to Daniel speak about what they have been doing for local and regional markets since 1945 - and learn about the newest products that will be sold world-wide.

Occupying 1/3 of you day, and your life, sleep is an essential part of living. What if your rest and revitalization is affected negatively by physiology, habits, condition within or even beyond your control? Take charge of this essential part of your quality of life by having a conversation with Tierney Gunthorpe. A specialist in Sleep Apnea Tierney and I have a wide ranging romp through everything from pillows to sleep environments.

I think Louis-Philippe Desjardins and I had contact more than a decade ago. He was involved in community based agriculture and CSA boxes was his thing. It still is. With a greenhouse and the addition of milling plus Silo 6 pastas he is one busy farmer-entrepreneur. Come along for the wide ranging conversation on food and food production.

I've heard about Haskap, but really had limited exposure to them. Reading that they are like a blueberry and a raspberry got together and had a baby gave me a deeper understanding of the flavour profile... sort of.The juice is lovely as a way to launch your day, the fruit leather explosive with deep purple notes, and jam that is like nothing the grocery stores sell. Yum!It was a delight to visit with Tara Hamilton at their family farm near St. Charles, Ontario. This program was recorded out in their extensive fields, as well as indoors at their store and production facility. There is the sound of refrigeration in the last 10 minutes. I have filtered out some of the background sounds.

Son and father, Sandro and Roberto Pegoraro are the effort, energy, and enthusiasm behind Pepperaro.Hot Maple Syrup, Hot Honey... there is a whole spectrum of pepper influenced products. They are getting ready for season 2025 with expanded planting, and more of everything.Come along and listen to their story, their aspirations and inspirations.

Karen Newington is an Ontario transplant. She's come from the hospitality program at Guelp and was immersed in the wine world of Niagara. Finding work at a wine bar in Duncan, B.C. she arrived at Unsworth. Yes, Vancouver Island grows grapes and makes exceptional wines.Come along for a tour of the property and a sampling of their white wines.

Now from her permanent studio overlooking the French River Laurie Cochrane puts her mind and spirit into stunning paintings. Come along and listen as she discribes the colours, formats, and content of art that just pleases the soul of those from northern Ontario. Wispy bent white pines may be stereotypic, but they are so comforting... you can almost hear the wind singing in their needles.

He has worked as a line cook, he has done work camps, he has years of experience in food preparation and presentation; meet Sylvain. His passion project is to address food insecurity in the French River area. Listen along and be captivated by his passion.

Hugh Kruzel interviews Kaitlin Fong about her online platform, Dine Find, which helps people with dietary restrictions find suitable restaurants. Kaitlin, who has gluten and dairy allergies, and her co-founder, who is vegetarian and egg-free, are creating an app to address the challenges of dining out with dietary restrictions. Dine Find launches on May 15 with a website, offering features like a directory, blog, and restaurant recommendations. They plan to expand to help all Canadian and will of course target cities like Toronto early. Kaitlin has won pitch competitions, securing additional funding for her venture. The platform aims to promote inclusive dining and support local businesses.

Hugh Kruzel and Daniel Clarke discussed the challenges of elder care, focusing on the differences between long-term care and retirement homes. Daniel highlighted the need for proactive planning, noting that 50,000 people in Ontario are waiting for long-term care beds. He emphasized the importance of tailoring care to individual needs, including cultural and linguistic preferences. Daniel's platform, Elderado, helps families find suitable elder care options by providing detailed information on 1,400 homes in Ontario. They also touched on the emotional and logistical challenges of moving elderly family members, particularly in terms of maintaining community connections and addressing spousal reunification issues.

Come along and meet Shiv. Hardworking this young entrepreneur is carving out a piece of his own following. From 8 am to midnight his family's food truck offers authentic flavours and great value. Following his father's recipes you just know you are in for a taste adventure. Soon as you drive along the Kingsway in Sudbury there will be two unique menus and with warming weather some outdoor seating... Indian Masala is a destination!

Chefs Rob Ruthart and Kris Roszel have teamed up to do a menu that is more than their exceptional soup and bread. Rob does lovely loaves crusted with corn meal, while Kris takes traditional soup recipes and explores how they can be expressed in novel and exciting ways. The choices also include some super tasty melts - like the extra garlicy Vampire Slayer - and an all-day breakfast. Watch chalkboard for daily specials and be delighted.

The ice storm is over, the snow is melting, and the sap is running. This weekend (April 5 and 6) you should visit SucrerieSéguin Sugarbush. There will be taffy, and of course maple syrup for sale. See the landscape and embrace this spring tradition. Bring your rubber boots!

Here's a conversation with Susan Levesque about the future downtown art gallery. Susan is fundraising for this project and speaks about the value of the gallery to residents and visitors, the location, and its 20,000 sq ft, 5 floor presence in Tom Davies Square.

Edmonton was a happening place in the wild west of the 70s and 80s. Masha Krupp showed up on the scene and became the coat check girl at The Point After. This interview takes place at the launch of her book on the stars of hockey and football who showed up at The Point for dinner, drinks and dancing.

Let's talk with Richard Barlow about the Habitat for Humanity's ReStore. Richard is the manager and definitely passionate about what this resale venue offers all kinds of people. As we talk and walk about the store it is apparent this is not someone's junk. There are treasures to be found, and as everything that comes in is a donation, prices are super accessible. Visit and be surprised by the selection.

Okay, you don't have to go halfway 'round the world to talk about wine... you can just cue up this episode. Kritian Kielmayer knows about wine! Not just Hungarian vineyards and bottles, but the broad european landscape. I had the good fortune to sit and listen to his words on wine at the Kimpton BEM in the fall of 2024. He has buckets of passion for this industry and the enjoyment of what starts out as grapes... and becomes so much more.

With a broad repertoire - at his fingertips - Nicolas Kilhoffer is one with the keyboards. I had the good fortune of hearing (and watching) him play at St. Peter and St. Paul's Anglican Church in Esquimalt. Studying piano at 7 he taught himself the organ at 10 and by 2017 was enrolled the Conservatoire in Strasbourg. This 22 year old can make the pipes sing. He has now returned to France after travel to Canada (studying at UVic), Hawaii, and teaching in Nairobi.

Black and white images of couples, colour photos of dancers, a fully kitted out studio... Michael Kaiser is ready for you on-site, or out in the landscape of your choice. His wedding photos are remarkable and timeless. There is an inventiveness and playful nature to what he produces. Join me for a conversation with this professional on what photography and photographic memories can do for your quality and enjoyment of life.

I wanted to know more about the use of AI in some current research and applications. Over coffee at Salute - here in Sudbury - Augustin Marks de Chabris outlined his Master's thesis work on potential efficencies using AI in the underground/mining environment. Naturally we talked about robotics, cybersecurity, and the future. I found Augustin optimistic and at the same time very aware of the hestitancy by many in the adoption of new technologies. In all a very topical and fascinating conversation.

Family photos, documents, memories... the Koivu family has preserved their history. In late 2024 I went to visit with them and look through albums and be listen to stories. George was 99 then, and this was the first year he had missed being present at a Remembrance Day ceremony. Two weeks later daughter Kathy texted me to share that their Dad was gone. Mentionned in one article, featured in another I now covered his memorial service at the local (Chelmsford) Legion. This episode is a tribute to a life lived well.

Ryan and I have been wanting to do an episode of QOL together for years. And finally... we did it! Ryan's motto is "If you have a dream, don't let anything stop you," and you can add "Dream big, work harder," to that philospohy. His store on Lasalle is just filled with great messages. Come along and listen to how Ryan's positivity is infectuous.

Want to know more about plans for the new central library? CEO and Chief Librarian Brian Harding walks me through the decision-making and process of relocating the central library. We talk broadly and specifically about everything from cost, to how this is an opportunity to express new and best practices in service delivery. Accessibility, use of natural light, investment in literacy are but three of the areas we touch on.

I visited with Melissa and Lisa to see what they have created on Regent Street in Sudbury. Adjacent to The Nickel Refillery this cute space offers guests and place to hang out. Not only is there great coffee (and teas) but handmade vegan and vegetarian soups and sandwiches. Here we have a conversation about their entreprenneurial journey and what's on the menu.

What was once a tonic to soothe the emperor came a drink that can be called a digestif. The Italians call this alcoholic beverage amaro, and Germans magenlikor. The history of the Zwack family and the unfolding of the political and economic landscape of Hungary are parallel stories. Take the tour and understand the ingredients and aromatics that make up this unique product line. Many thanks to Szabados Olivér for the conversation at Uniucm Ház in Budapest.

In this episode of QOL we visit with Sue Scherzingerat Gourmet World. From cold cuts to cheese, and chocolates to cookies, this is the place to go for all kinds of European goodies. Yes, I think you can do all your holiday shopping right here! There are always sandwiches (served with a snappy Knax pickle) and soup for a satisfying lunch. Let's explore the aisles and show cases with Sue and see the house-made cakes and desserts. Check out their website to see it all: www.gourmetworld.ca

I've had the pleasure of knowing Don since high school. We weren't always connected but our worlds collided from time to time. Because flights cross-Canada sometimes have layovers or long delays there were opportunities to renew that friendship. I was in Calgary on the cusp of a weather event when we spoke about Don's years in the Canadian Forces. We also returned to the story he shared of taking his Dad to Vimy Ridge and the beaches of Normandy. I knew someday I'd make a record to supplement the photos Don took on this adventure supporting his Dad's dream.

Stunning architecture, attention to details, service that includes champagne everytime you pass through the grand lobby... the list can go on and on. General Manager Attila AE Domby speaks on the history of thsi LEED Platinum property that is Kimpton's first verture on a new frontier. Well known in the US Kimpton is raising the bar in the city where west meets east. Speaking of bars there is a well provisioned rooftop SkyBar as well a one on the main floor. Quality dining experiences, and an extensive Hungarian wine selection really enhance the stay. I apologize for the slight echo, but imagine this interview happening in their wine gallery!

Éric Boutilier is a bilingual photo journalist, freelance columnist and television producer in Northern Ontario... he is also an advocate for improving rail service in Northern Ontario. Éric and I have a conversation about the challenges facing not just small towns, but the very network that once stitched our country together.

To be invited back to further explore the world of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was a continuing delight. Cliff Goldfarb knows so much about Doyle... and he shares more than the vast Sherlock Holmes library of stories. Doyle was a prolific writer and Cliff provides titles and the details of Doyle's life and times.

Geoffrey, a seasoned wine writer and retailer, discusses his career and experiences in the wine industry. He highlights the benefits of Alberta's privatization, which allows for exclusive wine imports and a diverse wine market. Geoffrey shared his journey from cooking to wine retail, emphasizing the importance of passion in his work. He mentions his monthly column for PostMedia, which has been syndicated nationally, and his travels to wine regions like California and Portugal. Geoffrey also touched on the challenges faced by wine retailers, the impact of climate change on wineries, and the potential for Canadian wine regions to collaborate better.

Hugh Kruzel interviews Friba Rezayee, Afghanistan's first female Olympic athlete and founder of Women Leaders of Tomorrow, which helps Afghan women access education in Canada. Friba discusses the Taliban's restrictions on women's education and sports, leading many to seek opportunities abroad. Women Leaders of Tomorrow has received over 600 applications for mining and geology scholarships. 4 women have been selected to come to Laurentian University in Sudbury though only one is here at the time of this recording. 25 women are already in Canada. Friba highlights the risks Afghan girls face, including the need for male guardians to leave the country. She emphasizes the importance of education and the support from Canadian mining companies and donors.

What a pleasure to connect with Kevin Jackson, President of Porter Airlines. I last saw him on the arrival of the inaugual flight of the E195-E2 service to Victoria. Yes, Porter now has jets in its fleet! Sitting on Muskoka chairs at Billy Bishop airport we have a conversation about the history of Porter, its current activities, and plans for the future.

Through the kindness of Stephen Lautens we learn about one of the great Canadian institutions: The National Club. Celebrating 150 years Stephen has prepared a history of the club. The book "Tradition and Change" demonstrates how Canada has grown up, and specifically how Toronto has transformed from Muddy York to an international mega-city. Come along for the ride as we talk about the benefits of finding a place where good food, and great wine, encourages dialogue, friendly debates, and inspiring conversation.

Rachelle Rocca of Seasons Pharmacy and Culinaria is organizing a health and wellness symposium at College Boreal. It happens in the evening (7-9) of October 29th. She believes strongly that everyone can take charge of their well-being and achieve improved health and quality of life outcomes. "Where food meets medicine" is Seasons' motto. Learn more about this gathering and the panel of three who will lead the discussion. Go to the Seasons' website and register to attend this event.

Benita Dellelce - an Entrepreneur since 1981 - is a makeup artist, and personal development coach. She owns Charm Plus which prepares anyone and everyone to step forward with their best foot... she also is a model/talent agent. Hundreds and hundreds of Sudburians have benefitted from her advice, guidance, and skills. Join us for a convesation about being the best you can be.

In this episode I have the pleasure of a conversation with Devarati. I met Devarati at Seasons Phamacy on Lorne Street in Sudbury. It was purely by chance, but we seemed to hit it off. She will be guiding meditation this fall at Seasons. I found her words and thoughts comforting; maybe you will also.

Of course everyone loves to hear Italian and eat Italian food... to drink Italian wine too! Ah, Prosecco... Saluti Primitivo! Learning the language can improve not just your travel experiences but your quality of life. Diana Colilli's mandate on the board of directors at the Caruso Club is Culture and Education. She delivers hybrid classes in Italian for a spectrum of learners. Join us for a conversation that explores... "Vuoi parlare italiano?"

Author Laura Tamblyn Watts talks about her recently published "Let's Talk About Aging Parents" here on QOL. This essential guide is not just a unique "how to" but you can jump all around the table of contents and find something you are dealing with right now. Turn to any page and she offers valuable insight - and even humour - in addressing difficult situations.

Don't worry, I know this episode is coming out early. We are though approaching a time for harvests and baskets of peaches give way to counters groaning with frost fearing tomatoes. Was it only 5C last night? My guest for this Thanksgiving special is Gary Petingola. He is a Masters prepared Social Worker, certified to teach Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. Gary has appeared in previous broadcasts and podcasts to talk about how we can better enjoy life. As Thanksgiving is often seen as a time for reflection and appreciation Gary is an ideal go-to for advice and guidance. Google "Mindfulness on the Rocks" to learn more about his practice and partner, Sheila, and what they offer.

Geologist Hadyn Butler took up a hobby... and then that hobby became so much more. His creations are an expression of a inquiring mind that tackles challenges differently. The results are unique and stunningly spectacular. I've written about Hadyn and now you can listen along to one of several conversations that roam across a wide spectrum of topics that make Hadyn tick.

The world of social media opens up a network of connections and knowledge. Through Twitter (X) and LinkedIn (find her there) I have met new people and connected with old friends. Eniko Dub has worked around the world (including in London's Shard) and now is a content creator, freelance wine writer, and wine marketer. We have a conversation by Zoom on wines of Hungary and the larger playground of enjoying the fruit of the vine.

Want to learn more about garlic? How to grow it? How to cook with it? How to enjoy it? Yes, even where to get garlic ice cream (the answer is at the Ukrainian Centre in Sudbury). My guest in this episode of QOL is Peter McClusky, author of Ontario Garlic: The Story from Farm to Festival. Peter shares garlic's history - starting in central Asia - how it was shunned and now embraced. While Sudbury has its festival at the end of August, Toronto holds it celebration of all things garlic on Sunday September 29th. Visit their website www.torontogarlicfestival.ca for a full list of vendors, participating restaurants... Attend and try garlic desserts, garlic beer, and even expert advice on "... how to keep vampires at bay."

Food banks are playing an ever growing role in the lives of many across all Canadian communities. The need is there year round. Dan Xilon, Executive Director of the Sudbury Food Bank has a plus 20 year involvement in responding to this need. Our conversation is about how to support the Food Bank and how it delivers to the agencies across a large geographic region.

I had an amazing opportunity in interview Canadian singer Beth Nicole Torbert. She is best known by her stage name Bif Naked. This conversation was recorded in August 2024. She will be performing at Pride in the Woods in Lavigne Ontario on the 24th at 7 to 8PM.

In this episode I speak with owner Trent Falldien and chef Jennifer Jusic about their new venture on Notre Dame in Sudbury. They say Sudburians are hungry for the eating option that Vegan Ready presents. We explore their primary motivation for opening and run through the menu items.

I was - and likely still am - a fan of the Sherlock Holmes stories. The fictional character (though it feels he was a real person) has been part of our mystery and crime fighting reading for generations. In his Deerstalker he is easily identified by even young readers. Created by the busy and productive Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, in this episode of QOL I get to have a conversation with Cliff Goldfarb beyond the world of Sherlock. Come along and learn so much more about Conan Doyle and his passions and writing.

In this episode I speak with owner Trent Falldien and chef Jennifer Jusic about their new venture on Notre Dame in Sudbury. They say Sudburians are hungry for the eating option that Vegan Ready presents. We explore their primary motivation for opening and run through the menu items.

Maria Pia Bianchini is a wedding planner. Not your average wedding planner she has delivered weddings "Italian Style" in China (pre-COVID) and she now wants to explore the Canadian appetite for her services. In this program Maria describes her expertise and the elements of the exceptional event she creates with your ideas, budget, venue and expectations. Her company, Ubi Amor, is ready to help you. Our conversation, by Zoom, was recorded in the early summer of 2024.

Getting tickets to a special game or concert? Could be hockey, basketball, baseball or any other sport. You will discover Dawson Reale has what you want. In this episode we learn about more than just the purchase but the mechanics of marketing and the broader entertainment industry as well as the passion fans have for "their team" and favourite artists and bands.