interviews

Discover Local in August

Posted on August 12, 2022 by cvanbrunschot

Jonathan and Shannon Young, Crystal Rill Trout Farm — Credit: Crystal Rill

Meet Jonathan and Shannon Young, descendants of Springbank homesteaders, who have expanded the definition of what livestock can be.

Janna and Ryan Greir, Whispering Cedars Ranch — Credit: C. Van Brunschot

And Janna and Ryan Greir, keen explorers of the 21^st century synergies between technology and animal husbandry.

These local producers represent the ever-evolving nature of ranching in Southern Alberta – where the balance between food production, animal welfare, environmental stewardship, and good business is an ever more complex affair.

Read their stories in my “Meet the Producers” feature in the current issue of Savour Calgary magazine – available online or at these food-and-beverage-focused venues around the region.

Then take the opportunity to meet more of the amazing people who produce our food, by visiting some of the tours, tastings, and activities occurring around the province during this weekend’s Alberta Open Farm Days event (August 13 & 14). You’ll find their passion contagious, their farm operations captivating, and the food – always delicious, of course!

Remember, too, that Alberta on the Plate’s Dine Around Festival starts today at participating restaurants and runs until the 21^st.

Proving that August is truly the BEST time in our province to explore local food!

Forged By Fire

Posted on March 21, 2021 by cvanbrunschot

Chef Jinhee Lee at JinBar — Credit: C. Van Brunschot

A global pandemic is hardly an optimal scenario for opening a new restaurant venture. But many Calgary chefs did exactly that – proving that where passion and ingenuity ignite, there’s no putting out the flame.

What does it take to be a chef-entrepreneur during times of adversity? I sat down with Chef Jinhee Lee, Chef Connie DeSousa, and Chef Jenny Kang to find out.

You can read what they had to say here – or in the March/April issue of Savour Calgary magazine. Some of their comments may surprise you!

On the D-Day Beaches of Normandy – THE INFORMED TRAVELER

Posted on November 12, 2019November 12, 2019 by cvanbrunschot

Canadian War Cemetery at Beny-sur-Mer, Normandy, France

Thanks once again to Randy Sharman, host of THE INFORMED TRAVELER, for inviting me to talk about my recent visit to some of the D-Day sites of Normandy.

If you missed his “Remembering Our Veterans” show this weekend on Global radio, you can catch the podcast here.

Randy often asks his guests to name their top highlight of a destination. In this instance, my answer was easy: learning the stories of people like Charlie Martin, Bill Dunn, the Westlake brothers, and many more. Stories that put a very human face on WWII.

“Stories have to be told or they die, and when they die, we can’t remember who we are or why we’re here.” (Sue Monk Kidd)

For more on exploring the region, see Normandy Sightseeing Tours, Bayeux Museum, and Welcome to Bayeux.

Talking Adventure Travel and Cycling in Provence on Global News Radio’s “The Informed Traveler”

Posted on September 6, 2019 by cvanbrunschot

Adventure tourism is one of the fastest-growing segments of the travel market – climbing by a whopping 65% a year from 2009 to 2013, and projected to grow by more than 17% annually through 2023.

According to a 2018 survey by Travel Leaders Group, it’s the top specialty travel choice among North American travellers, and sought out by men and women of every age group.

What exactly IS adventure travel? According to the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), it’s travel that combines at least 2 out of the following three elements: physical activity; connection with nature; interaction with culture.

“Soft” adventure activities like hiking, cycling, and kayaking are among the most popular, driven by travellers’ increased desire to include hands-on, authentic , and off-the-beaten-path experiences while out exploring the world.

I’m certainly no athlete, but by this definition I’ve been a soft adventure traveller for two decades. Given the statistics, you’ve likely done some, too, or are seriously considering it for future forays around the globe.

Listen to this week’s INFORMED TRAVELER podcast, as host Randy Sharman explores why I like to include a bit of active travel in my holiday plans. You’ll hear some adventures from my multi-day cycling trip in France – through one of the most interesting corners of Provence – and learn tips about choosing a cycling tour that’s right for you.

The INFORMED TRAVELER is heard every Sunday at 8 am on NewsTalk770 Calgary , at 6 pm on Edmonton’s 630CHED, and at 3 pm on NewsTalk980 CKNW Vancouver. Listen to it on your mobile device through CuriousCast.

Radio Interview on THE INFORMED TRAVELER: Talking about Tuscany

Posted on May 16, 2019August 29, 2019 by cvanbrunschot

Thanks so much to Randy Sharman for inviting me to chat about Tuscany on the May 5 episode of his radio show, THE INFORMED TRAVELER.

I love the relaxed, conversational way that Randy’s show brings the latest in travel news and tips to his listeners. Like me, he believes that “there’s no better learning experience than traveling the world and meeting the people who inhabit it”, and he’s dedicated to teasing out stories and insights from his on-air guests.

The INFORMED TRAVELER is heard Sunday’s on 770CHQR in Calgary, 630CHED in Edmonton and on 980 CKNW in Vancouver.

You can also listen to free podcast episodes on curiouscast.ca and omny.fm by searching Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify on your electronic device.

In the May 5 segment, Randy uses my City Palate article “Late to the Table: a Culinary Walk Through Italy” as a springboard for discussing why food is special in Tuscany and how best to explore the region’s culinary treasures.

You can listen to my segment here – or hear the full episode (including info on celebrating Cinco de Mayo in Los Cabos or volunteering abroad) on THE INFORMED TRAVELER website. If you like what you hear, you’ll find past episodes available on the website, too.

I’m looking forward to chatting with Randy again sometime in the future!

— Catherine —Van Brunschot

Food and Travel Writer