Now brought to you by Scout Magazine. In this episode it delighted us to bring on two prominent hospitality veterans in Paul Grunberg and Romano Castillo . You might recognize these two as the former faces of Gastown’s L’Abattoir, where they helped distinguish that restaurant as being one of Vancouver’s best for many years. However, a few years back, Paul and his partners ventured out on their own to open a trio of new restaurants. First up was Osteria Savio Volpe , an upscale Italian joint with...
Jun 01, 2020•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 46
Now presented by Scout Magazine. In this special COVID-19 episode it thrilled us to have on Chambar co-owner Karri Green-Schuermans and our old friend James Iranzad of Gooseneck Hospitality. We wanted to hear them speak about what’s happening on the front lines regarding how the British Columbia government is looking to reopen the restaurant community. As the two lone independent restaurateurs from Vancouver on the 60 something panel of restaurateurs tasked at making this happen, their insights ...
May 06, 2020•52 min•Season 1Ep. 45
Now presented by Scout Magazine. In this weeks episode it thrilled us to bring on highly respected restaurateur Brandon Grossutti. Owner and operator of Gastown staple Pidgin , we were eager to discuss a new venture he’s been developing, a new “at cost” delivery service called FROMTO. With so many restaurants struggling to keep their heads above water during this trying time, we wanted to learn more about this new app, how he’s been developing it, when is it slated to be released and much much m...
Apr 27, 2020•1 hr 1 min
Now brought to you by Scout Magazine. In this special Covid-19 episode we brought on Abdallah (Dallah) El Chami of Victoria's Superbaba to discuss the Vancouver Food and Beverage Relief Fund he and couple of his friends recently started. With so many of us in the industry struggling with this current way of life, we were eager to hear Dallah's thoughts on how he and his fellow local restaurateurs were and are handling this pandemic. We waxed on the stresses of paying rent, keeping and maintainin...
Apr 10, 2020•59 min•Season 1Ep. 44
Hello fellow isolators and welcome to the Midrange Group Chat. Today, some of the members of the Midrange team got together remotely to talk about pretty much whatever came to mind. This round we are joined by Mickey, Jamie, Dan, and Tristan. While there is some unavoidable speculation regarding what will come from this new way of life, the team tries to focus on some potential silver linings of what the world will look like on the end of the quarantine. How will we behave around each other, wha...
Mar 27, 2020•55 min•Season 1Ep. 43
Brought to you by Scout Magazine. In light of our current social and economic circumstances due to the Covid-19 virus, we wanted to reach out to our close friends in the community and chat with them on how they are dealing with this pandemic. First up today is our loyal friend James Iranzad of Gooseneck Hospitality. If you don't know James, you probably know of his restaurants. Think Wildebeest, Bufala (Kerrisdale and Edgemont), Lucky Taco and Bells & Whistles. With his knowledge and intimat...
Mar 21, 2020•58 min•Season 1Ep. 42
Now brought to you by Scout Magazine. We were originally going to push this episode due to the current global pandemic of Covid-19. We thought it seemed trivial to release this now, with so many of us facing personal and economic uncertainties. However, we've had a few of you (thanks for your support) inquire if we had an episode coming soon. This has led us to believe that you're either bored and in need of something to listen to or that you really enjoy our show. We're going to go ahead and as...
Mar 17, 2020•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 41
Now brought to you by Scout Magazine. In this episode, it thrilled us to bring on winemaker Tyler Harlton of Summerland’s TH Wines and GM James Langford-Smith of Chinatown staples Bao Bei and Kissa Tanto. We waxed on all things hospitality, running small businesses, natural wine and its ethos and much much more. Jamie was excited to delve deep into Tyler’s wine style as he quickly realized that his inspiration as a winemaker was rooted from a deep appreciation for all things Loire, which happens...
Feb 18, 2020•1 hr 20 min•Season 1Ep. 40
In this episode, Jamie and Mickey chat with Peter Van de Reep of Campagnolo Upstairs. Recently crowned BC's Best Sommelier, they were excited to discuss his win, how it unfolded and what his thoughts are about competing at Nationals next fall. Peter also dishes on his start in the industry, his love for hospitality and much much more. Gracious, with a calm demeanour, it was fun having Peter on as he’s definitely become a large fixture within Vancouver’s hospitality industry. If you love wine, th...
Feb 02, 2020•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 39
In our final episode of 2019 we were thrilled to bring on current Mackenzie Room Wine Director and soon to be General Manager of the Mackenzie group’s second restaurant, Say Mercy, one Mr. Cody Dodds. A good friend of Jamie’s, Cody gave us the goods on what diners should expect from Say Mercy as we cover the restaurant’s philosophy, style and what they aim to produce. Trust us, it looks to be fantastic. From there, we were excited to pick his brain on his love of wine, restaurant reservations id...
Jan 04, 2020•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 38
In this episode, we brought on our good friend and bartender extraordinaire, Max Curzon-Price of Botanist in the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel. We were excited to chat with him about his latest project, Hive of Apiarists , which he’s launched in conjunction with his award-winning cocktail, Plight of the Bumblebee. This project started after Max recently won the Bacardi Legacy Canadian title this past fall and as such he will be competing in the global finals in Puerto Rico in January. With an empha...
Dec 15, 2019•1 hr 15 min•Season 1Ep. 37
In this episode, we couldn’t help but bring on for a second time our good friend Shaun Layton. Shaun sat with us a little over a year ago to discuss the imminent launch of his new restaurant, Como Taperia. It thrilled us back then that he wanted to chat and talk about what he had in store for us as a city as we no doubt knew his venture would be fantastic. Well one year in, we can confidently say that we were not wrong in our initial assessment. Como came out with a bang and we love it. Beautifu...
Nov 22, 2019•1 hr 20 min•Season 1Ep. 36
In this episode, we brought on our good friend and overall great guy, Bar Manager Jeff Savage of Botanist. We’d like to say that Jeff’s definitely had himself a year as he was not only part of the winning team that took home the Bols Around the World Global Title but that he was also crowned the Diageo World Class Canadian Champion. To top both of these achievements, Jeff just arrived back from Glasgow where he was runner up in the Diageo World Class Global Final. We repeat, he came 2nd in the w...
Nov 04, 2019•1 hr 25 min•Season 1Ep. 35
In this episode we were very fortunate to bring on a guest who needs little introduction, Vancouver Magazine Food Editor, Neal McLennan. This was such a fun chat as Neal gave us the goods on his time at Van Mag, the state of food journalism, how they approach their awards selection criteria, the evolution of the restaurant critic, restaurant politics and much much more. Neal graciously brought us some delicious Ardbeg 19yr Scotch to sample so he’s definitely always welcome back. If you love Vanc...
Oct 04, 2019•1 hr 43 min•Season 1Ep. 34
In this episode we chat with Gooseneck Hospitality co-owner and overall awesome dude James Iranzad. We got him to wax on his newest restaurant, a spin off of their wildly successful pizzeria Bufala. Set to open in late October in North Vancouver, James gives us the goods on what they're aiming to provide and why this has been such an exciting process. Throughout we also talk about James' career in hospitality, Vancouver restaurant culture, food delivery and much much more. As a podcast which aim...
Sep 22, 2019•1 hr 16 min•Season 1Ep. 33
...And we’re back!!! After a nice summer hiatus, we’re back today with a great one. Meet bartender/consultant Max Borrowman. He’s set to dig in and open his new bar for Heather Hospitality, ‘Open Outcry’ and we’re delighted he stopped by to give us the goods. In this one we wax on cocktail culture, the process of getting a bar open, concepts and much much more. Tennis talk ensues as both Jamie and Max correctly pick the US Open champion. Mickey details his summer of hibernation and then Jamie ra...
Sep 09, 2019•1 hr 13 min•Season 1Ep. 32
In this episode we did another group chat as we brought on two Vancouver industry legends, Ron Oliver of Mamie Taylor’s and Josh Pape of Gooseneck Hospitality. We wanted to wax everything hospitality as we discussed The Diamond 10 year anniversary and how the past decade has changed things for Josh, as he co-owns The Diamond with his partner Mark Brand. Ron chimes in as he was one of The Diamond’s first bartenders. They each swap stories as we delve into how The Diamond helped shepherd a cocktai...
Jul 15, 2019•1 hr 14 min•Season 1Ep. 31
In this episode we reflect on over a year and a half ( 30 episodes) of the Track and Food Podcast. It's been a super fun and therapeutic experience for both of us and we wax on show themes moving forward. As usual barbs are thrown, rambling occurs and things get opinionated. We Talk a bit of NBA and Mickey get's a chance to "do the dishes". We also discuss our new website venture Midrange. Its a content website that aims to highlight music, culture, food, film and art in our lovely city. Finally...
Jun 30, 2019•1 hr 21 min•Season 1Ep. 30
In this episode, we spoke with Parkside Brewery co-owner Sam Payne. He gave us the goods on his start in hospitality, opening and starting the brewery, challenges he’s faced along the way and much much more. We also waxed on about the current state of the B.C. craft beer industry and there was plenty of hoops talk to get us started. Sam used to play! This definitely got us going. This was one of our favourite chats of the year as Sam brought Mickey to life with some delicious beer. This made Jam...
Jun 09, 2019•1 hr 7 min•Season 1Ep. 29
In this episode we spoke with Top Drop Wine Festival co-founder Kurtis Kolt. Kurtis gives us the goods on the genesis of the festival, its aim, where he sees it going and why those who love wine should definitely check it out. The festival, now in its sixth year, takes place in Calgary on May 21st and in Vancouver on May 23rd and 24th. Jamie was excited to pick Kurtis’ brain about some of the producers his group chooses for the event, his favourite wine regions and his thoughts on the BC wine in...
May 19, 2019•1 hr 18 min•Season 1Ep. 28
In this episode we bring on past guests of the pod, bartender Mike Shum of the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel and Mamie Taylor's Owner, Ron Oliver. We brought them on to talk about the recent array of food lists to hit the internet, most notably, Canada's Top 100 restaurants and the Vancouver Magazine Awards. In discussing these lists, we argue about their validity, who was left off and why some of the choices don't make any sense. Mike throws out a few hot takes and Jamie is left puzzled by the who...
May 13, 2019•59 min•Season 1Ep. 27
In this episode we chat with local business owner and tea ninja Pedro Villalon on starting a now thriving business in the heart of Kitsilano. Pedro is the co-founder of O5 Rare Tea Bar , a staple in the Vancouver landscape with their excellent selection of small batch teas. It’s a place where you can go to learn a heck of a lot about the history of tea, take komboucha making classes or just have a great chat with a fun tea bartender in a beautiful atmosphere. Pedro shares the story of the origin...
May 01, 2019•59 min•Season 1Ep. 26
In this episode we spoke with our good friend Chef Daniel Williams of Dachi. A new 40 seat upstart located in the Hastings-Sunrise area of Vancouver, Dachi is the sort of small neighbourhood restaurant a community often craves but rarely gets. With a vibrant beverage program and a focused food menu set to the concept of locality and what’s in season, we were eager to hear Dan speak about his journey in kitchens and what it’s been like to open and be apart of this popular restaurant. We also disc...
Apr 15, 2019•1 hr 19 min•Season 1Ep. 25
In this episode we finally sit down and do Book Club #2. Mickey's choice this time around was the amazing book written by Jonathan Safran Foer, titled Eating Animals . The book's topic is centred around the way in which animal agriculture has changed for the worse over the past 70 years. Heavily researched, Safran Foer takes you on a wild and often sad journey as he explores the food choices of his youth and how animal agriculture is now being done in the United States. We explore this theme and...
Mar 30, 2019•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 24
In this episode we spoke with bartender Grant Sceney of Vancouver’s Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel. Grant’s been one of the few guests we’ve had shortlisted to have on for some time now as we were eager to hear his story, how he came to Canada by way of his native Australia and what it was like winning the Diageo World Class Canadian final in 2014. His win, a crowning achievement for a bartender, helped propel his ascension to being one of the worlds best as he would end up placing 4th at the Diageo...
Mar 18, 2019•1 hr 13 min•Season 1Ep. 23
In this episode we brought on Andrew Morrison, the Editor-in-Chief of Scout Magazine. In our estimation, Scout is Vancouver’s preeminent food and culture magazine, one in which, full disclosure, Jamie currently contributes to. As such, we were excited to finally have Andrew on so as to hear his thoughts on Vancouver and its food industry. We discussed Andrew’s start in journalism, how and why he came to co-create Scout with his wife Michelle, his thoughts on the state of Vancouver’s current food...
Feb 13, 2019•1 hr 36 min•Season 1Ep. 22
We’re back! In this episode we discuss news of possible changes to BC’s liquor laws as well as some trending topics the restaurant industry will be facing in 2019. We reference proposals brought forth from the Mark Hicken report , a lawyer who was hired by the BC government to asses how to improve the efficiency and outcomes for business and government and all those who deal with the BCL. Lastly we touch on the four topics Jamie wrote about in his most recent column, The State of Vancouver Resta...
Jan 26, 2019•59 min•Season 1Ep. 21
In this episode we spoke with Shoel Davidson and Mackenzie Chilton, who are two of the main drivers behind the new hospitality driven non-profit Mind The Bar . As an excellent follow up to our last episode which featured Tracy Giesz-Ramsay speaking about addiction, this episode we delve into what Mind The Bar is and how they're trying to bring awareness and resources for those who suffer from suicide, depression, anxiety and workplace harassment. Part of doing the podcast for us was to have epis...
Dec 29, 2018•1 hr 13 min•Season 1Ep. 20
In this episode we chat with local up and coming writer Tracy Giesz-Ramsay about addiction, its root causes and how society has come to recognize many of its symptoms. Drawing on some of her well researched knowledge, Tracy gives us the goods of why this issue is one worth discussing. We highly recommend you read her latest feature from Ricochet Magazine “The Underlying Causes Of An Escalating Crisis .” It’s a vivid and eye opening piece that will give you full insight into a growing epidemic. T...
Dec 14, 2018•59 min•Season 1Ep. 19
In this episode we chat with Hawksworth sommelier and over all great guy Jayton Paul. Jayton regales us with some pretty hilarious tails of his experiences in the Vancouver hospitality scene and flexes his vast knowledge on not only fine wines but wine culture overall. Jamie and Jayton geek out super hard while Mick tries to keep up, It's a real insight in to world of the Sommelier and vancouver hospitality in general and way more basketball talk goes on than expected.....Jayton is 6ft six so do...
Nov 23, 2018•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 17
