Episodes
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On Being "The Best" and Finding Fulfillment in the Restaurant Industry, with James Iranzad and Tristan Young
In this episode, I'm joined by my good friends James Iranzad (Gooseneck Hospitality) and Tristan Young, General Manager of The Keefer Bar. Together, we talk through Tristan's whirlwind summer running "The Best Bar in Canada", as recently crowned by North America's 50 Best Bars. From there, we...
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Is There a Right Way to Run a Neighbourhood Restaurant Anymore? (with James Langford-Smith & James Iranzad)
What exactly is a "neighbourhood restaurant", and is it something that can be manufactured through PR and virality? To understand these questions in greater detail - including how they relate to Vancouver’s current dining scene - I sit down with podcast regulars James Langford-Smith (June,...
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Max Curzon-Price and Andrew Kong Give the Latest Intel on Bar Supernova
I recently sat down with Max Curzon-Price and Andrew Kong to hear how things are shaping up for their upcoming Chinatown project, Bar Supernova (they’re targeting an August opening — follow them on Instagram for updates), situated next door to the legendary Keefer Bar. As construction ramps up…
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Catching Up with James Iranzad + James Langford-Smith Calls In
Recently, I sat down with my good friend James Iranzad (Gooseneck Hospitality) for a long-overdue catch-up, beginning with a piece that caught both our attention: Substance Abuse, a column by Ed Elson in the Simply Put newsletter. Elson's provocative thesis suggests that the dramatic decline in...
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Rooted in What? : Liz Carlisle and Aubrey Streit Krug Give the Lowdown on Perennial Agriculture
This week, I'm joined by Liz Carlisle and Aubrey Streit Krug, co-editors of Living Roots: The Promise of Perennial Foods (Island Press, March 3, 2026), a new collection from The Land Institute and UC Santa Barbara that asks a deceptively simple question: what would agriculture look like if we...
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Understanding The Lives of Migrant Workers with Author Marcello Di Cintio
Three years ago, I interviewed labour economist David Fairey and UVic sociologist Anelyse Weiler about British Columbia's piece rate system — the legal framework that allows farm workers to be paid less than minimum wage. Although I've worked in hospitality for years, and thought I understood the...
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So You Want to Open a Bar?: With Andrew Kong, Max Curzon-Price, James Iranzad & Dallah El-Chami
Opening a bar in Vancouver in 2026 can cost of upwards of over a million dollars - and that's before you've even served a single drink. So what does it take to sign a lease, survive the build-out, and create something that lasts? I recently sat down with four veterans of Vancouver's hospitality...
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Chef Culture, Awards, Opening Restaurants with Joël Watanabe, Ron McKinlay and James Iranzad
Recently, I sat down for a discussion with my good friend James Iranzad (co-owner and operator of Gooseneck Hospitality), along with two of the city's most respected chefs, Joël Watanabe (Kissa Tanto, Bao Bei, Meo) and Ron McKinlay. McKinlay is a Vancouver-born chef who has spent the past nine...
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On the Eater 38, Opening a Restaurant in NYC, and the Rise of Food Content Creators
Once again, I'm joined by James Iranzad (Gooseneck Hospitality) and James Langford-Smith (Pamplemousse Jus), as we dig into a few topics that have been top of mind lately... We kick things off by unpacking what the BCGEU strike has meant for the hospitality industry, and how we can better protect...
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The BCLDB Strike, Michelin Awards & The Death of the “Foodie” — w/ James Iranzad
In this episode, I sit down with my good friend James Iranzad, of Gooseneck Hospitality (Bufala, Lucky Taco, Bells & Whistles), to unpack three big conversations shaping BC’s dining scene right now, kicking off with the BCLDB strike and how it’s rippling through restaurants across the province —...
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Talking Tip-Flation, No-Show Fees, Meatless Menus, and Re-Finding the Spark
In this episode, we dive into some of the more pressing (and sometimes frustrating) issues the hospitality world is experiencing right now – beginning with ‘tip-flation’ and the growing backlash from consumers. Is the tipping model completely broken? Or are people just tired of being prompted to...
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James Iranzad and James Langford-Smith Dish on Awards, Openings & the Soul of Hospitality
Once again, I’m joined by my good friends James Iranzad (Gooseneck Hospitality) and James Langford-Smith (Pamplemousse Jus) for another of our signature catch-ups. In this episode, we discuss the buzz around recent restaurant awards — Van Mag, Canada’s 100 Best, and North America’s 50 Best Bars —...
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Group Chat: Vancouver’s Cocktail Scene In Focus
In this episode, I’m joined by four of Vancouver’s top bar talents – Amber Bruce (The Keefer Bar, June), Tara Davies (Chupito Cocteleria), Andrew Kong (Suyo), and Alexa Gervais (L’Abattoir) — for a roundtable discussion on the state of Vancouver’s cocktail scene. With North America’s 50 Best Bars...
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Is British Columbia's Craft Beer Industry Entering a New Era?
In December of 2023, Adam Henderson (Superflux Beer Company), Sam Payne (The Parkside Brewery, Rewind Beer Co.), and Nick Black (Strange Fellows Brewing) joined me to discuss the (seemingly dire) state of the beer industry. Now, just over a year later, the trio of local brewery pros have returned...
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Ranking B.C.'s Best Bars and 'Dry January', with James Iranzad and James Langford-Smith
Continuing with last year’s end-of-year episode, James Iranzad (Gooseneck Hospitality) and James Langford-Smith (Pamplemousse Jus) join me once again to discuss their top 10 favourite bars in British Columbia. Additionally, the pair share their thoughts on ‘Dry January’ to begin our discussion....
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Ranking B.C.'s Top 15 Restaurants, with James Iranzad and James Langford-Smith
With the year-end comes a fun-filled year-end list! Who better to join in ranking B.C.'s top 15 restaurants than my good friends, local industry vets, and frequent collaborative cohorts, James Iranzad (Gooseneck Hospitality) and James Langford-Smith (Pamplemousse Jus). In addition to comparing…
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Getting Away From the Roots of Some Really Harsh Kitchens with Timothy Taylor and His New Book - The Rise and Fall of Magic Wolf
"If you've ever dreamed of moving to Europe to cook and learn from the best, then The Rise and Fall of Magic Wolf might feel familiar. The new novel from Vancouver author (-slash-journalist-slash-UBC-Professor-of-Creative-Writing) Timothy Taylor follows the life of Teo, an inexperienced kid from...
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On Tipping, Food Pricing, Michelin and Migrant Workers with Food Journalist Corey Mintz
Corey Mintz is a distinguished food journalist hailing from Winnipeg, Manitoba. He has contributed to several prominent publications, such as The New York Times, Eater, and The Globe and Mail, and is the author of The Next Supper: The End of Restaurants as We Knew Them, and What Comes After. In...
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Episode 100! - Does Vancouver Have a Defining Food Image?
Welcome to the Episode 100 extravaganza! In honour of this milestone, we catch up with former Track & Food podcast co-host, Mickey McLeod, and friend of the podcast, Tristan Young, of The Keefer Bar. Then, with the help of industry vets Shira Blustein (Acorn, Lila), James Langford-Smith...
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Demythologizing Poverty with Local Expert, Tracy Smith-Carrier
Will poverty always be a systemic issue? This is the question at the heart of Tracy Smith-Carrier’s article, “Implementing a basic income means overcoming myths about the ‘undeserving poor’”, published in The Conversation last December – and the focus of today’s interview with its author....
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An Inside Look at the Controversial Mount Pleasant BIA Expansion
Back in the fall, I received some good intel, via text, about a peculiar issue brewing up along Main Street, regarding the Mount Pleasant Business Improvement Association(BIA). The problem was a proposed expansion of where the BIA lines fell, with the Main and 19-29th Street areas considered a…
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Is the BC Restaurant Industry in a Crisis?
Whether at work or with friends, one of the more common questions posed to me is: “Where do you recommend going for dinner?” In a city as varied and culturally diverse as Vancouver, options for delicious fare seem endless. But despite the abundance of intrigue and hard-to-book tables, the local...
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What's Going on with the BC Craft Beer Industry?
If you had asked me what I thought ‘craft beer’ was when I first moved to Vancouver, back in 2009, my answer would have been something vague about its ‘higher quality’. Fast forward to today, and layers of experiences, flavours and perspectives add nuance and understanding to what the beer sector...
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Predicting the Michelin Stars with James Iranzad, James Langford-Smith and Heidi Noble
In this newest edition of the triple(J) - H series, prominent former winemaker Heidi Noble joins alongside James Iranzad (Gooseneck Hospitality) and James Langford-Smith (Pamplemousse Jus) to help predict who will win, keep, and possibly move up in year two of Vancouver's Michelin guide. Enjoy!...
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Ending Homelessness Through Direct Cash Transfers with UBC Professor Dr. Jiaying Zhao
In 2018, Vancouver non-profit Foundations for Social Change, along with researchers from UBC, set out to do a small experiment: a one-year trial where they gave a lump sum of $7,500 cash, no strings attached, directly to people experiencing homelessness to see whether the direct cash method would...
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The Therapeutic Potential of MDMA With Journalist and Author, Rachel Nuwer
In this episode, award-winning freelance journalist, Rachel Nuwer, discusses her fantastic and revelatory new book, I Feel Love: MDMA and the Quest for Connection in a Fractured World. Featuring the real life stories of many intriguing characters, from ravers to PTSD sufferers, Nuwer's book…
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Edward Slingerland and James Iranzad Make the Case for Moderate Alcohol Consumption
Two years ago, I was fortunate enough to speak with UBC Professor Edward Slingerland regarding his then-new book, Drunk: How We Sipped, Danced, and Stumbled Our Way to Civilization (take a listen to the June 16th, 2021 episode here). If you haven’t already read it, Drunk is a fantastic and...
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Three Kelowna Entrepreneurs Discuss Okanagan Hospitality
To get a more comprehensive perspective of what’s happening in Kelowna, I reached out to a few local entrepreneurs who’ve helped revitalize the community with many of their brands: David Paterson (Tantalus Vineyards, Vice & Virtue Brewing); Kyle Nixon (BNA Brewing Co., Skinny Duke’s Glorious...
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Talking 'Ranking Culture' with Jacob Richler, of Canada's 100 Best
In this episode, Jacob Richler, founder and publisher of Canada's most diverse and influential restaurant ranking, Canada's 100 Best, discusses his years as a food critic, why he created this list in the first place, how the judging process unfolds, and where he sees things evolving in the year...
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Breaking Down the Van Mag Awards, with James Iranzad and James Langford-Smith
The boys are back for another “triple J” episode, chockfull with their in-depth insights and immeasurable humour… This time around, James Iranzad (Gooseneck Hospitality) and James Langford-Smith (Pamplemousse Jus) share their opinions on the Vancouver Magazine 2023 Restaurant Awards finalists…
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David Fairey and Anelyse Weiler Discuss the Migrant Worker Piece Rate System
While reading The Tyee back in late January, a story by labour economist, David Fairey (who is also a research associate of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives) and Associate Professor of Sociology at UVic, Anelyse Weiler, caught my eye… In “It’s 2023. BC Farm Workers Deserve Basic…
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Getting Loose and Talking Wine, with Maude Renaud-Brisson, Kelcie Jones and Jenna Briscoe
Recently, I was lucky enough to have Maude Renaud-Brisson (Founder, Apéro Mode), Kelcie Jones (GM, Elephant) and Jenna Briscoe (GM, Café Medina) on to discuss their new endeavour, 'This is Wine School', launching in Chinatown (265 East Pender) this week. These three ladies have already brought…
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Alex Black of Laowai Discusses his New Bar Bagheera
Back for another fun conversation, Alex Black of Laowai joins to talk about his new bar, Bagheera. Located just around the corner, we run through the concept, how things came about, branding, ice machine difficulties and much more. Alex is always candid and insightful. Enjoy!
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Corey Mintz Discusses the Noma Closure and What This Means for Labour and Fine Dining Moving Forward
Prominent food journalist, Corey Mintz, jumps on once again to help break down the news of Noma's impending closure at the end of 2024. If you are unfamiliar, the New York Times dropped the story this past Monday with a fully detailed exposé regarding the context and timing of this announcement....
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James Iranzad and James Langford-Smith Make their Predictions for 2023
The boys are back with their insights and predictions for 2023. Recorded a few days before the new year, James Iranzad and James Langford-Smith give the goods on where and how they see the restaurant community evolving this coming year. Yet another classic "triple J episode. Do enjoy!
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Food Journalist Corey Mintz on the Prevalence of Tip Creep at Starbucks and What This Means for Hospitality
After reading Corey Mintz’s NBC News column, ‘Outrage at Starbucks tipping prompt shows people don’t get how the tipping con works‘, I brought on the prominent food journalist to get his unique insights and perspective on the “tip creep”: what is it actually, and what does it mean for the...
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James Iranzad and James Langford-Smith on All Things Michelin and Their Fave Vancouver Dishes
Another episode with James Iranzad and James Langford-Smith is here! In this latest instalment, we discuss Michelin coming to Vancouver, and make our picks as to who will gain a star. We then shift gears to weigh in on our personal favourite Vancouver restaurant dishes. This episode has all the...
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St. Lawrence Owner And Chef, JC Poirier, On Culture, Values, Quebec And His New Cookbook, Where The River Narrows
Can life get any better for chef and restaurateur, JC Poirier? His restaurant, the Québécois inspired, St. Lawrence, just won its third straight Restaurant of the Year Award from Vancouver Magazine, right on the heels of a third place finish in Canada's Top 100. With Michelin on the way at the…
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Drafting Your Ideal Restaurant Lineup With James Iranzad And James Langford-Smith
In this latest episode James, James and I gather together to draft our ideal restaurant lineup. Influenced by The Ringer’s, The Rewatchables, and the NBA’s all star draft format, we choose from a random selection of Vancouver’s top hospitality veterans to round out our ideal restaurant teams. The...
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UC Santa Barbara Professor Of Environmental Studies Liz Carlisle On Her New Book Healing Grounds And The Deep Roots Of Regenerative Farming
Presented by Scout Magazine. The book Healing Grounds – Climate, Justice, and the Deep Roots of Regenerative Farming came onto my radar while reading an interview with its author, Liz Carlisle, published last March by Civil Eats, an American news source focused on sustainable food systems....
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Greta Co-founders Casey Greabeiel And Chris Decock On Opening In Vancouver And Becoming Part Of The Community
A deep dive and fun chat for this one with the co-owners of Greta, Gastown's newest Arcade Bar. Taking over in the old Bourbon on Cordova Street, Chris Decock and Casey Greabeiel reimagine the close to 9,000 square feet of space with a bustling high energy concept of arcade games, cocktails and...
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James Langford-Smith Of Bodega Ridge And James Iranzad Of Gooseneck Hospitality Dish On All Things Vancouver Hospitality
A bit of inside Baseball fun today with this episode as I bring on two close friends in James Iranzad of Gooseneck Hospitality and James Langford-Smith of Bodega Ridge on Galiano Island to talk shop about all things restaurants and bars. While sipping some of James Langford's new wine…
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Nick Devine Of Edna's Non-Alcoholic Cocktails, Lane Matkovich Of Nonny Beer And Kurtis Kolt Of The Flipside Dish On All Things Non-Alcoholic
Trends in the food industry happen all the time. We can usually spot them a mile away. Ten years ago, craft beer took Vancouver and British Columbia by storm, when the market saw an opening and took full advantage of what was needed and desired. I believe we’re on the cusp of another big movement…
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BBC Food Journalist Dan Saladino On His New Book, Eating To Extinction: The World's Rarest Foods And Why We Need To Save Them
I’ve been lucky enough to have interviewed some truly brilliant individuals in the past, especially those who’ve written timely and insightful books. As a bookworm at heart, I just love delving into these stories and piecing them out. My interview with BBC Radio food journalist, Dan Saladino, is…
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Simon Fallick and Patryk Drozd Of Hero's Welcome On Opening A New Bar And Maintaining The Legacy Of The Taurus Club
The best part of doing a podcast (sometimes, not all the time) is when you get to interview your buddies and chat with them about the cool shit they're doing. Case in point: This chat with Simon Fallick and Patryk Drozd of Hero's Welcome. Our talk has been in the works for sometime now and, well,...
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Food Journalist Mark Schatzker On His New Book, The End Of Craving: Recovering The Lost Wisdom Of Eating Well
Welcome to season 4 of the podcast. I'm delighted to be back after a short break. What a guest to land to begin this new season. Extremely thankful I was able to chat with food journalist and author, Mark Schatzker about his new book, The End of Craving: Recovering the Lost Wisdom of Eating Well....
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Track and Food Year End Wrap Up Conversation With Mickey McLeod Of The Acorn
Well, 2021, it's been a year. You were one for the books that's for sure. This is our last episode of 2021 (obviously) and with it Mickey and I wanted to chat about what we went through these past 365 days. It was great to hear him bring his unvarnished perspective of someone who is on his way…
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Food Journalist Corey Mintz Dishes On His New Book, "The Next Supper", Moving To A New City And Becoming A Father
What an absolute delight it was to chat with prominent food journalist Corey Mintz (New York Times, Globe and Mail, Eater) about his recently released book, The Next Supper: The End of Restaurants as We Knew Them, and What Comes After. This was definitely one of my all time favourite chats as...
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Superflux Co-Owner Adam Henderson On His New Space Superflux Cabana, Opening A Brewery And Following Your Dreams
Brought to you by Scout Magazine. What a treat it was to finally have Adam Henderson of Superflux on. If you don't know who he is or his brand, let's just say it is one of the most respected in the province. Why? It's because 80% of what they do is IPA's and BC loves their hoppy beers. It's…
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Shira Blustein Of The Acorn On Her New Cookbook, Owning A Restaurant And Being A Punk Rocker For Life
In memory of Andrew Morrison of Scout Magazine. Well for all of you who've followed this podcast since its inception, you'll have no doubt heard me talk about Scout Magazine numerous times over the years. Not only are they our presenting sponsor, but I've also been a contributor of theirs since...