A no messing around guide to the coolest things to eat, drink and do in Vancouver and beyond. Community. Not clickbait.

TRACK & FOOD PODCAST // Local Restaurateurs on Reopening, the New ‘Food Coalition’ and More

Welcome to the Track & Food podcast. Host Jamie Mah is a writer, bartender and sommelier in beautiful Vancouver, BC. With co-host Mickey McLeod, they take regular deep dives into everything food and culture in the city and around the globe.

In this special COVID-19 episode we speak to Chambar co-owner Karri Green-Schuermans and repeat guest James Iranzad of Gooseneck Hospitality about what’s happening on the front lines of restaurant life and how the provincial 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 were the ones we most wanted to hear.

We also wanted to discuss Karri’s new Food Coalition initiative with its aim of “feeding those with the greatest need, using local food, made by local restaurants.” She and James discuss this in detail as one of his restaurants, Gastown’s Wildebeest, has also jumped on board to help. We also wax on rent assistance for restaurants, government action, taking on more responsibility and life at home during this time…

Demythologizing Poverty with Local Expert, Tracy Smith-Carrier

Will poverty always be a systemic issue? This is the question at the heart of an article published in The Conversation last December, written by today's guest and Jamie Mah's most recent Track & Food Podcast episode.

An Inside Look at the Controversial Mount Pleasant BIA Expansion

In this episode, we hear from Mount Pleasant BIA Executive Director, Neil Wyles, on why he's pushed so hard for this expansion and what that process has entailed so far, as well as from those in opposition, including three Main Street business owners.

Is the BC Restaurant Industry in a Crisis?

In the wake of the CEBA Loan Repayment extended deadline (Jan. 18th, 2024), host Jamie Mah and guests Shira Blustein, Shaun Layton, and James Iranzad debate where restaurants are headed in 2024 and what can be done to help an industry on the brink.

What’s Going On with the BC Craft Beer Industry?

To gain a better comprehension of the situation from the inside, Jamie has rounded up three friends and prominent brewery owners to share their knowledge and personal narratives, and discuss the state of the craft brewery market today, how they see it evolving, and the challenges ahead…