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Corey Mintz Discusses Noma’s Impending Closure, What it Means for Labour and “Fine Dining”

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.

Prominent food journalist, Corey Mintz, jumps on the podcast once again to help break down Noma‘s impending closure at the end of 2024. Last Monday (January 9th, 2023) New York Times dropped the news via an exposé all about the context of the announcement, including issues with unpaid labour, what this means for Noma’s chef and owner, René Redzepi, and his team, and the larger global ramifications on “fine dining” scene. The former world number one restaurant (World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2021) has made an indelible mark on the food industry. There’s a lot to unpack here. Enjoy!

(For some supplementary reading: famed New York Times food critic, Pete Wells, also recently shared his thoughts regarding the closure announcement and why it’s so significant.)

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…