Best Alex Abbott Boyd Podcasts (2025)

1
Julie Garton – Crafting World-Class Wine Lists and Building a Career in Hospitality 49:55

Play Pause

3d ago49:55

49:55

In this episode, I sit down with Julie Garton, a sommelier and hospitality professional, to discuss her journey in the wine and hospitality industry. Jules shares her experiences from studying film theory to working across across the world, including in Asia, Australia, and the UK, ultimately landing in Toronto. She emphasizes the importance of cre…

1
Scott Vivian and Nate Middleton — Beast Pizza, An Open Door to Creativity, and Fine Dining in a Pizzeria 1:02:04

17d ago1:02:04

1:02:04

In this episode of Tasting Notes Toronto, I sit down with Scott Vivian and Nate Middleton, co-owners of Beast Pizza in Toronto. They discuss their journey into the culinary world, the inspiration and challenges behind running a unique pizza restaurant with a fine dining twist, and their dedication to creativity and hospitality. The conversation cov…

1
Celia Méndez — From Tenerife to Canary Counter, Toronto’s Newest Wine Bar 53:01

1M ago53:01

53:01

In this episode, I sit down with Celia Mendez, founder of Toronto's newest wine bar and bottle shop, Canary Counter. Celia shares her journey into the world of wine — from growing up in a small mountain village in Tenerife, surrounded by her family’s vineyards, to studying and working across Barcelona, Bordeaux, Austria, and Burgundy. We explore th…

1
Josh Correa — Archive Wine Bar, Honest Wines, and Building a List for Everyone 44:59

1M ago44:59

44:59

In this episode of Tasting Notes Toronto, I sit down with Josh Correa, co-owner of Archive Wine Bar in Toronto. Josh shares his journey from being a teacher to opening a successful wine bar inspired by European wine and tapas bars. We discuss the Archive's extensive wine selection as a reflection of different seasons and regions, the evolution of J…

1
Ben Plisky-Somers — Opening Bossanova, Ontario’s First Wine & Beer Shop 52:30

2M ago52:30

52:30

In this episode, I sit down with Ben Plisky-Somers, co-founder of Bossanova Wine and Beer in Toronto’s Roncesvalles neighborhood. Founded during the pandemic, Bossanova was Ontario’s first shop created specifically to retail both wine and beer. We talk about his path into wine, the challenges of running an independent shop in Ontario, and how Bossa…

1
Tim Kirk — Clonakilla, Creating An Icon and the Sacred Side of Winemaking 52:38

3M ago52:38

52:38

In this episode, I sit down with Tim Kirk, chief winemaker at Clonakilla, one of Australia’s most acclaimed wineries. Known for crafting the groundbreaking Shiraz Viognier—a wine once hailed as "one of the most important advances in Australian Shiraz since Penfolds Grange"—Tim brings a rare blend of artistry, humility, and spiritual depth to the wo…

1
Ryan Donovan - Opening Richmond Station, Why Ingredients are Key, and Work-Life Balance in Hospitality 51:12

3M ago51:12

51:12

In this episode of Tasting Notes Toronto, I sit down with Ryan Donovan, co-owner and sommelier at Richmond Station, one of Toronto’s most enduring and respected restaurants. We dive into what it takes to open and sustain a great restaurant — from creating a healthy workplace culture to choosing the right location and building deep relationships wit…

1
Ian Stoddart — Turning a Passion for Travel into a Neighborhood Wine Bar 38:14

4M ago38:14

38:14

In this episode, I sit down with Ian Stoddart, owner of East End Vine — a cozy wine and tapas bar in Toronto’s east end. Inspired by his travels and a deep love of wine, Ian set out to create the kind of spot he always sought out abroad: welcoming, unpretentious, and built around community.We talk about how he brings that vision to life through a c…

1
Robert Luo — Crafting a World-Class Wine Program at Canada’s Best Restaurant 42:05

4M ago42:05

42:05

In this episode, I sit down with Robert Luo — head sommelier at Restaurant Pearl Morissette, recently named Canada’s Best Restaurant. Rob has worked his way through wineries and restaurants around the world, learned from some great mentors, and gained invaluable experience the hard way — by rolling up his sleeves and putting in the work. He’s incre…