Food

Wine

Travel

This week on

Program notes

Growing up in the Niagara Wine Country Joel Riddell was introduced at an early age to agriculture, viticulture and their role in providing the finer things in life. Harvesting for the farmer's market, visits to the High Arctic and participating in the Royal Winter Fair all further expanded Joel’s interest in and appreciation for the good life.

College called and Joel was off to the University of Western Ontario in London. Coming as he did from a family of five children in which a strong work ethic was not only necessary but expected, Joel began work at a local historic restaurant the Latin Quarter. Valuable contacts and experience in event planning provided by this job evolved into House Management at the Grand Theatre; a position as Café Manager at the London Art and Historical Museum; and, a role as principal in Thames Artist Management.

A love of the Arts led Joel to his next entrepreneurial adventure as co-proprietor of Crackers Bed and Breakfast in nearby Stratford home to the largest English speaking repertory theatre company in the world, the Stratford Festival. In the winter months, while the Theatre was dark, Joel studied Visual Arts and Art History at near by Western University in London, Ontario. Graduating with a BA in English and Visual Arts Joel broadened both his administrative and arts skills as Front of House Manager of the London Symphony Orchestra and Event Manager of Chameleon Models and Production while earning an additional professional degree in education.

Serendipity played a large role in deciding post-university life. With the Ivory Tower of academia at his back, Joel entered the Dot Com world, all the while dreaming of the places read about in the hallowed halls of University College. This experience in internet publishing and the hospitality industry led Joel to San Francisco and KGO Radio. As Producer of the Gene Burns Programs such destinations as Israel, Cyprus, Tuscany, Vatican City, and French Polynesia became a reality.

Firmly planted in the Bay Area, Joel has produced programs aired on WMEX Boston, the Talk America Radio Network (national), Command Audio, and KGO. Work on the number one rated "Dining Around with Gene Burns" program and it’s travel opportunities have reinforced the importance of food and wine in the enjoyment of the good life whether in his native Niagara or the distant Golan Heights.

A serious photographer Joel’s credits include; White Line Gallery, Pomecco Gallery, Macintosh Gallery, John Labatt Gallery, The Gallery at 3AM, Valicert and diningaround.com. Media appearances include "The National" CBC, "Oh La La" Fashion television, and Much Music; Manuscripts include, The Gothic Revival Road Trip, and Bill & Doug's Epoptaic Endeavors.