All Things Alberta

Recently naturalized as a Canadian, Sandy Best first made his way to Alberta from Scotland in 1989, in search of the best skiing in the world. To his delight, not only did he find that, but he found a new home as well, and in the process became one of Alberta’s biggest cheerleaders.

The Calgary Stampede

Every July, Calgary takes center stage with the Greatest Outdoor show on Earth- the Calgary Stampede. The world’s largest outdoor rodeo has been attracting millions since 1912. It’s CEO, Vern Kimball joins us to talk about what makes the stampede one of the greatest spectacles on Earth.

Celebrity Chef Ned Bell

Ned Bell is well-known for his roles on the Canadian Food Network show Cook Like a Chef, and on the Viva Network’s It’s Just Food. He talks to Ian and Tonya about his love of food, especially that inspired by Canada.

Learn More About Lake Louise

North America’s Most Scenic Resort

Ned Bell

Ned Bell is one of Canada’s foremost culinary talents. Born in the Okanagan, British Columbia’s wine country, Bell has always had a passion for cooking and is steadfast in his vision and drive to create new, imaginative dishes with fresh, local ingredients.
Bell began his career in Vancouver working under two local restaurant legends: first under the tutelage of Le Crocodile’s Michel Jacob and then as Sous Chef for Rob Feenie’s Lumiere restaurant. In 1997 Bell set his sights eastward where he enjoyed successful stints as Executive Chef at Niagara on the Lake’s Peninsula Ridge Estate Winery, and at Toronto’s Accolade and Senses restaurants where he earned significant recognition by the city’s culinary cognoscenti. During his time in Toronto, Bell was a regular on Food Network Canada’s “Cook Like a Chef.”
Ready to make his mark on the up-and-coming Calgary restaurant scene, the new millennium saw Bell moving west to cook up a storm at Murrieta’s Grill in Calgary, where his list of accomplishments included winning Where Magazine’s Rising Star and Best Overall awards.
Wanting to get further engaged in the business side of restaurants, Bell joined the team at Vintage Chophouse and Red Water Grille as Corporate Chef where his passion, knowledge, creativity and focus turned the restaurants into two of Calgary’s most exciting culinary locales.
The vibrant, young chef is thrilled to return to his roots where he is excitedly living his dream of being both Executive Chef and an owner at Cabana Bar and Grille in Kelowna, BC.
Bell’s talent and charisma continue to propel him forward. Since opening Cabana Bar and Grille, Bell has begun filming “It’s Just Food” for CTV, and has been voted one of Western Living’s Top 40 Foodies Under 40
Bell is also lending his good taste to Vancouver Cooks 2.0--a coveted collection of recipes from Vancouver’s best chefs.

Click here to learn more about Ned’s Restaurant

Vern Kimball

Vern Kimball has been chief executive officer of the Calgary Stampede since 2006. As CEO, he is responsible to the board of directors for leading the organization. Prior to this role, Vern was chief operating officer for two years, chief financial officer for 10 years and held significant roles in Food Services, Sales and Facilities, and long-range planning since joining the organization in 1986.
Vern has an MBA and bachelor of arts from the University of Calgary. He contributes his time and energy to a number of community organizations including the Rotary Club of Calgary, the Faculty of Communication and Culture at the University of Calgary, and serves as director of the Calgary Philharmonic Society.

Calgary Stampede Website