Brunch with Simone Grewal at Seventeen 89

Brunch is a favourite past time shared by many and should be an extraordinary experience, one that you will cherish. Vancouver has some wonderful places for brunch. Each of the places I visit is unique for what is offered along with the type of service and selection of dishes. I am on a journey around the city to find these extraordinary places and, at the same time, I will be joined by a notable personality who may be a Film Producer or Director, Musician, Arts Festival Director, Actor or other well-known individual for Brunch at restaurants in and around Vancouver.

For my Fifty Seventh brunch in this series, I was joined by Simone Grewal, Radio Host at Virgin 95.3 FM over Brunch at Seventeen 89 Restaurant in the West End talking about music, food and more.

Simone Grewal,

Simone Grewal,

Simone Grewal is currently the Middays Announcer on Virgin Radio 95.3 FM, formerly a Weathercaster and Reporter with CBC TV Vancouver. She started her path in broadcasting by attending BCIT and taking the radio program and shortly after began working in promotions at 95.3FM. Here she had the opportunity to also do traffic reporting as well as live –on air broadcasts. Along with Radio, Simone has hosted and produced various local and national programs in Television. Stations she’s worked for include OMNI Television, JOY TV, Shaw TV, The Weather Network and City TV and most recently she hosted the “Off The Wall” morning show on RJ1200am.

You can follow Simone Grewal on Twitter @SimoneGrewal

What got you into Radio, and broadcasting?

Since I was a kid, I wanted to be in broadcasting. I like to entertain, tell stories, and be the first to share the news.

Where did you go to school for radio/broadcasting?

BCIT – in the radio program.

How hard or easy was it to find your first job?

I ended up working promotions at first while I was going to school at BCIT. Then moved on to traffic reporting, live on location broadcasts then on air. I then worked at Omni TV in the promotions department, from there it was on to  tv reporting the news, political current affairs show. Then on CBC –community reporting/weather.

Have there been any notable personalities you have interviewed over the years, if so who?

Some of my interviews have been with Tony! Toni! Toné!, Kristina Maria, Dirty Radio, Down With Webster, Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas, and Bollywood celebs are my fave interviews, have chatted with Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai, Akshay Kumar, and Preity Zinta.

What type of music did you listen to growing up?

Top 40 – pop/dance and Bollywood music

If you could tell me about 4 of your favourite concerts of all time which ones would those be?

1)    Pink

2)    Katy Perry

3)    Alicia Keys

4)    Coldplay

What foods do you like?

1)    Mexican food

2)    Steak

Montecristo French Toast

Montecristo French Toast

Three Egg Vegetarian Farmers Frittata

Three Egg Vegetarian Farmers Frittata

Simone had the Montecristo French Toast – Triple Layer of Brioche Bread, Turkey, Ham & Cheese, Dipped in Egg, Pan Fried & Baked, Warm Maple Bacon Syrup while Richard had the Three Egg Vegetarian Farmers Frittata – Potato, Peppers, Zucchini, Mushrooms, Artichokes, Tomato, Goats Cheese & Herbs.

What are your favourite restaurants in Vancouver?

1)    Market at Shangri-la

2)    Lupo

3)    Trattoria

4)    Taverna Gorgona in Ladner

What do you want your listeners to learn from listening to your radio show?

Just to have fun and be entertained. Be involved and connected to the community, entertainment and music.

What do you do in your off time?

1)    Spending time with my son

2)    Training for the Sun Run

3)    Working out

4)    Travelling

5)    Entertaining at home

Where is your favourite vacation spot?

Palm Springs

Who are your mentors?

1)    Tony Parsons – admired his longevity in the broadcasting industry

2)    George Stroumboulopoulos  – for his interviewing skills

3)    Kelly Ripa – for finding the balance of being a great mom, wife & broadcaster.

Who inspires you now?

From my mom for being a mom, seeing how my mom balanced things as I am a new mom.

What inspires you?

Our listeners, being able to connect with people, positive happy people. How people choose to do things, anybody leading a positive life style. Perfect, balance of life and finding it.

In your opinion, how does a Radio Host stay in the game as the times change and evolve?

You have to make yourself valuable and an asset to any company. Whenever there is a new change and skillset jump on it, be a yes person, always challenge yourself. Learn it, make sure there are options for you.

What’s next for you or what’s on the horizon?

1)    Another baby

2)    Continuing in my career either moving into management or my own morning radio show. Right now it is figuring out the next step, in the next 5 years it will be one or the other.

 

Style: a La Carte

Attire: Smart Casual

Time: Saturday and Sunday 10:30am – 3:00pm

Seventeen 89 Restaurant

1789 Comox Street, Vancouver

Menu: http://www.1789.ca/

For Reservations, please call :604.428.0705

Stay tuned to my next guest Interview along with the next Brunch in and around Vancouver.

By: Richard Wolak

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