Brunch with Curtis Lum at Cibo Trattoria

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.

Curtis Lum

Curtis Lum

For my Sixty-Ninth brunch in this series, I was joined by Curtis Lum who is an Actor over brunch at Cibo Trattoria, in downtown Vancouver.

Curtis Lum is an actor born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia. He grew up in the family restaurant business with parents who taught him everything he needed to know about hard work. Being inspired by the booming film and television industry in Vancouver, Curtis seized the opportunity and did whatever it took to make the leap to become a performer. Fortunately, he got his start within his first year of acting, landing a recurring role on the Canadian teen-drama “Renegade Press” as Conor Ying. He then booked his first movie, working alongside Bai Ling, Steph Song and Russel Wong which boosted both his confidence and career. Over the years he has been building on his craft and has since worked with one of his favorite actors, Callum Keith Rennie on “Shattered” and has been on the hit show “Psych” on their season 5 premiere episode. He currently resides in Vancouver continuing to push the envelope with his artistry, chasing his dreams and bringing his endeavors on to a worldwide platform.

You can follow Curtis Lum on Twitter @culu

How did you get into Acting?

I was 13 years old and randomly walked on to the set of ‘Romeo Must Die”. I was eyeing the donuts in craft services when a P.A. told me “Go ahead take it, it’s free”. That’s when I knew, I wanted that the rest of my life.

When did you decide acting would become your career?

Pretty much right from the get go, I was 20 years old when I started. A year into training I booked my 1st gig and that was a big eye opener for me. I knew I wanted to do this as my career.

What was your favourite role you ever played in a TV production?

  1. The Romeo Section -character’s name was ‘Bootsy” where I got to be a bad ass, I had the creative freedom to do my own thing. It was a CBC production created by Chris Haddock (the 2nd season starts filming in June 2016).
  2. Chasing Mood, it was my own show and I played myself.

What were your most recent acting roles?

  1. The Romeo Section – I played Rufus
  2. Jaded – my own film, written by Paolo Valdes.

I understand you have your own restaurant in Vancouver, tell us how that came about?

It’s something that has always been a part of me and always will be, it’s been in my blood line for 3 generations. I have a place to hang out and it’s a place my friends can hang out and enjoy.

What are your favourite foods?

Sushi, Pizza (my guilty pleasure)

What are your favourite restaurants in Vancouver outside of your own?

Minami

Shizen Ya Sushi

Bao Bei

Pizza Garden

AnnaLena

Pane Chocolate

Pane Chocolate

Sablefish Pancake

Smoked Sablefish Pancake

Crispy Pollenta

Crispy Pollenta

Pana Cotta and the Chocolate Salumi.

Pana Cotta and the Chocolate Salumi.

Curtis had a Pane Chocolate, and then the Smoked Sablefish Pancake; while Richard also had a Pane Chocolate to start followed by the Crispy Pollenta. For dessert, Richard and Curtis shared the Pana Cotta and the Chocolate Salami.

What do you do in your spare time?

Travel

Be active

Martial arts

Shoot my own projects

What are your favourite tv shows?

Top Boy (Netflix)

Entourage

Mister Robot (Netflix)

What are your favourite films of all time?

The Beach with Leanardo Di Caprio

The Fight Club

Snatch

He got Game

Who are your favourite Actors who you admire?

Leaonardo di Caprio

Will Smith

Michael B. Jordan

Ryan Reynolds

What were some of the most embarrassing moments you have ever had in a production on or off stage or film?

My 1st professional scene in a teenage drama where I had to be naked with a g string dancer belt “naked in bed”.

Tell me about your role in The Romeo Section?

I play a member of Vince’s crew, we are the crew that takes care of a big time drug deal going down in the harbour. It’s “ an authentic story to tell about our own city”.

Is there a Director one or more that you want to work with?

Spike Lee

Judd Apatow

Seth Rogen

Guy Ritchie

What advice would you give to kids wanting to get into acting?

There is no right or wrong way to this business, be fearless with achieving your goals if you want it, go get it.

What inspires you?

Everything …. The people who are living out their passion in life, d what they love and succeed in that.

What is next for you?

  • Second season of The Romeo Section
  • Producing a couple of my own projects
  • Riding the wave of the moment, being the face of some colourful roles.

What would you like to do in the future?

  • A face on big films
  • A spokesperson face of brands
  • Have a handful of side projects in Vancouver.

Style: A La Carte

Attire: Casual

Time: Saturday & Sunday 7am – 2:00pm

Cibo Trattoria

900 Seymour Street, Vancouver

Menu:  http://cibotrattoria.com

For Reservations call 604-602-9570

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

By: Richard Wolak

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