Posts Tagged ‘Brunch’

Brunch with Marcelo Trevino at Biercraft

March 18th, 2012 admin

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 seventeenth brunch in this series, I was joined by Music Composer/Producer Marcelo Trevino at Biercraft in Vancouver talking about Music, Scoring, Songwriting, and more!

Marcelo Trevino

Marcelo Trevino was born in Monterey, Mexico; best known for teaming up with Mexico’s leading and Grammy Nominated alternative rock band Panda as arranger and on tour keyboard player, is a Berklee College of Music Film Scoring and Songwriting graduate (2000, 2001).

He’s produced, arranged and scored numerous projects for years, including his acclaimed solo album ‘Todo’ (2005). Recently Marcelo scored SERES:GENESIS, Latin America’s first action- packed sci-fi adventure motion picture (Huma Films) and the suspense/mystery detective drama hit TV Series ‘Morir en Martes’ (MR Entertainment).

What did you want to be growing up?

At 8 years old, I played piano with my dad, I was always interested in music, wrote improvised songs on the piano and loved music.

How did you end up choosing the career that you are doing?

My parents were supportive in recognizing that I was passionate for music. They supported me in my choice to further music which I persued by going to Berklee College of Music in Boston. I attended the college when I was 19 years old and took “Intro to Film Scoring” as well I majored in film scoring & song writing.

Have you always wanted to be a Composer?

I considered myself more of a songwriter before going to Berklee, but then while going to Berklee I developed more of an interest to becoming a composer.

Has your music style changed over the years?

I think it has, the band influenced a lot of my musical taste from Romantic to adventurous and textural more alternative preferences. Previously I was more into romantic pop. In film scoring I am always looking at new composers.

What prompted your recent move from Mexico to Vancouver?

Vancouver is a beautiful city and this is where I always wanted to build my family. The video game industry is huge here and there are opportunities for me to work my music for the gaming industry as well as the film industry here.

Are you working with Canadian production companies scoring for films here?

The idea is to do just that, I am hoping to work with a management company to score music for the films here.

What is your favourite food?

Chicken Cordon Bleu

Eggs Benedict with black forest ham

Tropical Pancakes

Marcelo had an Americano and an Orange juice, he then had the Eggs Benedict with black forest ham ($12) On a croissant, served with house-made hollandaise, hash browns & a side salad. Richard had the Tropical Pancakes ($12.50) with coconut served with crispy bacon and potatoes; he also had an Espresso Macchiato.

What is your favourite restaurant in Vancouver?

Nuba

What do you do in your off time?

  • Go to movies
  • Reading
  • Walking
  • Bike riding
  • Photography

Do you come from an musical family?

Yes, my dad plays the piano, my mom sings and plays the guitar. My brother and sister both play music. I was the only one who took it into a career.

Where was your recent musical trip?

Peru with the band “Panda”.

Who are your mentors?

Manuel Otero

How do you get the inspiration to compose music?

For tv & film – I follow through with my ideas. I draw from characters and storylines musically. Then I find the themes that fit and move forward. I have to trust what the film makes me feel.

For the band – most of the arrangements I did were based on the framework the style had. Harmonic, melodic and stylistic was defined. You have to go with what the song says, more focus of what the band is making the song work arrangement wise.

How long does it take you to score a tv episode?

The pace is very fast in TV, I have to work with 5-6 people and do it in 2-3 days usually.

How long does it take you to score for film?

For film it goes on for 2-3 months and I usually work with the Film Director or Producer.

What is next for you on the Horizon?

1)    Starting scoring of a television series in April – in Monterey & Mexico City – suspense psychological drama

2)    Doing a romantic comedy film in October 2012 in Mexico

3)    Continue to do music for advertising agencies and promotional campaigns

4)    Score music for the sports team “Rayatos” in Monterey, Mexico

 

Style: A La Carte

Attire: Casual

Time: Saturday & Sunday 10:00am – 4pm

Biercraft Bistro

3305 Cambie Street, Vancouver

Menu: http://biercraft.com/cambie/brunch/

For Reservations call 604-874-6900

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

By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Brunch with Celebrities, Latest Tags: , , , , No Comments »

Brunch with Robert Silverman at Raincity Grill

March 10th, 2012 admin

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 sixteenth brunch in this series, I was joined by Pianist Robert Silverman at Raincity Grill in Vancouver talking about Music, Performing, and more!

Robert Silverman

Robert was born in Montreal, he began piano study at 4 and appeared in recital at 5 and with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra at 14. After his professional debut in 1961 in Montreal and a first prize in the Quebec Music Festivals in 1961 he studied 1961-3 on a Canada Council grant at the Vienna Academy of Music. Returning to North America, he studied with Dorothy Morton at McGill University and with Cécile Genhart at the ESM. In 1967 he won first prize at the Jeunesses musicales of Canada National Competition and performed twice at Expo 67.

Known as one of Canada’s premiere pianists, he has performed in concert halls throughout North America, Europe, the Far East and Australia. Under the batons of such renowned conductors as Seiji Ozawa, John Eliot Gardiner, Gerard Schwarz, Neeme Järvi, and the late Kiril Kondrashin and Sergiu Comissiona, he has appeared with orchestras on three continents, including the Chicago Symphony, the Sydney Symphony, the BBC (London) Symphony, the St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestras, and every major orchestra in Canada.

Robert Silverman’s discography includes over 30 CDs and a dozen LPs. His recording of Liszt’s piano music received a Grand Prix du Disque from the Liszt Society of Budapest, while his widely-acclaimed 10-CD recording of all thirty-two Beethoven sonatas was short-listed for a Juno Award. His 7-CD album of all the Mozart Sonatas is due for release in 2010.

Robert Silverman was a faculty member at the University of British Columbia for thirty years, served a 5-year term as Director of the School of Music in the 1990s, and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters in 2004. He now devotes himself full-time to concertizing and recording. He is frequently heard on the CBC English and French radio network; a Steinway artist, he has recorded for EMI, Stereophile, Marquis Classics, Orpheum Masters and CBC Records. He has also lectured on piano music for the Celebrity Cruise line.

When did you decide you wanted to become a pianist? 

Everyone told me that I had talent when I was younger. Still, I went on to study Engineering at McGill but after a few years I lost interest and was failing, I switched to liberal arts and received a BA. Then I practiced and practiced my piano. At 23 I went to Vienna and then my career took off.

After studying in Rochester NY and teaching in Santa Barbara, a position opened up at UBC and I got the offer and I never looked back.

What are your favourite concertos to play?

  • Rachmaninoff 3rd
  • Brahms 2nd

What are your favourite concertos to hear?

  • Beethovens
  • Mozarts
  • Brahms
  • Bartok

What are your favourite orchestras to perform with?

  • Chicago Symphony
  • Leningrad Philharmonic (now St. Petersburg)

Do you have a favourite era of music to play?

Romantic – I like to think of myself as a thinking man’s romantic.

What do you want your listeners to learn after hearing your concerts?

Something about themselves, something that touches them.

 

Are you still performing?

Yes – but I am using the music now more and more rather than memorizing.

What is your favourite food?

Northern Italian

Seared Rare BC Albacore Tuna Salad

Pemberton Beef ‘Ragu’ Linguine

Robert had a glass of Chardonnay from St Michelle, he then had the Seared Rare BC Albacore Tuna Salad  ($19) greens, russian blue potato, free run egg, bacon, grilled red onion, grainy dijon & parsley pesto and an Americano. Richard had the Pemberton Beef ‘Ragu’ Linguine ($16) caramelized onions, sherry, fresh parmesan and an Espresso Macchiato.

What are your favourite restaurants in Vancouver?

  • Raincity Grill
  • Chambar
  • Hawksworth
  • Bishops
  • La Quercia
  • Blue Water Café
  • L’Abbatoir

What do you do in your off time?

  • Love going out to eat
  • Enjoy wines
  • Reading
  • Audiophile
  • Computers

Do you come from a musical family?

No – although my uncle was a commercial artist, but no one was in music.

Where was your recent musical trip?

Scottsdale – to hear the Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio

And

Los Angeles where I heard the LA Chorale at Disney Hall

Where was your next musical trip?

On March 1st I gave a lecture and recital at Brock University

Which Canadian concert halls are your favourite for performing?

  • UBC Recital Hall
  • Centre in the Square in Kitchener
  • Glen Gould Studio in Toronto

Which concert halls are your favourite for playing with Orchestras?

St. Petersberg Philharmonia

Do you prefer performing with Chamber or Symphony?

Chamber

Who were your mentors?

  • Richard Goode
  • Leonard Shure
  • Ivan Moravec
  • Solomon

Who is your favourite conductor that you have worked with?

Raffi Armenian, Canada’s most unsung great conductor for repertoire that counts.

Was it easy to travel the world from Vancouver to perform years ago?

No. It’s hard to take a teaching job seriously, and to sound like a good pianist when you are touring.

What is next for you on the horizon?

  • Editing the complete sonatas of Beethoven, that would make me one of 6 in the world to do this more than once.
  • Doing something for my 75th birthday.
  • A book is possible down the road
  • Liszt “Years of Pilgrimage” – l like the idea of wondering in strange lands, and may choose to play the complete cycle

 

Style: A La Carte

Attire: Smart Casual

Time: Saturday & Sunday 10:30am – 3pm

Raincity Grill

1193 Denman Street, Vancouver

Menu: http://www.raincitygrill.com/index.php/menus/brunch

For Reservations call 604-685-7337

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

By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Brunch with Celebrities, Latest Tags: , , , , No Comments »

Brunch with Fiona Forbes & Mike Eckford at House Guest

March 4th, 2012 admin

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 fifteenth brunch in this series, I was joined by TV Hosts Fiona Forbes & Mike Eckford at House Guest in Vancouver talking about TV, Life and more!

Mike Eckford & Fiona Forbes

Fiona Forbes is a Canadian television personality who currently hosts the award-winning entertainment talk show URBAN RUSH, in Vancouver, British Columbia. Forbes received a degree in History from the University of British Columbia and had planned to go to Law School. Instead, on a whim she enrolled in the Journalism Program at The British Columbia Institute of Technology. She has also hosted numerous other shows including DAYTIME on the Rogers Network, AUTOMOTIVE MORNING on Life Network and BREAKFAST TELEVISION on City-TV. Fiona also does extensive work as a Master of Ceremonies for corporate events and is passionate about lending her talents to support many wonderful charities including the Canadian Cancer Society, the Children’s Hospital Foundation and Canuck Place.

Michael Eckford is a Canadian television personality who is currently co-hosting the entertainment talk show Urban Rush on Shaw Cable in Vancouver, British Columbia. Michael has been hosting television shows for fifteen years, twelve of them with Shaw TV. In 2012 he also became the Co-Host of the Bro Jake Show on CFMI 101 Radio.

How did you both meet? And was it the tv hosting that brought you both together or?

Both doing tv but not together, we met at brunch at Senior Frogs and then were paired up by producers a few weeks later.

Have you always wanted to be a TV Host?

Mike – No – I wanted to be a Firefighter – I was a volunteer firefighter for years in Roberts Creek on the Sunshine Coast and then I was in construction. I watched Sportspage which was a big influence for me.

Fiona – No – I wanted to be a Lawyer – I took a broadcasting course then auditioned and got a job on live tv. My father was a lawyer and also an actor.

How do you both keep your shtik in mode or better put your cool when you are co-hosting events and tv shows?

We usually don’t plan, we are situational doing stuff and things just come up. No good when we plan stuff.

What do you want your viewers to learn if you will from your show each day?

Fun, we laugh, interesting people that we interview, learn about a story. Learn more about their city and country.

Tell me who some of your most notable guests that you have interviewed on your shows over the years ?

  • Arnold Schwartzeneggar
  • Bikram the Yoga Guy
  • David Suzuki
  • Steel Camper
  • Michael Buble
  • Kim Cattrell
  • Cory Monteeth
  • Terry David Mulligan

You both done over 20,000 interviews, is there anything that has stood out for each of you from any or many of them?

Mike – ripped my pants once and they then stapled my pants together so that I could do the show.

Fiona – my shirt became see through due to the lighting just as we were about to go live.

Mike – Greg “Who’s line is it anyway” almost got into a fist fight with me.

Fiona – kicked a comedian in the crotch.

Mike – introduced –cock instead of cake

Fiona – one a list movie star was so rude and I had to do the interview

What is your favourite food?

Fiona – Sushi, Italian food, roast beef and Yorkshire pudding

Mike – Clubhouse Sandwich

Chicken & Waffles

The Survival Burger

Lobster Cake Benedict

Waffle

Mike had the had the Chicken & Waffles ($12) bacon & pecan waffles, yogurt fried chicken, cream cheese maple syrup ; Fiona had The Survival Burger (with no egg) ($13) and Richard had the Lobster Cake Benedict (without eggs) ($15) lobster & crab cake, tomato bruschetta, bearnaise and a Waffle ($7).

What are your favourite restaurants in Vancouver?

Fiona –

  • Il Giardino
  • Vij’s
  • Blue Water Café

Mike –

  • La Quercia
  • Hawksworth
  • Blue Water Cafe

What do you do in your off time?

Fiona –

  • getting a puppy
  • running
  • travelling

Mike –

  • family with my 3 kids
  • working out
  • skiing
  • tennis
  • read

Has the format of your show changed from the beginning  to now?

Not really but its going to in the fall, stay tuned to October 15, 2012.

Do you come from an entertainment family?

Fiona – mom is an actress and father was an actor and director

Mike – big brother is in radio

Is there an event or two which you have hosted either on your own or together that has been memorable?

  • Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards
  • Burnaby Blues Arts Festival (stage caught on fire)
  • Burnaby business excellence awards

Where was your recent trip?

Fiona – Palm Springs for New Years and LA

Mike – Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Where was your most recent trip?

Fiona – New York

Mike – Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Who are your mentors?

Fiona –

  • my dad – he gave me great advice
  • Mom – she is my biggest fan, watches the show rigourissly and gives feedback

Mike

  • Manuel Fonseca
  • Vikki Gaberau
  • Terry David Mulligan

Michael tell me about your new radio host gig on the Bro Jake show, how did that come to be?

We have both known each other forever, Mike Reno did a year as co-host on the show and then left to go on tour. Jake asked me to fill in, I ended up taking it and do 6am-10am Monday-Friday.

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

Expansion

Urban Rush – almost

What are some of your craziest moments?

Mike – did a show on my birthday –the producer arranged for a Marilyn Monroe impersonator to come on the show to sing Happy Birthday –we never knew if it was a man or a woman, the Producer couldn’t see so we never knew.

When you first did the show did you both get paid?

No for a year we did not get paid, that is what you have to do, it is glorified interning – volunteering was key to getting the audition.

Style: A La Carte

Attire: Casual

Time: Sunday 10am – 4pm

House Guest

332 Water Street, Vancouver

Menu: http://housexguest.com/menu/

For Reservations, don’t call them, best to email reservations@housexguest.com

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

By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Brunch with Celebrities, Latest Tags: , , , , , No Comments »

THE RUMPUS ROOM

February 12th, 2012 admin

2689 Main Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-839-5780

Web: http://www.rumpusroom.ca/

Twitter: @RumpusRoomMain

Advice: Bring a small group of friends as opposed to a large group. Limited complimentary parking spots in front.

It appeared as it was games night as I entered this funky room, on one side I saw Jenga and on the other Scrabble. My friend Joe Leary joined me for some comfort food, that was not only playful and reminiscent of the 1970’s, it’s all made in house.  The room has got character and kitsch, novelty items, photos and posters inspired by the 1970’s goes hand in hand with the 1970’s inspired dishes.

Deep Fried Pickles

Chicken Wings

We started off sharing the outstanding Deep Fried Pickles ($6) Served with their homemade tartar sauce; followed by the Chicken Wings (6 for $5 or 12 for $9) and my favourite was the honey garlic and this was served with a homemade ranch dip.

Chicken & Waffles

Meatloaf

For our entrees, I had the delicious Chicken & Waffles ($12) boneless chicken marinated in their secret recipe and then deep-fried to a crispy delicious perfection. Served on top of a fresh made waffle and served with real Canadian maple syrup and butter. Joe had the delicious Meatloaf ($13) Two slices of secret recipe meat loaf smothered in home-made gravy, served with mashed potatoes and a side of peas and carrots.

Deep Fried Reeses Peanut Butter Cups

Although I am not a huge fan of deep fried desserts, we both shared the Deep Fried Reeses Peanut Butter Cups ($4) is our guilty pleasure!

Before, during or after your meal you may want to invite a table mate to join you in a game of scrabble or challenge all your friends in playing one of the other games in the board game collection.

Review by: Richard Wolak

Posted in Main Street Tags: , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

Brunch with Joe Leary at Chewies

February 3rd, 2012 admin

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 fourteenth brunch in this series, I was joined by Radio Host Joe Leary at Chewies Steam & Oyster Bar in Vancouver talking about Radio, Music, People and more!

Joe Leary

Joe graduated from Killarney High School in Vancouver, and had his sights set on being a radio DJ from a young age. He began his professional radio career in 1977, then moved to television (at UTV) in 1994. Columbia Academy Broadcast graduate; CFCP Courtenay; CFUN Vancouver 1980s; music director/p.m. drive then mornings CHRX Vancouver 1988-94; weekend weather Citytv CKVU-TV Vancouver current; Vancouver Province Air Traffic columnist late 1990s-2005

Joe currently holds down the Morning Sports anchor role on Vancouver’s Flagship Sports radio station, TEAM 1040. Prior to returning to radio full-time in 2006, he co-hosted ‘The Jenn and Joe Show on CFUN.

Joe currently writes feature sports profiles for the BC Lions and Vancouver Canadians, files a weekly music interview for 24 HRS Newspaper `24 Seconds With`featuring local and international musicians, contributes the bi-monthly ‘Hot Sheet’ page for Vancouver View Magazine:www.thehotsheet.net as well as offer his insights and various musings in his weekly ‘Joe Biz Blog’ for TV WEEK Magazine’s online edition, www.tvweekonline.ca.  He also writes feature stories for Wineries Refined Magazine, Joe can also be heard in several capacities around the radio dial, including his popular ‘Just Here for the Beer Radio Show’ on AM 650.

I have known Joe for the past couple of years, he often joins me for some dining adventures and I host the SIP & TASTE feature on his Just Here for the Beer Radio Show on AM650.

What got you into Radio, specifically hosting radio shows?

It was all I ever wanted to do. I have 2 older sisters who grew up in top 40 radio, I was always fascinated by the guys who played the music. I did radio then I did tv, I was a tv weatherman at City tv for 13 years, in 2006 they let everyone go across the country. Then I pursued an interest and became a radio host with Jennifer Thomson “The Jenn & Joe Show” on CFUN from 2006-2010.

Tell me who some of your most notable guests that you have interviewed on your shows over the years ?

  • Don Rickles
  • Bill Cosby
  • Joan Rivers
  • Meatloaf
  • Lady Gaga (on her first visit to Vancouver at the Mirage night club in Surrey).

I imagine you have had some amazing situations on your shows, tell us about one of the most unique ones!

Anytime you get politically correct – used a talk show to sound off

LG 73 –suicidal kid called up, I wanted to help out and I never thought the outcome would be as it was.

What do you want your listeners to learn if you will from your show each day?

That I am no better or worse than them, but I am fortunate to have the vehicle to share the information. I hope more people who listen to me say he “is an ok guy”

You recently embraced Social Media, how different would your radio broadcasting career have been if you had been able to utilize Social Media over the years?

Knowing how obsessed I have become for twitter, and my compassion – I would have had over a million followers by now. It gives me so much insight on people now.

What is your favourite food?

Penne Marinara with chorizo sausage – and spicier the better

Buttermilk Biscuits

Big Easy Breakfast

Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles

Richard and Joe split the Buttermilk Biscuits ($3). Joe had the Big Easy Breakfast ($13) Two eggs, bacon, Yukon gold potato home fries, and two buttermilk waffles. Richard had the Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles ($12) with two buttermilk waffles, topped with fried chicken and drizzled with a drizzled with a Cajun honey butter.

What are your favourite restaurant inside and outside Vancouver?

Inside

  • Hy’s Encore
  • Gotham Steakhouse
  • The Mongolian Grill

 Outside

Romana Pizza – Burnaby

What do you do in your off time?

  • Huge college football fan
  • Collector of CD’s – I have over 7500 CD’s in my collection
  • Collector of Liquor Mini’s – I have over 5000 from all over the world in all sizes.

What made you start Collecting Liquor Mini’s?

An episode of Curb your Enthusiasm with Larry David, there was a porn star episode where there was a selection of mini’s and I thought I have to do this and I did.

How far in advance do you plan your shows?

Radio is ever evolving, but things change all the time.

How did your Sports radio show on Team 1040 Radio come to be?

Radio 1410 that I was on previously went down and they killed the format. Radio 1040 then came to me and offerened me a job to host the morning sports show.

How and why did you start your Beer show on Just Here for the Beer Radio on AM 650?

My friend the late Colin Jack was a beer expert and I wanted to tap into his knowledge and profit from it. Because there was no show like it across the country, the radio station jumped and said lets do it.

What kind of trips do you like?

Short trips, and 4 days is the best.

How did you get started doing voice overs?

It’s an inherit part of the job, part of the salary I get paid is to do production, and commercials is part of it, and that’s how I was able to start.

Do you come from a broadcasting family?

Not at all, a working middle class union family.

Where was your most recent trip?

Phoenix & Scottsdale, Arizona

Where is your next trip?

Laguna Beach

Who are your mentors?

  • Red Robinson
  • Terry David Mulligan
  • Dave McCormick

Were there any guests on any of your shows that surprised you in a good or bad way?

  1. Gilbert Gottfried – most tasteless comedian on the air, he was talking about having sex with midgets and mentally challenged people. He was like this on air every time (off the air he was normal).
  2. Chubby Checker – who created the Twist. My co-host called his invention of the Twist a fad, he took it to great exception to what she said. To this date we both regarded him as the biggest asshole guest we ever had.

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

More paid programming radio shows. Hopefully one with you (Richard Wolak) and I.

Style: A La Carte

Attire: Casual

Time: Saturday & Sunday 10am – 2pm

Chewies Steam & Oyster Bar

2201 West 1st Avenue, Vancouver

Menu: http://www.chewies.ca/menu/BrunchMenu-Chewies.pdf

For Reservations, please call 604-558-4448

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

By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Brunch with Celebrities, Latest Tags: , , , , No Comments »

Brunch with Kid Carson & Nira Arora at Tableau Bistro

January 30th, 2012 admin

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 thirteenth brunch in this series, I was joined by Radio Hosts Kid Carson and Nira Arora at Tableau Bistro Bar in Vancouver talking about Radio, Life and more!

Kid Carson & Nira Arora

Kid grew up in Toronto, he used to make recordings at home, always had an interest in radio, he went to Humber College and took their two-year radio course. After sending out over 1000 demos only one station wanted to hire him, he took the job as DJ at a Christian radio station. After 18 months he got a call from KISS 92 FM, at that time the number one radio station in Toronto if not in Canada (he had sent them a demo while he was in radio school and was turned down). They interviewed him and then offered him a position as DJ on air, he worked there for a couple of years before the station was sold, and all the staff were layed off including him. Then 95.3 FM in Vancouver called and I took the job over the phone and came to Vancouver for the 1st time ever and ended up hosting their evening show. After a year at 95.3 FM I had enough and was planning to return to Toronto, the Beat 94.5 FM called they wanted to talk and to show me around their studios, a week later I was in talks with them on moving to mornings to host their morning show. Kid Carson The Beat 94.5 Vancouver’s top rated morning host.

Nira grew up in Nanaimo, she has a degree in Communications and Political Science from Simon Fraser University and a broadcasting diploma from the British Columbia Institute of Technology. Prior to joining CFBT in 2001, she worked as a journalist/reporter for the South Asian magazine show Zindagi, and on-air as host with Asian Pulse and Partners in Community Vision. She was also a reporter and host for Shaw TV and a fill-in host for World Beats on Channel M. She is the co-host of The Kid Carson Show with Nira Arora and Amy Beeman, a morning radio program on The Beat 94.5 in Vancouver.

How did the Kid Carson Show come about?

Kid doing the evening show on Z95.3, after a year it wasn’t for me. One day I got a call from the Beat to come on the morning show, then the show’s name was changed to the Kid Carson Show. Nira was moved from evenings mornings to join the show. Nov 15, 2004 was our first show together.

Did you ever think the Kid Carson Show would become so popular?

No and we go forward every day.

Have you always wanted to be a Radio Host?

Kid – Yes since childhood, I used to interview my friends; I was living in Toronto and got onto Kiss 92.

Nira – I wanted to be a Bollywood actress, then lawyer. I started acting while in highschool in Nanaimo, moved to Vancouver to go to SFU, and MC events. Rogers approached me, I ended up doing a degree in Communications, then interned from radio and tv. I sent in a demo for The Beat 94.5 almost 10 years ago, I started off doing afternoons, doing entertainment, then events and then mornings.

What do you want your listeners to learn if you will from your show each day?

Nira – To take a moment and have fun for the day. Relax and have fun, hopefully we provide that.

Kid – If you think you are messed up, give us some of your time.

What is your favourite food?

Kid – Filet Mignon

Nira – Thai – I love lemongrass and spice.

Mushrooms on Toast

Brunch Flatbread

Chicken & Waffles

Brunch Flatbread

Richard and Nira split the Mushrooms on Toast ($14). Kid had the Brunch Flatbread ($12) with shortrib, zucchini, peppers, artichokes, topped with 2 eggs; Nira then had the Chicken & Waffles ($15); Richard had the Brunch Flatbread ($12) with shortrib, zucchini, peppers, artichokes and no eggs. Nira, Kid and Richard shared a Pastry basket ($14) filled with delicious croissants.

What are your favourite restaurants in Vancouver?

Kid – All of the Glowbal Group Restaurants

Nira – Sanafir and also the Green Lettuce

What do you do in your off time?

Kid – go for dinner, movies, drive fast through Stanley Park, and snowboard.

Nira – spending time with my son, reading, swimming lessons. I like eating, going to the beach in the summer, and drinking wine.

How did Andrew the Intern become Andrew the Intern on your show?

Andrew was already working in the promotions department at the station, we asked him to fill in for a week, and he was great and we then gave him the job. He has been with us for over 1-1/2 years.

Has the format of your show changed from the beginning in 2004 to now?

As we learned personality, our show has evolved and changed along the way. We had personal issues go on the air, making it more real, we were getting to know each other on the air. Reality tv before reality tv, it was reality radio.

How far in advance do you plan your shows?

Constantly writing emails to each other of ideas of topics.

Do you come from an entertainment family?

Nira – No, my Grandma sang on the radio in India.

Kid – No

Where was your recent trip?

Kid – Las Vegas with my girlfriend, mother and family. Also went to Shanghai on another trip.

Nira — Montreal

Where was your most recent trip for the Beat 94.5?

Panama with the crew including Andrew the intern and Amy Berman, as well as our listeners who won the trip in January 2012.

Who are your mentors?

Kid –

  • Mad dog Michaels
  • Jesse G in Toronto

Nira –

  • Oprah – visible and inspirational
  • Gandhi – Indian, spiritual, love his qualities
  • My parents

Were there any guests on your show that surprised you in a good or bad way?

1)    Exkhart Tolle – the author of “The Power of Now” – he is like the Brad Pitt of authors. Took us 3 months to get him on the show. It was an energy ora when he walked into the studio.

2)    Tracey Morgan from 30 Rock tv show – he was in his trailer on air, after 3 minutes we had to end the interview, his answers were terrible.

3)    Jacob from “Hedley” – interviewing him on air –he licked Nira’s face during the Interview and she screamed.

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

Shred your Ex for Valentines Day – we rent a shredder and have women or men who have been burnt in their relationships (we represent the people who hate Valentines Day).

Style: A La Carte

Attire: Casual

Time: Sunday 10:30am – 3:00pm

Tableau Bar Bistro

1181 Melville Street, Vancouver

Menu: http://tableaubarbistro.com/pdf/Tableau_Brunch_Menu.pdf

For Reservations, please call 604-639-8632

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

By: Richard Wolak

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Brunch with Bif Naked at Edible Canada at the Market

January 26th, 2012 admin

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 twelfth brunch in this series, I was joined by Musician Bif Naked at Edible Canada at the Market in Vancouver talking about Music, being Vegan and more!

Bif Naked

Bif Naked is a Juno Award-winning, Indian-born American-Canadian multi-platinum record selling rock singer, writer, poet, motivational speaker and actress.

Her musical career is vast, prior to her solo career, Bif played with punk bands Gorilla Gorilla and Chrome Dog. She has toured Europe, the United States, and Canada as a headlining act, and has performed on bills with Snoop Dogg, Billy Idol, Dido, Sarah McLachlan, Sheryl Crow, Chrissie Hynde, the Foo Fighters, the Cult and many more. She recorded a version of “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” for the MTV: TRL Christmas CD. She was also featured on the Ready to Rumble soundtrack with a cover of Twisted Sister’s “We’re Not Gonna Take It”, the Celebrity Deathmatch soundtrack with “Vampire”, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s soundtrack with “Lucky”. Solo albums include Bif Naked, a self-titled album, Purge, and I Bificus. In 2005, after narrowing it down from over 50 songs, she released Superbeautifulmonster with 13 tracks. The Promise was released in 2009 and was dedicated to her fans. Sick, Bluejay, You’ll Never Know were mixed by Juno Award winner Mike Fraser. She has made appearances in music videos for The Offspring’s “The Kids Aren’t Alright”, Moist’s “Believe Me” and “Silver”, Liveonrelease’s “Get with it” and Simple Plan’s “Save You” near the end along with other people (such as Sharon Osborne and René Angélil) who have been treated for cancer. In 2011, she recorded a duet with Vancouver yogi and Nettwerk recording artist Will Blunderfield for the international version of his album Hallelujah.

She has had an extensive acting career as well, from being on the The Chris Isaak Show in 2000, to becoming the first host of the CBC Television series ZeD in 2002. In 2003 she appeared as a judge of a fictitious reality show in the TV series Cold Squad. In 2007 she narrated the chronicles of her and her spouse’s life in Bodog’s web reality show “Bif Naked Bride” up to the wedding finale.

How long have you been singing?

I have been singing professionally since I was 18, I dropped out of school to tour with “Gorilla Gorilla” and opened for “DOA”.

What came first being a Poet, Spoken Word or Music?

Poetry came first, been writing since I could read, my parents are both academics. I was obsessed with the writing of Anais Nin. Spoken Word came on at the same time then music. In 1996, I put out a spoken word record.

Have you always wanted to be a musician?

Never wanted to, still don’t. For 14 years I was a ballerina, I thought I would have a dance career. Fell into theatre, then ended up on tour for 20 years.

What Genre is your music?

It is malleable, every song is different, and a hodge podge of genres and I am lucky to be able to do it.

Has your music style changed over the years?

A little bit as I have, and trends have. I am a lyrist more than a music writer. My musicians present me with rites first.

Amuse Buche

Harvest Salad

Albacore Tuna Salad

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Bif and Richard were both served an Amuse Buche tomato to whet our appetites, Bif had the Harvest Salad ($11) with Okanagan pears, sundried cranberries and local greens. Richard had the Albacore Tuna Salad ($14) with fingerling potatoes, kale, spinach and wild mushrooms and then had a Grilled Cheese Sandwich ($10) with brioche, Farmhouse brie, smoked cheddar, Dundarave olive jam and Okanagan Apple.

What is your favourite food?

Zucchini – I could eat it 3 times a day, forever.

What is your favourite restaurant inside and outside Vancouver?

  • In Regina , Saskatchewan it was “Heliotrope” it is no longer there.
  • In Vancouver, “Organic Lives”.

What do you do in your off time?

  • Yoga classes
  • Painting
  • Writing my book
  • Photography
  • Nature
  • Being with my dog
  • Volunteering
  • Working in hospitals with sick people
  • Spending time at home

How far in advance do you plan your concerts?

My managers book them and then I am told when and where to go. I have been fortunate to have the same manager for the last 20 years.

Do you come from a musical family?

Not at all, my father is a dentist, and my mother is and educator and nurse. Both were missionaries in India previously.

Where was your most recent musical trip?

In Ontario and Alberta in December, 2011.

Where is your next musical trip?

I am putting out 2 records this spring, one house record done while I was in chemo and the other is the acoustic record. I will go and perform to support the records.

What is your favourite music festival that you have performed at?

Rock im Park – in Germany

What is your favourite city for live performance music?

Used to be Halifax at the Marquee, now it is Vancouver.

Is there a music festival that you have wanted to perform at and have yet too?

I would love to perform a music festival in China or Singapore.

Who are your mentors?

  • Joe Keithley of DOA
  • Chi Pig from SNFU

Who are your favourite musicians to collaborate with?

Will Blunderfield – Yoga Instructor/ Musician – he is on twitter @wblunderfield

I would like to collaborate with rappers, jazz singers and metal.

Are there any musicians who have influenced your musical career? If so who?

Being on tours with Kid Rock, Bergeron of the Johnny Carson Show, Anita Baker fan, Kenny Edmonds, Desmond Child.

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

  • 2 records coming out in 2012
  • Working on a book on my life
  • Speaking engagement at a conference in Victoria called Breathe Now.

How many Tattoos do you have?

I have 50 tattoos now, I got my first tattoo when I was 16 years old.

Tell me about the N tattoo that I see on your left wrist and the O tattoo that I see on your right wrist.

I kept getting married and could not say no, I got these two tattoos that say NO, got them 15 years ago.

When did you go Vegan?

I went Vegan in my early 20’s while on the road touring with my 1st husband who was vegetarian. I never ate pasta anyways and thought this was the best way to go healthwise. I can eat anything from bananas to papayas to blueberries.

Tell me about your experience with Chemotherapy and eating.

At the beginning of my Chemotherapy I had a craving for yam rolls and ate 36 rolls in one sitting. Nutripinia causes a phase of being psycho hungry, after Chemo I went back to my usual food routine of a RAW diet.

What is your view on eating a RAW diet?

There are lots of rules around what is and isn’t raw, now I am more relaxed about how the foods are prepared or eaten than I was before.

How did you get into Motivational Speaking?

I joined the National Speakers Bureau 2 years ago to talk.

 

Style: A La Carte

Attire: Casual

Time: Saturday and Sunday 9:00am – 4:00pm

Edible Canada at the Market (opposite the public market on Granville Island)

1596 Johnston Street, Vancouver

Menu: http://www.ediblecanada.com/bistro.php

For Reservations, please call 604-682-6681

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

By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Brunch with Celebrities, Latest Tags: , , , , No Comments »

Brunch: Mina Shum at EBO Restaurant

January 21st, 2012 admin

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 eleventh brunch in this series, I was joined by Filmmaker – Mina Shum–at EBO Restaurant in Burnaby talking about film, plays and more!

Mina Shum

Mina Shum was born in Hong Kong and raised in Vancouver, Canada. After earning a diploma in film production, she went on to make 5 short films, including Me, Mom and Mona (1993), which was honoured with a Special Jury Citation at Toronto in 1993.

Her filmography includes: Double Happiness 1994; Drive, She Said 1997; Long Life, Happiness & Prosperity 2002; Picture Perfect (1989) short film at the Yorkton Film Festival; Noah’s Arc 2005, second season.

How did you become a Filmmaker?

At 7 years old, I told my parents I wanted to be in show biz, I loved theatre and the movies. I started taking drama in grade 8, at 13 I wrote a journal of 2 women next to me talking about a muffin and a recipe in context, this started off my dream. I did a theatre degree at UBC and a film diploma. I then got a Canada Council grant and another and then I was in the biz.

How did the film -Double Happiness- come about?

It was my life at the time, I wanted to write my first feature, it is a story about a girl moving out. I wrote the script, work shopped it at Norman Jewison in Toronto, then at Practis at SFU, then won the “New Views” contest and the prize was 1 million dollars to make a film.

Is there any connection between – Double Happiness – and your other film — Long Life, Happiness and Prosperity?

There is a connection between one person identity and Long Life is about believing in something you can’t see. Living authentically and being your own person, struggling on who I should be.

You have done feature length films as well as shorts, do you have a preference to either?

I would always love to do a feature, shorts take about the same time as features.

Is there any difference for you directing a TV series vs a film?

Yes – tv series you are a guest of the creators, you are fulfilling someone else’s vision. TV has given me the opportunity to shoot other kinds of subjects that what I would usually do.

Are there any film makers who have influenced your career? If so who?

  • Woody Allen
  • Jed Appatau
  • Akira Kiwasaua

For Brunch since Mina is Vegan, Chef Dan Craig prepared a few Vegan dishes especially for her in addition to the other dishes that were on the buffet which fit in with her Vegan dietary needs. Richard enjoyed many of the dishes on the wonderful buffet.

What is your favourite food?

Ice Cream

What is your favourite restaurant inside and outside Vancouver?

  • Tsui Woo Seafood Restaurant (inside Vancouver)
  • Poncho Villa in San Francisco

What do you do in your off time?

  • Yoga
  • Dance
  • Gym
  • Eat

How far in advance do you plan your films?

About 4 years from the thinking of the idea until people will see the idea become reality.

How do you decide what your next film is going to be?

Driven by a question and a situation will come out of it. It then consumes me to go further.

Where was your most recent trip?

Whistler for the Whistler Film Festival

What are your favourite places to hangout in Vancouver?

  • Third Beach
  • My house
  • Café de Soleil

Who are your mentors?

  • Dennis Foon (founder of Green Thumb Theatre)
  • Gary Winick (film director “Charlottes Web)
  • Les Ford

What is it like to write and direct a film?

It’s awesome I got to rewrite all the way to the poster of the film.

What are you working on currently?

“Two of Me” – a feature film that is filming in Vancouver in the summer of 2012 –biggest film that I have ever done and it is a romantic comedy.

What is a Table Read?

When movie star actors sit around a table and read the script.

Is there anything you want to do, that you haven’t done already?

I want to make a musical.

Direct a super cool thriller that is character intense.

Are you interested in doing any plays?

Last year I did “All” during the Push Festival which was an installation –film “Standing Wave” with 16 kids in the audience. “Standing Wave” commissioned to make a show of Vancouver. They asked me to do it, I had an idea, they said yes and I made it.

Style: Buffet

Attire: Smart Casual

Time: Brunch is offered  11:00am – 2:00pm on Sunday

Cost: Sunday Brunch is $30.95 per person

EBO Restaurant in the Delta Burnaby Hotel

4331 Dominion Street, Burnaby

Menu: 

http://www.eborestaurant.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/EBO-Sunday-Brunch.pdf

For Reservations, please call 604-453-0788

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

By: Richard Wolak

 

Posted in Brunch with Celebrities, Latest Tags: , , , , No Comments »
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