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 twentieth brunch in this series, I was joined by Radio Host Jonny Staub at C Restaurant in Vancouver talking about Radio, Music and more!¸
Jonny Staub was born in Windsor, Ontario and started his career as a traffic reporter at CHYM-FM in Kitchener, ON, on May 15, 1997. He attended Conestoga College and worked in Top 40 radio and for TV stations Citytv and Shaw TV.
In 2001, at age 22, he was the youngest DJ in a major time slot in the Vancouver market. He was removed from his position at Z95 in May 2002. Soon after, he landed a weekend time slot at Power 92 in Edmonton. In 2005, he was a featured host for the newly airing Edmonton station The Bounce.
He has been a DJ at CHYM-FM, CKGL, CJIB, CKIK-FM, CKZZ-FM (in the evening time), CKNG-FM, CHBN-FM, and CFBT-FM. In 2008 he co-hosted OUTtv’s Let’s Talk Sex, which also aired on its US counterpart. Presently he is the mid-day host on The Beat 94.5 FM in Vancouver and is the nighttime host at Kool 101.5 FM in Calgary.
What got you into Radio, specifically hosting radio shows?
This coming May 15 will mark my 15 years of being in radio. In my final year of high school I did Wednesday morning announcements over the PA and I always got a lot of feedback from the teachers encouraging me to make a career in radio.
What is your show on 94.5 FM in Vancouver like?
When I started we had more time to talk and be creative, now it is more music intensive.
I understand you also host a show in Calgary, how do you do it?
I do have a radio show on our Calgary affiliate on Kool 101.5 FM that airs 7pm-midnight 6 days a week. I am a voice that accompanies the music. I record the segments daily in my own studio that they built for me in my Vancouver studio.
Tell me who some of your most notable guests that you have interviewed on your shows over the years?
- Destiny’s Child
- Pink
- Rihanna
- Katie Kurek in New York
I imagine you have had some amazing situations on your shows, tell us about two of the most unique ones!
1) In Edmonton we had a storefront studio where I hosted a morning show – a drunk lady came by and flashed us naked in front of the window.
2) Someone called in on the radio and told me she thinks her husband is gay and since I was the only gay person she knew she decided to call me. I thought it was very personal and I didn’t air the call.
What do you want your listeners to learn if you will from your show each day?
I want them to have fun. When I walk in to the studio to start it is like being at a party that you want to be at with silly moments, serious moments, it is a privilege to be on the air.
What foods do you like?
- Clear broth soups
- Sushi
- Turkey dinner
- Baked & gooey desserts
What are your favourite restaurants in Vancouver?
- Cactus Club for the Raincoast Greens and their Bellini’s
- Kadoya Sushi
- Ensemble
- Cardero’s
Jonny had a 3 Egg Omelet ($12) with double smoked bacon, brie, potato hash and fruit, a glass of Champagne ($19) and a coffee. Richard had the Grilled Flat Iron Steak ($14) with sautéed mushrooms, tomato pancakes and mushroom jus along with an espresso.
What do you do in your off time?
- Watch Days of our Lives everyday
- Snowboard
- Drawing charactures
- Go to the beach with my dog
What drives you?
The Connection
What are your favourite genres of Music?
- Funk
- Disco
- R & B
Who are some of your favourite Musicians?
- Stevie Wonder
- Dal Richards
- Ella Fitgerald
- Amy Winehouse
- Sarah Vaughn
- Earth, Wind & Fire
Who are your mentors?
- Ken Rigel
- Michelle Butterly
- Kid Carson
- Joe Leary
What is on the horizon?
- My biggest goal is to discover how to remain connected and involved, and to support the charities that I love.
- I would love to learn how to ride a motor cycle.
Style: A La Carte
Attire: Smart Casual
Time: Saturday & Sunday 10:30am – 2:30pm
C Restaurant
1600 Howe Street Vancouver
Menu: http://www.crestaurant.com/com_content/category/blog/49/195/
For Reservations call 604-681-1164
Stay tuned to my next guest Interview along with the next Brunch in and around Vancouver.
By: Richard Wolak