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 twenty seventh brunch in this series, I was joined by Singer/Songwriter Ali Milner at The Wild Flower in the Fairmont Chateau Whistler Hotel talking about Music, Food and more!
Ali Milner
Ali Milner was born in Whistler, she has been performing live since she was 15 years old. She already has released two albums: 2005′s Ali Milner (Venus/EMI) and 2009′s I Dare You. In 2009, she performed at Vancouver’s JunoFest, and the following year played several dates surrounding the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Whistler and Vancouver, including singing the national anthem at the closing ceremonies of the Paralympic Games. In summer 2010, she graced the stage at the legendary Lilith festival alongside icons like Sarah McLachlan, Sheryl Crow, Erykah Badu and Sugarland. Her music has been broadcast on CBC Radio 2 and Radio 3, and her busy live schedule has taken her to the UK, the USA and Asia. Along the way she’s shared bills with Michael Bublé, Ron Sexsmith, Divine Brown, and the Barenaked Ladies.
What style of music do you sing and perform?
I am more along the lines of a soulful rock’n roll musician.
Do you come from a musical family?
Only on my moms side, my uncle is an incredible musician and my mom has previously done some music.
Are there any musicians who have influenced your musical career? If so who?
Listening to music growing up and what I listen to now influences me. All my musical friends are a great influence to me as well.
What type of music did you listen to growing up?
I went through so many phrases from The Beattles, to Led Zepplin, to Ray Charles.
Who are your top 3 favourite singers currently?
- Beach Boys
- The Kinks
- The Shins
If you could tell me about 3 of your favourite concerts of all time which ones would those be?
- Bahamas at the Biltmore
- Edward Sharp and the Magnetic Zero’s at the Biltmore
- Coeur de Pirate at Venue
What 3 foods do you like?
- Watermelon
- Sushi
- Hamburgers (with no bun)
What are your favourite restaurants in Whistler?
Sachi Sushi
What are your favourite restaurants in Vancouver?
Local Public Eatery
What is the best food you have eaten recently?
Double Protein style Nimby Burger
What do you want your listeners to learn from listening to your music?
Being able to related to it, my writing is always from personal experience, it’s all about honesty and what I was saying is honest.
How did you perform with Michael Buble?
Well I ended up performing with Michael on the spot while attending a Warner Music party.
What do you do in your off time?
- Running
- Dog beach with my dog
- Hanging out with friends
- Seeing shows
Where is your favourite vacation spot?
South of France where the beaches are.
Where was your most recent musical trip?
Vancouver Island
Who are your mentors?
My mom – she pushes me to be better and work harder.
Who inspires you now?
My musical friends in Vancouver including Ash from Hey Ocean.
What’s next for you or what’s on the horizon?
- Writing new music
- Will be recording new music this summer
- Doing a new music video soon
- Performing on July 27 at the CBC Nooner Series in Vancouver
- Peak Performance Project for 100.5 fm
Style: Buffet
Attire: Casual
Time: Brunch is offered 11:30am – 1:30pm on Sunday
Cost: Sunday Brunch is $45 per person
The Wild Flower in the Fairmont Chateau Whistler Hotel
4599 Chateau Boulevard, Whistler
Menu: http://www.fairmont.com/whistler/dining/thewildflower/
For Reservations, please call 604 938 8000
Complimentary parking is available for all patrons of The Wildflower restaurant. Please bring your parking ticket to the restaurant for validation by your server.
Stay tuned to my next guest Interview along with the next Brunch in and around Vancouver.
By: Richard Wolak