Brunch with Thor Diakow at Pier 7

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 ninth brunch in this series, I was joined by Thor Diakow, Entertainment TV Host/Producer at CITY TV Breakfast Television at Pier 7 Restaurant in North Vancouver talking about Television, Food, Bird Watching and more!

Thor Diakow

Each morning Thor reports the latest entertainment news, reviews and celebrity gossip to Breakfast Television viewers.

Thor began his journey in to media at CKNW News talk 980 Vancouver after graduating from BCIT in Broadcast Journalism. Following several years of producing hard news talk shows, he decided to enter the television world and explore the lighter side of the news. and entertainment. Starting out on Breakfast Television as a behind-the-scenes producer, his passion for movies and all things entertainment soon spawned a weekly Friday movie review of new releases, aptly named “Thor’s Hammers”. Today, Thor reports on the latest entertainment stories that make the showbiz world go ‘round!

What got you working in TV as an Entertainment Host?

I was working at CKNW producing for the talk shows there, a posting was recommended to me through a co-worker for an Associate Producer at Breakfast Television. I then made the switch and worked behind the scenes, then became a movie reviewer, though had experience doing this previously. I then did movie reviews on the show and entertainment reports.

Tell me who some of your most notable guests that you have interviewed for Breakfast Television?

Hellen Mirin (satellite interview) – my secret crush on her and it was a treat.
Michael Buble
Alice Cooper
Spinal Tap
Chris Cornell (Soundgarden)

What are some of your craziest experiences you have had on your tv shows?

1) I dropped the fbomb on the air – as they were talking about a new Harry Potter film.

2) We had a sexpert on the air (Kim Anami) and it went totally off that what we had expected.

3) Breaking news story happened while we were on the air on Mt Seymour and our team ended up rescuing the person on the mountain, it was dramatic and heroic.

Do you come from an entertainment family?

What are your top 3 movies of all time?

1) Lawrence of Arabia

2) 2001 A Space Odyssey

3) Jaws (the 1^st one)

When reviewing a movie, what do you look for?

Does it entertain? Was I moved? Was I able to escape? What kind of impact did the film have? Was it a movie of the week or a blockbuster.

I break down the story, script, characterization, acting, esthetic, editing, musical score.

I use Rotten Tomatoes as an aggregate.

What are Thor’s Hammers?

The Thor cartoon character has his powerful hammer. So instead of stars I did hammers for the film reviews.

Where was your most recent trip?

Alberta, near Drumheller and went Dynasour Bone hunting and bird watching

What is your favourite food?

A good Pizza

What are your favourite restaurants in Vancouver?

Via Tevere Pizzeria
East of Main Café
Isshin Sushi on Commercial Drive

Caesar

Berry Yogurt Smoothie

Dungeness Crab Bennie

Goat Cheese Gnocchi

Thor had a Caesar and Richard had a Berry Yogurt Smoothie to start. Thor then had the Dungeness Crab Bennie and Richard had the Goat Cheese Gnocchi.

What do you do in your off time?

Bikram Yoga
Hike
Swim
Watch movies
Creative writing
Reading
Bird watching
Visiting used bookstores

How did you get interested in Bird Watching?

My dad has always been a bird watcher, and when I was 4 years old and growing up I was always interested and went with him. It is a good of getting outdoors.

Do you read off a script when on Breakfast Television?

No – I go in cold and it is real conversation.

Who inspires you?

Film Directors such as PT Anderson, Stanley Kubric and also my two sisters.

What has inspired you recently?

All the doors that have opened, and opportunities that have happened through my career. Media and entertainment in this city, my job that gives me ideas on segments and other things that I want to do.

What is your Dream Job?

I have always wanted to make films.

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

1) Hosting a movie critic show (I like the Charlie Rose style of Interview that is more long term, viral and quick)

2) Host a daily show with satirical news

3) Host a Nature show on OLN or Discovery Channel

Style: A La Carte

Attire: Business Casual

Time: Saturday & Sunday 10:30am – 2pm

Pier 7 Restaurant & Bar

25 Wallace Mews Rd, North Vancouver

Menu: http://pierseven.ca/menu/brunch/3075/