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 forty fourth brunch in this series, I was joined by Entertainment Commentator for the West Coast for CTV News Channel Jeremy Szafron at Hawksworth Restaurant downtown Vancouver.
Jeremy Szafron grew up in Calgary, Alberta where he began his career in television. In 2008, he was head hunted to host Entertainment Spotlight on CTV, a show highlighting fashion, entertainment/celebrity interviews, and current affairs in Montreal. In January 2010, Jeremy moved to Vancouver, BC to experience the 2010 Olympic Games, and was asked to be the “Guest Anchor” of an Orlando, Florida based morning show for the duration of the games. Jeremy then became one of the co-hosts of FMA Weekly, a weekly entertainment show highlighting local entertainment and travel segments. In 2012 he became the CTV National weekly entertainment reporter. In 2013 he was a guest host on Shaw TVs “The Rush”.
You can follow Jeremy Szafron on twitter @JeremySzafron
Have you always wanted to be in the Entertainment business?
Always wanted to be in television since I was a little boy. I used to watch tv when I was 7 years old on mute, with closed captioning to read if off the prompter.
What were your favourite tv shows to watch while growing up?
I used to love ‘Friends’, also used to watch a lot of HBO shows. Always loved the news, watching CNN or The National on CBC, also watched Breakfast Television Calgary (morning show).
Tell me who some of your most notable celebrities that you have interviewed on your shows over the years?
Jessica Alba in Edmonton
Simon Whitfield – Olympic Athlete
Do you come from an entertainment family?
No, exact opposite, my whole family is in the oil industry.
What aspect of the entertainment business do you enjoy the most, producing, writing or reporting/hosting?
Most of all tell a story. I like to have a little bit of creative control. We naturally have to do some writing and producing for our own stories when reporting. It’s important to have that integrity.
What was your 2010 Olympic Games experience like while you were the “Guest Anchor” of an Orlando, Florida based morning show?
That was fantastic, a once in a lifetime opportunity. I got to see a lot of colleagues, the stories and the people were interesting, it was an amazing experience.
Recently you were a guest host on Shaw TVs “The Rush” with Fiona Forbes, what was that experience like for you?
So much fun, I loved it. Ad-lib, making jokes, non chalent live to tape, easy going.
Where was your most recent trip?
Kelowna for “Gourmet & Grapes” Chef Ned Bell vs Chef Ray Bear
What is your favourite foods?
Asian food fene – from dim sum to sushi, ramen, pho
What are your favourite restaurants in Vancouver?
- Flying Pig
- Forage
- Juno Sushi
- Bao Bei
Jeremy had Pacific Sablefish Benedict glazed asparagus, tomato, fine herb hollandaise and a side order of pork sausages; Richard had Hawksworth Beef Burger applewood smoked bacon, aged cheddar, frites and a Berry Smoothie. For dessert, Jeremy had the Chèvre Cheesecake with green apple, walnut; and Richard had the Sweet Milk Ice Cream with red fruit, vanilla.
What do you do in your off time?
- See friends
- Travel
- Share stories with people
- Boating
Who are your Mentors?
Todd Van Der Heyden – my anchor with CTV News Channel
Who inspires you?
My mother
What has inspired you lately?
Boston Marathon bombing – fascinates me how close people can come together during tragedies.
Is there anything you want to do, that you haven’t done already?
- More travel
- Tell more amazing stories about amazing people
What’s next for you or what’s on the horizon?
- More television
- More news, less Justin Bieber & Lindsay Lohan stories
Style: a La Carte
Attire: Smart Casual
Time: Saturday and Sunday 10:30am – 2:00pm
Hawksworth Restaurant
801 W Georgia Street, Vancouver
Menu: http://www.hawksworthrestaurant.com/menus/brunch/
For Reservations, please call 604.673.7000
Stay tuned to my next guest Interview along with the next Brunch in and around Vancouver.
By: Richard Wolak