Brunch with Jim Gordon at Morocco West

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 Fifty Ninth brunch in this series, I was joined by Jim Gordon, Film Critic (CTV). Co-Host/Producer, “The Travel Guys” over Brunch at Morocco West downtown Vancouver.

Jim Gordon

Since 1998 Jim has been the weekly Film/DVD Critic for CTV Vancouver. In 2003, he and Co-host, Darren Parkman created “The Travel Guys. They have filmed 165 episodes all over the world. The show can currently be seen weekly on CHEK TV, SHAW TV, & NovusTV. Jim is also a contributing writer for www.gastowngazette.com and www.prevailprevail.com .

You can follow Jim Gordon on Twitter @jimctvmovies

What got you into reviewing films?

I studied film at Waterloo University specifically film theory.

Did you attend Film or Broadcasting school?

No, I tried to get in but didn’t. Ended up getting into Waterloo University and pursued film theory.

How hard or easy was it to find your first job?

While I was going to university, I put together a film with my cousin, it was a hit, which lead us to a 4 movie deal with a small company in Toronto. After that I wrote for television and film across the USA and Canada.

Have there been any notable personalities you have interviewed over the years, if so who?

Clint Eastwood
Leondardo Di’Caprio
Helen Marin
Jeff Bridges

What are your top 3 movies of all time?

The Americanization of Emily
Cassablanca
Citizen Kane tied with Le Dolce Vita

When reviewing a movie, what do you look for?

Entertainment, a good story, real characters, good acting, you have to like what you are seeing.

How many films to your screen each week?

3 – 5 films

Who are your favourite Actors?

William Holden
Marlon Brando
Tom Hardy

Name 3 of your favorite comedies of all time?

Some Like It Hot
The Heartbreak Kid
About a Boy

Where was your most recent trip with the Travel Guys?

Our Annual best of – in Mazatlan

How many DVD’s do you have in your home collection?

Couple hundred

What genre of films did you watch growing up?

Sci-Fi and I was a massive Planet of the Apes fan when I was a kid.

What foods do you like?

Japanese, Italian, Malaysian, Thai

Ras-el-hanout Lamb Sandwich

Truffle Parmesan Fries

Lamb Couscous

Cherry and Ricotta Strudel

Jim had the Ras-el-hanout Lamb Sandwich with Harissa and Fig Chutney with Soft goat cheese, fresh mint, baby arugula, green lentil spread; along with the Truffle Parmesan Fries and a coke. Richard had the Lamb Couscous served with root vegetables, chickpeas, onion confit, raisins, Moroccan jus; Cherry and Ricotta Strudel with fresh cherries, Cointreau, mixed berry coulis and a mint tea.

What are your favourite restaurants in Vancouver?

Café Il Nido
Grain Tasting Bar
Good Wolfe
Joe Fortes

What do you do in your off time?

Hangout with friends
Watch British soccer
Catch up with family

Tell me what your favourite cities are in the world where you would live if you weren’t living in Vancouver?

London
Sydney

Who are your mentors?

My parents

Who inspires you now?

My friends

When did the Travel Guys tv show start?

In September 2003, our first show was in Cancun, Mexico. I co-founded the show with Darren Parkman. We have done 165 episodes so far, filming in 50-60 countries over the past 11 years.

Tell me about one of your Craziest moments with the Travel Guys

We were on a film shoot in Northwest Malaysia, attending a sporting event, everyone was betting on monkeys throwing down coconuts. That was a sport where the people took it very seriously, we couldn’t believe it, definitely the craziest thing I have ever seen.

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