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 Sixty Second brunch in this series, I was joined by Jennifer Thomson who is a Traffic Reporter at CKNW and AM730 over Brunch at The Lobby Restaurant in North Vancouver.

Jennifer was been in the Promotions/traffic CFOX-FM/CKLG Vancouver from 1991-94; promotions CFMI-FM Vancouver 1994; traffic reporter/co-host CISL Vancouver 1994-2000 and traffic reporter/co-host CKZZ-FM Vancouver 1994-2000; morning traffic/co-host CKNW Vancouver 2001-06; p.m. drive talk show co-host CFUN Vancouver 2006-08 and morning co-host 2008-09. She has done voice work for various Hospital Home Lotteries and was the voice of Generation Furniture 2007-current; morning show news/traffic CHHR-FM Vancouver 2010-12; co-host Healthworx Radio CKNW and traffic reporter CHMJ/CKNW 2012-current.

You can follow Jennifer Thomson on twitter @jtradiogal

What got you into Radio and Broadcasting?

When I was in high-school I went on a work experience week as part of graduation. I was placed at a radio station in the promotions department. After the week and after graduation, I stayed on all summer at CFOX and LG 73, and then I ended up volunteering with them for the next 3-1/2 years. When I was 21, while at LG 73, Dean Hill asked me to jump on to do traffic one day, the rest is history.

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

I went to Z95 and CISL 650 to become a traffic reporter and I did that for 5 years, I did the split shift working mornings then afternoons. Part of that job included doing the traffic on Red Robinson’s morning show. After that I did the Morning Show on Z95 for a year (Traffic and co-Hosting).

How did the drive talk show co-host CFUN Vancouver 2006-09 come about?

It was a show that came out of an idea my friend Joe Leary had after pitching the program director, we then created the Jenn and Joe Show after doing a one show audition, it was a hit and we then did the afternoon show for 2 years moving to mornings for another year. The show featured celebrities, entertainment news, local and international news.

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

• Joan Rivers
• Chubby Checker (worst interview ever)
• Don Rickles
• Gilbert Godfrey

What type of Music did you listen to growing up?

Top 4 0 – Madona, Wham, Michael Jackson, Duran Duran, Whitney Houston

If you could tell me about 4 of your favourite concerts of all time which ones would those be?

• Keith Urban
• Brad Paisley
• Bryan Adams
• Def Leopard

What foods do you like?

• Sushi
• Prime Rib
• Spicy Food

 

Jennifer had the Lobby Cobb Salad and Richard had the Grilled BC Salmon Sandwich with fries and salad along with a Cappuccino.

What are your favourite restaurants in Vancouver?

• The Keg (Langley)
• Joe Fortes
• Ignite Café (Langley)
• White Spot
• Washington Ave Grill (White Rock)

What do you do in your off time?

• Cooking
• Watching cooking shows
• Spending time with my son
• Family time
• Collect Sid Dickens Tiles

Who are your Mentors?

• Dean Hill
• Frosty Forest
• Red Robinson

Who is one of your Influencers?

My son

In your opinion, how does a Radio Host stay in the game as the times change and evolve?

You have to adapt to getting the explosion of social media. You have to be a self promoter, establish your market and brand yourself, you can’t burn bridges or be a diva.

Attire:  Casual

Time: Saturday & Sunday 10:30am – 3pm

The Lobby Restaurant

138 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver

Web: http://pinnaclepierhotel.com/the_lobby.html

Twitter: @PinnaclePier

For Reservations please call 604-986-7437

Stay tuned to my next guest Interview along with the next Brunch in and around Vancouver.

By: Richard Wolak