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 Third brunch in this series, I was joined by Casey-Jo Loos who is an on-air host at 102.7 FM over Brunch at Argan Bistro in downtown Vancouver.
Casey-Jo began her career working as a Promotional Assistant & Community Cruiser with The Zone @ 91.3 FM Radio in Victoria in 2005. She then worked for Bell Media – CTV Vancouver Island from 2006 – 2009. During the 2010 Olympics she worked with Creative Production for LiveCity Yaletown. From 2011- 2012 she was a Canucks TV host, and then Marketing Manager for John Donnelly & Associates. From 2012 to 2013 Casey-Jo was a PR Specialist for the Mark Anthony Group and in 2013 joined 102.7 The PEAK as an On-Air Radio Announcer where she is currently hosting the PEAK Evening Show.
You can follow Casey-Jo Loos on twitter @caseyjoloos
What got you into radio, and broadcasting?
Always wanted to work in radio, when I was 7 years old I used to record radio shows at home. Early on I got into ballet and musical theatre, I always loved performance. My dad was a DJ at weddings, I always went with him to set-up, I also started playing the guitar when I was 8 years old.
Where did you go to school for radio/broadcasting?
I didn’t, although I did apply to BCIT for the broadcasting program and got in, some other opportunities arose and I changed course, eventually I went back to school at BCIT for Marketing. I learned everything in tv land.
How hard or easy was it to find your first job?
This industry is pretty difficult to break into. I volunteered a lot of my time for a fair share of different radio and tv promotions. I had a lot of experience, it’s also about maintaining connections.
How did your love for beer develop?
When I lived in Victoria, Phillips Brewing, Driftwood and Vancouver Island Brewery were all doing really well, I followed craft beer and thought it was cool. When I started working at Stanley Park Brewing, through this I did a Cicerone Level 1 with Ken Beatty. Then through work at the Mark Anthony Group, they had brought in a brand manager from Australia and I learned a lot from him.
Have there been any notable personalities you have interviewed over the years, if so who?
- Dan Averbach – of the Black Keys
- The Arctic Monkey’s at the Squamish Music Festival
- City in Colour
- Alt-J
- Vance Joy
What type of music did you listen to growing up?
Everything – I appreciated music, including The Beatles, Alanis Morissette, and Nivana
If you could tell me about 4 of your favourite concerts of all time which ones would those be?
- Paul McCartney at Rogers Arena
- Elbow
- Arcade Fire at Squamish Music Fest
- The National
What foods do you like?
- Italian
- Sushi
- Westcoast
- Thai
- Indian
Casey-Jo had the Moroccan Benedict made with Free-range eggs, merguez sausage, hummus, roasted potatoes and a Moroccan mint tea; Richard had the Chicken & Fries Wrap. Casey-Jo and Richard then shared the Moroccan Pancake with honey-butter melt for dessert.
What are your favourite restaurants in Vancouver?
- Café Medina
- Baru
- Mamie Taylors
- Union Bar
- Bin 941
- Fable Kitchen
What do you want your listeners to learn from listening to your radio show?
- To lead by example
- To connect with your community and city
- To discover something they didn’t know whether a band, event or idea
- Make them think
- Excite them about life
What do you do in your off time?
- Yoga
- Beach walks
- Concerts
- Photography
- Hiking
- Exploring
- Learning about the city
Who are your mentors?
- My sister[s] not always defined by blood
- Tamara Stanners & James Sutton – peak
- Bruce Williams – CTV
- Mike & Andy Zaremba – float house
- Griffin – the dog
Who inspires you now?
- Emily Haines – Metric
- Steve Bays – Mounties / hot hot heat
- Sarah Shandl – Vancouver we love you
- Andrew Wk – party rock star
- Kid President
- Jacki Carr – rock your bliss yoga
- Christopher Edmonstone – local photographer
- Tonye Aganaba – local goddess / powerhouse talent
What inspires you?
Watching someone play music in front of me, the westcoast, the beaches, the mountains it all inspires me.
In your opinion, how does a Radio Host stay in the game as the times change and evolve?
- Having integrity
- Being real,
- Genuinely connecting with people
- Connecting on social media
- Go to a lot of events and shows, I want to connect with people
What’s next for you or what’s on the horizon?
- I want to put myself out of my comfort zone.
- I want to create a non-profit in our community.
- Meet more people, tell more stories.
- Buy some shares in a local coffee company (cause I drink so much coffee)
Style: a La Carte
Attire: Casual
Time: Saturday and Sunday 11:00am – 2:00pm
Argan Bistro
795 Jervis Street, Vancouver
Twitter: @ArganBistro
For Reservations please call 604-563-8466
Stay tuned to my next guest Interview along with the next Brunch in and around Vancouver.
By: Richard Wolak