Brunch with Casey-Jo Loos at Argan Bistro

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.

Casey-Jo Loos

Casey-Jo Loos

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?

  1. Paul McCartney at Rogers Arena
  2. Elbow
  3. Arcade Fire at Squamish Music Fest
  4. The National

What foods do you like?

  • Italian
  • Sushi
  • Westcoast
  • Thai
  • Indian

 

Moroccan Benedict

Moroccan Benedict

Chicken & Fries Wrap

Chicken & Fries Wrap

Moroccan Pancake

Moroccan Pancake

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

Web: http://arganbistro.com/ 

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

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