Posts Tagged ‘Interview’

Brunch with Joe Leary at Chewies

February 3rd, 2012 admin

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 fourteenth brunch in this series, I was joined by Radio Host Joe Leary at Chewies Steam & Oyster Bar in Vancouver talking about Radio, Music, People and more!

Joe Leary

Joe graduated from Killarney High School in Vancouver, and had his sights set on being a radio DJ from a young age. He began his professional radio career in 1977, then moved to television (at UTV) in 1994. Columbia Academy Broadcast graduate; CFCP Courtenay; CFUN Vancouver 1980s; music director/p.m. drive then mornings CHRX Vancouver 1988-94; weekend weather Citytv CKVU-TV Vancouver current; Vancouver Province Air Traffic columnist late 1990s-2005

Joe currently holds down the Morning Sports anchor role on Vancouver’s Flagship Sports radio station, TEAM 1040. Prior to returning to radio full-time in 2006, he co-hosted ‘The Jenn and Joe Show on CFUN.

Joe currently writes feature sports profiles for the BC Lions and Vancouver Canadians, files a weekly music interview for 24 HRS Newspaper `24 Seconds With`featuring local and international musicians, contributes the bi-monthly ‘Hot Sheet’ page for Vancouver View Magazine:www.thehotsheet.net as well as offer his insights and various musings in his weekly ‘Joe Biz Blog’ for TV WEEK Magazine’s online edition, www.tvweekonline.ca.  He also writes feature stories for Wineries Refined Magazine, Joe can also be heard in several capacities around the radio dial, including his popular ‘Just Here for the Beer Radio Show’ on AM 650.

I have known Joe for the past couple of years, he often joins me for some dining adventures and I host the SIP & TASTE feature on his Just Here for the Beer Radio Show on AM650.

What got you into Radio, specifically hosting radio shows?

It was all I ever wanted to do. I have 2 older sisters who grew up in top 40 radio, I was always fascinated by the guys who played the music. I did radio then I did tv, I was a tv weatherman at City tv for 13 years, in 2006 they let everyone go across the country. Then I pursued an interest and became a radio host with Jennifer Thomson “The Jenn & Joe Show” on CFUN from 2006-2010.

Tell me who some of your most notable guests that you have interviewed on your shows over the years ?

  • Don Rickles
  • Bill Cosby
  • Joan Rivers
  • Meatloaf
  • Lady Gaga (on her first visit to Vancouver at the Mirage night club in Surrey).

I imagine you have had some amazing situations on your shows, tell us about one of the most unique ones!

Anytime you get politically correct – used a talk show to sound off

LG 73 –suicidal kid called up, I wanted to help out and I never thought the outcome would be as it was.

What do you want your listeners to learn if you will from your show each day?

That I am no better or worse than them, but I am fortunate to have the vehicle to share the information. I hope more people who listen to me say he “is an ok guy”

You recently embraced Social Media, how different would your radio broadcasting career have been if you had been able to utilize Social Media over the years?

Knowing how obsessed I have become for twitter, and my compassion – I would have had over a million followers by now. It gives me so much insight on people now.

What is your favourite food?

Penne Marinara with chorizo sausage – and spicier the better

Buttermilk Biscuits

Big Easy Breakfast

Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles

Richard and Joe split the Buttermilk Biscuits ($3). Joe had the Big Easy Breakfast ($13) Two eggs, bacon, Yukon gold potato home fries, and two buttermilk waffles. Richard had the Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles ($12) with two buttermilk waffles, topped with fried chicken and drizzled with a drizzled with a Cajun honey butter.

What are your favourite restaurant inside and outside Vancouver?

Inside

  • Hy’s Encore
  • Gotham Steakhouse
  • The Mongolian Grill

 Outside

Romana Pizza – Burnaby

What do you do in your off time?

  • Huge college football fan
  • Collector of CD’s – I have over 7500 CD’s in my collection
  • Collector of Liquor Mini’s – I have over 5000 from all over the world in all sizes.

What made you start Collecting Liquor Mini’s?

An episode of Curb your Enthusiasm with Larry David, there was a porn star episode where there was a selection of mini’s and I thought I have to do this and I did.

How far in advance do you plan your shows?

Radio is ever evolving, but things change all the time.

How did your Sports radio show on Team 1040 Radio come to be?

Radio 1410 that I was on previously went down and they killed the format. Radio 1040 then came to me and offerened me a job to host the morning sports show.

How and why did you start your Beer show on Just Here for the Beer Radio on AM 650?

My friend the late Colin Jack was a beer expert and I wanted to tap into his knowledge and profit from it. Because there was no show like it across the country, the radio station jumped and said lets do it.

What kind of trips do you like?

Short trips, and 4 days is the best.

How did you get started doing voice overs?

It’s an inherit part of the job, part of the salary I get paid is to do production, and commercials is part of it, and that’s how I was able to start.

Do you come from a broadcasting family?

Not at all, a working middle class union family.

Where was your most recent trip?

Phoenix & Scottsdale, Arizona

Where is your next trip?

Laguna Beach

Who are your mentors?

  • Red Robinson
  • Terry David Mulligan
  • Dave McCormick

Were there any guests on any of your shows that surprised you in a good or bad way?

  1. Gilbert Gottfried – most tasteless comedian on the air, he was talking about having sex with midgets and mentally challenged people. He was like this on air every time (off the air he was normal).
  2. Chubby Checker – who created the Twist. My co-host called his invention of the Twist a fad, he took it to great exception to what she said. To this date we both regarded him as the biggest asshole guest we ever had.

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

More paid programming radio shows. Hopefully one with you (Richard Wolak) and I.

Style: A La Carte

Attire: Casual

Time: Saturday & Sunday 10am – 2pm

Chewies Steam & Oyster Bar

2201 West 1st Avenue, Vancouver

Menu: http://www.chewies.ca/menu/BrunchMenu-Chewies.pdf

For Reservations, please call 604-558-4448

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

By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Brunch Series, Latest Tags: , , , , No Comments »

Interview with Hans Pirhofer

February 1st, 2012 admin

Hans Pirhofer | Vancouver

Vancouver is home to some of the best pastry chefs in the world, many have worked for the top chefs and restaurants around the world as well as around the city. Star Pastry Chefs is a series of Interviews with some of the top chefs in and around Vancouver, within the interview each chef is to prepare or finish off three of his/her signature desserts.

I grew up in Insbruk, Austria where my family had a pastry shop for 35 years. I started helping out when I was 12 years old, at 15 I started an apprentiship at Konditorie Peintner for 3 years and made everything in house. I then worked as a pastry chef for the Corso Restaurant in Seefeld, a ski resort in Austria for 2 years. I then worked doing pastries in the family business for 5 years. I then moved to Marco Island in Florida and worked at the Marriott Hotel for 2 years as the pastry chef. I then came to Vancouver in 2000 and joined the Pan Pacific Hotel as the Chef de Partie for 8 years, was then promoted to Assistant Pastry Chef and in 2009 to head Pastry Chef.

Did you always want to be a pastry chef?

Yes it just happened, that’s all I have wanted to do until when I was older when I thought about being an architect.

Do you follow or apply a specific food design?

Keep it contemporary and trendy, from fashionable colours etc.

Where do you get inspiration?

Walking down Robson Street, cookbooks, magazines, anywhere and everywhere.

The 1st Dessert:

Caramelized Pineapple Tartin

Caramelized Pineapple Tartin

What is in the dessert?

Caramelized pineapple on top of eggnog parfait, caramelized chestnuts, crème anglaise and crème caramel and twill on top (bottom is a sweet dough cookie).

What was your inspiration behind this dessert?

Like a Tarte Tatin, I wanted to make it more exotic and put in pineapple instead of apple and be cold not hot, and added eggnog for the Christmas flavour.

Is there a pastry chef or two that inspire you?

  • Jean Philippe – at the Bellagio hotel in Las Vegas
  • Thomas Peintner – in Austria

How would you describe your style of pastries at the Pan Pacific Vancouver?

  • Modern and classic.
  • Café Pacifica – more modern and trendy
  • Banquet desserts – are different with new flavours

The 2nd Dessert:

Chocolate Trilogy

Chocolate Trilogy

What is in the dessert?

1)    In photo –on left – Chocolate sour cherry tart with whipped cream baked black forest style

2)    In photo –middle – Sacher petit with apricot confit

3)    In photo –on right – Chocolate sorbet with orange foam and chocolate crumbs

What was your inspiration behind this dessert?

Get traditional with modern, combined such as the Blackforest Cake and the Sacher.

Describe the most elaborate wedding cake you have ever made?

It was a 7 tier wedding cake, each tier had a different flavour and we had 2 people working on it.

  • Bottom layer – cassis chocolate
  • 2nd layer – chocolate layer
  • 3rd layer – lemon cream
  • 4th layer – cherry champagne
  • 5th layer – coffee opera cake
  • 6th layer –passionfruit layer cake
  • 7th layer – raspberry chocolate mousse

Outside of the whole cake was fondant covered and pastiche flowers and ornaments. The cake served 300 people and we made it in Austria.

What was the most recent competition that you took part in?

I was part of Team Canada competing in the World Gelato Competition in Italy in January 2012.

What is your favourite Pastry Shop in Vancouver?

Thomas Haas

What is your favourite city in the world for pastries?

Paris

The 3rd Dessert:

Lemon Brioche

Lemon Brioche

What is in the dessert?

Brioche filled with lemon cream, lemon almond crust on top, crème Anglais around.

What was your inspiration behind this dessert?

I like to work with making bread, and wanted to make something with crunch.

How many people are in your pastry kitchen?

8

If you weren’t a pastry chef what do you think you’d be doing?

Architect

How do you make Caramelized Chestnuts?

Peel the chestnuts, caramelize the sugar, add brandy then add in the chestnuts, sits overnight to cook.

Stay tuned for the next chef in the Star Pastry Chef series.

By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Latest, Star Pastry Chefs Tags: , , , , No Comments »

Brunch with Kid Carson & Nira Arora at Tableau Bistro

January 30th, 2012 admin

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 thirteenth brunch in this series, I was joined by Radio Hosts Kid Carson and Nira Arora at Tableau Bistro Bar in Vancouver talking about Radio, Life and more!

Kid Carson & Nira Arora

Kid grew up in Toronto, he used to make recordings at home, always had an interest in radio, he went to Humber College and took their two-year radio course. After sending out over 1000 demos only one station wanted to hire him, he took the job as DJ at a Christian radio station. After 18 months he got a call from KISS 92 FM, at that time the number one radio station in Toronto if not in Canada (he had sent them a demo while he was in radio school and was turned down). They interviewed him and then offered him a position as DJ on air, he worked there for a couple of years before the station was sold, and all the staff were layed off including him. Then 95.3 FM in Vancouver called and I took the job over the phone and came to Vancouver for the 1st time ever and ended up hosting their evening show. After a year at 95.3 FM I had enough and was planning to return to Toronto, the Beat 94.5 FM called they wanted to talk and to show me around their studios, a week later I was in talks with them on moving to mornings to host their morning show. Kid Carson The Beat 94.5 Vancouver’s top rated morning host.

Nira grew up in Nanaimo, she has a degree in Communications and Political Science from Simon Fraser University and a broadcasting diploma from the British Columbia Institute of Technology. Prior to joining CFBT in 2001, she worked as a journalist/reporter for the South Asian magazine show Zindagi, and on-air as host with Asian Pulse and Partners in Community Vision. She was also a reporter and host for Shaw TV and a fill-in host for World Beats on Channel M. She is the co-host of The Kid Carson Show with Nira Arora and Amy Beeman, a morning radio program on The Beat 94.5 in Vancouver.

How did the Kid Carson Show come about?

Kid doing the evening show on Z95.3, after a year it wasn’t for me. One day I got a call from the Beat to come on the morning show, then the show’s name was changed to the Kid Carson Show. Nira was moved from evenings mornings to join the show. Nov 15, 2004 was our first show together.

Did you ever think the Kid Carson Show would become so popular?

No and we go forward every day.

Have you always wanted to be a Radio Host?

Kid – Yes since childhood, I used to interview my friends; I was living in Toronto and got onto Kiss 92.

Nira – I wanted to be a Bollywood actress, then lawyer. I started acting while in highschool in Nanaimo, moved to Vancouver to go to SFU, and MC events. Rogers approached me, I ended up doing a degree in Communications, then interned from radio and tv. I sent in a demo for The Beat 94.5 almost 10 years ago, I started off doing afternoons, doing entertainment, then events and then mornings.

What do you want your listeners to learn if you will from your show each day?

Nira – To take a moment and have fun for the day. Relax and have fun, hopefully we provide that.

Kid – If you think you are messed up, give us some of your time.

What is your favourite food?

Kid – Filet Mignon

Nira – Thai – I love lemongrass and spice.

Mushrooms on Toast

Brunch Flatbread

Chicken & Waffles

Brunch Flatbread

Richard and Nira split the Mushrooms on Toast ($14). Kid had the Brunch Flatbread ($12) with shortrib, zucchini, peppers, artichokes, topped with 2 eggs; Nira then had the Chicken & Waffles ($15); Richard had the Brunch Flatbread ($12) with shortrib, zucchini, peppers, artichokes and no eggs. Nira, Kid and Richard shared a Pastry basket ($14) filled with delicious croissants.

What are your favourite restaurants in Vancouver?

Kid – All of the Glowbal Group Restaurants

Nira – Sanafir and also the Green Lettuce

What do you do in your off time?

Kid – go for dinner, movies, drive fast through Stanley Park, and snowboard.

Nira – spending time with my son, reading, swimming lessons. I like eating, going to the beach in the summer, and drinking wine.

How did Andrew the Intern become Andrew the Intern on your show?

Andrew was already working in the promotions department at the station, we asked him to fill in for a week, and he was great and we then gave him the job. He has been with us for over 1-1/2 years.

Has the format of your show changed from the beginning in 2004 to now?

As we learned personality, our show has evolved and changed along the way. We had personal issues go on the air, making it more real, we were getting to know each other on the air. Reality tv before reality tv, it was reality radio.

How far in advance do you plan your shows?

Constantly writing emails to each other of ideas of topics.

Do you come from an entertainment family?

Nira – No, my Grandma sang on the radio in India.

Kid – No

Where was your recent trip?

Kid – Las Vegas with my girlfriend, mother and family. Also went to Shanghai on another trip.

Nira — Montreal

Where was your most recent trip for the Beat 94.5?

Panama with the crew including Andrew the intern and Amy Berman, as well as our listeners who won the trip in January 2012.

Who are your mentors?

Kid –

  • Mad dog Michaels
  • Jesse G in Toronto

Nira –

  • Oprah – visible and inspirational
  • Gandhi – Indian, spiritual, love his qualities
  • My parents

Were there any guests on your show that surprised you in a good or bad way?

1)    Exkhart Tolle – the author of “The Power of Now” – he is like the Brad Pitt of authors. Took us 3 months to get him on the show. It was an energy ora when he walked into the studio.

2)    Tracey Morgan from 30 Rock tv show – he was in his trailer on air, after 3 minutes we had to end the interview, his answers were terrible.

3)    Jacob from “Hedley” – interviewing him on air –he licked Nira’s face during the Interview and she screamed.

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

Shred your Ex for Valentines Day – we rent a shredder and have women or men who have been burnt in their relationships (we represent the people who hate Valentines Day).

Style: A La Carte

Attire: Casual

Time: Sunday 10:30am – 3:00pm

Tableau Bar Bistro

1181 Melville Street, Vancouver

Menu: http://tableaubarbistro.com/pdf/Tableau_Brunch_Menu.pdf

For Reservations, please call 604-639-8632

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

By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Brunch Series, Latest Tags: , , , , , No Comments »

Brunch with Bif Naked at Edible Canada at the Market

January 26th, 2012 admin

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 twelfth brunch in this series, I was joined by Musician Bif Naked at Edible Canada at the Market in Vancouver talking about Music, being Vegan and more!

Bif Naked

Bif Naked is a Juno Award-winning, Indian-born American-Canadian multi-platinum record selling rock singer, writer, poet, motivational speaker and actress.

Her musical career is vast, prior to her solo career, Bif played with punk bands Gorilla Gorilla and Chrome Dog. She has toured Europe, the United States, and Canada as a headlining act, and has performed on bills with Snoop Dogg, Billy Idol, Dido, Sarah McLachlan, Sheryl Crow, Chrissie Hynde, the Foo Fighters, the Cult and many more. She recorded a version of “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” for the MTV: TRL Christmas CD. She was also featured on the Ready to Rumble soundtrack with a cover of Twisted Sister’s “We’re Not Gonna Take It”, the Celebrity Deathmatch soundtrack with “Vampire”, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s soundtrack with “Lucky”. Solo albums include Bif Naked, a self-titled album, Purge, and I Bificus. In 2005, after narrowing it down from over 50 songs, she released Superbeautifulmonster with 13 tracks. The Promise was released in 2009 and was dedicated to her fans. Sick, Bluejay, You’ll Never Know were mixed by Juno Award winner Mike Fraser. She has made appearances in music videos for The Offspring’s “The Kids Aren’t Alright”, Moist’s “Believe Me” and “Silver”, Liveonrelease’s “Get with it” and Simple Plan’s “Save You” near the end along with other people (such as Sharon Osborne and René Angélil) who have been treated for cancer. In 2011, she recorded a duet with Vancouver yogi and Nettwerk recording artist Will Blunderfield for the international version of his album Hallelujah.

She has had an extensive acting career as well, from being on the The Chris Isaak Show in 2000, to becoming the first host of the CBC Television series ZeD in 2002. In 2003 she appeared as a judge of a fictitious reality show in the TV series Cold Squad. In 2007 she narrated the chronicles of her and her spouse’s life in Bodog’s web reality show “Bif Naked Bride” up to the wedding finale.

How long have you been singing?

I have been singing professionally since I was 18, I dropped out of school to tour with “Gorilla Gorilla” and opened for “DOA”.

What came first being a Poet, Spoken Word or Music?

Poetry came first, been writing since I could read, my parents are both academics. I was obsessed with the writing of Anais Nin. Spoken Word came on at the same time then music. In 1996, I put out a spoken word record.

Have you always wanted to be a musician?

Never wanted to, still don’t. For 14 years I was a ballerina, I thought I would have a dance career. Fell into theatre, then ended up on tour for 20 years.

What Genre is your music?

It is malleable, every song is different, and a hodge podge of genres and I am lucky to be able to do it.

Has your music style changed over the years?

A little bit as I have, and trends have. I am a lyrist more than a music writer. My musicians present me with rites first.

Amuse Buche

Harvest Salad

Albacore Tuna Salad

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Bif and Richard were both served an Amuse Buche tomato to whet our appetites, Bif had the Harvest Salad ($11) with Okanagan pears, sundried cranberries and local greens. Richard had the Albacore Tuna Salad ($14) with fingerling potatoes, kale, spinach and wild mushrooms and then had a Grilled Cheese Sandwich ($10) with brioche, Farmhouse brie, smoked cheddar, Dundarave olive jam and Okanagan Apple.

What is your favourite food?

Zucchini – I could eat it 3 times a day, forever.

What is your favourite restaurant inside and outside Vancouver?

  • In Regina , Saskatchewan it was “Heliotrope” it is no longer there.
  • In Vancouver, “Organic Lives”.

What do you do in your off time?

  • Yoga classes
  • Painting
  • Writing my book
  • Photography
  • Nature
  • Being with my dog
  • Volunteering
  • Working in hospitals with sick people
  • Spending time at home

How far in advance do you plan your concerts?

My managers book them and then I am told when and where to go. I have been fortunate to have the same manager for the last 20 years.

Do you come from a musical family?

Not at all, my father is a dentist, and my mother is and educator and nurse. Both were missionaries in India previously.

Where was your most recent musical trip?

In Ontario and Alberta in December, 2011.

Where is your next musical trip?

I am putting out 2 records this spring, one house record done while I was in chemo and the other is the acoustic record. I will go and perform to support the records.

What is your favourite music festival that you have performed at?

Rock im Park – in Germany

What is your favourite city for live performance music?

Used to be Halifax at the Marquee, now it is Vancouver.

Is there a music festival that you have wanted to perform at and have yet too?

I would love to perform a music festival in China or Singapore.

Who are your mentors?

  • Joe Keithley of DOA
  • Chi Pig from SNFU

Who are your favourite musicians to collaborate with?

Will Blunderfield – Yoga Instructor/ Musician – he is on twitter @wblunderfield

I would like to collaborate with rappers, jazz singers and metal.

Are there any musicians who have influenced your musical career? If so who?

Being on tours with Kid Rock, Bergeron of the Johnny Carson Show, Anita Baker fan, Kenny Edmonds, Desmond Child.

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

  • 2 records coming out in 2012
  • Working on a book on my life
  • Speaking engagement at a conference in Victoria called Breathe Now.

How many Tattoos do you have?

I have 50 tattoos now, I got my first tattoo when I was 16 years old.

Tell me about the N tattoo that I see on your left wrist and the O tattoo that I see on your right wrist.

I kept getting married and could not say no, I got these two tattoos that say NO, got them 15 years ago.

When did you go Vegan?

I went Vegan in my early 20’s while on the road touring with my 1st husband who was vegetarian. I never ate pasta anyways and thought this was the best way to go healthwise. I can eat anything from bananas to papayas to blueberries.

Tell me about your experience with Chemotherapy and eating.

At the beginning of my Chemotherapy I had a craving for yam rolls and ate 36 rolls in one sitting. Nutripinia causes a phase of being psycho hungry, after Chemo I went back to my usual food routine of a RAW diet.

What is your view on eating a RAW diet?

There are lots of rules around what is and isn’t raw, now I am more relaxed about how the foods are prepared or eaten than I was before.

How did you get into Motivational Speaking?

I joined the National Speakers Bureau 2 years ago to talk.

 

Style: A La Carte

Attire: Casual

Time: Saturday and Sunday 9:00am – 4:00pm

Edible Canada at the Market (opposite the public market on Granville Island)

1596 Johnston Street, Vancouver

Menu: http://www.ediblecanada.com/bistro.php

For Reservations, please call 604-682-6681

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

By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Brunch Series, Latest Tags: , , , , No Comments »

Brunch: Mina Shum at EBO Restaurant

January 21st, 2012 admin

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 eleventh brunch in this series, I was joined by Filmmaker – Mina Shum–at EBO Restaurant in Burnaby talking about film, plays and more!

Mina Shum

Mina Shum was born in Hong Kong and raised in Vancouver, Canada. After earning a diploma in film production, she went on to make 5 short films, including Me, Mom and Mona (1993), which was honoured with a Special Jury Citation at Toronto in 1993.

Her filmography includes: Double Happiness 1994; Drive, She Said 1997; Long Life, Happiness & Prosperity 2002; Picture Perfect (1989) short film at the Yorkton Film Festival; Noah’s Arc 2005, second season.

How did you become a Filmmaker?

At 7 years old, I told my parents I wanted to be in show biz, I loved theatre and the movies. I started taking drama in grade 8, at 13 I wrote a journal of 2 women next to me talking about a muffin and a recipe in context, this started off my dream. I did a theatre degree at UBC and a film diploma. I then got a Canada Council grant and another and then I was in the biz.

How did the film -Double Happiness- come about?

It was my life at the time, I wanted to write my first feature, it is a story about a girl moving out. I wrote the script, work shopped it at Norman Jewison in Toronto, then at Practis at SFU, then won the “New Views” contest and the prize was 1 million dollars to make a film.

Is there any connection between – Double Happiness – and your other film — Long Life, Happiness and Prosperity?

There is a connection between one person identity and Long Life is about believing in something you can’t see. Living authentically and being your own person, struggling on who I should be.

You have done feature length films as well as shorts, do you have a preference to either?

I would always love to do a feature, shorts take about the same time as features.

Is there any difference for you directing a TV series vs a film?

Yes – tv series you are a guest of the creators, you are fulfilling someone else’s vision. TV has given me the opportunity to shoot other kinds of subjects that what I would usually do.

Are there any film makers who have influenced your career? If so who?

  • Woody Allen
  • Jed Appatau
  • Akira Kiwasaua

For Brunch since Mina is Vegan, Chef Dan Craig prepared a few Vegan dishes especially for her in addition to the other dishes that were on the buffet which fit in with her Vegan dietary needs. Richard enjoyed many of the dishes on the wonderful buffet.

What is your favourite food?

Ice Cream

What is your favourite restaurant inside and outside Vancouver?

  • Tsui Woo Seafood Restaurant (inside Vancouver)
  • Poncho Villa in San Francisco

What do you do in your off time?

  • Yoga
  • Dance
  • Gym
  • Eat

How far in advance do you plan your films?

About 4 years from the thinking of the idea until people will see the idea become reality.

How do you decide what your next film is going to be?

Driven by a question and a situation will come out of it. It then consumes me to go further.

Where was your most recent trip?

Whistler for the Whistler Film Festival

What are your favourite places to hangout in Vancouver?

  • Third Beach
  • My house
  • Café de Soleil

Who are your mentors?

  • Dennis Foon (founder of Green Thumb Theatre)
  • Gary Winick (film director “Charlottes Web)
  • Les Ford

What is it like to write and direct a film?

It’s awesome I got to rewrite all the way to the poster of the film.

What are you working on currently?

“Two of Me” – a feature film that is filming in Vancouver in the summer of 2012 –biggest film that I have ever done and it is a romantic comedy.

What is a Table Read?

When movie star actors sit around a table and read the script.

Is there anything you want to do, that you haven’t done already?

I want to make a musical.

Direct a super cool thriller that is character intense.

Are you interested in doing any plays?

Last year I did “All” during the Push Festival which was an installation –film “Standing Wave” with 16 kids in the audience. “Standing Wave” commissioned to make a show of Vancouver. They asked me to do it, I had an idea, they said yes and I made it.

Style: Buffet

Attire: Smart Casual

Time: Brunch is offered  11:00am – 2:00pm on Sunday

Cost: Sunday Brunch is $30.95 per person

EBO Restaurant in the Delta Burnaby Hotel

4331 Dominion Street, Burnaby

Menu: 

http://www.eborestaurant.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/EBO-Sunday-Brunch.pdf

For Reservations, please call 604-453-0788

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

By: Richard Wolak

 

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Brunch: Terry David Mulligan at the Oakwood

January 8th, 2012 admin

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 tenth brunch in this series, I was joined by Actor, radio and television personality – Terry David Mulligan at The Oakwood in Vancouver talking about the memorable interviews, concerts, movies, plays and great radio stations that have been his life and more!

Terry David Mulligan

Terry David Mulligan, Host of his wine and food show Tasting Room Radio and Co-Host/Co-Producer of the tv series Hollywood and Vines with Jason Priestley, has just had released his book, MULLIGAN’S STEW, MY LIFE…SO FAR. Terry has just launched a new Tasting Room Radio website.

In 1985 Tery become a VJ and producer for MuchMusic, covering primarily the West Coast music scene as host of the long-running Much West series. Mulligan is a prolific character actor who has been featured in supporting and small roles in many movies and television series including, notably, The Accused, The X-Files, Robson Arms, Hard Core Logo and the Fantastic Four movie.

Six generations of Canadians can lay claim to having Terry David Mulligan as part of their lives!

I understand you were once roommates with Joni Mitchell, tell us how that came to be?

Living in Regina folk acts performed at 4th Generation, Chuck & Joni Mitchell came, Joni made tea, I made dinner and I had no idea she would become who she did.

How did you meet Jim Morrison? And Pete Townsend?

Townsend by interviewing him and we got along well and we formed an immediate friendship. When we went to London for the Guess Who, ended up seeing The Who perform in a small club, it was a great concert, Pete Townsend whom I interviewed previously in North America invited us over to his place to watch him fix his guitar that he smashed on stage the night before.

Met Jim Morrison in July 1968 on an interview in Vancouver but he wanted to go and browse for shoes in stores around the Westend.

How did you get into doing Commercials?

I was forced to do it to pay bills, it was easy money, met nice people, I did 5 years of Molson commercials with Second City people in Toronto.

What piqued your interest in wine? And in what year?

When I was living in San Francisco, my wife and I visited Napa and Sonoma and tasted wine then met up with Jason Priestly; when we were on a fishing boat together in the Haida Gwaii in the late ’90′s.

I remember watching you on Good Rockin’ Tonite on CBC, of all the artists you interviewed, what was the most unique artist you ever interviewed on your show and why?

Frank Zappa, he was the most no bullshit guy that I ever interviewed, he engaged with me quickly and forced me to talk about anything with him. He is a great guy, family man and all who would never do drugs.

“The Beachcombers” was one of my favourite Canadian tv shows, how did you get casted to appear on that show?

I auditioned for a role as a Pothead who was a Real Estate developer, got the part and did a few shows. It was shown in all countries around the world except for the USA.

What is your favourite food?

  • Soup and Chili –of course that is well made soup and chili
  • Carrot Cake that is world class

What are your favourite restaurants in Vancouver?

  • La Regalade
  • Mangia Bevi
  • Two Chefs and a Table
  • Rangoli
  • Go Fish
  • Raincity Grill

Blueberry Marscapone French Toast

Hash

Terry and Richard both had the Blueberry Marscapone French Toast ($10), and Richard had the Hash ($5).

What are your favourite restaurants outside of Vancouver?

  • Gina’s Mexican Restaurant in Nanaimo
  • Café Brio in Victoria
  • Valentine’s in Penticton
  • Local Lounge Grille in Summerland

Who are your top 3 favourite jazz artists?

  • Miles Davis
  • Art Pepper
  • Wynton Marsalis

Your show MuchWest aired for 16 years on MuchMusic, how did you feel when they cancelled your show?

That it was time to move on.

How did your tv show “Hollywood & Vines” with Actor Jason Priestly come together?

On our fishing trip in the Haida Gwaii, took 4 years to put totgether, then another 5 years to get on the air.

When did you begin to appreciate fine wines?

Hanging around Priestly, he defined fine wines from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s – he has 5,000 bottles in of his own in his collection.

What do you like to do in your off time?

  • Sleep – I can sleep anywhere including my car, or on a bench
  • Walk
  • Going in to my studio and making shows such as taking 2 hours to make my Mulligan Stew shows or the 1 hour wine show.

What has been your favourite role you have played in a film to date?

In Accused with Jodie Foster – I played a detective

What were your interviews with Actors – George Clooney, Matt Damon and Leonardo DiCaprio like?

  • George Clooney –was fantastic, funny, outspoken, straight up funny.
  • Matt Damon – more aware of himself, self-conscious.
  • Leaonardo di Caprio – great guy

How did your radio show “The Tasting Room” come about?

I knew I always wanted to do a radio show on wine when I moved to the Okanagan. Did the show for 2 hours for 1-1/2 years then changed the show to 1 hour cause 1 hour was better for radio.

What is your favourite food and wine pairing?

Elephant Island – Rose Bubble with raw oysters

In your travels, which was the most recent favourite concert that you have seen?

Haven’t since I left my job after 30 years.

I understand you co-own a vineyard with Actor Jason Priestley, tell us how that came about? And what is your wine label called?

Black Hills –we were investors not owners, I have since sold my investment.

Where was your most recent trip?

Summerland to Interview 4 wineries

Boston previously – great trip

Where is your next trip?

San Francisco

Who was one of your favourite people that you interviewed?

It was Robin Williams, 4 minutes with him on any subject was the highlight of my year.

Who are your Mentors?

  • Ken Gibson – Producer of Good Rockin’ Tonite
  • Hal Weaver
  • Wolfman Jack
  • Susan Engleberg

When was your first acting role in a play? 

I was in a play at Presentation House in North Vancouver.

What else are you working on currently?

  • Hollywood & Vines
  • Mulligan’s Stew
  • Tasting Room Radio
  • And I may start auditioning to act again

 

Style: a La Carte

Attire: Casual

Time: Saturday and Sunday 10am – 3:00pm

The Oakwood Restaurant

2741 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver

Menu: http://www.theoakwood.ca/

For Reservations, please call 604-558-1965

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

By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Brunch Series, Latest Tags: , , , , No Comments »

Chef Jason Vallee

January 3rd, 2012 admin

Vancouver is home to some of the best chefs in the world, many have worked for the top chefs and restaurants around the world as well as around the city. Dishing with the Chefs is a series of Interviews with some of the top chefs in and around Vancouver.

Chef Jason Vallee

Last month I spent the afternoon with Chef Jason Vallee at Glowbal Grill Restaurant in Yaletown. I have known Jason for a couple of years, ever since I met him at Coast Restaurant.

At 15, he worked at McDonalds, while in high school he got really interested in cooking and took the culinary arts class in Powell River then continued into the college program at Malaspina. Then  worked at Val d’Isère Restaurant in Whistler for almost 4 years. Jason then moved to Vancouver in 2005, where he worked at the Raincity Grill and then at Coast Restaurant in Yaletown as the Line Cook. He then moved on to Coast Restaurant on Alberni for 2 years. In 2009 he was promoted within the Glowbal Group and became Executive Chef at Society, then Executive Chef at Glowbal Grill in Yaletown in 2011.

What was it about cooking that interested  you while growing up?

I played sports when I was younger and cooking in the kitchen had the same kind of buzz.

What is your favourite cuisine to eat personally?

  • Hot pot soups
  • Asian hot pot style

What do you want your chefs to learn from you?

Respect for ingredients, what comes from the farm, how to treat the environment, kitchen, equipment etc

The First Dish:

Marrow & Crostini

Marrow & Crostini

Roasted bone marrow

Baguette with roasted garlic puree

Smoked sea salt garnish

Frisee salad

What was your inspiration behind this dish?

Showing my cooks about a product like this and what we can create.

What are your favourite restaurants in Vancouver outside of the Glowbal Group ?

  • Hapa Izakaya
  • Bin 941

Do you cook at home?

Occasionally, mostly for the family for the holidays.

The Second Dish:

Surf & Turf

Surf & Turf

Kobe meat ball

Lobster ravioli truffle cream sauce

Spicy tomato sauce

Parmesan crisps

Shaved black truffles

Herb oil

What was your inspiration behind this dish?

The restaurant and our speciality meat balls at Glowbal, Coast’s seafood element, my take on Surf & Turf at Glowbal.

What makes a good steak?

Proper seasoning for one, start at a high enough temperature so that a crust starts to develop caramelizing forms that is the trick. At Glowbal Grill we have a char broiler that cooks our steaks at 1700 degrees.

What type of beef do you serve at Glowbal Grill?

Canadian Prime, grade past Triple A.

What did you like to do in your off time ?

  • Play video games
  • Watch hockey
  • Family time

What pushes you to grow in your career?

My personality, I always want to be the best that I can be. Motivated to push on and keep it fresh, thrive to be the best at what I do.

Who are your Mentors?

  • Chef Roland Pfaff in Whistler who taught me to care about the ingredients.
  • Chef Sean Riley
  • Chef Josh Wolfe

Is there a cuisine that you have always wanted to do that you haven’t had a chance to do?

Molecular gastronomy

The Third Dish:

Pot Au Feu

Pot Au Feu

Brisket beef

Potatoes

Carrots

Turnip

Leeks

Beef broth

Green onions

Brussels sprouts

What was your inspiration behind this dish?

French training – wintery dish on a cold rainy day

What is your favourite beverage to drink with one of your steaks at Glowbal?

Peroni beer

What is the best way to season a steak?

Diamond Circle Kosher salt & pepper

Do you create your own features at the restaurant?

Yes we have the freedom to create dishes daily for our features.

Did you study pastry and savoury or?

I did pastry when I was working in Whistler and can do it if needed. I do enjoy working with pastry.

Stay tuned for the next chef in the Dishing with the Chef series.

By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Dishing with the Chefs, Latest Tags: , , , , No Comments »

Brunch: Jay Brazeau at Fraiche

December 22nd, 2011 admin

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 ninth brunch in this series, I was joined by Actor Jay Brazeau at Fraiche Restaurant in West Vancouver talking acting, life and more!

Jay Brazeau

Jay Brazeau is an actor, director, and writer who has been in over 215 roles in his career thus far. Last year I saw him in the film “Fathers and Sons” , he recently joined me for the Brunch at Fraiche in West Vancouver on a beautiful sunny day, we sat at the corner window with a spectacular view of the whole city.

Jay grew up in Winnipeg, went to Toronto he wanted to become a comedian, he ended up performing at Yuk Yuks and was on the same bill as Howie Mandel and Jim Carey. He then returned to Winnipeg and did animation, then decided to give Vancouver a try and came out West. He knew no one, but got involved with the Vancouver Theatre Sports league. After doing improv with Vancouver Theatre Sports this opened him up to not saying no and going forth in acting.

When did you begin your acting career?

I was 19 years old and I walked into a theatre workshop and asked to be an actor. I was then thrown into “Wacky this Fuddlejake “. Always ended up hanging out, you have to hang out to get the parts. My father took me to movies in Winnipeg, and I loved it. I was then cast in 3 plays – 1) Cyrano 2) Christmas Carol and 3) Creeps

What was your favourite role you ever played in a film?

“Father and Sons ” there was no dialogue, they only mapped out a light story to give guidance.

What were your most recent films?

  • “Living in a Car “
  • “Brothers and Sisters “
  • “Duke “

What was your favourite role you ever performed in a play thus far?

  • “Cyrano ” in Pittsburgh
  • “Drowsy Chaperone ” in Vancouver – originators felt really great about our production.

Did you always want to be an Actor?

No I wanted to be a cartoonist as a kid, doodled like crazy, always wanted to express myself in an artistic way.

Do you ever get nervous?

I get nervous when having to talk in front of an audience as myself, I love to play other roles.

What do you do in your spare time?

  • Used to collect ugly lamps, going to garage sales to find the lamps.
  • Playing scrabble with my neighbor Alex
  • Writing
  • Watching “Breaking Bad ” tv series

Chestnut Chorizo Soup

Traditional Eggs Benedict

Vegetable Omelet with wild mushrooms

Sticky Toffee Pudding

Jay and Richard both had the Chestnut Chorizo Soup ($9), then Jay had the Traditional Eggs Benedict ($16) and Richard had the Vegetable Omelet with wild mushrooms ($15). For dessert, Jay and Richard both had the Sticky Toffee Pudding ($9) with vanilla ice cream.

What is your favourite food?

  • Eggs Benedict
  • Rice Pudding

What are your favourite restaurants in Vancouver?

  • Paros in Burquitlam (Greek –off North Road –owned by Alex – my neighbor)
  • Bons off Broadway
  • Brazza in North Van for coffee

Have you acted in the theatre production of “Hairspray” more than once?

I did the original musical production of it in New York. You are probably wondering how this happened, I came out to New York for the audition and spent the day in New York, then they called me back to audition again. I got the part and then was part of the Broadway production in New York. Then in 2010, I played the same role in the Stanley Theatre production in Vancouver.

What was it like to star in the trilogy of Carl Bessai films where your role was unscripted?

I was only in the last two “Fathers & Sons” and “Brothers & Sisters ” –Before the film I was able to combine film and theatre experience, it was a life changing experience for me.

Is there a role you wanted to play that you didn’t get after auditioning? If so, what was the role and in which play or film?

“Death of a Salesman ” 17 years ago when I had one son, I want to revisit this play again now that I have two sons.

How does a Canadian Actor make it in the film industry?

  1. If you are young you move to the USA
  2. If you are old you find a project that you can do here, then move to the USA, then come back to Canada
  3. You seek out Directors like Carl Bessai or Mina Shum

How many productions (films or theatrical) will you act this year?

  • “Old Love ” as Director
  • “Bah Humbug! ” as Actor
  • “Cat Came Back ” with Fred Penner –theatrical production

How did you get casted in the 21 Jump Street tv series?

It was a Steven Cannel production and they hired local actors for many of the film parts, it was very interesting doing this show.

Do you have any memorable films?

“We‘re No Angels” with Robert Deniro, Sean Penn and Demi Moore – I learned so much on that show. I was originally scheduled for 26 days and in the end it become 46 days.

Is there a Director you want to work with?

  • Clint Eastwood
  • Larry David
  • Abneszia Holland
  • Ann Wheeler

How many agents do you have?

I have one agent in Toronto for Films & Commercials and two agents in Vancouver, one for Film & Theatre and the other for Commercials.

Tell me about your current production “Old Love”

I am currently directing “Old Love” about middle aged people in their 50s, the play stars my wife and Vince Metcalfe and it is being performed at Presentation House Theatre in North Vancouver.

What is next for you?

I have a play in the works “Fortune and Son” (4 generations of fathers and sons)

What would you like to do in the future?

  • I would like to work with my son on a project.
  • Would like to do a small film
  • Would like to do a murder mystery
  • Find a summer to work with Christopher Gaze in “Bard on the Beach”
  • I want to direct a Musical
  • I want to work with Electric Company
  • I dream to work with Len Carey again

What would you tell a want to be actor?

Always know your audience.

 

Style: a La Carte

Attire: Smart Casual

Time: Sunday 10am – 3:00pm

Fraiche Restaurant

2240 Chippendale Road, West Vancouver

Menu: http://fraicherestaurant.ca

For Reservations, please call 604- 925-7595

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

By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Brunch Series, Latest Tags: , , , , No Comments »
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