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Interviews -
Toronto Talks
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By: Sergio Alvarado
December 1, 2009
 Tanya Kim is the host of etalk on CTV, Canada’s most watched entertainment news show. A small-town-girl turned cosmopolitan media personality, Tanya took a breather in between tapings to chat with Experience Toronto writer Sergio Alvarado.
Sergio Alvarado: I can’t imagine how busy your schedule is. I’m guessing it’s not getting any lighter anytime soon.
Tanya Kim: It’s been a crazy year. You know etalk is a daily show, and I have to travel for work a lot. But I’m excited about the Olympics coming up. etalk is going to be based out of Vancouver for about 3 weeks covering all things Olympics and entertainment and I’m going to be running with the torch.
Sergio Alvarado: You’re kidding. When?
Tanya Kim:January 3rd! It’s in White River ,Ontario. Which is about 3 hours north of my hometown of Sault Saint Marie.
Sergio Alvarado: Was it a difficult transition to move from Sault Saint Marie to Toronto for University?
Tanya Kim: You know what? I loved it! I love Sault Saint Marie, but there’s not a lot of culture there. And let me tell you, kids can be mean to anyone who looks or acts a little different.
Sergio Alvarado: I assume there isn’t a prominent Korean community out there.
Tanya Kim: Well, I’ll tell you back then there were about 60 thousand people living there and there were maybe 20 Asian people. Okay, gross exaggeration. But it felt that way. So moving to Toronto was a great transition for me. Toronto was the big city with so much opportunity. I was so stoked to be part of it. It made me feel more comfortable in my own skin. More so than I would have if I had stayed in Sault Saint Marie.
 Sergio Alvarado: I know one never stops loving their home town, but do you consider Toronto your home now after so many years?
Tanya Kim: Toronto has been my home for a number of years. I’m split between the two cities. I appreciate everything about here though. Just little things like the food. I love the boroughs that the city has. Korea Town on Bloor West is great when I’m missing my mom’s cooking.
Sergio Alvarado: In what part of the city do you live now?
Tanya Kim: I live in the Trinity Bell Woods area. Which is great because, well with Toronto in general, you can chose to live in a quiet neighborhood and walk three blocks and feel that nightlife vibe and breathe in all the creative air.
Sergio Alvarado: Are there some nearby spots you hang out at a lot?
Tanya Kim: Bar One on Queen is a great little Italian place. Best thin crust gourmet pizza I’ve had in my life. And also, there’s a cool new little joint on Queen and Shaw called Oddfellows with one large communal table. Great taco night. I also love the Double Deuce Saloon, which is a great casual place. I’m not really a bar/nightclub type of person, I much prefer to sit and have drinks with friends.
Sergio Alvarado: I have to say, you always look great. Where do you do your shopping?
Tanya Kim: I have to give props to my stylist Jessa! But between you and me, I’m not a huge fan of the shopping experience. I am however a sucker for accessories. I love this store called Love of Mine on Queen West, they have great jewelry. And Holt Renfrew is just one stop shopping.
 Sergio Alvarado: You’ve really made it in the entertainment world, and haven’t left the city.
Tanya Kim: You know, when I was younger I had a game plan. I was going to university, work for a couple of years here and then hit New York or LA. And sometimes life doesn’t really work out that way. I’m very happy here in Toronto for the time being. I’m always open for change. Change helps you grow as a person.
Sergio Alvarado: Do you think Toronto has changed in its place in the world of pop culture and entertainment?
Tanya Kim: I think it’s changed in the way that Toronto itself is embracing pop culture. We’re becoming much more comfortable as a host city. When we’re hosting the world for TIFF or Hot Docs or LG Fashion Week, the Junos, the Geminis, I think we’re making our mark when it comes to just being the concierge to these large-scale and high profile events.
Sergio Alvarado: I think you’re proof that you can make it in the entertainment world and not have to leave to Los Angeles or New York.
Tanya Kim: You don’t at all. I’m very blessed. You know I used to roll my eyes when my parents said “hard work pays off”, but it’s the truth. I appreciate all of my accomplishments that much more. Toronto has been great to me and my career, and will be for many more people in years to come.
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