“It’s never just a ride—it’s a perspective”: How Brandon Gonez navigates the city with Uber
The media mogul shares his favourite local eats, delivery rituals and why pre-scheduling with Uber is his social battery saver
As one of Toronto’s most recognizable media personalities, Brandon Gonez juggles interviews, events, deadlines— and the occasional cupcake-fuelled office party. To stay grounded, he keeps things local: Liberty Village lunches, late-night eats and a carefully curated Uber Eats rotation. Whether he’s heading to a rooftop patio or racing between shoots, Uber helps him stay on time, well fed and one step ahead of the chaos.
Rise, reflect, go
Gonez starts early with tea, a short meditation and a burst of cardio when there’s time. If the gym doesn’t fit, he heads to the water. “It’s so peaceful to be out before the city really wakes up. Water brings me a lot of clarity.”
Back home, he jots down ideas. “My brain is like a ping-pong machine—ideas hit fast, and if I don’t write them down, they’re gone.”
His commute depends on the day. “Sometimes I walk, or I’ll ride with Uber if I’m running late or have a meeting and don’t want to mess up my outfit.” A ride also doubles as a productivity hack. “I can answer emails, make calls or just listen to music. It gives me space to start the day on the right foot.”
Lunch in Liberty—with the occasional Uber treat
Most days, lunch is local. Louie Coffee is a regular stop, known for its croissants and easygoing vibe. Fridays come with a sweet ritual: “Our office has a little tradition where we treat ourselves. We’ll order cupcakes or doughnuts on Uber Eats.” His most recent pick was Cupcake Paradise, which has vegan and gluten-free options alongside the classics.
Weekday delivery rotation
After long days (or nights) out, cooking isn’t a priority. “I probably order in four to five times a week—no shame,” he says. “And hey, I’m supporting local!”
His Uber Eats rotation includes Forest Hill Farmhouse for their “really fresh, light bowls,” Islands Caribbean Cookshop for jerk chicken and Nodo for their slow-braised beef short rib.
His top pick? “Sisters & Co.—I’m obsessed with their potatoes, Cajun-spiced with a hot honey drizzle, and their brioche breakfast sandwich.”
Nights out, rides locked in
“I’m often out at restaurant openings, fashion shows and events, so I always use Uber,” says Gonez. “It’s safer, simpler and now I schedule my rides in advance with Uber Reserve, which is a total game-changer, especially when my social battery runs out.”
His cousins from the 905 often pre-game at his place before heading downtown. Favourite spots include Conejo Negro on College (“great cocktails, intimate vibe and a nice backyard patio”), Bar Bowie, Harriet’s Rooftop and Miss Likklemore’s, and for something more exclusive, BarChef or Byblos.
Late-night cravings? “A 10-piece McNugget meal hits every time. Fries—light salt—sweet and sour sauce, maybe a spicy habanero dip.”
Everything delivered
Uber isn’t just for takeout and rides. “I’m super forgetful, so I’ve used Uber Courier to send my keys or chargers from the office back home,” he says. “It’s also great for last-minute things from the grocery store, like if you’re having friends over and forgot ice or toilet paper.”
After a flight from Quebec, he placed a grocery order en route. “I knew I didn’t have sparkling water or oranges—my two essentials. I placed a quick order through the app and it was waiting when I got home.”
But what stays with him most are the drivers. “Students, newcomers, retirees—I’ve had some amazing conversations,” he says. “As a journalist, it helps me stay in touch with real people and real stories. It’s never just a ride—it’s a perspective.”
Uber is proud to partner with MADD, helping riders get home safe. Stay connected by downloading Uber and Uber Eats on the App Store or Google Play.
