After a breakout year for anime across streaming and on the big screen, Crunchyroll announced the 2026 Crunchyroll Anime Awards will return to Tokyo, Japan on May 23, 2026. The marquis tenth celebration will be punctuated by a global pre-show, a star-studded orange carpet, and once-in-a-lifetime performances, all in support of honouring nominees across 32 anime categories.

Popular voice actress and performer Sally Amaki and renowned entertainer Jon Kabira will return as co-hosts for the fourth straight year.

Crunchyroll also revealed a preliminary music lineup for the 2026 Crunchyroll Anime Awards. Japanese singer Yoko Takahashi will perform a 30th anniversary tribute to 1995’s seminal anime Neon Genesis Evangelion featuring the renowned theme “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis.” Symphonic suites conducted by Hirofumi Kurita, performed by the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, and arranged by Kazunori Miyake will accent the ceremony. More to be announced soon!

Singer Yoko Takahashi | Neon Genesis Evangelion ©カラー/ Project Eva. ©khara／Project Eva.
For the past decade, the Crunchyroll Anime Awards has been shaped by the fans who show up every year to celebrate the stories and creators they love,” said Rahul Purini, President of Crunchyroll. “What began with a few million votes in 2017 has grown into tens of millions of voices from around the world, reflecting how deeply anime has become part of people’s lives. Returning to Japan is about celebrating where these stories begin and the fans everywhere who make them live far beyond the screen.”

Nominees will be revealed on April 2 alongside the start of global fan voting. Fans are invited to mark their calendars and fight for the series, films, creators and performances they loved, helping determine winners across 32 categories that capture the medium’s contributions to entertainment. The full list of categories can be found on the Crunchyroll Anime Awards Official Website.

The nominees in each category will be selected from eligible titles that premiered between January 1 and December 31 in 2025 by the passionate and independent 2026 Anime Awards judges who represent global creatives, tastemakers, experts, and influencers.

The global pre-show preceding the ceremony will once again be hosted by Crunchyroll’s Lauren Moore and Tim Lyu.

The Crunchyroll Anime Awards is the leading yearly awards program honoring the creators, musicians, and performances powering the global love of anime. Sony Music Solutions Inc., part of Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc., and Dempsey Productions will support Crunchyroll in the execution of the event. The event will be livestreamed for global audiences.

More information can be found on the Crunchyroll Anime Awards Official Website and across X (Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

About Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll is the global anime brand that fuels fans’ love of anime. With the ambition to make anime an even bigger part of pop culture, Crunchyroll offers fans the ultimate anime experience and destination centered around a premium streaming service. Crunchyroll has the largest dedicated anime library, an immersive world of events, exciting theatrical releases, unique games, must-have merchandise, timely news, and more. Anime is for everyone and is accessible to stream across territories through Crunchyroll—whether on the go on mobile, through gaming consoles and big-screen devices at home, or on desktops anywhere.

Crunchyroll, LLC is an independently operated joint venture between U.S.-based Sony Pictures Entertainment and Japan’s Aniplex, a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc., both subsidiaries of Tokyo-based Sony Group.

Today, Disney+ unveiled the all-new trailer and key art for the highly anticipated second season of “Paradise.” The Emmy® Award-nominated hit drama series returns Monday, February 23, 2026 with three episodes, followed by new episodes weekly on Hulu on Disney+ in Canada. See Trailer here.

In Season 2, Xavier searches for Teri out in the world and learns how people survived the three years since The Day. Back in Paradise, the social fabric frays as the bunker deals with the aftermath of Season 1, and new secrets are uncovered about the city’s origins.

“Paradise” stars Sterling K. Brown, Julianne Nicholson, Sarah Shahi, Nicole Brydon Bloom, Krys Marshall, Enuka Okuma, Aliyah Mastin, Percy Daggs IV and Charlie Evans, with recurring guest stars James Marsden, Shailene Woodley, Thomas Doherty and Jon Beavers.

“Paradise” is created and executive produced by Dan Fogelman. Jess Rosenthal, John Hoberg, Sterling K. Brown, Steve Beers, Glenn Ficarra and John Requa also executive produce. The series is a 20th Television production.

SCREAM 7 IS ONLY IN THEATRES ON FEBRUARY 27, 2026! Today we get a new Featurette with Director Kevin Williamson.

Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group Present

“Scream 7”

SYNOPSIS

When a new Ghostface killer emerges in the quiet town where Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) has built a new life, her darkest fears are realized as her daughter (Isabel May) becomes the next target. Determined to protect her family, Sidney must face the horrors of her past to put an end to the bloodshed once and for all.

PRODUCED BY

William Sherak, James Vanderbilt, Paul Neinstein

BASED ON CHARACTERS CREATED BY

Kevin Williamson

STORY BY

James Vanderbilt & Guy Busick

SCREENPLAY BY

Kevin Williamson and Guy Busick

DIRECTED BY

Kevin Williamson

CAST

Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, Isabel May, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Mason Gooding, Anna Camp, Joel McHale, Mckenna Grace, Michelle Randolph, Jimmy Tatro, Asa Germann, Celeste O’Connor, Sam Rechner, Ethan Embry, Tim Simons and Mark Consuelos

The Chicken Cartel is popping up at Farm Boy on Saturday, February 7 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Farm Boy Front and Bathurst in Toronto, serving two limited-time fried chicken sandwiches that pair The Chicken Cartel’s viral, globally inspired flavours with Farm Boy favourites, including Farm Boy Pickles featured in the T.K.O. As part of Farm Boy’s commitment to being a good neighbour and spotlighting local culinary talent, this one-day collaboration brings Chef Donnie Gomes’ chef-crafted sandwiches into Farm Boy’s fresh-market experience for a limited window, available while quantities last.

“Farm Boy is known for premium quality ingredients and a friendly, fresh-market experience, which makes them a natural partner for this pop-up,” said Chef Donnie Gomes, Founder of The Chicken Cartel. “We wanted to bring our all-time favourite sandwiches to Farm Boy, pairing classic Cartel flavour with wholesome Farm Boy staples that you can taste in every bite.”

Event Details

What: Chicken Cartel x Farm Boy Pop-Up

When: Saturday, February 7, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (while quantities last)
Where: Farm Boy, 29 Bathurst St, Toronto, ON M5V 0L8

The Menu

Cartelito
A bright build that brings the crunch: krispy fried chicken breast layered with lettuce and tomato, then finished with a silky citrus mayo that cuts through the richness with a clean, zesty lift. Fresh, balanced, and dangerously easy to devour.

T.K.O.
A full-volume, hands-on sandwich built to hit every note: krispy fried chicken breast crowned with chili oil for slow-building heat, artisanal Farm Boy pickles for a bright, briny snap, and sexy slaw for cool crunch, finished with a honey-dijon mayo that pulls it all together into one rich, addictive bite.

About Farm Boy Company Inc.
Farm Boy provides a friendly, fresh-market shopping experience featuring signature farm-fresh produce, butcher-quality meats, artisan cheese, fresh dairy and popular private-label products at great value. Farm Boy has grown from a small produce stand starting in Cornwall in 1981 to 51 stores located across Ontario, with further expansions underway.

About The Chicken Cartel and Chef Donnie Gomes

Founded in 2021, The Chicken Cartel is a GTA-based fried chicken concept known for bold, globally inspired chicken sandwiches that consistently sell out and have built a devoted local following. The brand was created by Chef Donnie Gomes, who brings more than 17 years of restaurant industry experience, including time as a private chef for a Saudi Arabian royal family. Donnie was also part of the winning team at Battle Mokable and a finalist on Food Network’s Food Truck Face Off, where he earned second place.

Liberty Entertainment Group is celebrating Valentine’s season in Toronto with romantic experiences across the city, from Michelin-starred tasting menus to candlelit concerts at Casa Loma. BlueBlood Steakhouse, DaNico, and Don Alfonso 1890 have also earned a spot on the Top 100 Romantic Restaurants in Canada for 2026, making them perfect for date night all season long. 

DaNico
DaNico is offering its Signature Tasting Menu for Valentine’s Day, with the option to add Premium Wine Pairings. Guests can enjoy a tableside champagne cart featuring 8 to 10 sparkling wines by the glass, plus a Valentine’s cocktail feature. Reservations can be booked via OpenTable.

Don Alfonso 1890

Don Alfonso is celebrating Valentine’s Day all week long, with service available Wednesday through Sunday, including Signature and Contemporary Tasting Menus, à la carte selections, and the lounge menu. Guests can also enjoy the cocktail program and curated wine selections alongside dinner. Reservations can be booked via OpenTable.

Casa Loma

Casa Loma is offering multiple ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day, from live music inside the castle to an elegant afternoon tea experience:

Twilight Symphony 

Twilight Symphony returns to Casa Loma with a Valentine’s Day special on February 13 and 14. Tickets include a complimentary rose and a glass of bubbly, plus live music in the castle for an unforgettable night out. Tickets can be purchased here.

High Tea at the Castle (Feb. 14-16)

High Tea at the Castle offers an elevated afternoon tea experience inside Casa Loma, featuring premium teas, scones, gourmet pastries, and tea sandwiches in a stunning Edwardian setting. Reservations can be booked via OpenTable.

BlueBlood Steakhouse x Casa Loma – VIP Twilight Symphony Experience

The BlueBlood VIP experience is $250 per person, and includes a prix fixe menu at BlueBlood Steakhouse, admission to Twilight Symphony, and seating in the VIP section.

Blue Bovine Steak + Sushi House 

For an elevated dinner moment, BlueBlood Steakhouse is also offering a featured steak selection, all sourced from Argentina’s Le Pampas Natural. Reservations can be booked via OpenTable. 

CBC today unveiled the trailer and two key art versions for the upcoming CBC immersive docuseries Cirque Life (5×60), which will pull back the curtain on the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil and offer an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look at one of the company’s most celebrated shows, LUZIA. The trailer and key art introduce the performers of LUZIA, and showcase their dual roles as talented artists striving for their personal best as well as regular people with lives and ambitions outside of the Big Top.

Produced by Cineflix, the series premieres Thursday, March 19 at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT) on CBC and CBC Gem.
Cirque Life follows the cast and crew of the smash hit LUZIA as they return home to Montréal for the first time since its 2016 premiere, for an unforgettable summer under the Big Top. Amid roaring crowds and soaring expectations, cameras capture every triumph and challenge as performers and crew tackle up to ten shows a week during an epic four-month run. With no margin for error, they continuously refine their artistry while juggling dazzling acrobatics, life in the spotlight, and the relentless pace of touring. From hoop diver captain to veteran contortionist, Cirque Life brings viewers inside the action, showcasing the exceptional talent, commitment, and courage it takes to be part of the team.

The Cirque du Soleil LUZIA performers featured in Cirque Life include:
Olivia Aepli, Running Woman, Swing to Swing
Mikaël Bruyère-L’Abbé, Hoop Diving, Acropole
Majo Cornejo, Singer
Zore España, Cyr Wheel, Pole Dance
Aleksei Goloborodko, Contortionist
Eric Koller, Clown
Nelson Smyles, Hoop Diving, Clown Understudy
Sarah Togni, Cyr Wheel, Pole Dance
Aboubacar Traoré, Football Dance
Naomi Zimmermann, Adagio, Pole Dance
Follow @cirquelifetv on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook for exclusive behind-the-scenes content and interviews with the performers.

The 10th anniversary of LUZIA will be presented in Toronto, ON, from June 18 – August 3, 2026 under the iconic Big Top at 2150 Lake Shore Blvd. W. Tickets are on sale now at www.cirquedusoleil.com/luzia
Cirque Life is produced by Cineflix for CBC in Canada. Cineflix Rights is the worldwide distribution partner for the series. The Executive Producers include Tanya Blake and J.C. Mills for Cineflix; with Susan Levison and Richard Lowell for Cirque du Soleil. For CBC, Sally Catto is General Manager, Entertainment, Factual, & Sports; Jennifer Dettman is Executive Director, Unscripted Content; Sandra Kleinfeld is Senior Director, Documentary; and Ann-Marie Redmond is Executive in Charge of Production.

Cirque du Soleil’s production of LUZIA continues to tour across Canada, with upcoming stops in Toronto (June 18 – August 3), Ottawa (Sept. 10 – Oct. 18), and Vancouver (Nov. 4 – Dec. 13).

About CBC/Radio-Canada
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada’s national public broadcaster. Through our mandate to inform, enlighten and entertain, we play a central role in strengthening Canadian culture. As Canada’s trusted news source, we offer a uniquely Canadian perspective on news, current affairs and world affairs. Our distinctively homegrown entertainment programming draws audiences from across the country. Deeply rooted in communities, CBC/Radio-Canada offers diverse content in English, French and eight Indigenous languages: Dëne Sųłıné, Dene Kǝdǝ́, Dene Zhatıé, Eastern Cree, Dinjii Zhuʼ Ginjik, Inuktitut, Inuvialuktun and Tłı̨chǫ. We also deliver content in Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Punjabi and Tagalog, as well as both official languages, through Radio Canada International (RCI). We are leading the transformation to meet the needs of Canadians in a digital world.

About Cineflix
Cineflix creates, produces, and distributes must-watch TV for global platforms, with operations in Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, New York, Los Angeles, London, and Dublin. A leading international media company, the group includes top-ranking sales and acquisitions division, Cineflix Rights, as well as production labels Buccaneer and C3 Media. With a catalogue of 7,600 hours of select programming across a wide range of genres and a collection of YouTube and FAST channels streaming 24/7, Cineflix is behind some of TV’s most popular and long-running shows. 

About LUZIA
In a series of grand visual surprises and breathtaking acrobatic performances, LUZIA takes audiences on a surreal escape to an imaginary Mexico – a sumptuously vibrant world suspended between dreams and reality. Smoothly passing from an old movie set to the ocean to a smoky dance hall or an arid desert, LUZIA journeys through a colorful tapestry of multiple places, faces and sounds of Mexico taken from both tradition and modernity.

Poetically guided by light (‘luz’ in Spanish) and rain (‘lluvia’), LUZIA chronicles the encounters of a parachuted traveler with the culture, nature and mythology of a dreamlike land inhabited by a mystifying menagerie of characters. Refreshing and unexpected, LUZIA enchants by artistically incorporating water into the acrobatic presentation – a first for a Cirque du Soleil touring production.

This February, Hollywood Suite hosts the Canadian broadcast premiere of the critically acclaimed new British series, The Listeners (2024), produced by Element Pictures (A Fremantle Company), with a new episode every Friday starting February 20 at 9 p.m. ET. Meanwhile, Canadian film lovers can dig into food-centric drama Doubles, premiering exclusively on broadcast on February 17, 2026.

The Listeners follows an English teacher who is tormented by a continuous humming noise that only a few people claim they can hear. Based on the novel by Jordan Tannahill, who also wrote the adaptation, and directed by Janicza Bravo (Zola, The Bear), the series stars Rebecca Hall (Peter Hujar’s Day, Godzilla v. Kong franchise, Resurrection), alongside Ollie West (The Sparrow) and Prasanna Puwanarajah (The Crown). The series had its world premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival.

The Listeners is an Element Pictures (a Fremantle company) production for the BBC. Writer Jordan Tannahill and director Janicza Bravo also serve as executive producers, alongside Ed Guiney, Andrew Lowe, Chelsea Morgan Hoffmann and Rachel Dargavel for Element Pictures, Rebecca Ferguson for the BBC, and Alice Birch. The series is produced by Ed King (His House, Suspect, Howl). Fremantle handles global sales.

The Listeners was met with high praise during its UK release, with The Guardian’s Lucy Mangan writing, “Rebecca Hall’s hauntingly delicate drama will paralyse you with dread,” while giving the series a stellar review.

“We’re excited to be bringing premium UK shows to Canadian audiences,” said Sharon Stevens, Vice-President of Programming for Hollywood Suite. “The Listeners joins our ever-growing list of offerings from across the pond, and we’re thrilled to be able to give our audience even more content to fall in love with.”

Back on Canadian shores, filmmaker Ian Harnarine’s Doubles tells the story of a young Trinidadian street vendor who must travel to Toronto and decide if he will save his estranged father’s life. The film stars Errol Sitahal (Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle), Sanjiv Boodhu (Moving Parts) and Rashaana Cumberbatch (Shoresy), and premieres on February 17 at 7:20 pm ET and will be available on demand.

Doubles was theatrically released in Canada in mid-2024, with media coverage from Exclaim! Magazine’s Marie Saadeh saying, “It’s a touching tribute to the immigrant experience and forgiveness, and undoubtedly will leave its audience hungry for some doubles.”

For the more traditionally romantic (or anti-romantic) options this month, Hollywood Suite has you covered with Valentine’s favourites like Love, Simon (2018) and Something’s Gotta Give (2003), as well as treasured not-so-romantic films like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) and What’s Love Got to Do With It (1993).

From the Executive Producers of Stranger Things and the Director of Baby Reindeer. Created by Haley Z. Boston.

Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen premieres March 26, 2026

and you are cordially invited…only on Netflix.

“When I was a kid, my mom said to me, ‘You just need to make sure you don’t marry the wrong person,’ ” Creator Haley Z. Boston tells Tudum.com. “[Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen] is about the fear of marrying the wrong person. I’ve been to weddings where people say in their vows,

‘I never once had a doubt,’ I hear that, and I’m like, ‘That’s crazy […]

What do you mean?’ ”

ABOUT THE SERIES
Logline: Something Very Bad Is Going To Happen is an atmospheric horror series set at a wedding, following a bride and groom in the week leading up to their ill-fated nuptials.

That’s not a spoiler – just read the title.

Premiere Date: March 26, 2026

Format: Limited Series / 8 episodes

Showrunner/Creator/Executive Producer: Haley Z. Boston

Executive Producer/Director: Weronika Tofilska

Executive Producers: Hilary Leavitt, Matt Duffer, Ross Duffer for Upside Down Productions, Andrea Sperling

Director(s): Axelle Carolyn, Lisa Brühlmann

Series Regulars: Camila Morrone, Adam DiMarco, Jeff Wilbusch, Karla Crome, Gus Birney, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Ted Levine, Sawyer Fraser

Accent Aigu Entertainment today announced a new partnership with Province of Canada, a Canadian-owned and operated apparel company, to produce the now-iconic fleece jacket from the Crave Original series Heated Rivalry.

First seen on screen in episode two as part of the team Canada uniform worn by Shane Hollander, the fleece jacket quickly became one of the character’s most recognizable looks, sparking widespread enthusiasm across social media and prompting countless direct requests from fans eager to own a piece of Heated Rivalry history.

The jacket will be produced and distributed out of Canada by Province of Canada, known for its commitment to quality craftsmanship and responsible manufacturing.

In addition to meeting overwhelming fan demand, the partnership reflects a shared commitment to giving back. Ten percent (10%) of all proceeds from the fleece jacket’s sales will be donated to a charitable organization, to be announced at a later date.

“Fans are the heart of Heated Rivalry, and this is entirely because of them,” said executive producers and co-presidents of Accent Aigu Entertainment, Jacob Tierney & Brendan Brady. “We’ve listened closely to what they’ve been asking for, and the fleece jacket has been at the top of that list. We’re so excited to partner with Province of Canada. As a Canadian-based, independent apparel brand that does amazing work sourcing and manufacturing high-quality clothing, we share a common ethos. We look forward to bringing it to life with the creativity and care fans expect, while also supporting a meaningful cause.”

“We’re incredibly honoured to partner with the Heated Rivalry team to bring this fleece to life here in Canada,” said Julie Brown and Jeremy Watt, Co-Founders of Province of Canada. “Producing the fleece in Canada was a shared priority, and a key part of making this piece feel meaningful and true to the story behind it.”

Additional details regarding pricing, availability and release date will be shared soon. Sign up at provinceofcanada.com/heatedrivalry to be among the first to know when the jacket is available for pre-order or purchase.

Follow the official Heated Rivalry Instagram account and heatedrivalry.com, as well as Province of Canada’s Instagram for updates.

ABOUT ACCENT AIGU ENTERTAINMENT
Founded in 2023 by writer, director, and producer Jacob Tierney and Brendan Brady, Accent Aigu Entertainment is a next-generation Canadian production company focused on developing and producing premium scripted content for global audiences. Jacob and Brendan bring a wealth of experience from the Canadian film and television landscape. Prior to launching Accent Aigu, the duo spent four years collaborating on more than 40 episodes of the acclaimed series Letterkenny and its spinoff, Shoresy. Accent Aigu Entertainment is the natural evolution of that collaboration. Visit accent-aigu.ca for more information. Accent Aigu Entertainment is repped by CAA . Their attorney is Jayme Alter of Dentons Canada LLP.

ABOUT PROVINCE OF CANADA
Province of Canada is a Toronto-based clothing brand that manufactures all their products in Canada and is focused on thoughtful design, quality materials, and products that celebrate Canadian culture in a modern way. Built on a mix of nostalgia, sport, and everyday essentials, the brand creates pieces that feel familiar and purposeful — designed to be worn often and kept for a long time.

ABOUT HEATED RIVALRY
Created by award-winning Canadian writer, director, and producer Jacob Tierney (Letterkenny, Shoresy), Heated Rivalry is the epic story of hockey’s steamiest secret between two of the sport’s biggest stars, Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie), whose rivalry is matched only by their magnetic pull toward each other. What starts as a secret fling between two rookies turns into a years-long journey of love, denial, and self-discovery. Heated Rivalry is produced by Accent Aigu Entertainment in association with Crave (Bell Media).

As East Asia continues to shape travel trends among Canadians, four-time MICHELIN Bib Gourmand–recognized Favorites Thai has unveiled a newly refined menu at its Ossington location, inspired by head chef Ronnie Xu’s recent travels through the region. Tucked behind Sam James Coffee Bar, the restaurant’s latest update reflects how global travel is increasingly informing Toronto’s most thoughtful kitchens—bringing technique, perspective, and restraint back home. The new menu will debut on February 10, 2026. Favorites Thai is open Tuesday through Saturday from 6:00 PM until late. Reservations are available via OpenTable HERE.

Rather than reinventing the menu, Xu sharpens Favorites Thai’s contemporary approach by leaning into charcoal cooking, fire-driven technique, and foundational Thai flavours. The refinement strips away excess in favour of clarity and balance, allowing ingredients to take centre stage. A key element of the update is the use of Japanese binchotan charcoal, prized for its exceptionally high, clean heat. Unlike conventional charcoal, binchotan burns without imparting smoke or aroma, sealing in flavour while preserving the natural texture of each ingredient. The result is a more focused expression of Thai cooking—one that prioritizes precision, intention, and restraint.

The new menu marks an evolution for Favorites Thai, continuing the restaurant’s reputation for respectful, modern interpretations of Thai cuisine. Shaped by travel and grounded in tradition, it reflects a broader shift in Toronto’s dining scene, where chefs are translating their experiences abroad into menus that feel both globally informed and distinctly local.

A passion project by longtime friends and collaborators Jonathan Poon (Chantecler, Superpoint, Paris Paris) and Monte Wan (Khao San Road, Satanee Nana, Bang Sue), Favorites Thai was created to explore Thai cuisine beyond the expected. Since opening, the restaurant has become known for its considered point of view: respectful of tradition, yet unafraid to interpret it through a modern lens.

About the Culinary Program
Longstanding guest favourites remain anchors of the menu, including Thai-Style Oysters—East Coast oysters topped with housemade nam jim, chilli jam, and crispy shallots—and the richly composed Duck Curry, featuring a confit duck leg served over a reduced red curry with green beans, asparagus, and aromatic lime leaf. Both dishes have been staples at Favorites Thai for more than three years and continue to define the restaurant’s approach to flavour and balance.

New and evolving dishes reflect Chef Xu’s culinary perspective, shaped by his Shanghai roots and extensive time cooking and travelling throughout Thailand. With deep fluency in Thai, Japanese, and Chinese cuisines, Xu’s cooking is grounded in tradition while allowing room for refinement and personal expression. Across the menu, charcoal grilling—using Japanese binchotan—now plays a more central role, lending depth and clarity to dishes rooted in nam jim, the foundational “mother sauce” of Thai cooking.
“This update isn’t about changing who we are,” says Chef Xu. “It’s about refining what we already do well—focusing more on fire, on charcoal, and on flavours that feel bold but familiar. Everything comes back to Thai tradition, just interpreted in a way that feels honest to me and to this kitchen.”

Hidden behind a discreet entrance off Ossington Avenue, the restaurant unfolds through a dark, steel-lined passageway into an open kitchen, where dishes are cooked in woks and over open charcoal flame. Beyond the kitchen, the dining room opens into a warm, striking space inspired by 1980s California Spanish design. The room was designed by a close-knit group of diversely talented collaborators, with lighting by local artist Phillip Aaron Pax. Treating light as a creative discipline rather than a decorative layer, Pax rejected conventional pendant fixtures in favour of a restrained, architectural approach—one that shapes atmosphere, movement, and focus throughout the space. Light is used with intention, from the dining room to transitional areas like the stairwell, where carefully considered illumination supports living elements such as plants and allows the architecture, materials, and energy of the room to take centre stage.

About the Beverage Program
The beverage program evolves in step with the kitchen, anchored by a wine and cocktail list that highlights natural and low-intervention producers, local beers, and thoughtful, seasonally driven cocktails. The by-the-glass wine selection balances the unexpected with the approachable—spanning bright bubbles, aromatic whites, skin-contact wines, chilled reds, and playful styles—curated specifically to complement Thai flavours, spice, and texture. Cocktails draw from classic frameworks, reinterpreted through South and Southeast Asian ingredients and in-season produce, with a new signature cocktail set to debut later this month.

Favorites Thai remains a destination for those in the know, offering consistently executed food, warm hospitality, and an intimate dining experience equally suited to date nights and group dinners.
Favorites Thai is open Tuesday through Saturday from 6:00 PM until late. Reservations are available via OpenTable HERE.

About Favorites Thai
Favorites Thai—often referred to as “Faves”—is a vibrant, contemporary Thai restaurant in Toronto’s Ossington neighbourhood. A collaboration between restaurateurs Jonathan Poon and Monte Wan, the restaurant was conceived as a passion project dedicated to exploring Thai cuisine with depth, respect, and individuality. Since opening, Favorites Thai has earned four MICHELIN Bib Gourmand distinctions and recognition from Toronto Life as Best New Restaurant. Known for its hidden location, open kitchen, charcoal-driven cooking, and carefully curated beverage program, Favorites Thai offers an elevated yet approachable take on Thai dining in Toronto.