How to mend a broken heart? In Love Hurts: The Science of Heartbreak, host Anthony Morgan takes viewers on a fascinating discovery to understand what happens to the human body and mind when experiencing the sorrow and pain of a broken heart. With Valentine’s Day around the corner impacting people in various ways, Love Hurts takes the pulse of broken hearts to find out if science can ease the human feelings of loss, rejection, and betrayal. Directed by Karen Cho and produced by Noble Television (more info here), in association with CBC’s The Nature of Things, Love Hurts: The Science of Heartbreak will be available Thursday, February 8, 2024 at 9 p.m. ET (9:30 p.m. NT) on CBC TV and CBC Gem. The episode can also be accessed after February 8, 2024 on CBC Gem.

The fallout of falling out of love affects so many aspects of human biology and psychology that it remains on the cutting edge of scientific inquiry. What happens when we’re heartbroken? To our brains? Our bodies? Our cells? Love Hurts explores the science of heartbreak from its immediate effects to its long term biophysical consequences to potential science-based remedies. Can science help cure a broken heart?

The documentary brings together some of the world’s leading experts and researchers in the fields of neuroscience, neurology, psychiatry and evolutionary biology to get to the heart of heartbreak. Additionally, it follows individuals who are turning to science to understand and help cope with these painful experiences.

The Nature of Things is CBC’s longest running weekly series, hosted by Sarika Cullis-Suzuki (a marine biologist) and Anthony Morgan (a molecular scientist). Every week, the influential program presents stories that are driven by a scientific understanding of the world; stories full of adventure, drama and insight.

Website: cbc.ca/documentaries/the-nature-of-things

WOK BOYZ, the popular Asian street food sensation from Dubai, is thrilled to announce its latest international expansion with the opening of its first Canadian outlet in Toronto. The new location will be 1,000-square-feet located in Liberty Village at Liberty Market Building, 171 E Liberty St, Toronto.

The grand opening is set to take place on Monday, January 29, 2024 marking a significant milestone in the brand’s global journey.

Since its inception, WOK BOYZ has captivated food enthusiasts in Dubai with its innovative and delectable Asian street food offerings. The chain currently boasts a significant presence in Dubai with eight locations, along with three locations in Ghana, and has recently celebrated the opening of its newest outlet in Oman.

“We are incredibly excited to bring WOK BOYZ to Canada,” said WOK BOYZ CEO and Founder Gaurav Sabharwal. “Our mission has always been to share our passion for Asian street food with the world, and we can’t wait for the people of Toronto to experience what we have to offer.”

The WOK BOYZ experience is centered around customizability and fusion, offering a delicious variety of dishes that blend traditional Asian flavors with a modern twist. Customers can enjoy a rich menu of pan-Asian cuisine, featuring items like stir-fry noodles, rice bowls, and a variety of Asian-inspired snacks and beverages. Each dish is crafted with the freshest ingredients and authentic spices, ensuring a culinary adventure that is both unique and satisfying. WOK BOYZ satisfies all flavours by incorporating Quinoa, gluten-free rice noodles, and Udon noodles. Its signature bowls include:

Hakka Noodles:

Stir-fried perfection with tender noodles and vibrant veggies, seamlessly infused with the savory richness of soy—a delicious embodiment of Asian culinary craftsmanship.

Nasi Goreng:

Indonesian delight—fragrant fried rice dances with prawns, chicken, and sweet soy,

Spicy Korean Wings:

Crispy wings -fiery and sweet, a K-drama of flavors in every succulent bite.

Customers can look forward to tasting the Pan-Asian specialty sauces unique to WOK BOYZ such as Indonesian Heat, an aromatic samal sauce made from chilies, spices and herbs, Gangnam Style takes its flavours from Korea, incorporating earthy spices of gochujang sauce for a spicy-sweet flavour, the TukTuk blends its flavours from Thailand – a creamy curry made with herbs and veggies. The WOK BOYZ Special is the signature sauce with a hint of chili, and a smoky blend of secret sauce.

The expansion into Canada is a strategic move for WOK BOYZ, tapping into a market with a growing appetite for diverse and high-quality Asian cuisine. Liberty Village, known for its vibrant food scene, is the perfect location for WOK BOYZ to introduce its brand of exciting flavors and customizable meals.

WOK BOYZ stands as a testament to Sabharwal’s vision, a passionate food enthusiast, dedicated to capturing the essence of Far Eastern street food and fusing it with a vibrant, urban twist. As a native Canadian, Sabharwal is proud to bring WOK BOYZ back home and provide a unique culinary journey to Canadians. This innovative culinary concept places the power of customization directly in the hands of its customers. At WOK BOYZ, each customer becomes a culinary artist, empowered to craft their unique wok creation. With a selection of bases, freshly sourced vegetables, high-quality proteins, rich sauces, and diverse toppings, it provides the opportunity for creating a new and exciting dish during every visit.

More than just a dining destination, WOK BOYZ embodies a lifestyle. It’s a place where the hip and cool elements of urban culture are celebrated. This is vividly expressed in its dining atmosphere, Instagrammable graffiti murals that adorn the walls to the rhythmic beats that set the tone of its interiors. Every element of WOK BOYZ is designed to enhance the dining experience, making it not just about the food but also about the vibe and the energy that diners feel the moment they step in.

The Liberty Village outlet is just the beginning for WOK BOYZ’s expansion in Canada, with plans for more locations across the country in the near future. WOK BOYZ is committed to providing an exceptional dining experience that celebrates the rich diversity and bold flavors of Asian street food.

Experience the taste of Asia like never before.

For more information, visit www.wokboyz.com or follow https://www.instagram.com/wokboyzcanada

YORKDALE SHOPPING CENTRE will be home to Toronto’s largest Lunar New Year art installation featuring a massive 40-foot dragon! When the installation is open to the public on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 guests are welcome to post photos on Instagram, tag @yorkdalestyle and add the hashtag #YorkdaleLNY for the chance to win a $888 Yorkdale Shopping Spree each week.

The installation is situated in the East Wing of Yorkdale Shopping Centre, between Canada Goose and Birks. If you were lucky enough to check-out the WONKA’S SWEET ESCAPE installation over the Holidays, this is located right there!

Some sneak peeks:

(Photo credit: Yorkdale Shopping Centre)

Today, Booking.com, global leader in connecting travellers with the widest choice of incredible places to stay, great things to do, and transport options, such as flights, car rentals and taxis, announces the recipients of its 12th annual Traveller Review Awards. Based on more than 309 million verified customer reviews, and in recognition of delivering consistently excellent service and hospitality, a record 1.48 million travel partners are receiving a Booking.com Traveller Review Award 2024. This includes 1,484,294 accommodations, 449 rental car companies and 129 taxi providers. 

Most Welcoming Places in Canada

Based on each location’s share of accommodation providers receiving a Traveller Review Award 2024*, this year’s list of the Most Welcoming Places in Canada includes five world class mountain sports destinations, a wine lover’s locale that places yearly, and an east coast newcomer to the list. Here are Canada’s most welcoming places for 2024.

1. Whistler, British Columbia
2. Canmore, Alberta
3. Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
4. Moncton, New Brunswick
5. Toronto, Ontario
6. Québec City, Québec
7. Blue Mountains, Ontario
8. Victoria, British Columbia
9. Mont-Tremblant, Québec
10. Revelstoke, British Columbia

Apartments Lead the Way for Accommodation 

Travellers continue to favorably review the home-away-from-home experience, with apartments claiming the top spot in Canada as the most-awarded accommodation type (1,915 awards). Hotels aren’t far behind, claiming 1,682 awards, then holiday homes with 962 awards, B&Bs earned 794, and chalets round out the top five across Canada with 482 Traveller Review Awards for 2024. 

Globally, apartments are the most popular accommodation type for the 7th year running with 710,687 awards. Holiday homes (213,824) have edged out hotels (179,357) for the number two spot, while guest houses (84,715) and B&Bs (71,514) make up the top five most-awarded accommodation types. 

Villas saw the greatest increase in award recipients year over year at 23%, followed by holiday homes (20%), and campsites (14%). Overall, there was a 10% increase in awards granted to vacation rentals and other unique properties that offer an alternative to the traditional hotel experience. Travellers are continuing to expand their choices on what types of properties they like to stay in, demonstrating a growing appreciation for the unique hospitality that alternative accommodations can provide. 

Most Welcoming Places in the World

For the seventh year in a row, Italy is home to the largest number of Booking.com Traveller Award recipients with 181,012. Here is the complete list of the world’s most welcoming places.

1. Italy
2. Spain
3. France
4. Germany
5. United Kingdom
6. Poland
7. Brazil
8. United States
9. Croatia
10. Portugal

From enchanting coastal towns to alpine retreats and even rustic desert gems, all of these locations are sure to ignite a sense of wanderlust for the year ahead. Here are the most welcoming cities across the world.

1. Arraial d’Ajuda, Brazil
2. Ermoupoli, Greece
3. Viana do Castelo, Portugal
4. Daylesford, Australia
5. Grindelwald, Switzerland
6. Moab, United States
7. Uzès, France
8. Mazatlán, Mexico
9. Jaisalmer, India
10. Fujikawaguchiko, Japan

Check out this destination guide to learn more about what these welcoming cities have to offer. 

Transportation Providers Start Your Trip With a Smile

For the fifth year, Booking.com is recognizing its ground transportation partners for their consistently great service and hospitality. Beyond the basics of just getting around, rental cars make it easier for travellers to explore off the beaten path and taxis frequently provide visitors with their first interactions with local people and culture, often setting the tone for the rest of the trip. 

This year, 449 car rental partners from 26 countries are receiving a Traveller Review Award. Spain (84) tops the list again with the most car rental companies being recognized, followed by Italy (74), Portugal (47), Greece (42) and the United States (28). In gratitude for all the warm welcomes and seamless pick-ups, 129 taxi partners are also receiving an award with Italy (17) and Spain (12) leading the pack.

“Whether it’s a personalized welcome note from an apartment owner with recommendations for the best spots in the neighborhood to grab a bite, or a tip on hidden local gems to explore at the car rental counter, our partners make trips more memorable and enjoyable for our customers each and every day,” commented Arjan Dijk, SVP and Chief Marketing Officer for Booking.com. 

“The Traveller Review Awards are our way of thanking and publicly acknowledging the top notch service our partners provide to travellers and the critical role they play in our mission of making it easier for everyone to experience the world. To everyone receiving an award this year, we salute your dedication and passion – we couldn’t do what we do without you!”

Starbucks Canada introduces their Oleato Olive Oil beverages in Canada tomorrow, January 30, 2024!

The NEW Oleato Golden Foam Iced Shaken Espresso with Toffeenut makes its debut, featuring Starbucks Blonde espresso combined with notes of warm toffeenut and creamy oat beverage, topped with lush vanilla sweet cream that is infused with Partanna extra virgin olive oil.

The NEW Oleato Oat Latte is also available at all stores nationwide in Canada. The beverage is made with Starbucks Blonde Espresso Roast, a light roast that is smooth and subtly sweet, is infused with Partanna extra virgin olive oil and steamed with creamy oat beverage to create a velvety smooth, deliciously lush latte. Available iced or hot.

Any Starbucks iced beverage can also now be customized with Oleato Golden Foam, a lush vanilla sweet cream infused with Partanna olive oil. Recommended customizations are available in the Starbucks app, including an
Iced Chai Tea Latte with Oleato Golden Foam and a Dragon Drink Starbucks Refreshers Beverage with Oleato Golden Foam.

Partanna created a highly curated blend of extra virgin olive oil from the finest Mediterranean olives, including the high-quality Nocellara del Belice (also called Castelvetrano) olives from Partanna, Sicily. The blend was thoughtfully selected to pair perfectly with Starbucks Blonde Roast, which is then skillfully infused in the beverage to unlock a smooth and delicious experience like no other

Starbucks first debuted Oleato in Italy in February 2023. The drinks are also available in 8 markets around the world, including Italy, U.S., Canada, Japan, UK, and France.

Blue Ant Studios has secured the coveted Canadian rights to the long-running Japanese unscripted hit Old Enough! from Nippon TV in Japan. Production on the first North American version of the show has begun and is set to air this September on TVO. Canadian comedy star and improv genius Colin Mochrie will lend his voice to the project as the narrator. The announcement was made jointly today at the 2024 Realscreen Summit by Matthew Hornburg, Co-President of Blue Ant Studios, Natasha Negrea, Head of Programming at TVO and Akane Alex Inoue, Global Format Licensing, Nippon TV.

Old Enough! is a heartwarming, unscripted series that follows toddlers independently running errands for the first time. While each episode focuses on the child’s task, the series will also explore each parent’s approach to raising their kids. On each adventure, the kids are always under the watchful eye of the show’s safety team. The highly sought-after format has been a ratings juggernaut and cultural phenomenon in Japan for over 30 years. Its popularity skyrocketed in English-speaking territories when Netflix streamed Nippon TV’s original series in 2022 in over 190 countries, and even Saturday Night Live tapped into the cultural zeitgeist with a skit that parodied the show.

“Old Enough! typifies the vision of our studio moving forward – entertaining and enlightening franchises – and we’re thrilled to be bringing the first North American version to audiences,” said Matthew Hornburg, Co-President of Blue Ant Studios. “This series is going to be an engaging, co-viewing experience for families, and children will definitely enjoy watching their peers find their independence when given the freedom to do so. It also explores themes of what parenting means from different cultural perspectives and in the modern age.”

“Independence is a key part of healthy childhood development. It begins with taking our first steps and flourishes through our appetites to learn and explore,” says Natasha Negrea, Head of Programming at TVO. “This exciting new version of Old Enough! showcases young kids discovering their delightful first moments of being independent.”

“It is such a joy to announce the Canadian adaptation of Old Enough!, our heart-warming factual entertainment format and global phenomenon,” says Akane Alex Inoue, Global Format Licensing, Nippon TV. “I am very proud that the passionate team at Blue Ant Studios has created a truly enjoyable version using the unique new camera style we developed together. We are delighted to show the world that children’s big adventures can be delivered in different cultures and hope for more international versions to follow.”

Matt Hornburg, Mark Bishop and Donna Luke from Blue Ant Studios are Executive Producers for the series. Stefanie Haist is the Supervising Producer. Mitch Burman (Undercover High, Extreme Babysitting) serves as Series Producer and Showrunner. For TVO, Natasha Negrea is the Head of Programming, Kirsten Hurd is the Commissioning Editor, TVOkids and Alexandra Roberts is the Commissioning Editor, TVO Docs. For Nippon TV, Naoko Yano and Akane Alex Inoue are Executive Producers. Kiyotaka Tokunaga (Masquerade) is the Chief Director and Ayaka Isshiki is the Producer for the original Japanese series. Tom Miyauchi (Sokkuri Sweets/Eye Candy, Mute it!) is the Format Producer and Yuko Nakano is the Flying Producer. Old Enough! was produced with the participation of the Canada Media Fund and in association with Rogers Sports & Media.

By Mr. Will Wong

Molly McGlynn‘s semi-autobiographical coming of age Comedy FITTING IN strikes that perfect balance of humourous, powerful and affecting. And it was made right at home! The Pink Carpet was rolled-out and the theatre was booked out at Paradise on Bloor, followed by a bustling after party at Osteria Rialto, right next door. In attendance were stars Maddie Ziegler in a breakthrough performance, plus amazing Supporting Actors Emily Hampshire and Djouliet Amara, both exceptional homegrown talent. The Cast also did a Q&A, following the Film’s premiere.

The Film centers on Lindy (Ziegler), who already is having a tough time navigating being a teen, only to be diagnosed with MRKH (Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser) Syndrome, a rare reproductive disorder that leads to her life falling into disarray. McGlynn, who wrote and directed the Film, pulled from her own experiences as a teen, when she was diagnosed with the condition and the on-screen results are something deeply personal and profound. Last night, some actual “MRKG Girls” were in attendance – the take away being to love ourselves exactly the way we were made.

We had the pleasure of chatting with the Cast of FITTING IN on the Pink Carpet, who shared their experiences filming here, and what they hope the audiences will get from the Film.

Amara has actually worked prior with McGlynn on series THE BIG DOOR PRIZE and was handpicked to play Lindy‘s best friend Vivian. She tells us what she feels is the more integral message of FITTING IN.

Amara: “Love yourself. You’re amazing, you’re awesome. You are built exactly the way you need to be built. Fall in love with yourself. I hope that people fall in love with themselves while watching this Film.”

We don’t need an introduction to the brilliant Hampshire, who continues to build her body of work as a national treasure, including beloved series SCHITT’S CREEK. She plays Lindy‘s mother Rita, who is coping herself with having had Breast Cancer and also being a single mom. Hampshire walks us through getting involved with FITTING IN.

Hampshire: “I read the Script, and I know it was Molly‘s personal story and I just really connected with the humour in it. To tell a story like this that is about a traumatic diagnosis that she gets, but it got me at this one point where Lindy‘s looking for people who have this condition and she the only person she could find is Hitler‘s wife, and I was like, this is the tone that I respond to.”.

Ziegler comes back to Toronto, after promoting Toronto-made MY OLD ASS at Sundance just last week. She loves this City and tells us the most revelatory thing she learned while researching her role as Lindy.

Ziegler: “I love Toronto, I feel like an honourary Canadian because I’ve now filmed two back to back films here, which has been incredible. And I went to Canada’s Wonderland, which is really fun!!”.

“It’s so hard to be a woman in general, and I think learning so much more from the MRKH community, I just feel so deeply for everyone. It’s so hard just to be a teenager, to be a human and on top of it, feeling shame and guilt over something that you can’t change. And through doing so much research with so many people and Molly, you learn that your flaws are what makes you so beautiful. I think having a difference is beautiful and I’m so lucky I’ve been able to be a part of this experience. It’s very chilling and moving.”.

Complete chats here:

Elevation Pictures release FITTING IN on February 2, 2024.

(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures/Mr. Will Wong)

By Amanda Gilmore

Dìdi (弟弟) is set in 2008. A time when it was common to AIM your crush, film YouTube videos with friends not for fame but for fun, and realize that Facebook is the best form to stealthily spy on your friends. It follows Dìdi (Isaac Wang in the summer before high school begins. This impressionable boy learns through his friends and family what it means to be a good friend, person, and most importantly a good son.

Writer-Director Sean Wang makes a striking Feature debut about coming-of-age during the onset of the ‘social’ internet. It’s an honest look at being an adolescent. A time when we were completely self-absorbed but weren’t aware of it. Dìdi, brought to the screen with a vibrant energy by newcomer Wang, is precisely at this stage. The stage of yearning to fit in while being selfish.

He wants to start dating his crush but is scared of his first kiss. He wants to film skateboard videos with a group of boys who’re older than him. Overall, he just wants what every 13-year-old wants: to belong. But while he’s doing everything he can to belong, he loses his connection to his family. A family with an ill grandmother, a sister moving away for college, and a mother (captivatingly performed by Joan Chen) who sacrificed everything for him.

The Ensemble is outstanding. It comes as no surprise they won the U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Best Ensemble. Dìdi (弟弟) is at its best when it focuses on the family dynamic, particularly between mother and son.

Dìdi (弟弟) is in the U.S. Dramatic Competition at this year’s festival. It won the U.S. Dramatic Competition Audience Award along with the U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Best Ensemble.

Dìdi (弟弟) screens at Sundance ’24:

Jan 19 at 7:30 PM at The Ray Theatre

Jan 20 at 5:00 PM at Redstone Cinema – 1

Jan 21 at 1:45 PM at Broadway Centre Cinemas – 6

Jan 23 at 5:15 PM at Library Center Theatre

Jan 24 at 5:00 PM at Holiday Village Cinemas – 4

Jan 26 at 6:45 PM at Redstone Cinemas – 7

Online — Jan 25 – Jan 28

By Amanda Gilmore

Writer-Director Alessandra Lacorazza makes an emotional debut Feature with this story of two daughters coming of age over four summers spent with their troubled father.

In The Summers follows two sisters, Violeta and Eva (who are played by different actors over the four summers we follow them), on a journey that spans the formative years of their lives. It takes place over four summers when two sisters visit their loving but volatile father Vicente (René Pérez Joglar who’s also known by his musical moniker Residente) in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

We’re first introduced to this family when Vicente picks his daughters up from the airport. The girls love playing games with their son, but it’s clear something is off. Although Lacorazza never tells us why their father lives away from the girls who are based in LA, Vicente’s actions allow the audience to fill the gap.

He’s nearly never seen without a drink. Pérez Joglar gives a towering performance as this father who tries his hardest to do right for his daughters while struggling with addiction. There’s a shocking event that happens during the girls’ second summer that leads to a monumental shift in their lives. This event turns In The Summers into an exploration of forgiveness. How does one forgive their father for a tragedy he alone is to blame for? Through Violeta and Eva, we witness two perspectives. But it’s Vicente’s story that grips us. It shows living with the weight of your life-changing actions and trying to forgive yourself.

In The Summers is in the U.S. Dramatic Competition at this year’s Festival. It won the U.S. Dramatic Competition Grand Jury Prize.

In The Summers screens at Sundance ’24:

Jan 2 at 12:00 PM at Library Centre Theatre

Jan 23 at 9:00 AM at Prospector Square Theatre

Jan 24 at 10:00 PM at Magaplex Theatres at The Gateway – Theatre 8/9

Jan 25 at 9:15 PM at Redstone Cinemas – 2

Online — Jan 25 – Jan 28

Once again, it’s MEAN GIRLS on-top a third straight week. It brings in $6.7 from 3,544 theatres for Paramount Pictures on a slower weekend, taking its tally to $60.2 million.

In second is THE BEEKEEPER with $6.4 million from 3,337 theatres for VVS Films/Amazon MGM Studios, a total $41.3 million grossed.

Third is WONKA with $5.8 million from 3,014 theatres, bringing it to $195 million for Warner Bros. over seven weekends.

Fourth goes to MIGRATION with $5 million from 2,962 theatres for Universal Pictures, now at $101.6 million over six weekends.

Rounding it all out is ANYONE BUT YOU with $4.6 million for Sony Pictures, a total $71 million over six weekends.