Experience the enchanting spirit of Valentineās Day at some of the cityās premier restaurants. Indulge in an unforgettable culinary journey as you celebrate love with exquisite flavours crafted by Torontoās finest chefs. From the innovative Japanese flavours of Minami and Miku to the MICHELIN-recommended French elegance of Lucie and the bold, Mexican-inspired creations at Ficoa, each dining experience offers something uniquely indulgent.
IG. @minamitoronto
This Valentineās Day, Minami Toronto invites guests to indulge in an elegant five-course tasting menu designed to celebrate the season of love. Available February 14 and 15. This limited-time experience showcases exceptional Japanese cuisine, highlighting premium ingredients and Minamiās signature Aburi-style sushi in a refined dining atmosphere. The experience can be enjoyed for $150 per person and reservations are recommended.
and
Valentineās Day Kaiseki Menu
Amuse: Wagyu Monaka
Hassun: Scallop Tofu, Buri Daikon, Crab Mekabu Sunomono, Aburi Sashimi
Sea: Toro Sawara Shiokoji Yaki, Amazake Plum Sauce, Rapini Ohitashi, Hanaho
Sushi: Kanbirame Kobujime Nigiri, Aburi Tachiuo Nigiri, Sous Vide Lobster Nigiri, A5 Awaji Wagyu Nigiri, Foie Gras Temaki, Valentineās Roll
Land: Kamo Negi Grilled Quebec Duck, SautƩed Tokyo Negi, Shungiku, Sansho Pepper, Duck Dashi Reduction
Kohi Mame: Roasted Mokable Flourless Sponge, Hojicha CrĆØme BrĆ»lĆ©e, Hazelnut Cookie Crumble, Wasanbon Ice Cream
Reservations for Mikuās Valentineās Day experience can be made through OpenTable HERE.
IG. @restaurantlucie
This Valentineās Day, Lucie Toronto invites guests to indulge in an elegant multi-course tasting experience that brings the romance of Paris to the heart of Torontoās Financial District. With an atmosphere blending timeless French charm and modern sophistication, Lucie offers the perfect setting to celebrate love over an exquisite lunch or dinner curated by award-winning Chef de Cuisine Arnaud Bloquel. The experience can be enjoyed for $155 (lunch) per person and reservations are recommended.
Valentineās Day Lunch ā February 14, 2025
The Valentineās Day Lunch begins with a complimentary glass of Perrier-JouĆ«t Grand Brut Champagne, setting the stage for a refined and intimate afternoon. Guests can enjoy a wonderfully curated Valentine’s
Menu featuring:
CanapƩs
Amuse-Bouche
Le Homard ā Nova Scotia Lobster, Dashi, Red Fruits, Beetroot
Pithivier DāAgneau ā Ontario Lamb Saddle, Foie Gras, Chanterelle Mushroom, Almond
La Meringue GlacĆ©e ā Frozen Meringue, Lemon, Herbs
Mon Coeur ā Strawberry, Rose, Champagne, Valrhona Opalys White Chocolate, Vanilla
Mignardises
For those who prefer an evening celebration, Lucie will also be offering a special Chefās Tasting Menu curated by Chef Arnaud.
Reservations are now open, and guests are encouraged to book early. Lucieās regular lunch menu will also be available for those seeking a different kind of indulgenceāplease specify your preference when booking.
Reservations for Lucieās Valentineās Day experience can be made through OpenTable HERE.
IG. @ficoa.to
Celebrate Valentineās Day at Ficoa with a limited-time four-course tasting menu available February 12ā15. Designed to create an unforgettable dining experience, this menu showcases innovative flavors and premium ingredients in a romantic setting. The experience can be enjoyed for $150 per person and reservations are recommended.
Four-course Tasting Menu
First Course:
Shiitake Mushroom Al Ajillo
Celeriac Truffle Soup
Beet āHatsuā
Trout Tartare Cone
Caviar Chip
Tomato Noodle, Basil
Cavatelli ā White Truffle, Beet Chip, Beet Gel
Duck Tamal ā Mole Rosa, Duck Fat Snow
Main Course (Choice of One, Served with Shiitake Mushrooms & Roasted Peppers):
PEI Rib Eye Steak
Grilled Trout
Lionās Mane Steak
Lamb Roast
Freeze (Palate Cleanser):
Pawpaw, Preserved Stone Fruit, Champagne Vinegar
Dessert:
MASA + XOCOLATL (Aztec Chocolate) ā Chocolate Mousse, Toasted Cacao Nibs, MASA Brownie, Citrus Chili Gel
Make this Valentineās Day one to remember with an elevated dining experience at Ficoa.
Reservations for Ficoaās Valentineās Day experience can be made through OpenTable HERE.
Some ideas for Holiday Dining as we enter the greatest season of the year! Here are some suggestions for your gatherings over the next few weeks and their holiday menu offerings if you’re in and around the GTA!
Minami is thrilled to announce their 2024 holiday 3-course tasting menu for $110 – featuring their Salmon Crudo with house-made yukke sauce, signature Aburi Oshi Sushi along with other sushi favourites, and your choice of Saikyo Miso Baked Sablefish or 3oz US Wagyu. For just $35, surprise your tastebuds with wine pairings that promise a holiday dinner to remember.
Minami Holiday Kaiseki – $110
Beverage pairings – $35
Amuse-Bouche
Edamame, corn, dumpling skin, brown butter, Hokkaido uni, pickled ginger, soy glaze
Bread & Butter Prosecco
Salmon Crudo
House-made yukke sauce, goma-ae sauce, shiso leaf, binchotan oil, sweet lemon
Sushi
7 pieces of chef-selected Aburi Oshi Sushi, Aburi nigiri, and the signature Minami Roll
Tenuta Orestiadi Catarratto
EntreƩ
The choice of
Saikyo Miso Baked Sablefish
Mushroom rice, salted green cabbage, black garlic jus, kizami wasabi, patty pan squash, yuzu miso reduction
19 Crimes Marthaās Chardonnay
– or –
3oz US Wagyu
Peppercorn jus, roasted maitake, gremolata, crispy Jerusalem artichoke, confit eggplant
Joel Gott 815 Cabernet Sauvignon
Dessert
The choice of ice cream flavour
Black Sesame – or – Taro Root
Spiced pear compote, cinnamon meringue, pomegranate, mochi balls, kuromitsu
Reservations for Minami can be madeĀ HERE.Ā Ā
Ficoa
IG:Ā @ficoa.to
(pictured: Ficoaās Classic Mole)
Looking for a happy hour with a jolly twist? Visit Ficoaās āJolly Timeā in December from 6-8pm with Christmas-inspired cocktails like āChristmas Tokenā, a gin cocktail with foam placed on top, shaped like Santaās hat. With each drink order, guests enjoy a curated selection of snacks that vary based on their beverage choice. Enjoy snacks like āDuck Farce Pintxoā with flavours of a holiday roast and āGinger Bread Manā with foie and jelly, and more.
Jolly Time 6-8PM – $18
Cocktails
Caffizzito
Naughty List Martini
Christmas Token
Gin cocktail with foam shaped like Santaās hat
Holidays fashioned
Duck roast fat-washed rum, cinnamon, and green cherry
Snacks
Duck Farce Pintxos
Flavours of a holiday roast on toasted
Chorizo in Blanket
Tallow pastry with chorizo filling
Brie and Fig Crackers
Star-shaped crackers with brie and fig
Gingerbread Man
Foie and jelly
Ficoaās warm, hearty Mexican service: āLet Us Cook For Youā is transformed with holiday spirit from December 11th-14th. Ficoa will be launching their āTaste of Christmasā menu, a 6-course prix-fixe dinner featuring their signature welcome drink, āPoncheā crafted in the style of executive chef Gerry Quinteroās memory of large Mochaocan family gathering, with classic Mexican fruit punch.
Indulge in their snacks like Pozole – a classic Mexican soup for the holidays, and their fun twist on chips and dip but elevated with caviar. For hearty options, Pierna Roast and Ensala are a must, so be sure to set aside some space for their delicious desserts. See below for the entire menu.
Taste of Christmas – $100
Welcome Drink – Ponche
Classic Mexican fruit punch
Mini Tamal
Small tamal filled with barbacoa or lentils and cheese
Pozole
Bone-broth, hominy, and pozole fixins
Molote de Picadillo
Sweet and sour Mexican filling with beef, fried fruit, and warm spices
Squash Tamal
Koginut stew stuffed in a mixed squash corn dough basted with cinnamon and star anise forward tomato salsa
EntreƩ
Pierna Roast
Slow-roasted and sliced Linton Pastureās pork leg, marinated in orange and warm spices
Ficoaās Classic Mole
Served on the best part of a tamal, full husk contact ātortillaā with crispy chicharron and toasted rice
Ensalada Rusa
Beet, potato fruit salad with mayonnaise style dressing with refried lentils and salsa
Dessert
Squash en Tacha
Squash cooked in cinnamon and syrup
Tres Leches
Chocolate De Olla-steeped sponge cake with chocolate and decaffeinated coffee
Reservations for Ficoa can be madeĀ HERE.Ā Ā
Little Sister
IG:Ā @littlesisterto
(pictured left to right: Hot Girl Winter, Noggi and Nice)
It’s time to get festive, Toronto. The ultimate holiday pop-up bar, Java Jingle at Little Sister, is back for a fourth year – and itās bigger than ever.
Little Sisterās little elves are all abuzz with excitement to reveal the return of Torontoās cult favourite, over-the-top, holiday-themed pop-up bar, Java Jingle. Starting November 15, both Toronto locations at 102 Portland St. and 2031 Yonge St. will transform into winter wonderlands, bursting with festive joy.
Jingle your night away with playful, cheerfully named cocktails like the tequila-infused Feliz Navi-Zaddy, the warming Hot Girl Winter with gin, brandy, and red wine, and the floral gin and St-Germain creation, Sleigh, Queen, Sleigh.
Reservations for Java Jingle are highly recommended.
Guests can reserve time slotsĀ HEREĀ for Portland St. andĀ HEREĀ for Yonge St.Ā Ā Ā Ā
TORA
IG:Ā @aburitoratoronto
(pictured: TORA Holiday Platter)
For family and friends who spend the holidays in the comfort of their own homes, TORA is thrilled to launch their holiday sushi platter featuring their OG signature flame-seared Aburi Oshi Sushi with a Roll, Hosomaki, and Inari pockets for $72, serving 4 people.
TORA Holiday Platter – $72
OSHI
Aburi salmon oshi 4pc
Aburi ebi oshi 4pc
Aburi tuna oshi 4pc
Aburi atlantic salmon oshi 4pc
ROLL
Aburi california roll 8pc
MAKI
Salmon maki 6pc
Red tuna maki 6pc
Cucumber maki 6pc
Avocado maki 6pc
INARI
Shrimp inari pocket 4pc
Available for direct Take-out, or order online through Ritual or UberEats.
Shop the Carbon Bar
IG:Ā @thecarbonbar
(pictured: Holiday Dinner Bundle)
Not sure what kind of potluck you should bring? Shop the Carbon Bar has frozen offerings covered for you – introducing the Holiday Dinner bundle for $150, complete with all sides. Receive a $25 The Carbon Bar Restaurant Gift Card with purchase. Simply heat, serve, and savourāthis is the ultimate BBQ value for the holiday season.
Holiday Dinner Bundle – $150
St. Louis Style Ribs
Full Rack
Mac & Cheese
1300g
Beef Brisket Empanadas
4 pack
Vegan Empanadas
4 pack
Sliced Turkey
454g
Cheddar Jalapeno Sausages
4 pack
Espresso BBQ Sauce
350ml glass bottle
Purchase Shop the Carbon Barās Holiday Dinner Bundle HERE.
Stefanoās Diner
IG: @stefanosdiner
Sister and brother restaurants MICHELIN-recommended GIA and Stefanoās Diner are thrilled to offer Holiday catering starting today, November 16th to December 24th. Enjoy Italian plant-based dishes like pasta from GIA and Dan Levyās favourite sandwiches from Stefanoās Diner.
Holiday Catering Menu Highlights
Gnocchi Gorgonzola – $80 for 4 (Vegetarian)
Ricotta gnocchi with gorgonzola cream, fried walnuts, Parmesan (contains nuts)
Gnocchi Pomodoro – $80 for 4 (Vegetarian)
Ricotta gnocchi with pomodoro, stracciatella, basil
Stefanoās Italian Sub – $16 for 1 (Vegan)
Mortadella, ham, pastrami, provolone, arugula, mustard mayo, Italian dressing
Stefanoās Smash Burger – $16 for 1 (Vegan)
Plant-based meat and farro patty, cheddar cheese, shredded lettuce, caramelized onions, pickles, Russian dressing, sesame bun
Lemon Cake – $40 for 4 (Vegan)
Layered lemon cake
View the full menu and order Holiday CateringĀ HERE.
Lucie
IG:Ā @restaurantlucie
Sneak-peek of New Yearās celebrations: ring in the New Year with French style, at MICHELIN-recommended gem, Lucie Restaurant. Throughout the evening, absorb yourself in āLa Nouvelle AnneĆ©ā authentic French fashion with a five-course tasting menu with wine or non-alcoholic pairings.
Award-winning chef Arnaud Bloquel and his talented brigade promise guests an unforgettable New Year’s evening with resident sommelier Thomas Santerreās leaving tastebuds dancing all evening.
Tickets can be purchasedĀ HERE.Ā for $540 including the five-course tasting menu, wine pairings, tax and gratuity (champagne and other beverages are not offered in wine pairing).Ā
In honour of National Espresso Day on November 23, Ficoa is gearing up for the ultimate coffee-inspired bar battle with Minami Toronto. Happening on November 20 at 6PM at Ficoa, the second consecutive Bar Battle will pit two top Toronto mixologists together – Nick Meyer, regional beverage director for Minami Toronto and Mauricio Lopez, head bartender at Ficoa. Generously sponsored by True Theory Vodka and Hatch Specialty Coffee , the next bar battle in the ongoing series will be a fierce yet fun contest, in which the two create the best coffee-themed cocktails.
For $45 per person (plus taxes), guests can expect a high energy face-off as each bartender stirs and shakes his way to impress. And of course each of the delicious creations will be enjoyed by guests who will also have say in who the winner is by voting in the āPeopleās Choiceā part of the bar battle. The drinks will be complemented by an irresistible selection of snacks, thoughtfully curated by Ficoaās head chef, Gerry Quintero to enhance the bartenderās caffeinated concontions. Drawing inspiration from Ontarioās microseasons and his Mexican heritage, Quintero will craft an eclectic array of bites that embody his culinary philosophy at Ficoaāplayful, dynamic, and sustainable. These will be laid out in different sections of Ficoaās space, allowing guests to move and graze as they become fully immersed in the experience of Ficoa, thoughtfully designed to holistically engage guests in the ultimate sensory experience.
Nick Meyer, shared his excitement ahead of the event: āIām thrilled to be competing with Mauricio [Lopez] at Ficoa. The bar battle concept is always a fun challenge, and Iām planning on winning!ā The night will conclude with a panel of distinguished judges, including cocktail expert Brenton Mowforth, renowned for his acclaimed Instagram persona @cheerstohappyhour, who will decide which bartender claims the title of Best Coffee Cocktail. Guests will have a chance to vote for their favourite cocktail of the evening. The winners of both the judgesā vote and the audience vote will each take home bragging rights.
Known for its upscale, Mexican-inspired fine dining, Ficoaās culinary philosophy celebrates Toronto’s cultural diversity and Ontarioās micro-seasons. Chef Gerry Quintero uses sustainable techniques like fermentation and dry-ageing to create inventive, seasonal menus that maximise the potential of every ingredient. This commitment to craftsmanship and creativity will be on full display during the coffee-themed bar battle as the competing mixologists aim to impress.
The vodka sponsor for this event, True Theory is a hand-crafted vodka made with locally sourced ingredients and water. The brand uses a unique distillation process to create a high-quality spirit. All its grains are sourced from Canadian farms, reflecting a strong commitment to both quality and community. Focusing on care and craftsmanship, the brand makes sure each bottle stands out.
The coffee sponsor for this event, Hatch Specialty Coffee prioritises building strong relationships with coffee growers and importers to select high-quality beans for its products. The roasting style, inspired by Scandinavian light roasts, brings out the unique flavour profiles of each coffee origin.
Tickets for the Bar Battle at Ficoa can be purchased HERE.
About Ficoa
Nestled in the heart of Little Italy, Ficoa stands as a testament to Torontoās rich cultural tapestry with its eclectic fine dining offerings. Chef Gerry Quintero, the visionary behind Ficoa, joins forces with co-founder Patricia Toro to curate a culinary journey that celebrates Torontoās multicultural food scene. Drawing from Quinteroās Mexican roots and Toroās Ecuadorian heritage, Ficoa stands out as Torontoās premier destination for multifarious season-focused fine dining. Soft launched in March this year, Ficoa has quickly become synonymous with hospitality, drawing parallels to the warmth and welcoming atmosphere of dining at grandmaās house.
About Minami Toronto
Located in the heart of the financial district, Minami Toronto stands out as a premier destination for contemporary Japanese bites. Part of the ABURI Restaurants Canada family, Minami is renowned for the ABURI Groupās signature flame-seared sushi that has quickly become synonymous with contemporary Japanese fine dining.
And that’s a wrap! What a wonderful TIFF this was! We’re quickly going to drop a line to say thank you to all of you for your amazing support, and also the generosity of our partners at the Festival who make it all possible for us! Also so grateful to our Team of Contributors: David Baldwin, Amanda Gilmore and Nicholas Porteous for their awesome reviews.
We’re crawling past the finish line and straight to the sauna for some overdue rest and relaxation. We were at it every single day of the Fest.
Our Official Partners
CP24 ā For a 15th year in-a-row, we were a subject matter expert on films and star sightings at TIFF at the widely-watched news network, which also streams worldwide for free on their website CP24.com. In case you missed it, here’s a couple appearances we did:
HONDA CANADA ā We were thrilled to continue our long-standing partnership with our friends at HONDA CANADA, allowing us to travel in style this TIFF in the 2024 Passport Trail Sport. In addition to getting us there every day safe and efficiently, it also served as a quiet oasis for us to take a quick nap, collect our thoughts and do our posts privately. So grateful for this powerful machine.
STARBUCKS CANADA ā Starbucks Canada has been there for us for several TIFFs. So grateful to be fuelled by their Fall Menu selections, keeping us awake! While our fave always will be the Pumpkin Spice Latte, their Apple Crisp Nondairy Chai, Iced Caramel Apple Cream Latte, Baked Apple Croissant and Raccoon Cake Pops also are must-tries! Thrilled to give away gift cards to our Readers and Followers this TIFF, who were following our journey.
NIKON CANADA ā We were thrilled to use the Nikon Z-30, a superb compact mirrorless camera with a range of lens options. We shot with a 50-250mm lens, helping us reach that bit closer to the stars. While we shoot on the go a lot on our phone, nothing beats the clarity and precision of actual camera on the red carpet!
OEB BREAKFAST CO. ā Hands down, one of our favourite Brunch spots in the City, with two locations in Toronto. Two of our lucky Readers and Followers got to win gift cards to enjoy for themselves their greatness! They also now are an offcial TIFF Hospitality Partner too.
MINAMI TORONTO ā Minami are an official TIFF Hospitality partner and did you know our queen Cate Blanchett was spotted there having lunch? There is no higher endorsement for their elevated, sophisticated Japanese fare. One of our Readers and Followers won a $100 gift card to enjoy a meal here.
LITTLE SISTER ā With two beautiful locations in Toronto, this marriage of Dutch and Indonesian cuisine, with a phenomenal drink list is pure innovation. One of our Readers and Followers also won a $100 gift card to enjoy a meal.
SANDBANKS WINERY ā Hailling from Prince Edward County, Sandbanks Winery were a perfect way to wind down after this feverish dream of a Festival. Their Sparkling RosĆ© is perfect for evenings and this time of year I find myself gravitating to a nice sweet Riesling!
ETIKET ā The goal of this luxurious beauty and wellness boutique is to provide everyone with a personalized, educational and friendly experience offering results oriented skin care and treatment services, niche fragrances, and luxury beauty products. We got to enjoy a freshening right before the Festival and also near the end. While we’re a little sleepy on the inside, you cannot deny that we LOOK rejuvenated!
UNIQLO CANADA ā We are a huge fan of Uniqloās style, comfort and quality, so it made perfect sense to partner with them. For all our TV appearances, we sported Uniqlo and Uniqlo only. Clothing that makes our lives better.
Congratulations to Ashley Smart who won our TIFF ’24 Surival Pack, featuring goodies from our partners!
-$25 Starbucks Canada Gift Card
-$50 Gift Card to OEB Breakfast Co.
-$100 Gift Card to MINAMI Toronto
-$100 Gift Card to LITTLE SISTER Portland St.
-3 bottles of Sandbanks Winery wines
-1 Uniqlo Quilted Shoulder Bag
Be following us! We’re here year-round with reviews, star-sightings, giveaways and so much more!
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Till next TIFF!
Mr. Will
We are so excited at all the possibilities the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival might hold. This is after all our first full-capacity TIFF in some time and some huge A-Listers and exciting emerging names will be here! We’ve seen all the roadblocks these past few years and it feels so good to know that nothing is standing in our way this time. This will be the TIFF that we all deserve!
We are delighted to announce to return of some of our longtime partners and new ones this year. TIFF ’24 runs September 4-14, 2024. The Team (David Baldwin, Nicholas Porteous and Amanda Gilmore) and I are thrilled to bring you our best coverage yet! New this year for us will be one-minute immediate reactions to some of the Festival’s key titles!
Team Mr. Will round-up their most-anticipated films of TIFF ā24. In what will finally be the TIFF we all deserve after many setbacks these past few years, it almost is a little tough to choose from a pool of so many great films!
1. THE SUBSTANCE
2. ANORA
3. MEGALOPOLIS
4. SATURDAY NIGHT
5. QUEER
TIFF ā24 is here and I am positively pumped for the 11 days of Cinema ahead of us. My top five must-sees are films I have not stopped thinking about since they were announced and can barely hide my excitement for finally being able to have them blasted into my eyeballs. Even looking past those titles, there is so much to see at this yearās Festival that even if they somehow miss the mark, I know there are dozens more that are going to outdo every single one of my expectations. This yearās crop of films is shaping up to be an all-timer, so get ready for the best time of the year. Fingers and toes crossed that the Scotiabank Escalator does not fail us!
1. MEGALOPOLIS
2. FRIENDSHIP
3. THE LIFE OF CHUCK
4. THE BRUTALIST
5. UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE
Iām thrilled for TIFF ā24 to be my first as an accredited member of the press, because it offers a MASSIVE trove of potential cinematic goodness. If I had to narrow my list of most anticipated movies down to five, and I do, I would start by giving a shout out to Matthew Rankinās Universal Language. After experiencing his absolutely cuckoo bananas debut, Mackenzie King ābiopicā The Twentieth Century in IMAX at TIFF ā19, Iām ready to see absolutely anything with his name on it. Next up, Andrew Deyoungās Friendship. Iām a fan of Deyoungās short-form collaborations with Kate Berlant and John Early (check out ā555ā on Vimeo). On top of that, I cannot resist the potentially explosive comic chemistry between Tim Robinson and Paul Rudd. Although The Life of Chuck is another Stephen King adaptation from Mike Flanagan, it may represent a fun tonal departure for the two masters of terror, as Tom Hiddleston tumbles backwards through his life. The Brutalist is Brady Corbetās followup to his relatively unseen debut gem Vox Lux, which included one of Natalie Portmanās best performances. Itās a three-and-a-half-hour period piece featuring Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones as Laszlo and ErzsĆ©bet Toth, who escape the Holocaust to make their way in America. Finally, Megalopolis is a long, long, longgggg gestating project of Francis Ford Coppola that he financed with his own (roughly) $135 million. Though word of mouth isnāt exceptionally positive, it promises to be a singular and completely unrestrained vision from a legendary Filmmaker. You will not find big swings like this every year.
(in alphabetical order only)
ANORA
BABYGIRL
THE BRUTALIST
HERETIC
SATURDAY NIGHT
Itās already that time of year again! TIFFmas has arrived and this year packs a punch! After the strikes in Hollywood last year, TIFF just wasnāt the same. But this year, it will be in full swing and the films selected reflect it! There are so many names both behind and in front of the camera thatās making me anticipate a slew of great films. Itās been hard to narrow it down to only five. But below are my five most anticipated of this yearās Fest. I chose them because the talent involved and the stories being told are all unique from the next yet have gripped me since hearing about them!
1. ANORA
2. QUEER
3. SATURDAY NIGHT
4. NIGHTBITCH
5. BABYGIRL
Weāve already had the joy of seeing one of TIFF ā24ās hottest tickets following all the buzz of its Palme dāOr victory at Cannes. ANORA is masterful storytelling, with a sublime breakthrough performance from its star Mikey Madison. Luca Guadagnino can do no wrong in my books, hence I am ecstatic that his latest, QUEER will be at the Festival. Addes bonus that it stars Daniel Craig. Anyone who knows me, knows that I adore SNL, so it should come as no shock Iām ecstatic Jason Reitmanās telling of the late night staple gets its own origins story! And will this finally be Amy Adamsā year? The six-time Oscar nominee is back after a hiatus with NIGHTBITCH, which has her convinced she is turning into a dog. Here for this. BABYGIRL received tons of praise in Venice, propelling it up my list with queen Nicole Kidman doing what she does best, embodying complex women and their intimate struggles.
Bookmark this link and check daily for exciting contests, reviews and star sightings!
Announcing Mr. Will Wong‘s official TIFF partners for TIFF ’24
We would like to thank your supporters and partners for the Festival this year! What a star-studded group!
HONDA CANADA – We are thrilled to continue our long-standing partnership with our friends at HONDA CANADA, allowing us to travel in style this TIFF! We will be piloting the Passport Trail Sport – a gorgeous five-seater midsize SUV with an amazing combined fuel economy of 11.3 litres/100 km, running on a 3.5-litre, 24-valve, Direct Injection, SOHC, i-VTECĀ® V6 engine, at 280 horsepower. Fit for the fall, its seating is a black leather orange contrast!
STARBUCKS CANADA – Starbucks Canada have been there for us for several TIFFs and the Festival in a way for us has always been synonymous with their main character, a warm Pumpkin Spice Latte. But have you tried their Apple Crisp Nondairy Chai, Iced Caramel Apple Cream Latte, Baked Apple Croissant and endearing Raccoon Cake Pop? Readers and followers will get a chance to win some Gift Cards throughout the Festival. Be following our channels for more!
CP24 – For a 15th year in-a-row, we will be a subject matter expert on films and star sightings at TIFF. Stay tuned for our upcoming appearances on Southern Ontario’s most-widely watched news station! It streams worldwide for free on their website CP24.com. For now, we are appearing Labour Day in the 11 AM timeslot and Thursday, September 5, 2024 in the 8 AM timeslot!
NIKON CANADA – We are thrilled to be using the Nikon Z-30, a superb compact mirrorless camera with a range of lens options, made especially for creators, vloggers and streamers want. Crisp, clean 4K video will make our content pop more than ever! Can’t wait to show you our captures!
OEB BREAKFAST CO. – This is one of our favourite Brunch spots in the City and simply, our lives are better since they’ve come out east! Now with two locations in Toronto, their new partnership with TIFF as an official hospitality sponsor, also comes timed with new Fall menu items exclusive to Toronto for now, with additional cities to follow. More here.
MINAMI TORONTO – Situated right across from the excitement at TIFF Lightbox, this is a refined Japanese dining experience, chic and ambient for lunch or dinner. And their cocktails are sublime! You must try their world-famous Aburi (torched) Sushi and they just recently launched Sunday Afternoon AYCE Japanese BBQ. Book your tickets now here. Minami are an official TIFF Hospitality partner.
LITTLE SISTER – With two beautiful locations in Toronto – one within walking distance from all thr star-studded action on Portland St. – this very popular hotspot showcases a marriage of Dutch and Indonesian cuisine, with a phenomenal drink list. Dishes are made with authentic, imported herbs and spices. The perfect spot for an intimate dinner or casual drinks. More here.
SANDBANKS WINERY – Located in scenic Prince Edward County, Sandbanks Winery are a huge success story having launched in 2003 – just as I was a sorta newbie at TIFF – and very quickly have propelled to the upper echelon of Canadian wineries with offerings now readily available at LCBOs, a part of the ARTERRA Wines family. More here.
ETIKET – Everyone has different beauty needs and Etiket‘s goal is to provide everyone with a personalized, educational and friendly experience offering results oriented skin care and treatment services, niche fragrances, and luxury beauty products. In addition to an oustanding selection of products, Spa services also are available at their Toronto The Well location, now open. Etiket will be keeping our face fresh throughout the Festival and helping curating an olfactory experience for us.
UNIQLO CANADA – Not only are we a huge fan of Uniqlo‘s style, comfort and quality, this is our first TIFF collaborating with the globally-adored Japanese clothier. Fall is our favourite season and we cannot wait to wear some pieces from their latest collection at some of our appearances and snaps with the stars! Their round quilted shoulder bag is touted as the must-have accessory of the season! It stores everything!
Now for the even more exciting stuff! Keeping with our annual tradition, one lucky follower will be getting our amazing TIFF ’24 Survival Pack which includes:
-$25 Starbucks Canada Gift Card
-$50 Gift Card to OEB Breakfast Co.
-$100 Gift Card to MINAMI Toronto
-$100 Gift Card to LITTLE SISTER Portland St.
-3 bottles of Sandbanks Winery wines
-1 Uniqlo Quilted Shoulder Bag
Value: $400 CAN
To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL WONG on Facebook, X or IG! Tag a friend in the comments you’ll share some of your goodies with! Enter as many times as you wish! Let’s blow this up! Winner must be available to meet in the Greater Toronto area.
Rules and regulations here.
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Happy TIFF!Ā We are so grateful for the support of the Team, our partners and you. Couldn’t do it with YOU!
Mr. Will
Minami Toronto is excited to announce its first ever all-you-can-eat Japanese BBQ brunch experience! For $60 per person, indulge with all-you-can-eat mouthwatering canapĆ© and Japanese BBQ bites, with a variety of grilled options, ABURI oshi and sushi, and delectable desserts. A unique experience that combines the best of Japanese BBQ and Minami favourites, thereās something for everyone to enjoy! The Minami Japanese BBQ Brunch will take place this Sunday, August 11 from 11:30AM to 3:00PM and Sunday, August 25 from 11:30AM to 3:00PM at Minami Toronto (225 King St. W).
Each ticket includes entry, as well as fifteen canape and BBQ bites. The bites menu is as follows: salmon, ebi and albacore oshi, Minami rolls, beef, chicken and shrimp skewers, oysters, ABURI watermelon skewers, rice-stuffed squid bites, truffle pork gyoza, chicken nanban, miso carrot cake, tofu chocolate cake, coconut panna cotta with matcha sauce, coconut sorbet and mango passionfruit sorbet.
Drinks for the brunch are additional, with happy hour specials offered (highballs at $6, Asahi beer at $8, wine at $10 and select signature cocktails at $12) as well as 50% off dead stock wines.
Tickets for both dates of Minamiās Japanese BBQ brunch can be purchased HERE.
One of our favourite Japanese spots in the City introduces some exciting new Happy Hour and late-night options. Perfect for before/after a movie or a show!
OG Happy Hour and NEW late-night Happy Hour
Minami is excited to re-introduce its Happy Hour and new late-night Happy Hour! Minamiās OG Happy Hour is from 2:00pm to 5:00pm daily. The new late-night Happy Hour is from 8:30pm to close Sundays to Thursdays, and 10:00PM to close on Fridays and Saturdays.
Happy Hour cocktail specials are a selection of Minamiās signature cocktails for just $12: The Miyazaki Margarita, Ume Nigori, Raspberry Sake Sour, Shinjuku and the Ube Nigori Colada. Happy Hour also offers $6 shots (including soju) and $8 canned beer (in partnership with Asahi).
Minamiās Happy Hour exclusive item is the Sushi Bao (two piece) with chicken nanban, obie braiser, nori and sushi rice. Other Happy Hour food items include Minamiās calamari, truffle dashi pork gyoza and edamame.
New additions: Cocktails
Minami introduces seven new cocktails to its beverage program The new cocktails feature fresh summer flavours featuring Pineapple, shiso-apple, ube and raspberry.
The new cocktails include the Ume Negroni, Ube Colada, Shiso Apple Martini, Mezcal Margarita, a Spritz Tower featuring 3 spritz cocktails, Raspberry Sake Sour, and a surprise cocktail which will be launched soon!
New additions: Food
Minami introduces three new menu items in collaboration with MICHELIN chef Ryusuke Nakagawa: Roasted A5 Miyazaki Wagyu, Chicken Nanban and Sous-vide Duck. Minami has also updated their Wagyu Luxe Trio showcasing the marriage between Minamiās extensive premium wagyu offering and innovative sushi-making.
More here.
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