Ice Tea and Cocktails, really. We had a wonderful time enjoying some unique Cocktail pairings courtesy of NESTEA and one of our fave Spots in the City, Fidel Gastro‘s LISA MARIE. Tea Sommelier Linda Gaylard hosted our night, educating us on Tea History as our Tastebuds were delighted!

We experienced a magical six-course food pairing with both NESTEA‘s Black and Green Iced Teas. We experienced the zing of the GingerTEAni with a scrumptious Ginger Snap-crusted Snapper Bao, East Meets West – a refreshing Green Tea Cocktail infused with the essence of Celery paired with a creamy Bulgogi Mac’n’Cheese. How could we forget the Cocoa-Citrus Tea with Mini Mole Chicken Tostada? Marvelous.

See some of the pairings we tried below:

How about trying NESTEA as your new Cocktail base?

Although the Kentucky Derby isn’t till May, how about a Mint Julep?

MINT TEA JULEP COCKTAIL

• 1 oz. Bourbon
• 1 oz. NESTEA reduction ( to make reduction, bring 1 cup of NESTEA to a boil and reduce heat to a simmer until liquid reduces). NESTEA ZERO can be substituted for lower calories/lower sugar.
• 2 tablespoons chopped mint
• 1 mint sprig
• Crushed Ice

Directions:

• Muddle 2 tablespoons of chopped mint in bottom of glass
• Add reduction and bourbon
• Stir
• Fill to brim with crushed ice
• Garnish with mint sprig

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Making a rare visit to Toronto, Scottish Soul Star Paolo Nutini was in town yesterday to promote his latest Disc, Caustic Love. Although it technically is a new Disc stateside, the critically-acclaimed Album reached the top of the UK Album Charts earlier this Summer.

We caught-up ith the Singer/Songwriter as he was out to grab Breakfast after his appearance on the National Edition of The Morning Show and as expected he was amazingly nice, wishing us love. There is a timelessness to Nutini‘s Music and we loved his first Disc, 2006’s These Streets.

Check-out Nutini‘s Album Trailer for Caustic Love:

Funk My Life Up:

Let Me Down:

See our Snap:

Download Caustic Love on iTunes here.

(Photo/video credit: Atlantic/Warner Music)

Fashion Figure, Designer, Hollywood Socialite and now Author Nicky Hilton has been working hard in Toronto these past couple days in support of her new Book, 365 Style. The Book which brought her to New York recently where she threw a Party, a Book Signing and series of appearances, helps Men and Women achieve their own covetable style. Even Big Sister Paris came out to lend a hand!

Hilton has doing the local Television and Radio circuit with high-profile Stops at programs like CITY‘s Breakfast Television, CTV‘s The Social, Global‘s The Morning Show, The latter which she co-hosted earlier today on their National Edition.

See her below:

After catching her attention through the window this morning, beautiful and elegant Hilton agreed to come outside to do a couple Snaps for Paparazzi and Fans. To maintain her flawless appearance, she could be seen between breaks getting touch-ups from her Makeup Artist.

See our glorious Snap with Billy:

Fans tonight can meet Hilton at Joe Fresh Maple Leaf Gardens 6 PM as she signs copies of 365 Style.

Learn more about 365 Style here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/Harlequin)

So Horse Racing is a popular sport we hear! 16k people crowded at Woodbine Racetrack on Sunday to witness a fabulous card of Racing culminating in the $1-million Ricoh Woodbine Mile. Although two-time reigning Horse of the Year in North America WISE DAN wasn’t up for the rare Hat Trick after having won in 2012 and 2013, a fantastic Field still was attracted to the historic Track which boasts one of the World’s finest Turf Courses.

Celebrating the Festivities was NBA Star Terrence Ross of the Toronto Raptors. Earlier in the week he filled Drawmaster duties and Sunday he returned once again to present Awards to the winning Connections of the Day’s major races.

After placing third in the Ricoh Woodbine Mile in 2013, British invader Trade Storm would not be denied this time around  under top English rider Jamie Spencer at 4-1 odds at a time of 1:36.8 for Qatar Racing Limited and Trainer David Simcock. Canadian-bred Kaigun who has improved dramatically took second spot for Hollywood Mega-Producer Gary Barber and Trainer Mark Casse. Third was talented  U.S.-based three-year-old Bobby’s Kitten.

Earlier on the Card, Sam-Son Farm‘s regally-bred Deceptive Vision showed she belonged with the best, defeating with much left, a talented Field which included this year’s Woodbine Oaks–Queen’s Plate Double winner Lexie Lou. British invader Sheikhzayedroad also won gamely under Martin J. Lane for Rabbah Bloodstock and again, Trainer David Simcock. He likely will surface in next month’s $1-million Pattison International, while Deceptive Vision likely resurfaces for the prestigious E.P. Taylor Stakes.

All three Winners gained a berth with their victories for Racing’s Championship Day at Santa Anita Park this November, competing against the World’s best in the series of races known as the Breeders’ Cup.

See the 2014 Ricoh Woodbine Mile below:

We had the privilege of entertaining a select group of VIP Guests, enjoying the day’s free Sunglasses, Food Trucks, Beer Tents, Live Music and BBQ! A slew of $1k Bursaries also were handed out to Students. And as an FYI, the Pulled Pork on a Pretzel Bun was to die for!

Media Coverage also was abundant with premiere outlets like Fox Sports, America’s Best Racing and The Paulick Report coming out to cover the Day.

The Pattison Canadian International is coming up on Sunday, October 19, 2014.

Stay tuned for some exciting initiatives, Willionaire$!

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Woodbine Entertainment Group)

It was a great TIFF ’14.  I admit things were looking a bit scary with a smaller-than-expected Celebrity Guest List initially and lack of confirmations, but the Festival truly brought its A-Game and this indeed was one for the books!  I distinctly remember feeling a bit of panic on the first Friday of the Festival trailing far off the pace I’m normally at, nabbing only a handful of Celeb Snaps. Once the Festival picked-up by the  weekend, I found myself barely able to hang-on!  What a wild ride!

Many will attribute the shift in pace of the Festival due to the well-publicized guideline changes set this year, making it impossible for any Studios/Filmmakers to premiere at TIFF within its first four days had it premiered elsewhere on the North American Festival Circuit.  This in turn created room for several star-studded In-Conversation-Withs as part of the Festival’s Mavericks Programme with the likes of Denzel Washington & Antoine Fuqua, Richard Gere, Reese Witherspoon, Robert Duvall, Juliette Binoche.  We felt the pinch, believe me.  This however is a Statement the Festival must make to secure its exclusivity and maintain its place as an important Fixture for Films on the Award Trail.

We loved seeing the Publicity Machine at work before our eyes.  Stars in previous years who were on the inaccessible side, suddenly became warm to Fans. On the contrary though, we noticed a few Stars who normally are friendly and accessible become tough to access this TIFF.  We’re looking at you, Channing. It always is a true testament to how much the Stars believe in their product when they are willing to bring it!

We also are not surprised that THE IMITATION GAME (review here) was awared the Grolsch People’s Choice Award.  Upon seeing it in advance of the Festival, we knew the Film had that something special and this will be the Film that makes Benedict Cumberbatch a household name in North America.  How it shall fare this Awards Season remains to be seen, but given its Oscar-bagging connections – The Weinstein Co. – it should do just fine!

Our Contributors Jonathan Godfrey, David Baldwin, Justin Waldman and myself also might also have a thing or two to say about other deserving Contenders which premiered here at TIFF, which might not have gotten recognition.  Baldwin has the highest praise for Eddie Redmayne‘s performance in The Theory of Everything (review here), while Godfrey still is singing the patriotic praises of the “cosmic” Maps to the Stars (review here).  Waldman has a place in his heart for the overlooked Mommy (review here) and Pride (review here) – both which he feels will be Awards Season Candidates.  I myself was spellbound by the meditative slow-burn of Foxcatcher (review here) and the devastatingly-good Whiplash (review here).  Never discount Jake Gyllenhaal too as his self-starring and produced Nightcrawler was a bit of a Hit among Fans (review here)!  And although we didn’t see it, Chris Rock‘s triumphant return Top Five had multiple Studios in a bidding war for distribution rights.

 … and now for some Lists!

MR. WILL‘S TOP TIFF ’14 MOMENTS

1. Meeting Tom Hardy

2. Meeting Bill Murray

3. Meeting Benedict Cumberbatch x 2

4. Epic Reese Witherspoon Photo Op (after six tries prior)

5. Meeting Steve Carell

6. Meeting Melissa McCarthy

7.  Ansel Elgort saying he had to get a Selfie with Mr. Will, followed by comment from him on Instagram.

8. Mr. Will‘s Epic Hat Fail,  blocking Jennifer Garner‘s beautiful face

9. Meeting Miles Teller/J.K, Simmons WHIPLASH Combo

10. John Travolta‘s Fan Buffet outside The Forger Press Junket

MOST FAN-FRIENDLY CELEBS AT TIFF ’14

1. John Travolta

2. Tom Hardy

3. Reese Witherspoon (we are shocked!)

4. Benedict Cumberbatch

5. Chris Evans

CELEBS WHO OWNED TIFF ’14

1. Bill Murray

2. Al Pacino

3. Benedict Cumberbatch

4. Anna Kendrick

5. Steve Carell

SURPRISE! CELEBS

1. Melissa McCarthy

2. Kristen Bell

3. Chris Pine

4. Elizabeth Banks

5. Cara Delevingne

LEAST-ACCESSIBLE CELEBS

1. Robert Downey Jr.

2. Tina Fey

3. Keira Knightley

4. Denzel Washington

5. Kate Winslet

CELEBS WHO MADE THE MOST OF TIFF ’14

1. Chris Evans

2. Steve Carell

3. Benedict Cumberbatch

4. Jon Stewart

5.  Bill Murray

BUZZMETER

1. Benedict Cumberbatch

2. Eddie Redmayne

3. Miles Teller

4. Felicity Jones

5. Ansel Elgort

FILMS TO LOOK-OUT FOR AWARDS SEASON FROM TIFF ’14

1, The Imitation Game

2. St. Vincent

3. The Theory of Everything

4. Foxcatcher

5. Whiplash

And last but not least, we must thank our wonderful Supporters throughout TIFF who make it all possible.

CP24 & Bell Media: Thank you for continuing to provide and support me with an Outlet to share my greatest passion with Ontarians at my favourite time of year. I look forward to working together again TIFF ’15!

H&M Canada: Everything I wear is H&M.  Your Cardigans and Jackets were perfect for the indecisive hot-cold of TIFF ’14. Your clothing gives me confidence and comfort.  Thank you.

Nikon Canada: Although I am still mastering my Nikon D3300 admittedly, many of my Photos were another level of fantastic.  Capturing Photos in 24MP has given my Pictures a depth, clarity and level of detail which I’ve never before achieved.  In the words of Joel McHale (at the Festival with Adult Beginners), “Are you sure this is the best Camera to take a Selfie with?” *SNAP* “I guess it is!”.

Novotel Centre Toronto: I am happy to have called you my home once again TIFF ’14.  Billy and I miss our amazingly cozy bed and we appreciate the Puppy Welcome Package.  This shows the level of attentiveness you have for your Clients.  To be only minutes away from the thick of it all: the Movies, Parties and Celebrities and be able to crash in my Hotel Room for a quick recharge when I was in dire need of it was an absolute luxury I will not take for granted.  The in-and-our privileges of your Parking Lot were a blessing as was the reliable Wi-Fi.  The Staff always are accommodating, understanding and friendly. Without a doubt, I can recommend Novotel Centre Toronto as the place to stay during TIFF.

Samsung Canada: Communication is key to my Brand during TIFF and having access to  the Samsung Galaxy S5 and Galaxy Tab S this year ensured I always was able to stay in touch and charged.  When there was the ever rare lull in my day, I could whip-out my Devices and prep my Photos and Blog Posts, ensuring that I could actually spend precious time in my Hotel Room sleeping versus working.  This meant so much to me and I basically cannot imagine my life without a Galaxy Tab S. Really!

Ford Canada: I have never experienced  luxury like a LINCOLN MKZ.  The Panoramic Roof was a dream.  The 6-Speed SelectShift® was absolute state-of-the-art. The massaging chairs were decadent. The THX® II Certified Audio System was symphonic. The customizable interior lighting let me changing colours according to my mood. The Lincoln MKZ‘s concern for my safety with frequent alerts kept me focused on the road. Did I mention it’s awful easy on the eyes? I will never forget the TIFF in which Billy and I rolled in that silky, smooth Lincoln!

Out There with Melissa DiMarco: We always have a blast at Melissa’s Out There VIP Interview Studio and Hospitality Suite! Thank you for keeping Team Mr. Will fed and hydrated with your delectable goodies and thank you for embracing my Willionaire$!

NKPR IT LOUNGE: We are thrilled to have experienced the goodness enjoyed by the likes of Julianne Moore, Robert Pattinson, John Cuasack, Justin Long, Jena Malone, Felicity Jones and several more! Thank you also for giving my Willionaire$ a taste of that Celeb Life with your generosity!

Touchwood PR: We love you and appreciate the Golden Tickets my Readers and I have been given thanks to your kindness.  We value your friendship and are excited about what’s next to come!

Rock-It Promotions: We are honoured by some of the plum opportunities we were given this TIFF and we look forward to building our relationship with you in the future!

Shinan Govani: We are so proud to call you a Friend.  You are one of TIFF‘s most omnipresent Stars.  We continue to look-up to you and your profound influence on our thriving Celebrity Culture.

We hope you had a blast on our Digital Journey this TIFF ’14 and we can’t wait to do it all over.

Stick around, we’re at this year-round.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Easily my favourite new Artist of 2014. It appears that I’m not the only what who’s ALL ABOUT THAT BASS as MEGHAN TRAINOR explodes onto the Pop Music Scene with a remarkable breakthrough. Her aforementioned debut Single has already topped the U.S. and Canadian Billboard Hot 100 Charts. Her just-released debut EP, TITLE appears posed for the same success also.

I love MEGHAN TRAINOR for many reasons. One, the 20-year-old Singer/Songwriter from Massachussetts is adorable. Two, her voice is stellar. Three, her Hooks as undeniable. Four, she sings about real issues her (and our) Generation face in life and love. ALL ABOUT THAT BASS encourages healthy self image regardless of size, something that should’ve been sung about long ago. The Track TITLE teaches young Women not to settle for someone who fails to acknowledge them as their “Girlfriend”. We all know someone like that or someone who’s in that situation.

Basically, I wish I had someone like MEGHAN TRAINOR to look up to as a Kid.

Believe me, Girl isn’t just a One-Hit Wonder. Every damn Track on her debut EP is just as good as the other. I am panicking for a full Disc soon.

If you’re still at this point wondering who the heck MEGHAN TRAINOR is, just click below for a confirmation. We’ve all heard the Track already.

Watch the Video for ALL ABOUT THAT BASS:

Witness her performing ALL ABOUT THAT BASS with Jimmy Fallon and The Roots:

If you haven’t ordered it yet, you can now get MEGHAN TRAINOR‘s debut EP, TITLE on iTunes here.

(Photo/video credit: Sony Music/EPIC)

To show their support for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, YOGURTY’S has launched an amazing PINK VELVET flavour! 10% of proceeds from all sales will be donated towards the Cause. Also, this weekend (Friday, September 19 – Sunday, September 21, 2014) only, you can show your support too by purchasing a $1 Pinny or Button and those of you who visit your local YOGURTY’S wearing pink and supporting the Cause qualify for a chance to win thousands of dollars in prizes!

And most of all, did we tell you it’s DELICIOUS?!? It is in stores only until Halloween, so make sure you try it real soon!

We encourage you to join the conversation tomorrow, Wednesday, September 17, 2014 by using the Hashtag on Twitter: #ISupportHealthyCups!

We’re giving our Willionaire$ a chance to win a Gift Card to try their Pink Velvet flavour in celebration of YOGURTY’S HEALTHY CUPS Campaign. To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook. You also my share this Post on Facebook with your friends or Re-Tweet the below to double your chances!

http://www.mrwillwong.com/yogurtyspink @MRWILLW wants us to #win a @YOGURTYS Gift Card. Remember to try Pink Velvet in support of @CBCF_, in stores till 10/31! #ISUPPORTHEALTHYCUPS

Click here for more.

(Photo credit: Yogurty’s)

After winning much praise at TIFF ’14, Jason Reitman‘s MEN, WOMEN & CHILDREN is about ready to see a release! Paramount Pictures Canada and Mr. Will want to take Readers in Toronto (October 1, 2014), Montreal (October 8, 2014) and Ottawa (October 14, 2014) to an Advance Screening!

Official Synopsis:

“MEN, WOMEN & CHILDREN” follows the story of a group of high school teenagers and their parents as they attempt to navigate the many ways the internet has changed their relationships, their communication, their self-image, and their love lives. The film attempts to stare down social issues such as video game culture, anorexia, infidelity, fame hunting, and the proliferation of illicit material on the internet. As each character and each relationship is tested, we are shown the variety of roads people choose – some tragic, some hopeful – as it becomes clear that no one is immune to this enormous social change that has come through our phones, our tablets, and our computers.

MEN, WOMEN & CHILDREN stars Ansel Elgort, Adam Sandler, Jennifer Garner, Judy Greer, Rosemarie DeWitt, Emma Thompson, J.K. Simmons, Dean Norris and Dennis Haysbert.

We caught-up with the Cast of MEN, WOMEN & CHILDREN at TIFF ’14! See some Snaps here.

Watch the Trailer:

Mr. Will and Remstar Films want to take YOU to see PRIDE!  After winning a standing ovation at TIFF ’14, this Dramedy based on a True Story is sure to win the hearts of Canadian Moviegoers.  Screenings take place in Toronto (Thursday, September 25, 2014) and Vancouver (Wednesday, September 24, 2014).

Official Synopsis:

In the summer of 1984, a London-based group of gay and lesbian activists raise money to support the families of the National Union of Mineworkers, whose members are on strike.

PRIDE stars Ben Schnetzer, Andrew Scott, Bill Nighy, Dominic West, Faye Marsay, Imelda Staunton and Paddy Considine.  Matthew Warchus directs.

We had the amazing opportunity of partying with the Cast and Team behind PRIDE recently.  Click here to see some Snaps!

Watch the Trailer:

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook. You may share this Post from there and double your chances, or you may Re-Tweet the below also:

http://www.mrwillwong.com/pridemovie @MRWILLW wants us to #win Passes to see #PRIDEMOVIE in Toronto!

Remstar Films release PRIDE on Friday, September 26, 2014.

Good luck, Willionaire$!

(Photo/video credit: Remstar Films)

If anyone knows how to win an Oscar, it’s certainly The Weinstein Co. Grolsch People’s Choice Award Winner THE IMITATION GAME certainly turned a few heads and touched a few hearts at TIFF ’14 and in case you haven’t acquainted yourself with its brilliance, now’s your turn. Acclaim is high for Benedict Cumberbatch‘s sensitive portrayal of Turing and the Film which gives due justice to an unsung Hero.

Official Synopsis:

Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch), a brilliant Cambridge mathmetician, cryptanalyst and computer scientist, is enlisted by his country during World War II to break the Nazi Enigma code, and is later persecuted by the government for being homosexual. THE IMITATION GAME stars also, Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode, Allen Leech and Mark Strong. Morten Tyldum directs.

See the Trailer:

What do you think?  Best Picture?

Elevation Pictures release THE IMITATION GAME on Friday, November 21, 2014.

(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)