For 40 years The Cheesecake Factory has been filling the tummies of Americans with decadence and value. Although the tease has been a long one for Canadians who already know their greatness through their cross-border adventures, the time has finally come for us in Toronto!

It was announced earlier today that The Cheesecake Factory will launch its first Canadian location at Yorkdale Shopping Centre this fall! The 10,400 sq. ft. space with two covered patios, will be situated in the A-tier mall’s north side.

The menu will showcase over 50 different signature cheesecakes and desserts. Also offered are their “super” foods, pizzas, glamburgers® & sandwiches, pastas, steaks, chops, fish & seafood, skinnylicious®, Sunday brunch, all handmade, in-house with fresh ingredients. 

We’ve tried their cheesecakes on many occasions but have never had the time for a sit-down and we’re beyond thrilled!

Stay tuned for more!

(Photo credit: Butter PR)

A new Trailer for one of this summer’s most-awaited blockbusters, TRANSFORMERS: THE LAST KNIGHT has arrived!

Synopsis:

The Last Knight shatters the core myths of the Transformers franchise, and redefines what it means to be a hero. Humans and Transformers are at war, Optimus Prime is gone. The key to saving our future lies buried in the secrets of the past, in the hidden history of Transformers on Earth. Saving our world falls upon the shoulders of an unlikely alliance: Cade Yeager (Mark Wahlberg); Bumblebee; an English Lord (Sir Anthony Hopkins); and an Oxford Professor (Laura Haddock).

There comes a moment in everyone’s life when we are called upon to make a difference. In Transformers: The Last Knight, the hunted will become heroes. Heroes will become villains. Only one world will survive: theirs, or ours.

See the Trailer:

Paramount Pictures Canada release TRANSFORMERS: THE LAST KNIGHT Friday, June 23, 2017.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures Canada)

A must-see for any Foodie! Check out the Trailer for upcoming Documentary, JEREMIAH TOWER: THE LAST MAGNIFICENT!

SYNOPSIS:

JEREMIAH TOWER: THE LAST MAGNIFICENT explores the remarkable life of Jeremiah Tower, one of the most controversial and influential figures in the history of American gastronomy. Tower began his career at the renowned Chez Panisse in Berkeley in 1972, becoming a pioneering figure in the emerging California cuisine movement. After leaving Chez Panisse, due in part to a famously contentious relationship with founder Alice Waters, Tower went on to launch his own legendary Stars Restaurant in San Francisco. Stars was an overnight sensation and soon became one of America’s top-grossing U.S. restaurants. After several years, Tower mysteriously walked away from Stars and then disappeared from the scene for nearly two decades, only to resurface in the most unlikely of places: New York City’s fabled but troubled Tavern on the Green. There, he launched a journey of self-discovery familiar to anyone who has ever imagined themselves to be an artist. Featuring interviews by Mario Batali, Anthony Bourdain, Ruth Reichl and Martha Stewart, this delicious documentary tells the story of the rise and fall of America’s first celebrity chef, whose brash personality and culinary genius has made him a living legend.

See the Trailer:

The Orchard release JEREMIAH TOWER: THE LAST MAGNIFICENT Friday, May 5, 2017.

(Photo/video credit: The Orchard)

We’re all eagerly awaiting the return of ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK and to pump us up, comes this exciting new sneak peek featuring the first 60 seconds of the fifth season’s first episode! Does this ever look intense!

Synopsis:
A riot sparked by Poussey‘s (Samira Wiley) death quickly escalates when the inmates gain control of the prison. Once they get a taste of power, chaos erupts in the halls of Litchfield. The unprecedented season will take place in real time and over the course of just three days, leaving the inmates’ lives forever changed as they are emboldened to fight for redemption, resolution and the respect they deserve.

ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK Season Five streams on Netflix Canada Friday, June 9, 2017.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

After a warm reception at TIFF ’16, MAUDIE now will see a release! Mongrel Media x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win a MAUDIE Prize Pack which includes an official colouring book and also Run-of-Engagement Passes to see it across Canada.

Synopsis:
Academy Award® nominees Sally Hawkins (Happy-Go-Lucky, Blue Jasmine) and Ethan Hawke star in the true story of Maud Lewis, who overcame the physical challenge of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis to become one of Canada’s premier folk artists.

See the Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and indicate your City. “Favourite” this Tweet on Twitter: @mrwillw for an extra chance!

Mongrel Media release MAUDIE Friday, April 14, 2017 – Halifax, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver and Friday, April 21, 2017 – Calgary, Edmonton, Montréal, Victoria, Winnipeg.

(Photo/video credit: Mongrel Media)

Equal parts thrilling and racy, this new Trailer for ATOMIC BLONDE sure is to sure heads. Glad to see Charlize Theron back at her best! 2017 looks to be a huge year for her with this and #F8 on the way!

Synopsis:
The crown jewel of Her Majesty’s Secret Intelligence Service, Agent Lorraine Broughton (Theron) is equal parts spycraft, sensuality and savagery, willing to deploy any of her skills to stay alive on her impossible mission. Sent alone into Berlin to deliver a priceless dossier out of the destabilized city, she partners with embedded station chief David Percival (James McAvoy) to navigate her way through the deadliest game of spies.

A blistering blend of sleek action, gritty sexuality and dazzling style, Atomic Blonde is directed by David Leitch (John Wick, upcoming Deadpool 2). Also starring John Goodman, Til Schweiger, Eddie Marsan, Sofia Boutella and Toby Jones, the film is based on the Oni Press graphic novel series “The Coldest City,” by Antony Johnston & illustrator Sam Hart. Kurt Johnstad (300) wrote the screenplay.

See the Trailer:

Universal Pictures Canada release ATOMIC BLONDE Friday, July 28, 2017.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures)

His acclaimed work has won him accolades over the past three decades, winning him Emmys, Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild Awards.  With a #1 Film at the Box Office two consecutive weeks in The Boss Baby, dethroning Beauty and the Beast, Alec Baldwin has been at the forefront of collective consciousness of late with his running impression on  Saturday Night Live of President Donald Trump.

Baldwin reflects upon his success in brand new HarperCollins memoir NEVERTHELESS and the book brought him to Toronto tonight – albeit a bit late – bringing him face to face with fans and Indigo‘s Manulife Centre location.  Rushing-in from the airport tonight after some flight delays which saw him landing just at his book signing was to start at 6 PM, Baldwin had to by-pass an originally scheduled pre-signing Q&A, going straight into a rapid-fire signing with fans.

NEVERTHELESS goes into detail about his parents’ troubled relationship to his struggles with addiction and several other of personal battles. As Baldwin‘s book tour takes him to additional cities including Chicago next, he took the time to post online some clarifications regarding his book, explaining that there were some issues with “typos and errors” in a statement made on its Facebook page here.

While much talked about and well-promoted by the amazing Chapters Indigo, some of the 300 wristbands made available for fans surprisingly were still available at the start of the event. Perhaps a strict list of stipulations (or a Bon Jovi concert running in tandem) at the request of the talent had some sway on the turnout?  Rules like no posed photography nor photography of Baldwin from the stage were communicated in advance, which later applied too to fans waiting behind barricades far enough away from the stage, at the whim of event security.   Despite access not being opened to media on the promise of a more intimate experience with fans,  rows of fans were ushered through at a hurried pace without a real chance to connect with the talent. Perhaps this should serve as a reminder to talent that book signings should  be about utilizing these opportunities to really connect with fans and supporters?  Have fan expectations in this day and age gone beyond just simply the scribble of a non-personalized autograph at these events?  While respect and appreciation must go to the talent – and it was a great honour being in Baldwin‘s presence –  fans also often put aside an entire day to queue for wristbands and re-queue again for a spot at these signings.

See some snaps of Baldwin (click on right arrow to scroll):

#AlecBaldwin a bit late, but made it in town for rapidfire signing in support memoir #Nevertheless at Indigo Manulife.

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Apr 10, 2017 at 6:10pm PDT

More on NEVERTHELESS here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Audiences simply can’t get enough of this baby! THE BOSS BABY for a second straight week takes the top of the Box Office even with stiff competition coming from new releases. The Animated Feature from 20th Century Fox earns $25.1 million, accounting for $89 million over two weeks domestically.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST again is second this weekend with $25.1 million, bringing its four week run to $432 million in North America for Disney.

SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE debuts with $14.1 million for Sony Pictures from 3,610 theatres. This third installment in the Franchise is unable to surpass 2011’s THE SMURFS which opened with $35 million. It gets an A CinemaScore and 39% on the Tomatometer.

Remake GOING IN STYLE opens in fourth with $12.2 million for Warner Bros., from 3,061 theatres. It gets a B CinemaScore and 44% on the Tomatometer from Critics.

THE CASE FOR CHRIST debuts in eight with $4.5 million for Pureflix. It gets an 83% on the Tomatometer.

Former champ GET OUT rounds-out the Top Ten with $4.1 million for Universal Pictures. Thus far over seven weeks it has made $162 million.

Having grown-up at Woodbine Racetrack, the track holds a dear and special place in my heart. Did you know that the 2017 thoroughbred racing season there begins in less than three weeks?

In addition to the amazing thrill of the sport and the chance to win big, the food at Woodbine is superb. The buffets at The Woodbine Club and Favourites Dining Room make deciding what to eat real simple. Almost everything on the menu is amazing from an extensive range of salads to brunch items (lunch only) to mains and of course, their delectable desserts. You don’t need to know a lot about horse racing to know that beauty is the majestic view of the track you get at either dining room and that delicious are their menu offerings.

Late last year we had the opportunity to chat with George Correia, Executive Chef and Chef de Cuisine Michael Mortensen about their culinary journeys, some of the more high profile clientele they’ve cooked for (even Her Royal Highness, Queen Elizabeth II has stopped by!) at Woodbine and of course some handy tips we can all use to a quick, no fuss meal at home! I also quiz them on their Food Trivia knowledge and we just may have stumped them on a few things!

Watch below:

Awesome morning with these guys filming a segment on the fine dining at @woodbineracing!

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Nov 20, 2016 at 7:40am PST

If this excites you to want to try some of the amazing dining options at Woodbine Racetrack – and we know you’re salivating – we’re giving away a lunch experience for two to be used 2017 season opening day, Saturday, April 15, 2017. To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. You must be able to travel to Toronto to enjoy this prize.

For an extra chance, you may “favourite” this Tweet on Twitter: @mrwillw or post on Instagram: @mrwillwong.

With a variety of different set-ups, Woodbine‘s got something for every milestone or holiday. Learn how they can make it easy by hosting your own event right here!

Don’t forget to follow Woodbine Racetrack on Twitter: @woodbineracing and their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WoodbineRacing. Tickets now are on sale for the event of the year, the Queen’s Plate!

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The year holds so many milestones for us.  For one, for the first time ever we are up for a Media Sovereign Award for Outstanding Photograph.  The Awards take place Thursday, April 13, 2017 at Toronto’s Palais Royale with the likes of icon Frank Stronach in attendance, plus many heroes of the sport. Find out how you too can attend the glamorous Sovereign Awards here.

Also, our dear girl A Pic by Mrwill (aka Princess) has been hard at work in Florida all winter prepping her 2017 sophomore season.  Don’t forget to read the latest installment of her Princess Diaries here.

See you opening day!

(Photo/video credit: Woodbine Entertainment)

No rise has been quite as stratospheric as that of Lilly Singh, known online for her moniker IISuperwomanII, entertaining millions around the world on YouTube with her humorous short films, garnering several famous fans including Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Hailing from Scarborough, but now residing in Los Angeles, Singh at age 28 came out of nowhere and kept rising to be known as the world’s highest-paid female YouTube Filmmaker, also ranking as the world’s third highest-paid YouTube star according to Forbes.

In town to promote her first book, an empowering self-help read HOW TO BE A BAWSE: A GUIDE TO CONQUERING LIFE, published by Doubleday Canada, Singh also took her tour to Toronto’s TIFF Bell Lightbox Wednesday night, before earning well-deserved day of rest.  Today she was back at it promoting her book including visits to Bell Media’s Headquarters and Global Television’s The Morning Show.

In case you missed her, you will have a chance to catch her at Chapters Brampton this Saturday afternoon at 2:00 PM, where she will meet a limited number of fans. More details here.

We’ve been wanting to meet Singh for a while now and really enjoyed the fast read that was HOW TO BE A BAWSE! It’s literally like reading advice from a friend and we love that many Toronto-related shoutouts she gives from our horrid winter weather to KISS 92.5 and her love for Drake. Despite it being literally freezing out, Singh, armed with a blanket and umbrella, was sweet to stop for a snap! More on it here.

See our Snap:

Mornings with IISuperwomanII, back to her hometown for her new book, How to be a Bawse! #LillySingh #iisuperwomanii #BawseBook #BawseTour

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Apr 7, 2017 at 6:06am PDT

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/Doubleday Canada)