You’ve been mesmerized by her incredible beauty and seduced by her Culinary delights on the Food Network, but Giada De Laurentiis is actually in Toronto to draw focus to an important cause close to all of our hearts. The Italian-born American Goddess is here to host Chef’s Challenge: The Ultimate Battle for a Cure at the Toronto Congress Centre, the Event supporting a $4.5 million pledge to Mount Sinai Hospital with an emphasis on Women’s Health and Cancers research.

Although her Itinerary was filled to the brim, the Los Angeles Native was kind to take a few moments out of her day to chat.  I was guided into her Dressing Room, where she was relaxing on a white Barcelona Couch, inviting me to have a seat.  Exuding absolute confidence yet still managing to be extremely personable, it was evident within seconds why she is adored dearly by so many Men and Women alike.

I’ll be honest with you – my schedule doesn’t allow for much TV Watching, hence I never found much of a need to add the Food Network to my Cable Package.  It was a few months ago that I was home watching Late Night with Jimmy Fallon – my usual comforting background noise – as I finished-up some Blogging before bedtime.  I couldn’t help but notice De Laurentiis – bubbly, effervescent and outright hilarious as she tried getting Fallon to drink a healthy Smoothie with Gin in it.  He tried it begrudgingly and even though he didn’t love it, I for one was won over.  I rummaged through YouTube for Clips of her Cooking, a search rendering a litany of Fan-uploaded Clips of her Recipes like Lemon & Lavender Cookies, Pork with Sweet Onion Marmellata,  Butternut Squash Tortellini made with Wonton Wrappers – all sumptuous, relatively easy to make and yummy.  “Jimmy is such a lovely  Human Being. He makes you feel so comfortable as if it’s just the two of you” she reveals to me, “I’ve done a lot of Talk Shows – trust me – it’s so intimidating.”.

De Laurentiis walks me through her experience of immigrating with her Family from Italy to America as an eight-year-old, a decision made after the Patriarch of her Family, her Grandfather, encountered lucrative opportunities stateside, taking them to New York for a couple years before relocating ultimately to California. On her first introduction to American Cuisine she says, “The first thing I remember was going to a Friend’s house and having a TV Dinner. I remember thinking to myself ‘Is this Dog Food? What is this exactly?'”.  Needless to say, her discerning Tastebuds were not impressed with the frozen and then reheated offering.  Her first pleasurable experience with American Food though came a bit  later when she encountered French Fries and Burgers.  To this day she remains a Fan of Regional Fast Food Chain, In-N-Out Burger.

I ask her for a bit of advice on where to dine in Los Angeles, since I’ll be visiting for the first time later this month.  The options are plentiful, I learned. “We truly have some of the best Mexican food, because we’re so close” she says, “Pettycash Taqueria is really, really, yummy and super, super casual.”.  She also gives Tex-Mex Hotspot Border Grill from fellow Chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger a glowing review, but for Italian she names Capo (Italian for “Captain”) as her Favourite.  The City she tells me, is obsessed with Korean Food, a movement fronted by Korean-American Chef Roy Choi, which is seeing Locals warm-up in droves to Korean Barbeques and Tacos.  “It’s a huge culture in L.A. for us”.

I ask about when it was that she realized her Career would take a turn for the Culinary after majoring in Social Anthropology at U.C.L.A., which made her one of the first in her Family to partake in post-secondary studies.  “I realized at the beginning of College, but my Parents insisted I finish”, says the eventual Graduate of ultra-prestigious Le Cordon Bleu.   “I wanted to be a Pastry Chef, so what better place than Paris?”.

Finding work as a Pastry Chef wasn’t easy, especially returning home from France to one of the most health-conscious cities in the World.  She soon found herself working with Celebrity Chef Wolfgang Puck and his Pastry In-Charge, Sherry Yard.  From there she became THE Ron Howard‘s Personal Chef, flying back-and-forth from Los Angeles to Connecticut, before branching into Food Styling, catching the eye of Food & Wine Magazine during a trying post-9/11.  That golden opportunity for exposure  led her to sudden stardom when the Food Network took notice of her potential and she certainly hasn’t looked back since with a booming Catalogue of Books, Products and TV Series, the latter garnering her a Daytime Emmy.

Two defining flavours have become synonymous with De Laurentiis’ Cooking are sweet and citrus. Naturally she has a pronounced Sweet Tooth in being a self-admitted Chocoholic.  She touts highly one of her latest Creations, Bonbon-esque Chocolate Fig Bites,  found in her latest Book, Giada’s Feel Good Food.  “I get it – kids are sick, people don’t feel good and people need to be eating better”, she says about the inspiration behind the New Release.  “It’s been fun to change things up and try to find ways to make really great Treats to help make people feel better.”.

Being a Mother with a flourishing Career, she understands the need for Go-To Meals and short preparation times.  “I’ve always wanted to find ways to inspire people to get into the Kitchen to make Italian that looks and tastes fantastic”, states the petite Powerhouse. “There’s a time and place for making things like Bolognese and all of these things to take a bit longer – but there’s also a time and place to take 15 minutes out of your day to make yourself a Meal.”.   She swears by Oatmeal with Olive Oil, Salt & Pepper – her quickest and most often-consumed Breakfast, while her Chia Seed Pudding has proven itself to be a massive Hit, as are her Fennel, Lettuce & Pea Soup and Lemon Spaghetti (note: the proper pronunciation is “Spig-it-tee“) Recipes.

A side of De Laurentiis we often don’t get to see is the Fan side. Many would be surprised just how eclectic her Musical tastes are, in addition to her tastes for Food.  “Celebrities were never a big deal to me because I grew-up in L.A.” she admits, “I like out-of-the-box people and people who are real; they don’t always have to be big Movie Stars.”.  She does however, tell me her favourite Acts include the likes of Foo Fighters, Lady Gaga, MGMT, Lorde, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Billy Joel, Julio Iglesias, Gipsy Kings – although the latter two she probably never would’ve admitted to enjoying in her youth. “Now that I’m older, I kinda like it because it brings me back to those days!”.   Songs like Harlem (New Politics) and Who You Love (John Mayer ft. Katy Perry) currently are on high-rotation for her.

For those who don’t speak Italian, the name Giada means “Jade”, which decidedly is the name of her Daughter. On how De Laurentiis manages to balance her highly-successful Career with Family Life, she leaves us with one bit of advice. “I do it one day at a time. I have a great Husband (former Skier Todd Thompson) who helps me a lot, a great  Family and two great Ladies who’ve been with me since the very beginning”, she imparts.  “You have to be okay as a Woman to feel like you know when to ask for help and be okay with asking for help, realizing you can’t do everything.”.

Watch and listen to Mr. Will‘s Chat with Giada De Laurentiis below:

More Snaps below:

Although it quietly has been filming in the City, there have been few sightings of its Stars.  By chance today, I spotted The Divide Star Joe Anderson out and about and the British Actor actually was surprised to be noticed!  “You were looking at me like I was a criminal!”, he jokes with me, noticing me intently trying to piece together where I’ve seen him.

Those of you who saw 2007’s The Beatles-inspired Musical Across the Universe will remember him as Max Carrigan and those of you who saw acclaimed Control will recall that he played Peter Hook. Although he’s been quiet of late, Anderson was seen in The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 2 as Alistair and Box Office Hit, The Grey alongside Liam Neeson.  He next can be seen in Vancouver-filmed Horns, which premiered at TIFF ’13, starring Daniel Radcliffe.

Written by Richard LaGravanese (P.S. I Love You) and produced by Tony Goldwyn (Scandal), the Series centers around a District Attorney who uncovers new evidence, prompting a sensational Murder Case to be re-opened.

The Divide films up through early May 2014 and is slated to air on WE tv.

See our Snap:

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/eOne Films)

Few can dispute that The Lego Movie was a deserving Winner at the Box Office this weekend, debuting with a record-setting (for an Animated Feature) $69 million from 3,775 theatres for Warner Bros. The 3-D Offering featuring an All-Star Cast of Will Ferrell, Will Arnett, Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum and Alison Brie, unseats the three-week reign of Ride Along. Critics gave it an outstanding 97% on the Tomatometer on Rotten Tomatoes, in addition to a coveted A CinemaScore.

Despite being panned by Critics, The Monuments Men from Sony Pictures had enough Starpower to drive Moviegoers to the theatres. The World War II-Dramedy starring George Clooney, John Goodman, Matt Damon and Jean Dujardin earned $22.7 million in its debut after multiple rescheduled release dates, landing it in second spot. Audiences gave it a B+ CinemaScore, while it mustered 33% from Critics on Rotten Tomatoes.

Ride Along still continues to perform strong in third with $8.9 million in its fourth week for Universal Pictures, just surpassing the $100-million mark in North America. Disney‘s Frozen is right behind in fourth with $6 million in its twelfth week out amazingly.

That Awkward Moment finds itself in sixth spot in its second week of release for Focus Features/VVS Films, earning $6 million for a total of $16 million grossed thus far domestically.

Vampire Academy debuts in seventh spot for The Weinstein Co./eOne Films with $3.8 million. Critics gave it an 11% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and Audiences gave it a forgiving B- CinemaScore.

Labor Day rounds-out the Top Ten with $3 million for Paramount Pictures and likely will be a factor as one of the few Romantic options available for Moviegoers heading into Valentine’s Day.

eOne Films and Mr. Will Wong wants to give Toronto Readers a chance to see Action-Adventure POMPEII on Wednesday, February 19, 2014, starring hunky and beloved Kit Harington!  We were among the first to spot the Game of Thrones last Winter in the City, where the Movie had filmed!

Official Synopsis:
Set in 79 A.D., POMPEII tells the epic story of Milo (Kit Harrington), a slave turned invincible gladiator who finds himself in a race against time to save his true love Cassia (Emily Browning), the beautiful daughter of a wealthy merchant who has been unwillingly betrothed to a corrupt Roman Senator.

As Mount Vesuvius erupts in a torrent of blazing lava, Milo must fight his way out of the arena in order to save his beloved as the once magnificent Pompeii crumbles around him.

Watch the Trailer:

Enter to win by clicking “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook. Your are encouraged to share this Post with Friends via Social Media. Double your chances by Re-Tweeting the below:

http://www.mrwillwong.com/pompeii @MRWILLW wants us to #win Advance Screening Passes in #Toronto to see #POMPEII! Out 2/21!

Good luck.

eOne Films release POMPEII on Friday, February 21, 2014.

Teen Stars Jake Short and Bradley Steven Perry descended upon Toronto to promote their popular Disney XD Series Mighty Med. The Sitcom which premiered last October, airs on Disney XD Canada, centering around two Boys who find themselves in a Superhero Hospital, where they become Doctors despite themselves not being Superheroes.

Perry, known best for his work on Series Good Luck Charlie and Short, who starred in Dexter, among their Stopoffs visited Global Television‘s The Morning Show (National Edition), touring with their Entourage in a Van.  The Duo later head over to Astral Media to visit Disney XD‘s Parent Company, happy to stop for some Photos with Fans, early morning smiles fuelled by Starbucks!

Mighty Med airs Saturdays at 6:30 PM on Disney XD. Visit their Website here.

See our Snap:

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/Disney XD)

West Beach-born Singer/Songwriter Cassadee Pope might best be known as the Winner of The Voice‘s third season, but she long has been an Industry Veteran.  At just 24 years old, Pope has fronted a major label-signed Band in Hey Monday, acted in Degrassi Goes Hollywood and now is finding success as a Solo Act under the Guidance of Mentor Blake Shelton.  While on The Voice, she had the distinction of earning a vote of confidence from all four Mentors before ultimately choosing that Country Music Megastar.

Pope is currently promoting her Debut Disc Frame by Frame, which surfaced back in October, debuting in the Top Ten of the U.S. Billboard Hot 200.  She appeared on CITY‘s Breakfast Television earlier, performing two Tracks including first Single Wasting All These Tears! Watch her Performances here and here and be ready to be floored by those clean, powerful Vocals of hers!

On her way out of her appearance she was just about ready to head to back entrance but quickly noticed Fans waiting in front of the Studio in the cold and made sure to come out to say “hi”!  Sweetheart!

See some Snaps here:

Watch the Video for Wasting All These Tears:

DreamWorks Pictures and Mr. Will Wong want to take Readers across Canada on a high-octane ride to a 3D Advance Screening of NEED FOR SPEED, the latest from Director Scott Waugh, starring red-hot Aaron Paul.

3D Screenings are set to take place:

CITY: Toronto

DATE: Wednesday, February 19th

TIME: 7 :30PM

LOCATION: Scotiabank Theatre Toronto

CITY: Richmond Hill

DATE: Thursday, February 27th

TIME: 7:00PM

LOCATION: SilverCity Richmond Hill

CITY: Barrhaven

DATE: Thursday, February 27th

TIME: 7:00PM

LOCATION: Cineplex Barrhaven

CITY: Burnaby

DATE: Thursday, February 27th

TIME:7:00PM

LOCATION: SilverCity Metropolis

CITY: Whitby

DATE: Thursday, March 6^th

TIME: 7:00PM

LOCATION: Landmark Cinemas Whitby

CITY: Winnipeg

DATE: Thursday, March 6^th

TIME:7:00PM

LOCATION: SilverCity Polo Park

Official Synopsis:

NEED FOR SPEED centers around Tobey Marshall (Aaron Paul), a blue-collar Mechanic who races Muscle  Cars on the side in an unsanctioned Street-Racing Circuit. Struggling to keep his Family-owned Garage afloat, he reluctantly partners with the wealthy and arrogant ex-NASCAR Driver Dino Brewster (Dominic Cooper). But just as a major sale to Car Broker Julia Bonet (Imogen Poots) looks like it will save Tobey‘s Shop, a disastrous race allows Dino to frame Tobey for a crime he didn’t commit, and sending Tobey to prison while Dino expands his Business out west.

Two years later, Tobey is released and set on revenge — but he knows his only chance to take down his rival Dino is to defeat him in the high-stakes race known as De Leon — the Super Bowl of Underground Racing. However to get there in time, Tobey will have to run a high-octane, action-packed Gauntlet that includes dodging pursuing Cops coast-to-coast as well as contending with a dangerous bounty Dino has put out on his Car. With the help of his loyal Crew and the surprisingly resourceful Julia, Tobey defies odds at every turn and proves that even in the flashy world of exotic Supercars, the Underdog can still finish first.

NEED FOR SPEED  is presented by DreamWorks Pictures, produced by Patrick O’Brien, John Gatins and Mark Sourian, and directed by Scott Waugh. The screenplay is by George Gatins. The story is by George Gatins & John Gatins, and, based on the video game series created by Electronic Arts. The Film releases in theatres on March 14, 2014.

Watch the Trailer:

To enter to win Advance 3D Screening Passes to see NEED FOR SPEED, simply by clicking “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook.  Indicate your City and also tell me what your ideal Dream Car would be!

You are encouraged to share with your Friends on Facebook or Re-Tweet the below:

http://www.mrwillwong.com/needforspeed @MRWILLW wants us to #win Advance 3D Screening Passes to see #NEEDFORSPEED across Canada. In theatres 3/14!

We’re also giving away a Signed Photo from the Star of NEED FOR SPEED, AARON PAUL! Details here!

Good luck, Wongsters!

Take a moment out also to check-out a couple Behind-the-Scenes Featurettes from NEED FOR SPEED here!

Dreamworks Pictures release NEED FOR SPEED on FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2014.

Official Artwork:

“Like” NEED FOR SPEED on Facebook here!

©2013 DreamWorks II Distribution Co., LLC

NEED FOR SPEED™ AND LOGO ARE TRADEMARKS OF EA

(Photo/video credit: DreamWorks Pictures)

Our adorable Friends Wyldstyle and Emmet from the eagerly-awaited THE LEGO MOVIE were out doing good in yesterday’s Snowmaggedon and you’ll love the reactions they drew!  While we were all being down amidst the downfall of snow yesterday, the Duo surprised Construction Works in the City with some warm, delicious McCafé Premium Roast Coffee and The Lego Movie Lego Sets, much like the one I’ve been fawning over (see it here). 

No fair! I want my Coffee delivered by Wyldstyle and Emmet too!!

Watch them in action below:

Warner Bros. releases THE LEGO MOVIE Friday, February 7, 2014. You must see it!

 Everything is awesome!!

(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros. Pictures Canada)

District PR and Mr. Will Wong want to invite Toronto Readers to a Special Test Screening of the squeamish new Horror Film, BACKCOUNTRY! Believe me, this is not for the light of heart. You will be the first in the World to see the Movie and will be required to fill-out a quick Survey afterward.

Backcountry centers around an urban Couple’s camping trip becomes a primal nightmare when a bear attacks. It is intended for a 14+ rating.

Screening Details:
Regent Theatre (551 Mt. Pleasant Rd)
7PM (doors at 6PM)
Monday February 10, 2014

The Screening simply is first come, first serve and you can arrive any time after 6:00 PM.

Do not miss this rare opportunity to see this before everyone else!

RSVP here to secure a Spot at the Screening!

(Photo credit: District PR)

It was literal Fandemonium last night as hoards of Fans came out to support Aaron Paul at the Premiere of his upcoming Car Racing-Action/Drama NEED FOR SPEED, based on the Video Games of the same name.  The Breaking Bad Star, known best for his role as Jesse Pinkman, completed a long Press Day around the City yesterday which ended with an almost-unheard-of 30-minute Q&A at the festive Advance Screening of the Film at Scotiabank Theatre.  Director Scott Waugh also was in attendance to answer Fan questions.   Fans later spotted Paul last night also at an A-Lister‘s Hot Spot.

Although several Fans were left disappointed at an originally-scheduled Red Carpet Screening Monday as Paul was forced to miss his flight due to inclement weather in New York Monday, he certainly did not disappoint. He even had a handful of Tickets to reward his Toronto Fans with via Twitter the following day when he finally arrived.  And we were among the first to spot the Actor in the City.  Read more here  and also enter too for a chance to win a Signed Photo!

Casual and cool in a black Toque and Leather Jacket, the ruggedly-handsome 34-year old revealed at the jam-packed Screening that he may at one point down the road reprise his role as Pinkman.  “I love that kid”, he says, “It was hard to say goodbye to that Guy – hopefully not forever.”.  Toronto heard it first!

DreamWorks Pictures release NEED FOR SPEED on Friday, March 14, 2014.11

(Photo credit: DreamWorks Pictures/George Pimentel)