#FIRSTLOOK: THE CATERING COLLECTIVE BY CAMERON TAYLOR

On Friday August 1st, 2025, Cameron Taylor, the esteemed butcher at the iconic steakhouse Harbour 60, will host an exclusive kick-off event for his passion project, The Catering Collective. This event, aptly titled “The Art of the Butcher and the Chef” will be hosted at Rily Kitchen from 6-10pm and marks a significant step in Cameron’s career as he leads the way for a new generation of butchery. The Catering Collective takes a fresh approach to private and corporate events where ingredients and the art of butchery take centre stage.

Beginning his butchery journey in 2018 in South Africa and after earning four certificates from butcher school, he honed his skills for a year before bringing his expertise to Canada in 2021. Here, he quickly made a name for himself working at some of the top butcheries, and eventually becoming head butcher at Harbour 60.

Executive Chef at Harbour 60 and mentor Solomon Mason reflected on Cameron’s impact saying, “Cam represents a new generation of butchers who are redefining what it means to work with meat at the highest level. His commitment to intentional, quality-driven butchery, factoring in everything from breed and genetics to diet and age, is helping us build a deeper philosophy around our sourcing and preparation. At Harbour 60, it’s not just about the cut; it’s about the story behind it, and Cam ensures that story is one of integrity, precision, and passion from start to finish.”

The Art of the Butcher and Chef embodies Cam’s innovative and passionate mindset celebrating the art of butchery while educating attendees on the importance of understanding the origins of their food. Cameron notes that many don’t know what dishes like braised short ribs look like before they reach their plate. By showcasing the processes involved, he highlights that butchery is an art form that deserves as much respect as any other culinary art. The event aims to show guests that it is about respecting the meat and the animal, as much as it is the final product.

To mark the start of his butchery-centric catering company, his event is taking place at Rily Kitchen (26 Sousa Mendes St) on Friday, August 1st from 6-10pm. Guests will start with welcome cocktails, charcuterie, and Canadian oysters. The event will then feature an exclusive live butchery demonstration of beef rib and loin, showcasing the skill and precision involved. Following the demonstration, guests will enjoy a gourmet five-course sit-down meal featuring the freshly prepared cuts and paired with a selection of wines and beers. Additionally, guests will have an opportunity to purchase the meat from the demonstration. Tickets to attend are priced at $150 per guest and can be purchased HERE.

Event Details

Date: August 1, 2025

Time: 6:00pm – 10:00pm

Location: 26 Sousa Mendes Street

Price: $150 per guest

Capacity: 30 attendees

About Cameron Taylor

Cameron Taylor is the head butcher at Harbour Sixty, a freelance butchery consultant, and an entrepreneur with his own catering business, The Catering Collective. Originally from South Africa, Cameron moved to Canada in early 2021 and has since immersed himself in the Canadian meat market and has gained invaluable experience at highly successful butcheries.

Cameron shares his skills and extensive knowledge to create collaborative dishes rooted in expert butchery. His dedication and expertise have earned him a reputation as a skilled butcher, and he continues to build his career in Toronto, Canada.

About The Catering Collective

Led by head butcher Cameron Taylor, along with chefs Akhil Hajare and Grayson Mundell, The Catering Collective is a catering business that prides itself on its distinctive approach to the catering world, prioritizing flexibility and creativity. From fine dining experiences to BBQs, The Catering Collective delivers exceptional food and service for any occasion. They also offer the unique experience of live butchery demonstrations, educating guests on the artistry and precision behind the craft, while allowing them to appreciate every step that brings food to their plate.

#FIRSTLOOK: “HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON” DIGITAL, 4K UHD AND BLU-RAY RELEASE DATES

As the breathtaking re-imagined live-action epic continues to capture the hearts of audiences in theaters, HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON comes home exclusively on digital platforms to own or rent July 15, 2025 and on 4K UHD and Blu-ray™ on August 12, 2025, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Take a ride behind the scenes with more than 75-minutes of bonus content including deleted scenes, a gag reel and making of vignettes that dive deeper into the cutting-edge visual effects, elaborate character transformations, and iconic story that bring the Isle of Berk, the dragons and Vikings to life with jaw-dropping realism when you purchase from participating digital retailers nationwide.

Captivating global audiences, the animated franchise has earned four Academy Award® nominations and grossed more than $1.6 billion at the global box-office. HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON comes to life like never before. Oscar® nominee Dean DeBlois, the creative visionary behind the acclaimed franchise, turns his beloved animated film into a stunning live-action spectacle. On the Isle of Berk, Vikings and dragons have battled for generations, but that won’t stop Hiccup (Mason Thames), the son of Chief Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler), from building an unlikely bond with the feared dragon, Toothless. With an ancient evil threatening their worlds, it’s up to Hiccup, Toothless, and their courageous companion Astrid (Nico Parker) to make the realm realize they’re stronger together, and only through friendship and bravery can they overcome the challenges of a high-flying adventure.

Gerard Butler (300, Has Fallen franchise) reprises his voice role from the animated franchise and is joined by a talented cast of franchise newcomers including Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead, Paul), Mason Thames (The Black Phone, “For All Mankind”), Nico Parker (Dumbo, “The Last of Us”), Gabriel Howell (“Bodies”), Julian Dennison (Deadpool 2), Bronwyn James (Wicked), Harry Trevaldwyn (“Smothered”), and Peter Serafinowicz (Guardians of the Galaxy).

EXCLUSIVE BONUS FEATURES WHEN PURCHASING AT PARTICIPATING RETAILERS:

Deleted Scenes with Introductions by Writer/Director Dean DeBlois
Gag Reel

Love and Legacy: Making HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON – Go behind the scenes to see how the beloved characters and intricate fantasy world were brought to the live-action medium.

Building Berk – Walk onto the set of HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON and take in the scale, detail, and heart that went into building Berk.

Dreaming Up the Dragons – A glimpse at the technology, artistry, and imagination involved in bringing life-like dragons to the screen.

Fit for a Viking – Witness the elaborate transformations the cast made to embody the Vikings we see in the film.

Forbidden Friendship with Introductions by Writer/Director Dean DeBlois – Watch Mason Thames perform the full Forbidden Friendship sequence with a puppeteer in the early stages of creating one of the film’s most iconic scenes.

Test Drive with Introduction by Writer/Director Dean DeBlois – Hold on tight as we join Hiccup on his first flight with Toothless, and see the various elements that came together to construct the thrilling scene.

Exploring the Isle of Berk at Epic Universe – Explore HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON – Isle of Berk and discover an island where Vikings and fire-breathing dragons exist together in harmony.

Feature Commentary with Writer/Director Dean DeBlois

#BOXOFFICE: “SUPERMAN” IS KRYPTONITE IN DEBUT

SUPERMAN is pure kryptonite in its debut, opening with a smashing $120 million from 4,135 theatres for Warner Bros. Best opening for the SUPERMAN franchise still goes to 2016’s BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE, with $166 million. Critics enjoyed James Gunn‘s fun take, giving it 82% on the Tomatometer.

Second up is JURASSIC WORLD REBIRTH with $37 million in its second frame for Universal Pictures, a total run of $229.1 million domestically so far.

Third is F1 with $10.7 million, taking it to $133.8 million for Warner Bros. in its third weekend.

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON secures fourth spot with $5.7 million, a tally of $237 million over five weekends for Universal Pictures.

ELIO rounds it out with $3.1 million, taking it to $62 million in its fourth weekend for Disney/Pixar.

#FOOD: MAKILALA OPENING LATE JULY 2025

Makilala, a new Filipino restaurant from renowned duo Chef Nuit and Jeff Regular, along with Jeff’s brother Joel Regular, is set to open late July at 105 Church Street. Known for their beloved Thai restaurants across Toronto, Chef Nuit and Jeff have turned their focus to the food and culture of the Philippines, drawing inspiration from Jeff and Joel’s Filipino heritage and a deep dive into the cuisine. Makilala will blend traditional flavours, vibrant energy, and warm hospitality into an experience that feels like coming home.

Following a series of successful Thai-inspired restaurant openings, the idea for Makilala emerged from Chef Nuit’s desire to explore Jeff’s Filipino heritage more deeply. “Chef Nuit has been cooking and learning from my entire family for the past 20 years, and we’re so excited to share her love for learning and cooking our traditional recipes with the community,” said Joel Regular, co-owner of Makilala. “She has also taken regional cooking classes and spent time exploring local markets and traditions to learn more about the cuisine and culture.” The word Makilala means “to get to know,” and that spirit of openness and connection will define everything about the space.

Guests will enter through a curated front market filled with rotating Filipino artists and vendors offering handmade and locally sourced products. The main dining room will feature a design that is emblematic of a traditional barangay, featuring a large stage at the back. The bar has been designed to resemble a sari-sari store, named after Jeff and Joel’s parents, Nonoy and Myrna, which adds a nostalgic and personal touch to the space. At the back, a private dining room will offer family-style service for up to 14 guests, featuring off-menu feasts like whole roasted pig and chef-driven surprises.

Inside, long communal tables will set the stage for shared meals and lively conversations in the barangay-inspired space, complete with a painted basketball court on the floor, a nod to the sport’s deep roots in everyday Filipino life. “Basketball is such a big part of growing up in the Philippines,” said Jeff Regular, co-owner of Makilala. “We wanted to channel that energy and sense of community into the space—from the court-style layout to the laid-back, open vibe.”

Makilala will serve a curated menu of traditional Filipino family recipes like chicken adobo, sinigang, taho, and breakfast silog plates, along with a special order kamayan-style menu—a communal feast served on banana leaves and eaten by hand. “Everything I’ve learned about Filipino cooking has come from spending time with Jeff and Joel’s family,” said Chef Nuit Regular, co-owner and chef of Makilala. “This menu is built on the tradition and love of their family recipes. I feel incredibly grateful to be able to share these dishes and the stories behind them.”

The beverage menu will feature a mix of tradition and fun invention. Filipino staples like Red Horse, San Miguel, Tanduay, and ube cocktails will be served alongside signature creations like the Taal Volcano, a smoky nod to the Philippines. The team is also launching its own light beer called Makilola, and will be the official provider of Don Papa Rum.

Makilala will be open seven days a week, with lunch served Tuesday through Sunday, and a late-night menu that will carry the energy into the evening with DJs, stand-up comedy, and a dedicated karaoke stage. From traditional Filipino inspired décor and raindrop soundscapes in the bathrooms to a sari-sari style bar and rotating Filipino vendors in the front market, every detail is designed to honour the culture and community that inspired it.

For more information, visit www.makilala.ca.

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#FIRSTLOOK: “FREAKIER FRIDAY” TICKETS NOW ON SALE

Advance tickets for “Freakier Friday,” the eagerly anticipated sequel to the beloved Disney classic starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan, are now available for purchase at wherever tickets are sold.

In addition, a new recording of Take Me Away, the iconic song performed by the film’s fictional band “Pink Slip,” is available today. The song is from the Hollywood Records soundtrack available August 1, featuring original new songs, plus an all-new score from composer Amie Doherty. “Freakier Friday” opens exclusively in theatres August 8, 2025.

On Wednesday, August 6 – the anniversary of the original film’s release – fans across the country can celebrate with exclusive “Fan First” screenings of the sequel. These Wednesday early access screenings will also offer fans the chance to receive limited release “Freakier Friday” swag (while supplies last), including a “Freakier Friday” friendship bracelet set.

In the film, Curtis and Lohan reprise their roles as Tess and Anna Coleman. The story picks up years after Tess (Curtis) and Anna (Lohan) endured an identity crisis. Anna now has a daughter of her own and a soon-to-be stepdaughter. As they navigate the myriad challenges that come when two families merge, Tess and Anna discover that lightning might indeed strike twice. “Freakier Friday” is directed by Nisha Ganatra and based on the book “Freaky Friday” by Mary Rodgers. The film, which also stars Julia Butters, Sophia Hammons, Manny Jacinto, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Rosalind Chao, Chad Michael Murray, Vanessa Bayer, and Mark Harmon, is produced by Kristin Burr, p.g.a., Andrew Gunn, p.g.a., and Jamie Lee Curtis, with Nathan Kelly, Ann Marie Sanderlin, and Lindsay Lohan serving as executive producers.

#FIRSTLOOK: MUBI TO RELEASE “VICE IS BROKE”

MUBI, the global film distributor, streaming service and production company, reveals the trailer and streaming release for Eddie Huang’s VICE IS BROKE. Following its world premiere at Toronto International Film Festival 2024 and a Grand Jury Prize nomination at DOC NYC 2024, the film will premiere exclusively on MUBI in North America, UK, Ireland, Latin America, Germany, Austria, Italy, Benelux, France, Turkey and India on August 29, 2025

SYNOPSIS
The meteoric rise and spectacular fall of Vice magazine—from scrappy Montreal alt-punk ’zine that made fringe culture mainstream, to media empire of the indie sleaze era valued at $5.7bn, up to its recent bankruptcy—directed by author, producer, host and chef Eddie Huang. A disaster capitalism exposé that’s emblematic of an era, from the irresistible insider’s point of view of a man on a mission to tell it like it is.

The film is financed and produced by QC Entertainment, the multi-Academy Award-nominated production/finance company behind a string of global box office hits approaching $1 billion at the worldwide box office. Led by producers Raymond Mansfield and Sean McKittrick, QC is renowned for backing commercially successful, socially resonant films such as Get Out and BlacKkKlansman. The company came aboard Vice is Broke in support of Huang’s bold vision and the moral urgency at the heart of the story. Edward H. Hamm Jr. serves as Executive Producer for QC, with Maya Rodrigo also producing.

ABOUT EDDIE HUANG
Eddie Huang is a filmmaker, actor, chef and television personality who made his feature directorial debut with the 2021 basketball drama Boogie for Focus Features, which he also wrote and co-starred in opposite Pop Smoke and Taylour Paige. His autobiographical book, ‘Fresh Off the Boat: A Memoir’, was adapted into a critically acclaimed ABC comedy series of the same name, which completed its six-season run in 2020. Huang also owned the iconic Baohaus for 10 years, which ushered in a generation of Taiwanese-Chinese restaurants and launched his career hosting cooking shows including ‘Cheap Bites’ & ‘Unique Eats’. Eddie also hosted ‘Huang’s World’ for Vice, which ran for 4 seasons and followed Eddie as he travelled around the world to learn about the local history, culture and food. Eddie directed and stars in this highly anticipated documentary about the rise and fall of Vice Media.

#INTERVIEW: THE CAST OF “STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS” SEASON THREE

It was an amazing night celebrating season three of Paramount+’s STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS Season Three, arriving July 17, 2025 on the streaming service with two new episodes.

This branch of the Franchise continues to win raves with near-perfect scores on Rotten Tomatoes, Primetime Emmy, and Critics’ Choice nominations.

This season sees the crew on the U.S.S. Enterprise face a new villain as the series goes deeper than ever and to new heights!

Joining us for the night were:

Rebecca Romijn – Number One
Jess Bush – Nurse Christine Chappel
Celia Rose Gooding – Nyota Uhura
Melissa Navia – Lt. Erica Ortegas
Christina Chong – La’an Noonien-Singh
Babs Olusanmokun – Dr. M’Benga
Henry Alonso Meyers – Showrunner/Executive Producer
… and Runa!

So thrilled to get an opportunity to chat as well about what informs their characters, and what they will miss most about Toronto as the final season begins production later this year!

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#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “MAGNETOSPHERE” OUT JULY 22, 2025

Freestyle Digital Media, the digital film distribution division of Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group, proudly announces the acquisition of VOD rights to the coming-of-age comedy MAGNETOSPHERE, which will be available to rent/own on all North American digital HD internet, cable, and satellite platforms, as well as on DVD, starting July 22, 2025.

In MAGNETOSPHERE, it’s 1997, the Hale-Bopp comet is passing by Earth, and teenager Maggie Campion has a secret. She can see sounds and hear colors, and she experiences the world in a heightened, special way. Shy and cautious, Maggie has always kept this to herself. But when she moves cross-country with her family, Maggie’s world is shaken up. When she starts school and her theatrical, fun-loving dad mounts a ramshackle production of THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE at the local community theatre, Maggie meets several important people: a first love, a new best friend, a teacher who recognizes Maggie’s differences, and the family’s loony handyman-exterminator, Gil, who nurses a formidable hidden talent. Together, these oddball folks will lead Maggie to realize her differences have a name — synesthesia.

Written and directed by Nicola Rose, MAGNETOSPHERE was produced by Tierney Boorboor, Rebeka Herron, and Drew Martin. The featured cast includes: Shayelin Martin (Wild Goat Surf), Patrick McKenna (The Red Green Show), Colin Mochrie (Whose Line is it Anyway?), Steven He (YouTube star known for “Emotional Damage!”/Asian Dad videos), Debra McGrath (Little Mosque on the Prairie), Tara Strong (The Powerpuff Girls, Teen Titans), Tania Webb (Better Days), Mikayla Kong (Accused), and Zooey Schneider (Li’l Stompers).

“MAGNETOSPHERE is a story about different kinds of love: between families, between friends, first love, confused love, through the eyes of a teen girl with an unconventional brain,” said filmmaker Nicola Rose. “MAGNETOSPHERE is a story full of feelings and silliness — kind of like adolescence itself.”

Freestyle Digital Media negotiated the deal to acquire MAGNETOSPHERE directly with the
filmmakers and Glen Reynolds of Circus Road Films.

#FOOD: THE DRAKE ANNOUNCE NEW MENU UNDER CHEF DANIEL HYAM

The Drake, a Toronto institution, is pleased to share a delicious new chapter at with the launch of a new menu under the direction of Executive Chef Daniel Hyam – a bold evolution where comfort food, candid cocktails, and global flavours reflect the same distinctive personality and playful charm The Drake is known for.

Known as a culinary trendsetter, this new direction ushers in a fresh era for The Drake, which has stood the test of time on Queen West for the past 20 years. The menu is built around shareable plates, an expanded sushi program, and reimagined comfort classics, all served in one of Toronto’s most iconic dining destinations.

Drawing on Chef Hyam’s extensive culinary experience and The Drake’s distinct creative ethos, their new culinary anthology is more than just a menu – it’s an extension of the brand’s cultural fabric.

Just as The Drake blends high-low design and a deep commitment to showcasing local artists, the menu pairs reimagined classics with globally inspired dishes designed for sharing, spontaneity, and staying a while. Each plate sits comfortably in the brand’s world – thoughtful but unpretentious, bold but approachable.

Served alongside a curated cocktail list and an ever-evolving cultural program, the dining experience mirrors the hotel’s role as a true Toronto tastemaker: a place where food, music, art, and people come together.

Chef Hyam is a veteran of high-volume kitchens across North America, having worked for a decade under chef David Lee at the highly acclaimed Nota Bene and then Planta.

The Drake’s New Menu Highlights:

• Umai Bowl featuring miso-glazed salmon with chickpea crumble
• Sticky Baby Back Ribs infused with lemongrass and lime
• All-New Sushi Lineup featuring Snow Crab Hosomaki, Mango Salmon Maki, Crispy Rice Aburi and more. 

The Drake’s New Cocktail Highlights

• Bubblegum Cosmo: with bubblegum, lime, orange, Absolut Citron vodka
• Hot Lips: featuring grapefruit, Campari, gochujang, lime, Altos plata tequila
• The Drake Martini: with your choice of: Beefeater gin or Absolut vodka and choose your adventure: Dirty, Dry, Wet

At the multi-venue Drake Hotel, there’s always something happening that brings people together to enjoy the dynamic spirit of West Queen West. Whether it’s bold, protein-packed dishes inspired by global flavors or live music and DJ sets that keep the nights lively, The Drake never misses a beat. From morning through sunset, you’re invited to enjoy every bite your way, whether you’re lounging at the Sky Yard or relaxing in the Patio Café.

Location: 1150 Queen Street West
Website:TheDrake.ca
Instagram: @thedrake

About Chef Daniel Hyam –Executive Chef, The Drake Hotel: With over 16 years of experience in high-volume, acclaimed kitchens across North America, Chef Daniel Hyam brings a dynamic blend of creative leadership, culinary innovation, and operational excellence to his role as Executive Chef at The Drake Hotel. A Toronto native and George Brown College alum, Daniel spent nearly a decade honing his craft at the award-winning Nota Beneunder Chef David Lee, progressing from Chef de Partie to Chef de Cuisine. Daniel played a key leadership role in the launch and expansion ofPlanta Restaurants, developing menus, opening concepts, and training teams in Toronto, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Los Angeles, and Washington D.C. As Executive Chef at Planta HQ, he helped define the group’s modern, globally inspired, plant-based approach. Known for bold flavour profiles, layered spices, and contemporary interpretations of comfort classics, Daniel’s culinary style is globally informed but grounded in approachability and guest connection.

We had the pleasure of attending an event for the new launch. Confirming, delicious!

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#FIRSTLOOK: SEASON FOUR OF “UPLOAD” COMING TO PRIME VIDEO CANADA AUGUST 25, 2025

Today, Prime Video announced that Season Four of the sci-fi comedy series Upload will premiere on Monday, August 25, 2025 on Prime Video. First-look official images out now. The fourth season will consist of four episodes premiering exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories around the world.

Upload is a sci-fi comedy series from Emmy-winning writer Greg Daniels (The Office, Parks and Recreation, King of the Hill), set in a technologically advanced future where holographic phones, self-driving vehicles, AI assistance, and 3D food printers are the norm. And, forget about dying – instead, you’ll be “uploaded” to a virtual reality afterlife, and enjoy all the comforts of a world-class resort. Provided you can afford it.

In the four-part series finale event, sentient AI rapidly turns evil, threatening to wipe out Lakeview (and the world!). On top of greedy executives, lingering mysteries, plus heartbreak in VR and IRL, our characters are tested like never before. The only way they can get through it all and save humanity from deletion is by teaming up one last time.

The series was created by Greg Daniels, who also serves as executive producer along with Howard Klein and Maxwell Vivian. Series stars: Robbie Amell as Nathan, Andy Allo as Nora, Kevin Bigley as Luke, Allegra Edwards as Ingrid, Zainab Johnson as Aleesha, and Owen Daniels as A.I. Guy.