Say hello to summer with a splash of our oh-so-cool new seasonal icon! Three new Starbucks- Refreshers® Beverages feature a cool combination of summer berries that is bright blue with new, juicy raspberry pearls!

Summer-Berry Starbucks Refreshers® Beverage features a sweet and summery blend of raspberry, blueberry and blackberry flavors shaken with ice and poured over a layer of new popping raspberry flavoured pearls.

Summer-Berry Lemonade Starbucks Refreshers® Beverage is bright and refreshing. The drink combines Summer-Berry Refreshers shaken with ice and lemonade and poured over a layer of popping raspberry flavoured pearls.

Summer Skies Drink is a dreamy sip that’s bursting with fruity flavour. The non-dairy beverage features Summer-Berry Refreshers creamy coconut beverage poured over ice and a layer of new popping raspberry flavoured pearls that bring a burst of raspberry flavour.

The new raspberry flavoured pearls add a pop of flavour and colour and will be a first for Starbucks menus in the U.S. and Canada. The beverage development team at Starbucks drew inspiration from drinks around the world, with Starbucks stores in Asia Pacific having tapped into the trend in recent years, offering a Dark Caramel Coffee Sphere Frappuccino with bursting coffee spheres and a Peach Plum Pearls Oolong with plum-flavoured pearls.

The new pearls build on Starbucks leadership and innovation in textured beverages, which has been on the menu since 2012 with the global debut of Starbucks Refreshers® Beverages, known for their real fruit pieces of strawberry pineapple and dragonfruit (which most recently got a spicy kick!).

Enjoy any of the new summer beverages with the new Pineapple Cloud Cake, an airy cake layered with a lightweight pineapple cream and pineapple spread, including whole fruit pieces, topped with a sweet drizzle, so every bite feels like a summer oasis.

Additionally, Starbucks is introducing a new line of vibrant, summer-inspired drinkware. From cold cups in a variety of trending colours and prints, to ever-popular iridescent bling cold cup, Starbucks summer merchandise is the perfect addition for any sun-soaked moment.

It was a star-studded evening at the highly anticipated Toronto premiere of Cirque du Soleil’s newest production, ECHO, presented by Sun Life. Last night, Cirque du Soleil welcomed more than 2500 VIP guests, stars of film, television and music, notable influencers as well as business and philanthropic leaders who converged under the Big Top for an unforgettable show.

Canada’s Got Talent judges Trish Stratus and Kardinal Offishall made it a family night out, as did some of the cast of Workin’ Moms: Dani Kind, Juno Rinaldo, Sarah McVie; and celebrity chefs Lynn Crawford and Claudio Aprile.

Music fans were abuzz with excitement and sightings of their favourite artists from the likes of pop sensation Shawn Desman, ‘90s icon SNOW, soul artist Karl Wolf, EDM DJ Frank Walker, and international Brazilian music star Naldo Benny was in Toronto to see ECHO.

R&B songstress turned entertainment host Keshia Chante mixed and mingled with fellow TV and media personalities such as Arisa Cox, Roz Weston, Scott McGillivray, and Sarah Richardson. Also enjoying the festivities were Law & Order Toronto’s Karen Robinson, K.C. Collins and Araya Mengesha.

A fun moment that was captured on the red carpet with Trish Stratus, Mary Berg (The Good Stuff) and Cheryl Hickey striking an acrobatic pose. But not to be outdone, Cirque du Soleil artists also made cameos on Red Carpet to pose with guests – all part of the revelry celebrating Cirque du Soleil’s 40th anniversary year which also included an Air Canada food truck serving what else, but poutine!

The ground-breaking, futuristic show mesmerized audiences under the Big Top, garnering laughter, awe, and some heart-stopping moments throughout the show. Highlights include a (literally) hair-raising duo hair suspension act – one of the many “firsts” in ECHO:

ECHO is Cirque du Soleil’s first new original Big Top creation since 2018’s BAZZAR.
ECHO is the first ever Cirque du Soleil show to feature 6 live vocalists, with most of the musicians also singing throughout the show.
ECHO uses an impressive 10 video projectors to cover the CUBE, the stage, and the artists, which marks the most ever for a Cirque du Soleil Big Top show.

ECHO is the 20th Big Top creation from Cirque du Soleil and its 51st overall, with a cast of 52 artists representing 19 different nationalities.

Cirque du Soleil’s ECHO runs in Toronto through to August 4th. Tickets for ECHO are on sale now, starting at $77. For visit https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/echo.

OFFICIAL PARTNER
ECHO is presented by Sun Life, principal partner of the Canadian tour. Cirque du Soleil also wishes to thank its official partners Air Canada,Mastercard and Olé Cocktails.

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group
Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group is a world leader in live entertainment. In addition to producing world-renowned circus arts shows, the Company brings its creative approach to a large variety of entertainment forms, such as multimedia productions, immersive experiences, and special events. Going beyond its various creations, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group aims to positively impact people, communities and the planet with its most important tools: creativity and art. Since its creation in 1984, more than 378 million people have been inspired on 6 continents and 86 countries. The Canadian company now employs more than 4000 employees, including 1200 artists from 80 different nationalities. For more information about Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, visit www.cirquedusoleilentertainmentgroup.com.

We had a whirlwind past few weeks and prior to our trip to New York, we got to test drive the amazing 2024 Honda CR-V Sport in an elegant crystal black. This latest offering in the spacious Compact Recreational Vehicle family continues its family’s legacy of versatility and reliability. After a bit of a slow winter, events have picked-up around the City and as always we have a hard time saying “no”! The CR-V Sport was a trusty chariot, up for every challenge!

Powered by a 1.5 litre, 16-valve, Direct Injection, DOHC, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 190 horsepower and 179 -lb.ft. of torque, the CR-V Sport is none short on power. Honda has the market cornered, understanding that Canadian drivers have the need for three essential driving modes: Normal, Econ and Snow.

We’re big on Fuel Economy, especially when gas prices are … let’s just say it, exhorbitant! But a quick visit across the Border really proved how this might be something specific to us more in Canada! The CR-V Sport is value-focused offering a 9.1/7.6/8.4 L/100 KM (City/Hwy/Combined) fuel economy, giving us a ton of run for our money.

The CR-V Sport is intuitive and mindful of the passenger experience too. Our passengers appreciate its dual-zone automatic climate control with air-filtration system, plus seat warmers. For those cooler months, the Driver benefits from a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel as well.

Navigating the vehicle’s features is simple with its 7-inch colour touchscreen audio with 6 speakers is simple. While other trims of the CR-V Sport feature more elaborate bells and whistles, the Sport is functional and more than adequate for your daily drives. Driver and passenger have USB charging ports, though we do find ourselves missing the wireless charging plate that othr CR-V trims have.

Its Driver’s seat comes with 8-way power adjustment including 2-way power lumbar support and you’ll be pleased to know that you get proximity entry for those of you like me who are always fumbling for keys. Above this, it quickly locks as well within moments of stepping out of the car, an added protection in this era we’re living in.

The CR-V Sport isn’t just about function, it comes with some beautiful flourishes including 18″ aluminum-alloy wheels, black, rear privacy-tinted glass – which is perfect for our star, miss beanie. Also we love its one-touch power moonroof with tilt feature, which we finally can use now that we are experiencing some warmer weather! It also has front and back windshield wipers – the latter a must for visibility in rainy, slushy weather.

True to Honda form, this SUV is loaded with Driver-Assist Safety Technology including: Blind Spot Information (BSI) system, Rear Cross Traffic Monitor system, Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS^®), Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system, Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low Speed Follow (LSF), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) system, 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA^®) with Traction Control, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA^®) with Traction Control. You can drive worry-free knowing Honda always has your back. We don’t remember life before having Honda’s multi-angle rearview cameras guiding us as we reverse and park.

Passive Safety features include coverage from all the angles: Advanced front airbags, side curtain airbags with rollover sensor system and SmartVent™ side airbags.

This is perfect for those of you looking for value and reliability with a heavy dash of style.

Click here for more. The 2024 Honda CR-V Sport begins at $44,211 CAN.

Some highlights from our Test Drive:

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Today, Disney+ revealed that the critically acclaimed, Emmy® Award-winning hit comedy series FX’s “The Bear” will premiere its third season on Thursday, June 27 only on Disney+ in Canada, with all episodes available at premiere. The first teaser for Season 3 was also released today and is available now, along with a first look image.

Season three of FX’s “The Bear” follows Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White), Sydney Adamu (Ayo Edebiri) and Richard “Richie” Jerimovich (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) as they do what it takes to elevate The Bear, their beef stand turned fine dining establishment, to the highest level, all while doing their best just to stay in business. It’s a losing battle every single day in the restaurant business. Carmy pushes himself harder than ever, and demands excellence from his crew, who do their best to match his intensity.

Their quest for culinary excellence will propel the crew to new levels and stress the bonds that hold the restaurant together. As the team grows in size, each member will strive to reach a greater level of service within their role. In the restaurant industry, you’re never on solid ground, and with that ever-changing landscape comes new challenges and opportunities. Our chefs have learned that every second counts, but this season we’ll find out if they have what it takes to make it to tomorrow.

The half-hour series also stars Abby Elliott, Lionel Boyce, Liza Colón-Zayas and Matty Matheson, with Oliver Platt and Molly Gordon in recurring roles.

Named an AFI Television Program of the Year for two years running, FX’s “The Bear” has garnered significant Awards attention for its critically acclaimed first and second seasons including nominations and/or wins from the Emmy® Awards, Golden Globe Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, Peabody Awards, Critics Choice Awards, Writers Guild Awards, Directors Guild Awards, Producer Guild Awards, NAACP Image Awards, Independent Spirit Awards, MPSE Golden Reel Awards, CAS Awards, ACE Eddie Awards, TCA Awards, amongst others.

FX’s “The Bear” was created by Christopher Storer, who acts as executive producer alongside Josh Senior, Joanna Calo, Cooper Wehde, Tyson Bidner, Matty Matheson and Hiro Murai. Courtney Storer serves as a co-executive producer and culinary producer. The series is produced by FX Productions.

The announcement of the 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival marks the largest Canadian presence at the festival in the last 12 years. More than 300 Canadians from across the country will be on the Croisette from May 14 to 25, 2024.

In the official selection, Ali Abbasi’s The Apprentice (his third film in the official selection at Cannes) and David Cronenberg’s The Shrouds (his seventh film in the official selection at Cannes) have been selected for competition. In the short film competition, Perfectly a Strangeness by Alison McAlpine is in the running. Telos I by Emil Dam Seidel and Dorotea Saykaly, and The Roaming by Mathieu Pradat have been selected for the new immersive competition. Finally, out of competition, Rumours by Guy Maddin, Evan Johnson and Galen Johnson is part of the selection.

In addition, the parallel sections of the Directors’ Fortnight and Critics’ Week include Une Langue Universelle (Universal Language) by Matthew Rankin and Alazar by Beza Hailu Lemma.

The films Rumours, The Shrouds, and Une Langue Universelle (Universal Language) received funding from Telefilm Canada.

“Canadian talent shines brightly at Cannes,” said Julie Roy, Executive Director and CEO of Telefilm Canada. “This year’s outstanding representation reflects the artistic excellence of a variety of talents, from the most experienced to the emerging, and the incredible diversity of the stories they tell us, in all their forms. This is what characterizes our national cinematography, which resonates and captivates audiences around the world. This exceptional year also demonstrates the growing interest of other countries to collaborate with Canada. It’s truly stimulating to see this openness of working together, strengthening our cultural and creative ties, and enriching our global film scene!”

In addition to the Cannes Film Festival, the large Canadian delegation will also be taking part in the Marché du Film (featuring 27 Canadian titles), playing a key role as project promoters. This active participation will enable Canadian film professionals to connect with potential partners, develop new projects and explore opportunities to collaborate on an international scale. This reflects Canada’s commitment to promoting its audiovisual industry and strengthening its ties with the global film community.

Paramount+ today announced that the original drama series LIONESS (previously titled SPECIAL OPS: LIONESS) has been renewed for a second season. From Oscar nominee Taylor Sheridan, the series’ returning star-studded cast includes series lead and executive producer Zoe Saldaña; Canadian Laysla De Oliveira; Emmy® nominee Michael Kelly; with Oscar winner Morgan Freeman, who will be a series regular in season two; and Oscar winner and executive producer Nicole Kidman. The record-breaking espionage thriller is produced by MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios exclusively for Paramount+.

Season one of LIONESS set a new record as the service’s most-watched worldwide series premiere on launch day, at that time, with nearly six million total viewers in its first week across Paramount+ globally and a linear preview on the Paramount Network.

“Our Paramount+ audience resoundingly has joined forces in support of LIONESS’ gripping, global story and the powerhouse performances from Zoe Saldaña, Laysla De Oliveira and Nicole Kidman,” said Jeff Grossman, Executive Vice President, Programming, Paramount+. “We cannot wait to see more of the heart-stopping suspense and action that Taylor Sheridan and the incredibly talented team deliver in its second season.”

“LIONESS captivated audiences around the world as one of the most-watched global series premieres on Paramount+ last year,” said Chris McCarthy, Office of the CEO, Paramount Global and President & CEO, SHOWTIME/MTV Entertainment Studios. “Driven by Taylor Sheridan’s masterful storytelling and Nicole Kidman’s and Zoe Saldaña’s remarkable performances, season two promises to immerse audiences in yet another riveting, adrenaline-fueled journey.”

LIONESS, inspired by an actual U.S. Military program, follows the life of Joe (Saldaña) while she attempts to balance her personal and professional life as the tip of the CIA’s spear in the war on terror. The series also stars Dave Annable, Jill Wagner, LaMonica Garrett, James Jordan, Austin Hébert, Jonah Wharton and Hannah Love Lanier. The series is executive produced by Taylor Sheridan, David C. Glasser, Zoe Saldaña, Nicole Kidman, Ron Burkle, Bob Yari, David Hutkin, Jill Wagner, David Lemanowicz, Geyer Kosinski, Michael Friedman and Keith Cox and is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.

In addition to LIONESS, Sheridan’s growing slate on Paramount+ includes TULSA KING, MAYOR OF KINGSTOWN and LANDMAN, which currently are all in production; 1923, which will begin filming its second season later this year; LAWMEN: BASS REEVES; and 1883.

For more information about Paramount+ and LIONESS, please visit www.paramountplus.com, and follow @ParamountPlusCA and @LionessPPlus on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

Michael Sarnoski writes and directs A QUIET PLACE: DAY ONE starring Lupita Nyong’o and Joseph Quinn! Today we get a brand-new Trailer.

OFFICIAL SYNOPSIS

Experience the day the world went quiet.

A QUIET PLACE: DAY ONE IS ONLY IN THEATRES AND IMAX ON JUNE 28, 2024.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures Canada)

Fashion’s biggest night did not disappoint! The cream of the crop, top of the heap gathered at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York for the 2024 MET GALA, celebrating this year’s decided theme “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion“. Elegance bloomed with stars from across all disciplines uniting at the ultra-exclusive affair, which some could have purchased a ticket to at $75,000 US each, and subject to approval above that! We saw a lot of floral inspiration in the fashion this year, paying tribute to the flowers and botanicals of the woods in which the fairy tale is set.

We were in-town as we have in previous years to capture a bit of the excitement. We simply adore New York City, its people, its dining, its welcoming heart and we will continue to visit as long as we can! beanie and I had an absolute blast and this year more than ever we saw fans and spectators out and about in full force. The star power of the Met Gala is undeniable and it is a good thing that everyone’s talking about it. It literally is the greatest night on earth!

Admittedly, we had a shortlist of stars we wanted to meet real bad, and as luck would have it, most of our wishes came true this year. A magical year! To think we were feeling a bit down for part of the night wondering if it was ever gonna happen.

Some highlights from our visit, including a frenetic reel of our sights of Met Gala night!

Also some highlights of our delightful time in the City. The amazing things we savoured. The stars we saw!

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Two very exciting food and drink festivals will be taking place this June on HOTEL X TORONTO‘s grounds. Are you ready?

Brunch Fest: Toronto’s favourite 2-day brunch festival, returns Saturday, June 15 and Sunday, June 16, 2024 at The Grounds at Hotel X Toronto. Brunch Fest, presented by TasteToronto will host the city’s top restaurants offering 150+ mouthwatering dishes, mimosas at the Mimosa Bar or Ultimate Caesars from the Matt & Steve’s Caesar Gardens. With smoothie bowls, freshly squeezed juices, and plenty of vegan options, Brunch Fest is a brunch lover’s dream come true! Experience Toronto’s brunch culture like never before while enjoying live music by the St. Royals, DJs, live performances, interactive games and much more!

When: Saturday, June 15, from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm and Sunday, June 16, from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm

Where: The Grounds at Hotel X Toronto – 115 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto, ON M6K 3C3

Tickets: Tickets range from $17.95 to $25.95 and are available here. This is a 19+ event; a valid ID is required for entry.

For more information, visit thebrunchfest.ca

Rosé Picnic: Toronto’s ultimate picnic dedicated to everyone’s favourite pink drink, is happening on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at Stanley Barracks Grounds at Hotel X Toronto! New this year, the celebration will kick off with the Summer Solstice presented by Barbados party on Friday, June 21 featuring vibrant Caribbean entertainment, dancers, stilt walkers and tunes by international DJs. Ticket holders for Rosé Picnic or the Summer Solstice party will be entered to win a 5-night all-inclusive vacation experience in Barbados. All Rosé Picnic guests will receive a scoop of Baskin Robbins ice cream topped with Tequila Rose and a break-free glass upon arrival. Running now until Mother’s Day – get two tickets for $99.95 (ends May 13th)!

Summer Solstice Party
When: Friday, June 21, 2024 from 5:00 pm -11:00 pm
Where: Stanley Barracks Grounds at Hotel X Toronto – 115 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto, ON M6K 3C3
Tickets: Available at rosepicnic.com 19+ event, a valid ID is required for entry.
Attire: Dress to impress — pink and white attire is recommended

Rosé Picnic
When: Saturday, June 22, 2024 from 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Where: Stanley Barracks Grounds at Hotel X Toronto – 115 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto, ON M6K 3C3

Tickets: Available at rosepicnic.com 19+ event, a valid ID is required for entry.
Attire: Dress to impress — pink and white attire is recommended

For more information visit rosepicnic.com

Today, Disney+ revealed first look images and the premiere date for the upcoming new season of “Criminal Minds: Evolution.” Produced by ABC Signature and CBS Studios, the 10-episode new season will premiere on June 7, 2024 on Disney+ in Canada. The first two episodes will be available to stream at launch with subsequent new episodes dropping weekly on Friday.

In the wake of last season’s shocking finale, the upcoming all-new season of “Criminal Minds: Evolution” picks up as the FBI’s elite team of profilers investigates the deadly mystery of GOLD STAR. As the conspiracy unfolds, the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) is met with an unexpected complication when serial killer Elias Voit negotiates a deal that transfers him to federal custody in the BAU’s own backyard. The team faces its biggest threat yet and cannot emerge unscathed from the mind-bending consequences.

“Criminal Minds: Evolution” stars Joe Mantegna, A.J. Cook, Kirsten Vangsness, Aisha Tyler, Zach Gilford, Ryan-James Hatanaka with Adam Rodriguez and Paget Brewster. Felicity Huffman will guest star this season.

The series is produced by ABC Signature and CBS Studios. Erica Messer (“Criminal Minds,” “Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders”) serves as showrunner and executive producer, with Breen Frazier, Chris Barbour, Glenn Kershaw and Mark Gordon also executive producing.

“Criminal Minds: Evolution” debuted in 2022 and is currently available to stream on Disney+ along with all 15 seasons of the original “Criminal Minds” series, also available to stream on the service.