Chef Esau Garcia, whose résumé includes time at Toronto’s MICHELIN-recognized Madrina Bar y Tapas, has officially joined Ficoa as Executive Chef—ushering in a new chapter for the Neo-Latin fine dining restaurant in Little Italy. The internationally trained Mexican chef, known for his soulful precision, brings over 13 years of global experience spanning Mexico, Australia, and Toronto’s top kitchens. Ficoa, which opened last year under the direction of serial restaurateur Patricia Toro, has become known for its seasonal, boundary-pushing interpretation of Latin flavours—an approach Garcia now helps shape through a globally informed lens.

About chef Esau Garcia
Born in Camargo, Chihuahua, Garcia found his calling early, drawn to the alchemy of flavour and the emotional depth of traditional Mexican cooking. His career has taken him from Totti’s in Australia, where he refined his approach to wood-fired and modern classics, to high-profile roles in some of Toronto’s most recognized dining rooms, including Rosalinda, Lena, and Madrina Bar y Tapas, where he served as Chef de Cuisine.

A shared culinary philosophy

Garcia’s philosophy—respect the ingredients, honour tradition, elevate the plate—aligns seamlessly with Toro’s vision for Ficoa: a restaurant that uses Latin culinary traditions not as a static reference point but as a living, evolving foundation for creativity. Together, they aim to reimagine what Latin fine dining can be in Canada.

His style is refined yet soulful—dishes that evoke memory while confidently forging new ground. At Ficoa, this approach will not only deepen the restaurant’s identity but also help redefine Toronto’s understanding of Latin-American cuisine altogether.

Menu offerings
Tasting Menu | $120
Available Wednesday–Saturday | 5–10 PM
Ficoa’s signature tasting menu, priced at $120, is a personal and exploratory expression of the culinary vision for the restaurant under the culinary direction of chef Esau, who now works alongside founder Patricia to shape the shared vision. Drawing from their Latin American roots and the global influences gathered through Esau’s travels the experience weaves together tradition and modernity. Dishes layer umami-rich ingredients, refined techniques, and luxurious accents like caviar and truffles into dishes that remain grounded in the essence of traditional Latin American cuisine. It’s a thoughtful evolution that reflects where Ficoa has been, and where it’s now headed.

To complement the tasting, guests may choose from a trio of pairing options:
Wine: $80 — Five 3oz pours

Cocktail: $100 — Five custom cocktails

Mixed: $120 — A curated blend of wine and cocktail pairings

One of the standout dishes on Ficoa’s new tasting menu is Garcia’s take on the anticucho—a beloved Peruvian classic reimagined through a Northern Mexican lens. Drawing from the vaquero (cowboy) culture of his region, Garcia blends culinary traditions to create a deeply personal skewer that’s both rustic and refined. Beef and bacon are layered and flame-kissed over charcoal to smoky perfection, served atop a rich, charred black garlic salsa made with tomato, onion, jalapeño, and chorizo—an earthy, complex sauce that nods to mole while adding a distinctly modern twist.

A “secret” upgrade is also available upon request: an “extra boujee” tasting menu that pushes the experience even further.

À La Carte
Available Wednesday–Saturday | 5–10 PM
For those looking to build their own dining experience, Ficoa offers an à la carte menu that applies the same philosophy of reverence and reimagination with inclusivity in mind. Every dish is a careful balance: Elevated yet rooted, refined without losing sight of its cultural lineage. Esau and Patricia approach the plate with the same intention: to honour the dish, its flavours, and the stories they carry, while introducing thoughtful new perspectives.

Take, for instance, the Papas a la Huancaína. A dish that holds deep personal resonance for Patricia—evoking memories of home in Ecuador—it’s traditionally served with boiled potatoes, hard-boiled egg, and a creamy huancaína sauce. At Ficoa, Esau preserves the essence while reshaping its form: The sauce becomes an airy foam; the egg is replaced with a three-day cured version, rich with umami; and a scattering of dehydrated black olives adds texture and depth. The result is both familiar and entirely new.
Or consider the ceviche, rooted in the Peruvian tradition of citrus-cured fish paired with corn and sweet potato. Guided by Patricia’s commitment to seasonality, Esau introduces delicate, ingredient-driven twists—folding in peak-summer Ontario strawberries into the pico de gallo, for example. He also serves the dish with a silken sweet potato purée, a nod to tradition, refined with technique. The flavours remain faithful to their lineage, but the execution speaks to a chef engaged in a thoughtful, ongoing dialogue with the ingredients—and the cultures—they represent.

Brunch
Available Friday–Sunday | 10 AM–2 PM
Ficoa’s brunch brings Latin American breakfast favourites into conversation with familiar brunch classics. The result is a morning menu that’s both comforting and inventive—plantains, masa, eggs, and pastries reimagined with vibrant twists and unexpected textures.

Beverage program

Cocktails
Ficoa’s cocktails are conceived in tandem with the kitchen, led by house mixologist Brenden McFarlane who takes cues from the same regional and cultural references that shape Esau’s dishes. Classics are reinterpreted with modern flair—think coconut-forward drinks, spice, acidity, and balance—crafted to echo and elevate the flavours on the plate.

Wine

The wine list features a rotating selection from Ontario producers and importers, with plans to expand to include bottles from Chile, Argentina, and Mexico—continuing the story of Latin American influence through the glass.
Interior

The changes at Ficoa extend beyond the kitchen. The restaurant has also undergone a thoughtful interior refresh, enhancing its atmosphere to match the new culinary direction. Guests can now expect a warm, cozy yet refined setting—complete with blue velvet seating, sleek furniture silhouettes, and soft, dimmed lighting that sets the tone for a more intimate, elevated dining experience.

Special events

In addition to its evolving menu, Ficoa is known for hosting thoughtfully curated events that bring people together around food, culture, and conversation. Tomorrow evening from 5:30-6:30 PM, the restaurant will welcome Valley of Mother of God Gin’s “Mother of All Talks”, a free-to-attend monthly keynote speaker series held at locations across Toronto. Each edition explores a different theme, inviting dynamic voices to share personal reflections that spark dialogue and connection.

This month’s theme, Family and Food, is brought to life with support from San Pellegrino and features keynote speeches from three powerful speakers: Cristina Carpio, Editor-in-Chief at Evolve Magazine, media personality and former host and producer of CTV Morning Live; Martine Bauer, award-winning chef and co-founder of the Pompette Group; and Ficoa’s own Patricia Toro, each offering personal reflections on the theme Family and Food.

Looking ahead, Ficoa will also host a bar battle in the coming months, collaborating with some of Toronto’s top mixologists to showcase creativity, competition, and cocktails at the highest level.

It was a celebratory week and we are thrilled the 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid was our test drive partner, proving again why this compact SUV Crossover continues to be a topseller. We celebrated Pride, Canada Day and the Fourth of July supporting businesses, attending socials and we may have seen a few famous faces along the way! Upon picking-up our partner, we were thrilled to see Honda Canada celebrating Pride month with a CR-V decked-out in all colours of the rainbow at their corporate office. It means so much to be seen by partners we value so much.

Powered by a 1.5-litre inline 4-cylinder engine with Turbocharge, including16-Valve DOHC with Dual Variable Timing Control (VTC), and Direct Injection, the 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid is fuss-free, perfect for every driving and tasks. It is major power at 190 combined horsepower, while feeling firm. The CR-V is true versatility and it is little wonder why it continues to be a topseller for Honda.

Not only is it performance, it is economical with idle stop and a fuel economy of 8.4/7.1/7.8 litres/100 km on front-wheel drive, and also 9.1/7.6/8.4 litres/100 km on all-wheel drive. While it has four driving modes: NORMAL/SPORTS/SNOW/ECON, the latter really ensures you get plenty of bang for your dollar. There’s also Eco Assist™ too!

The CR-V is loaded with premium fixtures and luxuries which give it added value beyond its price point. Whether it be its one-touch power moonroof, seat warmers (heated steering wheel too!), dual-climate control with air-filtration system, and also vents for second row passengers, Honda continuously shows that little things are actually big things once you realize others don’t have them! The Driver gets cozy 8-way power seat adjustment, including 2-way power lumbar support, while front passenger gets 4 ways to adjust, manually. The ventilation system was actually quite powerful, coming in super-handy during this heatwave on our road trip. We know that because miss beanie got the AC in the back row – not a pant to be heard along our drive!

Coming with a proximity key entry system with pushbutton start, remote engine start, walk-away door lock might seem like an afterthought when buying a car, but they are things that enhance your day, giving you less to ponder and worry about. It even has Driver Attention Monitor in case you yourself need a little steering! We’ve all been there!

The CR-V Hybrid comes with a handy Maintenance Minder™ system, illuminated steering wheel-mounted controls, and the ever-important multi-angle rearview camera with dynamic guidelines. The latter making just about anyone a pro-parallel parker. Its 9″ touchscreen display makes it all so easy and what we enjoyed about this test drive is when reversing for example, the view of the camera didn’t overlay the entire screen. You could still see other pertinent details with a part of the screen showing your view reversing. This is something new!

HD Radio™, SiriusXM™, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto are all available as well, ensuring you stay connected and are entertained during your drive, through its four speakers. That might be less than some of the others we’ve test-driven for Honda, but it was more than enough! We love an abundance of charging options, especially a car that still has USB-A ports! The CR-V Hybrid also gives you and your passengers wireless charging, USB-C as well.

Safety is a major priority and you get exactly that here with passive safety features like: 3-point seat belts at all seating positions, Childproof rear door locks, Driver’s and front passenger’s advanced front airbags (SRS), Rear outboard passengers’ side airbags, Seat belt reminder for all seating positions, and Side curtain airbags with rollover sensor.

Active safety features in the CRV-Hybrid include: 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System3 (ABS), Brake Assist, Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Hill Start Assist, Vehicle Stability Assist3 (VSA®) with Traction Control, Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, Driver’s and front passenger’s knee airbags (SRS), Driver’s and front passenger’s front side airbags, Front and outboard rear 3-point seat belts with automatic tensioning system, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH): Lower Anchors (2nd-row outboard), Tether Anchors (2nd-row all), Rear Seat Reminder4 (RSR), HondaLink™ Assist Automatic Emergency Response System, Rear privacy-tinted glass, and theft immobilizer.

Re-live our Pride, Canada Day, and Fourth of July adventures in the 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid with us!

The 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid starts at $40,111 CAN, hitting all the marks for that incredible price point!

More here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

On Saturday, July 5th, My Life with the Walter Boys stars Nikki Rodriguez, Noah LaLonde and Ashby Gentry appeared on stage at the world-famous Calgary Stampede rodeo in Calgary, Canada – where the series is filmed – to make a surprise announcement that season 2 will premiere on Thursday, August 28, 2025 only on Netflix. Attendees also got an early look at the three new images included in today’s announcement.

About My Life with the Walter Boys Season 2:

After leaving Silver Falls following Alex’s love confession and her kiss with Cole, Jackie Howard spent the summer in New York City. When Katherine convinces her to return to Colorado, Jackie is determined to make amends with Alex and set boundaries with Cole while finding her place within the Walter family. But fitting back in isn’t that easy. Alex – who changed a lot over the summer – isn’t too thrilled about Jackie’s attempts to reconnect, as he’s focused on training for a risky rodeo event (and enjoying all of the new attention he’s getting). Meanwhile, Cole takes on a new role at school, but when that doesn’t quite fill the void left by not playing football, his old ways creep back in and cause drama. As Jackie gains acceptance in Silver Falls while trying to hold onto her Howard identity, she’s forced to make a choice that could destroy everything she’s worked to rebuild.Series Credits:Showrunner / Executive Producer: Melanie HalsallExecutive Producers: Ed Glauser, Becky Hartman EdwardsProduced by: Sony Pictures Television, International Production and iGeneration Studios (THE KISSING BOOTH trilogy of films)Based on the Novel: My Life with the Walter Boys by Ali NovakCast/Characters: Nikki Rodriguez (Jackie), Sarah Rafferty Katherine), Marc Blucas (George), Noah LaLonde (Cole), Ashby Gentry (Alex), Connor Stanhope (Danny), Johnny Link (Will), Corey Fogelmanis (Nathan), Jaylan Evans (Skylar), Zoë Soul (Hayley), Isaac Arellanes (Isaac), Myles Perez (Lee), Alex Quijano (Richard), Ashley Tavares (Tara), Dean Petriw (Jordan), Alix West Lefler (Parker), Lennix James (Benny), Alisha Newton (Erin), Ellie O’Brien (Grace), Kolton Stewart (Dylan), Mya Lowe (Kiley), Gabrielle Jacinto (Olivia), Jesse Lipscombe (Coach Allen), Nathaniel Arcand (Mato), Natalie Sharp (B.Hartford), Carson MacCormac (Zach), Janet Kidder (Joanne), Riele Downs (Maria), Jake Manley (Wylder)

Toronto’s beloved waterfront restaurant, Miku Toronto (10 Bay Street), and the picturesque farm-to-table destination Littlejohn Farm in Prince Edward County are proud to announce their collaborative dining series, Miku Meets The County. This special series unfolds across two unforgettable evenings, beginning at Littlejohn Farm on August 9 and continuing at Miku Toronto on August 28. Guests will enjoy two distinct culinary experiences shaped by place, season, and creative partnership, with thoughtful beverage pairings featured at both events. Tickets for the August 9 dinner at Littlejohn Farm are $225 (excluding alcohol) or $325 (with beverage pairings, plus taxes and gratuity). Guests can reserve their tickets for this event HERE. Tickets for the August 28th event are priced at $225 per guest, with optional wine pairings available for $65. Reservations can be made on OpenTable HERE.

EVENT 1: MIKU TORONTO AT LITTLEJOHN FARM – AUGUST 9, 2025
Set against the lush landscape of Prince Edward County, Littlejohn Farm is known for its terroir-driven cuisine and commitment to sustainable agriculture. Guests will be welcomed with a garden cocktail featuring Valley of Mother of God Gin, followed by a guided tour of the property, live DJ entertainment, and a thoughtfully curated menu crafted by chef Zach Littlejohn and chef Michael Acero.

This exceptional dinner will highlight fresh, seasonal ingredients harvested from the farm itself, alongside refined Japanese techniques. From sashimi and Miku’s signature oshi to seed granola and expertly aged meats from Littlejohn Farm, this meal brings together a bounty of land and sea.

“Collaborating with chef Michael on this menu has been an exciting, creative process,” says chef Zach. “We are blending two very different culinary worlds in a way that feels seamless and fresh. This menu is unlike anything we have done before, and we cannot wait for guests to experience the results of this special partnership.”

EVENT DETAILS
Miku Toronto at Littlejohn Farm
Date: August 9, 2025

Time: 4:00 pm

Location: Littlejohn Farm, 908 County Rd 10, Picton, ON

Ticket Price: $225 without alcoholic pairings, $325 with pairings

Tickets: Can be purchased HERE

MENU AT LITTLEJOHN FARM

Appetizers and Drinks
(Beverage pairing optional and available at an additional cost)
Garden Cocktail (Littlejohn Farm)
Raspberry kombucha, VMG classic gin, white flower honey, freshly pressed citrus, cucumber and mint
Zero-proof Garden Cocktail (Littlejohn Farm)
Raspberry kombucha, white flower honey, freshly pressed citrus, cucumber and mint
Chawanmushi (Miku)
Farm fresh eggs, clam dashi, garden blossoms
Summer Vegetables (Littlejohn Farm)
Green onion pesto, sesame oil, seed granola
Salmon Oshi (Miku)
Pressed BC wild sockeye salmon, jalapeño, Miku sauce
Lamb Tartare (Littlejohn Farm)
Crispy potato, crème fraiche, bone marrow crust
Ebi Oshi (Miku)
Pressed prawn, lime zest, ume sauce
Fried Brassicas (Littlejohn Farm)
Vietnamese crudité, soy gastrique, lemon verbena

Mains
Organic Sourdough Bread
Whipped butter and Maldon salt
Farmhouse Terrine (Littlejohn Farm)
Herb salad, pickles, sauce remoulade
Sable Fish (Miku)
Saikyo Marinated Sablefish, tomato varieties, puttanesca sauce
Rustic Ranger Chicken (Littlejohn Farm)
Corn, potatoes, vin jaune
Beef Course (Miku)
Pickled yellow beets, white onion puree, braised roots, crispy onion tempura, mushroom jus

Desserts
Goat’s Milk Panna Cotta (Littlejohn Farm)
Honey, preserved fruit, lavender shortbread
Green Tea Opera (Miku)
Green tea génoise, matcha buttercream, dark chocolate ganache, adzuki bean cream, hazelnut wafer, assorted farm berries

EVENT 2: LITTLEJOHN FARM AT MIKU TORONTO – AUGUST 28, 2025
Littlejohn Farm travels to Miku Toronto’s award-winning waterfront location for a collaborative seven-course tasting menu led by chef Michael Acero and chef Zach Littlejohn. Known for its contemporary Japanese cuisine and refined Aburi sushi, Miku Toronto brings its signature precision and upscale ambiance to this unique dinner series. The evening will spotlight fresh Ontario produce from Littlejohn Farm, interpreted through the lens of elegant Japanese culinary technique, and paired with wines sponsored by Closson Chase Vineyards.

“Partnering with Littlejohn Farm has given us the opportunity to connect more deeply with the ingredients and the land,” says chef Michael. “These dinners are more than just a meal, they are about community, collaboration, and celebrating the best of both our kitchens.”

Guests can expect warm hospitality, direct engagement with the chefs, and a thoughtfully curated menu that blends sustainable local ingredients with Miku’s hallmark innovation. Miku Toronto’s commitment to community and environmental responsibility, including initiatives like on-site water filtration and reduced packaging waste, further reflects the shared values behind this collaboration.

EVENT DETAILS
Littlejohn Farm at Miku Toronto
Date: August 28, 2025

Time: Two seatings at 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm

Location: Miku Toronto, Waterpark Place, 10 Bay Street, Toronto, ON

Ticket Price: $225 per guest; optional wine pairings additional $65

Tickets: Can be purchased HERE

MENU AT MIKU TORONTO
First Course
Terrine Amuse Bouche

Second Course
Chef’s Selection of Fresh Sashimi

Third Course
Japanese Hassun featuring Littlejohn Farm produce

Fourth Course
Sablefish and Octopus Puttanesca

Fifth Course
Chef’s Selection of Sushi and Vegetable Pairing

Sixth Course
Beef Cheek and Wagyu Duo

Dessert
Elderflower Champagne Sorbet

ABOUT THE CHEFS

Michael Acero
Chef De Cuisine, Miku Toronto

Raised in Vancouver, Michael has over 20 years of culinary experience. He refined his skills in diverse culinary environments, eventually finding his passion in Japanese cuisine. A longstanding member of Aburi Restaurants, Michael now leads Miku Toronto, bringing creativity, precision, and innovation to the restaurant’s culinary offerings.

Zach Littlejohn
Co-founder, Chef & Farmer, Littlejohn Farm

Raised in rural Ontario, Zach cultivated a love of sustainable agriculture early on. His culinary journey led him to Whistler, BC, and eventually back to Ontario to establish Littlejohn Farm. Together with his wife, Luhana Littlejohn, they provide exceptional dining experiences rooted in authenticity, hospitality, and sustainability.

The Miku Meets The County dinner series combines refined Japanese technique with the freshness of Ontario farm ingredients. Helmed by two innovative chefs, this collaboration emphasizes sustainable practices and premium, local ingredients. Guests can anticipate a memorable and delicious journey through carefully curated dishes, fine wines, and extraordinary hospitality. Secure your reservation soon to experience these remarkable culinary events: Littlejohn Farm tickets and Miku Toronto reservations can be made HERE.

JURASSIC WORLD REBIRTH towers over the competition with a smashing July 4th weekend debut of $85.4 million from 4,063 theatres for Universal Pictures. Reviews have been mixed for this installment of the franchise starring Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey, and Mahershala Ali, coming in at 51% on the Tomatometer. Franchise best still goes to 2015’s JURASSIC WORLD with $208 million.

Next up is last week’s champ F1, with $25 million from 3,732 theatres in its second weekend. This brings its total to $108 million for Warner Bros.

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON flies into third with $9 million, bringing its run to $222 million domestically for Universal Pictures.

Fourth is Disney and Pixar’s ELIO with $4.9 million, a total $54.2 million grossed to date.

Rounding things out is 28 YEARS LATER with $4.3 million, a run of $60 million for Sony Pictures.

INK Entertainment drops the needle on VINNY, its newest restaurant and vinyl cocktail bar located at 480 King Street West. Designed by acclaimed Toronto studio NIVEK REMAS, Vinny offers an effortlessly cool, music-driven dining experience, where warm lighting, late nights, and curated vinyl set the tone.

INK Entertainment, led by Founder & CEO Charles Khabouth and Partner & President Danny Soberano, has long pioneered Toronto’s late-night experience—blending hospitality and design to create spaces that transcend dining or dancing. With Vinny, the legacy continues.

“I’m always looking for what’s next — creating more than just a place to eat or dance. With Vinny, we’ve crafted an experience that blends great music, incredible food, nostalgic design, and elevated service into something that feels alive and new every time you walk in.

Inspired by the soulful energy of vinyl and the spirit of the ’70s, Vinny is designed to connect with the neighbourhood and the people who live here, offering a diverse, global menu that speaks to the city’s energy. I believe in tailoring each venue to its neighbourhood and audience, and here, we wanted to create a place where people come for dinner and stay for the music and vibe.” — Charles Khabouth, Founder and CEO of INK Entertainment

Designed by Toronto-based award-winning studio NIVEK REMAS, Vinny is a vinyl sound bar that blends culture, nostalgia, and eclectic design to offer an inclusive experience rooted in music and community. It is a space designed for discovery, where guests are invited to expect the unexpected. The design tells the story of a lived-in home filled with soul, music, and warmth, modelled after “Vinny’s house.” This concept reflects a collector’s haven: stacks of records, walls of vintage speakers, a rich collection of art, and design details that feel collected over time. Located along King Street West in Toronto, Vinny invites the city’s diverse community to gather, eat, sip, and listen.

We had the pleasure of previewing the space and some of its offerings!

Who is Vinny?
Vinny is a powerful female figure who evokes the soul and vibrancy of King West. The name “Vinny” was carefully chosen to set the tone: expect the unexpected. As the symbolic host of the space, Vinny welcomes every guest who comes through her doors (quite literally), her face is on them. She is bold, inviting, inclusive, and unapologetically herself. Walking into Vinny’s is like being welcomed into her home, where everyone is embraced, accepted, and celebrated.

Drawing inspiration from the multicultural vibrancy of Toronto, Vinny is deeply rooted in inclusivity and surprise. The aesthetic pays homage to retro sound lounges and personal record collections while being interpreted through a bold, modern lens. The mural of a woman is a deliberate focal point, symbolizing the feminine energy of the space and its commitment to welcoming all.

One of the most distinctive features is the use of vintage speaker stacks, dramatically painted in dripping pops of colour, a rebellious yet playful choice that anchors the space in sound and artistry. Other standout elements include custom artwork, intentional mismatches, and tactile finishes that invite touch and curiosity.

Chef de Cuisine Ivan Kuuts leads a menu as dynamic as the atmosphere. The cool, low-key dining experience begins at 5 PM, with a curated DJ soundtrack setting the rhythm for the night ahead. The globally inspired menu balances elevated classics with bold, unexpected combinations that surprise and satisfy. Refined yet playful, each dish is carefully crafted to complement the ambiance of the room. After 11 PM, a dedicated late-night menu takes over, offering new flavours, fun twists, and the kind of food that keeps the night going.

Behind the bar, Vinny bridges old and new, serving timeless cocktails alongside modern twists. Toronto’s top vinyl DJs spin an eclectic mix of R&B, soul, funk, house, old-school hip hop, and everything in between, setting the soundtrack for nights that feel intentional and electric.

Vinny doesn’t try too hard… and doesn’t need to. She’s the heartbeat of the space, both a vibe and a presence. Come for the food. Stay for the music. Lose track of time. At 6 PM, the kitchen hums. By 8, the DJ takes over. With upcoming late-night programming, Vinny is bound to keep you intrigued and the energy flowing. The lights dim, the vinyl spins and just like that, your night starts and ends here.

Hours of Operation
Every Day | 5 PM – Late

Website and reservations:
VinnyToronto.com

Follow VINNY on IG:
@Vinny.Toronto

Already winning much acclaim at Sundance and Cannes, Actress/Writer/Director premiered her directorial debut SORRY, BABY at TIFF Lightbox last night, also to much praise. The Dark Comedy has her not only starring, but also helming an original story from her. Victor gained visibility playing a supporting role on Showtime series BILLIONS, playing the role of Rian.

SORRY, BABY centers on a professor overcoming past trauma only to realize how stuck she’s been in life.

Such an honour getting to meet this brilliant emerging talent. While I still haven’t seen the Film, it is on my list when it hits theatres. Our Nicholas Porteous shares his thoughts here.

See our Snaps:

Release pattern from VVS Films:

In Toronto theatres July 4, 2025

In Montreal & Vancouver theatres July 11, 2025

Further expansion July 18, 2025 onwards

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/VVS Films)

The Toronto Fringe Festival kicks-off today and runs till July 12, 2025 around town! Here are a few shows to keep on your radar if you’re heading out this weekend. More here on this indie theatre and performance Festival!

AMES & EDDIE

JULY 3rd – 12th at the Helen Gardiner Phelan Playhouse
TICKETS: https://fringetoronto.com/fringe/show/james-eddie

Acclaimed playwright, actor, and producer M.J. Kang is bringing her new play James & Eddie, a rare Korean- Canadian story of War, Migration, and Family, to the 2025 Toronto Fringe Festival from July 3–12 at the Helen Gardiner Phelan Playhouse (79 St George St). The production marks a milestone in Canadian theatre as M.J., the first Korean-Canadian playwright professionally produced in the country, returns to tell one of her most personal stories yet.

James & Eddie explores the friendship between two Korean families navigating life in an unfamiliar city still largely unaware of Korean culture or history. Through the eyes of Eun-Kyung (played by M.J. Kang), the youngest daughter in one of the families, audiences are taken on a memory-filled journey of post-war trauma, cultural invisibility, resilience, and the fragile bonds between parents and children.

Told with theatrical skill, honesty, and childlike wonder, James & Eddie weaves moments of joy with the stark realities of immigrant life when Korea was still a mystery to many Canadians. The play is both a cultural reckoning and a tender act of remembrance, asking how families can forgive one another in the shadow of inherited history.

With universal themes of migration, belonging, and intergenerational healing, James & Eddie is set to spark conversation and inspire empathy.

PLUS ONE

July 4th – 12th at the Alumnae Theatre
TICKETS: https://fringetoronto.com/fringe/show/tamar-broadbent-plus-one

Tamar Broadbent is set to make herToronto Fringe Festival debut with Plus One, a hilariously honest and uncensored musical comedy about pregnancy, new motherhood, and all the absurd expectations placed on modern moms. The show will run from July 4th – 12th at the Alumnae Theatre. 

With 10 original songs performed live on piano, including hits like I Tried Hard to Breastfeed, But It Sucked, A Mother’s Place is in the Wrong!, and Don’t You Wanna Have a Natural Birth?!, Tamar is back with her boldest and most personal show yet. 

Tackling fertility tests, failed birth plans, breastfeeding mishaps, hospital snacks, and society’s ever-conflicting ideas of what it means to be a “good” mom, Plus One is a raw, hilarious, and refreshingly honest musical that finds comedy in the chaos, and reminds us that you don’t have to lose yourself to become a mother. While Plus One speaks directly to the maternal experience, it’s equally enjoyable for anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed by expectations. The show cleverly skewers the “perfect parent” myth while celebrating the beautiful mess of real-life motherhood, with humour, vulnerability, and a whole lot of heart.

OH! I MISS THE WAR

July 2nd – 13th at Native Earth’s Aki Studio
TICKETS: https://fringetoronto.com/fringe/show/oh-i-miss-war

Award-winning actor and playwright David John Phillips will be bringing his acclaimed new play Oh! I Miss the War at the 2025 Toronto Fringe Festival this July 2 – July 13th at Native Earth’s Aki Studio (585 Dundas St E).

Oh! I Miss the War is a love letter to queer elders, a challenge to intergenerational silence, and a sensual, soulful meditation on what it means to live and love across time.

Trailer for the show here. 

Set in 1967 London and 2022 Toronto, Oh! I Miss the War features two monologues delivered by aging queer men in two very different, but spiritually connected, queer spaces. In London, Jack, a tailor to the chorus boys of the West End, watches the decriminalization of homosexuality unfold around him. As a former rentboy, he reflects on the outlaw joy and danger of queer love in hiding and wonders what’s lost in the era of visibility. In present-day Toronto, Matt, a service bottom with failing knees, navigates the evolving queer landscape of apps, puppies, and pronoun fluency. 

Grappling with the disconnect between generations, he claims his space as an elder and leans into the possibilities of intergenerational queer intimacy and political legacy. Together, these stories form a tapestry of queer experience across a century, touching on hankie codes, Polari, tea rooms, back rooms, faeries, drag, kink, love, and grief, all told with sharp wit, theatrical finesse, and emotional depth.

Dylan Pun of Simple Syrup, Sang-Thanh Nguyen of frankie, and Malachi Ellis of Malachi Ellis Productions are thrilled to announce the mockumentary short, Shrimp Fried Rice, starring Jeff Yung (The Shrouds, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Bakugan: Battle Planet), and Marty Stelnick (Nanalan, What We Do In The Shadows, Chucky, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds) will have its world premiere at Fantasia 2025 on July 28, 2025.

In this tiny, delicious mockumentary, a talented chef with an oversized ego wages war against his rival, who gained popularity because of a wildly successful movie about his culinary prowess, in a showdown on a TV cooking competition show.

“I am so excited for Shrimp Fried Rice to screen at Fantasia. I am honoured to be included by a festival that always brings together a great collection of talented filmmakers and their work. Our film is so weird and wacky, and I really think the audience at Fantasia will appreciate it,” said Dylan Pun.

Shrimp Fried Rice is directed by Dylan Pun (Breathe, Blue) and co-written by Pun and, making his screenwriting debut, Michael Turk. The film is produced by Pun, and Sang-thanh Nguyen (The Long Goodbye, Taste Buds), and executive produced by Malachi Ellis (The Best, Express, Fish Boy, Diaspora), Dave Lembke (Big Brother Canada), Danielle Kappy (Reversal of Fortune: The Unraveling of Turkey’s Democracy).

Cinematography by Marco De Acetis (Dealer, Next Stop), production design by Mica White (Blue), costume design by Emma Nadurata (The Long Goodbye), original score by Jeff Lurie (Don’t Forget, Misaligned), editing by Dylan Pun, with Benjamin Fieschi-Rose (The Lost Seahorse,Bird Hostage, Fish Out of Water), Kirsten Brass (Canadian Reflections, The Lost Seahorse), and Amelia Blaine (Bird Hostage) serving as puppeteers.

The filmmakers would like to recognize the Canada Council for the Arts and the Ontario Arts Council for their support in the creation of Shrimp Fried Rice.

ABOUT DYLAN PUN
Dylan is a Chinese-Canadian director from Toronto whose work encompasses the weird, the wacky, and the outrageous. His visual style is based around strong talent direction, meticulously crafted frames, and visual spectacle. He is drawn to character-driven stories that call for a unique visual language. Growing up during the early days of YouTube and viral videos, he was fascinated by filmmaking and learned by making videos on the family handycam. After completing a degree in Finance and abandoning a financially stable career, he entered the film industry, eventually becoming a director with works completed in both short form narrative and commercials. He is currently in development for an action-packed, Wuxia-inspired short film titled Dynasty Garden and a paranormal “traumedy” TV series titled The Haunting of Trisha Lozada. Outside of film, he is a hockey player, music producer, and cornhole enthusiast.

ABOUT SANG-THANH NGUYEN
Sang is a Vietnamese Canadian film, TV and commercial producer who was born and raised in Toronto. He started his career as a freelancer in the industry, with 10 years of experience in reality television and travel documentaries. His most recent work can be seen at Frankie, where he oversees the production of commercials for notable brands such as Lays, Gillette, Coors Light and providing input on smaller passion projects and short films. There are many reasons why creatives are drawn to the film industry. For Sang, it’s the chance to collaborate with talented individuals across all levels of production, building relationships with new directors and providing mentorship for the next generation. His aim is to diversify the pool of talent in this industry which has historically not been inclusive of creatives of different cultural backgrounds. He has garnered a reputation of being the “go-to person” to bring your creative vision to life. If he’s not at a production set or on a zoom call, you can catch him bartending on the weekends or throwing punches at a Muay Thai gym.

ABOUT MALACHI ELLIS
Malachi Ellis is a Black Film and Television producer based in Toronto who strives to tell stories revolutionizing the status quo for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ audiences. His producing skills have led him to work at some of the largest Canadian production companies, such as eOne/Hasbro, Bell Media, and Lark Productions. As an independent producer, Malachi has worked with some of Canada’s most talented emerging writers/directors producing short films and proof-of-concept works. His most recent producing credits include I Live Here (2022), Diaspora (2022), Fish Boy (2023), Express (2023) and The Best (2023). His slate of short film projects has screened globally at Oscar, BAFTA, and Canadian Screen Award qualifying festivals and featured on online platforms such as Vimeo Staff Picks, Short of the Week, Super Channel and CBC Gem. He has been showcased at the Toronto International Film Festival’s Short Cuts Program for three consecutive years. He was recently selected for the. Malachi is an alumnus of Toronto Metropolitan University’s RTA Media Production Program, Norman Jewison Film Program’s Producer Lab, OYA Media Groups’ Emerging Filmmakers Program, the Reelworld & Amazon MGM Studios’ Training Lab, and the Reelworld Producer Program. In 2021, Malachi was named one of Playback Magazine’s 10 to Watch.

Elevation Pictures x Mr. Will would love to give Toronto readers a chance to attend a special screening of TIFF ’24 selection SHOOK. Screening will take place July 16, 2025 in Toronto at Varsity Cinema.

Synopsis:

From Toronto-based director Amar Wala and starring Saamer Usmani, Amy Forsyth and Bernard White, the film follows struggling writer Ashish who is thrown for several loops when he falls for barista Claire and learns his estranged father has just been diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

A little more on SHOOK here:

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Elevation Pictures release SHOOK August 8, 2025.

(Photo/video credits: Elevation Pictures/TIFF)