#TRAVEL: HOTEL X TORONTO OFFERS VALENTINE’S DAY “CELEBRATE LOVE” PACKAGE

It’s the little things that make love special, and Hotel X Toronto wants to make every couple’s romantic wishes come true for Valentine’s Day and beyond with its Celebrate Love package. With this luxurious romance package, Hotel X will assist guests with making this a stay to remember, including:

-An opulent in-room amenity including a bottle of wine, an array of artisanal macarons, and ruby chocolate disks with a choice of Rose or Prosecco.

-A $250 credit towards a Romance Experience with personalized planning with the dedicated Romance Concierge to make any romantic wish come true. The Romance Concierge can help with planning a private midnight dip in the heated rooftop pool, an in-room massage provided by Guerlain Spa, rose petals leading from the hallway to the bed, a private movie screening of your favourite movie, a delicious dessert delivered to you in-room, or can even assist in planning a proposal — the options are endless!

-Daily complimentary self-parking and the added convenience of early check-in and late check-out.

-Dine at either of Hotel X’s stunning restaurants, ROSES Social or Valerie, with special menus for Valentine’s Day.

The highly sought-after Royal King (Instagram Suite) is back by popular demand this Valentine’s Day! The Royal King faces the CN Tower and includes all the amenities from the Celebrate Love Package. The view of the suite has a stunning view of Toronto’s skyline, which will serve as a stunning backdrop for all pictures. This extravagant package is designed to elevate a romantic getaway and make it truly special.

#FIRSTLOOK: COLUMBIA CLASSICS 4k ULTRA HD COLLECTION VOLUME 4

As part of the upcoming 100th anniversary of Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is proud to debut six more beloved films from its library on 4K Ultra HD disc for the first time ever, exclusively within the COLUMBIA CLASSICS 4K ULTRA HD COLLECTION VOLUME 4, available February 13, 2024. This must-own set includes films with which audiences around the world have fallen in love: HIS GIRL FRIDAY, GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER, KRAMER VS. KRAMER, STARMAN, SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE and PUNCH-DRUNK LOVE. Each film is presented in 4K resolution with Dolby Vision High Dynamic Range, and five of the films have all-new Dolby Atmos mixes.

The six films in the COLUMBIA CLASSICS 4K ULTRA HD COLLECTION VOLUME 4 are only available on 4K Ultra HD disc within this special limited edition collector’s set. Included with the collection is a gorgeous hardbound 80-page book, featuring in-depth sections about the making of each film within the set via six all-new insightful essays from renowned writers and journalists, plus rare photos from deep within the Columbia Pictures archives. The set also includes hours of special features across the films, including both newly created behind-the-scenes featurettes and commentaries and never-before-seen archival materials, plus the entirety of the 1986 “Starman” TV series, exclusively debuting in high definition!

All six films will also be available for purchase at digital retailers in 4K with HDR, and the physical set includes digital redemption codes for each film. With redemption of the digital codes, the films are available to enjoy at home or on the go!

HIS GIRL FRIDAY

Synopsis:

A classic screwball comedy in which Rosalind Russell plays investigative reporter Hildy Johnson, who is engaged to a successful insurance agent. On the eve of her remarriage, she is talked into one more assignment by her editor and ex-husband, Walter Burns, played by the Academy Award-winning Cary Grant. To distract her from her wedding, Walter instructs Hildy to interview a murder convict with an impending execution, but things take a turn when she realizes he may be innocent.

HIS GIRL FRIDAY Disc Breakdown

4K Ultra HD Includes:

Feature presented in 4K resolution with Dolby Vision, restored from the original camera negative

Mono DTS-HD Master Audio

Blu-ray Includes:

Feature presented in high definition, sourced from the 4K master

Mono DTS-HD Master Audio

Special Features:

Audio Commentary Featuring Film Critic and Author Todd McCarthy

NEW: Screwball Style: The Iconic Costumes of Robert Kalloch Featurette

NEW: Breaking the Speed Barrier: The Dialogue of
His Girl Friday Featurette

Lighting Up with Hildy Johnson Featurette

Ben Hecht Featurette

On Assignment:
His Girl Friday Featurette

Cary Grant: Making Headlines Featurette

Rosalind Russell: The Inside Scoop Featurette

Howard Hawks: Reporter’s Notebook Featurette

The Funny Pages Featurette

Vintage Advertising

Theatrical Trailers

HIS GIRL FRIDAY has a run time of approximately 92 minutes and is rated PG.

GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER

Synopsis:

Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn (who won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance) are unforgettable as perplexed parents in this landmark 1967 movie about interracial marriage. Joanna (Katharine Houghton), the beautiful daughter of crusading publisher Matthew Drayton (Tracy) and his patrician wife Christina (Hepburn), returns home with her new fiancé John Prentice (Sidney Poitier), a distinguished Black doctor. Christina accepts her daughter’s decision to marry John, but Matthew is shocked by this mixed union; the doctor’s parents are equally dismayed. Both families must sit down face to face and examine each other’s level of intolerance. Nominated for 10 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, director Stanley Kramer’s GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER, is a masterful study of society’s prejudices.

GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER Disc Breakdown

4K Ultra HD Includes:

Feature presented in 4K resolution with Dolby Vision, restored from the original camera negative

Dolby Atmos English audio

5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio

Mono DTS-HD Master Audio

Special Features:

Audio Commentary Featuring Eddy Friedfeld, Lee Pfeiffer and Paul Scrabo

Theatrical Teaser

Feature Blu-ray Includes:

Feature presented in high definition

5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio

3.0 DTS-HD Master Audio

Special Features:

Introductions

Karen Kramer

Steven Spielberg

Tom Brokaw

Quincy Jones

A Love Story for Today Featurette

A Special Kind of Love Featurette

Stanley Kramer: A Man’s Search for Truth Featurette

Stanley Kramer Accepts the Irving Thalberg Award

2007 Producers Guild Stanley Kramer Award Presentation to An Inconvenient Truth

Photo Gallery

Theatrical Trailer

GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER has a run time of approximately 108 minutes and is rated PG.

KRAMER VS. KRAMER

Synopsis:

Celebrating its 45th anniversary and winner of five Academy Awards including Best Picture, KRAMER VS. KRAMER is a groundbreaking drama about the heartbreak of divorce and the struggle between work and family. Young husband and father Ted Kramer (Dustin Hoffman) loves his family– and his job, which is where he spends most of his time. When he returns home late one evening from work, his wife Joanna (Meryl Streep) confronts him and then leaves him, forcing Ted to become the sole caregiver to their six-year-old son. Now, Ted must learn to be a father while balancing the demands of his high-pressure career. But just as Ted adapts to his new role and begins to feel like a fulfilled parent, Joanna returns. And now she wants her son back.

KRAMER VS. KRAMER Disc Breakdown

4K Ultra HD Includes:

Feature presented in 4K resolution with Dolby Vision, restored from the original camera negative

Dolby Atmos English audio

5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio

Mono DTS-HD Master Audio

Special Features:

NEW: Audio Commentary with Film Professor Jennine Lanouette

NEW: 5 Never-Before-Seen Deleted Scenes

4 Featurettes

Robert Benton on Directing

Justin Henry on Acting

Mothers and Daughters

Points of Pride

Theatrical Trailer

Blu-ray Includes:

Feature presented in high definition

5.1 Dolby TrueHD

Special Feature:

Finding the Truth – The Making of
Kramer vs. Kramer

KRAMER VS. KRAMER has a run time of approximately 105 minutes and is rated PG.

STARMAN

Synopsis:

Director John Carpenter presents a romantic science-fiction odyssey starring Jeff Bridges in his Oscar-nominated role as an innocent alien from a distant planet who learns what it means to be a man in love. Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the film follows Starman (Bridges) after his spacecraft is shot down over Wisconsin. He arrives at the remote cabin of a distraught young widow, Jenny Hayden (Karen Allen), and clones the form of her dead husband. The alien convinces Jenny to drive him to Arizona, explaining that if he isn’t picked up by his mothership in three days, he’ll die. Hot on their trail are government agents, intent on capturing the alien, dead or alive. En route, Starman demonstrates the power of universal love, while Jenny rediscovers her human feelings for passion.

STARMAN Disc Breakdown

4K Ultra HD Includes:

Feature presented in 4K resolution with Dolby Vision, restored from the original camera negative

Dolby Atmos English audio

5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio

2-Channel Surround DTS-HD Master Audio

Blu-ray Includes:

Feature presented in high definition, from the 4K master

5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio

2-Channel Surround DTS-HD Master Audio

Special Features:

Audio Commentary with Director John Carpenter and Actor Jeff Bridges

NEW: Never-Before-Seen Deleted Scenes

NEW: Behind-the-Scenes Time Lapses

They Came from Hollywood: Revisiting
Starman Featurette

Making-Of Featurette

Music Video

Still Gallery

Theatrical Trailer

Exclusive Bonus Disc Includes:

The complete 1986-1987 22-episode follow-up series, based on the feature film—exclusively presented in high definition! HD episodes included on 4K UHD discs for maximum space

STARMAN has a run time of approximately 115 minutes and is rated PG.

SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE

Synopsis:

Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan star in Nora Ephron’s wonderfully romantic comedy about two people drawn together by destiny. Co-starring Rosie O’Donnell, Rita Wilson and Rob Reiner, Hanks stars as Sam Baldwin, a widowed father who, thanks to the wiles of his worried son, becomes a reluctant guest on a radio call-in show. He’s an instant hit with thousands of female listeners who deluge his Seattle home with letters of comfort. Meanwhile, inspired in equal parts by Sam’s story and classic Hollywood romance, writer Annie Reed (Ryan) becomes convinced that it’s her destiny to meet Sam. There are two problems: Annie’s engaged to someone else, and Sam doesn’t know yet that they’re made for each other.

SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE Disc Breakdown

4K Ultra HD Includes:

Feature presented in 4K resolution with Dolby Vision, restored from the original camera negative

Dolby Atmos English audio

5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio

2-Channel Surround DTS-HD Master Audio

Feature Blu-ray Includes:

Feature presented in high definition, sourced from the 4K master

5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio

2-Channel Surround DTS-HD Master Audio

Special Features:

NEW: 30th Anniversary Critic Commentary with Karen Han & David Sims

NEW: A Conversation on
Sleepless in Seattle with Gary Foster and Meg Ryan

Audio Commentary Featuring Nora and Delia Ephron

4 Deleted Scenes

Love in the Movies Featurette

“When I Fall in Love” Music Video

Theatrical Trailer

SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE has a run time of approximately 105 minutes and is rated PG for some language.

PUNCH-DRUNK LOVE

Synopsis:

Winner of the Best Director Prize at the 2002 Cannes Film Festival, this misfit love story of disconnected people trying to find one another in an antagonistic world is a comedy of discomfort and rage that turns unexpectedly sweet and pure. Adam Sandler gives an amazing and unusual performance as Barry Egan, a socially impaired owner of a small novelty business, who is dominated by seven sisters and is unlikely to find love unless it finds him. When a mysterious woman comes into his life, his emotions go haywire, fluctuating between uncontrollable rage, lust and self-doubt. From the writer/director of Boogie Nights and Magnolia, PUNCH-DRUNK LOVE is a dark, lovely and unique film experience.

PUNCH-DRUNK LOVE Disc Breakdown

4K Ultra HD Includes:

Feature presented in 4K resolution with Dolby Vision, approved by director Paul Thomas Anderson

Dolby Atmos English audio, approved by director Paul Thomas Anderson

5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio

Feature Blu-ray Includes:

Feature presented in high definition, sourced from the 4K master

5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio

Special Features:

2 Deleted Scenes

Mattress Man Commercial

Blossoms and Blood

12 Scopitones

Jon Brion Featurette

Recording Session

Theatrical Trailers

PUNCH-DRUNK LOVE has a run time of approximately 95 minutes and is rated 14A.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Instagram: @SonyHomeEntCa

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SonyHomeEnt/

YouTube: youtube.com/SonyPicturesHomeEntertainmentCanada

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “THE MINISTRY OF UNGENTLEMANLY WARFAR”

Guy Ritchie‘s THE MINISTRY OF UNGENTLEMANLY WARFARE hits theatres April 19, 2024. Today we get a new Trailer!

Synopsis: 

Based upon recently declassified files of the British War Department and inspired by true events, THE MINISTRY OF UNGENTLEMANLY WARFARE is an action-comedy that tells the story of the first-ever special forces organization formed during WWII by UK Prime Minister Winston Churchill and a small group of military officials including author Ian Fleming. The top-secret combat unit, composed of a motley crew of rogues and mavericks, goes on a daring mission against the Nazis using entirely unconventional and utterly “ungentlemanly” fighting techniques. Ultimately their audacious approach changed the course of the war and laid the foundation for the British SAS and modern Black Ops warfare.  

Directed and co-written for the screen by Guy Ritchie (Sherlock Holmes, The Gentlemen, Wrath of Man), and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer (Top Gun: Maverick, Pirates of the Caribbean, National Treasure), THE MINISTRY OF UNGENTLEMANLY WARFARE stars Henry Cavill (Man of Steel, Mission: Impossible – Fallout), Eiza González (Baby Driver), Alan Ritchson (TV’s Reacher), Alex Pettyfer (In Time), Hero Fiennes Tiffin (After series), Babs Olusamokun (Dune), Henrique Zaga (Beyond the Universe), Til Schweiger (Inglourious Basterds), with Henry Golding (Crazy Rich Asians) and Cary Elwes (The Princess Bride). 

Lionsgate presents, in association with Black Bear, a Jerry Bruckheimer Films / Toff Guy production. Screenplay by Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson and Arash Amel & Guy Ritchie. Directed by Guy Ritchie.

Directed by:                            Guy Ritchie

Screenplay by:                       Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson and Arash Amel & Guy Ritchie

Based upon:                           The book “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare: How Churchill’s Secret Warriors Set Europe Ablaze and Gave Birth to Modern Black Ops” by Damien Lewis

Produced by:                          Jerry Bruckheimer, p.g.a., Guy Ritchie, p.g.a., Chad Oman, p.g.a., Ivan Atkinson, John Friedberg

Cast:                                       Henry Cavill, Eiza González, Alan Ritchson, Alex Pettyfer, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Babs Olusamokun, Henrique Zaga, Til Schweiger, with Henry Golding, and Cary Elwes

Official Site:                          https://www.theministryofungentlemanlywarfare.movie/

Publicity Materials:               https://www.lionsgatepublicity.com/theatrical/the-ministry-of-ungentlemanly-warfare

Instagram:                             @ungentlemanlywarfare

X (Twitter):                            @ministrywarfare

Facebook:                               @ungentlemanlywarfare

Hashtag:                                 #UngentlemanlyWarfare

Genre:                                   Action, Comedy, Drama

Rating:                                  This film is not yet rated    

Runtime:                               120 minutes

#FIRSTLOOK: “LOVE HURTS: THE SCIENCE OF HEARTBREAK” COMING TO CBC FEBRUARY 8, 2024

How to mend a broken heart? In Love Hurts: The Science of Heartbreak, host Anthony Morgan takes viewers on a fascinating discovery to understand what happens to the human body and mind when experiencing the sorrow and pain of a broken heart. With Valentine’s Day around the corner impacting people in various ways, Love Hurts takes the pulse of broken hearts to find out if science can ease the human feelings of loss, rejection, and betrayal. Directed by Karen Cho and produced by Noble Television (more info here), in association with CBC’s The Nature of Things, Love Hurts: The Science of Heartbreak will be available Thursday, February 8, 2024 at 9 p.m. ET (9:30 p.m. NT) on CBC TV and CBC Gem. The episode can also be accessed after February 8, 2024 on CBC Gem.

The fallout of falling out of love affects so many aspects of human biology and psychology that it remains on the cutting edge of scientific inquiry. What happens when we’re heartbroken? To our brains? Our bodies? Our cells? Love Hurts explores the science of heartbreak from its immediate effects to its long term biophysical consequences to potential science-based remedies. Can science help cure a broken heart?

The documentary brings together some of the world’s leading experts and researchers in the fields of neuroscience, neurology, psychiatry and evolutionary biology to get to the heart of heartbreak. Additionally, it follows individuals who are turning to science to understand and help cope with these painful experiences.

The Nature of Things is CBC’s longest running weekly series, hosted by Sarika Cullis-Suzuki (a marine biologist) and Anthony Morgan (a molecular scientist). Every week, the influential program presents stories that are driven by a scientific understanding of the world; stories full of adventure, drama and insight.

Website: cbc.ca/documentaries/the-nature-of-things

#FOOD: WOK BOYZ DEBUTS IN TORONTO

WOK BOYZ, the popular Asian street food sensation from Dubai, is thrilled to announce its latest international expansion with the opening of its first Canadian outlet in Toronto. The new location will be 1,000-square-feet located in Liberty Village at Liberty Market Building, 171 E Liberty St, Toronto.

The grand opening is set to take place on Monday, January 29, 2024 marking a significant milestone in the brand’s global journey.

Since its inception, WOK BOYZ has captivated food enthusiasts in Dubai with its innovative and delectable Asian street food offerings. The chain currently boasts a significant presence in Dubai with eight locations, along with three locations in Ghana, and has recently celebrated the opening of its newest outlet in Oman.

“We are incredibly excited to bring WOK BOYZ to Canada,” said WOK BOYZ CEO and Founder Gaurav Sabharwal. “Our mission has always been to share our passion for Asian street food with the world, and we can’t wait for the people of Toronto to experience what we have to offer.”

The WOK BOYZ experience is centered around customizability and fusion, offering a delicious variety of dishes that blend traditional Asian flavors with a modern twist. Customers can enjoy a rich menu of pan-Asian cuisine, featuring items like stir-fry noodles, rice bowls, and a variety of Asian-inspired snacks and beverages. Each dish is crafted with the freshest ingredients and authentic spices, ensuring a culinary adventure that is both unique and satisfying. WOK BOYZ satisfies all flavours by incorporating Quinoa, gluten-free rice noodles, and Udon noodles. Its signature bowls include:

Hakka Noodles:

Stir-fried perfection with tender noodles and vibrant veggies, seamlessly infused with the savory richness of soy—a delicious embodiment of Asian culinary craftsmanship.

Nasi Goreng:

Indonesian delight—fragrant fried rice dances with prawns, chicken, and sweet soy,

Spicy Korean Wings:

Crispy wings -fiery and sweet, a K-drama of flavors in every succulent bite.

Customers can look forward to tasting the Pan-Asian specialty sauces unique to WOK BOYZ such as Indonesian Heat, an aromatic samal sauce made from chilies, spices and herbs, Gangnam Style takes its flavours from Korea, incorporating earthy spices of gochujang sauce for a spicy-sweet flavour, the TukTuk blends its flavours from Thailand – a creamy curry made with herbs and veggies. The WOK BOYZ Special is the signature sauce with a hint of chili, and a smoky blend of secret sauce.

The expansion into Canada is a strategic move for WOK BOYZ, tapping into a market with a growing appetite for diverse and high-quality Asian cuisine. Liberty Village, known for its vibrant food scene, is the perfect location for WOK BOYZ to introduce its brand of exciting flavors and customizable meals.

WOK BOYZ stands as a testament to Sabharwal’s vision, a passionate food enthusiast, dedicated to capturing the essence of Far Eastern street food and fusing it with a vibrant, urban twist. As a native Canadian, Sabharwal is proud to bring WOK BOYZ back home and provide a unique culinary journey to Canadians. This innovative culinary concept places the power of customization directly in the hands of its customers. At WOK BOYZ, each customer becomes a culinary artist, empowered to craft their unique wok creation. With a selection of bases, freshly sourced vegetables, high-quality proteins, rich sauces, and diverse toppings, it provides the opportunity for creating a new and exciting dish during every visit.

More than just a dining destination, WOK BOYZ embodies a lifestyle. It’s a place where the hip and cool elements of urban culture are celebrated. This is vividly expressed in its dining atmosphere, Instagrammable graffiti murals that adorn the walls to the rhythmic beats that set the tone of its interiors. Every element of WOK BOYZ is designed to enhance the dining experience, making it not just about the food but also about the vibe and the energy that diners feel the moment they step in.

The Liberty Village outlet is just the beginning for WOK BOYZ’s expansion in Canada, with plans for more locations across the country in the near future. WOK BOYZ is committed to providing an exceptional dining experience that celebrates the rich diversity and bold flavors of Asian street food.

Experience the taste of Asia like never before.

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For more information, visit www.wokboyz.com or follow https://www.instagram.com/wokboyzcanada

#FIRSTLOOK: YORKDALE LUNAR NEW YEAR DRAGON INSTALLATION 2024

YORKDALE SHOPPING CENTRE will be home to Toronto’s largest Lunar New Year art installation featuring a massive 40-foot dragon! When the installation is open to the public on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 guests are welcome to post photos on Instagram, tag @yorkdalestyle and add the hashtag #YorkdaleLNY for the chance to win a $888 Yorkdale Shopping Spree each week.

The installation is situated in the East Wing of Yorkdale Shopping Centre, between Canada Goose and Birks. If you were lucky enough to check-out the WONKA’S SWEET ESCAPE installation over the Holidays, this is located right there!

Some sneak peeks:

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(Photo credit: Yorkdale Shopping Centre)

#TRAVEL: BOOKING.COM NAMES MOST WELCOMING PLACES IN CANADA AND THE WORLD

Today, Booking.com, global leader in connecting travellers with the widest choice of incredible places to stay, great things to do, and transport options, such as flights, car rentals and taxis, announces the recipients of its 12th annual Traveller Review Awards. Based on more than 309 million verified customer reviews, and in recognition of delivering consistently excellent service and hospitality, a record 1.48 million travel partners are receiving a Booking.com Traveller Review Award 2024. This includes 1,484,294 accommodations, 449 rental car companies and 129 taxi providers. 

Most Welcoming Places in Canada

Based on each location’s share of accommodation providers receiving a Traveller Review Award 2024*, this year’s list of the Most Welcoming Places in Canada includes five world class mountain sports destinations, a wine lover’s locale that places yearly, and an east coast newcomer to the list. Here are Canada’s most welcoming places for 2024.

1. Whistler, British Columbia
2. Canmore, Alberta
3. Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
4. Moncton, New Brunswick
5. Toronto, Ontario
6. Québec City, Québec
7. Blue Mountains, Ontario
8. Victoria, British Columbia
9. Mont-Tremblant, Québec
10. Revelstoke, British Columbia

Apartments Lead the Way for Accommodation 

Travellers continue to favorably review the home-away-from-home experience, with apartments claiming the top spot in Canada as the most-awarded accommodation type (1,915 awards). Hotels aren’t far behind, claiming 1,682 awards, then holiday homes with 962 awards, B&Bs earned 794, and chalets round out the top five across Canada with 482 Traveller Review Awards for 2024. 

Globally, apartments are the most popular accommodation type for the 7th year running with 710,687 awards. Holiday homes (213,824) have edged out hotels (179,357) for the number two spot, while guest houses (84,715) and B&Bs (71,514) make up the top five most-awarded accommodation types. 

Villas saw the greatest increase in award recipients year over year at 23%, followed by holiday homes (20%), and campsites (14%). Overall, there was a 10% increase in awards granted to vacation rentals and other unique properties that offer an alternative to the traditional hotel experience. Travellers are continuing to expand their choices on what types of properties they like to stay in, demonstrating a growing appreciation for the unique hospitality that alternative accommodations can provide. 

Most Welcoming Places in the World

For the seventh year in a row, Italy is home to the largest number of Booking.com Traveller Award recipients with 181,012. Here is the complete list of the world’s most welcoming places.

1. Italy
2. Spain
3. France
4. Germany
5. United Kingdom
6. Poland
7. Brazil
8. United States
9. Croatia
10. Portugal

From enchanting coastal towns to alpine retreats and even rustic desert gems, all of these locations are sure to ignite a sense of wanderlust for the year ahead. Here are the most welcoming cities across the world.

1. Arraial d’Ajuda, Brazil
2. Ermoupoli, Greece
3. Viana do Castelo, Portugal
4. Daylesford, Australia
5. Grindelwald, Switzerland
6. Moab, United States
7. Uzès, France
8. Mazatlán, Mexico
9. Jaisalmer, India
10. Fujikawaguchiko, Japan

Check out this destination guide to learn more about what these welcoming cities have to offer. 

Transportation Providers Start Your Trip With a Smile

For the fifth year, Booking.com is recognizing its ground transportation partners for their consistently great service and hospitality. Beyond the basics of just getting around, rental cars make it easier for travellers to explore off the beaten path and taxis frequently provide visitors with their first interactions with local people and culture, often setting the tone for the rest of the trip. 

This year, 449 car rental partners from 26 countries are receiving a Traveller Review Award. Spain (84) tops the list again with the most car rental companies being recognized, followed by Italy (74), Portugal (47), Greece (42) and the United States (28). In gratitude for all the warm welcomes and seamless pick-ups, 129 taxi partners are also receiving an award with Italy (17) and Spain (12) leading the pack.

“Whether it’s a personalized welcome note from an apartment owner with recommendations for the best spots in the neighborhood to grab a bite, or a tip on hidden local gems to explore at the car rental counter, our partners make trips more memorable and enjoyable for our customers each and every day,” commented Arjan Dijk, SVP and Chief Marketing Officer for Booking.com. 

“The Traveller Review Awards are our way of thanking and publicly acknowledging the top notch service our partners provide to travellers and the critical role they play in our mission of making it easier for everyone to experience the world. To everyone receiving an award this year, we salute your dedication and passion – we couldn’t do what we do without you!”

#FOOD: STARBUCKS CANADA TO INTRODUCE OLEATO OLIVE OIL BEVERAGES

Starbucks Canada introduces their Oleato Olive Oil beverages in Canada tomorrow, January 30, 2024!

The NEW Oleato Golden Foam Iced Shaken Espresso with Toffeenut makes its debut, featuring Starbucks Blonde espresso combined with notes of warm toffeenut and creamy oat beverage, topped with lush vanilla sweet cream that is infused with Partanna extra virgin olive oil.

The NEW Oleato Oat Latte is also available at all stores nationwide in Canada. The beverage is made with Starbucks Blonde Espresso Roast, a light roast that is smooth and subtly sweet, is infused with Partanna extra virgin olive oil and steamed with creamy oat beverage to create a velvety smooth, deliciously lush latte. Available iced or hot.

Any Starbucks iced beverage can also now be customized with Oleato Golden Foam, a lush vanilla sweet cream infused with Partanna olive oil. Recommended customizations are available in the Starbucks app, including an
Iced Chai Tea Latte with Oleato Golden Foam and a Dragon Drink Starbucks Refreshers Beverage with Oleato Golden Foam.

Partanna created a highly curated blend of extra virgin olive oil from the finest Mediterranean olives, including the high-quality Nocellara del Belice (also called Castelvetrano) olives from Partanna, Sicily. The blend was thoughtfully selected to pair perfectly with Starbucks Blonde Roast, which is then skillfully infused in the beverage to unlock a smooth and delicious experience like no other

Starbucks first debuted Oleato in Italy in February 2023. The drinks are also available in 8 markets around the world, including Italy, U.S., Canada, Japan, UK, and France.

#FIRSTLOOK: NIPPON TV’S “OLD ENOUGH!” COMING TO TVO

Blue Ant Studios has secured the coveted Canadian rights to the long-running Japanese unscripted hit Old Enough! from Nippon TV in Japan. Production on the first North American version of the show has begun and is set to air this September on TVO. Canadian comedy star and improv genius Colin Mochrie will lend his voice to the project as the narrator. The announcement was made jointly today at the 2024 Realscreen Summit by Matthew Hornburg, Co-President of Blue Ant Studios, Natasha Negrea, Head of Programming at TVO and Akane Alex Inoue, Global Format Licensing, Nippon TV.

Old Enough! is a heartwarming, unscripted series that follows toddlers independently running errands for the first time. While each episode focuses on the child’s task, the series will also explore each parent’s approach to raising their kids. On each adventure, the kids are always under the watchful eye of the show’s safety team. The highly sought-after format has been a ratings juggernaut and cultural phenomenon in Japan for over 30 years. Its popularity skyrocketed in English-speaking territories when Netflix streamed Nippon TV’s original series in 2022 in over 190 countries, and even Saturday Night Live tapped into the cultural zeitgeist with a skit that parodied the show.

“Old Enough! typifies the vision of our studio moving forward – entertaining and enlightening franchises – and we’re thrilled to be bringing the first North American version to audiences,” said Matthew Hornburg, Co-President of Blue Ant Studios. “This series is going to be an engaging, co-viewing experience for families, and children will definitely enjoy watching their peers find their independence when given the freedom to do so. It also explores themes of what parenting means from different cultural perspectives and in the modern age.”

“Independence is a key part of healthy childhood development. It begins with taking our first steps and flourishes through our appetites to learn and explore,” says Natasha Negrea, Head of Programming at TVO. “This exciting new version of Old Enough! showcases young kids discovering their delightful first moments of being independent.”

“It is such a joy to announce the Canadian adaptation of Old Enough!, our heart-warming factual entertainment format and global phenomenon,” says Akane Alex Inoue, Global Format Licensing, Nippon TV. “I am very proud that the passionate team at Blue Ant Studios has created a truly enjoyable version using the unique new camera style we developed together. We are delighted to show the world that children’s big adventures can be delivered in different cultures and hope for more international versions to follow.”

Matt Hornburg, Mark Bishop and Donna Luke from Blue Ant Studios are Executive Producers for the series. Stefanie Haist is the Supervising Producer. Mitch Burman (Undercover High, Extreme Babysitting) serves as Series Producer and Showrunner. For TVO, Natasha Negrea is the Head of Programming, Kirsten Hurd is the Commissioning Editor, TVOkids and Alexandra Roberts is the Commissioning Editor, TVO Docs. For Nippon TV, Naoko Yano and Akane Alex Inoue are Executive Producers. Kiyotaka Tokunaga (Masquerade) is the Chief Director and Ayaka Isshiki is the Producer for the original Japanese series. Tom Miyauchi (Sokkuri Sweets/Eye Candy, Mute it!) is the Format Producer and Yuko Nakano is the Flying Producer. Old Enough! was produced with the participation of the Canada Media Fund and in association with Rogers Sports & Media.

#INTERVIEW: “FITTING IN”

By Mr. Will Wong

Molly McGlynn‘s semi-autobiographical coming of age Comedy FITTING IN strikes that perfect balance of humourous, powerful and affecting. And it was made right at home! The Pink Carpet was rolled-out and the theatre was booked out at Paradise on Bloor, followed by a bustling after party at Osteria Rialto, right next door. In attendance were stars Maddie Ziegler in a breakthrough performance, plus amazing Supporting Actors Emily Hampshire and Djouliet Amara, both exceptional homegrown talent. The Cast also did a Q&A, following the Film’s premiere.

The Film centers on Lindy (Ziegler), who already is having a tough time navigating being a teen, only to be diagnosed with MRKH (Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser) Syndrome, a rare reproductive disorder that leads to her life falling into disarray. McGlynn, who wrote and directed the Film, pulled from her own experiences as a teen, when she was diagnosed with the condition and the on-screen results are something deeply personal and profound. Last night, some actual “MRKG Girls” were in attendance – the take away being to love ourselves exactly the way we were made.

We had the pleasure of chatting with the Cast of FITTING IN on the Pink Carpet, who shared their experiences filming here, and what they hope the audiences will get from the Film.

Amara has actually worked prior with McGlynn on series THE BIG DOOR PRIZE and was handpicked to play Lindy‘s best friend Vivian. She tells us what she feels is the more integral message of FITTING IN.

Amara: “Love yourself. You’re amazing, you’re awesome. You are built exactly the way you need to be built. Fall in love with yourself. I hope that people fall in love with themselves while watching this Film.”

We don’t need an introduction to the brilliant Hampshire, who continues to build her body of work as a national treasure, including beloved series SCHITT’S CREEK. She plays Lindy‘s mother Rita, who is coping herself with having had Breast Cancer and also being a single mom. Hampshire walks us through getting involved with FITTING IN.

Hampshire: “I read the Script, and I know it was Molly‘s personal story and I just really connected with the humour in it. To tell a story like this that is about a traumatic diagnosis that she gets, but it got me at this one point where Lindy‘s looking for people who have this condition and she the only person she could find is Hitler‘s wife, and I was like, this is the tone that I respond to.”.

Ziegler comes back to Toronto, after promoting Toronto-made MY OLD ASS at Sundance just last week. She loves this City and tells us the most revelatory thing she learned while researching her role as Lindy.

Ziegler: “I love Toronto, I feel like an honourary Canadian because I’ve now filmed two back to back films here, which has been incredible. And I went to Canada’s Wonderland, which is really fun!!”.

“It’s so hard to be a woman in general, and I think learning so much more from the MRKH community, I just feel so deeply for everyone. It’s so hard just to be a teenager, to be a human and on top of it, feeling shame and guilt over something that you can’t change. And through doing so much research with so many people and Molly, you learn that your flaws are what makes you so beautiful. I think having a difference is beautiful and I’m so lucky I’ve been able to be a part of this experience. It’s very chilling and moving.”.

Complete chats here:

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Elevation Pictures release FITTING IN on February 2, 2024.

(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures/Mr. Will Wong)