Today Nikon Canada Inc. announced the new Z50II, a compact, fully featured mirrorless camera that lets your creativity run free while enabling the effortless capture of amazing photos and video. This camera is the lifestyle accessory for those that seek innovative creative features like film-inspired looks and easy sharing, giving the freedom to capture the feeling of a fleeting moment, or conveying core memories with brilliant colours that are uniquely you.

The Z50II combines a full range of fun, creativity-enhancing features with the superior performance of Nikon’s latest mirrorless technology. This is the simple to use yet powerful camera that creators will always want to bring along, whether shooting portraits, landscapes, a great night out or an epic trip. This is Nikon’s first APS-C / DX format camera to feature the powerful EXPEED 7 processing engine, the same found in the pro-grade Nikon Z8 and Z9. The Z50II makes it easier than ever to experience immersive image quality, with blazing fast and precise autofocus, fast frame rates up to 30 fps, superb low-light capabilities, advanced video features and extensive control of colours.

“Whether you’re beginning a new creative chapter or even if you’re picking up a camera for the first time, the Z50II opens up a fresh path to self-expression,” said Amanda Mohammed, Director of Sales and Marketing at Nikon Canada. “Blending pro-level technology with a compact design, this camera is ready to accompany you wherever inspiration strikes.”

Discover Colour

Relive the warm glow of a summer day at the beach with friends or convey the peacefully sombre tones of your favourite spot in the forest. The Z50II is the first Nikon camera to feature a dedicated Picture Control button, opening new possibilities for expressive colour, with imaginative film-inspired looks. In a single press, the user can see in real-time the effects of up to 31 built-in colour presets, which instantly change the colour, tone and feeling of the scene. Using this camera encourages the user to experiment and play with colour settings to develop a truly distinct look and feel to images and video, using tones and colour to evoke a feeling like never before.

Imaging Recipes can also be directly downloaded to their camera as Cloud Picture Controls directly through the Nikon Imaging Cloud. These recipes are custom presets with changes to colour, brightness, hue and more, which have been developed by notable creators. Additionally, users can make their own Imaging Recipes and Flexible Picture Controls for truly limitless creative possibilities. Images can also be sent instantly to a user’s own cloud-based storage using the Nikon Imaging Cloud, or easily share images to a phone with Nikon SnapBridge.

Simply Powerful

The Z50II’s EXPEED 7 processing engine delivers surprisingly powerful performance in your pocket or purse. Advanced autofocus with nine types of subject detection quickly tracks and locks on to humans, pets, vehicles and more. The system is user-friendly and extremely precise, rapidly detecting and maintaining razor-sharp focus on a subject’s eyes, even as they move. Not only is it powerful, but it’s also smart, simplifying the operation of advanced camera functions. When in AUTO shooting mode, Nikon’s proprietary deep learning technology makes it possible for the camera to analyze and recognize the subject and scene, automatically optimizing autofocus, flash control, and exposure control values such as aperture, shutter speed and ISO sensitivity settings.

Tell Stories with Video

The Z50II empowers all types of content creators to make amazing videos that stands out, with 4K footage that’s oversampled1 from 5.6K for rich and beautiful details. The camera records in various frame rates and resolutions up to 4K60p, delivering colourful and sharp video with high-quality audio. The Z50II makes it simple to capture high-quality video with a 3.2” vari-angle LCD screen, which helps to keep you and your subjects perfectly in frame, in addition to a video self-timer to begin recording to minimize time spent editing. The Z50II also features a Product Review Mode that focuses on objects in the foreground, which is helpful for products, cosmetics, fashion and beauty reviewers.

For those looking to go to the next level in production quality, the Z50II affords full flexibility with the recording of N-Log video that offers subtle and rich tonal gradation for higher-quality video recording with more exposure latitude for grading. It also has other helpful video features like a tally lamp, waveform monitor, headphone jack and a continuous record time of up to more than 2 hours.

Features of the Nikon Z50II

– 20.9-megapixel APS-C/ DX format sensor lets you capture high quality photos and videos, with gorgeous colours and amazing low light ability.

– Dedicated Picture Control button allows for one-touch access to inspiring colour presets, Imaging Recipes and custom Flexible Picture Controls, all in real-time.

– EXPEED 7 image processing engine gives users access to powerful features and performance, including an advanced AF system with subject detection and 3D Tracking.

– Bright electronic viewfinder at 1000 cd/m2 (nits), is roughly twice as bright as the one built into the Nikon Z50, allowing users to easily check focus and compose even on the brightest of days.

– Rapid photo burst shooting with up to 30 fps with electronic shutter, or up to 11 fps with the mechanical shutter.

– Features a Pre-Release Capture function capable of recording images buffered up to one second before the shutter-release button is fully pressed.

– Excellent low light capability produces sharp photos in minimal light with less grain thanks to a wide ISO range from 100–512002.
rom 100–512002rom 100–512002100–512002. 100–512002.

– Features made for all types of video content creators, such as N-LOG recording, product review mode, waveform monitor, microphone and headphone jacks.

– Built-in flash is useful in backlit situations as a fill-flash or in dark surroundings.

– Hi-Res Zoom3 during video recording, which allows users to zoom in on their subject with no loss in image quality, even when using a prime lens.

– An illuminated REC lamp (tally light) notifies the user and the subject when video recording is in progress.

– Support for USB streaming (UVC/UAC) allows plug and play connectivity for online meetings and live video streaming by simply connecting the camera to a computer or smartphone.

– Equipped with a large and clear 3.2-inch vari-angle monitor with a touch screen for intuitive operation and recording yourself and others.

MC-DC3 Remote Cord

The MC-DC3 is a remote cord compatible with the Z50II and later models equipped with a headphone/remote cord connector (3.5mm jack). The cord is approximately 3.1 ft/1m in length. It is useful in minimizing the effects of camera shake when using a tripod to photograph starry skies and nighttime scenes, or with commercial (product) photography. It can also be used for remote photography to release the shutter at a distance from the camera. The shutter-release button can be locked in the fully pressed position for long exposures (bulb shooting) or held down for continuous shooting. It can also be held halfway down for shooting with less release time-lag.

Price and Availability

The new Nikon Z50II will be available in late November 2024 for a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $1,249.95* for the body only or with a NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 lens for an MSRP of $1,449.95*. The MC-DC3 Remote Cord is scheduled for release later in 2024, for an MSRP of $49.95*.

For more information about the latest Nikon products, including the vast collection of NIKKOR Z lenses and the entire line of Z series cameras, please visit www.nikon.ca.

About Nikon

Nikon is a world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and technologies for photo and video capture; globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for an award-winning array of equipment that enables visual storytelling and content creation. Nikon Canada Inc. distributes consumer and professional Z Series mirrorless cameras, digital SLR cameras, a vast array of NIKKOR and NIKKOR Z lenses, Speedlights and system accessories, Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras and Nikon software products. For more information visit www.nikon.ca which links all levels of photographers and visual storytellers to the Web’s most comprehensive learning and sharing communities. Connect with Nikon Canada on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and YouTube.

With the Taylor Swift ERA’s Tour making its way to Toronto, French Made and KŌST have curated a Taylor-inspired menu that will have every Swiftie singing with joy! From Enchanted Hot Chocolate to the irresistible Pain Au Love Story croissant, these exclusive menu items are available for a limited time, Nov 12–24. Both establishments are inside Bisha Hotel, which also has Taylor-inspired suites and floors during the tour!

At French Made, enjoy treats like the Dream Macaron and Pain Au Love Story, or sip on the Lavender Lover latte and Shake it Off iced matcha. At KŌST, the Lavender Haze cocktail and Midnight Rain mocktail sparkle with edible glitter, making them the perfect celebratory drinks for the occasion.

We’d love for you to share these exciting limited-time offerings with your readers and followers—don’t let them miss out on these delicious, Taylor-inspired creations!

Menu Highlights:

FRENCH MADE

Drinks

Enchanted: Hot Chocolate, Whipped Cream & Sprinkles
Lavender Lover: Lavender Latte
Shake it Off: Iced Matcha with Strawberry Matcha

Pastries

Dream Macaron: Vanilla Bean Marshmallow & Ontario Strawberry Jam
Pain Au Love Story: Croissant Dough, Valrhona Almond Inspiration Couverture & Frangipane (Price: $7)
Macaron ($5 per piece or a box of 5 for $20)

KŌST

Cocktails

Lavender Haze: Tanqueray Gin, St-Germain, Butterfly Pea Powder, Passion Fruit Juice, Hibiscus Syrup, Miss Better’s Bitter, Lime (contains edible glitter)

Mocktails

Midnight Rain: Seedlip Non-Alcoholic Spirit, Butterfly Pea Powder, Passion Fruit Juice, Hibiscus Syrup (contains edible glitter)

This winter, the iconic KŌST on the 44th floor of the Bisha Hotel is transforming into a luxurious après ski escape with the return of the highly anticipated KŌST Chalet, a limited-time activation in partnership with Grey Goose®.

Welcome to Your Chalet in the Sky

The KŌST Chalet invites guests into an exclusive alpine-inspired retreat where Toronto’s dazzling cityscape meets the natural elegance of Lake Tahoe. The chalet’s ambiance is a perfect blend of rustic charm and sophisticated warmth, designed by Caspar Haydar Design. The inviting décor, with its plush furnishings, warm lighting, and stunning views of the city below, sets the stage for a memorable winter evening in the clouds.

Après Ski-Inspired Delights

Indulge in an exquisite culinary experience featuring hearty après ski-inspired dishes, curated to complement the winter atmosphere. Executive Chef Luca presents a cozy menu that elevates traditional comfort food, returning items from the Cheese Fondue, Short Rib Poutine, French Onion soup, Beef Bourguignon to Creme Caramel.

Kost Chalet Food Menu 2024
Cheese Fondue for 2 (vegetarian) | $48
rustic bread, apples, grapes, broccoli, potato, cornichon
French Onion Soup | $18
croutons, gruyere cheese, chives
Short Rib Poutine (GF) | $25
shoestring fries, Quebec cheese curds, shredded braised beef, veal jus, green onion
Beef Bourguignon | $28
roasted pearl onions, carrots, garlic, mushrooms, bacon, parsnip, fine herbs
Cassoulet (GF DF) | $34
stewed white beans, slab bacon, pork sausage, duck leg
French Dip | $29
slow roasted beef sirloin, horseradish mayo, crispy onions, swiss cheese

Dessert
Creme Caramel | $14 NF VEGETARIAN
Vanilla Bean Custard, Mutsu Apple Compote, Toasted Oat Crumble
The Gateau | $14
Rich Chocolate Sponge, Maple & Bourbon Cremeux, Candied Pecans
Fonduo (for 2) | $26 NF VEGETARIAN
French Chocolate Ganache, Marshmallows, Raspberry Blondies, Seasonal Fruit

An Elevated Partnership with Grey Goose®

At Grey Goose®, we find delight in the simple luxuries nature offers—especially during the winter months. That’s why we’re thrilled to partner with KŌST for their exclusive Chalet activation. Crafted from the finest winter wheat and renowned for its smoothness and premium quality, Grey Goose® vodka evokes thoughts of the French Alps, with icy blue skies and soaring geese.

Join us at KŌST to indulge in a selection of expertly crafted high-altitude cocktails that highlight the rich flavours of Grey Goose®, all within the cozy, inviting atmosphere of the KŌST Chalet. Whether you’re savouring a spiced hot cocktail or a winter-inspired mule, Grey Goose® promises to elevate your cocktail experience.

Key Details:

Location: KŌST, 44th Floor, Bisha Hotel, 80 Blue Jays Way, Toronto
Activation Dates: November 18, 2024 to February 2025
Highlights: Après ski-inspired dishes, bespoke Grey Goose® cocktails, luxurious alpine design
Whether unwinding with friends or enjoying a romantic evening, the KŌST Chalet offers the perfect escape to enjoy great company, breathtaking views, and premium cocktails in an intimate and stylish setting—your own Chalet in the Sky.

After a successful festival circuit run that included Berlin International Film Festival, London Film Festival and Tribeca Film Festival, LA COCINA is now in theatres. The Film stars Raúl Briones and Rooney Mara.

SYNOPSIS:
In the heart of a bustling Times Square kitchen, dreams and desperation collide as the back-of-house staff each chase the elusive American dream. When money goes missing from the till, the spotlight falls on Pedro (Raúl Briones), a passionate dreamer entangled in a tumultuous love affair with Julia (Rooney Mara), a waitress grappling with her own commitments. As tensions rise and shocking revelations unfold, the relentless pace of the kitchen threatens to shatter the hopes and aspirations of those who keep it running. It’s a high-stakes drama that explores the intersection of the personal ambition and systemic exploitation of undocumented immigrant workers within the pressure-cooker environment of a Times Square New York restaurant. 

COUNTRY: Mexico, United States
LANGUAGE: English, Spanish
RUNTIME: 139 minutes

CAST:
Raúl Briones (Pedro) – La Máquina, Down the Rabbit Hole
Rooney Mara (Julia) – The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Women Talking
Anna Díaz (Estela) – Un cuento de pescadores, Del Manantial del Corazón
Motell Foster (Nonzo) – The Ballad of Suzanne Césaire, Blackout
Oded Fehr (Rashid) – Star Trek: Discovery, The Mummy trilogy   
Eduardo Olmos (Luis) – Feature film debut

WRITER-DIRECTOR: Alonso Ruizpalacios – A Cop Movie, Outer Range
BASED ON THE PLAY “THE KITCHEN” by: Arnold Wesker
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: Juan Pablo Ramírez 
EDITOR: Yibrān Asuad
PRODUCTION DESIGNER: Sandra Cabriada
COMPOSER: Tomás Barreiro

PRODUCERS: Ramiro Ruiz, Gerardo Gatica, Alonso Ruizpalacios, Lauren Mann, Ivan Orlic
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: William Olsson, Patrick Pfupajena, Fifth Season, Elizabeth Woodwood

“Beyond,” the end credit track from the highly anticipated Walt Disney Animation Studios’ film and Disney Music Group Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, “Moana 2,” is available today. Written by Grammy® Award-winning songwriters Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear (Barlow & Bear), “Beyond” perfectly encapsulates Moana’s fearless sense of adventure and connecting her island beyond its shores. “Beyond” is now available on all streaming platforms. Listen on Amazon Music, Apple Music and Spotify.

In addition to Barlow & Bear, Moana 2 marks the return of Billboard Music Award- and American Music Award-winning composer Opetaia Foa‘i and Grammy®-winning composer Mark Mancina who composed music for the original “Moana.” Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Moana 2” will be in theatres November 27. Tickets are on sale now everywhere tickets are sold for Walt Disney Animation Studios’ epic animated musical “Moana 2.”

Barlow & Bear shared of “Beyond,” “During the process of writing this, we spoke to a lot of people who come from Oceania and the Polynesian Islands, and what rings true to all of them is their deep connection to their heritage and how they honor their ancestors. No matter how daunting this journey is to Moana, she can’t refuse it. It scares her but also exhilarates her because it’s a call from the ancestors. And the idea that the ocean connects us all is a very big part of Pacific Island culture and wayfinding culture.”

Added director Jason Hand, “It’s incredibly emotional. When Auli‘i sang it, it really blew us away. We were all in tears listening to her.”

Added Auli‘i Cravalho, “’Beyond’ really impacted me as someone who feels deeply connected to my culture. It’s about going beyond what you’re capable of, beyond your comfort zone, and not doing it just for yourself, doing it for your people.”

The Moana 2 Original Motion Picture Soundtrack track list follows:

“Tulou Tagaloa (Sei e Va’ai Mai)” Performed by Olivia Foa‘i, Te Vaka
“We’re Back” Performed by Auli‘i Cravalho, Cast
“Tuputupu (The Feast)” Performed by Te Vaka
“Beyond” Performed by Auli‘i Cravalho
“My Wish For You (Innocent Warrior)” Performed by Olivia Foa‘i, Sulata Foa‘i -Amiatu, Matatia Foa‘i, Matthew Ineleo, Opetaia Foa‘i
“Finding the Way” Performed by Olivia Foa‘i, Te Vaka
“What Could Be Better Than This?” Performed by Auli‘i Cravalho, Hualālai Chung, Rose Matafeo, David Fane
“Get Lost” Performed by Awhimai Fraser
“Can I Get A Chee Hoo?” Performed by Dwayne Johnson
“Mana Vavau” Performed by Dwayne Johnson, Opetaia Foa‘i, Rachel House
“Beyond (Reprise)” Performed by Auli‘i Cravalho
“Nuku O Kaiga” Performed by Te Vaka
“Finding The Way (Reprise)” Performed by Te Vaka
“We Know The Way (Te Fenua te Malie)” Performed by Auli‘i Cravalho, Olivia Foa‘i, Opetaia Foa‘i, Te Vaka
“Beyond (End Credit Version)” Performed by Auli‘i Cravalho
“We’re Back (Te Vaka Version)” Performed by Olivia Foa‘i, Te Vaka

The Moana Original Soundtrack has garnered over 20 Billion worldwide streams since its release in 2016 and featured the catchy earworm “You’re Welcome” and the power anthem “How Far I’ll Go.” “You’re Welcome” is performed by Dwayne Johnson, who voices “Maui” in the films, has been RIAA® certified 6 times platinum and is the most watched video on DisneyMusic VEVO with over 1.6 Billion views to date. “How Far I’ll Go” is performed by Auli‘i Cravalho, who voices Moana, has been RIAA® certified 7 times platinum and was nominated for an Oscar® Award and Golden Globe® Award for Best Original Song.

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ epic animated musical “Moana 2” reunites Moana (voice of Auli‘i Cravalho) and Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson) three years later for an expansive new voyage alongside a crew of unlikely seafarers. After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced.

The voice cast also includes Rachel House, Temuera Morrison, Nicole Scherzinger, Hualālai Chung, David Fane, Rose Matafeo, Awhimai Fraser, Gerald Ramsey, and Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda, who lends her voice to Moana’s adoring and adorable little sister, Simea. Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand and Dana Ledoux Miller, and produced by Christina Chen and Yvett Merino, “Moana 2” features music by Grammy® winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Grammy ®nominee Opetaia Foa‘i, and three-time Grammy® winner Mark Mancina. Jared Bush and Miller are writing the film, which is executive produced by Jennifer Lee, Bush and Johnson. “Moana 2” opens in theatres on Nov. 27, 2024.

Esteemed journalist Ivy Knight and director JR Reid, whose short film Skyline Diner premiered at North America’s largest documentary festival, Hot Docs, are once again teaming up for OPEN—a new documentary series capturing a never before seen look at some of Toronto’s finest restaurants. The series follows chefs and restaurateurs as they prepare to open for daily service, providing audiences with a behind the scenes look that is rarely showcased. Narrated by notable journalist and celebrated food writer James Chatto, and shot entirely on film, this series is unlike anything that’s come before it.

The first episode of OPEN, featuring the Michelin-starred Edulis, will premiere at the series launch on November 18th at The Bell & The Beacon, with a bonus screening of Skyline included. Taste Toronto, a proud supporter of Toronto’s diverse restaurant culture, will co-host as the media sponsor for this exciting new series.

Ivy Knight, an acclaimed journalist who has interviewed everyone from Anthony Bourdain to Matty Matheson, brings her industry insight and passion for storytelling to OPEN. A former line cook turned writer and documentary filmmaker, Knight has dedicated her career to illuminating the hidden layers of restaurant culture. Much like the hit TV show The Bear, OPEN dives into the sometimes unglamorous, everyday rituals of the restaurant world, showing audiences the realities of life behind the kitchen doors. “Conceived by JR, we’re making this series as a continuation of our short documentary about the Skyline Diner that premiered at Hot Docs last year. We love restaurants and we want to showcase the parts of that culture that are often unseen,” Knight explains.

The Toronto establishments featured in this first season of the series are General Public, Edulis, Linny’s and Afrobeats. Each location contributes its own unique story, woven together to form a heartfelt celebration of Toronto’s restaurant scene.

Shot entirely on film, OPEN uses a nostalgic blend of Super 8, Polaroid, point-and-shoot, and vintage 35mm cameras to evoke a timeless, vintage aesthetic. With Knight acting as producer and writer, and JR in his role as director and editor, they assembled an all-volunteer crew to create the series. Known for his music videos with Gentleman Reg, Dearly Beloved and others, Reid sees OPEN as a counterpoint to endless scrolling on our social media feeds. “In a world of unlimited and cheap disposable content, we wanted to create something lasting and beautiful,” he explains.

Special thanks to Taste Toronto, Motioneer, Valley of Mother of God Gin, and The Bell & The Beacon for their generous support. And to our sponsors Carve Real Estate and San Pellegrino.

About Ivy Knight

Ivy Knight is a Toronto-based journalist, filmmaker, and former chef dedicated to telling the untold stories of restaurant culture. With bylines in The New York Times, Food & Wine, and The New Yorker, Ivy brings a unique insider’s perspective to the food and hospitality industry. Her work highlights diversity, equality, and the artistry of restaurant life, offering audiences a deeper understanding of the culinary world.

About JR Reid

JR Reid is a director and editor with over twenty years of experience in filmmaking, following an early career in the restaurant industry. He has held in-house roles at Cossette and Tantrum Studios, producing music videos after hours. Reid has directed campaigns for brands like OLG, Auto Trader, and Loblaws. His independent documentary films have been screened at festivals including Devour! Food Film Festival, the Sonoma International Film Festival, and theatres around Toronto. Most recently, his film Skyline premiered at Hot Docs. Reid’s shorts cover a wide range of subjects, from beauty salons to sourdough, and he recently released a 4-part documentary series on food waste for the PC Insiders Project.

About Taste Toronto

Taste Toronto is a leading digital media platform dedicated to celebrating and supporting the diverse culinary landscape of Toronto. The team at Taste Toronto turns ideas into impactful campaigns and experiences that resonate deeply with audiences. Guided by a commitment to storytelling and audience engagement, Taste Toronto connects food enthusiasts with the city’s best dining experiences, from hidden gems to iconic establishments, ensuring every project leaves a lasting mark. As a trusted source for all things food in Toronto, Taste Toronto brings together a passionate community of locals and visitors, fostering a deeper appreciation for the city’s rich culinary culture.

 In honour of National Espresso Day on November 23, Ficoa is gearing up for the ultimate coffee-inspired bar battle with Minami Toronto. Happening on November 20 at 6PM at Ficoa, the second consecutive Bar Battle will pit two top Toronto mixologists together – Nick Meyer, regional beverage director for Minami Toronto and Mauricio Lopez, head bartender at Ficoa. Generously sponsored by True Theory Vodka and Hatch Specialty Coffee , the next bar battle in the ongoing series will be a fierce yet fun contest, in which the two create the best coffee-themed cocktails. 

For $45 per person (plus taxes), guests can expect a high energy face-off as each bartender stirs and shakes his way to impress. And of course each of the delicious creations will be enjoyed by guests who will also have say in who the winner is by voting in the “People’s Choice” part of the bar battle. The drinks will be complemented by an irresistible selection of snacks, thoughtfully curated by Ficoa’s head chef, Gerry Quintero to enhance the bartender’s caffeinated concontions. Drawing inspiration from Ontario’s microseasons and his Mexican heritage, Quintero will craft an eclectic array of bites that embody his culinary philosophy at Ficoa—playful, dynamic, and sustainable. These will be laid out in different sections of Ficoa’s space, allowing guests to move and graze as they become fully immersed in the experience of Ficoa, thoughtfully designed to holistically engage guests in the ultimate sensory experience.

Nick Meyer, shared his excitement ahead of the event: “I’m thrilled to be competing with Mauricio [Lopez] at Ficoa. The bar battle concept is always a fun challenge, and I’m planning on winning!”    The night will conclude with a panel of distinguished judges, including cocktail expert Brenton Mowforth, renowned for his acclaimed Instagram persona @cheerstohappyhour, who will decide which bartender claims the title of Best Coffee Cocktail. Guests will have a chance to vote for their favourite cocktail of the evening. The winners of both the judges’ vote and the audience vote will each take home bragging rights.  

Known for its upscale, Mexican-inspired fine dining, Ficoa’s culinary philosophy celebrates Toronto’s cultural diversity and Ontario’s micro-seasons. Chef Gerry Quintero uses sustainable techniques like fermentation and dry-ageing to create inventive, seasonal menus that maximise the potential of every ingredient. This commitment to craftsmanship and creativity will be on full display during the coffee-themed bar battle as the competing mixologists aim to impress.  

The vodka sponsor for this event, True Theory is a hand-crafted vodka made with locally sourced ingredients and water. The brand uses a unique distillation process to create a high-quality spirit. All its grains are sourced from Canadian farms, reflecting a strong commitment to both quality and community. Focusing on care and craftsmanship, the brand makes sure each bottle stands out. 

The coffee sponsor for this event, Hatch Specialty Coffee prioritises building strong relationships with coffee growers and importers to select high-quality beans for its products. The roasting style, inspired by Scandinavian light roasts, brings out the unique flavour profiles of each coffee origin.  

Tickets for the Bar Battle at Ficoa can be purchased HERE.   

About Ficoa

Nestled in the heart of Little Italy, Ficoa stands as a testament to Toronto’s rich cultural tapestry with its eclectic fine dining offerings. Chef Gerry Quintero, the visionary behind Ficoa, joins forces with co-founder Patricia Toro to curate a culinary journey that celebrates Toronto’s multicultural food scene. Drawing from Quintero’s Mexican roots and Toro’s Ecuadorian heritage, Ficoa stands out as Toronto’s premier destination for multifarious season-focused fine dining. Soft launched in March this year, Ficoa has quickly become synonymous with hospitality, drawing parallels to the warmth and welcoming atmosphere of dining at grandma’s house.

About Minami Toronto

Located in the heart of the financial district, Minami Toronto stands out as a premier destination for contemporary Japanese bites. Part of the ABURI Restaurants Canada family, Minami is renowned for the ABURI Group’s signature flame-seared sushi that has quickly become synonymous with contemporary Japanese fine dining.      

We get a new title tease for the upcoming fifth season of STRANGER THINGS! Did you know today is Stranger Things Day?

Season 5 arrives 2025.

ABOUT STRANGER THINGS

A love letter to the ‘80s classic genre films that captivated a generation, Stranger Things is a thrilling drama set in the seemingly normal Midwestern town of Hawkins, Indiana. After a boy vanishes into thin air, his close-knit group of friends and family search for answers and are pulled into a high-stakes and deadly series of events. Beneath the surface of their ordinary town lurks an extraordinary supernatural mystery, along with top-secret government experiments and a dangerous gateway that connects our world to a powerful yet sinister realm. Friendships will be tested and lives will be altered as what they discover will change Hawkins and possibly the world — forever.

Created by the Duffer Brothers, Stranger Things debuted in July 2016 and quickly became one of Netflix’s most popular television series ever with its fourth season alone amassing over 140.7 Million views globally. Rooted in 80’s nostalgia, it has sparked a resurgence of pop culture items from the decade with every new season, including Eggo waffles and New Coke. Most recently, the series breathed new life into Kate Bush’s track “Running Up That Hill” with the song soaring in streams on Spotify and entering the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart for the first time in its 38-year history. The series has also garnered over 70 awards worldwide including Emmys and the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series, and has been nominated for over 230 awards. Stranger Things fans everywhere celebrate November 6 – the day Will Byers went missing – as ‘Stranger Things Day,’ a special day to share their love for the world of Stranger Things.

Season 5 was announced as the final season of Stranger Things with additional projects in the universe in the works, including: Stranger Things: The First Shadowlive on stage in London’s West End and coming to Broadway in 2025, along with an untitled animated spinoff series.

AND DON’T FORGET, TODAY IS…

On November 6, 1983, Will Byers went missing in Hawkins, Indiana. Long after the town gave up the search, his friends kept looking… and discovered a mysterious girl known only by a number: Eleven. She was alone, hunted, and extremely powerful. Eleven would stop at nothing to help them find their friend. Stranger Thingsfans everywhere celebrate November 6 as ‘ Stranger ThingsDay,’ a special day to share their love for the world of Stranger Things.

With so many ways to experience this fan-favorite show, we’ve celebrated ‘Stranger Season’ all month with special screenings, in-person experiences, new limited-edition merchandise, and more!

MUBI, the global distributor, streaming service and production company, has announced the global streaming release date for Elizabeth Sankey’s (Boobs, Romantic Comedy) latest documentary film, Witches. Witches had its World Premiere at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival and had its UK Premiere at the 2024 London Film Festival, and will stream exclusively on MUBI globally from November 22, 2024.

Witches has received two nominations at the British Independent Film Awards 2024, for the Raindance Maverick Award and Best Feature Documentary.

The film is a profound exploration of the unexpected yet compelling connections between postpartum mental health and the history and portrayal of witches in western society and popular culture.

Following on from her critically acclaimed feature Romantic Comedy, released by MUBI in 2019, Sankey now uses her trademark video essay style to turn the camera inward, focusing on her own experiences with postpartum anxiety and depression.

Using her own experience of being admitted to a psychiatric ward after the birth of her son, Sankey intertwines personal narrative with historical and cinematic footage. The film features interviews with medical professionals, historians, and fellow sufferers, offering a multifaceted perspective on how women with mental health issues have been stigmatised and misunderstood over time, while creating her own coven of women to reclaim their stories.

Witches is produced by Manon Ardisson, Chiara Ventura and Jeremy Warmsley – Executive produced by Efe Cakarel, Jason Ropell, Bobby Allen, Thomas C. Hoegh. Cinematography is by Chloë Thomson and the score is composed by Jeremy Warmsley.

WITCHES WILL STREAM EXCLUSIVELY ON MUBI GLOBALLY FROM NOVEMBER 22, 2024

Can you hear the sleigh bells ringing? Starbucks is unveiling all the details on its holiday menu, returning to stores across Canada tomorrow, November 7, 2024 alongside festive holiday cups and more.

Here are the details:

· A Merry Holiday Menu: When the merriest time of year returns to Starbucks stores on November 7, 2024 customers can celebrate the season with a mix of new and returning holiday beverages and pastries.

· First- Ever Holiday Refreshers: Starbucks is introducing its first-ever holiday Refresher, the NEW Cran-Merry Orange Refresher, which can also be ordered as a Cran-Merry Orange Lemonade Refresher or Cran-Merry Drink featuring coconut beverage.

Returning Faves:

Holiday-inspired handcrafted espresso beverages also return to the menu, including the iconic
Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulé Latte, Chestnut Praline Latte and
Iced Sugar Cookie Oat Latte. Tea fans can also enjoy the Iced Gingerbread Oat Chai, which is back for its second year.

Holiday Cold Foams:

Sprinkle a little extra joy on your beverage with seasonal cold foams! Customers can enjoy the new flavour, gingerbread, alongside returning flavours, peppermint chocolate,
sugar cookie, chestnut praline and caramel brulé. New this season,
holiday cold foams can be made nondairy, and added as a customization for an additional charge, giving any drink a festive twist.

Joyful Eats:

New pastries include: Turkey Sage Danish, Snowman Cake Pop and Penguin Cookie, with the
Cranberry Bliss Bar and Gingerbread Loaf as returning favourites.

Seasonal Whole Bean Coffee:

Two exclusive, limited edition seasonal blends will be available at Starbucks stores throughout November and December, including Starbucks Christmas Blend (celebrating its 40th year!) and Starbucks Holiday Blend.

New Cup Designs:

For many customers, the return of Starbucks holiday cups signals the holidays are here. Starbucks is debuting four new holiday hot cups that
capture the merriment of the season, with designs including Joyful Connection,
Lyrical Landscape, Siren Chorus and Warm Wishes – plus a new holiday cold cup.