New Mountain Films is proud to announce its acquisition of North American rights to NAWI: DEAR FUTURE ME, the critically acclaimed Kenyan–German drama that has taken the global festival circuit by storm. The film has garnered 14 international awards, was Kenya’s official submission for Best International Feature at the 2025 Oscars, and recently screened at the UN Commission on the Status of Women in New York.

Inspired by true events, NAWI follows a 13-year-old girl in rural Kenya whose father trades her into marriage in exchange for livestock. On her wedding night, she escapes, walking alone to Nairobi to pursue an education. When she learns that her infant sister is being forced to take her place, Nawi returns to confront her family.

NAWI is co-directed by Toby and Kevin Schmutzler, Apuu Mourine, and Vallentine Chelluget, with a script credited to Kevin and Toby Schmutzler and based on a story by Milcah Cherotich. The lead role is portrayed by Michelle Lemuya Ikeny, whose performance has drawn international acclaim.

The film has earned top honours at festivals across Europe, Africa, Asia, and North America—including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Newcomer, the Special Jury Award at Beijing’s BJIFF (Tiantan Awards), and dual wins at Raindance—alongside multiple Audience Awards.

“NAWI is exactly the kind of story we feel compelled to share—brave, beautifully made, and impossible to ignore,” said Khaled Sabbour, founder and CEO of New Mountain Films. “It’s not only been recognized by the global film community, but has ignited real-world change. We’re honoured to bring it to North American audiences.”

In Kenya, NAWI has already raised over $300,000 through its impact campaign, with the first all-girls boarding school now open and serving 200+ students. A mobile desert cinema tour is launching this summer to bring the film to remote villages. The project has garnered support from global organisations including UNICEF, Girls Not Brides, and Girls First Fund.

The deal was negotiated directly between Sabbour and the filmmakers at FilmCrew Media: Kevin and Toby Schmutzler and producer Lydia Wrensch. New Mountain is currently targeting a February 2026 theatrical release across the U.S. and Canada.

About New Mountain Films:

New Mountain Films is a Toronto-based independent film distributor dedicated to bringing bold, socially resonant stories to audiences across North America. Founded in 2024 by veteran industry executive Khaled Sabbour, the company made its theatrical debut with THE COURAGEOUS and continues to build momentum with a growing slate of titles, including the upcoming releases of LOATHE THY NEIGHBOR, ROADS OF FIRE, and MY BROTHER ALI. With a commitment to nurturing creative talent and amplifying underrepresented voices, New Mountain Films builds strong relationships with filmmakers and the wider film community.

A24 and CMC Pictures Team Up to Bring an English-language Version of Global hit Ne Zha 2 to Theatres This SummerThe Landmark Animated Film Features Academy Award® Winner Michelle Yeoh and will be released in IMAX® and 3D starting August 22, 2025

-A24 and CMC Pictures announce an English-language version of Ne Zha 2 – the acclaimed Chinese animated phenomenon – arriving in theatres across the U.S., Canada, Australia and New Zealand starting August 22.

-The release will be presented in IMAX®, 3D, and other premium large formats.

-The English-language version will feature Academy Award® winner Michelle Yeoh.

-Written and directed by filmmaker Yang Yu, Ne Zha 2 is considered a milestone in modern animation – merging emotionally resonant storytelling, mythological spectacle, and cutting-edge visual artistry. Building on the legacy of its groundbreaking predecessor, the film introduces a bold new chapter to the legend of Ne Zha.

-Michelle Yeoh Quote: “I’m honored to be part of Ne Zha 2, a landmark in Chinese animation and a powerful reminder of how universal our stories can be. Sharing this with audiences in English is such a joy, and I can’t wait for everyone to experience the wonder, heart, spectacular artistry, and magic of this film on the big screen.”

Synopsis: A rebellious young boy, Ne Zha, is feared by the gods and born to mortal parents with wild, uncontrolled powers. Now he’s faced with an ancient force intent on destroying humanity, he must grow up to become the hero the world needs.

-Already the highest-rated animated film of the year on Rotten Tomatoes and one of the highest-rated films of 2025 on Letterboxd, critics have praised it as “animated cinema on a scale rarely seen” and “a technical marvel that demands to be seen on the biggest screen possible.

-Ne Zha 2 is the highest-grossing animated film of all time, the highest-grossing non-English language film ever, and already ranks as the fifth highest-grossing film overall

Award-winning comedy entertainment studio and 360-degree brand marketing leader New Metric Media, in association with Bay Mills Studios, is pleased to welcome a supporting cast of top-notch comedic acting talent to upcoming satirical miniseries HATE THE PLAYER: THE BEN JOHNSON STORY, set to debut on Anthem Sports & Entertainment’s GameTV and Paramount+ in Canada in 2026.

Social media star and actor Andrew Bachelor, better known as King Bach, who has amassed an ever-growing following of more than 70 million across various social media platforms, is taking on the role of famed U.S. sprinter Carl Lewis, opposite the previously announced series star Shamier Anderson, who plays Ben Johnson. Most recently, Bachelor has also starred in Netflix comedy Coffee and Kareem, alongside Taraji P. Henson, Ed Helms and Betty Gilpin, Netflix horror The Babysitter: Killer Queen with Jenna Ortega and Netflix romcom Holidate with Emma Roberts and Kristin Chenoweth.

“As someone who grew up surrounded by the sport of track and field, it’s truly in my blood. My father was a sprinter in Jamaica, and he passed down to me not just his speed, but his passion and deep understanding of the sport. I had the honor of running track for Florida State University, where we won nationals three years in a row. Carl Lewis was a hero of mine – not just because of his dominance, but because he excelled in multiple events, just like I did,” said Andrew Bachelor. “The rivalry between Ben Johnson and Carl Lewis is one of the most iconic in sports history. To be a part of bringing that story to life is an incredible honour and a full-circle moment for me.”

Mark McKinney, performer, writer and producer of some of the most groundbreaking television made in North America, including Kids in the Hall, will recur in the role of lawyer Walter F. Essanpee in HATE THE PLAYER: THE BEN JOHNSON STORY. Meanwhile, SAG and Canadian Screen Award winner Karen Robinson (Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent, Schitt’s Creek) is playing Ben’s beloved mom, Gloria, with three-time Canadian Screen Award Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Ennis Esmer (New Metric Media’s Children Ruin Everything, The Madness) portraying Ben’s doctor Jamie Astaphan. Kristian Bruun (The Recruit, Orphan Black) joins the cast as Ben’s coach Charlie Francis and Malaika Hennie Hamadi (New Metric Media’s Bria Mack Gets A Life) as intern Khara.

Rounding out the supporting cast is a cavalcade of Canadian comedy talent including Ryan Belleville (Workin’ Moms), Darryl Hinds (Second City), Lisa Horner (Kim’s Convenience), Emma Hunter (Mr. D, Letterkenny), Suresh John (Mr. D, Last Frontier), Jonathan Langdon (M. Knight Shyamalan’s Trap), Gita Miller (Workin’ Moms), Andrew Phung (Kim’s Convenience, Run the Burbs) and Dewshane Williams (Hello Tomorrow).

The miniseries has also lined up several fun cameos, including appearances by WWE star Chelsea Green and Canadian NASCAR driver Amber Balcaen.

HATE THE PLAYER: THE BEN JOHNSON STORY is Canadian sprinter Johnson’s definitely-not-biased account of the doping controversy that rocked the 1988 Olympics when he tested positive for banned steroid use, going from hero to zero in 9.79 seconds in what some called “The Dirtiest Race in History”. The series takes a revealing and satirical look at the events surrounding the legendary race and the scandal behind the scandal. New Metric Media identified and put the project together, entering development on the series with Paramount+ in Canada in 2023.

The series is created by BAFTA-winning and Emmy-nominated writer Anthony Q. Farrell (The Office, Shelved, Run the Burbs), who serves as showrunner and Executive Producer. New Metric Media CEO Mark Montefiore (Letterkenny, Shoresy, Children Ruin Everything) and director R.T. Thorne will also executive produce, alongside Anderson and Stephan James for Bay Mills Studio. Lana Maclin and Max Wolfond serve as Producer and Supervising Producer, respectively, for New Metric. Thorne (The Porter) and Cory Bowles (Trailer Park Boys) are set to direct.

Set to debut on GameTV and Paramount+ in Canada simultaneously in early 2026, HATE THE PLAYER: THE BEN JOHNSON STORY is being produced with participation from Ben Johnson and is inspired by extensive research conducted by Canadian author and journalist, Mary Ormsby. New Metric Media is distributing the miniseries internationally.

Wednesday is back August 6 & September 3, 2025 only on Netflix.

This month, Wednesday is putting the TOUR in [TOUR]ture as the cast and creators of Wednesday embark on a delightfully dreadful misadventure lamenting the promotion of season 2 throughout Australia, Canada, England, France, Italy, Poland, Romania, South Korea & USA. Follow along at @wednesdaynetflix to see when the storm clouds are descending on an area near you!

WEDNESDAY S2:
Part 1 Premiere Date: August 6, 2025
Part 2 Premiere Date: September 3, 2025
Logline: Wednesday Addams (Jenna Ortega), returns to prowl the Gothic halls of Nevermore Academy, where fresh foes and woes await. This season, Wednesday must navigate family, friends and old adversaries, propelling her into another year of delightfully dark and kooky mayhem. Armed with her signature razor-sharp wit and deadpan charm, Wednesday is also plunged into a new bone-chilling supernatural mystery. Creator/showrunners Alfred Gough and Miles Millar return for the spine-tingling second season of WEDNESDAY, alongside executive producer and director Tim Burton.

Today, Apple TV+ debuted a teaser for season four of the award-winning global hit drama, “The Morning Show,” starring and executive produced by Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon, alongside showrunner and executive producer Charlotte Stoudt and director and executive producer Mimi Leder. The 10-episode fourth season will premiere globally on Apple TV+ on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 with the first episode, followed by one episode weekly until November 19, 2025.

Season four of “The Morning Show” opens in spring 2024, almost two years after the events of season three. With the UBA-NBN merger complete, the newsroom must grapple with newfound responsibility, hidden motives and the elusive nature of truth in a polarized America. In a world rife with deepfakes, conspiracy theories and corporate cover-ups — who can you trust? And how can you know what’s actually real? Along with Witherspoon and Aniston, the star-studded season four ensemble cast includes Billy Crudup, Karen Pittman, Nicole Beharie, Nestor Carbonell, Mark Duplass, Greta Lee, Marion Cotillard, Jeremy Irons, Aaron Pierre, William Jackson Harper, Boyd Holbrook and returning fan-favorite Jon Hamm.

The drama is showrun and executive produced by Stoudt, and directed and executive produced by Leder. The series is produced by the studio Media Res, and executive produced by Michael Ellenberg and Lindsey Springer through Media Res, along with Stoudt and Leder. Aniston and Kristin Hahn executive produce through Echo Films, while Witherspoon executive produces alongside Lauren Neustadter for Hello Sunshine. Zander Lehmann and Micah Schraft also executive produce.

Currently streaming globally on Apple TV+, the third season of “The Morning Show” received 16 Emmy Award nominations and earned a win for Crudup for his performance as Cory Ellison in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series category. Crudup additionally won a Critics Choice Award for his portrayal of Ellison in the show’s third season. Season three was also honoured by the American Film Institute (AFI) on their prestigious list of the 10 best television programs of 2023.

In season two, “The Morning Show” received Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (Witherspoon), Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (Crudup, who also won the award for season one), and Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series (Marcia Gay Harden). In the series’ first season, Crudup earned an Emmy Award win in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series category, in addition to a Critics Choice Award. Aniston’s powerful performance as Alex Levy earned a SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series. Leder earned two Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series for helming the season one finale and the season three finale, which she also executive produced.

Apple TV+ offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all your favourite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have earned 578 wins and 2,648 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning comedy “Ted Lasso” and historic Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.”

About Apple TV+

Apple TV+ is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at tv.apple.com, for $12.99 per month with a seven-day trial for new subscribers. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac or iPod touch can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ for free.*

*Special offer is good for three months after the first activation of the eligible device. One offer per Family Sharing group. Plans automatically renew until cancelled. Other restrictions and terms apply; visit apple.com/promo for more information.

THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SEARCH FOR SQUAREPANTS is only In Theatres December 19, 2025 via Paramount Pictures Canada. Today we get a new Teaser:

New Poster:

Details:

Executive Producers

Marc Ceccarelli, Vincent Waller, Pete Chiappetta, Anthony Tittanegro, Andrew Lary

Produced by

Lisa Stewart, p.g.a., Pam Brady, Aaron Dem

Based on the Series “SpongeBob SquarePants” Created by Stephen Hillenburg

Story by

Marc Ceccarelli & Kaz and Pam Brady

Screenplay by

Pam Brady and Matt Lieberman

Directed by

Derek Drymon

Cast:

Tom Kenny, Clancy Brown, Rodger Bumpass, Bill Fagerbakke, Carolyn Lawrence, Mr. Lawrence, George Lopez, Isis “Ice Spice” Gaston, Arturo Castro, Sherry Cola with Regina Hall and Mark Hamill

Eric Bana stars as a special agent for the National Parks Service whose murder investigation sends him on a collision course with the dark secrets within the park, and in his own past. Today we get a new Trailer for UNTAMED.

Showrunners: Mark L. Smith and Elle Smith
Starring: Eric Bana, Rosemarie DeWitt, Sam Neill, Lily Santiago, Wilson Bethel and William Smillie

Premiere Date: Thursday, July 17, 2025 on Netflix.

On Wednesday, July 16, 2025 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, Radici Project will host Bar Battle: Little Italy, a spirited cocktail showdown between two of College Street’s top bartenders: Damian Locatelli of Slice of Life and Oliver Leung of Suite 115. Each bartender will be creating a summer-inspired gin cocktail made with Classic Gin, generously sponsored by Valley of Mother of God Gin. Attendees will have the chance to vote for the People’s Choice winner, while a panel of expert judges selects their top pick. This year’s panel includes Ashley Arnold, sommelier at the iconic Harbour Sixty, Steven Tseng, cocktail educator and TV beverage expert, and Executive Chef Emiliano Del Frate, Executive Chef and co-owner of Radici Project. Hosted at one of Toronto’s most exciting new restaurants, the event includes light bites, sample-sized versions of each competing cocktail, and two full-sized cocktails of your choice. Tickets are priced at $35 plus tax and gratuity and are available for purchase HERE.

The evening will begin with light bites and mingling before guests receive sample-sized cocktails from each competing bartender. As the competition kicks off, a panel of judges will score the drinks based on presentation, taste, and flair. Guests will also cast their own votes to help decide the People’s Choice winner. The theme for the night is a refreshing summer cocktail made with Valley of Mother of God Classic Gin. Guests are welcome to order from Radici’s à la carte menu or the Essence Menu, a seasonal tasting experience priced at $100 featuring highlights like karaage with papacelle, beets tajarin with smoked caviar, and halibut with maitake and peperone crusco.

MEET THE COMPETITORS

Oliver Leung (left, above)
Suite 115 Cocktail Bar- co-owner of Suite 115

Oliver Leung is the co-owner and operator of Suite 115, known for its thoughtful and innovative approach to hospitality. Previously part of Project Gigglewater, Oliver now focuses on creating experiences that are bold, playful, and meaningful. Suite 115 was recently named a Top 10 Nominee for Best New International Cocktail Bar in Canada by Tales of the Cocktail.

Damian Locatelli (right, above)
Slice of Life- Bar Manager

Since joining Slice of Life as Head Bartender, Damian Locatelli has played a key role in the bar’s rise. Within its first year, Slice of Life secured spots on both North America’s 50 Best Bars 2025 and Canada’s Top 50 Bars 2025. Now serving as Bar Manager, Damian continues to lead with creativity and ambition.

MEET THE JUDGES

Ashley Arnold
Ashley Arnold is a CMS certified sommelier with a deep background in beverage leadership. She has served as Wine Director at Soluna and as Head Sommelier at Aburi Hana. She is now part of the team at Harbour Sixty.

Steven Tseng
Steven Tseng is a former bartender at the Park Hyatt, a beverage expert on television segments, a continuing education cocktail instructor at George Brown College, and a contributor to the Toronto Star.

Emiliano Del Frate
Chef Emiliano Del Frate is the Executive Chef and co-founder of Radici Project. With experience at internationally acclaimed restaurants including Noma, Don Alfonso, and DaNico, Emiliano brings a globally informed perspective to both his cooking and his role as a judge, offering a refined and thoughtful approach to evaluating each cocktail.

EVENT DETAILS
Event: Bar Battle in Little Italy
Date: Wednesday, July 16
Time: 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Location: 588 College St, Toronto, ON M6G 1B3
Tickets: $35 (plus tax and gratuity). Includes two cocktails, sample-size versions of the cocktails, light bites, and voting privileges

Join us for a one-of-a-kind neighbourhood event filled with creativity, competition, and cocktails. Tickets are available HERE.

About Radici Project
Radici is a contemporary Italian-Japanese restaurant located in Toronto’s Little Italy. Founded by husband-and-wife duo Chef Emiliano Del Frate and Kayo Ito, Radici offers Italian-Japanese cuisine through a seasonally evolving menu rooted in sustainable practices and the use of Canadian ingredients. The restaurant features a dual-concept layout, with a casual à la carte natural wine bar at the front and an intimate chef’s table experience at the back. With thoughtful sake and wine pairings and a serene, locally inspired space, Radici brings a new kind of storytelling to Toronto’s dining scene.

About Slice of Life
Located at 409 College Street in Toronto, Slice of Life is a cocktail-forward bar known for its intimate, speakeasy-inspired atmosphere and exceptional drink program. Open Wednesday through Sunday, the bar offers a carefully curated menu of inventive yet approachable cocktails that highlight seasonal ingredients and refined techniques. With its moody lighting, plush velvet seating, and attentive service, Slice of Life has quickly become a favourite destination for cocktail enthusiasts and industry insiders alike. Whether you’re stopping in for a post-dinner drink or settling in for the night, Slice of Life delivers a memorable, elevated bar experience in the heart of the city.

About Suite 115
Nestled in the heart of downtown Toronto stands Suite 115, a speakeasy with a history. Whether you are new to cocktails or a seasoned drinker, our ethos is to maintain a thirst for developing new cocktails, while instilling a sense of humility that your preferences and flavor profile are the ultimate driver of a great cocktail.

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)