Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls. Spring’s arrived and what better way to ring it in than with some Fresh Spring Rolls? These are a staple of Vietnamese cuisine and are also known as Gỏi Cuốn. These are a great way to eat clean and they’re great as an appetizer but substantial enough as a standalone meal. Yes, I know my wrapping skills need work, but no matter what they look like, they still taste great and that’s the truth! Thanks to my pal Bee for sharing her sauce recipe with me! I added a few twists, enjoy! These are so simple and fun to make.

Ingredients:

8 Rice Paper Wrappers

8 or more large shrimp (i.e. Argentinian) cooked, peeled and halved

2 cups Butterhead/Green Leaf Lettuce

1/4 cucumber, peeled and chopped into strips

4-5 tbsps mint, chopped

1 avocado, sliced

1 Jalapeño pepper, seeded and sliced

2 cups vermicelli, cooked

1 handful Cilantro, chopped

Sauce:

4 tbsps smooth peanut butter

3 tbsps Hoisin Sauce

1 tsp Sesame Oil

1 tbsp Fish Sauce (optional)

Chopped peanuts (optional)

Lime sections

Instructions:

1. In small bowl, mix sauce ingredients together and set aside.

2. Soak rice paper wrappers briefly in warm water in batches of 2-3 at a time till softened.

3. Gently place individual wrapper on clean, flat surface and assemble lettuce, avocado, cilantro, jalapeño, vermicelli, cucumber, mint and shrimp onto it. Refer to carousel gallery for visual.

4. Fold-in left and right corners slightly and then proceed to fold other two edges of wrap over tightly, being super careful.

5. Once folded over fully, transfer roll to serving plate. Repeat till you have 8, serving 4 people. Serve within 20-30 minutes with sauce. Might we suggest also La Presserie‘s Thai Mango Cold Pressed Salad Dressing?

Gallery:

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

We were beginning to wonder what happened! Thrilled to hear THE WOMAN IN THE WINDOW is arriving soon on Netflix. See the new Trailer!

Synopsis:

Anna Fox (Amy Adams) is an agoraphobic child psychologist who finds herself keeping tabs on the picture perfect family across the street through the windows of her New York City brownstone. Her life is turned upside down when she inadvertently witnesses a brutal crime. Based on the gripping, best-selling novel and adapted by Tracy Letts, shocking secrets are revealed and nothing and no one are what they seem in this suspenseful psychological thriller starring Amy Adams, Gary Oldman, Anthony Mackie, Fred Hechinger, Wyatt Russell, Brian Tyree Henry, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Julianne Moore.

THE WOMAN IN THE WINDOW arrives May 14, 2021.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

Spring is here and so is some awesome Television for you to enjoy! Here are some recommendations what to watch this month!

STAGED (HOLLYWOOD SUITE)

BBC Lockdown Series STAGED centers on Michael Sheen and David Tennant playing fictionalized versions of themselves as they prepare for a stage protection over video conferencing. Time is ticking and Writer/Director Simon Evans (as himself) is losing faith as we see the two Actors banter, back and forth, their egos on full display in these exaggerated incarnations of themselves. In addition to their real-life spouses appearing as themselves, Anna Lundberg and Georgia Tennant, we also get appearances from Samuel L. Jackson, Adrian Lester and Judi Dench. The writing is smart, the acting is sharp and the episodes have been formatted in watchable less-than-30 minute morsels for us to enjoy. If you enjoyed Michael Winterbottom‘s The Trip franchise, this will be right up your ally. All the jabs, hypnotic conversation of that one, minus the gorgeous Mediterranean landscapes and cuisine. The Series was so well-received in its native UK that a second season followed. For now, we can enjoy the first six episodes of STAGED on Hollywood Suite in Canada beginning April 1, 2021.

DEADLY ILLUSIONS (NETFLIX)

If you love ’90s Thrillers with a dash of seduction, deception and bit of mind games, this is for you. I am not embarrassed to admit I loved DEADLY ILLUSIONS, written and directed by Anna Elizabeth James. The story centers on famed Writer Mary (Kristin Davis) who is experiencing a bit of pressure and writer’s block to follow-up on her successful Book Series. She hires a nanny named Grace (Greer Grammer, daughter of Kelsey) and everything seems to fall in place and is harmonious as Mary finally is able to focus on her book. Mary and Grace however, start getting really close and Tom (Dermot Mulroney) begins seeing Grace in a different way. Next thing we are caught in a deadly tale which gets a little risqué, but is 100% juicy and we’re on-board even if things at time feel a little predictable. We loved seeing Davis back on the screen and she is great, committed and in on some of the ridiculousness. Grammer also delivers a highly-entertaining performance in this ode to obsession that is some parts The Hand That Rocks the Cradle and some parts The Babysitter and we never, ever get bored of it! DEADLY ILLUSIONS streams now on Netflix.

CALLS (APPLE TV+)

I’ve always been of the school of thought that things are scarier when you can’t see them on-screen and CALLS absolutely is that. The Series, available now on Apple TV+ features a star-studded Cast including the likes of Nicholas Braun, Lily Collins, Ben Schwartz, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Karen Gillan, Nick Jonas, Judy Greer, Rosario Dawson, Aubrey Plaza, Riley Keough, Pedro Pascal and more. This story is told through interconnected phone calls and characters, who experiencing something disturbing and traumatic leading-up to an apocalyptic type-event. Through minimalistic visuals and phenomenal voice work and distortion, Director and Writer Fede Álvarez really creates a great sense of urgency, danger and intensity as the great threat looms closer and closer and these characters find themselves stick in their own mysteries. Because we can’t see visually what is going on, we are left with our own imaginations and this truly is eery and haunting. The Series features nine episodes, available now on Apple TV+!

FAKE FAMOUS (HBO/CRAVE)

This actually was released a while back but we finally got a chance to check out this Documentary by Nick Bilton, Technology Expert-turned-Filmmaker. Bilton uses his expertise on Advertising and Social Media and takes three everyday people and runs an experiment with a goal to construct them into Social Media stars by buying them followers to create the perception that they are famous. You’d be surprised at the results. One particular subject, an aspiring Actress named Dominique Druckman works in Beverly Hills at the back of the store fulfilling online orders till her world changes, getting caught-up in the chase. We see also how the Pandemic impacts the big picture as the experiment is halted somewhat and through all of this Bilton asks the question what being an influencer really means and why it is despite sketchy tactics being employed behind the scenes, why the system isn’t exactly driven to make ethical corrections. An engaging watch, available now on Crave with the HBO add-on.

GENERA+ION (HBO/CRAVE)

Lena Dunham serves as Executive Producer of this inclusive Gen Z Dramedy Series, totaling seven episodes. Set on a group of teenagers pondering and exploring their sexuality, the Series takes a cue from HBO‘s acclaimed Euphoria, but with a very gawdy, in-your-face way about its humour. These teens are the very out-there personalities many of us wish we had the courage to be and if some kids take something from that and apply it to living as their more authentic selves, then something good has come of this. At the center of it all is the flamboyant and rebellious Chester (Justice Smith) who goes all in, but beyond the antics, he is a mature soul – even thought we wished the at-times-funny Screenplay give him more a chance to explore this and this Ensemble’s connections with meaningfulness than trying to push the envelope with shock. The Series has potential with three episodes available now on Crave with the HBO add-on, and we’ll be seeing more as the remainder of the episodes arrive later this year.

BAD TRIP (NETFLIX)

This normally isn’t my thing at all, but I got sucked-in just like Eric Andre‘s coveralls into the vacuum in this Prankster-Hidden Camera-Buddy Comedy which has him starring along Lil Rel Howery. Andre stars as Chris and Howery stars as Bud and they take the latter’s convict sister’s (Tiffany Haddish) car on a road trip to pursue Chris‘ high school crush in New York. The antics are unreal, over-the-top and to be honest, any laughs right now are welcome. The gags are gross, but I cannot deny I chuckled hard at some of the unsuspecting bystanders’ horrified reactions. This is a gutsy starmaking vehicle for Andre whose work I’ve only known from afar prior and Haddish is ferocious as loose cannon Trina, out to kill her brother and his buddy for taking her car. The Film’s crowning moment is their appearance a la White Chicks and a fundraiser, hi-jacking the stage! So ridiculous. BAD TRIP streams now on Netflix.

NAILED IT: DOUBLE TROUBLE! (NETFLIX)

I can never get sick of NAILED IT, this comedic reality baking competition Series which returns again with six new episodes amidst the pandemic. The twist this time around is that competitors are paired buddy teams, but the tasks if anything are even harder, i.e. jewelled broach cookies, a grandma cookie jar cake and more. The Series’ heart and soul, Host Nicole Byer is as funny and energetic as ever and while our judges are seated noticeably further away, all the camaraderie is still there. We live for these flips and can’t wait for more episodes. These six new episodes stream now on Netflix.

THE SERPENT (NETFLIX)

Before this Series, I knew little about international serial con man and killer Charles Sobhraj (Tahar Rahim) but after seeing it, I cannot forget him. The half-Vietnamese/Indian criminal along with his sidekicks Ajay Chowdhury (Amesh Edireweera) and Canadian girlfriend Marie-Andrée Leclerc (Jenna Coleman) were the subjects of an international manhunt in the late ’70s before finally mastermind Sobhraj was captured. Targeting “Hippies” for their transient lifestyle, they would lure them in with his claims as a gem or drug dealer, before drugging and killing their victims, taking their money and passports. While parts of the Series don’t quite jive logistically who Sobhraj managed to keep escaping capture, it really happened and all this is almost unbelievable. Rahim is great as the icy and ruthless Sobhraj, and Coleman is a real revelation learning French in a Québecoise accent for the role. I literally could not stop watching resulting in a punishing day after for me, but it was worth it! THE SERPENT streams now on Netflix.

THUNDER FORCE (NETFLIX)

Two childhood friends Lydia (Melissa McCarthy) and Emily (Octavia Spencer) reunite in the unlikeliest of circumstances as adults and they join forces to fight supervillains (Miscreants) taking over Chicago under the orders of The King (Bobby Cannavale). They are granted superpowers to fight and must navigate their new strengths to defeat the enemy. While it is a novel idea joining fan favourites McCarthy and Spencer together for laughs, the Film doesn’t quite make the mark on the Superhero front. In focusing on the outlandish laughs – yes there is a love storyline between a Crab (Jason Bateman) and McCarthy – we lose a bit of that momentum that should’ve drawn us into this underdogs versus the world story. The Cast is fantastic and the Film is entertaining enough if you’re in need of something light-hearted this weekend. THUNDER FORCE is out now on Netflix.

RUN (NETFLIX)

Well this was dark! We love Sarah Paulson. While she’s built a brand on quirky, dark and deranged, this is a cut from the same cloth as some of her work with Ryan Murphy. She plays the controlling single mother of a disabled teenager, Chloe (Kiera Allen) who makes a startling discovery one day that her loving mother might’ve actually been responsible for holding her back all these years. This is incredibly-twisted and while highly-implausible, the message to take away is to trust your instincts and to trust no one, which actually are sentiments that many can relate to amidst these strange times we’re living in.

For additional Reviews new releases like TINA, NOBODY, FRENCH EXIT, THE FATHER and more, click here.

(Photo credit: HBO/HBO MAX/APPLE TV+/BBC/NETFLIX)

After raves from Season One, HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL: THE MUSICAL: THE SERIES is back next month with chart-topping Pop Star Olivia Rodrigo back as well!

Synopsis:

In season two, the East High Wildcats, who are preparing to perform “Beauty and the Beast” as their spring musical, face off against rival school North High to win a prestigious and cutthroat student theater competition. Wigs are snatched, loyalties are tested, and ballads are belted. The season also features brand-new solos written by Olivia Rodrigo and Joshua Bassett.

In addition to Rodrigo and Bassett, the series regulars are Matt Cornett, Sofia Wylie, Larry Saperstein, Julia Lester, Dara Reneé, Frankie Rodriguez, Joe Serafini, Mark St. Cyr and Kate Reinders. Guest starring this season are Derek Hough, Olivia Rose Keegan, Roman Banks, Andrew Barth Feldman and Asher Angel.

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL: THE MUSICAL: THE SERIES arrives on Disney+ Friday, May 14, 2021.

Angelina Jolie is back in THOSE WHO WISH ME DEAD from Director Taylor Sheridan (Hell or High Water). See the brand-new Canadian Trailer!

Synopsis:

Oscar winner Jolie (“Girl, Interrupted,” the “Maleficent” films) stars as Hannah, a smoke jumper still reeling from the loss of three lives she failed to save from a fire when she comes across a traumatized 12-year-old boy with nowhere else to turn. The film also stars Nicholas Hoult (the “X-Men” films), Finn Little (“Reckoning”), Aiden Gillen (“Game of Thrones,” “Peaky Blinders”), Medina Senghore (“Happy!”), Tyler Perry (“Vice,” “Gone Girl”), Jake Weber (“Midway,” “Homeland”), and Jon Bernthal (“Ford v Ferrari,” “Wind River”). Oscar nominee Sheridan (“Hell or High Water,” “Wind River”) directed from a screenplay by Michael Koryta and Charles Leavitt and Sheridan, based on the book by Koryta. Steven Zaillian, Garrett Basch, Aaron L. Gilbert, Kevin Turen and Sheridan produced, with Steven Thibault, Ashley Levinson, Andria Spring, Jason Cloth, Richard McConnell, Kathryn Dean, Michael Friedman, Daria Cercek and Celia Khong executive producing.

Warner Bros. Canada release THOSE WHO WISH ME DEAD is in theatres May 14, 2021.

(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros. Canada)

As the province is under a stay-at-home order effective midnight tonight, we are saddened to hear that the 2021 Woodbine racing season will be delayed until at least early-mid May when the order is lifted. The season originally was to start next weekend.

We understand the community’s frustration as so much work has gone into getting ready for the start of the season and it feels with such uncertainty we are at the mercy of late-coming updates. We also feel the frustration of business owners and their employees, and how difficult it must be not knowing how to plan when things are so uncertain.

However, if this is what it will take to get through this pandemic safely, we are in full support as the positive COVID-19 cases in Ontario continue reaching highs.

That being said, we were so excited to see MR WILL make his four-year-old debut, but alas will have to wait just a little bit longer. He has never trained better than he has now. His Trainer and Co-Owner Michelle Love tells us he’s extremely sharp and after experiencing an abscess in his mouth a couple weeks ago which is now healed, he’s shown he’s all business. He delivered a powerful workout under leading rider Emma-Jayne Wilson last week which was impressive! So honoured he’s learning under her and we hear she was pleased with his work.

One of MR WILL‘s normal exercise riders Kristen Alderson is expecting her second child with Jeffrey Alderson and she gave him a final breeze couple weeks back. We wish her all the best and that she has a safe delivery. We thank her for everything and hope to see her back again one day soon – but not too soon!

A PIC BY MRWILL (Princess) is doing great and looks phenomenal. Her Mom Emily Fisher just gave her a fresh spring trim, ridding of her winter coat.

We went to visit Princess a couple weeks back with my Mom and beanie, and as always she loves her Rice Krispies. We got her a jumbo-sized Costco box to share with her girls!

A pic of Princess under Exercise Rider Miranda Trujen. Her first time under a rider in over a year. Look at her form!

We hope everyone’s keeping safe and well. We can’t wait to see you back at the races again, hopefully May!

(Photo credit: Michelle Love/Mr. Will Wong/Emily Fisher)

A new Trailer has surfaced for Disney’s CRUELLA, starring Emma Stone! Check it out below!

Synopsis:

Academy Award® winner Emma Stone (“La La Land”) stars in Disney’s “Cruella,” an all-new live-action feature film about the rebellious early days of one of cinemas most notorious – and notoriously fashionable – villains, the legendary Cruella de Vil. “Cruella,” which is set in 1970s London amidst the punk rock revolution, follows a young grifter named Estella, a clever and creative girl determined to make a name for herself with her designs. She befriends a pair of young thieves who appreciate her appetite for mischief, and together they are able to build a life for themselves on the London streets. One day, Estella’s flair for fashion catches the eye of the Baroness von Hellman, a fashion legend who is devastatingly chic and terrifyingly haute, played by two-time Oscar® winner Emma Thompson (“Howards End,” “Sense & Sensibility”). But their relationship sets in motion a course of events and revelations that will cause Estella to embrace her wicked side and become the raucous, fashionable and revenge-bent Cruella. 

See the new Trailer:

Disney’s CRUELLA is in theatres and Disney+ with Premier Access May 28, 2021.

(Photo/video credit: Disney)

Filmed right here in Toronto, finally we get a glance at JUPITER’S LEGACY starring Josh Duhamel!

Synopsis:

After nearly a century of keeping mankind safe, the world’s first generation of superheroes must look to their children to continue the legacy. But tensions rise as the young superheroes, hungry to prove their worth, struggle to live up to their parents’ legendary public reputations — and exacting personal standards

See the Teaser:

JUPITER’S LEGACY arrives Friday, May 7, 2021 on Netflix.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

Kelvin Harrison, Jr. stars in the gripping Drama MONSTER, coming soon to Netflix. Wait till you see the incredible Supporting Cast.

Synopsis:

Monster tells the story of Steve Harmon (Kelvin Harrison, Jr.) a seventeen-year-old honor student whose world comes crashing down around him when he is charged with felony murder. The film follows his dramatic journey from a smart, likeable film student from Harlem attending an elite high school through a complex legal battle that could leave him spending the rest of his life in prison.

Cast: Kelvin Harrison Jr., Jennifer Hudson, Jeffrey Wright, Jharrel Jerome, Jennifer Ehle, Rakim Mayers, Nasir ‘Nas’ Jones, Tim Blake Nelson and John David Washington

MONSTER arrives on Netflix May 7, 2021.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

Did you know animal testing for Cosmetics still is legal in Canada despite being banned in over 40 countries? Stars Taika Waititi, Ricky Gervais, Zac Efron, Olivia Munn, Quebec-born Pom Klementieff, Canadian Tricia Helfer and more team together on Short Film SAVE RALPH to draw awareness to the cause.

See the Film:

Polls show that 87% of Canadians support such a ban introduced, and to support the legislative effort in Canada, the Save Ralph film is also being launched in French on April 12. The Film will be available in multiple languages around the world.

For more, visit here.

(Photo/video credit: HSI)