We can’t think of a better person for the job! Â The gorgeous Vivica A Fox is in Toronto today promoting positive self image with her new collection for Curvy Couture Intimates, because as well all well know, beauty comes in all shapes and sizes.
Fox, in addition to appear on The Shopping Channel, did the rounds on TV and Radio today in a v. aggressive Press Schedule which saw her over a three hour span do CHFI, KISS 92.5, Breakfast Television, CP24 Breakfast, CHUM FM and The Morning Show. Her Spring Collection promises to be perfect for the “romantic at heart”.
Although she is no stranger to Toronto having filmed the Series MISSING here, it has been a good while since she’s been back. In 2010 she came with singer Brian McKnight at they did a one-night-only performance of the play Cheaper to Keep Her.
Fox is best known for her work in Independence Day, Batman & Robin, Born on the Fourth of July, Set It Off, Booty Call and of course, Kill Bill. She currently can be seen on the second season of FOX’s EMPIRE and the upcoming Independence Day Sequel.
Although must missing her at one stop, we luckily caught-up with her later in the morning at Global Television‘s THE MORNING SHOW where she stopped by to chat on the National Edition. Â Can we take a step back for a second and just appreciate how amazing Fox looks?
See her Interview:
See our Snap:
Although her Handler seemed to be in a rush, Fox was vocal stating, “Let me make some time for my Fans!”, proceeding with autographs and Selfies! Â Love her.
Learn more about the VIVICA A FOX COLLECTION by CURVY COUTURE here.
(Photo/video credit: Global Television/Curvy Couture/Mr. Will Wong)
After last month’s post about meeting the filly named after myself, A PIC BY MRWILL (Princess), her owners John Ross, Cathy Wong and I are touched by the outpour of support we’ve received over Social Media!  Today we’re pleased to bring you a PPR (Princess Progress Report)!
Over the span of the past month, Princess has continued to grow rather quickly. In fact, upon arriving at her stall today I barely even recognized her with her winter coat growing out, in addition to her growth spurt.  I literally asked Cathy, “Who is this??”. After moving-in a little closer, I realized yes, I was indeed in the presence of the same sweet filly as last time.  She continues to be incredibly-affectionate and welcoming to people.
I brought by my friend Lauren, whom I know from the Film world, and like myself, she absolutely adores horses having grown-up around them.  At one point she was serious about a career in showjumping and dressage.  Princess was quick to welcome Lauren with kisses. It was genuinely affecting!
She also has developed quite the appetite for miniature carrots after trying them for the first time last month, making a bit of a mess of it. Peppermints though, she’s definitely still learning about.  You can see the long, pensive gaze on her face as she mentally processes that tingly, sweet sensation on her tongue and its crunch.  We even brought doughnuts today too and jockey Katy Morrison, who has been a part of Princess‘ journey over the past year, for fun fed her a piece of a Tim Hortons doughnut.  Although it looked like she was about to enjoy it like a patriotic Canadian girl, she’d chew it and spit it back out. Hilarious.
Princess continues to adore her Teddy and we brought it over for her to play with today.  She’d fling it about, it dangling for dear life on its arm, plopping onto her bedding, followed by a plea for help in her eyes.  She’d go on to do this over and over a few times in a cyclical motion.  It’s so fascinating seeing her learn about her world with inquisitive child-like curiosity. And also she has this cute little lip quiver when she’s inspecting people. Adorable.
Although we just missed it, Princess posted her second workout today, her first time trying out Woodbine‘s new Tapeta surface.  Sovereign Award-winning jockey Sheena Ryan piloted the workout today and we learned through her new agent Ryan Deyotte (below, Princess + Sheena on far left) that Sheena was thrilled with Princess’ breeze, clocking-in at 25 seconds flat for two furlongs (402 metres). With little urging, she showed a great willingness to go and we couldn’t be more pleased.  Even as a baby, her timing bested some horses with far more experience. Her first timed workout a week ago clocked-in at 24.8 seconds on the Dirt Training Track.
Although premature, the barn already is comparing Princess to prior greats like Horse of the Year Lexie Lou!  I am hearing that her look and temperament are very similar to Lexie, although Princess has a calmer demeanour. How exciting is it to hear that?
She’s due for a clipping of her winter coat tomorrow, so we’re waiting anxiously to see her new spring look!
And in the meantime, we hope her Dad (John Ross) gets well soon!
See some Snaps of Princess from earlier today:
Also, see Princess‘ buddies Yoda Man (Ricky Browne riding) + Smart Catomine (Katy Morrison riding) train together on the new Tapeta surface:
See a Video of Princess earlier today:
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Ryan Deyotte)
Few bakeries in Toronto have as much influence and legacy as Dufflet Pastries. Queen of Cake® Dufflet Rosenberg‘s beginnings were modest, baking right out of her kitchen back in 1975. Who would’ve known that her future would see three public mainstay cafĂ©s in Toronto’s prominent Beaches, Queen West and Midtown areas, plus distribution in top-tier grocers like Longo’s, Pusateri’s Fine Foods, Loblaws, Metro and more?  A Cake Empire – and believe me, this is not an exaggeration –  Rosenberg has built, shaping and defining the discerning tastes of Torontonians.
Moving out on my own in my 20s saw a long sought-after independence for the first time.  Dufflet Pastries at Yonge x Eglinton whereabouts I lived in a tiny bachelor suite, was one of the purest delights in that stage of my life.  My first visit saw me purchasing – of all things – Samosas but it wouldn’t be long before I’d be conquered by their Key Lime Tarts, charmed by their Raspberry Vanilla Charlotte Cake, my palate piqued by Pink Velvet Cake and in love with their Lemon Coconut Layer Cake.  Memories would be made and many of them centered around Dufflet Pastries.
Earlier in the month we had the pleasure of partnering together on our first ever initiative together, which saw my Readers go cake-crazy for a chance to win a Dufflet Cake, timed together with their Easter/Spring Menu launch.  As a surprise, it was an incredible honour to be invited to High Tea (something I didn’t even know was an option!) at the Beaches location by the Queen of Cake® herself.  The likes of cultural authority BlogTO have christened it one of the City’s best Afternoon Tea Services and as always, they are spot-on.
I had the pleasure of inviting a couple dear friends to whom I owe the favour, of joining me for the unforgettable experience.  Paired together with the well-reputed Teas of Sloane Fine Tea Merchants, a variety of options are available including Heavenly Cream, Earl Grey Classic, Marrakesh Mint, Jasmine Snow Dragon, Cocoa Chai Chai, Darjeeling 2nd Flush and more. I tried the latter, a robust-tasting pairing with the phenomenal scones, cakes, macarons and sandwiches to be offered.
Let me start first by giving credit where it is due. Dufflet‘s scones (with black currants) are the best in the City and I have tried several. They are buttery, firm yet crumbly – just savoury and sweet enough.  High Tea is not so without the perfect scone and this is clotted crème de la crème of its like in the City.
Sandwiches of both the Cucumber and Smoked Salmon varieties were portioned generously, the former refreshing with just the right amount of cream cheese, the latter just perfect with a thin sliver of the fish.
Dufflet favourites like the Dacquoise Cappucino Minis, Dacquoise Hazelnut Praline Minis would make a requisite appearance alongside some other Petit Fours and delightfully-chewy sourced Macarons.
The Tea Service is high on quality and value, priced comfortably under the $20 mark. Â Learn more here about store hours and location.
Perhaps the greatest part of our experience was getting to know  and spend time with Rosenberg herself, who had earlier been at a gym class.  I learned all about her beloved adopted Tabby cat and her affinity for eating out – just like us she loves to make simple things on occasion, but she’s busy and prefers it when others cook for her!  She happens to love Chinese food and it was amazing swapping recommendations with her.  Despite enjoying a cuppa occasionally, we both are die-hard coffee lovers and if given the choice of Macaron or a slice of cake, we both agree…. CAKE.
We’re practically twins.
See some Snaps:
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
TORONTO COMICON took over the City this weekend in one of the most popular annual events to grace The 6ix annually.  Offering Fans a rare chance to connect with their favourite Artists, Stars and Cosplayers, it runs three days from March 18-20, 2016.  It is an opportunity to full-on “geek-out” unapologetically in a safe, welcoming environment with others who have the same passions.
Among the marquee names to appear at TORONTO COMICON this year include Jason Isaacs (Harry Potter), Jonathan Frakes (Star Trek: The Next Generation), Robbie Amell (The Flash), Tovah Feldshuh (The Walking Dead), Ernie Hudson (Ghostbusters), Casper Van Dien (Starship Troopers), Karen Allen (Indiana Jones) and several more.
We had the chance to chat with Frakes, Feldshuh, Van Dien and Allen, who were gracious enough to arrive early to greet Press before a packed day ahead meeting and greeting their admirers.
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KAREN ALLEN has had a successful five-decade-spanning career as an Actress. Her big break came with a starring role in 1981’s RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK, opposite Harrison Ford. Malcolm X, The Perfect Storm and Scrooged are just some of the highly-recognizable titles in her body of work.
Will she be involved in the just-announced fifth installment of Indiana Jones?
Allen: “It’s a mystery who will join the cast. I’m waiting. hopeful and would love to do it. I hope they find a way to create a story.”.
Many don’t realize she also is an accomplished clothing maker. We ask if the worlds of acting and fashion ever collide for her?
Allen: “They haven’t so much. Except for a lot of people I know from Film world – I actually closed my studio because I’ve gotten too busy. But the store remains and I have all my favourite textile designers still at the store. I think a lot of people from other worlds I know go through there. Steven Spielberg has a couple of my sweaters and his wife Kate buys little things that I do too.”.
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TOVAH FELDSHUH before her huge break on AMC‘s THE WALKING DEAD as Deanna Monroe, was an acclaimed actress of the stage.  Just recently she landed a role on lauded CRAZY EX-GIRLFRIEND. In addition to being here for TORONTO COMICON, she announced she will be back to the City again June 5-19 at Greenwin Theatre for the biggest hit of my Broadway career, Golda’s Balcony.
Feldshuh: “I’m playing the Prime Minster of Israel. She’s size 16 and I’m size 4-6, 168 lbs.  She’s 80 years old and I’m 39. You’re not gonna have the opportunity to see it at a theatre that size. I usually plays 1,000 seats.  It’s on for two weeks. I own the rights to the Play and I take it out once a year only.”.
I ask her about he experience connecting with Fans at COMICON, where the spirit of “geeking-out” is embraced.
Feldshuh: “I’ve done COMICON, WALKER STALKER (a convention for The Walking Dead lovers) and WIZARD WORLD and this is my first time crossing the border. I love being here. You have the most polite, well-bred Fans. It must be horrifying for them when they cross south of the border. In certain cities, everyone asks for a hug. I’m a very warmhearted person, but get away from me! Now it doesn’t mean I don’t love you. I love people! They did a study of the most unpopular children in kindergartens. And it’s always the kids who break space!”.
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CASPER VAN DIENÂ has had a lasting career which saw a breakthrough in 1997 with cult hit STARSHIP TROOPERS. Since then he has gone on to star on several high-profile projects like SLEEPY HOLLOW, TITANS, MONK and TARZAN AND THE LOST CITY.
We ask energetic Van Dien what he “geeks-out” to the most in celebration of the spirit of TORONTO COMICON.
Van Dien: “Star Trek. Jonathan Frakes is here! He has no idea I’ve seen every single episode, all the Films over and over again. We’re always on cool, cool, cool but really I’m a complete spaz! When I did BEASTMASTER III, I did it because Gabrielle Beaumont directed several episodes. I’m such a nerd I know Frakes shadowed her when he wanted to become a director. Guess what? I never got-on to STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION! Other obligations came into play…. like my family! I’d be on any set. It’s so much fun. I get to do something I love. If I wasn’t an actor, I’d still be doing something on a Film.”.
JONATHAN FRAKES is an Actor/Director known best for his role as Riker on STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION. He most recently had a role in GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY.
Now because of the Internet, you can’t avoid Memes referencing THE NEXT GENERATION, including “THE RIKER SITS DOWN”. How many chairs has Jonathan Frakes ‘rikered’ and was it something he created?
Frakes: “I didn’t know I ‘rikered’ that many! I won’t take all the credit!  It happened when Ten Forward (a recreational facility on the Series) was built, backs of chairs were barely there and easy to ‘riker’. If you weren’t 6’4, it was easy to get out of those chairs. And also the suits were so tight!”.
See some of our Snaps from the Festivities:
#StarTrek’s #JonathanFrakes at #TorontoComiCon. #Riker
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong ⛄ (@mrwillwong) on
#TovahFeldshuh of #TheWalkingDead at #TorontoComiCon.
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong ⛄ (@mrwillwong) on
No big deal. #Deadpool just chillin’ at #TorontoComiCon…
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong ⛄ (@mrwillwong) on
A photo posted by Touchwood PR (@touchwood_pr) on
There’s still one more day to enjoy the fun! Â Learn more about TORONTO COMICON here.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/Touchwood PR)
ZOOTOPIA prevails once again at the Box Office, holding the top spot for a third consecutive week for Disney. Despite a stiff challenge from THE DIVERGENT SERIES: ALLEGIANT, it hangs-on with $38.4 million from 3,959 theatres. Â Domestically, it just surprassed the $200-million-mark.
ALLEGIANT opens in second for eOne Films/Lionsgate Films with $29.4 million from 3,740 theatres, unable to match the $54 million debut of its first installment back in 2014. Critics were harsh giving it a 10% on the Tomatometer, but as expected Audiences were much easier on it with a B CinemaScore.
Faith Drama MIRACLES FROM HEAVEN opens in third with $12.4 million for Sony Pictures, from 3,047 theatres. Audiences gave it a superb A+ CinemaScore, while Critics gave it a passable 51% on the Tomatometer. The Film stars Jennifer Garner.
10 CLOVERFIELD LANEÂ continues to perform respectably in fourth with $12.2 million in its second week out for Paramount Pictures. with $12.4 million. In two weeks it has earned $45 million.
DEADPOOL is a stalwart fifth with $8.1 million for 20th Century Fox, now in its sixth week out.
LONDON HAS FALLEN is sixth with $6.6 million for VVS Films/Focus Features with $49 million grossed in three weeks in North America.
THE REVENANT in its 13th week of release rounds-out the Top Ten with $1.2Â million for 20th Century Fox.
Filming officially has begun on FOX‘s ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW in Toronto after weeks of intensive rehearsals! Â Just added to the Cast this week is Interscope/Cherrytree Records Recording Artist Ivy Levan. The big-voiced Actress/Model/Singer-Songwriter will play the role of Usherette and will be in and out of the City after a couple 12+ hour days scheduled in-studio.
Levan released her studio debut No Good last Summer and she has spent the past couple years touring in support of the likes of Emili Sandè. She also has done an admirable job showing her support for the LGBT community!  She also is a very good friend of Rocky Horror Co-Star Adam Lambert, who is due in the City next month.
Levan was really sweet, stopping for Photos and Autographs for her Fans, some who waited four years to see her finally!
Check out the stunning video for her single BISCUIT:
Rocky Horror Picture Show films through April in Toronto.
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Universal Music)
After 17 seasons in the NFL, Football icon Tony Gonzalez has found much success in the second act of his career as both a Television personality and now an Actor.  The former Tight End for the Kansas City Chiefs and the Atlanta Falcons has the distinction of playing 14 Pro Bowls!  He currently can be seen on CBS’ The NFL Today.
Gonzalez has been in and out of Toronto the past month working on his big screen debut in XXX: The Return of Xander Cage. Although little is known about his role just yet.  He was seen flying-in with Toni Collette who plays a bureaucrat in the C.I.A. Perhaps they will be filming scenes together?  He was amazingly nice to stop for a Photo as Collette head-on over to her vehicle first and he stayed behind for a couple Selfies!  Great dude!
XXX: The Return of Xander Cage continues to film in Toronto through late May. Â Paramount Pictures release in January 2017.
See our Snap!
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Sports Illustrated)
Paramount Pictures Canada + Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to see the “spiritual sequel” to DAZED AND CONFUSED! Screenings for Richard Linklater’s EVERYBODY WANTS SOME, take place in Toronto, Ottawa + Montreal!
Synopsis:
A “spiritual sequel” to Dazed and Confused set in the world of 1980 college life, Everybody Wants Some is a comedy that follows a group of friends as they navigate their way through the freedoms and responsibilities of unsupervised adulthood. Get ready for the best weekend ever.
See the Trailer:
Artwork:
To enter to win, simply click “Like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and let us know your city. Click “share” from there for an extra chance!
Paramount Pictures Canada release EVERYBODY WANTS SOME on March 30, 2016 in Toronto, April 8, 2016 in Montreal/Vancouver and across Canada April 15, 2016.
(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures Canada)
Well that’ll make your day! Did you know about this R-rated, innuendo-filled Animated Feature, SAUSAGE PARTY? The name just says it all. Just released today is a new Trailer which will drop your bleeping jaws.
Synopsis:
Sausage Party, the first R-rated CG animated movie, is about one sausage leading a group of supermarket products on a quest to discover the truth about their existence and what really happens when they become chosen to leave the grocery store. The film features the vocal talents of a who’s who of today’s comedy stars – Seth Rogen, Kristen Wiig, Jonah Hill, Bill Hader, Michael Cera, James Franco, Danny McBride, Craig Robinson, Paul Rudd, Nick Kroll, David Krumholtz, Edward Norton and Salma Hayek.
See the Trailer:
Sony Pictures Canada release  SAUSAGE PARTY Friday, August 12, 2016.
(Photo/video credit: Sony Pictures)
Peanut Butter is something of  a delicacy for many of us Canadians.  I know personally for me, many of my lunches in grade school simply were Peanut Butter + Jelly Sandwiches. It was something I would eat over and over and over and never grow tired of. Never in a million years would I believe one day we’d be courted in the market by the bountiful and deluxe varieties offered by MONKEY BUTTER!
The Canadian Peanut Butter Maker, totally suitable for vegetarians, was founded in 2011 out in East Vancouver. Their goal was to spice-up the staple spread. And that they did!
Check-out the many enticing varieties available:
Dark Chocolate Banana
Dark Chocolate Cherry
Honey
Maple Bacon
Salted Caramel
White Chocolate Pretzel
White Chocolate Raspberry
Birthday Cake
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
Coconut
Munchies
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie
Red Hot Cinnamon
Salted Chocolate
Spring flavours also will be introduced soon including:
Chocolate Ginger
Coconut Curry
Raspberry Coconut
Peppered Caramel
Orange Vanilla
Salt + Pepper
They even have Peanut Butter for dogs! Their Bow Wow Butter is concocted specially for canines!
We discovered MONKEY BUTTER at the Delicious Food Show back in 2014 here in Toronto and it v. much has been on our minds since. We want our Readers in Canada to enjoy its amazingness, giving you a chance to win a two-pack of MONKEY BUTTER with flavours of your choice!
To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. Tell us in the comments which flavour of MONKEY BUTTER gets you the most excited! Click “share” from there for an extra chance!  As an extra bonus, we’ll be picking a few Toronto entrants who will win free passes to next week’s ONE OF A KIND Show (3/23 – 3/27), where MONKEY BUTTER will be too!
G’luck Willionaire$!
To learn more about MONKEY BUTTER, you may visit their website here.
In addition to ordering online, you also can get MONKEY BUTTER at upscale grocers across Canada. Click here for a list.
They also are on Facebook. “Like” their page here and show them some love!
Pardon the pun, but spread the love!
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
For advertising opportunites please contact mrwill@mrwillwong.com