#SPOTTED: JULIE KIM AT TORONTO’S COMEDY BAR

It’s been years since we’ve enjoyed some live Comedy! Scarborough’s Julie Kim continues to make waves in Comedy and Toronto was so lucky to get her back for two shows tonight on her current Tour, after having supported Funnyman Ronny Chieng on his Hope You Get Rich Tour. Though she’s based now in Vancouver, Kim‘s ties to Toronto continue to remain strong and she’s currently working closely with Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings star Simu Liu, as he hosts the Juno Awards in the City next month.

For those who aren’t familiar with Kim‘s Comedy, she looks at motherhood, marriage and also more so of late, race relations being a mother of a bi-racial daughter. She delivers a set that is unfiltered, hilarious and relatable, often poking fun at men and other women who are judgmental.

Kim headlined her own show at Comedy Bar on Bloor West, filling the club for two shows tonight – one at 7 PM and one at 9 PM. She worked the room, building to a crescendo. She ponders her life has a mother, whether it be breastfeeding, or her choice to “save the v” by doing the “c”, a Caesarian section. She admits she never thought much about race much growing-up, but this been on her mind of late as we group people by terms like “Person of Colour” or “BIPOC”, plus also seeing that many of her daughter’s classmates like her are bi-racial. She also makes funny observations about the “fetishization” of Asian women by white men.

Kim‘s ability to storytell is her strongest suit and in addition to being a sharp Comedian with a great command of the stage, her writing also is tight and edited. Inasmuch as the people in the front tables get picked-on a lot, we’re sure they love being in on the joke.

She was supported by some up-and-coming Canadian talent including Marito Lopez, who had the crowd cackling as he jokes about being a Latino Comedian from Calgary, and the height difference between his girlfriend and him, proclaiming himself a “Short King”.

Charles Demers emceed the night, the JUNO-nominated Comedian joking about being outnumbered by gay men in in his family and also being married to a Chinese-Canadian wife, something Kim wanted him to share seeing that some of her Comedy is inspired by her interracial marriage also.

Toronto’s Joe Vu also supported, reflecting on his experiences as an Asian man trying to date outside his race, with humour.

And there were some very special guests in the audience tonight, including Run the Burbs and Kim’s Convenience‘s Andrew Phung, plus also Meng’er Zhang who stars in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Zhang has just been announced to star in THE WITCHER as Milv, a Huntress with great skills in Archery. She is a good friend of Kim‘s! What a treat!

Learn more about Julie Kim‘s Comedy here, including her videos on YouTube which have garnered over 20+ million views.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#BOXOFFICE: “DUMBLEDORE” HAS A SMART OPENING

FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE SECRETS OF DUMBLEDORE debuts atop the Box Office Easter weekend with $44.5 million from 4,208 theatres for Warner Bros. Best opening for the Franchise still goes to 2016’s FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM, debuting with $74.4 million. The latest installment gets 49% on the Tomatometer.

Second goes to SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2 with $26.5 million from 4,258 theatres, taking to $116 million in just its second weekend for Paramount Pictures.

In third is THE LOST CITY with $5.8 million from 3,430 theatres for Paramount Pictures. Its domestic run is now at $77 million.

Fourth belongs to EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE which based on fantastic reviews, brings in $5.1 million for A24/Elevation Pictures from 2,220 theatres. It gets 97% on the Tomatometer for directing duo Daniels.

FATHER STU starring Mark Wahlberg opens with $4.7 million for Sony Pictures, from 2,705 theatres. It gets 41% on the Tomatometer.

#FIRSTLOOK: SIMU LIU “WE WERE DREAMERS” BOOK TOUR

Simu Liu (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings) will be headed to Hot Docs this year with a talk in support of his upcoming Memoir, WE WERE DREAMERS. The Toronto star’s book talks about mastering our extraordinary circumstances.

Dates are as follows:

Simu Liu: We Were Dreamers Book Tour Friday May 13 – Toronto, ON – Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema Thursday May 19 – New York, NY – Book signing at Yu and Me Books Thursday May 19 – New York, NY – First Unitarian Church Saturday, May 21 – Los Angeles, CA – Book signing at Barnes & Noble at The Grove Saturday, May 21 – Los Angeles, CA – El Rey Theatre Sunday, May 22 – San Francisco, CA – Book signing at Book Passage at the Ferry Building Sunday, May 22 – San Francisco, CA – The UC Theatre Thursday, May 26 – London, UK – EartH (Evolutionary Arts Hackney) Wednesday, June 1 – Boston, MA – The Wilbur Thursday, June 2 – Chicago, IL – Music Box Theater Tuesday, June 7 – Philadelphia, PA – Kimmel Center Perelman Theatre

Liu will be having a big week around the Toronto date above as he is set to host the JUNO Awards at Molson Amphitheatre.

More on WE WERE DREAMERS here.

(Photo credit: HarperCollins)

#FOOD: OEB TORONTO

Launched 2009 in Calgary, OEB has connected deeply with its food-obsessed clientele. It embraces a philosophy that supports local farmers, delivering great craftsmanship and a superb, accessible customer experience. The buzz has caught-on, enabling it to begin its successful foray into the fickle Toronto market. And if the three-hour queues on opening weekend were any indication, OEB is the next thing!

We had the pleasure of previewing this first-ever Toronto location in Liberty Village and it was phenomenal. The well-lit and thoughtfully decorated space is Instagram-ready, but above this, the food tastes as good as it looks.

OEB‘s Karan Seth believed so much in the brand that he relocated from Calgary to Toronto and today he finds himself busy greeting customers, establishing a warm, friendly tone in what is likely their first exposure to the popular out-west eatery brand. They even has U.S. locations in California and Arizona. He makes his way over to us and graciously recommends some of his favourites and obsessions with the menu – things him and his wife would order if they ate here.

We learn their Breakfast Poutines are the real showstoppers and we could not resist their Hog & Scallops Poutine – Herbed Potatoes fried in Duck Fat with runny poached eggs, curds, sashimi-grade scallops, lardons with Browned Butter Hollandaise. Just sinfully good and satisfying. The Lobster Scramble also is divine – not too overdone eggs with mini shrimps, lobster pieces, Asiago, plus the same bed of potatoes and Hollandaise just mentioned. If you prefer Waffle-Cut Home Fries, you also have this option as a base and they also are fried in Duck Fat! And did we read right that there’s a Short Rib Poutine also? We learned the Duck Fat in which they fry is imported specially. Their Porchetta also is flown in from Italy.

Although it seems unfathomable that you might have any room for dessert, the Do Not Even Go There is a paper-thin crêpe with a smidge of custard, fruits, pistachios and maple syrup. Trust me, you have room for this.

So many things we wanted to try but just couldn’t. For example, they serve one of our faves, Chilaquiles – which are like Breakfast Nachos – which Seth tells us are really authentic and shareable. Also, he was obsessed with their Korean Bulgogi Benny. Vegetarians also must try their Truffled Squash!

The coffee cups are large and it keeps getting poured, which taps into our caffeine-dependent sensibilities! We saw a list of Smoothies which looked great, but a belly can only hold so much.

Above all this, the service is just attentive and energetic, as you’d expect of a brunch spot. Toronto has its share of superb brunch spots, but OEB certainly brings something new and unique to the table.

Some Snaps from our experience:

… and we went there!

Learn more about OEB here.

OEB is located at 125 E Liberty St.

7:00 am to 3:00 pm Monday – Friday
8:00 am to 4:00 pm Weekends & Holidays

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#FIRSTLOOK: “CIRQUE DU SOLEIL – KURIOS (CABINET OF CURIOSITIES)”

By George Kozera for Mr. Will Wong

The official Synopsis of Cirque du Soleil’s KURIOS (CABINET OF CURIOSITIES) is as follows: The story is about a scientist, known as The Seeker, who is convinced that there is an invisible world in his larger-than-life cabinet full of crazy ideas and grand dreams, which defy the laws of time, space, and dimension. Determined to reinvent everything around him, suddenly the visible becomes invisible, perspectives are transformed, and the world is literally turned upside down.

Boy, does it ever!

I’ve been fortunate to have seen many Cirque du Soleil productions, both in Montreal and Toronto, and I can emphatically and unequivocally state that KURIOS exceeds expectations. From the Company’s opening statement that they were thrilled to perform in front of an audience for the first time in over two and a half years to the rousing finale, the audience was apoplectic with joy and awe. The constant thunderous applause throughout the Show reverberated in the Big Tent at Ontario Place. The two-hour show is a whirlwind of death-defying acts, coupled with sweet humour, infectious music, outlandishly original costumes, and choreography. Thought you were cool in school when you were able to “walk the dog” with your yoyo? Just wait until you see one hypnotic performer do “tricks” in time to a hyperkinetic Soundtrack. You think the contortionists manipulating their lithe bodies into positions unknown was mind blowing? Just wait thirty seconds and your mind will explode! And when the Synopsis says that the world is turned upside, it’s not hyperbole – it DOES turn upside down.

Cirque du Soleil’s strength with manipulating typical circus fare and elevating it high into the stratosphere is on full force. KURIOS had the adults in the seats following a spotlight to see where the invisible lion has escaped to!

Taking place at Ontario Place from April 14-July 17, 2022 Cirque du Soleil: KURIOS (CABINET OF CURIOSITIES) is must-see. More here including how to get tickets.

Some Snaps from tonight’s star-studded Red Carpet, walked by the likes of Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Trish Stratus, Kardinal Offishall and more!

(Photo credit: George Kozera)

#HORSERACING: “MIGHTY HEART” NAMED HORSE OF THE YEAR AT 2021 SOVEREIGN AWARDS

For a second consecutive year, MIGHTY HEART takes top honours at the Sovereign Awards, honouring the best in Canadian Horse Racing. For the first time ever, the event was held at Universal Eventspace in Vaughan. The one-eyed horse owned and bred by Larry Cordes, in 2020 went-on to beat the odds and win the Queen’s Plate. His success didn’t stop there and he also had a successful 2021 campaign which saw him notch two graded stake wins, the Autumn and Dominion Day Stakes, plus some big runs in the U.S. against open company including a win in the Blame Stakes.

Also honoured this evening with an E.P. Taylor Award was Owner/Breeder Ivan Dalos. Throughout his career, Dalos under his Tall Oaks Farm, has bred and raced some greats including the likes of Victorious Ami, Galloping Ami, Ami’s Flatter, Amis Gizmo, Ami’s Holiday, Johnny Bear, Gamble’s Ghost, Ami’s Mesa and multi-millionaire Channel Maker.

Other winners tonight included:

Mrs. Barbara – Champion 2-year-old filly
God of Love – Champion 2-year-old male
Munnyfor Ro – Champion 3-year-old filly
Frosted Over – Champion 3-year-old male
Amalfi Coast – Champion female sprinter
Pink Lloyd – Champion male sprinter
Jolie Olimpica – Champion turf female
Town Cruise – Champion turf male
Avie’s Empire – Outstanding broodmare
Sam-Son Farm – Outstanding breeder
Mark Casse – Outstanding trainer
Live Oak Plantation – Outstanding owner
Kazushi Kimura – Outstanding jockey
Denzil Fonseca – Outstanding groom
Woodbine Entertainment Group – The 2021 Queen’s Plate – Outstanding audio/visual broadcast
Hayley Morrison – Outstanding writing
Will Wong – Outstanding photograph

We are thrilled again to have won Outstanding Photograph and can’t believe this is real! So honoured to be among these legends and gamechangers. Cannot wait for the Woodbine ’22 season to begin at last this Saturday, April 16, 2022!

You can steam the entire Awards Ceremony here:

Some Snaps from the night:

(Photo/video credit: Woodbine Entertainment Group/Mr. Will Wong)

#NEWMUSIC: LIZZO – “ABOUT DAMN TIME”

It’s been way too long! Lizzo finally is back with a new Single, “ABOUT DAMN TIME“. The title says it all! The Track recalls the glory years of Disco where Chic and Nile Rodgers ruled. The Video is directed by Christian Breslauer, who directed The Weeknd’s “Die for You” Video.

The Track appears on Lizzo‘s upcoming Disc SPECIAL, out July 15, 2022 via Warner Music.

(Photo/video credit: Warner Music Canada)

#FIRSTLOOK: “PRIME VIDEO PRESENTS CANADA” SHOWCASE

We were so thrilled to attend the Prime Video Presents Canada Showcase at historic Massey Hall. The event highlighted Prime Video‘s place as not only a streaming service, but an Entertainment Hub focusing on shining a spotlight on homegrown talent and voices, to the diverse audience that is Canadians. Partnerships with the likes of StackTV has allowed Prime Video to diversify its audience base which traditionally might’ve subscribed to certain networks and specialty channels only on cable.

Head of Prime Video Canada, Magda Grace tells us, “This has been many years in the making. We want to draw focus to local talent in-front of and behind the camera. shining spotlight on homegrown talent.”. “Our focus is customer obsession and curating the best entertainment for diverse local audiences.”.

To date, there have been 25 Prime Video productions based in Canada and they currently are developing ten Canadian productions to be enjoyed around the globe. The numbers speak for themselves. Prime Video subscribers thanks to hit series like The Wheel of Time, are streaming 70 more hours of programming per year, in over 240 countries around the world.

An exciting slate of programming was unveiled today at the event, focusing entirely on productions that were made here in Canada or have been green-lit to be made in Canada soon!

KIDS IN THE HALL

Iconic Canadian Comedy Outfit KIDS IN THE HALL are back and their hilarious brand of Sketch can be seen on Prime Video beginning May 13, 2022. All five original members reunite on the Series, which just premiered at SXSW ’22 and appearing today at the event were Dave Foley, Bruce McCulloch, Mark McKinney and Scott Thompson. A two-part Documentary about KIDS IN THE HALL also will arrive on the service May 20, 2022.

On their long-awaited reunion, McCulloch summed it up, “Isn’t it funny to hear old people talk dirty??”.

GARY AND HIS DEMONS SEASON TWO

Toronto Funnyman Mark Little‘s Animated demon-slaying Series called CBC and CBC Gem its own for its first season. Its second season will be coming soon to Prime Video Canada! In 2019 it was awarded Best Web Series at the Canadian Screen Awards.

Little tells us he came up with the idea for the Show while he was in the hospital with a broken ankle, taking stock of life.

THE LAKE

Perhaps the most-buzzed title at the presentation this year was THE LAKE. The Series was filmed in North Bay starring Orphan Black‘s Jordan Gavaris, Madison Shamoun and Hollywood star Julia Stiles.

Showrunner Julian Doucet tells us the Series actually is quite autobiographical. He says, “After high school, me and my girlfriend gave-up our baby for adoption. We chose the parents and are very involved with our daughter’s life. The Show explores what if me and my daughter took a vacation together?”.

Stiles tells us, “The experience moving to North Bay was beautiful. I was not familiar with the society of the lake. It was very insular. The lake is the Lake. Their games nights were a ride or die charades. They know everything about each other. Their lake is the only lake on the planet.”.

On her character Maisy, she says, “She’s competitive, petty and selfish. She likes to see the competition fail. It’s so satisfying and now I feel like a horrible person.”.

THE LAKE arrives June 17, 2022 on Prime Video Canada.

THREE PINES

Filmed in Quebec, upcoming Series THREE PINES, based on the Novels by Louise Penny, stars Alfred Molina. Penny tells us how moved learning that Molina was cast in the role of Armand, whom is based loosely on her husband whom she says, “understood the gift of life”.

Molina who couldn’t make it to Toronto, tells us via video about his experience filming in Quebec. “My preparation involved reading the Novels. He is operating on different levels. Armand‘s strongest trait as a Detective is his empathy for both victims and perpetrators. I had the best experience working with the Crew, filming from August to late December and you’ll see us following the seasons through the episodes. It was beautiful and I’d work with them for the rest of my life.”.

THREE PINES arrives in 2023 on Prime Video Canada. Left Bank Pictures, which produces THE CROWN, also produces.

THE UNSOLVED MURDER OF BEVERLY LYNN SMITH

This upcoming Docu-Series recalls a 50+ year murder case which still remains unsolved. Smith at the age of 22 was murdered in Oshawa and the Series puts a human face to true crime, while revealing all twists and turns with empathy. Directed by Nathalie Bibeau, the Series arrives May 6, 2022 on Prime Video Canada.

SUGAR

Feature Film SUGAR stars The Shadowhunters’ Katherine McNamara, Jasmin Sky Sarin and Riverdale‘s Anthony Timpano. It is based on a true story of two girls from Montreal who went on a boat cruise, only to get way more than they bargained for. Sarin and Timpano were in-attendance at the presentation.

Sarin says, “These girls go on a beautiful cruise, going to amazing places, documenting everything online. They’re having fun till they aren’t. This is not what they signed-up for and they find themselves in a drug smuggling operation, fighting for their lives.”.

LOL: QUI RIRA LE DERNIER

If you loved LOL: Last One Laughing Canada, hosted by Jay Baruchel, a Quebec version of the Comedy Reality Series Competition putting Comedians against one another, is soon to be filmed! Actor Patrick Huard (Bon Cop, Bad Cop) will host.

JUSTE POUR RIRE

Nav Saini, Head of Content, Prime Video Canada announced today that the service will be collaborating for the first time ever with Just for Laughs on a French Comedy Special, to be filmed in Quebec. The Special is to be titled JUSTE POUR RIRE. More to come.

THE STICKY

Just green-lit this upcoming Series, from Executive Producer Jamie Lee Curtis, is based on a true story of Ruth Clarke and the Maple Syrup Heist. Filming for this Blumhouse production is to begin this Summer as Lee Curtis told us via video.

UNTITLED THE TRAGICALLY HIP DOCUMENTARY

Mike Downie, brother of late The Tragically Hip Frontman Gord Downie, helms an upcoming Documentary due in 2024 about his brother and the Band’s success and legacy. The surviving Bandmembers attended the event. Fun fact, we learned that the Band actually got signed to a record deal after playing at the Toronto Music Awards, which took place as Massey Hall – a full circle moment.

(Photo/video credit: Prime Video Canada/George Pimentel)

#FOOD: “SHU KINGDOM GENERAL HOT POT” | 巴蜀大将

In just over six years, SHU KINGDOM HOTPOT have experienced exponential success, opening 150 locations in 60+ cities across China. Just earlier this year, they opened their first ever North American branch right here in Scarborough, and are ready to win the hearts of Hotpot-loving Canadians. And there are many, believe me!

Hotpot is one of my favourite things. I love the communal experience of gathering around the pot with family and friends, having casual conversations and getting a full belly. If you’ve never had it before, think Korean BBQ… sorta. But Hotpot is soup-based instead of grilled. You take a variety of ingredients like meats, vegetables and a variety of accoutrements, which you cook them in a fondue-like manner. Typically, the soup base is numbingly-spicy, but there are mild options for those who can’t take the heat. Hotpot is a favourite in cooler months, but loved year-round.

SHU KINGDOM GENERAL HOTPOT boasts a high-grade selection of meats, including Sliced Ribeye and Chuck Eye. What makes them stand-out is their opulent, romantic presentation. Their Ribeye alone tops more than 1 million orders a year in China alone! And we get it. Their beef is so succulent and tender. Skewered delicacies are bundled into special Bashu Combo platters, which are part of the order including shrimp, aorta, tripe, gizzards and kidneys.

As the menu is A la Carte, you get a higher-grade of meats than you would an an All You Can Eat-type Hotpot establishment. We love that for those who want to try different soup types and we chose a Regular Spicy Soup which was just right, plus a mild Pork Bone Soup. As the food here is inspired by the flavours of Sichuan province (Chengdu specifically), it is only fitting the that they bring the fire Sichuan cuisine is known for!

The decor even at this space is stunning. The bright, red lantern-lit space pays homage to Bashu Culture, just like its menu. The culture has a long history of over 3000 years, claimed to be one of the cradles of modern Chinese. The restaurant uses the legendary tale “Romance of the Three Kingdoms” as a point of reference in its aesthetic. This truly is an experience!

The venue is spacious and seating is comfortable with many private booths and VIP Rooms. The Menus is mindful even, giving cooking time recommendations for each ingredient. Overcooking your meats can drastically alter your enjoyment and experience, showing their attention to detail. Above all this, we’ve never seen this level of presentation in food at a Hotpot ever. Simply dynamic, and never to be forgotten!

See some highlights from our experience at SHU KINGDOM GENERAL HOTPOT:

What an amazing, ambient and satisfying time!

SHU KINGDOM HOTPOT is located at 390 Silver Star Blvd in Scarborough, and are open 12 PM-11 PM daily. Menu is available for Pickup and Dine-In. If you’re dining in groups, they have promotions on right now!

Can you high-kick? Look for this sign at the door to kick for a free add-on and up to 30% off!

Visit https://shukingdomgeneral.ca for more.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#GIVEAWAY: ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN ADVANCE PASSES TO SEE “THE UNBEARABLE WEIGHT OF MASSIVE TALENT”

Mongrel Media x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win Advance Passes to see THE UNBEARABLE WEIGHT OF MASSIVE TALENT. This is a must-see for Nicolas Cage fans!

Screenings are as follows on Wednesday, April 20, 2022:

• Toronto: Scotiabank Toronto at 7:00 PM
• Montreal (English Version): Cineplex Forum at 7:00 PM 
• Ottawa: Cineplex Cinemas Lansdowne at 7:00 PM 
• Vancouver: Scotiabank Vancouver at 7:00 PM
• Calgary: Scotiabank Chinook at 7:00 PM
• Edmonton: Scotiabank Edmonton at 7:00 PM
• Winnipeg: SilverCity St. Vital at 7:00 PM
• Halifax: Scotiabank Halifax at 7:00 PM

Synopsis:

Nicolas Cage stars as… Nick Cage in the action-comedy The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. Creatively unfulfilled and facing financial ruin, the fictionalized version of Cage must accept a $1 million offer to attend the birthday of a dangerous superfan (Pedro Pascal). Things take a wildly unexpected turn when Cage is recruited by a CIA operative (Tiffany Haddish) and forced to live up to his own legend, channeling his most iconic and beloved on-screen characters in order to save himself and his loved ones. With a career built for this very moment, the seminal award-winning actor must take on the role of a lifetime: Nick Cage.

Directed by: Tom Gormican 

Cast: Nicolas Cage, Pedro Pascal, Sharon Horgan, Ike Barinholtz, Alessandra Mastronardi, Jacob Scipio, Lily Sheen, with Neil Patrick Harris, and Tiffany Haddish 

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and indicate your City of choice. Re-Tweet this Contest Tweet below for an extra chance!

#Giveaway: Enter for a chance to win Advance Passes to see Nicolas Cage as Nicolas Cage in THE UNBEARABLE WEIGHT OF MASSIVE TALENT!https://t.co/Dt9JxKqoyw pic.twitter.com/DL2baoO5Nq

— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) April 12, 2022

Rules and regulations here.

Mongrel Media release THE UNBEARABLE WEIGHT OF MASSIVE TALENT April 22, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Mongrel Media)