By Amanda Gilmore

In an era of rising geopolitical tensions and shrinking democratic spaces, Antidote serves as both a warning and a call to vigilance for audiences worldwide.

This riveting Documentary follows investigative journalist Christo Grozev, a Co-founder of Bellingcat. Through open-source investigation, Grozev uncovers and exposes the vast network of Russia’s state-employed assassins who are tasked with eliminating political opponents like Alexei Navalny. But due to this, there is a bounty on his head, and spies all over Europe are trying to assassinate him.

Director James Jones unearths the global impact of Putin’s regime and the real human costs borne by activists and journalists. He takes us behind the scenes to see what it means to be a target of Putin’s regime by following individuals who are current targets. It’s a true look behind the headlines that will leave audiences haunted.

Overall, Antidote is an exploration of the Kremlin’s campaign to silence investigative journalism into Russian government corruption and it weaves together personal stories to give a rounded examination.

Antidote screens at Hot Docs ’25:

April 26 at 6 PM at Hot Docs Cinema

April 28 at 10:45 AM at TIFF Lightbox 1

Did you know Maury Povich owns racehorses? On his latest Podcast, he chats with legendary jockey Laffit Pincay about Horse Racing, right in time for the Kentucky Derby!

More on Laffit Pincay:

He’s one of the greatest jockeys in the history of horse racing — and now, he’s riding shotgun with Maury. In this special Derby Week episode, Laffit Pincay Jr. joins On Par for a rare and heartfelt conversation about grit, legacy, and the weight of winning. From breaking records to breaking barriers, and ten ribs along the way…Laffit opens up like never before.

NETFLIX TUDUM 2025: THE LIVE EVENT THE EVENT WILL FEATURE YOUR FAVORITE STARS FROM:
Emily in Paris, Frankenstein, Happy Gilmore 2, Love is Blind, One Piece, Outer Banks, The Rip, Squid Game, Stranger Things, America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, The Life List, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, Wednesday, WWE… AND MORE!

Here’s the official Trailer:

ABOUT TUDUM: Tudum LIVE is Netflix’s global fan event, named after the iconic sound that plays at the start of every Netflix movie, series or event. It is Netflix’s biggest celebration of fandom and culture-defining storytelling—spotlighting movies, shows, stars and creators that fans around the world love.

The first Tudum event was held in January 2020 at the Bienal Pavilion of São Paulo, Brazil, as a multi-title festival that celebrated Netflix’s young adult content, drawing more than 50,000 fans over four days. Since then, Tudum has evolved across multiple formats—festival, livestream, and digital almanac—cementing its place as a signature global event. In 2023, Tudum returned to São Paulo, drawing over 35,000 in-person attendees and recorded more than 78 million views across Netflix’s global social channels.

Now, Tudum LIVE returns on May 31, 2025, streaming live at 5:00 p.m. PT / 8:00 p.m. ET from the Kia Forum in Los Angeles. This must-see event will feature Netflix’s biggest stars, can’t-miss performances, jaw-dropping reveals, and unforgettable moments. Tudum.com remains a year-round destination for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes access, and deeper connections to Netflix’s most beloved titles.

HOW TO WATCH: Audiences can watch the live event on Netflix. The livestream will begin at 5:00 PM PT/8:00 PM ET.

TICKET SALE INFO: The event will take place at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 31st. General public ticket sales will begin starting Friday, May 9 at 10:00 AM PT. Tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.

Toronto’s Little Italy welcomes Radici Project, a new Italian Japanese restaurant rooted in seasonality, sustainability, and storytelling. The restaurant is co-owned by husband-and-wife duo, Executive chef Emiliano Del Frate and Kayo Ito. Del Frate got his culinary start at some of the world’s top spots, including MICHELIN-starred Noma, then moved on to hone his craft in Toronto at MICHELIN-starred Don Alfonso 1890 and, most recently, MICHELIN-starred DaNico. Manager Kayo Ito is a hospitality expert whose impressive career spans top-tier establishments including Nobu Toronto and JONI at the Park Hyatt. Located at 588 College Street, Radici Project will officially open to the public on April 30, offering a seasonally evolving menu rooted in sustainability, care, and storytelling. The restaurant will operate Wednesday through Sunday from 5:00 pm to 12:00 am and features a dual concept layout with a casual à la carte natural wine bar at the front and an intimate chef’s table at the back. Reservations for Radici Project are now open. Secure your spot HERE.

​​Emiliano and Kayo first met while working together at a restaurant in Toronto. From there, their relationship blossomed as they fell in love, got married, and travelled across Europe and Japan. Radici Project is a reflection of their shared values and enduring partnership. The name Radici means “roots” in Italian, a tribute to their journey and a symbol of the life they are building together in the city where it all began.

We had the pleasure of previewing a Tasting Menu prior to their launch. Some highlights:

The Culinary Vision
Radici’s menu brings together Japanese and Italian philosophies through the use of high-quality Canadian ingredients, with a focus on seasonality that allows ingredients to shine at their peak. This approach is inspired by a style of cooking known as Itameshi, which blends Japanese and Italian culinary traditions into inventive yet grounded dishes. The two cuisines naturally complement each other through their shared respect for simplicity, seasonality, and technique.

“In Japan, seasonal menus are the norm and for good reason. I love working with ingredients at their absolute best,” says Emiliano. “While at Noma, I had the chance to forage daily and I noticed how similar the Canadian landscape felt. That mindset is now part of my cooking identity.” The menu at Radici Project is designed to evolve throughout the year, inviting returning guests to discover something new while maintaining the care and consistency that is at the heart of the restaurant. “It is not about exclusivity,” Emiliano adds. “It is about creating something honest, relaxed, and thoughtful. A place where people feel welcomed and nourished.”

Executive chef and co-owner Emiliano Del Frate

Originally from Italy, Emiliano Del Frate has spent more than a decade shaping Toronto’s fine dining scene. He played a key role in opening MICHELIN-starred Don Alfonso 1890 and served as Executive Sous Chef at DaNico during its MICHELIN-star win. Internationally, he was part of the kitchen team at Gucci Osteria in Tokyo when it earned its first MICHELIN-star, and was at Noma in Copenhagen when it was awarded its third MICHELIN-star. This speaks to his talent and ability to thrive in some of the most celebrated and competitive kitchens in the world. He also gained experience at ADMO in Paris, a limited-time fine dining collaboration between Alain Ducasse and Albert Adrià, as well as spending a year at Washoku Itagaki in Japan. “Radici is the culmination of everything Kayo and I have learned, lived, and loved,” says Emiliano.

His mentor, chef Daniele Corona, executive chef at DaNico, adds, “Emiliano is one of the most disciplined and thoughtful chefs I have worked with. Radici is a beautiful reflection of who he is. Precise, humble, and deeply passionate.”

Manager and co-owner Kayo Ito

Born and raised in Hokkaido, Japan, Kayo Ito brings over nine years of hospitality experience to her role as Radici Project’s manager. Her background includes time at Nobu Toronto and JONI at the Park Hyatt, where she developed a refined and intuitive approach to service that will shape the guest experience at Radici Project.

Kayo is also a certified sake sommelier and worked closely with celebrated sommelier Debbie Shing of Quvé and Chef Emiliano Del Frate, to curate a beverage pairing program that includes sake, wine, and cocktails.

Deeply involved in every aspect of the restaurant, Kayo also played a key role in shaping the interior design. She worked with renowned Ikebana artist Aya Sugino to craft a floral arrangement that adds a calmness and freshness to the space.“This restaurant is very personal for us,” says Kayo. “Just like the fresh ingredients Emiliano uses in the kitchen, we wanted the space to feel warm, natural, and calming. Every detail, from the flow of the room to the floral arrangements, was designed to reflect the beauty of nature and make people feel instantly at ease.”

The Menu
Radici Project’s menu will celebrate Canadian ingredients and thoughtful technique, blending the flavours and philosophies of both Italian and Japanese cuisine. With approximately 70 percent of ingredients sourced locally, the menu will change often based on what is in season.

This commitment to local sourcing is reflected in the restaurant’s close collaboration with its producers, including Acadian Sturgeon and Caviar Inc., a family-run Canadian business led by Cornel Ceapa, who immigrated from Romania. Acadian’s caviar, known for its quality, adds a distinctive touch to Radici’s elegant plates.

Sample Menu:
BC Dungeness Crab- delicately crowned with almond foam and finished with Acadian caviar.

Duck Breast Cured in Beeswax- served with lacto fermented plums, grilled duck neck, and silky lardo.

Honey, Chamomile and Pollen- a honey-steamed sponge cake layered with milk cream, chamomile custard, chamomile gel, and a pollen and honey tuile.

Beverage Program
The beverage program at Radici Project was developed by Manager and certified sake sommelier Kayo Ito, celebrated sommelier Debbie Shing, and executive chef Emiliano Del Frate. Reflecting the same philosophy as the menu, the selection is grounded in harmony, precision, and care, with a focus on pairing beautifully with the food.

Highlights include:
Vai Con Dio: A refreshing cocktail made with Valley of Mother of God Gin from Ontario, yuzu sake from Japan, and house made kombucha. Bright and herbal, it mirrors the freshness and nuance found in the dishes.

Keigetsu Cel24 Junmai Daiginjo from Kochi, Japan: A fragrant sake brewed with a unique yeast strain developed in Kochi Prefecture. Its fruit-forward and elegant profile pairs beautifully with seafood and vegetable courses.

Dassai 39 Junmai Daiginjo from Yamaguchi, Japan: Polished to 39 percent, this sake offers floral aromatics, refined fruit notes, and a clean, balanced finish that enhances delicate preparations.
Amaro Nepeta MAJORA from Sicily, Italy: A bold and complex herbal liqueur made with Nepitella mint and Sicilian citrus. It is ideal as a digestif or to lend depth to Radici’s cocktail offerings.
Drawing on Italian, Japanese, and Canadian influences, the beverage list includes premium sake, natural wines, and cocktails that thoughtfully complement the flavour profiles and seasonal ingredients featured in the kitchen.

The Space
Designed by Emiliano and Kayo, the restaurant’s interior blends Japanese and Nordic minimalism with Canadian warmth. Natural textures, soft wood, and a calm neutral palette create a serene and intimate dining environment. Original works by local Canadian artists add further depth and personality to the space.

Radici Project accommodates 44 guests indoors, including six seats at the bar, and features a patio space that can be booked as a private dining area for two to ten guests, making it ideal for intimate gatherings and special occasions.

Guests are invited to experience the restaurant in multiple ways. At the front, the casual à la carte menu and natural wine bar offer a relaxed and approachable start to the evening. From there, they can transition to the chef’s table at the back of the restaurant, where a more intimate dining experience awaits. With a view into the open kitchen, guests can watch chef Emiliano and his team in action and enjoy direct interaction with the chef as he explains each dish, creating a deeper connection to the meal and the philosophy behind it

Radici Project is a deeply personal restaurant. From sourcing to renovation, friends and family have been at the core of its creation. The bread served in the restaurant is baked by Errico Giordano, Emiliano’s longtime friend, whose wedding Emiliano had the honour of standing in as best man. Originally from Naples, Errico bakes using a natural sourdough starter made with dried cranberries that he has nurtured for six years. The starter is known to be gentler on blood sugar and more suitable for those with gluten sensitivity. Many of the finishing touches in the space were handcrafted by close friends, underscoring the collective love and effort poured into the project. At its core, Radici Project is a restaurant built on love, loyalty, and community. To experience this amazing food firsthand, reservations can be made HERE.

About Radici
Radici s 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.

By Mr. Will Wong

Led by Yelena Belova (Florench Pugh), Marvel’s THUNDERBOLTS is the latest installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The Film sees her and a group of anti–heroes placed on a deadly mission by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus). Forming an unexpected alliance, their bond just might be the only thing that can save them.

We are delighted to have joined the global press conferernce for this long awaited Blockbuster. Joining us today were:

Florence Pugh – “Yelena Belova”
David Harbour – “Alexei Shostakov / Red Guardian”
Julia Louis-Dreyfus – “Valentina Allegra de Fontaine”
Geraldine Viswanathan – “Mel”
Lewis Pullman – “Bob”
Wyatt Russell – “John Walker”
Hannah John-Kamen – “Ava Starr / Ghost”
Sebastian Stan – “Bucky Barnes / Winter Soldier”
Jake Schreier – Director
Kevin Feige – Producer

Florence Pugh is asked about immersing the audience into her world right away as the Film sees her performing a dangerous stunt.

Pugh: Firstly, I’d like to say that none of stuts are possible without any of the stunt team, riggers and choreographers. The stunts were designed weeks prior to shooting. Obviously, as much I’d like to say I did all my stunts, plenty of the in the Movie aren’t me. I don’t want to claim all of it. When I read the Script and opened the first page, it was such impressive way to start the Movie and really allowed me to understand where she was. When you’re reading it on a page, it didn’t feel like she was stepping off a building alongside with the voiceover, as if she was taking her own own life. I remember how powerful it was to start a movie like that. The trust everyone that everyone clearly was having in pulling a potential stunt in the Script like that many, many months before we started shooting, I was so impressed by it. I was so impressed instantly how as an audience member, we knew what she was feeling and it was because she’s an asssassin that she can land it. For someone to jump off a building like that, with the voiceover, it’s harrowing and not a nice image to have. Which is why when she actually steps off, everyone’s stomach just flips. It’s an image we all associate with something really bad.

Coming from Yelena, the way I always thought about that opening sequence is that she is at such a loss, she doesn’t have any reason to be there anymore. She’s lost her sister, she’s lost her family and her relationship with father dwindled to nothing. she’s in such a state and frame of mind that she’s happy to put herself at risk.

In early fittings, I was going to be in my supersuit. No, no, no, if she’s asking to be put in these situations, to potentially get killed, she has to be in something that doesn’t protect her. We open up a discussion that she has to be in a tracksuit that doesn’t protect her. Let’s take away that added layer of protection, instead of her supersuit, which would have gadgets. Even though she’s doing all these cool things and stunts, realistically she’s going into a mission completely bare. And that also adds texture how desperate she is for someone to end it for her. And of course, you have to act on top of the tallest building and pretend as if it’s not scary and as if you want to jump off it. There’s so many layers.

Schreier: What’s really impressive about that stunt other than the fact that she did it, the shot starts on her face and we’re starting this Movie in this real moment of character. I just knew that Florence was so committed to her character, that you knew that you could be in that moment and perform that moment so beautifully. I had no doubt she could do it, but it’s not the stunt itself that’s so impressive, it’s the acting. There’s a whole arc in that moment, character wise.

David Harbour is asked about approaching Red Guardian with a childlike wonder.

Harbour: You could argue that his obsession with rekindling his glory comes from deragement of failure and all these dark places. And yet, also he just loves being a superhero. There is a portion of me as I act that has a very detailed dark backstory to it, and also just me as a kid, putting on supersuit in a Marvel movie with incredible actors, whom I adore. ‘Guys, we get to hang out today!’. I mean, there’s a puppy quality to him. I do love that Film lets me play that.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus is asked how different it is stepping into a character again in Film versus Television.

Louis-Dreyfus: It’s different from playing a character week to week on an episodic TV show. I would say on TV of course, as you get into rhythm of playing a character, you get to know the character more. In this case, it was a toe–dip and in this particular film you really get to know who this person is. This was a lot to chew on and a lot to explore. She’s an anti–villain, as you get an oppotunity to understand why she is the way she is. It doesn’t excuse things, but it’s the way you should always approach a character – without judgment. That was a really exciting way to approach Valentina and her drive. You have to come in from a non–judgmental space. It’s so interesting to consider what fuels her insatiable thirst for power, and a really exciting opportunity to reinvent her.

Geraldine Viswanathan and Lewis Pullman enter the MCU here as huge fans of it. They are asked about their favourite Marvel films.

Viswanathan: In this Movie, I have the line that ‘I was in high school when the Avengers came’, and I really was in high school when I saw that movie at the theatre with my friends at the mall! It was really full circle and surreal to be in one of these movies. I feel so fortunate to enter this univerise and in this particular movie, which feels like a breath of fresh air. It has that classic Marvel feeling with this kind of emotional nuance and depth. When I first got to see this Movie, I saw it as audience member and cried a bunch, it really landed on me.

Pullman: I think I remember each one vividly, but Guardians of the Galaxy made me feel like I had made a bunch of new friends. It had such a powerful effect and that’s why Marvel has been doing so well since day one, grounding these beautiful human truths. It’s a hard line to toe. I should really watch it again now that I’m talking about it, as it gives me joy.

I remember having so many conversations with Jake and Kevin, how to toe the line and hitting some of these less–discussed topics, at least in larger–scale films like this. And doing it in a way that didn’t feel like PSA but felt grounded and with as much truth from where we were coming from.

I grew–up pretty anxious and suffering from depression is not a fun thing to talk about. It feels weird to say out loud right now. The big goal in this Film was to get rid of that quaky feeling when you bring it up and talk about it. You’re liable to get caught if you just jump. It’s in the silence where the suffering occurs.

Hannah John-Kamen reprises her role of Ghost again and she talks about the journeys the character has been on since her introduction in the MCU.

John-Kamen: There’s always some connection as an Actor with your character. With Ghost originally, she was in Ant-Man and the Wasp projecting imminent death and this volatile kind of dispution and erruption of physicality. She makes immature death threats and survival decisions to survive. In Thunderbolts, she’s very much grown–up in her maturity of control and power, and being able to control that herself. I think she’s more scary in this Movie. It’s empowering not having that distraction of pain and imminent death anymore. She’s built a Fort Knox of herself, basically a guard that she has up and no one can come in.  What is wonderful about Ghost‘s journey, is her understanding it’s okay to need someone andit’s okay to be relied upon, and also rely on others. You don’t have to go through life on your own. Finding a family, you deserve it and you deserve to be loved.

Wyatt Russell talks about reprising John Walker, and while he’s quite different from the character, he witnessed many people like this having been in competitive sports.

Russell: He’s an interesting guy because he believes in who he is and what he doesn’t. Part of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier was portraying this new version of an American hero. Steve Rogers was born in World War II and jumped on a grenade for selfless reasons. He (John Walker) will jump on a grendade to be filmed on Instagram and to become a national hero. It’s very reflective of society today. Nobody’s doing for selfless reasons. They’re hoping to famous on Instagram and TikTok. I like playing that version of Ameican hero where he has to be torn down, going to rock bottom before he can start a journey back to somewhere he wants to be.

I don’t think I’m like John, but in a prior life, I knew a lot of people like John, playing athletics and sports for a living. You have to be that way. You have to put on an armour and place vulrnabilites to the side. Never admit you’re feeling bad because the second you show that crack of vulnerability, it can destroy you. It’s fun to turn it on its head with this character. Vulernabtility actually makes you stronger. Admitting ‘I’m not as good as I think I am’ will actually make you stronger. I enjoy playing John, he’s a fun character to explore.

Sebastian Stan talks about what he’s learned over the years, having played Bucky Barnes multiple times in the MCU.

Stan: I have always talked about him like having a sibling I never had. We’ve both been learning from each other for 15 years. That’s what’s been so amazing about it. I keep coming back to him to bring something I’ve gained along the way in my life. There’s a familiarity with him where I can just jump right in there.

This Film was special as the connection was very real. That’s what people are gonna connect with, how real all these characters are. They wear their hearts on their sleeves and try to do right thing, but don’t know if they have the right tools or not. What’s a villain and what’s a hero? My character is always riding that fine line. That’s what we do in life. Learn from the past and try very hard to retain some sort of self.

Producer Kevin Feige talks about the films that inspired him as a child and the importance of that communal theatre experience.

Feige: The teams on all our films are united. This means a lot. They come from Comic Books which means a lot to lots of people. I think there is a notion of that in every movie. The first movie was I ever saw at the theatre was Pete’s Dragon. I missed that movie and my mom made tuna sandwiches wrapped in foil. Nobody screamed like in Avengers: Endgame, but it was incredible. I saw re–releases of Star Wars and Empire Strikes Back. It was this imagical place. We need this as humans, that communal experience. We’re doing this for Movies. 

Marvel Studios Canada release THUNDERBOLTS in theatres May 2, 2025.

Today, Disney+ revealed the new key art and teaser for the highly anticipated Original series, FX’s “Alien: Earth,” from creator Noah Hawley. The series is set to premiere on FX and Disney+ in 2025 in Canada.

See the Teaser here.

When a mysterious space vessel crash-lands on Earth, a young woman (Sydney Chandler) and a ragtag group of tactical soldiers make a fateful discovery that puts them face-to-face with the planet’s greatest threat in FX’s highly anticipated TV series “Alien: Earth” from creator Noah Hawley.

“Alien: Earth” is set in 2120 when five corporations – Prodigy, Weyland-Yutani, Lynch, Dynamic and Threshold – wield the power of nations, and proprietary advancements in technology provide the promise of a new tomorrow.

Led by Chandler, the series showcases an expansive international cast, which includes Alex Lawther, Timothy Olyphant, Essie Davis, Samuel Blenkin, Babou Ceesay, David Rysdahl, Adrian Edmondson, Adarsh Gourav, Jonathan Ajayi, Erana James, Lily Newmark, Diem Camille and Moe Bar-El.

ABOUT DISNEY+

Disney+ is the dedicated streaming home for movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic, along with The Simpsons and much more. In Canada, it also includes the general entertainment content brand, Star. The flagship direct-to-consumer streaming service from The Walt Disney Company, Disney+ offers an unmatched collection of exclusive originals, including feature-length films, next day TV, documentaries, live-action and animated series, short-form content, and live events. With unprecedented access to Disney’s long history of incredible film and television entertainment, Disney+ is also the exclusive streaming home for the newest releases from The Walt Disney Studios. For more, visit disneyplus.com, or find the Disney+ app on most mobile and connected TV devices.

It’s another Warner Bros. domination at the Box Office this weekend as SINNERS repeats its glory again, taking top spot with $30 million from 3,347 theates. This takes it to $107 million domestically.

Debuting in second spot is THE ACCOUNTANT 2 with $23 million from 3,610 theatres for Warner Bros. It gets a stellar 77% on the Tomatometer, far besting its predecessor which had a 53% score. That Film debuted with $24.7 million, and performs very close to that again.

STAR WARS: REVENGE OF THE SITH gets a re–release in time for its 20th anniversary, taking $20 million from 2,775 theatres for Disney. Prior, the Film grossed $380 million domestically upon its 2005 release.

In fourth is A MINECRAFT MOVIE with $18 million from 3,841 theatres for Warner Bros., a domestic total of $375 million.

UNTIL DAWN rounds this Top Five with $7 million from 3.055 theatres in its opening for Sony Pictures. The Horror gets 51% on the Tomatometer.

Sure, many of us have had Korean BBQ, but what North York’s OMIWOL (translation: five flavours, cycle of the moon) is offering since it opened its doors four months back, is something completely elevated and beyond what discerning Toronto diners are used to.

Firstly, their Beef and Pork, only the highest standard, are triple-aged. This means the meats undergo meticulous ice aging, dry aging and wet aging before finally getting served at the dark and elegant establishment. It transforms its former being, a bustling Japanese BBQ, into something new and exciting.

Above this, they are really making it clear that they also are a seafood establishment. They have both curated Seafood and Butcher’s Feasts making it a bit easier to choose from. Diners can enjoy a variety of dining options here. They aren’t just Korean BBQ, they make exceptional stews, sides, noodles, and rice dishes as well, with both Lunch and Dinner menus. Desserts, including Bingsu (Korean Shaved Ice), also are fun and cheerful.

We had the pleasure of enjoying our first experience at the amazing OMIWOL, with owner and chef Edward personally overseeing our dinner, which included thoughtful wine pairings:

Everything from the homemade Banchan (side dishes) down to the sauces are brought together to create one singular elevated culinary journey.

Reserve now.

For the month of May 2025, diners ordering BBQ, will get one free Abalone, while quantities allow. This is known widely as “The King of Seafood”, reserved normally for celebrations and banquets only. A perfect opportunity to try it you’ve never had the joy.

OMIWOL is at 153 Yorkland Boulevard, North York, ON just off the Sheppard 404 Exit. Street Parking free outside weekdays after 6 PM.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Cameron Whitcomb has dropped his new single, “Bad Apple,” available now via Atlantic Records HERE. Produced by frequent collaborator Jack Riley (Knox, Grace VanderWaal) and co-written by Whitcomb, Riley, Nolan Sipe, and Cal Shapiro – who wrote Alex Warren’s hit song “Ordinary” – the track sees Cameron pushing his intensely personal sound towards an alternative direction, employing the age-old bad apple metaphor to grapple with the idea of how things can be so good, yet so bad at the same time.

Watch the official live performance visual which also premiered today HERE:

“Bad Apple” follows Whitcomb’s emotionally vivid “Options” and larger-than-life anthem “Hundred Mile High,” the latter of which has proven among his biggest hits thus far, earning first-week streams in excess of 1.6M along with a flurry of critical applause from MTV, Entertainment Tonight, UPROXX, Ones To Watch, and ELLE, which named it among “The Best New Songs We Heard In January,” writing, “The return of modern folk was written in the stars… Cameron Whitcomb enters the conversation with ‘Hundred Mile High.’ The banjos pump the song forward, beckoning listeners on a cross-country road trip.”

Currently boasting over 7M monthly listeners on Spotify, more than 3M fans across social platforms, and over 300 250M worldwide streams and counting, Whitcomb is well into what is shaping up as a landmark 2025, a remarkably productive year that kicked off with the release of “Medusa (Acoustic),” a new stripped-down rendition of his captivating fan favorite, “Medusa,” available now HERE. Featured as one of Billboard’s “5 Must-Hear New Country Songs,” upon release, the original version of “Medusa” has quickly amassed over 100M global streams and counting.

Recently featured globally on the cover of Apple Music’s Today Country and named to both Spotify and Amazon Music’s 2025 Artists To Watch lists as well as Shazam’s Fast Forward 2025, Whitcomb has spent much of the year traveling on his hugely successful “Hundred Mile High Tour” – the Nanaimo, BC-based artist’s biggest US headline run thus far, highlighted by sold-out shows at such famed venues as New York City’s Bowery Ballroom. Whitcomb will keep the momentum going with a stacked live schedule that includes further US headline dates as well as the eagerly awaited EU/UK leg of the “Hundred Mile High Tour,” with stops set for iconic clubs and theatres including Copenhagen, Denmark’s Store VEGA (August 26), Amsterdam, Netherlands’ Paradiso (September 3), Paris, France’s La Maroquinerie (September 4), and London, UK’s Electric Brixton (September 5). For complete details and ticket availability, please visit thecamwhitcomb.com.

The nonstop live schedule follows a breakthrough 2024 for the rising artist that featured the release of his remarkable debut EP, Quitter, available everywhere now HERE. Partly inspired by his journey in overcoming addiction, the acclaimed collection – includes profoundly personal singles including “Love Myself” and the soul-searching title track, “Quitter,” the latter of which was praised by Billboard as “an anthemic folk track in the mold of Noah Kahan powered by a kick-clap beat and Whitcomb’s growling vocal.” Now boasting more than 80M global streams, “Quitter,” which chronicles the 21-year-old artist’s battle to overcome addiction, further made history as Whitcomb’s first-ever single to reach the Billboard Canadian Hot 100 – his biggest chart success to date. Whitcomb celebrated by traveling North America on his wide-ranging Quitter Tour, a hugely successful run of headline dates that included sold-out shows at such renowned venues as Nashville, TN’s The Mil at Cannery Hall, New York City’s Mercury Lounge, and more.

One of the most captivating new songwriters of his generation, Cameron Whitcomb turns the most candid details of his real-life experience into songs with a strangely exhilarating power. Hailing from British Columbia’s Vancouver Island, Whitcomb left home at age 17 and got a job working on a pipeline, later spending much of his downtime singing karaoke and posting covers on Reddit. When an American Idol executive took note of his undeniable vocal talent, he landed a spot on the show’s 20th season and emerged as a top 20 finalist. Whitcomb then immersed himself in learning to write songs while deep in the process of getting sober. After making his label debut with 2024’s “Rocking Chair” – which amassed over 40M combined views across socials prior to its premiere – Whitcomb took off on a fast ascent that soon found him embarking on his first-ever headline run, the sold-out Quitter Tour. Along with “Bad Apple” and the ongoing Hundred Mile High Tour, Whitcomb is now at work on more exciting new music spotlighting the raw emotional honesty of his one-of-a-kind songwriting.

HUNDRED MILE HIGH TOUR 2025

AUGUST

6 – Milwaukee, WI – Pabst Theater

22 – Cologne, Germany – Sound of Nashville Open Air

23 – Munich, Germany – Backstage Werk

24 – Berlin, Germany – Kesselhaus

26 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Store VEGA

28 – Stockholm, Sweden – Nalen

SEPTEMBER

1 – Oslo, Norway – Rocafeller

3 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Paradiso

4 – Paris, France – La Maroquinerie

5 – London, UK – Electric Brixton

7 – Manchester, England – Band on the Wall

8 – Glasgow, UK – Saint Luke’s

OCTOBER

29 – Oxford, OH – Brick Street Bar

30 – Lakewood, OH – The Roxy

31 – McKees Rocks, PA – Roxian Theatre

This spring, Akira Back invites guests to step into the magic of Sakura Bliss—an immersive cherry blossom installation paired with a seasonal menu that celebrates the beauty of Japan’s most iconic season.

From April 25 to May 31, 2025, guests will be transported by a stunning floral installation created by boutique design studio The Rustic Vine, offering the perfect setting to enjoy a limited-time menu that highlights the vibrant flavours of spring.

Menu highlights include:

 •Haru ($17): A refreshing cocktail with sake, Campari, grapefruit juice, and a splash of Prosecco—perfect for a springtime toast.

 •Blossom Platter ($130): A vibrant sushi platter featuring sashimi, nigiri, and a signature roll—designed to showcase the season’s freshest flavours. (seen below)

 •Tou-Rin (Peach Orchard) ($17): The featured Dessert will be a delicious white peach mousse, matcha moss and cotton candy.

Reserve now.