#SPOTTED: JENNY MCCARTHY, PAUL + DONNIE WAHLBERG IN TORONTO FOR WAHLBURGERS

A meat-ing of the minds!  Made famous in these parts by the A&E Reality Show Wahlburgers, the Burger Restaurant of the same name opened its first franchise location officially tonight in Toronto!  Situated at the Soho Metropolitan Hotel, just minutes from the Rogers Centre, the 120-seat Establishment is the brainchild of Brothers Paul, Donnie and Mark Wahlberg with locally-sourced recipes helmed by the former.

Several Fans braved the cold, some coming as far as New York City, Ottawa and Peterborough for a chance to see the Brothers in-person.  Television Personality Jenny McCarthy, married to Donnie, also came to ring-in the festivities. Although Mark originally was slated to appear, it is said that a last-minute emergency prevented him from making the trek north this weekend.

Arriving at 6:00 PM sharp, it was pure fandemonium on a closed-down strip of Blue Jays Way.  Both Donnie and Jenny stopped to sign autographs for Fans, before heading-in to greet guests at their Private Party.  Media meanwhile waited patiently in the cold for an extended duration after their arrival before being given an opportunity to talk to the in-attendance Wahlberg Brothers.  Towards the end of the Party also, Paul came out to greet ecstatic Fans on the street.

We had the chance to try Mark‘s Thanksgiving Burger, which was sinfully-delicious, combining common Thanksgiving Day leftovers on seasoned ground turkey, with homemade roasted butternut squash and stuffing – smothered in an orange-cranberry sauce.  Our only complaint – the standard 5 oz. portion was meager. What Wahlburgers need to understand is that Torontonians – although quality-conscious – love to eat.  A side order of Sweet Potato Tots also were a crispy delight, although we found ourselves rather hungry still after our meal.  Next on our agenda is Donnie‘s BBQ Bacon Burger... in the 8 oz. size obviously!

We enjoyed the relaxed, casual atmosphere and Wahlberg Brother adornments throughout the space and fun 80s-90s Music blaring!

To learn more about Wahlburgers Toronto (64 Blue Jays Way) and its hours, click here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

 

 

#EVENTS: DONNIE, PAUL AND MARK WAHLBERG TO ATTEND WAHLBURGERS TORONTO LAUNCH THIS SATURDAY

It finally is happening! After soft launching recently, the long-awaited WAHLBURGERS Restaurant in Toronto finally is ready to be unveiled officially!

Coming-in for the festivities at the Green Carpet Affair are none other than The Wahlberg Brothers: Donnie, Paul and Mark this Saturday and also the lovely, Jenny McCarthy.

The Restaurant, inspired by the Brothers’ Childhood Favourites growing-up in Hingham, Massachusetts, is v. much Chef-Driven. They promise also to introduce some Canadian-catered items on the Menu in forthcoming months as part of their Burger of the Month program.

 

Highlighing the Menu are:

· Mark’s Choice: “The Thanksgiving Burger” made with fresh ground and seasoned turkey dressed with Paul’s orange cranberry sauce, homemade roasted butternut squash and stuffing.

· Donnie’s Choice: “The BBQ Bacon Burger” topped with white cheddar cheese, bacon and avocado, finished with jalapenos and a house-made BBQ sauce.

· Paul’s Choice: The Wahlburgers original “Our Burger” made fresh to order with the restaurant’s special blend of beef topped with government cheese (American cheese), dill pickles, lettuce, tomato, onion and finished with the signature Wahl sauce.

All burgers are made of 100% pure Canadian Beef and the Menu also includes other Sandwiches and Salads. It is said their Sweet Potato Tots are quite a hit!

Wahlburgers is situated at the Soho Metropolitan Hotel at 318 Wellington Ave. West in Toronto. The 120-seat Restaurant opens Sunday-Wednesday 11:30 AM to midnight and Thursday-Saturday 11:30 AM to 2:00 AM.

Social Media Links:
www.facebook.com/WahlburgersCA
https://twitter.com/wahlburgersca
http://instagram.com/wahlburgersca

We’ll be there bringing you highlights from the Green Carpet!  Stay tuned. We’ve been dreaming about sinking our teeth at long last into one of these famous Burgers!

(Photo credit: Wahlburgers)

#TIFF13: MR. WILL’S HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2013 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

With great sadness, we must say farewell to another TIFF.  And with fatigue, a limp in my right foot and great pain in my neck today after a gruelling run these past 11 days, I look back at the happy times, the regrets and what TIFF ’14 might hold.  Despite all these mixed emotions, I know it won’t be long before I’m begging for more!  I live for the Toronto International Film Festival – the greatest in Film Festival the World – and wouldn’t rather be anywhere else.

 

Here’s a look back at some of the Highlights for me of the Festival in Compiled Lists:

 

MR. WILL’S MOST GRACIOUS 10

Anyone who encountered these Stars up-close and personal during TIFF ’13 can vouch that they deserve a warm round of applause for the respect, appreciation and courtesy they’ve shown our City. Whether it be Jessica Chastain‘s consistent grace and humility towards her Fans, Brad Pitt‘s surprise Red Carpet appearance in which he took several Photos with Fans at the 12 Years a Slave Premiere, Hugh Jackman stopping in the rain outside the Press Conference for Prisoners to meet and great all his Supporters individually – these Stars understand exactly what the Festival is all about for us Fans!

1. Jessica Chastain
2. Sandra Bullock
3. Tom Hiddleston
4. Daniel Radcliffe
5.. Brad Pitt
6. Josh Brolin
7. Hugh Jackman
8. Jennifer Aniston
9. Nicolas Cage
10. Emma Thompson

 

MR. WILL’S  SUCCESSFUL 6

These six Films gained a great amount of buzz and momentum coming out of TIFF ’13 in advance of their forthcoming Awards Season Best Picture Campaigns.  Sadly, August: Osage Country didn’t wind up getting critical love universally (I enjoyed it much!) hoped for, but it still remains a major Contender in the Acting categories – especially for a heartbreakingly-absent Queen Meryl Streep.

1. 12 Years a Slave
2. Labor Day
3. Dallas Buyers Club
4. Prisoners
5. Gravity
6. Rush

 

MR. WILL’S EMERGING 5

These five up-and coming Stars caused quite a stir wherever they spotted around TIFF ’13.  This time next year, expect to know them pretty much on a first name-basis.

1. Benedict Cumberbatch
2. Emilia Clarke
3. Daniel Brühl
4. Jai Courtney
5. Taylor Schilling

 

MR. WILL’S NAUGHTY LIST

Although we try to keep things positive here, we remain hopeful that next time these Stars visit our City, they show us a bit more Fan Appreciation – not just only when the Cameras are on – than they showed this year.  Little things like picking-up a  Sharpie or taking time to pose for Photos with Fans, or maybe not distancing themselves a 15 feet from the Barricades where their Fans had queued for hours to see them, would be a first step.  In all fairness, some had hyper-assertive Handlers or lateness to blame.

1. Benedict Cumberbatch
2. Joseph Gordon-Levitt
3. Scarlett Johansson
4. Mila Kunis
5. Emilia Clarke

 

MR. WILL’S FASHIONABLE 5

These Stars certainly made a Statement whether it be out and about in our City or on the Red Carpet. I still cannot get over Kitsch‘s gray-on-gray Suit he wore at the Premiere of The Grand Seduction and certainly was a bit obsessed with Toni Collette‘s new Bangs. Julia Roberts was a Vision in her Dolce & Gabbana Dress at the Premiere of August: Osage County too, but my favourite look was Sandra Bullock at the Gravity Premiere in Narciso Rodriguez!

1. Sandra Bullock
2. Julia Roberts
3. Taylor Kitsch
4. Toni Collette
5. Jessica Chastain

 

And who exactly did Mr. Will got a Photo-with at TIFF ’13?

Ben Cotton, Dane Cook, Jason Reitman, Josh Brolin, Nicole Kidman, Anika Noni Rose, Bill Condon, Donnie Wahlberg, Paul Wahlberg, Jack Huston, Tom Arnold, John Torturro, Lauren Lee Smith, Sami Gayle, Mary Walsh, Saoirse Ronan, Michael C. Hall, Tye Sheridan, Katie Boland, Aaron Abrams, Kelly Rowan, Daniel Radcliffe, Taylor Schilling, Effie Exarchopoulos, Dan Stevens, Daniel Brühl, Alicia Vikander, Tom Hiddleston, deadmau5, Carice Van Houten, Tom Welling, Vanessa Paradis, Michael Bolton, Alice Cooper, Taylor Kitsch, Toni Collette, Dakota Fanning, Jai Courtney, Ciaran Hinds, Jessica Chastain, Emilia Clarke, Jared Harris, Adelaide Kane, James Lafferty, Jennifer Morrison, David Arquette, Alfre Woodard, Ryan Kwanten, Catherine O’Hara, Mark Boone Junior, Will Forte, Emma Thompson, Cara Gee, Demian Bichir, Jude Law, Tom Wilkinson, Alfonso Cuaron, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Thompson (again!), Lea Seydoux, Robert Baker, Amanda Walsh, Adam Driver, Keanu Reeves and Nicolas Cage.

 

To re-visit some of the amazing names that I snapped in the City over the Festival, click here.

To read some of my Reviews of the Films that premiered at TIFF ’13, click here.  More Reviews to come over the next day or two as I play catch-up after all the madness.

 

…until next year, Wongsters!

 

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

*Photos taken on Samsung Galaxy S4 and Olympus E-PL5

#TIFF13: STARS OUT AND ABOUT THE CITY AT 2013 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL | KATE WINSLET, JENNIFER GARNER, JOSH BROLIN, DONNIE WAHLBERG, VANESSA PARADIS, DANE DEHAAN, JACK HUSTON, JOHN TURTURRO

A bit of a slower day today on the Photo front, Wongsters!  It rained and rained and rained and finally after subsiding a bit I think we’re good to go again.  We did spot some pretty exciting names though today, thus far!

 

Kate Winslet is just too perfect.  Love her and it tears me apart that my first time seeing her today was under less than ideal circumstances. The Academy Award Winner arrived at her Press Conference for Labor Day (premiering tonight at Ryerson Theatre), throwing over a quick wave to Fans before being rushed in.  On her way out she rolled down her window quickly and threw a hand wave. Mesmerized.

 

Josh Brolin, who stars opposite Winslet in Labor Day under more ideal circumstances would’ve given more to Fans, but I managed to get this Snap of him waving goodbye through a sea of Umbrellas to Fans after completing a Press Conference for the Oscar-buzzed Drama by Director Jason Reitman.

 

By total chance, I crossed paths with the lovely Jennifer Garner as she was downtown doing a bit of shopping.  Mrs. Ben Affleck was seen without the Mr. and it is said she enjoyed a Salad for lunch today in advance of her Red Carpet Premiere for HIV-Drama Dallas Buyers Club in which she stars opposite Matthew McConaughey.

 

Although not here for TIFF ’13 specifically, they sure timed it well. Brothers Donnie and Paul Wahlberg arrived in Toronto today to promote their upcoming upscale Burger Restaurant, WAHLBURGERS, meeting Fans at the Soho-Metropolitan Hotel today.  After running out of Burgers quickly, the rest of the Fans were given Gift Cards for future purchase of a Burger when the first Canadian location opens in 2014!

 

Funnyman Tom Arnold made a surprise appearance at the Roy Thomson Hall Premiere of Mike Myers‘ Documentary, Supermensch: The Legend of Shep Gordon today and he was spotted out and about partying this evening, much to my surprise. The former Husband of Roseanne Barr was even awesome enough to stop to pose for Pics!

 

Jack Huston is definitely an emerging Talent to come into TIFF ’13 with a significant amount of buzz. The Nephew of Danny Huston and Anjelica Huston stars in Kill Your Darlings, which premieres tomorrow night at Roy Thomson Hall. He has been seen most recently on HBO‘s Boardwalk Empire.

 

Perhaps one of the biggest surprises we’ve seen at TIFF was ’90s Megastar Crooner Michael Bolton out partying tonight with his Buddy, Toronto Director Paul Haggis (second below), who presents his latest work Third Person, a Romantic-Drama starring Olivia Wilde and Liam Neeson Monday night at VISA Screening Room! Both Bolton and Haggis were extremely gracious to stop and pose for Fans.

 

Maroon 5 Frontman debuted his first Feature Film, Can a Song Save Your Life tonight at the Princess of Wales Theatre. The handsome Singer was spotted at the uber-trendy Patria following his Premiere before calling it an early night. He soon will begin mentoring duties on the fourth Season of NBC‘s The Voice, premiering late September.

 

Still going strong, Director-Actress Couple Eli Roth and Lorenza Izzo are back at TIFF again this year with Green Inferno, premiering at the Festival’s Midnight Madness Program tonight. The two were spotted heading together to their Premiere. They certainly are not Strangers to Toronto having filmed Netflix‘s Hemlock Grove here last year.

 

Dane DeHaan‘s star is rising rather fast and in addition to starring in Kill Your Darlings alongside Daniel Radcliffe, he stars this time as Harry …Osborn in Amazing Spider-Man 2. The Actor was here last TIFF with The Place Beyond the Pines.

 

The stunning Freida Pinto is in Toronto partaking in the TIFF ’13 festivities and word is, she is raising awareness for an Indian Film Festival in development in the City. Definitely one of the few Actresses I know who can pull-off orange so effortlessly.

 

Actor/Director John Turturro and French Actress/Singer Vanessa Paradis (formerly Partner of Johnny Depp) were seen partying together in support of their TIFF ’13 Film, Fading Gigolo. Both were awesome to stop and interact with Fans tonight.

 

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

*Photos taken on Samsung Galaxy S4 and Olympus E-PL5.

 

#FOOD: WAHLBURGERS TO LAUNCH IN TORONTO WITH GREEN CARPET EVENT

After having set-up shop in October 2011, Wahlburgers soon will begin its Canadian expansions starting with a City which Brothers Donnie and Mark both love – Toronto! Amidst all the TIFF ’13 festivities, Donnie, Mark and their Brother Paul, whose title is Executive Chef for the Burger Chain,  are  all expected to attend a Green Carpet event in celebration of its launch at the SoHo-Metropolitan Hotel, where its first location will be built.

Among the Comfort Food Offerings:

Donnie’s Choice: “The BBQ Bacon Burger” topped with white cheddar cheese, bacon and avocado, finished with jalapenos and a house-made BBQ sauce.

Mark’s Choice: “The Thanksgiving Burger” made with fresh ground and seasoned turkey dressed with Paul‘s orange cranberry sauce, homemade roasted butternut squash and stuffing.

Paul’s Choice: The Wahlburgers original “Our Burger” made fresh to order with the restaurant’s special blend of beef topped with government cheese (American cheese), dill pickles, lettuce, tomato, onion and finished with the signature Wahl sauce.

 

Expect Macaroni Salad, Sweet Potato Tots, Fresh-Cut Fries and Alcoholic Milkshakes!   There will be a Sports Bar, Seated and Takeaway options available as part of the dining experience.

More here.

(Photo credit: Wahlburgers)