We couldn’t do TIFF ’17 without the support of our amazing partners who make what otherwise is an eventful and hectic 11 days just that much more manageable! We’re lucky already to have an amazing Team (Jonathan Godfrey, Justin Waldman, Siobhán Rich, David Baldwin and Amanda Gilmore) who help bring us the coverage on the Films and talent making the biggest splash at the Festival, but we’re just as grateful to have the support of some amazing partners including:

CP24

Returning for a ninth consecutive year, we’ll be partnering again with Southern Ontario’s favourite news channel CP24 for TIFF ’17 delivering you all the scoop on the Festival’s hottest Films and stars! See our photos real-time as we upload them onto our Social media channels as we spot the stars and see the Films, and also on CP24! You’ll see a lot of us in-studio and live-to-air.  Be watching!

Here’s a link to our TIFF ’17 Preview on Live at Noon:

STARBUCKS CANADA

Every TIFF we’re treated to amazing Films which we’re so lucky to see first before Awards Season and all those stars in town! But  just as exciting is that the Pumpkin Spice Latte, known affectionately as the PSL, returns too right in time for the Festival!  The PSL is our official beverage of choice during the Festival and the perfect treat at a time of ultimate indulgence! Learn all about Starbucks Canada‘s Fall Menu and stay connected on all their new delicious offerings here.

COME CLEAN 100% NATURAL BAMBOO CLEANING CLOTHS
Make-Up Artist-recommended, these bamboo cloths from Consonant Skin Care which come in packs of 10, not only cleanse but also brighten the skin with anti-aging botanicals! It’s so easy to not look your freshest after those long TIFF days, and these will ensure you look your freshest! More here.

THE FASHION PIG

It is always best to get a second opinion on things. The Fashion Pig is a fashion consulting service for women and men tailored to your individual body type. We aren’t all the same and different things work on different people. They also offer de-cluttering consultation services also for your living space. Learn more here.

DUFFLET PASTRIES

There is only one Queen of Cake® and that is Dufflet Rosenberg. We are proud to partner again with Dufflet Pastries this TIFF to let you experience true decadence.  Just minutes west of Entertainment District, you must check out their Queen St. West location for a sweet treat!  More here.

SPUDNIKS
It’s so easy to forget about snacking smart during TIFF with movies and stars on your mind, but Toronto’s own SPUDNIKS Kettle Corn, Kettle Chips and Caramel Corn available in large and small sizes, are the perfect snack. Even more awesome, Canada 150 is fully in patriotic effect with their Maple Popcorn which is to die for, but if you’re into something simple and lighter, try their Skinny Pop Sea Salt and Sunflower Oil-seasoned Popcorn! They contain no MSG, are all natural, no additives nor Trans-Fats. Heart-healthy, almost all their products have no cholesterol. Did you know that SPUDNIKS is the official Caramel Corn of Toronto institutions like the CN Tower, Toronto Blue Jays and the Royal Ontario Museum? You can even get ’em at Pearson Airport! More here.

SUBWAY® GRILLED WRAPS

During TIFF, every second counts and sometimes you just have to multi-task eating with searching something on your phone. These Subway®  Grilled Wraps let you hold it all together with deliciousness you can enjoy with one hand and they come in B.L.T., Chicken Caesar and Chicken & Bacon Wrap.

• The savoury Chicken Caesar Melt combines rotisserie-style chicken with shredded Monterey Cheddar cheese, a sprinkle of Parmesan, baby spinach, tomatoes and Caesar sauce, wrapped in a soft tortilla and grilled to perfection.

• Chicken & Bacon Ranch Melt features tender, rotisserie-style 100 per cent Canadian chicken free from artificial flavours, colours and preservatives, served on a fresh tortilla, with mouth-watering bacon, shredded Monterey Cheddar cheese, red onions, green peppers, tomatoes and a creamy ranch sauce.

• You can’t go wrong with a classic grilled B.L.T. wrap, featuring strips of bacon and topped with lettuce, tomatoes and a drizzle of mayo.

With a location right in the middle of the action at King x John, nourishment is never far away, letting you hold it all together! Learn more about Subway® Grilled Wraps here.

ROWENTA X-CEL STEAM BRUSH

Looking flawless during Toronto’s most star-studded season is a chore when you’re tight on time. The Rowenta X-Cel Steam Brush is compact, portable and keeps your clothes crease-less and it does it quick!  We plan to keep one handy in our hotel room. Learn more about it here.

H&M CANADA

We love H&M all seasons of the year and TIFF ’17 is no exception. The perfect blend of affordability, innovation and comfort, there are reasons why we keep revisiting H&M‘s fashions. We can dress-up or dress-down with their great versatility. Visit here for their latest arrivals for Women and Men. Did you know they had Justin Bieber merch even in-store September 7, 2017?

2017 HONDA CIVIC 5D SPORT TOURING

Having a nimble, compact ride is a must during TIFF whether it be for navigating through the bustle of Entertainment District or fitting into those tight parking spots on-the-run.  We are of the firm belief that less is more during TIFF and we can’t wait to navigate the Festival in our official ride of TIFF ’17, the super–sleek 2017 Honda Civic 5D Sport Touring! We love its leather interior, wireless phone charging and Honda Sensing™ Suite! The car is the perfect blend of versatility, class and value. Learn more about it here!

HOTEL NOVOTEL DOWNTOWN CENTRE

We’re blessed to call Hotel Novotel Downtown Centre our home once again TIFF ’17.  In addition to having everything we need – size, the coziest bed, plenty of parking, pet-friendliness and incredible amenities like an awesome gym, reliable wi-fi and yes, that amazing breakfast buffet at Cafe Nicole. Above this, the staff are incredibly nice and accommodating. The Hotel is just minutes from all that TIFF action, but thankfully just away enough to escape the madness at the end of the night. We love it and always keep coming back!  More here.

What good is talking about our amazing partners if we can’t share it all with you?  One lucky Willionaire in Toronto will win an amazing TIFF ’17 Survival Kit including goodies from some of our partners including:

Starbucks Canada Gift Card (additional cards to be given away throughout Festival via our Social Media)

Subway® Canada Card (additional cards to be given away throughout Festival via our Social Media)

Dufflet Pastries Gift Card

H&M Canada VIP Card

Rowenta X-Cel Steam Brush

Selection of Spudniks Kettle Chips and Popcorns

Free Men/Women’s Fashion Consultation Voucher from The Fashion Pig

Come Clean 100% Natural Bamboo Cleaning Cloths

A visual of trusty sidekick Billy guarding the goods for us. Click left below for a cute TIFF surprise!

Billy is giving anyone cut eye who tries to get close to our #TIFF17 Survival Kit. One lucky winner in Toronto is gonna score! Details soon.

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 3, 2017 at 4:39pm PDT

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. For an extra chance, you may:

Re-Tweet this Tweet: @mrwillw

“Like” this Post on Instagram: @mrwillwong

Don’t forget to be following us on the above social channels also for all the latest TIFF ’17 buzz!

Happy TIFF ’17!  We’ll be seeing you around town!

Mr. Willxbilly

We love our Starbucks® and nobody does the Holidays like they do! We wait every year with baited breath for those Holiday Beverages to come around and that time is NOW!

Launching on Thursday, November 10, 2016, Starbucks® Canada release their Holiday lineup of bevvies.

These are the selections you can look forward to this year!

Starbucks® Chestnut Praline Latte
Inspired by the time-honoured holiday tradition of warm roasted chestnuts, this cozy beverage features Starbucks® signature espresso combined with freshly steamed milk and flavours of caramelized chestnuts and spices. The drink is then finished with whipped cream and spiced praline crumbs for crunch.

Starbucks® Holiday Spice Flat White
Back for it’s second year, the Starbucks Holiday Spice Flat White is handcrafted with bold, spicy ristretto shots of Christmas Blend Espresso Roast and a blend of mulling spices, including finely ground sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, clove and a touch of tangerine. It’s then topped with steamed whole milk into creamy micro-foam and carefully poured to allow the espresso and spices to rise to the top of the beverage for a bold coffee flavour with a sweeter finish.

Starbucks® Spiced Sweet Cream Nariño 70 Cold Brew

Nariño 70 Cold Brew coffee is slow steeped for 20 hours, then festively spiced and finished with a float of house made sweet cream to create an exclusive, elegant iced holiday beverage.

And because Starbucks® never fails to deliver the cute, how about a do-it-yourself GINGERBREAD CAFÉ???

A build-it-yourself Starbucks® Gingerbread Café made with all-natural colours and flavours. This kit comes with a variety of decorating candies, including an edible Starbucks® logo and candy red cups!

Fret not, returning Holiday faves like the Starbucks® Peppermint Mocha + Skinny Peppermint Mocha, Starbucks® Caramel Brûlé Latte, Starbucks® Gingerbread Latte and our personal indulgence, the Starbucks® Eggnog Latte all are returning too!

And how about their new Carved Ham, Egg and Swiss Breakfast Sandwich? P.S. That ham is maple-glazed and it’s on a croissant bun!

Beyond excited.

Which Starbucks® Holiday Menu selection will you be spending your Holidays with?

(Photo credit: Starbucks Canada)

TIFFmas is about to arrive and before the insanity begins, we’re proud to announce our official Partners for TIFF ’16! We couldn’t do it without them and YOU! MRWILLWONG.COM has been a part of this City’s colourful wallpaper for seven years now, our unique take on the Festival balancing the celebrity spotlight with a strong focus on the Films which have the Festival abuzz. Contributing again this year on our Team on Reviews are George Kozera,  Siobhán Rich, David Baldwin and Justin Waldman!

We hope that once again you’ll be making MR. WILL WONG your go-to source for everything TIFF during the Festival!

CP24 will be featuring us and our TIFF content once again this year after many successful years together!  Be sure to tune-in for our sightings and thoughts on this year’s highly-buzzed Films of the Festival!

ACURA CANADA gives us the all-important mobility needed during TIFF ’16 and does it in style. The 2017 Acura ILX is style and sophistication personified.  Above this, it’s fuel-efficient! We’re thrilled to pilot this gorgeous ride this Festival!

NIKON CANADA returns as one of our official sponsors and in addition to relying heavily on our NIKON D3300 with 20-500 mm lens for those gorgeous close-ups of the stars in town, we need that wu-1a adapter to ensure you get to see these Snaps right away, enabling us to upload straight from camera to Smartphone for you all to see!

H&M CANADA has been our main go-to for our fun, versatile fashions for years and once again we will be sporting all H&M this year. TIFF ’16 is the time to be noticed and H&M does just that.

SUBWAY CANADA is the perfect go-to when we’re hungry and we need that Sandwish fulfilled fast! Check back soon as we’ll be launching another $100 SUBWAY®  Gift Card Giveaway in October!

HOTEL NOVOTEL TORONTO CENTRE has been our base for several years now. Once again TIFF ’16 we’ll be calling it home, benefiting from a quick commute to and from the star-filled action in Entertainment District. Above this, there are several amenities including in-and-out privilege parking, a gym, a pool, that amazing breakfast buffet at Café Nicole. Best of all, they’re pet-friendly (we’ve gotta have Billy with us!) and we love their cushy beds!

SAMSUNG CANADA makes TIFF ’16 and our year-round connectivity possible with the Samsung S7, which equipped with a spacious 32 gb of memory, phenomenal low-light camera, accessibility to every Social Media app under the moon and above that, being waterproof, is the only Smartphone for us!

STARBUCKS CANADA partners with us for the first-time ever this year and we are beyond thrilled about this!  Fall means one thing and one thing only, the arrival of the PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE! We dream year-round of the PSL with its warming comfort. Did you know that beginning Tuesday, September 6, 2016, Starbucks Canada will launch its Fall menu including a Chile Mocha Latte and the return of the Salted Caramel Latte? These will be our official beverages of TIFF ’16!

What’s that? You want to win a Starbucks Gift Card so you too can enjoy a PSL?  Canadian Readers simply can click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook to enter!

If you aren’t already, remember to follows us on Social Media:

Instagram: mrwillwong
Twitter: mrwillw
Facebook: mrwillwongblog
Snapchat: mrwillwong

See you at TIFF!

Mr. Willxbilly

Just when we couldn’t handle the excitement of Starbucks‘ Sunset Menu launched just last month, today we get two scintillating new offerings from our fave Coffee purveyor! We’d like you to meet the Berry Sangria Herbal Tea and the Iced Coconut Milk Mocha Macchiato!

Isn’t that beautiful? The Iced Coconut Milk Mocha Macchiato is out now!

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jul 12, 2016 at 8:34am PDT

Iced Coconut Milk Mocha Macchiato

This is decadence.  We love the Caramel Macchiato in the fall/winter so having it in cold form is a bit of a tough-sell.

We watched our Barista fill our cup and about 2/3 of this is their Sumatra Coconut Milk (we love!), topped with mocha syrup, espresso and caramel drizzle.  The caramel drizzle in a cold beverage takes a bit of getting used to – we’re told it’s also known as “Cali style“. But overall this is a v. delicious beverage. A bit much to consume on the daily, but this will be our go-to when we want to treat ourselves this summer. More here.

Legit tastes like Sangria. The new Berry Sangria Herbal Tea at #Starbucks. Out now. I like it half-sweet.

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jul 12, 2016 at 3:31pm PDT

Berry Sangria Herbal Tea

If like me you prefer your coffee in the AM and love Iced Tea in the afternoons, this is the ONE. It legit tastes like Sangria, complete with the iced tea infused with the flavour of swirly citrus slices and berries in the cup.  I love sweets, believe me, but I prefer this customized as half-sweet.  Phenomenal and right up there on the level of greatness of their Mango Black Tea Lemonade. More here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Exciting news, Starbucks lovers! As many of you know, the coffee giant unveiled their new Sunset Menu beginning today with a variety of Granitas (shaved ice beverages) and Trifles (tiered cake dessert) to entice our tastebuds! Available exclusively after 3 PM only, these new offerings give us a new reason to visit later in the day!

After receiving the tease last week, we’ve been obsessed about trying each and every one of these new selections. How we longed to savour that crunchy ice, slurping-up that sweet, gooey caramel espresso.  We dreamed of basking in the sun, the chill on our tongue as that sweet-tart intermingling of strawberry, lemons and limes quenched our thirst. And Trifle. We absolutely love desserts. What could go wrong?!

At long last we  had a chance to taste these new Sunset Menu options today and here’s a play by play of what to expect:

Youthberry® White Tea Granita: Somewhat similar in taste to their Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher, with a scoop of lemon shaved ice, this still manages to preserve a bit of that tea essence. Perfect if you want something light, cool and not too sweet. If you need that caffeine though – like a vast majority of the retailer’s fanbase – scroll down a bit further.

Caramel Espresso Granita: What I enjoyed about this one is that it isn’t overly sweet and syrupy. A majority of that sweetness is in the caramel drizzle on-top. Texture wise it reminds me a lot of another Canadian coffee chain’s (not the one that immediately comes to mind!) icy coffee, but without the excess sweetness. That espresso goodness we’ve come to love of Starbucks still is preserved, but with an icy crunch.

Strawberry Lemon Limeade Granita: This was great in that you know you’re not just getting some processed strawberry-flavoured syrup. You get legit pureed strawberry here, with the familiarity of lemonade. Definitely to be enjoyed on a super-hot day, although waiting for the ice to melt after the liquid is consumed is admittedly a test of patience.

Chocolate Brownie Trifle: Warm, hot Brownie enveloped in cream and Mocha syrup in a snack-size Frappuccino cup. Our only regret is that it is finished so quickly!

Strawberry Shortcake Trifle: Our favourite of the two Trifle offerings. A dense, rich Shortcake enveloped in strawberry puree and cream.  More, please.

We realize this is a lot to process. That’s why we’re leaving it at this till July when a few more exciting additions are to come!

Try the Sunset Menu before it’s gone! More here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

As announced prior, Starbucks Canada soon will  be introducing Pastries from renowned Bakery, La Boulange™ in early March!

Brought to you by Pastry Chef Pascal Rigo, some existing offerings have been perfected that bit more, along with some exciting new additions!

It is estimated by March 2015, that 70% of Starbucks stores across Ontario and British Columbia will be carrying exclusively La Boulange™ goodies. The roll-out continues through Atlantic Canada and Quebec late March and Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba by June.

Let’s take a quick peak at the mouthwatering Roster of Pastries, shall we?

Butter Croissant

Chocolate Croissant

Almond Danish

Cheese Danish

Orange Cranberry Scone

Flourless Chocolate Cookie

Marshmallow Dream Bar

Double Chocolate Brownie

Blueberry Scone

These will launch in Toronto on Tuesday, March 3, 2015 and we’ll  be there to try them first!  Can’t wait!

What’s that? You wanna try ’em too?  We’re giving away Gift Cards courtesy of Starbucks Canada for you to savour these new delights!

To enter to win Willionaire$, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook!  Canadian Readers only!

You may increase your chances by Tweeting the below or clicking the “share” button from Mr. Will on Facebook on this Post!  Indicate for me which new Bakery Item you’re most excited to try!

http://www.mrwillwong.com/starbucks @MRWILLW wants us to #win @StarbucksCanada Gift Cards!  New #LeBoulange Pastries available 3/3!

G’luck Willionaire$!

(Photo credit: Starbucks)

Pastry Chef Pascal Rigo was in Toronto yesterday to help ring-in a new phase in Starbucks‘ illustrious and caffeinated Story. Let’s face it – not all Starbucks food is stellar. In response to this, Starbucks had acquired Rigo‘s San Francisco-based La Boulange™ in 2012 and next month, the Bakery’s deliciousness will be taking over the Pastry Cases of Starbucks across Canada.  It is estimated by March 2015, that 70% of Starbucks stores across Ontario and British Columbia will be carrying exclusively La Boulange™ goodies. The roll-out continues through Atlantic Canada and Quebec late March and Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba by June.

Let’s take a quick peak at the mouthwatering Roster of Pastries:

Butter Croissant

Chocolate Croissant

Almond Danish

Cheese Danish

Orange Cranberry Scone

Flourless Chocolate Cookie

Marshmallow Dream Bar

Double Chocolate Brownie

Blueberry Scone

These will launch in Toronto on Tuesday, March 3, 2015 and we’ll  be there to try them first!  Can’t wait!

Which Pastries are you most excited to try?

(Photo credit: Starbucks)

I am beyond obsessed.  Brody Ryan works at a Starbucks in the Los Angeles area.  After noticing a Customer, Model Piper Kennedy who frequented his Store, he one day got her number and in an odd way of seducing her, he sent her a Video Message of him touching his face sensually as Drake‘s latest Single Hold On, We’re Going Home, plays in the background.  

After Kennedy‘s Friend, DJ Ben Roc got his hands on the polarizingly-sensual message, he decided to post it to his Instagram account and from there, the Video has gone on to become a Viral Sensation with Parodies accumulating by the minute!

See what the Internet is freaking-out about below:

So odd.  I can’t stop staring.  Hypnotic!

All involved are getting an amazing amount of Publicity out of this – whether they want it or not – and the Hashtag #STARBUCKSDRAKEHAND has been spawned out of this brilliance, now trending the World by storm!  Even expect a dramtic spike in Album and Singles sales for Drake, big-time.

Ryan, who is an aspiring Singer/Producer/Model/Photographer already is getting booked for Interviews, embracing the sudden wave of Fame. Follow him on Twitter!

Basically, this needs to be turned into a Movie.

(Photo/video credit: Brody Ryan)

This totally made my morning!  Coffee and Comedy – two of my favourite things, together in a Parody Trailer!  Official Comedy have just released this hilarious Video poking-fun at the over-saturation of the Pumpkin Spice Craze. Whether it be in your Coffee, your Muffins, your Doughnuts or even your Soup – basically the World goes Pumpkin every Fall.

I admit though, it does make me do a double-take when it’s like the middle of March and someone asks for a Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks… and they actually still have it!  Some just have to have their Pumpkin even when it’s not seasonally-appropriate.

But what happens when the Pumpkin Spice Craze gets turned into a Horror Movie? Hilarious. If you love Pumpkin Spice Lattes, this is a Drama. If you can’t stand Pumpkin Spice Lattes or have had enough of them, this is pure Comedy!

Official Synopsis:
It happens every Fall. The world is plagued by a substance so scrumptious, so seasonal, so sinister, no one can escape it. Check out this new terrifying trailer from Official Comedy. If. You. Dare.

See the Trailer below:

They’re back.  If you’re a Starbucks Fanatic like myself, you probably look forward greatly to their Red Cups which come out every November, timed for the Holidays. The Cups are no-frills, simplistic and still festive this year – my Grande Cup donned simply with a cute Child thanking their lucky Stars for Starbucks.

New on the Menu this year are gooey Chocolate Caramel Muffins and a newly-designed Frosted Snowman Cookie.  Some Stores even have Bear Claw Cookies although I have yet to spot these…

“Rekindle the Season” seems to be the Tagline. So tell me, will you be rekindling your Romance with the Gingerbread Latte, an Eggnog Latte or perhaps a Peppermint Mocha?

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)