There’s no doubt about it, it’s our favourite time of the year! The 2019 Toronto International Film Festival runs from Thursday, September 5 through Sunday, September 14, 2019 and you’d better bet we’re stoked!

The Festival also marks our tenth anniversary as a Blogger. We remember not knowing which direction we’d go when we posted our first Blog Post and if anyone even cared what we thought! Looking back, it’s been an amazing journey – the experiences we’ve had and the people we’ve met along the way. We created the site originally as a platform to share all the awesome snaps we got during TIFF and to share our thoughts on what we saw since we loved the Festival so much. One thing led to another and who knew we’d be around kicking still today and that we’d be an accredited outlet? We don’t know how we’ve gotten here, but we’re touched deeply by your support all these years!  We owe it all to you and the amazing contributors who have kept Mr. Will Wong afloat: Amanda Gilmore, Justin Waldman, Siobhán Rich, George Kozera, David Baldwin and Jon Godfrey! This ride has been magical.

See us talk about our tenth anniversary and our TIFF ’19 picks!

TIFF ’19 we’re doing it bigger and better than ever.  It’s our tenth anniversary and we want you to celebrate in all our joy.  This is will be one of the best Festivals in recent memory with bigger names and the biggest Films set to premiere in our City.  We want to thank you partners, new and returning for helping us celebrate the occasion!

A huge thank you goes out to:

CP24 – With over 3.1 million viewers a week, we are thrilled to partner again with the definitive choice in breaking news coverage, CP24 for a TENTH year! We’ll be teaming-up with Kelly Linehan to deliver you some celeb scoop and the Films getting all the buzz at the Fest!

HUAWEI CANADA – I’ve never gotten as many raves on my Social Media about my photographs as when I tested-out the Huawei P30 Pro.  We are overjoyed that this will be our official new phone in gorgeous burnt orange (just released) beginning TIFF ’19! We can’t go wrong with its 32MP photos, 256GB memory and incredible Kirin 980 Octa-core Processor! We can’t wait to show you all our snaps and Selfies from the Festival from the phone, which will serve as our communication hub, keeping you all up-to-date on the excitement!

ACURA CANADA – we’ll be cruising in style TIFF ’19 in the 2019 ACURA TLX, And how super-fitting is it that Acura Canada is one of the official sponsors of the Festival? This car is gorgeous, sleek and luxurious, true to Acura form and we look forward to all these star-filled adventures the ride will take us on!

HUAWEI CANADA – I’ve never gotten as many raves on my Social Media about my photographs as when I tested-out the Huawei P30 Pro.  We are overjoyed that this will be our official new phone in gorgeous burnt orange (just released) beginning TIFF ’19! We can’t go wrong with its 32MP photos, 256GB memory and incredible Kirin 980 Octa-core Processor! We can’t wait to show you all our snaps and Selfies from the Festival from the phone, which will serve as our communication hub, keeping you all up-to-date on the excitement!

H&M CANADA – H&M continue to keep us on-trend and we can’t wait to show you some of the pieces we’ll be wearing TIFF ’19. We always have fun with it and hope you enjoy the looks!

WESLODGE SALOON – Celebs can’t get enough of this TIFF go-to’s Canadian fare and cocktails and we love it! You must try their Southern Fried Chicken, Steaks and Fish & Chips. Also their Mac & Cheese is superb! Several stars like Isabelle Huppert, Richard Gere, Chelsea Handler, Chloë Moretz and more have been spotted here and we expect to see more this year.

STARBUCKS CANADA – TIFF means the Pumpkin Spice Latte is back and you know we love our PSLs! We look forward every fall to those early morning screenings, waiting in line in that cool, crisp air to get into our screenings and then getting a warm hug from the PSL inside the cool, dark theatre as we try to stay awake! The PSL is back in stores now only at Starbucks.

DUFFLET PASTRIES  – We love our treats and Dufflet has and always will be the Queen of Cake®! We always make time for a bit of relaxation towards the end of TIFF, and can’t wait to indulge in a slice of Black Forest or Raspberry Vanilla Charlotte! Their Queen Street location isn’t too far from all the Festival excitement.

MARY BROWN’S – We recently got reacquainted with Mary and it was all for the better!  We have so many fond memories of Mary Brown’s famous Chicken and Taters as a child and they are better than ever, celebrating their 50th anniversary! With locations allover the GTA including Mississauga, Pickering, North York, Scarborough and more, Mary Brown’s is WORTH. THE. DRIVE. Get on this.

CHATIME CANADA – I confess my Bubble Tea addiction still rages on.  With more and more locations popping-up throughout the Greater Toronto Area,  we can’t wait for you to discover our favourite cold beverage. Try the Wintermelon Iced Tea or Grapefruit Iced Tea – my favourites!

We hate leaving you guys out, so in celebration of our tenth anniversary, we’re giving you guys a chance to win our TIFF ’19 Survival Pack – Tenth Anniversary Edition, which includes:

$100 Gift Card to WESLODGE SALOON or any INK Entertainment dining establishment in Toronto including TIFF hotspots Figo, Byblos, Estia, Kōst, Patria, Sofia, La Société, Mister C., Akira Back and more.

Ten select Blu-rays/DVDs including current blockbuster hits and past TIFF selections

$150 Chatime Prize Pack including T-Shirt

$30 Starbucks Canada Gift Card

$25 Mary Brown’s Gift Card

Two Martini Glasses

One cake at Dufflet Pastries

One pair of headphones

A value of $700 CAN!

*Winner must be able to pick-up the Survival Pack from me in the downtown core during the Festival.

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK, MR. WILL ON INSTAGRAM or MR. WILL ON TWITTER. Tell us in the comments your favourite memory of being a Mr. Will Reader all these years!  In the comment, tag two friends for an extra chance.

Even if you don’t win the Prize Pack be following us on our adventures as we’ll be doing giveaways on our Social Media through TIFF ’19!

Don’t forget to follow us here on our TIFF ’19 adventures:

Mr. Will [Instagram] | [Twitter] | [Facebook]
Amanda Gilmore [Twitter]
David Baldwin [Twitter]
George Kozera [Twitter]
Siobhan Rich [Twitter]
Justin Waldman [Twitter]
Jon Godfrey [Instagram]

A very special thank you to Jensen Lee who customized a special 10th anniversary logo just for us!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

With TIFF ’18 being just a week away, we’re super-excited to present to you some of our official partners of the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival! We live for TIFF and are thrilled as a team to be accredited to the Festival and also bring you as always unparalleled intimate access to the stars and Films of the Festival!

We’re thrilled to give our Readers a chance to be just as stoked as us and we give you a chance to win our TIFF SURVIVAL PRIZE PACK, which is bigger and better than ever!

We’d like to thank the following parnters:

DUFFLET PASTRIES – Toronto’s reigning Queen of Cake® still is going strong with an uptown and down location. When there’s a celebration, it’s always been about Dufflet Pastries’ cakes and pastries for us. TIFF is no exception. There are two locations: 787 Queen Street West and 2638 Yonge Street. Did you know the Queen Street West location offers High Tea on Sundays? Learn more at http://dufflet.com.

ESTIA is just one of several TIFF hotspots owned by popular restauranteur, hotelier and night club owner Charles Khabouth. Known for its acclaimed Mediterranean cuisine, Estia situated at 90 Avenue Road, is a must-try this TIFF. More at http://estiatoronto.com.

WESLODGE owned also by Charles Khabouth, for years has been a hotspot for the stars during the Festival. Known for its classic cocktails and Canadian fare, this vintage tavern at 480 King Street West, has and will continue to host several stars TIFF ’18.  We hear the Fried Chicken is superb! More at http://weslodge.com.

STARBUCKS CANADA – TIFF is about the coming of fall and nothing says autumn comfort like Starbucks‘ signature PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE, now back in stores! We have fond memories of warming-up in many a cold line-up at TIFF with this fan favourite and can’t wait to get reacquainted this TIFF! More at http://starbucks.ca.

BLACKBERRY CANADA – We can’t wait to show you all the celebrity selfies and up-close star sightings at TIFF ’18. This year our official smartphone will be the super-sleek and functional Blackberry Key2. Learn all about this reborn icon at https://blackberrymobile.com/ca/product/blackberry-key2.

BRITBOX CANADA – We can’t wait for a bit of downtime post-TIFF and what better way to relax than to catch-up with some of our favourite British programming from BBC and iTV? Britbox Canada is brought to us by BBC Worldwide, the commercial arm of the BBC, and ITV, bringing home iconic favorites, exclusive premieres, and current series and soaps. Learn more about their latest programming options: https://www.britbox.com/ca/collection/premieres.

ACURA CANADA – Mobility is so important for us during TIFF and once again we’ll be partnering with Acura Canada and driving the 2018 Acura ILX. Acura Canada will be front and center at TIFF this year as a major sponsor and we’re thrilled to experience some of that starpower! Sleek, compact and stylish, we’ll be travelling in style in this beauty! More here: https://www.acura.ca/ilx.

KANDLE ARTISTIQUE – Purveyor of luxurious candles, you now can make your own candles at their gorgeous Yorkville location at 88 Avenue Road in Toronto. More here.

NIKON CANADA – We can’t wait to show you our photos, taken on none other than the state-of-the-art Nikon D850, shooting at 45.7 megapixels, with 4k and 8K video options! More here.

H&M CANADA – We love H&M and are thrilled to be donning H&M and H&M only at TIFF ’18. Can’t wait to show you some pieces from their Fall/Winter 2018 Collection. More at http://hm.com.

CHATIME CANADA – We’ll never get sick of Bubble Tea and to us there’s only Chatime! With various locations across Canada we can’t wait for too to discover the refreshment! Our fave midday beverage? Grapefruit Green Tea (half-sweet, less ice) is our perfect afternoon pick-me-up! Discover your new favourite. More here: http://chatime.com

CP24 – For the past 10 years, we’ve been a contributor at this popular news network and can’t wait to reunite this TIFF ’18 to deliver you the scoop and sightings, plus all the buzz on the hottest Films at TIFF! Don’t forget to tune in as we kick it all off tomorrow, Wednesday, September 5 in the 12 o’clock hour on Live at Noon with George Lagogianes!

Now for the fun stuff! We want to give Readers to win our TIFF ’18 Survival Pack which is bigger and more delicious than ever! Contents include:

One free six-month Britbox Canada membership

$25 Starbucks Canada Gift Card

A Dufflet Pastries Gift Card for one cake

A $200 Estia Gift Card

H&M Canada VIP Card

Two Chatime Canada Vouchers

One Kandle Artistique Candle

Stay tuned to our Social Media throughout TIFF ’18 as we give away

A $200 Weslodge Gift Card

Chatime Canada Drink Vouchers

Starbucks Canada Gift Cards

Britbox Canada Six-Month Memberships

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook. Click “share” on this Post or Re-Tweet this Tweet from @mrwillw for an extra chance!

Don’t forget to join us on our TIFF ’18 adventures and be following on Social Media for real-time updates! You won’t regret it!

Twitter: @mrwillw

Instagram: @mrwillwong

Facebook: http://facebook.com/mrwillwongblog

Don’t forget to be following Team Mr. Will also:

Dave Baldwin: @davemabaldwin

Amanda Gilmore: @gilmoreamanda

George Kozera: @partyg

Siobhan Rich: @typo_eh

Justin Waldman: @dubsreviews

Jonathan Godfrey: @skot_somers

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

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)