THE NEW FOUR SEASONS HOTEL TORONTO: AUGUST 2012

The new Four Seasons Hotel Toronto - August 2012

Although many local Businesses and Celeb-Watchers surely were hoping for it to be ready for TIFF 2012, alas we can expect the new Four Seasons Hotel Toronto to open its doors October 2012. Situated at the corner of Yorkville Avenue x Bay Street, the magnificent-looking and glassy Building looks to rival the likes of Ritz-Carlton Toronto and The Hazelton Hotel, considered at the top of their class in the City.

The Side Entrance of the Building is sporting a floral motif, which a Representative from the Hotel tells me is "inspired by unity of glass and stone, with earth & flowers. The whole block aerial view shows gardens enclosed by buildings.".  The Garden theme reminds us that this Building will pick-up and carry-on where its Predecessor at Yorkville Avenue x Avenue Road once lived, with the Hotel's Logo being distinguished by its iconic Moving Leaves. The Driveway to its Main Entrance (seen far right) is a bit of a loop, sure to see its share of Stars and the Influencial in the not-too-distant future.

A Boy or Girl could only dream of such Luxury.  Read more about the Hotel here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

TIM HORTONS COLD STONE CREAMERY UNVEILS "GREEN PARANORMAN" CREATION: TRY IT AT PILAROS TASTE OF THE DANFORTH!

Howard Lichtman & Characters from ParaNorman

Yum. The 19th annual Greektown Taste of the Danforth sponsored by Pilaros, takes place in Toronto from August 10-12, 2012.  The Festival celebrating Hellenic Culture and Food, has something for everyone to try with local Restaurants offering highly-affordable and tasty options from their Menu on the street.  Believe me, you won't even know where to begin and when to stop!

To help kick-off the Fun yesterday, Characters from Alliance Films' ParaNorman joined Howard Lichtman, President of The Lightning Group - which handles the Festival's Marketing and Sponsorship - to unveil an exciting new Creation at Tim Hortons Cold Stone Creamery, inspired by one of this Summer's most exciting Animated Features. Samples will be available at points during the Festival.

Presented in a green Waffle Cone Bowl at additional charge, Tim Hortons Cold Stone Creamery's Green ParaNorman Creation (seen above) contains signature Mix-Ins like Gummy Bears and Sprinkles, blended into premium Sweet Cream Ice Cream.

Be sure to try it for a limited time only while ParaNorman is in theatres.

From the same Team behind 2010's brilliant Coraline, ParaNorman hits theatres August 17, 2012.  

Watch the Trailer below:

GOOD MORNING.

Good morning, from Toronto.

xMRWILLW

RETURN OF THE RAIN.

7/26/12 Toronto 3:00 AM

The Rain's absence was felt. And now that it's returned, is it ever present.

I captured this Snap of the Lighting outside my window at 3:00 AM.

Can't sleep.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

IS TORONTO "UNSAFE"?

Re: Toronto's recent string of Violence.

 

Follow on Twitter here.

SLICED: A NEW BREED OF GOURMET IN TORONTO

Sliced

Delicious. You must check-out this amazing new Sandwich Shop, Sliced, which just launched offically at the corner of Bay x Elm here in Toronto. Their Smoked Meat Croissant is to die for and I could not keep my eyes off their selection of Bakery Items including Muffins, Bars and Cupcakes.

Although I have yet to try their Lunch Menu, their Roast Beef Sandwich (roasted on-premises) apparently is to die for.  Those of you who have been abroad and enjoyed ready-to-go Sandwich Shops like Pret a Manger and EAT, will love Sliced.  Their focus is everything local, organic and freshly-prepared.

Check out Sliced's Website here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

SPRING 2012

Spring in Toronto - May 2012

A quiet moment tucked away from the bustle and noise of Queen Street in Toronto. A realization that Summer is forthcoming.

Enjoy.

xMRWILLW

FAREWELL, CUMBERLAND FOUR.

Cumberland Four

So many memories. Yorkville's Cumberland Four Cinemas officially closed its doors as of Sunday night after having opened back in July 1981 under Famous Players, to be operated eventually by Cineplex in 2005. With the storied Four Seasons Hotel also having ceased operations recently, this can seen as the end of an Era in a corner of the City which may know a thing or two about spotting a Star.

I myself have many fond memories of the Theatre - seeing Movies which still to this day stick with me even though some of those Dates I went on there didn't, and I remember sneaking into "Double Features" with Friends when money was tight back in the day.  How could I forget about the time I got into a heated argument with my Dad while in University, taking-in a Movie there to blow-off some steam? Magically somehow by the time I got home everything was cool again.  

I saw many of my favourite Movies at the Cumberland Four including the likes of Juno, The Reader and Dreamgirls. I also recall having seen many a Celebrity there with Screenings once being held at the Venue during TIFF. My last Celebrity Spotting there was in April 2010, that being Joel Edgerton.

Rumour is that the Theatre will be transformed into a Nespresso Boutique Store.  The Switzerland-based Coffee Retailer is known for its high-end Espresso Makers and Capsules and the Location is said to be ready Fall 2013 after some remodeling.

Farewell, Cumberland Four.  Thank you for the being there.

xMRWILLW

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

iceFEST 2012: ON THIS WEEKEND

Billy at iceFest 2012

iceFest 2012 is on once again and the theme this year's theme is its Winter Wilderness Exhibit, complete with an Ice Log Cabin. The Festival is on today and tomorrow at Village of Yorkville Park (Bellair Street x Cumberland Street) between 12 to 5 PM. You also can have a professional Photo taken with any Ice Sculpture of your choice for a $5 Donation to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

Billy migrated to this Sculpture from Holt Renfrew, knowing Daddy too well!

Read more here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

"GOSSIP GIRL" STAR KELLY RUTHERFORD LOVES THOR ESPRESSO BAR

Kelly Rowan & Kelly Rutherford in Toronto - February 2012

Taking a quick break from filming Gossip Girl, which just celebrated its 100th episode, Actress Kelly Rutherford spent her weekend in Toronto doing a bit of shopping on Bloor Street yesterday and it would even appear that she has found herself a favourite Coffee spot in our City!  

Rutherford took to Twitter to espresso her love for Thor, situated just south of the Thompson Hotel.  She Tweeted, "In Toronto... Best coffee at Thor! Yum!". On that note, Rutherford also had Dinner last night with her good Friend - another famous Kelly, of the Rowan variety. Rowan, known best for her work on The O.C., happens to be engaged to the 16th richest Man in the World and richest in Canada, David Thomson.  No relation to the Hotel, of course.

Rutherford currently resides in New York City, last visiting Toronto back in May for an appearance on The Marilyn Denis Show.

(Photo credit: Kelly Rutherford)

LEGO MAN SPACE VOYAGE

Lego Man Space Journey

Genius! For about $400, these Canadian Kids managed to launch a Lego Man 80,000 feet above the Earth on a Balloon, armed with four Cameras to capture the breathtaking journey.  The Lego Man fell just short of making it into Space.

17-year-old Torontonians Mathew Ho and Asad Muhammad who attend Agincourt Collegiate Institute, are the Masterminds behind this conquest which is receiving a ton of Media exposure, including being on the front page of The Toronto Star and also on CBC.

Watch the Lego Man's Voyage below:

LOBLAWS AT MAPLE LEAF GARDENS

Cupcake Bar at Loblaws Maple Leaf Gardens

After hearing so much about it, I finally got a chance to check-out the brand-new Loblaws at Maple Leaf Gardens today I admit, I was overwhelmed with 85,000 square feet of space, containing aisle upon aisle of neatly-stacked Groceries. I'm just not used to this much choice!  I was impressed by the fact that they also have a Joe Fresh, LBCO, Tea Emporium, a Patisserie and a Counter serving the same Sushi found at Asian Supermarket Chain T&T.  And how about that gigantic Cheese Wall?  And Cupcake Bar?  I couldn't stay focused.

Prices actually were reasonable, depending on what you're looking for and the fact that they carry No Name Brand, President's Choice and also an array of Brands for many products, opens-up some options for Consumers of every budget.  I got a huge jar of Kraft Peanut Butter for $2 and change, a vintage Limited Edition box of Corn Flakes for $1 and a huge Club Pack of Chicken for $10 - all great deals.

If you haven't checked it out yet, do so soon!  Loblaws at Maple Leaf Gardens is located at 60 Carlton Street (at Church Street).  And remember to ask the Staff to bring you to the center of the Rink just for giggles.  Hard to believe this is the same place in which the likes of Frank Sinatra, The Beatles, Matt Damon, Mariah Carey, Bob Dylan, New Kids on the Block and so many more once stepped-foot!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

TARGET ANNOUNCES FIRST ONTARIO STORES

Target Logo

Target Corp. announced earlier today its first 24 stores to open in Ontario and they are as follows:

• London/Westmount, Westmount Shopping Centre
• Kawartha Lakes, Lindsay Square Mall
• Newmarket, Upper Canada Mall
• Milton, Milton Mall Shopping Centre
• Cambridge, Cambridge Centre
• Toronto, Centrepoint Mall
• Mississauga, Square One Shopping Centre
• Ajax, Durham Centre
• Orillia, Orillia Square Mall
• Brampton, Shoppers World Brampton
• London, Masonville Place
• Windsor, Devonshire Mall
• Toronto, Cloverdale Mall
• Toronto, Shoppers World Danforth
• Burlington, Burlington Mall
• Toronto, East York Town Centre
• Aurora, Aurora Shopping Centre
• Fergus, Gates of Fergus

TORONTO MAYOR ROB FORD SPOTTED WITH KIDS AT "CITYTV'S NEW YEAR'S EVE BASH"

Stephanie Ford, Douglas Ford, Mayor Rob Ford & Mr. Will-W. (L to R)

Never short of controversy, Toronto's Mayor Rob Ford was my final Spotting of 2011 and I found him out and about this evening with his two Children, Stephanie (six) and Douglas (four) enjoying CityTV's New Year's Bash at Nathan Phillips Square.  The Show featured Musical Acts like Backstreet Boys' Howie D., Neverest, Karl Wolf, Anjulie, Aleesia, JRDN and the Cast of American Idiot.  

Despite much talk centering around Ford's private issues at Home with Wife Renata, he was in great spirits this evening all suited-up for the Occasion, stopping to pose with a queue of Torontonians anxious to meet him. He obliged with a gentle reminder, "We've gotta make it quick. I've got my Kids with me!", before heading off hand-in-hand-in-hand with his Children.

UPDATE: I just woke up - yes, embarrassingly at 2:00 PM - to see this on my Facebook Notifications.  How nice was it of Mayor Ford to post this on his Facebook Page?

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

FIRST PROPER SNOWFALL

Toronto's First Proper Snow - December 27, 2011

Snow at last! It came a couple days short of a White Christmas, but better late than never. Temperatures are expected to plummet with a Flash Freeze warning impacting much of Ontario overnight according to Environment Canada.

Stay safe, Mavenati!  Winter has arrived.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

JORDAN KNIGHT SPOTTED IN TORONTO FOR "COVER ME"

Jordan Knight & Mr. Will-W.

He's so back, New Kids on the Block Fans!  Jordan Knight, who recently signed aboard as a Judge on CBC's new Singing Reality Show, Cover Me, was spotted heading into that Studio preparing for its Premiere this Sunday, September 18, 2011.

Basically, this is a childhood dream come true...  Knight always has been my favourite New Kid!

ONTARIO EARTHQUAKE - AUGUST 23, 2011

Yup, that was an Earthquake we felt here in Toronto at approximately 2:00 PM EST, as confirmed by Natural Resources Canada. The Earthquake was measured at a magnitude of 5.9 and felt strongest in Virginia, while tremors were felt throughout Central Canada. Click here for more details.

Hope you're all safe!

xW

COOL HAND LUC: AMAZING ICE CREAM

Cool Hand Luc

I love Ice Cream and it sure gets me excited when I discover the good stuff. Cool Hand Luc just opened two months ago here in Toronto and is located on King St. West, just a little east of Bathurst St.   What drew me to it was my seeing an ex-Fling walk down King St. devouring an Ice Cream Cone with a big smile and the funny thing is, I only cared about the Ice Cream.  Curious, I followed along the trail up the road and after walking a couple blocks, finally I found the sought-after Ice Cream Shop! Immediately, I was charmed by the Store's cute Décor. Dimly-lit with a large Cartoon Mural which reminded me of happy times.

Banana Split

I was impressed with the variety of flavours available, divided by Ice Creams and Sorbets.  Ice Cream varieties like Bear Paw (Chocolate, Caramel, Cashews), Black Forest (Chocolate, Cherries), Birthday Cake, Banana Split (Chocolate, Banana Ice Cream) and many more enticing choices called my name.  Flavours are intense and the chewy texture is satisfying.  Pricing at the mid-$3 range for one scoop is reasonable and no ridiculous toppings needed to compensate for a lack of excitement - just good, old-fashioned Ice Cream in the vein of Ben & Jerry's... maybe even better?

Although the website is still under construction, click here for more.  Cool Hand Luc is at 545 King St. West.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

OFFICIAL WONG COAT OF ARMS UNVEILED

The Wong Coat of Arms

Too amazing! The Canadian Heraldic Authority has granted the Wong Association of Ontario its own unique Family symbol and there it is above, as unveiled by The Toronto Star.  The 2011 Wongs' National Convention will be held next weekend in Toronto and 1,100 people are expected to gather for the event.  The Convention is held every three years, rotating between six cities in Canada and delegates are expected to be handed medallions bearing the Wong Coat of Arms.

The official Wong Coat of Arms takes both Canadian and Chinese mascots - the Panda and Polar Bears together - with a Phoenix rising above them which bears (pardon the pun) the Chinese character for Wong.  

Click here to read about this important day for descendants of the Wong line, including myself!

(Photo credit: Toronto Star)

ENTER TO WIN 1 OF 30 PASSES TO THE QUEER BEER FESTIVAL AND SEE ACE OF BASE LIVE!

Ace of Base

Remember back in May I announced that Swedish Pop legends Ace of Base would be performing at the Queer Beer Festival here in Toronto?  Well, the time is approaching rapidly and together Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven, the Queer Beer Festival and DPPR want to offer you a chance to win 1 of 30 Passes to attend the festivities!

To be held at Canadian National Exhibition - Bandshell Park between the hours of 4-10 PM on Thursday, August 4, 2011, the Queer Beer Festival is a new addition to Toronto's Festival of Beer, and the first of its kind in North America celebrating Diversity.

The Event is for those aged 19+ with identification and you can expect to find over 120 brands of Beer available, lots of amazing Food and Live Music!  Your Passes not only allow you access to the fun, but you'll also get a Commemorative Cup.

To enter to win, please leave a comment below with the correct answer to the following question below before Friday, July 29, 2011: