SAMUEL L. JACKSON IN TORONTO FILMING "THE SAMARITAN" - READER SPOTTINGS

Samuel L. Jackson at Air Canada Centre - March 18, 2011

As many of you are aware already, Samuel L. Jackson is back in Toronto filming a small-budget Film called The Samaritan, which quietly just rolled into Production. Tonight, Filming took place at one of my favourite haunts, The Lakeview according to one Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven reader Bill - home of quite possibly the most delicious Poutine in the City. And how can you go wrong with $3 Mimosas and Caesars?

The Samaritan is about a man named Foley (Jackson) who after 20 years in Prison, is a free Man - only until he is presented with a risky offer that might just be too good to resist. The Film also stars Toronto's Luke Kirby, who filmed Sarah Polley's Take This Waltz in the City last Summer with Seth Rogen and Michelle Williams. Irish Actress Ruth Negga also stars.

Jackson was spotted Saturday night in Yorkville dining at Joso's.... but not after having some fun at a Toronto Raptors game on Friday night at Air Canada Centre, as spotted by another Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven reader and Sports Fanatic, Joscelyn. 

My Readers are the best, that's all I have to say. Thank you for pitching in!

(Photo credit: @J0scelyn)

FOOD: THE LAKEVIEW POUTINE

No other diner in Toronto has more history than The Lakeview (formerly known as The Lakeview Lunch).  The 24-hour diner, located in Little Portugal (1132 Dundas St. W), opened in 1937.  Its still-charmingly retro decor, has served as a set to many popular movies like Cocktail and The Boondock Saints.  Daniel Craig who has been in and around the city for the past month, also recently shot scenes from his new thriller Dream House (starring Naomi Watts and Rachel Weisz) at the restaurant.

But asides from all its star power, the greasy spoon is known for its famous Poutine.  For my friends outside of Canada, this proudly Canadian creation is essentially French Fries, topped with Gravy and Cheese Curds.  The Lakeview however takes the dish up a few notches, stacking its Sweet Potato Fries base with: Cheese Curds, Crumbled Feta Cheese, Peameal Bacon, Garlic Onion Crunch, Wild Mushroom Sauté and House Gravy.  How's that for indulgence?  The bowl is $9.50 CAN and contains enough flavour, calories and carbohydrates to share with a group of friends.  

The Lakeview also offers a second variety of Poutine with Pulled Pork and Cheese Curds layered generously on top of Sweet Potato Fries.  This version in my opinion, easily eclipses the other version by a mile thanks to its irresistibly tangy BBQ sauce and a serving of pork that is large enough to upset The Muslim and Jewish community simultaneously.