The holiday season is here, and time is running out to find that perfect gift for a loved one. Fear not, theBUZZ has compiled a list for everyone nice on your list, and the naughty ones as well! See below for what’s buzzin this year!

Drag Queen Brunch – the cookbook fit for a Queen 
by Poppy Tooker with Sam Hanna

Culinary historian, media personality and award-winning author Poppy Tooker continues to serve as one of New Orleans’ most notable preservationists, keeping the Crescent City’s culture and history alive. In her sixth book, DRAG QUEEN BRUNCH (Rainbow Road Press; August, 2019; Hardcover), Tooker combines the history and tradition of New Orleans drag culture with striking imagery, captivating stories and curated recipes from some of the city’s most acclaimed restaurants. A portion of the proceeds from book sales will be donated to CrescentCare, a non-profit organization that has been providing care to the underserved and LGBTQ+ communities in New Orleans and surrounding areas for more than 30 years.

With photography by Sam Hanna and a foreword by nationally-renowned drag artist Vinsantos Defonte, DRAG QUEEN BRUNCH takes readers on a rollicking journey through New Orleans with a bevy of drag queens as they host a one-of-a-kind brunch. Stunning photos of glamorous dishes (the queens and cuisine) deliver surprises with every page. Profiles of 15 drag beauties tell unique and personal stories and 60 cocktail and brunch recipes from New Orleans’ famed dining institutions and top-tier eateries will leave readers hungry for more.

Each drag queen has a story and Tooker eloquently and effortlessly communicates these beauties’ personal journeys. From Debbie with a D’s prevail over a Pentecostal upbringing where cross-dressing was a sin and Auda Beaux Di’s ability to translate misfortune into each performance to Princesse Stephaney’s storied history performing since the 80’s and Lana O’Day’s incredible career as a singer, model and dancer – each comes to life on the pages of DRAG QUEEN BRUNCH.

DRAG QUEEN BRUNCH is also chock full of savory and sweet dishes and cocktail recipes from New Orleans’ most acclaimed restaurants. Fabulous brunch recipes include Creole Crawfish Strudel from Commander’s Palace; Shakshuka from Saba; Crepes Fitzgerald from Brennan’s; Boudin Breakfast Burritos from Toups South; Fried Louisiana Oyster & Pork Belly BLT from Jack Rose; Eggs Sardou and Café Brulot Diabolique from Antoine’s; Hooch Punch from Sobou and more. Tooker, also a pro in the kitchen, shares some of her personal brunch recipes as well, from Pain Perdu (both sweet and savory) and Grillades & Grits to Calas and Nectar Ice Cream Soda.

DRAG QUEEN BRUNCH is available for purchase at www.rainbowroadpress.com; www.poppytooker.com ; bookstores; and online retailers including Amazon.

Partake Brewing  – For those wanting to avoid the holiday season over-indulgence

The holidays are a time when people like to gather to eat and drink, sometimes to excess. So, if you’re trying to avoid that this year, perhaps stick to one helping at the dinner table, and try partaking in non-alcoholic beverage options. Partake Brewing brings all the things that make craft beer great to non-alcoholic beer drinkers, including taste, variety, authenticity, creativity, and passion. Non-alcoholic beer drinkers want to Partake in the craft beer journey with everyone else. Why? Because beer lovers love the taste of beer! Even if you were to switch things up a bit and have every second drink be non-alcoholic, your liver, head, and overall body will definitely thank you the next day. The company has now expanded their offering to four different types of beer.

PALE

Partake PALE blends fruity and floral hops to infuse the brew with bright flavours of orange zest, grapefruit, and a whisper of pine. It’s dry on the palate with a delightfully crisp finish.

IPA

Partake IPA balances citrusy hops with a subtle malt backbone. Its light, bubbly body and dry finish make it an all-day sipper that packs an incredible amount of flavour.

BLONDE

Partake BLONDE is a golden, bubbly and easy-drinking brew. A full body and balanced flavour profile make it an instant classic.

STOUT

Partake STOUT pours a deep brown with notes of roasted coffee, walnuts, and plum. Full of flavour from start to finish, it’s time to add this beauty into your rotation.

Toronto-opoly – for the board game nerd

Canadian owned and operated Outset Media and Walmart Canada are launching a limited-edition board game that celebrates all things Toronto. Our new game Toronto-Opoly will be available for a limited time exclusively at Walmart. It takes a distinctively Torontonian spin on the classic game of Monopoly where the properties and places are Toronto staples. Landmarks and events featured include Casa Loma, Scotiabank Arena, the Hockey Hall of Fame, CN Tower and many others!

While it’s impossible to include everything, we jammed all the Toronto we could into this box. It’s full of outdoor adventures, family attractions, rich traditions and of course… the CN Tower – a little something for every Torontonian! Looking fora fun way to experience Hogtown? Buy your favourite Toronto properties, increase your rent by collecting City Blocks and trading them in for Keys to the City. Sound easy? Well, add in some traffic jams, property tax and parking fines and it gets a little more difficult and a lot more fun!

Contents: High five, Big Smile, Heart, The Dog, Pretzel and Gym Shoe, Money, Two Dice, 12 Keys to the City, 28 Hotels, 28 Property Cards, 28 Action Cards.

Toronto-Opoly is available exclusively at the following Walmart locations:

Toronto: 2525 St Clair Ave W.

Toronto Downtown: 1000 Gerrard St E, Toronto

Toronto(Sheridan): 2202 Jane St, North York

Etobicoke, ON: 165 Queen St, Etobicoke, ON

Toronto, North Park: 1305 Lawrence Ave W, Toronto

Toronto (Dufferin Mall): 900 Dufferin St, Toronto

Online – https://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/toronto-opoly/6000200219058

Canada-opoly – only in Canada, eh?

A Canadian board game from eh? to zed!  In this fun family game that celebrates all things great about Canada, players make their way around the board similar to the classic Monopoly board game, but with a Canadian twist of course! Being Canadian, we have to start with a Face Off! right?! Yes!

Instead of railroads, players will work to collect all four parts to Canada: Territories, Western Provinces, Central Canada, and Atlantic.  

Players will of course run into problems like hockey equipment fees and the inescapable income tax. But on the friendlier side, because Canadians are friendly after all, you’ll find friendly facts about polar bears and bison..what, no beavers or moose?!  Who wrote this game anyway? Sorry 🙁

Canada-Opoly will also take you on a trip to some pretty fantastic places like Vancouver’s Science World, the Toronto Film Festival, Quebec Winter Carnival and the Calgary Stampede, yeehaw!!  

This fun filled board game is perfect all year long, but you definitely have to play on Canada Day!!

Find a local retailer here

Creatable World – a doll for all

Creatable World™, a customizable doll line offering endless combinations all in one box. Creatable World invites kids to create their own characters. Extensive wardrobe options, accessories and wigs allow kids to style the doll with short or long hair, or in a skirt, pants, or both.

Toys are a reflection of culture and as the world continues to celebrate the positive impact of inclusivity, we felt it was time to create a doll line free of labels,” said Kim Culmone, Senior Vice President of Mattel Fashion Doll Design. “Through research, we heard that kids don’t want their toys dictated by gender norms. This line allows all kids to express themselves freely which is why it resonates so strongly with them. We’re hopeful Creatable World will encourage people to think more broadly about how all kids can benefit from doll play.”

Mattel worked alongside a dedicated team of experts, parents, physicians and most importantly, kids, to create this one-of-a-kind play experience.

The Creatable World doll line consists of six different doll kits that are available in a variety of skin tones. Each kit includes one doll, two hairstyle options and endless styling possibilities. The product has a suggested retail price of $30 and can be purchased at major retailers online including Amazon, Target and Walmart. For more information, please visit www.CreatableWorld.com.

Addicted Underwear Flammable Ice Winter 2020 Collection 

Addicted, the naughty little sister brand of ES Collection,  is heating up winter with its “Flammable Ice” underwear collection.   The sophisticated new line features padded garments, some with faux fur, and introduces thermal laminated textiles including 3D spacer; a highly breathable, cushioned, multi-faceted fabric that is water resistant and provides a solid and comfortable fit.

 “This winter’s underwear collection is designed to transport men to the kingdom of their deepest fantasies,” explains Chris Lynch of Addicted USA.  “It’s sporty, stylish and futuristic.”  The “Flammable Ice” collection contains tight-fitting briefs, boxers, jocks and long johns in bold primary colors and camouflage prints.

“‘Flammable Ice offers the quality, fit and comfort Addicted has become famous for,” continues Nir Zilberman from the Barcelona headquarters.   “All gear is designed with fashionable gay men in mind.  They are intended for guys who feel good about themselves, are comfortable with their bodies and are daring enough to be overtly racy.”

As always, all garments in the collection are finely and meticulously crafted by Addicted’s superior artisan team.  “As a men’s fashion label, materials and craftsmanship are top priority,” designer Carmen Monforte confirms.  “More time is put into the sewing of each garment so that they are built to last, even through the roughest play.  They are tailored to fit every body type perfectly.”

One of the most exciting new components to “Flammable Ice” is the addition of 3D spacer. Unlike regular, 2D fabrics, Spacer uses two separate fabrics, joined by a microfilament yarn.  It creates a breathable, 3D “microclimate” between each layer of the brief. Heat and vapor leave the body, moving to the brief’s first highly permeable layer. Then, cool air provided by natural ventilation pushes the heat and vapor out, providing temperature control and maximum air circulation in the brief.

Gear is also interchangeable,”  adds Lynch.  “They’re perfectly suited to be worn in the gym, bed, or outdoors in the snow.  Who says sports briefs can’t be sexy too?”

The pictorial campaign, directed by the renowned photographer Leonardo Corredor, captures the steamy side of Addicted’s “Flammable Ice” collection.  The provocative images of half naked men frolicking in the snow have been a big hit on the brand’s social media.

Addicted is the sister line from ES Collection, the popular men’s athletic wear company. Since  2009, the brand has been dedicated to the design, manufacturing and sale of men’s underwear, swimwear, and sportswear.  It was founded by Eduardo Suner, also the founder of ES Collection, and has distinguished itself by setting trends and pushing the envelope in stylish, sexy and very wearable men’s fashion.  

Addicted’s “Flammable Ice” collection is sold directly at AddictedUSA.com.

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats.