It’s not every day that your bartender is a famous Hollywood actor and entrepreneur. But that was the case this week at Moxies Downtown Toronto for the Canadian launch of the ultra-premium tequila brand, Flecha Azul Tequila. Naturally, it wouldn’t be a new tequila brand without a famous face behind it. That’s where “Marky Mark” comes into play. Mark Wahlberg (or Marky Mark, for those old enough to remember) is the principal investor behind Flecha Azul Tequila, which is known for its high-quality, additive-free craftsmanship and authentic Mexican roots.
To “mark” its anticipated arrival into the Canadian market, a seemingly sleepless Wahlberg has made appearances at the Ritz-Carlton Toronto and the sprawling Summerhill LCBO (which Wahlberg called one of the nicest liquor stores he’s ever seen).
Perhaps the most high-energy appearance, however, was Moxies. Before the venue filled with media and Toronto’s social scene staples, View the VIBE had the chance to catch up with Wahlberg. The 52-year-old offered his thoughts on everything from tequila (naturally) to staying fit and chiselled (we have to admit: he’s never looked better). Check out our reel below for what he had to share with us.
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Wahlberg enjoyed dinner in a private back area with Flecha Azul Tequila co-founder Aron Marquez and pal Tie Domi (former Toronto Maple Leafs legend). Meanwhile, outside of the VIP area, two bars kept guests fuelled up with expertly created tequila cocktails, like the new Marky Marg, a pineapple/basil-based margarita made with Flecha Azul Blanco Tequila. Servers passed around bites like tuna tartare and juicy steak.
Many guests camped themselves at the main bar, in anticipation of the celebrity bartender that would soon get behind it. Not surprisingly, Wahlberg was met with no shortage of phone cameras as he made his way through the crowd and to the bar, bringing all the ‘good vibrations’ with him (IYKYK). Domi joined him behind the bar, but probably wished he hadn’t, tbh, as a high-energy Wahlberg turned around and essentially force-fed him tequila a few minutes in. In the face of countless filming phones, Domi really had no choice.
Wahlberg also threw the crowd white Felcha Azul ball caps, which a lucky few even managed to get signed by the superstar. Naturally, Wahlberg rocked his own cap flat-brimmed, in true Marky Mark fashion.
“There’s no better place to launch Flecha Azul Tequila in Canada than at Moxies,” said Mark Wahlberg. Wahlberg is no stranger to Toronto, having filmed a handful of films here.
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“This is like family,” Wahlberg said of the crowd. “I was just thinking of the first time I came here to make a movie; I shot a movie called The Big Hit here that premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). I have so much history here. I’ve met so many great people here; and created so many relationships, both personally and professionally. You guys are amazing. Thanks for turning out and turning up. You guys are the music epicentre of the world. If you’re going to launch a product, launch it in Toronto.”
In a toast, Wahlberg celebrated the fact that “we’re in Drake’s town,” and even boldly stated that the Leafs are about to take home the Cup. We wonder what the folks in his hometown of Boston think of that one.
Wahlberg (and his buddy Domi) stayed behind the bar for nearly half an hour, making sure the crowd had all of the celeb-poured shots – and then some – that they didn’t know they needed in their lives on a summertime Tuesday.
And yes, the whole affair was well worth the inevitable (but mild, this is premium tequila, after all) next-day hangover.
