Toronto Weekender: August 5th through 7th, 2011

With everything going on in the city, cultivating the perfect weekend can be a tad, well, overwhelming. Luckily, we’re here to help you stay on track. Check out our list of what to do in Toronto this weekend.

Friday
Finding the right after-work drink and dinner spot is always a challenge, which is why we like to go hopping. Start your night off at JOEY Eaton Centre where you can grab a couple cocktails and an app or two to start your weekend and unwind. Then, head north on Yonge two blocks and turn onto Elm Street, where you’ll find Bangkok Garden, the lovely Thai resto attached to Elmwood Spa. Grab a seat and order from their prix-fixe summer Thai-licious menu, where you’ll get to pick out three excellent courses. Your next stop is the Sloan concert down at Echo Beach, where you’ll get to groove out with the Halifax natives while having a drink on Toronto’s first licensed beach. Since you’re along the lake anyway, after the show run over to Harbourfront’s Watermark Irish Pub and grab a pint or two on their relaxed patio.

Saturday
Grab the 8am shuttle from Broadview Station and wind up 12 minutes later at Evergreen Brickworks for the phenomenal Saturday morning Farmer’s Market that feels more like a trip to an oasis. Pick up some local and sustainable produce at seriously awesome prices, before heading back to the Danforth and hitting up Caffe Demetre for a wicked mid-morning ice cream (if you can get in),  and trolling the streets at Taste of the Danforth. In the evening, make your way over to Queen West and grab a bite and a pint at the newly opened Bohemian Gastropub, where crispy pig’s ear is just one of the gastronomic marvels to chow down on. Meander over to DEQ at the Ritz Carlton for their superb back patio and some of the most well-crafted drinks you’ll find in the downtown core. May we recommend the Royal Canadian Mounted Mule? From there, head over to Bathurst Street south and get in line for the opening of the Hoxton, where you’ll get to be seen with some of Toronto’s hippest scenesters while watching live sets from The Twelves and Kissette.

Sunday
Ah Sunday, if there’s a better day for rest we don’t want to know about it. Sundays are all about relaxation, so sleep in a little bit before making your way to Queen East to grab a brunch at Lady Marmalade. Before you get there though, it might be an idea to stop at your favourite coffee shop along the way to grab a scone and caffeine injection, as waiting in line is almost guaranteed at this neighbourhood joint, but it’s oh-so-worth-it. Next, meander further east to the Beaches and take a stroll down the boardwalk, before finding the perfect spot to sit back and soak in some rays. (Note: The Weather Network is currently calling for isolated showers on Sunday mixed with sun, but since they seem to only get it right three hours in advance, we’re going out on a limb and being optimistic that the isolated showers won’t be coming. Yeah, we’re glass-half-full people.) After a bit of lazy, hazy wandering, check out Murphy’s Law for a pitcher on the rooftop patio. It’s no frills, but uber chill. Then you’ll want to start making your way back home, but before you call it a day get over to Table 17 for some seared scallops and black truffle cavatelli.

Image courtesy Creative Commons.