Toronto Weekender: September 26 through 29, 2013

Another Thursday, another Weekender. From the must-attend Shine On! fundraiser tonight to a culinary battle at Virgin Mobile Mod Club on Sunday, here’s your weekly rundown of all things Notable… 

Thursday
It has already hosted celebs like Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston (on separate nights, naturally) during TIFF. Its chef hails from hotspots like URSA and Woodlot. And it’s a proper sized restaurant (not a hole in the wall, this one). Hudson Kitchen is officially open in soft launch, with an eclectic menu and amazing cocktails. Check it out tonight before the crowds start to form.

Over at Andrew Richard Designs tonight, join hundreds of philanthropic young professionals at The Project Sunshine Canada Young Patrons’ Circle event, Shine On! 2013. Nostalgic games and sugary treats await at this fundraiser, themed after vintage carnivals. Proceeds raised help support Project Sunshine’s endeavours. 

When media puts the spotlight on human rights, positive change happens. Celebrate and toast the journalists both local and international that affect change with their eye-opening journalism at the Journalists for Human Rights (JHR) Night for Rights at the Art Gallery of Ontario. 

Friday
Fans of Kultura were devastated when its doors shut for a couple weeks not too long ago. But they’ve breathed a collective sigh of relief when its new incarnation, Ole Ole Restaurant and Tequila Wine Bar, opened up its doors. On the menu? Mexico meets Spain in the form of tacos and tapas, and Spanish wines and tequila cocktails dominate the drinks lists. Sounds like the perfect spot to start a Friday night, no? 

“There is no such thing as design, just re-design.” Friday night at 99 Sudbury, join host Glen Baxter as he emcees The Art of Fashion, a fashion design competition and event. The 17th annual event sees top design finalists vying for the title of Canada’s Most Promising Designer, along with a fashion show, open bar, and boutique vendors. 

Don your lederhosen and get ready to tap some kegs at Toronto Oktoberfest, taking place Friday and Saturday at the Kool Haus. Join the spirituous celebration as a taste of Munich comes to our fair city. Featuring traditional Bavarian music, German cuisine, and more, this is one “Authentic Oktoberfest Festhalle” you won’t want to miss. 

Saturday
Ooh la la! Lingerie Francaise comes to Canada in the form of an exhibition at the Design Exchange. Running through October 13th, explore the history of famed French lingerie design in one of Toronto’s most historic venues. Over 100 years of French excellence and expertise will be showcased at this salacious show, so we feel it’s a great way to spend Saturday afternoon. 

Saturday night at The Estates of Sunnybrook, join notables like Chris Noth, Katharine McPhee, Mario Lopez, Nicole Scherzinger, and Chef Mark McEwan at the 2013 Bliss Ball, supporting the Patient Amenities Fund at SickKids. Amazing food and drink, live entertainment, and an ode to the Jazz Age are all on the docket at this noteworthy event.

Sunday
Sunday afternoon at the Virgin Mobile Mod Club, get ready for an epic battle as Abbey’s Kitchen Stadium (AKS) continues with Battle No. 3. Four of the city’s top chefs – Carl Heinrich, Dave Sidhu, Thomas Davis, and Dustin Gallagher – will be pitted against each other in a melee of culinary proportions. This is one food event you don’t want to miss. 

Enigmatic culture icon David Bowie gets the grand treatment as ‘David Bowie is‘ opens this weekend at the AGO. The exhibit traces the insanity that is the David Bowie transformation, spanning five decades and over 300 pieces in the archive. Running through November 27th, this is the first stop on an international gallery tour. Check it out early to avoid any case of #FOMO.

Top photo courtesy Hudson Kitchen