Montreal Weekender: February 7 through 10, 2013

THURSDAY
Toro Toro, Old Montreal’s newest Spanish tavern, is hosting their official Toro Toro launch party tonight! Come celebrate with them for a 5 à 7 filled with surprises, drink specials and exotic food. If you haven’t visited this newest Old Port addition, you can expect high ceilings, an open concept kitchen, bar-style seating, friendly ambiance and a mezzanine where you can relax in a more intimate, romantic dining experience. As far as the food goes, they focus on an eclectic range of tapas, a wide variety of cold cuts and cheeses imported directly from Spain, along with a very exclusive wine list and exciting cocktail menu. Want to attend the party and try this new culinary player? RSVP since space is very limited!

This major chill that has swept over our city has got a lot of us a little down. We’re dreaming of sun, sand and some cold drinks while we overlook the beautiful ocean. That’s where Tabascobar comes in. Now hosting the 4th edition of their famous Beach Party, the major giveaway again this year is a chance to win a trip down South! All you have to do is show up to this funfest and join the celebration of palm trees, surfboards, icy Corona drinks and, of course, a hot place far away – it’s going to be caliente!

FRIDAY
Maybe a little getaway has been on your mind all week but you just don’t feel like hopping on a plane? Why not check out Winterlude, the capital’s winter celebration that is held in Ottawa–Gatineau each February. There is a plenitude of activities for everyone including the Crystal Garden in Confederation Park, home to amazing ice sculptures, the Rideau Canal Skateway, which winds its way through downtown Ottawa and is the world’s largest skating rink, the Marion Dewar Plaza at Ottawa City Hall, where you’ll find the American Express Winterlude Opening and, on weekends, as it becomes the place for musical performances and outdoor dance parties! Only a few hours away, this is truly a fun and interactive activity for you and your friends, family or partner to enjoy.

Rather stay in the city and enjoy a great theatre performance? Innocence Lost at the Centaur Theater has been getting rave reviews across town so far and is really worth a see. Taking place in the summer of 1959, a sleepy town in rural Ontario was rocked by a tragedy that changed the community forever and sent shockwaves around the world. The riveting true story is seen through the eyes of a fictional character named Sarah as she deals with her own loss of innocence. The play examines the nature of community and how good people make bad choices. Innocence lost was a finalist for the 2009 Governor General’s Award for Fiction and will be playing at the Centaur until Feb. 24th. 

SATURDAY
Galerie 203 has really made a name for itself as one of Old Montreal’s leading art stops. Tonight, one of their artists Sandra Chevrier, a truly illustrative painter, will be hosting her first solo exhibit called “Cages.” The features of this showcase will be focused on deep and realistic graphics, which were formed on raw material by jerky, sudden and instinctive movements. Sandra once said: “To me, art is not only a way of expression, it’s a language in itself,” and that will be truly seen at her show tonight.

As the week comes to a close and our tummies just can’t seem to get enough of that poutine, Big Moe Productions & Fame Entertainment bring the Poutine Week closing party at Suco Club Lounge. Although we are sad that this amazing initiative is ending, perhaps it really is time to hit the gym again and start on the health shakes – but in the meantime let’s all support and celebrate what was one of the most successful and fun food events this city has seen in a while. A little Notable secret? If you are one of the first 200 people to arrive, you will receive a surprise gift…something to fill your appetite!

We remember David Morales being one of the first house DJs we really partied to and worshipped. This man is a true legend in every sense and, although he tends to play stadiums, giant spaces and world famous festivals, he is making a special appearance at peopl tonight!  Presented by Fab Boss and JoJo Flores, tonight will be jam-packed so arrive extra early to avoid any disappointments and see the master of house in a very intimate and cozy setting.

SUNDAY
Still a newbie to yoga? Want to start your Sunday off in a more spiritual way? Here is your perfect chance to indulge in what the hype is all about surrounding this ancient Indian discipline in the stunning Breathe Studios. Open to the heart of yoga hosted by Gen Larocque will teach you the energetic practice of backbends designed to give freedom and openness to your heart, mind, and body with supportive alignment. You will be able to deepen your understanding of backbends as well as encourage growth throughout your yoga practice with an open, playful attitude where you will sweat and have fun. This workshop is for beginners and advanced yogis alike!  

We have been waiting for this since it was first announced to open! Our dear friends at the Segal Centre present “Waiting for the Barbarians,” an international co-production with MOPO Cultural Trust in association with the Baxter Theatre Centre. Set in a small frontier town under the jurisdiction of a political entity known only as “the Empire,” the story is told from the perspective of the town’s magistrate, who has experienced peace and tranquility until a threat from “the barbarians” turns his world upside down. A chilling journey to the dark side of humanity that asks: just who are the barbarians?