Notable Now Toronto: April 19, 2013

Opening Soon: Switch
Renowned restaurateur and nightlife curator Hanif Harji is set to bring his Midas Touch to Switch, opening April 26th at 55 Colborne Street. This new resto-lounge will breathe new life into the prime space just east of Yonge, combining the best of Toronto’s dining and social scenes within one trendy, sure-to-be-imitated venue.

Just Opened: Lisa Marie
Followers of Fidel Gastro’s event pop-ups, food truck, and new reality show take note! Matt Basile (Fidel Gastro himself) is opening his new restaurant Lisa Marie tonight to much hype and expectation. (Don’t worry, we’ve tasted the new menu, and it’s worth all the buzz.) Comfort food for the gastronome is found within the new spot at 638 Queen West. 

Just Opened: Seven Lives
Another pop-up gone permanent, Seven Lives now has a home at 69 Kensington Avenue. After a short-run at another venue in the Market, Seven Lives’ new digs boasts trendy decor that serves as a back-drop for their outstanding Mexican delights, like the ever-popular Tijuana-style tacos, that are fused with the freshest of flavours and ingredients.

3rd Annual Our Future Without AIDS
On April 27 at the Burroughes Building (639 Queen Street West), the 3rd annual Our Future Without AIDS will be hosted by CANFAR’s Young Professional Council, raising awareness and support for AIDS research in Canada. Help paint a brighter future for generations to come at this cocktail chic event with food, drinks, music, art auction, and so much more.

Hot Docs Festival
Running April 25 to May 5, Hot Docs (the Canadian International Documentary Festival) is on for its 20th year. With most of the screenings taking place at the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema (506 Bloor Street West), Hot Docs showcases the best of the best of Canadian and International documentary features, providing a forum for the celebration of non-fiction film.

Top Ten Event
On May 9, the ever-inspiring Top Ten Event will once again grace the Winter Garden Theatre (189 Yonge Street). With 10 amazing speakers each getting 10 minutes on stage, collectively telling you 10 things you should know before you die, the Top Ten Event – produced by Stuart Knight – is one of the most intellectually and emotionally stimulating events of the season.

Photo courtesy Fidel Gastro’s