Toronto Weekender: April 19 through 22, 2012

It’s Thursday, and thus the beginning of the end of yet another rapid YP week. To wade you through the city’s splendor, here’s your weekly weekender to see what to watch out for over the next few days… 

Thursday
Hawker Bar recently opened on Ossington, named after the informal yet festive hawker markets of Singapore. We’re glad it’s here, it’s one of those few new restaurants doing something quite different; in this case, a Singapore street food-inspired menu. Grab your Thursday dinner in the heart of Ossie and enjoy some eclectic fare.

AGO’s Massive Party fundraiser shuts down the gallery tonight for an evening of art celebration and cultural exploration. This year’s event is orchestrated by Canadian artist Bruno Billio, and the AGO is asking the next generation of art enthusiasts to think about what ‘The Future of Art Is…’ Whatever the answer, the AGO and its Massive Party will be on the cutting-edge. 

Friday
Little Anthony’s reopened on Wednesday after a major overhaul of both the space and the menu. Owned by the same folks behind a Notable fave, Estiatorio Volos, Little Anthony’s re-imagining couldn’t have come at a better time. Who knows, maybe it’ll be a top 10 2012 resto like its sister spot was for 2011. On Friday, night, try to grab a spot and see the big transformation for yourself. 

Rethink Breast Cancer’s annual Red and White Ball fundraiser takes over The Courthouse (57 Adelaide Street East) on Friday night. This is one of those party-in-style events, where the signature-colour clad crowd sips on cocktails while shaking it off on the dance floor. Grab a ticket and help celebrate the deconstruction of the colour pink. 

The Images Festival ends on Saturday, so now’s your last chance to expose yourself to some culturally enthralling cinematic arts. Try to catch one of the final flicks of the festival’s 25th anniversary, and view a side to the filmatic world that is rarely seen on Toronto screens. 

Saturday
Hopefully you’ve signed up for the 22nd annual Canada Life CN Tower Climb, with the ‘Public Climb’ happening on Saturday. Proceeds raised from those daring enough to master the many steps of the Toronto symbol go to support the World Wildlife Fund. Show your support for the planet in a physically-active and collaborative way at this year’s event.

For Saturday night dinner, trek over to the fairly recently-opened Bazaar Global Food Bar. It’s from the same owner as Amaya, and boasts an international multicultural menu. Be prepared to dine next to some kids though, as BGFB is family-friendly. (Don’t worry, the wines offered will help calm your qualms.)

Riverdance is back. That’s right, it’s doing a farewell tour and Toronto’s stop is this weekend from Thursday through Saturday. If you love this type of spectacle, then go, because it’s pretty energetic. We’re not going to say too much else here…we’re sure the visuals conjured when you hear/read “Riverdance” are enough…

Sunday
Sunday is Earth Day, and there are a few small events happening around the city to support and raise awareness for this cause. Check out Earth Day’s official site to find out more and how you can pitch in on the 22nd.

On Sunday night, Caplansky’s Delicatessen is hosting Battle of the Bubbies: Borscht Battle 2012. If you’re a borscht broth loving YP, you won’t want to miss out on this battle of the good stuff made famous by grandmas, gammies, and bubbys everywhere.

Photo courtesy Hawker.