Toronto Weekender: August 23 through 26, 2012

Last weekend in August. Insane, right? What to do, what to do to squeeze every last drop out of summer…? Read on, and find out!

Thursday
For dinner and drinks apres work, check out Museum Tavern. This newly opened spot across the street from the ROM boasts some clever gourmet takes on diner/tavern food, a pretty swank yet kitschy vibe, and some excellent cocktails. 

The final night this season for Open Roof Festival is tonight. This film meets music meets food meets beer fest has being going strong all summer, and its last night this year guarantees no less. With food by CHEESEWERKS, beer from Amsterdam Brewery, music by Bruce Peninsula, and a screening of Beasts of the Southern World, this is the perfect way to bid adieu to summer. (At 21 Bathurst Street.)

Want to hit one of the last beach themed parties of the summer? Babaluu Supper Club in Yorkville is hosting the Bachata Urbana Party on Friday night, so don your best beach wear, hit up the Latin-esque club, and dance the night away to hot beats and dollar shooter specials. 

Friday
We’d like to take a moment to intro you to House of Moments. A new restaurant/lounge/art gallery – yup, you read that right – that just opened up on the East End. Start looking through the gallery, grab a drink at the lounge, then settle in for dinner in the restaurant area. Thinking of a first date? Check the three-date rule at the door (if you catch our drift) and head to House of Moments so you can make your own… 

Happy Fake Prom! This annual event draws a massive crowd to Palais Royale for a themed night of boozin’, schmoozin’, and groozin’. (Yes, we made a word so that it would rhyme.) This year – the final year, FYI – is called Enchantment: Under the Sea. So head on over, don your best water-prom themed garb (you do have that just laying about, non?) and have a killer time. 

Keep it Deep Toronto presents their end of summer party at AME Friday night. This amazing venue with a great sound system, dance floor and a refined Japanese style bar and lounge area with an extensive alcohol selection will feature great music – no dubstep – and drink specials while music by KwikFiks, Josh Juice, Kasel, Basten, and Boniface will fill the space. 

Saturday
It’s food truck weekend at The Ex! Skip the traditional brunch fare and head on over to Exhibition Place to sample a world of flavours off the ‘street’. The usual suspects will be there, and we’ve heard some of the new kids to the food truck block will be as well. Who, you ask? You’ll have to go to find out.

Scotiabank Buskerfest is back, and bringing with it hoards of crazy street performers. From Thursday through Sunday this weekend, witness feats of odd-acious levels by local, national, and international ‘talent’. (Supposing that’s a bit of a subjective statement.) In any case, it’s something that you need to check out, and a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

For your Saturday night bite, swish it up at Malena. This Mediterranean style resto was just sold, which means today is the last day you can stop in to nab some of the amazing Greek (with many other influences, of course) gourmet food in the atmosphere that spawns oohs and ahhs. 

Sunday
The “World Famous” (arguable) Le Brunch has its monthly instalment this Sunday at Brasaii. For $45 get a delish prix fixe brunch while you chatter away with some of the city’s coolest YPs before the music kicks into overdrive and the vodka pouring is liberal as can be. 

It’s that time of the month. Another Ride and Go Feast in support of the Daily Bread Food Bank kicks off Sunday afternoon, and this one’s extra special. In anticipation of TIFF 2012, the good food limos – that’s right, limos this time – will take guests to four mystery stops all with a TIFF theme in mind. It’s an awesome experience, from cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at history’s doorstep, to appetizers at a favourite celebrity destination, a main course in the heart of the city’s stage to a delicious dessert denouement. And, it’s all for a great cause!

Photo courtesy Malena