We’re just over a week away from snoresville in the city. Translation: The city shuts down around Christmas for the briefest of periods. Thus, to ensure our loyal readers make the best of the bustling time left, we’ve prepped this Weekender with – wait for it – the best of the best. What will you do this weekend…
Today’s the perfect time for a jaunt over to the newly opened Piola at 1165 Queen Street West. This Italian chain is “Famosi Per La Pizza,” that is to say, famous for it’s pizza. We don’t actually speak Italian, but that seems like an apt translation, non? Grab a feasta-pizza and unwind in the freshly-crowned splendor.
If you were lucky enough to score a ticket, we assume you’ll be at HoHoTo tonight, but, if you’re a late-to-press-buy city rat, you’ve got XMESS: Vice Issue Launch Party at Parts & Labour, CondoBox’s Xmas in the City at Parlour benefiting their recently launched Open Box Foundation, or the YYZ Magazine Issue Holiday Party (to celebrate their latest issue) at Bloke & 4th.
Friday night calls for comfort classics before hitting the town. CHEESEWERKS officially opens Friday, and their menu of international city-named grilled cheeses with homemade soups and artisan beer is the perfect way to chill and grill before decking the halls.
If you’re so inclined, the Toronto Christmas Party at the Steamwhistle Brewery in support of GlassFrog is a semi-formal way to spend the first night of the weekend. With fresh brew, DJs spinning, and a bevy of TO’s scenesters, it’s sure to be a night to remember.
If a party’s not in the stars for you and your crew, head on over to The Drake Hotel’s Shack Chaud. Friday and Saturday nights have transformed the Sky Yard Patio in a veritable winter wonderland, with festive and warming cocktails galore and an ambiance reminiscent of the Great North.
Skip brunch and head to lunch for dim sum in Chinatown. Number Two Restaurant, to be precise. We know, we know. A restaurant calling itself Number Two seems to us like either a lack of will or acknowledgement that the number one spot cannot be beat. Either way, Number Two ain’t half bad, in fact, it’s second place. Afterwards, grab some Chinese buns from Ding Dong Bakery and window shop with some not-too-sweet desserts in hand.
Bruda Restaurant recently opened on College Street just west of Bathurst, serving up European flare with an elevated style. Check out the new resto for a bite before your night, and enjoy a glass or two from the well-cultivated wine list.
The 6th Annual Mistletoe Mixer takes over the Stealth Lounge at Cumberland Street’s The Pilot. Join a consortium of Toronto’s chicest and dance the night away while intermingling with some soon-to-be new acquaintances.
Fans of The Midway State will want to head over to the Mod Club for their Maybe I’m Lost and I Like That Tour. With special guests, tunes galore, and a happening venue, this will definitely be a concert fans and TMS neophytes won’t want to miss.
City Dance Corps is bringing the glitz and glamour of Studio 54 to their own studio on Saturday night for their annual holiday party that doubles as a fundraiser for the Children’s Aid Foundation. Dress to impress and don your season’s best while spending the evening grooving out with some of the city’s finest and most talented dancers.
For Sunday brunch, go east side-style and wind up at Harlem Restaurant. It’s a lesser-known spot, but amongst loyal patrons it’s worthy for having some killer late morning dishes, like the Southern standard chicken and waffles and the Harlem French Toast, topped with rum-soaked raisin cream cheese. Drool.
The Brewery Market is having one of its final events (for now, anyway) on Sunday at The Stop Community Food Centre’s Green Barn from 1pm til 5pm. Sample Indie Alehouse beer, grab a couple bites, and help raise funds for this great community initiative.