The beginning of December is here, and we’re looking to spread some YP cheer. (Sorry, we get rhyme-y this time of year. Oops…we did it again!) Without further adieu, here is your weekend rundown…
Start your weekend early with an after-work jaunt to the newly opened Fuel House (pictured above) in Little Italy. This spot is yet another reason to rediscover the College Street strip, once replete with not much else than casual Italian dining, now there are a few non-pasta-centric joints to draw your attention. Grab one of their delish sammies and order a cocktail mixed with our fave, Tito’s Vodka. Afterwards, take a couple steps and wind up at Acadia, where cocktail culture is alive and well. Order an amazing concoction and sip away as you await the evening’s event…
Jessica Gorlicky, a past YPDaily and renowned artist who recently found further fame with her Cirque du Soleil live painting performances, is holding an exhibit at Parlour on Adelaide. Music [Hearts] Art IV is a celebration of local art and creative culture, and a great ditty of an event for a Thursday evening.
Friday night marks the first official weekend of the season, and it’s only fitting that your time be spent in apropos fashion. Head over to Bay Street spot The Gabardine. This exceptional little gastropub serves up some high-end and delightful comfort food alongside a boastful wine list and some old-fashioned cocktails.
For your night-time libations, spoil yourself with some fancy cocktailing at The Black Hoof Cocktail Bar and order up a Corpse Reviver #2 and a sharing plate or two of charcuterie heaven while you sip your way to the wee morning hours amonsgt friends and some excellent old-school jazz.
Saturday morning brunch this week is reserved for one of our favourite joints, The Queen and Beaver. This British-style pub/eatery has a deliciously traditional yet contemporary brunch menu, with options like smoked salmon and scrambled eggs or BLT with maple braised pork belly. It’s also right near Yonge and Dundas, which means getting the crew gathered here should be a cinch.
The Lowe’s Toronto Christmas Market will be your next destination, should you be so inclined. This annual two-week long exhibition descends on the historic Distillery District and showcases a whack-load of artisans and their hand-crafted goods. It’s one of those yearly fetes that truly puts us in the holiday spirit.
Head to dinner and drinks at the brand-spankin’-new Grand Electric in Parkdale. Helmed by two former members of The Black Hoof family, this spot was kept under wraps as long as possible. But alas, it finally opened last week to much hype and excitement in the West Queen West hood. A fully stocked brown liquor bar, Mexican dishes, and frenetic vibe are all part of the parcel that is Grand Electric.
The Herbie Fund’s annual Mistletoe Ball is Saturday night – this year at the Four Seasons and themed Ice Palace – and is always a society smash, bringing out a host of Toronto’s top names and tastemakers. It’s one of those swanky events that sees the creme de la creme of the Toronto scene out to support a fantastic cause.
Alright, brunch Sunday is in the same vein as your dinner last night, except completely different…if that makes any sense. Frida’s Restaurant is known for being one of the tops when it comes to Mexican cuisine in Toronto, and the brunch options are drool-worthy. Think huevos rancheros and chorizo con queso omelets. (Click here to view the brunch options, you have to scroll way down the page.)
In the afternoon, make your way over to the One of a Kind Christmas Show and Sale if you’ve yet to have the chance and stock up on some unique clothes and goods. Or, if you’re more in the mood to treasure hunt, hit up the St. Lawrence for the weekly antique market and browse a bevy of hard-to-find and intriguing wares. And, in keeping with the one-of-a-kind and nostalgic spirit, hit up the Grace Kelly Exhibition at TIFF Bell Lightbox for a couple hours marvelling in this icon’s, well, grace.
For dinner, make your way over to Ossington near Dundas for a great tapas-style meal at Salt Wine Bar. Order up some grilled prawns and a plate of crispy duck confit and toast to another great weekend with a bottle of vino.