Thursday
Happy 9th Birthday Drake Hotel! Yes, our city’s beloved hotbed of culture turns another year older today, and to celebrate they’re hosting To the Nines. This BDay bash takes over the entire Hotel for a night of drinking, dancing, cocktail sampling, live music, a chance at a full-on party upgrade for some lucky guests.
From Thursday through Sunday this weekend, head over to the Direct Energy Centre at Toronto’s Exhibition Place for the Artist Project, a massive juried contemporary art fair. This fair – which supports and helps develop emerging artists – features dozens of up-and-coming Canadian art talents, showcasing their amazing creations in competitions and for spectators. And tonight is the opening night shindig, where hundreds of artophiles will descend upon the Artist Project to be the first to browse the wares with live music, drinks, and tasty bites.
Friday
Surprise, it’s your birthday! At least, that’s the sentiment hopefuls await to hear at Cardinal Rule’s monthly Surprise Party. This Roncesvalles throwback diner gives one lucky guest the chance to celebrate a surprise birthday on the last Friday of every month, with gifts and cake bestowed upon the honouree.
Party it up like it’s 1994 Friday night at Mr. Pong’s Bar. This West End hotspot routinely hosts throwback parties, and from what we’ve heard, the music is always on point. This Friday it’s 1994’s turn in the spotlight, where anything and everything ’94 is celebrated.
Saturday
Bloor-Yorkville’s IceFest is on this weekend for two days of frigid fun. With daily busker performances and a wonderful and whimsical display of extraordinary ice sculpting, it’s a beautiful way to spend an afternoon while bundled up and sipping on hot cocoa.
The cold frost of winter calls for a fest, so it’s good measure the Hogtown Pub is hosting the Hogtown Winter Beer Festival. Sample brews from Creemore Springs, Mill Street, Beau’s and McAuslan, including some special beers exclusive to this hoppy event.
BruDa Restaurant recently got a bit of a bump for its Euro cuisine with the addition of Chef Gabriell Cruz (formerly of Quatrefoil). This Top Chef Canada Season Two contender is bringing his love of fresh local ingredients to the menu, with plates like celeriac and apple soup with truffle, tea cured salmon, and Wellington County flatiron steak with Jerusalem artichoke and smoked onion.
Sunday
Brunch this weekend is cause for a reward: We’ve dealt with the winter chills long enough, so let’s bid adieu to February with some Toast n’ Jam. More gourmet than the name would suggest, Nyood’s brunch series brings a five-course prix fixe meal followed by some hardy partying with DJ Muktz.
New Bloor West spot The Emerson is gaining some notable neighbourly noise thanks to its casually cool atmosphere and casually cool comfort food. With a daily savoury pie that’ll put a warm hug around your tastebuds, an open kitchen so you can watch the action, and some tasty classic cocktails for sipping.
Photo courtesy The Drake Hotel