Toronto Weekender: February 28 through March 3, 2013

Thursday

In Toronto’s always growing restaurant scene, Japanese restaurants are the hot trend right now. Case in point, we’ve another new izakaya with the opening of Nejibee. The new space is a mix of traditional izakaya with teppanyaki, with an accompanying izakaya expansion and sake bar to open in the months to come. Right now, you can head in for your Thursday night din-din and dine on Japanese tapas favourites at the jovial communal tables.

There are two hot tickets tonight. First, enjoy an evening of fashion, comedy, cocktails, auctions, and music in support of Ovarian Cancer Canada at Love Her. This chic event, at Corus Quay, is hosted by Canadian comedienne and actress Jessica Holmes, and features live entertainment and sophisticated fun all to fundraise for a notable cause.

The second is Recipe for Change. This near-unparalleled evening of food fun in support of FoodShare takes over the St. Lawrence Market North Building. In an exciting tasting adventure, sample bites from 30 of the city’s top chefs, alongside sips of 30 VQA wines and 9 local beers. This event supports FoodShare’s innovative and multi-faceted work in schools toward Food Literacy for all students.

Friday

Leslieville, that ever-burgeoning strip occupying a relaxing portion of Queen Street East, gets some fresh blood with the recent opening of Hitch Limited. This new bar is small and intimate, and comes to us from the owner of Mercury Espresso Bar (another Eastend spot), and sees a fully stocked bar with a nice menu of tapas-sized bites. Perfect to launch into March.

Get involved in an amazing event Friday night: the Olive Branch is a YP-run charity that helps remote communities in Tanzania, targeting the most vulnerable, especially those who have been affected by HIV. On Friday, the organization hosts its 8th Annual Gala Fundraising dinner and dance. In attendance will be founder, and Tanzanian head of The Olive Branch for Children in Tanzania, fellow young professional Deborah McCracken-Nangereke. Sure to attract a variety of influential professionals, the event not only provides a fun night out, but an opportunity to mingle with other like-minded and forward-thinking young professionals.

Saturday

Go old school Saturday night at Dominion on Queen for the Toronto Film Noir Syndicate’s Film Fatale #4. The screening – part of the the Underground Film Noir series – is the little seen Tyrone Power film Nightmare Alley 1947 directed by Edmond Goulding, where a con-man drifter in a downward spiral stumbles into the tawdry world of carnival sideshows. The night starts off with trailers and noir/mystery golden age television shows. So grab yourself a stiff drink at the bar and head on into the private screening room and back in time to where the shadows are always dark and the films are always noir.

Also Saturday night, “The BOX” at the Virgin Mobile ModClub is presented by giving the entertainment community of Toronto a place, space and budget to showcase their work of art and talent. Every time you head to watch an event, you know it will be something new, cutting edge, high caliber and exciting! This unique event showcases all types of entertainment companies, bands, dance crews, vocalists, circus performers, novelty acts and the like. All of them, naturally, think outside “the box.”

Sunday

Brunch it up Sunday at Swan Restaurant. This diner style eatery evokes days gone by… next to some seriously amazing breakfast/lunch bites. It’s perfect to refuel before heading back to the office, or to simply chill awhile with your own notable crew.

Calling all cyclists and enthusiasts! Running through Sunday at the Better Living Centre in Exhibition Place, find the Toronto International Bicycle Show. With live demonstrations, exhibitors, a marketplace, competitions, test ride zone, kids’ entertainment centre and more, this is one event that’s got smooth wheels.

 

 

Cover Image: Post City