We’re almost at mid-February, and we’re already getting ready for spring. How? By keeping hot to trot on the scene. And, to help y’all out, here’s your weekend rundown to raise your social temperature…
Thursday
For dinner tonight, check out Chantecler. This acclaimed restaurant drew eyes with its inventive and contemporary cuisine and famed lettuce wrap Sundays. Well, they’ve also begun new tasting menus. Chef Jonathon Poon has moved away from the a la carte menu in favour of producing creative dishes daily… we can’t wait to try them!
Inspired by Truman Capote’s 1966 Black and White Ball, Toronto’s own Black and White Ball touches down at the Propeller Centre for the Visual Arts tonight. This juried exhibition of artworks in black and white is among the Propeller’s most anticipated annual exhibitions, showcasing some amazing creative talent and beautiful displays of imagination.
Friday
The beloved URSA restaurant that captures our palates thanks to delectable dinners that are nutrition focused turns one this year. To celebrate, they’re launching a new menu that will be available Friday through Monday. The new late night menu will ever rotate, so check it out launch weekend and check into URSA weekly to get new perspectives on culinary creativity.
Shake it up at 3030’s Rock-a-Billy tonight. This kickin’ series brings us a dynamic double bill of live music, along with two of the city’s top rockabilly Djs. Thrill to the twangs of the electric guitar, bass, and vocal antics, before full tilt live sets by The Swingin’ Blackjacks, and The Kat Kings.
Lady Starlight, the classic rock/metal DJ who tours with Lady Gaga, will have her official “Born This Way Ball” After Party at the Drake Underground tonight starting at 10:00PM.
Saturday
Queen West’s Fuzz Wax Bar celebrates its one year anniversary with flowing, complimentary hot chocolate and raffles all day, with gifts like free waxing for a year! The celebrations take place 10:00AM-8:00PM.
BHARATI’s back for only three shows at the Sony Centre for Performing Arts. This fantastic showing of Indian dance, music, fashion, and folk traditions follows Siddhartha, an Indian-born American engineer who returns to his homeland to work on the Ganga Cleaning Project. It’s a cultural extravaganza that is a spectacle not to be missed.
In celebration of Chinese New Year, the MTCC will be taken over by the 2013 Dragon Ball. Signalling the Year of the Snake, the 24th Dragon Ball brings an evening of cultural performances, eclectic culinary delights, spectacular decor and aesthetics, and a total homage to the Chinese horoscope.
Where Goed Eten once stood on Ossington Avenue you will now find Asian restaurant Bazara. This eclectic new Toronto restaurant boasts a small but chic dining area, replete with exposed brick and grey hues so in keeping with Toronto aesthetic. The food is pan-Asian, spanning cuisine styles from Japan to Thailand. It’s perfect pre-Saturday night partying.
Sunday
Starting this Sunday, head over to restaurant heavy-hitter La Carnita because they’re launching… you guessed it… brunch. La Carnita has gained acclaim and adoration from critics and diners alike thanks to their contemporary takes on tacos and fly cocktails, and now you can experience their takes on Mexican-infused brunches, too!
Conversely, get a little risque at the Burlesque Brunch at Cadillac Lounge. Eggs and legs await you at this event – that takes place the second Sunday of every month – that combines delectable brunch with delectable ladies. Vintage Valentines is this month’s theme, presenting a journey through the decades of iconic Valentine songs, fables and trends.
Canadian Beer News presents the 1st Annual Rhino Winter Beer Festival on Sunday at, not surprisingly, the Rhino Restaurant and Bar. Over 20 breweries are taking part for this celebration of barley wines, imperial stouts, barrel-aged ales, and hoppy winter warmers.
