Another Thursday, another Weekender. With subzero temperatures killing our desire to head out into the scene, our love of exploring the city and fraternizing with the crew trumps the negative nanny that is Mother Nature. Thus, here are a few winter warmups to try out this weekend…
Thursday
Come up to my room, won’t you? The Gladstone Hotel’s asking the question as their 10th annual Come Up To My Room exhibit launches this weekend. With 15 installations showcasing the design work of 40 artists, this is one cultural exhibit you won’t want to miss…
Amsterdam and Great Lakes Brewery are looking to fire it up tonight at Tall Boys Craft Beer House for the 2nd Annual Big Smoke Music Festival. With nine acts, a massive heated pop-up tent in the Tall Boys’ backyard, and plenty of local craft brews to go ’round, this is one hot night to battle the frigid temps.
Friday
Winterlicious launches tonight! Yes, good Notables, the three-course prix fixe extravaganza that is Winterlicious takes over 191 of the city’s top restaurants. We’ll be getting our nosh on daily during the fest, and look forward to exploring some of the restaurants we’ve passed on by. Check out our Notable guides (social and comfort) to Winterlicious to get your groove going.
Yeee-ahhh! Lil Jon’s over at Cinema tonight, bringin’ his trademark calls along for a special edition DJ set. The house will rock as this gold-level artist goes crazy on the tables. With a mix of hip-hop, rap, and R&B, this night is sure to, as the promoters proclaim, “f*cking lose it.”
Saturday
Dim sum it up for brunch at Chinatown East stalwart Pearl Court. This cart service restaurant is no frills, just the way we like our dim sum. With a constant rotation of dishes to choose from – like General Tao chicken, sesame balls, and shui mai – this is one of the city’s hidden gems, and a great spot for some dim.
The Interior Design Show sashays into town this weekend, bringing with it our favourite trade show setups. Peruse hundreds of exhibitors and get ready to redesign and reinvigorate your living and work spaces in 2013. It’s a humdinger of a show, so be sure to block off a few hours to walk the entire MTCC expanse.
If you’re looking for something outside the Winterlicious spectrum this weekend – and we know there are a few of you – head over to Rakia Bar on the east edge of Leslieville for an authentic evening showcasing the beauty of Serbian music and culture. Classical guitar, tons of wine, delicious rakia, and amazing eats await at this bounty of an evening.
Sunday
End the evening with trivia and beers at The Hogtown Pub & Oysters. Trivia nights have been taking the city by storm, and this one’s got its own twist: TV trivia, y’all! Get some bivalves shucked, order up a few pints, and battle it out in a triage of trivia.
Photo courtesy Hogtown Pub and Oysters