Toronto Weekender: January 5 through 8, 2012

So the freezing cold winter is here, sort of. It ain’t gorgeous outside, but that doesn’t mean hibernation should be your go-to. (Well, do what you will. You’re a decision-making YP and all.) For those looking to meander out and about, fur-lined accessories and Canada Goose jackets and all, here’s what’s up this weekend in the grand city of Torontawesome.

Looking for a new spot to test your palate? Check out the recently opened Yours Truly nestled in the heart of the Ossington strip. Full disclosure: we haven’t gone yet. But(!) we’ve heard some excellent buzz about the food and decor, and love the idea of a more accessible (read: slightly cheaper) version of a Ruby Watcho-style menu. (It’s 4-course prix fixe).

Want a little culture? Tonight the trio of Meredith Bingham, Emily Schaefer, and Rachel Vanderzwet show their exhibit 3 (aptly-named, obviously) at Gallery 129, also on Ossington. Check out some beauts paintings as a digestif to your delish dinner.

Finish up Thursday night at The Painted Lady, where libations run rampant and the Hatchetmen will be bringing their rock meets twang sound. PS The bartenders are pretty rad, and mix a mean cocktail.

On Friday, go get some hard liquor, bourbon specifically, and fish tacos (much lighter than they sound) at The Combine Eatery on the Danforth. It’s a great little spot for after-work drinks and din. (PS They’ve got some great dessert specials as of late. We had the nutella cheesecake a couple weeks ago. Stone groove smash hit wonder!)

If you’re in the mood for some dancing and retro-izing, check out Clinton’s on Bloor West for the Girl and Boy 90s Dance Party. Remember Ashanti and Brandy and all the cheese-worthy hits from the Generation Next decade? We do.

The Cobourg in Cabbagetown is another spot worthy of your hard-earned cash and booze-loving bodies on Friday night. Chic bar meets lounge with a pretty crowd and great beats, what more could you ask for? (Lots, we know, but there’s only so much an establishment will do for you nowadays.)

On Saturday morning, deck the streets with boughs of folly and grab brunch over at Mildred’s Temple Kitchen. The fun breaky/lunch dishes range from traditional – like the Green Eggs and Ham – to the eccentric – like the Huevos Monty. The late morning drink list is pretty rad too.

The Next Stage Theatre Festival is on through the 15th, and Saturday is a perfect day to catch up on some bubbling under theatrics and plays. An afternoon showing of Modern Love or Tomasso’s Party, perhaps? Go ahead, get cultured.

Saturday night sees the return of the DJ Skate Party at the Harbourfront. Dance around the ice to rocking tunes by some noteworthy DJs, and enjoy the not-yet-too-cold-for-this-kind-of-thing Saturday evening outside.

Or, conversely, if you’re looking for indoor activities, hop on over to Parts & Labour for Soul Clap, a benefit for renowned DJ Jonathan Toubin. The NYC DJ is in critical condition after a runaway cab crashed through the wall in his hotel room in Portland, Oregon and ran over him while he slept. The benefit will help pay for his exorbitant hospital bills as he slowly recovers from the devastating accident.

On Sunday morning, jaunt on over to the Boiler House in the Distillery District for a scrumptious jazz brunch buffet. With waffle, roasts, and omelet station, not to mention a great selection of brunch fave accoutrements, this is a perfect spot for Sunday hangovers with class.

In advance of Sunday night’s outing, grab tickets in advance (if you still can). American Idiot the Broadway Musical Tour is blasting Green Day’s classics in oh-so-saweet style at the Toronto Centre for the Arts. The show’s last TO date is the 15th, so take advantage of the scene’s lull and bask in rock-opera glory.