Toronto Weekender: June 28 through July 2, 2012

Another long weekend is upon us, bringing with it a bevy of events to check out. Most notably, of course, being Canada Day spectacles on Sunday, but there are quite a few other hot scene blips going down this weekend…

Thursday
For dinner, check out the new GLAS Wine Bar that has entered the Queen East strip, bringing with it a small but extremely well-priced wine list (no bottle is more than $40), and a cozy 20-seat space. The menu is farm-to-table, with dishes like braised Ontario lamb sausage and Kalopore Springs trout tartare, and red wine cake with salted caramel. Find it at 1118 Queen Street East.

Afterwards, head over to Lola Bar at Dundas and Carlaw. It’s one of the city’s hidden gem patios. The interior is tiny, but the outside seating is resplendent. You’ll only nab drinks here, but they’ll be enjoyed in peace on the lounge areas.

Also on Thursday, the Blanche party on Maison Mercer’s rooftop. This rooftop is one of those great event spaces that’s a bit underused in our opinions. Mix and mingle in your brightest of whites during this bleached out bonanza while sipping cocktails and avoiding the ‘nasty spill’.

Friday
A solid spot for dinner and drinks Friday night? Now open for business and designed to seat 150 people, Origin Liberty Village is already getting a lot of buzz. Owner Claudio Aprile just opened up the second outpost of his King Street East restaurant, this time for the King West Crowd. His latest is a new destination for foodies, scenesters and Tapas-fans alike.

Pride weekend kicks off tonight, with a ton of festivities, the famed street festival, the parade on Sunday, the extended liquor licenses, and more colourful characters than a kids’ TV show. It’s an annual affair that brings a couple hundred thousand people together for non-stop partying and solidarity.

 

Saturday
Go a li’l wild this Saturday brunch and head over to the newly-opened Paulette’s Fried Chicken and Donuts. That’s right, they’re pretty much selling nothing but. Each day they have seven different donut flavours – like balsamic berry and other intriguing concoctions – and some of the best down-home-good fried chicken you’ll ever taste.

Toronto Ribfest is bringing out a finger-lickin’ good time this weekend at Centennial Park in Etobicoke. Over 15 ribsters are grillin’, smokin’, and BBQ’in’ up a storm for the masses during this three-day fest. Head on over, nosh on some delish ribs, grab a brew, and enjoy the summer sun.

The Digital Dreams Music Festival is in town Saturday and Sunday, bringing one huge, hot party to DT TO. Some of the world’s best electronic music artists will be lined up to showcase their amazing mixes and productions for a gyrating crowd that will be kickin’ full blast all weekend long.

Sunday
Today’s a special day, non? Looking for what’s hot in the city this Canada Day Sunday? From events to festivals, to the best restaurants and bars, to the most patriotic parties and even the best spots to catch the fireworks, we’ve done the leg work so you don’t have to. Check out the Notable guide to Canada Day 2012 here

Photo courtesy Paulette’s Fried Chicken and Donuts