After the fun and fandom we experienced last Sunday surrounding St. Patrick’s Day, one would think we’d be content to mosey around this weekend and take it slow. But taking it easy is best left for mid-tempo R&B songs, so let’s go full force again, shall we?
Thursday
Tonight there’s a baaah-shful dinner going on over at the Royal York Hotel in support of Grapes for Humanity. The Great Lamby Cook-Off will let you experience lamb cooked in 16 different signature dishes. It’s a culinary tour de force with a philanthropic edge.
Over at the Comedy Bar on Bloor West tonight, the abrasive, calls-it-as-it-is Janeane Garofalo is on stage ready to perplex, titillate, and stitch your sides. This D-lister gained fame in sidekick-style comedic relief roles throughout the 90s, and now she’s back to her roots on stage.
Friday
It’s been awhile coming, and this Friday we’ll be treated to the first dinner services of Grant van Gameren (formerly of the Black Hoof) and Max Rimaldi’s (formerly of Enoteca Sociale and Pizzeria Libretto) new restaurant, Bar Isabel. Expect delectable dishes reminiscent of why we fell in love with van Gameren’s cooking in his former roles.
On Friday night, join hundreds of other young professionals at the 10th Annual Timeraiser. This event sees people pledging volunteer hours as currency in a live art auction. Many not-for-profit organizations benefit from passionate volunteerism, and this is one way you can get involved with some notable causes.
Also Friday, the Dare to Wear Love Gala in support of the Stephen Lewis Foundation will be a visually-stunning spectacle where some of Canada’s top designers will be showcasing original pieces created using but six yards of African fabric. Help turn the tide of HIV/AIDS in Africa while partaking in this fashion-forward event.
Saturday
Live like a viking Saturday night and grab dinner at The Drake Hotel. As part of the Taste of Iceland takeover of Toronto, The Drake has a special dinner of Icelandic favourites like smoky salmon, free range lamb with glazed root vegetables, grilled langoustine, and more. It’s a bountiful feast if ever you’ve had one.
Keep the Icelandic theme going tonight at The Hoxton for the Reykjavik Calling Concert. Celebrating the emerging sounds from Toronto and the namesake Iceland city, four Toronto-area artists will be paired with four Icelandic artists in collaborative performances.
He’s a man. He’s a myth. He’s so so def. That’s right, Jermaine Dupri aka JD – one of the top producers in the music world who has worked with the likes of Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, Tamia and many more – is at Cinema Nightclub Saturday night, DJ’ing for the bopping masses.
Sunday
Ending Sunday, The National Home Show, is Canada’s largest and longest-running consumer show. More than 150,000 people attend annually, seeking helpful advice, thousands of solutions and new products for in and around their homes. Looking to spruce up your space for spring? Look no further.
Rock of Ages is on in the city for a limited showcase this week, and Sunday’s your last chance to get it anyway you want it. Remember the movie a little while ago? Don’t let the horrible acting and awkward Tom Cruising scare you off… the stage show is actually amazing.
Photo courtesy The Drake Hotel