It’s a thirsty Thursday in the city. Weather’s been great all week (we’ve already got a slight tan on our foreheads from all the patio hopping), it’s supposed to be a little stormy today but still summer-like, the city’s gearing up for a fantastic season, and we’ve got a few chilly days ahead. All of that is, of course, a mere aside to your Toronto weekender…
There’s been a few notable openings as of late, so let’s get you checking out the scene starting tonight with after-work cocktails at the Trump Tower’s newly opened Suits Lobby Lounge. Yes, it’s in the lobby – shocking given the name, we know – which basically means it couldn’t be more convenient when passing by for a bevy.
Afterwards, take a jaunt over to Biff’s Bistro and get your fill of buck-a-shuck oysters and steak frites. Every day after 5pm Biff’s serves up oysters with mignonette and as many lemon wedges as you fancy for only a buck each. Talk about an haute deal.
Finish the night with a show or two as part of Canadian Music Week. This five-day fest showcases some of the up-and-coming talents our lovely nation has on the broadband as well as veterans. Part and parcel of the fest is also the CMW Film Fest and the Canadian International Comedy Fest. Find all the shows, info about the fests, and the like here.
On Friday, hit up Dundas West’s latest spot, Midfield Wine Bar and Tavern, at 1434 Dundas Street West. This spot has but some meats and cheeses on the menu, but the wine selections are otherworldy. We also have to applaud Midfield’s commitment to lesser-known wine regions and varietals. Quite unique, really…
If you’re nibbly after the vino, check out another recent Dundas West opening, This End Up. Haute cocktails, not-so-aptly named but expertly mixed albeit, and some great pub grub including, of course, superb sammies to put a dent in your hunger.
Friday night, 6 Degrees at 2335 Yonge Street will see the annual Share the Love party raising funds for a worthy cause. Grab a cocktail and help support Save a Child’s Heart, whose mission is to improve the quality of pediatric cardiac care for children in developing countries who suffer from heart disease. This is a must-check event for the philanthropic, yet party hardy, YP.
How about a rich and smoky brunch on Saturday. Barque Smokehouse – recently named one of the top 10 best new restaurants in the city – is famed for its late morning offerings. Try the dragon omelette with the house-cured gravlax, or the savory pancakes with smoked duck leg. It’s decadent and delightful, the best beginning to a relaxing Saturday.
Spend the day shopping around for your summer wardrobe, then for a delish meal Saturday night, Neapolitan pizza with a wood-fired blistered crust. That’s basically enough said. Pizza e Pazzi has opened up a second location just down the street from the first, at 672 St. Clair West. While the city may be overrun with thin crust glory, we’re a fan of PeP so we welcome the new spot with cutlery raised.
For the night’s event, get ready for the 9th annual Toronto Timeraiser. A novel party, Timeraiser aims to get people involved with not-for-profits and charities via an art auction where the only currency is time: the hours you pledge to volunteer for an organization. How notable is that? Timeraiser banks hours tomorrow night at the Fermenting Cellar in the Distillery District.
On Sunday, take it easy and wander over to brunch at newly-opened The Commissary on Queen East. They’ve got ten riffs on eggs benny, like the lobster, ratatouille, and smoked bacon, alongside french toast done five ways (apple and brie, PB&J, and monte cristo among them).
Then on Sunday night, a great fundraiser for Breast Cancer research is happening at Bar Volo. Beer 4 Boobs pits one-off blends by nine female brewmasters, exclusively crafted for this night. All proceeds from the cover and the cost of beer goes towards the NFP. A notable way to end your notable weekend.