Toronto Weekender: March 8 through 11, 2012

We had the first real taste of Spring this week…and we can already smell the dew that comes with April showers. So, let’s take the weekend to say a proper ‘Bon Voyage’ to the sort-of winter…

At the end of this long workday, why not head to Rebel House in Rosedale for a couple pints and a relaxed atmosphere. This is a small Canadian pub that has a loyal clientele who go for the laidback approach to bar layovers. A great way to unwind and rest up for the weekend. (If you’re lucky, they’ll have the mussels with garlic, basil and ale on menu for the day.)

For dinner ce soir, you need to head to the Drake Hotel. Why? Because just earlier this week Chef Anthony Rose – the man you can essentially credit with helping define the Drake’s ultra-cool setting and equally hip take on comfort food – announced to The Grid that he’ll be leaving as of April 1st. While the menu likely won’t change right away, and the kitchen staff will keep up the same commitment to quality, this is your last chance to get bites prepped by the man himself…until he opens his own spot, that is… 

Of course, tonight there’s quite the notable event on…literally. Ours. The Notable.ca and CUBE Launch Party is tonight at, not surprisingly, CUBE. You can get your tickets here. CUBE is INK Entertainment’s latest venue, a complete update of the previous spot-holder, Ultra Supper Club. Join us and 200 YPs for a night of cocktails, conversations, and making new acquaintances. Be sure to bring your business cards!

On Friday night, hit up the Spoke Club – ticket pre-purchased, of course – for the Beach Ball, a fundraiser for Team Binstock and their Road 2 Olympics: London 2012. Flowing drinks, hors d’oeuvres aplenty, and guest DJs are all part and parcel of this special event.

Skip brunch on Saturday and opt for lunch instead. It’s no question that the taco craze has hit the city hard, with gourmet versions being served up at many restaurants and of course Grand Electric’s quick claim to taco fame. The owners of Le Canard Mort and Le Rossignol have moved the latter into the former to make way for their recently opened Toucan Taco Bar (686 Queen Street East). Try the chorizo or the pulled chicken or the blackened catfish. They’re delightful.

Not that we’re obsessed with this one company or anything, but the Drake General Store is having a pretty stellar Warehouse Sale this weekend. (Friday from 2pm to 9pm, Saturday from 10am to 4pm, and Sunday 12pm through 4pm.) Salvaged furniture, ‘curated curiosities’, and clothing will all be up to 70% off. 

The fourth instalment of the famous-on-the-scene private loft party is Saturday night. Where? Well you only find that out after you RSVP here. A who’s who of the city is playing host to LOFT IIII on this exclusive night, where the dress code is sexy chic and the crowd will dance it out to eight DJ sets throughout the night. 

Your hangover brunch Sunday would likely fancy well over at Simple Bistro on Mount Pleasant. They’ve released a new menu, updated some favourites, changed the pricing, and overall given the dine-in experience a little revamp. Plus, you can get some mushroom bisque…delightful. 

Send us a tweet @NotableCA and let us know how you’re spending your weekend. We’d love to hear what all you Notables out there have found going on in the city…