In case you haven’t noticed, this is technically the last weekend in November. Where did the time fly, right? Well, if you’re like us, life’s a blur because you’re always on the go. If you’re not like us, then heed the following and get your social life going…
Thursday
The city’s starting to get more and more gourmet Greek… and it’s away from the Danforth. We’re not complaining. Retsina recently opened its doors, and is serving up a mix of classic Greek with gourmet twists and contemporary Mediterranean with classic techniques. (That’s a mouthful.) The room is lovely, and the food worthy of the Gods… and Thursday nights.
Bloke & 4th turns a year old this weekend. My they grow up so fast! And their celebrations kick off Thursday night with a toast to babes, bottles, beats, and Bloke. Featuring music by Andy Alias, this is one birthday party you don’t want to miss.
A little secret of ours: We’ve never walked into Scotch & Soda and left empty-handed. Which is why we’re ecstatic that this weekend, Thursday, November 22nd to Sunday, November 25th, Scotch & Soda will be offering an additional 30% off on the entire store (and online). If you can’t make it tonight, make sure to stop by before the weekend ends.
Friday
We don’t normally condone this, however today’s one of those days to call in sick and play hooky, all Ferris Bueller’s Day Off style… sort of. The Eaton Centre is open today from 6am. Pourquoi? Black Friday, of course! Why should our counterparts south of the border get all the discounted shopping fun? Isn’t our hard-earned cash worth percentages off aplenty? We think so. So we’ll be out shopping in the madness and mayhem at some point, elbows up, wallets at the ready, and sights focused.
Friday night drinks call for a bit of civility after a cray cray Black Friday. Found at 909 Dundas Street West, Archive Wine Bar is a classy little spot that has one heck of a decent wine list – with many cultivated here in Ontario – and most wines available by the glass. The small tapas menu is very wine-pairing appropriate, with cheeses and antipasto alike, and will help stave off that wine hangover come Saturday morning.
Saturday
Bacon lovers need take note: Rashers Bacon Sandwich Shop recently opened up in Leslieville, serving, well, bacon sandwiches… which is perfect for the ‘morning after’ or a pit stop on your TTC ride of shame. Rashers seats but a few, yet makes amazing bacon sammies like the classic Hogtown with peameal bacon (and a fried egg to boot) or the Wild Boar bacon on baguette.
Make your Saturday truly unique at the One of a Kind Christmas Show and Sale. Comprising hundreds of artisans and small producers, OOAK features some of the neatest finds in fashion, decor, gourmet goods, furniture, and the list goes on. Stock up on holiday gifts… or just go all selfish and stock up on buys for yourself.
Psst… fellas. Want a happenin’ new Saturday night spot with some eye candy? Then check out the Esplanade’s newest bar: The Tilted Kilt. Bringing its trademark Scottish… er… “charm” along for the ride – read: its very attractive female servers leave very little to be left to imagination – The Tilted Kilt serves Scottish/Irish/British pub faves and over 50 different beers alongside its sexy servers.
Sunday
The Bloordale Pantry was recently taken over and transformed into the Whippoorwill (say that ten times fast), and it’s servin’ up a mighty fine breaky on Sundays. Find a farm-to-table menu of early day favourites, like smoked salmon on crusty bread, or apple pancakes with maple butter, and even a daily frittatti (which we’re guessing is similar to a frittata…?)
It’s 50 Shades of Grey… Cup, that is! The 100th anniversary of Canadian football’s big game, this year even sees Justin Bieber taking part. Not that we care about him… at all. But with a street fest, bars and restos doing small events to celebrate the big one, Sunday will be a pretty wild end to the weekend…
For Sunday dinner, take a trip out of town… to JOEY Yorkdale. Okay, so, presumably Yorkdale isn’t technically out of town, but for all us downtowners it sure feels that way. Either way, the new location of one of our favourite chains features a modern industrial design concept, a cocktail lounge, upstairs dining area, and the same globally inspired cuisine you’ve come to love. Do a little bit of shopping then end the night with JOEY.
Photo courtesy Bloke & 4th
