From the horror of hangovers last weekend brought with, the past few days have been a blur on the Notable end. In a very, very good way. So, as we’re sure you’ve worked as tirelessly as we have throughout the bustling business week, this Weekender is dedicated to the more, shall we say, indulgent and decadent side of Toronto.
Tonight boasts the Quest for Awareness, a fundraiser in support of Pancreatic Cancer Canada. Taking over Jamie Kennedy (the resto, not the man himself) at the Gardiner, Quest brings with it a silent auction, canapes and cocktails, and some fantastic music by DJ Lexx.
After the event, we’re assuming you’ll be a little starved for an amazing full meal, so stop into La Societe Bistro and order up some Parisian-inspired fare that blends beautifully with the old world decor. Finish the night with a glass (or three) at Caren’s in Yorkville and prep yourself for the final work day of the week.
Tomorrow night, after you’ve sent off your final email and excused yourself early from the office for a ‘dentist’s appointment’ – we know the drill – Modus Ristorante is your first stop (make a reservation though). You’ll want to test the veal carpaccio and braised lamb shank gremolata, pairs perfectly with some Italian wine.
From here, Whisky Live is your destination. This is one of the world’s greatest celebrations of whisky, and structured tastings through to walkabout discoveries will have you appreciating on-the-rocks and neat over mixed-with-bar-lime.
Loosen your top button (gents) or toss your hair back (ladies) and end the night at P.J. O’Brien on Colborne Street. This is a no frills, no glory Irish-style pub that pours Kilkenny and serves up a mean bread pudding – which is an apt cure for a whisky buzz.
Saturday morning brunch. The endless options can make your excitement wane, so this week try something a little different and hit up the adorable crimson-covered George Street Diner. This is totally a throw-back style experience greasy spoon that’s not nearly as greasy as you’d expect. If you’re lucky, they’ll have one of the fritattas on the daily menu…
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair kicks off this weekend, and while you may not be a rural-minded transplant to the city, a day of Canadian tradition is anything but blase. Check out some butter sculpting, revel in the glory of some of Canada’s mightiest manes, and roam the Exhibition Grounds while discovering some of our nation’s unobstructed traditions.
High-tail it over to The County General on Queen West for a Rosemary’s Baby (it’s a drink, and by no means is it demonic, only devilishly good). After a couple cocktails, and some post-horse-ing around (har, har), head back east to Richmond and York and wind up at Estiatorio Volos. This is Greek the way the Gods intended, dear friends. (After all, estiatorio means upscale restaurant.) The saganaki is a must, if only for the brief theatrics of cheese in flames, and the exohico is buttery and succulent perfection. The wine list is Grecian glory, and if they haven’t run out of absythe (like the last time we visited, unfortunately) order up a Crazy Greek.
Since it’s too late to snatch a ticket for the 25th Teddy Bear Gala (those of you lucky enough to have bought early, we say congrats to thee), you might as well buy a set for another (in name only) furry friend: deadmau5 is at the Rogers Centre Saturday night, and you’ll want to be just one in the crowd for this spectacle. (We checked this morning, there are still some tickets left.)
On Sunday, prep yourself for a lofty wait at Lola’s Commissary for brunch. This Church Street spot (a slight jump south of Bloor) has some of the best stuffed french toast in the city – lemon cheesecake between golden pieces of spiced toast, no lie. And the Lola’s Potatoes – a mix of sweet and new potatoes – are killer.
Wander the city running errands and working off that influx of cal’s from brunch, then head over to the new Cabbagetown neighbourhood spot F’Amelia for some hot squash soup and pizza di parma.