What’s better than the weekend? How about a weekend after a short work week? Yeah, those are the best. So take advantage and check out what’s hot and happening…
Thursday
More rustic Italian hits our city’s streets with the recently opened Strada 241, a contemporary restaurant/cafe. Headed by Michael and Guy Rubino (you recognize those names, right?), Strada 241 brings Italian back to the traditional, and features a menu executed by Chef Robert Gonsalves that reflects the Rubino brothers’ hometown, Salerno. It’s the perfect spot to warm up for your busy night ahead…
Tonight’s the night, ladies and gents. We’ve partnered with Apothic Wine to bring you an exclusive event with some of the most forward-thinking and trendsetting young professionals across Canada. Join us at Bloke & 4th for an evening of wine tastings, canapes by the Food Dudes, and networking with the city’s movers and shakers. But act quickly, we’ve only a couple spots left.
Also tonight, this one at 99 Sudbury, the b*tches are back for the 3rd annual Paws Gala in support of Paws for the Cause, an amazing endeavour that raises funds to help support the Central Ontario Veterinary Referral Program. Cheekily coined 99 Problems But a B*tch Ain’t One, this year’s gala features a doggie fashion, a wicked art show, raffles, drinks, dancing, and more. There are still a few tickets left, so be sure to snatch up yours.
Friday
Friday is the night you’ll get to help raise funds for Rethink Breast Cancer during their annual Boobyball, this year dubbed Camp Booby. Taking over Sound Academy, Camp Booby throws back to days gone by where urban swank will meet bug-juice cocktails, hot dog eating contests and tuck shop surprises, s’mores, and more will all find their way into this awesome event. It’s Friday’s hottest ticket.
Friday Night Live at the ROM is back October 12th through November 30th. This party within a museum was one of the best events through the summer, and now we get to partake for another few weeks. Featuring food stations, DJs, drinks and dancing, this is by far one of the most unique venues for an event of its kind. Check it out, it’s only back for a limited time…
Saturday
The Drake Hotel’s Fall Market is on today, so head on over to everyone’s favourite hotbed of culture for an afternoon of nosh, a bake sale (yup, like high school), the FREECYCLE table, and, to top it all off, The Drake’s $3 menu day. Check it out to kick off your Saturday.
Oktoberfest in the Square at Shops at Don Mills will be going the traditional Bavarian route with live music, German delicacies and a gigantic Oktoberfest keg to fight over. The Town Square of the Shops at Don Mills plays host to the celebration, on through Sunday (though Saturday’s a best bet), featuring music by Euro Connection, Daylight for Dead Eyes, and the Lost Boys. You’ll also catch special Oktoberfest food and brews, so pop on by for a Bavarian bop.
Indie Week Canada sees it’s big weekend finale on Saturday and Sunday. This five day fest features over 175 bands playing at 19 venues throughout the city, an abundance of industry panels, after parties with 4am licenses, and so much more. It’s a celebration of homegrown talent, and it’s right in our backyard. Definitely worth your attention for Saturday night…
Sunday
Famed Celebrity Chef/Restaurateur Daniel Boulud finally makes a foray to Toronto with the opening of Cafe Boulud in the new Four Seasons Hotel Yorkville. Showcasing the intersection of contemporary and classic French cuisine, Cafe Boulud’s menus feature exceptional ingredients blended to create vibrant, globally influenced dishes. And the biggest bonus? Weekend brunch on Saturday and Sunday! It’s most definitely a notable spot to pop in for Sunday brunch.
The Toronto Garlic Festival is on this weekend on Saturday and Sunday at Brick Works. Featuring food vendors galore giving garlic the praise and gourmet treatment it deserves, local farmers and merchants showcasing their garlic and garlic products, and yes, even a garlic breath competition, this fest isn’t for the faint of heart but instead for the strong of stomach.
Photo credit: Francisca Sinn, Strada 241