The long weekend has come and gone, and in its wake lay the short work week. If you’re like us, you’ve been hankering the past couple days to get back out on the town and explore…whether or not the weather’s been, shall we say, less than co-operative. Thus, let’s dive right into the hotspots for this weekend…
On Friday night, wander down Queen West and head to the newly-opened The County General, which has already garnered significant acclaim for its locally-sourced menu and fully stocked bourbon bar. We hear the heirloom tomato sammie is all the rage, so grab a cocktail and bite while lounging around this chilled atmosphere.
Kickstart the season of scares at Screemers, which opens Friday night at 7pm. This annual fright-filled pop-up venue is a favourite, and it’s no wonder: Horror movies are fine and dandy, but for those who like a few more thrills, Screemers helps to bring goosebumps to the surface in a much more visceral way. Grab a shot at the Vampire Bar then head into the Halloween-esque world for an evening of light-hearted (or stop-hearted if you fright easily) terror.
On Saturday, head over to Edward Levesque’s Kitchen for a neighbourhood favourite brunch on Queen East. Order up some baked French toast and share a mimosa…or three. (You’ll deserve it after the inevitable wait for a seat.)
Hop the streetcar and head west to Beaconsfield and Queen to check out the Drake’s Fall Market on the hotel’s cafe patio. Browse through records to prints to jewelry to vintage goods and so much more. It’s sidewalk culture at its best. After you’re done perusing, we suggest you head upstairs to the Sky Yard where the Drake has released an Oktoberfest-style bar menu awash with brews abundant.
If you aren’t in the mood to meander all the way westward from brunch, why not stop into Young People’s Theatre at 165 Front Street East and take a gander at the All Hallow’s Eve Wardrobe Sale. This might be the perfect spot to grab some Halloween garb for cheap (all items are $5-$75) and it helps support a notable cause.
Tweed Ride Toronto rolls through town on Saturday starting at Trinity-Bellwoods Park. This Metropolitan ride with style will see cyclists donning their Sunday-bests and leisurely biking through the city, taking in different sights and landmarks. Note this: Tweed Ride is also a fundraiser for Bikes Without Borders.
After a lazy afternoon out and about, stop into Bar Italia on College West for a late dinner of parpadelle di mare and risotto al funghi. Grab a bottle of wine and stay warm and cozy from the forecasted wet weekend.
Wake up early on Sunday and get thee to thy Beast…Restaurant, that is. Famous around town for their maple bacon donuts (which sell out fast, no lie), Beast’s brunch is one of the city’s best. Not too far from King and Bathurst, Beast will delight with gnocchi “poutine” and challah French toast.
Walk or TTC up to the ROM after your packed brunch to check out a technological art installation that’s gaining city-wide buzz: David Hockney’s Fresh Flowers. This evolutionary exhibit showcases Hockney’s extraordinary use of the iPad to create visual mastery. It’s Art 2.0.
For dinner, head over to Carens Wine and Cheese Bar in Yorkville, one of our favourite chic haunts, and sip a bottle or two with your most notable company while counting away the late afternoon hours.