A beautiful weekend’s up around the bend. It’s Thanksgiving, which means oodles of gobble gobble and an extra day off. But the city doesn’t shut down for this holiday…which is just one more reason to give thanks…
Thursday
A social enterprise/restaurant, Paintbox Bistro is situated at Dundas and Sherbourne, and is bringing some much needed gourmet flair to the otherwise lacklustre neighbourhood. Staffing employees from marginalized communities, Paintbox is serving up multicultural dishes like roasted kabocha squash and pan-seared Cornish hen in a vibrant and lush atmosphere. (555 Dundas Street East.)
Celebrate that oh-so-Bavarian of traditions at the St. Lawrence Market’s north building tonight at Toronto Oktoberfest. Lederhosen is optional, beer is not at this “Authentic Bavarian Festival.” Join hundreds of others as they ring in Oktoberfest in notable style, replete with dancers, brews, and tons of surprises all ready to celebrate what some like to call the “other St. Patty’s Day.”
Friday
Happy Birthday Alexander Keith’s! Yes, the beer’s celebrating yet another year as a go-to favourite, and Friday night at Brick Works will see local chefs crafting delish dishes, live music, and some wholly unforgettable experiences as part of the festivities. And, we have to say, for a 217 year-old, Keith’s is lookin’ mighty fine.
Friday night under the grand tent, Cirque du Soleil’s Amaluna will benefit Horizons for Youth: Leave the Streets Behind. This performance is part of Cirque’s new tenure at the Portlands, and not only do you get to watch fantasmical displays of acrobatic excellence, you’ll get to support a great cause.
Saturday
No surprises here, we’ve another burger joint to tickle your fancy, and it’s perfect for a grab-and-go delight for lunch on Saturday. Opening recently at 607 Queen Street West, Gangster Burger is an homage to the days of Al Capone and street thuggery. Try The Dillinger with dill havarti and caramelized onions, or The Escobar with crushed seasoned tortilla, and brace yourself for a hit and run on your tastebuds.
Another smokehouse-style restobar has popped up, this time at Adelaide and Jarvis. Triple A Bar is focusing on Texas style BBQ, with a small but confident menu including pulled pork sammies, smoked brisket (their house specialty), and chicken and waffles. The room is reminiscent of a rustic yet chic dive bar, replete with aged woods and highway signs. Sidle up to the bar and start your Saturday night with great food and great booze.
With Burlesque becoming the a la mode good time in the city, check out the Projection Booth tonight for The Nightmare Before Stripmas. It’s a Tim Burton inspired show, featuring oodles of performers writing and working their corsets for the crowds. The Underground Peepshow will tap into your dark side and take you on a twisted ride into the universe of one of the most visionary story tellers of our generation.
Sunday
Celebrate Thanksgiving in notable style at Casa Loma’s Thanksgiving Day Brunch. You’ll get to please your palate amidst the wonder of the famed Toronto ‘castle’, with everything from the Breakfast Bakery to the traditional carving of the turkey. Every type of brunch item you can imagine will be on display, all in the glory of Casa Loma.
One of our absolute favourite spots, The Combine Eatery on the Danforth, is cooking up some smoked turkey blue plate specials. (A blue plate is basically a standard dish coming with baked beans, homemade ketchup, and a special slaw with an amazingly decadent smoked protein.) Head on over for a let-them-make-it Thanksgiving-style dinner and finish your meal with a Kentucky Maple bourbon cocktail.
Head on up to the Ontario Science Centre for the launch of Jian Ghomeshi’s book, 1982. This event sees the man himself up close and personal, with musical guest Tara Gerami. It’s an intriguing evening to try something like this, but if anyone can pull it off, it’s Mr. Q.