The first weekend of October is here, and while we can’t shake the feeling fall arrived way too early, at least we have event season to look forward to. (FYI, there a ton of galas and the like coming up in the next few weeks, so we’d suggest giving your sleek evening attire some prominence in your closet, you’ll need it.) This Friday through Sunday should prove to be the perfect kickoff to one of the busiest months of the year, so without further delay, here is your weekend roundup…
On Friday, you’ll want to get swanky and hit the town for an evening of sophistication. Start with after-work drinks and dinner at Biff’s Bistro (pictured above). We suggest grabbing some steak tartare or scallop ceviche or charcuterie to start; like we said, it’s a sophisticated evening. Then head home and toss on your best black tie garb and make your way over to the Royal York Hotel for Kickbox for the Cure. This formal event, in support of Rethink Breast Cancer, will see ladies and gents in their best eveningwear donning boxing gloves and testing out their skills before watching a pro match with one of Canada’s top female kickboxers. Dance the night away with tunes by DJ Glenn Knight, and then head home and sleep in…late.
Hopefully you’ve let part of the day pass by, because Saturday night’s a late one. Once you roll out of bed and have your first cup of morning afternoon joe, get your errands out of the way and head out for dinner at Hrvati Bar. This beer hall’s Croatian-inspired menu was consulted on by Chef Rod Bowers, whose own Hey! Meatball opened but a couple weeks ago (come to think of it, that would also be a perfect spot for Saturday night nosh). Have a few pints and a sausage platter and once the sun sets hit the town for Nuit Blanche. (Check out our Guide to Nuit Blanche for our best bets.)
While you’re wandering around the city checking out some creative and innovative art installations, take advantage of some restos’ and bars’ extended liquor licenses and warm up (the high on Saturday looks like it’ll be around 11 degrees, and that’s in the afternoon) with your elixir of choice. And ladies and gents, in case you missed it the first two rounds, Food Truck Eats is having a special late edition in the Distillery starting at 8pm, so be sure to hit that up after your first couple hours meandering about.
When your alarm goes off on Sunday, head out to Maggie’s Eatery on Charles just east of Yonge for one of the best greasy spoon brunches downtown. We suggest grabbing some waffles or pancakes; carbs are going to be your afternoon friend. Why? Sunday afternoon will see you making the trek out to Liberty Village for Beck’s T.O.ktoberfest at School Playground and Restaurant. What would the first weekend of October be sans lederhosen and schnitzel? Blasphemy, that’s what! With traditional German music, food, and Shuhplattler (say that ten times fast) dancers, Beck’s T.O.ktoberfest is the perfect end to your weekend. Want to win one of two pairs of passes to Beck’s T.O.ktoberfest at School Playground and Restaurant? Like us on Facebook and enter to win in the thread on our wall.