Wednesday, January 8, 2014

making the move: www.twentysomethingintoronto.com

So after months of debating, I've finally made the switch to WordPress. I will no longer be posting on my blogger site. Tomorrow's Thirsty Thursday will be on the new site. Although all the content has been moved, unfortunately, I can't make this site redirect to my new domain but you can find me www.twentysomethingintoronto.com. For those following me through GFC, please follow me on bloglovin' or on WordPress. 

I hope you'll join me at my new home

Friday, January 3, 2014

January 3-5: what to do/see/eat/drink this weekend in toronto

It has been super cold here in Toronto the past few days so leaving the house has seemed less and less appealing. However, tomorrow is going to be a balmy -1 and Sunday a nice 0 so maybe there is hope to come out of hibernation this weekend. Here's a few things happening in the city to lure you out of your warm bed/Netflix marathon. 

Do: Saturday nights at Harbourfront Centre is DJ Skate Nights. Starting at 8pm and going until 11pm, tomorrow night, the Brazilian-style Uma Nota crew will be performing with DJ Firecracker and General Eclectic. Best of all, the DJ Skate Nights are free, so lace up your skates and put on your fuzziest winter gear and enjoy a party on the ice. 

See: Until January 12th, The Musical of Musicals, the Musical! is playing at the Panasonic Theatre on Yonge St. Tickets start at $19 for any of their shows. This award-winning, Patron Pick from the 2013 Fringe Festival parodies five classic musicals and is a satirical love-letter to musicals of the 20th century. This show looks perfect to bring out your inner drama geek.  

Eat: Just because it's winter, doesn't mean you can't eat fresh eat locally. Every Sunday from now until February 23rd, Steam Whistle Brewery will have a Winter Farmer's Market from 10am-2pm. This market will have local fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, maple products, honey and beauty product. It's a great way to support local farmers, plus you can pick up some local brews while you're at it. 

Drink: Every Sunday night is F*ck Mondays at the Farmhouse Tavern. With rotating drink specials beginning at at 6pm, it is a great way to not waste a Sunday night dreading Monday morning. They also have $1 oysters starting at 5pm and any food leftover after 9pm is half-price. And since Sunday is going to be the warmest day, you should probably leave the house.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Thursday, January 2, 2014

thirsty thursday: my new years cocktail

Happy new year everyone! I hope you all celebrated the new years with the wonderful people in your life. This year, my friends and I opted for dinner out then going back to a friend's place for some drinks and the countdown, and I have to say, it was perfect. Just the way I want to ring in the new year.

So, I thought I would share with you my favourite drink I used to ring in the new year. It was pretty simple too. Unfortunately, the picture doesn't look super appetizing but I promise it was delicious. It also doesn't really have a name, so I think I'll call it the 2014. 

The 2014:
1 oz Smirnoff Blueberry Vodka
5 oz Soda
Frozen Blueberries (we put a few too many in, but whatever floats your boat)

smirnoff blueberry vodka and soda
The 2014
I love blueberry vodka and I would normally prefer my vodka with 7Up but this is a little lighter on the calories. The flavoured vodka and the fruit add just enough sweetness. So, if you're looking for a lighter option (to maybe help with your resolution), this drink without the blueberries is about 70 calories, the rest depend on the amount of blueberries you put in. 
I hope 2014 is getting off to a great start for you! Cheers. 

Friday, December 27, 2013

December 27-29: what to do/see/eat/drink this weekend

It's Friday, of a weird week. A lot of people are on holidays, and the ice storm may have put more (or less) people out of the office than expected, regardless it is the weekend. Hope you all had a good holiday, despite the craziness that was #darkTO.

Do: Chalkers Pub Billiards Bistro near the Glencairn subways station is hosting a Friday Games Night. There is a ton of games to choose from, new games are available every month. The cover is $5 and the require a minimum 1 drink purchase to support the venue. Could be a great way to meet new people and experience some games you wouldn't have a chance to play otherwise. 

See: Arlene Paculan is playing at the Gladstone Hotel tonight from 9pm-11pm in their Melody Bar. Her voice is absolutely stunning. In her music, you can hear her emotions and passion. Cover is free for this event, so head to the Melody Bar for a relaxing evening with a few drinks and enjoy a great local musician. If you're not able to see her this weekend, check her out on YouTube

Eat: There's delicious doughnuts in the city of Toronto but it seems like so many of them are in the west end but not anymore! Von Doughnuts opened this week to bring delicious doughnuts to the Danforth. I haven't had a chance to try them yet but the photos are enough to make you drool. In case you didn't get enough of the sweets this week, definitely check them out.  

Drink: Did you eat and drink too much this week? Probably, I know I sure did. So, if you want to go out but the idea of skinny jeans is just not happening, the Henhouse on Dundas W has you covered. Their Regretro party this weekend welcomes sweatpants. They say they'll be wearing theirs and dare you to wear yours. This is perfect if you want to burn a few calories, have some drinks and dance the night away. (Also, I had to Google Regretro - Urban Dictionary defines it as anything that was cool years ago but when you look back, it's just ridiculous.


Thursday, December 26, 2013

thirsty thursday: union

It's Boxing Day in Canada. It's the day after Christmas, which always makes me think, wow, how is Christmas already done? It was a crazy Christmas in Toronto, following the worst ice storm I remember in the city. I hope you all had a great Christmas and for those in Toronto and other places affected by the ice storm, I hope you didn't lose power for long and for those still experiencing the outages, I hope you get your power back soon! And those who have the patience for the Boxing Day shopping, hope you got a great deal. 

After the craziness that has been this week (or may continue to be this week), you may need a drink. This week's pick is  Union, a VQA from the Niagara region. I tried their riesling chardonnay blend at a party a few weeks ago and picked up a bottle of it at the LCBO. It's a nice white wine, I don't drink a lot of wine but I liked this one a lot. This wine is on the sweeter side and does not have the vinegary after-taste that some whites have. The Union site recommends pairing this with seafood salads or spicy tapas. It's $12.95 at the LCBO and has a 12.5% alcohol content. 

Cheers!


Friday, December 20, 2013

this weekend in toronto

With the holidays ramping up, I haven't had time to pull together a list for this weekend. I just want to wish you all a fantastic weekend. Be safe, it is supposed to be very slippery out there. Have fun with whatever you do! I'll be back next week, promise!

Thursday, December 19, 2013

thirsty thursday: beaus lug tread

I am a fan of (some) craft beer and love buying 'local'. This week's beer is Beau's Lug Tread. I say 'local' because this one isn't from Toronto but is still from Ontario. This brew is from Vanklee Hill in Western Ontario, according to their website, it's the Gingerbread Capital of Ontario. I've tried it at a number of events in the past few months including the Tasting Fair, the Delicious Food Show and it's on tap at the Loose Moose on Front St.

 If you read my Hogtown review, you know I'm not a huge fan of overly hoppy beers and this brew is a great craft beer that doesn't leave that hoppy aftertaste. This award-winning beer is great when you're like me and want a refreshing beer that can go with just about anything. The Beaus website does provide some food pairings, in case you're looking for some inspiration.

beer
I took a picture but can't find it... sorry!