The weekend is almost here and you’ve decided against hibernating under a pile of blankets. (Brave soul.) Don’t know where to go? We’ve got you covered. In this edition: prix fixe meals, a Chinese New Year celebration, a winter bike ride, a tea festival, and a trio of art exhibits to kick off Black History Month.
Winterlicious
When: Jan. 31-Feb. 13
Where: Various locations. Guide to Winterlicious here.
Details: What better way to stay out of the cold than tasting prix fixe menus from some of Toronto’s best restaurants? Winterlicious is back with over 200 participating restaurants this year. Lunch menus are priced at $15, $20, and $25, while dinners ring in at $25, $35, and $45. Reservations are highly recommended.
2014 Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebration
When: Feb. 1 & 2, 12 pm to 5 pm
Where: Chinatown Centre (222 Spadina Ave.) and Dragon City Mall (280 Spadina Ave.)
Details: Ushering in the Year of the Horse, the Toronto Chinatown Business Improvement Area (Chinatown BIA) is presenting this year’s Chinatown Chinese New Years celebrations. There will be traditional Chinese performances including lion dances, martial arts demonstrations, and Chinese dance and opera as well as booths with activities such as paper lantern-making and dart games.
Coldest Day of the Year Ride
When: Feb. 1, 12:15 pm to 3:00 pm
Where: Queen’s Park
Details: Hosted by Cycle Toronto, this ride will start from Queen’s Park and end at Dufferin Grove Park, where a campfire will be set up next to the skating rink. Hot chocolate will be served and you can rent skates for $2. If you don’t have a bike for the ride, don’t worry, BIXI bikes will be given free extra usage time from 12 pm to 4 pm.
Toronto Tea Festival
When: Feb. 1 & 2, 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Toronto Reference Library (789 Yonge St.)
Details: Discover the diverse world of tea culture from the traditional to the trendy. The festival, which is in its second year, will feature tea tastings, speakers, tea ceremonies, and exhibitors offering related products. There’s also an auction for rare tea items. That's right: rare tea items.
Black History Art Shows
When: Feb. 1-28, opening hours
Where: Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas Street East)
Details: In celebration of Black History Month, Elle Alconcel has curated three exhibtions that explore past, present, and future narratives in the African Diaspora. The exhibitions feature fifteen local contemporary artists who use a variety of mediums including LEGO sculpting, photography, painting, digital/graphic arts, and audio and video installations. The opening reception is on Feb. 1 from 6 pm to 11 pm.
