Roosevelt Room

Canada > Archive by tag 'Roosevelt Room'

Weekend Roundup, October 15 to 17

Scream, laugh, marvel and applaud! There are many performances to see this weekend!

Friday: Applaud for Aida (photo by Michael Cooper)

Friday, October 15
Be afraid, be very afraid; The Halloween tradition Screemers returns to Exhibition Place! With terrifying attractions like the Haunted House and Maniac Maze—plus a licensed Vampire Lounge—even the bravest are sure to feel chills!

The Canadian Opera Company’s Aida continues to engage audiences at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts. This new production of Verdi’s masterpiece tells the tale of forbidden love between an Egyptian king and an Ethiopian slave, as war and a jealous Egyptian princess tear the two apart. In the title role, soprano Sondra Radvanovsky gives a stunning performance.

Don’t miss Out of Context—For Pina—after garnering rave reviews in Europe, this innovative contemporary dance production makes its Toronto debut at Harbourfront Centre. Choreographer Alain Platel uses body language to communicate emotion; the result is raw and deeply moving.

Saturday: Be moved by Joseph Ziegler in Death of a Salesman (photo by Bruce Zinger)

Saturday, October 16
Head to the Drake Hotel for its annual Fall Market! With unique vintage items, handmade knitwear, fresh flowers, baked goods and free gifts, there’s definitely something for everyone.

The Planet in Focus International Environmental Film and Video Festival continues through the weekend, with a slate of films that strive to enlighten audiences about eco-issues and encourage discussion on the state of the environment. Catch such anticipated films as Land of Destiny in various theatres across the city.

Arthur Miller’s classic play Death of a Salesman opens tonight at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts. Talented Soulpepper Theatre founders Joseph Ziegler and Nancy Palk take to the stage as Willy and Linda Loman. Don’t miss this production of this masterpiece of America theatre!

Sunday: Find a brunch-time seat at the Roosevelt Room

Sunday, October 17
Gather at the Roosevelt Room this morning for “The Breakfast Club,” the swanky venue’s monthly brunch party! Featuring a filling prix fixe menu, beats by DJ Jacques Dumas and plenty of champagne to go around, it’s breakfast done decadently right.

Yuk it up at the Best of Canadian Comedy Awards, part of the Canada’s Walk of Fame Festival! See top Canadian comedians like Mary Walsh, Colin Mochrie, Members of the Royal Canadian Air Farce and more perform at the beautiful Winter Garden Theatre.

It’s your last chance to see the Textile Museum of Canada’s intriguing Person Place Thing exhibition. The works of three contemporary textile artists test the boundaries of their medium: Lia Cook examines faces in her large weavings, David R. Harper embroiders portraits on animal skins, and Stephen Schofield creates huge patchwork figures.

Hot Dining: Eats and Entertainment

Ultra (photo by Device 222)

What better way to work off your dinner than with a dance or two? You’ll find both food and fun at these Toronto supper clubs. The glamour of old Hollywood is prominent at The Roosevelt Room, with its art deco–styled interior and 1920s-inspired cocktail menu. Savour a sumptuous rack of Ontario lamb ($32.95) or Alberta beef filet ($31.95), then enjoy live jazz or vaudevillian entertainment. For a more contemporary experience, swanky Ultra serves steaks, of course, plus East-meets-West offerings like a baked half lobster with chipotle hollandaise ($21) or miso-glazed black cod ($26), before sending you on to the dance floor. And if you like to do the salsa and eat it, too, then a night at Babalúu is in order. Relish Latin fusion options—entrees, tapas dishes and huge shareable paellas—then partake in a complimentary and caliente dance lesson.

January Editor’s Picks: Dining

1. This city is home to a smattering of supper clubs. Each has its merits, but the Roosevelt Room stands out in its attempt to reflect the golden age of dinner-and-dance venues—the Roaring ‘20s. With its art deco–styled interior as well as an expected slate of entertainment that not only features DJs, but also vaudeville- and cabaret-inspired shows, live jazz and more, the large space glamorously evokes early Hollywood. And while any old club can provide passable drinks and a place to cut a rug, the Roosevelt Room excels equally at the supper side of things, thanks to a menu created by top chef Trevor Wilkinson. Among the sophisticated French-styled classics are lobster thermidor ($35.95), coq au vin ($27.95) and a 22-ounce Alberta rib steak with frites ($39.95)—perfect fuel for dancing well into the night.

2. When Toronto diners crave kimchee, kalbi and bi bim bap, they instinctively head to Bloor and Christie streets, where fast and inexpensive Korean restaurants are too numerous to count. Recently opened Swish by Han, however, lures foodies south to Old Town with a more modern, high-end spread of Far East fare. Owned by brothers Leemo and Leeto Han, the restaurant exudes comfortable refinement with exposed brick, chandeliers and handcrafted reclaimed-wood tables. The warm, welcoming atmosphere echoes chef Leemo’s belly-warming food, from the lunch-staple kimchee tuna melt ($9) to the signature swish-swish bowls ($15 to $20) that cook meat, mushrooms and greens right at your table.

Petite Thuet's turkey sandwich

3. Head to these eateries and snatch up some superb sandwiches.

>> Marinated for three days, then slow-cooked for 12 hours, the pulled pork sandwich ($7) at Black Camel is a meaty marvel.

>> Montreal isn’t the only place for quality smoked meat, thanks to Caplansky’s, which offers up dry-cured, hand-sliced succulence on rye ($8), plus other deli classics.

>> Fuel up with Jamie Kennedy–approved sandwiches—roasted beets ($9) or smoked salmon ($11) on whole wheat, for example—from the airy Gardiner Café.

>> Financial District high flyers make a lunch-hour landing at Petite Thuet, where fixin’s like organic turkey and Alsatian salami are stuffed between thick slices of chef Marc Thuet’s renowned fresh-baked bread.

>> For sheer variety, it’s hard to beat Zoë’s Bakery Café. The sammie spread ranges from cheddar and apple with mango chutney ($8.25) to spicy piri piri chicken ($9.75). There’s even a childhood staple— peanut butter and jam ($4.25).