The sun had finally blasted itself over the city. It was the first week of May and it seemed as though every Torontonian was smiling while dressed in flip flops, sun glasses and cut off shorts. The city was alive again, and I wasn’t stopping to bid winter farewell!
With a warm breeze in the air I found myself marching up Yonge Street with my friend Cody for The Royal Ontario Museums Friday Night Live. We arrived to a long line of eager beavers which snaked itself across Bloor Street and around the corner. The ROM’s Friday Night Live 2013 programs first edition of the year was entitled “JUNOS After Dark” and in more ways than one paid hommage to Canadians and their love for music.
After checking in to the media desk we purchased a swath of ROM Bucks (tickets which you can use to purchase sips and nibbles from the plethora of bars and Pop Ups throughout the space). There is something odd about walking around a museums with a tall can of beer. Sort of like that gleeful feeling you get when walking in a parade. I felt like I was back in Grade School again but all the more naughty for the strobe lights, cupcakes and cocktails which filled the room with smiles. I couldn’t help but adore all the lovely ladies that evening dressed in their freshly pressed Spring dresses and fierce heels.
That evening an wide selection of JUNO winning muscians performed throughout the museum. Headliner and Queen of R&B Soul Jully Black had the main floor enchanted by her energy on stage. She belted, twisted, and shook herself silly while sweating it out for the crowd. Marching upstairs we found ourselves surrounded by local beer brands and Pop Ups while a DJ spun for those keen to celebrate the end of a long week with dance-tastic moments. Of course no tour of the ROM is complete without a visit to the notorious bat cave and dino exhibit. A truly thrilling experience to stand under a T-Rex while sipping on espresso and munching on a gooey brownie.
But of course, as with all things in life, the food was the star of the show. The ROM certainly impressed with an extensive offering from some of the cities favourites. We barely scratched the surface!
Our feast in the order it was devoured:
Mill Street Organic from Mill Street Brewery
Canadian Elk and Sicilian Sausage from Hot Bunzz
Sisig Fries from Tita Flips
Watermelon Wheat from Kensington Brewery
Pork Belly Chow Mein from Parts and Labour
Iced Coffee and Brownie from Manual Labour Coffee
