🦝 Small Plates, Courtyards, and Drinking For a Cause

Happy day after snow Toronto,

I hope everyone’s enjoying these Olympics. Cheering for Mitch Marner and against Auston Matthews is causing me a lot of mental anguish but I’m working through it.

I want to give a rare West End Raccoon film reco: you need to watch “Nirvanna The Band The Show The Movie”. The title is insanely bad for marketing but I’d put it up there as one of the funniest Canadian productions of the past 20 years. The gist of the movie is that two friends travel back in time to Toronto in 2008 - if you’re into the stuff in these newsletters you’ll definitely be into this move.

Let’s get into it.

West End Updates

Changes coming for the OG Libretto

I know what some of you are thinking: “What is this newsletter, the Pizza Report?” But if changes are happening to iconic pie joints like the OG Pizza Libretto on Ossington, we simply have to cover it. In this case, Libretto’s original location is getting a new name (Bar Libretto) and menu makeover, with a focus on cocktails, small bites, and pasta. Oh – don’t worry, there will still be pizza.

Check out their website here

Parkdale bar is going Co-op

Aren’t things always better when people co-operate? The folks at Danu Social House in Parkdale sure think so. They’re moving to a co-op ownership model led by both the owners and the people they serve, with an aim to reinvest their profits back into the community and into causes they believe in. Want to get a drink and give back? Check out Danu Social House.

Check out their website here

Fancy House of the Week

Okay we’re dipping back into fancy houses because I always walked past this one a couple time and and always wondered what it looked like inside. This is 974 Lansdowne, near the intersection with Dupont, and it’s amazing. Beautiful architecture and natural light, really cool interior courtyards and balconies, and an elevated Japanese maple garden.

They also give you a nice bit of ChatGPT in the listing “This is not merely a residence, it is an architectural landmark that embodies balance, timelessness, connectivity and calm within the heart of the city.”

For the low low price of $9.75 million, check it out here.

Events

If you have an event you’d like included in a future West End Raccoon, please submit it here.

Friday

The Toronto Motorcycle and Powersports Show @ Enercare Centre- Friday 11am-Sunday 5pm
VROOOOOOM VROOOOOM!!!! Details

All You Can Eat Spaghetti Dinner Fundraising Event @ Roncesvalle United Church - Friday 6pm-8:30pm
ALL you can eat?! Spaghetti? That’s a bold promise indeed. I for one can eat a LOT of spaghetti. Details

2nd Annual Celebration of Black Classical Music: Chamber Music edition @ Anette Studios - Friday 7:30pm
"Our 2nd annual celebration of Black excellence in classical music in honour of black history month. Featuring a talk by author and academic, Dr. Cheryl Thompson!" Details

Hogtown Hop-Solocial Jazz Edition @ Revue Cinema - Friday 8pm
I’ll never not endorse any event that calls Toronto Hogtown. Plus Jazz! Details

Heated Rivalry Rave Night with Nude DJ @ 627 Bloor St W - Friday 9pm - Sat 1am
Um. Well. Yeah! For fans of hockey and nudity (fans of hockey locker rooms I guess?) this will surely be the event of the year. Details

Night at the Rock Opera @ 1162 Bloor St. W - Friday 9pm
A whole six ten minute rock musicals! For when only five simply isn’t enough. Details

Bond VS Helm night! @ MOCA - Friday 8-11:45pm
Back to back Bond/Bond knockoff movies! Plus popcorn and darts! Minus paying for admission! Details

Saturday

Drawing In Perspective Beginner Program Saturdays @ 1515 Bloor St. W - Saturday 1:30pm
(The capitlization was the official choice of the organizers) "PERSPECTIVE is the FOUNDATION of DRAWING and EVERY ARTIST should learn this essential knowledge & skill FIRST.” Details

Queer Gayme Dive @ Penny’s - Saturday 4-7PM
I’ll admit I got a chuckle out of “Gayme.” This queer-focused game night is free to attend, and welcomes allies too! Details

How to make the Year of the Horse the best year of your life @ 2425 Bloor St W - Saturday 4-7pm
Want to learn practical Chinese astrology tips from a Ukrainian? Then this session is for you! Details

Masquerade Dance Party @ The Palais Royale - Saturday 7:30pm
Another dance party, but this time with masks on! Complimentary masks and beads are supplied, and I hear it’s a great place to mingle as a single, if you catch my drift… Details

Between the Sheets @ Book People - Saturday 8:30-11:00pm
Like a steamy page turner? You’ll be right at home with at this cozy, smutty gathering for lovers of spicy literature. Details

Rebel Yell Retro 80's & 90's Dance Party @ Dovercourt House - Saturday 9PM
You know we couldn’t just leave you with a measely 2 dance party options. For people who like a little ‘80s with their ‘90s check out The Dovercourt House this Saturday Details

TangoLoft Saturday @ Dovercourt House - Saturday 9pm-1am
"TangoLoft Milonga is at a SPECIAL LOCATION this Saturday February 21, 2026" Details

It's all good '90's Music Video Dance Party @ The Piston - Saturday 10pm-2am
Remember the glorious times before AI? No, not the 2010s. Not even the 00’s! I’m talkin the 90’s — all lovers of this decade should head to The Piston on Saturday for a dance party. Details

Toronto Comedy All Stars at Comedy Bar (Bloor) @ Comedy Bar - Saturday 10:30pm
Fancy a laugh? Head on over to the Bloor Comedy Club and get treated to some all-star chuckles. Details

Sunday and Monday

Ravensburger Puzzle Competition @ Snakes & Lattes- Sunday 11:15am
They said it couldn’t be done — that puzzles simply couldn’t get more exciting. But Ravensburger is proving that wrong by offering competetive puzzle-offs. Details

The Amazing Nina Simone: Documentary & Discussion @ Revue Cinema - Sunday 12:30pm
“We will be screening the documentary "The Amazing Nina Simone," written, directed and produced by Vancouver-born Jeff Lieberman, who studied production at Ryerson University (now TMU)." Details

TFS Presents an Italian Double Feature: Il Sorpasso and Orchestra Rehearsal! @ Paradise Theatre - Sunday 1:30pm
Mama Mia! Two films for the price of one! Details

WELCOME LUNAR NEW YEAR! @ 87 Wade Ave - Sunday 1-4pm
If you like eggtarts and red envelopes as much as I do, I’d head on over to this event — maybe brush up on your mahjong first. Details

Nature Through a Lens: A Deep Dive Into High Park's Wildlife @ 375 Colborne Lodge Dr. - Sunday 3:30pm
You know there are different animals in High Park than dogs right? You didn’t?! Oh, well this is practically a must attend for you. Details

Pet First Aid & CPR Class @ Pack of Paws Doggy Daycare - Monday 630PM
Wanna up your pet owner game? Take a course on pet first aid, and be prepared when your pet needs it the most! Details

Thank you!

Thanks for reading the West End Raccoon!

As always, if you know a friend or family member who might be interested, please share the newsletter with them: www.westendraccoon.ca

Have a great weekend, and talk to you next Thursday!
Xavier