Casual Meetups Toronto

Short Reads Social #14: "Do we have 'good' taste in food?"

Short-Read Socials are back! Come meet with like-minded and unlikeminded people to talk about the topic of the month. This time, we're thinking about **our tastes in food.** *What does it mean to have 'good taste' or even 'better taste' than others? How do we determine which food is 'superior'? What does it mean for dishes to be 'authentic' and for us to want to eat 'authentic' food?* \-\-\- **\*\*\*Note: this event and future events (at least until 2027) will be on second and last Wednesdays! we won't be there on Tuesday :(** \-\-\- **How does it work?** * The event is casual. You can talk to anyone there with or without our prompt sheets, either about the month's topic or about whatever you want. * Open philosophical discussion, including for controversial topics, is welcome but be respectful :) * If you've read/watched/heard anything related to the topic of the month, feel free to bring it in! Not necessarily physically, but you can if you want... * If not, here are some thought-provoking reads to start you off (read as many or as few as you want): * [The Life and Death of the American Foodie](https://www.eater.com/food-culture/911138/foodie-history-american-food-culture?src=longreads) * [Yelp: Everybody Gets a Star](https://www.eater.com/24200672/yelp-effect-on-restaurants-culture-review-everything?src=longreads) * [On culinary authenticity ](https://nextcloud.quackhouse.ca/s/LWk86W57YAaGgJ7) * (I appreciated the whole article but you could skip to Section 3: Reasons for Valuing Culinary Authenticity on p. 9 if you're short on time) * [Why You Can’t Get a Restaurant Reservation ](https://www.newyorker.com/news/our-local-correspondents/why-you-cant-get-a-restaurant-reservation)(paywall free version [here](https://archive.is/20240422101420/https://www.newyorker.com/news/our-local-correspondents/why-you-cant-get-a-restaurant-reservation)) * Feel free to post other recommendations (blogs, movies, tv episodes, video essays, etc.) in the comments! \-\-\- Finally, Short Read Socials have a 'pay what you can' policy. They'll always be free to attend--but if you've been having a good time with us and want to pass along a couple of bucks to help cover Meetup platform costs for future events, there is a contribution bucket on the table that night and a [Paypal](https://paypal.me/bookclubforhumans?country.x=CA&locale.x=en_US) link :)

PUB CHESS LIBERTY | TUESDAY TOURNAMENT & CASUAL CHESS

Join us Tuesday at Left Field Brewery for five rounds of quick chess, followed by casual games. New players are welcome, and experienced tournament players will find plenty of competition. The tournament is casual and unrated, with results counting toward the Pub Chess Liberty Leaderboard: [https://www.torontochessclub.com/leaderboard](https://www.torontochessclub.com/leaderboard) DETAILS Boards open: 8:00 PM Round 1: 8:30 PM Format: Five rounds of 5+3 Tournament ends: Around 10:15 PM Casual games: Until 11:00 PM Entry: $10 by cash or card Advance registration: Not required Left Field Brewery 40 Hanna Avenue, Suite G1 Toronto, Ontario Schedule updates: [https://www.instagram.com/toronto_chess_club](https://www.instagram.com/toronto_chess_club)

Trivia at C'est What - the OG Toronto Beer Bar - Front Street

Let's go back to C'est What for an evening of trivia. Remember they do not take reservations so it is always good to get there early. Often, the bar fills up fast and people have to be turned away. Thank you to all of those who get there right at 6 pm to get us the huge middle table which we have shared between our two teams. We have often won in the past. Let's try to live up to our legacy, I have set the limit to 16 for now as that is usually the upper limit for 2 teams. �� Arrive 6pm or so; first question starts 7p � � We have some great prizes lined up for you, win or lose you’re guaranteed a great time with your favourite craft beer in h n �. � Located Inside \| 67 Front t\ � E � Great ambiance, craft beer and comfort food all sourced from Toronto’s finest! Can’t wait to see you there

Casual Walk - Union Station to Stadium Road Park (Free)

Join us for a scenic waterfront walk starting from the heart of downtown Toronto — Union Station — and making our way toward Stadium Road Park. We’ll enjoy a relaxed stroll through some of Toronto’s most iconic areas, taking in city views, waterfront scenery, and the fresh lake breeze. This is a great opportunity to get some steps in, explore the city, and connect with fellow meetup members in a casual outdoor setting. **What to expect:** ✅ Easy-paced walk with plenty of time to chat ✅ Beautiful downtown and waterfront views ✅ A chance to meet new people and catch up with friends ✅ Relaxed, social atmosphere Whether you’re new to the group or a regular member, everyone is welcome! **Meeting details:** 📍 **Start:** Union Station 🏁 **End:** Stadium Road Park 🚶 Distance: Approximately 3 - 4km ⏱️ Duration: Approximately 1 hour 👟 Pace: Easy / social pace Bring comfortable shoes, water, and your good vibes. Looking forward to walking with everyone! 😊 💬 **Stay Connected:** **[Join WhatsApp Group Chat](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeV7PTQJLHF_vOb6ND0PxA0jHX3JYviVJR7BNsByG8PUMzR3w/viewform)**

Freestyle Socials: Dazed and Confused

Watch a comedian summarize important science. Badly. Dozens of new papers explore how to fix trust in media/polarization. But who's got the time to read all that?! Instead, we had host of Dirty Science Comedy [Lexa Graham](https://rfrtpc7s.r.us-west-2.awstrack.me/L0/https:%2F%2Flexagraham.ca%2F/1/010101a0d3f296c0-e2f2a81a-5e69-408d-b54b-e3544b34afd7-000000/5tnH1hJzE_Lql76TNClYt27ZUTs=474) skim through the most important ones and put together hilariously half-baked PowerPoints. Have a laugh as Social Scientist/CBC Host [Anthony Morgan](https://www.anthonymorganscience.com/) and Misinformation researcher [Aviva ](https://rfrtpc7s.r.us-west-2.awstrack.me/L0/https:%2F%2Fwww.avivaphilippmuller.com%2F/1/010101a0d3f296c0-e2f2a81a-5e69-408d-b54b-e3544b34afd7-000000/YxkEMgvOQcgQiE8Y20A1jup9xto=474)[Phillip-Muller](https://rfrtpc7s.r.us-west-2.awstrack.me/L0/https:%2F%2Fwww.avivaphilippmuller.com%2F/2/010101a0d3f296c0-e2f2a81a-5e69-408d-b54b-e3544b34afd7-000000/r5k0CdUQy49PoRqAbw4E2wCwwlY=474) correct her most egregious errors. Then help them decide the merits of each paper in Freestyle Socials fashion! Never tried Freestyle Socials? They're[ simple](https://freestyle-socials-marketing.base44.app/view/6ab52aa6606d598d180b9047). **THE HOST:** Asks a question like "Should we pee in the shower?" **YOU:** Pick a side. **THEN:** Share ideas about why your friends might switch! **THE ONLY RULE?** Switch sides anytime you're surprised or laughing! **THE GOAL?** Better conversations in 3 easy steps: Disagree. Laugh. Repeat! Example Questions: * If it turned out most food had spiders in it, would you wanna know? * Health Canada stars recommending eating dirt. Eat it? * Should we sit or stand to wipe our butts? (We swear all related to the research believe it or not!) Help a comedian, TV Host and a misinformation expert explore science's newest ideas about why the world is falling apart (and how to fix it) for a night of interactive comedy! **[>>Get Tickets<<](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/dazed-and-confused-divided-we-laugh-tickets-1998797717780)** This game is supported by the [RCIScience](https://www.rciscience.ca/) **Event Agenda:** **\*\*6:30 PM — 7:30\*\*** Pre-event Social hour **\*\*7:30 PM — Welcome\*\*** A quick hello, then we get into it. **\*\*7:40 PM — Warm-up\*\*** Funny questions, audience participation, and a playful introduction to the theme. **\*\*7:50–8:25 PM — PowerPoint Round One\*\*** Two surprising research ideas, translated into comedy, conversation, and weird questions for the room. **\*\*8:25 PM — Interactive Break\*\*** Grab a drink, meet someone new, and try a question from the card game. **\*\*8:50–9:25 PM — PowerPoint Round Two\*\*** More science, more surprisingly fun questions, and more chances to hear how other people see the world. **\*\*9:25 PM — Final Interactive Moment + Closing\*\*** One last question together, followed by closing remarks. **\*\*Expect:\*\*** comedy, actual science, small-group conversations, audience participation, and a throwable microphone.

Ottawa Long-Term Focused Zoom Speed Dating

**UPDATE: This event has been rescheduled and is now set to begin at 5:00 PM on Sun, Oct 4 (local time).** Virtual speed dating hosted over Zoom for singles in Ottawa. Experience rapid individual rounds with matches based on age, all from the comfort of your home. Simply RSVP and we will contact you with further information. Availability is restricted and the gathering might be called off if participation is insufficient.

Toronto Interactive Singles Night from Home

**UPDATE: This gathering has been rescheduled and is moving to a 5:00 PM start time on Sun, Oct 4 (local time).** Virtual speed dating hosted over Zoom for singles throughout Toronto. Participate in rapid individual rounds, grouped by age, all from the comfort of your home. Simply confirm your attendance and we will contact you with the complete information. Availability is restricted and the event might be called off if participation is insufficient.

TOPHATs Village Idiots and Rock Stars at the AGO

Join Lawrence, your top hatted host for and evening of Beer and Free Entry to the AGO. On Monday, get your FREE pass to the AGO by following this link. https://ago.ca/visit/free-wednesday-night At 6 pm, we will Meet-up at the Village Idiot for our social. They have a great selection of import and craft beers. Lots of good local dishes to enjoy. At 7 pmish, we will cross the street to the AGO to gain FREE entry. I recommend taking a screen shot of your pass on your phone to enable fast access. Our first exhibit will be Melissa Auf der Maur: My ‘90s Rock Photographs on https://ago.ca/exhibitions/melissa-auf-der-maur-my-90s-rock-photographs Then we will meander our way over to the The Marvin Gelber Print and Drawing Study Centre, where we will see prints, drawings and photographs. https://ago.ca/research/print-and-drawing-centre

THE GREAT TORONTO SLICE-BY-SLICE PIZZA CRAWL!

TOPHATs Asian Comedy $$ and Waterworks Happy Hour

Join Lawrence, your top hatted host, for an evening of Crafty goodness, Local food and Asian Comedy. At 5:30pmish we will meet-up at the Waterwork Bar. I'll be there a little early to secure a table for our group, so look for my top hat. https://www.waterworksfoodhall.com/restaurants/waterworks-bar There are lots of food options in the Waterwork Food Hall. My eye is on Hanoi Bites Vietnamese sandwich, though Rasta Pasta may be my meal if I am more hungry. https://www.waterworksfoodhall.com/restaurants At 7pmish we will walk over to The Rivoli, where we’re escaping Thanksgiving with an all-Asian comedy lineup featuring headliner Rahul Topiwala, birthday boy and host Anto Man-Ming Chan, Alia Rasul, Rush Kazi and Jordan Hanoun. Big laughs, great comedians, and absolutely no obligation to sit through your racist uncle’s dinner-table material. Follow the link below for your tickets on Eventbrite $22.90 or you can pay more at the Door. [asiancomedyallstars.eventbrite.com](https://asiancomedyallstars.eventbrite.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAcGRvZgVicmlkETEwNGpuU2h6OUtrNFZucnRQc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHvY-guwsm5bXVN7IJxWFHjc9CBZ4MARk97Xg8cCPf_X1q-u6czMfJceDrJ45_aem_9fpi8sYDZUWdwW_o4NpQLg)

Mississauga Find a Serious Partner Online

**UPDATE: This event has been rescheduled and is now set to begin at 5:00 PM on Sun, Oct 4 (local time).** Virtual speed dating hosted on Zoom for singles living in Mississauga. Participate in brief individual rounds where you are paired by age, all while relaxing in your own home. Simply confirm your attendance and we will contact you with every necessary detail. Availability is restricted and the gathering might be called off if participation is insufficient.

Badminton Enthusiast

ATTENTION: Due to many first timers signed up the event but no show, I have no choice to charge the first timers $10 per person as deposit via etransfer to me no later then Friday night. There is no refund for no show. If you show up, then I will pay the balance back to you at the end of the badminton event. My email address is: [lingseilau@yahoo.com](mailto:lingseilau@yahoo.com) Racket & Birdies: Everyone has to bring your own racket and at least one birdie with you. Court fee: It will be informed at the comment section by 4pm. Cost per person is either $216 (for 4 courts), $162 (for 3 courts) or $108 (for 2 courts) divided by the number of players attended. My email address for etransfer is: [lingseilau@yahoo.com](mailto:lingseilau@yahoo.com)