Laurentian Burlesque
I went to meet two of my favourite French Canadian copains on Sat night at the Laurentian Room (Winchester & Parliament) I sat at the gorgeous long bar in the beautifully designed art-deco room. It felt like I was in another era with the vibe and decor. Their website tells us that, 'back in the days of Al Capone, the Laurentian Room was a ladies-and-escorts-only lounge.' As I got there a little early I ordered a mojito-daquiri which was interesting but a little too sweet for my liking and then noticed these little cards placed along the bar. Unless you have super human eye sight and can read it this is what it said:

Warning: Diners Discretion Advised
We would like to warn our valued patrons of the sexually explicit "Tiger Lily's Erotic Review" performed on Saturdays after 11:00. (Maybe this is why I saw a few people bolt out at 11pm?!) The content of this performance art may offend those with delicate sensibilities;
Diners Discretion Advised.
The Management

I love it - does delicate sensibilities mean losers who have not seen a little bit of nudity? Are we not over exposed to it in television, music videos or in magazines?

Well the Tiger Lily show was great, it was more Cirque du Soleil with little g-strings than anything totally erotic -it is a burlesque show which is becoming super popular again. There were two performers who came out in costumes, stripped down to their knickers and g-strings and danced along the bar...they were quite entertaining and had fantastic physiques so it was interesting to see them twist and twirl along the bar. There was also a singer on a little raised dining platform who had such a powerful voice. After a few beautiful songs - she too untied her halter dress to reveal her breasts with little nipple tassels.

All in all nothing too shocking for this day and age but I guess grandma would've had quite a shock when she saw the male dancer strutting it and removing several g-s to reveal yet another -thankfully not the real deal.

Get to the Laurentian it is a great night out, fab cocktails, the dinner menu looks great and the vibe is v.different from anything else you will experience in the Cabbagetown area. A hidden treasure.