Toronto museum opening a new hidden speakeasy

You'll soon be able to spend a "night at the museum," thanks to a temporary speakeasy that's opening at a Toronto gallery in celebration of its 125th birthday.

Starting May 16, the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) will be opening up its historic Grange Library for a speakeasy event every Wednesday and Friday night. The event includes a three-course cocktail menu served alongside food pairings that "retell the stories of the AGO." 

The Grange, which is now a national historic site, was built in 1817 for D’Arcy Boulton Jr. and his wife Sarah Anne, and was the first home of the AGO. 

The first cocktail that will be served at the event is the "Prohibition Punch," made with El Gobernador Pisco, chamomile tea, pineapple and lemon, and served alongside the Beggar's Bindle (fig, brie, toasted walnut and honey). 

You'll get to choose between four cocktails with your main course: "Monet's Garden" (Hendrick's gin, Briottet Violette, Elora cassis, chamomile-infused rum), "Willow Water" (Ron Zacapa 23-year aged rum, El Dorado 12-year aged rum, Flor de Cana 7-year aged rum, Luxardo cherry liqueur), "Silver Rail" (Spirit of York vodka, Aalborg Akvavit, Chartreuse, lavender-mint syrup), or "Flossie's Immortal Spirit" (cedar-infused Leblon Cachaca, chili-infused honey syrup). 

Food pairing options for the main meal include a choice between Southern fried chicken or Southern fried cauliflower, both served with sweet potato fries and Old Bay buttermilk dressing. 

To finish, you'll be served the "To Harriet" cocktail, made with Grand Marnier, Galliano, Aztec chocolate bitters, fresh orange juice, cream and chocolate flake, and served with a pineapple upside-down cake (complete with maraschino cherry and caramel sauce). 

There's also a buzz-free menu full of mocktails to choose from if you want to avoid drinking. 

The event runs at $50 per person (plus tax and gratuity), and includes complimentary admission to the gallery. Bookings are available for a limited time only, and start times range between 5 to 7:10 p.m. 

The AGO is located at 317 Dundas St. W.