MY PERSONAL OPINION
Sorry Chris
I have a confession. In this election, I’ve decided not to vote for Chris Moise.
LOCAL NEWS
The RIV
Broccolini has started construction on its new project at River and Labatt. It was originally planned as a condo but has since been redone as a 37-storey rental building with 350 units, a geothermal energy system and a public open space. Completion is scheduled for 2029.
Holly Clausius
One of my happy discoveries from the Festival was learning that Holly comes from Cabbagetown. She’s appeared recently at several local events including the CMI El Mocambo Showcase on September 17 and the Cabbagetown Farmers Market on September 22. She’s done tours in Canada, the US, the UK and Europe and she’s been on CBC Radio, Netflix’s Ginny & Georgia. Check out her music and her full biography on her website.
Claire’s book “Colouring Cabbagetown”
Claire has written a colouring book for adults. It’s her love letter to 35 Cabbagetown homes. She did the photos and illustrations herself. Place your order online here or drop by The Great Hall Bookshop (416 Parliament). $25.
Cabbagetown Farmers Market - new times
The Market is opening earlier through the rest of the season. Tuesday from 2:30 to 6:30 pm in Riverdale Park West (Sumach and Winchester). Alma Bakery is featuring their marinated olives. Holly Clausius is singing. Click here for more info.
Underpass Park Market
The Market is open every Thursday in Underpass Park (29 Lower River St). Click here for info about the Market and its vendors.
Allan Gardens Saturday Market
The Market is busy now - twenty vendors are scheduled for Saturday. Open from 10 am to 2 pm every Saturday outdoors at the Children’s Conservatory (19 Horticultural Ave). For more info, click here.
ELECTION NEWS
Candidates’ contact info
The City of Toronto has an official list of candidates in our Ward. It includes contact info where available. It lists the people running for offices for Mayor, Council and the various school boards.
Community meet-and-greet with Nicki Ward
The third event in the Cabbagetown South series happens on Tuesday September 22 at 6 pm. Central Neighbourhood House (349 Ontario). Register here. Check out her website here.
Corktown candidates’ debate
The Corktown, Distillery District and Canary District residents associations are hosting a candidates’ debate on Monday, September 28 at 6:30 pm in the YMCA Community Room (461 Cherry). It’s full but the online version is available - click here for the Eventrite link
Toronto Centre debate
The Bridge and the TMU journalism school are sponsoring an all-candidates debate on Wednesday October 7 at 6:30 pm in Central Neighbourhood House (349 Ontario).
FESTIVAL TIDBITS
Win a $100 gift certificate
The Cabbagetown BIA wants your views about the Festival. They’ve published an easy 3-minute survey. When your answers are entered, you’ll be eligible to win one of two $100 gift certificates. Click here.
Blair’s Run
By Thursday morning, 434 participants had signed up. $63,000 was raised to support the BGCTO Toronto Kiwanis (Cabbagetown Youth Centre). Congrats to the Carlton Comets who raised almost $13,500. Second place went to the Wellesley Wanderers with $7,000. The third place team was the BGCTK Facilities Committee at $6,200. A great crowd was running. There’s a link on the Blair’s Run website where you can see the race results and the donors list.
Cabbagetown Short Film Festival
Gina says that 175 people turned out for the program at the Central Y. Allegra Fulton directed A Small Service and was given the award for drama and for the People’s Choice. She had previously been awarded in 2009 for acting in Loonie. Oldies of the Coast from Australia won the animation award and Wedding of the Pirs from Turkey won the documentary award.
Maggie’s bling sale
Maggie’s one-day bling sale netted over $10,740 along with an additional $3,800 in pre-event sales for a total over $14,500. After five years, the sale has raised $41,960. She says, “A fabulous fundraising day! … Truthfully this event was exhausting; yet satisfying. Yes it is a ton of work but so many friends, neighbours and volunteers pitched in along the way! All doing good together and creating sense of accomplishment.” Proceeds will now be given to the Children’s Book Bank and the Cabbagetown Youth Centre.
Thanks Christina
Christina and Frank held their annual yard sale on Saturday during the Festival. They collected goodies from the community ahead of time and sold them during the sale. It’s a lot of work but the results are worthwhile. They raised over $5,000. The proceeds go directly to the Dixon Hall music school. Christina thanks everyone who came along on Saturday and also Bosley Real Estate for their support.
Cutting the cabbage on Saturday
The traditional Festival opening ceremony features slicing up a big round cabbage. This year, Evan Solomon, Olivia Chow, Chris Moise and Kristyn Wong-Tam joined Barbara Hall, Bill Renieris and Meagan Madill. Unfortunately, they each gave a speech. Bill Renieris, the BIA Chair, caught the eye of the drag queen who was nearby and watching everything and he was showered with her slightly salty and amusing comments. The Mayor had trouble slicing through her cabbage but eventually managed it. The sacrificial veggie was donated by St James Town Steak & Chops (516 Parliament).
YOUR ANNOUNCEMENTS
Cabbagetown apartment for rent
Large basement apartment with private entrance through a beautiful garden. Ideal downtown location. Fully furnished with dishes, bedding etc. Utilities and hi-speed wifi included. Living room with high ceiling, full kitchen and dining area; walk-in dressing room; bathroom with big shower; washer/dryer; bedroom. Tenant has use of part of the garden. Prefer long-term, but short-term also possible, two months minimum. Quiet responsible tenant with references essential. $1800/month, available October 1. Send an email to Beth.
BUSINESS NEWS
Nude and drapery drawing
Rapid Photo (434 Parliament) presents another in its series of life drawing sessions. Artists of all skills are welcome. Bring your own materials. Sunday September 20, 2 to 4 pm. Registration is required, click here.
IN THE MEDIA
The new Lower Don Bridge
Metrolinx new bridge over the Don River and the DVP will eventually serve the Ontario Line subway. It’s starting to take shape. blogTO has a story and impressive images to illustrate its impact. (Photo: blogTO)
Sunburn
Serville Poblete has created a love letter to St James Town in his new movie. It was filmed here and it had its premier at TIFF. “He wants locals to see a softer side of the downtown neighbourhood where he grew up.” Click here to read the story in Toronto Today. (Photo: Toronto Today)
Two local elections
Toronto Centre is shaping up as a battleground for two election campaigns. Councillor Chris Moise is facing competition from a list of contenders. Click here to read Tyler Cheese’s CBC story. At the school board, incumbent Deborah Williams (above left) is up against Tasha Kheiriddin (right) - click here for Gabe Oatley’s story in Toronto Today. (Photo: Toronto Today)
COMING EVENTS
Mural celebration
The big mural on the wall of the Cabbagetown Youth Centre/BGC Toronto Kiwanis (2 Lancaster) has been completed. A celebration is planned for Saturday September 19 between 11 am and 2 pm. There’ll be music, food and lots of friendships. Everyone is welcome.
Fred Victor’s Harvest Festival
Every year, the Fred Victor celebrates the gardeners of Regent Park and their crops with free food, prizes, music and activities. Saturday September 19, 11 am, the Big Park (620 Dundas E).
Canary clean-up
Twice a year, volunteers in the Canary District do a clean sweep in the neighbourhood. Meet at Lost Craft Brewery (Front and Tannery) at 10 am on Saturday September 20.
Cabbagetown walk
The Cabbagetown Preservation Association is hosting a walk along Parliament Street. Gilles Huot will guide you through its history and its notable buildings. Meet at Anniversary Park (Gerrard and Parliament), Sunday September 20, 9:30 am. Free.
Enoch Turner Speakers Corner
Four guests will discuss the role and the future of school boards in Ontario. Tuesday September 22, 7 pm. Enoch Turner Schoolhouse (106 Trinity). Click here for more details.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Rayah’s question
Wafa wants to know your suggestions about costs. What’s your ideal price for a dinner on her patio? She’s in shock after her regular visit to stock up on supplies at Costco. She’s sure that you feel the same way. So she’d like you to help her find a way out of all this. See her comments on Instagram. 507 Parliament.
Oktoberfest in the Distillery
Over three weekends from 2 to 9 pm - September 19 and 20, September 26 and 27 and October 3 and 4. The Pure Spirits Smoker will have a special Oktoberfest menu. The Black Forest Band will play on the Trinity Stage from 2 to 5 pm and then there’ll be live music in the Pure Spirits courtyard from 6 to 9 pm. On Sundays, there’ll be Oktoberfest Trivia with Quizmaster Jess in the courtyard from 5 to 6 pm.
Oktoberfest at Mill Street
Enjoy a special German-inspired menu, Fiest-bier lager and an exclusive Mill Street beer stein. From September 19 to October4, there’ll be live music, games and more. Mill Street (21 Tank House Lane)
Messy is back
Messy Margaret returns with her Drag Bingo to Super Bargain (441 Parliament) at 7 pm on Tuesday September 22. Prizes from Loveshop and Super Bargain.
Line dancing
Free dancing sessions in the Distillery will continue into early October. On Wednesday evenings at 6 pm, it’s for intermediate dancers. On Fridays at 6 pm, it’s for beginners.
WEEKLY CALENDAR - CLUBS & PUBS
Here’s your list, day by day, of events and specials in our clubs and pubs for the next ten days. For contact info, see the list at the bottom of this page.
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 17 TO SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 27
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 17
Johnny Gs
7 pm, Live jazz
La Gloria
4:30 pm, Practice your Spanish
Mill Street Brew Pub
7 pm, Trivia with Quizmaster Jess
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, open mic
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18
Johnny Gs
7 pm, Live jazz
Mill Street Brewpub
Noon to 4 pm, live music and DJ with brunch
Old Flame Brewery
6 pm, live music
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 19
Distillery
2 pm, Black Forest Band in Trinity Square
4:30 pm, Mill Street’s first pour in the Bier Hall
6 pm, live entertainment in Pure Spirits courtyard
Bisou
3 pm, Foie de Jour
Johnny Gs
7 pm, Live jazz
Old Flame Brewery
2 to 6 pm, live music
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 20
Distillery
2 pm, Black Forest Band in Trinity Square
2 pm, Mill Street’s first pour in the Bier Hall
5 pm, Oktoberfest Trivia with Jess in Pure Spirits courtyard
6 pm, live entertainment in Pure Spirits courtyard
Johnny Gs
7 pm, Live jazz
Old Flame Brewery
2 to 6 pm, live music
MONDAY SEPTEMBER 21
Cafe Zuzu
7 pm, live comedy and trivia
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 22
La Gloria
4:30 pm, Practice your Spanish
Old Flame
7 pm, speed dating
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 23
Golden Pigeon
8 pm, Trivia with Rachelle Lauzon
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, Trivia night
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Euchre night
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 24
Mill Street Brew Pub
7 pm, Trivia with Quizmaster Jess
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, open mic
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 25
Johnny Gs
7 pm, Live Jazz
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, live music
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 26
Distillery
2 pm, Black Forest Band in Trinity Square
2 pm, Mill Street’s first pour in the Bier Hall
6 pm, live entertainment in Pure Spirits courtyard
Bisou
4 pm, DJ Antony
Golden Pigeon
3 pm, Oktoberfest party
Johnny Gs
7 pm, Live Jazz
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live music
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 27
Distillery
2 pm, Black Forest Band in Trinity Square
2 pm, Mill Street’s first pour in the Bier Hall
5 pm, Oktoberfest Trivia with Jess in Pure Spirits courtyard
6 pm, live entertainment in Pure Spirits courtyard
Johnny Gs
5 pm, Live jazz
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live music
CONTACT INFO
Alphabetical lists for restaurants in Cabbagetown, Canary District, Corktown, Distillery and Regent Park.
Cabbagetown
Bisou - 350 Berkeley (at Gerrard), (437) 971-7150
Blondies - 419 Parliament, (437) 341-1555
Butter Chicken Factory - 560 Parliament, (416) 964-7583
Chew Chew’s Diner - 186 Carlton, (416) 323-0068
China Gourmet - 235 Carlton, (416) 515-0088
Church’s Texas Chicken - 537 Parliament, (416) 519-3846
Desi Bit3S - 568 Parliament, (416) 928-9731
Epos Coffee - 290 Gerrard E
Falcha Fusion - upstairs, 568 Parliament, (416) 926-9141
F’Amelia - 12 Amelia, (416) 323-0666
Gushi - 296 Gerrard E (at Parliament), (437) 241-1710
Hakka Bistro - 398 Parliament, (416) 944-3033
Hakka & Jerk - 296A Gerrard E, (647) 643-5405
House on Parliament - 454 Parliament, (416) 925-4074
Jet Fuel - 519 Parliament, (416) 968-9982
Johnny G’s - 478 Parliament, (647) 368-3877
Ju Sushi Bar - 383 Dundas E, (416) 594-0383
Kibo - 533 Parliament, (647) 352-3788
Kingyo Fisherman’s Market - 51B Winchester, (647) 748-2121
L’Avenue - 583 Parliament, (647) 368-8008
La Gloria Mexican Coffee - 453 Parliament, (647) 806-6383
Luis H - 556 Parliament, (416) 964-1000
Madras Curry - 178 Carlton, (416) 323-0000
Maya Bay - 252 Carlton, (416) 924-8989
Mikaku Udon Bar - 229 Carlton, (416) 323-0033
Momo Ghar - 568 Parliament, (416) 920-8224
My Pandan Cake - 246 Gerrard E, , (416) 276-6698
New Retro - 193 Carlton, (416) 519-8511
New Town - 413 Parliament, (437) 777-8260
Noushe - 200 Carlton, (416) 466-9595
Pastor Tacos - 245 Gerrard E, (647) 687-1175
Phosome - 482 Parliament, (416) 551-6395
Playground Cafe - 492 Parliament, (437) 799-5248
Poopathi Mess - 585 Parliament, (416) 923-4243
Rayah - 505 Parliament,
Red Cranberries - 601 Parliament, (416) 925-6330
Saigon Pai - 446 Parliament, (416) 920-8424
Salt & Tobacco - 521 Parliament, (647) 348-2993
Shalom Ethiopian - 587 Parliament, (416) 964-7271
Souvlaki Express - 484 Parliament, (416) 637-6777
Stout Irish Pub - 221 Carlton, (647) 344-7676
Super Bargain - 441 Parliament, (416) 266-6471
Tasso - 540 Parliament
Tender Trap - 580 Parliament, (416) 920-5147
Thai Room - 243 Carlton, (647) 352-8424
The Golden Pigeon - 424 Parliament, (416) 392-1039
The Vibrational Apothecary - 243 Gerrard E
Urban Thai - 415 Parliament, (416) 513-1020
Wing House - 420 Parliament, (416) 968-0294
Wing Machine - 443 Parliament, (416) 961-1000
Zakkushi on Carlton - 193 Carlton, (647) 352-9455
Zero Cocktail Bar - 223 Carlton, (416) 920-9376
Canary District
barBurrito - 464 Front E, (416) 601-1777
Cherry Street BBQ - 275 Cherry, (416) 461-5111
Fuel+ - 469 Front E, (416) 306-6480
Keating Channel - 2 Villiers, (416) 572-0030
Lost Craft Brewery - 482 Front E
Region - 475 Front E, (416) 864-0800
Souk Tabule - 494 Front E, (416) 583-5914
SukhoTHAI - 460 Front, (416) 777-2092
Corktown
Banknote Bar - 474 Adelaide E, (416) 367-7327
Berkeley Cafe - 262 The Esplanade, (416) 825-0504
Decoy Bar - 370 Queen E
East Coast Donair - 314 Parliament
Figs - 344 Queen E, (416) 913-7205
Fusilli - 531 Queen E, (416) 214-5148
Gusto 501 - 501 King E, (416) 477-5647
Impact Kitchen - 573 King E, (416) 306-1986
King Solomon & Queen of Sheba Ethiopian - 360 Queen E, (416) 368-9002
Ladybug Wine Bar - 514 King E, (437) 222-0142
Mengrai Thai - 82 Ontario, (416) 840-2754
Signature Bar - 320 Queen E, (416) 996-6004
Sumach Espresso - 118 Sumach, (647) 351-3833
The Rosebud - 498 Queen E, (647) 531-1388
Wood 900 Grill+ Bar - 372 Queen E, (416) 363-1571
Distillery
Arena Coffee Bar - 15 Tank House Lane
Arvo - 17 Grist Mill Lane, (647) 352-2786
Balzac - 1 Trinity St, (416) 207-1709
Boku Japanese - 42 Gristmill Lane, (416) 368-8686
Brick Street Bakery - 27 Trinity St,
Cluny - 35 Tank House Lane, (416) 203-2632
Eataly - 21 Trinity
El Catrin - 18 Tank House Lane, (416) 203-2121
Jardin Kitchen & Juice Bar - 28 Gristmill Lane, (416) 203-2363
Madrina - 2 Trinity St, (416) 548-8055
Mill Street Brew Pub - 21 Tank House Lane, (416) 681-0338
Old Flame Brewery- 45 Tank House Lane, (416) 360-1209
Pure Spirits - 17 Tank House Lane, (416) 361-5859
Scooped by Demetres - 46 Gristmill Lane,(416) 988-2482
SpiritHouse Toronto - 16 Trinity St, (416) 948-9926
Spirit of York - 12 Trinity, (416) 777-0001
Young Centre Cafe - 50 Tank House Lane, (416) 866-8666
Regent Park
Cafe Zuzu - 555 Dundas E, (416) 815-2660
Liberty Pizza - 657 Dundas E
