CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD REVIEW

This week’s image:  Ice storm damage

NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS

Storm damage
Our area dodged much of the suffering that others experienced from last week’s ice storm.  For the stores on the west side of Parliament at Wellesley, there was a problem with damaged telephone and internet cables from Rogers. 
At Under The Table (568B Parliament), Betty Ann and Kimberley found that customers are worried that they had gone out of business.  In fact, they’re still alive and well and they want us to remember the NOW Magazine review that praised their hospitality. 

LGBTQ family planning courses
The Sherbourne Health Centre and the Queer Parenting Programs at the 519 are holding three series of courses for family planning through the early New Year.  Daddies & Papas 2B runs on Wednesdays from February 19 to May 7.  Dykes Planning Tykes covers the same period, February 19 to May 7 plus there’s a Dykes Planning Tykes intensive weekend on April 25 to 27.  Find out more at the website.  

In the media

Photo:  Ben Peterson selfie, Toronto Star
The Toronto Star published several stories about “People to watch” in 2014.  Cabbagetown resident Ben Peterson was featuered for his work on Newsana, a service that gathers significant, high-quality news stories, analysis and ideas. 
 
Photo: Toronto Star
The Star’s architecture writer,Christopher Hume, summed up his reactions to 2013 achievements and applauded the new Bridgepoint hospital (14 St Matthews Rd) as a reinvention of hospital buildings.  He also singled out the Ontario Elementary Teachers Federation building (136 Isabella) for its beauty, sustainability, sensitivity and intelligence. 
 
Photo: Waterfront Toronto
In the Globe & Mail, architecture writer Alex Bozikovic singled out Corktown Common as a breathtaking vision - a beautiful park, a significant protection against flooding in downtown Toronto and a neighbourhood facility for Corktown and the new Pan Am village area.

Congrats Nagesan
Nagesan is the son of Nages and Raj at Absolute Bakery (589 Parliament).  He’s popping up behind the counter to extend his friendly service to everyone walking in the door.  That’s his in-between work.  In real life, he’s just graduated from McMaster and is now applying to medical schools.  Best wishes and well-deserved congratulations for your success so far.

Good news about the Don Valley Trail
Photo: Cycle Write Blog
Keith Lawrance at the Cabbagetown Residents Association points out that the City of Toronto is asking for bids for architectural and design services for the reconstruction of the pedestrian and bike trail along the Don River from Pottery Road south to Corktown Common. The City’s description is very encouraging.  The project will attack difficult areas along the trail and provide extra access points at Gerrard and Dundas.  The project can be seen at the City’s website. 

New music programs

The Local GEST (424 Parliament) is introducing a jazz program on alternate Sundays from 4:30 to 7:30 pm.  The first event was held last weekend with Nathaniel Hiltz.  Salsa nights will happen on Saturdays. Watch for specifics in the next few weeks.

Photo:  Ariane Smolderen
Paint Box Bistro (555 Dundas E) has announced an ambitious jazz series starting with Randy Weston’s African rhythms on January 11.  Six events (plus a separate CD release) are lined up through to February 15.  The evenings are a joint project with the Jazz Performance Education Centre. Before each performance, students from Ontario’s jazz colleges will perform from 6:30 pm Paint Box has a jazz and dinner package with a 3-course prix fixe dinner for two at $110 per person.

Holiday hours
Several businesses are taking special breaks over the New Year’s season.  Paint Box (555 Dundas) is closed until January 6.  Merryberry (559 Parliament) is open for shorter hours from 11 am to 3 pm for lunch and brunch until January 5.  The Shop at Daniel et Daniel is closed until January 5.

Cabbagetown South Residents
Photo: Cabbagetown South Christmas party
The association is holding its 2014 Annual General Meeting at 7 pm on Wednesday January 8 at Retsina (209 Gerrard E). Don Purvis, the current chair, is stepping down so there’ll be an election to replace him along with other Board members.  If you’re interested in serving on the Board please email info@cabbagetownsouth.ca This is a very lively group that's made a steady contribution over the past year.  Our thanks and congrats to Don and his colleagues for their efforts.

Theatre announcements

The Alumnae Theatre (70 Berkeley, 416-364-4170) will stage Christopher Fry’s “The Lady’s Not for Burning” from January 24 to February 8.  Ticket info available here. 

Tribes by Nina Raine is next up at the Canadian Stage (26 Berkeley, 416-368-3110) from February 2 to March 2. Info here.

At Soulpepper  (50 Tank House Ln, 416-866-8666), Idiot’s Delight runs from January 23 to April 1.  The Norman Conquests come back on February 10 to April 8. Two concerts in the Salon series, Berlin to Broadway and Aboard the Orient Express, are on stage February 13, 15, 25 and 26.  For tickets and info, click here. 

George Brown College presents The Country Wife from February 5 to 15 at the Young Centre (50 Tankhouse Ln, 416-866-8666).  Tickets and info here. 

NEW YEAR’S EVE
Here’s a listing of who’s doing what on Tuesday night and who’s open or closed on Wednesday.  Reservations are often recommended. 

Restaurants & pubs
Alice’s Place (554 Parliament, 647-931-9088)
Archeo (31 Trinity St, Distillery, 416-815-9898)
Best Breakfast (434 Parliament, 416-924-5266)
8 am to 6:30 pm, NY Eve.  Brunch, 9:30 am to 2 pm, NY Day
Butter Chicken Factory (556 Parliament, 416-964-7583)
Lunch 11 am to 3 pm and dinner 5 to 10 pm, NY Eve.  Closed NY Day.
Cranberries (601 Parliament, 416-925-6330)
Closed NY Eve.  Brunch and regular menu, 11 am to 11 pm, NY Day
 
F’Amelia (12 Amelia, 416-323-0666)
Regular menu plus butter poached lobster, venison or truffle risotto. Enjoy dinner here and then party next door, 5 pm to 10 pm, NY Eve. Closed NY Day
Extended F’Amelia (8 Amelia, 416-323-0666)
Ring in the New Year here with parties and surprises, 5 pm to 2 am NY Eve.  Closed NY Day
Gilead Café & Wine Bar (4 Gilead Place, 647-288-0680)
Regular service from 5:30 pm on NY Eve.  Closed NY Day.
Ginger (252 Carlton, 416-923-7979)
Regular menu, 11 am to 10 pm, NY Eve and NY Day.
Hey Lucy (229 Carlton, 416-901-9777)
11:30 am to closing, NY Eve.  Brunch and $3.99 caesar’s to 2 pm, $4.49 martinis all day, open 11 am to midnight, NY Day
House on Parliament (454 Parliament, 416-925-4074)
Reservations available, 3 and 4 course prix fixe with a glass of prosecco, $60 or $70, Dunc’s Midnight Dance Party, from 6 pm, NY Eve.  Regular hours with brunch from 11 am to 3 pm, NY Day.
Johnny G’s (478 Parliament, 416-928-1358)
Brunch and regular menus, 8 am to 5 pm, NY Eve and NY Day
Kibo (533 Parliament)
Regular menu, noon to 11 pm, NY Eve.  Closed NY Day.
Kingyo (51B Winchester)
Regular menu, 5:30 to 11:30 pm NY Eve.  Closed NY Day
Local GEST (424 Parliament, 416-961-9425)
Glass of bubbly and 3 course prix fixe dinner at two seatings, 6 and 9 pm, $55. Bar service plus music by DJ Mike Reid, no cover. 6 pm to closing, NY Eve.  Bar service only, noon to 6 pm, NY Day.
Merryberry (559 Parliament, 647-348-0411)
Lunch and brunch, 11 am to 3 pm, NY Eve.  Closed NY Day.
Omi (241 Carlton, 416-920-8991)
Regular menu, lunch from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm and dinner from 4:30 to 10:30 pm, NY Eve and NY Day
Peartree (507 Parliament, 416-962-8190)
3 course dinner for two, $60, 11:30 am to midnight, NY Eve.  Regular service and brunch, 10 am to 11 pm, NY Day.
Paint Box (555 Dundas E, 647-748-0555)
Closed until January 6
Pho-U (398 Parliament, 647-865-7118)
Regular menu, 11 am to 9 pm, NY Eve.  Closed, NY Day.
Rashna’a (307 Wellesley E, 416-929-2099)
Regular menu to 7 pm, NY Eve.  Regular hours and menu, NY Day.
Under the Table (568 Parliament, 647 – 351-1533)
Regular menu to 6 pm, NY Eve.  Regular hours and menu for lunch and dinner, NY Day.

Young Thailand (446 Parliament, 416-920-8424)
Regular menu, 11 am to 10 pm, NYE.  4 pm to 10 pm, NY Day.

Entertainment & New Year’s Eve Parties
Dominion on Queen (500 Queen E, 416-368-6893)
Hot Club of Django with Wayne Nakamura, 8:30 pm  NY Eve.  Closed NY Day
El Catrin Destileria (Distillery, 416-203-2121)
NY Eve chef’s tasting menu at $110 pp ($90 pp vegetarian option), drink pairing option $60 and $90 pp and after party from 10:30 pm, $35 pp. 
Flying Beaver Dining Room (488 Parliament, 647-347-6567)
Regular menu, no cover. Dancing after 10 pm, $5, 3 pm to 2 am, NY Eve.  Lunch 11 am to 3 pm, NY Day.
Flying Beaver Cabaret (above contact info)
Maggie Cassella “Because I said so” at 8 pm, dinner specials, complimentary bubbly at midnight, dance party.  $25 show tickets plus $30 dinner/drinks.  Closed NY Day.
Mill Street Brew Pub (21 Tank House Ln, 416-681-0338)
Full menu with chef’s special and live music by Shane Thomas to 3 am, NY Eve.  Open 11 am to 2 am on NY Day.
Mill Street Beer Hall, (21 Tank House Lane, 416-681-0338)
4-course dinner with beer pairings by the Brewmaster and music by DJ Humble Mike, to 3 am NY Eve.  Open noon to 11 pm, NY Day
Photo: Toronto Star Sabrina Melchiori
Stout Irish Pub  (221 Carlton, 647-344-7676)
New Year’s Eve party with hors d’oeuvres, party favours and champagne, $10, NY Eve.  Brunch from 11 am,  NY Day.
Winchester Stage & Bar (51A Winchester, 416-323-0051)
Geekalicious New Year’s party, no cover, 9 pm, NY Eve.  Karaoke with Jason Rolland, 10 pm, NY Day

Basic supplies, coffee and bakeries
Absolute Bakery (589 Parliament, 416-929-2700)
7 am to 10 pm, NY Eve and NY Day
Beer Store (534 Parliament, 227 Gerrard E, 41 Mill St Distillery, & 28 River)
10 am to 6 pm, NY Eve.  Closed NY Day
Cabbagetown Brew (552 Parliament, 416-353-5551)
Specialty lattes, pizza, Italian eggs and grilled cheese, 11 am to 4 pm, NY Eve.  Closed NY Day
Café Olya (540 Parliament, 416-833-4248)
Closed NY Eve.  Open regular hours, NY Day.
Daniel & Daniel bake shop (248 Carlton, 416-968-9275)
7:30 am to 5 pm, NY Eve.  Closed NY Day to January 5.
Food Basics (238 Wellesley E)
Open to 6 pm NY Eve.  Closed NY Day
Freshco (325 Parliament)
Open to 6 pm, NY Eve.  Closed NY Day
Jet Fuel (519 Parliament, 416-968-9982)
Regular hours, 7 am to 8 pm, both days
LCBO (512 Parliament)
9 am to 6 pm, NY Eve.  Closed, NY Day
No Frills (449 Parliament)
8 am to 6 pm, NY Eve.  Closed NY Day
St James Town Steak & Chops (516 Parliament, 416-925-7665)
9 am to 4 pm, NYE.  Closed NY Day and January 2.
Scullery (200 Carlton, 647-748-5000)
Closed on NY Eve and NY Day
Starbucks (490 Parliament)
6 am to 7 pm, NY Eve.  8 am to 9 pm, NY Day
This week’s image:  Christmas at Metcalfe & Carlton

CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD REVIEW

NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS

Winter gets started
When the snow arrived last Saturday, four young women were among the first to slide down the toboggan hill in Riverdale Park.  They were using plastic garbage bags which occasionally failed and then the rider came to a fast stop.  Two were from Ireland and two from Wales.  This was their first experience in “deep” snow and they were obviously having a marvellous time.

Santa did the trick…
Last weekend, Santa came back to Pet Valu (242 Carlton) and people paraded through with their pets.  As usual, he charmed everybody.  Many thanks to Santa for a job well done for another year.

Winter on the lake
Photo:  Waterfront Toronto
Waterfront Toronto is encouraging us to get to the lakefront during the winter for spectacular views of the lake and the downtown area.  Corktown Commons at the foot of River Street has a toboggan hill.  Sherbourne Commons, at the end of Sherbourne Street, has an outdoor skating rink that’s open from 10 am to 10 pm Monday to Saturday and 10 am to 6 pm on Sundays every week until February 23.  Farther west at Harbourfront, Winter Fest continues on Saturday and Sunday, December 21 and 22 with Santa’s boat cruise, pet photos with Santa, outdoor skating, crafts and gingerbread cake decorating.  For schedules and locations, click here. 

Glen Murray’s skate days
Photo:  Globe & Mail
Our local MPP, Glen Murray, hosts skate days at Moss Park arena (140 Sherbourne at Queen) on Tuesdays from 4 to 5 pm. The next event happens on Tuesday January 7 and they’ll continue until Tuesday March 11.   These are free events for the whole family.  Glen needs some extra volunteers to help the skaters, especially the kids.  If you can help, please call his office at (416) 972-7683.

Waterfront reports
Photo:  Waterfront Toronto
The December issue of Waterfront Toronto’s newsletter has updates on the widespread construction activity along the lake at Queen’s Quay, Bayside (Sherbourne to Parliament) and the Pan Am Games site.  Click here for a full report on all of this amazing work.              

Museum reports
So, do we really have a new headquarters for the Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum?  Apparently yes, but not quite just yet.  A group has purchased the building at 296 Gerrard E across from Anniversary Park.  They plan, eventually, to sell it to the museum.  In the meantime, office space will be developed upstairs and the ground floor retail will continue.  The approach gives the museum a fundraising target, more space for itself and some time to develop proper plans for a new home. All of this has a second benefit – it’s good news for the eventual gentrification of the retail strip around Gerrard Street.

Winter headaches
As usual, there are people who simply don’t clear away the snow on the sidewalks in front of their homes.  There’s been a considerable amount of grumbling about this in the past week as we recover from the season’s first storm.
There is, of course, a legal requirement for homeowners to do this job within 24 hours of any storm.  Folks who doubt this fact can simply click here. 
Rumours are spreading that the local residents’ groups may become more active on this issue.  They should be encouraged.  They can ask politely but firmly that delinquent homeowners get busy.  If they’re ignored, then they have enough clout to get City of Toronto officials busy with the problem.
In the meantime, if there’s a nearby problem that won’t go away, call 311 and register your complaint.

CHRISTMAS SCHEDULES

Cabbagetown carolling tradition
The Local GEST (424 Parliament) is continuing a memorable Cabbagetown tradition.  On Sunday December 22 from 3 to 6 pm, singers (some of whom can carry a tune and stay on key) will gather there for an afternoon of Christmas carolling.  Everyone’s welcome - it’s always a fun event.  Jeff Barnes and Noah Zacharin will conduct the choir. This is their second year in the job and now that they know what to expect, they’ll no doubt be superb. 

Whiskey Jack at the Flying Beaver
Duncan Fremlin and Whiskey Jack are making a Christmas appearance at the Flying Beaver (488 Parliament) from 9 pm on Saturday night.  They’ll be joined for the evening by Jen Cook.  It’s good to have them here close to home.  On Sunday afternoon, they’re at the Cadillac Lounge (710 Danforth) from 4 pm and their guests will include Peter Donato, another habitué from the Flying Beaver.

Cranberries Christmas dinner
Once again, Siva and Ruth will open Cranberries (601 Parliament) on Christmas Day for a three-course, prix fixe dinner at $28.  Two sittings, at 5 and 7:30 pm.  Dinner will include butternut squash soup or organic green salad, roast turkey, seasonal veggies, mashed potato, stuffing, cranberries and gravy.  These events are very popular and you should book ahead, (416) 925-6330.

Stout’s pajama party
You’ll have to ask Erin about her pajama theme – it’s a cute story.  You’re invited to Stout’s Christmas Eve pajama party – turkey dinner with all the fixin’s.  Wear your pj’s and enjoy some complimentary Christmas cheer.  Trivia starts at 7:30 pm.  www.stoutirishpub.ca  Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton)

Allan Gardens Christmas show
The Christmas show is the highlight of the year in Allan Gardens.  Thousands of plants fill the conservatory including over thirty poinsettia varieties. The show runs to mid-January.  Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Free admission.  (Sherbourne and Carlton)

New Year’s Eve party at F’Amelia
The folks at F’Amelia are inviting guests to Extended F’Amelia for New Year’s Eve – a house party with all kinds of surprises.  Call for reservations at the restaurant and at Extended F’Amelia.  (416) 323-0666.  12 Amelia Street.

WHO’S OPEN AND CLOSED OVER CHRISTMAS
Here’s a quick list of your favourite places and their schedules for the next few days.

Christmas Eve
Dominion on Queen, Flying Beaver, House on Parliament, Johnny G’s, Merryberry, and Peartree – all open for lunch and closing in the afternoon.
Stout Irish Pub – open in the evening for Erin’s annual Pajama Party
Local GEST – closing early in the evening after the dinner hour.
Cranberries, F’Amelia, Gilead Café, Hey Lucy, and Paintbox – closed

Christmas Day
Cranberries (601 Parliament) – open from 11 am with a special dinner at 5 pm.
Everyone else is closed on Christmas Day.

Boxing Day
Dominion on Queen, F’Amelia, Gilead, Local Gest, Merryberry, Paintbox and Peartree – closed
Flying Beaver – lunch only
Cranberries, Hey Lucy, HOP, Johnny G’s and Stout Irish Pub – open regular hours

Good eating!

CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS

THURSDAY DECEMBER 19 TO SUNDAY DECEMBER 29

Contact info
Alice’s Place, 554 Parliament St, (647) 931-9088
Dominion on Queen, 500 Queen St E, (416) 368-6893, www.dominiononqueen.com  
Flying Beaver, 488 Parliament St, (647) 347-6567, www.pubaret.com
Local GEST, 424 Parliament St, (416) 961-9425, https://www.facebook.com/thelocalgest
Mill Street Beer Hall, 21 Tank House Ln (Distillery), (416) 681-0338, Facebook and http://toronto.millstreetbrewpub.ca/
Paint Box Bistro, 555 Dundas St E, (647) 748-0555, www.paintboxbistro.ca
Stout Irish Pub, 221 Carlton St, (647) 344-7676, www.stoutirishpub.ca  
Winchester Kitchen & Bar, 51A Winchester St, (416) 323-0051, www.winchesterkitchen.com

If there's a cover charge or tickets are sold, we’ve listed the prices. Otherwise, the event is free.

THURSDAY DECEMBER 19

Dominion on Queen
7 pm, The Wee Folk Club, $10
Flying Beaver
9 pm, Kendall Partington “It’s a Christmas sing-along”, no cover
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
9 pm, Loser karaoke with Jason Rolland

FRIDAY DECEMBER 20

Flying Beaver
9 pm, Ryan Hind’s “Comedy, cabaret & coffee talk – holigay edition”, $10/advance & $15/door
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Beer tastings with Railway City
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
10 pm, Barbarosa, pwyc

SATURDAY DECEMBER 21

Dominion on Queen
9 pm,  Saturday night blues
Flying Beaver
7 pm, Sara Hennesey & Stephanie Kaliner “Terrific Women” $10/advance & $15/door
9 pm, Whiskey Jack (unplugged), $10/advance & $15/door

SUNDAY DECEMBER 22

Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke
Dominion on Queen
11 am to 3 pm, Rockabilly brunch with the Cosmotones
4:30 pm, Toronto Art Orchestra, $10
Flying Beaver
7 pm, Annual Holiday Variety Show fundraiser for the Sherbourne Health Centre.
Mill Street Beer Hall
1 pm, Jazz brunch
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
7 pm, Magic at the Winchester, $10
9 pm, Open Mic with Porter

MONDAY DECEMBER 23

Winchester Kitchen & Bar
7 pm, Indie music Monday
10:30 pm Win-Prov

TUESDAY DECEMBER 24

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Nerd Night pub quiz and Christmas Eve pajama party
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
10 pm, Games & movie night

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 25

Cranberries
5 pm, three-course Christmas dinner

THURSDAY DECEMBER 26

Winchester Kitchen & Bar
9 pm, Loser Karaoke with Jason Rolland

FRIDAY DECEMBER 27

Dominion on Queen
9:30 pm, solo blues with Paul James, $10
Flying Beaver
7 & 9 pm, Karen Williams & Elvira Kurt, “A post-Xmas miracle”, $20/advance & $25/door

SATURDAY DECEMBER 28
 
Dominion on Queen
9:30 pm, Daniel Buxton, Sonic Blues, $10
Flying Beaver
7 pm, Gala Variety Show benefit for Support Our Youth, pwyc ($20 suggested)

SUNDAY DECEMBER 29

Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke
Dominion on Queen
11 am to 3 pm, Rockabilly brunch with the Cosmotones
Local GEST
4:30 pm, Jazz with Roberto Occhipinti Trio “The Taste of Cuba”
Mill Street Beer Hall
1 pm, Jazz brunch with the Tyler Yarema Trio
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
7 pm, Magic at the Winchester, $10
9 pm, Open Mic with Porter