INTRODUCING NEW FEATURES
 
Our entertainment news section is now listed at the bottom of the centre column.  We’ve organized it by daily events so you can see at a glance what’s happening when you want to go out.  We hope this will make the news easier to read for people who use mobile devices.
 
A lot of people operate interesting businesses in our area.  We’re giving them a permanent platform on our Newsletter. We already have over a dozen listings featuring art, photography, clothing, business services, health, fitness, pet services and travel.
You can read it here.
If you have a home business, please send us an email  to cabbagetownreview@gmail.com and we’ll include your announcement.
 
CURRENT NEWS
 
Save this date for Tiffany’s event
Tiffany Smith is a familiar face at the House on Parliament. In late March, she’s going to Sri Lanka for three weeks as part of a Habitat for Humanity project.  To defray her costs, she and Steve MacDougall (who’s going with her on the trip) are having a fundraising party at the Winchester Kitchen & Bar (51A Winchester) on Sunday February 24 starting at 5 pm.  It promises to be a great night.  There’ll be good food and lots of drinks.  Go Freddy Go and the Dead Apostles are both playing along with DJ Mike Reid.  Raffles and silent auctions will raise the funds for the trip throughout the night as well as plenty of opportunity for donations.  Dr Steve Goren and Weenen General Contracting have already organized gifts to help her while she’s away.  If you want to help as well, just contact House on Parliament (454 Parliament, 416-925-4074).
 
Toque Tuesday
Next Tuesday, Raising The Roof is selling classic black toques for $10 for its 2013 campaign to “put a cap” on youth homelessness.  The Sherbourne Health Centre, St Christopher’s House and HouseLink are working with them and will share the proceeds.  Sherbourne Health Centre will use its share to support the Infirmary, Women in Need Clinic (WINK) and Support Our Youth (SOY).   Watch for volunteers selling toques at the Yonge/Bloor subway.  You can also get one at the Sherbourne Health Centre’s office at 333 Sherbourne.
 
Children’s Book Bank
The Children’s Book Bank (350 Berkeley at Gerrard) is having a fundraiser on Tuesday March 5 at 7 pm at the Women’s Art Association (23 Prince Arthur Ave).  Tickets are $100.  The evening includes a reading by Tanis Rideout from her novel “Above All Things” (plus a copy of her book), a glass of wine and light refreshments.  Check out the details here.
The Book Bank provides free books and literacy support to kids in the Regent Park neighbourhood.  It operates from a beautiful setting in the restored buildings at Gerrard and Berkeley.  The Book Bank’s website also has a short YouTube video about its work.
 
Valentine’s Recital
The Regent Park School of Music is hosting its annual recital at the Aki Theatre in the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E) on February 14 from 5 to 6:30 pm. Bring your family and enjoy this free event.  If it’s your first visit to the Daniels Spectrum, add a little extra time for a walk-about to see this marvellous new facility. 
 
Ashtanga Yoga Cabbagetown
Ashtanga Yoga is a moving meditation of rigorous asana's which calms the mind and strengthens the body. Hosted by KPJAYI authorized teacher Emma O'Neill, you're in good hands. She teaches it in its traditional form called Mysore Style. Daily 6 to 9 am at Sundara Yoga (493 Parliament, side door.)  For more info, times and prices, email Emma at yogabyemma@gmail.com or check out her website.
 
Cabbagetown real estate report
Hilary Browning and Nick Humphries are agents at HomeLife Realty One (501 Parliament).  They’ve compiled a really useful analysis of Cabbagetown real estate trends for 2011 and 2012.  The normal statistical presentation gathers data from Yonge to the DVP and Bloor to the lake.  That’s a big and very diverse real estate market.  They concluded that a focus on Cabbagetown would be more useful for homeowners here.  So they took the actual sales data for our neighbourhood and did a two-year comparison.  A handy map is included along with a quick comparison of sales east and west of Parliament Street.  Check out their report here and watch for a printed version in your mailbox next week. 
 
Jump Start at The Citadel
At the Citadel (304 Parliament). New Adventures in Sound Art joins Continuum to give an electronic boost to their already juiced ensemble.  Together, they’re creating a concert with musical statements ranging from the delicate to the explosive.  Continuum have prepared a short YouTube video to describe the evening’s program.  Composers include Rose Bolton, Daniel Mayer, Scott Smallwood, Andrew Staniland and Scott Wilson.  One performance only – Saturday, February 10, 8 pm.
 
Jane's Walk: Call for walk leaders!
Neudis Abreu at Community Matters has put out a call for volunteers to lead Jane’s Walk through St James Town on May 4 and 5.  If you’re interested, contact info@smartdevelopment.ca or call (416) 944-9697.
Thousands of people take part in a Jane’s Walk each year. The Walks are led by people who want to share what matters to them and they offer a more personal take on local culture and issues. They are not a tourist driven initiative but an insider tour of a neighbourhood that helps open up a friendly, engaged discussion among interested participants

 
In the media
Toronto Star Photo
In the past week, three stories have appeared that underline the big changes taking place in Regent Park.  Two of them describe Archie Alleyne’s 80th birthday celebrations that took place in the Paintbox Bistro (525 Dundas E) – John Allemang writing in the Globe & Mail last Saturday and David MacFarlane in the Star on Thursday.
Toronto Star photo
In contrast, Gayle MacDonald wrote about the tragic murder of Tyson Bailey in the January 31 edition of the Globe & Mail.  She describes his fine young life and the tough community that is now being phased out by the redevelopment of the neighbourhood.
 
No more pennies
Mint photo
Next week, our venerable pennies fade away. You can read the official policy from the Mint here. It’s a useful document because it also gives the rounding guidelines that they’re advising.
TD Bank (493 Parliament) has a handy flyer about their policies. If you’re making a deposit with cash, a cheque, Visa or debit card, then it will be calculated to the nearest cent. If you’re making a withdrawal, the bank won’t give you pennies in cash, your cheque will be rounded to the nearest nickel and debit or credit card transactions will be done to the nearest cent.
So what if you’re the sort of person who has a couple big jars of pennies on a bottom shelf somewhere in your house? A quick survey of three bank branches here gave the same story at each one. You have to roll them (50 pennies per roll). TD Bank, however, has three Toronto branches with special machines that weigh the coins and credit you accordingly. The nearest branch is 1684 Danforth (a block east of Coxwell at Woodington).
 
RESTAURANT NEWS
 
SuperBowl in Cabbagetown
Five of our pubs each have authentic SuperBowl celebrations.  And one of them even has an anti-Bowl event.
Alice’s Place (554 Parliament) – good beer, big TV and lots of fans.
The Ben Wicks (424 Parliament) – SuperBowl food for the true fans – chili, dogs, sausages and fries.  If you want a real football atmosphere with an outdoor trailer party, enjoy all of this outside on the patio.  Inside, there are three big screens and plenty of opinions.
Dominion on Queen (500 Queen E) – start the afternoon at 3 pm with the Songwriters Super Bowl with Nancy Dutra, Kirsten Jones & David Newland, $20 and then the football party starts at 5:30 pm and it’s an All-Game night with $5 drinks and a $5 menu.
Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) – Erin has a TV covering every angle in her rooms.  If there’s a heroic TD, a crashing tackle or a groaner fumble, you’ll see it all.  Add to that her award-winning pub grub and it’s a Sunday bowl game to remember.  If you reserve ahead of time, you can join Erin’s Super Bowl Tailgate Party at 4 pm
And then, there’s the Flying Beaver (488 Parliament).  Heather and Maggie can’t make up their minds.  They have two rooms and so they’re holding two events.  True fans will see the game on the pub side with three TVs, stereo sound, prize pools and lots more.  Those who hate football will be welcome next door to join in a rousing sing-a-long featuring Kendall Partington.  No cover charge for either event but “rezzos recommended” at (647) 347-6567.
 
Café Olya is open
Olyana and Mike have opened their bakery and coffee shop at 540 Parliament.  Olyana is the baker – she makes everything from scratch right on the premises every morning and she uses only top quality, healthy ingredients.  Scones, croissants, danishes and homemade granola. They say on their website, “we keep the selection small and the quality high.”  They’ve matched these goodies with a range of coffees, hot chocolate and teas.   Drop by and grab a tasty sample.
 
CABBAGETOWN SERVICES
Bookmark this page. Our new page about people who operate home businesses is up and running.  Here are three examples – Marilyn, Shanti and Shauna, and Sarah.
 
Marilyn at Pet Valu
Marilyn Wilputte is back this Saturday at Pet Valu (240 Carlton) with her grooming and nail trimming services.  As usual, it’s a pleasant experience for your dogs, cats and other household pals.  10 am to 4 pm, $10.  She also uses space at the Cabbagetown Pet Clinic (239 Gerrard St E) and you can reach her at (416) 920-6814. On Facebook, look for Diggity Dog Grooming in Cabbagetown.
 
New dog walking team
Shanti and Shauna have a new dog walking service, “Just Be Dogs”.  They take a maximum of ten dogs for each scheduled walk.  For now, they’re starting at 9 am and at 12:30 pm although they may adjust their times as they learn their customers’ requirements.  The dogs enjoy a one-hour romp in the park.  They also offer boarding services for up to three dogs each night.  Their doggie guests get a one-hour walk each morning and evening plus pee breaks and lots of TLC.  For walking services, please make arrangements at least 24 hours in advance and for boarding, please reserve 48 hours in advance.  Contact shanti.edwards@gmail.com or call (647) 237-7073.
 
Sarah Cook’s Injeanious Jackets
Injeanius Jackets - a sustainable, luxurious collection of redesigned jean jackets for the environmentally aware consumer. This is ethically conscious, unique clothing. Sarah combines gently used jean jackets & vintage or faux fur to produce her unique creations. Her hi-fashion blazer styles, more casual bomber style, as well as her adorable “Little Injeanius Jackets” are all custom made to your specifications. Contact Sarah at scook@injeaniusjackets.com, or call (416) 817-7842 to arrange your consultation and fitting.
 
CLUBS & PUBS EVENTS

Contact info
Alice’s Place, 554 Parliament, (647) 931-9088, Facebook
Ben Wicks, 424 Parliament, (416) 961-9425, www.benwickspub.com
Dominion on Queen, 500 Queen E, (416) 368-6893, www.dominiononqueen.com
Flying Beaver, 488 Parliament, (647) 347-6567, www.pubaret.com
Paint Box Bistro, 555 Dundas E, (647) 748-0555, www.paintboxbistro.ca
Stout Irish Pub, 221 Carlton, (647) 344-7676, www.stoutirishpub.ca
Winchester Kitchen & Bar, 51A Winchester, (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 JANUARY 31
Dominion on Queen
8:30 pm, David Woodhead’s confabulation, $7
Flying Beaver
7:30 pm, Tim Boyle Returns, classic 30s and 40s jazz, $15 advance/ $20 door
Paint Box Bistro
8 pm, Opening Indie Night with Breakdown!  & Maya Kiltron
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
8 pm, Actors! Canadian Actors Up Close & Personal
10 pm, Phil Hood “The Human Jukebox”
 
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 1
Dominion on Queen
9 pm, Havana to Toronto (AfroCuban/Latin), $10
Flying Beaver
7 pm, Introducing Laurance Tan
9 pm, Amateur night at the Beaver hosted by Paul Bellini
Paint Box Bistro
8 pm, The Heillig Manoeuvre CD Launch, $15
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
8 pm, Actors! Canadian Actors Up Close & Personal
10 pm, Soul City Groovement
 
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 2
Dominion on Queen
4 to 7:30 pm, Ronnie Hayward
Moo’d Swing (Vintage swing)
Flying Beaver
7 pm, Suzanne Nuttall with Bob Cohen on guitar & Evalyn Parry, $10 advance/$15 door
9 pm, comedy with Carla Collins, $20 advance/$25 door
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
8 pm, Actors! Canadian Actors Up Close & Personal
 
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 3
Alice’s Place
6:30 pm, Super Bowl
Ben Wicks
5:30 pm, pre-game & Super Bowl, special game menu
Dominion on Queen
11 am to 3 pm, Rockabilly brunch
3 pm, Songwriters Super Bowl with Nancy Dutra, Kirsten Jones & David Newland, $20
5:30 pm, Super Bowl pre-party & 6:30 pm, Game time, $5 drinks, $5 menu throughout game time
Flying Beaver
6 pm, Super Bowl in the Pub
7 pm, Sing-A-Long with Kendall Partington in the Cabaret.
Stout Irish Pub
4 pm, Tail gate party & 6:30 pm, Super Bowl
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
7 pm, Actors Repertory Theatre Company script reading
9 pm, Beau’s Open Mic with Porter
 
MONDAY FEBRUARY 4
Dominion on Queen
7:30 pm, Good Neighbours Open Mic, pay what you can
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
10 pm,  Industry Night
 
TUESDAY FEBRUARY 5
Dominion on Queen
8:30 pm, Hot Club of Corktown Django Jam, pay what you can
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
Midnight – Epic Movies
 
WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 6
Dominion on Queen
8 pm, Corktown Ukelele Jam, $5
Flying Beaver
7 pm, LESlieVILLE webseries launch party.
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
7:30 pm, Smart Ass Trivia
 
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 7
Dominion on Queen
7 pm, Wee Folks Club with Booge Rats & Owen McBride, $5
Flying Beaver
7:30 pm, comedy Take My Advice with Allyson June Smith, $10 advance/ $15 door.
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
8 pm, Actors! Canadian Actors Up Close & Personal
 
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 8
Dominion on Queen
9 pm, Feed Your Head #5 with Must Stash Hat, lightsweetcrude, Sam Klass & Toadhouse, $8
Flying Beaver
7 pm, Liz Tansey with Ted Quinlan “soulful rockin’ blues”, $15 advance/$20 door
9 pm, Dudettes (Ryan Kelly & Dale Miller) musical comedy review, $20 advance/$25 door
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
8 pm, Actors! Canadian Actors Up Close & Personal
10 pm, Emergency!
 
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 9
Dominion on Queen
4 to 7:30 pm, Ronnie Hayward
8:30 pm, Toronto’s East End Comedy Review with Host Dave Martin, on piano Suga Jam and Dave Hemstad, Ward Anderson, Casey Corbin, Dylan Gott, Paul Irving, Amanda Brooke, Josh Infald & Amanda Day.  $20/each, $60 for four.
Flying Beaver
7 pm, Maggie Cassella & Heidi Mole comedy, $15 advance/$20 door
9 pm, Big Girl & Friends with Christopher Wilson & Robert Graham, $10 door.
Paint Box Bistro
9:30 pm, SHE SAID WHAT, all female comedy, no cover
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
8 pm, Actors! Canadian Actors Up Close & Personal
10 pm, Blues & Troubles

Thanks for reading!
New pedestrian aids
The City of Toronto has installed new pedestrian buttons on short poles at Carlton and Parliament.  They are mainly intended to help visually impaired pedestrians and they give off a series of beeps to tell people when to walk and when to stop.  The sounds adjust automatically to match street noise – louder when traffic is heavy and quieter at night.  They also inform the computerized traffic control system that a pedestrian wants to cross and the traffic lights are then adjusted as appropriate to accommodate the request.

Last chance to volunteer
The Riverdale Farm Stewardship Group is a new agency being set up by the City of Toronto to help revitalize the Farm and to work on its financial stability.  Local people are needed to give our community a voice in the operation of the Farm.  If you want to volunteer, please submit your application by Friday afternoon, 4 pm, January 25.  You can get the application and submit it here. 

Construction news
There’s an empty lot on Parliament Street just north of Wellesley.  A Scarborough doctor now owns the property and has submitted a plan for a medical clinic and a pharmacy in that location.  It’s a great idea.  The east side of St James Town and Don Vale are not currently served by any doctors and this service will bring a needed convenience back to the area.
The construction site on Parliament Street south of Carlton seems to be stalled.   Most of the exterior work has been finished and approved by the City.  There are several small retail spaces available on the mezzanine level and space for a large restaurant on the ground floor.  The building owners will welcome tenant inquiries.

Cat adoptions
The noted English astronomer, Patrick Moore, died recently and in obituaries, he is quoted as saying that “a catless house is a soulless house”, thereby proving that he knew a lot about a lot.  If your house needs to become a real home, drop by Pet Valu (240 Carlton) on Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm.  Cat Busters will be there and you can make arrangements to have your own little pal.

Dee Simpson
Dee is a personal fitness trainer and coach who specializes in helping “those who think they can’t.”   She’s a cyclist, a mountaineer and a marathoner.  She ran her first marathon at the age of 61, won her age category and qualified for the Boston Marathon.  Her client list includes people from 29 to 80 years old.  She works regularly at Cardio Go and adds private sessions in clients’ homes and her apartment on Homewood Avenue to her schedule.  When you contact her, she’ll do a consultation with you to decide your goals and set your schedule.  You can reach her at tomali@idirect.com

Toronto Kiwanis Boys & Girls Club
Just a year ago, the Club (101 Spruce) celebrated its grand re-opening.  The older building had become limited and creaky. Now it`s expanded, cleaned up and renewed.  Amanda has found some pictures in the Club`s files from the last restoration in 1988 and was struck by the similarities between the two ceremonies.  The mayor of Toronto at that time was Art Eggleton who helped in both ribbon cuttings.  Today, Art`s a senator which just shows you how a little exposure at the Club goes a long way to helping you build a bright future.

Media coverage
Congratulations to both Cafune and Flying Beaver.  
Cafune (194A Carlton) has had a nice review in Post City.  Their coverage to the north of Cabbagetown will attract customers from Rosedale, Leaside and north Toronto into our area. 
The Flying Beaver (488 Parliament) has had a long and enthusiastic story about their emerging impact as a leading cabaret in Toronto`s entertainment scene in The Grid.  Indeed that`s true – last weekend, the Globe & Mail mentioned two club events in their column about weekend events – both were shows at the Flying Beaver.

ANNUAL JANUARY SALES

Eclectisaurus
Eclectisaurus (249 Gerrard East) is holding a January sale this weekend in the afternoons on Saturday and Sunday.  Save 25% on all inventory in the store.  Leslie’s shop is full of beautiful items. This is a sale that shouldn’t be missed. 

Kendall & Co
The final days for Kendall & Co’s January clearance sale are here.  Enjoy up to 50% off on gifts, fine stationery, serving ware, home accents, lighting and rugs. Just in time for Valentine's Day.  Now you can give more love for less too! Discount applies to in-stock retail merchandise only and exclude special orders, locally-made goods and new arrivals.  Monday to Friday, 10 am to 6 pm.  Saturday 11 am to 5 pm. Kendall & Co,  227 Carlton.

THEATRE EVENTS

Actors!
Presented by the Cheshire Unicorn Theatre Company at the Winchester Kitchen & Bar (51A Winchester) http://winchesterkitchen.com. The Cheshire Unicorn produces thoughtful, innovative theatre by Canadian creators.  Actors! presents Canadian actors up close and personal.  It’s part panel discussion and part scripted and all entertainment. 8 pm, Thursday January 31 to Friday February 9.  Show tickets are $15 and show plus dinner for $45 and $60.

Native Earth Performing Arts
Over this season, Native Earth is settling in at their new permanent home in the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas East).  They’ve just finished a short run with CafĂ© Daughter and they’re preparing for Chocolate Woman Dreams the Milky Way (January 29 to February 3.)  Later in the year from April 26 to May 12, they’re staging Kenneth Williams’ Deserters, a world premier for the play.  You can see the details at their website. 
The playwright Kenneth Williams wrote both CafĂ© Daughter and Deserters.  The Globe & Mail ran a profile about him last week.  You can read it here. 

Jump Start at The Citadel
At the Citadel (304 Parliament). New Adventures in Sound Art joins Continuum to give an electronic boost to their already juiced ensemble.  Together, they’re creating a concert with musical statements ranging from the delicate to the explosive.  Continuum have prepared a short YouTube video to describe the evening’s program.  Composers include Rose Bolton, Daniel Mayer, Scott Smallwood, Andrew Staniland and Scott Wilson.  One performance only – Saturday, February 10, 8 pm.

RESTAURANT NEWS

Neeps, tatties and haggis
It’s the night we’ve all been waiting for.  House on Parliament (454 Parliament) does a big Robbie Burns special  – and who could do it better?  The bagpiper will be on hand and will play at 7 pm followed by a dance celebration by the Julie McDonnell School of Highland Dance.  There’ll be a reading of the Ode to Robbie Burns.  And after that, comes the moment that we all love – haggis, neeps and tatties.  Washed down by Innis & Gunn Scottish beer.  It all happens on Friday January 25 from 7 pm.

Customer appreciation at The Pear Tree
Ilango and Asokan at Pear Tree (507 Parliament) have three new specials on their customer appreciation menu:  grilled balsamic T-bone steak with sautĂ©ed mushrooms for $18.99, breast of mango chicken with coconut mango cream sauce for $15.99 or baked fillet of Atlantic salmon with spinach and goat cheese for $16.99.  All are served with fresh vegetables and your choice of rice and potatoes.
Don’t forget, as well, to join their special contest.  They’re offering a dinner for two, a lunch for two and brunch for two in their customer appreciation draw.  Details available at the restaurant.

Kingyo is open
Koji Zenimaru manages Cabbagetown’s Kingyo, the beautiful new room at 51B Winchester.  He’s the former head chef at Kingyo’s original Vancouver location.  .  Kingyo has been open since December 18 and Koji’s very pleased with the welcome that he’s getting.  His restaurant is busy every night and has line-ups on weekends.  Reservations are recommended at (647) 748-2121.
The Dish at Toronto Life has written a good introduction complete with menu descriptions, prices and photos.  Click here to read the article. 
They have a long liquor, beer and wine list including Kozaemon sake on draft – the only place in Ontario.
You can check them out at their website and they’re on Facebook and Twitter. 

Another small cafĂ© – It’s Jenny
This week in my ongoing research into our small neighbourhood cafes,  It’s Jenny (253 Gerrard E) was my destination. Another noteworthy choice.  I was alone (wow – how did that happen?) and I dropped in there on the first day of our cold weather last Tuesday.  There’s an extensive menu full of good cafĂ© food.  
Obviously, chili was a fitting choice. I eat a lot of chili wherever I go and love every spoonful.  This was a success.  It’s meaty and gently seasoned with lots of lovely spicy undercurrents and served with two slices of toast.  Jenny also makes a Volcano Chili with seven of the hottest chilis known to mankind.  It comes with a medical alert.  I stayed with the menu special.  Jenny’s daughter handles all the baking and really does it well. I had a brownie with sea salt and caramel sauce followed by an individually brewed Americano coffee. 
My bill including tip and tax was $9.95.  No alcohol.  This cafĂ© isn’t licenced.
I got there at mid-afternoon so the restaurant was quiet.  It’s set up in a clean white room with modern furnishing and Susan Thomas’ art work on the walls.  A friend who works nearby says that their early-morning scones are irresistible. Open 7 am to 6 pm weekdays, 9 am to 5 pm Saturday and 10 am to 7 pm Sunday.

SuperBowl in Cabbagetown 
Five of our pubs each have authentic SuperBowl celebrations.  And one of them even has an anti-Bowl event.
Alice’s Place (554 Parliament) – good beer, big TV and lots of fans.

The Ben Wicks (424 Parliament) – SuperBowl food for the true fans – chili, dogs, sausages and fries.  If you want a real football atmosphere with an outdoor trailer party, enjoy all of this outside on the patio.  Inside, there are three big screens and plenty of opinions.

Dominion on Queen (500 Queen E) – the party starts at 5:30 pm and it’s an All-Game night with $5 drinks and a $5 menu.

Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) – Erin has a TV covering every angle in her rooms.  If there’s a heroic TD, a crashing tackle or a groaner fumble, you’ll see it all.  Add to that her award-winning pub grub and it’s a Sunday bowl game to remember.

And then, there’s the Flying Beaver (488 Parliament).  Heather and Maggie can’t make up their minds.  They have two rooms and so they’re holding two events.  True fans will see the game on the pub side with three TVs, stereo sound, prize pools and lots more.  Those who hate football will be welcome next door to join in a rousing sing-a-long featuring Kendall Partington.  No cover charge for either event but “rezzos recommended” at (647) 347-6567. 

Lookin`good
Yes indeed – there`s a face that a mother definitely could love!  Duncan`s happy that shinny hockey has started up again at the Regent Park rink.  There's a rumour that Meagan Takeda might show up there too. If that`s true, the other team can go home.  Nobody`s gonna score a goal against her.

Serving Cabbagetown, Corktown, The Distillery, Regent Park and St James Town

Free dance classes at The Citadel
Coleman Lemieux & Compagnie at the Citadel (304 Parliament) is offering free dance classes for young people ages 10 to 18.  They start on January 25 and continue to the end of the school year in June.  Three different courses are offered – contemporary dance (Mondays), ballet (Wednesdays) and hip hop (Fridays) – all from 4:30 to 5:30 pm.  Support for the classes has been provided by the Toronto Community Foundation. Register on the phone at (416) 364-8011.  Drop-ins are welcome.

Welcome Rev Jeanette Lewis
St Peter’s Anglican Church (188 Carlton) is a well-known local landmark with a long and distinguished history. In the mid-nineteenth century, it was a local stop for the Underground Railway while also bringing in some of Toronto’s richest families as members.  Today, its diverse congregation is typical of our community and it’s home to a variety of neighbourhood agencies and services as well as the Anglican congregation.  Its sanctuary building has had a heritage designation since the 1970s.
Jeanette Lewis is the new priest there now.  She’s served in parishes across remote northern Ontario.  In Geraldton where she worked for two years one outpost could only be reached by airplane or snowmobile.  She moved to South Porcupine for another six years.  She regularly took a three-hour train ride to reach one small church and when she returned home, she had to flag down the train with a flashlight in the middle of the night.  After that, she spent nine years in Bobcaygeon.  She can now reach St Peters by streetcar – a big change for her.
St Peters is in the middle of a major reassessment and change.  Rumours abound that it will be closed.  Jeanette says that her Bishop has given her this assignment specifically to kick-start the parish.  She faces big challenges here to rebuild the congregation, attract new members and draw in new resources.

Congrat’s to Carol Bishop-Gwyn
For the second time this year, Carol Bishop-Gwyn has been nominated for a major literary prize.  This time, it’s for the Charles Taylor Prize for her book The Pursuit of Perfection: A Life of Celia Franca.  The award will be announced on Monday March 4.  “The prize will be awarded to the author whose book best combines a superb command of the English language, an elegance of style, and a subtlety of thought and perception.” You can read about the award, the five nominees and past winners here .

Trees for our Cabbagetown canopy
The Cabbagetown Residents Association works in the Don Vale neighbourhood.  They’ve established a tree committee to promote planting and replacements for trees throughout the area.  (They’ll be happy to help people living outside their neighbourhood as well.)
The committee will help householders with a City of Toronto program to plant a free tree on the City’s street allowance in front of each home.  The City has a list of thirty different species and the committee is recommending eleven of them.
Recent experiences here with high winds and even Hurricane Sandy have shown how fragile our older trees have become.  This problem will increase as the canopy ages.
The forms needed to apply along with a list of handy steps to nourish your new tree are available here.

Ontario Liberal Party leadership
The opening round of voting for the leadership of the Ontario Liberal Party happened last weekend.  Rank and file members voted for delegates to represent each riding at the convention.  They were given the choice to elect delegates committed to a specific candidate or independent delegates.  Our riding, Toronto Centre, saw a surge of new members who wanted to be a part of this process and informal estimates are that turnout at the delegate meeting was very high.
Our local man, Glen Murray, participated in the leadership race but dropped out just before the voting. He endorses Kathleen Wynne. His campaign was praised for his lively ideas and strong performance in the debates.
In Toronto Centre, Kathleen Wynne won the majority of delegate slots with Sandra Pupatello second followed by Gerard Kennedy, Eric Hoskins and an independent.  Charles Sousa and Harinder Takhar were shut out.  These delegates are committed to these candidates for the first ballot at the convention.
The convention happens at Maple Leaf Gardens on the weekend of January 25 to January 27.

RESTAURANT NEWS

Pear Tree’s customer appreciation
Ilongo and Asokan at Pear Tree (507 Parliament) have declared January and February to be their customer appreciation months.  They’re preparing special menus and holding a weekly draw for free meals.
Three prizes will be drawn every week -  brunch for two, lunch for two and dinner for two.  If you’re interested, just ask at the restaurant on your next visit for details.
They’ve also announced three special menu items.  New York strip loin steak with a lobster tail for $18.99.  Cajun chicken for $15.99.  Baked fillet of rainbow trout for $16.99.  Each entrĂ©e is cooked and spiced to your taste, served with fresh vegetables and potatoes or rice.
While you’re there, fill in their request form with your email address.  They’ll send you occasional announcements about upcoming specials.  They’ll also pass your name along to us to be added to the Cabbagetown Neighbourhood Review email list.

Saturday brunch at Merryberry
Cyril has added Saturday brunch to his schedule.  In addition to his other egg dishes which include build-your-own-omelets, he’s featuring huevos rancheros this month.  The regular Sunday brunch continues.
Throughout January, his dinner specials are all black-and-white.  Two course dinner for $25 and three courses for $30.  For times and details, click here.  Merryberry CafĂ© & Bistro (559 Parliament)

Our small café project
KiBo (533 Parliament) has set up in a familiar location – the former home of the Cobourg.  And like the Cobourg before them, they’ve put their own individual stamp on this small space.  There’s a big model boat, orchids in the front window, good music, comfortable seating and red table cloths throughout.  It’s a winner.
Three of us had lunch there last week.  Lots of good food, no alcohol.  We ordered from the regular menu rather than taking advantage of the extensive (and cheaper) lunch menu.  We started with miso soup and then went to a six-piece appetizer plate and sushi pizza.  A rainbow dragon was our entrĂ©e.
Two of us are well versed in good sushi and they declared the meal a success. Our bill after tip and tax was $50 for all of us.
Our lunch experience was interesting.  By 12:15 pm, the place had filled up with young people from Free the Children and from the dance studios.  They gave the room a lively, talkative and friendly atmosphere.  A steady stream of customers came for KiBo’s takeout service, located right at the front door (prepared meals priced from $5).  We stayed until 2:30 pm. The staff kept delivering more tea and made us feel welcome and relaxed throughout.
Good lunch, great room.  A successful visit.

Paint Box Bistro entertainment
The Paint Box (555 Dundas E) has a new jazz series launching on Saturday at 8 pm with the 80th birthday celebrations for jazz pioneer Archie Alleyne.  He’ll be on drums with Stacie McGregor on piano and Artie Roth on bass. Come for dinner plus the performance – tickets for both are $40.  Tickets for the performance only are $15.  Reservations are  good idea at (647) 748-0555.  For more details, click here.
The Paint Box Premium Comedy Series comes next on Saturday January 26.  Glen Foster and K Trevor Wilson take the stage with dinner at 8 pm and the show at 9:30 pm.  No cover.  For details, click here.
Indie Night at the Bistro starts off at 8 pm on Thursday January 31 featuring The Break Down and Maya Kiltron.  No cover.  Details here.
Jazz is back on Friday February 1, 8 pm with the Heillig Manoeuvre CD launch.  Heillig is joined by Stacie McGregor on piano, Alison Young on sax and Charlie Cooley on drums.  $15.  For more information, click here.
SHE SAID WHAT is an all-female comedy cocktail.  Saturday, February 9, 9:30 pm, no cover.  More details available here.

BUSINESS NEWS

Sundara Yoga
Grand re-opening party on Thursday January 17 from 6 to 9 pm.  Come and enjoy Sundara’s beautiful new space.  Meet the staff and other Cabbagetown yogis.  492 Parliament, side door.

Get yourself cleaned up
Is your bookkeeping awful?  Are you on the edge of an audit?  Are your accounts frozen?  Lucy De Luca at 25Hours loves these challenges.  Her niche is cleaning up a business that’s in a big harried mess.  She works with an accountant who helps business people clear up their problems and get a plan toward profitability.  Give her a call at (416) 895-6244 or an email at lucydeluca@25hours.ca.   Check out her website at www.25hours.ca.

CABBAGETOWN IN THE MEDIA

City Centre news
Last week,  the City Centre newspaper carried three good Cabbagetown stories.  Justin Skinner reported on the Cameron Housebenefit for the Regent Park School of Music, the new volunteer group for Riverdale Farm and the 80th birthday celebrations for jazz pioneer Archie Alleyne at the Paintbox Bistro.  Good stories – just click on the links for all the details.

Makoto Trotter on CP24
Naturopathic doctor and Cabbagetown resident Makoto Trotter was featured on CP24’s video story about the flu that’s bothering so many of us.  Check out his tips for beating the colds and flu this winter. Click here to watch the story.

COMPLAINTS DEPARTMENT

Pet Peeve
A reader wants to remind dog owners that they need to clean up after their pets.  Carelessness about this obligation seems worse this year.  Some people think that a layer of snow in the park will take care of it and it won’t be a problem in the Spring.  That’s wrong.  The poop doesn’t go away.  We’re also experiencing more mess on our sidewalks.
Confession time!  I’ve had dogs for over twenty years.  When I first moved here in 1991, I wasn’t very diligent.  Then one day, a friend gave me a sharp rebuke.  That smartened me up in a hurry.  The moral of my little message is simple – if you see someone ignoring their duty, tell them firmly.  It works.
If you own a dog, scoop!

Snow barriers
Our first blast of snow has revealed another sort of bad neighbourliness – people who don’t shovel the walk in front of their houses.  It seems to be a perennial problem with the same folks repeating the habit year-after-year.
Have our three residents’ associations ever considered a simple cure?  Why not draft a very polite but firm letter that can be left at an offending household?   No need for threats or insults – just a direct request.  A printed form letter on the Association’s letterhead with the specific address handwritten at the top will probably do the trick.

Hotline
If you have an idea that will interest your neighbours or improve the area, send it along:  cabbagetownreview@gmail.com