NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS
 
Cabbagetown South Heritage Designation
A community consultation about creating the Cabbagetown South Heritage Conservation District will take place at Central Neighbourhood House (349 Ontario) on Wednesday June 5 at 7 pm.  The new district will encompass homes from the south side of Carlton to the north side of Shuter, from the west side of Parliament to the east side of Sherbourne – about 700 properties. This area contains some of the finest examples of Victorian architecture in the city. 
Commercial properties will not be included in this designation.
If you’re at all confused about this issue, or uneasy about some aspect of a designation, then go to this meeting.  It’s our responsibility as homeowners to know what the designation means for our own homes.  It’s advisable to learn from the meeting what you can do with your own doors, windows, rooflines, porches and other features on your façade.  If you don’t get specific details, ask for them.  You’re entitled to adequate explanations. 
Check out the links on the HCD website here. For specific details about your own home, click here and scroll down to the listing for your street.

Cabbagetown South community yard sale
This weekend, Saturday May 25 from 9 am to 3 pm.  In case of rain (weather reports say that’s highly unlikely), the sale will happen on Sunday.   Homes all through the neighbourhood will be offering their treasures.  There’ll be more spaces available in front of Central Neighbourhood House (349 Ontario) for vendors who don’t have a spot at home.  CNH is also the site to get a hotdog to settle your appetite and in return, a canned food item or small donation will be welcome.  Watch for signs through the area to guide you to the sales.  It all happens between Gerrard and Dundas, Sherbourne to Parliament.
 
Vector(s)
At the Fleck Dance Theatre at Harbourfront (207 Queen’s Quay W). Three premiere performances by the Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre (509 Parliament). Two days only, May 24 and 25, at 8 pm. Reserve your tickets now at (416) 973-4000.

Updated info -
Doors Open Toronto, Saturday May 25 & Sunday May 26
Every year, Doors Open takes us behind closed doors and into places that are historically, culturally and socially significant.  In our neighbourhood, nine nearby properties are open during the 2013 tour.  For slide shows, details and links to individual websites go to the Doors Open website at the City of Toronto. 
 
Artscape Distillery Studios (15 Case Goods Lane). The history of the Distillery District and Artscape’s role in re-purposing the space.  Artists studios will be open.  Saturday & Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm.

Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E) opened last year and it’s already become a major cultural hub – Saturday & Sunday, 11 am to 3 pm. 

Enoch Turner Schoolhouse (106 Trinity Street), built in 1848, was the city’s first free school – Sunday only, 10 am to 5 pm.

The Harris Institute (118 Sherbourne) is located in an early Twentieth Century building that’s been a box factory, a lighting store and a door store and is now an internationally recognized post-secondary institution with recording facilities, classrooms and computer labs – Saturday & Sunday, Noon to 5 pm. 

Hugh Garner Co-op (550 Ontario), the green rooftop garden is the feature on this tour.  Saturday & Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm.

Little Trinity Church (425 King E), Toronto’s oldest church building.  Saturday 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday 1 pm to 5 pm.

Parliament Interpretive Centre (265 Front Street at Parliament), the site of our first legislature and now an interpretive centre – Saturday & Sunday, guided tours at 1 pm, open 10 am to 5 pm.

Regent Park Aquatic Centre (640 Dundas E), the amazing new facility that has drawn rave reviews and lots of swimmers.  Saturday & Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm.

Stone Distillery (36 Distillery Lane), the oldest and largest building the Distillery District.  Saturday & Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm.

Homebrew
An intimate evening of epicurean delights in support of Toronto Dance Theatre on Tuesday May 28. Heather Shaw will prepare a sumptuous four-course meal and Mirella Amato will pair and introduce a craft beer for each course.  The evening will take place in a glorious Cabbagetown home.  Tickets are $200 with a charitable tax receipt.  For more information and tickets, click here. 
 
Farmers’ markets
This year, we’ll enjoy two (not just one!) farmers’ markets – the traditional one in Riverdale Park and a new one in Regent Park.
The Riverdale Farmers’ Market opens for business on Tuesday May 28 from 3 to 7 pm.  It’ll continue through the Fall to October 15.
In Regent Park, the market will operate from Wednesday June 5 to late August from 3 to 7 pm.  It offers produce from farmers and, in a new pilot project, produce from people who have small garden plots in the neighbourhood.  It happens on Regent Park Boulevard on the east side of the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E).  There’s lots of detail on the website.

Eats & Beats in Riverdale
Saturday June 1 and Sunday June 2 on Queen Street East and Broadview north of Queen.  This will be a very busy weekend in Riverdale.
On Saturday June 1, the Riverside District hosts a street festival showcasing its family friendly food outlets and unique atmosphere. The Riverside District is renowned for its home design shops, heritage architecture, coffee shops, food providers and popular contemporary restaurants. Local eateries will open their doors serving tasting plates and musical entertainment. Find out more here.
On Saturday and Sunday, Riverdale Art Walk is a two-day art exhibition showcasing established and emerging artists in retail spaces, artists’ studios and Jimmie Simpson Park. Participating artists are selected through an anonymous jury process. It’s the first outdoor art show of Toronto’s season and it’s an initiative of the Artists’ Network. For more information, click here.

Bring your green thumb
Strawberry plants and herbs are sprouting at Winchester Square Gardens (Ontario at Winchester).  A new planting will take place on Saturday June 2 from 10 am to 2 pm. Everyone is welcome to join in and help. 
 
Hidden Gardens & Private Spaces
Sunday, June 2 from 10 am to 3 pm.  This self-guided tour showcases ten gardens and hidden private spaces.  The featured guest is Michael Hepburn from Hepburn Landscaping and he’ll be ready to answer your questions throughout the day. Tickets are $15 and are available locally at Jay’s Garden Centre (360 Gerrard E), Mi Casa (238 Carlton), Kendall & Co (227 Carlton) and Fairway Market (520 Parliament).  They’re also on sale at five other locations across the city.  Check out the website for specific information and to buy tickets online. 
 
Cabbagetown Residents Association wine tasting and AGM
Thursday, June 13, 7 pm, Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton). For the second year, the CRA is enjoying a wine tasting (courtesy of the Lifford Wine Agency  http://www.liffordwine.com/on) at its annual meeting.  As usual, the association members will review its business, elect a new Board and hear reports about various events in Don Vale.  Of course, they’ll be entitled to brag about their considerable success organizing this year’s Forsythia Festival.  The association represents the households north of Gerrard to Wellesley, east of Parliament.
 
BUSINESS NEWS

Mural survey
Anne Pastuszak has passed along a link about a mural project being contemplated for the summer on Parliament Street.  You can complete a survey in just a couple of minutes.  The Cabbagetown BIA plans to create two new murals and your feedback about this work will be welcomed.  To register your views, click here.

Vote for Kendall
NOW Magazine is asking readers to select outstanding retailers in a wide variety of categories.  Kendall & Co (227 Carlton) are eligible for a listing in two categories.  Please vote in both of them:  for the Best Residential Design Firm, click here  and for the Best Design Store, click here.  (Once you reach the ballot page, you’ll see names below the header – ignore them. They’re last year’s winners.  Go straight to the red button and click on it.)  When you get to the ballot, here’s the information that you need to complete your vote:  Nominee Name: KENDALL & Co,  227 Carlton Street,  416.363.9914,  www.kendallandco.ca
Kendall has a remarkable business, a beautiful store and a consistent, generous track record in support of our community.  The firm deserves to win.
 
And while we’re talking about Kendall...
There are hundreds of reasons to cut a rug!  This is the last week to save - no HST on KENDALL & Co rugs. KENDALL & Co will pay the HST on your purchase of rugs in their wool, flatweave or outdoor series. Save on all styles in all available sizes (from 2ft x 3ft to 10ft x 14ft)  including runners and round rugs, in the retail shop. This promotion cannot be combined with any other offers and only applies to new orders or in-stock purchases at regular price.  227 Carlton Street.  10 am to 6pm, weekdays and 11 am to 5 pm Saturdays.
 
Ashtanga Yoga Fundamentals with Emma O’Neill

Saturdays from 3:00 to 4:30 pm, May 25 - June 15 at Sundara Yoga Studio (492 Parliament, side door). Learn the fundamentals of the Ashtanga yoga practice in a slow, safe and comprehensive manner. In this four week course, students will learn Sun Salutations and the fundamental standing asanas (postures), breathing techniques and philosophy of the Ashtanga yoga system. This course will also teach you about the Mysore style approach to learning. Class size is limited which allows for more individual attention. For more info, click here
 
Furry Tales
The new doggy daycare has opened at 540 Parliament across from the gas station.  It’s a clean open space where your dog can stay for the day or for an overnight boarding.  Carlos Lopes is your dog’s host.  You can leave your pal with him for the day (7 am to 7 pm) or for a 24-hour period with overnight boarding.  Carlos also offers bathing and grooming services.  Check the website for details and contact info.
 
Congrats to the Childrens Book Bank
Saturday June 1, 11 am to 3 pm.  The Children’s Book Bank (350 Berkeley at Gerrard) celebrates its fifth anniversary next weekend.  Over the past five years, children from Regent Park and Cabbagetown have visited and gone home with a free book. It’s a simple idea with a huge impact.  You’re invited to drop by and meet the people who have made this inviting place so successful.  The website has lots of information about the program. 
 
Good news
A home décor and reno store is planned for the site of the former video shop on Parliament just across from the House on Parliament.  Nice idea – details will follow soon. 

RESTAURANTS & CLUBS
 
The Cobourg Sings!
The Cobourg tradition continued at the Winchester Kitchen & Bar (51A Winchester) last Friday night.  Proceeds from the ticket sales were given to UForChange.  By all accounts, it was a fun filled night full of music and goodwill.  You can check out Eric Morse’s photos showing all sorts of ribald behaviour.
 
Peter Donato returns to the FB
On Sunday May 26, Cabbagetown’s Peter Donato returns to the Flying Beaver (488 Parliament) to present his original music and stylings. The show starts at 7:30 pm, $10 advance tickets, $15 at the door.
 
Win tickets to the Rolling Stones
The Winchester Kitchen & Bar (51A Winchester) is giving away a pair of tickets to the June 6 Stones concert at the ACC.  For every $10 that you spend at the Winch, you get a chance to win. The big draw happens on Tuesday June 4 at midnight. These are $600 floor seats!  Check it all out at the Facebook page.
 
Local food and wine at Gilead Cafe
Thursday, May 23 from 6:30 pm, Jamie Kennedy and Charles Baker create a Local Food Movement dinner. This four-course spring feast is paired with Charles Baker’s wines from Stratus, from his own winery and from Clos Thales in France.  Dinner is $75 and a flight of wines is $25 (plus tax and gratuity).  Reservations are required (647-288-0680) - space is limited.
Friday May 31, 6 to 10 pm – tastings of Southbrook, Flat Rock, Malivoire and Stratus wines.  Meet the wine makers, taste a glass or bottle of their wines and enjoy an a-la-carte menu by Jamie Kennedy.  No reservations required.
Gilead Café (4 Gilead Place),  http://www.jamiekennedy.ca/intro-gc.php
 
The 420 Smokehouse
It’s true.  Virginia is opening a smokehouse deli at 420 Parliament just south of the Ben Wicks.  Lots of ribs, chicken, smoked meat … this will be a big deal.
 
This guy shouldn’t be so modest!
Last week, we had a short story about Peter Donato’s appearance at the Flying Beaver and also a short story about the Rolling Stones.  Peter quietly replied that this was the first time that he’s ever been mentioned in the same breath as Mick and the boys.  We know, of course, that it’s also a first for them.
 
CLUBS & PUBS EVENTS

THURSDAY MAY 23 TO SUNDAY JUNE 1

Contact info
Alice’s Place, 554 Parliament St, (647) 931-9088
Ben Wicks, 424 Parliament St, (416) 961-9425, www.benwickspub.com
Cafune, 194A Carlton Street,  (647)748-7884, Facebook and http://cafune.ca/
Dominion on Queen, 500 Queen St E, (416) 368-6893, www.dominiononqueen.com  
Flying Beaver, 488 Parliament St, (647) 347-6567, www.pubaret.com
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 MAY 23

Cafune
6:30 pm, Henry Matulis and guest Artur Miranda, Brazilian jazz.
Flying Beaver
7:30 pm, Terra Hazelton, Julie Michels & Sophia Perlman, “Vexed”, $15/advance, $20/ door
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
10 pm, Phill Hood ``The Human Jukebox``

FRIDAY MAY 24

Dominion on Queen
9 pm, Swinging Black Jacks with roadhouse rockabilly, $7
Flying Beaver
7 pm, Donna Garner & some of her favourite young singers in a cabarat of the most beloved songs, $10/advance & $15/door
9 pm, Jacquie L Party, details to come.
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
10 pm, Shotgun Wedding Band

SATURDAY MAY 25

Dominion on Queen
4 to 7:30 pm, Ronnie Hayward, pwyc
7:30 pm, Film Noir Series “Gun Crazy”
9:30 pm, The Firecracker Series “Nudie Blues”, $15
Flying Beaver
7 pm, The Satin Dolls – Donna Green, Ilana Waldston, Karen Bell & Liz Tansey -  sing the jazz greats, $15/advance, $20/door
9 pm, Kelly Burke & special guests, $15/advance, $20/door
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
10 pm, Soul City Groovement

SUNDAY MAY 26

Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke
Dominion on Queen
11 am to 3 pm, Rockabilly Brunch with the Cosmotones
8 pm, Dustin & Caleb play the blues, $5
Flying Beaver
11 am to 3 pm – Psychic brunch, $29 (15 minute reading plus $5 brunch coupon).
7:30 pm, singer-songwriter Peter Donato returns with “Cantautore”, $10/advance, $15/door
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
9 pm, Beau’s presents Open Mic with Porter

MONDAY MAY 27

Dominion on Queen
7 pm, Uke 101
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
9 pm Win-Prov
10 pm,  Industry Night

TUESDAY MAY 28

Dominion on Queen
8:30 pm, Hot Club of Corktown Django Jam, pwyc
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Nerd Night pub quiz
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
10 pm, epic film night

WEDNESDAY MAY 29

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Dominion on Queen
8 pm, Corktown Ukelele Jam, $5
Flying Beaver
7:30 pm, The Overdone Musical Theatre Cabaret, $5
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
7:30 pm, Smart Ass Trivia
10 pm, Karaoke at the Winch with Jason Rolland

THURSDAY MAY 30

Cafune
6:30 pm, Henry Matulis (guitar) and a special guest playing Brazilian jazz
Dominion on Queen
9 pm, Cat Bernardi jazz quartet, cover charge tba
Flying Beaver
8 pm, Simon Rakoff`s 35th anniversary show, $15/advance & $20/door

FRIDAY MAY 31

Dominion on Queen
8:30 pm, Hitchhikers Guide to the Party
Flying Beaver
7 pm, One of Canada`s funniest comics, Carla Collins, $20/advance & $25/door
9 pm, Sharron Matthews ``Fun & Casual``,  $20/advance & $25/door
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
8 pm, Solar Messiah

SATURDAY JUNE 1

Dominion on Queen
4 to 7:30 pm, Ronnie Hayward, pwyc
9 pm, Dirty Dishes with country, bluegrass & gospel
Flying Beaver
7 pm, Canadian Playwright`s event
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
Momentum Dance closing party

SUNDAY JUNE 2

Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke
Dominion on Queen
11 am to 3 pm, Rockabilly Brunch with the Cosmotones
Stout Irish Pub
5:30 pm, Strategy Boardgaming Night by the Toronto Area Boardgaming Society
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
2 to 5 pm, Unhappy Happy screening party
9 pm, Beau’s presents Open Mic with Porter