This week's picture:  outside Sri Muthu Vinaayagar Temple on Parliament Street

This week in OPEN HOUSES - three listings on Winchester and an intriguing double property on Seaton.  Click here.


COMING EVENTS
Last chance to register
Sundara Yoga Studio’s new program, Personal Growth & Transformation, starts on Saturday September 21 and runs to November 30.  Click here for the full program description. Saturday morning programs also include Ashtanga with Emma from 9:30 am and Yin with JoAnna at 11:15 am – the schedule and class details are listed here. 
Take Back the Night
This year’s event starts at Central Neighbourhood House (349 Ontario) on Saturday September 21 with a community fair from 4 to 6 pm, a dinner at 5 pm and a rally at 6 pm.  The march happens from 8 to 9:30 pm and goes through Regent Park.  It’s an annual event to speak out against violence to women and transgender people.  For the first time, at the instance of the Indigenous community, the march will welcome men. Justin Skinner at Inside Toronto has written about the importance of the march and the reasons why men are being included this year.
Celebrating ten years
The Parliament Street Writers’ Group is hosting a public reading and open house on Monday September 23 from 6 pm at the Parliament Street Library (Gerrard at Parliament). Members will read extracts from their stories and poetry.  Light refreshments.
100 years at Spruce Court co-op
Photo: City of Toronto Archives
Designed by Eden Smith, Spruce Court is now a Cabbagetown landmark.  It was built at a time when poverty was devastating and people lived in dirt-floored tenements without plumbing. It offered a brand new approach to low-cost housing.  It was affordable, attractive and comfortable.  Two recent articles give great insight into Spruce Court’s importance for the city.  The Torontoist describes the history of Spruce Court and has remarkable archival photos and Shawn Micallef in the Toronto Star describes how the co-op movement may be the answer to today’s housing shortages.
The St James Town mural
The mural is finished at 200 Wellesley and the neighbourhood is celebrating with a party.  On Saturday September 28, drop by from 1 to 4 pm and inspect the artwork.  Then stay around for the music, food  and fun.
A successful Tour of Homes
Photo: Tim Fraser, National Post
Tour organizers have reported on its Facebook page that this year’s event was a success with over 600 tickets sold.  The tour through the Spruce Court Co-op was a first for the event and drew a lot of good comments (and a few gripes.)  Publicity for the Tour included a great article in the National Post about the home at 340 Carlton and the Daily Xtra covered the tour of Avril Lavigne’s former home at 39 Broadcast Lane. 
New proposals for Regent Park
Following the June public consultations, proposals for Regent Park have been adapted to take into account the comments made by neighbours, the Design Review panel and city staff.  As before, the number of units remains at 7500 with 70 to 75% market units and 25 to 30% social housing.  The corner at Gerrard and Parliament will be developed in the next phase and heights and densities at River and Gerrard, Oak east of Sackville and north of the soccer field have changed. More info will come next week.
Love our ravines
A new campaign is starting across Toronto to encourage all of us to love, protect and enjoy our amazing ravines, one of Toronto’s greatest natural resources.  Included in the campaign is a petition to have our ravine systems designated as part of the Green Belt. This will ensure greater protection for them and connect them to a wider network across the province.  There’s a new website with a special video (be sure to watch it – it’s very good – click here) and links to various social networks. Cabbagetowner Blaine van Bruggen is the spokesperson for the campaign and she reports that much of the photography was done in the Don Valley near Riverdale Park.
A good neighbourhood for retrievers
Cabbagetowners love dogs.  This week, a golden retriever inexplicably appeared in the Carlton and Parliament area.  He’s a lovely guy – well groomed, healthy, young and slim.  Unfortunately, he had no identification and he was clearly lost.  Sandy and Lou took him in, notified Toronto Animal Services and started a campaign across the area to find his folks.  It became an email alert and people forwarded the message widely.  There were several sincere offers for a new home from golden retriever families. 
By Wednesday, his owners had turned up – he had wandered over here somehow from Greenwood and the Danforth.  He went home well fed, well cared for and well acquainted with a lot of new friends. 
 
NEWS ABOUT OUR RESTAURANTS & PUBS
Rockabilly at the Dominion on Queen
A loud and rockin’ weekend happens on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (September 20, 21 & 22) when the old Dominion (500 Queen E at Sumach) turns into the East End Rockabilly Fest #5. Live music and vintage culture will rock the joint for three days.  Headliners include the Royal Crowns, Israel Poulx and Marty Allen & the Cadillac Cowboys (all on Friday night), Rayburn Anthony, the Shakedown Combo and the Tennessee Voodoo Coupe (on Saturday) and on Sunday, the annual Hank Williams birthday brunch with the Hanksters.  There’s more – The Hell Bent Rockers, the Ronnie Hayward Trio, DJs, special matinees, 1950s rockin’ cinema, vendors, dance classes and vintage hot rods. Toronto Rockabilly has all the details at its website. Tickets Friday $20, Saturday $20, full weekend pass $35, Sunday no charge – online here.
Junior Jazz Jam is back
On Saturday morning September 21 from 10 to 11 am, DRUMHEAD will entertain your kids in a free interactive concert.  This week, the kids can join a global jazz roots collective for some very high-energy fun.  They’ll learn about different cultures, their traditions and their songs and they’ll dance to the sounds of world percussion and jazz horns.  And while you’re there, your family can enjoy brunch from  Paintbox Bistro.  For lots of information, check out the Paintbox blog. 555 Dundas St E.
Beer crawl at Stout
On Saturday September 21, beer lovers can visit four clubs across Toronto ending up at Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) at 10 pm in a special craft beer pub crawl.  It`s free and sponsored by Spearhead (and Spearhead beers will be available at a discount.)

Peter Donato is back at the FB

Peter has recovered from his athletic injuries (which didn’t affect his vocal cords).  He’s booked in again at the Flying Beaver (488 Parliament) on Thursday September 26 from 7:30 pm.  Come and hear his dulcet tones and enjoy dinner while you’re there.
Congrats to The Scullery
Fiona and Laura have opened their bakery café (200 Carlton at Ontario).  A quick scouting mission revealed really tasty ginger cookies.  The room is beautifully done – white tiles, clean open lines, modern simple furnishings. There’s an impressive showing of Vanessa McKernan’s art on the walls. Visit Facebook to see the daily menu. The Sunday brunch menu included scones, eggs benedict, huevos rancheros and a nice selection of salads and sides.
Congrats to Café Olya
Olyana and Mike have a killer Facebook page. They take pictures of their goodies – today’s features are lemon cream shortbread squares, brioche sliders, chocolate cherry scones and plum honey cake. The killer part? These delights are made from scratch each morning and when they’re gone, they’re gone - so don’t dither. They’re located across from the Esso station at 540 Parliament, Tuesday to Friday (7 am to 4 pm) and Saturday and Sunday (8 am to 4pm)
Congrats to F’Amelia
John reports that the Winemaker’s Dinner with Pio Boffa was a success.  The expanded version of F’Amelia (next door to the restaurant) is also about to open.  Next Saturday night September 28 will be the first public occasion.  After that, the room will serve as a bar on Thursday, Friday and Saturday with a small plates menu.  It’ll also be available for larger private functions and a regular menu.  12 Amelia.
Thanksgiving prep’s and a Festival report
Photo:  Eric Morse
Mark at St Jamestown Steak & Chops (516 Parliament) is now taking orders for your Thanksgiving turkey, hams and other special goodies.  Drop by and tell him what you need. He also reports that the rain certainly didn’t ruin the Festival this year.  People came despite the downpour on Saturday. Sunday’s crowd was really big.  He sold over 400 pounds of peameal bacon, 400 hamburgers and 300 hotdogs.  Other restaurants and pubs have reported similar happy news.

Meet the guys at Local Gest
Every week, The Local GEST (424 Parliament) will introduce a staff member and a recipe for a favourite dish. This week, meet Emerald and her tomatoes stuffed with guacamole.  The recipe is listed on Facebook. Looks yummy.


CLUB LISTINGS

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 19 TO SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 29

Contact info
Alice’s Place, 554 Parliament St, (647) 931-9088
The Local GEST, 424 Parliament St, (416) 961-9425, https://www.facebook.com/thelocalgest
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
Que Supper Club, 364 Queen St E, (647) 748-1783, http://www.quesupperclub.com
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 SEPTEMBER 19

Cafune
6:30 pm, Henrique Matulis (guitar) & Ted Quinlan (guitar), Brazilian jazz, free admission
Dominion on Queen
7 pm, Wee Folk Club, $10
Flying Beaver
7:30 pm, Ilana Waldston with Mark Kieswetter (piano) & Steve Wallace (bass), $10/advance & $15/door
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
9 pm, Karaoke at the Winch with Jason Rolland

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 20

Dominion on Queen
East End Rockabilly Weekend - $20
8 pm – Film “Go Johnny Go”
9:30 pm – The Crown Royals, Israel Proulx, Marty Allen & the Cadillac Cowboys and DJ Rockin’ Dave Faris
Flying Beaver
7 pm, Brittany Kay & Jenny Weisz “From Thornhill to Broadway (almost)”, $10/advance & $15/door
9 pm, Ryan D Hinds “Comedy, cabaret & coffee talk” with Ori Dagan, Nicole Bond & Catherine Hernandez , $10 advance/$15 door
Que
10 pm, DJ Night
Stout Irish Pub
7 to 9 pm, Friday night beer tasting featuring Creemore
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
8 pm, Spur of the moment Shakespeare cabaret
9 pm, Karaoke at the Winch with Jason Rolland

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 21

Cafune
8 pm, Henrique Matulis (guitar), Bill Prouten (sax), Paco Luviano (bass) & Vince Macc (drums), Brazilian jazz, free admission
Dominion on Queen
East End Rockabilly Weekend - $20 (evening)
Free Matinee – Jive Dance Lessons, Hot Rod Show & Vendor Village and Ronnie Hayward Trio
8 pm – 3-D Photography Show
9:30 pm, Rayburn Anthony, The Shakedown Trio, Tennessee Voodoo Coupe, The Hell Bent Rockers and DJ Lincoln Bee Kool
Flying Beaver
7 pm, Gary Krawford,  $15/advance & $20/door
9 pm, Kris & Dee, $10/advance & $15/door
Paintbox Bistro
10 to 11 am, Junior Jazz Jam with Drumhand
8 pm, Denzal Sinclaire.  Three course prix fixe dinner and performance, $55.  Performance only $25.
Que
10 pm, DJ Night
Stout Irish Pub
10 pm, 3rd annual official Toronto beer week Pub Crawl
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
8 pm, Spur of the moment Shakespeare cabaret
10 pm, BTH CD release party

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 22

Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke
Dominion on Queen
East End Rockabilly Weekend
11 am to 3 pm, Honky Tonk Brunch with the Hanksters
Flying Beaver
7:30 pm, Savoy Howe’s Drag Karaoke, $10
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
1 pm, Spur of the moment Shakespeare cabaret
9 pm, Beau’s presents Open Mic with Porter

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 23

Winchester Kitchen & Bar
9 pm Win-Prov
10 pm,  Industry Night

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 24

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 movie Tuesday

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 25

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Dominion on Queen
8 pm, Corktown Ukelele
Flying Beaver
7 pm, Cabbagetown Collective event
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
7:30 pm, Winchester Trivia
10 pm, Karaoke at the Winch with Jason Rolland

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 26

Cafune
6:30 pm, Henrique Matulis (guitar) & Gord Sheard, Brazilian jazz, free admission
Flying Beaver
7:30 pm, Peter Donato, Tibian Blue, $10 advance/$15 door
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
9 pm, Burlesque

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 27

Dominion on Queen
9 pm, Blues & Troubles, pwyc
Flying Beaver
7 pm, Paul Bellini “Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire”, no cover
9 pm, The legendary bitch diva – details to follow
Paintbox
6:30 pm dinner, 8:30 pm show, Haim Goldenberg “Goldmine”, $65 prix fixe three-course dinner and show,  $35 show only.
Que
10 pm, DJ Night
Stout Irish Pub
7 to 9 pm, Friday night beer tasting featuring Camerons

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 28
 
Cafune
8 pm, Henrique Matulis (guitar) & special guests, Brazilian jazz, free admission
Dominion on Queen
7:30 pm – Toronto Film Noir syndicate presents “Phantom Lady”, $5
10 pm, Fugginbitch LGTBQ East End dance party, cover tba
Flying Beaver
7 pm, Carrie Chesnutt in concert, details to follow
9 pm, Funny lady Carla Collins, $20/advance & $25/door
11 pm, Elvis tribute artist Deborah Wynne, $15 advance/$20 door
Que
10 pm, DJ Night
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
10 pm, Don River blues

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 29

Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke
Dominion on Queen
11 am to 3 pm, Rockabilly brunch with the Cosmotones
Flying Beaver
8 pm, Chris Tsujiuchi’s quarter life crisis, $10 advance/$15 door
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
7 pm, Abracadabaret magic, mind reading, illusion & comedy $10
9 pm, Beau’s presents Open Mic with Porter