December 29


This week’s image:  Metcalfe & Carlton


CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD REVIEW

The image at the top was taken in December.  Here’s the same home a year ago.



LOCAL NEWS

Cabbagetown South meeting
The 2015 Annual General Meeting in Cabbagetown South happens at 7 pm on Wednesday January 7 at Retsina Restaurant (209 Gerrard E).  There’ll be the usual discussion of business along with the election of the President and Directors for the coming year.  If past meetings are any guide, there’ll also be lots of gossip – as you can see from the photo of the Association’s Christmas party, this is a very convivial group.

Welcome Kelly Sather
An overdue welcome to the newest member of Pam McConnell’s staff.  She can be reached at (416) 392-7916. Among all her duties, she’ll be looking into specific problems raised by people in this neighbourhood. Best wishes, Kelly.

Glen Murray’s invitations
Our provincial MPP, Glen Murray, is having his annual Open House in the party room at 120 Carlton on Wednesday January 21 from 4 to 7 pm.  There’ll be light refreshments.  Throughout the winter on Wednesdays from January 7 to March 11, Glen also hosts free ice skating from 4 to 5 pm in Moss Park Arena (190 Sherbourne).  Free skate rentals and helmets are available.

Team Trudeau has arrived
Bill Morneau, the Liberal nominee for the pending federal election, isn’t waiting for anybody.  He’s got a campaign HQ at 527 Parliament – across the street from the LCBO.  His contact number is (647) 496-5813.   No word yet about the NDP or Tory plans.

Fundamentals of Dance
The School at Toronto Dance Theatre (80 Winchester) offers dance fundamental classes in two levels on Wednesday nights from January 7 to March 25.  Level One, from 6:30 to 8 pm, is aimed at people who need a starting point to take the first dance step.  You’ll learn something new with others who are also beginners.  Level Two, from 8:15 to 9:45 pm, builds on these skills.  It’s perfect for dancers who are ready to move beyond the beginner level and take on complex, challenging movements. $135 to $180.  For more info, click here. Call (416) 967-6887 to register.

Marit is back at Sundara
Marit Mastad will hold her Hot & Sweet Class at 5:30 pm on Friday January 2.  She’s at Sundara Yoga (490 Parliament, side door) for only one class and space is limited.  There’ll be a potluck dinner after at 7 pm, so bring your vegan and veggie treats to share with your friends.  For info and registration, click here and scroll down to January 2.

Skating in Regent Park
On Saturday January 3, the renovated ice rink in the new Regent Park Athletic Grounds (Shuter and Sumach) will officially open.  At 10 am, there’s a learn-to-skate clinic.  To register for it, call (416) 815-5728 or email mlsefoundation@mlse.com. At 11 am, there’s an official opening ceremony followed by a community skate.  Refreshments, mascots and prizes.  Good stuff. Congrats to MLSE, TCHC, Daniels, Hockey Canada, the City of Toronto and everyone else who’s involved in the launch.

The Regent Park Athletic Grounds
The skating rink in the new Athletic Grounds is part of Phase 3 in the Redevelopment process.  Located on the northeast corner of Shuter and Sumach, it’s a 2.8 acre park funded with support from Maple Leaf Sports Enterprises and the City of Toronto plus the Daniels Corporation.  It’ll have the refurbished rink (which opens this Saturday) and new soccer, cricket and basketball facilities surrounded by a running track.  Daniels and TCHC have shown great imagination drawing in the sponsors, designing the park and making it attractive for kids in the area – thanks and congrats. 

Bell box update
Michael Cavanaugh coordinates the city-wide Bell phone box project. We’ve all seen the decorative artwork on Bell’s boxes across Toronto.  Each location beautifies the box’s appearance and fights graffiti tags.  In the next year, he’ll be adding even more boxes to the list and he’s also been approached about expanding into other communities outside the city.  For more info, check out the Bell box Facebook page. 

Ringo arrives
Ringo is the newest addition to Riverdale Farm’s family.  He arrived earlier in December.  Farm staff has asked for patience.  Ringo hasn’t spent any time previously in the city and the activity and noises are all new to him.  He needs time to adjust.  He has a big hole to fill after the passing of both Dusty and Rooster.

Re:Leaf meeting is rescheduled
The public meeting planned by Cabbagetown Re:Leaf for January 14 has been cancelled.  David Grant had hoped to discuss the Cabbagetown Urban Forest Management Plan.  Watch for it in the Spring.

Quick announcements
“Adversity, Resilience, Prosperity is the CPA’s new book about Cabbagetown’s life from 1941 to 2011.  It’s been published and can be purchased at Kendall & Co (227 Carlton) and Spruce Home Décor (455 Parliament).  When you’re at Kendall, get a tea towel too.  At Spruce, grab a Cabbagetown toque.

“Close to Home” is the photo exhibition about life in 1914 Cabbagetown assembled by the Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum.  It continues to January 26.  Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas E.

Pictures from our readers
This week is catch-up time. Two images are featured. 

Our first, by Marion Harris, caught her neighbour’s Christmas lights in the late November snow.  Many thanks Marion.

Our second image comes from Sally Gibson.  She photographed the dawn over Riverdale Farm on Winter Solistice, December 21.  (The Old Farmer’s Almanac notes that daytime today is already 3 minutes longer than it was when she took her pic.)  Thanks Sally.

If you have a photo that you think depicts life in your neighbourhood, send it along to cabbagetownreview@gmail.com.

PERSONALS

Hello from Dale
Dale Ward used to own and manage Thai to Go, his popular restaurant at 452 Gerrard E.  After selling it, he and Prasai moved to Asia where he’s enjoying life immensely.  He still visits Toronto regularly.  During his recent trip, he mentioned how much he enjoys Cabbagetown and wished his friends here all the best for the New Year.

Community Matters party
Community Matters – the energetic community-based group working in St James Town – held its annual party early in the Christmas season.  Delicious food, highly enjoyable gathering

Aberdeen Avenue braintrust
Pat, Jim, Rita and Sandy gathered at The Local GEST (424 Parliament) on Sunday afternoon.  Several major problems were solved, brews were downed and guests from other streets in the neighbourhood were cheerily greeted.  All around them, a nice crowd enjoyed Sunday afternoon jazz with Whitney Ross-Barris. 

Any new babies around here?
If you’ve got a new baby in your home, send us a picture.  Tell Doug, tell the world!

Is it true?
A famous Cabbagetown songstress is apparently about to make her debut at Carnegie Hall.  Details to come.

ONSTAGE

Soulpepper’s next performances
The Conjuror begins on Tuesday December 30 and is here for  short stay until Sunday January 4, including two performances on New Year's Eve.  You’ll be transported back to 1909 and London’s legendary St George’s Hall where audiences came to be enchanted by paradox and magic. For tickets and more info, click here. Soulpepper at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts, Distillery, 50 Tank House Lane.

The Berkeley Street Theatre
Chekhov’s The Seagull starts on Sunday January 11 and continues to Sunday February 8.  For tickets and info, click here. Canadian Stage, Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley.

Wee Folk Club
Garth Douglas and Ralph Phillips are the featured singers at the January 8 performance.  The Wee Folk Club is built around a small room in a pub where singers sing songs with stories in them.  $10 cover. Dominion on Queen (back room – entrance off Sumach Street), 500 Queen E

CLUBS & RESTAURANTS

Congrats again Kim & Betty
Itanni returned to Under the Table (568 Parliament), this time for a private party just before Christmas.  She writes a blog for foodies that’s very widely read.  She booked the entire restaurant and brought her friends.  The meal more than matched her expectations.  You can read her story on her blog, Playing Chef.

Another Christmas treat
The Local GEST (424 Parliament) again hosted Jeff Barnes and Noah Zacharin for a three-hour Christmas carol marathon. An enthusiastic crowd, as usual, made the afternoon memorable.  Congrats everybody.

Advance notice
Peter Donato will be back at the Flying Beaver (488 Parliament) with a little song, a little dance, a little seltzer down your pants.  Sunday January 18, 7:30 pm.

Congrats
On Christmas Day, Cranberries (601 Parliament) served two full seating for the three course turkey dinner.  The place, in the words of one wait person, was crazy!  Under The Table (568 Parliament) was also really full for both Christmas Day and Boxing Day.  People who ate in each spot were very enthused about their experiences.  Nicely done.


NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNERS & PARTIES

El Catrin
Have a Mexican party on New Year’s Eve with DJ CKL.  10 pm to 3 am.  Tacos are available from 10 pm.  Bottle service is available.  Tickets at (416) 203-2121. 18 Tank House Lane, Distillery.

F’Amelia
As always, this is great food.  3 course prix fixe menu includes choices like venison tartare, wild mushroom salad, arctic char, molise truffle winter risotto, potato gnocchi, branzino, tiramisu and lots more.  $59.  For all the details, go to F’Amelia’s website.  http://www.famelia.com/ Reservations at (416) 323-0666.  12 Amelia.

The Flying Beaver
Start the night with dinner and a show by Carla Collins.  Continue until closing at the dance party with DJ Jacquie Jaguar.  Carla has two shows – 7 and 9 pm, $25/advance and $30/door.  Dinner reservations must be made with the show reservations – minimum at 7 pm is $30 and at 9 pm, $40.

House on Parliament
Four course prix fix dinner. Choices include beef tenderloin, rack of lamb, black bass and grilled lobster and a glass of Gaudrelle Sparkling Rose. $75. Duncan’s Dance Party with all its giddy glitter will happen sometime during the evening.  It’s unusual for the HOP to ask for reservations but this year, it’s recommended.  Call and save your spot ASAP, (416) 925-4074.  454 Parliament.

The Irv
The specials menu includes prime rib, butternut squash ravioli, braised lamb shanks and chocolate mousse.  The regular menu is also available.  (647) 350-4787.  195 Carlton.

The Local GEST
Dinner specials will be offered plus the regular menu.  Andrew Lopatin will play guitar selections.  DJ2Ten will start the dancing at 9:30 pm.  424 Parliament.

Mill Street Beer Hall
A four-course dinner with beer pairings.  Dancing with DJ Humble Mike starts at 8 pm and there’s a midnight champagne toast and snack table.  Tickets are $69.99.  (416) 681-0338, ext 2.  21 Tank House Lane, Distillery

Mill Street Brew Pub
No hassle New Year’s Eve.  Chef’s creations and the regular menu.  Live music with Shane Thomas & Friends.  21 Tank House Lane, Distillery

Peartree
Dinner for two in one of Cabbagetown’s favourite spots, $60.  Appetizers from a list of salads or soup. Entrée choices include black angus striploin, grilled halibut, breast of chicken al forno, seafood classic and vegetable agnolotti.  Four desserts.  For a reservation, call (416) 962-8190.  507 Parliament.

Stirling Room
Minuit 2015.  Music by resident DJs and special guests.  Bottle service – prices vary according to the package selections. Tickets include hors d’oeuvres, champagne and party favours.   (416) 364-3900.  16 Trinity Street, Distillery. 

Stout Irish Pub
Enjoy a real New Year’s Eve party.  Hors d’oeuvres, party favours, a glass of bubbly, dancing (with DJ Erin!).  Tickets are $10 at the door.  221 Carlton.

Theatre performances
Soulpepper presents The Conjurer at 3 and 7:30 pm. 50 Tankhouse Lane, Distillery. 


CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS

MONDAY DECEMBER 29 TO SUNDAY JANUARY 11

Contact info
Alice’s Place, 554 Parliament St, (647) 931-9088
Dominion on Queen, 500 Queen St E, (416) 368-6893, www.dominiononqueen.com
El Catrin, 18 Tank House Lane, Distillery, (416) 203-2121,  www.elcatrin.ca/home
The Flying Beaver, 488 Parliament St, (647) 347-6567, www.pubaret.com
Gilead Café & Wine Bar, 4 Gilead Place, (647) 288-0680, http://www.jamiekennedy.ca/
House on Parliament, 454 Parliament St, (416) 925-4074,www.facebook.com/pages/House-on-Parliament
The Irv, 195 Carlton Street, (647) 350-4787, https://www.facebook.com/theirvpub
The Local GEST, 424 Parliament St, (416) 961-9425, https://www.facebook.com/thelocalgest
Merryberry, 559 Parliament, www.merryberry.ca
Mill Street Beer Hall, 21 Tank House Ln, Distillery, (416) 681-0338, Facebook and http://toronto.millstreetbrewpub.ca/
Murgatroid, 568 Parliament, (416) 323-9381
Paintbox Bistro, 555 Dundas St E, (647) 748-0555, www.paintboxbistro.ca
Ronnie B’s Southern Kitchen & Taps, 243 Carlton, (416) 935-1515, www.ronnieb243.com
Stirling Room, 16 Trinity, Distillery District, www.stirlingroom.com
Stout Irish Pub, 221 Carlton St, (647) 344-7676, www.stoutirishpub.ca
Tappo Wine Bar & Restaurant, 2 Trinity Street, Distillery, (647) 430-1111, www.tappo.ca
Under the Table, 568 Parliament St, (647) 351-1533

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

MONDAY DECEMBER 29

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers trivia

TUESDAY DECEMBER 30

Ronnie B’s Southern Kitchen & Taps
7 pm, Euchre
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers trivia

NEW YEAR’S EVE
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 31

See the listings above

THURSDAY JANUARY 1

Flying Beaver
7:30 pm, Hangover (The Movie) and comfort food, no cover

FRIDAY JANUARY 2

Flying Beaver
7 pm, Maggie Casella & special guests, “Because I said so – the year in revile.” pwyw
Mill Street Beer Hall
8 pm, Vinyl nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective
Stirling Room
Theatrical Friday, reserve on the guest list.  $20

SATURDAY JANUARY 3

Flying Beaver
7 pm, Customers and performers appreciation party with Ambre McLean, no cover
Mill Street Beer Hall
8 pm, Vinyl Nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective
Stirling Room
Stirling Saturdays, reserve on the guest list.  $20

SUNDAY JANUARY 4

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke with Vee
Local GEST
4:30 pm, Sunday jazz with Boom for Rent
Mill Street Beer Hall
1 pm, Jazz brunch with Tyler Yarema

MONDAY JANUARY 5

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers trivia

TUESDAY JANUARY 6

Ronnie B’s Southern Kitchen & Taps
7 pm, Cards against humanity
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers trivia

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 7

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
The Local GEST
7:30 pm, Trivia night

THURSDAY JANUARY 8

Dominion on Queen
7:30 pm, Wee Folk Club with Garth Douglas & Ralph Phillips, $10
Flying Beaver
7 pm, “She’s listening” benefit for Ovarian Cancer Canada, $15/advance & $20/door
The Local GEST
8:30 pm, Open Mic with Porter
Under The Table
9 pm, Karaoke

FRIDAY JANUARY 9

Flying Beaver
7 pm, Maggie’s mish mash, no cover
Mill Street Beer Hall
8 pm, Vinyl Nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective
Stirling Room
Theatrical Friday.  Reserve on the guest list.  $20
Under The Table
9 pm, Karaoke

SATURDAY JANUARY 10

Flying Beaver
7 pm, KAS presents Match Fever/The Dating Game & Dance Party, $10
Mill Street Beer Hall
8 pm, Vinyl Nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective
Ronnie B’s
8 pm, tba
Stirling Room
Stirling Saturday.  Reserve on the guest list.  $20

SUNDAY JANUARY 11

Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke with Vee
Local GEST
4:30 pm, Sunday jazz
Mill Street Beer Hall
1 pm, Jazz brunch with Tyler Yarema 

December 24



This week’s image:  A year ago on Parliament Street
 
CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD REVIEW
 
LOCAL NEWS
 
A quickie to get you through the weekend
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and happy holidays.  In this short version of your Review, I’m passing along last minute news for the weekend ahead.  Watch for a regular blog early next week with plenty of New Year’s announcements.
 
December 20 2013
Just a year ago, we were buried under ice from one of the worst storms ever to hit the Toronto area.  Our neighbourhood was lucky – we dodged the widespread power outages that plagued so many others in the city.  But we’re still paying a price.  Our tree canopy was badly damaged. Many favourite trees fell or were later removed.  We’re grateful to the people at CabbagetownreLeaf and the Cabbagetown ResidentsAssociation who have made it a priority to replant and to diversify our urban forest.
 
We sure had a white Christmas last year.  These four young visitors from Ireland and Wales enjoyed their first-ever toboggan slides down the slopes at Riverdale Park.
 
OPENING & CLOSING THIS WEEKEND
 
Check online for shopping hours
You’ll find store phone numbers at the Cabbagetown BIA’s website here. 
To contact your favourite restaurant and club, scroll down this page to our Club Listings.
 
Allan Gardens Christmas show
The 2014 Christmas show is now underway at the Conservatory in Allan Gardens (Sherbourne & Carlton).  It runs until January 11.  On the next two weekends, the hours are extended to 7 pm and the Conservatory is candlelit. The show is the highlight of the Conservatory’s year with thousands of blooming plants featured.  10 am to 5 pm daily.  Free admission.
 
Soulpepper
The Christmas season is a time for great holiday entertainment at Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane, The Distillery).  A Christmas Carol continues on Boxing Day and Saturday.  Kim’s Convenience is onstage on Saturday and Sunday.  Get tickets and more info online here.
 
Berkeley Street Theatre
Venus In Fur runs to December 28.  Pick up your tickets and get more info here  26 Berkeley.
 
Stout’s pajama party
Every year on Christmas Eve, Erin suggests that you drop in to Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) when you’re overloaded with family and just want to escape.  Wear your pajamas (because it’s a pj party).  The party continues until closing time. 
 
Christmas Day at Cranberries
Cranberries (601 Parliament) is a definite Christmas favourite and the restaurant fills right up.  There’ll be two seatings – at 5 and 7:30 pm.  It’s a three course dinner at $28 per person.  There are two choices for openers – butternut squash soup with apple and bacon or organic green salad with balsamic vinaigrette.  Roast turkey comes with mashed potato, seasonal veggies, gravy, cranberry sauce, homemade stuffing and a dinner roll.  For dessert, there’s warm apple pie and ice cream.  To reserve a spot, call (416) 925-6330.
 
Christmas & Boxing Day
At Under The Table (568 Parliament), Kim and Betty are planning a three-course meal for both Christmas and Boxing Day, from 3 to 9 pm.  For starters, there’s vegetable soup or spinach salad.  The main course is roast turkey with garlic mashed potato, gravy, cranberry sauce, homemade stuffing, baked macaroni and corn.  Dessert choices include apple or pumpkin pie or rum cake.  Each dinner comes with a glass of red or white wine or a rum and eggnog. $30 per person or $50 per couple, tax included.
 
Holiday hours
Flying Beaver is closed Boxing Day and opening over the weekend with karaoke and an ugly sweater contest on Saturday and Psychic Brunch plus a 2-4-1 dinner special on Sunday.
The House on Parliament is reopening at brunch on Boxing Day.
The Irv will close for Christmas and reopen Boxing Day at 3 pm.
The Local GEST reopens at 4 pm on Boxing Day.
Stout Irish Pub is open for regular hours on Boxing Day.
 
Extended closings are happening here
Café Olya – closed for holidays until January 2.
Daniel et Daniel – closed for a seasonal holiday from December 26 to January 5.
Dominion on Queen – closed for reno’s.  No date yet for its re-opening.
Merryberry – closed Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Murgatroid – closed until December 27 and again from December 30 to January 2.
Paintbox Bistro – closed until January 1.
 
Boxing Day shopping
Sharon and Ilias at Sinate Creations (480 Parliament) are offering savings up to 30% off on most items in the store.  Drop in on Friday and Saturday.  Beautiful stuff.  Parliament
 
Post-Christmas sales are happening throughout the Distillery District.  Check out Lilio, the Eskimo Art Gallery, Spectacle, Mini Mioche and Lola Genovoix - all are making early announcements about their plans. 
 
CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS
 
THURSDAY DECEMBER 24 TO SUNDAY DECEMBER 28
 
Contact info
Alice’s Place, 554 Parliament St, (647) 931-9088, https://www.facebook.com/alicesplacetoronto
Cranberries, 601 Parliament St, (416) 925-6330
Dominion on Queen, 500 Queen St E, (416) 368-6893, www.dominiononqueen.com
El Catrin, 18 Tank House Lane, Distillery, (416) 203-2121,  www.elcatrin.ca/home
The Flying Beaver, 488 Parliament St, (647) 347-6567, www.pubaret.com
Gilead Café & Wine Bar, 4 Gilead Place, (647) 288-0680, http://www.jamiekennedy.ca/
House on Parliament, 454 Parliament St, (416) 925-4074, www.facebook.com/pages/House-on-Parliament
The Irv, 195 Carlton Street, (647) 350-4787, http://www.theirvpub.ca/
The Local GEST, 424 Parliament St, (416) 961-9425, http://www.thelocalgest.com/
Merryberry, 559 Parliament, www.merryberry.ca
Mill Street Beer Hall, 21 Tank House Ln, Distillery, (416) 681-0338, http://toronto.millstreetbrewpub.ca/
Murgatroid, 568 Parliament, (416) 323-9381, https://www.facebook.com/MurgatroidTO
Paintbox Bistro, 555 Dundas St E, (647) 748-0555, www.paintboxbistro.ca
Ronnie B’s Southern Kitchen & Taps, 243 Carlton, (416) 935-1515, www.ronnieb243.com
Stirling Room, 16 Trinity, Distillery District, www.stirlingroom.com
Stout Irish Pub, 221 Carlton St, (647) 344-7676, www.stoutirishpub.ca
Tappo Wine Bar & Restaurant, 2 Trinity Street, Distillery, (647) 430-1111, www.tappo.ca
Under the Table, 568 Parliament St, (647) 351-1533, https://www.facebook.com/underthetabletoronto
 
If there's a cover charge or tickets are sold, the prices are listed. Otherwise, the event is free.
 
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 24
 
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Dominion on Queen
7:30 pm, Corktown Ukelele Jam annual holiday celebration, $6
Stout Irish Pub
Christmas Eve Pajama Party
 
THURSDAY DECEMBER 25
 
Cranberries
5 & 7:30 pm, Christmas dinner – two seatings, reservations at (416) 925-6330
Under the Table
3 to 10 pm, Christmas dinner
 
FRIDAY DECEMBER 26
 
Mill Street Beer Hall
8 pm, Vinyl nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective
Stirling Room
Theatrical Friday with resident DJ Rod Bravo, reserve on the guest list.  $20
 
SATURDAY DECEMBER 27
 
Flying Beaver
8 pm, Karaoke & ugly hat and sweater contest, no cover
Mill Street Beer Hall
8 pm, Vinyl Nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective
Ronnie B’s
8 pm, Shawn Stanley
Stirling Room
Resident DJ Rod Bravo, reserve on the guest list.
 
SUNDAY DECEMBER 28
 
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke with Vee
Flying Beaver
11 am to 3 pm, Psychic brunch and 2-4-1 dinner special
Local GEST
4:30 pm, Sunday jazz
Mill Street Beer Hall
1 pm, Jazz brunch with Tyler Yarema