February 27


CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD REVIEW

This week’s image:  Olympic hockey gold at The Local GEST, 7 am Sunday

OPEN HOUSES
Click here to read about the open houses in our neighbourhood.

Crimefighters
Photo:  CBC
If you’ve got an issue with crime near your home, you might want to recruit these folks.  It’s been widely reported that 82-year old Mrs Ye was accosted in her apartment at Sherbourne and Dundas by a 52-year old man who claimed to be helping her.  Her neighbours, Chin-Hua Chen and 71-year old  Jane Harris (both senior citizens) intervened and then were helped by a homeless man who happened to be in the building’s stairwell.  Mr Chen slowed him down, the homeless man landed a few blows and then Ms Harris delivered the coup de grace with her cane.  Police now have a man in custody and have laid a variety of assault and robbery charges.  The CBC has a colourful video about the incident .

Cabbagetown South meeting
On March 5, the residents’ association will hold its March meeting at Retsina (209 Gerrard E) at 7 pm.  Superintendent Elizabeth Byrnes and Staff Sergeant John Spanton from 51 Division will talk about policing issues in the area. 

Storytelling events
Dinny Biggs reports that three special storytelling events are coming soon.  The Toronto Storytelling Festival happens from March 28 to April 6 – with its main stage at the Daniels Spectrum from April 3 to 6.  Within the Festival, there’ll be a special symposium about Storytelling & Social Justice on April 3.  On March 29, Urban Campfires is being held at the Parliament Street Library.  Check out the details, schedules and ticket info at the Festival website.

Regent Park update
Photo: Daniels Corporation
The proposed revisions for the redevelopment in Regent Park were sent to Community Council on February 25 and they’re scheduled for the March 20 agenda at City Council.
In brief, these changes increase the number of units for the area from 5400 to 7500.  This extra density will be totally devoted to market units and will increase the percentage of market units in the project from 60 to 75%.  
The large central park will be complete in the Spring.  Construction on the Athletic Grounds and the Linear Park will start this year and the work on the community centre has started and will finish in 2015.  A summary of these revisions with a full set of maps is available here.  For a complete copy of the detailed motion before Community Council, click here.  

Spring yoga with Joy
Joy Craighead has been teaching yoga since 1983.  She’s just back from India where she’s been teaching at the Himalayan Hospital and Medical School.  She offering two eight-week series of hatha yoga classes from February 24 to April 14 and from May 4 to June 23. Mondays, 6 to 7:30 pm, at the Kiwanis Boys & Girls Club (101 Spruce), $85 each.  Joy is donating all proceeds from the classes to the Himalayan Hospital.  Contact her at (416) 921-2683. 

Thai massage at Sundara
Helen Coltrinari has recommended Margo at Sundara (490 Parliament) for her Thai massage therapies.  It’s offered on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 2 to 5 pm.  Sessions are $45.  You can reach Margo at (647) 890-1830.  Helen says that her session with Margo was quite wonderful.

Congrats to Diane Flacks
Starting on March 12, Global TV presents Working The Engels, a new comedy show that reunites SCTV alumni Martin Short, Eugene Levy and Andrea Martin.  Diane is writing for the show.  She’s also included in Tarragon Theatre’s 2014-2015 season lineup. Her play, Waiting Room, will be staged from January 6 to February 15.  Click here to see the Global promo and here to read The Toronto Star’s report about Tarragon’s next season.  

RESTAURANTS & PUBS

Hockey madness
When the liquor board decided to extend pub hours into the early morning last Sunday to accommodate Olympic hockey fans, two local spots took advantage of the opportunity.  Both opened at 6:45 am for the 7 am start.  At the House on Parliament (454 Parliament), fans packed into the upper level and enjoyed the buffet breakfast laid out downstairs.  At the Local GEST (424  Parliament), fans gathered around the bar on both sides of the room to watch the game. 

The Winchester Kitchen & Bar
The Winchester Kitchen & Bar (51A Winchester) has closed.  Its location on the second floor of the Winchester building was a beautiful room  but it’s also a tough spot for restaurants and clubs.  On its Facebook page, the staff have offered their thanks to their friends for three fun years on Winchester.

The Irv
The new gastropub at 195 Carlton at Ontario (where JAMcafe used to be) will open on schedule on Saturday night.  The interior has been radically changed – gone is the wood panelling and the small booths.  It’s now a brighter, modern room with lots of glass and grey throughout.  Watch for regular entertainment on the weekends and try out the specially brewed beer.  The Irv’s Facebook page has listed its weekly features and menus.  

650 Bistro
Right across the street at 194A Carlton (in the home of the former Cafune), 650 Bistro is almost ready to open.  Stefano says that the menu will feature a Mediterranean touch. 

420 Smokehouse
Photo:  blogTO, Jesse Milns
Virginia has been tinkering with her menu.  She’s now added a thick peameal bacon sandwich,  reuben, smoked meat poutine, fish and chips, a bacon burger, pulled pork, and two kinds of chicken wings.  Open from 11:30 am to 11 pm, Tuesday to Sunday, 420 Parliament

Stout’s busy schedule
March will be a busy month for Erin and her staff at Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton).  Of course, St Patrick’s Day rings a big bell in an Irish pub – so she’s celebrating with a four-day event.  She’s also brewing a special beer (coconut and lemon grass IPA) to mark International Women Day on March 8.  And she’ll be having an hour-long candlelit event on Earth Day.  Watch for details about each event as the time approaches.

Academy Awards weekend

The Flying Beaver (488 Parliament) has a two-day extravaganza lined up for the Oscars.  On Saturday, the evening starts at 7 pm with the Oscar Trivia Game and continues at 9 pm with “And the Winner Is IV”.  It’s an evening filled with your favourite songs from the movies.  On Sunday, the entire Pubaret is devoted to the Oscars on the big screen TVs – watch the winners while munching on lobsters. 

The Local GEST (424 Parliament) invites you to come as an actor in any nominated film (past or present) or in your Red Carpet Attire.  There’ll be prizes for the best costumes and an Oscar Trivia Pool.  From 6 pm on Sunday.

Music on the weekend

Check out the new place, The Irv (195 Carlton).  There’ll be live acoustic music from 9 pm to 1 am on Saturday.  It’s opening night for the pub so it should be an interesting evening.

The Paintbox (555 Dundas W) features Ilios Streyannis and his band, Solar Panel, with Chris Pruden (keyboards), Mario Potestio (guitar) and Mike Pelletier (bass) on Saturday at 8 pm.  $10 cover with a prix fixe dinner for $30.  On Sunday from 5:30 pm, the teachers from the Regent Park School of Music present “Yo Teach, play me a tune.”No cover charge. 

Sunday afternoon jazz at The Local GEST (424 Parliament) welcomes Melissa Lauren and her trio at 4:30 pm.  

The Dominion on Queen has the Paul James Band at the Sonic Blues party on Saturday at 9 pm.  $10 cover. 500 Queen E.

THEATRE & DANCE

New Ideas Festival, March 12 to 30
A three-week festival of new writings, experimental theatre and works-in-progress at The Alumnae Theatre (70 Berkeley).  There’s a new program every week and a playwright reading every Saturday at noon. This year, 15 new works are presented, each ranging in length from 10 to 60 minutes.  For the detailed week-by-week program and tickets, click here. 

Norman Conquests
Back at Soulpepper with three plays making up the series – Table Manners (February 27),  Living Together (February 28, 8 pm) and Round and Round the Garden (March 3, 8 pm).  The trilogy continues to March 8.  50 Tank House Lane, Distillery.

Auditions at CCDT
The Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre (509 Parliament) is holding auditions on Sunday March 2 from 10 am to 1 pm for Company Dancers or Company Apprentices ages 14 to 20.  Each dancer will perform one ballet and one modern class.  All auditioning dancers must have three years experience in ballet or modern dance.  $30 audition fee.  Contact Deborah Lundmark at dlundmark@ccdt.org   

CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 27 TO SUNDAY MARCH 2

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/ 
Paintbox Bistro, 555 Dundas St E, (647) 748-0555, www.paintboxbistro.ca 
Stout Irish Pub, 221 Carlton St, (647) 344-7676, www.stoutirishpub.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.

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 27

Flying Beaver
7 pm, Benefit for “Stand-up against domestic violence” $10/advance & $15/door
Local GEST
8 pm, Music night with Jeff Barnes & Noah Zacharin
Under the Table
8 pm, Movie night with $4 appetizers

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 28

Flying Beaver
7 pm, Whiskey Jack (unplugged), $15/advance & $20/door
9 pm, The legendary Carole Pope, $20/advance & $25/door

SATURDAY MARCH 1

Dominion on Queen
9 pm, Paul James Band “Blues party” $10
Flying Beaver
7 pm, The Oscar Trivia Game
9 pm, And The Winner Is, IV
Trivia game only $10, The Winner $15, both shows $20
Paintbox
8 pm, The Solar Panel Band, $10 cover, $30 3-course dinner.

SUNDAY MARCH 2

Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke
Flying Beaver
4 pm, Tea Dance, no cover
5 pm, Lobsters & Oscars
Local GEST
4:30 pm, Sunday Jazz with Melissa Lauren
7 pm, Academy Awards
Mill Street Beer Hall
1 pm, Jazz brunch
Paintbox
5:30 pm, “Yo Teach, play a tune” with staff from the Regent Park School of Music, no cover

February 20


CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD REVIEW

This week's image:  Parliament Street winter

OPEN HOUSE LISTINGS

Our real estate market has heated up at an amazing pace.  Duncan Fremlin is a knowledgeable veteran real estate agent.  He knows our neighbourhood.  We’ve quoted some of his observations on our Open House page along with this weekend’s listings.  Click here.

NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS

Parking tickets
Photo:  CP/Boris Spremo
Parking enforcement officers have been arriving more frequently during the day in Don Vale.  Some local residents have complained that street parking spaces are filling up with cars that don’t have local stickers.  A city bylaw limits local parking to a three-hour maximum and a complaint triggers its enforcement.  Unfortunately, when someone complains about a specific car, the officer must also check out the entire street so the enforcement pulls in lots of other people.  If you have family, friends or contractors visiting, you may want to warn them about the increased enforcement.

Dog licenses
The Cabbagetown Residents Association has issued an alert that bylaw enforcement is checking more actively for dog licenses.  It’s a good thing.  People who own unlicensed dogs are risking a lot.  A  license is an important backup if your dog runs loose and is rounded up by animal services.  While you’re getting a license, go for a microchip as well as another safety feature for your pooch.  You can see all of this online

St James Town Health Club
Community Matters has offered various healthy living services for St James Town residents for the past ten years. In response to residents’ requests, its program has expanded to include opportunities to define health goals, to deal with heart and stroke, cancer, diabetes and stress.  All of this can be done weekly in consultation with a neighbour who has a health services background.  Community Matters offers swimming, Zumba, hip/hop and break dancing, gymnastics and yoga as well as services with a dietician, counselling for stress management and nutrition advice.  Interested people can contact info@communitymatterstoronto.org and (416) 944-9697.

Waterfront Toronto report
Photo:  Waterfront Toronto
The agency’s January/February report has lots of good stuff.  There’s an extensive article about the Gardiner Expressway plus reports on construction at the foot of Parliament for the Pan Am Games site and further west to Ontario Place. Check it out here. 

Regent Park planning report
Photo: Daniels Corp
City planning staff have issued a report for the next phases of Regent Park’s redevelopment.  It can be read online here.  It’s a recommended read for anyone interested in height, density and community service issues in Regent Park.  Toronto East York Community Council has this item on its agenda for next Monday morning, February 25.

Regent Park study
Photo:  Toronto Star, Pawel Dwuti
The Toronto Star has a report about a study conducted by St Michael’s Hospital and McMaster University.  It finds that Regent Park residents are expressing a higher degree of satisfaction and security in their new homes in Regent Park.  It’s an important confirmation that the redevelopment of the area is a worthwhile and successful project.  You can read the Star’s story here.

Nominate outstanding people
Photo: Eric Morse
Organizers at the Forsythia Festival are seeking your nominations for the Festival Queen and the Festival Marshal.  Duties for these tasks are not onerous but the nominees should be people of the highest calibre – as were their predecessors.  Look around your family, friends and neighbours and send your suggestions to info@cabbagetowner.ca

RESTAURANTS & PUBS

Faith Nolan’s CD launch
The Dominion on Queen is hosting a CD launch party for Jailhouse Blues by Faith Nolan.  Friday February 21 at 9 pm.  The cover charge at $20 includes a copy of her new CD. 

Merryberry cooking classes
Last Tuesday, Merryberry’s (559 Parliament) first cooking class launched with a good group enjoying themselves and learning about Cyril’s ideas for cooking with coconut milk and cayenne.  His next class is scheduled for Tuesday February 25 and it will feature “en papillote” – cooking with paper bags.  Contact him at Merryberry's website.

Duncan’s back
Duncan Fremlin and Whiskey Jack are back at The Flying Beaver (488 Parliament) on Friday February 28 at 7 pm.  Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.  Find out more details online here.  Watch your mailbox – The Flying beaver is circulating a postcard that includes a 15% discount on a regular dinner.

Meditation at The Local GEST
The Atisha Buddhist Centre is holding three morning workshops about meditation techniques at The
Local GEST (424 Parliament).  10 to 11 am, February 27, March 6 and 13.  You’ll learn a new skill to calm your mind, explore meditation in a friendly, relaxed environment and return home relaxed and refreshed.  $30 for advance registration and $35 at the door.

Local GEST new menus
After you’ve finished your meditations, turn your thoughts to “martinis and moules” (on Mondays), “burgers and a pint” (on Tuesdays) and “Welly wings” on Wednesdays.  These are the GEST’s new menu specialties and they too will send you home relaxed and refreshed!  424 Parliament.

Weddings at F’Amelia
F’Amelia’s staff have already booked two weddings in the restaurant and another in Extended F’Amelia for the summer season.  It’s a great location for your reception with its bright airy interior and its big comfy patio.  Couples who want more info can call (416) 323-0666 or go to the website.

Congrats for 420 Smokehouse
Photo:  blogTO
There’s a good article in blogTO about Virginia’s new smokehouse (420 Parliament).  You can check it out here.

The Irv’s menu
The new gastropub at Ontario and Carlton is steaming ahead towards its March 1 opening date.  The Irv (195 Carlton) has a lively Facebook page and its opening menu offerings are listed there.  Looks good.

SHOPPING NEWS

The Leslieville Flea
The Flea is back at the Distillery on Sunday February 23 from 10 am to 5 pm for its second winter appearance in The Fermenting Cellar, 28 Distillery Lane. Over fifty vendors will offer clothing, crafts, vintage stuff, antiques and lots more.  More detail at the Leslieville Flea online.

Sundara Yoga
Come and heal your body with Emma O'Neill.  The last year for Emma was a rough one! She blew out her meniscus & tore her rotators all while doing regular, every day activities. Using yoga & sports therapy she’s brought her body back to health without surgery or other invasive therapies.
Emma would love to share what she’s learned about the anatomy of the body, treatments & therapies that really work! A fantastic workshop for athletes, yoga teachers & practitioners looking for hands-on, practical information about healing using yoga therapy.  Sunday February 23, 4:30 to 6:30 pm.  Sundara Yoga (490 Parliament)

An iridescent Favrile glass vase at Eclectisaurus
This is a superb studio art glass vase in an iridescent pulled feather design.  The technique was made famous by earlier artists such as Tiffany and Loetz.  This vase is signed Eckhart and dated 2000.  There’s more detail here. Eclectisaurus, 249 Gerrard E.

Welcome Patricia Milne
Patricia has opened her practice at Milne Architects at the Palette Building (340 Gerrard E).  You can reach her at pmilne@milnearchitect.com and at (416) 968-6456 .  Her firm focuses on sustainable building practices for contemporary architecture and interiors as well as historic restorations.  Best wishes, Patricia, for lots of success.

CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 20 TO SUNDAY MARCH 2

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/
Paintbox Bistro, 555 Dundas St E, (647) 748-0555, www.paintboxbistro.ca
Stout Irish Pub, 221 Carlton St, (647) 344-7676, www.stoutirishpub.ca
Under the Table, 568 Parliament St, (647) 351-1533
Winchester Stage & 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 FEBRUARY 20

Dominion on Queen
7 pm, Wee Folk Club, $10
9:30 pm, Toronto Blues Society presents Jack de Keyser
Flying Beaver
7:30 pm, Chelsea Manders sings “Sweet songs for wicked souls”, $10/advance & $15/door
Under the Table
8 pm, Movie night with $4 appetizers
Winchester Stage & Bar
9 pm, Loser karaoke with Jason Rolland

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 21

Dominion on Queen
9 pm, Faith Nolan CD release “Jail House Blues”, $20 includes CD, $70 for four
Flying Beaver
7 pm, Carla Collins $20/advance & $25/door
9 pm, The Ryan & Amy show, $15/advance & $20/door
Paintbox
8 pm, The Worst Pop Band Ever, $10

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 22

Dominion on Queen
9 pm, Don River Blues Band, $10
Flying Beaver
7 pm, Carla Collins $20/advance & $25/door
9 pm, The Ryan & Amy show, $15/advance & $20/door

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 23

Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke
Dominion on Queen
4:30 pm, Toronto Art Orchestra, $10
Flying Beaver
11 am, Psychic brunch
3 pm matinee, Folk songs by Heather Kelday, $15/advance & $20/door
8 pm, Chris Tsujiuchi and friends, “Chris-terical jazz cabaret”, $10/advance & $15/door
Local GEST
4:30 pm, Sunday jazz Laura Marks and Kevin Barrett trio
Mill Street Beer Hall
1 pm, Jazz brunch
Winchester Stage & Bar
7 pm, Magic at the Winchester, $10

MONDAY FEBRUARY 24

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Nerd Night pub quiz
Winchester Stage & Bar
9 pm Win-Prov
10 pm, Indie music Monday

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 25

Dominion on Queen
8:30 pm, Hot Club of Corktown “Django Jam”
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Nerd Night pub quiz
Winchester Stage & Bar
10 pm, Games & movie night

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 26

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Dominion on Queen
8 pm, Corktown ukulele jam
Flying Beaver
7:30 pm, The Dating Game
Winchester Stage & Bar
7:30 pm, Smart ass trivia
10 pm, Open Mic with Porter

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 27

Flying Beaver
7 pm, Benefit for “Stand-up against domestic violence” $10/advance & $15/door
Local GEST
8 pm, Music night with Jeff Barnes & Noah Zacharin
Under the Table
8 pm, Movie night with $4 appetizers
Winchester Stage & Bar
9 pm, Loser Karaoke with Jason Rolland

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 28

Flying Beaver
7 pm, Whiskey Jack (unplugged), $15/advance & $20/door
9 pm, The legendary Carole Pope, $20/advance & $25/door

SATURDAY MARCH 1

Dominion on Queen
9 pm, Paul James Band “Blues party” $10
Flying Beaver
7 pm, The Oscar Trivia Game
9 pm, And The Winner Is, IV
Trivia game only $10, The Winner $15, both shows $20
Paintbox
8 pm, The Solar Panel Band, $10 cover, $30 3-course dinner.

SUNDAY MARCH 2

Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke
Flying Beaver
5 pm, Lobsters & Oscars
Local GEST
4:30 pm, Sunday Jazz
Mill Street Beer Hall
1 pm, Jazz brunch
Winchester Stage & Bar
7 pm, Magic at the Winchester, $10