April 24


This week’s image:  Spring crocuses.  Photo: Irene DeClute.
CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD REVIEW

NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS

Your house is worth a lot of money
Nick & Hilary from Sage Realty (538 Parliament) have posted a new quarterly report about Cabbagetown’s house sales.  They’ve found that the average sale price for freehold homes in Cabbagetown sold between January and March hit $1,045,941.  There were 17 transactions – 5 rowhouses ($867,880), 9 semi-detached ($928,556) and 3 detached ($1,800,000).  Interestingly, there were fewer deals done in 2014 (17) than 2013 (24) – a trend that’s been noted citywide.  Check out their online report here.

Sprucecourt programs for kids – rush announcement
If you want to join this program, you must act quickly.  Registration closes May 1.
Sprucecourt Public School (70 Spruce) has an opportunity to operate a before-school and after-school program for kids in JK and SK age brackets.  Parents can enroll children in one segment or both.  The morning session starts at 8 am, the afternoon runs from 3:30 to 5 pm and both include snacks.  The cost is $10 to $12 per day for the morning, $19 to $24 per day for the afternoon and $29 to $36 per day for both. If 20 or more parents commit to the programs, then the Board will approve them. 
Contact Matthew Reid, the principal at Sprucecourt at (416) 393-1522 or email sprucecourt@tdsb.on.ca

Clean-up day on Saturday
Across Toronto, people are pitching in to clean winter trash and debris from public spaces.  There are four projects in our neighbourhood on Saturday April 26 and Sunday April 27:
The Aberdeen Avenue Residents Group is handling the street and rear lanes plus the planter boxes at the Green P parking lot, starting at 10 am.  Garbage bags are available at 32 Aberdeen and the drop-off point is Winchester Square Garden, before 2 pm.
In Cabbagetown South, residents are asked to adopt the lanes beside or behind their homes.
In Corktown, there are two clean-up destinations: on Saturday, Corktown Commons and on Sunday, the Richmond Street embankment between Power and St Paul Streets, between 10 am and 1 pm on both days.

Winchester Square Gardens
After the community clean-up on Saturday April 26, the first plantings will happen in the community gardens at Winchester Square, starting at noon.  Everyone who enjoys gardening and harvesting is welcome to launch the season. 

Student art show
Corktown artist Gary Smith is presenting his students’ works in his annual show at Redline Coffee & Espresso Bar (354 Queen E).  The show opens on Saturday April 27 at 2 pm.  Gary has several classes and workshops underway.  To learn more, email him at gary@escapewithgary.com

Cabbagetown walks
The Cabbagetown Preservation Association is launching the 2014 season with a walk through the northern part of Don Vale. Meet at the northeast corner of Parliament and Wellesley.  Sunday April 27, 1:30 pm.  Free event.

Forsythia updates
The Festival happens in less than two weeks - save the date:  Sunday May 4 from 10 am to 3 pm.  The parade gathers at 10 am in Riverdale Park (Sumach and Winchester) and proceeds up to Wellesley Park (east end of Wellesley Street).  Then, there’ll be kids’ games, entertainers, raffles, a bbq and a beer garden.   Among the highlights are the bouncy castle, pony rides, a visit by a fire truck and entertainment by Sonshine & Broccoli and the Perry White Trio.  The detailed program is available here and info about the parade route is here.  

Forsythia volunteers
The Festival is still looking for volunteers to help through the day.  There’s a special need for help in the Beer Garden.  All volunteers are automatically entered into the raffle for a $150 food basket from Epicure.  Contact Lindsay at info@cabbagetowner.com

Thanks for the support
Over two dozen local businesses have given their products and financial support to the Festival.  Their sponsorship has made the program possible.  Check out the full list here.  

CNH and Neighbourhood Link Support Services
These two important agencies serving our community and the neighbourhoods east of us along the Danforth are proposing an amalgamation to expand local services and guarantee their ongoing strength in the future.  The two organizations have compatible cultures and their programs will fit together nicely. Each one is holding a workshop to explain the proposal to interested clients and residents – Saturday, April 26, 1:30 pm, CNH, 349 Ontario (just south of Gerrard). You can learn more about each of them at their websites:  CNH and Neighbourhood Link.

COBA’s Dance & Drum-a-thon
A fun-filled day in celebration of the International Day of the Dance.  Saturday April 26, 9 to 6 pm.  Classes are open to everyone of all ages and will be offered in Caribbean, Hip Hop, Bollywood, Dance Hall Jazz, African and more led by a COBA dancers and guest artists. It’s a fundraiser to support COBA’s children’s dance and drum program.  $5/class or $25 for the entire day.  Refreshments will be available.  COBA Dance Studio in the Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas E,  Suite 130.  www.cobainc.com

Wine & web
The Cabbagetown South Association is hosting a gathering to introduce you to its website and to tell you about the association’s programs.  You’ll find out all of this stuff while sipping away at a glass of wine – a nice touch.  Sunday, April 27, 1 to 2:30 pm, 182 Seaton Street (lower unit). Please register in advance to help with the numbers – for details and registration, click here.  

Exploring the culinary treasures of Cabbagetown South
The Cabbagetown South Residents Association is visiting The Local GEST (424 Parliament) on May 1 for its Spring Dinner.  Meet your neighbours and experience the menu at one of our newer restaurants.  A three-course prix fixe dinner for $30.  Go to the website to register and buy a ticket.

Jane’s Walk
The Jane’s Walk weekend happens on Saturday May 3 and Sunday May 4.  In our area, there’s a Kids’ Photo Walk in Corktown designed for kids ages 4 to 12, a tour of schoolyard gardens by Green Thumbs Growing Kids, a poor people’s history of Toronto, a radical history of Allan Gardens,  a journalism tour of 19th century Toronto and a tour of the waterfront looking at noise pollution and urban development.  And, of course, there are scores more walks across the whole city.  Click here for the full program.  

ArtHeart’s special evening
ArtHeart Community Art Centre (585 Dundas E, Suite 210) is having an evening full of great food from Toronto’s new food trucks and great music by emerging musicians and artists.  Wear your favourite jeans.  Bring your friends.  Renowned photographer Edward Burtynsky will be a featured guest.  It’s a fundraiser – tickets are $150. Volunteers who wish to help with fundraising are needed.  Local businesses can make an important contribution with their gifts.   May 6, 6:30 to 9:30 pm, Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E).  Contact emma.metivier@gmail.com

Summer dance programs
The School of CCDT has three summer programs for young dancers ready for registration.  From June 30 to July 18, Sun Dance (for ages 8 to 20) is offered with the Royal Academy of Dance and it’s the only summer program in the world to combine RAD ballet and Limon Modern. Ignite (ages 15 to 22) is a six day choreographic residency with TOES for dance.  It’s offered from July 21 to 26.  From July 28 to August 1, Summer Arts (ages 4 to 8) has an exciting mix of creative dance, arts and music.  For more detail and registration forms for each program, click here.  

Kendall’s renovations
The changing season heralds a new direction at Kendall & Co.  It’ll soon be your one-stop shop for home furnishings and decorations.  NOW Magazine’s readers poll voted it Toronto’s Best Shop and Toronto’s Best Interior Design Firm so Kendall has a reputation to uphold.  The store is closed for renovations until early May but the Interior Design Studio is always open.  Call (416) 363-9914 or visit http://kendallandco.ca/

Spring schedule – save these dates
Saturday May 3 & Sunday May 4 – Jane’s Walk.  Details here.  
Sunday May 4 – Forsythia Festival, Riverdale Park West at 10 am, parade at 10:30 am and Wellesley Park from 11 am to 3 pm.  Click here for the program and times.  
Saturday May 24 – Cabbagetown South community yard sale.  Click here for more info.  
Saturday May 30 – nomination deadline for Streetscapes in Bloom.
Sunday June 8 – Hidden Gardens & Private Spaces garden tour, 10 am to 3 pm. Click here to find out about tickets and program details.

RESTAURANT & CLUB NEWS

Junior Jazz is back
The Paintbox (555 Dundas E) presents Autorickshaw as the featured performers at this weekend’s Junior Jazz concert.  The event is free.  It’s a great morning for kids and there’s a bonus chance for parents to enjoy brunch.  The show runs from 10 to 11 am. Reservations at (647) 748-0555.  As the photo illustrates, it’s a lively hour full of music and innovative entertainment. 

Specials at 420
Virginia at 420 Smokehouse (420 Parliament) has a long list of specials for your enjoyment.  On Tuesday, a pound of wings and a pint for $14.  On Wednesday, half a rack of St Louis ribs for $15.  On Thursday, an 8-ounce burger with smoked bacon, cheese and fries and a pint for $15.  Also on Thursday, smoked oysters are on special – six for $11 and a dozen for $20. Sunday is the big deal – a quarter chicken and a half rack of ribs with mashed potatoes and sautéed kale and dessert for $18.95.

Half way to Hallowe’en
The Local GEST (424 Parliament) loves costumes.  On Saturday night, April 26, it’s time for a look back (or ahead) to Hallowe’en.  Freaks and geeks are invited to dress up and show up – party time starts at 10 pm with DJ Mike Reid. At midnight, there’ll be prizes for the best costume. 

Cabbagetown favourites at the Flying Beaver
Peter Donato returns to the Flying Beaver (488 Parliament) for his monthly visit.  The cantautore will be tossing out old-time favourites and some new tunes on Sunday April 27 from 7:30 pm.  $10/advance tickets and $15/door.
A week later, Duncan Fremlin and Whiskey Jack will make a rare afternoon appearance at the Flying Beaver.  Saturday May 3 at 5 pm.  $10/advance tickets and $15/door.
Have dinner along with the show - dinner patrons get priority seating for the performances.  Call Heather at (647) 347-6567. 
Buy Peter’s advance tickets online here and Duncan’s here.

Dinner for a cure
The Irv (195 Carlton) is hosting a fundraising event to help with a cure for ALS.  Tickets are $49.99 and they include an appetizer, a prime rib dinner, dessert and a pint of The Irv’s light ale. It’ll be a fun night with a silent auction, raffles, live entertainment and appearances by NHL legends.  Saturday May 3 from 6 pm.  Call (647) 350-4787 or email regan@theirvpub.ca

F’Amelia
Reservations are now open for both lunch and dinner on Mother’s Day weekend.  There’s a special three course prix fixe menu available.  The patio is now open – one of Cabbagetown’s finest. Reservations are recommended at (416) 323-0666, 12 Amelia.

Dominion on Queen
The Wintergarten Orchestra is playing on Mother’s Day from 4:30 to 7:30 pm. Enjoy an 11 piece big band playing the jazz and blues of the Roaring 20s.  Sunday May 11, $10 cover. 500 Dundas W.

CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS

THURSDAY APRIL 24 TO SUNDAY MAY 4

Contact info
Alice’s Place, 554 Parliament St, (647) 931-9088
Dominion on Queen, 500 Queen St E, (416) 368-6893, www.dominiononqueen.com
The Flying Beaver, 488 Parliament St, (647) 347-6567, www.pubaret.com
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/
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 APRIL 24

Flying Beaver
7 pm, Hypnotixx, A slightly naughty comedy hypnosis show, $10/advance & $15/door
The Local GEST
8 pm, Jeff Barnes & Noah Zacharin

FRIDAY APRIL 25

Dominion on Queen
Ori Dagan
Flying Beaver
7 pm, Kira Hall & Donavan LeNabat, “Together again (for the first time)”,  $10/advance & $15/door
9 pm, Sharron Matthews “Surprise night”,  $20/advance & $25/door
11 pm, Ryan Hinds, “Comedy, cabaret & coffee talk”, $10/advance & $15/door

SATURDAY APRIL 26

Dominion on Queen
9 pm, Hat Full of Feathers blues & roots, $10
Flying Beaver
7 pm, Ros Kindler”, $15/advance & $20/door
9 pm, Janet Whiteway, $15/advance & $20/door
The Irv
9 pm, Frank Ryan’s vocals and acoustics
Local GEST
10 pm, DJ Mike Reid “Half way to Halloween party”
Paintbox
10 am, Junior Jazz with Autorickshaw, no cover

SUNDAY APRIL 27

Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke
Flying Beaver
3 pm, Spectra Talent Contest, no cover, $2/vote
7:30 pm, Peter Donato, $10/advance & $15/door
Local GEST
4:30 pm, Sunday jazz with Chris Gale-Sax, Reg Schwager, Brendan Davis & Ted Warren
Mill Street Beer Hall
1 pm, Jazz brunch with Tyler Yarema

MONDAY APRIL 28

Dominion on Queen
8 pm, Good neighbours open mic
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Nerd Night pub quiz

TUESDAY APRIL 29

Dominion on Queen
8:30 pm, Hot Club of Corktown “Django Jam”
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Nerd Night pub quiz

WEDNESDAY APRIL 30

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Flying Beaver
7 pm, Duff MacDonald, “Songs in my head”, $10/advance & $15/door
The Local GEST
7:30 pm, Trivia night

THURSDAY MAY 1

Flying Beaver
7 pm, Pubstumpers Trivia League hosted by Cajo, no cover
9:30 pm, Karaoke with Cajo, no cover
Local GEST
9 pm, Open mic with Porter

FRIDAY MAY 2

Flying Beaver
7 pm, One & done comedy show, $5/advance & $10/door
9 pm, Paul Bellini “Liar, liar, pants on fire”, no cover

SATURDAY MAY 3

Flying Beaver
5 pm, Whiskey Jack (unplugged), $10/advance & $15/door
9 pm, Emily Raquel sings
The Irv
9 pm, Bob Irvine Fund for ALS cure, Dinner for a cure, $49.99
Paintbox Bistro
8 pm, Quinn C Martin & Cole Zeldin, “Ameriquinn Hustle”, $20

SUNDAY MAY 4

Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke
Flying Beaver
7:30 pm, Barb Scheffler with Scott Pietrangelo. “Songs in the key of love”,  $15/advance & $20/door
Local GEST
4:30 pm, Sunday jazz with Sherie Marshall, Artie Ross & Mike Cado
Mill Street Beer Hall
1 pm, Jazz brunch with Tyler Yarema

April 17


This week’s image:  180 Sackville Street topping off.  Photo: TCHC.

CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD REVIEW

NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS

Topping off 180 Sackville
Toronto Community Housing and The Daniels Corporation celebrated the official “topping off” at 180 Sackville Street on April 10.  The building will be TCHC’s latest addition to the revitalized Regent Park.  It’ll have 46 replacement rent-geared-to-income units plus 40 more affordable rental units.  32 more rent-geared-to-income townhouses will be built beside the tower. 

Ginger’s new facade
The Carlton Street façade at Ginger is being renovated to return it to its heritage roots.  The work completes an agreement reached five years ago between the City’s heritage preservation services and the building owner to restore its heritage features.  At first, the owner agreed to rebuild bay windows on the second and third floors but the cost of building and maintaining them near high voltage hydro lines was prohibitive so the focus shifted to main floor changes instead.  The roll-up windows along Carlton, as a result, are gone.  The Parliament Street façade will remain the same. 

Ginger’s windows
Ginger’s roll-up windows and its small restaurant at Carlton and Parliament were a milestone for our local community.  The restaurant replaced a coffee shop that was a very disruptive place – that alone was a great contribution.  But Ginger went beyond that.  Its renovation with its windows, the cheery restaurant and modern design ideas started the changes that have made our local restaurant scene energetic and interesting.  Its new façade is welcome but it’s a bit sad to see the restaurant retreat indoors all over again. Of course, the Parliament Street side will still be open and breezy.

Walking with Paths to Vitality
For the second week, Jared from Paths to Vitality (439 Parliament) is conducting a walkabout in Cabbagetown.  It’s free – there’s no formal registration, just show up and walk.  Thursday April 17 at 6:30 pm. This will be a regular Thuraday evening event.

Forsythia Festival volunteers
Trish Finkelstein is sending out requests for volunteer help with the organizing and set-ups for the Festival itself.  Volunteers are needed for a variety of tasks. The work is broken down so you can offer an hour of your time and make a difference.  Contact info@cabbagetowner.com

Subway Stations of the Cross
Little Trinity Anglican Church (425 King E) and Soulpepper are teaming up to present songs and spoken words inspired by an encounter with a homeless man.  Created and performed by Ins Choi.  Friday, April 18, 8 pm, $15 (Proceeds go to the Yonge Street Mission.) 

Easter Egg Hunt
The Corktown Residents & Business Association is sponsoring an egg hunt at Corktown Commons on Sunday April 20, from 10 am.  It’s a rain or shine event.  Bring your own basket – eggs for everybody.

The Flea is back
The Leslieville Flea returns for its last appearance at The Distillery for the season.  Over 70 vendors and artisans will display vintage clothing, antiques, furniture, jewellery and more.  Sunday April 20, 10 am to 5 pm.  The Fermenting Cellar (28 Distillery Lane). 

Animal House
Dr Clayton Greenway is a veterinarian and a Cabbagetown resident (in fact, he was raised here – the guy’s got everything!) and now he’s about to be a media star.  He’s the host for a new radio talk show on Newstalk 1010.  You can call in to discuss your favourite animal and its worrisome problems and he’ll take you through the answers.  His program airs on Saturday mornings from 10 to 11 am.  This is a great idea – all the best Doctor. 

CNH and Neighbourhood Link Support Services
These two important agencies serve our community and the neighbourhoods east of us along the Danforth.  They’re proposing an amalgamation to expand local services and guarantee their ongoing strength in the future.  Neighbourhood Link, for example, has a hefty seniors program that will reinforce the work done by CNH.  The two organizations have compatible cultures and their programs will fit together nicely. Each one is hosting a workshop to explain the proposal to interested clients and residents – Saturday, April 26, 1:30 pm, CNH, 349 Ontario (just south of Gerrard). You can learn more about each of them at their websites:  CNH and Neighbourhood Link 

Wine & web
The Cabbagetown South Association is hosting a gathering with Gayle Murray (the association’s webmaster) to introduce you to its website and to tell you about the association’s programs.  You’ll find out all of this stuff while sipping away at a glass of wine – a nice touch.  Sunday, April 27, 1 to 2:30 pm, 182 Seaton Street (lower unit). Please register in advance to help with the numbers – for details and registration, click here.  

Jane’s Walk
The Jane’s Walk weekend happens on Saturday May 3 and Sunday May 4.  In our area, there’s a Kids’ Photo Walk in Corktown designed for kids ages 4 to 12, a tour of schoolyard gardens by Green Thumbs Growing Kids, a poor people’s history of Toronto, a radical history of Allan Gardens,  a journalism tour of 19th century Toronto and a tour of the waterfront looking at noise pollution and urban development.  There’ll be more.  And, of course, there are scores more walks across the whole city.  Click here for the full program.  

Summer dance programs
The School of CCDT has three summer programs for young dancers ready for registration.  From June 30 to July 18, Sun Dance (for ages 8 to 20) is offered with the Royal Academy of Dance and it’s the only summer program in the world to combine RAD ballet and Limon Modern. Ignite (ages 15 to 22) is a six day choreographic residency with TOES for dance.  It’s offered from July 21 to 26.  From July 28 to August 1, Summer Arts (ages 4 to 8) has an exciting mix of creative dance, arts and music.  For more detail and registration forms for each program, click here.  

Kendall & Co
Kendall & Co has closed for store-wide renovations to prepare for the new Spring arrivals.  When the store reopens, it’ll be your one-stop-shop for your home furnishings and decorations.  In the meantime, Kendall’s interior design studio is still available.  It’s already Toronto’s best design shop and best interior design studio.   Kendall & Co Interior Design + Décor, www.kendallandco.ca, (416) 363-9914, 227 Carlton, 10 to 6 pm weekdays and 11 am to 5 pm Saturday.

ArtHeart’s special evening
ArtHeart Community Art Centre (585 Dundas E, Suite 210) is having an evening full of great food from Toronto’s new food trucks and great music by emerging musicians and artists.  Wear your favourite jeans.  Bring your friends.  Renowned photographer Edward Burtynsky will be a featured guest.  It’s a fundraiser – tickets are $150. Volunteers who wish to help with fundraising are needed.  Local businesses can make an important contribution to our area with their gifts.   May 6, 6:30 to 9:30 pm, Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E).  Contact emma.metivier@gmail.com 

COBA’s Dance & Drum-a-thon
A fun-filled day in celebration of the International Day of the Dance.  Saturday April 26, 9 to 6 pm.  Classes are open to everyone of all ages and will be offered in Caribbean, Hip Hop, Bollywood, Dance Hall Jazz, African and more led by a COBA dancers and guest artists. It’s a fundraiser to support COBA’s children’s dance and drum program.  $5/class or $25 for the entire day.  Refreshments will be available.  COBA Dance Studio in the Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas E,  Suite 130.  www.cobainc.com 

Environment days
The City of Toronto operates annual environment days where we can get rid of unwanted household waste - computers, audio-visual equipment, paint cans, batteries and hazardous waste.  We can also recycle useable items like clocks, children’s books, corkboards, crayons, buttons, costume jewellery, sporting goods, medical equipment, small household items and textiles. 
The next one happens on Saturday May  3 in Lower Sherbourne Park (Frederick Street south of The Esplanade) and then on Saturday May 10 in Riverdale Park East (Broadview north of Gerrard).  Click here for details.  

Exploring the culinary treasures of Cabbagetown South
The Cabbagetown South Residents Association is visiting The Local GEST (424 Parliament) on May 1 for its Spring Dinner.  Meet your neighbours and experience the menu at one of our newer restaurants.  A three-course prix fixe dinner for $30.  Go to the website to register and buy a ticket. 

A busy Spring schedule – save these dates

Sunday May 4 – Forsythia Festival, Riverdale Park West at 10 am, parade at 10:30 am and Wellesley Park from 11 am to 3 pm.  Click here for the program and times.  

Saturday May 24 – Cabbagetown South community yard sale.  Click here for more info.  

Saturday May 30 – nomination deadline for Streetscapes in Bloom.  

Sunday June 8 – Hidden Gardens & Private Spaces garden tour, 10 am to 3 pm. Click here to find out about tickets and program details.  

RESTAURANT NEWS


Dinner at the Flying Beaver
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the FB (488 Parliament) has lemon dill crab cakes with Thai chilli sauce as an appetizer, mint and Dijon braised leg of lamb or panko breaded bronzini topped with grilled cherry tomato salsa, or orechietti with squash, zucchini, bell peppers and roma tomatoes for entrees and homemade desserts.   Maggie and Heather are describing this as “Not an Easter/Passover dinner/seder unless you want it to be.”

Brunch at the House on Parliament
The HOP (454 Parliament) is open on Good Friday for brunch from 11:30 am to 3 pm.  Later in the day, there’s service from the regular menu to 1 am. 

Comedy at The Paintbox
Quinn C Martin shows up at The Paintbox (555 Dundas E) on Saturday April 19 with his Ameriquinn Hustle comedy show.  8 pm, $20.  Reservations recommended (647) 748-0555.

Cranberries’ Easter menu
The two special dishes being highlighted at Cranberries for Easter Sunday are both very popular and usually sell out when offered on the menu.  The dinner is a three-course prix fixe.  The first course is butternut squash soup or an organic green salad with goat cheese and walnuts.  The two big main course dishes are roast turkey with cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and seasonal veggies or baked lamb shank with port jus, mashed potatoes and seasonal veggies.  For dessert, there’s sticky toffee pudding.  $27 plus tax and gratuity.  Please call (416) 9255-6330.

F’Amelia
F’Amelia (12 Amelia) is open on Good Friday, April 18 for regular dinner service.  Three seafood dishes will be prepared for the evening’s specials.  Be sure to save your place for Mother’s Day – F’Amelia is open for lunch and dinner. Celebrate with a special prix fixe meal.  Call (416) 323-0666 for reservations.

Merryberry cooking class
Last week’s cooking class at Merryberry (559 Parliament) was a success.  Cyril says that the participants were surprised by the recipes that can be developed with a simple avocado.  He sent a couple of photos showing the chefs torching an avocado crème brulee.  Merryberry has an ongoing series of cooking classes so check with Cyril for dates and topics in future sessions. 

Open Mic with Porter
Porter returns to The Local GEST (424 Parliament) on Thursday April 17 at 9 pm.  She hosts her open mic program with lots of performers who sing and play everything from horns to banjos to harmonicas.  There’s a strong possibility that Cabbagetown Steve will appear. It’ll be one of his first performances since having surgery for a shoulder reconstruction – he’s a great guy and a great singer and he’ll be welcome back. 

Celebrate Earth Day
Mill Street Brew Pub (21 Tank House Lane, Distillery) is celebrating Earth Day with a special Brewmaster’s dinner with Joel Manning.  It’s a five-course meal with matching beer pairings.  Thursday, April 24, 6:30 pm.  $59.99.   Reservations at (416) 681-0338.

Peter Donato
He’s back at the Flying Beaver (488 Parliament) and he’s bringing a secret guest star with him for his performance at 7:30 pm,  Sunday April 27.  Save the date and be sure to go

A Taste for Life
David at Hey Lucy (229 Carlton) has alerted us to the Taste For Life events happening on Wednesday April 23.  This is a nation-wide evening in support of AIDS/HIV community services in our community.  Restaurants in our area are donating 25% of their proceeds to help Fife House. Hey Lucy’s fundraiser is hosted by John Joseph Mastrandrea, Bill Calkins and Michael Blair.  The Flying Beaver (488 Parliament), Gilead Café Wine Bar (9 Gilead Place), Butter Chicken Factory (556 Parliament), Spice House (587 Parliament) and Peartree (507 Parliament) are also part of the program.  Just make your reservation, enjoy your dinner and support your community.

ALS Fundraiser
The Irv (195 Carlton) will hold a fundraising evening to support the Bob Irvine Fund for ALS Canada Research.  It’ll be a fun evening – prizes include hockey memorabilia, golf packages, golf irons and golf bags, a beer fridge, a big screen TV and lots more.  NHL legends will be present for pictures and autographs.  Live music by Frank Ryan. Tickets are $49.99 and include a three course beef dinner and a pint of The Irv’s light ale. Saturday May 3, 6 pm. For tickets, call (647) 350-4787 or email regan@the irvpub.ca

CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS

THURSDAY APRIL 17 TO SUNDAY APRIL 20

Contact info
Alice’s Place, 554 Parliament St, (647) 931-9088
Dominion on Queen, 500 Queen St E, (416) 368-6893, www.dominiononqueen.com  
The Flying Beaver, 488 Parliament St, (647) 347-6567, www.pubaret.com
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/
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 APRIL 17

Dominion on Queen
7 pm, Wee Folk Club, $10
9:30 pm, Thursday blues series presents Suzie Vinnick
Local GEST
9 pm, Open mic with Porter

FRIDAY APRIL 18

Flying Beaver
7 pm, Savoy Howe newsgirls vs notso’s sing-off karaoke, fundraiser, $5

SATURDAY APRIL 19

Flying Beaver
7 pm, Bill Merryweather, $15/advance & $20/door
9 pm, Pat MacDonald & Marito Lopez, “Little people. Big laughs”, $10/advance & $15/door
The Irv
9 pm, Frank Ryan’s vocals and acoustics
Paintbox Bistro
8 pm, Quinn C Martin & Cole Zeldin, “Ameriquinn Hustle”, $20
SUNDAY APRIL 20

Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke
Flying Beaver
9 pm, DJ Dirty Mex & DJ Achilles, “Bells & whistles industry night”, $5/door
Local GEST
4:30 pm, Sunday jazz with Laura Marks
Mill Street Beer Hall
1 pm, Jazz brunch with Tyler Yarema