This
week’s image: A resident cleans up
the trash in Anniversary Park
CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD REVIEW
WHAT’S HAPPENING
It
seems that everyone forgets Anniversary Park – the little triangle at Gerrard
and Parliament. Periodically, big
plans pop up for its future but no one pays any attention to its current
condition. In fact, a few simple
upgrades would make it a very pleasant place while the bigger changes are contemplated. For example, the gardens could be
perked up with lots of inexpensive annuals, the water in the fountain could be
filtered and cleaned, and the trash could be swept up frequently. These changes involve daily inspections
and regular efforts but not a lot of money. If the City won’t do the work, then perhaps the BIA and the
Daniels Corporation could devise a maintenance schedule. The BIA’s management
of its gardens at Carlton and Parliament has proven exemplary – so why not add
Anniversary Park onto the list as well.
Air
conditioning noise from Regent Park
New
buildings in Regent Park are plugged into a Community Energy Centre (252
Sackville) which supplies their heating and air conditioning needs. It’s a great idea – TCHC hopes to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 400,000 tonnes over a thirty year
period. Unfortunately for the past
four years, the high speed cooling towers located on its roof have been blasting
out a loud, droning, oscillating noise which worsens in the summer. Local residents as far away as Carlton
Street have complained. In the Spring, TCHC hired a consultant to offer a
solution. By late August, it hopes
to send the plan to install silencers on the roof to the provincial Ministry of
Energy for approval. It’s an
amazing story of a good idea surrounded by dithering. You can read the residents’ story on their website.
Thanks
to the Cabbagetown Resident’s Association
The
CRA has been writing very informative community bulletins on its website for
some time now. The noise story
comes from its August newsletter.
You can read the CRA’s website here.
Blair`s
Run – Sunday September 7
Photo: Eric Morse
The
little race is growing up! For its
35th anniversary organizers have put together a website along with
all kinds of convenient online registrations. It`s a very easy way to get registered for yourself and your
team. You can also set up a fundraising
page that you can share on Facebook and Twitter. If you want to volunteer, you can forward your name
here. Click here.
The
Liberals are all leaving
Photo: Toronto Life
A
couple of weeks ago, Glen Murray finalized arrangements to move his
constituency office away from its Parliament Street location. Now Chrystia Freeland is going as well.
They’ll both be gone by August 31.
It’s sad. These guys always
made us feel closely connected to the lofty corridors of power and occasionally
we enjoyed the excitement of an overheated protest march or graffiti chalked
onto the sidewalk. A few years
ago, for example, poverty-stricken teachers demonstrated against Glen day after
day to the lunatic sounds of a scratchy boombox playing Abba's “Waterloo” – puzzling
but unforgettable. You can still reach Glen at 120 Carlton Street, Suite 310
(416-972-7686) and Chrystia at 1027 Yonge Street, Suite 315, (416-954-2222).
Check
out the gardens
A
reminder - Streetscapes in Bloom is the annual Cabbagetown Preservation
Association’s award to gardeners who have a special impact on the street around
their home. In the Spring, three
homes were nominated and the judges have been watching their progress as the
seasons change. Check out the
gardens and watch for yourself as these good gardeners do their work. 62 Amelia, 141 Amelia and 266 Carlton.
Soulpepper`s
cabaret series
Photo: Soulpepper
Saturday,
August 23, 8:30 pm. This week’s
cabaret features Alex Samaras (vocals) with arranger Bobby Hsu, James McEleney
(bass), Morgan Childs (drums) and Adrean Farrugia (piano). It’s a look back to the beautiful music
from Broadway`s golden era, especially Steven Sondheim, City of Strangers. Tickets from $15 to $20 – click
here.
Summer
Music Series
The
Distillery`s outdoor concerts continue on Sunday August 24 from 3 to 5 pm. This week, Kristine Schmitt and her
band Her Special Powers will appear onstage in Trinity Square. They`re bringing
a blend of bluegrass, country and folk – old and new. Free.
ROM
Walks are back
Photo: ROM
Two
ROM Walks through Cabbagetown are scheduled for late August, one free and one
limited to ticket holders. On
Sunday August 24, the free walk covers Cabbagetown North. It starts at 2 pm at the northeast
corner of Parliament and Winchester and covers Winchester, Riverdale Park and
Wellesley. On Sunday August 31, ROMwalk Plus goes through Cabbagetown
South. Included on the itinerary
are the Trinity Medical School, Spruce Court Coop, revitalized Regent Park and
tea and a tour at the Paintbox Bistro.
Tickets are $30 and are available at (416) 586-5799.
Music
in the Park
The
summer concert series in Little Trinity Park wraps up with singer/songwriter
Sarah Burton. Thursday August 28, 7 pm, Trinity at King Street E. Free. You can catch her releases and
videos at her website.
Prenatal
classes
Kelly
Deuster is teaching pre-natal classes at the Toronto Birth Centre (525 Dundas
E) in Regent Park beginning September 10. She’s designed a four-week program
with yoga and childbirth education classes that’s ideal for mothers-to-be who
are 13 to 34 weeks pregnant. For
detailed descriptions of the program and for registration, click here.
Artfest
in the Distillery
From
Friday August 29 to Monday September 1, Artfest presents painters, artisans,
photographers, sculptors and other local crafts. Live music.
Booths are located throughout the District. Free. For
details, visit the Distillery website.
Market
reminders
The
Riverdale Park farmer`s market (Winchester & Sumach) happens on Tuesday
from 2 to 7 pm and the Regent Park market (east side of Daniels Spectrum) is open
Wednesdays from 3:30 to 7 pm.
IN THE MEDIA
A
waterfront Primer
The
September issue of Toronto Life has a very useful two-page “Primer” (pages 38
to 39) about the development spree happening along the waterfront south of
us. Six big projects are highlighted
– River City, the Canary District (future home of the Pan/Am athletes’
village), George Brown College, Monde Condo, Aqualina at Bayside and the Wave
decks. Quick summaries are also
given about major problems, the financial impact and a map showing what goes
where. Unfortunately, the article does not seem to be one of the stories
offered in the online edition.
Urban
Development in the east end
Photo: Vince Talotta, Torstar
Christopher
Hume has written an overview of the suddenly exploding developments in
Corktown, the West Don Lands and Riverside. The Toronto Star, August 15. Click here.
Canary
District`s mixed future
Photo: Aaron Harris, Torstar
The
huge development called Canary District is headed for two different futures –
first as the athletes` village for the Pan Am Games and after that as condos
and student housing. Jennifer
Pagliaro did a Toronto Star article on Sunday August 17 about the district and
its current status. Click
here.
BUSINESS NEWS
Welcome
to Little House in the City
Photo: Hillary makes her first (of many!!!) purchases
Carol
has opened her delightful store at 555 Parliament, just south of the Esso
station. It’s Toronto’s first
urban homesteading and sustainability store, featuring do-it-yourself projects,
locally sourced inventory and handmade crafts. Interest has grown in old crafts and skills like canning,
preserving, soap making and cheesemaking . She’ll provide products that help you to do these projects
and she’s planning workshops on these topics. The store interior is bright and beautifully designed and a
pleasure to visit for browsing or serious shopping.
Kendall
is back
Kendall
and Kevin holidayed in the Maritimes and returned with these smart little floor
mats. Hand woven using repurposed
fishing lines. Weathered with
seafaring charm. Good for indoors
and out. Every time you purchase a
mat, you’re keeping 150 feet of this otherwise discarded cordage out of the
landfill. The store is open 10 am
to 6 pm weekdays and 11 am to 5 pm on Saturday. Kendall & Co (227 Carlton).
Eclectisaurus
has 1960s curtains
Leslie
has a joyous pair of 1960s curtains printed with tulips in turquoise, blue and
green interspersed with graphic outlines of poppies. These large cotton drapes are pleated at the top to accept
curtain hooks and they’re unlined.
Check out the details on Eclectisaurus’ website or visit the store
Wednesday to Friday 3 to 8 pm, Saturday noon to 7 pm and Sunday noon to 6 pm.
239 Gerrard East.
Grinning
Face
Our
local gelato shop has launched amid very favourable reactions. Julie and Keo are pleased with the way
their business has started. They`re preparing now for the Festival – no doubt
this will be a highly successful part of the weekend. They`re getting a bit of practice on Sunday at the Coconut
Festival in Wychwood Barns (601 Christie St).
RESTAURANT NEWS
Merryberry`s
cooking classes
On
Tuesday August 26 at 6 pm, Cyril is again presenting one of his enjoyable cooking
classes. This week`s theme – Kiss
Summer Goodbye. Since this is the
best time for fresh seasonal foods, he`s highlighting corn, watermelon, peaches
and cherries – all in unpredictable ways. $45. The spaces are starting to fill up so call (647) 348-0411 or visit the
restaurant (559 Parliament).
Peartree`s
specials
This
week, Peartree (507 Parliament) has three new special dishes: grilled Black Angus steak with lobster
tail ($18.99), baked stuffed
chicken supreme with sautéed mushrooms, roasted red pepper and goat cheese
($16.99) and baked fillet of
rainbow trout served with sautéed grape-tomato, lemon thyme butter sauce ($16.99). Each item comes with fresh market vegetables and rice,
potatoes or fries. For an extra $6, add soup or salad and a dessert – a great
value. As always, on Monday seniors enjoy a 20% discount.
Under
the Table
There`s
a lot happening at this nifty spot just south of Wellesley (568
Parliament). The menu will be
available for delivery by Just Eats starting next week. Karaoke is now offered every Thursday
and Friday night from 9 pm.
There`s a brunch on Saturday and Sunday. And, of course, it`s fully licensed by the AGCO. Plans are
now under way for an outdoor patio at the Festival with a $6 menu, drink
specials and Saturday night karaoke.
Kim and Betty will be closing for a well-deserved refresher on Saturday
August 23 and Sunday August 24.
They are closed as well every Monday. Check out the enthusiastic reviews
at YELP.
Shelley
Ledger`s photography
Photo: Shelley Ledger
Shelley
is a Cabbagetown photographer and writer whose work is currently being shown at
Cranberries (601 Parliament).
She`s sponsoring a raffle at Cranberries on Sunday September 7, the last
day of the Festival. Half of her
proceeds will go to support Riverdale Farm. The raffle winner will receive a framed original print of
any photo in the Cranberries` show and two runners up will each get their choice
of an unframed original print.
Tickets are $5 (three for $12) and they`re on sale now at Cranberries.
Watch
for …
Ronnie
B`s Southern Kitchen. It`s a new
spot scheduled to open next week at the south corner of Carlton and Parliament
(243 Carlton). Preliminary
publicity says that the menu will feature southern American food, craft beers
and live jazz. There`s a website
with menu details here and a Facebook page.
CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS
THURSDAY AUGUST 21 TO SUNDAY AUGUST 31
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/
Paintbox
Bistro, 555 Dundas St E, (647) 748-0555, www.paintboxbistro.ca
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.
THURSDAY AUGUST 21
Dominion
on Queen
9:30
pm, Toronto Blues Society presents Carlos del Junco & Jimmy Bowskill
Flying
Beaver
9
pm, Lobster & Karaoke, no cover
The
Local GEST
9
pm, Open mic with Porter
Paintbox
Bistro
8
pm, Erik Flowchild & Brandon Dramatic in Canvas Pieces, $10
Tappo
7
pm, Errol Fisher
Under
The Table
9
pm, Karaoke
FRIDAY AUGUST 22
Dominion
on Queen
9
pm, Don River Blues Band
Flying
Beaver
7
pm, Lucas Silveira, “Live & unplugged”, $15/advance & $20/door
9
pm, Carla Collins, $20/advance & $25/door
Paintbox
Bistro
8
pm, Make It Work networking with Leila Rey, $10
Under
The Table
9
pm, Karaoke
SATURDAY AUGUST 23
Flying
Beaver
9
pm, Colin Asuncion, “Colin’s first cabaret”, $10/advance & $15/door
The
Irv
7
pm, Frank Ryan’s vocals and acoustics
Mill
Street Beer Hall
8
pm, Vinyl Nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective
SUNDAY AUGUST 24
Alice’s
Place
4
pm, Karaoke
Dominion
on Queen
4:30
pm, The Wintergarten Orchestra
Local
GEST
4:30
pm, Sunday jazz with the Coleman Tinsley Quartet featuring Chris Gale (sax),
Reg Schwager (guitar), Brendan Davis (bass) & Ted Warren (drums)
Mill
Street Beer Hall
1
pm, Jazz brunch with Tyler Yarema
MONDAY AUGUST 25
(No
listings available)
TUESDAY AUGUST 26
Dominion
on Queen
8:30
pm, Hot Club of Corktown – Django Jam
Merryberry
6 pm, Cooking class, $45
Stout
Irish Pub
7:30
pm, Nerd Night pub quiz
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 27
Alice’s
Place
9
pm, Karaoke
Dominion
on Queen
8
pm, Corktown Uke Jam
The
Local GEST
7:30
pm, Trivia night
THURSDAY AUGUST 28
Flying
Beaver
9
pm, Lobster & Karaoke, no cover
The
Local GEST
8
pm, Jeff Barnes & Noah Zacharin
Tappo
7
pm, Errol Fisher
Under
The Table
9
pm, Karaoke
FRIDAY AUGUST 29
Flying
Beaver
9
pm, Matt Rubel, “Serious business, variety show”, $10/advance & $15/door
Under
The Table
9
pm, Karaoke
SATURDAY AUGUST 30
Flying
Beaver
7
pm, Dominique Fricot, $10/advance & $15/door
The
Irv
9
pm, Frank Ryan’s vocals and acoustics
Mill
Street Beer Hall
8
pm, Vinyl Nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective
SUNDAY AUGUST 31
Alice’s
Place
4
pm, Karaoke
Flying
Beaver
7:30
pm, Cheesy queer movie night, “Bound”, no cover.
Local
GEST
4:30
pm, Sunday jazz with the Joanne Morra Trio
Mill
Street Beer Hall
1
pm, Jazz brunch with Tyler Yarema
