This
week’s image: Spring flower markets
CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD REVIEW
OPEN HOUSES
Two homes are listed here – one of the Wellesley Cottages and a
Victorian townhouse on Earl Street.
Click here to read about them.
SCOTT HUNTER
Scott
Hunter was killed last weekend in a violent robbery attempt that turned
tragically wrong. He was visiting
Louisville Kentucky with a friend to enjoy the Kentucky Derby. Later that night, they were returning
to their hotel when the attack occurred. During the struggle, Scott was shot. His friend was not hurt. The Louisville police have arrested
three people.
Scott
worked at the House on Parliament (454 Parliament) and he also had his own
Leslieville coffee shop, Grinder.
His friends at the HOP have said “To Scott’s family, we would like you
to know what a joy it was to have Scotty in our lives. He was one of a kind, well lived and
loved.” People in restaurants
across Cabbagetown have added their voices online – he was widely known and
loved.
The
Toronto and Louisville media have covered this story extensively. Click here to read the CBC’s
account.
LOCAL NEWS
Congrats
for an outstanding festival
The
Forsythia Festival last weekend surpassed expectations. It was a well-organized event that
offered all the traditional gossipy opportunities mixed in with lots of new
family-friendly entertainment. The
Festival site was enhanced this year by the neat new yellow tents. Even the weather cooperated and turned
Sunday into a glorious early-Spring day.
Many thanks to the event donors whose generosity made all of it
possible.
Forsythia
Festival committee
These
are the people whose contributions created the successful 2015 Forsythia
Festival last weekend. From the
left, Chiara Sorbera, James Wood, Lindsay Matheson, Trish Finkelstein, Cynthia
Eldridge, Tina Card, Carolyn Shaw-Rimmington and Michelle Blattner. Many others gave their time to the
volunteer team that put everything together. Thanks to each of you for your hard work and
leadership.
CONTACT
at the Daniels Spectrum
As
part of Scotiabank’s CONTACT Photography Festival, two exhibitions are running
together at The Daniel’s Spectrum (585 Dundas E). Cosmopolis Toronto by award-winning photographer Colin Boyd
Shafer portrays people from all over the world who now live in Toronto. Dan Bergeron’s Faces of Regent Park is
a series of twelve photo-based portraits of local residents. They will become a permanent public art
installation in Regent Park. From Friday May 8 to Sunday June 28, weekends 10
am to 6 pm and weekdays 8 am to 10 pm.
The opening reception is from 6 to 10 pm, Friday May 15.
Riverdale
Farm garden volunteers
Every
Wednesday from May 13 to October
21, volunteers are welcome to work with the horticulturalist at the Farm
(Winchester and Sumach). Meet at
the Drive Shed just inside the Winchester gate at 4 pm. This week’s work includes preparing
beds, planting, weeding, deadheading, watering and edging beds. The farm’s bulb display is at its peak
and you’re invited to drop by soon to enjoy the gardens at their best.
Streetscapes
in Bloom
Every
year, judges from the Cabbagetown Preservation Association receive nominations
for the annual best-garden award.
Over the summer, they watch as the nominees’ gardens grow and
change. In the Fall, a winner is
selected and given a watercolour painting of the garden, an art glass medallion
by Kitras Glass and an iron garden crook.
You can read about the award and the winning criteria here. Any Cabbagetown resident
can nominate a garden. Send your
selection by May 29 to helenc.hmc@sympatico.ca
Cabbagetown
South Yard Sale
On
Saturday May 23 from 9 am to 3 pm, the whole neighbourhood (Carlton to Shuter,
Sherbourne to Parliament) turns into a giant yard sale. The event will be advertised on Kijiji,
Craigslist, emails and blogs.
There’ll be signs posted throughout the neighbourhood. If you don’t have an outdoor space and
you want to participate, there’s room available at Central Neighbourhood House
(349 Ontario) – space is limited so you must register. It’s a free event. All sellers are
asked to register so the Association can post directional signs and can
distribute emails in case of rain. The rain date is Saturday May 30. Contact info@cabbagetownsouth.ca
Congrats
to Ernescliffe
Photo: Ontario Archives
The
apartment building at Wellesley and Sherbourne is 100 years old. A celebration will happen at 1 pm,
Saturday May 23 in the parking lot at 467 Sherbourne. The building is now a familiar landmark, the Ernescliffe
Co-operative, and the members have arranged “celebratory activities.” Heritage Toronto will present a
commemorative plaque.
Welcome
to a new Cabbagetowner
Luke
Joseph Oliver was born on April 11.
He’s a new brother for Owen and Carsten. His mom, Monica, says that life is now definitely busier but
that’s exactly how she loves it.
Congrats to Monica and Craig!
If your family has a new baby, send your pictures to
cabbagetownreview@gmail.com cabbagetownreview@gmail.com
ONSTAGE
God
and the Indian – now playing
Written
by Drew Hayden Taylor. While
panhandling outside a local coffee shop, Johnny, a Cree woman, is shocked to
recognize a face from her childhood spent in a residential school. She’s desperate to hear him acknowledge
the terrible abuse inflicted on her and other children at the school. Native Earth Performing Arts with
Firehall Arts Centre. To Sunday
May 17. Aki Studio Theatre,
Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E).
Looking
for Elvis & the Man in Black – ending this weekend
Two
works. Looking For Elvis,
choreographed by Laurence Lemieux, explores the life of a young Elvis
Presley. The Man in Black,
choreographed by James Kudelka, is a celebration of American working-class grit
and the man whose voice embodied it.
May 8 and 9 at 8 pm, $20.
The Citadel (304 Parliament). Tickets and more info available online.
Alumnae
Theatre’s Big Ideas – May 11 to May 17
The
Theatre’s (70 Berkeley) New Plays Development Group brings five plays and four
readings to Big Ideas from May 11 to 17.
Tuesday to Friday at 8 pm and at 2 pm and 8 pm on Saturday and Sunday.
There’s a description of each performance online here.
Soulpepper’s
Cabaret Series – every Saturday night
The
cabarets happen every Saturday night at 8:30 pm and they showcase established
artists, new talents and innovative groupings. On Saturday May 9, it’s Broadsway with Heather Bambrick,
Diane Leah and Julie Michaels.
Tickets are $25 general and $20 students – click here. Soulpepper at the Yonge Centre (50 Tank
House Lane, Distillery)
Soulpepper’s
Spring schedule
For
the full program, click here to see Soulpepper’s website.
Michael
Hollingsworth’s two video cabarets are back at Soulpepper. Trudeau &
Levesque opens May 7 and Trudeau & the FLQ opens May 12. Both run to June 13. Martin Morrow reviewed both plays in
the May 6 Globe & Mail. Click
here to read it.
Bedroom
Farce by British comedy writer Alan Ayckbourn is playing now until June
20. Of Human Bondage is Vern
Thiessen’s acclaimed adaptation of Somerset Maugham’s work. It’s onstage now to June 20. The Dybbuk or Between Two Worlds by
Anton Piatigorksky starts on May 14 and continues to June 18. Eurydice is Sarah Ruhl’s adaptation of
the classic Oedipus myth – it’s playing from May 19 to June 18. Soulpepper
at the Yonge Centre (50 Tank House Lane, Distillery)
Corktown
Chamber Orchestra – May 14
Season
finale at 8 pm, Thursday May 14, Little Trinity Church (425 King E). “And we shall go out with a great roar
– Schubert’s Great C Major Symphony 9”.
The orchestra is an all-strings performing collective of talented
non-professional musicians who want to foster an appreciation for music and
community. Concert tickets are $10
(children free).
newchoir
at Koerner Hall – Saturday May 30
We
last heard from newchoir just after its successful debut at New York’s Carnegie
Hall. Next on its list – Koerner
Hall (273 Bloor W) at 8 pm, Saturday May 30. The concert is The Art Of Rock and
Canadian indie music icon Sarah Slean will appear along with the choir. Tickets are $40 and they’re almost
sold-out. For more program details and for your tickets, click here.
Momentum
15 – performances to May 9
An
ambitious main-stage production featuring dancers from all three years of the
Professional Training Program, School of Toronto Dance Theatre. Choreography by Christopher House,
Sasha Ivanochko, Sharon Moore, Julia Sasso, Ofilio Sinbadinho and Heidi
Strauss. 8 pm, Thursday May 7 to
Saturday May 9, Winchester Street Theatre (80 Winchester). Tickets are $15 and $20. Tickets and more info – click
here.
CCDT’s
Space Interrupted – May 29 & May 30
Canadian
Contemporary Dance Theatre (509 Parliament) presents Space Interrupted as part
of Harbourfront NextSteps 2015. It
includes a Canadian premiere by Colin Connor, recent works by Ofilio
Sinbadinho, Alexander Whitley and Deborah Lundmark. 8 pm, Friday May 29 and Saturday May 30 at the Fleck Dance
Theatre, Harbourfront Centre (207 Queen’s Quay W). Tickets and more information online here.
Mitchell
Cohen’s Journey – June 20
In his day job, Mitch Cohen builds buildings, revitalizes Regent Park and plays a big part in creating Toronto’s future with his leadership role at the Daniels Corporation. He’s also a composer and musician. In fact, he’s written a musical about the transformation of Regent Park - The Journey, A Living History of the Regent Park Revitalization. It documents the community’s history through the lives of its residents and its dazzling cast includes local residents and peformers along with Jackie Richardson, Thompson Egbo-Egbo and Jeremiah Sparks. He wrote its first song on the day when the demolition crews started to knock down the first building. 8 pm, June 20 at the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E). Tickets are $25. Click here to read more and to buy your tickets.
SHOPPING NEWS
New
name for Little House in the City
This
week’s workshop at 1:30 pm on Saturday May 9 again highlights the world of
raising chickens in a city backyard.
Dan Pryce from Spade & Feather will cover the “how to” and the
appeal, benefits and legalities of it all. $20.
MOTHER’S DAY CELEBRATIONS
Kendall
& Co
Love
is the best gift of all for Mother’s Day.
Kendall & Co (514 Parliament) has one. It’s made from repurposed lumber salvaged from heritage
homes. It’ sure to delight your
Mom and Mother-in-law. For more
gift ideas, check out Kendall’s website.
The store is open from 10 am to 6 pm weekdays and 11 am to 5
pm, Saturdays.
LORE
– Little House in the City
On
Sunday May 10 from 1 to 4 pm, knit along with your Mom. Stacey MacDonald is a knitting whiz and
she’ll teach the basics in her workshop.
The complexity of the piece will be changed for those who have previous
experience. Bring your mom – the
fee covers two people. 555 Parliament.
Restaurants
on Mother’s Day
Most
of our restaurants are offering their regular brunch and dinner menus for
Mother’s Day. Watch for specials
and surprise gifts.
420
Smokehouse (420 Parliament) – Virginia has a special menu with your choice of
smoked salmon eggs benedict on a fresh English muffin or a quiche with smoked
chicken, ricotta and roasted red pepper.
Plus a strawberry shortcake and kir royals and mimosas.
Stout
Irish Pub (Carlton) – Erin is offering a Mother’s Day brunch. Details will come soon. Check her
Facebook page.
Murgatroid (568 Parliament) has
also advertised specials for Mother’s Day brunch. Be sure to look over his Facebook page as well.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Welcome
Planet Paradise
Another
brand new spot has opened – this one in the upstairs lounge area in the
Winchester. Planet Paradise (51A
Winchester) bills itself as Toronto’s newest upscale “members-only” vapour
lounge. It offers a superior, comfortable, safe place to medicate and socialize
with other people within the cannabis community. It’s open daily for your medical vaping needs - from Monday
to Saturday, 10:30 am to 1 pm and Sunday from noon to 1 am. Memberships are available on a daily,
monthly and annual basis, all priced at a very fair donation rate. Check out the website for an impressive
list of menus and services.
Odin
Odin
(514 King E) is a new café and bar with a Nordic theme. Its program over the next few weeks
includes Hygge Friday with Petrichord, a three piece band performing uniquely
improvised blend of dub, trip-hop, soul and psychedelic rock – Friday May 8, 8
pm. The Grand Opening Party is
Friday May 15 at 6 pm with food, fun and two DJs. The café was just listed by blogTO as one of the top ten in
2015 (so far.)
Paintbox
Bistro
Wild
Women (Don’t Get the Blues) – a cabaret featuring Colleen Allen, Miku Graham,
Lorraine Segato, Stacey MacGregor, Nicole Brooks, Coco Brown and a special
guest (TBA). The Paintbox (535
Dundas E) recommends reservations – www.paintboxbistro.ca and (647)
748-0555. Tickets are 422 in
advance and $25 at the door.
Watch
for Spoken Lives: Stories Women Share – coming May 26 at 7 pm.
Murgatroid
Caleb
has extended Murgatroid’s (568 Parliament) hours so that people who enjoy a
sandwich can now grab one for dinner.
He’s open on weekdays to 7 pm.
He’s also using Hurrier for home deliveries
and plans to use Orderit as well.
Congrats
F’Amelia
To
celebrate the arrival of Spring and the new patio furniture at Extended
F’Amelia, John’s offering half price cocktails from 5 pm.
Once
again, Joanne Kates has chosen F’Amelia (12 Amelia) as one of the top one
hundred places to eat in Toronto.
You can read her 2015 list here.
Cocina
Economica
Photo: Suresh Doss, Post City Toronto
Now
open at 141 Berkeley (just south of Queen) in the site of the former Berkeley
Street Café, it’s modelled after small Mexican places where families serve home
style cooking. Post City Toronto has done a story – click here. Open from 11 am to 11 pm, Wednesday to
Sunday.
Park
Snacks
Joanne
has announced on 18Blocks (the new neighbourhood bulletin board) that Park
Snacks (Winchester at Sumach) is open again. As she says, it’s a great place
for kids. And for guys who write
blogs. You can find 18Blocks
online here.
THURSDAY MAY 7 TO SUNDAY MAY 17
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
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
Odin,
514 King W, (647) 350-6346, https://www.facebook.com/odinhus
Paintbox
Bistro, 555 Dundas St E, (647) 748-0555, www.paintboxbistro.ca
Soulpepper,
Young Centre, 50 Tank House Lane, Distillery, (416) 866-8666,
http://soulpepper.ca/performances/music_at_soulpepper.aspx
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
White
Elephant, 366 Queen E. (416) 364-9999, www.whiteelephant366.com
If there's a cover charge or tickets are sold, the prices
are listed. Otherwise, the event is free.
Please note:
Two of our regular Clubs are currently closed. The Flying Beaver is being renovated
after a fire in late February. The
Dominion on Queen has been closed since the summer of 2014 for renovations.
THURSDAY MAY 7
The
Irv
7pm,
Geoff Willingham
The
Local GEST
8
pm, Jeff Barnes & Noah Zacharin
Mill
St Brew Pub
7
pm, Tap That Cask with live acoustic music
White
Elephant
8
pm, Open mic night
FRIDAY MAY 8
Mill
Street Beer Hall
8
pm, Vinyl nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective
Odin
8
pm, Hygge Friday with Petrichord
Stirling
Room
Theatrical
Friday with resident DJ Rod Bravo, reserve on the guest list. $20
White
Elephant
6
to 9 pm, Arthur Renwick
SATURDAY MAY 9
Mill
Street Beer Hall
8
pm, Vinyl Nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective
Soulpepper
Cabaret
8:30
pm, Broadsway with Heather Bambrick, Diane Leah & Julie Michaels, $20 and
$25.
Stirling
Room
Resident
DJ Rod Bravo, reserve on the guest list
SUNDAY MAY 10
Alice’s
Place
9
pm, Karaoke with Vee
Local
GEST
4:30
pm, Sunday afternoon jazz with the Chris Wallace Trio
Mill
Street Beer Hall
1
pm, Jazz brunch with Tyler Yarema
MONDAY MAY 11
Murgatroid
6
pm, Games night
Stout
Irish Pub
7:30
pm, Headscratchers trivia
TUESDAY MAY 12
Paintbox
Bistro
8
pm, Wild Women (Don’t Get the Blues), $22/advance and $25/door
Stout
Irish Pub
7:30
pm, Headscratchers trivia
WEDNESDAY MAY 13
Alice’s
Place
9
pm, Karaoke
The
Local GEST
7:30
pm, Trivia night with Jill
Paintbox
Bistro
7:30
pm, Corktown Ukelele Jam
THURSDAY MAY 14
The
Irv
7pm,
Geoff Willingham
The
Local GEST
8
pm, Open Mic with Porter
Mill
St Brew Pub
7
pm, Tap That Cask with live acoustic music
Under
The Table
9
pm, Karaoke
White
Elephant
Open
mic
FRIDAY MAY 15
Mill
Street Beer Hall
8
pm, Vinyl Nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective
Odin
6
pm, Grand opening party with two DJs
Stirling
Room
Theatrical
Friday with resident DJ Rod Bravo, reserve on the guest list. $20
Under
The Table
9
pm, Karaoke
White
Elephant
7
to 10 pm, Scott B Sympathy
SATURDAY MAY 16
Mill
Street Beer Hall
8
pm, Vinyl Nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective
Soulpepper
Cabaret
8:30
pm, Autorickshaw, Under the Hood, $20 and $25
Stirling
Room
Stirling
Saturday. Reserve on the guest
list. $20
White
Elephant
7
to 10 pm, Arthur Renwick & Brendt Thomas Diabo
SUNDAY MAY 17
Alice’s
Place
4
pm, Karaoke with Vee
Local
GEST
4:30
pm, Sunday afternoon jazz with the Sherie Marshall Trio
Mill
Street Beer Hall
1
pm, Jazz brunch with Tyler Yarema