May 7


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
Now it’s called LORE – a nifty new name (555 Parliament).
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. 

F’Amelia (12 Amelia) – a three-course, prix fixe menu.  The patios are open.  Adults $39 and kids $19.  Please reserve at (416) 323-0666 or info@famelia.com

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.  

CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS

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