CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD REVIEW: June 2015

June 25

This week’s image: morning rush hour on Parliament Street

CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD REVIEW

LOCAL NEWS

St James Town Cultural Collage

Saturday June 27, 1 to 4 pm, 260 Wellesley Street E. Drop by the east side of 260 Wellesley and enjoy food, dancing, singers and kids’ activities. It’s a multicultural event that gives local artists a chance to display their talents and to meet their neighbours. Many of them have just arrived here and they’re starting to make an impact on the local art scene. It’s a free event organized by Community Matters Toronto and St James Town Arts.

Looking for a family doctor?

St Michael’s Hospital is opening a new family medicine clinic at 73 Regent Park Blvd, third floor. Doctors are available to take new patients. There’s a website page about it – click here to see hours, doctors, location info and more. To find out about it and to enroll as a patient with the clinic, you can take advantage of the open house at the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E) on Saturday, June 27 from noon to 3 pm.

Cabbagetown Farmers Market

Its official launch in Riverdale Park is scheduled from 3 to 7 pm on Tuesday June 30. It’ll continue every Tuesday through to the end of August.

Check out the market’s website and then click through onto its Facebook page. An amazing group of vendors is coming to the park along with entertainers and opening day celebrations. Congrats and thanks to everybody whose energy and enthusiasm is rebuilding this important community event.

The Bloor Street viaduct closure

The bridge is closed to traffic from 8 pm Friday July 3 to 6 am Sunday July 5. From 5 to 10:30 pm on Saturday July 4, there’s a three-pronged event happening.
At 10 pm, the viaduct bridge will be lit up to launch the Luminous Veil that’s been installed along its suicide barrier (see the Metro News article listed below.)
To add to the celebration, there’ll be a Juno-award winning band and the Pan Am Torch will arrive.
From 6:30 pm, the Thrill of the Grill takes over the east end of the bridge with barbeques from Danforth restaurants, drinks from specialty suppliers and visits by celebrity chefs. This is a ticketed event – proceeds support kidney cancer research at the Odette Cancer Centre. For more info, click here.

Rescheduling for Canada Day

A couple of local events are cancelled for next Wednesday to avoid conflicts during Canada Day. The Taste of Regent Park and the Corktown Ukulele Jam will both resume on Wednesday July 8 at their normal times and places. Cyril at Merryberry has rescheduled his quiche Lorraine cooking class to Tuesday July 7.

Save the dates – PANAMANIA

PANAMANIA is the arts and cultural event that runs throughout the Pan Am/ParaPan Games. Over 250 events will happen across the city, many of them here, close to the Games’ centre and Athletes Village. There will be original dramas, photographic exhibitions, fashion and design shows, art exhibitions and lots more. The Distillery hosts both outdoor free events daily (excluding Mondays) and ticketed events in the Young Centre for the Performing Arts. The city-wide list of venues and events is here.

Cabbagetown’s medical history – Saturday July 18

Save the date – the Cabbagetown Preservation Association and Heritage Toronto are sponsoring a walk about Cabbagetown’s considerable impact on Toronto’s medical institutions. It will highlight those places where hospitals, clinics and services were located and show as well the homes where influential medical professionals lived and practiced. The walk starts beside the No Frills store on the corner of Spruce and Parliament at 1:30 pm, July 18. No charge but donations are welcomed.

School tours with the Cabbagetown People Project

The Cabbagetown People Program organizes the blue plaques that appear in front of our neighbourhood homes. It’s an extensive project that includes plenty of information beyond the plaques. Last Tuesday, Quest Alternative Senior School toured the Necropolis and several students made presentations at stops along the way. Christopher Dew celebrated his birthday by leading the tour. Visit the website for lots of specific details about each person and about the Program. If you’re interested in a personalized guided tour, contact the Program at its website.

Congrats for the Corktown murals

Photo: Dan Phillips

Underpass Park in Corktown was given additional colour and life with new murals painted during the Corktown Day & Live Art Festival last weekend. Dan Phillips has a collection of photos from the event on Flickr.

Splash pad progress

After a puzzling delay over the past couple of weeks, work has started again on the Wellesley Park splash pad. Concrete is being poured. Once the pad is in place, the concrete will cure for about a month. Then the Morrisseau design will be applied (thanks to the Cabbagetown Residents Association) and an acrylic film will be painted on. Good news – there’ll be wet kids before the end of the summer.

SIGN UP FOR SUMMER STUFF

CCDT's summer dance classes

The Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre (509 Parliament) is welcoming students for its summer sessions. Sun Dance is aimed at students ages 8 to 20 and it happens from June 29 to July 17. Ignite, a program for 15 to 22 year-old students, takes place from July 20 to 25. Little dancers ages 4 to 8 will enjoy a mixed program of music, dance and visual arts from July 27 to 31. Find out more about each program and get registration details online.

Register your kids now

The Cabbagetown Co-op Nursery School (2 Lancaster) is registering kids for its Fall programs. For little ones 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 years old, there’s an engaging morning program. For 3 to 5 year olds, there’s an educational program in the afternoon. The school operates in a big sunny room in the Cabbagetown Youth Centre. For over 40 years, it’s given local kids a wonderful first-time school experience. It’s licensed and regulated by the Ministry of Education. To find out more and to register, call (416) 964-2984 or go to the school’s website.

COBA`s Children Dance and Drumming Program

High quality dance training that`s rooted in an African movement aesthetic. It builds skills and encourages young artists to express themselves in a fun and open environment. Classes range from Caribbean folk to hip hop and they`re available for children as young as 3 years old. Registration for the 2015-2016 season (September to June) is now open and all registrations received before July 5 will get a 10% discount. For more info and for registration forms, email info@cobainc.com and visit the website.

IN THE MEDIA

Thanks Global News

On Tuesday June 23, Peter Kim did a news story about the derelict building at 456 Parliament. His story generated some interesting reactions and there are indications that it’s picking up steam across the Internet. A senior municipal bylaw official plus our Councillor’s staff actually talk about fixing the problem. Of course, we also heard the latest version of the property owner’s side of the story – a hitherto-unknown account of divisions within the family. It would be disappointing if all these powerful City officials were just making noises to get Global TV off their backs. But let’s be optimistic – this pressure might provoke some badly needed improvements.

Daniel Boulud in a Cabbagetown kitchen

Photo: Darren Calabrese, Globe & Mail

Jacob Richler wrote in the Globe & Mail about a visit to his Cabbagetown home by renowned French chef, Daniel Boulud. The interview was part of the public relations campaign about the remake of Café Boulud in Yorkville’s Four Seasons Hotel. It’s a charming story – click here.

Lighting the Luminous Veil

Illustration - Metro

35,000 low maintenance LED lights have been installed on the Bloor Street Viaduct. They’re computer controlled and can produce up to 16.5 million different colour possibilities. Cost overruns reduced the coverage that was originally planned but extra lighting can be added whenever extra funding is found.
On Saturday night July 4 when the switch is turned on, the lights on the bridge will display a special “unveiling overture”. During future summer nights, their patterns will present cool colours and in the winter, warm ones.
There’s a good article about the project in Metro News. Click here.

Mitch Cohen’s Journey

Photo: Linda Marie Stella, Toronto Star

From the beginning of the revitalization project in Regent Park, Mitch Cohen has been writing songs about its impact. He’s a songwriter and a musician and he’s also the president of the Daniels Corporation. He’s been at the top of the revitalization work for the past nine years. His music became a full show and it was staged in the Daniels Spectrum over the past week. Catherine Porter has written about the background and the show’s contributors in the Toronto Star.

ON STAGE

Whiskey Jack on Saturday

Whiskey Jack is changing its schedule at the Cadillac Lounge (1296 Queen W) to Saturday matinees, starting on Saturday June 27 from 4 pm. Kids are welcome and old guys too. Duncan, Bob, Howard, Jen, Eric, Randy and Al will fill up the patio with their music.

Wild Women are back

The Paintbox is hosting the fourth chapter of Lorraine Segato’s Wild Women (don’t get the blues) on Monday June 29. Her guest performers include Colleen Allen, Miku Graham, Michelle Willis, Saidah Babba Talibah, Roula Said, Iskwe, Diane Flacks, Suzie Vinnick and Brita B. Doors open at 6:30 and show starts at 7:30 pm. Tickets are available here and they’re $20/advance, $25/door.

Canada Day in The Distillery

Kristine Schmitt and the Lonesome Ace String Band are playing in Trinity Square from 6 pm on July 1. No cover charge.

TD Toronto Jazz Festival

The Trinity Stage in the Distillery is home for free concerts in the Jazz Festival to Saturday June 27. Performers include Jay Douglas & the All Star Band (Friday June 26), Club Django Toronto and Alexis Baro Quartet (Saturday June 27). Detailed info about times and musicians is available online.

Soulpepper’s Cabaret Series

The cabarets happen every Saturday night at 8:30 pm and they showcase established artists, new talents and innovative groupings. On Saturday June 27, enjoy an evening with Suba Sankaran and Dylan Bell in FreePlay Duo. Tickets are $25 general and $20 students – click here. Soulpepper at the Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane, Distillery)

SHOPPING NEWS

Pride and joy at Kendall

Kendall and Kevin are the proud owners of Kendall & Co (514 Parliament). Over the years, Cabbagetowners have experienced their joy of decorating and unique home accents. In its new home, Kendall & Co has expanded its international designs. You can also find original works by local artists and goods by local artisans here. Did you know that the custom blinds and upholstered furniture are made right here in Toronto. Come by the shop to browse and see lots more – open from 10 am to 6 pm, Monday through Friday and 11 am to 5 pm on Saturday.

Congrats Grinning Face

Our local gelato shop (540 Parliament) has been making waves for its inventive non-dairy gelato flavours, making its coconut-based gelatos from scratch. The shop is open on weekends from noon to 6 pm and the company is expanding into retail outlets and a farmer’s market. Both Toronto Life and blogTO have put Grinning Face on their Top 30 ice cream lists.

RESTAURANT NEWS

A new date - Merryberry does quiche

Cyril will honour his hometown heritage in Lorraine with a cooking class at Merryberry (559 Parliament). Learn how to make quiche – from the dough on up. Tuesday July 7, 6 pm. Contact him at (647) 348-0411 or, better yet, visit the restaurant, have a bite, talk to him about his plans and then book a seat. $45.

Summerlicious

Our annual summer restaurant festival starts next week on July 3 and continues until July 26. Each participating restaurant offers a prix fixe menu. Lunch prices are $18, $23 or $28 and dinner prices are $25, $35 or $45. There are 210 restaurants city-wide and three in our immediate area, all in the Distillery – Archeo (31 Trinity, Distillery), Cluny (36 Tank House Ln, Distillery) and PureSpirits Oyster House & Grill (17 Tank House Ln, Distillery). For the full list and lots of details, go to the Summerlicious website.

Pride weekend celebrations

Odin (514 King E). Corktown Show Your Pride starts at 10 pm on Friday June 26. Special guest, DJ Chiclet. No cover.
Under the Table (568 Parliament). $5 Pride specials for the weekend including a drink special and desserts - apple pie with cheddar cheese, chocolate Bailey brownies with ice cream, salted caramel nut cake and New York cheesecake.

The Irv’s new Cabbagetown Tee

The Irv (195 Carlton) has designed attractive new tee shirts with Cabbagetown’s name boldly printed across the front. Available in four nifty colours. Visit The Irv and buy yours today or email regan@theirvpub.ca to make your arrangements. $20. Congrats Regan for a fine idea – when people travel, their souvenir photos can be posted here for everyone to admire!

Games night at Odin

Game designer Paul Tseng hosts the July edition of games night at Odin (514 King E). Tuesday, July 7 from 6 to 10 pm. Enjoy the games in Odin’s library or bring your own favourite. Everyone welcome – all ages, no experience needed. No cover.

Thai Room

The Thai Room (243 Carlton) has now been open for two months. So a celebration is happening – to thank everyone for welcoming them with traditional Cabbagetown warmth. From June 15 to June 30, you can enjoy a 20% discount on your dinner menu – for pickups and eat-in customers.
There’s also an exhibition of selected artwork by four women from June 19 to June 28 - Kathleen Urdahl and Tara McLellan (both Cabbagetown residents) along with Jackie Casimir and Helen Costco.

CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS

THURSDAY JUNE 25 TO SUNDAY JULY 5

Contact info

Alice’s Place, 554 Parliament St, (647) 931-9088, https://www.facebook.com/alicesplacetoronto

Cranberries, 601 Parliament St, (416) 925-6330
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.

THURSDAY JUNE 25

The Irv
7pm, Geoff Willingham
The Local GEST
9 pm, Open Mic with Porter
Mill St Brew Pub
7 pm, Tap That Cask with live acoustic music by Dan Gagnon
Under The Table
9 pm, Karaoke
White Elephant
Open mic

FRIDAY JUNE 26

Distillery, Trinity Stage

6 pm, Jay Douglas & the All Star Band. TD Toronto Jazz Festival. Free.
Mill Street Beer Hall
8 pm, Vinyl Nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective
Stirling Room
Theatrical Friday with resident DJ Rod Bravo, reserve on the guest list. $20
White Elephant
7 to 10 pm, Sean Pinchin

SATURDAY JUNE 27

Distillery, Trinity Stage

2 pm, Club Django Toronto. TD Toronto Jazz Festival. Free.
7 pm, Alexis Baro Quintet. TD Toronto Jazz Festival. Free.
Mill Street Beer Hall
8 pm, Vinyl Nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective
Odin
10 pm, Corktown Show Your Pride with DJ Chiclet
Soulpepper Cabaret
8:30 pm, Suba Sankaran and Dylan Bell in FreePlay Duo, Inspired Eclecticism, $20 and $25
Stirling Room
Stirling Saturday. Reserve on the guest list. $20
White Elephant
9:30 pm, Toastr Party

SUNDAY JUNE 28

Alice’s Place

4 pm, Karaoke with Vee
Local GEST
4:30 pm, Sunday afternoon jazz with Samantha Clayton & Steve Cole
Mill Street Beer Hall
1 pm, Jazz brunch with Tyler Yarema

MONDAY JUNE 29

Stout Irish Pub

7:30 pm, Headscratchers trivia

TUESDAY JUNE 30

Stout Irish Pub

7:30 pm, Headscratchers trivia

WEDNESDAY JULY 1

Alice’s Place

9 pm, Karaoke
The Local GEST
7:30 pm, Trivia night with Jill
Paintbox Bistro
Corktown Ukelele Jam – the Jam resumes next week.
Trinity Square, Distillery
6 to 8 pm, Kristine Schmitt & the Lonesome Ace String Band

THURSDAY JULY 2

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 by Mel Monaco
White Elephant
8 pm, Open mic night

FRIDAY JULY 3

Mill Street Beer Hall

8 pm, Vinyl nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective
Stirling Room
Theatrical Friday with resident DJ Rod Bravo, reserve on the guest list. $20

SATURDAY JULY 4

Mill Street Beer Hall

8 pm, Vinyl Nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective
Soulpepper Cabaret
8:30 pm, Denzal Sinclaire presents Look What They’ve Done to My Song, Vol 5, $20 and $25.
Stirling Room
Resident DJ Rod Bravo, reserve on the guest list

SUNDAY JULY 5

Alice’s Place

9 pm, Karaoke with Vee
Local GEST
4:30 pm, Sunday afternoon jazz
Mill Street Beer Hall
1 pm, Jazz brunch with Tyler Yarema

June 18

This week’s image: the crowd at the Cabbagetown Residents meeting

CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD REVIEW

OPEN HOUSES

Now there are three Wellesley area homes on the market. For details, click here.

LOCAL NEWS
Congrats to the Cabbagetown Residents Association

Steven de Bois, the Association's outgoing president.

Wednesday night’s annual meeting at Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) was a great success. The Association has a lot to be proud about and the meeting gave everyone a quick but thorough presentation of these good works.
The CRA uses a rotating schedule for Board membership. As a result, several seasoned and accomplished leaders are retiring as their terms have finished – our thanks to Steven de Bois (President), Lynn Dionne (VP), Rod Carr-Harris (Treasurer), Caroline Shaw-Rimmington (Secretary), Addy Saeed and Lindsay Matheson. Best wishes to the new Board. Its new officers are Phil Frei (President), James Wood (VP) and Trish Finkelstein (Treasurer).

Cabbagetown South Residents

In its June Newsletter, the Association reports on a series of community issues. Members have been working with St Michael’s Hospital and the University Health Network over a residential drug withdrawal program in the Sherbourne Health Centre (333 Sherbourne). The medical staff has not been convinced by residents’ worries about its impact on the local community. There are similar concerns that St Christopher House and the Local Health Integration Network are trying to soften the way for an eventual supervised drug service in the area - the report arising from public discussions recommends that the final decision not require local community consent. Councillor Pam McConnell has set up a group to look at problematic, neglected properties in the area and find ways to make them more favourable for their neighbours. The Newsletter has several other stories about parks, gardens and the George Street revitalization. You can read it here.

Derelict building on Parliament Street

As noted above, Councillor McConnell’s office is undertaking a study of “problematic” residential properties in Cabbagetown South. It’s time she also got tough about this “problem” at 456 Parliament. The building has been a bedraggled mess for over five years.

A new dogwalking service
Our friend Monika Ostby – well known for patrons at the former Church Street Winery and at 420 Smokehouse – has started up Happy Tails. She offers “Long walks and great prices.” Give her a call at (416) 473-9261 or email her at monikaostby@gmail.com

Pan Am Path Live Art Festival

Photo: Corktown Residents & Business Association

Saturday June 20, 10 am to 9 pm. The Festival will celebrate live art, graffiti, murals and street art. Underpass Park (33 St Lawrence) will be decorated with murals on its Expressway pillars. The winning design by Labrona+Lovegates was selected by Street Art Toronto and the Corktown Residents & Business Association. During the day, there’ll also be lots of community activities – live painting, music and dance performances and sports.

Om TO

Sunday June 21, 9 am to 5 pm, Trinity Square (The Distillery District). Om T.O. is “a yogic celebration of the summer solstice.” All day long, hundreds of yogis will join the continuous, specially themed, 40-minute outdoor classes. It’s free – bring your own mat. Check out the website.

Fit Mama Moves

Fit Mama Moves is a stretch and movement class for new mothers organized by Elena, an experienced pilates instructor and yoga practitioner. The sessions are a fun-filled way to keep you and your baby fit. She’s a new mom herself. Classes run weekly on Wednesdays from 2 to 3 pm from now until July 22 in Riverdale Park (Sumach and Carlton). New moms are wanted to fill out the group. Bring your baby (2 months and up). Contact fountainstudios@gmail.com

Farmer’s markets

The Taste of Regent Park is now underway. It’s held every Wednesday from 5:30 to 8:30 pm in Regent Park (620 Dundas E). There’s produce from local growers, food prepared by local restaurants and music by local performers. To register as a vendor or a performer, contact Briana at rpcommunitymarket@gmail.com

Cabbagetown Farmers Market is now scheduled for its official launch in Riverdale Park from 3 to 7 pm on June 30 and it’ll continue every Tuesday through to the end of August.

You can help the market grow and succeed. To be a volunteer, join the first meeting at The Local GEST (424 Parliament) on Thursday June 18 at 6:30 pm. To put up a small lawn sign, email your contact info to info@cabbagetownmarket.ca

Cabbagetown Cycling Club

The weekly ride schedule is now rolling out successfully. The rides leave from Jet Fuel (519 Parliament) and all riders must either be club members or have a signed waiver before the ride. The rides are frequently confirmed and cancelled due to weather conditions. Please check the Club’s website for the ride calendar and times. The Club’s emails provide up-to-the-minute info that’s useful before a ride. To be added to the list, contact Wil at cabbagetowncycling@gmail.com

ROM Walks

On Wednesday June 24, the ROMWalk is in The Distillery – meet at St Paul’s Basilica (Queen and Power). It`s a free event and usually take about two hours. For maps and details about other walks, click here.

JOIN UP

Register your kids now

Looking for a family doctor?

COBA`s Children Dance and Drumming Program

High quality dance training that`s rooted in an African movement aesthetic. It builds skills and encourages young artists to express themselves in a fun and open environment. Classes range from Caribbean folk to hip hop and they`re available for children as young as 3 years old. Registration for th 2015-2016 season (September to June) is now open and all registrations receieved before July 5 will get a 10% discount. For more info and for registration forms, email info@cobainc.com and visit the website.

SHOPPING

Give time to Dad

Kendall & Co (514 Parliament) has a fantastic variety of wall clocks. They`re handmade by an arts collective and the artists receive a portion of each sale – another reason for Dad to be proud of his Father`s Day. $38 to $89. The store is open from Monday to Friday from 10 am to 6 pm and on Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm.

IN THE MEDIA

A tale of two Regent Parks

Photo: Andrew Francis Wallace, Toronto Star

Trevlyn Kennedy talks to the Toronto Star’s Lauren Pelley about her experiences and memories as they walk through the old and new Regent Park. Click here.

Pan Am/ParaPan Am Athletes Village

Photo: Craig White, urbantoronto.ca

Brandon Leal has written in urbantoronto.ca about the new facilities that will serve as the Village during the Games. The article is full of photos and plenty of specific descriptions of the athletes’ facilities.

Splash pad feedback

Edward Keenan has written a column in The Toronto Star that should be studied closely by anyone wanting to be a complainer. He’s offering great advice on avoiding public silliness. Unfortunately, his examples are focused on Cabbagetown’s tarp tussle. Click here.

ON STAGE

Zimzum at The Local GEST

Zimzum has appeared regularly at The Local GEST (424 Parliament). This week, it’s part of the annual TD Toronto Jazz Festival. Save the time – Sunday June 21 at 4:30 pm. No cover.

TD Toronto Jazz Festival

The Trinity Stage in the Distillery is home for ten free concerts in the Jazz Festival. It launched on Wednesday June 17 and continues to Saturday June 27. Performers include Swamperella (Friday June 19), Norman Marshall Villeneuve, Toronto Blues Society Talent Search and Bill King Real Divas (Saturday June 20), Jorge Miguel (Sunday June 21), Susie Vinnick (Wednesday June 24), Jay Douglas & the All Star Band (Friday June 26), Club Django Toronto and Alexis Baro Quartet (Saturday June 27). Detailed info about times and the musicians is available online here.

Soulpepper’s Cabaret Series

The cabarets happen every Saturday night at 8:30 pm and they showcase established artists, new talents and innovative groupings. On Saturday June 20, enjoy an evening with Kevin Fox. Tickets are $25 general and $20 students – click here. Soulpepper at the Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane, Distillery)

RESTAURANT NEWS

Thai Room

Here’s a good idea. The Thai Room (243 Carlton) has now been open for two months. So a celebration is happening – to thank everyone for welcoming them with traditional Cabbagetown warmth. From June 15 to June 30, you can enjoy a 20% discount on your dinner menu – for pickups and eat-in customers.

Merryberry does quiche

Cyril will honour his hometown heritage in Lorraine with a cooking class at Merryberry (559 Parliament) on making quiche – from the dough on up. Tuesday June 30, 6 pm. If his fans and students are away for the Canada Day holiday, he`s ready to reschedule for a later date. Contact him at (647) 348-0411 or, better yet, visit the restaurant, have a bite, talk to him about his plans and then book a seat. $40.

Thai Room art

Thai Room (243 Carlton) will be showing selected artwork by four women from June 19 to June 28. It`s an opportunity to promote their work, sell their pieces and also celebrate Pride 2015. There`ll be works by Kathleen Urdahl and Tara McLellan (both Cabbagetown residents) and by Jackie Casimir and Helen Costco.

Wild Women are back

The Paintbox is also hosting the fourth chapter of Lorraine Segato’s Wild Women (don’t get the blues) on Monday June 29. Her guest performers include Colleen Allen, Miku Graham, Michelle Willis, Saidah Babba Talibah, Roula DSaid, Iskwe, Diane Flacks, Suzie Vinnick and Brita B. Doors open at 6:30 and show starts at 7:30 pm. Tickets are available here and they’re $20/advance, $25/door.

The Zagat List

According to the Zagat writers, you can’t stay on top of Toronto’s restaurant scene without knowing about the best new spots. Three local restaurants have just been highlighted.

Little Shmiddy’s Hot Meat House (584 Parliament) “offers a seasonally rotating menu of protein-heavy dishes … modern yet homey”

Odin Café & Bar (514 King E) is a “striking hybrid café/bar”

Cocina Economica (141 Berkeley) “homestyle Mexican cuisine.”

You can read the full descriptions at Zagat’s website.

Thanks to Chris Klugman

Chris Klugman, the chef at Paintbox (555 Dundas E) contributed to the very successful fundraiser organized on behalf of Second Harvest. Toronto Taste held its 25^th anniversary event on June 7. 60 of Toronto`s leading chefs participated. The evening earned $850,000 for Second Harvest. Many thanks to Chris for his involvement.

Mill Street Beer Hall

Father’s Day specials at The Beer Hall (21 Tank House Lane, Distillery) include a special menu and giveaways. Each Dad gets brunch, a complimentary beer stein and a chance to win a Mill Street hockey sweater. There`s live music on the patio and an open house in the brewery.

The Local FARM

A reminder – The Local GEST (424 Parliament) operates a farm lot north of Toronto. The food is being used in the restaurant kitchen and is also sold every Saturday afternoon outside the GEST. Volunteers are welcome to join as fram helpers every Sunday from 7;30 am to 3 pm. If you’re interested, call (647) 760-5696 or email thelocalfarmgest@gmail.com You can see some photos and get more info at the website.

Congrats to Kanpai

Photo: Jennifer Roberts, Globe & Mail

Chris Nuttall Smith, the Globe & Mail`s food writer, devoted a full page to his review of Kanpai (252 Carlton). Describing it as young, fun and loud, he says it`s a welcome addition to quiet Cabbagetown. He`s made it a Cheap Eats Pick. While you`re perusing the article, you may notice a nod to House on Parliament, F`Amelia and Zakkushi. Read his story here.

CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS

THURSDAY JUNE 11 TO SUNDAY JUNE 21

Contact info

Alice’s Place, 554 Parliament St, (647) 931-9088, https://www.facebook.com/alicesplacetoronto

If there's a cover charge or tickets are sold, the prices are listed. Otherwise, the event is free.

THURSDAY JUNE 18

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 by Don Campbell
White Elephant
8 pm, Open mic night

FRIDAY JUNE 19

Distillery, Trinity Stage

6 pm, Swamperella. TD Toronto Jazz Festival. Free.
Mill Street Beer Hall
8 pm, Vinyl nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective
Stirling Room
Theatrical Friday with resident DJ Rod Bravo, reserve on the guest list. $20
White Elephant
7 pm, Brendt Thomas Diabo

SATURDAY JUNE 20

Distillery, Trinity Stage
Noon, Norman Marshall Villeneuve. TD Toronto Jazz Festival. Free.
2 pm, Toronto Blues Society Talent Search. TD Toronto Jazz Festival. Free.
7 pm, Bill King Real Divas. TD Toronto Jazz Festival. Free.
Mill Street Beer Hall
8 pm, Vinyl Nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective
Soulpepper Cabaret
8:30 pm, An evening with Kevin Fox, $20 and $25.
Stirling Room
Resident DJ Rod Bravo, reserve on the guest list

SUNDAY JUNE 21

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke with Vee
Distillery, Trinity Stage
6 pm, Jorge Miguel. TD Toronto Jazz Festival. Free.
Local GEST
4:30 pm, Sunday afternoon jazz with Zim Zum. TD Toronto Jazz Festival
Mill Street Beer Hall
1 pm, Jazz brunch with Tyler Yarema

MONDAY JUNE 22

Stout Irish Pub

7:30 pm, Headscratchers trivia

TUESDAY JUNE 23

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers trivia

WEDNESDAY JUNE 24

Alice’s Place

9 pm, Karaoke
Distillery, Trinity Stage
6 pm, Suzie Vinnick. TD Toronto Jazz Festival. Free.
The Local GEST
7:30 pm, Trivia night with Jill
Paintbox Bistro
7:30 pm, Corktown Ukelele Jam

THURSDAY JUNE 25

Distillery, Trinity Stage

SATURDAY JUNE 27

Distillery, Trinity Stage
2 pm, Club Django Toronto. TD Toronto Jazz Festival. Free.
7 pm, Alexis Baro Quintet. TD Toronto Jazz Festival. Free.
Mill Street Beer Hall
8 pm, Vinyl Nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective
Soulpepper Cabaret
8:30 pm, FreePlay Duo $20 and $25
Stirling Room
Stirling Saturday. Reserve on the guest list. $20
White Elephant
9:30 pm, Toastr Party

SUNDAY JUNE 28

Alice’s Place

4 pm, Karaoke with Vee
Local GEST
4:30 pm, Sunday afternoon jazz with Samantha Clayton & Steve Cole
Mill Street Beer Hall
1 pm, Jazz brunch with Tyler Yarema

June 25

June 18

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