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
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.  

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.

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 25th 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
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 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

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
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