July 30


This week’s image:  Lyen and Jason on the patio at The Local GEST. 

CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD REVIEW

OPEN HOUSES
This week, you can inspect an affordable, attractive bachelor suite in Regent Park.  Click here.  

LOCAL NEWS

Pan American Food Fest
This weekend, the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E) will be overflowing with Pan American music, dance and food.  There’ll be headline entertainment with over 30 artists, cooking demonstrations and competitions, a Kids Zone, a street market, dance workshops, a photography exhibition, a licensed patio and lots more.  It happens inside in Ada Slaight Hall and the south lobby and outside on Regent Park Boulevard and the MDS Courtyard.   Events start on Thursday July 30 and continue through the weekend to 10 pm on Monday.  Free admission to the Festival – some events are ticketed. The Festival’s website has details and ticket info – click here

Congrats Jaeda and Lacey
Jaeda and Lacey organized their lemonade and cupcake stand last weekend and it was a fun success.  The money that they earned is going to Emily’s House (25 Jack Layton Way), a hospice for children who suffer life-ending illnesses.  Their aunt, Renee Marshall from Salon Bijou (211 Carlton) and Jaeda’s mom, Jasma, helped them with the details – the four of them were up at the crack of dawn cooking cupcakes and getting their stand ready.

The federal election
Rumours and more rumours are churning up national political waters with the reports that the Prime Minister may call an election this weekend for October 19, thereby creating the longest campaign period in Canadian history. Well, whatever happens, we’re ready in Toronto Centre riding.  Three fine people have been selected to run for the major parties here:
Julian Di Battista is the Conservative candidate. www.votejulian.ca
Linda McQuaig is the New Democrat.  http://lindamcquaig.ca/
Bill Morneau is the Liberal.  https://billmorneau.liberal.ca/

Congrats to CCDT
14 dancers from CCDT (519 Parliament) are off to New York in October.  They’ll be part of the celebrations for the Jose Limon Dance Company’s 70th anniversary.  Their appearance will offer excerpts from one of Limon’s iconic works, The Winged.  They’ll join young dancers from other leading dance schools as part of the Next Generation performances -  2 pm, Saturday and 7:30 pm, Sunday, October 24 and 25, The Joyce Theatre (175 Eighth Ave, New York). For tickets and more details, click here. 

Tips about working with the police
The Cabbagetown BIA has started a campaign to inform us about the different ways of contacting the Toronto Police Service.  In our area, 51 Division has two community relations officers who can offer advice and help – david.bilby@torontopolice.on.ca and david.mcallister@torontopolice.on.ca  In general, we’re reminded to report everything that happens.  If it’s a non-emergency event, call (416) 808-2222.  If it’s an emergency or a crime in progress, call 911. These reports help the police to see what’s happening and to allocate resources.  More on this topic next week.

Public art along the waterfront
Photo: Waterfront Toronto
Waterfront Toronto has installed six pieces of public art in the new West Don Lands neighbourhood and another is now being fabricated for a 2016 installation.  Some are still hidden away until the area opens for public access next year.  The agency has a nice story and photos on its blog.  

The Necropolis
The Toronto Star’s Valerie Hauch has written about the beautiful setting and the impressive chapel and gateway at the Necropolis cemetery (200 Winchester).  She also gives thumbnail portraits of six prominent citizens buried there.  You can read her story here.

Winchester Square
The sidewalk through Winchester Square Park (Ontario north of Carlton) is getting a facelift.  Red Dress Productions is creating a pebble mosaic that will be placed in the new walkway in October.

What do they know…
That we don’t?  The Leslieville BIA is installing these colourful benches along Queen Street.  Check it out here.   It’s too bad that we don’t have a few of our own along Parliament.

REGULAR SUMMERTIME EVENTS

Distillery Music City Summer Series
The Young Novelists will perform on the Trinity Stage on Wednesday August 5 from 6 to 8 pm.  Free concert.

Under the Stars Outdoor Movies
Every Wednesday from 7:30 pm starting July 15.  Free screenings in Regent Park (620 Dundas E), following “Taste of Regent Park”.  On Wednesday August 5, the movie is Big Hero 6. Popcorn and refreshments will be available during the movies.  If it rains, everything moves inside the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E) in the Artscape Lounge. 

Outdoor markets
Cabbagetown Farmer’s Market – Tuesdays from 3 to 7 pm, Riverdale Park (Sumach and Winchester). The Market has a very good website and a chatty Facebook page – check them out to see which vendors will be coming to the Market each week.
Taste of Regent Park – Wednesdays from 5:30 to 8:30 pm, Regent Park (620 Dundas E).  The event includes farmers booths, local food tastings and associated music.  Outdoor movies follow the market.

Summer concerts at Little Trinity
Common Deer appear at the summer concert series on Thursday August 6 at 7 pm in Little Trinity Park (King and Trinity).  Next week on Thursday August 13, the series finishes with the Conor Hall Trio. The concerts are free.  Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and enjoy a charming musical experience.

SHOPPING NEWS

Congrats to our ethical fashion shops
Photo:  Rick O'brien
Toronto Life’s August print edition features local stores that add an ethical consideration when stocking inventory.  Not surprisingly, Fair Trade Jewellery Company (523 Parliament) is included on the list.  
There’s also bigger feature about Pipler (453 Parliament), the new shop opened by Alice and Leonie last Spring.  Their stylish store has earned a lot of media attention lately. Here are a few online articles – blogTO, USA Today  and the Toronto Star.  

Now or never sale at Kendall
Kendall & Co (514 Parliament) is bringing in some exciting new arrivals soon and the store has to be emptied out to make room.  Save up to 60% off everything now!  Shop early – you’re not the only one who’s eyeing what Kendall’s got.  Store hours – Monday to Friday, 10 am to 6 pm, Saturday. 11 am to 5 pm.

RESTAURANT NEWS

Corktown’s new restaurants
Photo: Dave Gillespie, Toronto Life
The August edition of Toronto Life also has a longer article about the gentrification happening in Corktown.  Roselle (362 King E) is the new bakery located just east of Parliament.  The review gives pastry chef Stephanie Duong very high marks.  Nearby, Corktown Kitchen (354 King E) is “the sort of quiet, low-key bistro that any neighbourhood should be grateful for”.  Further west, Cocina Economica (141 Berkeley) is praised for serving the best food from the Playa Cabana group of restaurants.  
The Toronto Life article is online here

Softserve ice cream
Here’s a chance to see for yourself how good the desserts are at Roselle (362 King E).  Stephanie is now offering softserve ice cream – made in house.  She’s started with a Cream of Earl Grey flavour that features infused whole tea leaves and toasted milk.  It’s available from Thursday to Sunday, from 1 pm until “sold out”.

Making your own souffles
Cyril is offering another of his pleasant cooking classes on Tuesday August 11 at 6 pm.  He’ll be demonstrating techniques for cooking both sweet and savoury souffles.  If this topic proves to be a popular, he’s prepared to offer a second session a week later.  $45. Drop in to Merryberry (559 Parliament) or call him at (647) 348-0411 to reserve your spot.

Jeff and Noah at The Local GEST
Jeff Barnes and Noah Zacharin will be singing at The Local GEST (424 Parliament) on Thursday August 6 from 8 pm to midnight.  They appear on the first Thursday of each month and on the other Thursdays, it`s Open Mic with Porter.

Alphabot at Paintbox
Join Alphabot for his East Coast Tour Send-off event.  Saturday August 8 at The Paintbox (555 Dundas E), $6

White Elephant
Sean Pinchin appears on Friday July 31 from 7 to 10 pm.  Linda Carone is singing with Richard Whiteman on piano on Saturday August 8 from 7 to 9:30 pm.  White Elephant (366 Queen E). 

CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS

THURSDAY JULY 30 TO SUNDAY AUGUST 9

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
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/
Little Trinity Summer Concerts, Little Trinity Park, 425 King at Trinity
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 JULY 30

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
White Elephant
8 pm, Open mic night

FRIDAY JULY 31

Mill Street Beer Hall
8 pm, Vinyl nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective
Mill Street Brew Pub
6:30 pm, Beer School. $25
Stirling Room
Theatrical Friday reserve on the guest list.  $20
White Elephant
7 pm, Sean Pinchin

SATURDAY AUGUST 1

Mill Street Beer Hall
8 pm, Vinyl Nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective
Stirling Room
Stirling Saturdays, reserve on the guest list

SUNDAY AUGUST 2

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke with Vee
Mill Street Beer Hall
1 pm, Jazz brunch with Tyler Yarema

MONDAY AUGUST 3

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers trivia

TUESDAY AUGUST 4

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers trivia

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 5

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
The Local GEST
7:30 pm, Smart Ass Trivia
Paintbox Bistro
7:30 pm, Corktown Ukelele Jam

THURSDAY AUGUST 6

The Irv
7pm, Geoff Willingham
Little Trinity Concert Series
7 pm, Jack Connelly
The Local GEST
8 pm, Jeff Barnes and Noah Zacharin
Mill St Brew Pub
7 pm, Tap That Cask with live acoustic music
Under The Table
9 pm, Karaoke

FRIDAY AUGUST 7

Mill Street Beer Hall
8 pm, Vinyl Nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective
Mill Street Brew Pub
6:30 pm, Beer school, $25
Stirling Room
Theatrical Friday with resident DJ Rod Bravo, reserve on the guest list.  $20

SATURDAY AUGUST 8

Mill Street Beer Hall
8 pm, Vinyl Nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective
Paintbox
7 pm, Alphabot`s East Coast Tour send-off show, $6
Stirling Room
Stirling Saturday.  Reserve on the guest list.  $20
White Elephant
7 to 10 pm, Linda Carone (vocals) with Richard Whiteman (piano), Vintage jazz and blues

SUNDAY AUGUST 9

Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke with Vee
Local GEST
4:30 pm, Sunday afternoon jazz with the Beverly Taft Trio
Mill Street Beer Hall
1 pm, Jazz brunch with Tyler Yarema

July 23


This week’s image: patio season in our restaurants – F’Amelia at 12 Amelia Street

CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD REVIEW

LOCAL NEWS

Lemonade for Emily’s House
Jaeda and Lacey are hosting the J & L Lemonade and Cupcake stand at 211 Carlton on Saturday July 25.  The funds that they raise will be given to Emily’s House (45 Jack Layton Way), a hospice for children at Broadview and Gerrard.  The children served by Emily’s House have life-limiting illnesses. Learn more about it online.  
Drop by the stand between 10 am and 2 pm to buy a treat and give your support.  Congrats and thanks to Jaeda and Lacey for this fine project.

Streetscapes in Bloom
Six gardens have been nominated for the 2015 Streetscapes in Bloom award given annually by the Cabbagetown Preservation Association.  The judges will check out the gardens in June, July, August and September.  The award is then made at the CPA’s November meeting. The winner receives a painting of the garden and a glass medallion by Kitras Glass and a wrought iron hook. 
This year’s nominees are 437 Wellesley, 12 Bowman, 19 Gifford, 266 Carlton, 19 Amelia and 456 Sumach.  Congrats and best wishes to all of you.

Wellesley Park splash pad
The Cabbagetown Residents Association reports that the new pad in Wellesley Park is almost ready for use.  It’ll be open this summer.  The concrete floor needs to set properly before the final acrylic coating can be applied.

Rerouting the Don River
Last week, Mayor John Tory along with federal and provincial officials announced a $5 million environmental study to assess the possibility of rerouting the mouth of the Don River.  The changes to the river’s route could result in a revitalization of the underused Port Lands area as well as providing significant flood protection. There’s an extensive article in Waterfront Toronto’s newsletter about this study and its rationale.  

Under the Stars outdoor movies
Every Wednesday from 7:30 pm starting July 15.  Free screenings in Regent Park (620 Dundas E), following “Taste of Regent Park”.  On Wednesday July 29, the movie is Boyz ‘N the Hood. Popcorn and refreshments will be available during the movies.  If it rains, everything moves inside the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E) in the Artscape Lounge. 

Outdoor markets
Cabbagetown Farmer’s Market – Tuesdays from 3 to 7 pm, Riverdale Park (Sumach and Winchester). The Market has a very good website and a chatty Facebook page – check them out to see which vendors will be coming to the Market each week.
Taste of Regent Park – Wednesdays from 5:30 to 8:30 pm, Regent Park (620 Dundas E).  The event includes farmers booths, local food tastings and associated music.  Outdoor movies follow the market.

IN THE MEDIA

Sumac Creek Health Centre is open
Photo: Dr Danyaal Raza at Sumac Creek Health Centre.  Justin Skinner, Inside Toronto
The new family health clinic operated by St Michael’s Hospital is now open and receiving new patients.  Located at 73 Regent Park Blvd, the service is handy for the rapidly expanding Regent Park neighbourhood as well as Cabbagetown, St James Town and Corktown. You can reach the clinic at (416) 864-3022.   Justin Skinner has written a comprehensive article about the clinic’s programs in Inside Toronto – click here to read it.  

Murals in Underpass Park
Photo:  pillar artwork by Labrona, Urban Toronto
A week ago, the ribbons were cut at the official ceremonies to celebrate the new murals in Underpass Park.  20 artists contributed their work on 23 pillars beneath the Eastern Ave, Richmond and Adelaide overpasses. The park and its artwork have turned a desolate space into a lively, unique recreation area.  Urban Toronto has an article about the park with a great collection of photos. 

Pan Am viewing site
The Wellesley Community Centre (495 Sherbourne) is one of the official Pan Am viewing sites set up by the City of Toronto. It has big television screens and comfortable spaces that create a welcoming place where people can watch the games and enjoy their neighbours.  Sarah-Joyce Battersby has written about the facility in her Toronto Star article.  

The Pan Am pup
Photo – Sue Janzen, Toronto Star
Sue Janzen and her pup Dagny are doing the rounds at the Distillery, snapping pictures of Dagny with athletes from each country at the Games.  Alice Shouldice has written a charming story about these adventures in Wednesday’s Toronto Star.  

90 Sumach Street
Photo: blogTO
blogTO has a story about 90 Sumach – now a loft building and formerly a CBC warehouse and design facility.  The story also has a link to a 25-minute documentary film by Francis Luta about the building’s history and the people who worked there.  It’s a remarkable film.   

PANAM SCHEDULES AND ENTERTAINMENT

Sports schedules
To find your favourite sports and to see event results online, click here.  

Panamania at The Distillery
This is the last weekend of the Panamania series of free concerts at The Distillery’s Trinity Stage.  The entertainers appear throughout the day and into the evening on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.  There’s a list of events online here.  

Niagara  - a Pan American story
Based on the 1824 poem by Cuban exile Jose Maria Heredia.  Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E), Thursday July 23 to Sunday July 26, 8 pm and Saturday matinee at 2 pm.  For details and tickets, click here

Panamania at the Young Centre
Gimme Shelter with Ravi Jain runs on Thursday July 23, Friday and Saturday at 8 pm each day.  Urban street dance crews compete in the Battle for the North at 7 pm on Thursday.  Sandra Shamas will perform “The Big What Now” for three days at the Young Centre (Tank House Lane, Distillery) but all of her shows are now sold out.  For event information and tickets, click here.  

ON STAGE

Duncan Fremlin and Whiskey Jack
Duncan and his friends have been really busy.  They have a new website and you’re invited to visit it to get all the details about their forthcoming performances. www.whiskeyjackmusic.com
First of all, they’ll appear at the Cadillac Lounge (1296 Queen West) on Saturday July 25 from 4 to 7 pm.  They’ve switched their regular dates there to Saturdays.
On August 1, the group is presenting a special show at the Stratford Summer Music Festival, Legends of Canadian Country Music.  Special guests will include Gordie Tapp and the country dancing duo, Al and Renia Calhoun.  The show has already sold out.
Then they’re touring with their Stompin’ Tom tribute show – Belfountain, Parry Sound, Richards Landing, Midland, Meaford and Mississauga.  Their shows sell out so Stompin’ Tom fans are advised to buy tickets early – check their website for details.
Their latest CD, Stories & Songs of Stompin’ Tom, will be released in the next few days.

Miranda Mulholland
She’s a virtuoso singer and fiddler and her music mixes jazz, folk and roots.  She appears as part of the Distillery’s Music City Summer Series on Wednesday July 29, 6 to 8 pm, Trinity Square in the Distillery.  Free event.

BUSINESS NEWS

Holiday closings
Several local restaurants and stores are taking a holiday break in early August.  Olyana and Mike will close Café Olya (540 Parliament) from Monday July 27 to Thursday August 6.  St Jamestown Steak & Chops (516 Parliament) will have a holiday from Monday August 3 to Monday August 10, reopening on August 11.  Odin Bar and Café (514 King E) will close over the weekend, August 1, 2 and 3.

Now or never sale at Kendall
Kendall & Co (514 Parliament) is getting some exciting new arrivals soon and the store has to be emptied out to make room.  Save up to 60% off everything now!  Shop early – you’re not the only one who’s eyeing what Kendall’s got.  Store hours – Monday to Friday, 10 am to 6 pm, Saturday. 11 am to 5 pm.

RESTAURANT NEWS

Summerlicious
Summerlicious ends this weekend. It’s our annual summer restaurant festival and it finishes on Sunday 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 Pure Spirits Oyster House & Grill (17 Tank House Ln, Distillery).  For the full list and lots of details, go to the Summerlicious website


CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS

THURSDAY JULY 23 TO SUNDAY AUGUST 1

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
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/
Little Trinity Summer Concerts, Little Trinity Park, 425 King at Trinity
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 JULY 23

The Irv
7pm, Geoff Willingham
Little Trinity Concert Series
7 pm, Jack Connelly
The Local GEST
9 pm, Open Mic with Porter
Mill St Brew Pub
7 pm, Tap That Cask with live acoustic music
Under The Table
9 pm, Karaoke

FRIDAY JULY 24

Mill Street Beer Hall
8 pm, Vinyl Nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective
Mill Street Brew Pub
6:30 pm, Beer school – German & Belgian beers, $25
Stirling Room
Theatrical Friday with resident DJ Rod Bravo, reserve on the guest list.  $20
White Elephant
7 to 10 pm, Sean Pinchin

SATURDAY JULY 25

Mill Street Beer Hall
8 pm, Vinyl Nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective
Stirling Room
Stirling Saturday.  Reserve on the guest list.  $20

SUNDAY JULY 26

Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke with Vee
Local GEST
4:30 pm, Sunday afternoon jazz with Boom for Rent
Mill Street Beer Hall
1 pm, Jazz brunch with Tyler Yarema

MONDAY JULY 27

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers trivia

TUESDAY JULY 28

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers trivia

WEDNESDAY JULY 29

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Paintbox Bistro
7:30 pm, Corktown Ukelele Jam

THURSDAY JULY 30

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
White Elephant
8 pm, Open mic night

FRIDAY JULY 31

Mill Street Beer Hall
8 pm, Vinyl nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective
Mill Street Brew Pub
6:30 pm, Beer School – Flavoured beers, $25
Stirling Room
Theatrical Friday reserve on the guest list.  $20
White Elephant
7 pm, Sean Pinchin

SATURDAY AUGUST 1

Mill Street Beer Hall
8 pm, Vinyl Nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective
Stirling Room
Stirling Saturdays, reserve on the guest list

SUNDAY AUGUST 2

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