CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD REVIEW
A quick announcement
Holiday time. There won't be a Review next week. Back on Thursday August 27.
LOCAL NEWS
Holiday time. There won't be a Review next week. Back on Thursday August 27.
LOCAL NEWS
Family
Fun Fest
Artscape
is organizing a family day at the Daniels Spectrum. There’ll be music, South Asian arts and crafts, ping pong
and table tennis tournaments, a photo corner and lots more. Free admission. Saturday August 15, 2 to 6 pm, Regent Park Blvd beside the Daniels
Spectrum (585 Dundas E).
Aberdeen
Ave Residents Group
AARG
held its annual meeting in mid-July and met with Councillor Pam McConnell to
discuss issues affecting the neighbourhood. The meeting was a productive session that focused on
upgrades at Winchester Square Park, the impact of local TCHC housing, possible
improvements at Anniversary Park, Regent Park updates and successes at Pathways
to Education. Reports from people attending the meeting are very positive –
everyone had useful opportunities to speak and learn about changes in the area.
St
James Cemetery walking tour
Photo: Toronto Public Library
The
cemetery opened in 1844 as the final resting place for Toronto’s elites. The
names on many of its graves honour people who had a major impact on Canada’s
history and culture. Its chapel
has become a National Heritage Site.
The tour – sponsored by the Cabbagetown Preservation Association and
Heritage Toronto – will visit these and many other highlights. Sunday, August 16, 1:30 pm, free.
Gilles
Huot from the Cabbagetown Preservation Association writes a column regularly in
Inside Toronto about Cabbagetown’s historic roots. In the July 21 issue, he described St James Cemetery. His story coincides nicely with the
walking tour.
Repair
Café at CNH
Central
Neighbourhood House (349 Ontario) is hosting a visit by Repair Café. It’s a volunteer agency that brings
together people who like to fix things and people who want to learn how to fix
household appliances, computers, furniture, clothes, jewellery and more. Everyone’s welcome. It’s free. Saturday August 22, noon to 4 pm.
ROM
Walks
ROM
Walks are organized by the Royal Ontario Museum and they’re free to the
public. The 2015 schedule covers
three Cabbagetown walks and the Distillery. The tours are repeated through the summer with the final
walks happening in September. The
ROM’s brochure is online.
Two
walks are taking place in late August.
Distillery
District. This walk covers the
Distillery District and some of its surrounding neighbourhoods. The starting point is St Paul’s
Basilica (Power & Queen). Sunday August 23, 2 pm.
Cabbagetown
North. A guided walking tour through
Cabbagetown North. It starts at
Winchester and Parliament and travels east to Riverdale Park, north to
Wellesley and back to Parliament.
Wednesday, August 26, 6 pm
Distillery
Music City summer series
Free
concerts on the Trinity stage in the Distillery. On Wednesday August 19, Melissa Payne sings and plays her
fiddle and guitar. On Wednesday
August 26, Patrick Brealey blends folk, country and the blues. Concerts happen from 6 to 8 pm.
Under
the Stars outdoor movies
Wednesday
from 7:30 pm. Free screenings in
Regent Park (620 Dundas E), following “Taste of Regent Park”. On Wednesday August 19, it’s “Do the
Right Thing”. 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. There are lots of notes
about events and food on Facebook.
From
farm to fork – Saturday from noon to 4 pm, The Local GEST (424 Parliament). The pub has a farm plot north of the
city and uses its produce for its kitchen. Farm fresh veggies are sold every week outside the pub (and
every Tuesday at the Cabbagetown Farmers Market.)
Summer
concerts at Little Trinity
Thursday
August 20 at 7 pm in Little Trinity Park (King and Trinity). 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.
#2Hot4Kitchen
Save
the date – Wednesday August 26, 4 to 8 pm, Regent Park (The Big Park) 620
Dundas E. Food, art and awards
ceremony to celebrate women who simmer and sizzle in Toronto. It’s part of the
Taste of Regent Park market and will feature performances, food and art
vendors, an exhibition and interactive demos.
You
can’t get there from here
Helen
Coltrinari saw these signs at Spruce and Sackville. She’s sent them along so everybody can get a good laugh.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Golf
with the HOP
Monday
August 17. The HOP has chosen a
new destination, Westview Golf Club in Aurora. A jam-packed day with lunch at the club, guaranteed good fun
with your golfing pals, a cart, lots of prizes and dinner at the HOP. You’ll get a bus ride from the House on
Parliament (454 Parliament) and back again. Reserve your spot at (416) 925-4074 or, better yet, drop in
to the pub. $130 pp.
Hummingbird
Open Mic at The Paintbox
Thursday
August 20, sign up at 6 pm and show starts at 7 pm. The Paintbox (555 Dundas E) hosts an open mic on the third
Thursday of each month and over 100 people have been coming to enjoy Toronto’s
undiscovered talent. Free
admission – complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.
Suzanne
McKenney
It’s
Hot House Cabaret at The Paintbox (555 Dundas E). Suzanne McKenney’s racounteuring, reminiscing and sometimes
raucous review. Steve Hunter on piano.
Friday, August 21, 8 pm.
$15 at the door.
Jazz
at The Local GEST
Sunday
afternoon jazz continues at The Local GEST (424 Parliament). On Sunday August 16, The Ken Taylor
Trio appears. Sherie Marshall is
back on Sunday August 23. 4:30 pm,
no cover charge.
White
Elephant
Scott
B Sympathy appears on Friday August 14 from 7 to 10 pm. Next week, Ryan Carr is playing from 7
pm on Friday August 21. 366 Queen
St E.
Cabbagetown
Festival preview
Cabbagetown
Steve and the Blues Machine will be playing in front of the Wing Machine (443
Parliament) on Saturday afternoon September 12. Steve’s band includes a special appearance by Lilly Mason
(modern R+B and Soul). Lilly grew
up in Cabbagetown. Michael Caplan,
another Cabbagetown crooner, brings his country sounds for the band. These guys can all sing and play –
they’re worth a trip to the Festival.
BUSINESS NEWS
The
Sundara Method
Angela
Jervais Reed has started a new practice.
She’s offering teacher training and retreats at Sundara Method. Click on her website to connect with
her.
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! Ask the staff about final markdowns on rugs, mirrors,
upholstered furniture, tables, cabinets and lighting. Shop now – the best deals
are in the store. Store hours –
Monday to Friday, 10 am to 6 pm, Saturday. 11 am to 5 pm.
NOW MAGAZINE READERS’ CHOICE POLL
This
is the prestigious annual poll where shoppers and NOW readers select the
retailers that they really like and support them with a vote. There are over 200 categories and many
of our stores have been nominated in more than one.
A
few cautionary comments
The
Reader’s Choice poll is a really big list. It’s well organized and easy to navigate. The Home Page is here. Voting continues until Friday September
18. Please watch for omissions on
my list that can be corrected quickly next week – especially among lists of
individuals who’ve been nominated.
If you see someone who should be highlighted, email
cabbagetownreview@gmail.com
Stores and links
Here are our local heroes who will need your help to win. Each listing has the link to the ballot - just click and vote.
SHOPPING
& SERVICES
Best
design firm
For
several years, Kendall & Co (514 Parliament) has been a leader in the NOW
Magazine Readers’ Choice poll. The
store has earned high rankings in two categories – Best Design Store and Best
Design Firm. Two years ago, it was
the winner in each and last year, it was the runner-up. Kendall and his staff want the #1 spot
back again. Click on this link and
cast your vote.
Best
design store
This
is a painful category. Two
outstanding Cabbagetown businesses are in the running – Kendall & Co (514
Parliament) and Spruce (455 Parliament).
Take your pick and then cast your ballot.
Best
bike mechanic
Cycle
Solutions (444 Parliament) has a well-earned spot on this list. Place your vote here.
Best
camera store
Vistek
(496 Queen E) is an awesome store.
Vote here.
Best
jewellery store
Fair
Trade Jewellery (523 Parliament) regularly gets praised and nominated for
quality and for environmental standards.
Here’s your chance to support them.
Best
pet store
Urbandog
Fitness & Spa (37 Parliament) gets a big woof. Cast your vote here.
ART
& BOOKS
Best
author
In
a field full of amazing talent, Michael Ondaatje’s name jumps right out. Vote for him here.
FILM
& STAGE
Best
choreographer
Here’s
our chance to salute the work that Christopher House has done at Toronto Dance
Theatre (80 Winchester). Vote
here.
Best
dance company
We’re
home to many of Toronto’s great dance companies and the nominees here are proof
of that: COBA (585 Dundas E),
Coleman Lemieux (304 Parliament), Dancemakers (9 Trinity) and Toronto Dance
Theatre (80 Winchester). Select
the one that moves you.
Best
large theatre company
Two
local companies are on the list among the distinguished nominees – Canadian
Stage (26 Berkeley) and Soulpepper (55 Mill Street). Vote here.
Best
small theatre company
Cahoots
(388 Queen E) and Acting Up Stage (476 Parliament) are both local theatre
companies. Select one and vote.
FOOD
& DRINK
Best
beer selection
Lots
of good watering holes are on this list.
Our own Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) is among them. Vote for Erin and her pals at Stout.
Best
caterer
Once
again, Daniel et Daniel (248 Carlton) is on this list. The Daniels have dominated this market
for years and they’re sure to continue their prominence in 2015. Cast your vote here.
Best
cheap eats
Kanpai
(252 Carlton), one of our newest eateries, has already grabbed a spot on the
list. Vote here.
Best
espresso
Jet
Fuel (519 Parliament) is a city-wide landmark. Jet Fuel put us on the map and now, we can return
the favour.
Best
gourmet takeout
This
is a second, well-deserved nomination for Daniel et Daniel (248 Carlton). Vote for the food shop.
Best
Japanese restaurant
Kingyo-Izakaya
(51B Winchester) is a logical selection.
Vote here.
Best
local microbrew
Mill
Street Brew Pub (21 Tank House Lane) has been a great brewery and a strong
supporter of our festival and our local pubs. They deserve our votes.
Best
prepared food
Daniel
et Daniel (248 Carlton) got a third nomination in this category. For everybody who wants a classy dinner
without the work, this is a lovely place to shop. Vote for D & D here.
Best
pub
Stout
Irish Pub (221 Carlton) is back for a second nomination. This category delivers big-time
bragging rights. Vote for Stout
here.
Best
pub grub
House
on Parliament (454 Parliament) consistently offers the highest quality lunches
and dinners. They get my vote
every time.
Best
taco
Head
to the Distillery and enjoy one of El Catrin’s tacos (18 Tank House Lane) and
then cast your ballot here.
Best
tea
Who
else but Lemon Lily (410 Dundas E).
Here’s the link where you vote.
Best
Thai
Sukhothai
(274A Parliament) has been nominated again. It’s becoming a destination for great Thai food. Vote here.
CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS
THURSDAY AUGUST 6 TO SUNDAY AUGUST 16
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,
Stirling
Room, 16 Trinity, Distillery District, www.stirlingroom.com
Stout
Irish Pub, 221 Carlton St, (647) 344-7676, www.stoutirishpub.ca
Under
the Table, 568 Parliament St, (647) 351-1533,
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 AUGUST 13
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
FRIDAY AUGUST 14
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
to 10 pm, Scott B Sympathy
SATURDAY AUGUST 15
The
Local GEST
Noon
to 4 pm, Fresh veggies on sale at Farm to Fork
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 16
Alice’s
Place
9
pm, Karaoke with Vee
Local
GEST
4:30
pm, Sunday afternoon jazz with the Ken Taylor Trio
MONDAY AUGUST 17
Stout
Irish Pub
7:30
pm, Headscratchers trivia
TUESDAY AUGUST 18
Merryberry
6
pm, Souffles cooking class, $45
Stout
Irish Pub
7:30
pm, Headscratchers trivia
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 19
Alice’s
Place
9
pm, Karaoke
Distillery
– Trinity Stage
6
to 8 pm, Music City Summer Series, Melissa Payne
The
Local GEST
7:30
pm, Smart Ass Trivia
Paintbox
Bistro
7:30
pm, Corktown Ukelele Jam
Regent
Park, The Big Park
7:30
pm, outdoor movies “Doing the Right Thing”.
THURSDAY AUGUST 20
The
Irv
7pm,
Geoff Willingham
Little
Trinity Concert Series
7
pm, Conor Hall
The
Local GEST
8
pm, Open mic with Porter
Mill
St Brew Pub
7
pm, Tap That Cask with live acoustic music
Paintbox
6
pm sign up, 7 pm show, Hummingbird
Open Mic
Under
The Table
9
pm, Karaoke
FRIDAY AUGUST 21
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
Paintbox
8
pm, Hot House Cabaret with Suzanne McKenney and Steve Hunter (piano), $15
Stirling
Room
Theatrical
Friday with resident DJ Rod Bravo, reserve on the guest list. $20
White
Elephant
7
to 10 pm, Ryan Carr
SATURDAY AUGUST 22
The
Local GEST
Noon
to 4 pm, Fresh veggies on sale at Farm to Fork
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 AUGUST 23
Alice’s
Place
4
pm, Karaoke with Vee
Local
GEST
4:30
pm, Sunday afternoon jazz with Sherie Marshall
