November 26

This week’s image:  down memory lane – a snowy morning on November 27, 2013

CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD REVIEW

HELPING SYRIAN REFUGEES

Syrian Sanctuary
Community Matters Toronto is now ready to assist sponsorship groups and to act as a sponsor itself. Its project is called Syrian Sanctuary.
As facilitators, Syrian Sanctuary is helping three churches.  It also has a network of over twenty Arabic speaking people in Toronto to work with refugees as they arrive and to help them find their way around their new homes.  It’s arranged ten apartments and furniture supplies, each suitable for a family of four. The Canada Revenue Agency has approved CMT to receive donations. 
Syrian Sanctuary is also aiming at sponsoring up to six families.
At this time, donors are needed.  Your funds can be given to CMT and will be earmarked specifically for Syrian Sanctuary.  Sponsors are also needed – Syrian Sanctuary will help with the paperwork and with coaching and support for groups getting established.  Finally, volunteers are needed to work on the project and to assist other groups.
There are several ways to make donations and to get involved.  Contact syriansanctuary@communitymatterstoronto.org

Glen Murray’s community meeting
Our MPP, Glen Murray, will hold a community meeting to discuss how we can help refugees coming from Syria.  Among the topics will be accessing resources, ways to welcome newcomers and ways to ease their transition to their new homes.  Groups and individuals who want to be involved in sponsorships will find this information useful.  Friday November 27, 8 to 10 am, 246 Sackville.  Please rsvp at (416) 972-7683. 

Support Christine Roth’s project
Christine is a Cabbagetown lawyer (219 Carlton) who lives in Cobourg.  She’s part of a registered group working with the Roman Catholic Peterborough Diocese to bring a Christian family to Cobourg.  They have their paperwork and have raised some funds – so when an eligible family gets listed, her group will be ready to act.  At this time, she’s asking for donations or with fundraising help.  If you want to add your support, contact her at (416) 882-3944 or email at mchristineroth@rothatlaw.ca

Sponsorship projects
People in our neighbourhood who are forming sponsorships and supporting refugees are welcome to make announcements in the Cabbagetown Neighbourhood Review.
Please send your info to cabbagetownreview@gmail.com

LOCAL NEWS

Cabbagetown Preservation Association
The CPA’s Fall meeting covered a lot of territory on Wednesday night.  There were several community awards and presentations along with a well-received speech by Scott Weir about the future of 24 Sussex Drive.  The CPA is supporting four charitable groups with proceeds from the 2015 Tour of Homes.

Curtis Armstrong received the cheque on behalf of the Cabbagetown Community Arts Centre  (422 Parliament)

Gabby Barnes represented the Cabbagetown Youth Centre  (2 Lancaster)

Katy Roy received it for the Toronto Kiwanis Boys & Girls Club (101 Spruce)

Reverend Patrick White was the fourth beneficiary, from the Chaplain’s Office.

CPA’s annual awards – congrats everyone
Kim Ezeard won the 2015 Streetscapes in Bloom prize for her lovely garden at 19 Amelia.  Homeowners at 456 Sumach and 266 Carlton were runners-up. 
Congrats as well to James Davie and Mark Hendricks.  They were given the 2015 Peggy Kurtin Award for the restoration of their home at Sackville. It has become a landmark along its stretch of Sackville Street.  During the Tour of Homes, theirs was the most popular destination for Tour visitors. 

Brenda’s step class
Brenda’s December schedule is available.  As usual, her normal routine is Wednesday morning at 9:15 am and Sunday morning at 11 am.  In December, the Sunday class on December 6 is cancelled and the December 13 class is not yet firm.  The classes for the month will finish on Wednesday December 16.

Green Thumbs Growing Kids
Green Thumbs organizes gardens for kids, showing them our connection to nature and the importance of healthy food.  Its fundraiser happens on Saturday November 28 from 4 to 7 pm at the Paintbox Bistro (535 Dundas E).  There’ll be good wine from Southbrook paired with good food by chef Chris Klugman, a silent auction and live music.  Get more info and buy your tickets online here - $35 each and two for $60.  At the door - $40. 

CPR Christmas train
Photo: Norm Betts
Norm Betts has forwarded this photo and info about the CPR’s Christmas train.  Click on the image to see it in its full glory.  The train arrives in Toronto on Monday November 30.  He says that it’s the best thing ever for your kid.  If Norm recommends this, it’s gotta be good.  It arrives at 8:15 pm at the CPR’s Lambton Yard at 750 Runnymede.  The show starts at 8:30 pm.  When it’s there, you can wander its whole length.  One car folds down into a stage for Santa and music.  Bring an item for the food bank or a cash donation. 

Dominique Leroy Prince
Dominique’s paintings inspired by the circus and the Canadian landscape will be displayed at Peartree (507 Parliament) throughout December and January.

The Christmas Market
The Distillery’s big Christmas show continues through this week.  The entertainment continues all day with strolling carollers, Santa’s elves and children’s storytelling.  Special events include a visit this weekend by Rudolph and the arrival of St Nicholas on Wednesday.  Multicultural performances include dancing, choral music and special performers.  Each evening ends with a headline performer on the main stage – these are listed in the daily charts below. $5 admission fee on weekends. You can check out all of these details on the Market’s website. 

Newchoir rocks on Tuesday
Margaret Grottenthaler is one of several Cabbagetown residents singing in newchoir – you may recall their recent triumphant appearance at New York’s Carnegie Hall.  The choir is supporting the Regent Park School of Music by holding an open rehearsal at St Simon’s Church (525 Bloor E).  Drop by and learn how to sing a Beatles’ tune in four-part harmony.  7 pm, Tuesday, December 1, $5 suggested donation.

Corktown Residents & Business Association
The CRBA’s December meeting will include a talk by the Cherry Street YMCA.  It’s due to open in the Spring of 2016.  The Y is running an online survey to find out your interests – click here to answer it.  The CRBA meeting happens on Tuesday December 1 at 7 pm at Little Trinity Church (425 King E)

Cabbagetown South Christmas party
The annual Christmas party in Cabbagetown South happens at Retsina (209 Gerrard E) on Wednesday December 2 from 6:30 to 9 pm.  It’s always a great time – meet friends and neighbours, gossip like crazy and even catch a glimpse of the rich and famous!  Retsina always sets up a generous buffet.  Prizes and raffles from our local stores.  Cash bar.  Advance tickets are $15 to November 25.  Regular tickets are $20.  Read about the event and get your tickets here. 

Give the gift that gives back
The sewing and cooking collectives in Regent Park are holding a Christmas sale.  It’s a relaxed, after-work drop-in where you can relax, mix, network and make new friends.  There’ll be nibblies to sample and products to buy and local artists will perform.  Thursday, December 3, 5:30 to 7:30 pm, TD Learning Centre (540 Dundas E at Sackville). 

Enoch Turner Schoolhouse
The annual Founder’s Dinner celebrates a vintage Christmas at the Schoolhouse (106 Trinity) from 6:15 pm, Thursday December 3.  It’s a fundraiser with a traditional Christmas dinner, carolling and entertainment.  R H Thomson is the emcee.  A Charles Baillie will be honoured as a Heritage Champion.  The evening will finish with dancing to a live band.  Tickets are $110 and they’re available at Eventbrite, here.   

Get a free family photo
CAPIC professional photographers and the Daniels Spectrum are offering free family portraits for Regent Park residents.  Your photos will be taken at the Ada Slaight Hall in the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E) on Saturday December 5 from 9:30 to 4:30 pm.  You’ll get a USB stick with your pictures plus your choice of one printed photo. You must register in advance by Wednesday December 2 – at the TD Centre for Learning (540 Dundas E), at 40 Oak Street, at the Regent Park Presentation centre (500 Dundas E) or at the Daniels Spectrum in the Artheart Community Arts Centre, or in Artscape or in the Regent Park School of Music. Only 160 spots available.

Carolling in Cabbagetown
Once again, neighbours around Winchester and Parliament will be carolling and collecting goodies for the St Luke food bank.  Watch for the group along Winchester, Metcalfe, Carlton and Sumach on Sunday December 13, starting at 7 pm.  Last year, they collected over $700 in cash and over 700 pounds of food.  If you aren’t on this route or you’re not planning to be home, drop off your donation at 94 Winchester.

City Choir’s Winter Wonder
The Choir will sing at St Peter Anglican Church (188 Carlton) on Tuesday December 8 at 8 pm.  Five directors will be featured – Gregory Oh, John Millard, Patricia O’Callaghan, Suba Sankaran and Waleed Abdulhamid.   There’ll be performances by the full choir, an audience sing-a-long, a bake sale and more.  Wheel chair accessible.  Pay what you want – suggested donations of $10 to $20 will be appreciated.

Corktown holiday party
The annual CRBA Christmas party will be held at Odin CafĂ© & Bar  (514 King E) on Sunday December 13, 5 to 9 pm.  There’ll be live music, a cash bar, food and a silent auction.

SHOPPING NEWS

Cabbagetown’s holiday kick-off
Save the date – Saturday November 28 from noon to 2 pm.  It’s the Cabbagetown BIA’s kick-off for the holiday season.  Santa will be there.  There’ll be wagon rides, Santa selfies, music and refreshments.  Treats for your dog.  Tree trimming.  And more.  Bring a donation or a non-perishable food item for the Daily Bread Food Bank and get a free Cabbagetown tote bag in return. At the corner of Carlton and Parliament.

Shop the Neighbourhood
The BIA is participating in the Shop the Neighbourhood campaign on Saturday November 28.  One day only.  So far, twenty shops and restaurants are offering holiday specials ranging from store-wide discounts, product discounts, free soup and free beer samples.  Christmas is a good time to support the folks who contribute so much to make our neighbourhood interesting and lively.  Shop in their stores and enjoy a holiday reward.  Click here to see who’s part of this special event. 

Victoria’s cards
Popular Cabbagetown artist, Victoria Hadden, is again selling her greeting cards through Kendall & Co (514 Parliament).  Her colourful handcrafted cards are pre-stamped and ready to mail – just bring a pen and your address book. 

HomeLife Realty One Christmas food drive
Jason McGregor, a realtor at HomeLife/Realty One (501 Parliament) is organizing this year’s food drive.  He’s combining it with a special draw to select the winner of a $100 VISA prepaid gift card.  His system is simple – bring in two non-perishable food items and get one entry form for the draw.  If you bring in a full grocery bag, you’ll get two bonus entry forms. You can do this once a day, every day.  The drive runs to Sunday December 20.  It’s part of the HomeLife campaign, “No Family Left Hungry”.

Shop local at Kendall
During the BIA’s Shop The Neighbourhood day on Saturday, Kendall & Co (514 Parliament) will feature an array of wonderful goods by artists and crafts makers from across Canada, all stocked in Santa’s workshop.  Click here to see them all.  Plus you can save up to 50% off on select rugs and you’ll get a free gift with any purchase on Saturday, while supplies last.

Paintbox gift baskets
Paintbox Bistro (535 Dundas E) has a line of seasonal gift baskets.  Save 15% on all orders placed before December 1.  The restaurant works with local farmers to ensure the freshest produce.  The baskets can be ordered online and paid through credit cards and interac.  Pickups and delivery services are available.  For the detailed menu, check out the Paintbox website. 

Another kudo to the BIA
At the CPA’s Fall meeting, Gilles Huot emphasized how helpful the Cabbagetown BIA and its members were during the 2015 Tour of Homes.  This year, many local merchants and restaurants had special offers for the Tour’s ticket holders.  These incentives each made a big difference to the quality of the Tour’s program.

IN THE MEDIA

Free the Children’s new site

Justin Skinner has written about the new Corktown site for Free the Children in the City Centre Mirror.  It will be a major facility for the organization and its presence will have a big impact on the Corktown neighbourhood. 

ON STAGE

Soulpepper’s cabaret series
Gabi Epstein, Kevin Wong, Brendan Wall and Jenni Burke in “Girl to Funny Girl, a year-end Gabaret.”   Soulpepper (Distillery, 50 Tank House Lane). Saturday November 28,  8:30 pm.  Tickets are $20 available here. 

Impulse
Presented by the School of Toronto Dance Theatre.  It’s an ambitious program of main-stage performances showcasing dancers from all three levels of the School’s professional training program.  Works by Marc Boivin, Danny Grossman, Louis Laberge-Cote, Julia Sasso and Apolonia Velasquez.  November 26 to 28 and December 3 to 5, 8 pm, $20 and $15.    Winchester Street Theatre (80 Winchester).  Tickets are available online. 

Domesticated
Paul Gross and Martha Burns star in this drama about a politician who’s caught at an injured prostitute’s bedside.  Two extra performances have been added to the schedule – it runs to Saturday December 19.  For tickets and info, click here.  Canadian Stage, Berkeley St Theatre (26 Berkeley). 

Soulpepper’s Christmas season
Soulpepper’s popular production of its Christmas favourite, A Christmas Carol,  starts on Thursday December 3 and runs to Sunday January 3.   Tricks with David Ben and Patrick Watson starts on Saturday December 5 and continues to Sunday January 3.  Dennis Lee’s Alligator Pie is on stage from Wednesday December 16 to Sunday January 3.  For program info and tickets, go to Soulpepper’s website.  Distillery, 50 Tank House Lane.

RESTAURANT NEWS

Thanksgiving at the HOP and at Peartree
The House on Parliament always celebrates American Thanksgiving.  Drop by today, Thursday November 26, for turkey with all the trimmings.  454 Parliament
Enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner at Peartree (507 Parliament) – butternut squash soup, turkey with apple sage stuffing and gravy, mashed, veggies, cranberries and pumpkin pie for dessert.  5 to 11 pm, $24.99.

Game nights at Murgatroid
Game Night will be on Monday December 7 from 5 pm.  Bring your own game or enjoy one of Murgatroid’s.  Great food for dinner or snacks.  Murgatroid is now licensed. 568 Parliament.

Party at The Irv
Guest appreciation night at The Irv (195 Carlton) happens on Thursday December 17 from 7 to 11 pm.  It promises to be a blow-out.  Live music, beer sampling, prizes and giveaways and free munchies. 

Smoked turkey from 420 Smokehouse
Make your holiday festivities a little easier with a smoked turkey from 420.  Your bird is soaked in brine for three days and then given 420’s own special rub before it’s smoked.  Contact Virginia at (416) 924-5858.  420 Parliament.

Christmas at Cranberries
One of the season’s most pleasant events is the annual Christmas Day dinner at Cranberries (601 Parliament).  The meal is delicious.  The price is modest. The crowds fill the restaurant.  Two seatings – at 5 and 7:30 pm.  The menu includes soup or salad, a traditional turkey entrĂ©e with mashed potatoes, gravy, homemade stuffing, fresh veggies, a dinner roll – and of course, cranberries.  Apple pie and ice cream for dessert.  $28.  This is a popular event – so book now at (416) 925-6330.

New Year’s Eve at Stout
Reservations at Erin’s New Year’s Eve party are now open.  Tickets are $10.  Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, champagne and party favours to ring in the New Year.  From 8 pm to 2 am, December 31 and January 1.  Call (647) 344-7676 or visit Stout Irish Pub at 221 Carlton.

CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 26 TO SUNDAY DECEMBER 6

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/
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
Under the Table, 568 Parliament St, (647) 351-1533,
https://www.facebook.com/underthetabletoronto

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

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 26
 
The Distillery’s Christmas Market
6:30 pm, a cappella by the SING! Singers
The Irv
7pm, Geoff Willingham
The Local GEST
8 pm, Open Mic with Porter
Mill St Brew Pub
7 pm, Cask & Cheese - live acoustic music
Under the Table
9 pm, Karaoke

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 27

The Distillery’s Christmas Market
6:15 pm, Twisted Sister with Dee Snider and Taylor Dayne. 6:30 to 8 pm Friday night jazz with the (Un)Forgettable Trio
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 with Dan North
Stirling Room
Theatrical Friday with resident DJ Rod Bravo, reserve on the guest list.  $20
 
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 28
 
The Distillery’s Christmas Market
6:30 pm, jazz singer-songwriter Barbra Lica, $5 general admission
Soulpepper Cabaret Series
8:30 pm, Gabi Epstein with Kevin Wong, Brendan Wall and Jenni Burke, “Girl to Funny Girl,a year-end gabaret.” $20
Stirling Room
Stirling Saturday.  Reserve on the guest list.  $20

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 29
 
The Distillery’s Christmas Market
6:30 pm, Euba tuba quartet, $5 general admission
Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke with Vee
Local GEST
4:30 pm, Sunday afternoon jazz with the Chris Gale Trio

MONDAY NOVEMBER 30

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers trivia

TUESDAY DECEMBER 1

The Distillery’s Christmas Market
6:30 & 7:15 pm, Kirsten Jones
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers trivia

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 2

The Distillery’s Christmas Market
6:15 pm, Toronto welcomes St Nicholas
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
The Local GEST
7:30 pm, Smart Ass Trivia with Porter
Paintbox Bistro
7:30 pm, Corktown Ukelele Jam
 
THURSDAY DECEMBER 3
 
The Distillery’s Christmas Market
6:30 & 7:15 pm, folk trio The O’Pears
The Irv
7pm, Geoff Willingham
The Local GEST
8 pm, Open mic with Noah & Jeff
Mill St Brew Pub
7 pm, Cask & Cheese- live acoustic music

FRIDAY DECEMBER 4
 
The Distillery’s Christmas Market
6:30, 7:15 & 8 pm, June Garber jazz trio
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 with Dan North
Stirling Room
Theatrical Friday reserve on the guest list.  $20
Under The Table
9 pm, Karaoke

SATURDAY DECEMBER 5

The Distillery’s Christmas Market
6:30, 7:15 & 8 pm, The Woodhouse, $5 general admission
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 DECEMBER 6

The Distillery’s Christmas Market
6:30 & 7:15 pm, Euba. $5 general admission
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke with Vee
The Local GEST
4:30 pm, Sunday afternoon jazz

 

November 19


This week’s image:  Whiskey Jack, Photo: Norm Betts

CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD REVIEW

LOCAL NEWS

Duncan Fremlin & Whiskey Jack
Whiskey Jack will be singing gospel songs at 4 pm on Sunday November 22 at the chapel in St Simon Church (525 Bloor E).  They know and enjoy the church’s space and use it for rehearsals.  Duncan says that they play a gospel tune in every concert and over the past summer, they devoted a couple of their concerts entirely to gospel music.  Kids are, of course, welcome. No sermons and no ticket fees – but the band will pass the collection plate. 

Breakfast and a movie
The Regent Park Film Festival and the CRC Regent Park Community Food Centre are teaming up to provide a free breakfast before the screening of Shana: The Wolf’s Music.  Saturday November 21.  Breakfast is served at 9 am and the movie starts at 9:30 am – both at the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E).  Reserve your spot here.  

Regent Park Film Festival
To Saturday November 21, Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E).  The Festival presents films, workshops, panels and activities.  A school program runs on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.  The Festival Lounge features films by Toronto Reel Asian International Film festival, the National Film Board, Inside Out LGBT Film festival and ImaginNative Film.  Major films are scattered throughout each day`s program.  For full details, go online here.  

Neighbourhood of nations - arts and crafts bazaar
St James Town Arts and the CRC in Regent Park are hosting an arts and crafts sale on Sunday November 22 from 4 to 8 pm in the CRC (40 Oak Street).  There’ll be arts and crafts, kids’ activities, music and food.  It’s our chance to support local artists and craft makers. 

Maureen`s walking group
Maureen Roe is organizing weekly hour-long walkabouts through Cabbagetown.  It`s a chance to stretch your legs while you look at the neighbourhood and meet and talk to friends. The walks start off at the gates of Riverdale Park (Sumach and Winchester) at 9 am on Monday mornings.  Free

CPA Fall meeting
The Cabbagetown Preservation Association’s Fall meeting happens on Wednesday November 25, 7 pm at the Kiwanis Boys & Girls Club (101 Spruce).  Scott Weir from ERA Architects will talk about “Tear down or restore? What do you do about a wreck like 24 Sussex Dr?” There’ll also be presentations to the winner of Streetscapes in Bloom, the winner of the 2015 Peggy Kurtin award, to the CPA’s volunteer of the year and to youth groups who will benefit from the proceeds of the 2015 Tour of Homes. 

Cabbagetown South Christmas party
The annual Christmas party in Cabbagetown South happens at Retsina (209 Gerrard E) on Wednesday December 2 from 6:30 to 9 pm.  It’s always a great time – meet friends and neighbours, gossip like crazy and even catch a glimpse of the rich and famous!  Retsina always sets up a generous buffet.  Prizes and raffles from our local stores.  Cash bar.  Advance tickets are $15 to November 25.  Regular tickets are $20.  Read about the event and get your tickets here.  

Give the gift that gives back
The sewing and cooking collectives in Regent Park are holding a Christmas sale.  It’s a relaxed, after-work drop-in where you can relax, mix, network and make new friends.  There’ll be nibblies to sample and products to buy and local artists will perform.  Thursday, December 3, 5:30 to 7:30 pm, TD Learning Centre (540 Dundas E at Sackville). 

Enoch Turner Schoolhouse
Photo:  Ontario Heritage Trust
The annual Founder’s Dinner celebrates a vintage Christmas at the Schoolhouse (106 Trinity) from 6:15 pm, Thursday December 3.  It’s a fundraiser with a traditional Christmas dinner, carolling and entertainment.  R H Thomson is the emcee.  A Charles Baillie will be honoured as a Heritage Champion.  The evening will finish with dancing to a live band.  Tickets are $110 and they’re available at Eventbrite, here.    

Riverdale Farm uproar
Stories are circulating about an immature Red-Tailed Hawk that’s been chasing the chickens at the Farm.  This is a very ambitious bird.  The chickens must weigh as much as he does.  Nevertheless, feathers were ruffled, chickens ran around in panic and eventually the staff chased them into their shelters. The Farm hasn’t seen a predator as tough as this since the early days of the Rob Ford administration.

Dim sum in Hong Kong
Helen Coltrinari enjoyed a dim sum breakfast during her recent trip to Hong Kong.  Naturally, she wore her spiffy Cabbagetown Tee.  Thanks Helen – great picture. 
If you and your family are travelling to exotic places, anywhere from Etobicoke to Ethiopia, take your Tee shirt, snap a shot and you’ll be featured.  Send your story and images to cabbagetownreview@gmail.com

ON STAGE

Soulpepper’s cabaret series
Judith Lander & Ghislain Aucoin, Homesongs.  Soulpepper (Distillery, 50 Tank House Lane). Saturday November 21,  8:30 pm.  Tickets are $20 available here.  http://tickets.youngcentre.ca/single/SelectSeating.aspx?p=9121

Last chance
Three performances at our local theatres are wrapping up this weekend.
·      Fireworks Festival at Alumnae Theatre (70 Berkeley) finishes with Radical on Sunday November 22.  Click here for more info and tickets.  
·      Spoon River at Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane, Distillery).  Final performance on Sunday November 22.  Online info and tickets here.  
·      Weesageechak Begins to Dance at the Aki Studio Theatre, Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E).  The festival ends on Saturday November 21.  Tickets and info are here.  

Impulse
Presented by the School of Toronto Dance Theatre.  It’s an ambitious program of main-stage performances showcasing dancers from all three levels of the School’s professional training program.  Works by Marc Boivin, Danny Grossman, Louis Laberge-Cote, Julia Sasso and Apolonia Velasquez.  November 26 to 28 and December 3 to 5, 8 pm, $20 and $15.    Winchester Street Theatre (80 Winchester).  Tickets are available online.  

Tap Ex: Metallurgy
Tapestry Opera’s annual Tap:Ex series explores modes through which opera might assume a 21st-century rebirth. In this third year of the series, Tapestry collaborates with members of F*cked Up, the Polaris Prize-winning punk provocateurs, and two of Canada’s most masterful and versatile opera singers: mezzo-soprano Krisztina SzabĂł and tenor David Pomeroy. November 19 and November 20 (8 pm) and November 21 (7 pm and 10 pm), 9 Trinity Street, Distillery, Studio 316.  Tickets are $35 and $25, available online.  

THE CHRISTMAS MARKET

This week at the Christmas market

The Distillery’s huge Christmas event kicks off on Friday November 20.  
  • Friday's program includes a tree lighting and opening ceremony at 6 pm, the Next Generation Leahy at 6:15 pm and Christmas jazz by the Ewan Farncombe trio at 7:30 pm and 8:30 pm. 
  • The Next Generation Leahy will perform again on Saturday at 1, 4 and 6:30 pm.  Frost & Ivy are on stage at 7:20 and 8:15 pm. 
  • The Mill Street Daily Carolling starts at 6 pm on Saturday.  For 15 minutes every day, carollers and the audience will sing Christmas favourites. 
  • Throughout the week, other headliners include the Hart House Chorus (Sunday at 12:30 pm), country singer Rebekah Stevens (Sunday at 5:30 pm), U of T’s trombone choir Jinglebones (Sunday at 6:30 and 7:30 pm), Alana and Leigh Cline on guitar and fiddle (Tuesday at 6:30 and 7:15 pm),  soprano Antonella Cavallaro (Wednesday at 6:30 and 7:15 pm), a capella performance by the SING! Singers (Thursday at 6:30 and 7:15 pm), TWISTED SISTER with Dee Snider and Taylor Dayne (Friday at 6:15 pm) and Friday night jazz with the (Un)Forgettable Trio (starting at 6:30 pm). 


Our Lady of Lourdes choir
We can enjoy our local kids from Our Lady of Lourdes School (Sherbourne and Wellesley) performing at the Christmas Market.  They’ll be onstage from 12:30 pm on Saturday. 

IN THE MEDIA

A new type of family home
Photo:  Cole Burston, Toronto Star
The Toronto Star has an intriguing article about four people – two couples – in the Bedard family.  The parents, their son and their daughter-in-law bought a house together in Cabbagetown South.  The result is interesting.  The parents had the money to cover the down payment and each couple took out a mortgage to carry the balance.  As a result, the kids are building equity towards their future household plans.  Read their story here.

Parliament Street Data Centre
The new building next to the Distillery on Parliament Street is the subject of a Torontoist blog article. Several characteristics of its location and function dictated the final design.  Click here to read the story.  

The Pan Am athletes’ village
The buildings that housed the Athletes’ Village over the past summer are now being converted into condominiums. It’s a completely new neighbourhood, soon to be called the Canary District.  2000 people will live here.  There’s over 40,000 square feet of retail space.  All of this will open up next year, beginning with the retail areas in January and then the residential units in April. On November 6, the Metro published a detailed story about this transition and the future for this community – click here to read it.  

SHOPPING NEWS

Cabbagetown’s holiday kick-off
Save the date – Saturday November 28 from noon to 2 pm.  It’s the Cabbagetown BIA’s kick-off for the holiday season.  Santa will be there.  There’ll be wagon rides, Santa selfies, music and refreshments.  Treats for your dog.  Tree trimming.  And more.  Bring a donation or a non-perishable food item for the Daily Bread Food Bank and get a free Cabbagetown tote bag in return. At the corner of Carlton and Parliament.

 Shop the Neighbourhood
The BIA is participating in the Shop the Neighbourhood campaign on Saturday November 28.  One day only.  So far, twenty shops and restaurants are offering holiday specials ranging from store-wide discounts, product discounts, free soup and free beer samples.  Christmas is a good time to support the folks who contribute so much to make our neighbourhood interesting and lively.  Shop in their stores and enjoy a holiday reward.  Click here to see who’s part of this special event.  

Twelve days of Christmas
Kendall & Co (514 Parliament) has its own interpretation of the Twelve Days of Christmas, featuring special holiday gift ideas and Christmas ornaments.  Over two hundred ornaments available in limited quantities.  Get yours early.  From the drummers drumming and pipers piping to the partridge in the peartree, go to Kendall’s website to see it all.  Find what you want at Toronto’s best store for Christmas gifts and holiday dĂ©cor.  Christmas hours – open daily.

Paintbox gift baskets
Paintbox Bistro (535 Dundas E) has a line of seasonal gift baskets.  Save 15% on all orders placed before December 1.  The restaurant works with local farmers to ensure the freshest produce.  The baskets can be ordered online and paid through credit cards and interac.  Pickups and delivery services are available.  For the detailed menu, check out the Paintbox website.  

RESTAURANT NEWS

Sumach Espresso
Photo:  Victor Vasquez, blogTO
A new coffee shop has opened on Sumach at Shuter (118 Sumach), just south of Regent Park.  Christina Cheung has written an introduction in blogTO.  It’s more good news - the revitalization in Regent Park and the gentrification of Corktown are generating these interesting new shops and cafes.  Click here to read her review.  

Wild game tonight
F’Amelia’s (12 Amelia) special wild game menu will be served tonight at 7 pm. It includes an option to enjoy a wine pairing with your meal.   To see the details, visit F'Amelia's website.  

Peartree’s celebration
Peartree’s anniversary month specials are still going on through November.  The celebration is marking its 22nd anniversary with a 40% off, three-course prix fix menu.  Dinner for two is $50 and if you add a glass of wine for each person, it’s $60 for two.  The menu choices are all listed online here  (507 Parliament) 

Congrats 420 Smokehouse. 
BlogTO has listed Virginia’s 420 Smokehouse (420 Parliament) on its Top-25 review of Toronto’s best barbeque restaurants, noting “its eclectic menu of low and slow cooking.”  Click on the link in the story to read a detailed review.   

Congrats Under the Table
Ever since they opened Under the Table (568 Parliament), Kim and Betty have been earning rave reviews online.  For a quick rundown on customers’ comments, check out the Yelp site. 

Mill Street and Soulpepper
The dinner and a show special is still available at the Mill Street Beer Hall (21 Tank House Ln, Distillery).  Enjoy a three-course dinner and get a 15% discount with your theatre ticket stub.  Start with soup or salada.  Select a Vienna schnitzel, steak and frites or pn-seared salmon for your entrĂ©e.  For dessert, there’s apple strudel.

Christmas decorations are arriving
The House on Parliament (454 Parliament) has installed its Christmas decorations in its flower box along the sidewalk.  Great to see!

CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 19 TO SUNDAY NOVEMBER 29

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/
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,

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

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 19

The Irv
7pm, Geoff Willingham
The Local GEST
8 pm, Open mic with Porter
Mill St Brew Pub
7 pm, Tap That Cask- live acoustic music

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 20

The Distillery’s Christmas Market
6 pm, opening ceremony, Next Generation Leahy and the Ewan Farncombe jazz trio
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 with Dan North
Stirling Room
Theatrical Friday reserve on the guest list.  $20
Under The Table
9 pm, Karaoke


SATURDAY NOVEMBER 21

The Distillery’s Christmas Market
12:30 pm, Our Lady of Lourdes choir. 1, 4 and 6:30 pm, Next Generation Leahy. 7:20 pm, Frost & Ivy, $5 general admission
Mill Street Beer Hall
8 pm, Vinyl nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective
Soulpepper Cabaret Series
8:30 pm, Judith Lander & Ghislain Aucoin, Homesongs.  $20
Stirling Room
Stirling Saturdays, reserve on the guest list

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 22

The Distillery’s Christmas Market
12:30 pm, Hart House Chorus. 5:30 pm, country singer Rebekah Stevens. 6:30 pm, UofT’s trombone choir, Jinglebones. $5 general admission
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke with Vee
The Local GEST
4:30 pm, Sunday afternoon jazz with Laura Marks & Ross MacIntyre

MONDAY NOVEMBER 23

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers trivia

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 24

The Distillery’s Christmas Market
6:30 pm, guitar and fiddle with Alana and Leigh Cline
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers trivia

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 25

The Distillery’s Christmas Market
6:30 pm, soprano Antonella Cavallaro
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
The Local GEST
7:30 pm, Smart Ass Trivia with Porter
Paintbox Bistro
7:30 pm, Corktown Ukelele Jam

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 26

The Distillery’s Christmas Market
6:30 pm, a cappella by the SING! Singers
The Irv
7pm, Geoff Willingham
The Local GEST
8 pm, Open Mic with Porter
Mill St Brew Pub
7 pm, Tap That Cask - live acoustic music
Under the Table
9 pm, Karaoke

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 27

The Distillery’s Christmas Market
6:15 pm, Twisted Sister with Dee Snider and Taylor Dayne. 6:30 pm Friday night jazz with the (Un)Forgettable Trio
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 with Dan North
Stirling Room
Theatrical Friday with resident DJ Rod Bravo, reserve on the guest list.  $20

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 28

The Distillery’s Christmas Market
6:30 pm, jazz singer-songwriter Barbra Lica, $5 general admission
Soulpepper Cabaret Series
8:30 pm, Gabi Epstein with Kevin Wong, Brendan Wall and Jenni Burke, “Girl to Funny Girl, a year-end gabaret.” $20
Stirling Room
Stirling Saturday.  Reserve on the guest list.  $20

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 29

The Distillery’s Christmas Market
6:30 pm, Euba tuba quartet, $5 general admission
Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke with Vee
Local GEST
4:30 pm, Sunday afternoon jazz with the Chris Gale Trio