This week’s image: small fire on Parliament Street
CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD REVIEW
OPEN HOUSES
Two homes on Winchester are open for inspections this weekend. Click here to read the details.
LOCAL NEWS
Parliament Street fire
A fire broke out at mid-day on Thursday in the small shops next to No Frills at Parliament and Spruce. At this time, details are scarce. It appears that the damage was limited to 2-4-1 Pizza, Pipler and Spruce and to the upstairs apartments.
Kim Alke at Spruce (455 Parliament) says that her store was affected by smoke. She had to escape from her apartment through dense black smoke (her cat was rescued and is fine.) She expects that her store’s fabrics and softer items will suffer smoke damage. Ironically, she had just reopened Spruce after a ten day break to refurbish her floors.
No reports yet about 2-4-1 Pizza or Pipler. No Frills and Pharmasave, the businesses north and south of the fire site, were open for business immediately after the fire.
Stabbings in St James Town
Photo: Mehrdad Nazarahari, CBC
Two stabbings occurred early on Thursday morning, February 25, in St James Town. Police describe them as separate but related incidents. Police were notified about the first assault on Howard Street at 2:51 am and about the second one at Sherbourne and Isabella at 4:29 am. Both men were hospitalized with serious but non-life threatening injuries. Police are asking witnesses and people with additional information to call (416) 808-5100.
Ontario budget briefing
Photo: Dave Chidley, Toronto Star
The 2016 Ontario budget is being unveiled on Thursday afternoon. Glen Murray, our Toronto Centre MPP, is hosting a post-budget breakfast to give us a briefing about it and to answer our questions. Friday, February 26, 8 to 9 am, Central Neighbourhood House (349 Ontario). Please RSVP to sulajohnson@liberal.ola.org
Salem Cabbagetown
Salem Cabbagetown is a group of downtown families who are bringing a Syrian family to the safety of Canada. Its members started their fundraising in January. To date, they’ve raised $25,000 toward a goal of $34,000. They have an agreement with the Mennonite Central Committee to provide charitable receipts. To join this effort and contribute to its success, click here. Then scroll down the page and click on the orange donation button at the bottom.
CNH refugee assistance
Central Neighbourhood House (349 Ontario) has an ambitious effort underway to contribute to refugee relief. Philip Unrau at CNH has issued a community request for help finding housing for a family, preferably a three bedroom unit in the downtown or Cabbagetown area. Contact him at central@cnh.ca
Regent Park Community Centre
The new community centre at 402 Shuter will officially open on Saturday February 27. The event will start at 11 am and continue to 7 pm with entertainment, light refreshments and an official ribbon-cutting. This beautiful new building will offer employment services, child care and recreational facilities and it promises to be a major hub for life in Regent Park.
Repair Cafe
Central Neighbourhood House (349 Ontario) is hosting another Repair Cafe on Saturday February 27 from noon to 4 pm. Bring along stuff that needs mending - computers, electronics, small appliances, clothes, jewellery, bike and other small household items. It’ll be fixed and you’ll learn how to do it yourself. Coffee and tea available. Free. Click here to see a video from the last visit at CNH by Repair Cafe.
Call for nominations
The Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E) is operated by Artscape and governed by the Regent Park Arts Non Profit Development Corporation (RPAD). The board handles the governance of the Daniels Spectrum. Nominations are now open for new directors to the RPAD Board. Directors will serve for one-year renewable terms and will meet for six Board meetings through the year. Nominations close at 12 pm, Wednesday March 9. For more information, email Seema Jethalal at sjethalal@artscape.ca or call (416) 238-2453, x 100. To nominate someone, send in a one-page biography or CV plus a brief letter of intent from the nominee to info@artscape.ca, and use the subject line, “Application for RPAD Board of Directors”.
Regent Park outdoor movies
Photo: blogTO
The Regent Park Film Festival operates Under the Stars, the free summertime outdoor movie program at the Daniels Spectrum. As part of its preparations for the 2016 season, the staff have a community survey about the movie choices. If you have a favourite that you’d like to suggest, click here to answer the survey.
Subway proposals
The Relief Line study has produced proposals for six possible routes into the downtown area from Bloor Street east of the Don Valley. The study used fifty criteria for its evaluation. Two routes, both starting at Pape and then going to either Queen/Richmond or King/Wellington received the highest scores - both have stops at Cherry Street and at Sherbourne in Corktown. A third suggested route starts at Broadview and goes to Queen/Richmond with a stop at Dundas and Sumach and at Sherbourne. To read the Study’s recommendations, click here.
Century plaques
Photo: Josh McKellar
Heritage Toronto, a charitable agency of the City of Toronto, has a plaque program for homeowners living in houses that are over 100 years old. $250 - this covers the research, manufacture and shipping costs. Thanks to the Cabbagetown Residents Association for this info. Find out more and place your order at the Heritage Toronto site.
Allan Gardens Spring Show
The Spring Show starts next week on Tuesday March 1 and continues to April 30. Allan Gardens Conservatory (Carlton and Jarvis). During that time, a special Easter show will also be mounted from March 20. All admission is free, 10 am to 5 pm daily.
Snowmen in Ontario Street Parkette
Photo: Susan Dineen
Susan Dineen sent along her picture of a snowman in the Parkette. It’s the first time in ten years that she’s seen one there and it’s really welcome. The Parkette recently enjoyed a facelift - Susan thanks Pam McConnell and the Cabbagetown South Residents Association. The new Parkette is an inviting place for children to play and adults to visit. These upgrades seem to have discouraged some of the unpleasant loitering that was previously happening there.
IN THE MEDIA
Don Valley gondola
The Toronto Star reported last week about a proposal for a Don Valley gondola that would connect the Danforth with the Brick Works. The company, aptly named Bullwheel International Cable Car Corp, says that the cable cars would be a major tourism attraction. Click here to read Tess Kallnovski’s article.
Changing keys
Justin Skinner in Inside Toronto has written about a documentary film about the Regent Park School of Music. The School now it faces a vastly different community than the one that existed when it was founded. The film, Changing Keys, uses the School as a metaphor for the greater changes in Regent Park. Click here to read his story.
ON STAGE
Portrait of a Serial Monogamist
Diana Flacks, Caroline Taylor, Caroline Gillis, Shoshana Sperling, Dawn Whitwell and Vanessa Dunn star in Portrait of a Serial Monogamist. Now playing at the Carlton Cinema (20 Carlton), it’s been held over for an extended stay to March 3. Shows at 1:55 and 6:55 pm. Find out more at the film's lively Facebook page.
Okavango African Orchestra Concert and CD Release
The Okavango Orchestra is comprised of nine musicians playing twelve instruments from seven African countries. They bring together the traditional music of several major African cultures. They used the CBC’s Studio 211 to record ten original songs. Their CD will be released on Saturday February 27, 9 pm in the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E). Tickets are $16.51 to $21.80 - click here to buy yours.
Grey Gardens
The new musical production of Grey Gardens at the Berkeley Theatre (26 Berkeley) got a positive review from Brad Wheeler in the Globe & Mail on February 25. His article is online here.
The Space Between
A young man in South Africa longs to be reunited with his childhood sweetheart in Canada before the space between them grows too large. February 24 to March 6, Tuesday to Saturday at 8 pm and Sunday at 2 pm. Aki Studio Theatre, Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E). Tickets and more info online here.
Mara & the Marigold
This is the second of the monthly lunch time concerts offered in the Artscape Lounge in the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E) . It’s a pay-what-you-can event, Friday, February 26, 12:30 pm.
Be a dancer at Toronto Dance Theatre
Tour de Danse is back. It’s your chance to live your dream - perform on stage with TDT dancers. Rehearse with the Company dancers. Learn your moves from Christopher House. Open to adult dance lovers of all shapes, sizes and skill levels.
It’s a fundraiser. To qualify, pay the $100 registration fee and raise another $500 in pledges. The rehearsals (select two) happen between March 9 and 12. The final dress rehearsal is March 12 and your on-stage appearance is March 12 at 8 pm.
Check out TDT’s online info here. Winchester StreetTheatre (80 Winchester).
SHOPPING NEWS
Fair Trade Jewellery Co
FTJCo (523 Parliament) is now offering a repair and refurbishing service to go along with its custom work. There’s a complete workshop in the back of the store with a newly acquired laser welder that does very fine work under a microscope - ideal for older jewellery that needs very delicate work. Ring sizings, appraisals and insurance replacements are also included. To enjoy a $25 credit for your first repairs, just mention this article.
Angela’s retreat
Angela Jervis Read is organizing a detoxifying retreat at Tailwind Jungle Lodge in Puerto Vallarta in Mexico. Beyond the daily yoga schedule, there’ll be massage, reflexology, and strengthening/toning classes. Bird watching, beachside restaurants, art galleries, polo, deep sea fishing, horseback riding, sailing and zip lining are all among the extra activities available. $1500 USD includes 14 yoga classes, seven nights shared accommodation, lunch and dinner. Flights are extra. Contact her online here.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Wine versus beer at Mill Street
The Beer Hall (21 Tank House Lane) will be home to the Mill Street Showdown on Thursday February 25 from 6:30 pm. It’s a five-course dinner to see who comes out as the best pairing, Mill Street beers or 13th Street wines. It’s a fundraiser in support of Vox Integrated School. Tickets are $100 - available at (416) 681-0338.
Meat Hook at F’Amelia
On Wednesday March 2, Lawrence LaPianta with his Meat-Hook BBQ will present an evening of wood fired meats in Extended F’Amelia (12 Amelia) - smoked beef, carpaccio, smoked bone marrow, NY strip and double-cut pork chops are all on the menu. F’Amelia’s famous tiramisu for dessert. It’ll be a three-course tasting dinner at $49 per person. And it’s combined with Wine Wednesday, half-price on bottles that are normally over $100. Space is limited - reservations at (416) 323-0666.
Euchre at The Local GEST
Tiffany’s euchre nights have started. Enough players arrived on the first night to make up several teams and it was an encouraging start for the event. Euchre will be played every Monday from 7:30 pm. Don’t miss out. The Local best, 424 Parliament.
Corktown Kitchen
The new Corktown Kitchen (354 King E) has a Sunday brunch jazz program starting each week at 11:30 am. Dakota Stewart plays guitar and he’s accompanied by Matt on his keyboards. Brunch here, as is the case in most of our restaurants, is a big deal with menu features like lobster and crab eggs benny. The daily specials include lobster bisque with chilli shrimp and crab and tequila and coriander cured salmon with potatoes roost, guacamole and creme fraiche. Sounds good.
Viking feast at Odin
Photo: Craig Moy
Last week, Odin Cafe & Bar (514 King E) teamed up with Uncle Smoke to present its first Viking feast. The evening sounds scrumptious. The Toronto Guardian has a review of the menu and the evening’s events - click here. This is the first of two Viking evenings planned at Odin. The second will be held on Sunday March 20.
ST PATRICK’S DAY
This is always a big night in our pubs. Green beer and four-leaf clovers abound. As more information about the pubs’ plans come along, their events will be added to the list.
The Dominion Pub & Kitchen
Photo: Corktown.ca
Festivities start early at the Dominion (500 Queen E). From Monday March 7, there’ll be lots of fun to celebrate. watch for details.
The Irv
There’ll be live music, munchies, prizes and giveaways at The Irv (195 Carlton) to celebrate. You can look forward to lots of $4 Jameson Irish Whiskey and pints of Wellington. Thursday March 17
Mill Street
Great beers, fine food and live entertainment at Mill Street Brew Pub (21 Tank House Lane) hosted by Joel Manning. Thursday March 17 from 6:30 pm. This is a five-course Irish Feast with each course paired with a Mill Street brew. $69.99 per person. Tickets go quickly - the Feast sells out every year. For reservations, call (416) 681-0338.
CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 25 TO SUNDAY MARCH 6
- For contact info about these clubs and restaurants, see the list at the bottom of this page.
- If there's a cover charge or tickets are sold, the prices are listed.
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 25
Dominion
8 pm, Jeff Eager Duo
Local GEST
8:30 pm, Open Mic with Porter
Mill Street Brew Pub
7 pm, Tap That Cask with acoustic music with Jeff Eager
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 26
Dominion
DJ Frankensztein
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, $20
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 27
Dominion
Adam’s Rib
Mill Street Beer Hall
9 pm, Vinyl Nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28
Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke with Vee
Corktown Kitchen
11:30 am, Jazz at Sunday brunch with Dakota (guitar) & Matt (keyboard)
Local GEST
4:30 pm, Sunday afternoon jazz with Joe Spina & Mark Teixeira
MONDAY FEBRUARY 29
Local GEST
7:30 pm, Euchre night with Joanne
Soulpepper
8:30 pm, Mondays with Molly, $25 general/$20 student.
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
TUESDAY MARCH 1
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
WEDNESDAY MARCH 2
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
The Local GEST
7:30 pm, Smart Ass Trivia with Porter
Paintbox Bistro
7:30 pm, Corktown Ukulele Jam
THURSDAY MARCH 3
Dominion
To be announced
Local GEST
8 pm, Jeff Barnes & Noah Zacharin
Mill Street Brew Pub
7 pm, Tap That Cask with acoustic music
FRIDAY MARCH 4
Dominion
To be announced
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, $20
SATURDAY MARCH 5
Dominion
To be announced
Mill Street Beer Hall
9 pm, Vinyl Nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective
SUNDAY MARCH 6
Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke with Vee
Corktown Kitchen
11:30 am, Jazz at Sunday brunch with Dakota (guitar) & Matt (keyboard) Local GEST
4:30 pm, Sunday afternoon jazz wth Andrea Henderson
CONTACT INFO
ALICE'S PLACE
554 Parliament St, (647) 931-9088, https://www.facebook.com/alicesplacetoronto
CORKTOWN KITCHEN
354 King St E, (46) 901-1188, https://www.facebook.com/CorktownKitchen
CRANBERRIES
601 Parliament St, (416) 925-6330, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Red-Cranberries-Restaurant/133328393362150
DOMINION PUB & KITCHEN
500 Queen St E, (416) 366-5555, https://www.facebook.com/DominionTO/
EL CATRIN
18 Tank House Lane, Distillery, (416) 203-2121, https://www.facebook.com/elcatrin.ca
HOUSE ON PARLIAMENT
454 Parliament St, (416) 925-4074, https://www.facebook.com/House-on-Parliament-116426921766667/
THE IRV
95 Carlton Street, (647) 350-4787, https://www.facebook.com/theirvpub/
THE LOCAL GEST
424 Parliament St, (416) 961-9425, http://www.thelocalgest.com/
MERRYBERRY CAFE
559 Parliament, https://www.facebook.com/MerryBerryCafe/
MILL STREET BEER HALL
21 Tank House Ln, Distillery, (416) 681-0338, http://millstreetbrewery.com/toronto-beer-hall/
MILL STREET BREW PUB
21 Tank House Ln, Distillery, http://millstreetbrewery.com/toronto-brew-pub/
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, https://www.facebook.com/PaintboxBistro/
SOULPEPPER
Young Centre, 50 Tank House Lane, Distillery, (416) 866-8666,
STOUT IRISH PUB
221 Carlton St, (647) 344-7676, https://www.facebook.com/Stout-Irish-Pub-178330555526950/
UNDER THE TABLE
568 Parliament St, (647) 351-1533,
