March 31

This week’s image:  Cloud Bank Georgian Bay, part of the exhibition coming on April 7 to The Local GEST.  Photo by Peter Merry.

CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD REVIEW

LOCAL NEWS

Corktown Chamber Orchestra
The Orchestra is offering a full evening for its season finale.  It’ll open with a diverse program by orchestra members and finish with Peter & The Wolf.  Thursday March 31, 8 pm, Little Trinity Church (425 King E).  $10, kids are free.  

Peter, Richard and Derrick
Photo: Derrick Fulton
These three photographers - Peter Merry, Derrick Fulton and Richard Smith - are strutting their stuff at The Local GEST (424 Parliament) over the next few weeks.  They hang their photos on Monday and they’re having an official reception on Thursday April 7 from 6 to 9 pm.  Cash bar.  Free event.
Don’t miss the reception.  The special guest is Jeremy Adamson, former Director of Photography at the Library of Congress in Washington.  He’ll be giving a few remarks.  

Toronto District School Board by-election
The school board has started its by-election to fill the vacancy created by the passing of our Trustee Sheila Ward.   Advance polls will be held on Saturday June 11 and Sunday June 12 from 10 am to 6 pm. The regular poll will be on Monday June 20 from 10 am to 8 pm.  Nominations are now open for interested people who want to be a candidate and will continue until 2 pm, Friday May 6.  To date, Chris Moise is the only declared candidate.  For more info, visit the TDSB’s by-election website

Spring flower show
Photo:  Allan Gardens Conservatory
The show at the Conservatory in Allan Gardens (Sherbourne and Carlton) is now underway.  It’s open daily, seven days a week from 10 am to 5 pm.  

Forsythia Festival volunteers
The organizers of the Forsythia Festival are asking for volunteers to help out on the day of the event.  Sunday May 1 in Wellesley Park. There’s a variety of tasks and time slots between 8 am and 3 pm that need to be handled.  Students looking for community service hours can use their time here as a credit.  Contact Trish at trish.finkelstein@gmail.com 

Cabbagetown gardeners
Victoria Hadden is posting a lot of interesting gardening news on the Winchester Square Garden’s Facebook page.  She’s got everything - from ice cream cone planters to tips for free lilies.  The Winchester Square Garden (Ontario between Carlton and Aberdeen) is now five years old and it’s proven to be a success for the surrounding neighbourhood. Congrats to Victoria and her friends who work on the garden every year.  

Step classes
Brenda’s schedule for April is back to its normal routine.  There’ll be a step class every Wednesday at 9:15 am and every Sunday morning at 11 am, starting Sunday April 3 through to Wednesday April 27.  Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster).

Waterfront Toronto updates
Waterfront Toronto’s March Newsletter has plenty of information about both the East Bayfront and West Don Lands areas, along with news about street construction and various infrastructure projects.  In the West Don Lands, final steps are now being taken in the conversion of the Pan Am Village into the Canary District.  Market level condos and mix-used housing are opening for occupancy.  The retail spaces have been filling up as well.  Cooper’s Koo Family YMCA and the George Brown College residences are being handed over by the contractor.  These new projects will soon become a vibrant community with lots of retail and recreational facilities nearby.  Click here to read more.  

Annual awards for outstanding renovations
The Peggy Kurtin Award recognizes excellence in restoration and renovations.  It’s given annually by the Cabbagetown Preservation Association.  You can nominate a recent restoration for the 2016 award - the deadline is Friday April 15.  Click here to see the details and the procedure.  

Wow - noise suppression is coming
Toronto Community Housing has decided on a noise suppression system to use in its Regent Park Community Energy Centre.  It will be installed in May.  Incredibly, complaints about the noise have been registered since 2010 with Pam McConnell’s office, TCHC and Municipal Licencing and Standards. Residents have used a website, a survey, tweets, emails and personal phone calls to make their concerns known to the responsible authorities.. Their perseverance has paid off and now they can hope for a more peaceful summer.  Congrats to everyone who helped out.

Tidbit from Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum 
Meet Christopher, Helen, and young Bert Tipton circa 1924. They were one of four generations of Greek-Macedonian Tiptons who lived at 377 Sackville Street between 1924-2012.  
For more history and photos visit the CRPM Facebook page.  

Cooper’s Hawk on Sumach Street
Photo: Max Perren
Thanks to Max Perren for his photo of this gorgeous bird.  For a couple of years, Cooper’s Hawks have been frequently seen in the north end of Don Vale.  They first drew wide attention in 2014 when a pair built a nest in Wellesley Park.  Since then, they’ve been spotted in the yards and trees along the edge of the Don Valley.  

Success at the Bunny Hop
Photo: Cabbagetown BIA
The BIA’s Easter Bunny Hop drew a good crowd to its activities on the Easter weekend. A colouring table, hot drinks supplied by House on Parliament, live music, chocolate treats and an Easter bunny all made the day’s events exciting.  Congrats to the organizers and businesses who contributed.

Meet Murphy
Murphy is 12 years old.  She likes her cottage on Lake Kahshe and enjoys swimming there.  But on this particular day, she wasn’t too comfy in the boat.  After a few tries to settle down, she finally decided just to have a nap.  Thanks to John and Rob for a great photo. 
If you have a favourite picture with your senior dog or cat, send it along for everyone to share.  cabbagetownreview@gmail.com 

BUSINESS NEWS

“I will miss all of you…”
Jim Lynch is retiring this week from Jim’s Super Foto (434 Parliament), the store that he’s operated for 40 years on Parliament Street.  He’s long been a fixture in the Cabbagetown business community.  He has strong opinions (usually right), an ever-present sense of humour and a group of loyal customers who regard him as a friend.  He wants us to know that he’s always appreciated our support for his store.  He sent along this nice image as a souvenir.  
Rapid Photo will be running the shop in the future.  The new manager is Jessica.  There’ll be new equipment to handle phones and tablets more easily and a line of specialty products.  
Best wishes, Jim.  Have lot’s of good times in your TR6.

Final sale - Now or Never
Kendall & Co (514 Parliament) is making room for new arrivals.  You’ll find amazing deals to clear out the store.  Speak to the Sales Associates about the extra special markdowns on lighting, rugs, mirrors and furniture!  Drop by the store to see everything that’s offered on sale.  Open Monday to 453 Parliament), Friday from 10 am to 6 pm and Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm. 

Congrats CIBC
Photo: Cabbagetown BIA
The CIBC Branch at 245 Carlton has celebrated its 125th anniversary serving its customers in Cabbagetown.  It first opened in 1890 as the Canadian Bank of Commerce at 415 Parliament.  In 1905, the bank bought its current lot and hired the accomplished architects, Darling & Pearson, to design the new branch. A rear addition was built in 1924 and in the 1970s, the building was extensively renovated both inside and out.  In 1976, it was listed by the City of Toronto as a heritage site of interest and in 2008, it was designated as part of the Cabbagetown Northwest Heritage District.  In all of this time, the Branch has served the community well.  Jennifer McBains, the current manager, has renewed the Branch’s support for Jessie’s, the CYC and several other community agencies.

Fix up your bike now
Get your bike tuned up for the summer at Cycle Solutions (444 Parliament). Phone the store and book an appointment - your bike will then be cleaned up within a few days and ready to roll.  (416) 972-6948 

Welcome Thorious Learning Centre
Thorious Learning Centre (438 Parliament) has just opened in Cabbagetown.  With an emphasis on math, robotics and coding, its aim is to prepare kids for the world of the future.   The school has a good website - click here.  

New retail in the Canary District
Retail spaces are filling up in the Canary District.  Watch for Sukhothai, Dark Horse Espresso Bar, OpusGlow Concept Spa, Tori’s Bakeshop, East Side Meats, Pizza e pazzi, Fuel Plus Health Food, Tabouli, The Running Room, Gears Bikes and thinkfitness Studio.  More to come in the next few months.  They’ll be open by June.

ON STAGE

The Great War
Michael Hollingsworth’s VideoCabarat tells the story of Canada in World War I, at home and on the battlefront. From April 1 at Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane, Distillery).  For more info and tickets, click here.   

Acceleration
Performances by the graduating class of the three-year professional training program at the School of Toronto Dance Theatre with works by Peggy Baker, Susie Burpee, Peter Chin, Christopher House and James Kudelka.  $20.  8 pm, On stage now to Saturday April 2, 80 Winchester.  For more details and for tickets, click here.  

Soulpepper’s Concert Series
Soulpepper's (50 Tank House Lane, Distillery) concerts return with “Taking the A Train Downtown Manhattan - The Melting Pot”   A musical exploration of the history and culture of the original neighbourhoods of New York with themes about immigration, innovation, organized crime, vaudeville and the birth of American song.  Saturday April 2, Friday April 8, Saturday April 9 and Tuesday April 12. Tickets and info online here.  

Distortion
Ryerson Community Theatre presents four short plays that explore how we distort truth, ideas, perspectives, each other and ourselves - Chitra, Confessions, Wherefore to Dover and Traffic!  On stage now to Saturday April 2, 7:30 pm (also Saturday matinee at 2 pm).  Aki Studio, Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E).  Tickets $15/door, online here.  

August:Osage County
On stage at the Alumnae Theatre (70 Berkeley) from Saturday April 8.  It’s a remarkably complex and realistic depiction of women.  Tickets are available online.  

RESTAURANT NEWS

Cooking classes at Merryberry
Cyril has three classes scheduled for April.  On Tuesday April 5, his evening features “Let’s do brunch…” which he’s rescheduled from an earlier date.  On Tuesday April 12, it’s “Colourful salads and yummy dressings”.  Then on Tuesday April 19, he’s doing “Iconic French desserts:  tarte tatin, clafoutis and pear-almond tart.”  To sign up, visit Merryberry (559 Parliament) or call  him at (647) 348-0411.  You can learn his recipes and techniques and then eat the results, all for $45. 

Aeroplan points at The Irv
The Irv (195 Carlton) and CIBC have a special deal for you until April 30.  Use your CIBC Aeroplan VISA while you’re at the Irv.  You’ll earn 250 bonus miles in addition to the double points that you earn while you’re there. 

Congrats Little Shmiddy’s
Little Shmiddy’s (584 Parliament) is the delightful little restaurant near the corner of Wellesley and Parliament.  Michael and Mark are celebrating their first anniversary.  blogTO, Post City, NOW Magazine and Zagat are among the reviewers who regularly recommend it. Click here to read NOW Magazine’s March 30 review - it’s one of Toronto’s top twenty brunch destinations.   


CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS

THURSDAY MARCH 31 TO SUNDAY APRIL 10

  • 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 MARCH 31

Dominion
8 pm, Stevie Jay Duo
The Irv
Geoff Willingham, live acoustic music
Mill Street Brew Pub
7 pm, Beer and cheese pairings with acoustic music

FRIDAY APRIL 1

Dominion
8 pm, DJ DXB
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, $25

SATURDAY APRIL 2

Dominion
8 pm, Andrew Fetterley Trio
Mill Street Beer Hall
9 pm, Vinyl Nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective

SUNDAY APRIL 3

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 the Artie Roth Trio

MONDAY APRIL 4

Local GEST
7:30 pm, Euchre night with Joane
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

TUESDAY APRIL 5

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

WEDNESDAY APRIL 6

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 APRIL 7

Dominion
8 pm, Marc Joseph Duo
The Irv
7 pm, live music with Geoff Willingham
The Local GEST
8 pm, Jeff Barnes and Noah Zacharin
Mill Street Brew Pub
7 pm, Beer and cheese pairings with acoustic music

FRIDAY APRIL 8

Dominion
8 pm, Sticks
Mill Street Beer Hall
8 pm, Friday Nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective
Mill Street Brew Pub
6:30 pm, Beer school with Dan North, $25

SATURDAY APRIL 9

Dominion
8 pm, Fiction
Mill Street Beer Hall
9 pm, Saturday Nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective

SUNDAY APRIL 10

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 Sherie Marshall

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
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
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
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
UNDER THE TABLE
568 Parliament St, (647) 351-1533,