April 7

This week’s image:  yesterday’s snowfall gave us this image of the rich textures seen in a winter garden.  Photo: Irene DeClute


CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD REVIEW


OPEN HOUSES
Three homes are open for your viewing and inspection over the weekend - two on Winchester and one on Spruce.  Click here to read about them.   

LOCAL NEWS

Music and art at The Local GEST
Tonight’s the night - Thursday April 7, 6 pm.  Peter Merry, Derrick Fulton and Rick Smith are launching their photo exhibition at The Local GEST (424 Parliament).  To add charm and excitement, Jeff Barnes and Noah Zaccharin will be providing dulcet tones and sweet tunes for the evening from 8 pm.

KAIROS Blanket Exercise
St Peter’s Anglican Church (188 Carlton), Sunday April 10, 12:30 pm.  Everyone is welcome.  The Blanket Exercise is an interactive learning experience that teaches the historic and contemporary relationship between Indigenous and Non-indigenous people in Canada.  It was developed in response to the 1996 Report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples.  It covers over 500 years of history in its participatory workshop.  For more info, click here

2016 Come Together
Monday April 18, 6:30 pm, Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E).  This is the annual benefit evening for Art Heart. It features host Stephen Appleby-Barr and special guest Tom Cochrane.  Emerging musicians will provide the entertainment.  Fidel Gastro’s Truck Food will include BBQ from around the world.  $200 - click here for more info and to buy your tickets. 

Cabbagetown Short Film Fest
The National Canadian Film Day happens on Wednesday April 20.  To celebrate, our own Cabbagetown Short Film Festival is holding a special retrospective screening to highlight Canadian short films.  Wednesday, April 20, 7 pm, Parish Hall at St Simon the Apostle Church (525 Bloor E).  Cash bar.  PWYW - $15 donation requested.

Winchester Square Gardens
As mentioned last week, the Garden is celebrating its fifth anniversary.  The Garden’s members are also proud to be included in the program for the 2016 Hidden Gardens & Private Spaces tour.

Green Thumbs membership drive
Green Thumbs brings gardening knowledge and experiences to kids in four schools in our community.  Its 2016 membership drive starts on April 21 at Winchester Public School. For $15, parents will be able to support the school’s garden and the group’s programs with their membership dues.  On May 28, Green Thumbs will host a  special day at Allan Gardens’ Children’s Greenhouse with kids activities, food and drink, and plants for sale.  For more info and for a link to use to join the group, click here.  

Forsythia King and Queen
The Forsythia Festival crowns a Festival King and Queen each year.  It’s time now to pick our 2016 royal couple.  The Festival happens on Sunday May 1 in Wellesley Park and our new King and Queen will be feted in the parade and at the Park throughout the day.   If you know someone who deserves our community’s recognition and thanks, send in your nomination now to trish.finkelstein@gmail.com 

ReLeaf
ReLeaf has issued its 2016 program bulletin.  It’ll organize information tents at the Forsythia Festival, at Sunday in the Park and at the Arts & Crafts show during the Cabbagetown Festival.  Its mulch workshops will become part of the “Growing Healthy Trees” workshops.  For a full list of events for the coming season, click here.  
On a related note, we’re pleased to learn that David Grant will continue his work with ReLeaf in Cabbagetown and across the city.  David has sold his Wellesley Street house and is moving to Riverdale.  Our thanks to him for his fine contributions.  His passion and leadership have made many others in Cabbagetown aware of our tree canopy and its importance to the health of our community.

Just kidding - a Museum historic tidbit
Photo:  Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum, Toronto Public Library, #r-1162
Goats have long been popular at the Zoo and at our modern Riverdale Farm.  Within the past few weeks, Amaryllis, the Farm’s Nubian nanny goat, has given birth to her three kids.  
This picture from the 1890s is one of the oldest photographs from the former Riverdale Zoo. Three Victorian women are shown reaching out to pat a goat, possibly a luscious Angora goat with its shaggy fleece in need of a shearing.  The picture was taken on the Flats in the Don Valley, long before the DVP split Riverdale Park into two.  It’s a stereograph - two separate photos viewed through a handheld stereoscope to create a 3D image. Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum

ON STAGE

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.  Friday April 8, Saturday April 9 and Tuesday April 12. Tickets and info online here.

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

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

Das Ding
The North American premiere of Philipp Lohle’s ambitious social comedy.  Starting Tuesday April 12 at the Berkeley Street Theatre (20 Berkeley).  Info and tickets online here

Singular Bodies
The Toronto Dance Theatre (80 Winchester) has invited ten of Toronto’s visual and performance artists to create solo dance pieces for TDT’s dancers.  The result is a fascinating range of styles and points of view about the body in visual art.  Thursday April 14 to Saturday April 16, 8 pm. Sunday April 17 at 2 pm.  Wednesday April 20 to Saturday April 23 at 8 pm.  Tickets are $20 and $26 - available at the box office (80 Winchester) and online.  

Free concert in Regent Park
The Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra will play a free concert in the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E), Tuesday April 19 at 7:45 pm.  The full 90-member orchestra will play pieces by Beethoven, Barber and Prokofiev.  Orchestra members range in age from 12 to 22 and this concert will provide opportunities for interested youth to learn how to join.  

SHAPE UP FOR SPRING

Fit Mama Moves
Fit Mama Moves is a stretch and movement class for new mothers organized by Elena, an experienced pilates instructor and yoga practitioner. The sessions are a fun-filled way to keep you and your baby fit. Classes run weekly on Wednesdays for six weeks from April 20, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm in the gym at St Luke’s United Church (Sherbourne and Carlton). Bring your baby (2 months to 18 months).  $92.  Sorry, no drop-ins. Contact fountainstudios@gmail.com

April yoga schedules
The April yoga schedules for Monica Chang, Alan Florence and Jennifer Snowden are now available:
Monica’s class on Hatha Flow will be held at 9:30 am on Tuesdays, April 12, 19 and 26 at Lotus Palm (517 Parliament).  $20/drop-in class.  Regular fee - $90/6 classes.  Students and seniors - $85/six classes.  
Alan teaches Gentle Hatha at 9:30 am on Mondays, April 11, 18 and 25.  Hips/core yoga at 9:30 am on Thursdays, April 14,21 and 28.   All sessions at Lotus Palm (517 Parliament), $20/class or 4 for $60.
Jennifer has several classes through each week, all at $15 to $20 per class.  Hatha yoga at 9:15 am on Wednesdays, April 13, 20 and 27 at Hair Spa (440 Parliament).  Hatha yoga at 9:30 am and Yin at 11:15 am on Saturdays, April 9, 16, 23 and 30 at 58 Rose Ave. At 58 Rose Ave, Beginner Yoga on Monday evenings at 7:30 pm on April 11, 18 and 25 and  Yin and Yoga Nidra on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 pm on April 13, 20 and 27. 
Jennifer also offers two packages.  Kids’ yoga on Thursdays from 4 pm at 58 Rose from April 7 to April 28 and continuing into the Spring - $150/10 classes, 58 Rose Ave.  Shifts Happen at 7:30 pm on Tuesdays - six weeks from April 19, $225, 58 Rose Ave.

Step class
Brenda’s step classes at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre gym (2 Lancaster) are drawing good groups of enthusiastic people.  Through April, they happen on Sunday April 10, 17 and 24 at 11 am and on Wednesday April 13, 20 and 27 at 9:15 am. 

Bike repairs
Another reminder about your Spring bike tune-ups.  Once the good weather arrives, Cycle Solutions (444 Parliament) will be jammed up with repair work.  To handle this, the staff use a reservation system.  Just phone the shop and you’ll get a date to bring in your bike and you’ll know when the work will be completed.  Great idea.  (416) 972-6948. 

SHOPPING NEWS

Welcome AAA
Owen at AAA Accounting & Tax (462 Parliament) has become a welcomed supporter of our blog.  It’s timely, of course, to refer you to him.  He offers tax services at this time of year and ongoing professional accounting services through the year.  His website is a valuable resource - he tries to anticipate and answer many of your questions so you understand your needs and his services more clearly.  Thanks Owen. 

Why did the chicken cross the road…
…so it could check out the new Spring arrivals at Kendall & Co (514 Parliament). There’s new home accessories, new pillows, new bedding, new rug styles and new furniture lines.  Drop in to the showroom to see the full offering - Monday to Friday 10 am to 6 pm and Saturday 11 am to 5 pm.  

WOW Friday Flowers
Here’s a great idea.  Janine at WOW Cabbagetown has a weekly flower delivery service.  Every Friday between 4 and 7 pm, you’ll get a new bouquet in a beautiful vase delivered right to your door.  Only $29.99 weekly - sign up now and save $20 on your first month’s service.  WOW Cabbagetown is a beautiful store offering our very own plant, flower, garden and home decor shop.  (647) -352-1969.  574 Parliament.  

The Leslieville Flea
The Flea returns to the Distillery for its final appearance of the season.  Check out the artisans selling vintage, salvaged and up-cycled goods along with furniture, antiques and collectibles. Sunday April 17, 10 am to 4 pm, Fermenting Cellar (28 Distillery Lane).  

RESTAURANT NEWS

Still cooking at Merryberry
Cyril’s cooking classes continue on Tuesday April 12 - the topic is Colourful Salads & Yummy Dressings.  On Tuesday April 19, it’s iconic French desserts.  Classes start at 6 pm, $45.  Don’t forget that Cyril can easily arrange a private class for your group.  To register, call (647) 348-0411 or visit Merryberry at 559 Parliament.  

Job Fair at Mill Street
The Brew Pub is having a job fair for all its positions.  If you’re a beer enthusiast with a passion for hospitality and an outgoing personality, be sure to show up.  Thursday April 7 and Friday April 8, 2 to 7 pm and Saturday April 10, noon to 6 pm.  (21 Tank House Lane, Distillery)  

Video about F’Amelia
Check out the nifty video that the people at On Point Approach made about F’Amelia (12 Amelia).  They say that it’s one of their favourite spots - cozy in the winter without being stuffy and warm, sunny and inviting on the patio in the summer.  


CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS

THURSDAY APRIL 7 TO SUNDAY APRIL 17

  • 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 APRIL 7

Dominion
8 pm, Marc Joseph Duo
The Irv
7 pm, live music with Geoff Willingham
The Local GEST
6 pm, Launch reception for photography show
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, DJ Dash
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

MONDAY APRIL 11

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

TUESDAY APRIL 12

Merryberry
6 pm, Cooking class, $45
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

WEDNESDAY APRIL 13

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 14

Dominion
8 pm, Daylight for Deadeyes
The Irv
Geoff Willingham, live acoustic music
Mill Street Brew Pub
7 pm, Beer and cheese pairings with acoustic music

FRIDAY APRIL 15

Dominion
8 pm, DJ Dash
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 16

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

SUNDAY APRIL 17

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 Shawn Kykwist

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,