July 21

This week’s image:  Dog days of summer.  Charlie's a great friend and a belated cat lover. If you have a senior dog or cat who deserves our recognition, send along your favourite photo and a quick story.  Email your info to cabbagetownreview@gmail.com 

CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD 
REVIEW


Goodbye to a lovely friend
In February, I featured a story about Rusty the Senior Beagle.  Sadly, he died on Tuesday. Susie and John adopted him when he was 8 years old and loved his company for seven more years.  They're missing him now.  Susie thanks the amazing people who always stopped them during their walks to say “hi”.  

LOCAL EVENTS 

 The Local GEST golf tournament
Dinner, golf and a bunch of nifty extras - The Local GEST’s second annual golf tournament at Bloomington Downs Golf Club is on Saturday July 23.  Sign up now to make sure that you have a spot.  It’s sponsored by Steam Whistle who are providing a bus to the golf course for the first 20 people who register.  Lots of prizes.  $110 includes your golf, a cart and dinner afterward at The Local GEST (424 Parliament).  Drop in to the pub or call (416) 961-9425.

Beth Kaplan’s writing workshop - book now
Beth Kaplan’s annual one-day writing adventure happens on Sunday July 24 from 10 am to 5 pm in her Cabbagetown garden.  Spend the day learning to trust your voice and tell your stories.  Gain confidence and perspective from your talks with other writers.  Beth has taught writing at Ryerson for 22 years and at U of T for 9 years.  Your registration includes  food for thought and actual food (and wine) for lunch.  Space is limited so register early.  For more info, visit her website.  $150. 

2016 Pole Fitness Championship
This is the largest pole fitness competition in Canada.  Eight divisions feature the best talents.  Each competitor has won a regional championship.  The winner of the Pro division will go on to the International Championship in 2017.
Two shows.  The Early Show at 1:30 pm presents the Amateur, Masters, Semi-Pro and Pole Art divisions.  The Late Show at 7 pm includes the Entry, Doubles, Men and Pro divisions.  
Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E), Saturday July 23.  Tickets for each show are available online or at the door.  

Under the Stars
The weekly outdoor movie series at the Big Park (620 Dundas E) in Regent Park happens at 9 pm each Wednesday through the summer.  
Next week’s movie is Jab We Meet (July 27) followed by The Jungle Book (August 3).  
Popcorn and refreshments available.  If it rains, the movies will be shown in the Artscape Lounge, Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E). Free - everyone welcome.

Turn It Out
Every Wednesday just before the outdoor movies start, there’ll be a free DJ class conducted by DJ L’Oquenz along with a free hip-hop dance class with Stephanie Caldeira.  5:30 to 8:30 pm, Wednesdays through the summer, Regent Park - the Big Park (620 Dundas E).

LOCAL NEWS

Real estate update
Nick Humphries and Hilary Browning issue a regular report about Cabbagetown real estate transactions.  They’ve found that home prices in our area continue their solid increases - 2016 average prices were 17.38% higher than the first half of 2015 and median prices rose 19.17% over the same period.  There were fewer transactions - down 23.19% from 2015.
This information is broken down by home styles and locations within Cabbagetown.  To see all the details, click here.  

New developments at The Distillery
Three different proposals for the land south of The Distillery just beside the rail tracks are currently working their way through the planning process.  
The first project has already been approved for development but not built - a low-rise building directly south of The Distillery containing three storeys of commercial and retail tenants. 
The second one at 31A Parliament is a plan for a 57-storey condo, directly west of the commercial property.  The City’s planners have been worried about the impact of such a large tower on the heritage nature of the neighbourhood.  The developer has appealed to the OMB.  
The latest is a proposal for  49-storey building at 31 Parliament (just south of Urban Dog and Krown Rust-proofing). This submission occurred on July 11.
There are three existing Cityscape towers in The Distillery, the tallest at 40 storeys. 
In the illustration, the proposed low-rise building and 31A Parliament are purple and the new proposal at 31 Parliament is yellow.  The other four purple towers are south of the tracks and the expressway.  
Urban Toronto has an article about the third development - click here to read it.  

Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum historic tidbit
Photo:  Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum, Anthony Saldutto.
Next time you shop at FreshCo or pass by Parliament and Dundas, cast your mind back to the 1870s.  The areas now known as Cabbagetown and Regent Park were then sparsely populated by modern standards but they were undergoing a growth spurt.  By 1876, the northeast quadrant of the city needed its own police and fire services. These materialized in an impressive red-brick Second Empire building.  About 80 years later, retired police officer Anthony Saldutto painted Old No 4 Police Station (predecessor of 51 Division) and adjacent No 7 Fire Station (predecessor of Station 325) shortly before the Victorian landmark was demolished to make way for Regent Park.  Saldutto donated his painting to the Museum.

IN THE MEDIA

Cabbagetown South community meeting
Residents from Cabbagetown South met with police officers from 51 Division and Councillor Pam McConnell on July 7.  The meeting dealt with increasing problems from drug use and prostitution in some of the laneways near Dundas Street. 
Eric Morse wrote a summary of the meeting in the online edition of The Bulletin.  Click here to read it.  

OUTDOOR MARKET

Merryberry cooking classes - fresh from the market
Every week, Cyril shops at the Cabbagetown Farmer’s Market.  Then on Wednesday, he holds a cooking class to highlight his purchases.  It’s a great way to build your meals around fresh, beautiful Ontario produce.
His session this week featured a smoothie (bok choi, pear, ginger and honey), a simple tart (goat cheese and yellow zucchini), and a salad nicoise (red pepper sauce and tuna).  The ingredients will, of course, change as produce is available at the Market.  
This happens every week.  Smart people have started to book ahead to make sure that there’s space for themselves and their friends.
To register, visit the restaurant or call him at (647) 348-0411. $45.  Every Wednesday at 5:30 pm, Merryberry (559 Parliament).  

Taste of Regent Park
Regent Park’s outdoor market is underway again every Wednesday from 5 to 8:30 pm through July and August.  Each week, there’s a market theme with cooking classes, vendors and activities to match it. The kids’ section has games and activities and the popular blender bike where kids can blend their own smoothies.  The Big Park/Regent Park (620 Dundas E).

Cabbagetown Farmer’s Market
Riverdale Park (Sumach and Winchester), Tuesday afternoons, 3 to 7 pm.  Great seasonal stuff - all fresh from the fields. Each week, a winery sells its best vintages and there’s music and kids activities.

ON STAGE

Music City Summer Series

Every Saturday afternoon, musicians will perform from the Trinity Square stage in the Distillery.   
On Saturday July 23, Katie DuTemple performs soul, hip hop and jazz at 2 pm and at 4 pm, it’s guitarist, singer/songwriter Donne Roberts.
On Saturday July 30,  Lakes of Canada, a five-piece progressive folk/rock group, at 2 pm and folk/blues band Crooked House Road at 4 pm.

SHOPPING NEWS

Pillow fight
There’s a Flash Sale on decorative pillows at Kendall & Co (514 Parliament).  A rainbow of colours, all handmade with beautiful textures and details.  30% off while quantities last - only until Saturday July 23.  Store hours - Monday to Friday from 10 am to 6 pm and Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm.  

Spruce and Labour of Love
Both stores were featured by Marilyn Denis on her recent program about decorating outdoor spaces in small urban yards and decks.  Great ideas.  Her guest, Andrew Pike, recommended a hoop game, coasters, a mug and a portable grill from Labour of Love (223 Carlton) and sculptured animal heads from Spruce on Parliament (455 Parliament).  Click here to watch the segment.  

Spruce’s online store
More good news as Kim relaunches her online store.  Check out her website here.  Spruce on Parliament, 455 Parliament.  

St Jamestown Steak & Chops
Mark now has fresh cherries from BC and fresh Ontario corn.  He and his staff are planning a vacation for the first week in August.  The shop will close from August 1 to 8, reopening on August 9. (516 Parliament)

Distillery Sunday Market
Every Sunday until September.  Artisans will be selling their wares including food products and snacks outdoors at outdoor booths throughout the Distillery.  Noon to 5 pm.   

RESTAURANT NEWS 

Welcome Olivia Grace
And congrats to Elene and Josh. Elene worked as a server at The Irv (195 Carlton) and the folks there are delighted to wish her well with her new baby!

NOW Magazine poll
The Reader’s Choice poll is now open for your vote.  There’s lots of categories and plenty of competition from our local businesses.  A full list will be outlined next week. A winner in one of the categories gets a nice boost - so be sure to support our local restaurants and stores.

Vote for Stout
Stout Irish Pub has been nominated in three categories for this year’s NOW Magazine Reader’s Choice poll - best bartender (Colin Henderson), best beer selection and best pub.  Cast your vote here.  

Corktown Kitchen
When the Euro soccer championships were broadcast, Corktown Kitchen experimented with lunch services.  It was a success.  As a result, the restaurant will be open permanently for lunch.  For the rest of the summer,  lunch will be served from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm, Tuesday to Friday and dinner will be offered from 5 to 11 pm, Tuesday to saturday.  Closed Sunday and Monday.

Summerlicious in our neighbourhood
This is the last weekend for Summerlicious 2016, Toronto’s great summer foodie festival.  It ends on July 24.  220 restaurants are offering fixed prices (and great bargains) for lunch and dinner.  Each restaurant serves its meals in one price range - lunch at $18, $23 or $28 and dinner at $28, $38 or $48.  Reservations, especially at the favourites and high profile places, are a “must”.  In our immediate area, five restaurants are in the program.  Four are in The Distillery - Archeo ($18 lunch and $28 dinner), Cluny ($23 and $38),  Mill Street Beer Hall ($18 and $28) and Pure Spirits Oyster House & Grill ($23 and $38). In Cabbagetown, F’Amelia (12 Amelia) has dinner at $38.  You’ll find maps, reservation info, menu details and contact info at the main Summerlicious website - click here.  

Little Shmiddy’s Hot Meat House
The restaurant has closed.  We’ll be sorry to see it go - the great food and friendly service will be missed. Our best to Michael and Mark for their next endeavour.  584 Parliament.


CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS

THURSDAY JULY 21 TO SUNDAY JULY 31

  • 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 JULY 21

Dominion
8 pm, Toast of the Town
The Irv
6:30 pm, live music with Geoff Willingham
Local GEST
8:30 pm, Open mic with Porter

FRIDAY JULY 22

Dominion
8 pm, DJ DXB
Fuse
5 to 7 pm, Fuse Fridays with Wade O Brown Trio.  Live bands from 8 to 10:30 pm.
Mill Street Beer Hall
8 pm, Friday Nights with DJ Humble Mike

SATURDAY JULY 23

Distillery - Trinity Stage
2 pm, Katie DuTemple
4 pm, Donne Roberts
Dominion
8 pm, Maple Sons
Fuse
8 to 10:30 pm, live bands.  11 pm, Fuse Lounge Saturdays, the best of the 80s and 90s.
Mill Street Beer Hall
9 pm, Saturday Nights with DJ Humble Mike

SUNDAY JULY 24

Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke with Vee
FUSE
11 am, Jazz brunch
Local GEST
4:30 pm, Sunday afternoon jazz with Heidi Lange

MONDAY JULY 25

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

TUESDAY JULY 26

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

WEDNESDAY JULY 27

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Paintbox Bistro
7:30 pm, Corktown Ukulele Jam

THURSDAY JULY 28

Dominion
8 pm, Enzo Boldrini Duo
The Irv
7 pm, live music with Geoff Willingham
Local GEST
10 pm, Cabbage Head comedy with Ethan O’Reilly

FRIDAY JULY 29

Dominion
8 pm, DJ Frankensztein
Fuse
5 to 7 pm, Fuse Fridays with Wade O Brown Trio.  Live bands from 8 to 10:30 pm.
Mill Street Beer Hall
8 pm, Friday Nights with DJ Humble Mike

SATURDAY JULY 30

Distillery - Trinity Stage
2 pm, Lakes of Canada
4 pm, Crooked House Road 
Dominion
8 pm, The Derek Lathrop Duo
Fuse
8 to 10:30 pm, live bands.  11 pm, Fuse Lounge Saturdays, the best of the 80s and 90s.
Mill Street Beer Hall
9 pm, Saturday Nights with DJ Humble Mike

SUNDAY JULY 31

Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke with Vee
FUSE
11 am, Jazz brunch 
Local GEST
4:30 pm, Sunday afternoon jazz with the Brendan Davis Duo


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
FUSE
366 Queen St E, http://fusedining.com 
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,