August 25

This week’s image:  volunteers painting the new mural at the LCBO

CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD 
REVIEW

LOCAL NEWS

Blair’s Run
This annual fundraiser for the Cabbagetown Youth Centre will not be held this year.  Organizers have run into a serious shortage of volunteer help and have concluded that a proper event cannot be staged.
This is a loss for the Cabbagetown Festival, the CYC and the community.  It’s the second big daily event at the Festival to disappear in recent years - the annual parade died a couple of years ago as well.  The result will be a further decline in local flavour for the Festival.
The CYC loses a valuable fundraiser.  In recent years, the Run attracted $30,000 from community donations.  Beyond the money, there was an impressive volunteer network that went door-to-door, street-by-street.  By doing this, the Run cemented a good deal of loyalty between the CYC and its neighbours, the kind of attachment that corporate fundraising and government grants cannot produce.
Marilyn Marshall, one of the Run’s long-serving spark plugs, hopes that this year’s pause will only be a hiatus and that new ideas and energy can be found to bring it back to life.  The Tour of Homes and the Cabbagetown Farmer’s Markets were both rescued by radical new thinking. The Forsythia Festival was reinvigorated by the young volunteers from the Cabbagetown Residents Association.
It’s also time now to thank the people who put the Run together for so long.  They did a lot of work.  They created a positive event that was a lot of fun.  They can be proud of their accomplishments.

Winchester Park Newsletter
The new Winchester Park Residents Association has issued its summer Newsletter.  It covers some fascinating items - some that reflect problems felt across the broader community. There's a lengthy discussion about Toronto Community Housing that shows how citizen pressure can move the corporation to create improvements in its surrounding neighbourhoods.  There’s also additional info on Covenant House and on the Bleecker Street Ghost Hotels.
At the moment, the Newsletter is available by email only.  To get your copy, contact us at cabbagetownreview@gmail.com  

A new Cabbagetown mural
The new mural is being painted onto the south wall at the LCBO (512 Parliament) and it should be finished just after the Labour Day weekend.  Poonam Sharma and Michael Cavanaugh are managing the project. Poonam’s design promises to be another strong visual centre for the shopping district.  
Volunteers are welcome.  Drop by the LCBO store during the afternoons and early evenings to offer your help.
Check out the Mural’s fun Facebook page here.  

Tragically Hip
The Distillery District screened The Tragically Hip’s live performance last Saturday.  Hundreds of people showed up to watch.  

Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum historical tidbit
Photo: City of Toronto Archives, 372-41-53
Toronto is a baseball town.  Long before the Blue Jays arrived, the Toronto Maple Leafs (yes, Maple Leafs) played semi-pro ball at Sunlight Park in South Riverdale from 1886 to 1896, on Hanlan’s Point from 1897 to 1925 and at Maple Leafs Stadium from 1926 to 1967.  Of course, amateur baseball was all the rage at all levels and in many parks across the city, including our own Riverdale Park. In this 100-year-old photo, the batter looks speculatively toward the giant Sheet Metal Products Company across gerrard Street as he faces the pitcher.  PS - Go Jays!

Error correction - Ghost Hotels
My last story about five Ghost Hotels - houses that are rented out for parties on Air BnB and other social media - incorrectly located them on Berkeley Street.  They are, in fact, on Bleecker.  Click here to read the Toronto Star story about their impact on our community.

CABBAGETOWN FESTIVAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Cabbagetown Short Film Festival
Get your tickets now for this year’s screening - available online here.  Some tickets will be available at the door but they regularly sell out!  
Fourteen awesome short films including documentaries, animation, drama and comedy.  
This year, the Festival returns to the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E) on Wednesday September 7 at 7 pm - the show starts at 8 pm.  Cash bar.  Tickets are $15.  

Cabbagetown Art & Crafts 
The art show in Riverdale Park is one of the biggest draws for the Festival weekend.  Small tents line the paths with beautiful displays of unique art and handmade crafts. The show starts on Friday September 9 at 1 pm and continues on Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm daily.  Almost 200 vendors and artists will show their works - for a full list, arranged alphabetically, click here.  Many vendors also list a link to their individual websites. 

Cabbagetown Festival
The annual Parliament Street Festival happens on Saturday September 10 from 11 am to 10 pm and Sunday September 11 from 11 am to 7 pm  The Festival’s website lists the bands, the food vendors and the artisans who will line the streets.   

Riverdale Farm Fall Festival
The Farm’s Festival runs from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm on Saturday and Sunday in The Farm Winchester and Sumach).  Highlights include the corn roast on both days and the pancake breakfast on Sunday from 9 to 11 :30 am. There’ll be games, a cow flap toss, a wheelbarrow race, face painting and farmer demonstrations.  

Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre
CCDT (59 Parliament) has long been a mainstay in the Festival program.  It’ll be open on Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm.  From noon to 1:30 pm each day, the public are welcome to visit and watch a company class in action.  On Sunday from 4 to 5:30 pm, Lua Shayenne will teach a traditional West African dance workshop. 
CCDT’s 509 Dancewear will give a 10% discount on Festival days and there'll be a 10% discount for students who enrol in a program during the Festival. 

REPORTS FROM TORONTO POLICE SERVICE

Contact the police
Photo:  CBC 
If you have any information about these events, call 51 Division at (416) 808-5100 or Crime Stoppers at (416) 222-TIPS or online at www.222tips.com

Robberies of seniors
Two robberies happened in the Cabbagetown area during the day on Wednesday August 10. At 10 am, an 81-year-old woman was robbed while standing in her driveway near Sackville and Gerrard.  At 2 pm, a 76-year-old woman was robbed in front of her home near Wellesley and Parliament.  In both cases, the thieves drove a white van.  A man and woman - both in their mid-40’s, olive skin - used a knife to threaten their victims.   

Public Safety Alerts
A public safety alert was issued this week following a sexual assault on Sherbourne Street, south of Bloor.  It happened at 9:15 am on Sunday August 21.  A man - 5’6”, 140 to 150 pounds, 35 to 45 years old, short grey hair, slight build, wearing a burgundy Tee shirt and jeans - approached a woman, tried to start a conversation and then assaulted her.
A second alert was issued about an attempted murder at Shuter and Sackville at 2:05 am on Monday August 8.  A woman travelling inside a Dodge Durango was injured when shots were fired at the vehicle.   Police want to identify two men wearing hoodies and dark clothing and driving a Toyota Matrix.  Photographs from nearby video cameras can be seen on the TPS website, click here.   

Media reports
The CBC reports that a man was shot at the corner of Gerrard and George Street at 8:30 pm on Tuesday August 23.  He was taken to hospital with serious wounds.  A man was seen fleeing the area but police don't yet have a description.  Anyone with information is asked to call 51 Division at (416) 808-5100.

COMING EVENTS

St James Town Festival
Arts, crafts and games.  A program for your whole family with live music, dance and specialty food.  Ontario Street Parkette (next to Food Basics).  Saturday August 27, 2 to 7 pm.  

Cabbagetown heritage walking tour
The Cabbagetown Preservation Association is honouring Peggy Kurtin, one of the founders of our heritage organizations, with its tour on Sunday August 28 at 10:30 am.  It will pass the homes that have been celebrated by the CPA’s annual awards since they began in 1993.  The starting point is the northeast corner at Wellesley and Parliament. Free.

Bill Morneau’s barbeque
We’re all invited to join Bill - our federal Member of Parliament and the national Minister of Finance - for his summer bbq.  Sunday August 28, 11 am to 3 pm, The Big Park in Regent Park beside the Aquatic Centre (620 Dundas E).  There’ll be free food, entertainment and fun for the whole community.  

Artfest at The Distillery
75 artisans will display their work in small outdoor booths throughout the Distillery.  Handmade Canadian pottery, glass, jewellery, leather goods, gourmet food, textiles, paintings and more.  Live music.  Labour Day weekend, Friday September 2 at 11 am to Monday September 5 at 6 pm.

Cabbagetown Farmer’s Market
The 2016 Farmer’s Market is turning into a success.  Lots of customers and the vendors have good choices ranging from great seasonal stuff - all fresh from the fields - to fresh baking. Each week, a winery sells its best vintages and there’s music and kids activities. Tuesdays, 3 to 7 pm, Riverdale Park West (Winchester and Sumach). 

Taste of Regent Park
On Wednesday, the featured guest was Chef@cyn_f from Preserve Indulgence Canteen & Catering (535 Dundas E) who cooked up tastings of Laotian beef. 
Glen Murray, our MPP, showed up and helped to serve the corn on the cob.  There’s always entertainment, catered meals, a community marketplace and fine food - all on display every Wednesday at the market.  Next week, August 31 will be the season’s final Taste. From 5 to 8 pm, Regent Park (The Big Park), 620 Dundas E. 

IN THE MEDIA

Memories of Jack Layton
Photo: Justin Skinner, Inside Toronto
Mr Layton’s friends and family gathered in Riverdale Park on Monday August 22 to swap stories and honour his memory.  It was the fifth anniversary of his death.  Following the event, they walked to the nearby Necropolis to place stones on his gravesite.  Justin Skinner at Inside Toronto has written about the event - click here.  

ON STAGE

Soulpepper concert
Harlem is one of America’s most vibrant musical communities. This concert - “Taking the A Train Uptown, Manhattan to Harlem” - presents the music that made Harlem so famous.  7:30 pm on Friday August 26.  7:30 pm on Friday September 2. 1:30 and 7:30 pm on Saturday September 3,.  Tickets and more info here.  

Music City Summer Series
Every Saturday afternoon, musicians will perform from the Trinity Square stage in the Distillery.   
On Saturday August 27, Lotus Wight plays at 2 pm and at 4 pm, Kristine Schmitt sings.

BUSINESS NEWS

Summer sale at Kendall & Co
Kendall is clearing out inventory to make room for new arrivals with lots of hot deals and a clearance section at the back of the store.  Don’t miss it.  And enjoy a free refreshment while you’re shopping.  Store hours - Monday to Friday from 10 am to 6 pm and Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm.  512 Parliament 

Vote for your favourites
NOW Magazine’s Readers’ Choice poll is open.  Cast your votes for your favourite businesses.  The winners in each category get a lot of welcome citywide publicity - it’s a good boost for their stores and restaurants.  Here’s the link.  

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 Salt & Tobacco
Parliament Street’s new pizza restaurant, Salt & Tobacco (521 Parliament) has arrived.  Open from 5 to 10 pm. The menu is available online here - including a cabbage pizza.   

Congrats Tandem, Scullery and Odin
NARCITY Toronto has published its list of 13 super-cute Toronto cafes to visit with your BFF.  Three local spots made the list - Cabbagetown’s Scullery (200 Carlton) and Corktown’s Tandem Cafe (368 King E) and Odin (514 King E).  Click here for pictures and the reviews.  

Merryberry cooking classes - fresh from the market
Cyril’s next scheduled class will be held from 5:30 pm on Wednesday August 31 - it’ll feature the last of his summer menus.  Then, he’s taking two weeks to prepare for the Cabbagetown Festival and to recover from it!  Classes will resume on September 21 and continue on Wednesdays with a Fall menu as long as the Farmer’s Market stays open.
Cyril’s classes are based on the fresh produce that he gets from the weekly Cabbagetown Farmer’s Market.  He shops on Tuesday and the classes happen the next day.
To register, visit the restaurant or call him at (647) 348-0411. $45.  Every Wednesday at 5:30 pm, Merryberry (559 Parliament).  

Events at the Impact Kitchen
On Saturday mornings through August, Impact (573 King E) is hosting a series of free events.  Bootcamp happens on August 27 - meet at Impact Kitchen at 10:15 am.  To get details and info and to confirm, please contact info@impactkitchen.ca. 

Trivia at The Local GEST
After a summer holiday, the GEST’s Wednesday night Trivia games will start up again at 8 pm on September 14.  

BLK Ken & Barbie
Fuse Dining (366 Queen E) presents Rose-Ann M Bailey’s photography exhibition and installation.  Everyday lives of Black men and women are shown with Ken and Barbie dolls in their midst.  

Surprise at The Dominion on Queen
In mid-June, New Brunswick Tourism sponsored a surprise party at the Dominion on Queen (500 Queen E).  The guests were travel enthusiasts who thought they were going to a focus group until they got into their discussions.  Click here to watch the fun video made from the evening.  

New suppliers for The Irv
The Irv’s meat will now be supplied from Beverly Creek Farms in Milgrove, Ontario.  Regan is happy to say that the delicious food they’ve been serving in years past has just improved even more - locally grown without added hormones or antibiotics.  195 Carlton.

CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS

THURSDAY AUGUST 25 TO SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 4

  • 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 AUGUST 25

Dominion
8 pm, Kat VHonda
The Irv
7 pm, live music with Geoff Willingham

FRIDAY AUGUST 26

Alice’s Place
10 pm, Karaoke 
Dominion
8 pm, Death Cohen
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 AUGUST 27

Distillery - Trinity Stage
2 pm, Lotus Wight
4 pm, Kristine Schmitt
Dominion
8 pm, The Phusion Trio
Fuse
8 to 10:30 pm, live bands.  11 pm, Fuse Lounge Saturdays, the best of the 80s and 90s - jazz, blues, soul and R&B.
Impact Kitchen
10:15 am, Bootcamp - meet at Impact Kitchen
Mill Street Beer Hall
9 pm, Saturday Nights with DJ Humble Mike

SUNDAY AUGUST 28

Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke with Vee
Fuse
11 am, Jazz brunch 
Local GEST
4:30 pm, Sunday afternoon jazz with Melissa Lauren’s Duo

MONDAY AUGUST 29

Fuse 
Free Karaoke
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

TUESDAY AUGUST 30

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 31

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Merryberry
5:30 pm, Cabbagetown Farmer’s Market - cooking class, $45
Paintbox Bistro
7:30 pm, Corktown Ukulele Jam

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 1
Dominion
8 pm, Katey Gatta
The Irv
6:30 pm, live music with Geoff Willingham
Local GEST
8 pm, live music with Jeff Barnes and Noah Zacharin

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 2

Alice’s Place
10 pm, Karaoke 
Dominion
8 pm, Daniel Basta
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 SEPTEMBER 3

Dominion
8 pm, The O’Deadlys
Fuse
8 to 10:30 pm, live bands.  11 pm, Fuse Lounge Saturdays, the best of the 80s and 90s - jazz, blues, soul and R&B.
Mill Street Beer Hall
9 pm, Saturday Nights with DJ Humble Mike

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 4

Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke with Vee
FUSE
11 am, Jazz brunch
Local GEST
4:30 pm, Sunday afternoon jazz - to continue on Sunday September 11.

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
IMPACT KITCHEN
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, https://www.facebook.com/underthetabletoronto 
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