This week’s image: the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E) at night.
CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
LOCAL NEWS
Drugs at TCHC houses
There have been complaints that drug users are breaking into Toronto Community Housing homes located along Parliament Street. They then use the kitchens’ gas stoves to cook their drugs. They’ve left the stoves running with gas fumes filling the kitchens.
The Winchester Park Residents Association has repeatedly complained to TCHC about this breach in their security. Despite assurances that action will be taken, nothing has changed.
Recently, Councillor Troisi received another promise from TCHC to attack the problem quickly.
Save the date for Sugar Shack
Photo: Hector Vasquez, blogTO
Presented by Redpath. Start your March break at this annual celebration of everything maple. Two sugar shacks will serve fresh maple taffy. There’ll be a winter marketplace with delicious maple-inspired eats. Tons of fun - interactive entertainment including a battle of the chainsaws, ice carving competition, ice activities, warming station, live music, specialty bar & much more! Free admission. Saturday March 10 and Sunday March 11 from 11 am to 5 pm. Sugar Beach (11 Dockside Dr).
Winterfest
Taste of Regent Park presents Winterfest - fun sports, fresh baked corn bread, veggie chilli and hot drinks. A great way to kick off March break week. Sunday March 11, 2 to 5 pm, Regent Park (620 Dundas E).
Two in a row for Max Perren
Max (fourth from the right, back row) coaches lacrosse. His team became North American U19 champions for the second time under his leadership. He’s written his account of the tournament for us -
“Team Ontario travelled to the Brogden Cup in late December to defend our North American title against Team USA. The games were held at Florida’s Jacksonville University and sadly the weather wasn’t warm.
Team Ontario won three straight against Team USA to recapture the Brogden Cup and we also demolished Team Florida in a friendly exhibition.
This was the third Brogden Cup win in a row for Team O, but only my second. The team is made up of players from all over Ontario and we earned the right to play by winning the Canadian championship over Labour Day.”
Belated but sincere congrats to Max and his team.
Scout leaders needed
The Scouts 403rd is a vibrant Scout group in the heart of St James Town and Cabbagetown, with Beavers (ages 5 - 7), Cubs (ages 8 - 10), Sea Scouts (ages 11 - 14) and Venturers (ages 15 - 17). Scouting provides an opportunity for young people to develop, learn and enjoy life. Scouts are open to any young person regardless of sex, creed, colour, orientation, mental or physical ability.
It’s entirely volunteer-run and new volunteers, especially parents of youth members, are always welcome.
There are waiting lists for youth who want to join the Scouts’ program. People who love children, the outdoors, camping and adventure are needed to fill this demand.
403 Scouts meet at 188 Carlton Street. Meeting times are -
Beaver Scouts (ages 5 - 7) every Wednesday from 6 - 7 pm,
Cub Scouts (ages 8 - 10) every Thursday from 7 - 8:30 pm,
Scouts (ages 11 - 14) every Wednesday from 7 - 9 pm, and
Venturers (ages 15 - 17) every Wednesday 7 - 9 pm.
The Carlton Street bus
Streetcar service on the 506 route along Carlton, Gerrard and College has been temporarily suspended. Buses have replaced our lovely red rockets. It’s an effort by the TTC to handle problems arising from delivery delays of new streetcars by Bombardier. It’s expected that new streetcars will reappear on the 506 route in about a year.
What’s happening here?
The northeast corner of Amelia and Parliament has become a construction eyesore. This lovely building was purchased and renovations started there last summer. At first, the builder took care to disguise the building debris but lately, tarps around the site have fallen and work seems to have stopped. Let’s hope this is just a short delay and not another long-term disaster.
Allan Gardens spring show
Tulips, hyacinths and other bulbs fill the Allan Gardens Conservatory with beautiful colours and fragrant blooms. The show is under way now to Sunday April 29. During that time, the annual Easter show will also be staged from March 25 highlighting Easter lilies and hydrangeas. Daily from 10 am to 5 pm, free admission, Carlton and Sherbourne.
Corktown Residents & Business Association
The CRBA’s annual meeting takes place at 7 pm on Tuesday March 6 in the Cooper Koo Family Cherry Street YMCA (461 Cherry St). Councillor Lucy Troisi will be there to give her report from City Hall and answer your questions. Volunteers are needed to join the Board - it’s a great project if you’re interested in neighborhood issues, heritage preservation, new developments and the Corktown News. Contact info@corktown.ca
Forsythia Festival King and Queen
Think Spring - the Forsythia Festival happens on Sunday May 6. Here’s a great opportunity for you to recognize a friend or neighbour who regularly volunteers and supports Cabbagetown activities. Nominate your choice for the Festival King and Queen. Send your nomination to info@cabbagetowner.com.
For more Festival info, go to the CRA website and follow the links to the Forsythia Festival - click here.
Toronto Light Festival 2018 - final weekend
Continuing in the Distillery until Sunday March 4. toronto.com has a short article about the Festival with lots of photos online here.
Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum Historical Tidbit
Image: Ploughing Queen Street East 1892 CTA 71-3376
Research and story by Sally Gibson. Imagine this 12-horsepower plough lumbering down your street after a snowstorm. In 1892, when this photograph was taken on Queen Street East near Berkeley Street, these steeds kept Toronto Street Railway tracks clear for Toronto’s early streetcars.
For more Cabbagetown history, photos and videos visit the CRPM Facebook page.
Please support the Museum by clicking on GoFundMe
KEEP FIT
Regent Park 80’s and 90’s Skate Night
An adult-friendly evening on the ice featuring a DJ, free treats and hot chocolate and free skate rentals (ID required). There’ll be an after-skate party with dancing and $5 drinks at the CSI Regent Park Lounge. Thursday March 1, 7 to 11 pm, Regent Park Athletic Grounds (Shuter and Sumach).
Parliament Street Fitness
A massage therapy session ith William Cleland, RMT, has been added to the weekly schedule. It’s available on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday each week from noon to 8 pm.
The Parliament Street Fitness Centre (488 Parliament) has a weekly schedule of classes for its members including indoor cycling, an outdoor run club and high intensity interval training. There are yoga sessions every day except Sunday - Hatha and slow flow, mindful meditation and relaxation, Vinyasa level 1and level 2, and fundamental flow. You can find all the details about dates and times and membership opportunities at the Centre’s website.
Neighbourhood ice rinks
The weather is getting warmer and some City rinks have been closing. The three in our area are still open - Riverdale Park East (550 Broadview), Regent Park (480 Shuter) and Sherbourne Common (5 Lower Sherbourne). Each rink is scheduled to stay open, weather permitting, through March 18
Before you go, you can confirm operating hours and conditions at the City’s website.
KIDS' STUFF
Buds & Blossoms
March Around the World - a five-day camp for ages 4 to 8 during March Break. It’s a kids’ trip around the map. Prices and program info are available online.
Registration is now officially open for summer camps and there’s everything from science to photography and print-making to music theatre! Camps are for ages 4-8, with by-the-day or week-long options. Now is the perfect time to register as spots are available in every camp-- you get first dibs!
After care arrangements from 4 to 6 pm are available for each camp.
March Break at the Children’s Book Bank
March Break is a busy time at The Children’s Book Bank (350 Berkeley at Gerrard). Every day from Monday March 12 to Saturday March 17, there’ll be a Storytime session - from Monday to Thursday at 11 am and at noon on Friday and Saturday. In the afternoon at 3 pm during the week, there are four different events - a singalong with Daphne Perkins (Monday), a drawing workshop with Tina Seeman (Tuesday), collage with Randy Goldman (Wednesday) and world of puppets with Puppetmongers (Thursday). Drop-ins welcome, no fees and no reservations required.
Auditions at CCDT
Auditions for various 2018 classes and age groups at Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre (509 Parliament) take place in the next couple of weeks. Auditions for dancers ages 14 to 18 take place on Sunday March 4. All the details about each level and the auditions are available at CCDT’s website.
BUSINESS NEWS
Baccarat at Eclectisaurus
Baccarat's exquisite crystal perfume bottle “Une Nuit Étoilée au Bengale” (A Starry Night in Bengal), was one of a trio produced by Baccarat in 1997 to celebrate the new millennium.
The bottle is a joyful post-modern design, delicately embellished with 14K gold. Signed Baccarat and numbered 796 of 1500, it still contains a portion of the wildly expensive perfume. Opened long ago, yet it still smells surprisingly good. 5.5" x 5" x 1”
Available at Eclectisaurus (249 Gerrard E). View more info online here in the Art Glass Gallery.
Winning combination in style and service
Based on the highest level of client satisfaction, Kendall & Co (514 Parliament) has again been awarded "Best in Service" by Houzz - their fourth year to win this award. Houzz is the leading website for residential remodeling. It connects homeowners with design and trade professionals.
Every day, Kendall, Kevin and their team strive to create a welcoming one-stop-shop for furnishing and decorating your home. Testimonials about their unique products and comprehensive services exemplify why it is worthwhile for Cabbagetowners to support local, independent businesses. Kendall & Co has been adding value to our main street and investing in our community, year after year. Open weekdays from 10 am to 6 pm and Saturdays 11 am to 5 pm.
ON STAGE
Corktown Community Orchestra
The CCO’s next concert features The Carnival of the Animals with small ensembles from players within the orchestra. Thursday March 1, 8 pm, Little Trinity Church (425 King E), PWYC (suggested $20), kids free.
Toronto Dance Theatre on tour
Photo: Guntar Kravis
As part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, TDT’s company is touring through eleven Canadian cities from January 6 in Newfoundland to March 7 in the Yukon. When they arrived in Vancouver in late February to start the western tour, the Georgia Straight did a long piece about TDT, Christopher House and their program. Click here to read Janet Smith’s story.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Congrats to The Irv
The Irv (195 Carlton) is celebrating its 4th anniversary on Thursday March 1. The pub is a fantastic part of our neighbourhood wth great food, good beer and lots of interesting events. Drop by for snacks, prizes, giveaways, beer samples and more. Live music. No cover charge.
F’Amelia’s neighbourhood wine tasting
For the second year in a row, F’Amelia (12 Amelia) is inviting friends and neighbours to drop by for a wine tasting and food sampling. It was a great event last year and everyone expects more of the same again. There’ll be a variety of vineyards and vintages available. Tuesday March 6, 6 to 9 pm, $50. RSVP to info@famelia.com
Oysters at the HOP
House on Parliament (454 Parliament) is teaming up with MWM Fish Co (419 Parliament) for an evening of tasting oysters. Mark from MWM is an expert and he’ll tell each of us individually about his selection of oysters. He’s bringing high quality oysters and four different choices. You can order a dozen (4 varieties, 3 each) or half a dozen (3 varieties, 2 each). There’ll be exciting sauces for dipping - shalots in red wine vinegar, cocktail sauce and Shuckin’ Delicious sauce from PEI. If you’re still hungry or curious after your first tasting plate, you’re welcome to reorder singles. Wednesday March 7, 6 to 8 pm, House on Parliament (454 Parliament).
2nd annual Women’s Day brew
Mill Street Beer Hall and Brew Pub (21 Tank House Lane) are celebrating the release of their limited edition Women’s Day brew - She’ll Be Right Ale by these six awesome brewers.
Progress on Parliament Street
The building between 480 and 490 Parliament has been rebuilt and given a handsome new facade. The last shop, a restaurant, is now being finished. We’ve learned that it’ll be called Pho Pas and the owners have applied for their liquor licence. The deadline for public comments is March 13.
Welcome back Betty
Johnny G’s (478 Parliament) is a Cabbagetown institution. It features good food, nifty specials and a high-demand weekend brunch. Betty has returned - and that’s good news for regular customers. She came back last Tuesday as both the owner and the new manager. She’s open now from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm and plans to extend these hours in the near future.
Fiona’s in the Food Fight
Fiona from the Scullery (200 Carlton) will be duking it out in this Second Harvest fundraiser organized by the Chef Collective. She’ll be boxing other celebrity chefs for three two-minute rounds. She’s been training since October with Jab Cross Promotions. In all, there’ll be six matches, starting at 8 pm on Monday March 12 at the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E). Tickets are $42.50 until March 10 and $50 after that. Half the proceeds will go to Second Harvest. You can buy yours online.
Dominion supports the Children’s Book Bank
With every pint of Mill Street’s Cobblestone Stout sold from now to St Patrick’s Day, Dominion (500 Queen E) will donate 50 cents to the Children’s Book Bank (350 Berkeley). Great idea - cheers!
ST PATRICK’S DAY FESTIVITIES
Two days and a recovery
St Practice Day at the Dominion (500 Queen E) happens on Friday March 16. It’s followed by St Patrick’s Day on Saturday March 17 - live music with James Sheehan at 3 pm and Sarah Jordan and Matt G from 10 pm to 2 am. And then there’s a Recovery Brunch on Sunday March 18.
Dancing and Irish goodies at the HOP
Irish dancers will return to the House on Parliament (454 Parliament) on St Patrick’s day. There’ll be an Irish-themed menu as well.
Lucky Mike at The Local GEST
Back by popular demand - Lucky Mike entertains on Saturday March 17 from 7 to 10 pm at The Local GEST (424 Parliament).
St Paddy’s Malarkey & Shenanigans
Stout Irish Pub’s (221 Carlton) annual St Paddy’s event - Saturday March 17, 1 pm to 1 am. Live music, drink specials.
THEATRE & DANCE - MARCH CALENDARS
Addresses, online info and current events.
ALUMNAE THEATRE
70 Berkeley Street
(416) 364-4170, ext 1
New Ideas Festival 2018
Three weeks of new works from March 7 to 25, 2018
Wednesdays to Saturdays at 8 pm and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30 pm.
Week One, March 7 to 11:
F*ck L*ve by Rosemary Doyle
The Dancing Man of Macklin Street by Andrew Lee
Governing Ourselves by Stephen Near
Oracle Jane by Vicki Zhang
Week Two, March 14 to 18:
Sweet Mamma and the Salty Muffins by Ciarán Myers
If Socrates Were in My Shoes by Donna Langevin
Stars by D.J. Sylvis
Moving On by Elmar Maripuu
Week Three, March 1 to 25:
The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by Natalie Frijia
Marty and Joel and the Edge of Chaos by Camille Intson
The Officiant by Francesca Brugnano
Mourning After the Night Before by Chloë Whitehorn
CANADIAN STAGE
30th Anniversary Season
Berkeley Street Theatre
26 Berkeley Street
(416) 368-3110
In This Body conceived and sung by Fides Kruker
March 14 to 18
Tanya Tagag & Laakkulul Williamson Bathroy
March 22 to 24
NATIVE EARTH PERFORMING ARTS
Aki Theatre, Daniels Spectrum
585 Dundas Street E
(416) 531-1402
4.48 Psychosis
Presented by NSK Theatre
March 9 and 10
Artifice
Presented by Oakham Community Theatre
March 14 to 17
Finding Wolastoq Voice
Presented by Niimi’iwe: Indigenous Dance Showcase
March 29 to 31
SCHOOL OF TORONTO DANCE THATRE
Winchester Theatre
80 Winchester Street
(416) 967-6887
Acceleration 2018
March 21 to 24
SOULPEPPER
50 Tank House Lane, Distillery District
(416) 866-8666
Idomeneus by Roland Schimmelpfennig
From March 3 to March 24
Animal Farm by George Orwell
From March 9 to April 7
A Moveable Feast, Paris in the ‘20s
Soulpepper Concert Series
March 30 to April 6
TORONTO DANCE THEATRE
Winchester Theatre
80 Winchester Street
(416) 967-1365
Glass Fields
At Fleck Dance Theatre, Harbourfront Centre
March 20 to 24
CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS
THURSDAY MARCH 1 TO SUNDAY MARCH 11
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 1
Alice’s Place
Karaoke
The Irv
4th anniversary party with live music, snacks, beer samples, prizes and giveaways.
The Local GEST
8 pm, Live music with Jeff Barnes and Noah Zacharin
Mill Street Brew Pub
5 pm, Live music
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
FRIDAY MARCH 2
Alice’s Place
10 pm, Karaoke
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Quincy
African weekends with DJ Fox and a guest DJ
SATURDAY MARCH 3
Dominion
9 pm, Your Girl Flav
Quincy
African weekends with DJ Fox and a guest DJ
SUNDAY MARCH 4
Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke
Local GEST
4:30 pm, Sunday afternoon jazz with Suzi and Doug
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Quincy
10 pm, Reggae Sundays, $10
MONDAY MARCH 5
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
TUESDAY MARCH 6
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
WEDNESDAY MARCH 7
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Local GEST
7:30 pm, Smart Ass Trivia with Porter
Quincy’s
Latin Wednesdays with DJ Fight - reggaeton, merengue, rumba salsa, Afromusic and more. $10.
THURSDAY MARCH 8
Local GEST
10 pm, Comedy night with Ethan O’Reilly
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
FRIDAY MARCH 9
Alice’s Place
10 pm, Karaoke
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Quincy
African weekends with DJ Fox and a guest DJ
SATURDAY MARCH 10
Dominion
9 pm, DJ Money Jane
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Quincy
10 pm, Nairobi Nights, $10
SUNDAY MARCH 11
Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke
Local GEST
4:30 pm, Sunday afternoon jazz
Quincy
10 pm, Reggae Sundays, $10
CONTACT INFO
ALICE'S PLACE
554 Parliament St, (647) 931-9088,
ARVO
17 Gristmill Lane, Distillery, (647) 352-2766
CORKTOWN KITCHEN
354 King St E, (46) 901-1188
CRANBERRIES
601 Parliament St, (416) 925-6330,
DOMINION PUB & KITCHEN
500 Queen St E, (416) 366-5555,
EL CATRIN
18 Tank House Lane, Distillery, (416) 203-2121,
HOUSE ON PARLIAMENT
454 Parliament St, (416) 925-4074,
IMPACT KITCHEN
573 King St E, (416) 306-1986,
THE IRV
95 Carlton Street, (647) 350-4787,
JOHNNY G’s
478 Parliament St, (416) 928-1358
THE LOCAL GEST
424 Parliament St, (416) 961-9425,
MILL STREET BEER HALL
21 Tank House Ln, Distillery, (416) 681-0338,
MILL STREET BREW PUB
21 Tank House Ln, Distillery,
ODIN
514 King E, (647) 350-6346,
NEW TOWN
413 Parliament Street
PAINTBOX BISTRO
555 Dundas St E, (647) 748-0555
QUINCY AFROKITCHEN & BAR
326 Parliament, (647) 989-9127,
https://www.facebook.com/cometoquincys/
SOULPEPPER
Young Centre, 50 Tank House Lane, Distillery, (416) 866-8666,
STOUT IRISH PUB
221 Carlton St, (647) 344-7676,
UNDER THE TABLE
568 Parliament St, (647) 351-1533
