September 13

This week’s image: the crowd gathers at House On Parliament to hear Go Freddy Go.


CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD 
REVIEW

LOCAL NEWS

Blair’s Run
A great success.  232 racers were clocked out of the starting gate.  By race time, over $15,000 was recorded in online donations and there’s lots more to come in cheques, cash and sponsors’ gifts.  Thanks to Burnbrae Farms who will match the final total up to $30,000, making it a sizeable gift to Riverdale Farm.

Turner Scott won first place with a time of 5 minutes, 11.4 seconds.  Ayesha Rollinson was third overall and the fastest woman in the crowd at 5 minutes, 41.4 seconds.  Matthew Scott turned in the fastest human-dog duo at 6 minutes, 43 seconds.  

There’s no really solid data about little kids.  There were a lot of them but no reliable info.  For example, Struan Tully, an adorable one-year old who has just recently mastered the art of walking, managed to zip around the course in 25 minutes and 25 seconds.


 If you want to check out your own time - or verify someone else’s bragging - click here.   

Political racers
George better pick up some speed. Both he and Lucy ran in Blair’s Run.  She did the route in 7 minutes and 45 seconds.  He crossed the finish line in 10:14.  Maybe he doesn’t want to peak too soon.
Congrats to both of them - their enthusiasm speaks well for them as our candidates.


Festival reactions
2018 has turned into a banner year for the Festival.  Congrats and thanks to all the organizers.
Here are a few highlights.

John Tory cut the cabbage.

Our own Cabbagetown friend Danny Marks was amazing.

When there’s a freebie, there’s a lineup.

Wow - great food at Parliament Shawarma.

Crispy weather, amazing events and vendors, happy crowds.

Election mayhem
Another week has passed without any real clarity about our civic election.  For now, our Ward is named Ward 13 - forget all the other numbers that have floated out for the past year. We also know that the election date remains at Monday October 22. 
We don’t know who we’ll vote for - the list of candidates won’t be finalized until two days after Royal assent is given to the “notwithstanding” legislation. There’s also no information available about the location, dates and timing of advance polls.  
We do know, informally, about some candidates for City Council.  Khuram Aftab, Jennifer Hollett, Walied Khogali, George Smitherman, Lucy Troisi, Meghann Willson and Kristyn Wong-Tam have all been campaigning and they look to be likely candidates in our area. 

Des has written a new book
Des Ryan, the security advisor for the Cabbagetown Residents Association, has released a new novel.  “10-33, Assist PC” is the first in his six-novel series of crime fiction.  It’ll be officially released by Amazon, Kobo and IBooks on September 15 and it’s available on a special pre-release now from Amazon.  Click here.  
It’s an honest look at a real crime by a real police officer.  Des is a former Toronto police detective. His novel shows us the work of the men and women who put their lives on the line for us.  
Check out the launch party - Louis Cifer (417 Danforth), Saturday September 29, 3 to 5 pm.  Signed copies of his books will be available there.  

Opossums in Cabbagetown
Thanks to Andrew Wilson for his photo of an opossum family seen in the Necropolis Cemetery. Reports of their presence here are increasing.  
They’re about the size of a cat with grey fur, small pointed black ears, a long scaly tail and a white face with a pointy nose.  They’re nocturnal and active all year long.  Like raccoons, they’ll eat everything.  Normally, they’re docile and will avoid conflict.  In the winter, they can suffer frostbite on their ears and tails.  As our winters become warmer and shorter, they’re migrating north into the Toronto area.

Open classes at TDT
Toronto Dance Theatre offers open professional classes for the drop-in rate of $10/class through September.  Christopher House, Darryl Tracy, Pat Miner and Christine Wright will each handle a set of classes.  They run from September 10 to 28 at the Winchester Dance Theatre (80 Winchester) and, for Christine Wright, at the National Ballet School (400 Jarvis).  For more info and schedules, check online here or email info@tdt.org .  

New Roots Dinner - selling out fast
Daniel et Daniel (248 Carlton) is organizing the New Roots dinners series on behalf of Green Thumbs Growing Kids. They happen on Tuesday October 2 from 6:30 pm at eight locations across Cabbagetown.  Your meal will be designed by D & D’s executive chef Karen O’Connor and executive pastry chef Bonnie Kravitz.  Tickets are selling fast.
Yummy food, a great group to support.  Click here to learn more.   

Not cool
The BIA’s nifty new mural at 193 Carlton has been tagged.  There’s been more of this thoughtless activity recently - not only on the usual blank walls but also on storefronts and homes. Graffiti experts advise that the victims of these tags get them off their property as fast as possible.  Otherwise, other idiots will add their tags as well.

A new pool is coming soon
The old wading pool in Riverdale Park is being demolished.  A new one will be built in the next few weeks along with seating areas nearby and some repairs to the sidewalks.  It’s all happening right on schedule - the construction will take about eight weeks, landscaping will be done in the Spring and the pool will open on time for the summer next year.  

At the southern tip of Africa
Andrew and Cheryl have just returned from a glorious tour of South Africa.  Needless to say, Andrew took along his Cabbagetown Tee.  It’s a great photo.
A reminder - if you’re travelling soon, take along a Cabbagetown souvenir and grab a picture with it on your trip. This year, we’ve seen Africa, Paris and Shania Twain’s museum in Timmins.  Wow!

IN THE MEDIA

Monarch butterflies
Gail Oliver planted Tropical Milkweed in her front garden. She’s been attracting Monarchs all summer with it along with Joe Pye weed and regular milkweed. These are the kinds of plants that encourage Monarch butterflies, bees and other helpful insects.  The BIA’s gardens along Parliament Street are also full of these plants.
There’s proof that these campaigns are working. The annual Monarch migration south to Mexico is a bigger event this year.  The CBC reports that flocks are seen in Point Pelee National Park - click here.  Across Lake Erie in Cleveland, Fox8 News has posted a video of the butterflies arriving there and resting after their trip over the Lake - click here.

Life after the fire at 650 
Photo: Jim Rankin, Toronto Star
Jim Rankin has described the daily life of one family who lived at 650 Parliament in his Toronto Star article.  After the fire, Praveena Magendran and her two children are now housed in the shelter facility in the Regent Park Community Centre. His story shows how the family makes its way through the daily challenges created by the loss of their home.  

COMING EVENTS

Children’s Choir
The Toronto Choral Society and the Neighbourhood Group have joined together for the 6th season of the TCS Children’s Choir.  It’s a non-audition choir for kids in grades 2 to 6.  Rehearsals are from 6:45 to 7:45 pm every Thursday at Central Neighbourhood House (349 Ontario).  Performances happen throughout the year.  $275 (limited subsidies are available).  For more info and registration, click here.  

Let It Go Dance Party
Beth Kaplan is organizing a dance party to let off some steam.  It’s a serious time of year and you need a break!  Enjoy some rock ’n roll, r&b, disco and more!  Friday September 14, 7 pm, The Social Capital (154 Danforth above the Black Swan), $10.

Community Harvest Celebration
Allan Gardens (Carlton and Jarvis) celebrates Urban Agriculture Week with a picnic and a harvest from its public gardens.  Bring a lunch and pick some herbs and tomatoes.  Saturday, September 15, noon to 1:30 pm. Free.

Rani Glick’s cooking classes
Rani is offering four classes that will expand your repertoire of meal ideas. These are small hands-on sessions ranging from five to eight people.  Each class is based on a nutrition theme and offers a menu to match.  You’ll cook the meal together and then enjoy eating it.  She offers her classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays through September - click here to contact her and to register.  

Cabbagetown walking tours
The Cabbagetown Preservation Association is again offering one of its Discover Cabbagetown Walks.  Each walk is lead by a knowledgeable local guide who will select an interesting route and highlights.  Sunday September 16, 10:30 am, Riverdale Park (Winchester and Sumach).

Cabbagetown Farmer’s Market
Every Tuesday from 3 to 7 pm, Riverdale Park (Winchester and Sumach).  The best produce of the season - fresh fruits and veggies.  This week, Bolo Soups is back with vegan and veggie bowls.

The Wonder of Storytelling - NEW LOCATION
An evening with Emma Donaghue.  It’s a fundraiser in support of the Children’s Book Bank (350 Berkeley).  Thursday September 20, 6 pm. There’ll be musical entertainment by students from the Regent Park School of Music, complimentary wine and tasty hors d’oeuvres.  Ms Donaghue will discuss her work with author Charles Foran. Tickets are $100, available online here.  
New location - Artscape Sandbox (301 Adelaide W)

Riverdale Farm 40th anniversary
Save the dates for two days at the Farm (Winchester east of Sumach).  Fundraising bbq in the Barn on Friday September 28, 6:30 to 9:30 pm. $40 - proceeds go to the Farm’s educational program.  You can buy your tickets online at Eventbrite. 
Open House and Farm activities for your family, Saturday September 29, 10 am to 4 pm, free.  

Fall plant sale
Advance notice - Friends of Allan Gardens will host a plant sale on Sunday October 7 from 10 am to 1 pm. This promises to be a popular event.  It’ll feature succulents and houseplants and a few other botanical beauties.  Master Gardeners will be there to give you tips for a successful home garden. Proceeds go to volunteer activities and educational programs.  All sales cash only.  The plant list for the sale is online here.  Children’s Conservatory (Carlton and Jarvis).  

ON STAGE

Dr Silver, A Celebration of Life
Presented by the Musical Stage Company with Anika Johnson and Brita Johnson.  Celebrate the life of the mysterious and magnetic spiritual leader Dr Leonard P Silver. The festivities promise to be an enchanting experience, a sung-through, psychedelic dissolution into the transcendental power of music. Heliconian Hall (35 Hazelton),  September 13 to October 14.  Tickets and more info online here.   

BUSINESS NEWS

Limited Time, Limited Quantities
We all love a good deal! So get over to Kendall & Co (514 Parliament) now and take advantage of savings up to 70% off on rugs, home accessories, serving ware, drink ware, vases, planters, garden décor, games and collectible toys. This is their End of Season Clearance. They’re making room for new fall arrivals. 
They’ve also just opened their Design Shop’s lower level with a beautiful new furniture gallery! Their Canadian-made furniture can be personalized with your choice of fabrics and design details. 
Store hours: 10 am to 6 pm on weekdays, 11am to 5 pm on Saturdays and noon to 4 pm on Sundays.  http://kendallandco.ca/fyi/retail/

RESTAURANT NEWS

Cyril’s bowls and soups
This week’s bowl is a Japanese Buddha Bowl with sushi (sticky) rice, avocado, cucumber, green onion, shredded carrot, edamame and some fixings like sesame seeds or nori and flaked grilled salmon (the vegan version will have tofu, shiitake mushroom and sweet potato). Three Dressing choices - classic sushi combo, spicy sushi dressing and soy, miso, ginger dressing. The Bowl version is ($15). The “salad” version is the same without the protein ($11).
Thursday not being a popular delivery night apparently, the Bowls will now only be available on Friday and Saturday.
Saturday’s soup will be rich and wintery even though temperatures are going up again: potato-chorizo (not available in a vegetarian or vegan version). It will be made with milk; if you are dairy intolerant, you can ask for a coconut milk version. Please keep in mind that since this soup contains both potatoes and dairy, it is unlikely to freeze well.
Cyril has received a few special orders for another batch of the spinach-zucchini-coconut milk soup and he’ll prepare it for delivery this Saturday. If you want to piggy-back on this batch let him know.
He delivers (in Cabbagetown). He’s accepting payments by e-transfers and cash.  Place your orders at his email address, cyril@merryberry.ca

A birthday party at Paintbox
Paintbox (555 Dundas E) is celebrating its 6th anniversary with a special party throughout the day - all mains and selected beer and wine are priced at $6.  Friday September 21 from 11 am to 6 pm. 

Psychic brunch
The psychics are back at Cranberries (601 Parliament) for brunch on Sunday September 16.  Enjoy a detailed reading and get a $5 coupon toward your brunch.  11 am, $42.

Events during Toronto Beer Week
Mill Street Brew Pub (21 Tankhouse Lane) - Wednesday September 19, 7 pm, collaboration launch with Block Three Brewing. Beer sampling and snacks.
Mill Street Beerhall (21 Tankhouse Lane) - Thursday September 20, 7 pm, cask & cheese.  Featuring cheese from the Cheese Boutique and three Mill Street brews.  Live music.  

Run and talk with La Femme Strong
The Mill Street Beerhall (21 Tankhouse Lane, Distillery) presents a 5k Fun Run followed by a round table discussion about women in the fitness and beer industries.   September 22, 10 am. The Run starts at La Femme Strong (794 Broadview) and goes to the Beerhall.  The round table is hosted by Alexis Wagner from Mill Street and Alison Blair from La Femme Strong.  Snacks and drinks included.  $18, tickets available online.  

CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 13 TO SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 23

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 SEPTEMBER 13

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Comedy night with Dave Burke and Danish Anwar
Dominion
9 pm, DJ Money Jane
Mill Street Brew Pub
5 pm, Live music
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Tilted Dog
10 pm, Comedy Night with Ethan O’Reilly

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 14

Alice’s Place
10 pm, Karaoke 
Keating Channel Pub
Danny Williams Band 
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 15

New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 16

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke 
The Tilted Dog 
4:30 pm, Sunday afternoon jazz - cancelled until September 30

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 17

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 18
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 19

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
The Tilted Dog
7:30 pm, Smart Ass Trivia with Porter

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 20

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Comedy night with Dave Burke and Danish Anwar 
Dominion
8 pm, DJ Ikanpro
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Tilted Dog
8 pm, Open Mic with Robert LaBell

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 21

Alice’s Place
10 pm, Karaoke
Keating Channel Pub
Danny Williams Band
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke 
Quincy
African weekends with DJ Fox and a guest DJ

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 22

Mill Street Beerhall
10 am, 5 k Fun Run and Round Table discussion with La Femme Strong, $18
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 23

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
The Tilted Dog 
4:30 pm, Sunday afternoon jazz - cancelled until September 30

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
See below - The Tilted Dog
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,
THE TILTED DOG
(Formerly The Local GEST)
424 Parliament. (416) 961-9425