This week’s image: Raptors’ star Kyle Lowry sponsored a big Thanksgiving dinner at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre on Thursday October 4.
CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
Thanks to Kyle Lowry’s Love Foundation
Kyle Lowry came to the Cabbagetown Youth Centre last Thursday and brought a big Thanksgiving dinner with him. Over 150 kids and their families enjoyed the meal. Congrats and thanks to Kyle and to the CYC staff for helping to organize the event.
ELECTION NEWS
Ward 13 election details
The advance polls are open now until Sunday October 14. 10 am to 7 pm at the Wellesley Community Centre (495 Sherbourne), St Lawrence Community Recreation Centre (230 The Esplanade) or Toronto City Hall (100 Queen W).
Election Day is Monday October 22 from 10 am to 8 pm. Voter info cards have been mailed and they list your local polling station.
When you go to vote, bring some photo ID (like a driver’s licence) that shows your name and Toronto address.
Election snapshots
This guy really has an aggressive sign campaign. His stuff is popping up in quiet little corners everywhere. Let’s hope that he keeps track of all of it and gets them away after election day.
Lucy Troisi’s campaign headquarters was damaged on the weekend. Someone threw a rock into her front window. She doubts that it was a political statement - rather an act of vandalism.
Meet and hear the candidates
Candidates’ panel in Regent Park
Organized by the Community Civic Engagement Collaborative in Regent Park. Thursday, October 11, video from 5:30 pm and panel from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. 246 Sackville.
Central Neighbourhood House
Tuesday October 16 at 6 pm, Central Neighbourhood House (349 Ontario). Hosted by the Cabbagetown South Residents and CNH.
St Peter and St Simon Church
Friday October 19, 6:30 pm. St Peter and St Simon Church (525 Bloor E) - please use the Bloor Street entrance. Organized by the St James Town Community Corner.
LOCAL NEWS
Apple Day
The 403TO is our local Scouts group. Members and their parents will be distributing apples over the weekend, October 12 and 13. It’s their biggest fundraiser for the year.
Volunteers are needed to help the Scouts - please donate a three-hour shift. On Friday from 3 to 7 pm, they’ll be at the York Street entrance to Union Station. On Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm, they’ll be at the Front Street entrance to St Lawrence Market.
If you can’t donate your time, your financial support will be very important.
Check out the 403TO website here.
And go to the online registration page to volunteer your time - click here.
Cabbagetown cannabis outlets
On Wednesday October 17, it’ll officially be legal to light up a nice batch of marijuana. Buying it, however, may be a little more complicated. In the recent past, we’ve had three retail outlets here.
High Society (180 Carlton) was raided by the police a couple of weeks ago and it’s been closed ever since.
Cabbagetown Cannabis Club (439 Parliament) is still open but with limited inventory. It’ll be closing on October 16 to avoid penalties and possible blacklisting. Sean, the owner, is thinking of returning to his past career in heating and cooling.
Planet Paradise (51 Winchester) will continue. It currently hosts a cannabis farmer’s market on Thursdays and Sundays. Its last market will take place on Sunday October 14. Otherwise, it’ll be business as usual - a comfy spot for anyone who wants a public place to light up.
Ontario Cannabis Store -
Bricks and mortar stores won’t open up until April 2019. In the meantime, Ontario residents will be able to visit the Ontario Cannabis Store online. It’s predicted to become the world’s biggest online cannabis retailer. From October 17, this will be the only legal outlet.
Shopper’s Drug Mart (467 Parliament). It’s reportedly an approved outlet for future pot sales. Our local owner, Doug Chow, hasn’t had any instructions from Shopper’s head office yet about his retail arrangements.
Future fish in the Don River
As the new river valley is developed at the mouth of the Don, it’ll include wetlands that will become permanent aquatic habitat. Three presenters will explain how this will happen and what new fish and turtles will live there. Thursday October 18, Port Lands Drop-in Centre (200 Queens Quay E), 5:30 pm to explore the Drop-in Centre and 6 pm for the presentation.
456 - 460 Parliament
A while ago, I noted that some welcome progress is being made at this building. That may have been an optimistic comment. This prompted Paul to write to me about the mess in the lanes around this place.
U-Haul uses the lane illegally for parking. That causes potential problems for emergency vehicles and normal traffic. The U-Haul sign is just hanging on the front fence - a clear safety hazard. Deliveries and construction materials seem to be dropped off and stored right in the lane.
Daycare at Winchester
The Neighbourhood Group (Central Neighbourhood House) operates a licensed daycare program at Winchester School for preschool kids ages 2.5 to 5 years. Space is still available. Please contact Soni Ahmad at (416) 392-5047 or email sahmad@cnh.on.ca. Check out the details and costs at the website.
Lookin’ good
Steve decorated his front lawn with the biggest cabbage that he could find.
COMING EVENTS
Whiskey Jack is back
Duncan Fremlin and his band will play at the Free Times Cafe (320 College) on Friday October 12, 7:30 pm. Duncan is joined by Cindy Church (vocals), Randy Morrison (fiddle), Eric Jackson (bass) and Douglas John Cameron. Tickets are $25.
Pumpkin carve-a-thon
Presented by the Friends of Allan Gardens. Bring your kids and carve a mini-pumpkin to take home. Carving equipment supplied. 10 to 11:30 am, Children’s Conservatory in Allan Gardens (Jarvis and Carlton), Sunday October 14.
Evening Armchair series
The Gestalt Institute invites you to join their senior faculty as they dim their reputations by despoiling the sacred theories of Gestalt. On Monday October 22 from 7 to 9 pm, the topic is Polarity Mis-Management - examine how our preferences keep us from making choices that suit the moment. Fee $10.
In six evenings from November 6 to January 15, Honouring Differences looks at ways to open space for dialogue around the differences between us. Fee $125.
Find out more about each event at (416) 964-9464 or go here online.
Chrysanthemum show at Allan Gardens
Open now in the Conservatory (Jarvis and Carlton) until November 9, 10 am to 5 pm daily. Free.
Cabbagetown Farmer’s Market
Don’t miss out on the late season goodies. The Market continues every Tuesday afternoon from 3 to 7 pm until October 23. Riverdale Park (Sumach and Winchester).
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Save the date - big yard sale
The condo owners at 225 Wellesley are having a big community yard sale. Back patio off Ontario Street, Sunday October 14, from 10 am onward.
BUSINESS NEWS
Fall clearance sale
Anji at Blooming Flower Bar (559 Parliament) is having a clearance sale on her gift items and decorations. She has to clean out some space to make room for her new Christmas and seasonal inventory. Two days only - Saturday October 21 and Sunday October 22.
What’s old is now new
Kendall & Co (514 Parliament) introduces vinyl rugs in retro styles resembling old European floor tiles and Victorian mosaics. Thin yet durable and easy care. Perfect for entryways, foyers, kitchens and bathrooms. Available in four standard sizes, starting at $75. Custom size, square and round versions are available upon request.
Store hours: 10 am to 6 pm on weekdays, 11 am to 5 pm on Saturdays and noon to 4 pm on Sundays. http://kendallandco.ca/fyi/retail/
IN THE MEDIA
Mackai Bishop Jackson
Photo: Rick Madonik, Toronto Star
Mackai’s funeral took place at St Barnabas Church in Regent Park last week. 200 family members, friends and community neighbours gathered to pay tribute to him and to comfort each other. The 15 year-old boy was murdered in late September in the city’s 81st homicide. Gilbert Ngabo wrote about the funeral in the Toronto Star - click here.
Deciem closes its stores
Deciem - also known as the Abnormal Beauty Company - closed its stores on Tuesday morning without advance notice. Its owner posted a confusing message online as his explanation. We have two stores in our area - at 242 Carlton and in the Distillery. Aaron Saltzman posted a story on CBC News about the closures - read it here.
HALLOWE’EN PARTIES - SAVE THESE DATES
Bash at the Tilted Dog
There’ll be live music, prizes for the best costumes, a wall of balloons, taro card readings and drink specials. Saturday October 27, 9 pm onward. 424 Parliament
Mobster Mayhem at the Dominion
Live DJ, Speakeasy cocktails, $250 prize for the best costume. Saturday October 27, from 8 pm.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Quick and delicious
We’re now enjoying a great group of local restaurants offering quick and delicious meals. Here’ are several that have opened recently - more to come in the next few weeks.
Brun & Fer (559 Parliament) - delicious Mexican meals in this tiny, hidden cafe. Soups, sandwiches, guacamole, outstanding Mexican coffee! A catering service is also available. It’s located at the rear of the former Merryberry, just inside the Blooming Flower Bar.
Tokyo Ramen (568 Parliament, lower level) - classic Japanese dishes served at very reasonable prices. The room is newly renovated and decorated into a clean, airy design.
Parliament Shawarma & Falafel (568 Parliament, upper level) - generous servings of delicious falafels, made fresh for your order.
Wine and oysters
F’Amelia (12 Amelia) now has oyster shucking from 5:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Another great way to enjoy the last few warm summer days on the patio.
Leftover turkey
The folks at Chew Chew (186 Carlton) know how to handle this problem - turkey noodle soup, roast turkey dinner with stuffing and turkey sandwiches were all on the menu on Tuesday.
Cyril’s soups
New soup pricing. When Cyril offers a soup with meat, the container price will be $10. The vegan/vegetarian versions will still be $8.
Here’s his soup list for the coming week.
Saturday October 13: white bean and broccoli soup. Tuesday October 16: Japanese miso soup (vegan version available: no bonito flakes). Saturday October 20: Moroccan vegetable stew.
And of course, the Buddha Bowl for Friday and Saturday. It’s a Nordic Buddha Bowl with barley, baby potatoes, pickled beets, radishes, mixed greens, a few berries, smoked salmon and hard-boiled egg (or carrot “lox” and northern tofu). The dressing is a lemon-dill vinaigrette
He delivers (in Cabbagetown). He’s accepting payments by e-transfers and cash. Place your orders at his email address, cyril@merryberry.ca
HoP patio
As soon as it warms up, people want to get back outside. It’ll be a nice memory in January! House on Parliament (454 Parliament)
CURRENT THEATRE PRODUCTIONS
Dancing at Lughnasa
Toronto Irish Players
Alumnae Theatre (70 Berkeley)
On stage October 19, 20 & 21, October 25,26 & 27 and November 1, 2 & 3.
Website info and tickets - here. (416) 440 - 2888
The Children
Canadian Stage Berkeley Street Theatre (26 Berkeley)
On stage to October 21
Website info and tickets - here. (416) 368-3110.
Trace
Canadian Stage Berkeley Street Theatre (26 Berkeley)
October 30 to November 11
Website info and tickets - here. (416) 368-3110.
Love Me Out of It
Citadel (304 Parliament)
October 11 and 12, October 17 to 20
VIP night, October 13
Website and Tickets - here. (416) 364-8011
RUTAS, A multi-arts international festival
Native Earth Performing Arts
Aki Studio Theatre (585 Dundas E)
On stage to October 14
Website and tickets - here. (416) 531-1402
Oraltorio
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane, Distillery)
On stage to October 20
Website and tickets - here. (416) 866-8666
The Royale
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane, Distillery)
October 12 to November 11
Website and tickets - here. (416) 866-8666
Escaped Alone
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane, Distillery)
October 28 to November 25
Website and tickets - here. (416) 866-8666
CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS
THURSDAY OCTOBER 11 TO SUNDAY OCTOBER 21
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 OCTOBER 11
Dominion
8 pm, DJ David Dees
Mill Street Brew Pub
5 pm, Live music
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Tilted Dog
10 pm, Comedy Night with Ethan O’Reilly
FRIDAY OCTOBER 12
Alice’s Place
10 pm, Karaoke
Keating Channel Pub
Danny Williams Band
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
SATURDAY OCTOBER 13
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
SUNDAY OCTOBER 14
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
The Tilted Dog
4:30 pm, Sunday afternoon jazz featuring the Pink Elephant Parade
MONDAY OCTOBER 15
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
TUESDAY OCTOBER 16
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 17
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
The Tilted Dog
7:30 pm, Smart Ass Trivia with Porter
THURSDAY OCTOBER 18
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Comedy night with Dave Burke and Danish Anwar
Dominion
8 pm, DJ Dash
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Tilted Dog
8 pm, open mic with Robert LaBell
FRIDAY OCTOBER 19
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 OCTOBER 20
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
SUNDAY OCTOBER 21
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
The Tilted Dog
4:30 pm, Sunday afternoon jazz featuring Blair Purdy
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,
SOCIAL SMITHS
574&1/2 Parliament
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
