This week’s image: the New Roots Dinner at Kendall & Co - one of six beautiful venues for the event last Tuesday evening. Photo: Joe Nasr.
CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
Congrats to the New Roots Dinner organizers
Everyone involved is excited about the glamour and success of the New Roots Dinner fundraising project last Tuesday night. Daniel et Daniel (248 Carlton) organized the series on behalf of Green Thumbs Growing Kids. About 100 people showed up and enjoyed the meal.
It happened at six locations across Cabbagetown - Kendall & Co (514 Parliament), Spruce (455 Parliament) and Kim’s Loft (Ontario and Gerrard), Akasha Art Projects (204D Carlton), Labour of Love (223 Carlton) and Toronto Dance Theatre (80 Winchester). The meal was designed by D & D’s executive chef Karen O’Connor and executive pastry chef Bonnie Kravitz - highlights included cedar roasted salmon and a plum dessert. Herbs, beans, peppers and plums all came from school gardens.
Read all the details and see the marvellous settings at the Green Thumbs blog online.
ELECTION NEWS
Ward 13 election reminders
We have 19 candidates for City Council. They’re all listed along with their contact info online here.
The advance polls are coming next week from Wednesday October 10 to Sunday October 14, 10 am to 7 pm daily. In Ward 13, we cast our advance poll ballots 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 are now being mailed and they list your local polling station.
At either the advance or regular poll, you’ll need identification that shows your name and Toronto address.
Corktown election debate
Photo: Corktown Residents & Business Association
Congrats to the Corktown Residents & Business Association for organizing a candidates’ night on Tuesday. It was a standing-room only crowd. Each candidate was given two minutes for a quick introductory speech - and surprisingly, they kept to this schedule. Then they dispersed to various places around the room where audience members could meet them and talk individually. By all reports, this format worked well.
City Council 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.
LOCAL NEWS
Police updates
Police updates
Photo: Susan Reid, CBC News
A 57 year-old man was struck by a vehicle and died in Nuthatch Lane near Ontario and Carlton on Friday afternoon September 21. In a separate incident, Mackai Bishop Jackson, a 15 year old boy, was shot and killed in Regent Park on Tuesday September 25. By Wednesday October 3, Toronto Police Service had no new announcements to make about either event.
Petitions for street improvements
The BIA and the Cabbagetown Residents Association have asked the City of Toronto for upgrades and changes at two locations. They’re inviting everyone to answer a petition about each location. The links to the petitions are listed below.
First, on Spruce Street, they’re asking for parking and safety improvements near the No Frills store. Click here.
On Broadcast Lane, they’re suggesting speed bumps for traffic calming. Click here.
You can read about each project at these links.
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.
Check out the Port Lands
Waterfront Toronto has opened a large scale model of the Port Lands Flood Protection at its Drop-in Centre (200 Queens Quay E). It shows all the details of the river valley, parks, roads and bridges in the project. October 4 to November 4, Thursdays from 4:30 to 8:30 pm and Sundays from noon to 5 pm.
Chartwell’s The Sumach
Despite several construction delays created by the city-wide shortage of skilled trades, The Sumach (Shuter and Sumach) is now enclosed with the brick work and windows installed. When it’s finished, it’ll offer 12 floors of rental retirement living along with a fitness area, a library, a lounge, a theatre and a gardening area. It’s pet friendly and will include a pet spa. There’ll be a ground-floor public bistro and a private ninth-floor pub. Reservations for suites are still being accepted. Check out The Sumach’s website here.
Congrats Riverdale Farm
Photo: snapd Cabbagetown/Village
The celebrations for the Farm’s 40th anniversary last weekend included a successful fundraiser on Friday night. There was live music, plenty of opportunity to explore the Farm and, of course, lots of good gossip among friends. Dinner was served by the Food Dudes. Proceeds from the event go toward youth educational projects at the Farm.
Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum Historical Tidbit
By Sally Gibson. Image: advertising card, Toronto Public Library.
“Branding” is a modern concept in marketing. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, however, consistent and relevant messaging was not always evident. This advertising card featuring a “lovely lady” with a (puzzling) small soldier opening his arms at her feet might
have provided a striking image. It might have been distributed by a dentist or a grocer or a patent medicine promotor.
In fact, it was one of a series promoting the “fancy printing of
all kinds done well and cheap” by D. McGee’s Excelsior Press at 403 Parliament Street.
For more Cabbagetown history, photos and videos visit the CRPM Facebook page.
COMING EVENTS
Marilyn at Pet Valu
Marilyn is back at Pet Valu (240 Carlton) for her monthly appearance from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday October 6. Bring your pet for a quick and pleasant nail trimming experience. $10.
Visit her regular business, Diggity Dog Grooming, for grooming and nail trimming at the Cabbagetown Pet Clinic (239 Gerrard E). And check out her terrific Facebook page.
Fall plant sale
Friends of Allan Gardens will host a plant sale on Sunday October 7 from 10 am to 1 pm in the Children’s Conservatory (Carlton and Jarvis). 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 sale cash only. The plant list for the sale is online here.
ROM Walk - St James Cemetery
The season’s final ROM Walk in our area takes you through St James Cemetery including the Chapel, a national historic site. 2 pm, Sunday October 7. Meet at the cemetery entrance on Parliament Street just north of Wellesley. Free.
Chrysanthemum show at Allan Gardens
Visit the Conservatory (Jarvis and Carlton) from October 8 to November 9, 10 am to 5 pm daily. Free.
Author talk - The Shining Fragments
Hosted by the Ontario Heritage Foundation. The Shining Fragments is the story of an Irish orphan in late-nineteenth century Toronto. The author, Robin Blackburn McBride, will talk about her novel at the Enoch Turner Schoolhouse (106 Trinity) on Wednesday October 10 from noon to 1 pm. Free. Click here for details.
Sprucecourt School Council
The Council’s monthly meeting is scheduled for 3:30 pm, Wednesday October 10. Members of the Sprucecourt community are invited to attend. Following the meeting, the Council is putting together a community potluck supper. Plates and cutlery will be provided. Guests are asked to bring one dish with enough food to serve to 8 to 12 people. Please label your dish if it’s Halel and please make it peanut-free. 70 Spruce.
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 (at Ontario) are having a big community yard sale. Back patio, Sunday October 14, from 10 am onward.
BUSINESS NEWS
Thanksgiving centre pieces
Anji at Blooming Flower Bar (559 Parliament) is now taking orders for your centre pieces and Thanksgiving decorations. Contact her at (647) 350-8076 or visit her at her shop.
The Cabbagetown BIA’s chairman’s awards
Here’s your chance to promote your favourite Cabbagetown businesses. The BIA is welcoming votes by the local community. They’re suggesting fifteen categories where you can highlight great service, unusual inventory, good professional advice, window displays, facade improvements and lots more.
Vote now and be eligible to win one of three $50 credits for Cabbagetown swag.
Click here to vote.
IN THE MEDIA
Congrats to Michael Cavanaugh
Photo: Justin Greaves, Metroland
Mike has built the Bell Box mural project since 2009 into an impressive province-wide program. It started in St James Town and by now, over 300 utility boxes have been painted. He’s also spearheaded the design and painting of our local murals at the LCBO and at 193 Carlton. He’s been named an Urban Hero in the Arts Category by toronto.com - click here.
Toronto Police Service neighbourhood program
Toronto Police Service is rolling out a pilot program to enhance policing in eight neighbourhoods including Regent Park. It’ll continue to March 2019 and after that, the results will be evaluated and the program will continue for four more years. Deputy Chief Peter Yuen spoke to CBC’s Metro Morning about the project - click here.
Affordable housing lottery
Photo: Martin Trainor, CBC
Toronto Community Housing has just completed a lottery for 75 units in its building at 110 River Street. Over 2000 people applied. CBC News covered the story - click here.
Andrew Kinsman’s disappearance
Toronto Police Service photos
Mr Kinsman’s disappearance was a shock to people in Cabbagetown and in the Gay Village. It also served as a final key to understanding that a serial killer was on the prowl. Court documents showing the police investigation were unsealed this week. Click here to read the CBC News story.
The Children’s Book Bank
Brad Wheeler profiled the Book Bank (350 Berkeley at Gerrard) in his October 2 Globe & Mail article. Click here to read his story.
650 Parliament fire
Photo: CP24
Housing for displaced residents continues to be a problem. The City of Toronto stopped using the Regent Park Community Centre as a shelter on October 1. According to the 650 relocation manager, everyone had some sort of housing by Tuesday October 2. Click here to see the CP24 story.
The Toronto Star details the hassles that residents have experienced and the frustrations facing the building managers who are trying to help them.
Two different class-action lawsuits have been launched. In the first, lawyers claim that the building owner didn’t adequately care for the building. The second lawsuit widens the scope to include Toronto Hydro. CBC News discusses both actions - click here.
THANKSGIVING FEASTS
Dominion Pub & Kitchen
Thanksgiving dinner and fundraiser, Saturday from 4 pm. The fundraiser will benefit The Red Door Family Shelter - please bring unwrapped toys, children’s books and toiletries. Kids under 12 eat free. 500 Queen E
The Irv
The Irv (195 Carlton) has the most interesting, off-beat Thanksgiving serving - turkey grilled cheese with cranberry, brie, stuffing and fries or salad. $17.
Daniel et Daniel dinner for ten
Daniel’s superb dinner is now available for you to take home and serve. It’s a three-course meal with soup, sage roast turkey, mashed potato, stuffing, French green beans, red peppers and shiitake mushrooms and apple pie or pumpkin pie for desert. Call (416) 968-9275 or contact online here. $37.50 per person for a minimum serving of ten people.
Paintbox takeout dinners
Enjoy a holiday feast that’s fully prepared and just waiting for you to heat it up. Cooking instructions come along with your meal. There’s a full turkey dinner and a vegetarian one. Order yours online - save $2 per person when you order online before October 1.
Click here to see the menu and ordering info. 555 Dundas E.
Cranberries
A three-course turkey dinner - usually a sold-out favourite. Start with butternut squash soup or a salad, then roast turkey with all the trimmings and finish with apple pie or pumpkin pie. Sunday and Monday. Two seatings - 5 and 7 pm. Reservations are needed. Call (416) 925-6330. $35. 601 Parliament.
House on Parliament
Get to the Pub early - dinner is served from 5 pm until “it runs out” on Sunday and Monday. There’ll be turkey, yummy stuffing, mashed potato with gravy, cranberry sauce and fresh veggies - $21. 454 Parliament.
Peartree
Enjoy a Cabbagetown favourite. A three-course dinner with soup, a full turkey dinner for the entree and pumpkin pie dessert for only $25.99. Saturday from 5 to 11 pm, Sunday and Monday from noon to 11 pm. 507 Parliament.
The Tilted Dog
It’s a feast - roast turkey, mashed potato, stuffing, cranberry sauce and fresh veggies. Thanksgiving dinners are planned for Sunday from 3 pm and all day on Monday. $24.95. 424 Parliament.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Jugemu Sushi
Jugemu (193 Carlton) will be closed until Tuesday October 9 for restaurant maintenance.
Cyril’s bowls and soups
Saturday’s soup features carmelized onion and roasted garlic. This week’s Buddha Bowl is inspired by India, the Tikka Masala with lime-cilantro Basmati rice and nuts, Indian eggplant, chickpeas, avocado and pickled onion and your choice of chicken, paneer or tofu in a little tangy and a little spicy tikka masala (tomato coriander) sauce. As usual, the bowl is $15, available Friday or Saturday evening.
He delivers (in Cabbagetown). He’s accepting payments by e-transfers and cash. Place your orders at his email address, cyril@merryberry.ca
CURRENT THEATRE PRODUCTIONS
The Importance of Being Earnest
Alumnae Theatre (70 Berkeley)
On stage to October 6
Website info and tickets - here. (416) 364-4170, ext 1.
The Children
Canadian Stage Berkeley Street Theatre (26 Berkeley)
On stage to October 21
Website info and tickets - here. (416) 368-3110.
Oraltorio
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane, Distillery)
On stage to October 20
Website and tickets - here. (416) 866-8666
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)
October 3 to 14
Website and tickets - here. (416) 531-1402
The Royale
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane, Distillery)
October 12 to November 11
Website and tickets - here. (416) 866-8666
CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS
THURSDAY OCTOBER 4 TO SUNDAY OCTOBER 14
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 4
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Comedy night with Dave Burke and Danish Anwar
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Tilted Dog
8 pm, live music with Jeff Barnes and Noah Zacharin
FRIDAY OCTOBER 5
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 6
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
SUNDAY OCTOBER 7
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
The Tilted Dog
4:30 pm, Sunday afternoon jazz featuring Joe Spina and Mark Teixiera Duo
MONDAY OCTOBER 8 - THANKSGIVING
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
TUESDAY OCTOBER 9
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 10
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
The Tilted Dog
7:30 pm, Smart Ass Trivia with Porter
THURSDAY OCTOBER 11
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
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
