November 29

This week’s image: David Pretlove, the CPA’s co-chair, opens its Fall meeting at the Meeting House in Riverdale Farm.

CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD 
REVIEW

SHERBOURNE & DUNDAS

Cabbagetown South opposes a permanent treatment site
The Cabbagetown South Residents Association is opposing the application by Street Health for a permanent Consumption & Treatment Site at 338 Dundas E.  Street Health has operated a temporary treatment site there since June.
The Association claims that they’ve been unsuccessful in attempts to communicate with the executive director Kapri Rabin and her team at the site.  Furthermore, they feel that Street Health refuses to take responsibility for the behaviour of its clients outside the site.  Finally, Street Health appears to be rushing its application for a permanent site and is using a flawed petition to gauge support for it.  
The Cabbagetown South Association has emphasized that they do not oppose the site itself.  They support its delivery of life-saving services. They recommend that it be located in a dedicated health facility like the Sherbourne Health Centre.  

Street Health replies
Ms Kapri Rabin agrees that there has not been enough direct communication between Street Health and the Association members. She is clearly interested in a chance to sit with the Association and talk about her program. 
Ms Rabin cannot see the benefit of moving away - the problems are here and the solutions need to be here as well. She notes that the Sherbourne-Dundas neighbourhood is the epicentre of the overdose crisis and the source of the second highest number of 911 calls about overdoses in Toronto.
She also understands the community issues about safety. She is not indifferent to these problems but she has no control over people once they leave Street Health.  

LOCAL NEWS

Cabbagetown Preservation Association
The Cabbagetown Preservation Association held a very successful Fall meeting on Wednesday November 28.  The agenda included the presentation of two awards - the 2018 Volunteer Recognition Award and the 2018 Streetscape in Bloom Award. 
The main presentation of the evening was a lively talk by Trevor Parkins-Sciberras on Toronto’s transit history. Using an impressive collection of archival photos, he told the crowd about Toronto’s streetcars, buses and subways from their beginnings in muddy York up to the present.

2018 Volunteer Recognition Award
George Rust D’Eye has earned this award many times over for his dedicated efforts on behalf of Cabbagetown’s heritage character.  The CPA presentation was made by Barbara Hall who listed his achievements both as a volunteer, an accomplished lawyer and an author.  He’s one of the founders of the CPA and of the Cabbagetown Heritage Conservation District Committee.  Congrats, George and thanks from all of us for your contributions.

2018 Streetscapes in Bloom
The award goes to Jan Zurowski at 68 Metcalfe.  Her garden is a highly recognizable Cabbagetown landmark.  It features a pond system that’s a home for ornamental fish.  An air pump supports them through all four seasons and each pond has a hidden area to protect the fish from cats and raccoons.  Shrubs, trees, foliage and perennials grow around the ponds and create their own highlights.
Jan receives a large Kitras glass medallion, an iron hook to use for it in her garden and an original painting of the garden by Cabbagetown artist Rosie Shepherd.

Update about Pho Pas
Pho Pas is the new Asian restaurant promised for the renovated strip of stores and apartments south of Starbucks.  The building and the interior appear to be finished but for many weeks, the doors have remained shut.
Hieu Tran is the owner.  She confirms that a City of Toronto inspector is causing the delay.  She tells us that “our pain (has) lasted for many months and I don't know when it'll end…” We’ve had confirmation of this behaviour by the City official from other people close to the project.  Furthermore, this approval is a necessary step before the AGCO will issue a liquor licence to the premises.

LIFEBOAT - Jack Grunsky’s latest CD
Jack is offering 'remakes of old takes', a retrospective, including selections from his early European LP’s dating back to the 60’s-70’s, arranged and produced with a fresh approach for a contemporary context. They’re suitable for all ages. He’s joined by his family - Hertha, Cosima and Carina.  Henry Heillig provides his amazing bass. Jack does the vocals, guitar and drumming.
LIFEBOAT tracks are available to download from iTunes and other sites. For actual CD's, please contact him directly. Price is $20 (which includes S&H). PayPal - using his email address jack.grunsky@sympatico.ca - is preferred. 
Catch up with Jack’s latest news on Facebook.   

Cabbagetown BIA holiday kick-off
It was a soggy day for Santa at the BIA’s Christmas kick-off and still a big success.  As always, the horse-drawn wagons were a huge hit. City Choir provided live music.  Staij & Co (552 Parliament) and The Epicure Shop (473 Parliament) donated cookies and Kim from Spruce (455 Parliament) handed out hot chocolate.  Buds & Blossoms (517 Parliament) pasted glittery tattoos on kids’ hands and the Children’s Book Bank (350 Berkeley) gave them free books.



Skating rinks
The City of Toronto operates three skating rinks near our neighbourhoods. 
Regent Park Skating Rink (480 Shuter) is located at the Regent Park Athletic Grounds.
Riverdale Park East (550 Broadview) is at the north end of the park overlooking the Don Valley.
Sherbourne Common/Paul Quarrington rink (5 Lower Sherbourne) is on the waterfront and skaters enjoy marvellous views of the lake and downtown Toronto.
You’ll find up-to-date notices about these rinks and others throughout the city at the official website.  

Lookin’ good
Our Cabbagetown mural is the design being featured on the very last TTC Metropass.  The December pass is on sale now and it’ll be replaced after this by the new Presto cards.

Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum Historical Tidbit
by Sally Gibson   
Dominion Brewery advertisement (detail), City of Toronto Archives
Cabbagetowners loved their beer. In the early days most brewing happened up or near the Don River. By 1877, Robert Davies whose family owned the Don Brewery established his own business just two blocks away at Queen and Sumach. 
Davies met with great success. He expanded his plant in 1888 and in 1889, he sold the business to British investors who retained him as managing director. 
This advertising poster dates from that year and shows the brewery exterior, as well as several brewing operations, notably bottling (left) and filling barrels (right). Cabbagetown residents no doubt worked at the plant and were among those seen here who rolled barrels and capped bottles.
His handsome mansard-roofed brewery is still standing, providing modern retail and office space.

CHRISTMAS NEWS

Star Santa Boxes
Local Scouts in the 403 Toronto, the 44 Toronto Scouts and the 1st University Rovers are again distributing Santa Boxes from the Toronto Star.  They need volunteers to help out.
The Scouts will be working in the basement at 200 Wellesley East on Friday November 30 from 2 to 7 pm and Saturday December 1 from 9 am to 1 pm.  To find them, follow the Scouts’ logo to the basement room.
You can help by sorting parcels and by making local deliveries with a wagon or distant deliveries by car.  
To sign up, click here.  Please leave your name and the number of people coming with you.  Parcels sorting sorts at 2 pm on Friday and deliveries at 4 pm.   

51 Division annual toy drive
Organized by the CPCL committee at 51 Division.  Please donate food and unwrapped toys, games, clothing and gift cards for tots, pre-teens, teens, adults and seniors. Donations can be delivered locally to 51 Division (51 Parliament) until December 24.  

Cabbagetown South Christmas party
You’re invited to join your Cabbagetown South neighbours for the Association’s annual Christmas party.  Monday December 3, 6:30 to 9 pm, Hey Lucy cafe (227 Carlton).  There’ll be lots of nibblies, plenty of charming people and even some juicy neighbourhood gossip.  Tickets available online - $10.  

Save the date - Christmas carolling
The Tilted Dog (424 Parliament) presents its unbeatable afternoon of carolling and cavorting on Sunday December 16 from 3:30 to 6:30 pm.  Jeff and Noah will be back to lead the group singing.  Please bring your donation for a food bank.

Neighbourhood Christmas lights
Homeowners are busy now putting up their Christmas decorations.  Some - like the tree in our photo - are lovely, intricate designs.  Big or small, all are eligible to win the Cabbagetown Residents’ Association fourth annual Holiday Lights contest.   Last year, over 800 ballots were cast! Voting starts on Friday November 30 and continues to Boxing Day December 26.  Check out the procedure for nominating a home (including your own) and for voting at the CRA’s website.

Mistletoe
The mistletoe stations are back.  Watch for the logo on the sidewalk under a hanging bouquet.  Seven stations are spread out along Parliament, Carlton and Gerrard.  Take your sweetie out for dinner and smooch your way along the street. 
The BIA is having a mistletoe photo contest - prizes include gift cards for $100 and $75.  Take lots of selfies and send the best one to them before December 16.  

Santa photos with your pet
The first Santa photo session at Pet Valu (240 Carlton) on Saturday November 24, 10 am to 2 pm was a success.  Santa entertained our dogs, cats and even our lizards for these fun photo op’s.  
Don’t miss Santa’s next session on Saturday December 15 from 10 am to 2 pm. Bring your furry pals.  $10.  

Annual Founder’s Dinner
Enoch Turner Schoolhouse (106 Trinity) is hosting its annual dinner - a vintage Christmas at the Schoolhouse.  It’s a fundraiser for the Schoolhouse.  There’ll be a traditional Christmas dinner, wine, a seasonal reading and carol singing.  The emcee for the evening is Sean O’Shea from Global News. Friday December 7, 6:15 pm.  Tickets are $120 with a tax receipt, available at Eventbrite.  

Soulpepper’s Christmas 
Photo:  Cylla von Tiedemann.
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane) always stages very popular plays through the Christmas season.  It’s a good idea to book as early as possible. A Christmas Carol is on stage from Friday December 7 to Monday December 24.  Peter Pan is playing from Saturday December 8 to Saturday January 5.  The George Brown School of Performing Arts presents Robert Munsch’s Munsch Goes to School on Saturday December 1 and Saturday December 8 at 10:30 am and 1 pm each day. 

COMING EVENTS
Listed by dates

Cabbagetown Comedy
The Social Smiths (574 1/2 Parliament) presents its monthly comedy show.  The November line-up includes host Robert Watson and Clare Belford, Shohana Sharmin, Benett Carlton, Daphney Joseph, Joanne O'Sullivan, Kelly Sanchuk and Miroki Tong.  Thursday November 29, doors open at 7 pm and show at 7:30 pm. Cash bar. $10 at Eventbrite.

35 Winchester - $1,640,000

Jen Tripp is holding an open house at 35 Winchester on Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 4 pm.  In the heart of Cabbagetown. It has the classic charm of an Edwardian house with room for everyone and everything.  Check out the home’s marvellous details online here. Contact Jen Tripp at HomeLife/Realty One (501 Parliament), (416) 697-5528.

Impulse 2018
Photo: Cylla von Tiedemann
The School of Toronto Dance Theatre’s annual showcase of works performed by students in each year of the Professional Training Program.  8 pm, November 29 and 30, December 1 and December 6 to 8,  Winchester Theatre (80 Winchester).  For tickets and info, click here or call (416) 967-6887.   

Winter flower show
The Conservatory in Allan Gardens presents its annual winter flower show from Sunday December 2 to Wednesday January 9.  10 am to 5 pm daily with extended closing hours to 7 pm on December 2, 8, 9,10, 16, 22 and 23. See thousand of blossoms vines and lush plants from around the world.  On opening day, there’ll be sing-a-longs with Victorian carollers and apple cider.  Free admission.

Music for Life
Dixon Hall’s Music School is celebrating its 40th anniversary.  During that time, they’ve served kids from Regent Park and downtown east with an exceptional music experience.  
Their 2018 fundraising event will be emcee’d by Thompson Egbo-Egbo and will feature kids from the school along with a surprise guest.  The Honourable Bob Rae will be the event chair.  Drinks, food and lots of good conversation.  It all happens on Wednesday December 5 from 6 to 9 pm at the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E). Tickets are $300 - click here for more info and tickets.  

Corktown holiday party
Save the date - Thursday December 6, 7 to 11 pm for the annual Corktown holiday party.  Lots of good friendship, neighbourhood news, silent auction, finger food and drinks. Donations over $10 will receive a free beer from Aviary Brewpub.  Check out the new Underpass Park clothing line.  Odin (514 King E). Tickets are available from Eventbrite.   

Discovery Days at Riverdale Farm
A great opportunity for kids ages 6 to 12 - a wide array of fun and interactive activities and games highlighting agriculture, leadership, teamwork and crafts. On Friday December 7, make a grass head (a homemade chia pet), experience how horses and cows see differently than people, explore what foods animals eat and work with a team to cross a chocolate river!  More experiences on January 18 and February 15.  9 am to 4 pm.  $70 per session.  Call to register at (416) 338-4386 or call 311.

Holiday market
The Tilted Dog (424 Parliament)  presents a Cabbagetown Holiday Market with art and crafts by local artists.  Festive cocktails and good food.  Saturday December 8, noon to 5 pm.  

Farm for the holidays
Enjoy Santa’s visit and lots of family entertainment at Riverale Farm (Winchester and Sumach).  Saturday December 8.  Cookie baking and decorating from 10 am to 2 pm.  Santa’s visit from 10:30 am to 1 pm.  Please bring a toiletry donation for our local shelters.  Free.

Toronto Christmas Market
Photo: Alessandro Shinoda, toronto.com 
The Distillery’s Christmas Market runs until Sunday December 23.  It’s a huge, crowd-pleasing success with plenty of activity for the whole family.  Live entertainment and strolling carollers, pop-up shops with artisan goods, specialty foods, warm drinks and more.  Beer gardens, patios and lounges serve mulled wine, Christmas specialties and craft beer.  
Noon to 9 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday,  noon to 10 pm on Friday, 10 am to 10 pm on Saturday and 10 am to 9 pm on Sunday.  Closed Mondays.  
Free admission from Tuesday to Friday at 5 pm.  After Friday at 6 pm through Sunday, general admission is $6 and express admission passes are $20.

BUSINESS NEWS

Seaton Supermarket
Photo:  Eric Morse
Mr and Mrs Kim who have operated their Seaton Supermarket (220 Gerrard E) are retiring.  After more than 30 years in this location, their store will close on December 31.  Local photographer Eric Morse reports that this is the best convenience store west of Parliament and they’ll be missed.  Our best wishes to them for their retirement. 

Marilyn at Pet Valu
Marilyn from Diggity Dog Grooming returns to Pet Valu (240 Carlton) on Saturday for her regular monthly nail clinic.  Bring your pets and give them a fun day having their nails trimmed.  Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm. $10
If you want a nifty trim and grooming for your pet at other times, visit her at the Cabbagetown Pet Clinic (239 Gerrard E).  

The countdown is on…
Kendall & Co (514 Parliament) has adorable Advent calendars. Each is beautifully gift boxed and opens into numbered compartments revealing wooden figures & scenery. Assembles easily to create a nativity scene, a train set or a gathering of forest animals. Watch this video to see what a great gift it is. Kendall & Co is your local, one-stop-shop for Christmas with amazing gifts, holiday décor and everything on your wish list for your home. 
Enjoy Kendall’s extended holiday hours: Monday to Wednesday 10 am to 6 pm, Thursday and Friday 10 am to 7 pm, Saturday 11 am to 5 pm and Sunday noon to 4 pm.

Christmas at Blooming Flower Bar
Fresh-cut Christmas trees are now in stock at Blooming Planter (559 Parliament).   Anji will deliver your tree to your Cabbagetown door for $10 and set it up for an additional $15.  Add on a custom decoration service as well - check with Anji for a quote. 
She’s also offering garland, wreaths, boughs, swags, mantles, lights, cones, rope, branches and other decorating needs as well as her gifts and flower selections. Email: getblooming@gmail.com to discuss.

Handwriting and cursive writing classes
Wonder Pens Studio Shop (290 Gerrard E) is offering handwriting classes for kids ages 8+.  Two dates - Saturday December 8 and Saturday January 19 - $10.  Your child will receive a free Platinum Preppy fountain pen at the first class.  Click here to find out more.  

IN THE MEDIA

B-Xalted Choir
Photo:  Ruth Kaplan, Toronto Star
Barbara Gowdy has organized Toronto’s newest choir and they’re preparing now for their inaugural concert. They’ll be singing highlights from Handel’s Messiah.  St Peter and St Simon-the-Apostle Church (525 Bloor E), December 11, 8 pm, $10 to $25, tickets at Eventbrite.  
On Monday November 26, Judith Timson wrote an introduction to the Choir in the Toronto Star - click here to read it.  

RESTAURANT NEWS 

Tamales at Brun & Fer
Brun & Fer, the tiny Mexican cafe inside the flower shop (559 Parliament) has a special offer available for Christmas season.  Tamales are on sale at $2.75 each for ten and $2.50 each for 25 or more.  

Congrats Tasso
The Daily Hive has just published another very good review for Tasso (550 Parliament). A hidden gem, “This micro-bakery may look nondescript from the outside… and there may be little more than standing room on the inside… but the flavours it offers will knock you onto your derrière.”  Click here to read the full review.   

Congrats Stout
blogTO has just voted Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) as the best place for shepherd’s pie in Toronto.  Click here to read the review.   

Cyril’s soup
Cyril’s soup for Saturday December 1 is white bean and spinach. The flavourings will be familiar and comforting: garlic for a mild background kick, rosemary for fragrance and earthiness and lemon to wake the whole thing up. The vegan version is $8; make it $10 if you want added turkey sausage.
A quick reminder - the order deadline is Thursday, 7pm. He delivers his soups (in Cabbagetown). He’s accepting payments by e-transfers and cash.  Place your orders at his email address, cyril@merryberry.ca 

Cyril’s December schedule
Tuesday December 4: pear and parsnip soup ($8)
Saturday December 8: curried carrot and lima bean soup ($8)
Tuesday December 11: lentil and chestnut soup ($8)
Saturday December 15: Moroccan potato and watercress soup ($8), add spicy shrimp ($10)
Tuesday December 18: Wild rice, cranberry and Sherry soup ($10) 

CURRENT THEATRE PRODUCTIONS

Citadel Dance Mix 2018
Citadel + Compagnie (304 Parliament)
On stage to December 1
Website and tickets here.  (416) 364-8011

Yellow Rabbit
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane)
On stage to December 1
Website and tickets here.  (416) 866-8666

Every Brilliant Thing
Canadian Stage Berkeley Street Theatre (26 Berkeley)
On stage to December 16
Website and tickets here.  (416) 368-3110

A Christmas Carol
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane)
December 7 to December 24
Website and tickets here.  (416) 866-8666

Peter Pan
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane)
December 8 to January 5
Website and tickets here.  (416) 866-8666

Munsch Goes to School
Young Centre for the Performing Arts (50 Tank House Lane)
December 1 and December 8
Website and tickets here.  (416) 866-8666

CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 29 TO SUNDAY DECEMBER 9

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 NOVEMBER 29

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Comedy night with Dave Burke and Danish Anwar 
Dominion
8 pm - ODC
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Social Smiths
7 pm, Cabbagetown Comedy, $10

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 30

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 DECEMBER 1

New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke

SUNDAY DECEMBER 2

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
The Tilted Dog 
4:30 pm, Sunday afternoon jazz featuring Joel Sheridan

MONDAY DECEMBER 3

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

TUESDAY DECEMBER 4

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 5

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

THURSDAY DECEMBER 6

Mill Street Brew Pub
5 pm, Live music
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Tilted Dog
8 pm, live acoustical music with Jeff Barnes and Noah Zacharin

FRIDAY DECEMBER 7

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

SATURDAY DECEMBER 8

New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Tilted Dog
Noon to 5 pm, Holiday Market

SUNDAY DECEMBER 9

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Tilted Dog
4:30 pm, Sunday Afternoon Jazz with Ambiance

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