November 15

This week’s image: the Toronto Christmas Market returns to the Distillery.

CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD 
REVIEW

LOCAL NEWS

Toronto Christmas Market
Photo: Alessandro Shinoda, toronto.com 
The Distillery’s Christmas Market returns on Thursday November 15 and runs until Sunday December 23.  It’s a huge, crowd-pleasing success. 
There’s plenty of activity for the whole family - Santa’s House, Indigo pop-up shop, pet photos, walking tours and the family zone.
Scores of shops offer artisan goods, specialty foods, warm drinks and more.  Beer gardens, patios and lounges serve mulled wine, Christmas specialties and craft beer.  
It’s open six days a week - from noon to 9 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday,  from noon to 10 pm on Friday, from 10 am to 10 pm on Saturday and from 10 am to 9 pm on Sunday.  Closed Monday.  
The entertainment changes daily.  Themes have been selected for each day of the week.  Christmas carollers roam through the site daily.  Every day at 6 pm, there’s a carolling sing-a-long at the Trinity Stage. 
From Tuesday to Friday at 5 pm, admission is free.  After Friday at 6 pm through Sunday, general admission is $6 and express admission passes are $20.

My Piece of the City
The CBC TV will air My Piece of The City - an exploration of the revitalization of Regent Park through the eyes of the youth who live there coming together to perform in the musical The Journey. Saturday November 17, 1 pm on Absolutely Canadian.  

Flu shots
Check with your doctor or your regular local drug store.  The 2018 flu shots are now available.  The regular shots protect against four strains of the virus and are available from participating pharmacies.  Seniors can get a stronger dose from their doctors that fights three strains.  Free.  Check here for lots of info from the official government website.  

Suze Morrison’s office
Our local MPP Suze Morrison is opening her constituency office at 329 Parliament at the corner of Parliament and Dundas.  The launch party happens between 1 and 3 pm on Saturday November 17.  
Her local staff person is Emma Beattie and she can be reached there at (416) 972-7683 and at SMorrison-CO@ndp.on.ca 

Coyote spotted in the Necropolis
Brian was walking his dog Sophie in the Necropolis last week when he spotted a coyote strolling through.  “He was quite big and had a huge bushy tail.  He kept right on going and disappeared down the hill where the sign posted reads Scattering Area!”  As Brian notes, a coyote won’t bother us but we’re well advised to keep our dogs safely with us.

Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum Historical Tidbit
Image:  Sheldrake Apartment by David Milne AGO 
David Milne is recognized as one of Canada’s greatest artists. He spent a formative decade in New York City where he encountered Europe’s avant garde artists, notably Monet whom he saluted as being particularly influential and five of his paintings were shown at the famous 1913 Armory Show of modern art. Otherwise, Milne lived and worked almost entirely in rural and wilderness areas. 
In one brief interlude in1921, he and his “wife” lived in Toronto at the Sheldrake Apartments across the street from Allan Gardens. (His wife, Patsy, would not give him a divorce.) We can imagine Milne wandering Cabbagetown’s streets and dipping down into the Don Valley and ravines for a touch of nature. Here’s a sketch he made of the Sheldrake apartment.

COMING EVENTS
Listed by dates

Regent Park Film Festival
The 16th annual community film festival is happening now in the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E) until Saturday November 17.  Its program offers films from independent producers - nervy, political and based on real community experiences.  Free with free childcare on site.   Check out the program online here.  

Tax guided investment planning
Meridian Credit Union (486 Parliament) is sponsoring an investment seminar that advises on strategies to use tax planning as investment guiding principles. Two financial advisors, Michael Powell and Doug Carroll, will lead the discussions.  Free.  Tuesday November 20, 6:15 to 7:30 pm, Staij and Company (552 Parliament).  Please RSVP to StevenAhn@meridiancu.ca. 

Santa photos with your pet
The popular Santa photo sessions are back at Pet Valu on Saturday November 24, 10 am to 2 pm.  Bring your furry pals.  $10.  

Cabbagetown BIA holiday kick-off
Grab a Santa selfie, enjoy a wagon ride, listen to live music, get a free book and nibble on snacks and hot drinks.  It’s a free event - donations are welcome and will be distributed to local children’s organizations.  Bring a food bank donation or leave one at Cosimo’s No Frills.  Saturday November 24, noon to 3 pm, Carlton and Parliament.

CPA Fall Meeting
The Cabbagetown Preservation Association will hold its annual Fall meeting on Wednesday November 28 at 7 pm in the Meeting House at Riverdale Farm (Winchester and Sumach).  Trevor Parkins-Sciberras will be the featured speaker.  He’s an historian and a transit expert.  He’ll talk about Toronto’s transit from the days of horse-drawn streetcars to our modern-day LRVs.
The winner of the 2018 Streetscapes in Bloom award will be given a painting of the winning garden. The CPA will also give out its 2018 CPA Recognition Award.

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 (Jarvis and Carlton) 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.  

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Phil Ogison
Phil died last Friday, November 9.  He leaves his wife Catherine Tammaro and his children Ariel Amberg and the late David Ogison.  
He was a familiar Cabbagetown figure.  He and Catherine lived at Three Streets Co-op and he was often seen playing outdoor guitar riffs from the Co-op’s Red Chairs.  He taught digital music to students at the Regent Park School of Music.  In retirement, he was a crossing guard at Church and Alexander for ten years. 
His music career spanned over fifty years playing with many bands and musicians on the West Coast and in Toronto and he created over thirty CDs.  His memorial service will be announced by Catherine at a later date.  
He’ll be missed. 

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If this piques your interest, please send your resume to:
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Apartment needed
Two professional, mature, quiet and fun Cabbagetowners are seeking a 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment/condo/house rental in the area starting in early 2019.  “We’ve lived in this amazing community for five years and we would love to stay, but the owners of our home are selling it in March so we have to move along.  We have excellent credit scores, references, no pets and both work full time.” Please contact smhaldenby@gmail.com or 416-346-3325. 

BUSINESS NEWS

’Tis the Season
For Rugs …. Rugs provide instant warmth and comfort as the season turns cold. Kendall & Co (514 Parliament) has them in abundance - in wool, bamboo, vinyl and synthetics. Available in both standard and custom sizes. See the new patterns and various collections at your local One-Stop-Shop for décor & furniture.  
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. http://kendallandco.ca/fyi/retail/wool-rug-collection 

Holiday season at Blooming Flower Bar
The holidays start today at Blooming Flower Bar (559 Parliament).  On Thursday November 15, lights, evergreen branches and boughs, garlands, premium Christmas trees and much more are all on display.  Place your order by phone or email and you’ll get exactly what you’re looking for.  You can have it delivered right to your door for an additional $10.  (647) 350-8076 and getblooming@gmail.com  

Holiday promo at Hair Spa
Nano and her team at Hair Spa (440 Parliament) will get you spiffied up for your holiday parties. Get a colour, cut and style and look fab for the season.  Book online at hairspa77.ca or call (416) 920-5643. 

The BIA’s Best of Cabbagetown 2018
Congrats to the winners!  These businesses were voted favourites by the general public in the BIA’s recent survey. Please note that in some categories the votes were very close and the BIA decided to honour the runner up as well as the winner.
Best customer service - The Epicure Shop (473 Parliament)
Best professional service provider - Old Cabbagetown Physiotherapy (255 Gerrard E)
Best selection of hard-to-find goods - Labour of Love (223 Carlton)
Best personal care provider - Star Nails (442 Parliament)
Best service or repair - Cycle Solutions (444 Parliament) and runner-up, Jose Shoe Repair (202 Carlton)
Best new local business - Blooming Flower Bar (559 Parliament) and runner up, Social Smiths (574 Parliament)
Best store display or window - Kendall & Co (514 Parliament)
Best interior and/or exterior improvement - Akasha Art Project (204d Carlton) and runner up, Spruce Home Decor (455 Parliament)
Best at giving back to the community - St James Town Steak & Chops (516 Parliament) 
Best neighbourhood dine-in restaurant - House on Parliament (454 Parliament) and runner-up, F’Amelia (14 Amelia). 
Best coffee or snack shop - Staij & Co (552 Parliament)
Best grab-and-go/delivery restaurant - Butter Chicken Factory (556 Parliament)
Best vegetarian/gluten free options - Freshed Right Salad & Juice Bar (298 Gerrard E)
Award for investment in Cabbagetown - Regan and Jackie Irvine from The Irv (195 Carlton) and Beer Batter Fish ’n Chips (200 Carlton)
Award for friendliest shop owner - Lavern at Tasty Pita (298 Gerrard E)

Cycle Solutions
The winter tune-up sale is back.  Save 20% when you get your bike tune-up from now until February 15.  Call for an appointment (416) 972-6948. 444 Parliament.

IN THE MEDIA

Don’t tell me to smile
Photo: Grant Litton, CBC News
Hilary Macmillan has opened a fashion design shop (224 Carlton) that features feminist slogans and styles.  The CBC ran a story by Talia Ricci about her success - click here to read it. 
Check out Hilary's website to see her current styles.   

Renovating a Cabbagetown cottage
Photo:  Modern Movement
The National Post’s Martha Uniake Breen has profiled the renovation of a “Lower” Cabbagetown house from its original decaying state to its modern conclusion.  Click here to read her story. 

Additional shelter beds
The City of Toronto is building three pre-fab temporary shelters to provide 145 new beds for homeless people during the winter’s worst months.  The nearest one for our neighbourhood will be located at Lake Shore and Cherry. After the disgraceful mix-ups and slow responses to last year’s cold weather, the City has set up extra staff, budgets and beds to react more quickly when needed.  Read the full story from the Globe & Mail.   

Street Health clinic
Photo:  Craig Chivers/CBC
Celeste Decaire has written a CBC report about the temporary overdose-prevention site located in the Sherbourne and Dundas area.  She details the daily challenges for the frontline workers who are trying to create safe havens for users.  Click here to see her report.   

RESTAURANT NEWS 

Wash down your fish ’n chips
Beer Batter Fish ’n Chips (200 Carlton) has received its liquor licence.  You can now wash down any one of their scrumptious combos with a cold one. 

Congrats Butter Chicken Factory
blogTO has listed Butter Chicken Factory (556 Parliament) as one of the nine best places to get butter chicken in Toronto.  It’s a big honour in a crowded field - “Using a special recipe with korma paste, expect their version of the dish to have an extra special flavour.” Read the full review here.   

Cyril’s soups
Cyril’s soup for Saturday November 17 is a Vietnamese sweet-and-sour tamarind and fresh pineapple  ($8).  Add some shrimp ($10). On Tuesday November 20, his soup has roasted cauliflower and roasted garlic ($8).   
He delivers (in Cabbagetown). He’s accepting payments by e-transfers and cash.  Place your orders at his email address, cyril@merryberry.ca

American Thanksgiving at Peartree
Enjoy a prix fixe, three-course dinner with butternut squash soup, roast turkey and all the trimmings and pumpkin pie for dessert.  $25.99.  Thursday November 22, 5 to 9 pm.  507 Parliament.

Psychic brunch
The psychics are back at Cranberries (601 Parliament) for brunch on Sunday November 18.  Enjoy two detailed readings and get a $5 coupon toward your brunch.  11 am, $42.

CURRENT THEATRE PRODUCTIONS
Listed by dates.

The Caucasian Chalk Circle
George Brown School of Performing Arts
Young Centre for the Performing Arts (50 Tank House Lane, Distillery) 
On stage to November 17.  
Website info and tickets - click here.    (416) 866-8666. 

 Escaped Alone
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane, Distillery)
On stage to November 25
Website and tickets - here.  (416) 866-8666

Alumnae Theatre’s 6th Annual FireWorks Festival
Moving On by Elmar Maripuu , November 14th - 18th
Animal by Romeo Ciolfi , November 21st - 25th
Website and tickets - here.  (416) 364-4170

Weesageechak Begins to Dance
November 14 to 24
Native Earth, Aki Studio Theatre (585 Dundas E)
Daily performances include Indigenous theatre, dance, opera and multidisciplinary works. Panel discussions and a professional development series. 
2-Spirit Cafe, Friday November 16.
Detailed daily listings and tickets - here.   (416) 531-1402.

Citadel Dance Mix 2018
Citadel + Compagnie (304 Parliament)
November 21 to 24, November 28 to December 1
Website and tickets here.  (416) 364-8011

Yellow Rabbit
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane)
November 23 to December 1
Website and tickets here.  (416) 866-8666

Every Brilliant Thing
Canadian Stage Berkeley Street Theatre (26 Berkeley)
On stage November 27 to December 16
Website and tickets here.  (416) 368-3110

CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 15 TO SUNDAY NOVEMBER 25

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 15

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Comedy night with Dave Burke and Danish Anwar 
Dominion
8 pm - DJ Money Jane
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Tilted Dog
8 pm, open mic with Robert LaBell

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 16

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 NOVEMBER 17

New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 18

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Cranberries
11 am, Psychic brunch, $42.
The Tilted Dog 
4:30 pm, Sunday afternoon jazz featuring Sherie Marshall

MONDAY NOVEMBER 19

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 20

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 21

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

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 22

Dominion
8 pm - DJ IKanPro
Mill Street Brew Pub
5 pm, Live music
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 23

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

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 24

New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 25

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

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