This week’s image: Laurier’s residents have put together a dramatic Christmas lighting display. Thanks to Mark Henschel for his lovely photo.
CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
CHRISTMAS NEWS
Laurier’s lights
Lots of Christmas lights are popping out. Congrats to Laurier’s residents for their great display. Send along your pictures of your own house for posting here. And watch for details about the Cabbagetown Residents Association lighting contest - coming soon.
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 popular Santa photo sessions are back at Pet Valu (240 Carlton) on Saturday November 24, 10 am to 2 pm. Bring your furry pals. $10.
Cabbagetown BIA holiday kick-off
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.
Click here for times, tickets and availability.
LOCAL NEWS
My Good Times with Stompin’ Tom
Duncan Fremlin has written a marvellous book about his experiences with his band Whiskey Jack and Stompin’ Tom Connors. It’s a very breezy, entertaining read. Don’t miss the anecdote about Farley Mowat!
The first chapter tells the inside story of Tom’s appearance at the 1993 Canada Day celebration on Parliament Hill. After reading this, go to Whiskey Jack’s website and scroll down to the video about “The Good Ole Hockey Game” - click here.
Skating rinks
The City of Toronto operates three skating rinks near our neighbourhoods. They’re all scheduled to open for the season on Saturday November 24.
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 each rink and others throughout the city at the official website.
2019 Tour of Homes
The Tour organizers have called out to people who are willing to list their homes on the 2019 event. Any style and size welcome - the Tour showcases the variety of our homes. For more info, contact cpa@cabbagetownpa.ca
Thanks to the coaches
On November 11, the Cabbagetown Boxing Club (2 Lancaster) held an appreciation dinner for the men and women who coach boxers at the Club. They’re all volunteers and they provide great coaching for the people of all ages who attend the Club.
Another coyote spotted in the neighbourhood
Photo: Rick Miller
Rick took this great photo on Wednesday in St James Cemetery. Laurier residents also report some sightings recently in St James Cemetery. They aren’t a worry - in fact, they try to avoid contact with humans.
Lookin’ good
Gina and Paul spent some vacation time in Mexico recently and of course, they visited the Mayan Temple in Chichenitza. It’s one of the seven wonders of the world and Gina definitely added to the ambiance of the site with her lovely vintage Cabbagetown Tee-shirt. Lookin’ good, Gina.
COMING EVENTS
Listed by dates
Block Party
Laird Kay and Raymond Girard used 50,000 LEGO bricks to build their installation at Akasha Art Projects (204D Carlton). 10 am to 7 pm, November 22 to December 22.
Armchair series at the Gestalt Institute
Join the senior faculty at the Gestalt Institute (417 Parliament) as they dim their reputations by despoiling the sacred theories of Gestalt. This week, it’s “Introject this: what should I do really?” 7 to 9 pm, Monday November 26, $10.
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.
Bollywood workshop
Here’s your chance to learn how to dance in Bollywood style. Sponsored by Taste of Regent Park. Space is limited - to register contact Cavell at cavellh@tcrc.ca 40 Oak Street, 6 to 8 pm, Wednesday November 26. Free.
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.
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.
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 (Carlton). There’ll be lots of nibblies, plenty of charming people and even some juicy neighbourhood gossip. Tickets available online - $10.
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. Odin (514 King E). Event details to be announced.
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.
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.
Brenda’s December schedule
Brenda’s step classes in December at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster) follow the usual weekly schedule - Wednesdays at 9:15 am and 11 am on Sundays. The class on Sunday December 2 is cancelled. The class for Wednesday December 19 is still to be determined. Drop-ins are always welcome.
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.
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.
There’s plenty of activity for the whole family. Live entertainment and strolling carollers. Scores of pop-up shops offer artisan goods, specialty foods, warm drinks and more. Beer gardens, patios and lounges serve mulled wine, Christmas specialties and craft beer.
Open 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 Mondays.
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.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Kali
Claudia and Lee lost Kali on November 18. She enjoyed a long and rewarding time with them. Despite being crippled by arthritis in her early life, she ran, swam, chased balls and hung out with her pals. In the end, her pain became unbearably severe and she died peacefully. She’ll be missed.
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 for every room in your house - 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
IN THE MEDIA
Bengali cooking
Photo: Suresh Doos, CBC
Suresh Doos, the food critic for CBC’s Metro Morning, recommends a visit to Banglar Saad in Regent Park’s Community Centre. It’s a network of women who prepare and sell Bengali cooking. To read his review, click here.
Social impact fund
The United Way is launching a $1 million fund designed to implement the goals established when Regent Park’s revitalization began. Its ambition is to ensure that social cohesion continues after revitalization is finished. The Daniels Corporation has contributed an initial $250,000 to start the process. Shawn Micallef has written about the fund in the Toronto Star - click here to read his story.
Roselle’s cookie social
Photo: Rick Madonik, Toronto Star
The third annual Christmas cookie social features Toronto’s best baking from 19 leading pastry chefs. Stephanie Duong from Roselle (362 King E) organizes the event. Tickets are $70 at Eventbrite and the proceeds benefit the Toronto Star Santa Claus Fund. November 26, 6 to 9 pm. For the Star’s full story, click here.
My Piece of the City
The CBC TV aired My Piece of The City on Saturday November 17 on Absolutely Canadian. It’s an exploration of the revitalization of Regent Park through the eyes of the youth who live there and who came together to perform in the musical The Journey.
The Globe & Mail’s television critic John Doyle reviewed it last Monday and he loved it. Watch it here online.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Fusilli wine and food pairing
Fusilli (531 Queen E) presents another evening of fine wine from Albino Armani paired with good food. The menu includes smoked salmon salad, linguini shrimp with rose sauce, flank steak and nutella cheesecake. The wines are chardonnay, pinot grigio, cabernet sauvignon and a ripasso. Tuesday November 27, 7 pm, $85.
Cyril’s soups
Cyril’s soup for Saturday November 24 is a quinoa and veggie stew ($8).
He regrets that he has to stop providing his Buddha bowls until the New Year. His over-all workload is now heavier than it was at Merryberry and he had promised himself that he wouldn’t get into that kind of schedule again.
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
Music bingo at the Dominion
Hosted by Kaleb Robertson. Free to play - first game starts at 7 pm. Dominion Pub & Kitchen (500 Queen E).
CURRENT THEATRE PRODUCTIONS
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
Animal by Romeo Ciolfi , November 21st - 25th
Website and tickets - here. (416) 364-4170
Weesageechak Begins to Dance
On stage to November 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.
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
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 22 TO SUNDAY DECEMBER 2
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 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 with the Brendan Davis Duo
MONDAY NOVEMBER 26
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 27
Fusilli
7 pm, Italian wine and food pairing, $85
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
Dominion
7 pm, Music bingo
WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 28
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
The Tilted Dog
7:30 pm, Smart Ass Trivia with Porter
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
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
