This week’s image: an enthusiastic and thirsty choir at the annual carolling sing-along at the Tilted Dog
CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS
Don’t miss it!
Jeff Barnes and Noah Zacharin lead the chorus at the annual carolling at The Tilted Dog (424 Parliament). Inspired soloists regularly get up to sing away for everyone’s benefit. It’s a long-time, cherished Cabbagetown tradition. Song birds and others gather to belt out the favourites. It happens this year on Sunday December 16 from 3:30 to 6:30 pm. Please donate a non-perishable item for the food drive.
Congrats B-Xalted Choir
Barbara Gowdy’s new choir held its inaugural concert on Tuesday, singing highlights from Handel’s Messiah and inviting the audience to join with them singing Christmas favourites. The sold-out crowd filled St Peter & St Simon-the-Apostle Church. It was a marvellous evening. The choir has announced its return on Friday May 24.
Cabbagetown Residents Association’s Christmas lights contest
Homeowners are busy now putting up their Christmas decorations. 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 December 14 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.
Get your trees and decorations
Sam is selling trees at Spruce and Parliament next to No Frills from 10 am to 8 pm daily. His trees range in price from $40 to $90.
Anji at Blooming Flower Bar (559 Parliament) has premium trees up to 10-feet tall. She’ll 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 also has garlands, 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.
Santa photos with your pet
Photo: Wet Noses Photography.
Santa’s back for a second photo session at Pet Valu (240 Carlton) on Saturday December 15, 10 am to 2 pm. Bring your dogs, cats and even your lizards for these fun photo op’s. Don’t miss it - $10.
Larry’s Christmas Cabaret
It’s THE party of the holiday season - a hot & quirky annual holiday tradition. The Mimi Herrndorf Studio Theatre at the Citadel (304 Parliament) is transformed into a vibrant, old-style music hall (imagine Les Folies Bergères). With a not-to-be missed variety of local acts, festive cheer and a late-night bar to ring in the season. This event sells out every year! Saturday December 15. Tickets at Eventbrite, $21.49.
Soulpepper’s Family Festival
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane) has four wonderful plays in its Christmas season. They’re popular productions and they sell out so check at the Soulpepper website for ticket availability. Website and tickets here. (416) 866-8666
A Christmas Carol - On stage to December 24
Peter Pan - On stage to January 5
Tweet Tweet, A Femmes du Feu Creation - Friday December 28 and Saturday December 29
Rose: A New Musical - Thursday January 17 to Sunday February 24.
Mistletoe
Watch for the mistletoe 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.
Shop local & win
The Cabbagetown BIA is running a contest with over $1,500 in prizes available for people who join. It’s a passport plan and it’s simple to use.
First, get a free passport either at a local merchant or at the BIA office (237 Carlton). Then spend at least $20 with a participating merchant and get a stamp in your passport. When you’ve got five stamps, leave your passport at the participating store or at the BIA office. Then sit back and enjoy!
Your passport has a list of participating merchants. Contest runs to Saturday December 15. Click here to see all the details.
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 on weekdays, $6 from Friday at 6 pm through Sunday.
CHRISTMAS MEALS
Turkey time at St Jamestown
Mark is bringing in his turkeys - place your order now. Your bird will be ready for pick-up in the days before Christmas. And he has lots of veggies, nibblies and snacks to fill in your meal. Add a tourtiere for Christmas Eve. St Jamestown Steak & Chops (516 Parliament)
Cheesecake Christmas trees at Brun & Fer
Rocio at Brun & Fer (559 Parliament) is serving up Christmas joy with her tamales, tacos and lattes. Enjoy her cheesecake Christmas trees - bring a copy of this photo to the cafe and enjoy a free coffee. Her seasonal special is still available. When you order 25 or more tamales or tacos, prices begin at $2.50 each.
Christmas dinner at Cranberries
Once again, Cranberries (601 Parliament) is preparing a memorable three-course dinner for Christmas day. There’ll be two sittings - 5 pm and 7:30 pm. These special dinners are very popular and everyone who goes is always pleased. Reserve your place now at (416) 925-6330. $35.
Paintbox takeout feasts
Paintbox (555 Dundas E) has two takeout holiday meal specials - order now and pickup on December 22, 23 and 24 between noon and 3 pm. The Turkey Holiday Feast includes slow roasted turkey, sage onion stuffing, potatoes, green beans, kale quinoa salad, cranberry sauce and gravy. The Vegetarian Holiday Feast has roast cauliflower, sage onion stuffing, potatoes, green beans, kale quinoa salad, orange cranberry sauce and vegetable gravy. Both meals are $26.60 per serving.
LOCAL NEWS
Daycare needs
A small group has come together to work toward solutions to meet the daycare needs of our community.
They’ve already started conversations with a variety of facilities in the neighbourhood as well as with established, licensed daycare providers. They’ve designed a survey so they can understand more about the community’s current and projected daycare needs.
Please take a moment to answer a few short questions. And if you're interested in getting involved, your participation is welcome - send an email to cabbagetownissues@gmail.com.
Please also circulate this link among your friends and neighbours with children in Cabbagetown who may not be active on Facebook.
Click here to get to the survey.
Congrats carollers
Every year since 1995, a group of carollers has walked around the Winchester- Carlton area to sing at each home. This year, they collected $700 and 800 pounds of food for the food bank at St Luke’s Church. Congrats everyone for another successful year.
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.
IN THE MEDIA
Congrats Roselle
Photo: Suresh Doss
Metro Morning’s food critic visited Corktown’s tiny storefront bakery, Roselle Desserts (362 King E). He’s raving about Stephanie’s eclairs and madelaines. He believes that she and her husband Bruce offer the best French baking in Toronto. Click here to read his review.
New developments in St James Town
Photo: Richard Lautens, Toronto Star
The Toronto Star’s Donovan Vincent has taken a close look at the implications of adding new developments into St James Town. He looks at the crowded environment there and reviews the current stresses on social services and transit in the area. Click here to read his story.
Dixon Hall Music School
Photo: NOW Magazine
Dixon Hall held its annual fundraiser in early December, celebrating its fortieth anniversary in Regent Park. Jazz pianist Thompson Egbo-Egbo is a graduate of the School and he returned to be the event’s MC. Mark Streeter in NOW Magazine profiled his career and the impact of the Music School on his life. Click here to read about it.
Cabbagetown daycare issues
Toronto Life has joined the chorus of media articles about Cabbagetown’s daycare debate. It’s all provoked by the pending appeal about the proposal for the Sackville site at TLAB. Don’t be put off by the predictable intro - the article actually offers interesting comments from a variety of local residents.
COMING EVENTS
Wintersong - dances for a sacred season
Wintersong by the Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre (509 Parliament) is a breathtaking tapestry of seasonal dance inspired by the world’s rich solstice traditions. A world premiere by Dora Award-winning choreographer Hanna Kiel highlights the program along with four other stunning pieces. 8 pm on December 14 and 2 pm on December 15, Fleck Dance Theatre at Harbourfront (207 Queens Quay W). Tickets are $22.50 to $38. Click here for more info and for ticket purchases.
Curry-licious
Regent Park Catering Collective is hosting a pop-up lunch at Paintbox Bistro (555 Dundas E). It’ll feature delicious Indian cuisine and there’ll be market showcases by Regent Park Sewing Studio, Regent Park Jewellery Collective and Henna Art. Lunch is $10. 11:30 am to 3 pm, Friday December 14.
Brenda’s step class
Brenda has confirmed that she’ll hold a class at the regular time on Sunday, December 16 at 11 am and another on Wednesday December 19 at 9:15 am. It’s her last class for the year. Drop-ins are welcome. All classes at the gym in the CYC (2 Lancaster behind the Beer Store).
Winter flower show
The Conservatory in Allan Gardens presents its annual winter flower show until Wednesday January 9. 10 am to 5 pm daily with extended closing hours to 7 pm on December 16, 22 and 23. Free admission.
6th annual Stompin’ Tom birthday celebration
Get your tickets now - only 150 available and they’ll sell out! Whiskey Jack’s annual Stompin’ Tom birthday concert celebrates his 82nd birthday with another rousing evening of his songs. Special guests include The Good Brothers, Murray Foster and rock ’n roll legend Robbie Lane. 8 pm, Thursday January 31, Zoomer Hall (70 Jefferson in Liberty Village). $35 - more info and tickets available online.
BUSINESS NEWS
Christmas One Stop Shop
Kendall & Co (514 Parliament) is your One-Stop-Shop for all things Christmas - gifts, ornaments, stocking stuffers, stockings, stocking hangers, wreaths, wreath hangers, garlands, florals, tree toppers, tree skirts, candles, serving ware, napkins and crackers.
Need more reasons to walk over to Kendall & Co? How about cumulative advent deals or a chance to win with Cabbagetown Holiday Passport or a free mulled cider and shortbread for shoppers on the weekend?!
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 5 pm. Watch this short video to experience the sights & sounds of Kendall & Co Christmas.
Blooming Flower Bar
Anji is offering grab-’n-go holiday flower arrangements. Just drop in and pick up whatever you need. She’s also selling her homemade rum cake in her signature bowls. Her holiday hours starting on Saturday are 10 am to 7 pm daily except Mondays.
Farley Foundation at Cabbagetown Pet Clinic
Every year the Clinic holds a fundraiser for The Farley Foundation. This year they’re raffling two IPad Mini’s and two veterinary wellness packages which include vaccines, blood work, flea prevention and toys for your pet. Tickets are $10 or three for $25. Pick up yours at the Clinic (239 Gerrard E)
The Farley Foundation assists those who are struggling financially to pay for veterinary care for their pets.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Dominion Pub & Kitchen
Join Dominion Pub and Kitchen, the Red Door Family Shelter and the team at Mann Casting on Sunday December 16th from 11 am to 3 pm for an afternoon of fun, family and festivities! Bring in your unwrapped toys, winter clothes and toiletries and then join the Christmas brunch! Festivities include a hot chocolate station, gingerbread decorating, face-painting, brunch buffet and of course a visit with Santa himself! $12 for adults, kids eat free!
Welcome Velvet Lane Cakes
Velvet Lane (194a Carlton) has just opened a new bakery and cafe. Drop in for a treat or take home one of its artistic desserts designed to compliment your meal and your party’s special themes. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm, kid friendly cafe. Check out the Velvet Lane reindeer - vanilla and hazelnut covered in chocolate.
House on Parliament and Dixon Hall
House on Parliament (454 Parliament) has teamed up with Hophouse 13 Brewery to donate $2 to Dixon Hall from every pint sold during December.
A quick preview of New Year’s Eve events
The Irv (195 Carlton) has a three-course dinner for $49 per person - tomato bisque or market green salad, halibut or gnocchi for your main course and Irv’s signature bread pudding at dessert. (647) 350-4787.
F’Amelia (14 Amelia) will serve a four-course dinner starting with a salumi board or oysters, then antipasti, four choices for your main entree and three different desserts. The menu details are online here. Call (416) 33-0666 to reserve. $65 per person.
The House on Parliament (454 Parliament) will offer its usual highly scrumptious New Year’s Eve dinner - four courses, lots of lovely drinks, Taroh card readings and great company. The full package is $85. (416) 925-4074
Cyril’s soups
Cyril’s soup for Saturday December 15 is a French classic potato and watercress soup ($8). If you wish, he’ll add harissa-spiced shrimp ($10). On Tuesday December 18, he’s serving wild rice, cranberry and sherry soup ($10).
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
CURRENT THEATRE PRODUCTIONS
Every Brilliant Thing
Canadian Stage Berkeley Street Theatre (26 Berkeley)
On stage to December 16
Website and tickets here. (416) 368-3110
Soulpepper - see Christmas events above
JANUARY THEATRE & DANCE PRODUCTIONS
Top Girls
Alumnae Theatre (70 Berkeley)
Friday January 18 to Saturday February 2
Website and tickets here. (416) 364-4170, ext 1
Virgin Trial
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane)
Saturday January 19 to Sunday February 3
Website and tickets here. (416) 866-8666
Slow Dance
Toronto Dance Theatre
Winchester Theatre (80 Winchester)
Wednesday January 23 to Saturday February 2
Website and tickets here. (416) 967-1365
This Shape, We Are In
Toronto Dance Theatre
Winchester Theatre (80 Winchester)
Thursday January 24 to Saturday February 2
Website and tickets here. (416) 967-1365
A Day of Light
Dance Ontario’s DanceWeekend 2019
Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre
Fleck Dance Theatre, Harbourfront (235 Queens Quay W)
Sunday January 27
Website and tickets here. (416) 924-5657
CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS
THURSDAY DECEMBER 13 TO SUNDAY DECEMBER 23
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 DECEMBER 13
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Comedy night with Dave Burke and Danish Anwar
Dominion
8 pm - DJ Bossinova
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Tilted Dog
10 pm, Comedy Night with Ethan O’Reilly
FRIDAY DECEMBER 14
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 15
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
SUNDAY DECEMBER 16
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Dominion
11 am, Holiday fundraiser and brunch for the Red Door Family shelter, $12
The Tilted Dog
3:30 pm, annual Christmas carolling with Jeff Barnes and Noah Zacharin
MONDAY DECEMBER 17
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
TUESDAY DECEMBER 18
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 19
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
The Tilted Dog
7:30 pm, Smart Ass Trivia with Porter
THURSDAY DECEMBER 20
Dominion
8 pm, 3000AD
Mill Street Brew Pub
5 pm, Live music
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Tilted Dog
8 pm, Open Mic with Robert Labell
FRIDAY DECEMBER 21
Alice’s Place
10 pm, Karaoke
Keating Channel Pub
Danny Williams Band
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
SATURDAY DECEMBER 22
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
SUNDAY DECEMBER 23
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Tilted Dog
4:30 pm, Sunday Afternoon Jazz
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
