December 20

This week’s image: Christmas lights on Amelia - vote for your favourite decorations in the Cabbagetown Residents Association contest.

CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD 
REVIEW

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS

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 continues to Boxing Day December 26.  Cast your vote at the CRA’s website.  

Check out the tree in the Farm
Be sure to get to the Farm in Riverdale Park (Winchester and Sumach) after dark.  The tree is gorgeous and well worth your visit.

Winter flower show
The Conservatory in Allan Gardens (Carlton and Sherbourne) presents its annual winter flower show until Wednesday January 9.  10 am to 5 pm daily.  See a rare view of the Conservatory by lantern light - the show is open during extended closing hours to 7 pm on Saturday December 22 and Sunday December 23. Website and tickets here.  (416) 866-8666. Free admission.

Congrats Tilted Dog
A nice big crowd showed up at The Tilted Dog (424 Parliament) for last Sunday’s carolling sing-along.  Jeff Barnes and Noah Zacharin lead the chorus and inspired soloists regularly got up to sing for everyone’s benefit.  A good time for everybody.

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’s 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.

Soulpepper’s Family Festival
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane)  has four wonderful plays in its Christmas season.  They’re popular productions 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 Kissing Stations
Watch for the mistletoe logo on the sidewalk under a hanging bouquet.  Seven stations are spread out along Parliament, Carlton and Gerrard.  
The BIA ran a selfie photo contest and the three winners are Joanna (she and her sweetie are kissing their dog), Dani (she left out her sweetie and just brought her dog) and Brenda (a nice hot one with her hubby).    Check out the video announcement here.  

Shop local & win
The winners have been chosen in the Cabbagetown BIA’s contest. Seven lucky people will share over $1,500 in prizes.  Find out who they are - click here and watch the video. 

Block Party
Laird Kay and Raymond Girard use 50,000 LEGO bricks to build their installation at Akasha Art Projects (204D Carlton).  10 am to 7 pm, open now until December 22.

Toronto Christmas Market
Photo: Alessandro Shinoda, toronto.com 
The Distillery’s Christmas Market ends on Sunday December 23.  It wraps up with lots of live entertainment from 10:30 am to 9 pm on Saturday and from 10:30 am to 8 pm on Sunday.  Admission is $6 from Friday at 6 pm through Sunday.

Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum Christmas Tidbit
Image:  Santa Claus, Canadian Illustrated News
The December 1862 Canadian Illustrated News published this portrait of a Victorian Santa Claus, “drawn from life by [their] special artist.” While two children slept, Santa slipped down a chimney or through a keyhole to fill their stockings with goodies. Santa was draped with dolls, cricket bat, mask, drum, skates, hoop and other toys, while a strange object was perched on his head … perhaps a lantern slide projector. No iPads or video games or plastic of any sort. But 1862 featured items that would still be welcome under Cabbagetown trees in 2018.

CHRISTMAS DINNERS

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.

Turkey time at St Jamestown
Enjoy another great tradition with a tourtiere on Christmas Eve.  Mark is bringing in his turkeys - place your order now for pick-up in the days before Christmas.  And he has lots of veggies, nibblies and snacks to fill in your meal.  St Jamestown Steak & Chops (516 Parliament)

Cheesecake Christmas trees at Brun & Fer
Rocio at Brun & Fer (559 Parliament) is serving up cheesecake Christmas trees with her tamales, tacos and lattes.  Her seasonal special is still available. When you order 25 or more tamales or tacos, prices begin at $2.50 each.   

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.    

Winterlicious
The big winter restaurant festival arrives in late January.  Reservations are now open for the special culinary events.  For more info about all of the events and for reservations and tickets, click here.  
Two of these take place in the Distillery.  
Archeo (31 Trinity) has two evening dinners on “The Art of Food Preservation” - Friday January 25 at 6:30 pm and Sunday January 27 at 5:30 pm, $125.   Five-course menu, wines and cocktails, demonstrations.
Boku Noodle House (42 Gristmill Lane) offers “Beer vs sake, a pairing journey of bites and libations.”  It’s a three-course meal with tastings from Japan, Vietnam and the Philippines.  Thursday January 31, 6:30 pm, $65.  

Winterlicious general info
For the full list of participating restaurants and contact info, go to the official website.  Reservations open on January 10 and the festival takes place between January 25 and February 7.  Local restaurants include F’Amelia (12 Amelia), Boku Noodle House (42 Gristmill Lane, Distillery) and Archeo (31 Trinity, Distillery).  

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

From drab to fab at Egale Centre
Photo:  Dave LeBlanc, Globe & Mail
Work on the new Egale Centre at Dundas and Pembroke is progressing steadily.  When it’s done in late 2019, it’ll be a welcoming place for homeless youth who identify as LGBTIQ2S.  Dave LeBlanc, the Architourist in the Globe & Mail, wrote about the new facility - click here to read his story.   

650 Parliament residents’ dinner
Photo:  Haweya Fadal, CBC News
Local residents with City Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam and Catholic School Trustee Norm Di Pasquale threw a Christmas party for the displaced tenants from 650 Parliament on Friday December 14 at the Wellesley Street Community Centre.  It was a big event with a couple of meal-time sittings.  Mayor John Tory and Suze Morrison, our MPP, showed up. Desmond Brown wrote about the event and the current experiences of the residents.   

The Moss Park Overdose Prevention Site
Photo:  Evan Mitsui, CBC News
The site operated as an outdoor tent in the park from August 2017 to June 2018 and then it became sanctioned officially as part of the South Riverdale Community Health Centre.  It serves over 100 people daily.  Its license will expire on December 24 and there’s no indication yet that the province will renew it.  Mia Sheldon has written on CBC News about its importance to users as a safe haven and its growing role as a community centre.    

Quayside data
Photo:  Ho, The Canadian Press
The controversy about the collection and control of data at Sidewalk Lab’s lakefront project in Quayside continues to grow.  Donovan Vincent wrote in last Sunday’s Toronto Star about the data itself - what it is and what value it has.  It’s a useful article that reveals why this discussion is so important - click here to read it.  

Duncan Fremlin’s book about Stompin’ Tom
Duncan’s book, My Good Times with Stompin’ Tom, has almost sold out its first printing.  Jane Stevenson from The Toronto Sun talked to him about his book and his life in a tour band with Tom - click here to read her story.
Duncan’s book is still available here.   

COMING EVENTS

Cabbagetown Comedy
It’s the holiday all-stars edition hosted by Robert Watson.  Cash bar.  Proceeds go to the LGBT Youth Hotline.  The Social Smiths (574 1/2 Parliament), 7 pm, Thursday December 20, $10.  Tickets available here.  

Brenda’s step class
Brenda has listed her January class schedule. She starts on Wednesday January 2 at 9:15 am. Her classes continue every Sunday at 11 am and every Wednesday at 9:15 am. Except Sunday January 13 and Wednesday January 16 - she’s away on those two days.  Drop-ins are welcome. All classes at the gym in the CYC (2 Lancaster behind the Beer Store). 
Brenda’s classes include about 40 minutes of step aerobics followed by 20 minutes of stretch and strength exercises.  She’s been leading her classes at the CYC for over 20 years.  Kids are welcome if accompanied by a parent.  
$2 and you’re encouraged to make an additional contribution to the CYC.  For more info, contact (416) 995-5647 or email cycbrenda@bell.net.

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 Kendal & Co? How about cumulative advent deals, free mulled cider and shortbread for shoppers on the weekend?! 
Enjoy Kendall’s helpful service and 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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFeupnaMIZc 

Thanks Dean at Lampcage
Dean Lee has decided to close Lampcage (557 Parliament) on January 31 to focus entirely on his online sales.  Dean opened here eleven years ago and he describes his time in Cabbagetown as marvellous.  Drop by now and get his special Closing Sale prices.  Thanks Dean - your shop started a welcome trend to modernize and renew your portion of Parliament Street.  After his move, you’ll find him online here.   

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 

Pajama party at Stout
Get over to Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) for a Christmas Eve pajama trivia party.  Wear your pajamas and win a prize.  7:30 to 9:30 pm, December 24.

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
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.  Call (416) 33-0666 to reserve or go online.  $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

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. Reserve online or call  (647) 350-4787.    

Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) will host a New Year’s trivia party at 7:30 pm.  

Cyril’s soups
Cyril has produced 70 soups in 2018 and he’s got plans for another 30 at least for 2019.  For now, he’s done until the New Year.
A quick reminder - 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 

JANUARY THEATRE & DANCE PRODUCTIONS

Rose: A New Musical
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane)
Thursday January 17 to February 24
Website and tickets here.  (416) 866-8666

 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 20

Dominion
8 pm, 3000AD
Mill Street Brew Pub
5 pm, Live music
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Social Smiths
7 pm, Cabbagetown Comedy Holiday All-Stars Edition, $10
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 will return in January 2019

MONDAY DECEMBER 24 - CHRISTMAS EVE

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia Pajama Party

TUESDAY DECEMBER 25 - CHRISTMAS

Cranberries
5 & 7:30 pm, Three course Christmas dinner, reserve at (416) 925-6330.  $35

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 26 - BOXING DAY

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
The Tilted Dog
7:30 pm, Smart Ass Trivia with Porter - Closed for Boxing Day

THURSDAY DECEMBER 27

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Comedy night with Dave Burke and Danish Anwar 
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke

FRIDAY DECEMBER 28

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 29

New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke

SUNDAY DECEMBER 30

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
The Tilted Dog 
4:30 pm, Sunday Afternoon Jazz will return in January 2019

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