February 28


This week’s image:  Oh no, not again.

CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD 
REVIEW

OPEN HOUSE ANNOUNCEMENTS
On Sunday, there’s an open house in the condo at 298 Jarvis.  Click here to read the announcement. 

LOCAL NEWS


At least this time, it's light, fluffy and beautiful.


Laneway improvements
Calgie Lane (between Ontario and Berkeley) will be resurfaced later this year.  The Cabbagetown South Residents Association has been working with Councillor Wong-Tam on this project.  Bryan Jones is a landscape architect and Berkeley resident.  He convinced the City to use a permeable pavement to cut down the surface water flow. He's also working with the Residents to create green areas on the lanes and the concrete strip at Central Neighbourhood House to soften these areas and to deter unwanted vandalism and disruption.

Oben Flats gets approval
The Cabbagetown South Residents report that developers have won their appeal over the Oben Flats project. They want to build a fifteen storey apartment on the vacant site at Sherbourne and Gerrard.  The City of Toronto argued that shadows from the building would fall on the southeast corner of Allan Gardens from 10 am to 11 am in March and in September.  The design, size and heritage impact were not disputed.  The Local Planning Appeal Tribunal sided with the developer and approved the project.  

Robbery near the park
In the evening on Friday February 22, an armed robbery took place at Carlton and Sumach.  Police were informed and a chase occurred.  Four men were arrested and a firearm was seized (see photo above).  Thanks to Keith Lawrance for the info and his follow-up.  

Correction - 650 Parliament
I’ve twice reported a rumour that residents at 650 Parliament would return to their units at Christmas.  This is not necessarily true.  
David Palmer, one of the displaced tenants, has corrected me.  He’s frustrated that the owners are not providing a deadline date because they aren’t sure that they will be able to meet it.  He also cites the Mayor’s prediction that tenants will return by June.  Thanks David - and my apologies to anyone who may have been distressed by my prediction.  

CPA website
The Cabbagetown Preservation Association has a nifty new website.  It’s a good read - you can find out about its Board of Directors, the programs and the projects that this group regularly organizes.  The CPA is a major contributor to Cabbagetown’s life - they manage the Tour of Homes, the Garden Tour, two public meetings every year and a series of neighbourhood walks. They do all of this as volunteers.  It’s worthwhile checking out what they’re doing.  Congrats everyone involved.

Local 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. Open.
Riverdale Park East (550 Broadview) is at the north end of the park overlooking the Don Valley.  Open. 
Sherbourne Common/Paul Quarrington Rink (5 Lower Sherbourne). Still closed due to mechanical issues.  Located on the waterfront - 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.  

YOUR STORIES - RACCOONS
Every homeowner has a memorable or a horrible raccoon story.  Share yours with everybody else - cabbagetownreview@gmail.com .

John McLeod’s story
Photo:  blogTO
John’s friend had an upper apartment in a house on Earl Street.  As usual in the summer, it could be very hot. John’s friend decided one night to leave the door to his deck open.  When he woke up the next morning, three raccoons were in bed beside him.

Raccoon City at Mill Street Brew Pub
We’ve just started to profile raccoon stories and coincidentally, Mill Street has launched its Raccoon City brew.  It’s inspired by Mill Street’s love of our furry companions who have become synonymous with Toronto. It’s a dark unfiltered wheat beer. Now pouring at the Brew Pub (21 Tank House Lane, Distillery).  

YOUR ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Apartment needed
Christopher wants to rent a small house or the first floor of a larger house in Cabbagetown.  Unfurnished - something with 2 bedrooms and space for a  small home office. He has a 14-year old daughter, a well trained dog and a piano that’s played one hour a day. His rent objective is $2,500 per month and he’ll sign a two-year lease for the right place.  Contact him at cdew@sympatico.ca

MARCH BREAK

Giant street hockey game
Enjoy the games - everything provided.  Plus there’ll be music, corn bread and chilli, hot chocolate and cider.  Saturday March 9, 1 to 4 pm, Regent Park (The Big Park, 620 Dundas E).

Parliament Street Library
Parliament Street Library (269 Gerrard E), call (416) 393-7663.

Mad Science Camp.  Fun and entertaining stuff - experiments, demonstrations, cool activities and more.  Ages 6 to 12. Registration required. Monday March 11 to Friday March 15, 2 to 3 pm.  

Hansel ’n Gretel with Drive In Theatre.  Hansel ’n Gretel return to the “maison de bonbons” and find that most of the candy has been eaten and the witch is now fat and lazy.  Registration requested. Monday March 11, 2 to 3 pm. 

March break madness
The Children’s Book Bank (350 Berkeley) has four days of special events planned for March break, from Monday March 11 to Thursday March 14.  They’re fun and free - scavenger hunts, special guests, sing-alongs and more.  Drop-ins are welcome, no sign-ups required.  The events start at 2 pm.  There’s also two daily story times at 11:30 am and 1:30 pm every day including Friday March 12 and Saturday March 13.

COMING EVENTS
Listed by starting dates

Pop-up pizza in the Park
$5 pizza, music and fun.  Presented by Taste of Regent Park.  Friday March 1, 4:30 pm until “sold-out”.  At the outdoor bake oven, Regent Park (The Big park, 620 Dundas E at Sumach).

Corktown Residents & Business Association
The CRBA will hold its annual meeting on Tuesday March 5 from 7 to 9 pm at the Cooper Koo Family Cherry Street YMCA (461 Cherry).  Suze Morrison, our local MPP,  will be the guest speaker.  There will be a presentation about the Corktown strategy that’s been developed recently.  A new Board will be selected.

Corktown Chamber Orchestra
The Orchesra is back with its winter program - Bach, Mozart, Elgar, Sejourne and Hindemith are all on the program.  Thursday March 7, 8 pm, Little Trinity Church (425 King E).  $20.

Final weekend - Toronto Light Festival
The Distillery District is transformed into a giant outdoor gallery with lighting works by twenty local and international artists.  Open to Sunday March 3.  Throughout the Distillery from dusk at 5:30 pm to 9 pm on weekdays and 10 pm on the weekends. Free. Click here for links and details about each event.  
Winter music series. Businesses in the Distillery are hosting live music from 2 to 5 pm every Saturday and Sunday throughout the Light Festival.  
Free tastings  Businesses in the Distillery are showcasing sparkling wines, craft beers, liqueurs, rum and ice wines.  Free tastings.  Every Saturday and Sunday throughout the Light Festival.

IN THE MEDIA

Det-Sgt Gary Giroux
Photo: Andrew Francis Wallace, Toronto Star
Det-Sgt Giroux is retiring after 22 years in the Homicide Squad.  He’s the longest-serving member of the squad on record.  He came to Cabbagetown’s attention when he investigated the 2012 stabbing death of Nighisti Semret - a murder that shocked the Cabbagetown community deeply.  Rosie Dimano summarized his remarkable career in the Toronto Police Service in her February 25 Toronto Star story.   

Steve Diamond at Waterfront Toronto
Photo:  Aaron Harris, Toronto Star
Mr Diamond has been chosen by City Council to chair Waterfront Toronto at a time when controversy about its relationship with Sidewalk Labs is swirling around the agency.  Donovan Vincent has written a Toronto Star story about his appointment and his background as a prominent Toronto area developer.  

The Umbrella Academy
Photo:  Toronto Life
Toronto Life has listed the Toronto locations used in the first season of Netflix’s Umbrella Academy.  Queen Street East near Moss Park and the conservatory at Allan Gardens are included.  Click here to read the story.  

BUSINESS NEWS

Pay no tax and seasonal clearance sale
Skip the tax on your purchase of wool rugs and indoor/outdoor rugs at Kendall & Co (514 Parliament), your One Stop Shop for Furniture and Décor.  Our offer applies to in-stock or special orders of standard sizes in select designs at regular price. Excludes vinyl rugs. Plus, up to 25% off discontinued rug styles, while quantities last.  Don’t forget to check out the lower level for sales up to 50% off select floor model furniture and home accents. 
Store hours - Monday to Friday 10 am to 6 pm, Saturday 11 am to 5 pm, Sunday noon to 4 pm.https://www.instagram.com/kendallandco

RESTAURANT NEWS

Munchies
We’ve all visited a neighbourhood eatery and had an amazing experience.  Tell us about it.  No need to write a big review, just describe what you enjoyed. Send your comments to cabbagetownreview@gmail.com 

Gail Gordon Oliver likes BBQ Chicken Factory
Photo:  Gail Gordon Oliver
“When I get a craving it’s usually for beautifully spiced, well-prepared food. Abdullah, the genial new owner and chef at BBQ Chicken Factory (292 Wellesley E), certainly does all of this at very reasonable prices.  Although I adore his wonderful bone-in chicken curry, I think it’s the tandoori chicken legs that steal the show for me. Tender and juicy and spiced just right.”
Menus and photos online at Facebook.  https://www.facebook.com/bbqchickenfactory/

The Irv’s fifth anniversary
Congrats Regan, Jackie and everyone at The Irv (195 Carlton) - a great pub and good citizens of Cabbagetown. Saturday March 2,  to 11 pm.  Celebrate the occasion with live music, beer samplings, prizes and Amsterdam pints. 

Freshed Right
The BIA reports that a new Ecuadorian menu has recently appeared at Freshed Right (298 Gerrard E).  It’s been a big hit as a salad and smoothie spot.  The new menu is delighting its local fans.

St Patrick’s Day
Announcements are appearing now - choose your places and book your spot.

Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton).  Two events.  St Practice Day, Saturday March 16, 8 to midnight.  Live Celtic music, craft beer, great food,  $16 -  keep the stein.  St Patrick’s Day, Sunday March 17, 8 to midnight.  Live Celtic music and Irish dancers, craft beer, great food,  $16 - keep the stein.

Dominion (500 Queen E).  celebrate early with the St Patrick’s Eve Ultimate Party.  Green bubbly at midnight.  DJ all night long.  Saturday March 16, 9 pm to 2 am.  

MARCH THEATRE & DANCE PRODUCTIONS
Listed by starting dates.

Little Menace
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane)
On stage to Friday March 10
Website and tickets here.  (416) 866-8666

Bang Bang 
Citadel + Compagnie
(This production replaces Gratter la penombre)
Ross Centre for Dance (304 Parliament)
Saturday March 1 to Sunday March 2
Website and tickets here. (416) 364-8011

Persefony Songs
Toronto Dance Theatre
Fleck Dance Theatre, Harbourfront  (235 Queens Quay W)
Tuesday March 5 to Saturday March 9
Website and tickets here.  (416) 967-1365

New Ideas Festival
Three weeks of new works - four short plays each week
Alumnae Theatre  (70 Berkeley)
Wednesday March 6 to Sunday March 24
Website and tickets here.  (416) 364-4170, ext 1

Unsafe
Canadian Stage Berkeley Street Theatre (26 Berkeley)
Tuesday March 12 to Sunday March 31
Website and tickets here.  (416) 368-3110

ISITWENDAM
A Bound to Create Theatre Production
Aki Studio Theatre (Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas E)
Sunday March 17 to Sunday March 31
Website and tickets here.  (416) 531-1402

Acceleration 2019
School of Toronto Dance Theatre
Winchester Theatre (80 Winchester)
Wednesday March 20 to Saturday March 23
Website and tickets here.  (416) 967-6887

Wedding at Aulis
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane)
Friday March 22 to Tuesday April 14
Website and tickets here.  (416) 866-8666

Amorous Playlist
Citadel + Compagnie
Ross Centre for Dance (304 Parliament)
Wednesday March 27 to Saturday March 30
Website and tickets here. (416) 364-8011

CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 28 TO SUNDAY MARCH 10

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 FEBRUARY 28

Dominion
8 pm, DJ Bookshelf
Mill Street Brew Pub
5 pm, Live music
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Social Smiths
7 pm, Comedy night, $10
Tilted Dog
8 pm, Open mic finger style guitar sessions

FRIDAY MARCH 1

Alice’s Place
10 pm, Karaoke 
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke

SATURDAY MARCH 2

New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke

SUNDAY MARCH 3

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke

MONDAY MARCH 4

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

TUESDAY MARCH 5

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

WEDNESDAY MARCH 6

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

THURSDAY MARCH 7

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Comedy night with Dave Burke and Danish Anwar 
Dominion
9 pm, Grump
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Tilted Dog
8 pm, Live acoustic music with Jeff Barnes and Noah Zacharin

FRIDAY MARCH 8

Alice’s Place
10 pm, Karaoke
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke 

SATURDAY MARCH 9

New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke

SUNDAY MARCH 10

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke

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