February 7

This week’s image:  So - I got a personal email from the Premier of the Province. He let me know that his government had taken action to lower gas prices.  And look at this - he isn’t kidding!  What’s next, Dougie?

CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD 
REVIEW


OPEN HOUSE ANNOUNCEMENTS
This week, there’s an open house at 434 Sackville Street on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.  Click here to read the announcement. 

LOCAL NEWS

280 Wellesley
Photo: Fred Lum
Residents at a third apartment tower in St James Town were left without power and water for several hours this week. This time, the cut-off was deliberate.  Various officials from the City of Toronto, hydro and fire were checking out the building’s infrastruture to determine if it was also at risk.  
A fault was located in the electrical system.  
All units have water and hydro.  Units on floors 1 to 15 are, however, without heat or hot water and the timetable for repairs is still unknown.  The elevators and safety systems are working.  Floors 16 to 33 have been fully restored.  
This is just the start of inspections that will be made in St James Town buildings.

Supervised injection sites
Three supervised injection sites in our neighbourhood have been given operating licences by Health Canada until January 2020  They include Street Health (338 Dundas E), the Moss Park site (134 Sherbourne) and the Regent Park Community Health Centre site (465 Dundas E).  
These licences come from the federal government.  The provincial government gives final operating approval and funding.  Its funding for these sites has been extended to March 2019 while final decisions about them are made. 
The Sherbourne and Dundas corner is a high concern for the Cabbagetown South Residents Association. It has opposed the federal licence and the provincial approvals for Street Health.  The Association continues to ask for extra policing at this corner.

Needle clean-up
The Cabbagetown BIA is encouraging neighbours and businesses to be cautious about stray needles and other drug-related debris found in the area.  If the needles are on public property, call 311.  If they’re on private property, put them into an empty plastic bottle and screw the lid back on.  This will protect you and anyone else handling the waste.
There’s a pilot project going on in Cabbagetown South - from Jarvis to Parliament, Carlton to Queen until April 30.  They’ll pick up the needles and other dangerous drug-related items. Send an email to cabbagetowncleanup@gmail.com and someone will pick-up the debris within 24 hours.
Six agencies are coordinating with this project - Street Health, Regent Park Community Health Centre, Margaret's, Moss Park OPS, Fred Victor SIS and All Saints Church. 

Rooming House Project
Photo:  Ev on Unsplash
Dixon Hall along with Homes First Society and Ecuhome Corporation, has started the project to support tenants living in 23 Toronto Community Housing rooming houses in Cabbagetown.  Eleven staff include housing support workers, a harm reduction worker and a hoarding/housekeeping specialist.  They’re helping the tenants to better themselves and make beneficial changes in their lives.  There’s a website page from Dixon Hall with details about the project.   

Margaret’s House
Margaret’s House has started interior work on the properties that they’ve leased from Toronto Community Housing - 13, 15, 17 and 19 Winchester.  The contractor will work with the school on parking and drop-off issues.  At long last, these improvements will bring a good service along with badly needed restorations into the Winchester Park community.

What’s going on here…
The store at 527 Parliament has been empty since early November. It’s a nice location with good space, parking and a workable basement.  
There's idle gossip that it’s being reserved for a possible cannabis sales outlet.  The convoluted plan involves one cannabis retailer who has reserved space in a lot of local neighbourhoods.  When the licences are issued, one of these outlets could be picked.  The retailer boosts its chances by having a big bunch of attractive locations.  Hmmm.

Pam McConnell Award - nominations are open until Friday
This award, sponsored by the City of Toronto, recognizes young women who live in Toronto, who are between the ages of 19 and 26 and who have a proven leadership track record.  Nominations are open until 11:45 pm on Friday February 8.  For details about the nomination process, visit the City’s website.  

Why are we digging a new river?
Waterfront Toronto is building a new river course for the mouth of the Don River to ease problems caused in the Keating Channel. On Tuesday, the Don overflowed its banks once again. An ice jam at the mouth of the river in the Channel created the flood.  Bayview Avenue and the Don Valley Parkway were both closed for seven hours on Tuesday. 

Bus service on Carlton
The storms on Wednesday and Thursday have forced the TTC to switch its service along Carlton Street.  The 506 route is now handled by buses rather than streetcars until the weather cooperates again. 

Dixon Hall winter clothing drive
Dixon Hall needs winter clothing for men and women for its Out Of The Cold program.  Specifically - new, unused thermal underwear, tops and bottoms.  If you can help, please contact catie.primeau@dixonhall.org.

VALENTINES’ EVENTS

Love Notes XOXO 
Kendall & Co’s pop-up cards are handmade with love. See how they make your Valentine message extra special.   Check out their full selection of all styles of greeting cards for every occasion. Your local shop for gifts, home décor and furniture. 514 Parliament St. Monday to Friday 10 am to 6 pm, Saturdays 11 am to 5 pm and Sundays Noon to 4 pm. 

Pre-Valentines psychic reading
Take your soulmate to the Psychic Brunch for an insightful reading by Ralph, Elizabeth and Rosemary.  Get a 15-minute session and a $5 voucher toward your brunch at Cranberries (601 Parliament).  $45.  Sunday February 10, 11 am to 3 pm.   

Chocolates and tuna
Mark has chocolate covered strawberries and heart-shaped tuna steaks for his Valentine's specials.  St Jamestown Steak & Cops (516 Parliament)

Valentine’s special at Blooming Flower Bar
Flowers, decorations and beautiful gifts are all available here.  Perfect for Valentines.  Save 10% on all your Valentine online orders between now and February 10.  Click here to see the website.  559 Parliament.   

Staij
Strawberry Charlotte petit gateau - perfect for Valentine’s day.  Strawberry Bavarian cream, vanilla Genoise and fresh strawberry compote.  And meringue kisses.  Yummy.  Staij & Co (552 Parliament).

Cranberries
It's going to be another great occasion here - a three course dinner that you won't want to miss.  The appetizers include borscht or Thai salmon cakes.  For your main course, select beef tenderloin, roasted Atlantic salmon or chicken roulade.  There’s brandy dark chocolate truffle for dessert.  Cranberries (601 Parliament), Two seatings - 5 and 7:30 pm.  Thursday February 14, $45.  For reservations, call (416) 925-6330.   Online menu and details here.  

Dominion Pub & Kitchen
The Dominion (500 Queen E) presents Galentine’s Day - Sex & The City, a big movie on a big screen.  There’ll be $8 cosmopolitans, a popcorn station and a candy bar.  7 pm, Thursday February 14.

F’Amelia
Take your sweetie to a four-course dinner at F’Amelia (12 Amelia).  Start with fresh oysters.  Then go on to seafood tartar, roasted pear salad or venison meatballs.  For your entree, there’s eggplant lasagna, duck ravioli, vanilla butter scallops or herbed lamb loins.  Desserts include poached pear tart, tiramisu and truffles.  Click here to see all the delicious details.  Valentine’s Day, Thursday February 14, $69.   

Fusilli
Fusilli presents a genuine Italian Valentine dinner - just look at those hearts.  A special menu with lovely soup, pasta, entrees and dessert.  Thursday February 14,  531 Queen E

House on Parliament
The Valentine’s menu is still to being developed.  It takes time to do something really yummy.  We do know that Michael will be circulating and doing your Tarot card readings.  As you can see from the photo, his readings are fun.  For details at the last minute, check the HOP’s Facebook page.

The Irv
Enjoy special Valentine features at this great pub.  The Irv (195 Carlton).  Braised short ribs with wild mushroom risotto, homemade gnocchi with cherry tomatoes, spinach and cream sauce and chocolate cupcakes with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce.  Thursday February 14 to Saturday February 16.

Peartree
Peartree has put together a special three-course dinner for only $75 for two.  No wonder it's a Cabbagetown favourite.  Choose from three appetizers, six main course options and four great desserts. 507 Parliament.

Tilted Dog
It’s time for a romantic cheese fondu dinner for two.  These folks know all about romantic stuff.  There’ll also be a chef’s special with pan seared salmon linguine, spinach and mushrooms in a creamy wine and garlic sauce or stuffed chicken breast with chevre and spinach, sweet potato and seasonal veggies. Or the regular menu and a lovely lava cake for dessert.  424 Parliament.

COMING EVENTS
Listed by starting dates

Service alerts at the skating rinks
The City of Toronto operates three skating rinks near our neighbourhoods. All have issued service alerts due to ice pellets and freezing rain.
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.  

Regent Park Rotating Gallery 
Organized by the Daniels Corporation. It’s a rotating exhibit spotlighting local artists and creators and featuring a different artist or artist group every quarter.
Beginning Thursday, February 7th at 6pm, Gabrielle Lasporte takes the stage.  She expresses herself through Modern Batik. (created by applying wax and dyes on fabric).
Regent Park Presentation Centre (500 Dundas E).  

Toronto Light Festival
The Distillery District is transformed into a giant outdoor gallery with lighting works by twenty local and international artists.  Open now 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. 
Winter music series. Businesses in the Distillery are hosting live music from 2 to 5 pm every Saturday and Sunday throughout the Light Festival - Mill Street Brew Pub, Balzac’s, John Fluevog, Denaturing Buildings and Spirit of York are all holding concerts.  Click here for links and details about each event.    
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.  Click here for links and details about each event

KIDS EVENTS

Skate exchange
Saturday February 9, 11 am to 2 pm, Regent Park Athletic Grounds (480 Shuter at Sumach).  Donate, exchange or get a free pair of skates.   Snacks and treats also available. Sponsored by Toronto Parks, Forestry & Recreation.  

Discovery Days at Riverdale Farm
Goats and feathered friends will be the focus of the next Discovery Day. Be part of a Rock Paper Scissors championship, make treats for birds that you’ll place around the Farm and even complete a milk and fibre scavenger hunt!  Discovery Days are a fantastic one-day experience for children aged 6 through 12 years at Riverdale Farm. Friday February 15, 9 am to 4 pm, Riverdale Farm (Sumach and Winchester).  $70.  Call to register (416) 338-4386 or 311.

Buds & Blossoms
There’ll be a free Family Day open house at Buds & Blossoms (517 Parliament, second floor) from 10 am to noon on Monday February 18.  The popular after-school class, Little Chefs in Training, will be featured at 10:15 am and the brand new coding and robotics class, Kidbotics, at 11:15 am. There'll also be a giant colouring page and information on all of the services offered in Buds & Blossoms’ space.
Drop-ins are welcome.  You can also get a free ticket in advance at Eventrite.  

IN THE MEDIA

Nightwood Theatre’s new director
Photo:  Dahlia Katz
Andrea Donaldson has been appointed artistic director at Nightwood to replace Kelly Thornton.  Nightwood’s offices and studio are located in the Distillery at 15 Case Goods Lane. It’s Toronto’s leading feminist theatre production company.  The Globe & Mail’s theatre critic, J Kelly Nestruck, has written about her appointment - click here.  

Super Bowl dinner
Photo:  CBC News
The Good Shepherd Centre (412 Queen E), Covenant House and Rabba Fine Foods sponsored a football dinner at the Centre for the Super Bowl.  Rabba brought the dinner and a big screen TV.  The party turned out to be a welcome break for the men in the shelter - read the CBC story about it here.   

BUSINESS NEWS

Registered Massage Therapy at Parliament Street Fitness
Colleen McCreery RMT and Paul Neira RMT have joined Jonathan Joachim, FST at Parliament Street Fitness (488 Parliament).  They’re providing registered massage and fascial stretch therapy. Colleen and Paul will be available Monday to Saturday and Jonathan, seven days a week. For further info and for an appointment, call (416) 901-5421 or email at info@parliamentstreetfitness.com. Please provide 24 hours notice for morning and weekend appointments.

Free money at Meridian
Transfer your RRSP or TFSA to Meridian (486 Parliament) and get free money. Meet with an Advisor to talk about your financial goals and that chat could earn you a 1% cash bonus. Plus, earn 3.25% for 4 months on your first registered HISA or 3.25% with Meridian’s 18 month GIC.  The RRSP contribution deadline is March 1st. Speak to an Advisor today or visit Meridian’s website to learn more.  Some terms and conditions apply; maximum cash bonus of $750
RESTAURANT NEWS

Fill this wall
Annie and Tiffany invite you to send along your favourite framed photo of your beloved pooch. They want to fill up the wall at The Tilted Dog (424 Parliament) with your souvenirs.  

Pop-up market
Delicious Ethiopian cuisine and pop-up market.  Food, crafts and jewellery by the chefs and artisans of Regent Park Catering Collective.  Paintbox Bistro (555 Dundas E), 11:30 am to 2 pm, Thursday February 14, $10.

El Catrin winter brunch challenge
Photo: The Daily Hive
Bunch is served at El Catrin (18 Tank House Lane, Distillery) every Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm until March 17. It’s served outdoors on the patio!  Four courses - $29.  But, if you can last through the entire meal outside, you’ll enjoy a 50% discount and your bill will be $14.50.  
Check out the story on The Daily Hive.   

Beer dinner at The Irv
The Irv (195 Carlton) presents a four-course dinner with Steam Whistle and Von Bugle.  Only 26 tickets will be sold - so get yours early.  Your evening includes a 20 oz glass of Von Bugle, a can of Steam Whistle, a gift bag and a four-course dinner.  Thursday February 21, 7 pm.  $70 - reserve yours by email at regan@theirvpub.ca  or kevinh@steamwhistle.ca.   

Cyril’s back and delivering his soup
Cyril has a new email - abeautifulbowl@gmail.com. Please use it for both your orders and e-transfers.
Saturday's soup is Moroccan lentil: onions, garlic, tomatoes, carrots, bell peppers and obviously chickpeas. On top of that, there’ll be some herbs, some cumin and a fair bit of ras-el-hanout. Lemon juice and wedges of Pita bread served alongside the soup. It’ll be partially blended and slightly spicy.
Order deadline is 7 pm on the day before delivery.  He delivers his soups (in Cabbagetown). He’s accepting payments by e-transfers and cash.

FEBRUARY THEATRE & DANCE PRODUCTIONS
Listed by starting dates.

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

Gathering Light
Niimi’iwe Indigenous Dance Showcase
Native Earth Performing Arts
Aki Theatre, Daniels Spectrum  (585 Dundas E)
On stage to Sunday February 10
Website and tickets here. (416) 531-1402

Scott Shorts & Zelda
George Brown Theatre School
c/o Young Centre for the Performing Arts (50 Tank House Lane)
On stage  to Saturday February 16
Website and tickets here.  (416) 866-8666

Prince Hamlet
Canadian Stage Berkeley Street Theatre (26 Berkeley)
On stage to Sunday February 24
Website and tickets here.  (416) 368-3110

Little Menace
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane)
Saturday February 16 to Friday March 10
Website and tickets here.  (416) 866-8666

Gratter La Penombre
Citadel + Compagnie
Ross Centre for Dance (304 Parliament)
Wednesday February 27 to Saturday March 2
Website and tickets here. (416) 364-8011

CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 7 TO SUNDAY FEBRUARY 17

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 7

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

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 8

Alice’s Place
10 pm, Karaoke
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke 
Quincy
African weekends with DJ Fox and a guest DJ

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 9

New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 10

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke

MONDAY FEBRUARY 11

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 12

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 13

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

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 14

Mill Street Brew Pub
5 pm, Live music
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Tilted Dog
10 pm, Comedy night

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 15

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

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 16

New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 17

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