This week’s image: hints of Spring - hyacinths, tulips, daffodils and pussy willows at the corner store. Flanked by firewood and salt - so don’t get your hopes up.
CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
LOCAL NEWS
Pathways to Education
Pathways is a mentoring program working with kids from low-income neighbourhoods “to overcome barriers to education, graduate from high school, and build the foundation for a successful future”. In 2018, it served 5,747 students in 20 locations across the country.
Regent Park is its original home and there’s still an office at 411 Parliament. When Pathways started here in 2001, there were 850 young people of high school age but only 44% of them graduated from high school. In 2018, among approximately 900 students, the rate was 83%.
Check out the remarkable story of this highly successful initiative.
Welcome Lucy Troisi
Lucy has returned to the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster) after her term as Councillor at City Hall. She’s facing considerable challenges as the Centre rebuilds its programming and finances. She’s certainly well equipped to take on these problems and to maintain the CYC’s important role in Cabbagetown’s community life.
Peggy Kurtin Award
Early bird for Dixonlicious
Dixonlicious is the popular fundraising evening that supports Dixon Hall’s ongoing food program. Over 30,000 meals are distributed through Meals on Wheels, camps for kids, and meals to people who are homeless or just leaving a shelter.
Dixonlicious is a fun evening. Live music and silent and live auctions. Food stations provide scrumptious bites from local restaurants with selected wines to match the food. This year, enjoy craft beer from ten local breweries in the Toronto East Brewery Collective.
Thursday, May 9, 6 to 9 pm in the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E).
The early bird ends on March 31, $85 - get your tickets now!
Forsythia Festival volunteers
The Cabbagetown Residents Association organizes the annual Spring Forsythia Festival. It’s a great event with lots of activity for kids and adults. It’s held in early May in Wellesley Park. Volunteers are needed and the CRA has put out a call for everyone interested. Please contact Carolyn (carolyn.jarman@gmail.com) if you'd like to find out more!
Summer camp registration
Registration for the summer camps at the Toronto Kiwanis Boys & Girls Club (101 Spruce) opened on Monday March 11. The camps for kids ages 6 to 13 are designed to fight the effects of "Summer Brain Drain”, the lost knowledge that kids can experience over eight summer weeks outside the classroom. Programs run from 8 am to 6 pm with structured programs scheduled from 9 am to 5 pm. The cost is $40 to 80 per week on a sliding scale based on income with subsidies for those needing support. For info and registration, click here.
Police at the LCBO
U-Haul parking violations
U-Haul has set up its office in 456 Parliament. Entry is available through the back door. Its vehicles are parked in the building’s rear lot. At times, the trucks are left in the nearby lanes, partially blocking them.
Paul has been calling 311 to ticket the vehicles whenever he sees this happening. Other nearby businesses and residents should do the same.
This is a long-running problem with this business. Despite requests, complaints and parking tickets, the U-Haul manager ignores the problems that he’s causing.
Local skating rinks - the last weekend
Two local rinks are still open to March 17. All our rinks will close for the season on Sunday March 17.
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.
You’ll find up-to-date notices about these rinks and others throughout the city at the official website.
ST PATRICK”S DAY EVENTS
Stout Irish Pub
(221 Carlton)
Cabbagetown’s home for all things “Irish”. 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. Live music with the Olaf Alders Duo. Saturday March 16, 9 pm to 2 am.
Henrietta Lane
(394 King E)
Corktown’s new cocktail bar celebrates its first anniversary this weekend. At 7 pm on Saturday, there’s live music, party treats and a special menu. On Sunday, St Patrick’s celebrations include whiskey, beer and special events.
House on Parliament
(454 Parliament)
Enjoy Irish dancers throughout the evening plus a special Irish menu. The prime rib dinner will, as always, be available on Sunday.
The Irv
(195 Carlton)
4 to 8 pm, Sunday March 17, live music with Scotty Bough and Jeff Rogers.
Mill Street Brew Pub & Beer Hall
(21 Tank House Lane)
On Saturday March 16, the St Patrick’s Eve party features a classic Irish menu and craft beer pairings. In the Brew Pub, there’ll be a live band, contests and giveaways from 8 pm. There’ll be a DJ in the Beer Hall from 8 pm. On Sunday March 17, the Top ‘o Morning brunch in both pubs starts at 10:30 am.
Tilted Dog
(424 Parliament)
Lucky Mike’s Shenanigans at the Tilted Dog. Plus a special Irish menu. Sunday March 17, 6:30 pm.
YOUR STORIES - RACCOONS
We’re collecting memorable raccoon stories. As this week’s story shows, not all of them are unpleasant. Share yours with everybody else - send it here, cabbagetownreview@gmail.com .
Jannette writes -
Not every raccoon story ends in frustration and irritation. Jannette had a couple of pleasant visitors -
“Our front porch runs across the whole front of the house. It’s only one step up to the porch so it is a low, dark place for cats and raccoons to hide. One summer evening several years ago when I was gardening, three baby raccoons appeared in my garden from under the porch. The first one came forward, put a front paw on my garden spade and looked up at me. It was really adorable. I figured they should stay wild so I made some sounds and moved the spade away. Of course, they all thought it was a great game and all three had a turn in it. I had a tough time trying to be serious because I kept laughing. Eventually they left and I never did see mom.”
YOUR ANNOUNCEMENTS
Found - a watch
This watch was found on Wellesley Street early on Sunday last week. If you’ve lost your watch and recognize this one, contact me and your email will be forwarded to the people who found it. cabbagetownreview@gmail.com
COMING EVENTS
Listed by starting dates
Children’s Book Bank
Growing Up Green: family drop-in afternoon
Organized by the Friends of Allan Gardens. Family friendly gardening and composting activities, plant scavenger hunts, botanical arts and crafts, and more for kids from 2 to 10 years of age. Drop-ins are welcome, no advance registration needed. Saturday March 16, 1 to 3 pm in the Children's Conservatory in Allan Gardens (Carlton and Jarvis).
Meet Soulpepper’s new leadership
Meet Weyni Mengesha and Emma Stenning at Soulpepper on Monday March 25. They’ll talk with Amanda Parrish about their careers, the attractions of working in Toronto and their plans for Soulpepper’s future. Young Centre for the Performing Arts (50 Tank House Lane, Distillery), Monday March 25, 7 pm. Free - click here for tickets.
A roundtable on retirement
Chartwell’s Sumach along with the Cabbagetown Residents Association is sponsoring an informal roundtable on retirement myths and issues. Vanessa Tyndall from The Sumach will preside. 6 pm, Wednesday March 27, Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton). Free - please RSVP to 416-910-3431.
IN THE MEDIA
Events at 650 Parliament
Photo: Steve Russell, Toronto Star
Different dates keep popping up for the completion of the repairs at 650 Parliament following the fire there last August. CBC News now quotes Danny Roth, the liaison person for the building’s owner, saying that it will be late August before tenants can return.
Two stories describe the work that’s underway - CBC News and the Toronto Star.
Pam McConnell Award
Photo: Adrian Cheung, CBC News
The City of Toronto held its ceremony for the Pam McConnell Award in City Hall last Friday afternoon. It’s given to young women who have shown their leadership during the past year. There were over fifty nominees and two winners were announced - Ishita Aggarwal and Alyssa Luttenberger. Ishita was unable to attend the event.
The CBC profiled the winners and explained the award’s importance. Click here to read it.
Recording studio is threatened
Photo: Soleil Sounds
Soleil Sounds (507 King E) rents space in a building right at King and Queen on the eastern edge of Corktown. Since 1997, it’s been a recording studio and post-production facility for Toronto artists. The building has now been sold and the new owner plans to develop a condo on the site. The CBC did a story about the issues involved in its closure.
What you’ll get for $1100 a month
Photo: Kijiji
Stephanie Marotta and Jack Hauen wrote a sad story in the Toronto Star about a Cabbagetown apartment offered for rent for $1100 per month. The story was picked up by the Hamilton Spectator.
Architecture on Gilead Place
Photo: Steve Russell, Toronto Star
Christopher Hume describes the modern architecture of eight townhouses in an infill development on Gilead Place, a tiny dead-end street in Corktown. Click here.
BUSINESS NEWS
New Vinyl at KENDALL & Co
Kendall & Co (514 Parliament) has expanded its vinyl rug collection with more colours and new patterns. These phthalate-free rugs are durable, non-slip and easy care. Ideal for entry ways, kitchens, bathrooms, hallways over hardwood, tiles and linoleum. Available in a range of sizes in rectangular, square and runner. Custom sizes also available upon request.
Kendall & Co is your One-Stop-Shop for rugs, furniture and décor. 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
Blooming Flower Bar
Anji is closing her shop for two weeks to March 23 to change things around. Her online sales will still be filled - check it out here.
MUNCHIES
Readers write about their noteworthy food experiences. Send along yours whenever you’ve really enjoyed eating out in our neighbourhood. cabbagetownreview@gmail.com
Eric Morse writes -
Photo: Eric Morse
“After a strenuous day of screaming at the computer, nothing hits the Cabbagetown spot better than a pairing of wings and beer at the local. My local is The Irv (195 Carlton). The pairing is Red Leaf Lager, the wings are Lemon Pepper. I like them because they’re lemony, peppery, and not gooey at all.”
RESTAURANT NEWS
El Catrin winter brunch challenge - final weekend
Bunch is served at El Catrin (18 Tank House Lane, Distillery) every Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm. 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.
Welcome Amelia’s Cottage
F’Amelia is changing its small next door neighbour. It used to be Extended F’Amelia and now it’ll be Amelia’s Cottage (8 Amelia). It’s a small cozy bar with a limited menu featuring comfort foods like cheese fondu, snacks, pizza and meat platters. A great place to stop with friends for a drink. The patio in the front will open when warm weather arrives. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 6 to 2 am.
Introducing Michael Darcy
Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) presents an evening of original Irish music with Michael Darcy. Wednesday March 20, 8 to 11 pm.
Psychic brunch at Cranberries
Take a friend 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 March 17, 11 am to 3 pm.
Cyril’s soup
Cyril has a new email - abeautifulbowl@gmail.com. Please use it for both your orders and e-transfers.
Saturday's soup is rutabaga, pear and cardamom.
Order deadline is 7 pm on Friday. He delivers his soups (in Cabbagetown). He’s accepting payments by e-transfers and cash.
MARCH THEATRE & DANCE PRODUCTIONS
Listed by starting dates.
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 MARCH 14 TO SUNDAY MARCH 24
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 MARCH 14
Dominion
8 pm, DJ Money Jane
Mill Street Brew Pub
5 pm, Live music
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Tilted Dog
10 pm, Comedy night with Ethan O’Reilly
FRIDAY MARCH 15
Alice’s Place
10 pm, Karaoke
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
SATURDAY MARCH 16
Dominion
9 pm, St Patrick’s Eve Ultimate Party with live music by the Olaf Alders and green bubbly at midnight.
Henrietta Lane
7 pm, anniversary party with live music, party treats and a special menu.
Mill Street Brew Pub
7 pm, St Patrick’s Eve party with live music, contests and giveaways
Mill Street Beer Hall
7 pm, St Patrick’s Eve party with a DJ
Stout Irish Pub
8 pm, St Practice Day, Live Celtic music, craft beer, great food, $16 - keep the stein.
SUNDAY MARCH 17
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Henrietta Lane
St Patrick’s celebrations include whiskey, beer and special events
House on Parliament
Irish dancers throughout the evening
The Irv
4 to 8 pm, live music with Scotty Bough and Jeff Rogers
Stout Irish Pub
8 pm, St Patrick’s Day, live Celtic music and Irish dancers, craft beer, great food, $16 - keep the stein.
Tilted Dog
6:30 pm, Lucky Mike’s St Patrick’s Day live music
MONDAY MARCH 18
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
TUESDAY MARCH 19
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
WEDNESDAY MARCH 20
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Stout Irish Pub
8 pm, original Irish music with Michael Darcy
The Tilted Dog
7:30 pm, Smart Ass Trivia with Porter
THURSDAY MARCH 21
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Comedy night with Dave Burke and Danish Anwar
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Tilted Dog
8 pm, Open mic with Robert LaBell
FRIDAY MARCH 22
Alice’s Place
10 pm, Karaoke
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
SATURDAY MARCH 23
Tilted Dog
Live classic rock with Leigh Ann and Robert LaBell
SUNDAY MARCH 24
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,
HENRIETTA LANE
394 King E
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
