This week’s image: finally clearing the snowbanks along the sidewalks.
CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
LOCAL NEWS
Snow clearing
A huge tractor and giant dump trucks showed up on Sunday to attack the snowbanks along our streets. If you like big machines, you’d love this display.
Congrats Albert Moritz
Photo: Steve Payne, University of Toronto
A F Moritz has just been appointed as Toronto’s sixth Poet Laureate. He promises to celebrate our successes and daily life as well as our poverty, injustices and tragedies.
Albert is an Alpha Street resident, a professor at Victoria College and a poet with 15 books to his credit. He won the Griffin Poetry Prize in 2009.
There must be something magical in the small Cabbagetown corner where Albert lives. In the past, it’s also been the home of prizewinning historian Margaret MacMillan and Governor General Literary Award winner Josef Skvorecky. Everyone else living there is pretty awesome as well.
Congrats to Ishita Aggarwal and Alyssa Luttenberger
They’re the 2019 winners of the Pam McConnell Award. They’ve been recognized by the City Of Toronto for their leadership with other young women. Heather McConnell, Pam’s daughter, will be present at the award ceremony along with Mayor John Tory and Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam. 6 pm on Friday March 8 in the Rotunda at City Hall. Thanks to Victoria Hadden for this info.
Blooming Flower Bar
Cabbagetown South reports of break-ins
Photo: the first incident noted below, Cabbagetown South.
Three recent robbery attempts have happened in the Cabbagetown South area. The first was on Ontario Street near Central Neighbourhood House at 5:51 pm. The second on Ontario south of Gerrard at 8:52 pm and the third Seaton south of Dundas at 10 am.
The new Hookah Lounge
Megana has opened on the first level at 460 Parliament. Saed, the manager, is offering a dozen different fruit-based flavours to smoke.
Here’s how it works. Each flavour comes in a small container that fits on top of the hookah pipe. The customer receives a cellophane-wrapped hose that attaches to it. The smoke can last up to an hour and a refill of the same flavour is available. Saed does not offer food service, just teas, coffees and some cheese.
The first smoke is $15.He’s got an opening sale underway to April 1 - $9.99. Refills are available at $10. For repeat customers, he’s got a loyalty card program. He’s open from 2 pm to 2 am during the week and 2 pm to 3 am on Friday and Saturday.
City of Toronto reaction
The City banned hookah lounges in a bylaw in April 2016. The bylaw is based on the same reasoning as the one banning tobacco smoking indoors. Some hookah lounges in the City have been ordered closed for 30 days and fined for amounts up to $1500.
Jennifer Snowdon’s yoga schedule
Jennifer is holding this month’s Restorative and Yoga Nidra workshop at 2 pm on Sunday March 10. Her Buteyko breathng and her private lessons are available. Yoga for Life happens four times weekly. All events happen at her studio (58 Rose). Check her schedule for times and details.
March step classes
Brenda’s step classes in March at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster, behind the Beer Store) follow her regular schedule. On Sundays, the classes happen at 11 am and on Wednesdays at 9:15 am. The class on Sunday March 24 is cancelled. Drop-ins are welcome.
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) will open on Monday March 11. The camps for kids ages 6 to 12 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 $10 per day with subsidies for those needing support. For info and registration, click here.
Fleefus
Portrait: oil on canvass by Lori Mark
One of Cabbagetown’s memorable dogs! He passed away just after Family Day at a ripe old age. He was a distinct Cabbagetown character. Early in his life, he was parked on Parliament Street when a passerby dognapped him. Despite a chase, he was gone. The next day, local artist (and lawyer) Lori Mark recognized him and rescued him from the thief. The whole thing attracted the Toronto Sun who featured Fleefus on its front page on Family Day 2009. She later painted his portrait which now hangs at home with Ross and Richard.
Wellesley Park is quieter and a bit empty without Fleefus watching over it.
Lookin’ good
Photo: Will Hagon
This customer did a real-life test run of one of Kendall’s chairs. Her friend and sales representative, Will Hagon, suggested that this is the only way to know for sure whether it would work. She tested it and then she bought it.
Local skating rinks
They’re open for one more week through March break. They’ll close for the season on Sunday March 17.
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
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 .
Alyson writes
“This raccoon clearly was no longer happy staying outside. And while we knocked on the glass and the dog barked, he stayed put, looking in at us. As my daughter said, it was if the raccoon was channeling the Little Mermaid song, ‘Wish I could be part of your world’.”
Coat for sale
This beautiful raccoon coat - just $200. Francis, the model - priceless. If you’re interested, email here at cabbagetownreview@gmail.com or contact Tania at the House on Parliament (454 Parliament).
YOUR ANNOUNCEMENTS
Introducing Gail Ward
I am a licensed professional Wedding Officiant living here in Cabbagetown.
I help you plan a very personal ceremony and ensure it will be just the way you imagine it to be.
First time, second time lucky, renewing your vows or eloping - I’d love to help. Regardless of your beliefs, culture or sexual orientation, I’m honoured to help you make your ceremony as unique as your love is for one another.
Contact me at my website or email at gail@gailward.ca and phone: 416.315.4247
Found - a watch
This watch was found on Wellesley Street early on Sunday morning. 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
MARCH BREAK
Giant street hockey game
Winterfest 2019. 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 ofthe 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.
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).
ST PATRICK”S DAY EVENTS
Announcements are appearing now - choose your place 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.
House on Parliament (454 Parliament)
Mill Street Brew Pub (21 Tank House Lane)
Classic Irish menu and craft beer pairings with menu dishes like Galway salmon and vanilla porter.
Tilted Dog (424 Parliament)
Lucky Mike’s Shenanigans at the Tilted Dog. Plus a special Irish menu. Sunday March 17, 6:30 pm.
COMING EVENTS
Listed by starting dates
Corktown Chamber Orchestra
The Orchestra 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.
Sugar Shack on the waterfront
Celebrate the sweet end of winter at Sugar Shack TO, presented by Redpath Sugar. Sherbourne Common (Sherbourne and Queen’s Quay), 11 am to 5 pm on Saturday March 9 and Sunday March 10.
There’ll be two sugar shacks serving up fresh maple taffy, ice activities for kids of all ages, a specialty bar serving hot chocolate, cider and coffee, a Winter Marketplace with traditional sugar shack treats, the Battle of the Chainsaws ice carving competitions and lots more.
Community Fun Day
Community Matters Toronto presents a mid-winter Fun Day with henna art, live music and food vendors. The Health Bus will visit. Tuesday March 12, 10 am to 3 pm, patio behind Food Basics at 240 Wellesley.
IN THE MEDIA
Events at 650 Parliament
Photo: Rene Johnston, Toronto Star
Deputy Fire Chief Jim Jessop has expressed astonishment at the extent of the damage to the building’s electrical system from the fire last August. There’s no timetable for the return of the 1500 tenants displaced since then. Gilbert Ngabo has written about the problem in his February 28 article in the Toronto Star.
Albert Moritz
Photo: David Rider, Toronto Star
Albert’s appointment as Toronto’s sixth Poet Laureate has stirred up plenty of commentary. Edward Keenen’s Toronto Star column describes the man and his astute views of Toronto.
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
Congrats Chew Chew
blogTO has produced a list of Toronto’s top-25 diners and Chew Chew (186 Carlton) gets the nod as Cabbagetown’s entry. “…the all-day breakfast menu boasts an abundance of choice. Find over a dozen variations on eggs Benedict, 20 types of omelettes, and classic egg breakfasts.”
Toronto Song Project
The Irv (195 Carlton) presents Toronto Song Project’s “Better now or better then”. Live with Ashley and Steve recording the next episode with a live (hopefully drinking) audience. Shout your opinion about number one hits from today and the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s and ask: Better Now, or Better Then? Free - just show up. 8 pm, Monday March 11.
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.
Peartree’s three-course meal
It’s back until April 1. Peartree’s three-course meal for $25. 507 Parliament.
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 chili. The main spice will be chili(s). You’ll feel it, but it won't be overwhelming. Don't hesitate to add your favourite hot sauce if that's your thing. There’ll also be a few background notes like cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, oregano, coffee, cocoa.
There’ll be two versions: a traditional one with ground beef, and a vegan one with cashews (both $10). If you have already placed an order for this Saturday but didn’t mention your preference, please tell Cyril.
There’ll be two versions: a traditional one with ground beef, and a vegan one with cashews (both $10). If you have already placed an order for this Saturday but didn’t mention your preference, please tell Cyril.
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.
Little Menace
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane)
On stage to Friday March 10
Website and tickets here. (416) 866-8666
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
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 7 TO SUNDAY MARCH 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 MARCH 7
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Comedy night with Dave Burke and Danish Anwar
Dominion
8 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
Dominion
8 pm, Kristy Hagerman
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
SUNDAY MARCH 10
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
MONDAY MARCH 11
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
TUESDAY MARCH 12
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
WEDNESDAY MARCH 13
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
The Tilted Dog
7:30 pm, Smart Ass Trivia with Porter
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
8:30 pm, Olaf Alders
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
SUNDAY MARCH 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
