This week’s image: Fantastic Planet exhibition in The Distillery
CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
OPEN HOUSE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Five open houses happen this week on Saturday and Sunday - four in Cabbagetown on Metcalfe, Sackville, Sword and Wellesley and another one on Linden at Bloor and Sherbourne. Click here to read these announcements.
LOCAL NEWS
Fantastic Planet
An exhibition of gigantic figures throughout the Distillery. Experience them through June from noon to 10 pm daily. For more info about the creators at Parer Studios, click here.
Congrats to Councillor Wong-Tam’s family
Kristyn Wong-Tam and her wife Farrah welcomed their baby into the world last week. She says that “Kiyan’s first breath literally took ours away!”
Winchester properties
The large homes at 13, 15, 17 and 19 Winchester across from the school are now being thoroughly renovated. The interior demolition was slowed by the discovery and removal of asbestos in floor tiles. Exterior heritage renovations are underway and when they’re finished, the interiors will begin. These properties have been transferred from TCHC to Margaret’s House.
Red Embers in Allan Gardens
Red Embers honours the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, and the strength of community resilience. This monumental art by Indigenous women artists will be displayed for free to the public in Allan Gardens. The banners have been created in Toronto and across Canada by commissioned artists and will float from 13 tall charred-black gates measuring about 18 feet high with vertical posts that cross at the top. June 8 to October 4. For more info, click here.
The Irv’s golf day for the CYC
Whoa - Mother Nature got in the way. The Irv’s golf tournament was set up to assist the Cabbagetown Youth Centre. It was scheduled for Wednesday June 5. It was cancelled at the last minute because thunder storms were happening around the golf course. It’s rescheduled for August.
That’s the only bad news. Otherwise, it’s a success. Registration is full with 72 golfers. There are lots of prizes, a bus to take people to the Royal Woodbine course and a great day in the plans.
Congrats and commiseration to Regan and Jackie and the other organizers.
Streetscape in bloom
The nominees for the 2019 Streetscape in Bloom award have been announced. Judges will now visit these gardens regularly until the Fall and will select one winner from the list. Check them out yourself - 410 Sumach, 11 Metcalfe, 1 Rose, 70 Amelia, 413 Wellesley and 419 Wellesley plus the gardens at Our Lady of Lourdes Church (Earl and Sherbourne).
2019 Dora Mavor Moore Award nominations
Congrats to Native Earth (585 Dundas E) - it’s been nominated for six Dora awards. Its production of ISITWENDAM is nominated in four categories and After The Fire in two categories. Five other theatres and individuals closely associated with Native Earth received fifteen more nominations. The awards are given annually to celebrate theatre excellence in Toronto.
YOUR COMMENTS
Pat sent me a note about construction activity in the neighbourhood, commenting that our beautiful front gardens aren’t enhanced by these hoardings. She’s right and her frustration is widely shared.
In the short block on Wellesley between Parliament Street and Sackville, there are seven active building sites with three more obviously waiting in the wings. Plus several more where minor projects are happening. This story is repeated all across the neighbourhood.
The owners are entitled to their repairs. The rest of us, however, experience the strain on our local parking, trucks blocking the sidewalks, ugly and often smelly port-a-potties, spilled gravel from cement trucks, noise, dust and all the other unsightly and disturbing effects of the renovation work.
Some of this can be cured by considerate contractors - and many of them are. More of it can be cured by more vigilant enforcement from City officials. If you’re tired of this uproar near you, call Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam at City Hall - (416) 392-7903.
FARMERS’ MARKETS
Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market
The Market started on Tuesday in Riverdale Park West (Winchester and Sumach) with a great group of vendors. There’s a lot of interesting new stuff on sale.
Jubilee Forest Farm is selling honey, maple syrup and meat. Pete’s has certified organic veggies and micro-greens. Crooked Farmz has organic composted tea - fertilizer for your garden. Bayfield Provisions is selling jars of granola. Vanilla D.C. is a Columbian bakery with features like Tres Leches cake. And Alma Bakery is going to be a regular destination!
Familiar vendors included Organic Vibes, Sun Ray and Murray’s with veggies and produce. Smoke Bloke brought back his yummy salmon. Fifth Estate was there with lots of cheese. Leaning Post was the featured winery and Crazy D’s had her soda.
Open every Tuesday afternoon. This year, the Market is being organized by the Riverdale Farm Stewardship Group. Profits go to the Farm’s capital projects and its food education programs.
The Underpass Park Farmers’ Market
In Corktown - now open for the season on Thursdays from 3 to 7 pm in Underpass Park, 29 Lower River Street. Activities and face painting for kids, a free yoga class with the Yoga Sanctuary from 5:30 pm and live music. Great produce and baked goods. This week winery vendor is Henry of Pelham. ChocoSol, Essentials by Temi and The Delicate Flower are new vendors.
Mill Street Brew Pub
The Organic & All Natural Farmers Market returns on June 8th from 11 am to 3 pm. Located on the Pub’s patio (21 Tank House Lane), there’ll be a variety of local organic and all natural vendors, beer sampling, live music and more.
COMING EVENTS
Listed by starting dates
Bright Ideas Symposium
Central Neighbourhood House (349 Ontario) is holding its sixth annual day full of dynamic discussion and creative thought. Everyone welcome. Lunch is included. Free. Saturday June 8, 10 am to 2 pm.
Family Yoga
The Distillery and OMT.O. present a weekly yoga series for the family through the summer. Two 40-minute outdoor classes will be held every Sunday at 11 am and noon. Kids 7 to 12 welcome. Bring your own mat. Free. Gristmill Lane, Distillery.
Summer Music Series
The Distillery presents free concerts every Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 6 pm through the summer. Trinity Stage, Distillery.
Distillery Sunday Market
Every Sunday until October, noon to 5 pm. Shop with vendors who offer locally made artisan goods and artwork including specialty foods, flowers and pet supplies. While this is going on, check out the flower market as well.
History ride and talk
Toronto Cyclists will ride along the Don River from Corktown Commons (155 Bayview) to Taylor Creek Park and back again. Gathering after the ride at C’est What Pub (67 Front). Sunday June 9, 1 pm ride and 3 pm at the pub. Free. Register at Eventrite.
Cabbagetown Residents’ annual meeting
The Cabbagetown Residents Association will hold its annual meeting on Wednesday June 12 at 7 pm in Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton). Each member will get a drink ticket. You’ll have a chance to catch up on the “state of the neighbourhood”, then elect a new Board of Directors and ask questions about the Association’s work.
Tree for Me
Friends of Allan Gardens are holding their annual free tree giveaway in Allan Gardens (19 Horticultural Ave). It’s a first come-first served event. People who want to participate are asked to answer a short questionnaire and to be part of a tree planting demo. Please RSVP here.
CYC Spring Market
The first-ever CYC Spring Market - from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm, Saturday June 15. Amazing health, arts and food vendors. Part of the proceeds will go to the Cabbagetown Youth Centre and its youth programs. Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster) Free.
51 Division Open House
Saturday June 15, 11 am to 3 pm, 51 Division (51 Parliament). There’ll be family games, a DJ, a bbq and station tours on the program. Register your bike, meet the ETF officers, see the horses and the K9 unit. Everyone’s welcome, free.
Growing up green - family drop-in
Friends of Allan Gardens offer a family day with gardening, composting, arts and crafts and scavenger hunts. Suitable for kids 2 to 10. It’s held on the third Saturday of each month. The next one is Saturday June 15 from 1 to 3 pm in the Conservatory (19 Horticultural Ave, Allan Gardens). Drop-in, donations welcome.
Save the date - register now
Beth Kaplan’s annual garden workshop is a popular sell-out. It’s a one-day writing adventure. offering inspiration, structure and support for writers with lots of experience and those who have none. Spend the day and enjoy positive feedback, bushy perennials and lunch! Beth is a writer-teacher with experience at Ryerson and U of T and several books to her credit. Sunday July 21, 10 am to 5 pm, in Beth’s secret garden, $165. Contact her at beth@bethkaplan.ca
IN THE MEDIA
Sidewalk Labs decision postponed
Photo: Sidewalk Labs
Waterfront Toronto’s board has delayed its vote on the Sidewalk Labs proposal for developing the Quayside district. The decision will come in December or January. The CBC has a report on this move.
Report on the West Don Lands
Image: Waterfront Toronto
The West Don Lands district runs from Parliament to the Don River and from King Street south to the rail corridor. It’s currently home to the Cooper Koo Family YMCA, Corktown Commons, George Brown College residence, River City condos and the former Pan-Am Games athletes’ village. Waterfront Toronto has published an update on the district’s development. Click here.
KIDS’ STUFF
Fay and Fluffy at the Children’s Book Bank
Fay and Fluffy are back at the Children’s Book Bank (350 Berkeley) for a story time in honour of Pride Month. 10:45 to 11:30 am, Sunday June 8.
Summer camp at CNH
Summer time fun at Camp CNH! Children age 5 to13 get active in this eight-week summer camp program. Tuesday July 2 to Friday August 23.
CNH Camp includes field trips, sports, arts, crafts, drama, dance, music, swimming and so much more! It’s a great place for kids to make new friends, get active and have fun in the sun.
There’s also a leader-in-training program for youth age 13 and up to gain skills in community development and learn how to be young leaders in their neighbourhoods.
Six weeks are held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School and the last two are at CNH (349 Ontario). Apply to Franclyn Clement at fclement@tngcs.org
Summer Arts 2019 at CCDT
July 29 – August 2. Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre (509 Parliament).
This week-long program offers full or half day sessions for 5 to 8-year-olds and half-day sessions for 4-year olds. Both groups experience Creative Movement, Music Making and Visual Arts in the morning. Full-day students then enjoy creative story time labs and Musical Theatre in the afternoon. Summer Arts encourages children's' natural joy in movement and imaginative play. The youngest are introduced to elementary technique and the more advanced refine their skills and expressive qualities. For more info, fees and registration, click here.
BUSINESS NEWS
St James Town Steak & Chops online store
St James Town Steak & Chops (516 Parliament) is online. Mark’s new website is easy to use and bright and colourful. Order your asparagus, steaks, black olive spread and lots more. Then select a convenient time for easy pick-ups or delivery. Congrats Mark - it’s a nifty idea and a great new service.
Pride of Cabbagetown
#PrideFloats is the theme of the shop window at Kendall & Co (514 Parliament). A nod to the parade and marches culminating at the end of Pride Month and also a play on the expression "Hope Floats”.
Kendall & Co stands for that hope with Kendall and Kevin by employing talented individuals to shine as themselves and by creating a welcoming space for all to experience their colourful furniture, fabrics, wallpaper, rugs and home decor.
And yes, they do sell those super fun inflatable floats featured in their window. So go get yours to splash out in your pool or on the lake at the cottage. Tag @kendallandco when you do on instagram and Facebook because you know it’s going to blow up, pun intended! Shop local and we are all better for it. Store hours: Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 am to 6 pm, Thursday and Friday from 10 am to 7 pm, Saturday from 11 am to 6 pm, Sunday from noon to 5 pm. https://www.instagram.com/kendallandco
RESTAURANT NEWS
Brews & Bites
Enjoy a three-course meal prepared by chef David Caban. Each course will be paired with two craft beers, one from Beau’s and the other from Collective Arts Brewing. Then you decide which one works best with the food. Wednesday June 12, 7 pm, Boku Noodle Bar (42 Gristmill Lane, Distillery). Tickets available online here, $75.
Getting ready for summer
Amelia’s Cottage (8 Amelia) is serving $6 beer, $8 red, white and bubbly wines and $10 cocktails for the summer. Perfect stuff for a summer evening on one of Cabbagetown’s prettiest patios. And while you’re there, try MacLean’s Farm House ale.
Live music with Jeff and Noah
Tonight is the first Thursday of the month so Jeff Barnes and Noah Zacharin are back at 8 pm at The Tilted Dog (424 Parliament). There’s a regular cycle of live entertainment there. On the second Thursday, it’s comedy at 10 pm with Ethan O’Reilly and guests. The third Thursday is an open mic night hosted by Robert Labell from 8 pm. And on the fourth Thursday, there’s an open mic finger style guitar session from 8 pm.
Peartree’s June menu
Two can eat for $50 at Peartree (507 Parliament) in June. Add a glass of wine or a pint of beer for only $5 more. The back garden patio is now open.
Burn your bill
At the end of every Raptors game, Dominion (500 Queen E) will make one customer very happy. Your bill will go up in smoke.
Cyril’s soup
Saturday’s soup is comfort in a bowl - split pea. There’ll be two versions - vegan/vegetarian ($8) with a brunoise of carrots, celery and onion, spiced with cumin, coriander, thyme and bay leaves to reinforce the earthiness of the split peas or a Quebec-style version ($10) similar to the veggie one with the addition of Montreal smoked meat in lieu of the classic ham.
Order deadline is 7 pm on Friday. He delivers his soups in Cabbagetown. He’s accepting payments by e-transfers and cash. Email him at abeautifulbowl@gmail.com
MAY THEATRE & DANCE PRODUCTIONS
Listed by starting dates.
August: Osage County
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane)
On stage to Wednesday June 19
Website and tickets here. (416) 866-8666
CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS
THURSDAY JUNE 6 TO SUNDAY JUNE 16
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 JUNE 6
Dominion
7 pm, Community camp-out with live music, sampling, s’mores on the patio.
8 pm, Dad the Singer
Mill Street Brew Pub
5 pm, Live music
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Tilted Dog
8 pm, live music with Jeff Barnes and Noah Zacharin.
FRIDAY JUNE 7
Alice’s Place
10 pm, Karaoke
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
SATURDAY JUNE 8
Mill St Brew Pub
10 am - Bollywood, Brunch & Beers
SUNDAY JUNE 9
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
MONDAY JUNE 10
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
TUESDAY JUNE 11
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
WEDNESDAY JUNE 12
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Stout Irish Pub
9 pm, live music with Michael Darcy
The Tilted Dog
7:30 pm, Smart Ass Trivia with Porter
THURSDAY JUNE 13
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Comedy night with Dave Burke and Danish Anwar
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Tilted Dog
10 pm, Comedy Night with Ethan O’Reilly
FRIDAY JUNE 14
Alice’s Place
10 pm, Karaoke
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
SATURDAY JUNE 15
Mill St Brew Pub
10 am - Bollywood, Brunch & Beers
SUNDAY JUNE 16
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,
NEW TOWN
413 Parliament Street
ODIN
514 King E, (647) 350-6346,
PAINTBOX BISTRO
555 Dundas St E, (647) 748-0555
PHO PAS
480 Parliament, (416) 922-0769
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
