This week’s image: the community meal before the outdoor movies. Photo: Taste of Regent Park.
CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
Taste of Regent Park
Every Wednesday before the movies, Taste of Regent Park serves a community meal. There’s a new menu each week. Last week, it featured tandoori chicken, pulao, veggie curry and a green salad. The week before, there was a Bengali meal. Bring your own containers and cups. Tickets are $4 (or pay what you can). Tickets go on sale at 5:45 pm and dinner is served at 6 pm. At the bake oven in the Big Park (Dundas E at Sackville).
A quick note
Every week, I use an email reminder to give my friends a summary of the week’s news and a link to this blog page. Recently, I’ve had trouble with some of my emails - as if a server somewhere is censoring them. If you know someone who’s on my email list and has suddenly been “cut off”, please tell me at cabbagetownreview@gmail.com
Thanks.
LOCAL NEWS
Update on the recent 650 Parliament fire
The fire that broke out at 650 Parliament early in the morning on Wednesday July 10 was limited to one unit on the 15th floor. Officials are now saying that it happened because a stovetop burner was left on when the power originally went out and the residents left the building. When power was restored to that unit, the fire occurred. No reports yet about its impact on the relocation schedule.
Sherbourne and Dundas
Councillor Kristyn Wong Tam has urged City Council to amend the Downtown East Action Plan. It’s an effort to improve the balance between residents’ concerns and the services for vulnerable people and addicts. She moved that street cleaning services be improved, that vacant buildings be inspected, that Toronto Police be asked to increase the number of Community Officers in the area, that respite centres be inspected monthly and that consultations with residents and business groups be part of the regular feedback on community issues. She also asked for increased statistical and service-related studies of neighbourhood problems in order to assess the effectiveness of the City’s programs.
Her plan has been approved without amendments by City Council.
St James Town
Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam has initiated the designation of St James Town as a Neighbourhood Improvement Area. City Council has unanimously agreed to study the need for this designation. If it’s finally approved, the neighbourhood will be eligible for a wide range of targeted projects including food programs, childcare, job services and lots more along with the necessary funding. A wide variety of City departments will be involved - economic development, parks, public libraries, health, employment and social services.
Dogs in the wading pools
Photo: Peter Denes
Riverdale Park West has a wading pool. Last week, we noted that the City of Toronto has a firm rule that dogs are not allowed into it. It is, however, an informal custom that dogs go into the Riverdale pool just before 7 pm when the kids are gone and it’s being drained for the last time for the day. City officials have, however, arrived there and they’re ticketing owners of the offending canines. The story appeared on the Cabbagetown Moms & Dads Facebook page - 80 people have commented, most can’t believe this.
Green Party nomination meeting
The Green Party is holding its nominations to choose a candidate for the coming federal election. Two people are contesting it. Annamie Paul has extensive experience in international affairs and non-government organizations, particularly in Europe. He has a law degree from the University of Ottawa and a Masters degree in Public Affairs from Princeton. Adam Sommerfeld is a communications designer who has extensive experience with media and arts organizations. He studied design art at Concordia. He’s been a Green Party candidate previously in Ottawa and Montreal.
Everyone is welcome. Members who joined before June 24 are eligible to vote. Tuesday July 23 at 7 pm at the Wellesley Community Centre (495 Sherbourne at Wellesley).
The New Roots Dinner series
Photo: the 2018 dinner at Kendall & Co
Daniel et Daniel (248 Carlton) is again sponsoring the New Roots Dinners to support Green Thumbs, Growing Kids - a local program that connects kids and nature through school garden activities. This year’s dinners will take place in Allan Gardens, Riverdale Farm, the Toronto Dance Theatre and the Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre. Last year’s series was a resounding success - praised for its glorious presentations, its amazing menu and its successful fundraising.
Tuesday August 20, 6:30 pm, $200. Tickets for this year’s dinners are available online.
Congrats Wyatt
Wyatt Walkem (Devah’s little boy!) has graduated from the furniture design course at Sheridan College and is now running his own fine furniture workshop. His beautiful work was on display at the Outdoor Art Show in Nathan Phillips Square last weekend. You can see more at his Instagram site.
Monarchs growing up in Cabbagetown
Photo: Kai Hartwig
The milkweed on Kai Hartwig’s Winchester Street home is a healthy environment for Monarch butterflies and their offspring.
YOUR ANNOUNCEMENTS
Gardening help wanted
Garden cleanup help required ASAP. No lawns. Approx 700 square feet of garden. Call Babs at (416) 763-2142.
CABBAGETOWN FESTIVAL UPDATES
Cabbagetown dance
Steve Grant - affectionately known as Cabbagetown Steve - tells us that the Boxing Club is again sponsoring a Saturday night dance during the Festival. The Little Magic Sam Band is back with R&B, soul and blues. There’ll be munchies, a cash bar and souvenirs on sale. Tickets are $20 at the door. Saturday September 7, 8 pm, Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster, behind the Beer Store).
Blair’s Run
Every year, Cabbagetown’s greatest athletes walk or run through the 2 km course at Blair’s Run. It always happens during the Festival - this year, it’s Sunday September 8.
You can register individually or join a team from your street.
The Run is a fundraiser for the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster). You’ll get a tax receipt to cover your admission fee. Check out the website to register, to join a team and to see about special events.
Festival links
The big Festival events - the Cabbagetown Short Film Festival, Blair’s Run, Art & Crafts in Riverdale Park and the street Festival on Parliament - each have their 2019 websites online. Some of the info is still tentative, of course.
Save the dates - Wednesday September 4 (film Festival), Friday September 6, Saturday September 7 and Sunday September 8.
SIDEWALK LABS CONSULTATIONS
Image: Waterfront Toronto
Waterfront Toronto has received the detailed proposal from Sidewalk Labs for the development of the Quayside project. It’s online at Waterfront Toronto’s website.
Public consultations
Two more meetings are scheduled. They include a main presentation and multiple breakout sessions. The meetings will be held at George Brown College (51 Dockside Dr) on Saturday July 20 at 9 am and Chestnut Residence & Conference Centre (89 Chestnut St) on Tuesday July 23 at 6 pm.
Information sessions
Staff from Waterfront Toronto will discuss the proposal, answer questions, and listen to your feedback. The nearby sessions are at the St Lawrence Branch Library (171 Front St E) on Thursday July 18 at 6:30 pm and the Toronto Reference Library (789 Yonge St) on Thursday July 25 at 6:30 pm.
Note To Readers
Waterfront Toronto has also issued a Note To Reader that offers explanations about the Quayside proposal and a summary of various points that affect the final approval decisions. Click here to see it.
COMING EVENTS
Listed by starting dates
Cool off with public skating
Moss Park Arena (140 Sherbourne) will be open for public skating on Saturday July 20 from 2 to 3 pm. You must bring your own helmet and skates. Free.
The BIA’s outdoor movie
The Cabbagetown BIA has announced its summer movie night in Riverdale Park West (Winchester and Sumach). This year’s picture is Space Jam. Wednesday July 24 - rain date Wednesday July 31. Live band at 7 pm, Free popcorn, free admission. Movie at 9 pm.
Tirgan
Tirgan is a celebration of Iranian food, culture and arts. It’s being held in the Distillery, at Harbourfront and in other sites from Thursday July 25 to Sunday July 28, noon to 9 pm. Click here for the details.
Parent Jam - Cabbagetown Edition
Eden Higgins, the dance teacher at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster) will host the CYC’s fundraiser. Parents and kids will learn new routines for favourite songs. 1 to 3 pm, Sunday July 28, CYC. Parents $10 and kids $5. Tickets at the door.
Corktown Common - outdoor movies
Every Thursday evening. Food trucks at 7 pm, movies at sundown, in Corktown Common (100 Bayview Ave at the foot of River Street). Free - suggested donation $10.
July 18 - Paper Moon with the short film Waiting for Lou.
July 25 - Some Like It Hot with the short film Switch.
Under the Stars - outdoor movies
Wednesday evenings in July and August in the Big Park (Dundas E at Sackville). Community market and kitchen by Taste of Regent Park along with family entertainment happen before each movie.
July 24 - Our People Will Be Healed. Samba Squad is providing the entertainment before the movie
July 31 - Life of Pi
Aug 7 - Your Name
Aug 10 - Black Panther
Welcome Sara Boyd
Sara represented Settlers Cider Co from Hillier in Prince Edward County and it was her first visit to the Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market. Her ciders range in alcoholic content from 8.5% to 17%. They’re a blend made from orchard and wild apples. Yummy. Check them out online here.
Last week’s dinner menu included sausages, freshly picked peas and tiny new potatoes - all from Murrays. Followed by strawberries from Sun-Ray. All of it was helped out by herbs from our backyard.
Fresh veggies and fruit are now arriving. Every Tuesday in Riverdale Park West (Winchester and Sumach) from 3 to 7 pm, 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 - 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.
Stay around for the outdoor movies in Corktown Common - every Thursday in July.
KIDS STUFF
Mud-Day Monday
Photo: Ilia Vukas, Friends of Allan Gardens
Every Monday from 10 to 11:30 am to mid-August. Bring your little ones (ages 2 to 8 recommended) and let them water plants, nibble on a few of them, plant seeds, hunt for bugs and lots more. Allan Gardens (18 Horticultural Ave, Carlton and Jarvis). Free. Parental supervision required.
BUSINESS NEWS
Leslieville Flea
The Flea is a curated market that offers unique, handcrafted goods, vintage items, antiques and more. It’s outdoors throughout the Distillery on Saturday July 20 from 11 am to 6 pm.
A thank-you from Spruce
Spruce (Parliament) turned 6 back in June and Kim wants to thank you for all the support over the years...
“Here we are at a little over 6 years old.
We've been through a lot in this lovely little space. It has been an incredible challenge but there has been incredible joy as well.
I don't generally get personal and I'm not going to dive deep here today. But I will say: if you can shop small and shop local it makes a huge difference to a lot of people who pour their heart and soul into their work…I want to thank each person who has spent even a dollar here at Spruce. I want to acknowledge that every single purchase you make is a really big deal to us.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your business.”
Canadian furniture made your way
For over 20 years, Kendall & Co (514 Parliament) has been delivering quality Canadian-made upholstered furniture to countless happy customers. You’ll find their latest designs with custom details on two floors in their Cabbagetown shop. In addition, their extensive collection of fabrics and trims along with stain guarding options mean that you never compromise on style. Reupholstery is also available to make your old furniture look new again. Store hours: Tuesday to Saturday during the summer. https://www.instagram.com/kendallandco
RESTAURANT NEWS
Super Bargain
Regan at The Irv has announced that he is now the owner/operator of Super Bargain Cocktails & Snack Bar (441 Parliament), our nifty new neighbourhood bar. And best wishes to Ashley and Jeff who have joined him as partners in his three local restaurants.
Sad news
Parliament Shawarma & Falafel (568 Parliament) has closed after a dispute with the landlord. Handeri, the owner, issued an emotional goodbye on his Facebook page. His business lasted about a year and a half and during that time, he also became a Canadian citizen. His good food and his cheerful manner will be missed.
Community Night Market
Mill Street Beer Hall (21 Tank House Lane, Distillery) is hosting its second Community Night Market. There’ll be beer samples, live music and local artisanal vendors. July 19, 7 pm.
Tasso
Olya and Mike are having a holiday. They’re closed until Friday July 26. 540 Parliament.
Un Heard Of:
A celebration of the emerging independent music wave in Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal. It completely flips what a music event is on its head by creating zero separation between the audience and the artists. 7 pm, Saturday July 20, Paintbox (555 Dundas E), tickets at Eventrite, $15.
The last weekend for Summerlicious
Toronto's big summer food festival in almost 200 restaurants is winding up on Sunday July 21. Meals are available in various price levels - $23, $28 or $33 for lunch and $33, $43 and $53 for dinner.
Five participating restaurants are in our neighbourhood -
F'Amelia (12 Amelia) Italian, $43 dinner.
Archeo (31 Trinity, Distillery), Italian, $23 lunch and $33 dinner.
Boku (42 Gristmill, Distillery), Japanese, $23 lunch and $33 dinner
Cluny (35 Tank House Lane, Distillery), French, $28 lunch and $43 dinner.
Pure Spirits (17 Tank House Lane, Distillery), seafood, $28 lunch and $43 dinner.
For a full listing of all restaurants and for contact info, go to the official Summerlicious website.
Psychic brunch
The psychics are back at Cranberries (601 Parliament) from 11 am to 3 pm on Sunday July 21. Enjoy an insightful reading plus a bonus 10-minute extra reading and get a $5 coupon to use toward your brunch in Cranberries - $45.
Community BBQ
A pop-up food event at the Paintbox (555 Dundas E). A community bbq presented together with the Regent Park Catering Collective.
Cyril’s soups
For Saturday July 20, his soup is a curried zucchini, $9. On Tuesday July 23, he’s making a cucumber-avocado gazpacho, $11.
On Saturday, he’s also offering a new product - a green juice made from orange, mango, carrot, kale, spinach, parsley and more. And with some ginger for a bit of a kick. Introductory price: $9 for 500 ml.
Cyril makes two soups every week, on Tuesday and Saturday and informs interested people about his menus in advance by email. He usually prepares a regular version and vegan one. His order deadline is 2 pm on the day before delivery. He delivers to his Cabbagetown-area customers. He accepts payments by e-transfers and cash. Email him at abeautifulbowl@gmail.com
JULY & AUGUST
THEATRE & DANCE PRODUCTIONS
Listed by starting dates.
The Promised Land: Steinbeck through Song
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane)
On stage to Saturday July 27
Website and tickets here. (416) 866-8666
Fool for Love
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane)
On stage to Sunday August 11
Website and tickets here. (416) 866-8666
Art
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane)
Friday August 9 to Sunday September 1
Website and tickets here. (416) 866-8666
CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS
THURSDAY JULY 18 TO SUNDAY JULY 28
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 JULY 18
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Tilted Dog
8 pm, open mic with Robert LaBell
FRIDAY JULY 19
Alice’s Place
10 pm, Karaoke
Mill St Beer Hall
7 pm, Community Night Market with live music, beer sampling and local artisans.
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
SATURDAY JULY 20
Distillery - Noon to 5 pm, Summer Music Series with Tanner & Evan, Claire Coupland, Neena Rose and Rose Brokenshire - Trinity Square stage
Dominion
8 pm, Charlie the Kid.
Paintbox
6 pm, Unheardof:wavemusic, $5 to $15
SUNDAY JULY 21
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Cranberries
11 am, Psychic brunch, $45
Distillery
1 to 6 pm, Summer Music Series with Giordana/Bella Magic, Brian and Kevin Foster - Trinity Square stage
Mill St Brew Pub
10 am - Bollywood, Brunch & Beers
MONDAY JULY 22
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
TUESDAY JULY 23
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
WEDNESDAY JULY 24
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Stout Irish Pub
8 pm, Michael Darcy
The Tilted Dog
7:30 pm, Smart Ass Trivia with Porter
THURSDAY JULY 25
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Comedy night with Dave Burke and Danish Anwar
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Social Smiths
7 pm, Cabbagetown Comedy night with Robert Watson, cash bar, $10
Tilted Dog
8 pm, Open mic finger style acoustic guitar
FRIDAY JULY 26
Alice’s Place
10 pm, Karaoke
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Paintbox
11:30 am, community barbeque, $10
SATURDAY JULY 27
Distillery
Noon to 5 pm, Summer Music Series with Holly Clausius, Morad Saad Guzman, Lili Ahopelto & Matt Girolami, and Kirby - Trinity Square stage
Dominion
8:30 pm, Sarah Jordan & Matt V
SUNDAY JULY 28
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Distillery
1 to 6 pm, Summer Music Series with Morad Saad Guzman, LiVVA, Neena Rose and Claire Coupland - Trinity Square stage
Mill St Brew Pub
10 am - Bollywood, Brunch & Beers
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
