This week’s image: So Young Lee in her booth at the Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market in Riverdale Park West.
CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
The season’s best at the Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market
So Young Lee from Samsara Fields Farm has been a favourite at the Market for several years. This week, she offered kidney beans, black beans, garlic, cucumbers, radishes, lettuce and greens. She promises a good batch of freshly harvested tomatoes in the coming weeks. She travels all the way from Waterford, south of Brantford, to be here.
The season’s best are now on sale. Other farmers were selling fresh fruit as well as veggies.
Good crowds have been coming out to take advantage of this fine produce.
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.
Email problems
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
Chon Sok Han
Known to Cabbagetowners as Sam Han, he was a friend and familiar face here for over forty years. He died on July 23 and was buried at Highland Hills Memorial Gardens. Sam and his family owned and operated Fairway Market at Parliament and Winchester. He will be missed by his wife, son and daughter and five grandchildren.
Oops - my mistake!
Last week’s report about our local candidates for the Fall federal election named the wrong person as the Green Party candidate.
Annamie Paul has been selected to run for the Party. She’s a lawyer with a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Ottawa and a Master’s Degree in Public Affairs from Princeton. She’s served with the Canadian Mission to the European Union, with the International Criminal Court and with a variety of international policy organizations. Her full resume is available at LinkedIn.
My apologies to Adam Sommerfeld who was incorrectly named as the candidate and to anyone who was inconvenienced by my report.
Your opinion, please
Image: A general sketch of the proposal, not the final design.
The Cabbagetown BIA is planning to paint a mural on 237 Gerrard E - the building at Ontario Street opposite the Beer Store parking lot. The artist, Jacquie Comrie, will be listening to community members to help her reach a final mural design. The BIA is holding two public consultations to collect your opinions - from 6 to 8 pm on Tuesday August 6 and Thursday August 8 at the BIA office (237 Carlton).
A reminder - Streetscapes in Bloom
Every year, the Cabbagetown Preservation Association salutes great gardeners in our neighbourhood. This year, eight gardens have been nominated for the Streetcapes in Bloom award and the winner will be announced at the CPA’s Fall meeting. The nominees are 70 Amelia, 11 Metcalfe, 1 Rose, 61 Spruce, 410 Sumach, 413 Wellesley, 419 Wellesley and the gardens at Our Lady of Lourdes Church (Earl and Sherbourne).
Brown bins for yard waste
The City of Toronto is testing brown bins instead of leaf bags for disposing yard waste - leaves, twigs, garden plants. The test is happening currently in Leaside and will continue through to the end of the year. There are two sizes for the bins - similar to the black ones used for garbage disposal. Think about your situation at home and tell Councillor Wong-Tam whether you agree with this approach. Thanks to Don Purvis for this info.
SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY
New Roots Dinner series
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 at Canada Helps.
School of Toronto Dance Theatre
Photo: Cylla von Tiedemann
The School has established a fundraising target of $20,000 to build a bigger bursary and scholarship fund. This assistance is especially important now that the Ontario government has cut its OSAP loans and grants. Find more info and make your donation online here.
Theft at the Cabbagetown Community Arts Centre
The CCAC experienced a painful theft over a week ago - its guitars and violins along with its sound equipment were stolen. Since then, its supporters have been making gifts and financial donations to ease this burden for the Centre.
The CCAC provides free one-on-one arts and music instruction to our local kids. It’s a long-standing local agency that celebrates its fortieth anniversary in September. Check out its website here.
A GoFundMe campaign has been started. Click here for the details and donate whatever you can afford.
IN THE MEDIA
Serge Ibaka at Taste of Regent Park
Toronto Raptors star Serge Ibaka made a guest appearance on Wednesday July 31 at Taste of Regent Park. It’s a charity that his Foundation has selected for his support - arising from his personal experience with hunger in his youth in the Congo. The CBC’s Talia Ricci tells about his visit - click here.
Cabbagetown South residents’ concerns
Adrian Ghobrial at CityNews did a story about residents’ reactions to the rising crime rates in the Dundas and Sherbourne neighbourhood. Click here to watch the video.
Town Hall meeting about Sherbourne and Dundas crime
A Town Hall meeting held on Wednesday brought out critics and advocates who presented different views on the importance of the safe injection site at Street Health (338 Dundas).
The CBC reported on the meeting - click here.
CityTV’s report focused more on the residents’ concerns.
Sidewalk Labs’ CEO speaks out
Photo: Erin Leydon, Toronto Life
Dan Doctoroff participated in an online Reddit Q&A forum and defended the company’s plans for the Quayside and Villiers West districts on the waterfront.
Click here for the Reddit discussion.
Click here to see the Toronto Star article about his comments.
CABBAGETOWN FESTIVAL UPDATES
Festival links
Get your tickets, register for the run, mark your calendars for your favourite events. The big Festival programs - 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.
COMING EVENTS
Listed by starting dates
Walking tour on Lady Action: Toronto’s Trailblazing Women
Heritage Toronto presents a walk in the footsteps of Toronto’s trailblazing women. Explore the stories of suffragists, doctors, entrepreneurs, artists and others who faced adversity and challenged the status quo. Thursday August 1, 6:30 pm, starting point at Allan Gardens (160 Gerrard E), $10 donation suggested. Thanks to Victoria Hadden for the info.
CYC performing arts
The Performing Arts campers present Due-Over: You’re never too old to dream a new dream. It’s their annual showcase of the work they’ve developed over the summer. Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E), Tuesday August 13, 6:30 pm, $10 or $35 for a family of four.
Bill Morneau's community picnic
11 am to 3 pm, Sunday August 25, Riverdale Park West. Good food (vegetarian and halal options available) and local entertainment. Meet Bill and catch up with the election gossip with all the local political addicts.
Bill Morneau's community picnic
Under the Stars - outdoor movies
Wednesday evenings in August in the Big Park (Dundas E at Sackville). Community market and kitchen by Taste of Regent Park.
On Wednesday, the theme was Caribana with food prepared by Patricia Chung, steel pan music by Dwight Belgrove and special guest Raptors star Serge Ibaka. Every week has its special food and themes. The Muhtadi Drummers will provide pre-movie entertainment on August 7.
Aug 7 - Your Name
Aug 14 - Black Panther
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.
KIDS STUFF
After school at Buds & Blossoms
Buds & Blossoms (517 Parliament) has lots of spots open in its newly restructured after school program. To register, just email at info@budsandblossoms.ca. There are tailored programs for kids ages 4 to 6 and ages 7 o 9, each catered to their individual learning experiences. All of our after school program include pick up from either Spruce Court or Winchester Schools.
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
Grinning Face
Our little gelato store (540 Parliament) has closed. Julie and Keo have placed a sign in the window explaining that a recent break-in plus negotiations for a new lease have been decisive. You can check out the Grinning Face website to locate other retail outlets for their gelato.
St Jamestown Steak & Chops
Mark and his staff are taking their annual summer holiday. The shop (516 Parliament) will be closed from Monday August 5 through Monday August 12 and will reopen on Tuesday August 13.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Croissants from scratch
Leo Baduria will teach you the secrets of one of French pastry's most magical delights - the flaky, delicate butter croissant. You will learn the whole process of creating your own croissants. This versatile dough can be used to make a variety of pastries like pain au chocolat, cinnamon swirls, palmiers and more. There will be delicious fresh croissants to enjoy in class, and participants will be able to take additional dough to bake at home.
Paintbox Bistro (555 Dundas E), Sunday August 11, two classes - 10 am to 1 pm and 2 to 5 pm. More details and tickets are available online, $75.
Chef wanted for F’Amelia
Hey Head Chefs! F'Amelia needs a new leader to carry it into its 8th successful year. If you have what it takes to take the reins of a talented kitchen, they would love to hear from you. Good pay, great hours (kitchen closes at 10) and a reputation for excellence. Send us your resume. info@famelia.com
Cyril’s soups
Cyril is away on Saturday August 3 for the long weekend and he’ll be back on Tuesday August 6.
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
AUGUST THEATRE & DANCE PRODUCTIONS
Listed by starting dates.
False Claims
Alumnae Theatre (70 Berkeley)
Friday August 2 to Saturday August 11
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
The Night Joe Dolan's Car Broke Down - Toronto Irish Players
Alumnae Theatre (70 Berkeley)
Friday August 16 and Saturday August 17 at 8 pm
Sunday August 18 at 2 pm.
CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS
THURSDAY AUGUST 1 TO SUNDAY AUGUST 11
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 AUGUST 1
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Tilted Dog
8 pm, live music with Jeff Barnes and Noah Zacharin
FRIDAY AUGUST 2
Alice’s Place
9:30 pm, Karaoke
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
SATURDAY AUGUST 3
Distillery - Noon to 5 pm, Summer Music Series with Courtney Bowles, Silvia Sabash and Jordan Hart - Trinity Square stage
Dominion
8:30 pm, Patrick Ang
SUNDAY AUGUST 4
Alice’s Place
9:30 pm, Karaoke
Distillery
1 to 6 pm, Summer Music Series with Lili Ahopelto & Matt Girolami, Silvia Sabash, Jordan Hart and Jake & Victoria - Trinity Square stage
MONDAY AUGUST 5
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
TUESDAY AUGUST 6
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 7
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
The Tilted Dog
7:30 pm, Smart Ass Trivia with Porter
THURSDAY AUGUST 8
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 AUGUST 9
Alice’s Place
9:30 pm, Karaoke
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
SATURDAY AUGUST 10
Distillery
Noon to 5 pm, Summer Music Series with Liron, Jake & Victoria, Kyler McKenzie and Kirby - Trinity Square stage
Dominion
8:30 pm, Cody Barton
SUNDAY AUGUST 11
Alice’s Place
9:30 pm, Karaoke
Distillery
1 to 6 pm, Summer Music Series with Michael Carroll, Conor Gains, Kyler McKenzie and Kirby - Trinity Square stage
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
