August 8

This week’s image:  Blog HQ - Fisher’s gone fishin’.  We’re outta here!

CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD 
REVIEW


Holiday time
I’m happy to announce that there won’t be a blog on Thursday August 15.  It's holiday time.  Back on Thursday August 22.

Slow but sure progress on my email problems
Recently, some of my reminder emails haven’t arrived.  I’m told that my blog needs to update its code (DNS anyone???)  Because my codes are antiquated, big servers like Bell reject them.  It’s an anti-spam gesture.  A solution may be coming soon. 
If you know someone who’s on my email list and has suddenly been “cut off”, please tell me at cabbagetownreview@gmail.com
Thanks.

YOUR OPINIONS PLEASE

A new mural
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.   

Contrary opinions about this mural
Jordan Lloyd Norman Allison objects to the use of the building at Ontario and Gerrard for a BIA-sponsored mural.  He’s a member of the Cabbagetown Heritage Conservation Advisory Committee and he’s focussed on the new Heritage District proposal for Cabbagetown South.  
This building has heritage values.  It's in the proposed Cabbagetown Southwest HCD.  It’s been designated since 1995 and included on the City's list of Heritage Buildings. Unfortunately, the paint for the mural will damage the existing masonry and millwork on the building.

Another chance to express your opinion
Several people reacted to this notice last week.  So here’s a repeat with additional info about reaching Ms Wong-Tam.
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 - (416) 392-7903 or email councillor_wongtam@toronto.ca.  Thanks to Don Purvis for this info.

LOCAL NEWS 

Tour of Homes
The Cabbagetown Preservation Association is looking for volunteers for the Tour of Homes. Sunday September 15 from noon to 4 pm. Volunteer hours start at the assigned home from 11:30 am to 4 pm. Volunteers get a free ticket to the tour.  Click here to sign up.   

Selfies in the Distillery
Photo:  Tess Goulding, blogTO
The Distillery has created a sunflower wall that’s become a Toronto favourite for selfies.  blogTO has written a story that tells you all about it.

Another raccoon story
Photo:  Lawrence Bernstein
Lawrence says that he's conflicted!  This little critter has been plaguing him at home but he still thinks it's amazingly cute.

Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum Historical Tidbit
by Sally Gibson
Image:  Cricket in Riverdale 1914 City of Toronto Archives 1231-1283
Such an idyllic image. Young men dressed in white - bowling, batting, running and catching a cricket ball in one of Toronto’s most diverse sporting parks, our very own Riverdale. Perhaps looking forward to a genteel tea break between innings. 
And yet. And yet. Within days, the Guns of August would be booming across Europe. Within months, perhaps even weeks, many of these healthy youths would be in uniform and off to do their bit … perhaps to die … for King and Country.

SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY

New Roots Dinner series
Tuesday August 20, 6:30 pm, $200.  Sales are brisk and well on the way to another success.  Tickets for this year’s dinners are available online at Canada Helps.   
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.  

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 easily and safely online here.     

Update - support for the Cabbagetown Community Arts Centre
The GoFundMe campaign to assist the Cabbagetown Community Arts Centre (422 Parliament) has raised over $26,000.  The campaign is still open - check it out here.  
The CCAC experienced a painful theft on July 23 - its guitars and violins along with its sound equipment were stolen.  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.  Learn more at its website.   

IN THE MEDIA

$1 million in Regent Park
Photo:  Jordan Prussky Photography
The Globe & Mail’s real estate section revealed last week that a condo in Regent Park has sold for over $1 million.  It’s the first one in Regent Park to break this price point.   Click here to read the description.

The Cherry Street bridge
Photo:  James Morrison-Collato, CBC
The bridge has been stuck in its upright position for over a week and no one knows, so far, how to fix it.  All traffic has been rerouted east to the Don Roadway and to Leslie Street.  The City of Toronto can’t give a date for its repair.  The CBC has done a story about the dilemma.   

Deadline for Sidewalk Labs
Photo:  Fred Lum, Globe & Mail
Waterfront Toronto and Sidewalk Labs have agreed that October 31 must be the deadline for resolving major issues with the Sidewalk proposal.  Tara Deschamps’s story in the Globe & Mail details the issues where the two sides have yet to reach an agreement. 

CABBAGETOWN FESTIVAL UPDATES
Wednesday September 4 and Friday September 6 to Sunday September 8

Film Festival info
Gina Dineen reminds us that tickets are now available online for the Cabbagetown Short Film Festival.  She says that she’s received double the number of film submissions so far and that the choices are “out of this world”.  The final program will be decided soon and it’ll be listed on her website.  Cash bar.  
$15, Wednesday September 4, 7:30 pm, Winchester Street Theatre (80 Winchester).

Blair’s Run 
It’s time to register yourself as one of the world-class sprinters racing in Blair’s Run.  It doesn’t matter what racing style you choose - runner, walker, parent with a child, racer with a pet etc.  Just be sure to sign up. 
There are two ways to do this.  You can go direct to Blair’s Run online. 
Or you can join or start up a team.  This is, frankly, more fun.  Tips for getting onto a team are also online here.  
You’ve got a month to get into shape - Sunday September 8, 8:30 am, in front of 248 Carlton.  

Special Festival events
The Children’s Book Bank (350 Berkeley) be back at the Cabbagetown Festival, hosting its third Annual Book Sale. Look for the booth on Parliament Street with tables filled with hundreds of amazing adult books (fiction/non-fiction/cookbooks/graphic novels and many more). Be sure to see the beautiful handmade cards made by the amazing volunteer Randy from vintage and worn out favourite books.
All the money raised will go back to supporting Book Bank programs. 

COMING EVENTS
Listed by starting dates  

Regent Park garden tour
Explore the gardens in Regent Park and then enjoy a snack from the Bake Oven.  Saturday August 10 from 1 to 3 pm.  Meet at the Bake Oven in the Big Park (Sackville and Dundas).

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.  

Under the Stars - the final screening
The summer’s final outdoor movie will be screened on Wednesday evening in the Big Park (Dundas E at Sackville). A community market, live entertainment and meals by Taste of Regent Park happen before the film is shown.   
Aug 14 - Black Panther

Save the date - Bill Morneau’s picnic
Bill's annual picnic in Riverdale Park West is coming soon.  11 am to 3 pm, Sunday August 25.  Food and entertainment.  Free.  

The season’s best at the Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market
Pete comes to the Market every week from Brampton.  He was here for several years and then dropped off.  He’s back now and happy to be here.  This week, he offered heirloom tomatoes, radish sprouts, onions, garlic, chard, kale and other greens. It’s all certified organic produce. 
The season’s best are now on sale.  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. 

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

Riverdale Farm demonstrations
A reminder - every day, the Farm (Winchester and Sumach) holds a demonstration in the Lower Francey Barn.  A farmer picks one animal and introduces it to the audience.  A great show for your kids.  Check out the chalkboard at the Farm entrance to see the daily topic. 

After school at Buds & Blossoms
Buds & Blossoms (517 Parliament) has lots of spots open in its newly restructured after school program for kids ages 4 to 6 and ages 7 o 9. To register, just email at info@budsandblossoms.ca. Pick ups from either Spruce Court or Winchester Schools are included.

Still open - Mud-Day Monday
Photo:  Ilia Vukas, Friends of Allan Gardens
Still going for two more weeks - Monday August 12 and August 19 from 10 to 11:30 am.  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

August sale starts now at Spruce
Deep discounts up to 50% off at Spruce (455 Parliament).  The savings begin on Thursday August 8 on candles, pillows, throws, books and more.  Many one-of-a-kind items.  These sale items won’t last.

Holiday time for St Jamestown Steak & Chops
Mark and his staff are taking their annual summer holiday.  The shop (516 Parliament) will reopen on Tuesday August 13.

Save the date - Leslieville Flea
The Flea returns to the Distillery on Saturday August 17 from 11 am to 6 pm.  It’s a very popular, curated Flea market offering vintage and handcrafted goods and unique foods.  

RESTAURANT NEWS 

Access to The Keating Channel Pub & Grill
The Cherry Street bridge is broken and traffic in the area has been diverted.  To reach The Keating Channel Pub & Grill (2 Villiers) while this is going on, use the Don Roadway. Go south one block from Lakeshore Drive and turn west on Villiers Street.  It’s a hassle but the pub makes it all worthwhile.

Fusilli on holiday
Corktown’s Fusilli Ristorante (531 Queen E) will close from August 9 to September 4 for annual holidays. 

Psychic brunch
The psychics return to Cranberries for their monthly readings.  Your ticket gets you two readings and a $5 voucher toward the cost of your brunch at Cranberries.  $45, Sunday August 18, 10 am to 3 pm.

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.  

Cyril’s soups
Next week’s soups are a hot lemon, dill and orzo with either chicken or tofu ($11) for Tuesday and a cold vichyssoise ($9) for Saturday.  For the following week on Tuesday August 20, it’s a hot or cold corn-jalapeno chowder ($9) and on Saturday August 24, it’s a cold strawberry gazpacho ($11).
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)
On stage to Saturday August 11
Website and tickets here.   

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

A (Musical) Midsummer Night’s Dream
Bard’s Bus Tour, Driftwood Theatre
Daniels Spectrum Courtyard
Thursday August 15
Website and tickets here

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.
Website and tickets here.   

Betrayal
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane)
Thursday August 29 to Wednesday September 18
Website and tickets here.  (416) 866-8666

CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS

THURSDAY AUGUST 8 TO SUNDAY AUGUST 18

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 8

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
Paintbox 
11:30 am, community barbeque, $10 

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, live music with Andrew Fetterley

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

MONDAY AUGUST 12

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

TUESDAY AUGUST 13

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 14

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
The Tilted Dog
7:30 pm, Smart Ass Trivia with Porter

THURSDAY AUGUST 15

New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Tilted Dog
8 pm, open mic with Robert LaBell

FRIDAY AUGUST 16

Alice’s Place
9:30 pm, Karaoke 
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke

SATURDAY AUGUST 17

Distillery - Noon to 5 pm, Summer Music Series with Brian, Adam Solomon, Giordana/Bella Magic and Rose Brokenshire - Trinity Square stage 
Dominion
8:30 pm, Live music with Dad the Singer 

SUNDAY AUGUST 18

Alice’s Place
9:30 pm, Karaoke 
Cranberries
10 am, Psychic Brunch - two readings, $5 coupon toward brunch, $45.  
Distillery
1 to 6 pm, Summer Music Series with Brian, Adam Solomon, Rose Brokenshire and Jake & Victoria - 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