March 12

This week’s image:  How low will it go… at the gas station on Parliament on Wednesday.  


CABBAGETOWN
NEIGHBOURHOOD 
REVIEW



FEATURED LOCAL ARTISTS
Every week, a new image in the right hand column highlights the work of a local artist.  

Throughout March, Victoria Hadden will be featured.  She paints large works in acrylic on canvas and smaller works in pen and ink and watercolours.  She photographed this week’s image separately to give us a glimpse into her studio and her process.

LOCAL NEWS

COVID-19
Please note:  local events and services affected by the COVID-19 closures are noted individually below.
Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam has listed the services available to us from the City’s Public Health Department.  She provides contact info at the City of Toronto (416-338-7600) and at Telehealth Ontario (1-866-797-0000).  She notes that the 29 Toronto cases being monitored now (2:45 pm on Thursday) are all travel related.  None are circulating locally.  Four more people with confirmed cases have recovered.  This data, of course, will change quickly. It’s a very good summary - click here to read it.  
Toronto Public Health has a website with the latest information, resources and facts.   It’s a helpful site with details about prevention, caring for yourself if you contract the disease and other info on travel and self-monitoring.

Congrats to Hannia Cheng and Fatoumat Jikineh
These two young women are the 2020 recipients of the Pam McConnell Young Women in Leadership award. It’s given annually to recognize the exceptional leadership of young women in the city. The City’s citation for each of them is listed below -

“You can always find Hannia Cheng dancing wherever the music feels good. She is currently invested in social practice as a means of community care, creating agency, and building capacity. Hannia Cheng is the “lo ban” (Cantonese for “boss”) of Tea Base, a DIY community arts space tucked away in the basement of Chinatown Centre that opened up last year in January.”

“Fatoumat Jikineh is a third year Nursing student at York University and a young mother. She is a co-founder and the vice president of the Gambian Canadian Youth Association and creator of Because I’m Honoured, a program for Muslim girls and young women aimed at promoting cultural and religious pride.”

The CYC needs an Interim Executive Director
The Cabbagetown Youth Centre has issued a call for applications for its Interim Executive Director position.  According to Lucy Troisi, the outgoing Executive Director, the job is “interim” only because the Centre’s future structure and funding are still up in the air and the new person will be deeply involved in managing this change.  The application deadline is March 20.  Interested people should send a covering letter and resume to mszajer@torontolawn.com 

Returning to 650 Parliament
Last week, tenants started moving back to 650 Parliament after a fire forced them out in August 2018.  Their apartments have been repaired and upgraded to fix the flaws that contributed to the blaze.  The moving schedules focus on two floors at a time, starting at the top and will continue to mid-May.  
Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam reports that Toronto staff from public health and MLS are monitoring the building regularly.  Tenants who have concerns can contact 311 and her office.  

Register now for SummerArts
SummerArts is a week-long program for kids ages 4 to 8 offered by Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre (509 Parliament) from August 4 to 8. You can register for full or half day sessions for 5 to 8-year-olds and half-day sessions for 4 to 5-year olds. Both groups experience creative movement, music, and visual art in the morning. Full-day students then enjoy musical theatre and story and creation in the afternoon. 
The expert faculty of Summer Arts encourage children's natural joy in movement and imaginative play, while introducing the youngest to elementary technique and refining the skills and expressive qualities of the more advanced.
For more info and for registration, click here.  

Cabbagetown Coalition
The Cabbagetown Coalition needs your help.  It was formed to oppose the City’s secrecy and unilateral actions when it was setting up the women’s resource centre at 233 Carlton.  Representatives from all of Cabbagetown’s residents’ associations and some local businesses belong to the group. 
Although the Coalition didn’t prevail at Committee of Adjustment on February 26, they aren’t deterred.  It’s their intention to prevent any shelter services at 233 Carlton from opening.  The last day for submitting an appeal of the Committee’s decision is March 17, 2020.  
The Coalition’s website offers details about each step in the process as it now unfolds. You can join its mailing list to stay in touch. 
The Coalition needs your support with its efforts in communication, organizing, media, outreach, fundraising, legal, website.  If you can help please use the email box on the website.

Destination Playground
Illustration:  Waterfront Toronto’s drawing of the future Villers Island
A destination playground can most easily be described as a large, immersive play environment designed to entertain children of all ages and abilities, emphasizing movement, exploration and healthy risk-taking. 
As part of the Port Lands Flood Protection Project, Waterfront Toronto will develop 25 hectares of green space and parkland on Villiers Island around the river’s mouth. Inside this area, the Destination Playground will feature leading-edge playground equipment and design and nature play opportunities.  

The story is rolling out as we speak …
Photo:  Eric Morse
Cabbagetown photographer Eric Morse snapped this gem at the Loblaws in Maple Leaf Gardens.  The week’s big mystery - why are people hoarding toilet paper?

ST PATRICK’S DAY

St Patrick’s cake
Anastasia at Staij & Co is taking orders now for an irresistible St Patrick’s Day cake. One bite and you’ll be Irish forever!  It’s a Guinness chocolate cake with Bailey’s ganache covered by Bailey’s buttercream.  A 6” size (8 to 10 servings) is $45 and an 8” size (12 to 15 servings) is $55.   Email your order to info@staijandco.com or - better yet - drop in to the store at 552 Parliament.

Stout Irish Pub  
There’ll be live Celtic music, Irish dancers, special menus and lots of beer. (221 Carlton).  

Dominion   
The celebration goes on daily until March 17.  Enjoy a special features menu every day to March 16.  On March 14 and 15, there’ll be special Irish brunch menus.  On St Patrick’s Day, drink $10 Guinness with a shot of Bushmills and listen to live music.  (500 Queen E).

House on Parliament
Tasty Irish menus and Irish dancers will highlight the celebrations at the HOP.  (454 Parliament). 

Mill Street 
Beer Hall - $5 Cobblestone Nitro stout, brewery tours, an Irish inspired menu, live music from 2 - 6 pm. Saturday March 14.  21 Tank House Lane, Distillery.
Brewpub - 5 to 9 pm, live music, brewery tours, $5 Cobblestone stout. Irish inspired menu and more.  21 Tank House Lane, Distillery.

COMING EVENTS
Listed by starting dates  

Sugar Shack at Sugar Beach
Event is cancelled
Photo:  blogTO
Saturday March 14 and Sunday March 15,  Sugar Beach (11 Dockside at the corner of Jarvis and Queen’s Quay).  It’s time to celebrate the first hint of Spring with all things maple.  There’ll be entertainment with the Great Canadian Fiddle Show, the Lumberjack show and the Mark LaForme Band.   Scoop up some comfort food - maple beavertails, maple chicken tacos, maple szechuan fried chicken, maple donuts, maple poutine and lots more.  There’ll be two sugar shacks, maple syrup demos, games and hot chocolate.  

Community Open House
Presented by the Regent Park Community Health Centre.  It’s a family event.  Meet the service providers.  Popcorn, henna art and free food.  246 Sackville, Wednesday March 18, noon to 4:30 pm.

Songbook by Tapestry Opera
Songbook X is the the culmination of Tapestry’s New Opera 101 three-day masterclass, highlighting beautiful, tragic, and absurd favourites.  Emerging opera artists showcase their vocal skills accompanied by Krisztina Szabó and acclaimed pianist Christopher Foley.  March 20 and 21, Ernest Balmer Studio (315 - 9 Trinity St, Distillery).  Tickets and program details are online here, $10 to $50, pwyw.  

Outdoor skating rinks
We have three rinks in our neighbourhood - all are still open.  It’s a good idea to check the latest rink details online before heading out.  
Regent Park (480 Shuter).  Next to the Regent Park Athletic Grounds.  
Riverdale Park East (550 Broadview).  Just across the Don Valley. 
Sherbourne Common (5 Lower Sherbourne).  A great spot for lakefront and downtown Toronto views.

MARCH BREAK 

Allan Gardens
Event is cancelled
The Family Drop-In has been cancelled in response to concerns over social gatherings during the COVID-19 epidemic. You're still encouraged to enjoy the lush greenhouses at Allan Gardens (19 Horticultural Ave, Jarvis and Carlton)

Children’s Book Bank
No current plans to close, please call for info - (416) 922-7323
Each day through the week, there are activities for your kids.  From Monday to Saturday, story time happens at 11:30 am and 1:30 pm.  In the afternoons from 2 pm on Monday through Thursday, special events happen including dance with Laura, counting with Money Bunnies, a scavenger hunt and songs and stories with Daphne.  Children’s Book Bank (350 Berkeley).

Buds & Blossoms
Please call for current info - (416) 655-0695
Campers at March Break will learn about different art from around the world and create their own, using bright colours and different mediums.  Two days will also be dedicated to the Little Chef programming where campers will cook and bake up a storm!   Register today for a week of fun, March 16 - 20.    517 Parliament. 

Parliament Street Library
All events cancelled to April 6
March Break events happen every day at the Library (260 Gerrard E).  On Monday March 16, it’s BenTastic Magic Show at 10:30 am for ages 6 to 12.  On Tuesday, the Robotics Club at 3:30 pm for ages 6 to 12. On Wednesday, the Aqua Music Powwow dance workshop at 1:30 pm for all ages. On Thursday the Lego Club at 3:30 pm for ages 6 to 12. On Friday, Shrinky Dinks at 1:30 pm for ages 8 to 12 and on Saturday Hands-on Exotics Furry Friends at 2 pm for ages 6 to 12.  

Riverdale Farm
All events cancelled to April 6
Meet a farmer, enjoy crafts, board games and the preschooler playroom. There’ll be goats, horses and sheep on display.  Have a hot chocolate.  Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Next to Riverdale Park (Sumach and Winchester).  

BUSINESS NEWS

Tune up your bike
It’s a good time to get your bike into Cycle Solutions (444 Parliament) for its Spring tune-up.  Drop-ins can still expect a quick turn-around.  But if you wait, you’ll need an appointment.  During the big Spring rush, the guys can’t handle immediate demands for work on drop-ins and they ask for a reservation instead.  Contact them at (416) 972-6948 and by email at online@cycle-solutions.com .

Parliament Street Fitness
Throughout March, PSF (488 Parliament) is offering specials on registered massage therapy.  Receive 60 minutes for $80 (regularly $90) and 90 minutes for $120 (regularly $135).  Paul Neira is a registered massage therapist.  He’s available on Mondays from 5 to 9 pm, on Wednesdays and Fridays from noon to 9 pm and on Saturdays from 1 to 5 pm.  Find out more about him and about the other team members online here.   

Floor model clearance
Save 40 to 60% on select floor model sofas, loveseats, armchairs, swivel chairs and recliners at Kendall & Co (514 Parliament). Made in Canada with durable upholstery fabrics. Each uniquely one of a kind. Take advantage of these fantastic savings as Kendall makes room for the new furniture that’s arriving soon. 
Shop online now for details.  
Shop in the store Tuesday to Friday from 10 am to 6 pm, Saturday 11 am to 6 pm and Sunday noon to 5 pm. 

RESTAURANT NEWS  

The psychics are back at Cranberries
The psychic brunch returns to Cranberries (601 Parliament) on Sunday January 19, 11 am to 3 pm.  Two talented psychics - Ralph and Elizabeth - will provide two insightful readings and give you a $5 voucher to use toward your brunch. 

F’Amelia’s Italian love affair
Pair up two pizzas and a bottle of Sangre de Toro Cabernet Sauvignon - only $69 for two.  And you’ll get two souvenir glasses free.  12 Amelia.

PearTree’s March menu
Specials this month include a two-course dinner for $25 - soup or salad and a main course.  The three-course dinner is $30 - soup or salad, main course and dessert. Add a beer or glass of wine for only $5.  Your choices will feature steak, chicken and fish.  507 Parliament.

Cyril’s soups and juices
Cyril’s soup for Saturday is meatless Mulligatawny for $9 or meaty  Mulligatawny at $12.  His juice is sweet apple with sour tamarind and a kick of ginger, $9.  For next Tuesday, he’s making Thai vegetable with peanut soup at $9.  
He makes two soups every week - on Tuesday and Saturday. He informs interested people about his menus in advance by email. He usually prepares a regular version and vegan one. 
His order deadline for Saturday delivery is 5 pm on the previous Thursday and for Tuesday, it’s 5 pm on the previous Sunday.  He delivers to his Cabbagetown-area customers. He accepts payments by e-transfers and cash. Email him at abeautifulbowl@gmail.com

MARCH THEATRE & DANCE PRODUCTIONS
Listed by starting dates.

Alumnae Theatre - seating does not exceed 100 patrons and performances will continue with special cleaning procedures in place.
New Ideas Festival 2020
14 new short plays over three weeks
Alumnae Theatre (70 Berkeley)
March 11 to March 29
Week one - March 11 to 15
-   Just in Love
-   Remember Him Chasing Squirrels
-   Speed Dating Night at the Bull & Bell
-   The Curious Case of Jockstrap Malone
Week two - March 25 to 29
-   Alpha Betty
-   Laundry Cycles
-   Motherhood
-   Platypus
-   The Unholy Estate of Matrimony
Website and tickets here.  (416) 364-4170   

Citadel - performances are cancelled.  Please check back after March 31 for further updates.
Wind in the Leaves with Allies and Friends
Citadel (304 Parliament)
March 13 to March 14
Website and tickets here.  (416) 364-8011  

School of Toronto Dance - performance of Acceleration cancelled.  Recreational classes cancelled to April 6 and professional classes cancelled to March 30.
 Acceleration 2020
School of Toronto Dance Theatre  (80 Winchester)
March 18 to March 21 
Website and tickets here.  (416) 967-6887  

Citadel - performances are cancelled.  Please check back after March 31 for further updates.
Talent/Show
Citadel (304 Parliament)
March 25 to March 28
Website and tickets here.  (416) 364-8011 

Soulpepper - information to come on March 17
The Seagull
Soulpepper (Tank House Lane, Distillery)
March 26 to April 26
Website and tickets here.  (416) 866-8666.   

Omaagomaan
Native Earth, Aki Studio Theatre (Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas E)
April 2 to 5
Website and tickets here.  (416) 531-1402.    

Mission Songs
Native Earth, Aki Studio Theatre (Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas E)
April 6
Website and tickets here.  (416) 531-1402.    

CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS

THURSDAY MARCH 12 TO SUNDAY MARCH 22

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 12

New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Tilted Dog
8:30 pm, open mic with Stump Down Rider, hosted by Robert LaBell

FRIDAY MARCH 13

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

SATURDAY MARCH 14

Dominion
8 pm, The Good You’s
Mill St Beer Hall
2 to 6 pm, live music, $5 Cobblestone stout, brewery tours and more.

SUNDAY MARCH 15

Alice’s Place
9:30 pm, Karaoke

MONDAY MARCH 16

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

TUESDAY MARCH 17
St Patrick’s Day

Dominion
$10 Guinness & Bushmills and live music.
House on Parliament
Special Irish menu and Irish dancers
Mill St Brewpub
5 to 9 pm, live music, brewery tours, $5 Cobblestone stout. Irish inspired menu and more.  
Stout Irish Pub
11 am to 2 am, Celtic music, special menus and Irish dancers.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 18

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

THURSDAY MARCH 19

New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Tilted Dog
8 pm, open mic finger style guitar sessions

FRIDAY MARCH 20

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

SATURDAY MARCH 21

Dominion
8 pm, Denis Martell

SUNDAY MARCH 22

Alice’s Place
9:30 pm, Karaoke

CONTACT INFO

ALICE'S PLACE
554 Parliament St, (647) 931-9088, 
ARVO
17 Gristmill Lane, Distillery,  (647) 352-2766
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
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
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