July 2

This week’s image:  Opening up - the patio at The Irv (195 Carlton) includes carefully spaced diners, lots of sanitizers and the usual good food.  Every Thursday is oyster day.

CABBAGETOWN

NEIGHBOURHOOD 

REVIEW

FEATURED LOCAL ARTISTS

This week’s picture is by David Brandy, an award-winning contemporary fine art photographer.

He captures transient moments that reflect the concept of “The Uncanny” - the psychological experience of something as strangely familiar. 

David is a graduate in Radio and Television Arts from Ryerson University. His photography won the Juror's Choice Award at the 2019 edition of RMG Exposed. He received an Emerging Artists by Emerging Curator Award at the 2019 Toronto Outdoor Art Fair. His work sold over the asking price at SNAP 2019, a fine art photography charity auction. He was a finalist in both the Quest Art 2018 National Art Prize, and the 2017 Salt Spring National Art Prize.

He lives in Cabbagetown near Riverdale Park West where he must see plenty of Uncanny events.

He has a “booth” at the 2020 virtual version Toronto Outdoor Art Show.  Check it out online.   

Click here to visit his website.   

David Brandy’s image

David’s photograph, “Kaleidescope of Lives Once Lived”, is very complex. A small thumbnail in the margin won’t do it justice so it’s placed here instead.

He’s captured the demolition of the Peter Dickinson-designed apartment building at 605 Whiteside Place in Regent Park. He says, “I’m glad I decided to head out on a freezing cold February day to photograph the building because within a week, the structure was gone! The original shot is in the upper left quadrant of the image you see. This photo is the only one that I’ve manipulated using the ‘mirroring’ effect - the same image is flipped horizontally and then vertically.”  Click on it to see a larger version.

A PERSONAL VIEW

Confusion about the reopening

The splash pad in Wellesley Park has drawn large numbers of parents and kids who are having fun and behaving carefully.  The hillside in Riverdale Park West is just as popular and just as safe. 

But we’re all worrying whether these steps are too soon. We all have our own individual answers.  Unfortunately, we don’t have the kind of insistent, authoritative answers from our public leadership that have been so helpful previously in creating a widespread consensus.

Of course, we want to help the restaurants, hair stylists and small businesses that benefit when restrictions are relaxed.  The patio at The Irv, pictured above, is a good example of responsible behaviour.  The Cherry Street BBQ will continue with only its takeout service because the owner believes that he can’t control the flow properly.  On the other hand, we’re reminded constantly that stupidity is everywhere and it’s a dangerous trait - Goldie’s, a nightclub on King Street west, opened its doors and welcomed 150 people.   

At this time, there’s serious doubt that the Cabbagetown Festival, Blair’s Run and the Art & Crafts Show will actually happen.  The organizers all want to make responsible decisions.

Personally, I love a patio, a cold beer and good friends.  But so far, I’m being cautious and staying away.  I also really need a haircut - but I’ve asked my friend Devah to wait until later in July.  

LOCAL NEWS

Welcome Rick Matthews

On Monday, Rick started his new job as the Executive Director at the Cabbagetown Business Improvement Area.  He’s coming in at a tough time. We’re told that he’s an impressive guy with a good understanding of the needs of Cabbagetown businesses.  He’s also a Cabbagetown resident and an active member of the Cabbagetown South Residents Association.  Best wishes, Rick, for a successful term as the leader of our business community. 

Thanks Duncan

This week, Duncan Fremlin gathered his Whiskey Jack pals together for a socially distant session of “Canada Day, Up Canada Way”.  It’s a celebration of the massive performance they put on with Stompin’ Tom Connors on Parliament Hill in 1993.  Duncan has put together a YouTube video of their performance and then he’s also revived Stompin’ Tom’s original from Parliament Hill.  Click on each link to hear these remarkable videos.

Congrats to Native Earth

The Dora Award for an outstanding new play has gone to “How We Got Here” by Keith Barker.  It’s a Native Earth production.  Aki Theatre, Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E).

Congrats Natasha

Natasha Dichburn has finished her mural on the Bell box at Parliament and Carlton. She’s done a great job - thanks Natasha.  Her work is part of the StreetARToronto Out Of The Box project run by Michael Cavanaugh.  He coordinates artists to paint these boxes across the GTA and other Ontario communities.  

Parking permits

The City’s parking enforcement officers been kept away during the COVID lockdown but on August 14, they’ll be unleashed again to patrol our streets and nab the ne’er-do-wells who don’t have a parking permit. So - two thoughts.

First, get your application into the City between July 2 to August 3.  You’ll find the links and instructions online here.

Second, if you’re discreetly inviting guests for an overnight stay, get it out of your system before August 14.

Shuter Street reconstruction

A reminder - Shuter Street between Bond and River will be rebuilt over the summer with construction starting in July. The work will be done in three phases - River to Sackville, Sackville to Sherbourne and Sherbourne to Bond.  The Cabbagetown South Residents Association has a good summary on its website.  

Cabbagetown Farmer’s Market

The Market is still operating its online store.  Its website lists over twenty vendors and the products they’re selling - there’s lots of stuff from regular favourites and new vendors.  The online shop is open from Wednesday to Sunday.

It isn’t clear yet when the Market will be permitted to move to its regular home in Riverdale Park West.  Watch the store online site to learn about next week’s pickup place.  

The Market’s organizers are recruiting volunteers willing to help once it’s there. If you’d like to join, send them an email.   

Click here to visit the Market shop.   

Underpass Park Farmers Market

The Corktown market will open on Thursday July 9 from 4 to 7:30 pm.  Organizers are still asking for volunteers to help.  Underpass Park,  29 Lower River Street.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Furnished apartment to rent 

Spacious one-bedroom basement apartment in Cabbagetown, steps from streetcar and Parliament St. yet startlingly tranquil. Private entrance through a beautiful garden, high-ceilinged living room with dining space and kitchen, dressing room, bathroom with huge shower, washer/dryer, bedroom. Fully furnished. 

$1650 a month, including utilities and high-speed wifi. Someone quiet and reliable with references, please; prefer longterm but short-term also possible, one month minimum. Photographs available on request.   Email Beth.

 

COMING EVENTS

Marilyn at Pet Valu

Marilyn from Diggity Dog Grooming returns to Pet Valu (240 Carlton) on Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm for her monthly nail clinic - bring your pals for a quick clip.  She’s developing a reservation system - call her at (416) 920-6814.  Please enter the store at the back door from the Green P parking lot and please wear a mask. $10, cash only.  

Yoga in Riverdale Park West

Jeanette teaches yoga in Cabbagetown with daily classes on Zoom - Monday to Friday 3 times a day (at 8 am, 10 am and 5 pm). She’s also now offering level 1 vinyasa yoga classes in Riverdale Park West,  Sunday at 9 am. Some yoga experience would be helpful. Only 9 spaces are available as per the current covid allowance so reservations are necessary.  Go to her website for info about her Zoom and her park classes. $15 - payment at the class. Of course, the class is weather permitting. 

Tai Chi in Wellesley Park

Michael White and his friends have returned to Wellesley Park for their weekly gentle Tai Chi classes.  The members respect social distancing.  It’s a small group in the summer, usually less than ten people.  Monday at 10 am and Thursday at 10 and 11 am at the end of Wellesley Street. Interested  Cabbagetowners are welcome to join - just show up or call  Michael at (416) 926-9553 for more information.

Streetscapes in Bloom

Watch these eight gardens through the summer.  They’re nominees for the 2020 Streetscapes in Bloom awards.  30 Amelia, 88 Amelia, 338 Berkeley, 379 Berkeley, 418 Ontario, 456 Sumach, 7 Winchester and 86 Winchester. 

To learn more, go to the CPA’s website. 

COVID calendar

Townes’ masks.  These popular face masks are still available.  The Cabbagetown South Residents’ Association has an online story and links.   

If you want one (or more!), email her - $10 each.     

Cleo’s deliveries.  Cleo Pettigrew Brown is still doing her delivery service for seniors and disabled people who are stuck in their homes during the COVID-19 shutdown. For details, email her.

COVID-19 contact info.  The City of Toronto website has the latest information, resources and facts.  

You can call Public Health at the City of Toronto by telephone (416-338-7600) and email. 

Or call Telehealth Ontario (1-866-797-0000).

IN THE MEDIA

A rough week

Photo:  CBC News

A man was fatally stabbed during a fight at Ontario and Wellesley at 11:30 pm on June 26. Stephon Anton Knights-Roberts died from his wounds in hospital.  Connor Madison, 22, has been arrested in connection with the murder.  CBC News reported on the crime and the arrest.

A noose was found hanging at a Regent Park construction site on Friday June 26.  Work was stopped and the police were notified.  CityNews quotes Mitch Cohen, president of Daniels Corporation, saying “We are disgusted and horrified at this heinous act, which we are treating as a hate crime.” The full story can be read at CityNews.

At 2 am on Saturday, four people were stabbed during a fight at Dundas and Sherbourne.  Two victims had very serious injuries and all four were taken to hospital.  No suspects have been identified.  CBC News reported on the incident.

The future of the Quayside project

Waterfront Toronto has started to rethink its plans for the site of the now-cancelled Sidewalk Labs project.  Alex Bozikovic wrote about its options in a July 1 Globe & Mail article.  

The Distillery is open

Madeline Forsyth in Narcity has written about the reopening at the Distillery - patios everywhere, grab’n go food outlets and free parking all summer long.   Click here for the article.  

Reyna on King

We’ve overlooked this place in Corktown for too long.  View The Vibe - a blog about eating out in Toronto - has given us a nudge.  It lists Reyna on King (354 King E) among the top six places for take-out in the city - read the review here.  

Toronto Life also did an introduction to it when it opened a year ago.  It’s  nice summary - read it here.  

KIDS STUFF

Great stuff from Buds & Blossoms

The Buds & Blossoms Facebook page is full of great activity ideas for your kids.  Although the centre is closed due to COVID-19 restrictions, it’s still giving you and your kids plenty of suggestions to fill their days.  Click here to check it out.

The Children’s Book Bank

Beginning on July 7, the Book Bank (350 Berkeley) will move toward its normal operations.  Open Tuesday (10 am to 2 pm), Wednesday (noon to 4 pm) and Thursday (2 to 6 pm).  Please wear a mask inside the store.  Email the store to take part in the summer reading program.   

Summer Camps

The City of Toronto has announced that its summer camp program will open in July.  For more info and links, go to the City’s website.  

BUSINESS NEWS

Spruce

Spruce is reopening next week.  Free delivery in Toronto starts on Thursday July 9 and curbside will be available on Wednesday. (647) 748-4060, 455 Parliament.

Growers Retail

The pot store at 492 Parliament has opened.  It’s our third Parliament Street destination for cannabis products - two more have applied.  For info about its hours, contact and products, check out its website.   

RESTAURANT ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Lansdowne Cone Ice Cream Parlour

According to a first-hand report from our research department, the new Lansdowne Cone (555 Dundas E) is a terrific place to stop during a Regent Park bike ride.  Great ice cream and a well sanitized window area too.  Try the Muskoka mocca!

House on Parliament

The HoP (454 Parliament) has now opened its front and upstairs patios for table service.  Daily from 11:30 am.  Takeout is still available from the front window.  During the slowdown, Tania and Beau took advantage of the extra time and updated their website - it’s now changed daily to list the special features as well as the regular menu - click here to check it out. 

Back patio at PearTree  

The comfy patio at Peartree (507 Parliament) is now open with 22 available seats - call for reservations at (416) 962-8190.  This week’s specials include coconut curry lamb at $16.99,  oven roasted pork ribs at $16.99 and New Zealand whitefish with lemon garlic jumbo shrimps, $18.99. The full menu is available for take out and delivery.  Free delivery on orders over $30 - call  (416) 962-8190.  Pickup orders available from 12:30 to 10 pm.  You can also go to Uber Eats, Skip the Dishes and Door Dash.  For menu details, go to the website.   

Front and back patios at Alice’s Place

Both patios have now opened - front 3 pm to 2 am.  After a long closure, it’s really nice to have friends and new people back again.  554 Parliament.

BLCK

New on the menu - specialty bbq and shakes.  Check out the menu online.  Open from 2 to 8 pm.  383 Dundas E.

Cyril’s soups and juices

Cyril is taking this week off.  He won’t be making his normal rounds on Saturday July 4.  He's back on Tuesday: it will be a watermelon gazpacho with tomatoes, celery, cucumber and onion. Olive oil will bring smoothness; basil, garlic and raspberry balsamic vinegar will bring the flavour kick that you expect in a gazpacho.  It does contain a bit of bread but it can be omitted if you are gluten-intolerant.  3 cups, $9 and 4 cups, $12.

He makes two soups every week - on Tuesday and Saturday. He informs people about his menus in advance by email. He usually prepares a regular version and vegan one. Email him to get all the details about each day’s menus as well.

CONTACT INFO

A comprehensive listing of our local food services is now available in our new Cabbagetown Directory.

The list includes bakeries, coffee shops, delis, restaurants and pubs.  Each entry gives the name, address, phone number and a link to a Facebook page or website.

Click here to find your favourite.  

JULY THEATRE & DANCE PRODUCTIONS

Listed by starting dates.

Our theatres are now closed following directives from the City’s Public Health staff - Aki Studio, Alumni Theatre, Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre, Canadian Stage, Citadel, School of Toronto Dance Theatre, Soulpepper, Toronto Dance Theatre. 

CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS

THURSDAY JULY 2 TO SUNDAY JULY 12

Our restaurants and pubs are opening partially with service available on outdoor patios as well as takeout and delivery services.  Entertainment and special events have been cancelled until the COVID-19 shutdowns are over.