This week’s image: Spiritual advice on a construction hoarding on Parliament Street.
CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
FEATURED LOCAL ARTIST
Lisa Sakulensky
Lisa has been a Toronto based professional photographer for more than 30 years. Her wide variety of clients have included The Royal Conservatory of Music, Branksome Hall, and the University of Toronto. She’s known for her work producing images for authors, artist websites, corporate and editorial publications and live performances. Her personal creative work focuses primarily on B&W documentary photography. Lisa continues to photograph her surroundings with a keen interest in capturing everyday moments that may otherwise go unnoticed. She’s lived in Cabbagetown since 1993. She has her own website, Facebook and Instagram pages. She can be reached by email.
Carabinieri, Italian Police, Rome 2013
“While on vacation in Italy, I photographed these two motorcycle cops taking a break after investigating a robbery at a cafĂ© where I was enjoying a cold drink on a hot October day.”
MY PERSONAL VIEW
Fake news
I saw some great medical advice recently on Facebook. Apparently, a guy in England went into a clinic and got his shot. He walked out and was immediately hit by a bus. His death is listed in the medical records as a one-in-seventeen-million side effect from the AstraZeneca drug. (Photo: Frank Gunn)
LOCAL NEWS
Opening up the restaurants
Patios are back. Outdoor seating is happening. Check out the right-hand boxes to find your favourite spot. And stay tuned - more will open soon.
Diggity Dog Grooming is back at Pet Valu (240 Carlton). Marilyn will have her nail clinic on Saturday April 3 (9 am to 4 pm) and Sunday April 4 (11 am to 3 pm). By appointment only - no walk-ins. Call (416) 920-6814. Please enter from the back door. $12. Click here for her Facebook page.
A couple of people are apparently feeding a coyote in St James Cemetery. That’s a bad idea. The animal may seem to be comfortable around humans and our pets but it’s still wild and is unpredictable. (Coyote photo: Bev Jenkins)
The proposal for a ten-storey building for the south side of Dundas just west of Parliament between Berkeley and Milan is drawing some serious criticism. Reactions are coming from nearby residents about its bulk, its height and its design. There are also positive suggestions about details like cafes, sidewalk width, landscaping and its relationship with neighbouring buildings. (Image: Urban Toronto)
Jam has been added to the Cabbagetown BIA’s staff. He’s joining Dale Bilby and cleaning Parliament, Gerrard and Carlton. Rita has written to me congratulating them for keeping the street so clean and I agree. Thanks, guys.
Epicure Shop (473 Parliament) is supplying the lunches on Thursday March 25. It’s part of the Cabbagetown BIA’s project to support about 100 people in Allan Gardens - it’s been underway since early February. Both the lunch guests and the restaurants benefit. Thanks to private donations, the event will continue on Thursdays through March.
The BIA’s new art exhibition in business windows along Parliament and Carlton is entitled “A New Beginning: Expressions of Hope, Rejuvenation & Community.” More displays are being revealed this week. Here’s the St James Town Steak & Chops (516 Parliament) mural by Bareket Kezwer. Check out the artists who will be displayed - click here.
By Wednesday March 24, over 23,175 people had signed the petition to stop the Foundry demolition and $31,800 had been donated. The donations cover the cost of court actions so far but they’re far from enough to pay for any future actions.
There’s music again on Parliament Street. Aubrey is performing in front of the LCBO. He gives a mean rendition of Mr Bojangles.
YOUR ANNOUNCEMENTS
Dog breeder needed
Cilla wants to get a Morkie (a Maltese/Yorkie mix) and needs advice about breeders and reliable sources. Please email her.
Michael O’Brien and Michael Grant are listing two Cabbagetown homes right now. Check them out - click on the addresses. 248 Seaton and 306 Sackville. There are lots of others on their website - browse through all the listings here.
COMING EVENTS
Soulpepper’s Alice in Wonderland
Soulpepper and Bad Hats Theatre present a family film musical from Saturday April 3 to Sunday April 18. Jump down the rabbit hole and join Alice, the Red Queen and the Cheshire Cat in Wonderland. For tickets, click here. $20 per household.
CityView (20 Polson) is opening again in May with a series of live concerts. The first event on May 7 headlines Classic Albums Live doing Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon. On May 14, it’s Canrockers Big Wreck. DJ Skratch Bastid plays on May 22 along with a lineup of special guests. Tokyo Police Club and Born Ruffians both appear on May 28. Classic Albums Live are back on June 11 with Led Zeppelin II. 200 cars will fit into the lot, each parked a safe distance from the others. For more info and tickets, go online here.
All nearby City rinks are now closed for the season. (Photo: Waterfront Toronto)
JOB NEWS
The BIA is hiring - deadline March 26
The Cabbagetown BIA Board (237 Carlton) has posted its job notice online for an executive director. Email your resume and a covering letter to coordinator@cabbagetownto.com. Click here to read the notice.
The School of Toronto Dance Theatre (80 Winchester) needs an Artistic Director. Please email your resume and a covering letter to search@schooloftdt.org and include the header “Application - Artistic Director”. Check online to learn about this job opportunity and your required qualifications.
The Regent Park Film Festival needs a manager of programming. Contact them by email at jobs@regentparkfilmfestival.com and send your resume with your covering letter in one attachment. Click here for the details.
FOR YOUR KIDS
Children’s Book Bank
Curbside book pickups are still available to Saturday April 10 at the Children’s Book Bank (350 Berkeley at Gerrard). From Monday April 13 to the end of May, the store will be open with appropriate health and safety measures in place - Tuesdays and Wednesdays (10 am to 5 pm) and Saturdays (10 am to 3 pm). Click here for the Facebook page with lots of programming announcements.
BUSINESS NEWS
Cycle Solutions
Book your appointment for your Spring tune-up. All work done in the shop requires a pre-booked appointment. Also be aware that there’s a shortage of new bikes - there’s an industry-wide shortfall and retailers everywhere are feeling the pinch. Check out the website for service details and a list of new bikes. 444 Parliament. (416) 972-6948.
If you’re filling the long pandemic hours with Netflix or a good book, you’ll want some snacks from Cabbagetown Organics. They’re loaded with healthy goodies. 499 Parliament
EASTER DINNERS
A big family day for our restaurants. Watch for more announcements next week.
Cranberries (601 Parliament)
Another of Siva’s interesting three-course dinners. Takeout only - enjoy it at home. Sunday April 4, 3 to 8:30 pm. For starters, there’s butternut squash soup or organic green salad. Turkey with stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potato and seasonal veggies. Dessert is brandy and dark chocolate truffle with a fresh fruit garnish. Reserve now at (416) 925-6330. $30 per person.
Two amazing choices fromToronto’s leading caterer, both available from Friday April 2 to Sunday April 4. Deliveries to you between noon and 4 pm. Please order by the day before your meal. Call (416) 968-9275 x 10 or go online here. Both are $50 per person, minimum two.In Full Bloom. Asparagus Caprese salad to start. For your main course, roast salmon with citrus salsa verde, broccolini and roast fingerling potatoes. For dessert, carrot cake with cream cheese icing, walnuts and candied ginger.
For Easter weekend, there’s brunch at $20 and a three-course dinner at $60 each. You can also pick one of the individual courses at a la carte prices. Please order by April 1 for April 3 or 4 pick-up. Click here for the menu and reservation details.
Tania promises to give us a good dinner. Keep your eye on the HoP’s website for the details.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Paintbox
The Halal chicken sandwich is Paintbox’s best seller. Add on a bottle of Fetzer’s chardonnay for $15 or a pint of Beau’s for $5. 555 Dundas E.
F’Amelia’s daily specials are available from Tuesday to Saturday. On Thursday, it’s chicken Milanese with crispy potatoes and veggies. Click here for the daily menu details. Each meal is $45 for two or $85 for four - except for Wednesday’s pizza special at $25. (416) 323-0666. (12 Amelia)
Try the wood oven roasted organic chicken and porcini ragĂą with herbed pappardelle. 229 Carlton
Cyril’s leprechaun soup
In honour of St Patrick’s Day, the arrival of Spring and Earth Day, Cyril’s made the greenest soup that he could find. No spices or extra ingredients. Just peas, spinach, broccoli, mint, green onions and limes. You can enjoy it as is or add some radish slices, edible flowers, croutons, feta, toasted almonds, shrimp and scallops. 3 to 9 cups at $3/cup and 10 or more cups at $2.50/cup. His juice is apple, celery, spinach and lime. 2 cups for $9. Order by email to him. abeautifulbowl@gmail.com
CONTACT INFO
Food services
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.