This week’s image: Spring sunshine on The Wellesley Cottages
CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
FEATURED LOCAL ARTIST
David Arathoon
David Arathoon is a successful professional painter who lives in Cabbagetown. He’s a graduate of the Humber College Fine Arts program (1978) and an honours graduate of Ontario College of Art (1982). He’s also a graduate of the OCA Night Sculpture Program. Prints of his paintings have been used in fundraisers for Casey House, Trinity Home Hospice, Metro Centre YMCA, National Ballet, Junior League of Toronto and Junior Achievement. He’s a founder of a successful fundraiser, “Message in a Bottle”, for home hospice care. He’s been represented by several galleries in Toronto, Montreal, Peterborough, Oakville and Salt Spring Island. He now uses his website and his own Studio Gallery to meet interested people - by appointment only. His contact details are on his website, public Facebook and Instagram pages.
In the morning glade - 36" x 36” x 2”, oil on wood.
LOCAL NEWS
The emergency brake rules
Restaurant patios and personal care services are once again closed. A CBC report details the closures and the exceptions.
Home insurance in a heritage district
Cameras at Sherbourne and Dundas
Local residents, businesses and the Toronto Police Service are ready to install street cameras at this corner. They’ll be a useful tool in controlling the mayhem there. Until the City gets a final approval from Toronto Hydro to use their poles, nothing can be done. They’ve been sitting on the file for months. Police at 51 Division and Councillor Wong-Tam’s office have both been in touch with them.
First Parliament Site
Councillors Kristyn Wong-Tam and Joe Cressy have submitted a motion to City Council asking for updates on the negotiations with the province about this site (Parliament and Front). They’re worried that discussions are happening on a series of serious questions without direction from City Council and without public knowledge. They’re asking for these updates no later than the June 8 Council meeting.
Cabbagetown cares
Daniel et Daniel (248 Carlton) is supplying the lunches on Thursday April 1. The Cabbagetown BIA joined with St Luke’s Church and Dixon Hall to support about 100 people each week in Allan Gardens. Both the lunch guests and the restaurants benefit. Thanks to private donations, the event will continue on Thursdays into April. Your support will help it continue even longer - click here to make your donation.
The Spring Art Walk
This window mural was painted by Cabbagetown artist Julie Amlin at 570 Parliament. It’s one of the BIA’s new art exhibition in businesses along Parliament and Carlton entitled “A New Beginning: Expressions of Hope, Rejuvenation & Community.” Check out the featured artists - click here.
Foundry progress report
By Wednesday March 31, over 23,190 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. The links for the petition and online donations are here.
More Spring blooms
Another early Spring blossom. These hellebores have appeared in a garden at Wellesley and Park View. (Photo: Irene DeClute)
Farm news - updates
Rupee’s new calf is doing very well. Thanks to Han Wang for this lovely photo. The Riverdale Park Farm (Winchester and Sumach) has also sent out a preliminary notice that preparations for the Farmer’s Market are well underway.
Many Cabbagetown kids, including Hugh Garner’s fictional Ken Tilling, went to the local technical school to learn marketable skills rather than to the local high school to prepare for post-secondary education. Garner opens his wonderful, Depression-era novel, Cabbagetown, with principal Cornish bidding Tilling good-bye with somewhat wan hopes for his success. “Goodbye, Tilling, and good luck…. Today is the big day in your life. You are going out into society – into business – into the business world, and from now on it’s up to you. I hope you will retain pleasant memories of your association with us here, and that you will – er – curb your, shall we say spirits?” When Tilling reached the corner, he looked back at the quasi-Gothic school, took his hand from his pocket, raised it to his nose, and wiggled his fingers … giving his new alma mater a good old-fashioned raspberry. For more Cabbagetown history, photos and videos visit the CRPM Facebook page. (Photo: Danforth Technical School, before 1931, CRPMuseum)
Diggity Dog Grooming is back at Pet Valu (240 Carlton). Marilyn’s nail clinic happens 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.
COMING EVENTS
Marilyn is grooming at Pet Valu
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.
Marci Ien’s townhall
On Wednesday April 7 from 6 to 7 pm - watch for a phone call at 6 pm when you’ll learn how to join the conversation. Ms Ien, our Toronto Centre MP, will host a townhall meeting by telephone. She’ll be joined by the Hon Anita Anand (Minister of Procurement). In the first half hour, they’ll discuss procurement of the COVID vaccines and other current affairs in Ottawa. In the second half hour, you’ll have a chance to ask your questions.
Park cleanups on April 10
The Cabbagetown Residents Association is organizing its annual neighbourhood cleanup on Saturday April 10. The CRA believes that it has safe plans to handle the COVID restrictions. Meet at 10 am at the splash pad in Wellesley Park or at the top of the stairs in Riverdale Park West. Collection bags, rubber gloves, face masks and hand sanitizer will be provided and volunteers are asked to keep a safe distance from other workers. Some adults will be asked to work outside the park to get the garbage left along its fringes.
Drive-ins are back
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.
YOUR ANNOUNCEMENTS
Bill Toth
Real estate news
Michael O’Brien and Michael Grant have a new listing at 190 Milan Street in Cabbagetown South. Check it out - click here.
IN THE MEDIA
Graffiti was scrawled on the walls at Stanley’s Variety (247 Gerrard at Ontario) on Tuesday March 23. Residents reacted in disgust. Staff Sergeant Henry Dyck from 51 Division condemned the attack and painted over the offending image. Rick Matthews and Jennifer Walker came over later and gave the side and front walls a new coat of paint. Mayor John Tory and Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam also condemned the incident. Click here for Joanna Lavoie’s story in the Toronto Star. (Photo: Joanna Lavoie )
Anti-Asian graffiti at Stanley’s
Toronto Island Airport
Ports Toronto is the agency that owns the airport and it has announced that the airport is now up for sale. Eric Atkins in the Globe & Mail has written a background story about the initiative. A private group called Waterfront for All wants to hold widespread public consultations about this move and about the airport’s future. (Photo: Fred Lum, Globe & Mail).
FOR YOUR KIDS
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.
Children’s Book Bank
BUSINESS NEWS
Kendall & Co’s upholstered furniture (sofas, arm chairs, dining chairs, benches, ottomans, beds, sofa beds) is made here in Toronto. Available in fabric or leather of your choice, like their latest arrival in tan butterscotch leather. See other gorgeous new styles by visiting their website. Take advantage of their sale on select floor models as they make room for new inventory. Shop local with Kendall & Co for top quality furniture, rugs, drapery, window shades and wallpaper. Their Design Team is available to meet virtually with you to assist with your furnishings and decorating needs. Noon to 5 pm weekdays. Simply book your private in-store appointment by email or call (416) 363-9914.
Made Local. Shop Kendall
Cycle Solutions
Make your appointment for your Spring tune-up. All work done in the shop requires a pre-booked appointment. 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.
EASTER BAKERIES & DINNERS
Desserts and prepared foods. Call (416) 968-9275 and Facebook. 248 Carlton.
Another big family day for our restaurants. The COVID rules dictate that these are all takeout dinners.
Bakeries
Daniel et Daniel Food Shop
Roselle
Holiday Tins full of thumb print cookies - 3 strawberry vanilla, 3 mango-passion lime, 3 black current and locorice and 3 lemon poppyseed. Instagram. 362 King E.
St Jamestown Steak & Chops
Classic Easter treats - hot cross buns. Fresh fish and meats also available. Call (416) 925-7665, Facebook. 516 Parliament.
Velvet Lane Cakes
Lovely cookies and cakes for your Easter dinners. (416) 262-4159, Facebook. 194A Carlton.
Restaurants
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, masked 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.
Cranberries (601 Parliament)
Cluny (35 Tank House Lane, Distillery)
Easter specials include a chocolate mousse cake and Easter egg cookies. Lots of main menu items. Call (416) 203-2632, website.
Daniel et Daniel (248 Carlton)
Two amazing choices fromToronto’s leading caterer, both available from Friday April 2 to Sunday April 4. In Full Bloom and Spring Has Sprung. 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.
F’Amelia (12 Amelia)
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.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Kitchen Hub has set up at 234 Parliament Street. It’s home for Chubby Jamaican Chicken, Daan Go Macarons, Cheesecake Factory, Ben n Jerry’s and Greenhouse Juice. Call (416) 255-4500. Website.
New to the neighbourhood
El Catrin
Tacos by the dozen and Coronas by the bucket - a dozen tacos, red rice and beans, guacamole and churros. Good for groups of 2 to 4, $70. Double it for 4 to 8 at $140. Takeout and delivery at (416) 203-2121 and Facebook. 18 Tank House Lane, Distillery District.
Stout’s weekend special
Available now for takeout from April 1 to April 5 - please give the kitchen 24 hours notice to prepare your order. Dinner for two at $70 and for one at $36. Call (647) 344-7676 or email Madeleine.
Cyril’s soup
Cyril is enjoying a holiday over the long Easter weekend. He’ll be back in action next week. Order by email to him.
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.
Food services
