November 25

 This week’s image:   the Cabbagetown Lights contest is now underway.





CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD REVIEW 



FEATURED LOCAL ARTIST


Ann Kay

Ann has been a Cabbagetown resident for over 40 years.  After a long and successful career in graphic design, she found a new direction in ceramic art. You can contact her by email.


A tribute to the Cabbage


A PERSONAL VIEW


Kristyn Wong-Tam’s COVID calamity 

It’s been a rough week for Councillor Wong-Tam. On November 18, she wrote an opinion piece in the Toronto Sun that preached understanding between the majority who have been vaccinated and the minority who aren’t.  Overall, it was sensible.  But she did let loose with a few boneheaded remarks to the effect that both sides are equally contagious. She doubled down on this in later Tweets and posts.
The immediate uproar was predictable.  She then offered her apology for misquoting scientific health guidelines.  Then she withdrew from her role as Vice Chair of City Council’s public health committee.
Those who are appalled by her comments will agree with Emma Teitel’s Toronto Star column.  Enzo DiMatteo has explained the ins-and-outs in his NOW Magazine story but in the end, he isn’t supportive of her views.  Those who admire her honesty will agree with Heather Mallick’s remarks.
Ms Wong-Tam is a good councillor.  She has often faced strong criticism for her work and isn’t fazed by it. She made a mistake in her Toronto Sun column but she didn’t bring about the end of the world.  Her column was misleading but it has not inflicted the kind of damage that we’ve seen from Premier Kenney’s government in Alberta or Premier Moe’s government in Saskatchewan - neither of them has offered to resign.  She should reconsider her resignation and continue her leadership at public health. (Photo: Canadian Press, George Pimentel)


CHRISTMAS IS COMING 


Cabbagetown Lights contest

Back again for the seventh year, sponsored by the Cabbagetown Residents Association. It’s a simple system. Nominate a colourful lights display (including your own) along with your photo on Twitter (hashtag #cabbagetownlights) or on the CRA Facebook page timeline (hashtag #cabbagetownlights) or by email (info@cabbagetowner.com). Voting starts on December 1 and goes to December 26. Be sure to include the address of the home so your photo can be shown on the appropriate street and the winner can be contacted. Click here to see all the details.   

Santa Paws at Chartwell’s Sumach

Grant from The Sumach has written to invite everyone to meet Santa at the Sumach (146 Sumach at Shuter).  Bring your furry friend for a photo session together.  Saturday, December 4 from 10:30 to 12:30. Hot chocolate and takeaway treats for all in attendance. Although this is a complimentary event, donations will be accepted on behalf of ElderDog Canada. Indoor capacity will be limited due to COVID restrictions. Dress warm!

Santa at Carlton and Parliament

Saturday December 4, 1 to 5 pm.  Presented by the Cabbagetown BIA.  Santa will visit us at Carlton and Parliament.  The Children’s Book Bank is bringing a big supply of kids’ books so each child can take home a gift.  There’ll also be a story teller, live music, tree lighting, kids activities, hot drinks and treats.  Save the date and help to kick-off the season.

Distillery Winter Village

The annual Winter Village is happening now in the Distillery to Friday December 31.  Shopping with 8 new curated vendors, 12 fine food and snacks cabins, strolling buskers and carollers and visits with Santa.  Tickets required on Fridays and Saturdays from 4 to 10 pm and on Sundays from 4 to 9 pm,  $8.


LOCAL NEWS 


Daycare update

It appears that the daycare at Amelia and Sackville (459-461 Sackville)  has been approved by Toronto-East York Community Council with two amendments.  First, staff at Transportation Services are directed to monitor the situation for one year after the daycare opens and report any necessary changes for parking and traffic flows to Council.  Second, enactment of this approval is withheld until the owner satisfies City staff that he has a licence from the Ontario government to operate the daycare. Both amendments were moved by Kristyn Wong-Tam and approved by the Council on Wednesday November 24. 

Yonge Street Mission development project

The property around the Double Thrift store (306 - 310 Gerrard E) is owned by the Yonge Street Mission.  YSM wants to expand the store and add housing to the site.  There’ll be a mix of affordable and market-level rentals along with community event space, a green area and a commercial area.  There’ll be a free public meeting on Thursday November 25 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm on Zoom.   The meeting details are here.

Regent Park Phases 4 and 5

Community input is being gathered up for these phases of the Regent Park revitalization - the area along Gerrard and one block south on River. It’s part of the initial rezoning application.  There’s a website that outlines this step and it includes a link to a public survey.  The next public meeting will be an online consultation on Wednesday December 8 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. (Photo: Rene Johnston, Toronto Star)

Don Valley clean-up

Before last weekend’s rally, 200 volunteers with Don’t Mess with the Don tackled an area of the river valley that badly needed a clean-up.  They pulled out 250 bags of garbage plus other illegally dumped debris.  They then went on to protest Metrolinx plans to build a service yard in the Don Valley at the Bloor Aqueduct.  For years, this area has been slowly rescued and now it’ll be turned into a garage for diesel engines.  Check out their hard work and success at the clean-up online.  The CBC reported on the rally.

Update on the community fridge

Paula reports that a volunteer who stocks and cleans the fridge has been asking customers about their needs.  The list includes Ensure, individual yogurts, bagels, tins of creamed corn and soup, milk, eggs, cheese, fruits and vegetables.  They also expressed their thanks to the fridge supporters and to Cabbagetown Organics (499 Parliament) for this generosity.

COVID cases in our schools

The Toronto Star’s app describing COVID cases in our local schools shows one case that has appeared at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School (Wellesley and Homewood).  This report is updated at 2 pm on the previous day - in this case, Wednesday November 24.

Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum Historical Tidbit

By Sally GibsonAfter dark, many Cabbagetown houses glow like jewel boxes courtesy of their stained glass windows. Many were created by Robert McCausland’s company with its signature ruby reds, sapphire blues, emerald greens, amethyst purples and golden highlights.  Robert’s father Joseph, founded McCausland in 1856.  It’s still operating.
Joseph had immigrated at age 7 with his family to Toronto in 1835 from County Armagh in Northern Ireland. By the age of 11, he was already a practicing artisan. In 1846 he formed his own painting company. By the 1850s, stained glass had become a prime activity, taking advantage of the many churches then being built. 

McCausland glass can be seen all around Toronto, perhaps most prominently in old City Hall.  

In Cabbagetown, windows like my own semi-circular beauty featuring a bird are definitely McCausland’s as certified by the company’s current president, Andrew McCausland. You can pay tribute to the founder of this great artistic company, Joseph McCausland - he died in 1905 and is buried in the Necropolis.  (Image: McCausland window, 384 Sackville Street, 1891 SD Gibson.).


CHRISTMAS GIVING


The annual Toronto Miracle food drive

The food drive is back again on Saturday December 4 after a successful year in 2020.  It’s part of a city-wide campaign in 140 neighbourhoods.  The system is simple. Go to the website and register as a donor no later than December 2.  Then leave your food on your doorstep by 10 am on Saturday December 4.  Make sure that your parcel can be seen from the street.  Volunteers will pick it up.  If you can’t leave your donation outside, there are three drop-off points: 5 Geneva, 286 Carlton (side bin) and Carlton and Pariiament during the Christmas event. Please don’t donate perishable foods, food that’s been opened or homemade food - these items can’t be used in the food bank.  If you’re willing to volunteer in the campaign, please email Sandy Riches.

Green Thumbs Growing Kids

Green Thumbs Growing Kids is a local charity. It creates and manages school gardens at Sprucecourt, Winchester and Rose Avenue that connect children to their food and their environment. It supports gardening projects at Nelson Mandela Park.  Since September, it’s served 1500 children and youth through online and hands-on programs. 43 children in Grades 1-2 participate in the hands-on Garden Club. Please visit the GTGK’s website and blog posts where you can learn more about what it’s doing.The Toronto District School Board does not fund the project. It depends on funding from members of the community and friends of the gardens.  For a small charity, it provides an extraordinary variety of programming and now it needs your help to continue its work and to develop new, exciting garden learning programs.


Carolling for cans

Every year, lovely voices from the Carlton, Metcalfe and Winchester neighbourhoods are raised in song as part of a food drive in support of Saint Luke Church’s food bank. COVID prevented that in 2020 and again this year.  The food drive, however, is continuing.  Please support its efforts - leave your gift on your porch on Sunday December 5 from 2 to 4 pm and stick the flyer along with the food. 

Support peace in Nepal with Nagarik Aawaz

The annual online sale has started and continues to Friday November 26.  There’s an amazing selection of one-of-a-kind items, all fair trade and supporting small and marginalized entrepreneurs. Handmade paper, greeting cards, baskets, bags, kids’ toys, jewellery and scarves.  Curbside pickup in Cabbagetown on Sunday November 28 and Monday November 29.  Check out the selections on the website.


Annual auction for the Children’s Book Bank

The auction has started - 150 of your favourite things.  You can bid on a cottage getaway, wine lovers’ packages, crafters’ kits, Leafs’ tickets, an iPhone 12, Lego lovers’ package, and lots more.  Visit the auction website and make your bid from now until 6 pm on November 30.  The auction’s goal is $20,000 and $12,800 has been raised so far.  All proceeds go toward the Children’s Book Bank.  

ANNOUNCEMENTS


House for sale

This spectacular detached duplex at 182 Seaton Street is currently listed for sale at $1,799,000. Easily convertible to a single family or multi-generational home, it is a beauty not to be missed! Potential for a 1660 sq/ft laneway house exists. Contact your realtor or the Listing Agent Alan Read-Chua, Broker, Sutton Group – Associates Realty Inc., Brokerage (416 825-1803) for further information. View the Video Tour online here. 

Apartment for rent

Available January 1. Spacious one-bedroom Cabbagetown basement apartment, fully furnished. Private entrance through gorgeous garden, high-ceilinged living room with dining space and kitchen, dressing room, bathroom with big shower, full-sized washer/dryer, bedroom. Use of part of garden. Startlingly tranquil, ideal location.  $1700 a month including utilities and high-speed wifi. Quiet reliable person with references. Prefer long term but short term also possible, one month minimum. Email Beth for more info.

Maison Tortue is open again

Mary Spence-Thomas has opened her home in France once again for 2022 bookings.  By all accounts, it’s a great holiday destination.  Carol Moore-Ede and Jim Keffer have been there and Carol writes, “Looking for a perfect European getaway? Look no further! Thanks to Doug’s Blog, Jim and I discovered Mary Spence-Thomas’s charming 3-storey abode, Maison Tortue, located on a hilltop in Castelnau-de-Montmiral  in the Occitanie region in Southwest France (formerly the Midi-Pyrénées). It was our base for a memorable 2-week holiday where we relaxed, and explored the nearby towns of Albi, Cahors, Cordes-sur-Ciel, Puycelci, Penne among others.” Check it out online here. 


IN THE MEDIA 


Boycott the Olympics

Cabbagetown’s Eric Morse (a retired diplomat with Canada’s External Affairs) has written an op-ed piece in the Globe & Mail about a possible boycott of the Winter Olympics in Beijing.  He stirred up lots of comments - pro and con.  

A condo at the Phoenix

Plans have been announced to replace the Phoenix concert facility (410 Sherbourne) with a 39-storey condo. It’ll house 456 units with 4 studios, 299 one-bedrooms, 121 two-bedrooms and 32 three-bedrooms plus a small retail space on the first floor. The project is outside the Northwest Heritage District and across the street from 405 and 383-387 Sherbourne where two high-rises are now in the works. Urban Toronto has written a report that gives the details. blogTO has a short article that outlines the project proposals and possible problems.


COMING EVENTS


Regent Park Film Festival

The festival is back this year from November 25 to December 2 with online events and an in-person screening.  There’ll be films by local filmmakers, family friendly events and industry panels with emerging directors.  The programs are free - click here for the full program and schedules.  The in-person event is an outdoor show with heat lamps and hot chocolate to keep away the cold.  There’s an online summary by the CBC. 

Save the date - Fall CPA meeting

The Cabbagetown Preservation Association will hold its Fall meeting at 7 pm on Thursday December 2.  The agenda includes presentation of the Streetscape in Bloom Award and the CPA Recognition Award.   Helen Coltrinari is this year’s recipient of the Recognition Award - a well-deserved honour for her long and productive work in our community. The Streetscape award goes to 439 Wellesley East for its fine garden.  Following these items, Scott Weir from ERA Architects will give his talk.  It’s a Zoom meeting - register here.

Founder’s Dinner

The annual Founder’s Dinner at Enoch Turner Schoolhouse (106 Trinity) takes place on Friday December 3.  It’s a traditional Canadian celebration with hors d’oeuvres, Christmas dinner, wine, carolling, and live performances.  Hosted by Barbara Budd with special guests Michael Meighan and Michael Enright.  $150.  Get your ticket here.


THEATRE & DANCE


Impulse 2021

This year’s showcase from the School of Toronto Dance Theatre includes a special dinner and show fundraiser. A three-course dinner from Daniel et Daniel (248 Carlton) will be delivered to your home on Thursday December 2 and you’ll get a link to a live online preview of this year’s performance.  Included in your gift will be tickets to any live in-person performance on December 3, 4, 10 or 11.  $130.  For more info about the performance, the menu and ordering details, go to the Eventrite site.

Native Earth

Weesageechak Begins To Dance 34 - the annual development festival of new Indigenous works in theatre, dance and multidisciplinary creations. Onstage now to Saturday November 27, Aki Studio (Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas E).

Soulpepper

Soulpepper is performing the Canadian premiere of Draw Me Close.  Onstage to December 12.  This is an individual interactive performance and admission is timed.  Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane, Distillery).  Sold out to Sunday December 12.  


RESTAURANT NEWS


American Thanksgiving

Tonight, Thursday November 25.  All of our American friends - and their families and pals - are invited to a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.  Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, veggies, cranberries and gravy.  Two local restaurants are offering this feast - House on Parliament (454 Parliament) and The Irv (195 Carlton).

Congrats to NomNomNom

Our new coffee shop at 492 Parliament (side door on Aberdeen) got a nifty review in Curiocity.  It praises their mix of great coffee and good art.

Kibo’s success story

Kibo opened its Cabbagetown restaurant in 2012 and it was the first of thirty currently operating in the group.  blogTO has written about its success.

Cyril’s soup

This week’s soup is Moroccan vegetable stew.  It was the winner in a vey complicated voting process that Cyril conducted among his customers.  It’s got lots of vegetables and lots of spices. The juice is a Moroccan mocktail.  Soup - one to 9 cups at $3/cup, 10 or more cups at $2.50/cup.  Juice - 2 cups for $9. Email him to place your order.


EVENTS, CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS


THURSDAY NOVEMBER 25 TO SUNDAY DECEMBER 5

If there's a cover charge or tickets are sold, the prices are listed.


THURSDAY NOVEMBER 25


Regent Park Film Festival

Zoom event, free

Draw Me Close - individual interactive performance, admission is timed.  Tickets are sold out to Sunday December 12.  Soulpepper Theatre, Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane).

American Thanksgiving dinner

House on Parliament (454 Parliament) and The Irv (195 Carlton)

Weesageechak Begins To Dance 34, Native Earth

Aki Studio Theatre (585 Dundas E)

 

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 26


Regent Park Film Festival

Zoom event, free 

Draw Me Close - individual interactive performance, admission is timed.  Tickets are sold out to Sunday December 12.  Soulpepper Theatre, Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane). 

Weesageechak Begins To Dance 34, Native Earth

Aki Studio Theatre (585 Dundas E)


SATURDAY NOVEMBER 27


Regent Park Film Festival

Zoom event, free

Draw Me Close - individual interactive performance, admission is timed.  Tickets are sold out to Sunday December 12.  Soulpepper Theatre, Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane).

Weesageechak Begins To Dance 34, Native Earth

Aki Studio Theatre (585 Dundas E)


SUNDAY NOVEMBER 28


Regent Park Film Festival

Zoom event, free

Draw Me Close - individual interactive performance, admission is timed.  Tickets are sold out to Sunday December 12.  Soulpepper Theatre, Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane).

Yoga Flow with Alex - indoors

10:30 am.  Parliament Street Fitness (488 Parliament).  Members are free, non-members welcome, $15.

Yoga in the Park

2 pm, Saint Luke’s United Church, Allan Gardens (Sherbourne and Jarvis), free


MONDAY NOVEMBER 29


Regent Park Film Festival

Zoom event, free

Trivia at Stout Irish Pub

7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia, hosted by Josh Fishbane. (221 Carlton)


TUESDAY NOVEMBER 30


Regent Park Film Festival

Zoom event, free

Draw Me Close - individual interactive performance, admission is timed.  Tickets are sold out to Sunday December 12.  Soulpepper Theatre, Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane).

Trivia at Stout Irish Pub

7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia, hosted by Josh Fishbane.  (221 Carlton)


WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 1


Regent Park Film Festival

Zoom event, free

Draw Me Close - individual interactive performance, admission is timed.  Tickets are sold out to Sunday December 12.  Soulpepper Theatre, Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane).

Learn to Run classes with Manissa

7 am.  Riverdale Park (Winchester and Sumach). Offered by Parliament Street Fitness.  Members are free, non-members welcome for 8-week package at $50.


THURSDAY DECEMBER 2


Regent Park Film Festival

Zoom event, free

Cabbagetown Preservation Association - Fall meeting

7 pm, Zoom event.

Draw Me Close - individual interactive performance, admission is timed.  Tickets are sold out to Sunday December 12.  Soulpepper Theatre, Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane).


FRIDAY DECEMBER 3


Founder’s Dinner - annual Christmas gala

6 pm, Enoch Turner Schoolhouse (106 Trinity), $150.

Draw Me Close - individual interactive performance, admission is timed.  Tickets are sold out to Sunday December 12.  Soulpepper Theatre, Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane).


SATURDAY DECEMBER 4


Draw Me Close - individual interactive performance, admission is timed.  Tickets are sold out to Sunday December 12.  Soulpepper Theatre, Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane).


SUNDAY DECEMBER 5


Yoga Flow with Alex - indoors

10:30 am.  Parliament Street Fitness (488 Parliament).  Members are free, non-members welcome, $15.

Yoga in the Park

2 pm, Saint Luke’s United Church, Allan Gardens (Sherbourne and Jarvis), free

Draw Me Close - individual interactive performance, admission is timed.  Tickets are sold out to Sunday December 12.  Soulpepper Theatre, Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane).


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.

November 18

 This week’s image:   He’s coming back on Saturday December 4





CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD 

REVIEW 



FEATURED LOCAL ARTIST


Ann Kay

Ann has been a Cabbagetown resident for over 40 years.  After a long and successful career in graphic design, she found a new direction in ceramic art. You can contact her by email.

A passion for colour  


LOCAL NEWS


Thanks to Sinking Ship Productions

Jubilee in Cabbagetown is being filmed by Sinking Ship Productions at Metcalfe and Winchester. Working with the Cabbagetown Residents Association, the production company has made several very generous donations to local groups, with an emphasis on relieving food insecurity. Both Sprucecourt and Winchester schools received $2,500 for their food programs. Dixon Hall got $5,000 and the Cabbagetown Youth Centre/Kiwanis got $4,500. Building Roots received $1,500, Saint Luke’s Church $500, Riverdale Farm $500 and the Children’s Book Bank $500.

The annual Toronto Miracle Food Drive

The food drive is back again on Saturday December 4 after a successful year in 2020.  It’s our part of a city-wide campaign in 140 neighbourhoods.  The system is simple. Go to the website and register as a donor.  Then leave your food on your doorstep by 10 am on Saturday December 4.  Make sure that your parcel can be seen from the street.  Volunteers will pick it up.  Please don’t donate perishable foods, food that’s been opened or homemade food- these items can’t be used in the food bank.  If you’re willing to volunteer in the campaign, please email Sandy Riches.

 

Anji’s workshops

Blooming Flower Bar (194A Carlton) is offering Anji’s seasonal floral workshops. Small centrepieces -  December 18 at 5 pm.  $130.   December 20 at 7 pm, creating holiday centrepieces, $120.  Each workshop is family friendly with a kit containing all the materials that you need for your project. Each is a one-hour virtual online presentation with step-by-step instructions. Click here to find the registration details.

Annual auction for the Children’s Book Bank

The auction has started - 140 of your favourite things.  You can bid on a cottage getaway, wine lovers’ packages, crafters’ kits, Leafs’ tickets, an iPhone 12, Lego lovers’ package, and lots more.  Visit the auction site and make your bid from now until 6 pm on November 30.  All proceed go toward the Children’s Book Bank.  

Winter clothing drive

Winter is coming, and Linda Sims is gathering used winter clothing to provide to a non-profit that helps clothe immigrants, refugees and Torontonians in need.  After being forced to close for long periods during the pandemic, New Circles is facing a huge backlog of demand this year. So Linda is reaching out to fellow Cabbagetowners for any winter clothing and gear they can donate - coats, hats, boots, sweaters and more.  Women’s, men’s and children’s items are all in demand.  Send her an email to arrange for a pickup


Flu shots

A reminder - the flu vaccines are available now in pharmacies across the neighbourhood.  


COVID cases in our schools

The Toronto Star’s app describing COVID cases in our local schools shows a clear report in all nine of them.  This report is updated at 2 pm on the previous day - in this case, Wednesday November 17.

CHRISTMAS IS COMING 


Cabbagetown lights contest

Back again for the seventh year, sponsored by the Cabbagetown Residents Association.  It’s a simple system.  Nominate a colourful lights display along with your photo on Twitter (hashtag #cabbagetownlights) or on the CRA Facebook page timeline (hashtag #cabbagetownlights) or by email.  Contest runs from December 1 to December 26.  Be sure to include the address of the home so your photo can be shown on the appropriate street and the winner can be contacted. Click here to see all the details.

Distillery Winter Village

On November 18, come for the festive tree lighting to start off the annual Winter Village. Thursday November 18 to Friday December 31.  Shopping with 8 new curated vendors, 12 fine food and snacks cabins. strolling buskers and carollers and visits with Santa.  Tickets required on Fridays and Saturdays from 4 to 10 pm and on Sundays from 4 to 9 pm,  $8.


Santa is coming to town

Saturday December 4, 1 to 5 pm.  Presented by the Cabbageown BIA.  Santa will visit us at Carlton and Parliament.  There’ll be live music, tree lighting, kids activities, hot drinks and treats.  Save the date and help to kick-off the season.


Volunteer elves are needed

Join the Santa event as a volunteer on Saturday December 4 at Carlton and Parliament  Contact Emma at the Cabbagetown BIA.  Are you an experienced storyteller?  Your skills are needed for a 30-minute event.


Get your ornaments now

Kendall & Co (514 Parliament) has an amazing selection of Christmas ornaments.  Check out the selection on Facebook.


ANNOUNCEMENTS


House for sale

This spectacular detached duplex at 182 Seaton Street is currently listed for sale at $1,799,000. Easily convertible to a single family or multi-generational home, it is a beauty not to be missed! Potential for a 1660 sq/ft laneway house exists. Contact your realtor or the Listing Agent Alan Read-Chua, Broker, Sutton Group – Associates Realty Inc., Brokerage (416 825-1803) for further information. View the Video Tour online here.


Apartment needed

Fourth year Ryerson student, female, seeking accommodation - studio or one bedroom. Starting January 1 2022, 4 to 6 month lease or sublease. Respond by text to Paul at (587) 893-3986


IN THE MEDIA 


NOW Magazine’s Readers Choice Poll

Congrats to our local businesses and restaurants for a great showing in the NOW annual poll.  NOW asks its readers from across Toronto to select their preferences in a long list of retail categories. 


Food

Toronto’s Best Pub - House on Parliament (454 Parliament)
Best Chocolate - Soma (32 Tank House Lane, Distillery)
Best Filipino Restaurant - Tinuno (32 Howard)
Best Italian Restaurant - Terroni (22 Lower Sackville & various locations)
Best Desserts - Roselle, runner-up (362 King E) 
Best Mideast Restaurant - Tabule, runner-up  (594 Front E)
Best Vodka Distillery - Spirit of York (12 Trinity, Distillery)


Retail

Best Flower Shop - Blooming Flower Bar (194A Carlton)
Best Pet Store - Pet Valu (240 Carlton & various locations)
Best Indie Women’s Clothing - POA, runner-up  (546 Parliament)
Best Barber Shop - Hastings, runner-up (251 Gerrard E & other locations) 


COMING EVENTS


Support peace in Nepal with Nagarik Aawaz

The annual online sale has started and continues to Friday November 26.  There’s an amazing selection of one-of-a-kind items, all fair trade and supporting small and marginalized entrepreneurs. Handmade paper, greeting cards, baskets, bags, kids’ toys, jewellery and scarves.  Curbside pickup in Cabbagetown on Sunday November 28 and Monday November 29.  Check out the selections on the website. 


Rally for the Don

Don’t Mess with the Don is sponsoring a rally in Riverdale Park East at 1 pm on Sunday November 21.  It’s a protest against Metrolinx plans to build a service yard in the Don Valley at the Bloor Aqueduct.  For years, this area has been slowly rescued and now it’ll be turned into a garage for diesel engines.  


What’s next on the waterfront

David Stonehouse, Director of the Waterfront Secretariat at the City of Toronto and George Zegarac, CEO of Waterfront Toronto will be featured on the next Waterfront For All speakers’ series.  7 to 9 pm on Tuesday November 23.  It’s online - RSVP here.


Save the date - Fall CPA meeting

The Cabbagetown Preservation Association will hold its Fall meeting at 7 pm on Thursday December 2.  The agenda includes presentation of the Streetscape in Bloom Award and the CPA Recognition Award.   Helen Coltrinari is this year’s recipient of the Recognition Award - a well-deserved honour for her long and productive work in our community. The Streetscape award goes to 439 Wellesley East for its fine garden.  Following these items, Scott Weir from ERA Architects will give his talk.  It’s a Zoom meeting - register here.


Founder’s Dinner

The annual Founder’s Dinner at Enoch Turner Schoolhouse (106 Trinity) takes place on Friday December 3.  It’s a traditional Canadian celebration with hors d’oeuvres, Christmas dinner, wine, carolling, and live performances.  Hosted by Barbara Budd with special guests Michael Meighan and Michael Enright.  $150.  Get your ticket here.


THEATRE & DANCE


Impulse 2021

This year’s showcase from the School of Toronto Dance Theatre includes a special dinner and show fundraiser. A three-course dinner from Daniel et Daniel (248 Carlton) will be delivered to your home on Thursday December 2 and you’ll get a link to a live online preview of this year’s performance.  Included in your gift will be tickets to any live in-person performance on December 3, 4, 10 or 11.  $130.  For more info about the performance, the menu and ordering details, go to the Eventrite site.


Alumnae Theatre

Michel Tremblay’s Albertine in Five Times, 7 pm, November 18 to 20.  It’s a live digital performance.  Four actors will be broadcast from their homes onto the stage and two more will be live and in person.  Tickets $15 each and $25 for groups of three or more. 70 Berkeley.  


Native Earth

Weesageechak Begins To Dance 34 - the annual development festival of new Indigenous works in theatre, dance and multidisciplinary creations.  On stage now to 27, Aki Studio (Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas E).  


Soulpepper

Soulpepper is performing the Canadian premiere of Draw Me Close - November 2 to December 12.  This is an individual interactive performance and admission is timed.  Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane, Distillery).  Sold out to Sunday December 12.  


RESTAURANT NEWS


American Thanksgiving

All of our American friends - and their families and pals - are invited to a traditional Thanksgiving dinner at the House on Parliament (454 Parliament).  Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, veggies, cranberries and gravy.  Tania says that a feast is always better when someone else cooks it for you.  Thursday November 25. 


Holiday parties


Daniel et Daniel.  D & D are back with their marvellous holiday catering ideas. They can help you plan a special meal and they have four sample menus all ready for you - Christmas dinner, a holiday dinner, a holiday office buffet and a holiday cocktail reception.  Check out all of this online.


F’Amelia  Party with F’Amelia (12 Amelia).  In the bar, 22 partygoers.  In the atrium, 30 revellers.  In the wine cellar, 16 players.  Heated, covered and screened patio, 27 merrymakers.  Book the whole restaurant and feel the vibe, 90 fun lovers.  Go online to Open Table or call (416) 323-0666.  


Cyril’s soup

This week’s soup is another familiar favourite - lemon orzo dill with shredded chicken or with shredded tofu. . The juice has apple, basil and grape.  Soup - chicken, one to 9 cups at $4/cup, 10 or more cups at $3.50/cup and tofu, one to 9 cups at $3/cup, 10 or more cups at $2.50/cup.  Juice - 2 cups for $9. Email him to place your order.

abeautifulbowl@gmail.com


EVENTS, CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS


THURSDAY NOVEMBER 18 TO SUNDAY NOVEMBER 28

If there's a cover charge or tickets are sold, the prices are listed.


THURSDAY NOVEMBER 18


Draw Me Close - individual interactive performance, admission is timed.  Tickets are sold out to Sunday December 12.  Soulpepper Theatre, Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane).

 

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 19


Albertine in Five Times by Michel Tremblay- a live digital performance

7 pm, Alumnae Theatre (70 Berkeley), $15 and $25 for groups of three or more.


SATURDAY NOVEMBER 20


Albertine in Five Times by Michel Tremblay- a live digital performance

7 pm, Alumnae Theatre (70 Berkeley), $15 and $25 for groups of three or more.


SUNDAY NOVEMBER 21


Yoga Flow with Alex - indoors

10:30 am.  Parliament Street Fitness (488 Parliament).  Members are free, non-members welcome, $15.

Yoga in the Park

2 pm, Saint Luke’s United Church, Allan Gardens (Sherbourne and Jarvis), free

Rally - Don’t Mess with the Don - protest against the Metrolinx service yard

1 pm, Riverdale Park East


MONDAY NOVEMBER 22


Trivia at Stout Irish Pub

7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia, hosted by Josh Fishbane. (221 Carlton)


TUESDAY NOVEMBER 23


Trivia at Stout Irish Pub

7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia, hosted by Josh Fishbane.  (221 Carlton)


WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 24


Learn to Run classes with Manissa

7 am.  Riverdale Park (Winchester and Sumach). Offered by Parliament Street Fitness.  Members are free, non-members welcome for 8-week package at $50.

Weesageechak Begins To Dance 34, Native Earth

Aki Studio Theatre (585 Dundas E)


THURSDAY NOVEMBER 25


Weesageechak Begins To Dance 34, Native Earth

Aki Studio Theatre (585 Dundas E)


FRIDAY NOVEMBER 26


Weesageechak Begins To Dance 34, Native Earth

Aki Studio Theatre (585 Dundas E)


SATURDAY NOVEMBER 27


Weesageechak Begins To Dance 34, Native Earth

Aki Studio Theatre (585 Dundas E)


SUNDAY NOVEMBER 28


Yoga Flow with Alex - indoors

10:30 am.  Parliament Street Fitness (488 Parliament).  Members are free, non-members welcome, $15.

Yoga in the Park

2 pm, Saint Luke’s United Church, Allan Gardens (Sherbourne and Jarvis), free


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. https://cabbagetowncoupons.blogspot.com/2020/06/bakeries-coffee-shops-deli-absolute.html