December 29

 CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD 

REVIEW




NEW YEAR’S EVE


Restaurant directory

Find your favourite place - name, address, phone number and website.


Alice’s Place

Karaoke party starting at 9 pm.  554 Parliament.

The Aviary

Longslice Brewery and The Aviary join forces for New Year’s Eve from 8 pm to 2 am.  Free hors d’oeuvres, open bar for Longslice draft and bubbly at midnight.  Advance tickets to December 30, $60. Tickets at the door, $75.  Contests and prizes.  484 Front East.

Cluny Bistro & Boulangerie

New Year’s Eve specialties include roasted elk Wellington, roasted dover sole and chocolate chestnut cake.  Complimentary glass of Moet et Chandon at midnight.  Reservations online.  35 Tank House Lane, Distillery 

Dominion Pub & Kitchen

Countdown to midnight with party favours, happy hour deals and a glass of bubbly.  500 Queen E

DOVA

Five course tasting menu.  Crudo / raw scallops & molossol caviar.  Verde / romaine, smoked sardine, ragusno cheese.  Astice / mezzi paccheri pasta, lobster, wild shrimp, black truffle.  Tonno / bluefin tuna, heirloom carrots, mint,  or Agnello / lamb sirloin, broccolini, herbs & mushroom jus.  Cannolo / sweet whipped ricotta, candied lemon, pistachio cream.  Reservations available online. (416) 901-3501.  $125 per person.  229 Carlton

El Catrin

Chef features and specialty cocktails.  DJ to 1 am.  Late night snacks and complimentary midnight tequila. Check out Facebook for reservation details.  (18 Tank House Lane, Distillery) 

F’Amelia

Four course dinner with several choices for each course.  $89 per person.  Check out the menu here and book your reservation online. 12 Amelia

Golden Pigeon

Dinner and party with surf & turf, drink specials, beer steins, DJ  at 8 pm.  424 Parliament

House on Parliament

Four course prix fixe dinner and complimentary glass of sparkling wine. Check out the menu details online. Tarot card readings by Mystic Michael. Dinner seatings start at 5 pm. Reservations are recommended - call (416) 925-4074. $100 per person. 454 Parliament

Wing House

Karaoke and wings!  9 pm, New Year’s Eve.  420 parliament


LOCAL NEWS


Sally Gibson

Sally died on Tuesday December 20 after a long battle against cancer.  Among her many other achievements and credentials, she was a regular contributor to the Review.  From January 2016, her Historical Tidbits painted Cabbagetown life and personalities in fascinating detail.  We’re proud to have been associated with her.  She left two extra Tidbits for us and they’ll appear here in their regular slots in January.  Click here to read her obituary,  If you wish to join her memorial service, it will take place on Friday December 30, 11 am in the Necropolis Chapel.  Her passing leaves a huge hole and we’ll miss her.  (Photo:  Carol Moore-Ede)

Fireworks at The Distillery

DJ ClymaXXX, host Devo Brown and live music ring in the New Year and finish up the Distillery’s Winter Village.  Fireworks at midnight.  Saturday December 31 from 7 pm.  Enter The Distillery before 4 pm - free.  From 4 to 9 pm, $11 and from 9 pm, $20. Tickets are available online.

Save the date - skating event

The Friends of Regent Park are hosting a community skating event.  Skates and helmets are provided free.  From 1 to 3 pm, Friday December 30, in the rink at Regent Park Athletic Grounds (480 Shuter).


Riverdale Farm tree

The Christmas tree at Riverdale Farm (Sumach and Winchester) is spectacular again this year.

Thanks everybody 

The volunteers at Friends of Allan Gardens do a marvellous job preparing events and displays.  They have a busy schedule and they’re the people who make it all happen.  Bookmark and check their Facebook page regularly to keep informed.

Oops

Last week, my announcement about Teddy left the impression that he’s my new dog.  Several readers asked about this.  Nope.  The lucky people are Sandy and Lou and he’s living on Geneva.

Here’s mine

Ticket and her pal Smudge enjoy a cuddle.  It’s a common occurrence.  They’re often joined by Tina, another sweet cat.

Outdoor skating rinks

The City of Toronto operates three rinks in our area - Regent Park (480 Shuter), Riverdale Park East (550 Broadview) and Sherbourne Commons (61 Dockside). Check the City’s lists before heading out to the rink - weather conditions may affect the ice. 


IN THE MEDIA


Seaton Street fire

Joshua Freeman at CP24 has written a short report about the fire in a house on Seaton near Gerrard.   It happened late on Christmas Eve.  (Photo: CP24)

Too many cannabis stores

Cabbagetown has six cannabis stores in our immediate neighbourhood. Corktown has a large number as well and there are more of them nearby on Bloor Street.  This happened while the Ontario government was trying to figure out its rules for managing cannabis retail sales.  But the early glory days are over and day-by-day business reality is setting in.  Watch for closures and mergers as the market gets firmer.  Chad Finkelstein has written about this trend in the Globe & Mail.


THEATRE & DANCE NEWS - DECEMBER & JANUARY


Extended run to January 7

Alice in Wonderland

To January 7, Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane).  Soulpepper says this Alice is “a new adventure for all ages. Bad Hats Theatre’s contemporary spin on Wonderland takes us down the rabbit hole with Alice, a girl with a lot of questions.” Click here for tickets and info.


RESTAURANT NEWS 


Tabi Ramen

Tabi Ramen has closed.  Located downstairs at 508 Parliament, they had opened only four months earlier, taking over the location from Tokyo Ramen.

 

WEEKLY CALENDAR - CLUBS & PUBS


THURSDAY DECEMBER 29 TO SUNDAY JANUARY 8


  • For contact info about these clubs and restaurants, see the list at the bottom of this page.  


THURSDAY DECEMBER 29


Dominion

7 pm, Pubstumpers Trivia


Bolokelen Malinke Percussion

7:30 pm, Group drumming classes for beginners with Anna Melnikoff


FRIDAY DECEMBER 30


Alice’s Place

9 pm, Karaoke 


Super Bargain

10 pm, DJ Shamz


Wing House

9 pm, Karaoke


SATURDAY DECEMBER 31


New Year’s Eve - see the listings above.


SUNDAY JANUARY 1


MONDAY JANUARY 2


Stout Irish Pub

7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia


TUESDAY JANUARY 3


Stout Irish Pub

7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia


WEDNESDAY JANUARY 4


Bolokelen Malinke Percussion

7:30 pm, traditional West African drumming classes with Amadou Kienou


THURSDAY JANUARY 5


Dominion

7 pm, Pubstumpers Trivia


Bolokelen Malinke Percussion

7:30 pm, Group drumming classes for beginners with Anna Melnikoff


FRIDAY JANUARY 6


Alice’s Place

9 pm, Karaoke


Super Bargain

10 pm, DJ Shamz


Wing House

9 pm, Karaoke


SATURDAY JANUARY 7


Bolokelen Malinke Percussion

Noon, traditional West African drumming classes with Amadou Kienou


Dominion

7 pm,  Live music


SUNDAY JANUARY 8


CONTACT INFO


Alice’s Place - 554 Parliament

Bolokelen Malinke Percussion - 243 Gerrard E

Cranberries - 601 Parliament

Dominion - 500 Queen E

House on Parliament - 454 Parliament

NJ Lounge - 507 Parliament

Stout Irish Pub - 221 Carlton

Super Bargain - 441 Parliament

Wing House - 420 Parliament

December 22

 CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD 

REVIEW




A PERSONAL VIEW

This year, as the pandemic recedes, Parliament, Carlton and Gerrard are coming back to life with a powerful revival.  They’ve survived the lockdowns, the confusion at Parkscape and the sad mess made by the recent street construction.  We’ve even seen new businesses come along.  Congrats to everyone - you're tough and smart and you're still the centre of the Cabbagetown community. (Photo: BIA’s lighting display at Carlton and Parliament)

HOLIDAY NEWS


Christmas dinner at Cranberries

Dinner is served on Christmas Day at Cranberries (601 Parliament).  It’s a memorable three-course meal with butternut squash soup or garden salad, turkey and the traditional trimmings, fresh veggies and apple crumble for dessert. There’ll be two sittings - 3 pm (tentative) and 7:30 pm.  The 5 pm sitting is already sold out. These special dinners are very popular and everyone who goes is always pleased.  Reserve your place now at (416) 925-6330.

Pajama party at Stout

Erin is hosting her annual Christmas Eve pajama party at Stout (221 Carlton).  Come in your PJs and win a shot of Jameson’s.  Open late.  Trivia will happen at the regular times on Monday and Tuesday - brunch both days as well.

More Christmas Day nibbles

Johnny Gs (478 Parliament) will open from 8 am to 3 pm.  Alice’s Place (554 Parliament) is open from 3 pm to 2 am.  The House on Parliament (454 Parliament) will be open for beverages from noon to 3 pm on Christmas Day.

Cabbagetown lights

The Cabbagetown Residents Association is back with its annual Christmas lights contest.  Nominate a home with spectacular lights (even your own!). Your photo will be posted on Facebook and your neighbours will vote.  Contest runs to December 26.  The winning photographer gets a trophy and a year’s CRA membership.  The top three homes get front yard signage and bragging rights. Click here to get the contact info and the rules.

NEW YEAR’S EVE


The Aviary

Longslice Brewery and The Aviary (484 Front East) join forces for New Year’s Eve from 8 pm to 2 am.  Free hors d’oeuvres, open bar for Longslice draft and bubbly at midnight.  Advance tickets to December 30, $60. Tickets at the door, $75.  Contests and prizes.

Cluny Bistro & Boulangerie

New Year’s Eve specialties include roasted elk Wellington, whole roasted dover sole and chocolate chestnut cake.  Complimentary glass of Moet et Chandon at midnight.  Reservation.  35 Tank House Lane, Distillery

Dominion Pub & Kitchen

Countdown to midnight with party favours, happy hour deals and a glass of bubbly.  500 Queen E

DOVA

Five course tasting menu.  Reservations available online. (416) 901-3501.  229 Carlton


El Catrin

Chef features and specialty cocktails.  DJ to 1 am.  Late night snacks and complimentary midnight tequila. Check out Facebook for reservation details.  (18 Tank House Lane, Distillery)

F’Amelia

Four course dinner with several choices for each course.  $89 per person.  Check out the menu and book your reservation online. 12 Amelia

House on Parliament

Four course prix fixe dinner and complimentary glass of sparkling wine.  Tarot card readings by Mystic Michael. Dinner seatings start at 5 pm.  Reservations are recommended - call (416) 925-4074. $100 per person.  454 Parliament 

LOCAL NEWS


Fire at Number 9 Audio

The fire at Number 9 Audio Group (222 Gerrard E) started around 7 pm on Saturday.  Although the fire department responded quickly, the blaze spread rapidly through the control room and beyond.  George Rondina, the owner, has been an important member of the Cabbagetown community.  He served actively for several years on the BIA’s Board.  He approved a mural for the side of the building.  Number 9 held an annual toy drive with the Yonge Street Mission.  Our hopes for a full recovery from this awful event go out to George and his staff. (Photo:  Enzo Arimini / Global News)

Follow-up to Holiday in the Patch

Matt at the Cabbagetown BIA (237 Carlton) is buried beneath the clean-up for the Holiday in the Patch. It was a fun event.  The BIA is now figuring out your reactions to it with a survey that you can complete to provide your feedback and insights.  It’s quick and easy and you’ll be eligible to win a gift basket from The Epicure Shop (473 Parliament).

Welcome Teddy

Teddy arrived this week in Cabbagetown.  Cuddly?  He invented the idea!  Congrats to Sandy and Lou - he’s a winner.

Save the date - skating event

The Friends of Regent Park are hosting a community skating event.  From 1 to 3 pm, Friday December 30, in the rink at Regent Park. (480 Shuter). 

Outdoor skating rinks

The City of Toronto operates three rinks in our area - Regent Park (480 Shuter), Riverdale Park East (550 Broadview) and Sherbourne Commons (61 Dockside). Check the City’s lists before heading out to the rink - weather conditions may affect the ice.

IN THE MEDIA


Fire at Number 9 Audio

The sound studio at Number 9 Audio (222 Gerrard E) suffered a disastrous fire on the weekend.  George Rondina, its owner, told Global News that the damage is “absolutely devastating”.  Ryan Rocca at Global News has written a detailed account of the fire and its aftermath.  (Photo:  Enzo Arimini / Global News)

Cathy Crowe is retiring

Ms Crowe has served as a street nurse for over three decades in this area and in other downtown neighbourhoods.  She has advocated for more housing, better health care and a compassionate public policy toward homeless and poverty stricken people.  In a closing statement for her nursing career, she spoke to CBC News about the changes that are needed today. (Photo: Martin Trainor, CBC)

Housing in the Port Lands

Mayor John Tory has released his blueprint for housing, noting that Waterfront Toronto must include greater density in its plans for future development in the Port Lands.  Waterfront Toronto has welcome his comments.  Click here to read about the future impact of the new policy. (Photo: Waterfront Toronto)

IN OUR STORES


Christmas with Kendall

Kendall & Co (514 Parliament) have decorated the interior of the store with hundreds of decorative Christmas ornaments. Step inside and enjoy the display. And the window, as always, is one of Cabbagetown's best displays. 


The Foodshop window

Daniel et Daniel (248 Carlton) always bring a tasteful touch to Carlton Street at Christmas. 

Naomi Store

North Africa is definitely the theme in these exotic window designs. 416 Parliament.

The Great Mallard

Laila Venesi-Cunningham owns Essentials Me Time Shop.  It’s a health and wellness company that produces all-natural hand-made  soaps, candles and body products. Sean is the farmer, owner and chef at Belfountain Estate, a 100 acre farm in the Caldon hills with landscaped lavender fields, vineyards and orchards.  They joined The Great Mallard for the Holiday in the Patch. Chef Sean's wonderful hand dipped chocolate treats were made right in the shop for kids and adults to enjoy!  


THEATRE & DANCE NEWS - DECEMBER


‘da Kink in My Hair

To December 23, Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane).  “Set in a West Indian hair salon in Toronto,  it untangles the triumphs and tragedies of the women who sit in Novelette's salon chair … unforgettable, moving, and hilarious stories.”  For tickets and more info, click here.

Extended run to January 7

Alice in Wonderland

To January 7, Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane).  Soulpepper says this Alice is “a new adventure for all ages. Bad Hats Theatre’s contemporary spin on Wonderland takes us down the rabbit hole with Alice, a girl with a lot of questions.” Click here for tickets and info.

RESTAURANT NEWS 


Graceful doorway at Playground Cafe

Playground (492 Parliament, side door) has built two lovely displays outside the front door on Aberdeen. 

Great lights outside

And good food inside.  Both Phosome (480 Parliament) and Johnny Gs (478 Parliament) have arranged lights to highlight their windows. 

Tree-lined patio

L’Avenue (583 Parliament) used the trees on its patio for a very dramatic effect. 

 

WEEKLY CALENDAR - CLUBS & PUBS


THURSDAY DECEMBER 22 TO SUNDAY JANUARY 1

For contact info about these clubs and restaurants, see the list at the bottom of this page.  


THURSDAY DECEMBER 22


Dominion

7 pm, Pubstumpers Trivia


Bolokelen Malinke Percussion

7:30 pm, Group drumming classes for beginners with Anna Melnikoff


FRIDAY DECEMBER 23


Alice’s Place

9 pm, Karaoke 


Super Bargain

10 pm, DJ Shamz


SATURDAY DECEMBER 24


Dominion

7 pm,  Live music


Stout Irish Pub

Pajama party


SUNDAY DECEMBER 25


Cranberries

Three-course Christmas dinner, 5 and 7:30 pm.  Reservations at (416) 925-6330


MONDAY DECEMBER 26


Stout Irish Pub

7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia


TUESDAY DECEMBER 27


Stout Irish Pub

7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia


WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 28


Bolokelen Malinke Percussion

7:30 pm, traditional West African drumming classes with Amadou Kienou


THURSDAY DECEMBER 29


Dominion

7 pm, Pubstumpers Trivia


Bolokelen Malinke Percussion

7:30 pm, Group drumming classes for beginners with Anna Melnikoff


FRIDAY DECEMBER 30


Alice’s Place

9 pm, Karaoke


Super Bargain

10 pm, DJ Shamz


SATURDAY DECEMBER 31


New Year’s Eve - see the listings above.


SUNDAY JANUARY 1


CONTACT INFO


Alice’s Place - 554 Parliament

Bolokelen Malinke Percussion - 243 Gerrard E

Cranberries - 601 Parliament

Dominion - 500 Queen E

House on Parliament - 454 Parliament

NJ Lounge - 507 Parliament

Stout Irish Pub - 221 Carlton

Super Bargain, 441 Parliament