CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
FEATURED ARTIST
Jack Grunsky
Jack has recently painted several large landscapes. This one is 40” by 60”, acrylic on canvas and entitled Sauble River. You can see more of Jack’s work online and you can reach him by email.
LOCAL NEWS
Congrats to Linda Manzer
Ms Manzer has been named an Officer in the Order of Canada by the Governor General. The announcement states, “For her trailblazing contributions and achievements as one of the world’s leading luthiers.” She now is based in Almonte Ontario but her Cabbagetown friends and former neighbours will be delighted.
Christmas lighting contest
The contest was organized by two residents associations - Cabbagetown South and Cabbagetown Residents. The voting period is over and they’re now counting up the totals. The three most popular houses plus the street that collected the most votes will be announced soon. Check it out at the CRA and Cabbagetown South websites.
Community skating
The Friends of Regent Park have reserved the skating rink in the athletic grounds (480 Shuter) for a free family skating event. Saturday December 30, 1 to 3 pm. The City’s skate lending library will be there - skates and helmets will be available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. For more info about this service, click here.
Citadel Dance Program
The Citadel’s Dance Program (304 Parliament) provides lessons for kids in JK to Grade 6 in creative movement, ballet, bharatanatyam and tap. Classes will start up again on January 6. Click here to find registration info, fees, schedules and programs.
Tents in Allan Gardens
Councillor Chris Moise’s Dashboard lists the weekly statistics about the tents in Allan Gardens. The numbers have slowly dropped. On December 22, there were 11 people staying in the park. 3 people have housing plans and 8 don’t want to move. There were 12 structures.
WATCH FOR THESE …
A big batch of development projects are pending for 2024. Here’s a quick list.
Parliament Street heritage district
This debate will come out in the open in earnest. In February, the Cabbagetown Preservation Association will hold a talk about the future design of the street. Mixed into this debate will be increased development pressure for new buildings along Parliament.
509 Parliament
In March, the City of Toronto received an application for a ten-storey building on the site of the current Dance Theatre. In October, City Council issued a motion stating its intention to declare the property as a heritage site. City Council has not made a final decision about the application. It’s likely that the developer will go to a higher appeal body once Council acts.
601 Parliament
The home of Cranberries Restaurant, Medicare Drug Mart and medical offices upstairs. The developer wants to enlarge this site to a six storey building with residential units above ground floor retail. The application is complete and it has been approved subject to several conditions. There has been no reply yet from the developer.
Daniels condos
A major project is underway at Parliament and Gerrard and it’ll have a profound impact on Parliament Street. The biggest building is 25 storeys tall and the other is 10 storeys. They’re connected by a 7 storey podium. The development will have 631 residential units and 2,626 square metres of retail space. Construction has started with completion scheduled for 2025.
502 to 508 Parliament
Dixon Hall is renovating these old TCHC rooming houses. Work was stalled during covid but the project is, nevertheless, far behind schedule. When announced, it was projected for a 2021 completion date and planned for 44 units.
Anniversary Park upgrade
In November, a third design consultation has resulted in a proposed final design. A construction team will be assigned in the Spring for completion in the Fall 2024.
Gerrard Street makeover
Construction is scheduled for 2024 for the continued upgrading of Gerrard east of Sherbourne to Parliament. In June, City Council approved creation of cycling lanes on both sides of Gerrard from Sherbourne to Sumach.
Condos on Gerrard
Three project are at various stages. The Georgian on the former Beer Store site is now approved and being built. A new application has arrived for a smaller building at 211 - 219 Gerrard and initial neighbourhood reactions are positive. 307 Sherbourne at the corner of Gerrard has City Council approval for a fifteen storey building with 199 rental units.
230 Sherbourne
Kingsett Capital had announced plans to build a 47-storey condo on this site. They bought it despite a bid from the City of Toronto for the same property. When a local activist group pushed back, Kingsett abruptly told them that its condo project would not proceed.
Still to come - next week, updates on new projects in St James Town and in the final stages of Regent Park’s redevelopment
NEW YEAR’S EVE
Announcements have arrived about New Year’s Eve celebrations. If you want to know about your favourite place and it’s not listed here, check our Restaurant online page for contact info.
The Aviary
Ring in the New Year with The Aviary (484A Front Street) and Longslice Brewery. Free Longslice draught, food specialties and a glass of sparkling wine at midnight. 8 pm, December 31. Advance tickets to December 30 at $100 and tickets at the door, $115.
Bisou’s champagne & flammekueche
It’s party time at 350 Berkeley - wind down 2023 and get ready for the New Year. Sparkling wine, Alsatian tarts, music and a special champagne pro from acoolwinetogether. From 2 to 8 pm, Saturday December 30.
Cafe Zuzu
Your four course meal at Cafe Zuzu (565 Dundas E) includes squash, fritto miso or charred broccolini for an appetizer. Butternut squash risotto, bucatini or pappardelle for the first course. Eggplant parmigiana, lentils or chicken Milanese for the second course. And cannoli, gelato or torte di mandorle for dessert. $60 or $65 with a glass of prosecco. To make your reservation online, click here.
Cluny
Cluny (18 Tank House Lane, Distillery) has a six-course prix fixe menu ($155 each). Start with a fruits de mer experience. Main course options include venison, filet of sole or butternut squash gnocchi. Finish at an amazing dessert table. See the details online here.
DOVA
Start with a delicious glass of NV Reguta Giera Prosecco Veneto and then enjoy an elegant four-course meal. $165. Add on Ossetra sturgeon caviar with crostini and stracciatella ($180 extra). 229 Carlton
El Catrin
Fabulous chef’s features and customized margaritas. DJs and complimentary tequila at midnight. The chef’s menus are listed on Instagram. 18 Tank House Lane, Distillery
F’Amelia
A luxurious four-course, prix fixe menu. First course - burrata or bone marrow. Second - scaloppini, pate or kale salad. Main course - duck breast, tuna or lasagna. Dessert - hazelnut chocolate budding, tiramisu or vegan carrot cake. $110. Book your reservation at (416) 323-0666 or www.familia.com. 12 Amelia.
The Golden Pigeon
DJ Crocker plays hits from 7 pm. Disco Ball, $2 oysters, drink specials. Reservations at (416) 392-1039 or info@goldenpigeonbar.com. 424 Parliament.
House on Parliament
The HoP (454 Parliament) is offering its a la carte menu for the evening. Among the highlights - the spinach and chèvre salad is back for one night only. Entrees include AAA 8 oz beef tenderloin, Frenched rack of lamb, roast halibut, pappardelle, burgers and a southern fried chicken sandwich. Mystic Michael is there of his insightful tarot readings. Brunch is also served from 11 am on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. From 6 pm. Reservations recommended, call (416) 925-4074. Walk-ins welcome.
Reyna on King
Enjoy Reyna’s salad, tapas, lamb baklava, Lebanese tacos and more. Open late on New Year’s Eve - the kitchen service will continue to 11:45 pm and there’ll be hiphop/ afro beat music as well. 354 King E.
IN THE MEDIA
Amazon sponsors the Toronto Humane Society
Amazon is supporting the Toronto Humane Society (11 River) through its ongoing adoption programs. Kerrisa Wilson has written a summary of the sponsorship in NOWToronto.
Harry Rosen
Harry Rosen started his amazing career in men’s fashion in 1954 in a small store on Parliament Street. He died on December 24 at 92 years of age. His obituaries are everywhere in the Canadian media - a token of his reach into our lives. Alanna Smith wrote about him in the Globe & Mail.
SHOPPING NEWS
Boxing week sales
99 Frames (527 Parliament) - 15% off on custom frames. The Cellar Salon - (559 Parliament) 40% off on selected services. Fair Trade Jewellery (576 Parliament) - up to 40% savings on select items. Kendall & Co (514 Parliament) - 50% savings on Christmas ornaments, decor, gifts and toys.
Distillery’s Winter Village highlights
New Year’s Eve will feature fireworks and extended shopping hours at the outdoor cabins. The Winter Village shopping week happens from January 1 to 7. Extended Boxing Day sales will continue. Tickets are not required.
THEATRE NEWS
Heartless launches at the Aki Theatre on January 4. Native Earth, Soulpepper, Canadian Stage and Alumnae Theatre all have new plays coming in January and February. These listings and more are online here.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Revelstoke will close
Revelstoke (195 Carlton) has announced that it will close its Toronto location on January 1. This weekend marks our last chance to get its vegan fare, “plant based takes on classic favourites” according to blogTO. The Peterborough location will continue.
Food drive at Mill Street
The Mill Street Brewpub (21 Tank House Lane) is holding a food drive to support the Daily Bread Food Bank. Bring in non-perishable foods to the Retail Store until December 31.
Cyril’s soup
Cyril has finished his 2023 soup deliveries - he’ll be back in January.
WEEKLY CALENDAR - CLUBS & PUBS
THURSDAY DECEMBER 28 TO SUNDAY JANUARY 7
For contact info about these clubs and restaurants, see the list at the bottom of this page.
THURSDAY DECEMBER 28
Live at The Distillery
5 to 8:30 pm, Laura Hubert
The Aviary
2 to 4 pm, Tapz & Napz meet-ups for new parents
FRIDAY DECEMBER 29
Live at The Distillery
5 to 9:30 pm, Christopher Plock
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Naija Jolloff Lounge
6pm, Karaoke
Super Bargain
10 pm, oysters and DJ Shamz
Wing House
9 pm, Karaoke
Golden Pigeon
7 pm, Yacht party with DJ Swank
SATURDAY DECEMBER 30
Live at The Distillery
2 to 5:30 pm, Danny Marks
6:30 to 9:30 pm, Michael Occhipinti
Bisou
2 to 8 pm, Champagne & Flammekueche
SUNDAY DECEMBER 31
Live at The Distillery
2 to 5:30 pm, Roberta Hunt Trio
6:30 to 9:30 pm, Alex Pangman
10 to midnight, Devo Brown and DJ Clymaxxx
MONDAY JANUARY 1
The Aviary
Family Night - kids eat free
TUESDAY JANUARY 2
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Trivia
The Aviary
7 pm, Bird Brain Trivia
WEDNESDAY JANUARY 3
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
The Vibrational Apothecary
7:30 pm, traditional West African drumming classes with Amadou Kienou
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, euchre night
The Aviary
7 pm, Euchre Socials every Wednesday with monthly winners.
THURSDAY JANUARY 4
The Aviary
2 to 4 pm, Tapz & Napz meet-ups for new parents
FRIDAY JANUARY 5
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Naija Jolloff Lounge
6pm, Karaoke
Super Bargain
10 pm, DJ Shamz
Wing House
9 pm, Karaoke
SATURDAY JANUARY 6
Naija Jolloff Lounge
6pm, Live music
SUNDAY JANUARY 7
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
CONTACT INFO
Alice’s Place - 554 Parliament
Aviary - 484 Front East
Bisou - 350 Berkeley (at Gerrard)
The Vibrational Apothecary - 243 Gerrard E
Cranberries - 601 Parliament
Distillery - Mill Street and Parliament
Dominion - 500 Queen E - closed permanently
El Catrin - 18 Tank House Lane, Distillery
Golden Pigeon - 424 Parliament
House on Parliament - 454 Parliament
Keating Channel - 2 Villiers St
La Gloria Mexican Coffee - 453 Parliament
Mill Street Brew Pub - 21 Tank House Lane
NJ Lounge - 507 Parliament
Playground - 492 Parliament
Stout Irish Pub - 221 Carlton
Super Bargain - 441 Parliament
Wing House - 420 Parliament