CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
FEATURED ARTIST
Even though it seems so far away, Spring is coming. It’s a little more than three weeks away. Martha Preston’s florals are a great reminder of the pleasures of that lovely time. Click here to see her work and to browse the other artists as well.
LOCAL NEWS
Cabbagetown Art & Crafts sale
The Cabbagetown art show in Riverdale Park is being rebranded in exciting new ways by a new Board. Gerald Fitzgerald is its chair and Mindie Ferkul its executive director. There are new systems to make life easier for the vendors and an interesting website and Facebook page for visitors. Applications are now open for artists. There’s a link on the website for people who would like to volunteer. As always, the show will take place in Riverdale Park West (Sumach and Carlton) on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. (September 8, 9 and 10). Best wishes, everyone, for your efforts putting this year’s event together.
Rosedale Valley Road
The road will be fully closed between 12 am Saturday March 4 to 6 am Monday March 6. This will enable crews to dismantle the Glen Road pedestrian bridge - a new one will be installed later this year. The work is part of the upgrade for the multi-use trail along the road. Details of the upgrade are online.
Sydney Payne in Mississauga
For years, we’ve followed Sydney’s rowing campaigns all around the world. This weekend, the World Indoor Rowing Championships happen here at home in Mississauga on Sunday. The athletes compete on a rowing machine called an ergometer. Sydney is in the Women’s 23-39 race (2000 meters). Her event is scheduled for live streaming at World Rowing or on the CBC’s YouTube channel and tentatively it starts at 2:45 pm.
Fire on Aberdeen
Danny Marks witnessed a fire from his home at 2 am on Friday February 17. The fire happened on Toronto Community Housing property in a big tarp covering a homeless person’s shelter. Danny wondered if it was deliberately set. It’s the second one in this location in the past couple of years. The fire department arrived quickly and put it down - no injuries or damage to neighbouring property. (Photo: Danny Marks)
Development projects in Cabbagetown South
The Cabbagetown South Residents Association has reported on three development projects in its area. 239-255 Dundas E (southwest corner of Dundas and Pembroke) is a proposal for a 49-storey mixed use building. 214-230 Sherbourne is a proposal for a 47-storey residential building. Both will be discussed in virtual community consultations on Monday February 27 from 6 to 7 pm and from 7 to 8 pm. One hour for each project - register for each one individually at the City of Toronto website. At the Beer Store (227 Gerrard E), the old building is closed and will soon be demolished. No firm date has been set for construction of the new condo.
Charity window at The Beer Store
The Cabbagetown South Residents Association has worked with The Beer Store (227 Gerrard E) for several years to fund local charitable activity through bottle returns. The last donations from the old store have arrived. $536 will be used for local charities and for the CSRA programs. Congrats and thanks to everyone who has worked on this effort.
Gerrard Street reconstruction
The City of Toronto has delayed the reconstruction of Gerrard Street until 2024 due to technical problems with the utilities infrastructure at Sherbourne. This work will stretch from Sherbourne to Parliament. All of this concerns local businesses who worry about parking, deliveries and construction uproar. Additional work east of Parliament is being coordinated with projects in Regent Park. For a full description of the changes that will happen, go to the City’s website. Thanks to Keith Lawrance for the tip.
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). On Thursday, Regent Park and Sherbourne Commons were closed due to weather conditions. At Riverdale Park East, the hockey pad is open but the leisure pad is closed. Check the City’s lists for ice conditions when you want to skate.
Winter’s back
The cold and snow arrived just in time for Wednesday’s rush hour. All the people at Carlton and Parliament looked as if they wanted to be on a sunny beach somewhere else.
ANOTHER ANONYMOUS TIP
Useful info from readers who don’t want to use their names.
Dogs in the cemeteries
We’ve received a reminder that both the Necropolis and St James Cemetery welcome dogs. On a leash. There have been sightings of dog owners who let their dogs run free and this has been distressing to other visitors.
COMING EVENTS
Veggie Garden Success
Here’s a workshop that will help you plan and work on your garden for a successful crop. You’ll learn what, where and when to plant your stuff. Bring a sketch of your garden (in-ground and containers) and a general list of the veggies that you want to grow. Allan Gardens Children’s Conservatory (160 Gerrard E), Sunday February 26, 1 to 3 pm. Register at Eventrite.
Step classes
Brenda Brown McNee’s popular step classes have started again at the beautifully renovated Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster, behind the Beer Store). Wednesdays at 9:15 am until June. The class does step aerobics followed by stretch and strength exercises. The next classes happen on Wednesday March 1 and March 8. There’s no class on March 15 during the March Break period. It resumes on March 22. Drop-ins are welcome. Children are also welcome. Fee is $5 or PWYC. For more info, a detailed safety list and an equipment list, email Brenda.
Champagne and canapés
The Sumach (146 Sumach at Shuter) invites you to a champagne cocktail hour. The Sumach is a twelve-storey retirement residence with spacious apartments, a la carte services and casual amenities. The reception is an older adult experience. Wednesday March 1, 4 to 7 pm. Please rsvp by email or phone (416) 910-3431.
Corktown Chamber Orchestra
The Orchestra is back with its mid-winter concert. Little Trinity Church (425 King E), Wednesday March 1, 8 pm.
IN THE MEDIA
Leonida McNabb
Leona passed away on November 29, 2022. She’s pre-deceased by her husband William. Their three children and extended family are living in the Philippines. She owned and operated the Philippine Variety Store in St James Town and was a familiar, friendly face to local residents. The family hasn’t found anyone to take over the store and it will be closed until final arrangements are made. blogTO published a brief obituary on February 18.
IN OUR STORES
The Great Mallard
Christina has welcomed Wayne and Barbara Singer (right in the photo) to her store (503 Parliament) with their All-Natural Caesar Drink Mix. They’ve been making it successfully since December 2017. They make four mixes - mild, spicy, smokin’ and vegan - and each one comes in either a one litre size at $8.99 or 300 ml size at $2.99. Wayne is no stranger to Cabbagetown. He moved here with his family when he was 4 years old, attended Winchester Public School and got his first job at Carlton Drugs. Barbara claims to love his stories about growing up in Cabbagetown, even though she’s heard them multiple times.
St James Town Steak & Chops
They’ll be back from their holidays on Monday February 27. 516 Parliament.
THEATRE & DANCE NEWS - FEBRUARY
Soulpepper
(50 Tank House Lane, Distillery)
On stage to March 5 - English. “What gets lost and found in translation… English Only! That is the class rule in Iran as four adult students prepare for the language exam that will unlock their futures.”
On stage to March 5 - Billie, Sarah & Ella, Revolutionary Women in Jazz. “Stories of the women that transformed the music industry and gave Jazz its social purpose.”
RESTAURANT NEWS
Congrats Revelstoke Cafe
blogTO
reviewed Revelstoke (195 Carlton) on February 18. It’s a very favourable article describing several of the menu highlights and the cafe’s origins in Peterborough and British Columbia - “the hottest new all-day brunch destination to arrive in Toronto is not only totally vegan, it’s run by a totally vegan family.” It’s the second review from blogTO - the first was published in early February. (Photo, Fareen Karim, blogTO)
Momo Ghar
I stopped there for a lunch - I’ve been saying good things about them and I wanted another field test. I had momo in butter chicken sauce. A side order of beet salad with tamarind vinaigrette. Wonderful. 568 Parliament
El Catrin
Tequila tasting and dinner in the Bodega at El Catrin (18 Tank House Lane, Distillery). It’s your chance to taste rare and hard-to-find bottles. Each Tuesday until March 21, the menu will highlight classic foods that match the featured tequilas and mezcals. For more info and reservations, check it out online.
Apres ski weekends
Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 6 pm from January 21 to March 19. There’ll be Muskoka chairs, fire pits, marshmallows, beer, wine, hot drinks and tasty menus. Put away your boards and grab your toque. First come, first served - in the Distillery at Trinity Square.
Cyril’s soup
Cyril will be making his regular deliveries every two weeks. This week’s soup is available on Saturday February 25 - turmeric, lentil and sweet potato ($3.50/cup for 3 to 9 cups, $3/cup for 10 or more cups). His juice is apple, grape, lime, cucumber and mint, 2 cups for $9.50. Send him an email with your order.
WEEKLY CALENDAR - CLUBS & PUBS
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 23 TO SUNDAY MARCH 5
- For contact info about these clubs and restaurants, see the list at the bottom of this page.
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 23
Dominion
6:30 pm, Pubstumpers Trivia
Bolokelen Malinke Percussion
7:30 pm, Group drumming classes for beginners with Anna Melnikoff
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 24
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Super Bargain
10 pm, DJ Shamz
Wing House
9 pm, Karaoke
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 25
Bolokelen Malinke Percussion
Noon, traditional West African drumming classes with Amadou Kienou
Distillery
Noon to 6 pm, Apres Ski Weekends in Trinity Square
Dominion
8 pm, Live music with Chronic Hanna
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 26
Distillery
Noon to 6 pm, Apres Ski Weekends in Trinity Square
Dominion
6 pm dinner and 7 pm, stand-up comedy
Super Bargain
Industry night
The Aviary
Noon to 6 pm, brews, brunch and a community market
MONDAY FEBRUARY 27
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
TUESDAY FEBRUARY 28
Aviary
8 pm, Bird Brain trivia
El Catrin
6:30 pm, Tequila tasting and dinner
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
WEDNESDAY MARCH 1
Bolokelen Malinke Percussion
7:30 pm, traditional West African drumming classes with Amadou Kienou
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, euchre night
THURSDAY MARCH 2
Dominion
6:30 pm, Pubstumpers Trivia
Bolokelen Malinke Percussion
7:30 pm, Group drumming classes for beginners with Anna Melnikoff
FRIDAY MARCH 3
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Super Bargain
10 pm, DJ Shamz
Wing House
9 pm, Karaoke
SATURDAY MARCH 4
Bolokelen Malinke Percussion
Noon, traditional West African drumming classes with Amadou Kienou
Distillery
Noon to 6 pm, Apres Ski Weekends in Trinity Square
SUNDAY MARCH 5
Distillery
Noon to 6 pm, Apres Ski Weekends in Trinity Square
Dominion
6 pm dinner and 7 pm, stand-up comedy
CONTACT INFO
Alice’s Place - 554 Parliament
Aviary - 484 Front East
Bolokelen Malinke Percussion - 243 Gerrard E
Cranberries - 601 Parliament
Distillery - Mill Street and Parliament
Dominion - 500 Queen E
El Catrin - 18 Tank House Lane, Distillery
Golden Pigeon - 424 Parliament
House on Parliament - 454 Parliament
NJ Lounge - 507 Parliament
Stout Irish Pub - 221 Carlton
Super Bargain - 441 Parliament
Wing House - 420 Parliament
