CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
A PERSONAL VIEW
Chopping down 61 trees at Moss Park is an act of wanton destruction. Beyond that, it’s an alarming indicator that the construction of the Ontario Line subway will be full of bully tactics. Metrolinx, the company responsible for the construction, has used a range of tried and tested tactics to stifle public discussion and debate. Metrolinx claims that it spoke to local people and interested parties near Moss Park repeatedly. Those people reply that Metrolinx simply stated its positions, ignored responses from the public and retreated in silence. According to the Toronto Star, the company deliberately withheld last-minute information to two Members of the Provincial Parliament. It’s a sad reminder that the Ford government and its agencies have revived the strong-arm methods of the 1960s developers, ignoring the benefits that come from community consultation, debate and consensus.
FEATURED ARTIST
This week’s feature is a new image by Victoria Hadden - The Sweet Life. This series of ten watercolour sketches depict her time at Coral Beach in Grand Bahama Island. Check out the Cabbagetown Artists’ website.
LOCAL NEWS
Trees at Moss Park
On the weekend, Metrolinx cut down 61 trees, some of them over 70 years old, in the park at Moss Park Arena (Sherbourne and Queen). Their purpose - to prepare the site for the construction of a future subway station on the Ontario line. Despite Metrolinx claims to have consulted widely with nearby residents, local people say that their efforts amounted to nothing more than a one-way communication. Councillor Chris Moise says, “I opposed the permit issued to remove the trees. Unfortunately, due to the reality of Metrolinx being granted provincial authority to build where they wish without meaningful community consultation” … they were able to remove the trees. They also failed to notify either Kristyn Wong-Tam or Peter Tabuns, two local MPPs - both of them opposed an earlier Ford project to steamroller the destruction of the Foundry.
The Moss Park station
The Ontario Line will run for over 15 km from Exhibition Place to the Ontario Science Centre. Moss Park is one of four stops planned for the downtown area. It’ll relieve loads on both the Sherbourne bus line and the 501 Queen streetcar. An estimated 7,300 people will use it during the busiest rush hour. Metrolinx estimates that 23,000 people live within a ten minute walk. The entrance will be at the corner of Queen and Sherbourne and the underground platform will run west almost to the Armoury. (Map: Metrolinx).
Fire over Water
Oops - last week’s announcement about Catherine Tammaro’s upcoming show at REMOTE Gallery (568B Richmond) had one flaw. I described the wrong work. Her coming exhibition, opening on February 18, will feature her “Fire over Water”. Thanks to Catherine for her patient help getting this corrected.
Hungry for love
Carnivorous plants for sale, sponsored by the Friends of Allan Gardens and Plantzza Hut. Sunday February 12, noon to 5 pm, Children’s Conservatory (160 Gerrard E).
al dente
Eleven new dances by the graduating class from the Professional Training Program at the School Toronto Dance Theatre. The students have collaborated in this creative process to bring their concepts onto the stage. Winchester Dance Theatre (80 Winchester), Thursday February 16 and Friday February 17, 8 pm. Tickets are available online.
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, they were closed due to weather conditions. Check the City’s lists for ice conditions when you want to skate.
I’m getting a new body!
I’ve signed up on a monthly membership with Parliament Street Fitness (488 Parliament). My plan is simple - get a couple of hours each week riding the stationery bike. I want to build up some strength for that delightful time when Spring returns and I haul my regular bike out of the basement. I’ve been really pleased. The routine at PSF is straightforward. I’ve been made aware of various services that will enhance my training but nobody’s applying any pressure. The rooms are clean, the people are friendly and the equipment is just what I need.
CELEBRATE VALENTINE’S DAY
Win dinner for you and your dog
Shop at Menagerie Pet Shop (549 Parliament) before 8 pm on February 13. You’ll be eligible to win a bag of Acana dog food, a bag of Acana freeze-dried food, a can of Acana recipe for dogs, and a $50 gift card for House on Parliament. One ballot for every $25 spent in your shopping.
Flowers are always welcome
Anji at Blooming Flower Bar is ready with her Valentine florals. Check out her website page for her amazing selections. Cabbagetown customers will get a discounted delivery price on orders placed before February 10. Between February 10 to 14, pick-ups are only available at her pop-up store on the main floor in Nordstrom in the Eaton’s Centre. Deliveries can be made anywhere for the regular price.
Specials at St James Town Steak & Chops
From February 11 to 13, you can buy stuffed chicken breasts at $6.99/lb, cowboy steaks at $24.99/lb and beef tenderloin at $39.99. The Deli has tiramisu, cheesecake, chocolate covered strawberries plus cooked bacon wrapped filet mignon and cooked individual beef Wellington (all by pre-order only). Bring a copy of Mark’s ad and get two free chocolate covered strawberries. 516 Parliament.
Noushe
Cupid is coming - have you booked your date night yet? Here’s a little teaser of our Valentine’s Grazing Experience: 12 pieces per person, 24 in total + cheese and charcuterie and a sweet treat. Our best canapés wrapped in love and beautifully presented in a gift box with a bottle of Botter Prosecco. Limited quantities available so book early. Order by February 11 at noon. Delivery on Valentine's Day, Tuesday February 14 between 2 and 6 pm. 200 Carlton
Valentine’s at Fair Trade Jewellery
Last Call at FTJCo… for the first time ever and just in time for Valentine’s, FTJCo has a selection of ready-to-wear jewellery at reduced prices. The Last Call Collection features pieces that need to go to their forever homes. Snag them at a reduced rate while you can. Check them out online. 576 Parliament
Love is in the air at Staij
Dessert is a “must” for a successful Valentine’s dinner. Staij (552 Parliament) has chocolate covered strawberries, conversation hearts and Valentine’s treats. Maybe you’d like your own cookie mix or cupcake decorating kit. There’s lots more - go online to order.
Valentine treats at Velvet Lane
This year, Velvet Lane has a cookie box, a cupcake collection and cakes. Free delivery on qualifying orders. Check it out online. 194 Carlton
Roselle
Back again, the Valentine’s Afternoon Tea Set, inspired this year by Mexican ingredients - pre-orders only. For walk-ins, there’s Sweetheart cake featuring a delicate raspberry rose mousse, raspberry coulis, vanilla cremeux, sponge cake soaked on lychee rose syrup and lychee pieces. For more info, go online. 362 King E.
Dinner at F’Amelia
Treat your loved one to a special evening at F’Amelia (12 Amelia). It’s a four-course dinner for two - complete with wines - $250. Burrrata for two to start. Scallops or kale salad come next. Your entree choices include seared duck breast, 1/2 lobster or mushroom pie. For dessert, there’s lemon tart brûlée, flourless chocolate torte or vegan wild blueberry cheesecake. For your reservation, call (416) 323-0666 or email.
Tasting menu at El Catrin
On February 14, chef Carlos Zamora is preparing a tasting menu for two - guacamole with salsa and chips, cacao crostini, Malpeque oysters, tres Marias soup, lobster bolo, pan-seared ahi, maki, hibiscus sorbet and chocolate and passion fruit. 18 Tank House Lane, Distillery.
Love at Dova
Auburn Lane has written a story about Dova’s Valentine plans. It’s a great introduction to both the people and the menus at this outstanding restaurant. 229 Carlton.
IN THE MEDIA
Destruction and deception in Moss Park
The Toronto Star’s Dhriti Gupta has written about Metrolinx’s behaviour chopping down 61 70-year-old trees in Moss Park over the last weekend. Click here to read her story. Lex Harvey has written a Toronto Star story that Metrolinx and the Ford government deliberately withheld notices to two NDP MPPs, Kristyn Wong-Tam and Peter Tabuns, about the destruction of Moss Park trees. Click here for the story.
Early reactions
The Bridge, a local newspaper published in the Corktown and Riverside area, has an article by Krishika Jethani detailing residents’ frustration with the silence from Metrolinx. The story was written before the trees were chopped down and the photo shows the treed area at Sherbourne and Queen. (Photo: KJ, The Bridge)
YOUR ANNOUNCEMENTS
Office space for rent
The offices at 493 Parliament above the TD Bank have extra space to rent. This office is open and bright. The common areas are available including a kitchen, a meeting room and seating in the entrance area. There’s elevator access to the second floor. It’s an ideal space for a lawyer or professional. For more info and for a tour of the space, call Tony Lafazanis at (416) 979-1770. $850 month plus HST.
KIDS NEWS
CampTO
The City of Toronto has released its list of CampTO programs. This list gives parents time to decide which ones to use for their family. The registration opens at 7 am on Saturday February 11. Online registration is suggested. There are five community centres where in-person registration is available - the Wellesley Community Centre (495 Sherbourne at Wellesley) is the nearest one.
THEATRE & DANCE NEWS - FEBRUARY
Aki Studio
(Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas E)
February 16 to 19 - Firewater Thunderbird Rising. “The transformative spirit of dance travelling through dimensional realms of existence – ancestors, dreams, blood memory and the land directly connected to our Anishinaabek way of living, awakening the healing of our Nation’s future.”
Canadian Stage
(26 Berkeley)
February 9 to 11 - Cabaret Noir. “Movement, dialogue, and music reconstruct emblematic scenes from popular culture… a celebration and resistance of concepts of Blackness.”
Soulpepper
(50 Tank House Lane, Distillery)
February 9 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.”February 22 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.”
George Brown Theatre School
(50 Tank House Lane, Distillery)
February 8 to 18 - Anatol. “Seven short one-act plays written by Arthur Schnitzler in the 1890s, all featuring the title character’s compulsion to love and be loved.”
SUPER BOWL EVENTS - FEBRUARY 12
Keating Channel Pub & Grill
Super Bowl party - specials on Budweiser, Budweiser Light and Michelob. Football Squares and great prizes, and a prime rib special dinner. 2 Villiers Street.
Mill Street Brewpub
Game Day Platters are available for dine-in and take-out. $50. Featuring two pounds of wings, blue cheese dip, 16 pretzel bites and fries with dip. 55 Mill Street, Distillery.
The Golden Pigeon
Big screens for the game. Enjoy chilli dogs and ribs. Sunday February 12. 424 Parliament.
The Wing House
Have a wing special or a hot and sour soup and watch the game. 420 Parliament.
RESTAURANT NEWS
The Revelstoke Cafe
Megan Bocchinfuso has written about The Revelstoke (195 Carlton) in the February edition of The Bridge. Her article suggest that the Classic Benny is worth a try. The Revelstoke has a completely vegan menu. Keith Lawrance has emailed that “it's so good for vegetarians like Jocelyn and me when you can order ‘anything’ on the menu without worrying whether they've added something like bacon fat for flavour!”
Watch for La Gloria
A new coffee shop is opening at 453 Parliament, near No Frills. Its opening is planned for Friday February 10. It’s offering Mexican coffee and it’s attracting lot of early attention.
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 from now on. This week’s soup is available on Saturday February 11 - lemon, orzo and dill with either chicken ($4.50/cup for 3 to 9 cups, $4/cup for 10 or more cups) or tofu ($3.50/cup for 3 to 9 cups, $3/cup for 10 or more cups) . His juice is orange, carrot and ginger, 2 cups for $9.50. Send him an email with your order.
WEEKLY CALENDAR - CLUBS & PUBS
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 9 TO SUNDAY FEBRUARY 19
- For contact info about these clubs and restaurants, see the list at the bottom of this page.
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 9
Dominion
6:30 pm, Pubstumpers Trivia
Bolokelen Malinke Percussion
7:30 pm, Group drumming classes for beginners with Anna Melnikoff
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 10
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Super Bargain
10 pm, DJ Shamz
Wing House
9 pm, Karaoke
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 11
Bolokelen Malinke Percussion
Noon, traditional West African drumming classes with Amadou Kienou
Distillery
Noon to 6 pm, Apres Ski Weekends in Trinity Square
The Aviary
Noon, brews, brunch and a community market
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 12
Distillery
Noon to 6 pm, Apres Ski Weekends in Trinity Square
Dominion
6 pm dinner and 7 pm, stand-up comedy
MONDAY FEBRUARY 13
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
Super Bargain
Oyster night
TUESDAY FEBRUARY 14
Aviary
8 pm, Bird Brain trivia
El Catrin
6:30 pm, Tequila tasting and dinner
Golden Pigeon
7 pm, Jazz with Gord Mowat and $2 oyster specials from 4 pm
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
Super Bargain
Paint Night
WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 15
Bolokelen Malinke Percussion
7:30 pm, traditional West African drumming classes with Amadou Kienou
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, euchre night
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 16
Dominion
6:30 pm, Pubstumpers Trivia
Bolokelen Malinke Percussion
7:30 pm, Group drumming classes for beginners with Anna Melnikoff
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 17
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Super Bargain
10 pm, DJ Shamz
Wing House
9 pm, Karaoke
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 18
Bolokelen Malinke Percussion
Noon, traditional West African drumming classes with Amadou Kienou
Distillery
Noon to 6 pm, Apres Ski Weekends in Trinity Square
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 19
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
