CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
LOCAL NEWS
Welcome back
The Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market opens its season from 3 to 7 pm next Tuesday, May 16 in Riverdale Park West (Sumach and Winchester). They’ve attracted 25 vendors, their largest group ever. Music will again be provided by Fat Quarter Band. Tasso will be the featured pop-up vendor. Chef Victoria Alexander will be cooking up St Lucia-style barbecue. And another reminder - the Underpass Farmers’ Market opens in Corktown (29 Lower River Street) from 4 to 7:30 pm on Thursday May 25.
The traffic maze and the new bike lanes
Jason Diceman at the City of Toronto is receiving comments about the new bike lanes and traffic flows. There have been around 300 responses to the survey and 100 people came to the public event. He says that there’s good support for the bike lane ideas and a lot of concern and confusion about the traffic routes and the loss of parking. Residents aren’t worried about drivers who cut through the area in rush hour. The Traffic Department knows that people are already biking both ways on our streets - the new bike lanes will normalize this habit and make it safer. Removing the parking spots on Winchester will accommodate the drop-off and pick-up area near the school while still having two-way bike routes. The River Street bike lane changes will get more study to avoid the dangerous crossing from River onto Spruce Street.
Condo proposal on Parliament Street
Concern has been spreading about the size and design of the proposed condo at 505-509 Parliament. Gilles Huot is a leader in Cabbagetown’s heritage community. He’s started a petition to stop this development. He notes that the design uses the wrong rear property line; its size and height are excessive; its fifty balconies will look down on neighbouring properties; it’ll shadow neighbouring properties from noon onward; it proposes no affordable housing; it’ll impact traffic and services in the area. The petition has a list of these problems and a list of better alternatives.
Tents in Allan Gardens
A group called Allan Gardens Neighbourhood Group has started a petition demanding that the City of Toronto take action to remove the tent encampments in the park. It says that there are currently 36 tents there, being supported by a range of City services. It asks for action to restore local residents’ sense of safety there. To read the full text and to sign the petition, click here.
Congrats to the Children’s Book Bank
On its 15th birthday, the Children’s Book Bank has received a $1m gift from a private donor. These funds will be used over the next three years to expand into Thorncliffe Park, Scarborough and the Rexdale communities. Congrats and best wishes for a great project.
Congrats Eric
Eric Morse was awarded the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pin in a May 3 ceremony at Royal Canadian Military Institute. His citation noted his work since 2005 at RCMI, his many op-ed pieces in national media, his professional service at External Affairs and his book on the Roman Empire.
Dance Arts Institute
The School of Toronto Dance Theatre is rebranding itself as the Dance Arts Institute. The change comes into effect on June 1. The announcement from the Institute says, “Our purpose holds strong - to be an exceptional training centre that helps shape the future of dance in Canada.” It will continue its focus on quality dance instruction for its students. Earlier this year, it announced that it will move to new facilities in the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E) also on June 1. (Photo by Jeremy Mimnagh)
By-election update
There are job opportunities available working in the election polls - go to the City of Toronto website to see the job descriptions and to apply. It’s going to take a big effort counting the ballots - 102 people have registered to be our next mayor.
Trilliums on Aberdeen
Colin and Ann have a hidden and very beautiful back garden. Their trilliums are now in bloom - a sure sign that Spring has arrived.
FORSYTHIA FESTIVAL WRAP-UP
A rainy day
Sunday afternoon’s rain shortened the Forsythia Festival. The morning parade did happen and was an obvious success. Festival-goers got a good chance to enjoy the games, entertainment and barbeque until early afternoon. It’s too bad - the event involves a lot of work over several months but it’s always vulnerable to bad weather.
Festival visitors
Mayoral candidate Ana Bailao came with Barbara Hall.
Kristyn Wong Tam was with Gina Dineen.
Lindsay and Lee were showing off Lawrence.
CeCe had her own personal ride.
Nicole and Andrew brought Carlton, their pup - the Festival always welcomes dogs.
It really is a kids’ day - playing, face painting, bouncy castle and more.
Festival royalty
Every year, the Festival organizers select a Festival Queen and King - two people whose contributions have added considerably to the event and to life in our community. With their generosity and good humour, this year’s recipients have indeed earned their titles:
Erin Gamelin from Stout Irish Pub
Mark Michelin from St Jamestown Steak & Chops. (Photos: Eric Morse)
COMING EVENTS
Yelling at Clouds
David Chan on keyboard and Larry Graves on drums at The Vibrational Apothecary (formerly Bolokelen Malinke Percussion, 243 Gerrard E), Saturday May 13, 9 pm. The duo’s music is an electric-acoustic blend of original compositions and creative interpretations of repertoire from some of their favourite musicians. BYOB. Space is limited - tickets at Universe. $20.
Corktown Chamber Orchestra
The Orchestra’s final concert for the season will include Rachmaninov's 2nd symphony and Mendelssohn's beautiful violin concerto with Marija Ivicevic as soloist. 8 pm on Wednesday May 17, Little Trinity Church, 425 King E. $25 or pwyc.
Waterfront Open House
From May 11 to 18, Waterfront Toronto is serving up a sneak peek at the future of the eastern waterfront - Quayside, Port Lands, East Bayfront and the Waterfront East Light Rail Transit. There’s a free drop-in open house to explain progress on each of these. The opening night event is also a free drop-in but tickets are required - click here for times, more info and reservations. In the Waterfront Innovation Centre, second floor, the Nexus (155 Queens Quay E at Lower Jarvis).
KIDS NEWS
Storytelling in the Park
Saturday May 20, 11 am, in the playground at Allan Gardens. Families are welcome, drop-ins are welcome. Free books for each child. Presented by Friends of Allan Gardens and The Children’s Book Bank.
Children’s Book Bank events
Drop-in Circle Time - Singing, rhymes, stories and fun for babies and toddlers. Every Friday at 11 am, starting May 12. Children’s Book Bank (585 Dundas E, Suite 260)
Children’s Book Bank birthday - Congrats to the Children’s Book Bank - 15 years old in May. To celebrate, there’ll be visits from authors, artists and storytellers and literacy-themed giveaways for children of all ages. On May 27 and 28, there’ll be a huge sale for grown-ups at the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E). All proceeds from the book sale will support the Book Bank’s children’s literacy programming. Check the website for specific dates and times.
FOR YOUR BODY
Parliament Street Fitness
PSF (488 Parliament) offers both personal fitness opportunities and weekly organized classes. Their class schedules will be shown here every week, fresh from their blackboard in the gym. Updates will be posted every Monday. Click on the picture for a bigger image.
At the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster)
Step classes - Brenda Brown McNee’s popular step class at 9:15 am Wednesdays. Drop-ins are welcome. Children are also welcome. $5 or PWYC. For more info, email Brenda. Stretch & strength - Gina Dineen’s weekly Essentrics class, Mondays at 9:30 am. Drop-in style, $5/class.
MOTHER’S DAY
Mother’s Day bouquets
Blooming Flower Bar is offering Mother’s Day bouquets online until midnight Saturday. All orders will be sent out by delivery. In-store pickup of pre-made ‘Designer’s Choice’ arrangements and bouquets on Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm at 557 Parliament Street. Her website is here.
Spruce pop-up at Labour of Love
Kim is working with Regina and her team at Labour of Love (223 Carlton) to bring her collection of Danish candles, incense and other best-selling items back to Cabbagetown. Her pop-up will run until the end of June. She’ll be there personally on Saturday May 13 during a Mother’s Day special.
The Great Mallard
Find a great selection of Mother’s Day gift ideas for every type of mom at The Great Mallard (503 Parliament). Gourmet sauces and spreads, handmade soaps, candles, jewellery and custom gift baskets. Drop by or shop online. And visit The Great Mallard’s tent in the Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market on Tuesday - FOC Foods will be there with tastings of their hot sauces.
Plant sale
Friends of Allan Gardens are having a Mother’s Day plant sale on Saturday May 13 and Sunday May 14 from noon to 4 pm. Multiple vendors, indoors and outside. You’ll be able to select native plant and trees, veggie starters and cultural plants. Children’s Conservatory (160 Gerrard).
Staij & Co
Staij & Co 9552 Parliament) has pastries, preserves and baked goods ready for your Mother’s Day brunch and dinner. Check out their selections online and order what you need.
Tea sets from Roselle
Roselle (362 King E) has an amazing menu for Mother’s Day. It’s a tea set for two people. It includes cream scones, jasmine tea cream scones, strawberry rose guava jam, clotted cream, asparagus and parmesan quiche, artichoke, spinach and ramp tea sandwiches, smoked salmon, roasted cauliflower and romanesco tea sandwiches, sable Breton bites, elderflower apple cake, hibiscus cheesecake, blueberry lavender cream puff, Pomona vanilla Madeline, chrysanthemum meringue, blackcurrant violet caramel and assorted Sloane teas. Pre-orders open at 8 pm on Monday May 8 for pick-up between 11 am and 3 pm on Saturday or Sunday. For your best experience, remember to pick up your tea set on the same day as your meal happens. $100.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Mother’s Day at F’Amelia
Reserve your places now at F’Amelia (12 Amelia). Brunch is a three-course meal featuring your choices with kale salad, steamed mussels, montanara pizza, French toast, frittata, chocolate mousse and tiramisu - $45. Your kids can enjoy a simpler menu - $15. Your three-course dinner starts with kale salad or salmon cakes. For your main course, select from duck confit, risotto ai funghi, diavola or a vegan special. Your dessert is tiramisu or chocolate and hazelnut budding. $59. Reservations at (416) 323-0666. 12 Amelia.
Popsicles at the HoP
The Pop Stand is giving away popsicles on the front porch at the House on Parliament (454 Parliament) for all visiting moms and kids. And from the bar, they’re making a Mother’s Day brunch rose prosecco.
Free beermosa
Moms who visit The Aviary (484 Front E) for brunch from 11 am to 4 pm on Saturday May 13 or Sunday May 14 will enjoy a free beermosa from Longslice Brewery.
Super Bargain’s cocktail kits
Cocktail gift boxes are a treat for Mom - a hassle-free cocktail experience that she'll love. Mixes include Blueberry Lavender Collins, Black Manhattan, Hibiscus Margarita, Paper Plane, Cosmopolitan and Pomegranate Mule. 441 Parliament.
Wine tasting and dinner at Fusilli
Enjoy a four-course dinner from Napoles along with recommended Italian wines. Open your evening with Fusilli’s focaccia and Spumante Brut 2022. Your pasta is accompanied with Greco di Tufo 2021. The main course is pork tenderloin and Aglianico 2019. For dessert, there’s strawberry Romanoff and Lambrusco. Wednesday May 17 at 7 pm. Reservations at (416) 214-5148, $84.
Cyril’s soup
Cyril’s making his popular smoked tea and tomato soup for delivery on Saturday May 20. He uses smoked Lapsang Souchong tea along with onions and tomatoes finished with half and half cream or coconut milk. ($3.50/cup for 3 to 9 cups and $3/cup for 10 or more). His juice is orange, strawberry and grape (2 cups for $9.50). Please send him an email with your order.
WEEKLY CALENDAR - CLUBS & PUBS
THURSDAY MAY 11 TO SUNDAY MAY 21
- For contact info about these clubs and restaurants, see the list at the bottom of this page.
THURSDAY MAY 11
Dominion
6:30 pm, Pubstumpers Trivia
FRIDAY MAY 12
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Super Bargain
10 pm, DJ Shamz
Wing House
9 pm, Karaoke
SATURDAY MAY 13
The Aviary
Noon - Market Brews presents artists, local crafts and Longslice brews
The Vibrational Apothecary (formerlyBolokelen Malinke Percussion)
Noon, traditional West African drumming classes with Amadou Kienou
2 pm, beginner drumming classes with Anna Melnikoff
8 pm, Yelling at Clouds
SUNDAY MAY 14
Super Bargain
3 pm, Sunday Funday
MONDAY MAY 15
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
TUESDAY MAY 16
Aviary
8 pm, Bird Brain trivia
Golden Pigeon
7 pm, jazz and $2 oysters
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
WEDNESDAY MAY 17
The Vibrational Apothecary (formerlyBolokelen Malinke Percussion)
7:30 pm, traditional West African drumming classes with Amadou Kienou
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, euchre night
The Golden Pigeon
Bar trivia with Rachelle Lauzon
THURSDAY MAY 18
No events listed
FRIDAY MAY 19
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Super Bargain
10 pm, DJ Shamz
The Vibrational Apothecary (formerlyBolokelen Malinke Percussion)
8 pm, Weed & Tacos & Comedy
Wing House
9 pm, Karaoke
SATURDAY MAY 20
The Aviary
Noon - Market Brews presents artists, local crafts and Longslice brews
The Vibrational Apothecary (formerlyBolokelen Malinke Percussion)
Noon, traditional West African drumming classes with Amadou Kienou
2 pm, beginner drumming classes with Anna Melnikoff
SUNDAY MAY 21
Super Bargain
3 pm, Sunday Funday
CONTACT INFO
Alice’s Place - 554 Parliament
Aviary - 484 Front East
The Vibrational Apothecary (formerly Bolokelen Malinke Percussion) - 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
NJ Lounge - 507 Parliament
Stout Irish Pub - 221 Carlton
Super Bargain - 441 Parliament
Wing House - 420 Parliament
