July 6

 CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD 

REVIEW

LOCAL NEWS

Summerlicious is here

Toronto’s annual summer restaurant festival starts this week on Friday July 7 and runs to Sunday July 23.  Each restaurant offers three-course prix fixe menus. Prices range from $20 to $55 at lunch and $25 to $75 for dinner.  Reservations are open now.  Five restaurants in our immediate neighbourhood have joined - Butter Chicken Factory (560 Parliament), F’Amelia (12 Amelia),  The Blake House (449 Jarvis), Maison Selby (592 Sherbourne) and Mengrai Thai (82 Ontario).  The list of all 200 restaurants with their menus and contact info is online here.

Blair’s Run

One of the magical qualities of the Run is its direct connection to people in our community.  The Run supports the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster) and the Boys & Girls Club (101 Spruce).  Street captains and their teams are central to this connection.  They recruit street runners, ask neighbours to become donors and set up friendly competitions with other street teams.  Obviously, volunteers are needed to do all of this. The Run is back on Sunday September 10.  This year, it’ll return to its in-person format.   Organizers are calling it “The Classic”.  Once again, you’ll be able to walk, run or whatever over a 2 km course - on your own, with your spouse and kids, and with your dogs.  The success of the past three years has inspired a second event - “The Freestyle”.  You can pick your own activities, your own time and your own format and recruit your friends to join.  It’s all good news.  Email the Run organizers to add your name to the volunteer list.

Congrats Sydney

Sydney Payne and her teammates won the Women’s Eight race at England’s Henley Royal Regatta on the River Thames  - Canada’s first victory there since 2015.  They defeated the British team in the event on Sunday July 2, rowing as the Maple Bay Rowing Club.  They’re racing in Lucerne as Canada’s national team from July 7 to 9 in the third race in the World Cup series.

Jazz Shukla

Congrats to Jazz Shukla for her 800-metre race on June 21 in the Royal City Inferno in Guelph. Her time at 2:01:43 is a meet record. She defeated two Canadian Olympians, earning her the reputation as the dominant 800-metre runner this year. She owns the fastest Canadian time in this event at 2:00:84 during a Portland Track Classic. She’s now ranked 38th in the world at this distance. She’s a prime candidate for Canada’s Olympic team. She’s also the first woman ever to win Blair’s Run 2k marathon - in 2017, she beat out 177 other runners to win in 4:46. (Photo: Toronto Varsity Blues)

Sponsors wanted

The Cabbagetown BIA is looking for sponsors to support this Fall’s Cabbagetown Festival.  Categories range from bronze at $1500 to silver at $3500 and gold at $7500.  Local businesses and community groups who want to participate can contact the BIA to discuss custom-made packages at lower prices. There are also opportunities for platinum sponsorships at $15,000 and event title at $25,000.  Details about Festival visitors, local demographics and more are available online.

Canada Day and ice cream

Our federal MP, Marci Ien, invited St James Town residents to enjoy free ice cream on Canada Day.  A large, happy crowd showed up.

Congrats Wellesley Ave

Canada Day was definitely celebrated on this beautiful little street.  It’s becoming a regular habit - local residents Bill and John decorate this spot on every big holiday.  If you have photos of interesting decorations on your street, please send them along.

Our Farmers’ Markets

News and updates

Tasso will be back next week with their lovely pastries.  Warner Farms has returned to the Cabbagetown market with baskets full of fresh fruit.    Next week, Sundance Harvest is a new vendor bringing both produce and news about its ecological practices and its training programs.  Market vendors are donating surplus food to Mothers Of Peace in Regent Park - a non-profit group who support families of gun violence victims.  Check out the special tent for your donations.  For more info, please email Ellie.

Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market

Opens from 3 to 7 pm every Tuesday in Riverdale Park West (Sumach and Winchester). Here's the list of next week's vendors - click on the image to make it bigger. More info is available online.

The Underpass Park Farmers Market - 

Corktown’s Farmers’ Market (29 Lower River) is open every Thursday from 4:30 to 7:30 pm. Here's the list of next week's vendors - click on the image to make it bigger.  For more info, visit the Market’s Facebook page.

OUTDOOR FILM FESTIVALS

Under the Stars 

This annual outdoor movie event is happening again on Wednesday nights in Regent Park (The Big Park, 620 Dundas E).  On Wednesday July 12, it’s Turning Red and on July 19, Wendell & Wild.  The films start at sundown - if it rains, the screenings move to the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E) across the street. Before the movies start, there’s entertainment and snacks nearby in the park.  Free.

Outdoor Picture Show in Corktown Common

Every Thursday evening at sundown from July 6 to August 10.  This week  July 13, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.  Each evening, the feature will be paired with excellent Canadian shorts. Treats and eats start at 7 pm.  Free.  Corktown Common (Bayview and Mill, 155 Bayview).  

The LaVazza IncluCity Festival

The Distillery is bringing back this celebration of multiculturalism and modern cinema.  It’ll run until July 21 and include feature films from 20 countries.  It’s a unique outdoor film event with the cinema village lining the cobblestone streets.  There’ll be multiple daily screenings and ample opportunity to view the best contemporary cinema, special guest appearances, stunning red carpets and unique cocktail experiences. Check out the film schedule and get info about ticket sales and packages - online here.

COMING EVENTS

Roaming performers

Every Thursday through Sunday from July 6 to September 8, roaming perfumers will wander along Parliament Street to entertain shoppers and patio dwellers.  It starts this week with Drew Chale on Thursday from 6 to 8 pm.  David Caten performs on Friday from 6:00 to 9 pm,  Ethan Young on Saturday from 11 am to 3 pm and the Sean Stanley Trio on Sunday from 11 am to 1 pm.  (Photo: Drew Chale)

Marilyn’s nail clinic

Marilyn’s regular monthly nail clinic for your pets will be at Pet Valu (240 Carlton) on Saturday July 8,  9 am to 4 pm.  She often has a full schedule for the day so she asks you to make an appointment.  Call her at (416) 920-6814 for a reservation. $12, cash please.

Storytelling in Allan Gardens

The Children’s Book Bank holds regular storytelling days in the park.  The next one happens on Saturday July 8 at 11 am.  Free books for every child. Meet in the playground on the west side of the park. (Jarvis and Carlton).

Block Party in Regent Park

Music, food, raffles, local DJs and more on Saturday July 8 from noon to 10 pm. Presented by the Benny Bing Studio.  35 Tubman.  Free.  

Members’ summer exhibition

The Arts & Letters Club (14 Elm) is hosting its summer artists’ exhibition on Sunday July 9 from 1 to 4 pm. Bev Jenkins is showing two pieces there.  She recommends the event both for the fine paintings on display and for the chance to tour this remarkable club. (Image: Bev Jenkins, Glorious Sunflowers)

Black History Unburied

Explore the grave sites of notable black community members in the Necropolis with Heritage Toronto tours - freedom seekers, restauranteurs, business people and more.  Each tour is one half-hour from 3:15 pm.  Rain or shine on Tuesday July 11.  Meet at the Heritage Toronto tent in the Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market in Riverdale Park West (Sumach and Winchester).  Registration is advised since the number of participants is limited - free, $10 suggested donation.  Tour description is listed online.

Regent Park Community Health Centre

The Centre is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a community barbeque. From noon to 4 pm, Thursday, July 13.  There’ll be a live DJ, games, raffles, Zumba dancing and a free bbq.  The Big Park (620 Dundas). 

Sounds Like a Park

Friends of Allan Garden are sponsoring four outdoor concerts in the west side of the park (Jarvis and Carlton) from 5:30 to 8 pm on Thursday evenings in July.  On July 13, it’s the Samba Squad.  On July 20, Counterpoint & Friends and on July 27,  Thyron Lee Whyte & Band.  Bring your own blanket or chair.  Free.

Cultural Bazaar

Live music, raffles, henna, multicultural food, artisanal products, homemade clothing and lots more.  Every Friday afternoon to October 13, 4 to 9 pm.  660 Dundas E.

FOR YOUR BODY

Parliament Street Fitness

PSF (488 Parliament) offers both personal fitness opportunities and weekly organized classes. Their class schedules for the week of July 10 are listed here, fresh from their blackboard in the gym. Weekly updates will be posted every Monday. Click on the picture for a bigger image.

Outdoor yoga in Trinity Square

Every Sunday from 9 to 10 am in Trinity Square at the Distillery.  Hosted by Pure Yoga Toronto.  

Essentrics stretch & strength

Gina Dineen’s weekly Essentrics class will be a Zoom experience over the summer, every Tuesday and Thursday.  No plans yet for a live in-person class. Send her an email to get the link.

RESTAURANT NEWS 

New Retro

The basement bar below Zakkushi (193 Carlton) continues to get strong reviews.  Two local friends went there this week and enjoyed its sushi and fusion tapas. They took home a Japanese-Italian pasta dish that they describe as the best pasta they’ve ever had.  (Photo: Fareen Karim, blogTO)

Staij & Co

One of our outstanding bakeries is leaving.  Staij (552 Parliament) has closed and is currently only offering deliveries on its existing orders.  Details about its future plans are slim.  We’ll miss them.

Cyril’s soup

Cyril’s making one of our favourites, his sweet potato, ginger and lime soup.  It’s Thai-inspired and can be eaten hot or cold.  3 to 9 cups at $3.50/each and 10 or more at $3/each.  His juice is a non-sparkling lemonade with pineapple, kiwi and a touch of basil.  $9.50/two cups. For deliveries on July 15.  Send him an email with your order.

WEEKLY CALENDAR - CLUBS & PUBS

THURSDAY JULY 6 TO SUNDAY JULY 16

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

THURSDAY JULY 6

Cabbagetown Roaming Performers

6 to 8 pm, Drew Chale

The Aviary

8 pm, Cheese & beer night

FRIDAY JULY 7

Cabbagetown Roaming Performers 

6 to 8 pm, David Caten 

Distillery Jazz in Trinity Square

3:30 pm, Danny Marks Blues Reviews

Distlllery buskers

Summer Busker series, 4 to 8 pm.

Alice’s Place

9 pm, Karaoke 

Super Bargain

10 pm, DJ Shamz

Wing House

9 pm, Karaoke

SATURDAY JULY 8

Cabbagetown Roaming Performers 

11 am to 3 pm, Ethan Young

Distillery Jazz in Trinity Square

Noon, Loco Zydeco

3:30 pm, Kenny Kirkwood

Distlllery buskers

Summer Busker series, noon to 8 pm.

SUNDAY JULY 9

Cabbagetown Roaming Performers 

11 am to 1 pm, Sean Stanley Trio

Distillery Jazz in Trinity Square

Noon, Carolyn Credico

3:30 pm, Lady Son

Distlllery buskers

Summer Busker series, noon to 8 pm.

Super Bargain

3 pm to 2 am, Sunday Funday

MONDAY JULY 10

Distillery Jazz in Trinity Square

Noon, Kevin Ray Clark All Stars

3:30 pm, Occhipinti Grooveyard

Stout Irish Pub

7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

TUESDAY JULY 11

Golden Pigeon

4 pm, $2 oysters

7 pm, live jazz

Stout Irish Pub

7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

WEDNESDAY JULY 12

The Vibrational Apothecary

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

Stout Irish Pub

7 pm, euchre night

The Golden Pigeon

8 pm, Bar trivia with Rachelle Lauzon

THURSDAY JULY 13

Cabbagetown Roaming Performers 

6 pm to 8 pm 

FRIDAY JULY 14

Cabbagetown Roaming Performers 

6 pm to 9 pm 

Distillery Jazz in Trinity Square

3:30 pm, Queen Pepper

Distlllery buskers

Summer Busker series, 4 to 8 pm. 

Alice’s Place

9 pm, Karaoke 

Super Bargain

10 pm, DJ Shamz

Wing House

9 pm, Karaoke

SATURDAY JULY 15

Cabbagetown Roaming Performers 

11 am to 3 pm 

Distillery Jazz in Trinity Square

No events announced yet

Distlllery buskers

Summer Busker series, 4 to 8 pm.

SUNDAY JULY 16

Cabbagetown Roaming Performers 

11 am to 1 pm

Distillery Jazz in Trinity Square

Noon, Christopher Plock Band

3:30 pm, Heavyweights Brass Band

Distlllery buskers

Summer Busker series, 4 to 8 pm.

Super Bargain

3 pm to 2 am, Sunday Funday

CONTACT INFO

Alice’s Place - 554 Parliament

Aviary - 484 Front East

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

Mill Street Brew Pub - 21 Tank House Lane

NJ Lounge - 507 Parliament

Stout Irish Pub - 221 Carlton

Super Bargain - 441 Parliament

Wing House - 420 Parliament