August 31

 CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD 

REVIEW

LOCAL NEWS

Hey - just bragging

At some time over the last weekend, the Cabbagetown Neighbourhood Review welcomed visitor number 2,000,000.  Thanks everyone!

Congrats Jazz

Jazz Shukla reached the semi-finals in the women’s 800-metre race last Friday at the World Athletics Championships.. Once again, she ran a personal best at 2:00.23, improving over her performance in the heats and almost qualifying for the final.  Congrats Jazz - the Olympics are next.

Book authors beware

Duncan Fremlin has discovered that pirated versions of his book, My Good Times with Stompin’ Tom, are being sold at Amazon. Amazon collects a fee every time a copy is sold.  He’s found five different versions with different covers, different authors and different titles - but his book is inside.  The descriptions in the phoney ones all read as if they were written by a machine.  When he complained to Amazon, they brushed him off with the comment that they would only process one complaint at a time.  Understandably, Duncan is really mad about it. (Photo:  one of the pirated editions listed on Amazon.)

Keating Channel pedestrian bridge

The bridge will be built at the western end of Keating Channel. It’ll be at the foot of the future Parliament Slip. It’ll be part of the access system to the waterfront and it’ll link Villiers Island and downtown Toronto.  Waterfront Toronto has selected five companies to compete for the final contract.  

Tents in Allan Gardens

According to Councillor Chris Moise's latest report about the tents in Allan Gardens, the numbers are very gradually declining.  61 tents remain in the park (in mid June, it reached its peak at 89 tents).  50 people are living there - 27 have housing plans and 18 do not have any plans.  5 decline all housing and shelter supports.  19 encampments have been removed since July 22.    

191 and 201 Sherbourne

The development proposal for this site has changed.  It was a pair of medium sized buildings.  It now involves two towers - 47 and 49 storeys with 863 residential units.  Each building is still intended for rental units.  Signage has appeared on this address but the application is not available at the City of Toronto website.

SAVE THESE DATES - CABBAGETOWN FESTIVAL

Riverdale Farm Fall Festival

Back again in Riverdale Farm (Winchester and Sumach).  On Saturday September 9 and Sunday September 10, there’s a hog calling and a corn shucking contest, line dancing and meet-the-farmer demonstrations.  On both days, you can enjoy freshly cooked corn on the cob.  Special children’s activities and face painting happen both days in the Meeting House.  The Toronto Guild of Spinners and Weavers will demonstrate their craft in the Meeting House from 10 am to 3 pm each day.  On Sunday, there’s a pancake breakfast in the Francey Barn from 9 to 11 am.

Barbie - the People’s Choice Award

Inspired by the sexy movie, “Barbie goes parking”, this award is given to the film that collects the most votes as the People’s Favourite. You have two choices at the Cabbagetown Short Film Festival - the in-person gala on Wednesday September 6 at the Winchester Street Theatre (80 Winchester) or the Virtual Festival running online from September 7 to 10.  Your gala ticket will also provide access to the online version. Find out about the films and get your tickets here - $15.

Banners are up

Thanks to Michael Hepburn and his crew for their help putting up the Cabbagetown Art & Craft Show banners in Riverdale Park (Sumach and Winchester).  There are 165 artists at this year’s show. Check out the official website for lists of the artists and their locations in the park. The show goes on from 1 pm on Friday September 8 to 5 pm on Sunday September 10.

Cabbagetown merch

Get dressed for the Festival - grab a tee shirt (in black, magenta, jade, grey or green), a kid’s tee in blue or pink or a white baby’s onesie.  Take it all home in a nifty Cabbagetown tote.  You can shop online or drop in to The Great Mallard (503 Parliament) for in-person browsing. The fun starts at 11 am on Saturday September 9 and continues through Sunday September 10.  There’ll be outdoor patios, live music, artisan vendors and a kids’ zone.  

Blair’s Run

Cabbagetown’s mini-marathon returns and you have two ways to enjoy it.  You can enter the 2km race as a runner and team member on Sunday September 10 at 8 am at Carlton and Parliament.  Be sure to join a street team or form your own - 15 teams have already registered and started to donate!  And you can also create your own event as part of the Freestyle  Option - any time between September 1 to 17.  Go to the website for more info and registration. Proceeds support the Cabbagetown Youth Centre and the Toronto Kiwanis Boys and Girls Club.  

CYC Boxing Club

The Boxing Club (upstairs, 2 Lancaster) is back at The Festival this year  with a boxing demonstration and an open house on Saturday, September 9 from 1 to 3 pm.  Drop in and find out about this marvellous place.

OUR FARMERS’ MARKETS

Dixon Hall’s Farmers’ Market

Our Fair Share market uses a PWYC system. It’s affordable and equitable.  Minimum prices are $5 and maximum are $20.  If you wish, you can contribute more - all proceeds go to the cost of food.  You’ll find fresh seasonal produce as well as imported staples.  It takes place every two weeks - the next one happens from 3 to 7 pm on Thursday September 14.  Outdoors at 190 Carlton and when there’s bad weather, indoors at 188 Carlton.

Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market  

Open from 3 to 7 pm every Tuesday in Riverdale Park West (Sumach and Winchester). On Tuesday September 5, ChocoSol Traders, Eager Bee Gardens, Morfosoaps and Traynor Family Vineyard are the pop-ups. More info online at the Market's Facebook page.

The Underpass Park Farmers Market 

Corktown’s Farmers’ Market (29 Lower River) is open every Thursday from 4:30 to 7:30 pm. Fresh peaches and blueberries, garlic, corn and more seasonal goodies.  Check out the Facebook page for the list of this week’s vendors.

IN THE MEDIA

Padel has arrived

Charles Messow and Coulter Wright have opened The Pad (309 Cherry Street), Toronto’s first padel club.  It’s a relatively new sport that’s played with a tennis ball inside a glass-lined court.  Justin Robinson wrote about its potential for explosive growth in Canada in the August 26 Globe & Mail. (Photo: Justin Robinson)

COMING EVENTS

Community bbq and back-to-school festival 

RP Vibeville presents a celebration for the end of summer with carnival games, cultural bazaar, face painting and henna, food truck, ice cream and more.  Back-to-school backpacks.  From 2 to 8 pm, September 2, Regent Park Blvd.  

Injustice

There’ll be a workshop reading of Tristan Hernandez’ play, “Injustice” at the Winchester Street Theatre (80 Winchester).  7:30 pm, Friday September 1 and 2 pm and 7:30 pm, Saturday September 2.  “It’s a neo-noir crime thriller that tackles corruption and the blurry ethics that ensue when trying to do things by the book. In a Sin City-esque world, crime has a stranglehold over the police leaving its citizens no hope for a just outcome, and vengeance as their only recourse.” Tickets are $20, available online.

Storytelling in Allan Gardens

The Children’s Book Bank holds regular storytelling days in the park.  The next one happens on Saturday September 2 at 11 am.  Free books for every child. Meet in the playground on the west side of the park. (Jarvis and Carlton). 

Hungry for love

The Friends of Allan Gardens are bringing back Toronto’s only carnivorous plant market.  The vendors include Plantzza Hut, Gregory Thiel, the Carnivorous Plant Club, Alexscapes, Nature’s Greedy Little Catchers and Home Grown Carnivores.  Save the date - Saturday September 9, 11 am to 4 pm in the Children’s Conservatory (160 Gerrard E).  

Tour of Homes - get your tickets

You can buy your tickets online.  Or you can drop in to one of our local stores and buy them there - Akasha Art (204D Carlton), Epicure Shop (473 Parliament), Fairway Market (520 Parliament), Jay’s Garden Centre (358 Gerrard E), Kendall & Co (514 Parliament), Le Conciliabule Lab (350 Berkeley),  St Jamestown Steak & Chops (516 Parliament) and The Great Mallard (503 Parliament).  And around Toronto, get them at Garden’s Path (983 Queen E), Sheridan Nurseries (2827 Yonge) and The Door Store (1260 Castlefield). $40, cash at the stores and credit cards online.

Taste of Regent Park

Artisans, crafts, food vendors, caterers and entertainers all come together in the Big Park (Sumach and Dundas) in Regent Park every Wednesday to early September. The marketplace starts at 5 pm and the community meal is served at 6 pm. 

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

Darrell Dunlop 3 on 3 Ball Hockey Tournament

Get your friends together and register now.  Saturday September 9, Regent Park south rink.  The rules and registration form are online here.

Angela Jervis-Reed

Angela has released the details about her Fall yoga classes.  On Tuesdays and Wednesdays until mid-December, she’s offering an online Zoom Satsang program.  From September 16 to October 1, she’s leading a Yin Yoga teacher training course.  From late September to mid December, she’s leading a Vinyasa teacher training course in Manchester, England.  Get the details on all of these offerings online.

Parliament Street Fitness

PSF (488 Parliament) offers both personal fitness opportunities and weekly organized classes.  Weekly updates are posted here every Monday.

Outdoor yoga in Trinity Square

The final day for this season - Sunday September 3 from 9 to 10 am in Trinity Square at the Distillery.  Hosted by Pure Yoga Toronto. 

IN OUR SHOPS

Marilyn’s nail clinic

Marilyn’s regular monthly nail clinic for your pets will be at Pet Valu (240 Carlton) on Saturday September 2,  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.

The Great Mallard

The Mallard is showing its goodies at the CNE.  According to Jon, it’s a very busy place.  They’re located at Booth 2641 in the Enercare building.

St Jamestown Steak & Chops

Mark’s shop will be closed for one day on Friday September 1.  516 Parliament.

RESTAURANT NEWS 

Winemaker’s Dinner at F’Amelia

Tickets are selling fast! F’Amelia (12 Amelia) presents a five course dinner and wine pairings - and a conversation with Alessandro from Tenuta Aquilaia.  The menu includes Chef’s specialty salumi with Tenuta Aquilaia Vermentino, burrata with Tenuta Aquilaia Chardonanay, corn risotto with Tenuta Aquilaia Ciliegiolo, lamb loin with Tenuta Aquilaia Fosso Sanguinaio, and for dessert, lemon tart or budino.  Tuesday September 5.  $100.  Reserve your spot now. 

New hours at Fusilli

Throughout September, Fusilli (531 Queen East) will be open from 5 to 10 pm, Wednesday to Saturday.  

Toronto prohibition tour

The Aviary (484 Front E) and Go Tours present a history walk through the Distillery District.  September 7.

WEEKLY CALENDAR - CLUBS & PUBS

THURSDAY AUGUST 31 TO SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 10

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

THURSDAY AUGUST 31

Cabbagetown Roaming Performers

6 to 8 pm, to be announced

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 1

Cabbagetown Roaming Performers 

4:30 pm, to be announced

Distillery Jazz in Trinity Square

4:30 pm, Alex Baro Large Latin Jazz Band

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 SEPTEMBER 2

Cabbagetown Roaming Performers 

11 am to 3 pm, to be announced

Distillery Jazz in Trinity Square

1 pm, Alex Pangman

4:30 pm, Sparkjiver

Distlllery buskers

Summer Busker series, noon to 8 pm.

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 3

Cabbagetown Roaming Performers 

11 am to 1 pm, to be announced

Distillery Jazz in Trinity Square

1 pm, Lady Son

4:30 pm, JB & TO’STA RICO

Distlllery buskers

Summer Busker series, noon to 8 pm.

Distillery

9 am, Yoga in Trinity Square

Super Bargain

3 pm to 2 am, Sunday Funday

The Aviary

Noon, Brews, brunch & makers’ market with local artists

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 4

Distillery Jazz in Trinity Square 

1 pm, Kevin Ray Clark & friends

Stout Irish Pub

7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 5

Golden Pigeon

4 pm, $2 oysters

7 pm, live jazz

Stout Irish Pub

7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 6

Cabbagetown Short Film Festival

7 pm, Winchester Street Theatre (80 Winchester)

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 SEPTEMBER 7

Cabbagetown Roaming Performers 

6 to 8 pm, To be announced

The Aviary

Toronto Prohibition tour

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 8

Cabbagetown Art & Crafts Show

1 pm to 6 pm, Riverdale Park West (Winchester and Sumach)

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 SEPTEMBER 9

Cabbagetown Festival on Parliament Street

11 am to 8 pm, Parliament and Carlton Streets

Cabbagetown Art & Crafts Show

10 am to 6 pm, Riverdale Park West (Winchester and Sumach)

Riverdale Farm Fall Festival

10 am to 3:30 pm, Riverdale Farm (Winchester & Sumach)

Distillery Jazz in Trinity Square

1 pm, Rhonda Takich

Distlllery buskers

Summer Busker series, noon to 8 pm.

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 10

Blair’s Run

8 am, Carlton & Parliament

Cabbagetown Art & Crafts Show

10 am to 5 pm, Riverdale Park West (Winchester and Sumach)

Cabbagetown Festival on Parliament Street

11 am to 7 pm

Riverdale Farm Fall Festival

10 am to 3:30 pm, Riverdale Farm (Winchester & Sumach)

Distillery Jazz in Trinity Square

1 pm,Grooveyard

Distlllery buskers

Summer Busker series, noon to 8 pm.

Distillery yoga

9 am, Yoga in Trinity Square - final session

Super Bargain

3 pm to 2 am, Sunday Funday

The Aviary

Noon, Brews, brunch & makers’ market with local artists

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

La Gloria Mexican Coffee - 453 Parliament

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