CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
CABBAGETOWN FESTIVAL ODDS & ENDS
A success
Every event - starting with the Short Film Festival on Wednesday and running through to TDot Batu’s final march up Parliament Street on Sunday - turned into a success. Congratulations to the people who devoted so much energy and hard work into the planning and execution of the Festival. It’s great to have it back. (Photo: Eric Morse)
Slicing the cabbage
It’s a Festival tradition - a dignitary gets up at the opening ceremony and slices open a cabbage. This year, the organizers weren’t fooling around. They collected five dignitaries and five cabbages. They did their slicing in pairs. Marci Ien and Olivia Chow were the first duo, Kristyn Wong Tam and Chris Moise were the second, and BIA Chair Bill Renieris wrapped up the final slice. (Photos: Eric Morse)
Cabbagetown Art & Craft Show
Jo Jock wandered among the tents at the Art & Crafts Show after dark on Friday and she snapped this lovely image.
St Jamestown’s bbq
Mark’s tent at St Jamestown Steak & Chops (516 Parliament) enjoyed its usual heavy-duty popularity. He ran out of pea meal bacon half way through Sunday afternoon. (Photo: Beth Kaplan)
Blair’s Run
Early results after the race on Sunday are really good. 270 racers and 23 teams were registered. By Thursday morning, $37,477 had been raised so far. Congrats to the top three fundraising teams. The Wellesley Wanderers topped the team list, collecting over $6,900. The Carlton Comets got $5,600 and the BGC Board team gathered up $5,100. Proceeds support the Cabbagetown Youth Centre and the Toronto Kiwanis Boys and Girls Club. (Photo: Blair's Run)
Parliament Street during the Festival
As Beth Kaplan said after visiting Parliament Street, “Parliament Street … is shut down for pedestrians for many blocks, lined with street food from every country on earth — Argentina, Vietnam, Mexico, and Ethiopia, to name four. There’s music on every corner, actors on stilts, face painting, juggling… Most of all, the crowd on the streets, surely the most diverse anywhere on the planet – a woman in niqab, swathed in black, walking near a man with a beard and a lot of makeup wearing a kind of bathing suit, near a chic gay couple holding hands, near a Sri Lankan family of six, near my elderly Irish neighbour bent double pushing her walker.” (Photo: Eric Morse)
Festival winners
At the Cabbagetown Short Film Festival, The Cord won the People’s Choice Award, voted by that evening’s audience. Gina Dineen describes it as “a brilliant film of resilience of a young couple trapped in war torn Syria.”
At the Art & Crafts show, David Borsellino won first prize for his artisan woodwork, Tamara Sotto won for her mixed media works, and Enas Satir won for his ceramics. (Photo: Cabbagetown Art & Crafts Show)
LOCAL NEWS
Tour of Homes - get your tickets
Tickets are still available - you can buy yours 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.
2023 World Rowing Championships
Sydney Payne and the Canadian Women’s 8 rowing team have earned a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics. This year, the World Championships in Belgrade were the gateway to next year’s Olympics. Kelly Rogers reports, "This is the Olympic qualification event for the 2024 Paris Olympics next summer. Only the top boats qualify for the Olympics, the Paris Olympics is less than half the size of the World Championships.” (Photo: Rowing Canada Aviron)
Fighting graffiti at Ontario and Gerrard
Stanley’s Variety has been the target for graffiti - including anti-Asian racism - for a long time. A recent mural was even badly tagged. Local residents wanted to fix the wall and Stafford Homes agreed to cover the entire cost of repainting it. Stafford Homes are building the new condo directly across Ontario Street at the former Beer Store site. (Photo: Rick Matthews)
Proposed Heritage Conservation District
The City of Toronto is hosting an open house to present ideas for the Cabbagetown Southwest HCD. The draft plan will be shown on display boards and staff members will be there to discuss the proposals. The views and discussion will “inform the preparation of the draft of the Plan for a Council decision in early 2024.” 6 to 8 pm, Thursday September 21, Central Neighbourhood House (349 Ontario).
Meet Councillor Chris Moise
Councillor Moise is hosting community open house meetings in neighbourhoods across his Ward. It’s a chance to meet him, discuss the issues in your specific neighbourhood and learn about his priorities. The schedule is as follows: Moss Park, Cabbagetown South - 6 pm, Tuesday September 19, Central Neighbourhood House (349 Ontario). Regent Park - 6 pm, Thursday September 28, Regent Park Community Centre (402 Shuter). St James Town, Cabbagetown, Winchester Park - 6 pm, Wednesday October 4, Wellesley Community Centre (495 Sherbourne). Corktown, West Donlands, Distillery - 6 pm, Thursday October 5, Cooper Koo YMCA (461 Cherry).
IN THE MEDIA
Murder in Cabbagetown South
Crystale Brown Pelland died from stabbing wounds inflicted on her on Saturday at approximately 4:40 pm. She was attacked at the corner of Seaton and Callaghan Lane. She was taken to hospital but died there. Police are searching for suspects. CBC News has a brief account of the incident.
Danny Marks and Drake’s father
Drake is about to release his new album, “For All the Dogs”. As part of the release, he’s included a video of his father Dennis Graham singing on a cable TV show, Stormy Monday. Danny Marks hosted that program - and since Drake highlighted the video, his phone and social media have ignited with calls. Nick Krewen did a special story for the Toronto Star. (Photo: Don Dixon)
FOR YOUR BODY
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.
Brenda’s step classes
Brenda McNee is back with her weekly step classes at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster). Her schedule is set for every Wednesday morning at 9:15 am through to the end of October. (Except … her son and daughter-in-law are expecting a baby and Brenda may be called on for chauffeur duties!) Be sure to bring your own mat and water. The fee is $5/class.
Essentrics
Gina Dineen is also back on Monday September 18 - her Essentrics classes will happen every Monday morning at 9:30 am at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster). Please bring a yoga mat and blocks, a theraband and pillow for comfort on the floor. $5/class.
Parliament Street Fitness
PSF (488 Parliament) offers both personal fitness opportunities and weekly organized classes. Weekly updates are posted here every Monday - click on the image to enlarge it.
COMING EVENTS
Black History Unburied
Tour the Necropolis to learn gravesite tales about notable Black community members. From freedom seekers to business leaders. Tuesday September 19. Tours are half-hour long and start every hour from 3:15 to 6:15 pm. Meet in the Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market in Riverdale Park (Winchester and Sumach).
St James Town tour
Saturday September 23, 3 pm. Discover the history of one of the largest high-rise communities in Canada. Start at Rekai Family Parkette, 625 Bloor E
Moss Park movie night
Organized by Councillor Chris Moise. The movie is Disney’s Turning Red. Friday September 15, 8 pm, free popcorn. Moss Park Market (260 Queen E).
Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market
Open from 3 to 7 pm every Tuesday in Riverdale Park West (Sumach and Winchester). Eager Bee Gardens, Heritage Toronto and Strong Food Company are joining on Tuesday. Updates are available on Facebook.
The Underpass Park Farmers Market
Corktown’s Farmers’ Market (29 Lower River) is open every Thursday from 4:30 to 7:30 pm. Check out the Facebook page for the list of this week’s vendors.
Sunday in the Park
Enjoy the edible garden open house, community info booths and a performance by Lillian Allen & the Revolutionary Tea Party, Toronto’s poet laureate. 1 to 5 pm, Sunday September 17, west side, Allen Gardens (Carlton and Jarvis).
Cacti and succulents
Friends of Allan Gardens are hosting a sale by local, small-production growers. Come to the Children’s Conservatory (160 Gerrard) on the west side of the park. 11 am to 4 pm, Sunday September 24.
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.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Fusilli
An international sommelier will visit Fusilli (531 Queen E) on Saturday and help you to pair your meal with selected wines.
Mill Street Block Party
Mill Street Brewpub (21 Tank House Lane) presents live music with The Darcy, NEFE and CJ Riley. Saturday September 16, 4 pm. Free admission.
Mill Street Brewmaster’s Dinner
Mill Street Brewpub (21 Tank House Lane) celebrates Organic Week with a Brewmaster’s dinner paired with a beer flight. Thursday September 21, 7 pm, $35. For tickets, click here.
Cyril’s soup
Cyril’s making a popular Italian soup, Minestra - minestrone without pasta. You can add your favourite pasta if you wish. It’ll be full of seasonal veggies - tomatoey, herby and delicious! His juice is orange, red grapes and hibiscus. Soup - $3.50 per cup for 3 to 9 cups and $3 a cup for ten or more. Juice - $9.50 for two cups. Deliveries on Saturday September 23. Please email him to place your order.
WEEKLY CALENDAR - CLUBS & PUBS
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 14 TO SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 24
For contact info about these clubs and restaurants, see the list at the bottom of this page.
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 14
No announcements
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 15
Distlllery buskers
Summer Busker series, 4 to 8 pm.
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Naija Jolloff Lounge
6pm,Karaoke
Super Bargain
10 pm, DJ Shamz
Wing House
9 pm, Karaoke
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 16
Fusilli
International sommelier and dinner
Mill Street Block Party
4 to 7:30 pm, live music with the Darcys, NEFE & CJ Wiley
Distillery Jazz in Trinity Square
1 pm, Richard Underhill Band
Distlllery buskers
Summer Busker series, noon to 8 pm.
Naija Jolloff Lounge
6pm, live music
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 17
Distillery Jazz in Trinity Square
1 pm, Lady Son
Distlllery buskers
Summer Busker series, noon to 8 pm.
Super Bargain
3 pm to 2 am, Sunday Funday
MONDAY SEPTEMBER 18
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
Super Bargain
7:30 pm, Trivia
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 19
Golden Pigeon
4 pm, $2 oysters
7 pm, live jazz
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 20
The Vibrational Apothecary
7:30 pm, traditional West African drumming classes with Amadou Kienou
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, euchre night
Golden Pigeon
8 pm, Bar Trivia
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 21
Mill Street Brewpub
7 pm, Brewmaster’s Dinner
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 22
Distlllery buskers
Summer Busker series, 4 to 8 pm.
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Naija Jolloff Lounge
6pm, Karaoke
Super Bargain
10 pm, DJ Shamz
Wing House
9 pm, Karaoke
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 23
Mill Street Brewpub
11 am, Farmer’s Market
Distillery Jazz in Trinity Square
1 pm, Danny Marks Blues Band
Distlllery buskers
Summer Busker series, noon to 8 pm.
Naija Jolloff Lounge
6pm, Live music
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 24
Distillery Jazz in Trinity Square
1 pm, Red Hot Ramble
Distlllery buskers
Summer Busker series, noon to 8 pm.
Super Bargain
3 pm to 2 am, Sunday Funday with DJ Shamz
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
