Jim Keffer
Cabbagetown lost a champion with Jim’s passing in late September. Both his professional life and community life were full of achievements. In the early 2000s, he chaired the newly revived Cabbagetown Residents Association. It was a tricky role - the group had splintered and failed in the 1970s because of its internal disagreements. Jim steered through all of it. With his wife, Carol Moore-Ede, he also played an active role at the Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum. Again, during a difficult time for the museum, they helped it to survive. Those of us who were lucky enough to know him have lost a friend, and Cabbagetown has lost a leader. Our sympathies go to Carol and to Jim’s family. (Photo: Jim and Carol at the 2016 Cabbagetown Festival.)
The condo proposal for 505 - 509 Parliament
Steps are moving ahead at City Council to designate 509 Parliament under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act. City Council will deal with the first part of this process in its meetings this week (Item PH6.7), namely, a declaration of its intention to make this designation. This must be done in Council’s October 11 - 13 meeting so that the City Clerk can prepare the documents before the October 31 deadline. Local momentum is building in support. The Cabbagetown Preservation Association and the Heritage Conservation District advisory committee have each sent a letter in support of the designation. Both groups will be influential voices in this debate.
Tents in Allan Gardens
Councillor Chris Moise has maintained his Dashboard showing the statistics about the tents in Allan Gardens. His info from September 29 shows that there are 32 people staying in the park (down from the peak of 89 in mid-June). 21 people have housing plans, 7 have been in touch with City staff but have no plans and 4 do not want to move. There are also 32 structures - 12 have been removed.
Meet Councillor Chris Moise
Councillor Moise has organized 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. His final meeting is happening this week: Corktown, West Donlands, Distillery - 6 pm, Thursday October 5, Cooper Koo YMCA (461 Cherry). The photo shows the crowd at his first meeting for Cabbagetown South, the Garden District and Moss Park - lots of community interest in his report. (Photo: Cabbagetown South Association).
Your opinion counts
The Cabbagetown BIA is conducting a three-minute survey about this year’s Cabbagetown Festival. Straightforward questions ask for your reactions. There’s also a chance to win a $100 gift card. It closes on Friday October 13. The survey is online here.
IN THE MEDIA
The Citadel
The Citadel (304 Parliament), according to a Toronto Star article on Sunday September 28, has become “the city’s most vibrant hub for contemporary dance.” Michael Crabb’s article chronicles the arrival of Laurence Lemieux and Bill Coleman from Montreal in 2007 and the creation of its repertoire. (Photo: Keith Beaty / Toronto Star file photo)
Late night dinners
Roveena Jassal has written about late night dinners in the Toronto Star. She ranks them according to the tastes of chef Kihyun Kim. Zakkushi (193 Carlton) is his #1 choice - “As soon as I enter, I feel like I’m in Japan… Zakkushi is one of the best Izakaya restaurants in the city.” Click here to read the review.
COMING EVENTS
Distillery Fall Market
Live music, face painting for your kids and artisanal vendors in Trinity Square. One-of-a-kind seasonal goods and Fall themed treats and florals. Throughout the weekend, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, noon to 6 pm.
Distillery’s Live Jazz & Blues
These outdoor performances in Trinity Square this weekend are the final dates for the 2023 season. On Saturday afternoon, Canefire is on stage. On Sunday, Alex Pangman & the Alley Cats. And on Monday, it’s the David Celia Band. From 1 to 5 pm each day.
Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market
Only four weeks left - the Fall harvest is now available. Irene couldn’t resist this great big radicchio. She may paint a nifty watercolour sketch of it before converting it into a salad. That’s Emily from Clovercroft Farm looking pleased with her sale! Open from 3 to 7 pm every Tuesday in Riverdale Park West (Sumach and Winchester). There’s more info on Facebook.
The Underpass Park Farmers Market
Only two Market days left in this season. 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.
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
Brenda’s step classes
Brenda's step class happens every Wednesday morning at 9:15 am at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster). The fee is $5/class.
Essentrics
Gina Dineen is doing her Zoom classes on Tuesday and Thursday this week. Her Essentrics classes regularly happen every Monday morning at 9:30 am at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster). Email her for the link.
Parliament Street Fitness
PSF (488 Parliament) offers both personal fitness opportunities and weekly organized classes. Closed on Thanksgiving weekend - Saturday October 7 through Monday October 9.
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 October 7, 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.
Pancake Saturday
On Saturday October 7, The Great Mallard (503 Parliament) is featuring pancakes paired with local honeys and traditional Indigenous maple syrup sourced from the territories of the Wabanaki, home of the Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqiyik peoples. And while you’re there, pick up some local hot sauces, jams and other artisanal products.
FOR YOUR KIDS
Learn how to cook - the Mini Chef program
Cafe Zuzu (555 Dundas E) and Council Fire have put together a six-week program for kids in Grades 5 to 8. It emphasizes the fundamentals of healthy, nutritional food and culinary skills. Monday afternoons, 4 to 6:45 pm, from October 16 to November 20. Additional info will be sent to registrants on October 11. To sign up, click here.
THEATRE NEWS
For a monthly directory of the programs at our theatres, click here.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Johnny G
The welcome renewal of Johnny Gs (478 Parliament) continues. Now there’s a new sign - but it’s kinda hard to figure out which name to use. The menu is the same - including good breakfast options - and it’s a nifty place to enjoy.
FamJam at The Aviary
Every Monday night, kids eat free. All kids 12 years and younger can pick a kids meal from the kids menu. 484 Front East.
Cyril’s soup
For Thanksgiving, Cyril’s making a curry, an Indian vegetable stew. It has lots of herbs and spices sautéed in coconut oil. Then onions, potatoes, sweet potatoes, chickpeas, zucchini, peas, cauliflower, and spinach, along with his magic sauce (tomatoes, coconut milk, tamarind paste, ginger, garlic, a few cashews, and more and more spices). His juice is beet, apple and ginger. 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 October 7. Please email him to place your order.
BOOK YOUR EVENT
F’Amelia
They’ve hosted hundreds of parties over the years and they love all of them. Email Tanya for more info. 12 Amelia.
Mill Street Brewpub
Enjoy the Distillery’s Winter Village with your own party at Mill Street. Send an email to Marley. 21 Tank House Lane, Distillery
Super Bargain
They offer lots of entertainment options and customized drink and food packages. All in a quaint and stylish venue. 441 Parliament.
WEEKLY CALENDAR - CLUBS & PUBS
THURSDAY OCTOBER 5 TO SUNDAY OCTOBER 15
For contact info about these clubs and restaurants, see the list at the bottom of this page.
THURSDAY OCTOBER 5
No announcements available
FRIDAY OCTOBER 6
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Naija Jolloff Lounge
6pm, Karaoke
Super Bargain
10 pm, DJ Shamz
Wing House
9 pm, Karaoke
SATURDAY OCTOBER 7
Distillery Jazz in Trinity Square
1 pm, Canefire
Naija Jolloff Lounge
6pm, Live music
SUNDAY OCTOBER 8
The Aviary
Noon, Market Brews includes brunch and shopping local vendors at the community market
Distillery Jazz in Trinity Square
1 pm, Alex Pangman & the Alley Cats
Super Bargain
3 pm to 2 am, Sunday Funday
MONDAY OCTOBER 9
Distillery Jazz in Trinity Square
1 pm, David Celia Band
The Aviary
Fam Jam - Family night at The Aviary.
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
Super Bargain
7:30 pm, Trivia
TUESDAY OCTOBER 10
Golden Pigeon
4 pm, $2 oysters
7 pm, live jazz
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
The Aviary
8 pm, Bird Brain Trivia every Tuesday
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 11
The Vibrational Apothecary
7:30 pm, traditional West African drumming classes with Amadou Kienou
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, euchre night
The Aviary
7 pm, Euchre Specials every Wednesday with monthly winners.
THURSDAY OCTOBER 12
No announcements available
FRIDAY OCTOBER 13
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Naija Jolloff Lounge
6pm, Karaoke
Super Bargain
10 pm, DJ Shamz
Wing House
9 pm, Karaoke
SATURDAY OCTOBER 14
Naija Jolloff Lounge
6pm, Live music
SUNDAY OCTOBER 15
The Aviary
Noon - market brews
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
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
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