CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
FEATURED ARTIST
Jack Grunsky
Jack has recently painted several large landscapes. This one is 36” by 48”, acrylic and entitled Water’s Edge. You can see more of Jack’s work online and you can reach him by email.
LOCAL NEWS
Caution!
The Christmas lights contest (see below) includes a survey at its conclusion. It’s an advertisement - a scam that’s been hacked on to the otherwise safe Lights site. I did the “test” and apparently won a cookware prize. I was asked to pay $1.99 for “S & H”. Then I immediately received an invoice for $209.05 US dollars. This stunt is organized by primeomnibazaar.com. The lights contest is terrific. The survey and the “prizes” - not so much.
Christmas lighting contest
Two residents associations - Cabbagetown South and Cabbagetown Residents - have joined together to run their Holiday Lights Contest. Nominate a home that you really enjoy - including your own. Enter the contest until December 26 by posting a photo (along with the home’s address) on Instagram or on the CRA Facebook page with the hash tag #cabbagetownlights or you can email your photo to info@cabbagetowner.com or info@cabbagetownsouth.ca. The nominations and the winner will be posted on the CRA and Cabbagetown South websites.
Community skating
The Friends of Regent Park have reserved the skating rink in the athletic grounds (480 Shuter) for a free family skating event. Saturday December 30, 1 to 3 pm. The City’s skate lending library will be there - skates and helmets will be available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. For more info about this service, click here.
Citadel Dance Program
The Citadel’s Dance Program (304 Parliament) provides lessons for kids in JK to Grade 6 in creative movement, ballet, bharatanatyam and tap. Classes will start up again on January 6. Click here to find registration info, fees, schedules and programs.
Tents in Allan Gardens
Councillor Chris Moise’s Dashboard lists the weekly statistics about the tents in Allan Gardens. Despite the colder weather, the numbers have remained fairly static. This week’s report has now been updated - on December 15, it shows that there are 14 people staying in the park. 4 people have housing plans, 2 have been in touch with City staff but have no plans and 5 don’t want to move. There are 18 structures.
More road salt issues
An amazing mess. These photos were taken by a local resident who’s annoyed at the way the salt is dropped onto our streets. It’s all in the middle of the road in a single heavy row and it’s dumped into careless piles at the intersections. He wonders if the contractor is being paid by the pound for the salt that’s used. (Photo: anonymous)
A white Christmas
We may not get a white Christmas but we can reminisce. Here’s a Christmas scene from 2015 at Carlton and Metcalfe.
CHRISTMAS EVENTS
Reserve your place
Make your reservations at Cranberries (601 Parliament). Siva and Ruth are again offering their highly popular Christmas Day feast. You’ll enjoy a three-course meal with soup or salad, roast turkey with fresh veggies, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce and a homemade roll. For dessert, there’s warm apple pie and ice cream. Three seatings are available - 3 pm, 5 pm and 7:30 pm. Please call to make your reservation - (416) 925-6330. $45.
Christmas Eve pj party
Wear your pyjamas. Erin is inviting everyone to join her on Christmas Eve at Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton). It’s a uniquely cozy celebration. In appreciation, she’s giving her PJ-wearing guests a complimentary glass of Jameson’s.
Congrats to these students
Four students have won prizes for their Christmas card art. It’s an annual contest run by the Cabbagetown Residents Association for students at Winchester and Sprucecourt schools. Their art is framed and displayed at The Epicure Shop (473 Parliament)
Snowman by Charlie from Sprucecourt
World Peace by Amiyah from Sprucecourt
Joyeux Noel by Kathryn from Winchester
City Square by Isabella from Winchester
A Christmas Carol
The Charles Dickens classic will be presented at St Peter and St Simon Church (525 Bloor E) at 7 pm on Friday December 22. Carol singing and refreshments. Tickets ($20, $15 seniors and kids) - call (416) 923-8714.
51 Division toy drive
Make a child happy with a new unwrapped toy. Drop it off at the 51 Division HQ (51 Parliament)
Christmas tree
The beautiful big tree in Riverdale Farm (201 Winchester, east of Sumach) has been decorated and lit again this year. A resident has written that the City of Toronto has recently been turning off these lights too soon. The Christmas season ends officially at Epiphany on January 6. “It's beauty glows at nighttime, particularly during these challenging times when an outdoor walk is one of the few free-of-charge options available for many people. To turn the lights off early is a Grinch-like act.”
Food drive at Mill Street
The Mill Street Brewpub (21 Tank House Lane) is holding a food drive to support the Daily Bread Food Bank. Bring in non-perishable foods to the Retail Store until December 31.
NEW YEAR’S EVE
Announcements are starting to arrive about New Year’s Eve celebrations. If you want to know about your favourite place and it’s not listed here, check our Restaurant online page for contact info. More events will be listed next week.
The Aviary
Ring in the New Year with The Aviary (484A Front Street) and Longslice Brewery. Free Longslice draught, food specialties and a glass of sparkling wine at midnight. 8 pm, December 31. Advance tickets to December 30 at $100 and tickets at the door, $115.
Cafe Zuzu
Your four course meal at Cafe Zuzu (565 Dundas E) includes squash, fritto miso or charred broccolini for an appetizer. Butternut squash risotto, bucatini or pappardelle for the first course. Eggplant parmigiana, lentils or chicken Milanese for the second course. And cannoli, gelato or torte di mandorle for dessert. $60 or $65 with a glass of prosecco. To make your reservation online, click here.
F’Amelia
A luxurious four-course, prix fixe menu. First course - burrata or bone marrow. Second - scaloppini, pate or kale salad. Main course - duck breast, tuna or lasagna. Dessert - hazelnut chocolate budding, tiramisu or vegan carrot cake. $110. Book your reservation at (416) 323-0666 or online. 12 Amelia.
The Golden Pigeon
DJ Crocker plays hits from 7 pm. Disco Ball, $2 oysters, drink specials. Reservations at (416) 392-1039 or info@goldenpigeonbar.com. 424 Parliament.
House on Parliament
The HoP (454 Parliament) is offering its a la carte menu for the evening. Among the highlights - the spinach and chèvre salad is back for one night only. Entrees include AAA 8 oz beef tenderloin, Frenched rack of lamb, roast halibut, pappardelle, burgers and a southern fried chicken sandwich. Mystic Michael is there of his insightful tarot readings. From 6 pm. Reservations recommended, call (416) 925-4074. Walk-ins also welcome.
SHOPPING NEWS
Distillery’s Winter Village highlights
One family in our neighbourhood are visitors from Australia. They went to the Winter Village and were really impressed by the event and the Distillery’s atmosphere.
Daily entertainment events are listed in the Restaurant Calendar below.
It’s open from 10 am daily with outdoor shopping cabins and food vendors. Throughout the Christmas season, meet Santa and the roaming elves, join the carollers’ sing-alongs and listen to live entertainment. The Winter Village shopping week happens from January 1 to 7. Extended Boxing Day sales will continue. Tickets are required for various times throughout the schedule - check online for purchases and prices.
THEATRE NEWS
Soulpepper’s (50 Tank House Lane, Distillery) annual Family Festival presents Alice in Wonderland and On A Night Like This. Alumnae Theatre, Canadian Stage, Citadelle and Native Earth - all have new plays coming in January and February. These listings and more are online here.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Le Conci is now Bisou
Dinner is now being served twice a week on Thursday and Friday evenings. Check out the current events at Instagram. Send an email for reservations and more info. (350 Berkeley)
New hours at The Keating Channel
From now until April, The Keating Channel (2 Villiers St) will be closed on Sundays. It’s open as usual from 11 am to 10 pm from Monday to Thursday and 11 am to 11 pm on Friday and Saturday.
Cyril’s soup
Cyril has finished his 2023 soup deliveries - he’ll be back in January.
WEEKLY CALENDAR - CLUBS & PUBS
THURSDAY DECEMBER 21 TO SUNDAY DECEMBER 31
For contact info about these clubs and restaurants, see the list at the bottom of this page.
THURSDAY DECEMBER 21
The Aviary
2 to 4 pm, Tapz & Napz meet-ups for new parents
FRIDAY DECEMBER 22
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Naija Jolloff Lounge
6pm, Karaoke
Super Bargain
10 pm, oysters and DJ Shamz
Wing House
9 pm, Karaoke
Golden Pigeon
7 pm, Yacht party with DJ Swank
SATURDAY DECEMBER 23
No announcements available
SUNDAY DECEMBER 24
Stout Irish Pub
Christmas Eve PJ party
MONDAY DECEMBER 25 - CHRISTMAS DAY
Cranberries
3 pm, 5 pm and 7:30 pm - Christmas dinner
TUESDAY DECEMBER 26
Live at The Distillery
5 to 8:30 pm, Gene Hardy
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 27
Live at The Distillery
5 to 8:30 pm, Richard Underhill
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
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 Socials every Wednesday with monthly winners.
Golden Pigeon
8 pm, trivia with Rochelle Lauzon
Super Bargain
8:30, Live music
THURSDAY DECEMBER 28
Live at The Distillery
5 to 8:30 pm, Laura Hubert
The Aviary
2 to 4 pm, Tapz & Napz meet-ups for new parents
FRIDAY DECEMBER 29
Live at The Distillery
5 to 9:30 pm, Christopher Plock
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Naija Jolloff Lounge
6pm, Karaoke
Super Bargain
10 pm, DJ Shamz
Wing House
9 pm, Karaoke
SATURDAY DECEMBER 30
Live at The Distillery
2 to 5:30 pm, Danny Marks
6:30 to 9:30 pm, Michael Occhipinti
Naija Jolloff Lounge
6pm, Live music
SUNDAY DECEMBER 31 - NEW YEAR’s EVE
Live at The Distillery
2 to 5:30 pm, Roberta Hunt Trio
6:30 to 9:30 pm, Alex Pangman
10 to midnight, Devo Brown and DJ Clymaxxx
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
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
Playground - 492 Parliament
Stout Irish Pub - 221 Carlton
Super Bargain - 441 Parliament
Wing House - 420 Parliament
