January 11

 CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD 

REVIEW

A PERSONAL VIEW

City Council’s renaming of Yonge Dundas Square has proven unpopular and seems to have been a rushed job. Our Councillor, Chris Moise, proposed the name Sankofa and the Mayor seconded his motion.  Opinion polls and petitions are running strongly against the new name.  Staff at Yonge Dundas Square have resigned because of it.  Thanks to Rick Matthews for pointing out the petition results.

There are concerns about Henry Dundas - he may have hindered the abolition of slavery in the British Empire.  On the other hand, some scholars say that he actually protected the abolitionist efforts. The hidden meanings around the word Sankofa are equally worrisome.  It comes from the language spoken by the Akan people of west Africa.  They were active in the slave trade -  capturing, enslaving and selling slaves to western European traders. In comparison to the Akan’s history, Henry Dundas’s record seems minor.  I’ve written to both Councillor Chris Moise and Mayor Olivia Chow for their comments about this.  So far, neither has replied.

FEATURED ARTIST

Jack Grunsky

Jack has recently painted several large landscapes.  This one is 40” by 60”, acrylic on canvas and entitled Goldenrod.  You can see more of Jack’s work online and you can reach him by email.

LOCAL NEWS

Port Lands update

The work on the new river at the Port Lands will be finishing in 2024 to complete the flood protection. As the map shows, the river will have a second route into the lake. The bridges, parks and waterways will be opened in 2025.  Hundreds of hectares will then be available for recreation and housing. Talia Ricci from CBC News interviewed David Kusturin, the chief project officer at Waterfront Toronto. It’s a great video - click here to watch it.

Life is good - toboggans are back

Thanks to the Cabbagetown Residents Association for posting this photo on their website.  

We have a winner

The homeowners at 491 Sackville earned first prize in the annual Christmas lights contest.  Their front yard featured Santa under an arbour surrounded by blinking lights.  At regular intervals, the reindeer belted out a few carols.  334 Sackville came in second and 107 Winchester was third.  Sackville was the most mentioned street.  Congrats all - this year’s lights were marvellous.

The Christmas tree

The big tree in Riverdale Park was beautifully decorated again this year.  In years past, the decorations were removed very quickly, immediately after Christmas.  One of our neighbours - bw - contacted the Parks Department and made a plea through our blog.  It worked.  The lights will stay on until January 17.  Thanks go to Nancy Carneiro, the Ward 12 Parks Supervisor for her help. 

Harry Rosen’s original store

It’s widely noted that Harry Rosen opened his first shop on Parliament Street in 1954 - The Male Shop at 409 Parliament. He borrowed $500 to do it. It’s now the home of the Diabetes Education Program. Thanks to the Cabbagetown BIA for this story. (Photo: City of Toronto Archives, series 372, s0372_ss0100_it0378)

COMING EVENTS

Seniors’ fitness

Every Wednesday from 3 to 4 pm at 252 Sackville, 7th floor.  For more info, call Leonard Swartz at (416) 845-5994.

Winterlicious

The big city-wide restaurant festival is back from January 26 to February 8.    Each restaurant is offering three-course meals - lunch (prices range from $20 to $55) and dinner ($25 to $75).  Reservations will open on Thursday January 11. Eleven local restaurants are participating 

Butter Chicken Factory (560 Parliament), (416) 964-7583, butterchickenfactory.ca - $27 lunch and $35 dinner

Cafe Zuzu (555 Dundas E), (416) 815-2660. cafezuzu.com - $27 lunch and $35 dinner

Cluny (35 Tank House Lane, Distillery), (416) 203-2632.  clunybistro.com - $55 lunch and $75 dinner

F’Amelia (12 Amelia), (416) 323-0666.  famelia.com - $55 dinner only

Gusto 501 (501 King E), (416)  477-5647.  gusto501.com - $34 lunch and $45 dinner

Irene (25 Dockside), (647) 344-1562, https://fabrestaurants.ca.   $34 lunch and $45 dinner

Maison Selby (592 Sherbourne), (647) 943-1676. maisonselby.com - $48 lunch and $65 dinner

Mengrai Thai (82 Ontario), (416) 840-2754. mengraithai.ca - $35, dinner only

Mill Street Brew Pub (21 Tank House Lane, Distillery). (416) 681-0338 millstreetbrewery.com - $27 lunch and $35 dinner 

Pure Spirits (17 Tank House Lane, Distillery), (416)  361-5859. purespirits.ca - $41 lunch and $55 dinner

The Blake House (449 Jarvis), (416) 975-1867. theblakehouse.ca  - $34 lunch and $45 dinner  

THEATRE NEWS

The Shadow Whose Prey the Hunter Becomes is on stage next week at Canadian Stage and Better Living is also on stage next week at Alumnae Theatre.  Bear is on stage at Citadel and Heartless is on stage at Native Earth. These listings and more are online here.

RESTAURANT NEWS  

Cabbagetown Wine tasting

Enjoy dozens of wines from a wide variety of vineyards and vintages at F’Amelia (12 Amelia).  The wines will be poured by growers’ representatives who know their flavours and subtleties.  Pizza and canapés will be served.  Monday January 15, 6 to 9 pm.  Please email to reserve.  $75. 

Winchester School fundraiser

Support our local school and have fun doing it!  It's at F’Amelia (12 Amelia) on Monday January 22, 6:30 to 9 pm.  Wine and nibbles will be served.  $100 - 100% of the proceeds go to the school so your tax receipt will cover your donation. Send an email to Katie to reserve your place.  

Restaurant updates

Playground Cafe (side door, 492 Parliament at Aberdeen) is closing on January 14 and renovating its interior.  They’re planning a totally new space, new curated art exhibitions, more collaborative events and more services.  It’ll reopen on February 10 in time for Valentines.

Bisou (350 Berkeley) has announced that its evening dinner service will start up again in March.

Roselle Desserts (362 King E) is on holidays until Saturday January 20.

Lawrence’s reviews

Lawrence La Pianta owns Cherry Street BBQ and Elm Street Italian Deli.  He recently posted a rapid-fire list of “the best” in Toronto.  Jet Fuel - the best coffee shop.  Cabbagetown - the best neighbourhood.

Old Flame Brewery

Old Flame has more than satisfying brews.  On Wednesday, it’s Trivia from 7 pm.  On Thursday, Open Mic with Landon happens from 8 to 10 pm.  There’s live entertainment on Friday from 6 to 10 pm and on Saturday from 2 to 6 pm.

Cyril’s soup

Cyril has finished his 2023 soup deliveries - he’ll be back in January.

WEEKLY CALENDAR - CLUBS & PUBS

THURSDAY JANUARY 11 TO SUNDAY JANUARY 21

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

THURSDAY JANUARY 11

The Aviary

2 to 4 pm, Tapz & Napz meet-ups for new parents

FRIDAY JANUARY 12

Alice’s Place

9 pm, Karaoke 

Naija Jolloff Lounge

6pm, Karaoke

Old Flame Brewery

6 pm, Live entertainment

Super Bargain

10 pm, oysters and DJ Shamz

Wing House

9 pm, Karaoke

SATURDAY JANUARY 13

Old Flame Brewery

2 pm, Live entertainment

SUNDAY JANUARY 14

Super Bargain

3 pm to 2 am, Sunday Funday

MONDAY JANUARY 15

Stout Irish Pub

7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia 

Super Bargain

7:30 pm, Tricky Trivia

The Aviary

Fam Jam - Family night at The Aviary.

TUESDAY JANUARY 16

Stout Irish Pub

7 pm, Trivia 

The Aviary

7 pm, Bird Brain Trivia

The Golden Pigeon

4 pm, $2 oysters

7 pm, live jazz

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 17

Old Flame Brewery

7 pm, Trivia night

Stout Irish Pub

7 pm, euchre night

The Aviary

7 pm, Euchre Socials with monthly winners. 

8 pm, Karaoke night

The Golden Pigeon

8 pm, Winter Trivia with Rachelle Lauzon

The Vibrational Apothecary

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

THURSDAY JANUARY 18

Old Flame Brewing

8 pm, Open mic with Landon

The Aviary

2 to 4 pm, Tapz & Napz meet-ups for new parents

FRIDAY JANUARY 19

Alice’s Place

9 pm, Karaoke 

Naija Jolloff Lounge

6pm, Karaoke

Old Flame Brewery

6 pm, Live entertainment

Super Bargain

10 pm, DJ Shamz

The Aviary

8 pm, Battleship Bingo

Wing House

9 pm, Karaoke

SATURDAY JANUARY 20

Naija Jolloff Lounge

6pm, Live music

Old Flame Brewery

2 pm, Live entertainment

SUNDAY JANUARY 21

Super Bargain

3 pm to 2 am, Sunday Funday

CONTACT INFO

Alice’s Place - 554 Parliament

Aviary - 484 Front East

Bisou - 350 Berkeley (at Gerrard)

The Vibrational Apothecary - 243 Gerrard E

Cranberries - 601 Parliament

Distillery - Mill Street and Parliament

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, Distillery

NJ Lounge - 507 Parliament

Old Flame Brewery- 43 Tank House Lane, Distillery

Playground - 492 Parliament

Stout Irish Pub - 221 Carlton

Super Bargain - 441 Parliament

Wing House - 420 Parliament