CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
A PERSONAL VIEW
Workers from the City of Toronto continue to drop thick layers of salt on our sidewalks and roads. You may remember that a few years ago, debate raged over snowplowing on our sidewalks. After all, the argument went, if North York has it, then we should have it too. So, we got it - salt everywhere. Kate Tinnerman says, “Last week when it was 6 degrees, the city’s winter sidewalk Initiative was in full swing and salted our entire neighbourhood bleaching out the sidewalks, gardens and curbs not to mention causing salt burns and distress (for) our 4-legged family members.” As noted below, Keith on Nasmith suffered $4,000 damage to his brand new car when the plow scraped its door and wheel well. I agree with both of them - let’s leave the plows in North York where they enjoy the privilege. (Photo: Keith Lawrance)
LOCAL NEWS
Winchester School fundraiser
F’Amelia (12 Amelia) is hosting the event on Monday January 22 at 6:30 pm. That means good food and wine and good company. F’Amelia picks up the costs for the evening so your ticket price goes completely to the school. The fundraiser has contributed over $50,000 over the years - money that’s bought musical instruments, sports uniforms, a sound system and scoreboard for the gym, and many other things that make school life a little nicer for the students. If you’re a parent with a child at the school, you should definitely be there. If you aren’t a parent, you should go for the chance to have a free evening at F’Amelia. Tickets are $100 (with a 100% tax receipt) - send an email to F’Amelia.
Francis McNamara
Francis died on Monday. He had suffered a major stroke in July and was permanently paralyzed. He had a big warm personality - he filled the room whenever he was there. All of us enjoyed his charm and good humour. His long time friend and partner, David Harland, says, “There isn’t a label to call what you and I were to each other but if there was, it would speak to love, partnership, friendship, family, loyalty and so much more that we were to each other for 35 years.” He will be missed. A Memorial Service will be held at St James Cemetery Chapel (635 Parliament) on Monday January 22 at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Rainbow Railroad @rainbowrailroad
More snow plowing woes
Keith on Nasmith has sent along pictures of the damage to his car caused by the sidewalk snowplow. It careened down the walk knocking over bins and scraping his new car. His car was only five days old. Both Keith and his wife Jocelyn saw the plow hit their car. He stopped the plow and complained to the driver. He got a quote for $4,000 from a body shop to repair the damage. He informed the police and the City’s insurance will handle the cost. (Photo: Keith Lawrance)
Affordable housing
The federal government is providing financing for the 600-unit rental building called Maple House (131 Mill St) in the Canary District. The support is coming from the Apartment Construction Loan Program. Typically, the future tenants will include families, victims of domestic violence, seniors, people with disabilities, artists and Indigenous people. Two federal cabinet ministers, Chrystia Freeland and Marci Ien, visited the site last week.
502 - 508 Parliament
These homes are currently being renovated for Dixon Hall. The first occupants are expected in the Spring. David Reycraft reports that the units in 502 are larger and dedicated to people who are ready to undertake independent living. The 40 units in 504 to 508 Parliament are single rooms. Dixon Hall will have staff in the building full time once the tenants arrive.
Tents in Allan Gardens
Councillor Chris Moise has posted his Dashboard showing the statistics about the tents in Allan Gardens. His info from January 12 shows that there are 11 people staying in the park. 3 have housing plans and 8 do not want to move.
Attention Teachers
The Children’s Book Bank offers free class visits at both the Regent Park (585 Dundas E, Suite 260) and Sherbourne (561 Sherbourne, P3) locations. Its Storytimes for Students program includes a 45-minute visit for children aged up to 12. Each class can enjoy stories read aloud by experienced volunteers followed by the chance for each student to choose a book to take home to keep. Book your class appointment online.
Well done, Danny
Danny Marks played in the final pre-Christmas show at the Distillery’s 2023 Winter Village. He met a family from Ukraine and swapped guitar picks with Boris. As Danny’s fans know, his shows really come alive when he’s entertaining kids! (Photo: Danny Marks)
Best wishes
Kristyn Wong Tam has announced the good news that her wife, Farrah Khan, is free of her small-cell cervical cancer. Our best wishes to her as she continues to fight an additional battle with breast cancer. (Photo: Farrah Safia Khan)
Cabbagetown wild life
This little rabbit has been seen twice in Mike’s backyard on Wellesley Street. A little screech owl has been making its home under a roof a few doors away. Maybe they both know that this is a safe haven. (Photo: Timmie Roman)
Oops - a correction
Last week, I wrote about the name change at Yonge Dundas Square. I said that staff had resigned because of it. That’s incorrect. Three volunteer members of the Board resigned, not members of the staff. Thanks to Caroline Hollway for fixing this mistake.
COMING EVENTS
Robbie Burns Day
The House on Parliament (454 Parliament) is renewing its pleasant celebration of Scotland’s national poet on Thursday, January 25. There’ll be dancers from the Highland Dance Studio, a bagpiper, a reading of the Address to the Haggis and a genuine haggis. Eating the haggis is optional. Don’t miss out - it starts at 7 pm.
PA Day at The Children’s Book Bank
The Children’s Book Bank is open at both locations for the PA Day. Friday January 19, 10 am to 3 pm. Regent Park (585 Dundas E, Suite 260) and Sherbourne (561 Sherbourne, P3)
Feed the Birds
Friends of Allan Gardens are holding a family event. Make a pinecone feeder for birds. Kids of all ages are welcome. Pay what you can - $5 gift is suggested. Saturday, January 20 at 10:30 am and Sunday January 21 at 12:30 pm. Children’s Conservatory, Allan Gardens (160 Gerrard E).
Save to Notes
This choreographic workshop is a platform for students in their final year at the Dance Arts Institute to create and mount their own original works. 8 pm, February 22 and 23 in the Aki Theatre in the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E). Program notes and ticket sales are available online.
Winterlicious
The big city-wide restaurant festival starts next week - 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
SHOPPING NEWS
Wan2 Food Mart
Wan2 Food Mart has opened in the retail strip along the main floor of the big condo at the corner of Parliament and Bloor (585 Bloor). Its display says that it’s “a local grocery store selling Asian, Filipino and Indian food”. It’s got a great selection of sauces, canned goods, noodles, rice and other south Asian foods. The butcher shop stocks cuts that aren’t usually displayed in North American stores. For fans of Asian foods, this is an important place to visit.
Sweet Addictions
Sweet Addictions (462 Sherbourne) is a bright, cheery cafe located just south of Wellesley on the west side. It features North American and Turkish pastries. The baklava is made entirely from ingredients imported from Turkey. You may also want to try the hazelnut cream tart. It’s a good place to stop for a quick break and for take-out desserts.
THEATRE NEWS
Casey & Diana is coming to Soulpepper on January 24. Its run has been extended due to popular demand. The Shadow Whose Prey the Hunter Becomes is on stage now at Canadian Stage. Better Living is starting next week at Alumnae Theatre. Bear is on stage at Citadel. These listings and more are online here.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Virtu Cafe in the Canopy by Hilton
There’s a brand new hotel tower (387 Bloor E) situated just a few doors west of Sherbourne on Bloor. Its coffee shop is called Virtu Cafe - it faces Bloor and has a counter looking out at the street. It serves very good coffee. Modern, comfortable room.
Battleship Bingo
At The Aviary (484 Front E) on Friday January 19, 8 pm. Sink ships and win prizes.
Super Bargain
It’s a busy week at Super Bargain (441 Parliament). On Tuesday January 23, it’s Messy’s Drag Bingo - your ticket includes a card for every game. Messy will perform and lip synch fun numbers. On Monday January 29, Paint Nite returns.
Old Flame Brewery
Paige Hamilton has taken a moment to tell us about Old Flame (45 Tank House Lane, Distillery). “We have a big beautiful space filled with eclectic decor and comfy couches. Old Flame is Canada's most awarded craft lager brewery. (We) charge $5 per glass, with our most expensive seasonal being only $8. We also do $8 sampling flights. We have live music every Friday and Saturday, Trivia nights every Wednesday and open mic every Thursday … We are a 100% dog and family friendly brewery, perfect for a big reunion or a cozy place to read a book.”
Saigon Pai
A fire last year damaged the restaurant at 446 Parliament. Renovations are now underway. In the meantime, they’ve opened a second spot at 610 Gerrard, just east of Broadview.
Cyril’s soup
Cyril promises that he’ll be back soon.
WEEKLY CALENDAR - CLUBS & PUBS
THURSDAY JANUARY 18 TO SUNDAY JANUARY 28
For contact info about these clubs and restaurants, see the list at the bottom of this page.
THURSDAY JANUARY 18
Old Flame Brewery
8 pm, open mic with Landon
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, oysters and DJ Shamz
The Aviary
8 pm, Battleship Bingo
Wing House
9 pm, Karaoke
SATURDAY JANUARY 20
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, Live entertainment
SUNDAY JANUARY 21
Super Bargain
3 pm to 2 am, Sunday Funday
MONDAY JANUARY 22
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
Super Bargain
7 pm, Paint Nite
TUESDAY JANUARY 23
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Trivia
Super Bargain
7 pm, Messy’s Drag Bingo
The Aviary
7 pm, Bird Brain Trivia
The Golden Pigeon
4 pm, $2 oysters
7 pm, live jazz
WEDNESDAY JANUARY 24
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, Trivia night
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, euchre night
The Aviary
7 pm, Euchre Socials
8 pm, Karaoke night
The Vibrational Apothecary
7:30 pm, traditional West African drumming classes with Amadou Kienou
THURSDAY JANUARY 25
House on Parliament
7 pm, Robbie Burns Day celebration
Old Flame Brewing
8 pm, Open mic with Landon
FRIDAY JANUARY 26
Winterlicious opens in 11 local restaurants
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Naija Jolloff Lounge
6 pm, Karaoke
Old Flame Brewery
6 pm, Live entertainment
Super Bargain
10 pm, DJ Shamz
Wing House
9 pm, Karaoke
SATURDAY JANUARY 27
Winterlicious at 11 local restaurants
Naija Jolloff Lounge
6pm, Live music
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, Live entertainment
SUNDAY JANUARY 28
Winterlicious at 11 local restaurants
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- 45 Tank House Lane, Distillery
Playground - 492 Parliament
Stout Irish Pub - 221 Carlton
Super Bargain - 441 Parliament
Wing House - 420 Parliament
