January 25

CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD 

REVIEW

FEATURED ARTIST

Martha House is our featured artist.  This week’s image is entitled Rhapsody. She began painting in 2013 and since 2016, she’s devoted herself full-time to her art.  Her work has been featured in six solo shows as well as a large-scale show in Leslieville.  Her abstract paintings are available at Artifacts Lifestyle in Port Carling and in Oakville.

A PERSONAL VIEW

Last Monday, Winchester School  held a successful fundraiser at F’Amelia (12 Amelia).  It’s an annual event.  Every year, F’Amelia pays all the bills for food, wine, staff and supplies.  This means that 100% of the ticket price goes to Winchester School.  Many thanks to F’Amelia for this generous gift.  And don’t forget the list of other businesses whose generosity has strengthened other events in our community - we would be much poorer without your help.

LOCAL NEWS

Cabbagetown Southwest Heritage Conservation District

Toronto and East York Community Council has approved the formation of the Cabbagetown Southwest HCD.  The final step will happen at a full City Council meeting on February 6.  This is a major change in our community - and it brings Cabbagetown South into line with the other Cabbagetown Districts.  The Report for Action submitted to Community Council includes the various analyses that justify the creation of the District. Page 16 of this Report has a map of its boundaries.

U-Haul trucks

Several U-Haul trucks (456 Parliament) have been parked along Parliament Street, Wellesley and Winchester.  In the past, U-Haul’s trucks have been parked throughout Cabbagetown South creating concern among residents and friction with the company. Let's hope that this isn't the start of another nuisance appearance.

230 Fightback

This group has opposed the proposal by KingSett Capital to build a big condo on the empty land at 230 Sherbourne near the corner with Dundas.  They want affordable, non-profit social housing instead.  In a surprise move on December 6, the company offered to sell the land to the City of Toronto.  Up to this time, Mayor Olivia Chow has not responded to the group about this plan. So a delegation was sent to her office today to demand some action - by mid afternoon, she hadn't appeared.  

Celebrating Thai Pongal, the Tamil New Year

Last Thursday, two federal cabinet ministers - Marci Ien (our Member of Parliament) and Gary Anandasangaree (Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations) visited St James Town to take part in Thai Pongal, the Tamil New Year.  The celebration included Barbara Hall, local resident Priyanka Purushothaman, Ahmed Hussain (CEO of The Neighbourhood Organization) and Lovelyn Periera (from the St James Town Community Corner).  

  

Street news

The City has named two lanes in Corktown to celebrate Black and Indigenous history.  A lane that runs parallel to Bright Street and St Paul will be officially named Henry Box Brown Lane.  Another lane that intersects this one will be called North Star Way. The ceremonies will happen at 43 St Paul Street on January 31 from 11 am.  A stop sign has been approved on Bowman at the corner with Carlton.

Tents in Allan Gardens

Councillor Chris Moise has posted his Dashboard showing the statistics about the tents in Allan Gardens.  His info from January 19 shows that there are 9 people staying in the park.  4 have housing plans and 5 do not want to move.  

Cabbagetown wild life

Cathy photographed this lovely Cooper’s Hawk in her yard on Wellesley Ave a week ago. These hawks have been very active in the area near St James Cemetery over the winter. (Photo: Cathy Waiten)

Lookin’ good

Trish, Max and Susan at the Winchester School fundraiser on Monday.  

Janice and Monica were there to add their support.  Janice is a teacher and Monica has kids at the school. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Kristin Phillips is a Cabbagetown-based certified personal fitness and yoga instructor.  She’s available for both private and semi-private sessions in your home in yoga, pilates and strength or general fitness training.  You can contact her by email or call (519) 502-0297.

COMING EVENTS

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 info and ticket sales are available online.

Winterlicious

The big city-wide restaurant festival has started and it runs to February 8.    Each restaurant offers three-course meals - lunch (prices range from $20 to $55) and dinner ($25 to $75).  Reservations are open. 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

Stitch & sip

Labour of Love (223 Carlton) - two events, February 3 and February 11.  Margaret Grottenthaler will lead you through the steps to embroider your own design.  

Children’s Book Bank

Book donation day - Saturday January 27, 11 am to 2:30 pm at the warehouse (next to 344 Bleecker).  This is the last donation day until March.  Please bring new or gently used children’s and teen books.  

Apres ski weekends

The Distillery has started its fire pits for its apres ski experiences on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 7 pm.  Open from Friday January 26 to Sunday March 31 in Trinity Square.  You can get s’mores, hot and cold drinks, comfort foods and photo op’s. DJ every Saturday from 5 to 7 pm.  Seats are available first-come, first-served.  

THEATRE NEWS

The Globe & Mail’s J Kelly Nestruck  reviewed The Shadow Whose Prey the Hunter Becomes at Canadian Stage. Better Living at Alumnae Theatre and Casey & Diana at Soulpepper are both on stage now.  Harvey opens on February 7 at the Young Centre.   These listings and more are online here.

RESTAURANT NEWS  

Anniversary party at La Gloria

Saturday February 10, 1 to 7 pm.  La Gloria Mexican Coffee (453 Parliament) is celebrating its first anniversary and throwing a big party.  There’ll be a DJ, live music and presentations by Toronto artist Jackie (Wei Ho).  Free - reserve your spot at Eventrite.   

Ukulele Jam

At The Aviary (484 Front E) on Friday February 2, 7:30 pm. Bring your ukulele and strum along - whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newcomer.  Giveaways and prizes.  

Super Bargain

On Monday January 29 at 7 pm, Paint Nite returns to Super Bargain (441 Parliament). Join the party - go from a blank canvas to an immortal masterpiece, all in one evening.  Click here for tickets and more info. 

Cyril’s soup

Cyril promises that he’ll be back soon.

WEEKLY CALENDAR - CLUBS & PUBS

THURSDAY JANUARY 25 TO SUNDAY FEBRUARY 4

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

THURSDAY JANUARY 25

Winterlicious at 11 local restaurants

Old Flame Brewery

8 pm, open mic with Landon

FRIDAY JANUARY 26

Winterlicious at 11 local restaurants

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 27

Winterlicious at 11 local restaurants

Old Flame Brewery

2 pm, Live entertainment

SUNDAY JANUARY 28

Winterlicious at 11 local restaurants

Super Bargain

3 pm to 2 am, Sunday Funday

MONDAY JANUARY 29

Winterlicious at 11 local restaurants

Stout Irish Pub

7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia 

Super Bargain

7 pm, Paint Nite

TUESDAY JANUARY 30

Winterlicious at 11 local restaurants

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 31

Winterlicious at 11 local restaurants

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 FEBRUARY 1

Winterlicious at 11 local restaurants

Old Flame Brewing

8 pm, Open mic with Landon

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 2

Winterlicious at 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

The Aviary

7:30 pm, Ukulele Jam

Wing House

9 pm, Karaoke

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 3

Winterlicious at 11 local restaurants

Naija Jolloff Lounge

6pm, Live music

Old Flame Brewery

2 pm, Live entertainment

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 4

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