CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
FEATURED ARTIST
Jack Grunsky
Jack has recently painted several large landscapes. This one is 40” by 60”, acrylic on canvas and entitled Heather. You can see more of Jack’s work online and you can reach him by email.
WINTERLICIOUS IS COMING
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
LOCAL NEWS
So, it snowed
We woke up on New Year’s Day to a snowy landscape. It wasn’t exactly a blizzard. But it was nice.
Update on Regent Park revitalization
The old buildings along Gerrard from River Street to Dreamer’s Way occupy Phases 4 and 5 in the revitalization. Demolition of the old buildings at 319, 325 and 355 Gerrard East and 274 Sackville will be finished in 2024. City Council approved the final plans for this work in July 2023. These two phases will create 1,976 market units, 633 rent-geared-to-income units and 637 affordable units. There will also be a new library, over 10,000 square metres of commercial and non-residential space and over 3,700 square metres of community space. Toronto Storeys described the details in the new plan. Not everyone is enthused about this progress - CityNews did a summary last July after the new plan was approved at City Council. (Image - City News. The numbers represent the height of the proposed buildings.)
Congrats to Patricia Fraser, Susan Macpherson and Hazelle Palmer
Patricia Fraser
Ms Fraser has been awarded the Order of Canada by Governor General Mary Simmons, “For her lasting contributions to Canadian contemporary dance as an artist, dancer, educator and artistic director.” She served as Artistic Director of the School of Toronto Dance Theatre for 28 years to her retirement in 2021. The School said, “She has brought to her position an extensive teaching background, significant experience as a dancer and artistic director, and most importantly, a personal commitment to the life-long learning continuum of a dance artist.” (Photo: Cylla von Tiedemann)
Susan Macpherson
Ms Macpherson has also been named a Member of the Order of Canada, "For her lifetime devotion to dance as an artist, educator, director, researcher and mentor.” She describes her dance career as interwoven with her work with clay sculpting. She started working in clay in 1975 when she was already an established dancer and she continued with both until she ended her solo dancing in 1986. In the 1990s, she returned to dance as a teacher and then as an Artistic Associate at the School of Toronto Dance. She retired from dancing in 2021. (Photo: Frank Richards, 1968 - Susan Macpherson in David Earle’s The Recitation.)
Hazelle Palmer
Ms Palmer has been awarded the Order of Ontario. She’s the CEO at Sherbourne Health and she’s served as the executive director at Planned Parenthood and the AIDS Committee of Toronto. Her citation says, “a senior executive with more than 30 years of experience in the non-profit sector who has fought to advance minority rights throughout her career. Her vision of a more just society is enabling others to thrive.” (Photo: Sherbourne Health)
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.
Congrats Friends of Regent Park
The Friends held their annual community skating day last Saturday at the Regent Park Ice Rink (480 Shuter). It was a big success. Over 150 people showed up. Hot chocolate was donated by caterToronto. The City’s Skate Lending Library was on hand with skates and helmets. Tim Hortons gave out tidbits and coffee. Muslim Welfare baked cookies and banana bread.
Cabbagetown wild life
Chandra snapped this photo of a possum visiting her backyard last week. As several people mentioned, they’re good for your garden, shy and safe. (Photo: Chandra Stempich).
COMING EVENTS
Danny Marks
Danny is playing at Smoke Show (744 Mount Peasant) on Sunday January 7 from 3 to 6 pm. He says that it’s got a great dance floor.
Marilyn’s nail clinic
Start your pet’s New Year off with a visit to the spa! Marilyn from Diggity Dog Grooming (239 Gerrard E) is back for her monthly nail trimming clinic at Pet Valu (240 Carlton). 9 am to 4 pm, Saturday January 6. $12. Her calendar is filling up so please call her quickly for your appointment - (416) 920-6814.
Seniors’ fitness
Every Wednesday from 3 to 4 pm at 252 Sackville, 7th floor. For more info, call Leonard Swartz at (416) 845-5994.
SHOPPING NEWS
Distillery’s Winter Village highlights
The Winter Village shopping week happens from January 1 to 7. Extended Boxing Day sales will continue. Tickets are not required.
THEATRE NEWS
Alice in Wonderland is finishing its run at Soulpepper on Sunday January 7. Native Earth, Canadian Stage and Alumnae Theatre all have new plays coming in January and February. These listings and more are online here.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Cabbagetown wine tasting
Enjoy wine from a wide variety of vineyards and vintages. 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. F’Amelia, 12 Amelia.
Winchester School fundraiser
Support our local school and have fun doing it! Monday January 22, 6:30to 9 pm. Wine and nibblies will be served. $100 - and your tax receipt will cover your $100 donation. Please email to reserve. F’Amelia, 12 Amelia.
We’ve got a new brewery
Old Flame Brewery (45 Tank House Lane, Distillery) opened in November. It’s the brewer’s third location. Their menu offers several beers - I tried and approved the Red Vienna Lager. The pub has Wednesday Night Trivia and live entertainment on the weekends. An open mic is planned soon. A special bonus - dogs are welcome.
Dry January
Are you going through a month-long rinse cycle or a permanent dry spell? Super Bargain (441 Parliament) has your drinks - Seed Lip Margaritas and Stay Classy IPA are included on their menus.
Cyril’s soup
Cyril has finished his 2023 soup deliveries - he’ll be back in January.
WEEKLY CALENDAR - CLUBS & PUBS
THURSDAY JANUARY 4 TO SUNDAY JANUARY 14
For contact info about these clubs and restaurants, see the list at the bottom of this page.
THURSDAY JANUARY 4
The Aviary
2 to 4 pm, Tapz & Napz meet-ups for new parents
FRIDAY JANUARY 5
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 6
Old Flame Brewery
6 pm, Live entertainment
SUNDAY JANUARY 7
Old Flame Brewery
Noon to 5 pm - live entertainment
MONDAY JANUARY 8
The Aviary
Family Night - kids eat free
TUESDAY JANUARY 9
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Trivia
The Aviary
7 pm, Bird Brain Trivia
WEDNESDAY JANUARY 10
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Old Flame Brewery
6:30 pm, Trivia night
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.
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, DJ Shamz
Wing House
9 pm, Karaoke
SATURDAY JANUARY 13
Naija Jolloff Lounge
6pm, Live music
Old Flame Brewery
6 pm - live entertainment
SUNDAY JANUARY 14
Old Flame Brewery
Noon to 5 pm - live entertainment
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
