February 1

 CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD 

REVIEW

A PERSONAL VIEW

Antisemitic graffiti

A strong comment has appeared on the Facebook page for Cabbagetown South.  It condemns the antisemitic graffiti that has apparently been sprayed onto Jewish-owned homes in the neighbourhood.  Details about these events haven’t been released.  Nevertheless, we agree completely with the sentiment - we live in an amazing community where tolerance and enjoyment of each other have been our trademark. Our support and sympathy go to the homeowners who have been victims of this hatred. 

FEATURED ARTIST

Martha House is our featured artist.  This week’s image is entitled Summer Dance. She began painting in 2013 and since 2016, she’s devoted herself full-time to her art.  Her abstract paintings are available at Artifacts Lifestyle in Port Carling and in Oakville.  She says, “As an intuitive painter, Martha's artwork has the ability to stimulate visual sensory perception in such a way as to spark a memory, create a dream, relive a moment or reveal  a truth. “

LOCAL NEWS

The Port Lands progress

A major landmark was reached this week in the development of the Port Lands and Villiers Island at the mouth of the Don River. Water entered the channel that will be the future second route of the Don River - an important feature in future flood control though the area.  Mahdis Habibinia wrote about it in the Toronto Star.  Alex Bozikovic did an opinion piece in the Globe & Mail, praising the ambition of the project and calling into question some of its design features. (Photo:  Nick Lachance, Toronto Star)

A new mural

Gushi Japanese Street Food (296 Gerrard E) has commissioned a striking new mural with colourful artwork on its building. It’s a beautiful work that’s enlivened a big, drab wall.  The artist, Tim Fukakusa, blended elements from Japanese and western cultures like the antique porcelain “Arita Ware” which were made in Gushi’s founder’s home prefecture and are now available through Green’s Antiques (529 Parliament).  The mural also depicts the Don Valley, local bay and gable homes, ornamental cabbages and forsythia bushes.  

Lisa Hemeon

Lisa is the artist currently showing her work at the Tasting Gallery at Daniel et Daniel (250 Carlton).  Her work draws inspiration from the elemental forces of nature.  She fosters an intimate connection with the alluring beauty of coastal surroundings.  She grew up on the BC coast and has exhibited her work in Toronto since 2002.  She’s been featured in British Vogue and World of Interiors gallery pages and the London Lux.  Her show at the Daniel et Daniel Galley runs every Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm to March 30 - while you’re there, get a coffee and a croissant at the Food Shop.  Dogs welcome.  You can see more of her work online, on Instagram and on Facebook. (Photo:  Intrepid by Lisa Hemeon, 36” by 48”, acrylic, 2024).

A new look for the BIA

The Cabbagetown Business improvement Area (237 Carlton) is looking for a graphic designer to do a refresh on its designs and logos.  It’s a timely campaign - the new look will be used extensively on the BIA’s materials.  The deadline for submission is Sunday February 16.  Submission details and links are available online.

Funds for graduate students

The Cabbagetown Preservation Association offers an annual award of $1,500 to one or two graduate students whose research is relevant to the Cabbagetown community.  The application deadline for the 2024 awards is March 1.  A full description of the award program and a link to the application form are available online.

Tents in Allan Gardens

Councillor Chris Moise posts on his Dashboard showing the statistics about the tents in Allan Gardens are still listed at January 19. At that time, there were 9 people staying in the park, 4 with housing plans and 5 who do not want to move.  

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

Marilyn’s nail clinic

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 February 3.  $12.  Please call her for an appointment - (416) 920-6814.

Danny Marks is busy

On Sunday from 3 to 6 pm, he’s back for his regular show at the SmokeShow (744 Mount Pleasant). Last week, he played at Castro’s Lounge in the Beach. He says, “There's something special about the small rooms where music is played often. It seeps into the walls and out of the pores… you will not be disappointed.”

Hungry for Love

Friends of Allan Gardens have recruited vendors who grow and sell carnivorous plants.  Last year’s sale was a huge hit.  Vendors include Gregory Thiel with his pitcher plants, Plantzza Hut with little green monsters, The Hidden Path with animals specimens, skulls and bioactive terrariums, and Home Grown Carnivores with rare and beautiful plants. There’ll be lots more.  It’s happening in the Children’s Conservatory (169 Gerrard E) from noon to 5 pm on Sunday February 11.

IN THE MEDIA

Henry “Box” Brown

Henry Brown was a slave in Virginia when he had himself nailed into a wooden box and mailed north to freedom.  He eventually came to Toronto and settled here.  This week, Councillor Chris Moise and the City of Toronto have named a lane in Corktown near Bright Street in his memory - Mr Brown’s home was adjacent to it on Bright.  Emily Fagan wrote a story for the Toronto Star about Mr Brown and the significance of the lane’s name. (Photo:  Kelsey Wilson, Toronto Star)

214 - 230 Sherbourne

Joanna Lavoie has written a detailed report for CP24 News about the potential sale of 214-230 Sherbourne to the City of Toronto.  The City originally bid and lost to Kingsett Capital when the property was for sale.  230Fightback, a local activist group seeking social housing for the site, met Mayor Chow last Thursday.  Click here to read her story. (Photo:  Joanna Lavoie/CP24)

The Berkeley Church is for sale

The Church (317 Queen E) has been the home for Berkeley Events - the company has been placed in receivership and the Church will be sold to pay various debts that it accumulated.  Laura Hanrahan has written about it in Storeys. (Photo:  Storeys/Google Maps)

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.   You’ll create either a modern monogram with a variety of simple stitches or your linens will be adorned with stitched garden vegetables.  Beginner stitchers will learn the basics of embroidery and will use their new skills to make a displayable art piece. Experienced stitchers will learn more complex stitches such as trellis, web, woven blanket stitch and bullion knots.  For more info about the workshops, the equipment and the fees, click here.

VALENTINE’S EVENTS IN OUR STORES

Poa spa day

Give your loved one a beautiful spa experience at Poa Studio (546 Parliament) for a sixty minute facial.   And save - you’ll avoid Poa’s price increase.  Buy your gift card at the gift card link and enter the special price of $146.90 and then use it any time in the future.  You can also use the card for shopping.  

Children’s Book Bank

Valentine’s stories at 11:15 am and 1:15 pm and picture framing all day on Saturday February 3. Events happen at both Regent Park (585 Dundas E, Unit 260) and Sherbourne (561 Sherbourne, Level P3)

Fair Trade Jewellery

For a truly romantic Valentine’s Day, drop in to FTJCo (576 Parliament) - open on Wednesdays until 8 pm.  You’ll enjoy drinks and roses while you pick out your wedding band, engagement ring or any made-to-order item. You’ll also get a 2% Valentine’s Day referral code for any made-to-order item.

 

THEATRE NEWS

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.

VALENTINE'S IN OUR RESTAURANTS

Info is starting to arrive about Valentine’s Day specials in our restaurants and pubs.  More announcements next week.

Cranberries

Cranberries (601 Parliament) is offering a yummy three-course dinner.  Click on the image to enlarge it.  The appetizers include roasted red pepper soup with poached shrimp or organic mixed green salad.  You have three choices for your entree - chicken roulade, poached Atlantic salmon or braised lamb shank.  Dark chocolate and bandy truffle for dessert.  Two seatings - 5 and 7:30 pm.  Reserve your place now at (416) 925-6330.  $50 per person.

F’Amelia

F’Amelia (12 Amelia) has a four-course meal for you.  Click on the image to enlarge it.  Start with oysters for two.  For your second course, select either crispy bocconcini or cured salmon and for your third course, seared stripling, cioppino or  vegetable lasagna.  You can have either bruleed lemon tart or milk chocolate & hazelnut budding for dessert.  Reserve at (416) 323-0666 or by email. $110 per person.

The Golden Pigeon

Valentine’s specials at the Golden Pigeon (424 Parliament) include $2 oysters, food specials and live jazz.

RESTAURANT NEWS  

Welcome Madras Curry

A new restaurant serving Indian cuisine has opened at 178 Carlton. Its large menu features appetizers, biryani, veggie and non-veggie curries, dosa, roti and Hakka dishes.  It’s open from 11:30 am to midnight daily.  Early comments on social media have been enthusiastic - “The dishes we tried were fresh, affordable, and tasted like home cooking. The owners were very nice and seemed super enthusiastic about their menu. If you're in the mood for some excellent Indian cuisine, this is a great local business to support.”

Old Flame’s official opening

Saturday February 3.  Paige who works at the Old Flame, says the event will have “lots of fun activities, entertainment, yummy food and raffle prizes.”  Brews for $5 glass and $8 for their most expensive seasonal. Their location in the Distillery (45 Tankhouse Lane) is dog friendly and family friendly.

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.   

Winter Trivia

At the Golden Pigeon (424 Parliament), hosted by Rachelle Lauzon with prizes from Great Lakes Brewery.  Wednesday February 7, 8 pm.

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.  

Raclette the Casbah

Conci joins with The Aviary (484A Front E) for a night of French raclette cheese tastings and an authentic cheese grill.  Have it on a sandwich or a plate. Friday February 9, 4 pm.  

Drag Trivia - 90’s edition

Super Bargain (441 Parliament) is holding another night of trivia with Messy. This time, it’s the 90’s - 90’s music, fashion, film/television, pop culture and more.  Tuesday February 6, 7 pm.  

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 until Sunday March 31 in Trinity Square. Happy Hour all day Fridays.  DJ every Saturday from 5 to 7 pm.  Seats are available first-come, first-served. Free

WINTERLICIOUS

The big city-wide restaurant festival 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  

WEEKLY CALENDAR - CLUBS & PUBS

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 1 TO SUNDAY FEBRUARY 11

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

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 1

Winterlicious at 11 local restaurants

Old Flame Brewery

8 pm, open mic with Landon

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 2

Winterlicious at 11 local restaurants

Distillery

1 to 7 pm, Apres Ski with Happy Hour

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

Distillery

5 to 7 pm, DJ at Apres Ski

Naija Jolloff Lounge

6pm, Live music

Old Flame Brewery

2 pm, Live entertainment

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 4

Winterlicious at 11 local restaurants

Distillery

1 to 7 pm, Apres Ski

Super Bargain

3 pm to 2 am, Sunday Funday

MONDAY FEBRUARY 5

Winterlicious at 11 local restaurants

Stout Irish Pub

7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia 

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 6

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 FEBRUARY 7

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 8

Winterlicious at 11 local restaurants

Old Flame Brewing

8 pm, Open mic with Landon

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 9

The Aviary

7:30 pm, Raclette the Casbah

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 10

Winterlicious at 11 local restaurants

Distillery

5 to 7 pm, DJ at Apres Ski

Naija Jolloff Lounge

6pm, Live music

Old Flame Brewery

2 pm, Live entertainment

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 11

SuperBowl Sunday

Events are happening at The Keating Channel, The Aviary and Mill Street Brew Pub.  More will be listed next week.

Winterlicious at 11 local restaurants

Distillery

1 to 7 pm, Apres Ski

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

Madras Curry - 178 Carlton

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