CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
FEATURED ARTIST
Ruth Wagner is our featured artist. This week’s image is entitled “Iris series - Diptych”. 10 x 26”, soft pastels on Pastel Primier sanded paper, white NFS. Ruth is a former high school art teacher with a bent for drawing and soft pastels. This is the perfect medium for her work on floral, tree and still life themes. After retiring, she’s exhibited in juried shows with the Pastel Artists of Canada since 2017 and more recently with the Artists’ Network of Riverdale.
LOCAL NEWS
It’s official
In its meeting on February 6, City Council approved the designation of the Cabbagetown Southwest Heritage Conservation District. The plan for the District shows a map of its boundaries and details about its special character and guidelines for future changes. Council also confirmed its decision to proceed with a bylaw to designate 509 Parliament under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act and the City Solicitor was instructed to prepare a Bill for Council to do this.
I love art
The annual fundraiser for Rosedale Heights School of the Arts is back after a four year break caused by the pandemic.. There’ll be a live and silent auction, performances by the students and a display and sale of their artwork. Thursday February 22, 6 pm. Admission tickets are $10. Local businesses are invited to donate items for the school’s silent auction. If you can make a gift, please email the organizers.
The Tasting Gallery
Daniel et Daniel (250 Carlton) has opened a Tasting Gallery. It’ll be used during the week for business and client tastings and small private parties. Food service is available from Daniel et Daniel and the room is licensed by the LCBO. Artists are invited to exhibit their work in the Gallery. They’ll use the space over the weekends. Interested people are welcome to visit the artists during their exhibition hours. Lisa Hemeon is currently showing her work there until the end of March. Email Daniel et Daniel for more information about the Tasting Gallery and about future art exhibitions.
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's posts on his Dashboard show the statistics about the tents in Allan Gardens from February 2. At that time, there were 9 people staying in the park. 3 with housing plans and 6 who do not want to move.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Ron Hume is a Cabbagetown-based writer. He’s turning his talents to a bi-weekly online blog that he’s calling The Pathfinder. His latest topic gives an indication of his attitude - a plea to stop the hate. Future topics will be decidedly controversial. He’s also recruited a team to contribute columns on their favourite topics. Click on this link to read his published works - a subscription page will pop up first so you can conveniently join his list. It’s free.
COMING EVENTS
Bev Jenkins
Three of Bev’s paintings will be shown at the Winter Members Show at the Arts & Letters Club (14 Elm St). The opening happens on Friday February 9 from 4 to 7 pm - tour the club, meet other members and talk to the artists. During the show at later dates, you can visit by appointment - (416) 597-0223, ext 3.
Maple Blues Awards
Steve Grant and his band the Little Magic Sam Band will perform at the after-party at the annual Maple Blues Awards evening. The ceremony happens on Monday February 12 at 7 pm in the Phoenix Theatre (410 Sherbourne). The band is also nominated for an award in the New Artist or Group category. Steve says, “It's a great night of music with the best Canada has to offer.” For more info and tickets, click here.
Hungry for Love
Friends of Allan Gardens have recruited vendors who grow and sell their 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 (160 Gerrard E) from noon to 5 pm on Sunday February 11.
Celebrate the Lunar New Year
Tuesday February 13, 1:30 to 3:30 pm at Fred Victor (40 Oak). There’ll be dancing, board games, traditional food and dumplings. Wear something red to celebrate.
IN THE MEDIA
Progress report about the Burke Condominiums
Construction on the Burke Condominiums (603 to 611 Sherbourne) is well underway. It’ll be a 53-storey building housing over 500 units and ground-level retail along Howard Street. Three 19th century heritage homes facing Sherbourne were moved and then returned during construction. Urban Toronto has done a step-by-step summary of the construction between early 2021 and January 2024. (Photo: Rascacielo/Urban Toronto)
SHOPPING NEWS
Stitch & sip
Labour of Love (223 Carlton) is hosting Margaret Grottenthaler’s embroidery workshop. 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. 1 to 4 pm, February 11. For more info about the workshops, the equipment and the fees, click here.
Vacation time
St Jamestown Steak & Chops (516 Parliament) will be closed for a vacation from Monday February 19 through Sunday February 25.
THEATRE NEWS
Canadian Stage, Native Earth and Soulpepper all have plays currently on stage or coming very soon. These listings and more are online.
VALENTINE’S IN OUR STORES
Valentine’s Day cards
Labour of Love (223 Carlton) has a nifty collection of V Day cards.
Epicure Shop
Patty at The Epicure Shop (473 Parliament) is offering Valentine cookies from Dufflets and Phiipps Bakery and Valentine cupcakes in vanilla, red velvet and chocolate flavours.
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. And watch for FTJCo’s ready-to-wear Earrings & Pendants sale running to February 15.
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.
Roselle
Sweetheart cake returns for Valentine’s to Roselle (362 Queen E). It’s got raspberry rose mousse, intense raspberry coulis, vanilla creme and sponge cake soaked in lychee rose syrup and lychee pieces. It’s on sale for walk-ins until February 25.
St Jamestown Steak & Chops
Mark will be giving away chocolate dipped strawberries on Valentine’s Day at St Jamestown Steak & Chops (516 Parliament)
VALENTINES IN OUR RESTAURANTS
For more info about your favourite place - check the Contact List below.
Cafe Zuzu
Cafe Zuzu’s (555 Dundas E) Valentine’s prix fixe menu and reservations are available from Wednesday February 14 to Sunday February 18. Start with a taste of house Prosecco. Appetizer choices include mortadella, oysters or bruschetta. The pasta entrees are rigatoni, medallion or pappardelle. For dessert, there’s cannolo, gelato or tiramisu. $49 per person.
Cranberries
Cranberries (601 Parliament) is offering a yummy three-course dinner. 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. 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.
Fusilli
Fusilli’s (531 Queen E) menu has suggested Valentine’s specials and recommended wine pairings. Lentil soup, mixed green salad, farfelle with porcini mushrooms, risotto with shrimp and a chardonnay sauce, veal Florentine with a chianti red wine sauce and homemade tiramisu or chocolate raspberry tortofu. Each item is individually priced. Email or call for your reservation - (416) 214-5148.
The Golden Pigeon
Valentine’s specials at the Golden Pigeon (424 Parliament) include $2 oysters, lobster rolls, rice pudding and live jazz.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Superbowl - Sunday February 11
The Aviary (484 Front E) has fresh Longslice beer and baskets of boneless fried chicken. From 6:30 pm. Keating Channel (2 Villers St) has two pounds of wings at half price with purchase of a jug of draught beer, Bud Tall Boy specials, football squares, draws and lots of prizes. Mill Street Brewpub (21 Tank House Lane, Distillery) features awesome discounts and Burn The Bill.
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.
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.
It’s Tricky Trivia
Super Bargain (441 Parliament) presents another night of trivia on Monday February 12 at 7:30 pm. It’s free - fun questions and prizes.
St Practice and St Patrick’s Days
Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) will host celebrations from February 15 to February 17. On St Patrick’s Day, there’ll be Celtic music and Irish food and dancing. It’s going to be a busy weekend.
Paint Nite
Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) is holding a special Paint Nite event with Yasmin. She’ll take you step-by-step through your creative experiences. 7 pm, Friday February 16. Get your ticket online. $45 - supplies are included.
Latin Nights
The Aviary (484 Front E) is hosting Paula and Jose of Dance to Live for salsa lessons at 9 pm, Saturday February 17. Hot Latin dancing with DJ Amarok.
Apres ski weekends
Apres Ski experiences in the Distillery on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 7 pm. Open until Sunday March 31 in Trinity Square. Happy Hour on all day Fridays. DJ every Saturday from 5 to 7 pm. Seats are available first-come, first-served. Free
WEEKLY CALENDAR - CLUBS & PUBS
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 8 TO SUNDAY FEBRUARY 18
For contact info about these clubs and restaurants, see the list at the bottom of this page.
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 8
Last day for Winterlicious at 11 local restaurants
Old Flame Brewery
8 pm, open mic with Landon
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 9
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
4 pm, Raclette the Casbah
Wing House
9 pm, Karaoke
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 10
La Gloria
1 to 7 pm, First anniversary party
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
Super Bowl events - check your favourite place.
Distillery
1 to 7 pm, Apres Ski
Super Bargain
3 pm to 2 am, Sunday Funday
MONDAY FEBRUARY 12
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
Super Bargain
7:30 pm, It’s Tricky Trivia
TUESDAY FEBRUARY 13
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
The Aviary
7 pm, Bird Brain Trivia
The Golden Pigeon
4 pm, $2 oysters
7 pm, live jazz
WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 14
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 15
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Yasmin and Paint Nite
9 pm, St Practice Day celebrations
Old Flame Brewery
8 pm, Open mic with Landon
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 16
Distillery
1 to 7 pm, Apres Ski
Old Flame Brewery
6 pm, Live entertainment
Stout Irish Pub
9 pm, St Practice Day celebrations
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 17
Distillery
1 to 7 pm, Apres Ski
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, Live entertainment
Stout Irish Pub
11 am to 2 am, St Patrick’s Day with Celtic music, Irish food and dancing.
The Aviary
9 pm, Latin night with Jose and Paula and DJ Amarok
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 18
The Aviary
Jazz brunch
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
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
