CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
LOCAL NEWS
Save the date - it happens in two weeks
Hidden Gardens & Private Spaces is Cabbagetown’s Spring garden tour. This year, there are seven special places to explore. As a bonus, CBC commentator Paul Zammit will be here to talk about your gardens and answer your questions. Sunday, June 2, noon to 4 pm. Tickets are available online - $25 each or five for $100.
Jason needs our help
Jason Speek suffered a massive heart attack on Wednesday May 8. His partner Anthony Lund quickly called 311. He says that the responders and emergency room physicians at Toronto General saved Jason’s life. He has since learned that he’ll need at least three months to recover. Anthony has launched a Go Fund Me to collect $5000 toward Jason’s expenses while he isn’t working. His friends at Pet Valu (240 Carlton) will miss him during his absence. All of us wish him a speedy and complete recovery.
Samantha Green
Dr Samantha Green has been nominated as the NDP’s candidate in Toronto Centre for the next federal election. Although theoretically, the election won’t happen for a year, she’s ready to start working early. She’s a family physician who works in Regent Park and at Street Haven’s women’s shelter. She and her partner live in Moss Park with their three children. For a full bio and notes from her, click here.
230 Fightback
For some time, this group has opposed the construction of a tall condo at 230 Sherbourne. They want the City of Toronto to buy the property from KingSett Capital and create affordable housing there instead. At first, negotiations between the City and KingSett seemed to be going well and then lately, they seem stalled. So 230Fightback is picketing another KingSett development site at 908 St Clair West to drive home its message.
Welcome Nate
Nate Bartoshuk is moving into Cabbagetown from Los Angeles along with his partner, Peter Hume. Nate is also celebrating his debut as a producer and writer. His short film, Gays’ Straight Makeover, is a comedy about a gay couple who need to change their home into a straight-bro mancave before one’s conservative parents arrive for an unexpected visit. His film has been accepted at Cannes in the American Pavilion’s Emerging Filmmaker Showcase. It’ll screen on May 21. Congrats Nate and welcome to Cabbagetown.
Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market
The Market had a very successful launch for its season last Tuesday in Riverdale Park West (Sumach and Winchester). Eighteen vendors were on hand. Seasonal produce included kale, cilantro, ramps and green garlic at Samsara Fields. Murray had fresh aspargus. Several vendors offered fresh rhubarb. And there were bakeries, the Jamaican bbq, momos, wild salmon and lots more. From 3 to 7 pm, rain or shine. There’ll be lots more as the season matures. Stay informed - check out the Farmers’ Market Facebook page. (Photo: JP at SamsaraFields)
Corktown’s Underpass Farmers’ Market
The market returns next Thursday, May 23 from 4 to 7:30 pm. 29 Lower River Street.
Tents in Allan Gardens
Last week, there were worries that the number of tents in the park is rising again. This isn’t supported by a visit through the park - on Wednesday, there were eight tents. Several of them are huge.
Splash pads
The Parks staff are busy now repairing and turning on the splash pads in our parks. Wading pools will not open for another month because they require on-site staff to ensure the children’s safety.
The benches are back
Daniel et Daniel (248 Carlton) has restored the benches that line its storefront. They’re brand new, beautifully built and very comfy. And, as you can see, they’re a welcome rest stop for seniors.
Stan Smrke
Natasha, Stan’s beloved partner, reported on Facebook that Stan passed away on Tuesday May 14 after a three-year battle against colon cancer. His friends commented about his warm humour, his positive smile, his music and his generosity. We’ll all miss him.
Thanks Andrew
Andrew snapped this photo of a Cooper’s Hawk in the Necropolis last Tuesday. (Photo: Andrew Wilson)
COMING EVENTS
Danny Marks
Danny and his band will be on the Trinity Stage at the Distillery as part of its Bourbon Street North Festival. Sunday May 26, 4:30 pm. Danny sent along this photo showing the enthusiastic crowd at his last performance in the Distillery during the Christmas season.
Community Environment Days
The City of Toronto is sponsoring drop-off opportunities for electronics, reusable and recyclable waste and hazardous goods. The reusable items include sporting goods, books (excluding textbooks), cameras, CDs, DVDs and Blu-rays, dress-up clothing and costume jewelry, clothing, footwear, accessories, linens, musical instruments, board games, eye glasses, walking aids and hearing aids. Bring your own bags and containers if you want loose compost. Allan Gardens (160 Gerrard E), Saturday May 18, 10 am to 2 pm.
Early bird notice
The 7th annual Dixonlicious is here - June 6, 6 to 9 pm at the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E). It’s a fundraiser to support the food programs offered by Dixon Hall. You’ll have a great evening with wine, food from local restaurants and craft breweries and a silent and live auction. Tickets are $85 to May 17 and $100 after that - and you’ll get a tax receipt covering 70% of your ticket price. Click here for more info.
IN THE MEDIA
Jazz keeps on winning
Jazz Shukla became the tenth Canadian woman ever to crack the two-minute mark in the 800 metres. She ran in the Sound Running Track Fest in Los Angeles and clocked 1:59: 94. She was the only woman at the meet to run the distance under two minutes. Running Magazine has a story about her race and her reactions. (Photo: Kevin Morris, Canadian Running)
A squirrel attack
Toronto Hydro suffered a power outage on Wednesday affecting 6500 customers in downtown Toronto from the Gardiner Expressway to Carlton Street and from Church Street to the Don Valley. It lasted from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm. A squirrel caused the problem and was, apparently, killed as a result. CTV has a story and video online - click here.
SHOPPING NEWS
Closed on Monday
St Jamestown Steak & Chops (516 Parliament) will be closed on Monday for the Victoria Day holiday. Check with your favourite shops to learn their plans.
Shop2Win
Congrats to Doug Mercer. He’s the latest winner in the Shop2Win lottery. He takes home $500 and F’Amelia (12 Amelia) also wins $500. You might be the next winner. Save your receipts when you spend $20 or more at a participating retailer. Click here for more info.
Farewell party
Regina is closing her shop, Labour of Love (223 Carlton). She’s doing it with a flair - she’s having a farewell party on Thursday May 16 from 6 to 9 pm. There’ll be refreshments and tissues for all the laughter and tears.
Kendall & Co
This is Kendall’s Harlow chair - it’s currently on sale at 50% off. The fabric is a richly embroidered cotton satin and the frame is Mid-Century modern walnut. The design is based on Art Deco styled palms inspired by 1930s glamour. Find out the details on Instagram - click here. 514 Parliament.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Bisou
A special wine tasting - sips from Benjamin Bridge of Gaspereau, Nova Scotia, Sourwood Ciders of Halifax, Scout Vineyard from Similkameen, BC and a Sunday In August winery from Salt Spring Island, BC. Very special guests Rajen and Bree Toor of Ursa Major winery in the Okanagan Valley, BC. There’ll be Spring bites and a DJ with all of this. Saturday May 18, 4 to 9 pm. 350 Berkeley (Photo: Restaurant Guru)
Tasso
Tasso’s fans know that they order their weekly batch from the online menu for pick-up on Saturdays. This week, there won’t be a Saturday sale. The next sale happens on Tuesday May 21 at the Cabbagetown Farmers Market (Winchester and Sumach) from 3 pm. 540 Parliament.
Messy Margaret Bingo
Super Bargain (441 Parliament) is hosting another night of Messy Margaret’s drag bingo. Four rounds of bingo. Lots of prizes and laughter-filled entertainment. Monday May 220, 7 pm.
Golden Pigeon
Live music returns to the patio at The Golden Pigeon (424 Parliament). Every Tuesday evening.
Chew Chew
The sign in the window and the construction scenes inside all say that Chew Chew (186 Carlton) is being renovated. No dates for the reopening and no details yet about the new menu. It’s a favourite restaurant and we wish the new people lots of luck with their project.
Distillery’s Bourbon Street North
Jazz bands will play in The Distillery’s Trinity Square - every Friday at 4:30 pm and on Saturdays and Sundays at 1 pm and at 4:30 pm. From Monday May 20 to June 16, bands will also appear daily at 1 pm. For the daily schedules, check out the list below in our Weekly Calendar.
WEEKLY CALENDAR - CLUBS & PUBS
THURSDAY MAY 16 TO SUNDAY MAY 26
For contact info about these clubs and restaurants, see the list at the bottom of this page.
THURSDAY MAY 16
Old Flame Brewery
8 pm, open mic with Landon Doak
FRIDAY MAY 17
Distillery’s Bourbon Street North
4:30 pm - Rider Raiders Brass Band
Alice’s Place
Karaoke night.
Bisou
4 to 8 pm, tapas night
Decoy Bar
10 pm - DJ Double Denim
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, live entertainment
Super Bargain
10 pm, DJ Shamz
The Aviary
Vinyl Night
SATURDAY MAY 18
Distillery’s Bourbon Street North
1 pm - Gene Hardy and Sparkjiver
4:30 pm - Jazz Wizards tribute to Jeff Healey
Bisou
4 pm, wine tasting, spring bites, DJ, and wineries from Nova Scotia and BC
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live entertainment
SUNDAY MAY 19
Distillery’s Bourbon Street North
1 pm - Ragweed Jazz Band
4:30 pm - Dixie Demons Jazz Band
The Aviary
11:30 am and 1 pm, Jazz brunch with a live band
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live entertainment
MONDAY MAY 20
Distillery’s Bourbon Street North
1 pm, Kevin Ray Clark & Bourbon Street 6
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
Super Bargain
7 pm, Messy’s drag bingo
TUESDAY MAY 21
Distillery’s Bourbon Street North
1 pm, Funk10tet
The Aviary
7 pm, Bird Brain Trivia
The Golden Pigeon
4 pm, $2 oysters
Live music on the patio
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
WEDNESDAY MAY 22
Distillery’s Bourbon Street North
1 pm, Ryan Gazzola
The Aviary
7 pm, Euchre Socials
8 pm, Karaoke night
F’Amelia
Wine Wednesday bottles over $100 at half price
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, Trivia night
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, euchre night
THURSDAY MAY 23
Distillery’s Bourbon Street North
1 pm, Ross Morgan Quartet
Old Flame Brewery
8 pm, open mic with Landon Doak
FRIDAY MAY 24
Distillery’s Bourbon Street North
4:30 pm - Grooveyard
Alice’s Place
Karaoke night.
Bisou
4 to 8 pm, tapas night
Decoy
10 pm, DJ Oakeve
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, live entertainment
Super Bargain
10 pm, DJ Shamz
SATURDAY MAY 25
Distillery’s Bourbon Street North
1 pm - Sing Toronto
5 pm - Queen Pepper
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live entertainment
SUNDAY MAY 26
Distillery’s Bourbon Street North
1 pm - Mark Stafford Blues Band
4:30 pm - Danny Marks Blues Band
The Aviary
11:30 am and 1 pm, Jazz brunch with a live band
Old Flame Brewery
2 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
Decoy Bar - 370 Queen E
Distillery - Mill Street and Parliament
El Catrin - 18 Tank House Lane, Distillery
Golden Pigeon - 424 Parliament
House on Parliament - 454 Parliament
Johnny G’s - 478 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
