CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
LOCAL NEWS
Forsythia Festival
The Festival is here, bringing Spring with it - Sunday May 5. It starts at Riverdale Park West (Sumach and Winchester) at 10 am with a parade that winds through Cabbagetown streets and ends at Wellesley Park (east end of Wellesley).
Kids will enjoy a magician at 11:30, face painting, dangling donuts, arts and crafts and a bouncy castle. For adults, St Jamestown Steak & Chops (516 Parliament) is handling the barbecue and Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) is managing the beer garden. The raffle will offer lots of amazing prizes.
Be sure to wear something lovely in yellow.
Save the date
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 again 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.
Duncan and Whiskey Jack are wandering minstrels
Throughout the Spring, Duncan Fremlin and his friends in Whiskey Jack are performing in concerts in towns and villages across Ontario. They’re starting in Kingston on Thursday May 9 and going from there to Tweed on Friday May 10. Then they’re on to London on Saturday May 11 and Oshawa on Thursday May 16. They’re heading north to Richard’s Landing on St Joseph Island for Friday June 14 and Haileybury on Saturday June 15. Richard’s Landing is home to “hundreds” of Fremlins and the concert hall there is named in honour of Dr Trefry who also happened to be the guy who delivered Duncan into this world in 1949. In July and August, they’re doing concerts in provincial parks - more about that later. Click here for details about concerts and tickets.
Congrats Ilya
Ilya is the first winner in the $500 draw for the Cabbagetown BIA’s Shop2Win contest. St Jamestown Steak & Chops have also won $500 - Ilya’s receipt covered his shopping there. There’s no need to be jealous. There’s a new draw every week - we’ve got four more chances to win plus the grand prize of $1500 at the end. Click here for the details.
Heritage protection on Parliament Street
There’s an amendment to the Ontario Heritage Act contained in Bill 23, the More Homes Built Faster Act that removes the listing protections given to specific buildings. Under the amendment, City Council must complete a designation by January 1 2025 or the listing will be removed. Over 10,000 buildings are currently listed across Toronto - 19 of them along Parliament Street. A campaign is currently underway to change this amendment and move the date from January 1 2025 to January 1 2030 in order to give City officials time to handle the details properly. Click here to read the details and to read a proposed letter that you can send to Premier Doug Ford on this topic.
Congrats to the Cabbagetown BIA
The Ontario Business Improvement Area Association has given our BIA an Award of Merit for Special Events at its annual meeting. It highlights the 2023 Cabbagetown Festival for its return after a four-year hiatus. The BIA has noted, “This award is a testament to our team’s dedication and hard work and our community’s collaborative spirit.” Thanks and congrats to everyone who worked on it - it was a great weekend and the award is well earned.
Welcome to Derry
A new movie is being filmed at Saint Luke United Church (Sherbourne and Carlton). It’ll be screened on HBO Max in 2025. It’s a prequel to Steven King’s 1985 novel, “It” - an American horror story with the details about Pennywise the Clown.
They’re back
These beautiful rose breasted grosbeaks have returned to Ann and Colin’s backyard. They drop in annually when they’re migrating north - they must like the birdseed on Aberdeen Avenue. (Photo: Colin Lambert)
RECIPE FOR FORSYTHIA JELLY
Anji from Blooming Flower Bar reports that forsythia blooms are edible. Here’s her recipe for forsythia jelly. It tastes a bit like honey.
Step 1: Make Forsythia Tea
•8-10 cups of forsythia blossoms
•4-5 cups boiling water
Place the blossoms in a large jar or split into 2 quart sized jars.
Pour the boiling water over the blossoms and allow to cool.
Place a lid on the jar and allow the flowers to steep refrigerated overnight.
Strain out the petals using cheesecloth or strainer, setting aside the liquid for your next step.
Step 2: Making the Forsythia Jelly
This is a fairly simple process, with canning instructions included.
•4 cups of forsythia tea (if you don’t have enough, just add water to make this amount)
•3-5 T Lemon juice
•4 1/2 cups sugar
•1 packet pectin (liquid pectin tends to gel better but powder can work too)
Place the forsythia tea, lemon juice and pectin in a large pot and bring to a rolling boil, stirring often.
Add in the sugar and bring back to a rolling boil.
Boil for 1-2 minutes stirring constantly.
Remove from the heat and fill your prepared jars to 1/4” from top.
Wipe the rims with a damp cloth and cap with canning lids.
There you go, Forsythia jelly treat for the entire family!
JANE’S WALKS
“Jane’s Walk is an annual festival of free, community-led walking conversations inspired by Jane Jacobs—a journalist, author, theorist, activist, and proud Torontonian… Jane’s Walks encourage people to share stories about their neighbourhoods, discover unseen aspects of their communities, and use walking as a way to connect with their neighbours.” The Walks happen this weekend - Friday, Saturday and Sunday. There are nine in our area and scores more across the city. For the full list, click here.
Bridging Futures: Exploring housing affordability and community in Regent ParkFriday, 6 pm and 7 pm, meet at the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E). Online info.
Villiers Island Tour Saturday, 3:30 pm, meet at the new Cherry Street Bridge across the Keating Channel. Online info.
Cabbagetown Walk with a medical twist Saturday, 11:30 am, meet at Parliament and Carlton. Online info.
The Incredible Dr Doolittle (bike tour) Saturday, 10 am, meet at SW corner, Shuter & Sherbourne. Online info.
Waterfront from a new perspective Saturday, 11:15 am and 12:15 pm, met at Queen’s Quay East and Yonge. Online info.
Historic Corktown: tree walks and tales Sunday May 5, 10 am, meet at Little Trinity Church (425 King E). Online info.
Bridging Futures: Exploring housing affordability and community in Regent Park Sunday, 3 pm and 5 pm, meet at the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E). Online info.
Sherbourne - St James Town - Cabbagetown - Regent Park - Underpass Park - Cork Town - Distillery. Sunday, 10 am, meet at the Sherbourne Subway Station, Bloor and Sherbourne. Online info.
The Incredible Dr Doolittle (walking tour) Sunday, 11 am, meet at SW corner, Shuter & Sherbourne. Online info.
YOUR ANNOUNCEMENTS
Thanks from John and Claire
A couple of weeks ago, John and Claire asked for a loan of a car seat and a stroller for a one-year old child on behalf of visitors coming here for a week. He says, “We had multiple offers of assistance with baby paraphernalia, all of which were very generous. My relatives were very grateful and also somewhat amazed, as they said that nothing like this would happen where they’re from.”
COMING EVENTS
A Concert of Hope & Reconciliation
The Church of St Peter & St Simon-the-Apostle (525 Bloor E) presents a Concert of Hope and Reflection in response to conflicts in our world. Saturday May 11, 3:00 pm. Music for choir and orchestra centred on the themes of war and peace, including Haydn’s Mass in the Time of War. The choir of St Peter and St Simon-the-Apostle will perform with members of the Arcady Instrumental Ensemble, under the baton of Robin Davis, Music Director of the church. Tickets are $30, persons sixteen and under are free, available at the door (cash only please) or through Eventbrite.
Spring plant sale
The Friends of Allan Gardens are hosting a plant sale on Saturday May 4 from noon to 4 pm. Special guest Ryan Godfrey will be there to answer your questions about your garden. It’s a fundraiser for the Friends. You’ll find native plants, veggies, house plants and more. There’ll be several vendors at the sale. Bring a bag for your purchases. Conservatory (160 Gerrard E).
Corktown Chamber Orchestra
For its last concert in the season, the orchestra is playing Shostakovich's magnificent 5th symphony, Beethoven's 5th piano concerto with the great Jeff Vidov, and Saint-Saëns intro and rondo capriccioso with one of CCO's very own, the talented Marija Ivicevic. 8 pm, May 15 at Little Trinity Church (425 King E). Tickets are $25 or PWYC.
SHOPPING NEWS
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 May 4. $12. She’s very busy, so please call her for your appointment - (416) 920-6814.
Kendall & Co
Mother’s Day is coming soon - Sunday May 12. Start planning something special now. Kendall (514 Parliament) has unique gifts for Mom - faux florals, ceramic bowls, pitchers and vases, beeswax candles and lots more.
THEATRE NEWS
New productions in our theatres
Soulpepper’s A Public Reading of an Unproduced Screenplay about the Death of Walt Disney continues to May 5. Alumnae Theatre is staging its 36th edition of the New Ideas Festival - four new one-act plays to Sunday May 5. At Canadian Stage, there’s a a double bill dance presentation by dance Immersion on May 2 to 4. Citadel & Compagnie is staging Living Dances, three pieces by James Kudalka from May 8 to 18. Click here for links and more info.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Winemaker’s Dinner
F’Amelia is holding a winemaker’s dinner from 6 to 8 pm next Tuesday May 7. It’s a five-course meal with wine pairings featuring Javier Pedrazzini of Tenuta Monteti. Seating will be limited. Reservations close on May 5. Click here to RSVP. $150 per person. Click on the image to enlarge the menu.
Slowpoke food project
The Decoy (370 Queen E) is organizing a Slowpoke outdoor cooking event on Saturday May 11 from 5 to 9 pm. The menu includes skewers of chicken, brined pork tenderloin or bined pork shoulder, baba ghanoush, cacchiocavallo impiccato and fire roasted pineapple. Prices are a la carte.
Pizza news
Salt & Tobacco (521 Parliament) is now selling frozen pizzas. Order by phone at (647) 348-2993 or Uber Eats and Door Dash. Comments online say “amazing”, “love it” and “very good move”.
Distillery’s Bourbon Street North
From Friday May 4 to Sunday June 16, jazz bands will play in The Distillery’s Trinity Square. Every Friday, one band will play at 4:30 pm. On Saturdays and Sundays, bands will appear at 1 pm and at 4:30 pm. From Monday May 20 to June 16, bands will appear daily at 1 pm. For the daily schedules, check out the list below in our Weekly Calendar.
WEEKLY CALENDAR - CLUBS & PUBS
THURSDAY MAY 2 TO SUNDAY MAY 12
For contact info about these clubs and restaurants, see the list at the bottom of this page.
THURSDAY MAY 2
Old Flame Brewery
8 pm, open mic with Landon Doak
FRIDAY MAY 3
Distillery’s Bourbon Street North
4:30 pm - Red Hot Ramble
Alice’s Place
Karaoke night.
Bisou
4 to 8 pm, tapas night
Decoy Bar
10 pm - DJ Charlie Costello
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, live entertainment
Super Bargain
10 pm, DJ Shamz
The Aviary
Vinyl Night
SATURDAY MAY 4
Distillery Breakfast Tour
9:30 am - coffee, tea, breakfast sandwiches and guided tour, $49
Distillery’s Bourbon Street North
1 pm - Trash Panda Brass Band
4:30 pm - Kevin Ray Clark & Bourbon Street 6
Decoy Bar
10 pm - Heavy on the wax with DJ Uptempo
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live entertainment
SUNDAY MAY 5
Distillery Breakfast Tour
9:30 am - coffee, tea, breakfast sandwiches and guided tour, $49
Distillery’s Bourbon Street North
1 pm - Hot 5 Jazzmakers
4:30 pm - The Heavy Weights Boss Band
The Aviary
11:30 am and 1 pm, Jazz brunch wth a live band
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live entertainment
MONDAY MAY 6
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
TUESDAY MAY 7
The Aviary
7 pm, Bird Brain Trivia
The Golden Pigeon
4 pm, $2 oysters
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
WEDNESDAY MAY 8
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 9
Old Flame Brewery
8 pm, open mic with Landon Doak
FRIDAY MAY 10
Distillery’s Bourbon Street North
4:30 pm - Christopher Plock Jazz Band
Alice’s Place
Karaoke night.
Bisou
4 to 8 pm, tapas night
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, live entertainment
Super Bargain
10 pm, DJ Shamz
SATURDAY MAY 11
Distillery Breakfast Tour
9:30 am - coffee, tea, breakfast sandwiches and guided tour, $49
Distillery’s Bourbon Street North
1 pm - Soul Jazz Express
4:30 pm - Loco Zydeco
Decoy Bar
5 pm - Slowpoke food project spring cookout
10 pm - Barker & Meadows live outlaw country music
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live entertainment
SUNDAY MAY 12
Distillery Breakfast Tour
9:30 am - coffee, tea, breakfast sandwiches and guided tour, $49
Distillery’s Bourbon Street North
1 pm - Jazz Gangsters
4:30 pm - Happy Pals Jazz Band
The Aviary
11:30 am and 1 pm, Jazz brunch wth 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
