CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
A PERSONAL VIEW
Olympic Moms
Frankly, without these Moms, I wouldn’t know what’s happening in the run up to the Paris Olympics! My thanks go to Kelly Rogers for her reports about Sydney Payne’s rowing team and to Anji Shukla for her updates on Jazz Shukla’s racing in the 800 metres. Best wishes to Jazz - she has her Olympic trial finals in Montreal this week. (Photo: Kevin Morris, Canadian Running)
FEATURED ARTIST
Madeleine Lamont enjoys a widespread Canadian and international reputation. Her painting, Standing Bear, was purchased by the Government of Canada and installed in the new NATO Chancellery Building in Brussels Belgium. Her work attracts media attention regularly. She’s exhibited in museums and galleries nationally and abroad, most recently the Whyte Museum in Banff, Alberta, 2022. Madeleine has received grants from the Toronto Arts Council, the Ontario Arts Council and the Canada Council. For a full description of her exhibitions, media coverage, awards and images, go to her website and Instagram page.
LOCAL NEWS
Progress report about the new gardens
The Cabbagetown BIA has been very supportive with the garden project. They’re planning to repaint the big red flower pots. The gardens at the Esso Station belong to two different owners - the City of Toronto and Circle K stores. Esso and Tim Horton’s are also involved as tenants at the site. Informal agreements have been reached with everyone except the City. Chris and Margaret are still waiting for an okay from the Traffic Department who supervise City properties like this. This is the final hurdle. The issue may simply be caught in the usual City Hall shuffle. Councillor Chris Moise’s office is helping by pressuring the staff to clear the way.
Thanks to Chris and Margaret
After 24 years of service, Community Matters Toronto has closed its St James Town office. Its programs have been transferred to the Toronto Kiwanis Boys & Girls Club, operating from the Cabbagetown Youth Centre. At a special thank-you party on Wednesday, members of the audience spoke - often with considerable emotion - about the ways that their lives had been helped. Margaret emphasized that she and Chris definitely will not be disappearing from Cabbagetown and St James Town. Their friends are grateful for all they’ve accomplished.
Cabbagetown South improvements
The City of Toronto has allocated $750,000 for various improvements in Ward 13. The period when the community can make comments about the proposals ends in three days. Check out the details online and then make your views known. In Cabbageown South, the ideas include improvements for the Ontario Street parkette and for the off-leash dog areas in Allan Gardens and Joseph Sheard parkette, a mural at Central Neighbourhood House, a plaque honouring Indigenous people in Allan Gardens, reusing the old iron fence from Anniversary Park into Lord Dufferin’s school yard, beautifying projects on Dundas and on Gerrard, laneway improvements at Dr O, Nuthatch and Silkweed lanes, tree plantings on Ontario Street and dog waste bag dispensers and signage. There’s more - click here to see the details.
Tents in Allan Gardens
Councillor Chris Moise’s Dashboard has been updated to June 21. His reports about the encampments in Allan Gardens (Sherbourne and Jarvis) are really useful and hopefully, they’ll continue to be renewed every week. Four people are living there - two refuse other housing.
Parliament Street patio
The patio in front of Good Gang Ice Cream and Tasso (540 Parliament) serves customers at these two businesses at specific times during the week. Otherwise the area is a shady rest stop for Parliament Street shoppers.
Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market
Kashish was working at the Kooner Farms tent on Tuesday. He was offering fresh baby cucumbers, squash, onions, herb plants and tomato plants along with honey and eggs. The farm is located near Bolton. Check out the Market’s Facebook page to see the weekly updates and news. Riverdale Park West (Sumach and Winchester)
Corktown’s Underpass Farmers’ Market
The market (29 Lower River) opens very Thursday from 4 to 7:30 pm. There’s an impressive list of vendors offering their stuff - for this week’s updates, click here.
Artists needed
The Cabbagetown BIA is planning a mural for the side of 204 Carlton. It’s a nice big highly visible wall facing east. “We want bold, dynamic, and eye-catching designs that capture the spirit and energy of our streets.” There’s a budget of $7,500 for this project. The application deadline is Friday July 12. Details about the wall, the mural themes and the applications process are all online here.
Calling all performers
The Cabbagetown Festival is inviting performers to apply for a spot during the annual Cabbagetown Festival - September 7 and 8. There’s a straight forward application form to be completed by July 19.
COMING EVENTS
Beth Kaplan’s workshop
Beth is getting ready for her July day-long workshop in her garden. It’s a popular event and well loved by those who attend. “Spend a summer day learning to trust your voice and tell your stories. Listen to your creative self. Gain confidence and perspective from friendly contact with other writers.” Sunday July 21, 10 am to 5 pm, lunch included. Register with her now since the event is filling up. $200. Send Beth an email if you have questions or want to save a spot.
Lavazza Inclucity Festival
Back for another season, The Distillery becomes an outdoor theatre from June 27 to July 21. It’s an international event showcasing films representing Canada’s rich cultural mosaic. Immerse yourself in a Festival Village offering various art forms, including music, dance, gastronomy, tours, and much more. With your ticket, you get full access to festival events, tasting samples and movie screenings. The program changes daily - click here for the schedule and ticket prices.
https://icff.ca/schedule-2024/
Sounds of Toronto
Free music series in Trinity Square in the Distillery, 2 to 6 pm, June 27 to July 21. On Canada Day, the performance will happen from 11 am to 3 pm. For each daily performance, check out the Weekly Calendar below.
Mainstreet Mosaic Tours - exploring heritage and hubs
The Cabbagetown BIA has developed a free self-directed online walking tour of Cabbagetown’s historic main street. It runs until August 15. It’s available through Driftscape. “On this tour, you will uncover the rich history and stories behind our dynamic neighbourhood.” It’s self-paced and takes between 30 minutes to 3 hours. Several businesses have special offers only available through Driftscape. To learn about all of these details, click here.
THEATRE NEWS
A Streetcar Named Desire at Soulpepper runs to July 7. Alumnae Theatre and Native Earth are each presenting plays from The Fringe Festival - July 3 to 14. Click here for more info and for tickets.
SHOPPING NEWS
99 Frames
Art by Madeleine Lamont is the latest in-store display at 99 Frames (527 Parliament). She’s also our Featured Artist for the next four weeks - you can see her paintings at the store over the next month.
Kendall & Co
Kendall (514 Parliament) is offering Pride inspired products. Sabrina says, “Celebrate Toronto Pride this month and all year long with Kendall & Co’s unique home décor items & gifts!” You can see them online.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Juice Department & release party at Bisou
Come for the party on Saturday June 29 from 3 to 10 pm. On the outdoor patio at Bisou (350 Berkeley at Gerrard). There’ll be Neapolitan pizza, caesar salad and tiramisu along with 2022 vintage wines and natural brut cider. Juice Department will serve its juices. Live entertainment by Mix Chopin and others. Drop-ins welcome, no tickets needed.
Summerlicious
The big restaurant events is coming soon - July 5 to 21. Over 200 are participating. The local restaurants are listed below - check out the lists of participating restaurants, price ranges, contact info and more - click here.
Biagio (155 King E) - $48 lunch, $65 dinner
Blake House (449 Jarvis) - $34 lunch, $45 dinner
Butter Chicken Factory (560 Parliament) - $27 lunch, $35 dinner
Cafe Zuzu (555 Dundas E) - $27 lunch, $35 dinner
Chef’s House (215 King E) - $27 lunch, $35 dinner
Cluny (35 Tank House Lane, Distillery) - $41 lunch, $55 dinner
Dia Restaurant & Lounge (387 Bloor E) - $41 lunch, $55 dinner
F’Amelia (12 Amelia) - $55 dinner
Maison Selby (592 Sherbourne) - $48 lunch, $65 dinner
Mengrai Thai (82 Ontario) - $35 dinner
Pure Spirits (17 Tank House Lane, Distillery) - $41 lunch, $55 dinner
Michael Caplan at The Wing House
Michael is doing his “Porch Songs” on Saturdays from 5 to 7:30 pm at The Wing House (420 Parliament). He’s back here after his regular shows at The Grasshopper. Cowboy songs, blues, favourites - they’re all on the program.
Championship soccer
Pure Spirits (17 Tank House Lane) and Mill Street Brewpub (21 Tank House Lane) in the Distillery are showing Euro soccer games on a big screen in Champions Square. Enjoy breakfast sandwiches and pizzas. Games at 9 am, noon and 3 pm daily to July 14. Free.
WEEKLY CALENDAR - CLUBS & PUBS
THURSDAY JUNE 27 TO SUNDAY JULY 7
For contact info about these clubs and restaurants, see the list at the bottom of this page.
THURSDAY JUNE 27
Distillery Sounds of Toronto
2 to 6 pm, Afternoon All-Stars
Old Flame Brewery
8 pm, City Love open mic
FRIDAY JUNE 28
Distillery Sounds of Toronto
2 to 6 pm, Afternoon All-Stars
Alice’s Place
Karaoke night.
Bisou
4 to 8 pm, tapas night
Mill Street
8 pm, Friday nights with Humble Mike
Old Flame Brewery
8 pm, live entertainment with Jammers Waffle House
Super Bargain
10 pm, DJ Shamz
SATURDAY JUNE 29
Distillery Sounds of Toronto
2 to 6 pm, Afternoon All-Stars
Bisou
4 to 10 pm, Juice Department and new releases patio party
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live entertainment with Mark Villager
2 pm, Tito’s BBQ
7 pm, Next Perfect Day concert
Wing House
5 to 7:30 pm, Michael Caplan’s Porch Songs
SUNDAY JUNE 30
Distillery Sounds of Toronto
2 to 6 pm, Afternoon All-Stars
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live entertainment with Melodi Ryan
Super Bargain
3 pm, Paint nite
The Aviary
11:30 am and 1 pm, Jazz brunch with a live band
MONDAY JULY 1
Distillery Sounds of Toronto
11 am to 3 pm, Matinee Trio Groove
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
TUESDAY JULY 2
Distillery Sounds of Toronto
2 to 6 pm, Matinee Trio Groove
The Aviary
7 pm, Bird Brain Trivia
The Golden Pigeon
4 pm, $2 oysters
7 pm, Live music on the patio
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
WEDNESDAY JULY 3
Distillery Sounds of Toronto
2 to 6 pm, Matinee Trio Groove
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 with District Pizza
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, euchre night
Super Bargain
7:30 pm, Music bingo
THURSDAY JULY 4
Distillery Sounds of Toronto
2 to 6 pm, Matinee Trio Groove
Old Flame Brewery
8 pm, open mic with City Love
FRIDAY JULY 5
Distillery Sounds of Toronto
2 to 6 pm, Lady Yetunde
Alice’s Place
Karaoke night.
Bisou
4 to 8 pm, tapas night
Mill Street
8 pm, Friday nights with Humble Mike
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, live entertainment with J J Thompson
Super Bargain
10 pm, DJ Shamz
The Aviary
Vinyl nights
SATURDAY JULY 6
Distillery Sounds of Toronto
2 to 6 pm, Lady Yetunde
Old Flame Brewery
2 to 6 pm, live entertainment with Jordan Arnott
Hog Town Flea Night Market
Wing House
5 to 7:30 pm, Michael Caplan’s Porch Songs
SUNDAY JULY 7
Distillery Sounds of Toronto
2 to 6 pm, Lady Yetunde
The Aviary
11:30 am and 1 pm, Jazz brunch with a live band
Old Flame Brewery
2 to 6 pm, live entertainment with Benji Crane
Super Bargain
3 pm, Paint nite
The Aviary
11:30 am and 1 pm, Jazz brunch with a live band
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
