CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
FEATURED ARTIST
See Madeleine Lamont’s works online on her website and Instagram. She enjoys a widespread Canadian and international reputation. 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.
Botanicas, oil on canvas, 24” by 24”
“My botanicals are intentionally abstract and emotional, more psychological and expressive rather than realistic.”
A PERSONAL OPINION
LCBO strike
Here on Parliament Street, it’s hard to tell that a strike is happening. The LCBO store (512 Parliament) is closed and locked but there are no pickets and no marchers and no shouted slogans. And we can avoid both the LCBO and The Beer Store by getting our drinks from our local restaurants, breweries and distilleries. Over a dozen of them offer pick-up and delivery services. Apparently, smaller pubs and restaurants may have problems getting their supplies as the strike rolls on. Check out the list in the Restaurant section below.
LOCAL NEWS
Belated congrats Max
In January, Max Perren was appointed as the Head Coach for the men’s national field lacrosse team in Switzerland. He’ll travel four times a year to Zurich to assemble his team and work on their skills. He’s been coaching for over 25 years with the Upper Canada College U19 team and at Team Ontario where he won both national and international championships.
Progress report about the new gardens
The ball is rolling now for the improvements at the Esso gardens (Parliament and Amelia). City officials have visited the gardens. Councillor Moise office reports that one of the corporate owners, Circle K, has arranged for a contractor to do a clean-up. Volunteer gardeners are working and planting in the outer gardens. Some discussions are underway about using the space on the sidewalks regularly. If you want to join the group, simply show up on Tuesday evening at 6 pm.
Yummy
It’s time to salute our tiny but spectacular restaurants. Whenever they’re listed here, it’ll be because they’re very high on the enjoyable scale and they deserve your attention.
This week, it’s El Nahual Tacos (556 Parliament, side door). Helen works at a tiny takeout counter with an impressive menu and good prices - gourmet tacos, fajita burritos, fajita quesadillas, chilaquiles, enchiladas, small shareable, beer and Mexican drinks. I had the al pastor quesadilla - great lunch. Open at noon to 9 pm on Thursday to Sunday and from 5 to 9 pm, Monday to Wednesday. Check out the details online.
U Haul trucks
This company is using public parking areas for their vehicle storage. It’s a nuisance for shoppers and businesses when several trucks plug up the shopping areas on Parliament and Carlton. Matthew Mohan at the Cabbagetown BIA reports that U Haul (456 Parliament) has a parking lot behind the store and the owner is currently looking for more parking spaces in the neighbourhood. Christopher Butterfield from the Parking Enforcement Unit agrees that extra private space is the long term cure. In the meantime, enforcement is continuing and they’re regularly talking to U Haul’s owner. We are asked to contact Christopher whenever we see a problem. He says, “If you continue to see multiple trucks on Parliament Street, please let us know and we can step up enforcement as needed.”
Youth art contest
Toronto Community Housing is conducting an art contest for youth ages 12 to 18 and living in TCH housing. Artists are asked to say, “What does a thriving and supportive community look, sound, or feel like to you?” There’ll be three prizes of $50 Amazon gift cards. The submission deadline is August 16. Click here for details and an application form.
Don’t Mess with the Don
This group regularly conducts clean-ups to get rid of garbage that’s littering the river and its forest. Tim Horton’s cups are one of the most common items that they find. In the past when they’ve reached out to Tim’s, they’re ignored. So they’ve started a campaign to impress on Tim’s the need to talk about the problem and find answers. They’ve got an online link and they’re asking you to write a brief message. Click here to see other emails and to add your own.
Oops - the wrong link was used last week
Kelly Rogers has sent along two videos showing our Cabbagetown Olympic medal hopefuls. One of them showing Jazz Shukla’s race in Montreal didn’t work. So here’s another link. She earned her Olympic spot with this race - click here for the proper link.
Kelly’s other link shows the Canadian women rowing to victory and an Olympic berth. This one did work. Here it is again.
Community environment day
Our annual environment day happens from 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday July 13 at 600 Dundas E in Regent park. Compost will be available for your pick-up. The City of Toronto will collect special waste that our household collections don’t cover - electronics and hazardous waste like old paint cans. You can also drop off items for reuse and recycling - sporting goods, books, cameras, clothing, costume jewellery, small household items, musical instruments, medical aids and non-perishable food. For a full list and for instructions, check out the City’s website.
Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market
Donna at Pacific Provider is selling three kinds of fresh wild salmon. The Pacific Provider is a 43’ fishing boat licensed to catch wild salmon off BC’s north coast. When the fish are caught, they’re put onto freezer trains and brought to Toronto. She also has candied salmon and cold smoked salmon. 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. This week, an impressive list of over forty vendors were offering their stuff. For this week’s updates, click here.
Artists needed - last call
The Cabbagetown BIA has issued a call for more artists. They need people to clean up, repaint and decorate their five big flower containers. Currently, they’re a graffiti target and they’re painted bright red. Artists will be paid $850 for each planter plus another $100 to defray the cost of materials. Applications are open until Friday July 12. Click here for the details.
Performers needed
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.
YOUR ANNOUNCEMENTS
House for rent needed
Todd and his family need a home in Cabbagetown for several months between August 1 and February 29 while his home is being renovated. Please contact him directly by email.
COMING EVENTS
Taste of Regent Park
On Wednesday, Friends of Regent Park cooked up coconut buns and served non-alcoholic cocktails from Zero Cocktail Bar. Next week, they’re serving Mac ’n Cheese. It’s all part of the weekly market in the Big Park (Dundas & Sumach). Every Wednesday evening, 5 to 8 pm. Enjoy local vendors, healthy foods, entertainment and cultural food vendors. Watch out, as well, for the outdoor movies on three Wednesdays through the summer.
Under the Stars
These are the outdoor night-time movies presented along with Taste of Regent Park. Weather forced a delay for this week’s film, Queen of My Dreams - it’ll be shown on Wednesday July 31. Next Wednesday’s feature is Raya & the Last Dragon. The pre-show entertainment starts at 7:30 pm and the movie will start around 9 pm. Free - your donations are welcome. For more info, click here.
Toronto Outdoor Picture Show
At Corktown Common (155 Bayview at Mill Street). Movies will be screened from Thursday July 11 to Thursday August 1. Eats and treats happen at 7 pm and the movie is screened at sundown, about 9 pm. Each film is accompanied by a short film. On July 11, it’s Legally Blonde and the short film is Camera Test. Click here for online info.
Lavazza Inclucity Festival
Back for another season, The Distillery becomes an outdoor theatre until 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.
IN THE MEDIA
Parking ticket mix-ups
The Green P system created innocent victims who parked on Parliament between Carlton and Gerrard. The numbers on the machines were changed and the system didn’t know about the change. Tickets were issued. Calls to the City, the police and Green P didn’t help. When CityTV investigated, the problem was solved. (Photo: Daniel Berry/CityNews)
The Don River connects to Lake Ontario
The Toronto Star’s Mahdis Habibinia has written about the “plug” at the western end of the Polson Slip. It’s a concrete wall that separated the Don River from the lake. Its removal last week is a big step toward the final redirection of the river back into its natural course. Two other plugs are still in place and will be taken out in a few weeks. Read her story online here. (Photo: Ontario Construction News)
SHOPPING NEWS
Cultural bazaar
Every Friday from 3 to 8 pm until September 6, there’ll be a cultural shopping experience on Regent Park Boulevard. Local crafts, henna, jewellery, clothes and food.
Kendall & Co
Felt mice ornaments are back at Kendall & Co. Our mice are perfect for any occasion, be it hosting, gifting, or simply spreading joy. Check out their many characters and personalities - click here.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Cranberries
Cranberries (601 Parliament) is now featuring four lovely Italian wines on week nights - a red, two whites and a rose. $25. Monday to Thursday.
Bisou’s Champagne & Caviar night.
Saturday July 13, 5 to 10 pm. Menu items and ticket sales are available online. If you buy a ticket, your spot will be saved for a four-course tasting menu featuring champagne and caviar. $175. Or you can simply drop in, sip some champagne and enjoy whatever items you want from the evening’s menu. 350 Berkeley at Gerrard.
The Blake House
Monday Cabaret with Cassandra Warner. 9 pm, Monday July 15. A magical evening of opera, jazz and theatre favourites with professional opera singer Cassandra Warner. $22.64 - for tickets, click here. 449 Jarvis.
Drag bingo with Messy Margaret
Super Bargain (441 Parliament) presents another night of laughs, prizes and performances. Monday July 15 at 7 pm. Tickets at Eventbrite.
Saigon Pai
After a lengthy closure, Saigon Pai (446 Parliament) has reopened. It’s a favourite for people who love Vietnamese and Thai food. Open daily from 11 am to 10:30 pm. Find all the details online at the website and Instagram
Paint Nite
Every Sunday at 3 pm, Paint Nite arrives at Super Bargain (441 Parliament). Unleash your inner artist - $45.
Good Gang Ice Cream
The basement takeout spot for really good ice cream is back and busy. Open Thursday to Saturday from 4 to 9 pm. Sundays from 4 to 8 pm. Monday to Wednesday, closed. Check them out on Instagram.
Off premise sales
Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) is selling wine, some liquors and beer at reasonable prices: White wines -$25, red wines- $30, all Tall Boy cans - $5, 750 ml Dillons Gin- $50 and 750 ml Dillons Vodka- $50. House on Parliament has a list of its offerings on its menu: red wine, take off $15 from the menu price. Beer, take off $2. Liquors, enquire about their by-the-bottle pricing.
Super Bargain (441 Parliament) has beer, cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages. F’Amelia offers take-out services - enquire for details. Mill Street Brewpub (21 Tank House Lane), Old Flame Brewery (43 Tank House Lane) and Longslice at The Aviary (484 Front E) each have in-house retail sales. Cafe Zuzu (555 Dundas E), Terroni (22 Sackville) and Bisou (350 Berkeley) have extensive wine lists and beers that are regularly on sale and available for home. El Catrin (18 Tank House lane)has unique tequila and mezcal through its Agave Club bottle shop. In the Distillery, Izumi Sake (51 Gristmill Lane) and Spirit of York (12 Trinity) are distilling their spirits right on the premises.
Summerlicious
The big restaurant event ends this week on Sunday July 21. 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
Championship soccer
Pure Spirits (17 Tank House Lane) and Mill Street Brewpub (21 Tank House Lane) in the Distillery are showing championship 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 JULY 11 TO SUNDAY JULY 21
For contact info about these clubs and restaurants, see the list at the bottom of this page.
THURSDAY JULY 11
Distillery Sounds of Toronto
2 to 6 pm, Gene Hardy
Old Flame Brewery
8 pm, open mic with City Love
FRIDAY JULY 12
Distillery Sounds of Toronto
2 to 6 pm, Gene Hardy
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
Super Bargain
10 pm, DJ Shamz
SATURDAY JULY 13
Distillery Sounds of Toronto
2 to 6 pm, Clair et Le Jazz Hot
Bisou
5 to 10 pm, Champagne & Caviar
Old Flame Brewery
2 to 6 pm, live entertainment
Wing House
5 to 7:30 pm, Michael Caplan’s Porch Songs
SUNDAY JULY 14
Distillery Sounds of Toronto
2 to 6 pm, Clair et Le Jazz Hot
The Aviary
11:30 am and 1 pm, Jazz brunch with a live band
Old Flame Brewery
2 to 6 pm, live entertainment
Super Bargain
3 pm, Paint Nite, $45
MONDAY JULY 15
Distillery Sounds of Toronto
2 to 6 pm, Clair et Le Jazz Hot
The Blake House
9 pm, Monday Cabaret with Cassandra Warner
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
Super Bargain
7 pm, Drag Bingo with Messy Margaret
TUESDAY JULY 16
Distillery Sounds of Toronto
2 to 6 pm, Clair et Le Jazz Hot
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 17
Distillery Sounds of Toronto
2 to 6 pm, Afternoon All Stars
The Aviary
8 pm, Karaoke night
F’Amelia
Wine Wednesday bottles over $100 at half price
Golden Pigeon
8 pm, Summer Trivia with Rachelle Lauzon
Old Flame Brewery
6:30 pm, Trivia night with District Pizza
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, euchre night
THURSDAY JULY 18
Distillery Sounds of Toronto
2 to 6 pm, Afternoon All Stars
Decoy
9 pm, Holiday Special Boys, DJ and Live set.
Old Flame Brewery
8 pm, open mic with City Love and Tito’s bbq
FRIDAY JULY 19
Distillery Sounds of Toronto
2 to 6 pm, Afternoon All Stars
Alice’s Place
Karaoke night.
Bisou
4 to 8 pm, tapas night
Decoy
10 pm, DJ Double Denim
Mill Street
8 pm, Friday nights with Humble Mike
Old Flame Brewery
8 pm, Chicken & Waffles
Super Bargain
10 pm, DJ Shamz
The Aviary
Bring your own Vinyl nights
SATURDAY JULY 20
Distillery Sounds of Toronto
2 to 6 pm, Afternoon All Stars
Decoy
3 pm, Chewie’s 40th birthday bash with 60 Box, Forming and DJ Hayden
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live entertainment by Mark Villamore with Tito’s BBQ
8 pm, DJ KC Decker
Wing House
5 to 7:30 pm, Michael Caplan’s Porch Songs
SUNDAY JULY 21
Summerlicious ends tonight
Distillery Sounds of Toronto
2 to 6 pm, Afternoon All Stars
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live entertainment with Jordan Arnott
The Aviary
11:30 am and 1 pm, Jazz brunch with a live band
Super Bargain
3 pm, Paint Nite, $45
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
