August 1

 CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD 

REVIEW

LOCAL NEWS

A big Olympic weekend for Jazz and Sydney

Sydney Payne’s first heat in the Women’s Eight boat resulted in a third place finish and a spot in the Repechage.  In Thursday’s Repechage, they placed second and they’re now in the finals on Saturday (at 4:50 am, Toronto time).  The team is comprised of four returning veterans from the gold medal winning boat in Tokyo, including Sydney, and four new rowing members. (Photo: Rowing Canada)

Jazz Shukla starts her Olympic 800 metre races on Friday at 1:30 pm (Toronto time).  If needed, she’ll run in the Repechage on Saturday at 5:10 am and then in the semi-finals on Sunday at 2:35 pm.  The final happens on Monday at 3:45 pm. (Photo: The Canadian Press/Christinne Muschi)

Your ideas are welcome about the Esso gardens

Volunteers at the garden (Parliament and Amelia) are now doing the tough work digging and clearing away the weeds and undergrowth. It’s possible to see through the garden area and to see the old garden fixtures that were once installed but were later hidden by the wild growth. If you have an opinion or a suggestion about the shape and possible uses for the Esso gardens,  send an email to Chris. It’s time now to start thinking.  People passing the site are regularly asking what the plans are for the future. 

Cabbagetown Art & Crafts Show

Volunteers are needed to help with the big art show in Riverdale Park West (Sumach and Winchester) on Friday September 6 to Sunday September 8.  It’s an amazing event with thousands of visitors enjoying the art and crafts on display.  If you want to be a part of the show, email Gerald FitzGerald with your contact info. There’s lots more info on its website.  (Photo: Cabbagetown Art & Crafts Show)

Congrats Beth

Beth Kaplan’s annual workshop in her garden attracted a full house -  writers who wanted to explore their talents and compare notes with others.  She’s had lots of positive comments about the day’s program - one person’s remarks were typical, "I so enjoyed hearing your voices and stories, and, as always, appreciated Beth’s hospitality, lovely food, and wise and gentle coaching. A day to remember and treasure.” (Photo: Beth Kaplan)

Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market

Families came to the park on Tuesday afternoon to soak up the sun while their kids played in the wading pool.  

Nearby at the Market, fresh fruit and veggies were everywhere.  It’s the peak season for the best local produce.  Check out the Market’s Facebook page to see the weekly updates and news. Riverdale Park West (Sumach and Winchester) (Photo:  Cabbagetown Farmers Market)

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.

Cabbagetown wild life

This turkey vulture was seen sitting in a tree in the Necropolis on July 19. It was lingering in the cemetery, flying from one low perch to another. It’s good spotting and a great picture - thanks Andrew. (Photo: Andrew Wilson)

YOUR ANNOUNCEMENTS

Judy Steed's Mindfulness/Meditation sessions - ongoing for 15+ years - are welcoming new participants on Zoom. Mondays at 7 pm or Thursdays at 10 am, lasting one hour, $5 per session. Incorporating Buddhist mind training practices and neuroscience.  Also, Judy offers Zoom exercise classes with Pilates mat work on Sundays at 10 am, with deep relaxation at the end. One hour, $5 per session. For more info and to enrol, email Judy. 

COMING EVENTS 

Rastafest

Rastafest Community Launch happens on Friday from 1 to 3 pm.  It’s an early preview of the new Rastafest coming to Regent Park in September.  It’s a celebration of Rastafarian history, heritage and culture.  There’ll be refreshments, entertainment, a DJ and more - featuring Jay Douglas and Nana McLean.  For more info, click here. Free. Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E).

Muddy Mornings

Friends of Allan Gardens are launching a family drop-in event every Monday morning in August.  Learning stations will highlight agriculture and nature.  10:30 am to 12:30 pm in the Children’s Conservatory & Edible Garden (19 Horticultural Ave).  Children ages 3 to 8 - other ages also welcome.  PWYC - suggested donation $5 per child. 

Picks & Bricks Country Festival

The Distillery presents live music every day, doggie dress-up contests (every Tuesday from 7 to 9 pm), specialty foods (in the Pure Spirits Saloon and the Trinity Food Truck), roping cattle contests (Thursdays from 7 to 9 pm), mechanical bull riding (Thursdays from noon to 8 pm) and line dancing (Fridays from 7 to 9 pm).  And don’t miss Whisky Wednesdays and the best pie contest. Events will continue to Monday September 2.

Danny Marks is the headliner on Saturday August 3 from 5 to 8 pm.   The Stardust Duo are on stage from 1 to 4 pm on August 3 followed by the Swingin’ Blackjacks on Sunday August 4 from 5 to 8 pm. The Jamie Oliver Trio take over in the afternoons from 3 to 7 pm from August 5 to 9.  

It’s all free.  It's a big, busy program. For more info, click here. 

Taste of Regent Park

On Wednesday, Friends of Regent Park served halal beef and vegetarian patties along with non-alcoholic cocktails from Zero Cocktail Bar (223 Carlton).  Next week, they're cooking corn in the bake oven.  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.

Toronto Outdoor Picture Show

At Corktown Common (155 Bayview at Mill Street).  Eats and treats happen at 7 pm and the movie is screened at sundown, about 9 pm.  On Thursday August 1, it’s Fire of Love with the short film A Life on Mars.  Click here for online info.  

IN THE MEDIA

Violence in Cabbagetown

A police officer shot Tylor Coore who was armed with a knife in the early evening on Tuesday July 23 on Carlton Street west of Parliament. He was taken to hospital with a serious injury and has since started his recovery.  His family is angered about the shooting, saying that the man was obviously disturbed and suffering from mental health issues. The SIU has taken over the investigation since it involves an incident where an officer injured another person.  The CBC has a report on the event and the family’s reactions. (Photo:  Tylor Coore, right and his brother Jama Maxie, CBC News)

The women’s eight boat at the Olympics

Sportsnet did a report on the team’s performances in the opening heat and the Repechage. (Photo: Ebrahim Noroozi/AP)

Howard Street repairs

77 Howard Street experienced a power blackout during the heavy rain last week.  Electrical contractors have been there ever since to restore service to the affected units but some people are still without power. Kristyn Wong-Tam, the member of the Ontario legislature for this area, has listed demands for compensation to these tenants.  To date, building managers have refused.  The CBC’s story is online here.

THEATRE NEWS

Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane, Distillery) is launching The Big Easy, an original concert about the music of New Orleans.  August 1 to 18.  For details and contact info, click here. 

SHOPPING NEWS

St Jamestown Steak & Chops

Mark and his staff are taking a holiday from August 5 to August 11 - back in business on Monday August 12. 516 Parliament

Kendall & Co

Looking for a rug for your home but not sure where to start? Kendall & Co (514 Parliament) has you covered. Click  on the image to learn more.

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.

RESTAURANT NEWS 

Congrats Gushi

Gushi (296 Gerrard) has offered its Japanese street food for 12 years at the corner of Gerrard and Parliament.  To celebrate this anniversary, they’re offering their best selling dish, OG, for $5 on Saturday August 3 from noon.  Congrats and thanks for many delicious meals. 

Yummy

More stories in our series about tiny but interesting restaurants.  Whenever they’re listed here, it’ll be because they’re very high on the enjoyable scale and they deserve your attention.

The Hangout Street (Parliament just north of Queen) is home for half a dozen tiny pop-ups, each one operating from a shipping container.

Deema’s Mansaf Ji offers a menu full of Levantine dishes, all made while you wait.  The portions are very generous and the prices are reasonable. Her neighbours include Mexican, Portuguese and Indian food stands along with a poutine, a shawarma and a breakfast place. You can sit under a tarp at a metal barrel to munch down your goodies.  It’s all very comfy and very clean.

WEEKLY CALENDAR - CLUBS & PUBS

THURSDAY AUGUST 1 TO SUNDAY AUGUST 11

For contact info about these clubs and restaurants, see the list at the bottom of this page. 

THURSDAY AUGUST 1

Distillery Picks & Bricks

Noon to 8 pm, Mechanical bull riding

7 pm, Roping cattle contest

Old Flame Brewery

7 pm, open mic with City Love and Tito’s bbq

FRIDAY AUGUST 2

Distillery Picks & Bricks

7 pm, Line dancing lessons

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, River Town Saints and Cruz Vallis

Super Bargain

10 pm, DJ Shamz

The Aviary

Caribana themed vinyl nights

SATURDAY AUGUST 3

Distillery Picks & Bricks

1 pm, Live music with The Stardust Duo

5 pm,  Live music with Danny Marks

Decoy

3 pm, DJ Uptempo spins R & B, Hi Hop. Afro-Caribbean.

Old Flame Brewery

3 pm, live entertainment by Eunice with Tito’s BBQ

Wing House

5 to 7:30 pm, Michael Caplan’s Porch Songs

SUNDAY AUGUST 4

Distillery Picks & Bricks

5 pm, Live music with Swingin’ Blackjacks

Old Flame Brewery

2 pm, live entertainment with Mark Villager

The Aviary

11:30 am and 1 pm, Jazz brunch with a live band

MONDAY AUGUST 5

Distillery Picks & Bricks

3 pm, Live music with The Jamie Oliver Trio

Stout Irish Pub

7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia 

TUESDAY AUGUST 6

Distillery Picks & Bricks

3 pm, Live music with The Jamie Oliver Trio

7 pm, Doggie dress-up

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 AUGUST 7

Distillery Picks & Bricks

3 pm, Live music with The Jamie Oliver Trio

7 pm, Whisky tastings

The Aviary

7 pm, Karaoke

F’Amelia

Wine Wednesday bottles over $100 at half price

The Golden Pigeon

8 pm, Summer Trivia hosted by Rachelle Lauzon

Old Flame Brewery

6:30 pm, Trivia night with District Pizza

Stout Irish Pub

7 pm, euchre night

Super Bargain

7:30 pm, Music bingo

THURSDAY AUGUST 8

Distillery Picks & Bricks

3 pm, Live music with The Jamie Oliver Trio

Noon to 8 pm, Mechanical bull riding

7 pm, Roping cattle contest

Old Flame Brewery

7 pm, open mic with City Love and Tito’s BBQ

FRIDAY AUGUST 9

Distillery Picks & Bricks

3 pm, Live music with The Jamie Oliver Trio

7 pm, Line dancing lessons

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, entertainment

Super Bargain

10 pm, DJ Shamz

SATURDAY AUGUST 10

Wing House

5 to 7:30 pm, Michael Caplan’s Porch Songs

Old Flame Brewery

7 pm, Murray Drive

SUNDAY AUGUST 11

The Aviary

11:30 am and 1 pm, Jazz brunch with a live band

Old Flame Brewery

2 to 6 pm, Dan Young

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