CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
A PERSONAL VIEW
It was a great Festival weekend. Thanks and congrats to everyone who worked so hard to put it together. One part of it needs some fine tuning. We urge organizers to put Cabbagetown back at the centre of Parliament Street. Let’s have Cabbagetown performers, Cabbagetown vendors, Cabbagetown restaurants - all more prominently displayed. Let’s see some flags, some signage, and even a Cabbagetown parade. Right now, the Festival - successful as it is - could have been staged in Oakville or Scarborough or the Beach. It should be possible to add these qualities to the program without damaging the success that’s been achieved so far.
A FEW FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
Jazz at home
Jazz Shukla amazed everyone at Blair’s Run on Sunday morning. She ran the race and showed us why she’s an Olympic success.
She stayed around afterward, gave out prizes and talked to all the runners. Thanks Jazz.
Blair’s Run successes
Donations to BCG Toronto Kiwanis (101 Spruce) and to the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster) have reached a record $55,000. There’s more to come. 334 runners registered for a perfect race day.
Megan Takeda-Tully chaired the organizing committee. The Wellesley Street team were the fundraising winners. They raised over $12,000.
Art & Crafts in the Park
In the middle of the crowds strolling along the park pathways, there was a place for a rest stop. Duncan Hopkins and three outstanding musician played and several food vendors offered treats. It’s a good idea and a nifty way to take it easy and recharge before heading back out on the walkways.
Cabbagetown artist Ruth Wagner had an impressive exhibit at the show.
And you could buy everything from brooms to ukuleles as well as plenty of fine art.
Mayor Olivia Chow continued her Cabbagetown visit at the Art & Crafts show in Riverdale Park.
Go Freddy Go
The House on Parliament (454 Parliament) brought back a Festival favourite. Fans loved their routine and people lined up outside the patio to tune in. (Photo: Peter Evans)
Cutting the cabbage
Dignitaries are always fair game for the cabbage cutting ceremony that officially launches every Festival. This year, we had plenty of them. Instead of one cabbage, six were sliced up. Marci Ien our federal MP, Kristyn Wong-Tam our provincial MPP, City Councillor Chris Moise and former Mayor Barbara Hall - all of them gave inspirational talks and then they joined Mayor Olivia Chow and BIA chair Bill Renieris in the big chop.
Bling fundraiser
Maggie De Bruyne organized her jewellery fundraiser on Carlton Street on behalf of the Children’s Book Bank and the Cabbagetown Youth Centre. Last year’s event earned over $3000. This year, she collected $7500. Well done, Maggie.
LOCAL NEWS
Where’s the beer…
After an amazing effort, Premier Doug Ford has delivered beer into our corner stores. Not all of them want it. Here’s a list of those who are selling a cold brew and those who aren’t. On the “yes” side, there’s Circle K (581 Parliament and 425 Bloor E), Corner Convenience (491 Parliament), Patty’s (450 Parliament), Jenny’s Convenience (401 Parliament), Stanley’s Variety (237 Gerrard E), Sherbourne Variety (545 Sherbourne) and Howard Variety (27 Howard). On the “no” side - Jamestown Milk (592 Parliament), Parliament Smoke (609 Parliament), Fairway Variety (520 Parliament) and Variety (184 Carlton),
Raffle for Green Thumbs Growing Kids
The Cabbagetown Farmers Market is holding a raffle to support Green Thumbs Growing Kids. It’s a celebration of GTGK’s twenty fifth anniversary as a garden activity for school kids. Tickets are $5 or five for $20. The first prize is a $300 shopping voucher from the Market. There will be two second prizes of $200 and three $100 third prizes. The raffle is running until September 24 - tickets are available at the Market’s official tent (Riverdale Park West, Sumach at Winchester).
The Fair Share Market
Dixon Hall’s Fair Share Market is an affordable farmers’ market with seasonal local produce as well as imported staples. Pay the $5 minimum or the $20 market rate. The next one happens on Thursday September 26 from 3 pm. Outdoors at 190 Carlton and indoors at 188 Carlton.
Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market
It’s the peak season at the Market for the best local produce. There’s lots of squash and even some watermelons. All the vendors have an incredible selection of fresh fruit and produce. 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.
IN THE MEDIA
Councillor Moise versus the Moss Park Arena
Chris Moise and his staff have decided that the current Board of Management at the Moss Park Arena doesn’t reflect the community’s priorities and needs. He tried unsuccessfully to have the Board dissolved and the arena placed in the hands of officials at the Parks department. City Council rejected this motion. He says that the membership of the Board doesn’t reflect the makeup of the surrounding community. His staff have written that the park deserves a brand new facility. The Parks department will be drawing up a transition plan. The Bridge has written a lengthy article about this infighting and about Councillor Moise’s interests here.
COMING EVENTS
Harvest Festival
The annual Harvest Festival organized by Fred Victor is happening on Saturday September 14 from 11 am to 2 pm. There’ll be a community meal, a raffle, music and kids’ activities. It’s all happening in the communal garden in The Big Park (620 Dundas E)
Children’s Market
The Friends of Allan Gardens have organized a children’s market for Saturday September 14 from 11 am to 3 pm. The program will include Songs with Nash, book giveaways from the Children’s Book Bank and several other vendors with toys, games and ideas for kids. It’s free. Allan Gardens Children’s Conservatory and the Edible/Teaching Garden (19 Horticultural Ave).
Tour of the school gardens
Green Thumbs Growing Kids is hosting a tour of the school gardens where they work and they’re giving away a free tree - Rose Ave (675 Ontario), Winchester (Winchester and Rose), Sprucecourt (70 Spruce), The Big Park in Regent Park and the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E). There’ll be snacks and the free tree giveaway - please complete this form to reserve your tree. Start at the Sherbourne subway station at 1 pm on Sunday September 22.
Celebrating Enoch Turner Schoolhouse
The Schoolhouse is celebrating 175 years of free schooling in Toronto. There’ll be stories, snacks, Victorian games and a custom-brewed beer. Wednesday September 25 from 6:30 pm. Tickets are $30, available through Eventbrite.
THEATRE NEWS
Details, tickets and links for these productions are available here.
Alumnae Theatre
Alumnae (70 Berkeley) is staging Fierce by George F Walker until Saturday September 21. From September 25 to October 6, Low Pay, Don’t Pay is on stage at Alumnae.
Canadian Stage
1939 is coming to the Berkeley Street Theatre (26 Berkeley) from September 15 to October 6.
Citadel
Citadel (304 Parliament) opens its season with Don’t Worry About It from September 18 to 21.
Native Earth
All That Is Between - on stage now in the Aki Studio Theatre (585 Dundas E) now to September 14.
SHOPPING NEWS
Kendall & Co
Kendall (514 Parliament) is offering its Angel sofa in a Prince of Wales check for a special price at 25% off. Check out the details and design online.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Congrats China Gourmet
A recent review in the Toronto Star listed China Gourmet (235 Carlton) as one of four Chinese restaurants to visit for delicious food. The review highlights its chicken balls. Although the article lists the restaurant’s Don Mills location, it’s the same menu and owner as ours on Carlton.
Decoy
Corktown Cowboys and Teddy Hawkins Birthday. 10 pm on Friday September 15, 370 Queen E
Messy’s Drag Bingo
Messy is back at Super Bargain (441 Parliament) for another evening of bingo, prizes and songs. 7 pm on September 16.
Brewmaster’s Dinner
Mill Street (21 Tank House Lane in The Distillery) is hosting a special dinner at 7 pm on Tuesday September 17 and again on Thursday September 19. The four-course menu features organic dishes paired with Mill Street’s beers. Tickets are $39, available online here.
Oktoberfest at Mill Street
The Brewpub’s Oktoberfest fun is back again. From September 21 to October 27 at 21 Tank House Lane in The Distillery. There’ll be a special beer release with an Oktoberfest beer seen, feature menus and live entertainment.
WEEKLY CALENDAR - CLUBS & PUBS
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 12 TO SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 22
For contact info about these clubs and restaurants, see the list at the bottom of this page.
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 12
Decoy
10 pm, DJ Record Detective
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, City Love open mic and Tito’s bbq
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 13
Alice’s Place
Karaoke night.
Bisou
4 to 8 pm, tapas night
Decoy
10 pm, Corktown Cowboys and Teddy Hawkins Birthday
Mill Street
8 pm, Friday nights with Humble Mike
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, Mark Villamor with Mike India street food
Super Bargain
10 pm, DJ Shamz
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 14
Decoy
4 to 8 pm, Sunset Dubbin with Spiritual World Selectors and N1 SOUND & Craigslist
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, Eunice Tan with Toto’s BBQ
Wing House
5 to 7:30 pm, Michael Caplan’s Porch Songs
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 15
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, Benji Crane with Tastes of Telengana
Super Bargain
3 pm, Paint Nite, Vincent’s Sunflowers, with Tayaba, $45.
The Aviary
11:30 am and 1 pm, Jazz brunch with a live band
MONDAY SEPTEMBER 16
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
Super Bargain
7 pm, Messy’s Drag Bingo
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 17
The Aviary
8 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 SEPTEMBER 18
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
The Aviary
8 pm, karaoke and wing Wednesday
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 19
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, open mic with City Love and Tito’s BBQ
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 20
Alice’s Place
Karaoke night.
Bisou
4 to 8 pm, @pinto.to with DJ Michael Williams
Decoy
10 pm, DJ Double Denim
Mill Street
8 pm, Friday nights with Humble Mike
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, live entertainment with Courtney Bowles
Super Bargain
10 pm, DJ Shamz
The Aviary
8 pm, vinyl night - Bring Your Own
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 21
Bisou
1 to 9 pm, pizza party with crafts demo, wine pouring and DJs.
Mill Street Brewpub
September 21 to October 27, Oktoberfest
Wing House
5 to 7:30 pm, Michael Caplan’s Porch Songs
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, Flour Power pop-up
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 22
Mill Street Brewpub
September 21 to October 27, Oktoberfest
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, Benji Crane
Super Bargain
3 pm, Paint nite, Giraffe Gala with Tayaba, $45
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
Old Flame Brewery- 45 Tank House Lane, Distillery
Playground - 492 Parliament
Stout Irish Pub - 221 Carlton
Super Bargain - 441 Parliament
Wing House - 420 Parliament
