October 24

HALLOWE’EN

October Fun Fest in Regent Park

Pumpkin carving, music, apple crisp, cookie decorating, treat bags, dancing and more.  Saturday October 26, 1 to 3 pm, at the Bake Oven, The Big Park (620 Dundas).  

Monster Bash at The Decoy

The Decoy Bar (370 Queen E) is hosting a scary Monster Bash throughout the day on Hallowe’en.  Dominion City Brewing is taking over the taps.  Mango Lassi the Drag Queen will handle the face painting.  The music starts at 7 pm with Naustra’s electronic mutations and a DJ.  

Canary District trick or treats

Bring your kids along Front Street to visit businesses for treats. Kids in costumes will receive small candies, stickers, cute erasers, pencils and art supplies.  Watch for businesses with a sign or a treat table.  Hallowe’en, Thursday October 31, 6 to 7:30 pm, Front Street promenade east from Corktown Common (155 Bayview).

Howloween in the park

Corktown Commons’ annual dog costume parade.  Thursday evening, October 31, Corktown Common (155 Bayview).  

Cabbagetown’s pumpkin walk

Sponsored by the Cabbagetown Resident’s Association.  Bring your Hallowe’en Pumpkin and join your neighbours in an impressive pumpkin display.  Wear your costumes.  Bring a food donation for Dixon Hall.  Friday November 1, 6 to 8 pm, Riverdale Park West (Sumach and Winchester). 

Corktown’s pumpkin parade

Bring your carved pumpkins to the entrance of Sackville Playground and give them one last chance to cast their warm glow. Costumes and masks are encouraged.  Bring a food donation for the Good Shepherd Ministry.  Friday November 1, 6:30 to 8:30 pm, Sackville Playground (420 King E).  

Double Take

Get ready for Hallowe’en at Double Take (310 Gerrard E).  The vintage and retro clothing collection has been restocked.  You can see photos of some of the items on Instagram.

LOCAL NEWS

A belated congrats

Dr Linda Rabeneck became a Member in the Order of Canada during last June’s ceremony. In describing her award, the Governor General’s announcement says, “Gastroenterologist and University of Toronto professor Linda Rabeneck is a leader in colorectal cancer screening and prevention. As Ontario Health’s vice-president of prevention and cancer control, she led the roll-out of ColonCancerCheck, the first province-wide colorectal cancer screening program in the country. Its success influenced the development of similar programs across Canada and around the world.”

509 Parliament

Deborah Lundmark and Michael deConinck Smith at the Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre (509 Parliament) have issued an amusing account of the latest events in the sale of the dance theatre building.  It seems that the heritage designation issued by the City of Toronto jumbled up the sale and its August 31 closing date.  The theatre company was caught between the developer and the heritage board.  They needed a place to go and they needed to vacate the building.  In the end, a new closing date was negotiated and the dance company will stay at 509 Parliament for another two years.

Allan Gardens tents

On Friday, City staff removed the remaining tents from Allan Gardens.  The east end of the park is again free from these settlements.  Eleven people were living in the park - nine took alternate housing, mainly in shelters, and two refused.  Three large tepees and a cluster of tents around them are still there as part of an Indigenous presence.  Councillor Chris Moise has written an updated report about this work.  There are also two notable media reports. Both are listed below. (Photo: CBCNews)

Allan Gardens Saturday Farmers’ Market

The Market will launch on Saturday at 10 am to 2 pm at 19 Horticultural Ave. There’ll be fresh veggies, fruits, meats, artisan bread, farm-fresh eggs, honey and treats.  To celebrate the launch, there’ll be free pumpkin carving.  The market will run every Saturday until April.

Amelia’s Garden

The crew who are transforming the overgrown gardens at Amelia and Parliament have just set up a Facebook page.  The plan is to keep the neighbours up-to-date on their progress.  Wonderful photos show how much work has already been done.

Mitch Cohen’s new book

Mitch Cohen spearheaded The Daniels Corporation’s work in the revitalization of Regent Park.  Under his leadership, the area was transformed into the modern community that we now see.  He’s written about his experiences in his new book, Rhythms of Change.  A Community Book Launch will happen on Tuesday November 12 from 3 to 5 pm in the World Urban Pavilion (660 Dundas E, 3rd floor).  It’s a free event and you’re asked to register online before October 30.  

Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market

Tuesday was the Market’s last day for 2024.  It’s been a great season. It went out in spectacular fashion - wonderful autumn weather, lots of fresh produce and a good crowd.  Congrats to Ellie who managed the Market and to all the people who supported the Market this year.  Thanks as well to the farmers and vendors who contributed so much to its success.

Lookin’ good

Ellie showed up at Tuesday’s Market in her Hallowe’en regalia.  Lookin’ good!

IN THE MEDIA

Dismantling the tents

Two recent articles describe how tents were removed from Allan Gardens last Friday and how these removals really impact the lives of the tent dwellers.  The CBC story notes that eleven people lived there and nine of them have moved to shelters.  Two have left for unknown locations.  The Local did a story about the experiences of tent dwellers and the effectiveness of the City’s policies toward them.  (Photo:  CBC News)

St Joseph’s Centre

Two facilities that deal with unwanted pregnancies exist side-by-side on Gerrard Street east of Parliament.  The Cabbagetown Women’s Clinic (302 Gerrard E) offers surgical abortions, medical abortions and contraception.  Next door, the St Joseph Centre of Hope for Women is a pro-life pregnancy centre.  The Catholic Register has written about St Joseph’s Centre and its services for women who want to avoid an abortion. (Photo:  Frank D’Angelo)

307 Sherbourne

This project at the corner of Sherbourne and Gerrard has gone through several owners with different proposals for the site.  The latest, from Forum Asset Management, is a proposal for student housing in 192 units with 236 beds and extensive common areas.  The developer has issued a release about its plans.

Taylor Swift is coming to Toronto

Ms Swift will perform in two sets of concerts - from November 14 to 16 and then from November 21 to 23.  During that time, the City will set up a “limited activity zone” stretching from Spadina to Jarvis and from the lake north to King Street.  The zone will help to handle the huge crowds expected for each of her concerts.  The zone will manage more than traffic.  Mahdis Habibinia from the Toronto Star’s City Hall Bureau explains what’s involved.  (Photo:  Dimitrios Kambouris Getty Images)

Riverdale Farm’s Boo Barn

The Boo Barn was held last weekend at Riverdale Farm (Winchester east of Sumach).  By all accounts, it was a great success.  The Toronto Star did a short feature about the event.  (Photo: Michelle Mengsu Chang/Toronto Star)

COMING EVENTS 

Corktown Chamber Orchestra

It’s the first concert of the season for the Orchestra.  Friday October 25, 8 pm, Little Trinity Church (425 King E).  $25 or PWYC.

Craft Social Market

The Craft Social group at The Corner is holding a Market Festival to showcase their crafts. They combine recycled, upcycled and environmentally friendly items.  It’ll be a fun filled afternoon with salsa dancing, an artist doing an interactive painting project, craft demonstrations and more. 1 to 4 pm, Saturday October 26, 240 Wellesley St E, unit 108 (behind Food Basics).   

Mad about Margaret’s

It’s a variety show and a fundraiser in support of Margaret’s.  For over forty years, Margaret’s has provided mental health programs and housing for women.  Mad about Margaret’s is a variety show hosted by Maggie Cassella with her special guests Ali Hassan, Bee Bertrand, Jennifer Hsiung, Michael Shand and more.  The silent auction will feature incredible items and expeiences.  It’ll happen on Tuesday October 29 from 5:45 to 9 pm in the Bram & Bluma Appel Salon at the Toronto Reference Library. Your single ticket is $250 and a bundle of ten is $2000.  More info and tickets are online.

Three artists at Daniel et Daniel

Michelle Letarte, Carole Milon and Beverley Daniels are showing their paintings at the gallery at Daniel et Daniel (248 Carlton) to Monday November 11.  The gallery is open for viewing on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5 pm during that time.  It’s the first time that the gallery has hosted a group show.  (Image: Beverley Daniels, Bright Brown) 

THEATRE NEWS

Details, tickets and links for these productions are available here.

Soulpepper’s Spooky Season Movie Night

On Fridays throughout October, Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane) has screened movies to get us ready for Halloween.  They’re free but registration is required.  On October 25, the last film in the series will be Midsommar.

Cafe Zuzu and Aki Studio

Show your same-day theatre ticket for any event at the Aki StudioTheatre (585 Dundas E) and get a 15% discount on your food and non-alcoholic beverages at Cafe Zuzu (555 Dundas E).

SHOPPING NEWS

Kendall & Co

New at Kendall & Co (514 Parliament), velvet throw pillows in twenty different vibrant designs. Click on the photo to view more or to shop!

RESTAURANT NEWS 

A revised list

For your convenience, the Contact section at the bottom of this page has been revised.  Over 85 restaurants, food shops and pubs are listed.  It’s divided into segments for Cabbagetown, the Canary District, Corktown, the Distillery and Regent Park. And check out the Weekly Calendar - it’s an extensive list of the daily events in our area. (Photo: House on Parliament)

Karaoke at Super Bargain

Wednesday October 30, 9 pm to 1 am.  

2nd Anniversary at Cafe Zuzu

There’ll be an all-day party at Cafe Zuzu (555 Dundas E).  From 8 am to noon, buy one breakfast sandwich and get one free.  $2 coffee and tea all day.  The first 200 through the door get to enter a special raffle.

Fusilli’s wine tasting and master class event

On November 3 at 5 pm, Fusilli (531 Queen E) presents a four-course Tuscan wine tasting meal.  It starts with a green salad paired with Vermentino.  The second course is farfalle with porcini mushrooms and Chianti Classico & Reserve.  The third course is a flank steak and Super Tuscan wine. Dessert is Fusilli’s tiramisu. The event is sold out and Fusilli is creating a waitlist in case of cancellations. Please call to reserve your place - (416) 214-5148.  $84.

Good Gang Ice Cream

Good Gang (540 Parliament) is ending its summer season this weekend.  It’s open from 4 to 8 pm from Thursday to Sunday.  The store will close from October 27 to December 20.

Before the Coffee Gets Cold

It’s a new art installation at Playground Cafe (492 Parliament).  It intricately weaves themes of time, memory and human connection.

Oktoberfest at The Distillery

On this weekend, Oktoberfest will wrap up at the Pure Spirits patio in The Distillery. There’ll be a special beer release and schnitzels from Mill Street, brats and pretzels from Pure Spirits and live entertainment every Friday and Saturday.

WEEKLY CALENDAR - CLUBS & PUBS

THURSDAY OCTOBER 24 TO SUNDAY NOVEMBER 3

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

THURSDAY OCTOBER 24

Old Flame Brewery

7 pm, City Love open mic

FRIDAY OCTOBER 25

Mill Street Brewpub

5 to 10 pm, Oktoberfest in the Pure Spirits patio

Soulpepper

6:30 for 7 pm - Movie night, Midsommar

Alice’s Place

Karaoke night.

Decoy

10 pm, Sounds by Oakeve

Old Flame Brewery

6 pm, Jay Blues Band

Super Bargain

10 pm, DJ Shamz

SATURDAY OCTOBER 26

Mill Street Brewpub

Noon to 9 pm, Oktoberfest in the Pure Spirits patio

Old Flame Brewery

2 to 6 pm, J J Thompson plays

Wing House

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

SUNDAY OCTOBER 27

Mill Street Brewpub

Noon to 9 pm, Oktoberfest in the Pure Spirits patio

Old Flame Brewery

2 pm, Benji Crane plays

Super Bargain

3 pm, Paint Nite with Tayaba, $45.

The Aviary

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

Wing House

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

MONDAY OCTOBER 28

Cafe Zuzu

All day second anniversary party

Stout Irish Pub

7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia 

TUESDAY OCTOBER 29

Old Flame Brewery

6 pm, Toronto Dog Moms paint night

Stout Irish Pub

7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

The Aviary

8 pm, Bird Brain Trivia

The Golden Pigeon

4 pm, $2 oysters

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 30

F’Amelia

Wine Wednesday bottles over $100 at half price

Golden Pigeon

8 pm, Trivia night with Rachelle Lauzon

Old Flame Brewery

6:30 pm, Trivia night

Stout Irish Pub

7 pm, euchre night

Super Bargain

9 pm, Karaoke

The Aviary

8 pm, karaoke and wing Wednesday

THURSDAY OCTOBER 31 

Decoy

4 pm to 2 am, Monster Bash with Naustra, a live DJ and face painting by Mango Lassi

Old Flame Brewery

7 pm, open mic with City Love

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 1

Alice’s Place

Karaoke night.

Old Flame Brewery

2 pm, live entertainment with Murray Drive

Super Bargain

10 pm, DJ Shamz

The Aviary

Vinyl nights

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 2

Old Flame

2 pm, pampered pig bbq and Hogtown flea market

Wing House

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

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 3

Fusilli

5 pm, Tuscan wine tasting & master class event

Old Flame Brewery

2 pm, Moke Indian pop-up

Super Bargain

3 pm, Paint nite with Tayaba, $45

The Aviary

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

CONTACT INFO

Alphabetical lists for restaurants in Cabbagetown, Canary District, Corktown, Distillery and Regent Park.

Cabbagetown

Alice’s Place - 554 Parliament, (647) 931-9088

Bisou - 350 Berkeley (at Gerrard), (437) 971-7150

Blondies - 419 Parliament, (437) 341-1555

Butter Chicken Factory - 560 Parliament, (416) 964-7583

Chew Chew’s Diner - 186 Carlton, (416) 323-0068

China Gourmet - 235 Carlton, (416) 515-0088

Church’s Texas Chicken - 537 Parliament, (416) 519-3846

Desi Bit3S - 568 Parliament, (416) 928-9731

East Coast Donair - 314 Parliament 

Epos Coffee - 290 Gerrard E

F’Amelia - 12 Amelia, (416) 323-0666

Fattoush - 253 Gerrard E,  (416) 922-5006

Good Gang Ice Cream - 540 Parliament

Gushi - 296 Gerrard E (at Parliament), (437) 241-1710

Hakka Bistro - 398 Parliament, (416) 944-3033

Hakka & Jerk - 296A Gerrard E, (647) 643-5405

House on Parliament - 454 Parliament, (416) 925-4074

Jet Fuel - 519 Parliament, (416) 968-9982

Johnny G’s - 478 Parliament, (647) 368-3877

Ju Sushi Bar - 383 Dundas E, (416) 594-0383

Kibo - 533 Parliament, (647) 352-3788

Kingyo Fisherman’s Market - 51B Winchester, (647) 748-2121

L’Avenue - 583 Parliament, (647) 368-8008

La Gloria Mexican Coffee - 453 Parliament, (647) 806-6383

Luis H - 556 Parliament, (416) 964-1000

Madras Curry - 178 Carlton, (416) 323-0000

Maya Bay - 252 Carlton, (416) 924-8989

Mikaku Udon Bar - 229 Carlton, (416) 323-0033

Momo Ghar - 568 Parliament, (416) 920-8224

My Pandan Cake - 246 Gerrard E, , (416) 276-6698

New Retro - 193 Carlton, (416) 519-8511

New Town - 413 Parliament, (437) 777-8260

Noushe - 200 Carlton, (416) 466-9595

Pastor Tacos - 245 Gerrard E, (647) 687-1175

Phosome - 482 Parliament, (416) 551-6395

Pisac Peruvian Bistro - 195 Carlton, (416) 515-0989

Playground Cafe - 492 Parliament, (437) 799-5248

Red Cranberries - 601 Parliament, (416) 925-6330

Saigon Pai - 446 Parliament, (416) 920-8424

Salt & Tobacco - 521 Parliament, (647) 348-2993 

Shalom Ethiopian - 587 Parliament, (416) 964-7271

Souvlaki Express - 484 Parliament, (416) 637-6777

Stout Irish Pub - 221 Carlton, (647) 344-7676

Super Bargain - 441 Parliament, (416) 266-6471

Tasso - 540 Parliament

Tasty Sip n Bite - 432 Parliament, (647) 344-8938

Tender Trap - 580 Parliament, (416) 920-5147

Thai Room - 243 Carlton, (647) 352-8424

The Golden Pigeon - 424 Parliament, (416) 392-1039

The Vibrational Apothecary - 243 Gerrard E

Urban Thai - 415 Parliament, (416) 513-1020

Wing House - 420 Parliament, (416) 968-0294

Wing Machine - 443 Parliament, (416) 961-1000

Zakkushi on Carlton - 193 Carlton, (647) 352-9455

Canary District

Aviary - 484 Front East, (647) 352-7837

barBurrito - 464 Front E,  (416) 601-1777

Cherry Street BBQ - 275 Cherry, (416) 461-5111

Fuel+ - 469 Front E, (416) 306-6480

Keating Channel - 2 Villiers, (416) 572-0030

Region - 475 Front E, (416) 864-0800

Souk Tabule - 494 Front E, (416) 583-5914

SukhoTHAI - 460 Front, (416) 777-2092

Corktown

Banknote Bar - 474 Adelaide E, (416) 367-7327

Berkeley Cafe - 262 The Esplanade, (416) 825-0504

Decoy Bar - 370 Queen E

Figs - 344 Queen E, (416) 913-7205

Fusilli - 531 Queen E, (416) 214-5148

Gusto 501 - 501 King E, (416) 477-5647

Impact Kitchen - 573 King E, (416) 306-1986

King Solomon & Queen of Sheba Ethiopian - 360 Queen E, (416) 368-9002

Ladybug Wine Bar - 514 King E, (437) 222-0142

Lisbon Hotel - 19 Lawren Harris Square

Mengrai Thai - 82 Ontario, (416) 840-2754

Signature Bar - 320 Queen E, (416) 996-6004

Reyna - 354 King E, (416) 546-3155

Sumach Espresso - 118 Sumach, (647) 351-3833

The Rosebud - 498 Queen E, (647) 531-1388

Wood 900 Grill+ Bar - 372 Queen E, (416) 363-1571

Distillery

Arena Coffee Bar - 15 Tank House Lane

Arvo - 17 Grist Mill Lane, (647) 352-2786

Balzac - 1 Trinity St,  (416) 207-1709

Boku Japanese - 42 Gristmill Lane, (416) 368-8686

Brick Street Bakery - 27 Trinity St, 

Cluny - 35 Tank House Lane, (416) 203-2632

District Pizza - 30 Gristmill Lane, (416) 815-9898

El Catrin - 18 Tank House Lane, (416) 203-2121

Jardin Kitchen & Juice Bar - 28 Gristmill Lane,  (416) 203-2363

Madrina - 2 Trinity St, (416) 548-8055

Mill Street Brew Pub - 21 Tank House Lane, (416) 681-0338

Old Flame Brewery- 45 Tank House Lane

Pure Spirits - 17 Tank House Lane, (416) 361-5859

Scooped by Demetres - 46 Gristmill Lane,(416) 988-2482

SpiritHouse Toronto - 16 Trinity St, (416) 948-9926

Young Centre Cafe - 50 Tank House Lane, (416) 866-8666

Regent Park

Cafe Zuzu - 555 Dundas E, (416) 815-2660

Liberty Pizza - 657 Dundas E