October 31

A PERSONAL OPINION

My 200 bucks

Doug Ford promises to send me - and all of you - a cheque for $200.  He pledges that this is not a pre-election bribe.  That’s good - because I’m going to send my money to Bonnie Crombie and the Ontario Liberals.

HALLOWE’EN

Lookin' good

Lots of great decorations

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.

Mystic Michael at the HoP

Michael is returning to read your tarot cards and look deeply into your soul.  From 7 pm on Thursday.  House on Parliament (454 Parliament).

Mikaku Udon Bar

Wear a costume and get a free dessert at Mikaku Odin Bar (229 Carlton).  Hallowe’en is the last day for this offer.

Playground Cafe

Wear your costume.  Enjoy 50% off on coffee and croffles.  Playground Cafe (492 Parliament, side door)

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).  

LOCAL NEWS

Lookin' good

More Hallowe'en decorations.

So long, Big Al

Allan Leach died on October 18 at his home in Rye, New York.  From 1995 to 1999, he was a major player in Toronto politics. He was elected to the Ontario Legislature from our riding. Prior to his political career, he had been the TTC’s general manager, the managing director of GO Transit and for twenty three years, a manager at the Ontario Department of Highways.

His political career was full of controversy.  He made several big promises while campaigning in 1995.  He opposed amalgamation between the City and its suburbs. He opposed market value taxation.  He supported citizen referendums. He betrayed each of these promises.  As Minister of Municipal Affairs in the Harris government, he pushed ahead despite withering criticism and despite a dominant rejection in a city-wide referendum,  His decisions had a dramatic and permanent impact on the City. For many of us, this impact has been deeply harmful. 

In 1999, he faced a formidable opponent in George Smitherman and he withdrew from politics.

Thanks from Kathy

When the news about Kathy’s fight against cancer became known, a fundraiser was organized through Cranberries (601 Parliament) where she worked.  She asks that we share her gratitude for everyone’s kindness and generosity.  The fundraiser has helped her considerably. (Photo:  Kathy and her daughter, Tess)

Amelia Gardens

Volunteers have been pitching in with some heavy work in the past few weeks.  By now, the weeds have been cut away. The soil has been renewed and plants have been placed around the front and sides.  

Stonework shows where the paths will trace across the garden areas.  Chris Hallett and Margaret Coshan  have used their experience gained from the gardens across Parliament along Progress to great advantage.

Hallowe’en isn’t being overlooked here.  Kids from the Boys & Girls Club at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre are carving pumpkins.  Scary stuff is coming for the gardens.  

Remembrance Day - Monday November 11

The Cabbagetown BIA is holding its third annual Remembrance Day service at 10:15 am at Carlton and Parliament.  After the ceremony with community leaders and a trumpet performance, Gilles Huot will lead a tour of the Necropolis to the military graves of soldiers buried there. 

The Church of St Peter & St Simon the Apostle (525 Bloor E)  is having its Remembrance Day service at 10:30 am with a full choir and a reading of the names of those from its congregation who fell in the wars. For more info, check out the Church’s website.

St James Cemetery is launching its first Remembrance Day ceremony at 10:30 am at the cemetery Chapel (635 Parliament).  Reverend Stephen Fields will officiate and visitors can go to nearby military gravesites where wreaths will be laid.  Officials from Toronto Police Service, the Fire Department, Queen’s Own Rifles and the St George Society have been invited.

Cemetery tours

Two weeks ago, Lawrence and Marie-Louise joined the Toronto Cemetery Tours’  two-part walk through the Necropolis.  Lawrence says that there were large groups in each tour.  It was booked as an eye-opening event and he agreed.  They were given “fascinating stories about Victorian medical practices and the sad way so many died from what are now preventable diseases”. He also liked the discussions of the importance of vaccines, antivirals and proper sanitation.  (Photo:  Lawrence Bernstein)

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.  His book is available at Spacings Store, $40. 

IN THE MEDIA

“It’s a mess”

McCleary District is one of the new neighbourhoods planned for the Port Lands. It lies east of Villiers Island between Lakeshore Blvd East and Commissioner Street. CreateTo writes that “McCleary district is envisioned as a dense, transit-oriented, complete mixed-use community and hub of activity.” The planners from the City of Toronto brought their plans to Waterfront Toronto’s Design Review Panel and they ran into a storm of criticism. Alex Bozikovic from the Globe & Mail reported on the comments and his own reactions. (Image: CreateTO/DTAH)

COMING EVENTS 

Lookin' good

Still more decorations

Marilyn’s nail clinic

Marilyn from Diggity Dog Grooming is back for her monthly nail trimming clinic at Pet Valu (240 Carlton).  9 am to 4 pm, Saturday November 2.  $15.  Please call her for an appointment - (416) 920-6814.

Allan Gardens Saturday Farmers’ Market

The Market has started. On Saturday November 2, vendors will include Murray’s Farm, Oakridge’s Finest Fruit & Vegetables, Loco Fields and more.  It’ll be open on Saturdays until April from 10 am to 2 pm at 19 Horticultural Ave.

SHOPPING NEWS

Kendall & Co

Kendall (514 Parliament) has been closed this week to prepare for the Christmas season and to work on the renovations underway in the shop.  As we can see, the changes are already attractive. The store will reopen on Friday.

RESTAURANT NEWS 

A revised list

For your convenience, the Contact at the bottom of this page has been revised.  Over 85 restaurants, food shops and pubs are listed. (Photo: F’Amelia)

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.

El Catrin’s Dia de Muertos

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Dia de Muertos is a true celebration of life. It's a joyous time to honour those we have lost and gather in a grand celebration of food, drink, family and friends.  El Catrin (18 Tank House Lane, Distillery) is having a three-day celebration from Friday November 1 to Sunday November 3.  Feature dishes, unique cocktails and live music.  

Agave Club tasting dinner

El Catrin’s (18 Tank House Lane, Distillery) Agave Club is hosting a Tequila/Mezcal tasting dinner on Wednesday November 6 with an exciting, tapas-style menu and  Canada’s largest collection of mezcal and tequila. Book your space online.

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).

WEEKLY CALENDAR - CLUBS & PUBS

THURSDAY OCTOBER 31 TO SUNDAY NOVEMBER 10

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

THURSDAY OCTOBER 31 

Decoy

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

House on Parliament

7 pm, Mystic Michael reads your tarot cards

Playground

Wear your costume and get candies.  Buy 1 and get 50% off drinks and croffles.

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

El Catrin

7 pm, live mariachi music

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

MONDAY NOVEMBER 4

Stout Irish Pub

7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia 

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 5

Stout Irish Pub

7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

The Aviary

8 pm, Bird Brain Trivia

The Golden Pigeon

4 pm, $2 oysters

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 6

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

The Aviary

8 pm, karaoke and wing Wednesday

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 7

The Golden Pigeon

7 pm, Designer & indie RPG night

Old Flame Brewery

7 pm, City Love open mic

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 8

Alice’s Place

Karaoke night.

Old Flame Brewery

7 pm, Cale Crowe plays

Super Bargain

10 pm, DJ Shamz

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 9

Decoy

9pm, Second Hand live garage rock

Old Flame Brewery

2 to 6 pm, Sarah Faz plays

Wing House

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

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 10

Old Flame Brewery

2 pm, Genevieve Cyr 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

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