January 30

LOCAL NEWS

Election news - local candidates

Two major parties have selected a candidate to run in Toronto Centre.  The Liberals are about to name their candidate.  No news yet from the Greens.  

Not surprisingly, Kristyn Wong Tam has been chosen as the NDP candidate.  Her campaign office is located at 655 Dundas E and her phone is (647) 558-9785.  

Ruth Farkas is the Progressive Conservative candidate - her contact info will come soon. 

Black excellence award

Nominations are welcome up to Monday February 3 - people of all ages are eligible for recognition.  A committee has been established to select this year’s recipients.  The awards will be given out on February 19 at 101 Spruce by our Member of Parliament, the Hon Marci Ien.  It’s a great way to celebrate our community.  Thanks to the Boys & Girls Club Toronto Kiwanis (101 Spruce) who organized the award to recognize Black achievers in our neighbourhood.  Click on the box on the poster to find the nomination form.

Local job opportunities

Two local agencies have advertised job opportunities.  The Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market needs a market manager for the 2025 season and the Cabbagetown BIA is hiring an operations and event manager.  For more info, click on the links.

Mississaugas of the Credit cannabis store

This store at 464 Parliament is closed.  According to its neighbours, the police and bylaw officers showed up last week and forced it to shut.  The signage on the front window was also scratched and defaced. There are several of these stores in Toronto and they are, apparently, operating without an Ontario licence.

Another roofing scam

This guy showed up at Steven’s house.  He tried to block out the camera on the Ring doorbell.  He claimed that their roof had a hole in it.  He was sent away quickly.  Thanks to Victoria at Aberdeen Avenue Residents Group for the info.

Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market

Applications are now open for vendor spaces at the 2025 Farmers’ Market.  Click here to get the online form and to read the rules for the space.

Allan Gardens Farmers’ Market

The Friends of Allan Gardens are celebrating the Chinese Lunar New Year with a lantern workshop.  Learn how to make your own lantern and then take it home.  The workshop happens during the Farmers’ Market on Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm at the Children’s Conservatory (150 Gerrard E).

The Market happens from 10 am to 2 pm on Saturdays until April.  Vendors include Murray’s Farm,  Oakridge, Loco Fields, Ilknur’s Bee Yard, Fifth Town Cheese, Link Haus and St John’s Bakery.  The Friends will also be offering a plant sale. 

Heritage grants

Applications for the City’s annual heritage grants are open now to February 14. Funds will cover 50% of restoration costs to a maximum of $20,000. You can repair or replace eligible features to match the original design and materials. The photo shows a new slate roof and copper detailing on this Seaton Street home. Click here for more info.

Outdoor rinks

On Thursday January 30, three local rinks are open -  Regent Park (480 Shuter), Riverdale Park East (550 Broadview) and Moss Park Arena (140 Sherbourne). The rink at Sherbourne Common (5 Lower Sherbourne) is closed because of ice conditions.  Check out the City’s map to learn the rinks’ status before you go.

High times with our flag

Last week, Michael enjoyed a ski trip at Whistler.  He took along our flag and flew it on  a windy, cold and sunny day on top of a mountain at 7,497 feet.

YOUR ANNOUNCEMENTS

Office space for rent

The offices at 493 Parliament above the TD Bank have extra space to rent.  This office is open and bright.  The common areas are available including a kitchen, a meeting room and seating in the entrance area. There’s elevator access to the second floor.  It’s an ideal space for a lawyer or professional.  For more info and for a tour of the space, call Tony Lafazanis at (416) 979-1770.  $975 month plus HST.

IN THE MEDIA

Weyni Mengesha leaves Soulpepper

Stephi Wild has written a story in Broadway World about Ms Mengesha’s departure from Soulpepper.  It sums up the considerable contributions that she made to the theatre, “Since joining the company in 2018, Mengesha has been a guiding force that has nurtured countless Canadian artists and passionately championed underrepresented stories.” Click here to read it. (Photo: Soulpepper)

COMING EVENTS 

Movie nights at Stout

Weekly free movie nights are starting at Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton).  The lineup features family movies - bring your kids.  On February 2, it’s “The Lego Movie” and on February 9, it’s “Moana”.  There’s free popcorn.  Sundays at 5:30 pm.  Please contact Erin to save your spot - (647) 344-7676 and erin@stoutirishpub.ca 

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 January 4.  $15, cash please.  She's booking up fast so please call her for an appointment - (416) 920-6814.

Coldest walk of the year

Tanya at F’Amelia is walking for the Fort York Food Bank on February 22.  Your support with her will fight food poverty.  She’s set $4,000 as her target and so far, she’s collected more than $2,700.00. “Let’s change the tune for people experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness... because it’s cold out there. You could be helping your fellow Cabbagetowners!” Click here to make your donation.

BUSINESS NEWS

Design TO

99 Frames (527 Parliament) is displaying the textile works of eight artists from January 24 to February 12.

Artisan Market raffle

Win a gift basket at Artisan Market (503 Parliament) with prizes valued over $400.  From now until February 28, spend a minimum of $25 in a single in-store purchase to get one entry and your chance to win the basket and a gift card. Check out this Instagram post for more info.

 

Cycle Solutions

Spring is just around the corner. It’s a perfect time to book your 2025 tune up.  Get it now before the season starts. You can use Cycle Solutions’ (444 Parliament) new App to book your service today… "book now before we start to fill up!"

WINTERLICIOUS

The big city-wide restaurant festival starts on Friday January 31 and runs to Thursday February 13.    Each restaurant offers three-course meals - lunch (prices range from $20 to $55) and dinner ($25 to $75).  Reservations are now open. Ten local restaurants are participating 

Butter Chicken Factory (560 Parliament), (416) 964-7583 - $27 lunch and $35 dinner

Cafe Zuzu (555 Dundas E), (416) 815-2660 - $27 lunch and $35 dinner

Dia (387 Bloor E), (416) 921-3333 - $41 lunch and $55 dinner

F’Amelia (12 Amelia), (416) 323-0666 - $55 dinner only

Gusto 501 (501 King E), (416)  477-5647 - $34 lunch and $45 dinner

Maison Selby (592 Sherbourne), (647) 943-1676 - $48 lunch and $65 dinner

Mengrai Thai (82 Ontario), (416) 840-2754 - $35, dinner only

Mill Street Brew Pub (21 Tank House Lane, Distillery), (416) 681-0338  - $27 lunch and $35 dinner 

Pure Spirits (17 Tank House Lane, Distillery), (416)  361-5859 - $41 lunch and $55 dinner

The Blake House (449 Jarvis), (416) 975-1867 - $34 lunch and $45 dinner

RESTAURANT NEWS 

Welcome Poopathy Mess

We now have a new Sri Lankan restaurant (585 Parliament) in Cabbagetown and it’s a welcome addition.  There’s an extensive selection for takeout - all presented in a clean, inviting room. The food is very good and in Sri Lankan fashion, fiery at times.  Check out its Facebook page for details

Jeff and Noah

Jeff Barnes and Noah Zacharin are back at the Wing House (420 Parliament) on Saturday February 1 at 8 pm.  They have regularly scheduled dates there on the first Saturday of each month.

Danny Marks

Danny is playing at the Smoke Show (744 Mount Pleasant) on Sunday afternoon from 3 to 6 pm.  

Throwback ‘90s

Super Bargain (441 Parliament) is having a Throwback party on Friday, January 31.  Happy hour goes from 3 to 8 pm and then DJ Shamz spins the great tunes from the ‘90s until midnight.

Good Gang

Ice cream is back!  Good Gang is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 3 to 9 pm.  You can pick up pre-orders on Fridays from 6 to midnight.  Check out the website for details. Sorry, no scoops available. (Photo: blogTO) 

Queer Boxing Club

Cafe Zuzu (555 Dundas E) presents a queer boxing club social on February 11.  

El Catrin

Join El Catrin’s Agave Club for its second guided tequila tasting dinner.  Tuesday February 11, 6:30 pm.  This unique event features a tasting menu crafted by Executive Chef Carlos Zamora, expertly paired with an agave-based cocktail, three premium tequilas, and one mezcal. Book your spot at Open Table, $105. 18 Tank House Lane.

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

Here’s your list, day by day, of events and specials in our clubs and pubs for the next ten days.  For contact info, see the list at the bottom of this page.

THURSDAY JANUARY 30 TO SUNDAY FEBRUARY 9

THURSDAY JANUARY 30

Old Flame Brewery

7 pm, open mic with City Love

Zero Cocktail Bar

8 pm, Open mic

FRIDAY JANUARY 31

Winterlicious happens in ten local restaurants

Alice’s Place

Karaoke night.

Old Flame Brewery

5 pm, live entertainment with Jay Blues Trio

Super Bargain

8 pm, Throwback Party back to the 90s with DJ Shamz

Zero Cocktail Bar

7 pm, Cocktail class

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 1

Winterlicious happens in ten local restaurants

Old Flame

2 pm, live entertainment with Cale Crowe

Wing House

8 pm, Jeff and Noah onstage

Zero Bar

7 pm, Live music with John Ian

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 2

Winterlicious happens in ten local restaurants

Old Flame Brewery

2 pm, live entertainment with Sean Beinhaus

Stout Irish Pub

5:30 pm, Sunday movie night - The Lego Movie

The Aviary

11:30 am and 1 pm, Jazz Sunday with live music and brunch

MONDAY FEBRUARY 3

Winterlicious happens in ten local restaurants

Stout Irish Pub

7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 4

Winterlicious happens in ten local restaurants

Stout Irish Pub

7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

The Aviary

8 pm, Bird Brain trivia

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 5

Winterlicious happens in ten local restaurants

Golden Pigeon

8 pm, Trivia with Rachelle Lauzon

Old Flame

7 pm, Trivia night

Stout Irish Pub

7 pm, Euchre night

The Aviary

8 pm, Karaoke and wing Wednesdays

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 6

Winterlicious happens in ten local restaurants

Old Flame Brewery

7 pm, open mic with City Love

Zero

7 pm, Open Mic night

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 7

Winterlicious happens in ten local restaurants

Alice’s Place

Karaoke night.

Old Flame Brewery

5 pm, live entertainment with Sarah and Matt

Super Bargain

10 pm, DJ Shamz

Zero Cocktail Bar

8 pm, Cocktail class

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 8

Winterlicious happens in ten local restaurants

Old Flame

1 to 6 pm, après ski party

Zero Cocktail Bar

7 pm, Live music with John Ian

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 9

Winterlicious happens in ten local restaurants

Old Flame Brewery

2 pm, live entertainment with Elusive Souls

The Aviary

11:30 am and 1 pm, Jazz Sunday with live music and brunch

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

Poopathy Mess - 585 Parliament

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

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

Zero Cocktail Bar - 223 Carlton, (416) 920-9376

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, (416) 360-1209

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