January 9


LOCAL NEWS


Marci Ien tribute to Justin Trudeau

Marci Ien is our Member of Parliament and the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth.  She posted this short, positive tribute to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, “Prime Minister Trudeau’s leadership didn’t just reshape Canada—it redefined what it means to lead with heart. He’s shown us how to dream bigger, fight harder for equity, and stand firm in the face of division. His legacy is one of courage, compassion, and progress. Serving alongside him has been the honour of a lifetime. Thank you, Justin, for everything.”


Roofers scam

Avenue Road Roofing is a reputable, well established roofing company.  They’ve issued a very useful warning about scams operating here.  Here are the details.  They’ll knock on your door unsolicited and generally appear to be neat and polite.  They’ll tell you that there’s a problem with your roof and they’ll want to go up for an inspection. While there, they’ll damage your property.  They use fear tactics and high pressure sales techniques.  They want payment up front and will charge exorbitant prices.  Once they’re paid, they’ll disappear.  Do not engage with them, do not let them on your roof and call the police, a neighbour or friend if you need help.  The illustration shows one of the scammers' pamphlets.


233 Carlton

The resource centre for women is being relocated here from 67 Adelaide.  The Carlton Street building has been undergoing interior renovations since January 2020. The City of Toronto continually lists optimistic dates for its opening. Its original target was set for early 2021.  The City’s website currently says that it will open in the first quarter of 2025. Fred Victor will be the operator - they already do a good job at 40 Oak Street in Regent Park.


Corktown BIA

The Historic Queen East BIA held an annual meeting in December.  For the second time, the group failed to approve a budget.  The BIA again returns to the inactive file at City Hall.  It has no program and no money but Councillor Moise continues to promote the need for the group. On January 14, five individuals will be appointed by the City to its Board of Management -   Julie Conte, Adam Damelin, Victoria Frams, Jim Giontsis, Devon Glowinski and Claudia Mac.


House of Dumont

Edwin has announced that he’s closing his House of Dumont (200A Carlton).  He’s long been a favourite neighbourhood fixture and he’ll be missed.  He says, “Thanks for the 25 years that I’ve had in the neighbourhood.”  He plans to retire and to write books - more on that info soon. Send him an email if you’d like to pass along your best wishes - edwin@houseofdumont.com 


Heritage grants

The Cabbagetown Heritage Conservation District committee has announced that 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.

Allan Gardens Sacred Fire program

The tipis in Allan Gardens have been part of the Sacred Fire program by Indigenous people. This program has now been paused. Originally, it was meant to be shared space for First Nations, Inuit and Metis people but a protest group took over. Councillor Chris Moise wrote an explanation about Sacred Fire and about the closure of the program because of the protests. He has written, “The Sacred Fire program in Allan Gardens is currently paused. This decision was made due to the complications arising from the permitting of the space. It was originally intended to be a shared space for First Nations, Inuit or Métis community members to gather but has since become the site of an ongoing protest that has limited access to the wider community. There are no unhoused individuals living in the Sacred Fire Tipis. I am keenly aware of the ongoing bylaw infractions at the site, especially as it pertains to noise.” Click here for the full text of the Councillor's remarks. There have been comments about the noise generated there. Councillor Chris Moise requests that any complaints should be reported to 311 and questions about the program can be directed to indigenous@toronto.ca (Photo: Toronto grand prix tourist). This is an edited version of the first story which incorrectly omitted the Councillor's explanations.

Outdoor rinks

On Thursday January 9, all four local rinks are open -  Regent Park (480 Shuter), Sherbourne Common (5 Lower Sherbourne), Riverdale Park East (550 Broadview) and Moss Park Arena (140 Sherbourne). Check out the City’s map to learn the rink’s status before you go.


Riverdale Farm tree

Helen has emailed that she spent time over Christmas in Bridgepoint Hospital across the Don Valley.  She snapped this picture from her window - click on it to see a larger version.  She says, “I was so happy to be able to see and enjoy the tree from my Bridgepoint hospital room. As well as watching the kids and pups having a blast on the hill in the snow. It was a perspective I had not considered before and wanted to share that with you.”


YOUR ANNOUNCEMENTS


Office space available

Lovely and bright courtyard office space available in historic building on Carlton Street.  For more information, contact Daniel Bloch at the Bloch Real Estate Team, (416) 441-2888.  MLS® Number: C10408829.

COMING EVENTS 


Mingle with F’Amelia

The annual fundraiser for Winchester School happens on Monday January 20, 6:30 pm at F’Amelia (12 Amelia).  Your support makes a big impact on the students.  This event funds school activities and enriches educational experiences for all students at Winchester PS. It has raised significant funds for the school over the past five years—and with your support, we can make this year the best yet! The owners and staff at F’Amelia donate their time and their delicious food and drinks.  Tickets are $100 - please email Todd at todd.vestby@gmail.com and put “your name – Winchester” in the subject line.   You can also buy tickets at the door.


Winter walk in Corktown Common

Saturday January 11, 10 to 11 am, meet at Front and Bayview.  Sponsored by the Canary District Neighbourhood Association. “…Corktown Common is much, much more than "just" a park? It's also flood protection, a haven for native plants and pollinators, and a site with a rich industrial history. It boasts a series of interconnected outdoor environments that humans, animals, birds and insects can enjoy.” 


Allan Gardens Saturday Farmers’ Market

The Market is back on Saturday January 11 and it will continue until April on Saturdays. From 10 am to 2 pm at 19 Horticultural Ave. In addition to the Market’s vendors, Friends of Allan Gardens will host a plant sale.  

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’ll be participating in a winterrific family-friendly fundraising walk in support of local charities. “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


Artisan Market

The Artisan Market (503 Parliament) offers display space to artists and crafts people to sell their goods.  100% of the sale proceeds go to them.  Annie recently posted on Facebook, " It's a delight, featuring many local artisans and their wares. I popped in for a look and left with some lovely purchases. Great addition to the hood.”


RESTAURANT NEWS 


A revised list

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


Cyril’s soup schedule

Cyril had hoped to start his 2025 soup sales this weekend but “external factors” have intervened.  He’ll be back on January 25 and he promises to make two batches in a row to make up for this glitch.


Wine specials

On Thursday January 9, tonight only, all wines are half-price at F’Amelia (12 Amelia). F’Amelia also has Cheap & Cheerful glasses of wine for $10 on Sundays and Mondays.  Cafe Zuzu (555 Dundas E) offers half-price bottles on Wednesdays and Sundays after 5 pm.  Reyna on King (354 King E) has half price bottles daily from Tuesdays to Sundays from 3 to 6 pm.   Pisac (195 Carlton) has half-price bottles on Thursdays.  And it isn’t exactly wine but The Golden Pigeon (424 Parliament) has $2 off all draft beer on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 


Messy’s drag bingo

Messy is back at Super Bargain (441 Parliament)  on Monday January 13 at 7 pm.


Lesbian Lit Lovers speed dating

The Aviary (484 Front) is holding its second speed dating night on Sunday January 12. It’s for ages 28 to 39.  Bring a book you love, swap it with someone new, and share why it’s so special. It’s fun, flirty, and the perfect way to spark meaningful connections. 


Leathercraft at The Aviary

Learn the art of leather craft.  Make your own harness or custom belt.  Saturday January 18, 3 pm, The Aviary (484 Front E)


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 JANUARY 9 TO SUNDAY JANUARY 19

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


THURSDAY JANUARY 9


Old Flame Brewery

7 pm, open mic with City Love


Super Bargain

8 pm, All vinyl night


FRIDAY JANUARY 10


Alice’s Place

Karaoke night.


Decoy

10 pm, DJ Double Denim


Old Flame Brewery

8 pm, live entertainment


Super Bargain

10 pm, DJ Shamz


SATURDAY JANUARY 11


Old Flame

2 pm, live entertainment


SUNDAY JANUARY 12


Old Flame Brewery

2 pm, live entertainment


Super Bargain

3 pm, Paint nite with Tayaba, $45


The Aviary

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

3 pm, Lesbian Lit Lovers, ages 28 to 39


MONDAY JANUARY 13


Stout Irish Pub

7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia


Super Bargain

7 pm, Messy’s Drag Bingo


TUESDAY JANUARY 14


Stout Irish Pub

7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia


The Aviary

8 pm, Bird Brain trivia


WEDNESDAY JANUARY 15


Golden Pigeon

8 pm, Trivia with Rachelle Lauzon


Old Flame

Trivia night


Stout Irish Pub

7 pm, Euchre night


The Aviary

8 pm, Karaoke and wing Wednesdays


THURSDAY JANUARY 16


Old Flame Brewery

7 pm, open mic with City Love


FRIDAY JANUARY 17


Alice’s Place

Karaoke night.


Old Flame Brewery

5 pm, live entertainment with Jay Blues Trio


Super Bargain

10 pm, DJ Shamz


SATURDAY JANUARY 18


Old Flame

5 pm, live entertainment with Benji Crane


The Aviary

3 pm, Learn the art of leather craft


SUNDAY JANUARY 19


Old Flame Brewery

2 pm, live entertainment with Zach Erickson


Super Bargain

3 pm, Paint nite with Tayaba, $45


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

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


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