February 20

LOCAL NEWS

Election news - important dates

Vote early at the advance polls from 10 am to 8 pm on Thursday February 20 to Saturday February 22 at Wellesley Community Centre (495 Sherbourne), 519 (519 Church), St Lawrence Community Centre (230 The Esplanade) and Regent Park Community Centre (402 Shuter).  You can also go to the Returning Office (161 Bay, Suite 2700) until February 26 from 10 am to 8 pm (Monday to Saturday) or noon to 5 pm (Sunday). On election day, Thursday February 27,  you can vote at a location near your home from 9 am to 9 pm - click here and enter your postal code to see where you go.  

Beth Kaplan at lunch

An informal group of Cabbagetowners meets monthly with a guest speaker.  The conversation is very casual and very informative.  This month, Beth Kaplan will reflect on her career writing memoirs and she’ll make her suggestions to the group.  A few spots are still open - if you’re interested, reply quickly since space is definitely limited.  The next meeting is at Cranberries (601 Parliament) at noon on Tuesday February 25.  $30.  Reserve your spot - email here. (Photo: Marion Voysey).  dfisher988@gmail.com 

Michael Cavanaugh’s exhibition

This weekend marks the final days for Michael’s exhibition at Daniel et Daniel’s Tasting Gallery (248 Carlton).  10 am to 4 pm, Saturday and Sunday.  Be sure to drop in and enjoy his works - they show very well in this marvellous space. 

 

Black History Month

BGC Toronto Kiwanis (101 Spruce) partnered with Marci Ien MP and held its celebration of our Black community on Wednesday night.  A large, enthusiastic crowd showed up. The award winners come from our four communities.  At the meeting, they received their awards and then talked to Marci on stage. The BGCTK has written brief introductions for each of them.  (Photo: From the left, the recipients are Josephine Grey, Denham Jolly, Jazz Shukla and Karen Grant.  Marci Ian and Greg Gary are standing at the back)

Jazz Shukla’s journey in athletics began at a young age, running in the Cabbagetown Festival’s Blair’s Run. This past summer, she represented Canada in the Paris Olympics, competing in the 800 meters. Days after the Olympics, she returned home to once again participate in Blair’s Run, and is an inspiration to young people in the community.

Denham Jolly is a recognized businessman, philanthropist and social activist whose work has had a lasting impact on Toronto and beyond. He has funded many Black organizations, and launched Flow 93.5, Canada’s first Black-owned radio station. His memoir, In the Black: My Life, earned the Toronto Book Award. Denham was appointed a member of the Order of Canada in 2020.

Karen Grant lost her 15-year-old son to gun violence, and has become a passionate advocate for youth, and unity, in Regent Park. This Saturday, she’s hosting the 10^th Annual Black History Celebration “One Love Regent Park,” and she is partnering with Mothers of Peace to host a Father’s Day Celebration in June. She is a beacon of hope, healing, and resilience.

Josephine Grey from St James Town is a founding Director of St. James Town Community Co-operative, and the project lead for the OASIS Food Hub. She is a powerful community organizer, and passionate human rights advocate, whose work has touched many lives.

Road repairs and water service

A complete road reconstruction is starting soon for the roads and sidewalks on Carlton between Parliament and Sumach and on Seaton between Shuter and Carlton.  The reconstruction will include replacement of the City-owned lead pipes. Homeowners will have a chance to upgrade the pipes on their property going into their houses. Both projects are scheduled to start on February 18 and continue until the end of November.

Mississaugas of the Credit cannabis store

Police officers have raided this store twice recently.  The latest one happened last week. They’re charging that it’s selling cannabis products without a proper licence.  Sergeant Henry Dyck at 51 Division says that the raids will continue as long as the store breaks the law.  If the landlord has been informed and if the store reopens and continues to disobey the law, the landlord will also be subject to fines and penalties.  On Monday, the store was open again and the shelves had plenty of inventory.  George Smitherman, a knowledgeable observer who has been very active in the cannabis industry, believes that the owner will ignore the police raids and simply reopen continuously.  

Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market

Applications are now open for vendor spaces at the 2025 Farmers’ Market.  Please reply by February 28.  Click here to get the online form and to read the rules for the space. 

Allan Gardens Farmers’ Market

Vendors this week include Murray’s Farm, Oakridge, Loco Fields, Fifth Town Cheese and St John’s Bakery.  Specialty vendors include Nepalese Momo, Magic Oven, Creative 13 and Inspired Pottery.  The Friends of Allan Gardens will also have a plant sale.  Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm at the Children’s Conservatory (150 Gerrard E). 

Outdoor rinks - latest news

On Thursday February 20, all three local outdoor rinks are open -  Regent Park (480 Shuter), Riverdale Park East (550 Broadview) and Sherbourne Common (5 Lower Sherbourne). Moss Park Arena (140 Sherbourne) has an indoor rink that’s open despite the weather outside. Check out the City’s map to learn the rinks’ status before you go.

Welcome to Canada’s winter

Matina and Ilya came here from Europe earlier last year.  This is their first winter.  Their kids love it.

Heather Grant sent along this photo of her snowy back yard.

Here’s the kind of guy that we all love.  He’s out early and often shovels nearby neighbours’ sidewalks as well as his own.  Thanks, Brian.

City officials told Peter Kent that the piles of snow beside parked cars will not be cleared away.  The other side of the street will be plowed. 

Brian Gerrior reports that the City’s garbage trucks will not empty out cans left behind snow drifts unless there’s a clear path nearby between the sidewalk and the street.

Flag Day

Alix and Michael created a nifty display for flag day.  

YOUR ANNOUNCEMENTS

Concerned About Canada’s Relationship with the U.S.?

If so, you won’t want to miss today’s article in Ron Hume’s The Pathfinder. He offers a fresh and thoughtful perspective on how to engage in meaningful conversations with Americans—beyond the MAGA crowd - about this important issue.  As a special for Cabbagetown Review readers, Ron is offering a complimentary subscription to The Pathfinder. Don’t miss out - click here to read this article and to sign up as a Pathfinder subscriber. 

IN THE MEDIA

Fire at 275 Bleecker

A serious three-alarm fire happened last Saturday at 275 Bleecker.  Twelve people went to hospital, including five police officers who suffered from smoke inhalation.  Fire fighters had to deal with heavy smoke, intense heat, outdoor rescues on ladders and 911 calls from stranded residents.  Sarah Petz reported for CBC News  - click here to read her story. (Photo: Spencer Gallichan-Lowe/CBC)

COMING EVENTS 

Movie nights at Stout

Weekly free movie nights are happening at Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton).  The lineup features family movies - bring your kids.  On Sunday February 23, it’s “Despicable Me” and next week, it’s “The Mitchells vs The Machines”.  There’s free popcorn.  Sundays at 5:30 pm.  Please contact Erin to save your spot - (647) 344-7676 and erin@stoutirishpub.ca 

Corktown Chamber Orchestra

Hear the beautiful butterfly lovers’ violin concerto with the talented Jessica Chung as well as lots of great music from CCO member ensembles.  Friday February 21, 7:30 pm, Little Trinity Church (425 King E), $25 or PWYC, kids free, tickets at the door.  

Children’s Book Bank

Drop off your donations of gently used books to the Children’s Book Bank on Saturday February 22 from 11 am to 2:30 pm at their warehouse shipping bay next to 334 Bleecker.  Please don’t take them to the Book Bank’s store (585 Dundas).  Click here to see their convenient list of guidelines for the books that they need.  

Community Celebration

Cafe Zuzu (555 Dundas E) is holding two celebrations of Black History Month on February 25.  The afternoon event from 4 to 6 pm will be free - everyone is welcome.  A $10 admission fee will be charged for the evening event from 7 pm - tickets are available through Eventbrite.  There’ll be live entertainment with The One Group, the Dixon Hall Choir and the Community Music School Toronto Choir. Specialty foods will be catered by Spike Your Food, Zero Cocktail Bar and Nyarai Cellars.  

Save the date for Suds & Stained Glass

The Cabbagetown Preservation Association is holding a special evening featuring the stained glass in Cabbagetown.  Highlights will include local Victorian windows, tips on their care and the journey from design to creation.  From 7 pm on Thursday February 27 at Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton).  Free event.

Say “No” to the 51st State

Whiskey Jack will perform twenty songs by Stompin’ Tom Connors including his controversial song, Believe in Your Country.  The Cameron House (408 Queen W) at 6 pm on Friday February 28.  The band will feature Stompin’ Tom’s fiddler Billy MacInnis and his banjo player Duncan Fremlin.  

Congrats Tanya

Tanya at F’Amelia is walking for the Fort York Food Bank on February 22.  Your support with her will fight food poverty.  She set $4,000 as her target and she’s surpassed her goal -  almost $4.700 has been collected. “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.

RESTAURANT NEWS 

Upstairs at the HoP

The House on Parliament (454 Parliament) now has permanent approval to operate its rooftop patio.  When the patio was first installed, the Committee of Adjustment approved it but only for a two-year span.  They had to operate within noise standards and finish service at 11 pm. They met these requirements. The HoP has returned twice more.  On this visit, the time limit on the approvals was removed.

Black history celebrations

The Blake House (449 Jarvis) has a series of soul food specials - southern fried buttermilk chicken, catfish piccata and jambalaya are on the menu.  For all the details, check out the website.

Stout’s contest

Derek Warfield and the Young Wolfe Tones are appearing at Lee’s Palace in March 8.  Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) is giving away 5 double tickets - three for social media and 2 for Stout’s trivia nights.  To learn more and get into the contest, click here on Facebook. 

Fireside in the Distillery

Every Saturday and Sunday, noon to 6 pm until March 16, sip a hot chocolate, roast a marshmallow and warm up by a fire.  This is a fireside experience for the whole family.  Hot chocolate will be served at Soma, Cluny, Jardin, El Catrin, Balzac, Sweet Escapes, Boku, Mill Street Brew Pub and Wildly Delicious.  Try them all.  Prices vary depending on the hot chocolate.  Get updates on Instagram

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 FEBRUARY 20 TO SUNDAY MARCH 2

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 20

Decoy

9 pm, Ghostlight live

Old Flame Brewery

7 pm, open mic with City Love

Zero

7 pm, Open Mic night

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 21

Alice’s Place

Karaoke night.

Corktown Chamber Orchestra

7:30 pm, butterfly lovers violin concerto

Old Flame Brewery

5 pm, live entertainment with Kanye Luna

Super Bargain

10 pm, DJ Shamz

Zero Cocktail Bar

8 pm, Cocktail class

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 22

Old Flame

2 to 6 pm, live entertainment with Benji Crane

Zero Cocktail Bar

7 pm, Live music with John Ian

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 23

Old Flame Brewery

2 pm, live entertainment with Sarah Faz

Stout Irish Pub

5:30 pm, Sunday movie night - Despicable Me

The Aviary

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

MONDAY FEBRUARY 24

Decoy

8 pm, Movie night - Monte Python’s The Meaning of Life

Stout Irish Pub

7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 25

Stout Irish Pub

7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

The Aviary

8 pm, Bird Brain Trivia

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 26

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

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 27

Decoy

9 pm, Beatmaker night with T3 Beats and DJ Record Detective

Old Flame Brewery

7 pm, open mic with City Love

Zero Cocktail Bar

8 pm, Open mic

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 28

Alice’s Place

Karaoke night.

Old Flame Brewery

7 pm, live entertainment with Jay Blues Trio

Super Bargain

8 pm, 90s Throwback Party with DJ Shamz

Zero Cocktail Bar

7 pm, Cocktail class

SATURDAY MARCH 1

Old Flame

2 pm, live entertainment with Zachary Erickson

Zero Bar

7 pm, Live music with John Ian

SUNDAY MARCH 2

Old Flame Brewery

2 pm, live entertainment with Rose Jones

Stout Irish Pub

5:30 pm, Sunday movie night - The Mitchells vs The Machines

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

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