LOCAL NEWS
Election news - local candidates
The Liberal Party has named local resident and political activist Holly Rasky as their candidate. This info is circulating now but it hasn't been officially announced. They’re getting started very late into the campaign and obviously the local party is relying heavily on Bonnie Crombie’s coattails. Holly will represent them well.
Kristyn Wong Tam, the NDP candidate, has a great start. Her campaign is well organized and her signs are already making an impact on street corners and front lawns. Her campaign office is located at 655 Dundas E and her phone is (647) 558-9785.
Ruth Farkas is the Progressive Conservative candidate. Like PC candidates here in previous elections, she seems to be using a “silent” strategy - stay hidden and see what happens. Despite the fact that she has experience and a career in media and public relations, she’s not answering emails or telling us how to reach her.
No news yet from the Greens.
Urban gardening
The Friends of Allan Gardens are organizing a series of workshops to show how urban gardens can grow and flourish - garden planning on Monday February 17, seed starting on Sunday March 2 and seedling care on Sunday April 13. Each event runs from 1 to 3 pm at the Children’s Conservatory (19 Horticultural Ave). Suggested donation, $25.
Moss Park controversy
Councillor Chris Moise proposed a motion to the City’s Executive Council to bring the Moss Park Arena into the City’s organization. It’s currently a non-profit outside the City’s structure. He also wanted a completely new Board - replacing the local citizens with his own slate. After considerable uproar from the community, Mayor Olivia Chow recommended a compromise that sees the City Manager examine the arena’s operations and make recommendations. This passed and then went to full Council where it also passed. Somehow, Councillor Moise missed the point and offered yet another motion to undo all of this and revert to his original plan. That motion was withdrawn.
Local job opportunities
Two local agencies have advertised job opportunities. The Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market needs a market manager for the 2025 season - applications are still welcome. The Cabbagetown BIA is hiring an operations and event manager - the deadline has moved forward to February 13. For more info, click on the links.
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 include Murray’s Farm, Oakridge, Loco Fields, Ilknur’s Bee Yard, Fifth Town Cheese and St John’s Bakery. The special guests include Street Health. Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm at the Children’s Conservatory (150 Gerrard E).
The Keating Channel
The Keating Channel is a restaurant located on the banks of the Keating Channel on the waterfront. It’s been there for years and it’s a popular place for locals. It’s been handicapped recently because the City opened a second “Cherry Street” and turned its roadway into an obscure dead end. It was even listed incorrectly on Google. Apparently, the old section of Cherry Street will soon be renamed Ookwemin (Black Cherry Street) - so we can all find it. That’s a good thing - Keating Channel serves good food and its nifty patio adds to its charm.
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 operating under a service alert caused by snow clearing - 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.
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.
VALENTINE’S DAY EVENTS
Anji’s Valentine’s special
Valentine’s Day florals are now available - click here to see your choices. Orders placed before February 10 for delivery in Cabbagetown will receive a discounted delivery of $8. Between February 10-14, Valentine’s Day orders can only be picked up in person at our popup location on the main floor of Nordstrom, Eaton’s Centre or delivered anywhere at regular delivery prices.
Dinner at Cranberries
On Friday February 14, Siva is preparing another outstanding three-course meal. There’ll be two seatings - at 5 pm and 7:30 pm. $50 per person. Please call for your reservation at (416) 925-6330. 601 Parliament.
Bisou
On Bisou’s a la carte menu, prices vary per item. Or there’s the set menu for $68. A family antipasto recipe is the first course followed by polenta fries or meatballs. Gnocchi or tortellini are the third course. For dessert, there’s chocolate and dark cherry macarons. February 14 from 6:30 to 9:30 pm. 350 Berkeley at Gerrard.
F’Amelia
On February 14, F’Amelia is serving an imaginative four-course dinner. Sautéed shrimp or oyster mushrooms for the first course. Burrata or pan seared pork belly for the second one. For the third course, there’s seared ribeye, cionpino or vegetable lasagna. Brûlée lemon tart, budino or tiramisu for dessert. $85. Call (416) 323-0666 for your reservation. 12 Amelia.
A romantic dinner at Fusilli
Fusilli’s a la carte menu includes lentil soup, mixed green salad, farfalle with porcini mushrooms, veal Florentine with sautéed veggies and a chianti red wine sauce, risotto with shrimps in a chardonnay garlic sauce and tiramisu or chocolate raspberry ice cream. Friday February 14 and Saturday February 15. Two seatings - 5 and 8 pm. Make your reservation online. 531 Queen East.
The Blake House
The Valentine’s weekend menu for February 14 and 15 includes several choices at each of its three courses. For appetizers, there’s panko crusted shrimp, strawberry-mango salad or baked French Canadian onion soup. The choices for a main course include arctic char, smoked duck breast mac n’ cheese, creamy mushroom and spinach gnocchi or grilled filet mignon. For dessert, there’s maple creme brûlée, baked toffee banana and chocolate bread pudding or New York cheese cake. $55. 449 Jarvis. Click here for your reservation.
COMING EVENTS
Hungry for Love
Friends of Allan Gardens (19 Horticultural Ave) are sponsoring a carnivorous plant sale from 11 am to 4 pm on Sunday February 9. There will be several vendors offering their plants - it’s very popular so come early.
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 9, it’s “Moana” and next week, it’s “Finding Nemo”. There’s free popcorn. Sundays at 5:30 pm. Please contact Erin to save your spot - (647) 344-7676 and erin@stoutirishpub.ca
Brews & Clues
The mystery book club is meeting at 6:30 pm on Thursday February 13 at Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton). Special guests this week include Canadian-South Asian mystery writer Jass Aujila, Scott McKinnon (romcom author turned mystery writer) and Reva Leah Stern (former artistic director of the Leah Poslun's Theatre). Drop-ins are welcome. This is the club’s final meeting until September.
Family Day at Riverdale Farm
There’ll be farmers’ demonstrations and weavers at work on Family Day, February 17, Riverdale Farm (Sumach and Winchester). Your kids can check out the sheep (10:30 am), the horses (12:30 pm) and the goats (1:30 pm) in the Lower Francey Barn. The Farm will be open from 9 am to 5 pm and from 10 am to 3 pm for this event.
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 closing in on her goal - almost $3,700.00 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.
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. It happens on Thursday February 27 at Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton). Free event.
BUSINESS NEWS
Oops - contact info for Cycle Solutions
Last week’s blog told you about the new app to contact Cycle Solutions. It’s a good idea. But we gave you Kale’s email address - that was wrong. Here’s the proper contact info. And remember - it’s a perfect time to book your 2025 tune up. Get it now before the Spring rush starts!
Kendall & Co
Renovations at 514 Parliament are continuing. In the meantime, please contact Kendall’s staff by email to arrange consultations and sales in your home. Kendall hopes to have a soft opening in some areas of the store from February 17 to 24. The big opening will then happen from February 24 to 28 throughout the entire shop.
St Jamestown Steak & Chops
Mark and his staff at St Jamestown Steak & Chops (516 Parliament) are taking a week’s holiday from Monday February 19 to Sunday February 24. The store will reopen on Monday February 24 at 10 am.
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.
WINTERLICIOUS
The big city-wide restaurant festival has started and it 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
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 provided by Soma, Cluny, Jardin, El Catrin, Balzac, Sweet Escapes, Boku, Mill Street Brew Pub and Wildly Delicious. Prices vary depending on the hot chocolate. Get updates on Instagram
Early reviews for Poopathy Mess
Local residents have been testing out our new Sri Lankan restaurant (585 Parliament). They’re enjoying the food - it’s worth a visit. And they’re finding that it’s fiery at times in Sri Lankan fashion. Ask the person behind the counter for advice if you want your dinner to be milder. There’s an extensive selection for takeout - all presented in a clean, inviting room. Check out its Facebook page for details
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 FEBRUARY 6 TO SUNDAY FEBRUARY 16
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
Stout Irish Pub
5:30 pm, Sunday movie night - Moana
The Aviary
11:30 am and 1 pm, Jazz Sunday with live music and brunch
MONDAY FEBRUARY 10
Winterlicious happens in ten local restaurants
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
TUESDAY FEBRUARY 11
Winterlicious happens in ten local restaurants
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
The Aviary
8 pm, Bird Brain trivia
WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 12
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 13
Winterlicious ends today
Decoy
9 pm, William A Davison & New Time More Words with DJ Record Detective
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, open mic with City Love
Stout Irish Pub
6:eo pm, Brews & Clues book discussion with Jass Aujila, Scott McKinnon and Reva Leah Stern.
Zero Cocktail Bar
8 pm, Open mic
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 14
Alice’s Place
Karaoke night.
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, live entertainment with Murray Drives
Super Bargain
8 pm, DJ Shamz
Zero Cocktail Bar
7 pm, Cocktail class
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 15
Old Flame
2 pm, live entertainment with Jordan Arnott
Zero Bar
7 pm, Live music with John Ian
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 16
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live entertainment with Natalie
Stout Irish Pub
5:30 pm, Sunday movie night - Finding Nemo
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
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