LOCAL NEWS
Thanks and best wishes to Marci Ien
Marci has decided to leave politics. She won’t be a candidate in the next election. She served us well in Toronto Centre and deserves our thanks. During her term, she worked to improve our lives in this community. She was also the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth and in that role, she travelled the country and devoted great energy to her responsibilities. She’s made a typically warm and sincere announcement about retiring - click here to watch it.
What’s next for the Liberals
Toronto Centre is a highly desirable place for its Liberal nominee in the next federal election. Insider gossips have started to buzz about the next candidate. Mark Carney, the Prime Minister himself, is mentioned. And a surprise name has popped up - Councillor Chris Moise has made enquiries to the Party brass about his chances.
The Riverdale Hive
This new studio (179 Carlton) is a ceramic artists’ collective featuring wheel throwing and hand building. Whether you’re a beginner looking to get your hands dirty or a seasoned creator seeking a welcoming studio, The Riverdale Hive offers an inclusive space to connect, learn, and explore pottery. Click here for online info about classes.
Katrina Couture
Ms Couture is showing her paintings in The Tasting Gallery (248 Carlton) on Saturdays and Sundays for three months until June 1. Click here to go to her Instagram page to see more of her work.
The Parrot Sanctuary
Marie-Elisabeth Gagnon is the executive director of The Parrot Sanctuary. Its mission is “to improve the well being of companion parrots, for the benefit of both the birds and their humans.” Located in Cabbagetown South, it helps parrot owners who may feel overwhelmed, teaches healthy and positive parrot care, rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes parrots, and provides a permanent home for parrots in need of a sanctuary. Donations are welcome. It’s not open to the public but appointments can be made - click here to see the website.
A visiting owl
Thank to Don Purvis. He snapped this photo of a Barred Owl visiting his back yard in Cabbagetown South. It’s a great sighting.
Wildlife reports
The red-wing blackbirds are the first sign of Spring. Our neighbourhood has rabbits, raccoons, possums, skunks, foxes, squirrels and coyotes. Plus wild turkeys, lots of hawks, beautiful cardinals and plenty of “little brown jobs”. If you see one and can snap a picture, send it along for us to share with everyone. (Photo: Friends of Corktown Common)
Outdoor rinks - latest news
On Thursday March 13, two outdoor rinks are open - Riverdale Park East (550 Broadview) and Regent Park (480 Shuter). Sherbourne Common (5 Lower Sherbourne) is closed. Moss Park Arena (140 Sherbourne) has an indoor rink that’s open despite the weather outside. The weather is warming so check out the City’s map to learn the rinks’ status before you go.
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 March 16, it’s “Sonic The Hedgehog” and next week, it’s “Toy Story”. There’s free popcorn. Sundays at 5:30 pm. Please contact Erin to save your spot - (647) 344-7676 and erin@stoutirishpub.ca
Allan Gardens Farmers’ Market
Vendors on March 15 will include Murray’s Farm, Oakridge, Loco Fields, Link Haus, Fifth House Cheese and St John’s Bakery. Specialty vendors include Wild Strawberry Moon, Magic Oven and Spirited Tarts.
The Friends of Allan Gardens will also have a plant sale - $5 plants including Cuban oregano, scented geranium, purple inch plant, rex begonia and peperomia. Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm at the Children’s Conservatory (150 Gerrard E).
Eid Bazaar
Local vendors will offer henna, jewellery, clothes and food at the Eid Bazaar. From 2 to 5 pm on Wednesdays, March 19 and 26. In the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E).
Ramadan Iftar
On Wednesday March 19 and March 26, break the fast and pray Maghreb together. Free meals from Regent Park caterers. 6 to 8 pm, Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E)
Spring blooms in Allan Gardens
The Temperate and Orchid & Bromeliad Show is now here in the Allan Gardens conservatory. Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, free. Enter through the south entrance by the playground (19 Hortilctural Ave).
Movie Night at Soulpepper
Soulpepper’s community movie night presents I Like Movies. “Set in early 2000’s Burlington, Ontario, I Like Movies follows socially awkward and egocentric 17-year-old cinephile, Lawrence, as he takes a part time job at a video store to try to earn enough money to achieve his dream of attending film school at NYU. His obsession with movies and himself imperil his complicated and tenuous relationships and disguise deeper issues at his core.” Free, 7 pm, Thursday March 20. Please reserve your spot in advance - click here.
Marble in Resin
Local resin artist Jessica Rysyk invites you to join her workshop (208 Gerrard E) to create two stunning resin art pieces on wood panels. You’ll learn essential techniques and experiment with colours. 1:30 pm, Saturday March 22. $95 includes a large wood canvass and supplies. Make your reservation online.
Port Lands walking tour
Take a walk through the Port Lands on Sunday March 23 at 10:30 am. Meet at the Dark Horse Espresso Bar (416 Front E). Please register - space is limited. Organized by the Canary District Neighbourhood Association. For the itinerary and registration, click here.
IN THE MEDIA
George Street revitalization
Andre Bermon has written about the latest George Street revitalization plan. He outlines the difficult history of the project along with the new, slimmed-down version. His article in The Bridge is available here.
BUSINESS NEWS
Welcome Sequins
Sequins Studio will open at 552 Parliament on Thursday March 27. Mackenzie Emond says that it’s a boutique studio where movement meets meaning. She’s offering pilates, barre, core work, and restorative classes from Monday to Saturday. She has a great website explaining her classes, her business and her contact info.
Kendall & Co
Welcome back. Kendall (514 Parliament) invites you to drop in to their newly renovated store and to shop again during regular business hours. Design/décor appointments can be made via email at shop@kendallandco.ca. And check out their website for more info and shopping tips.
Penguin Pickup
The store at 459 Parliament is closing on Friday March 21. Customer drop-offs are no longer accepted. You can switch to the Penguin Pickup at 650 Dundas E.
Cycle Solutions
It’s time now to book your Spring servicing. Cycle Solutions (444 Parliament) has a nifty new system - you can go to its app and book a time in a few days, a few weeks or even a couple of months. Your reservation will be maintained.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Saint Patrick’s Day
Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) is, of course, celebrating. It’s happening over a full weekend from Thursday March 13 to Monday March 17. There’s live Irish music, special prices on alcohol and live Irish dancers.
Mill Street Brew Pub (21 Tank House Lane, Distillery) is having an all-weekend party from Friday March 14 to Sunday March 16. A special menu, live music each day from 1 to 4 pm and from 6 to 9 pm. And, of course, its heated patio will be open.
The Blake House (449 Jarvis) is half way through its Irish week. On the menu on Thursday - Irish stuffed cabbage rolls. On Friday - seared Arctic char. On Saturday - rosemary braised lamb shank. On Sunday - prime rib roast. On St Patty’s Day, Monday - Irish beef stew plus Irish dancers at 7 pm, Guinness giveaways and a complimentary oyster bar.
Thanks, Fattoush
Fattoush (253 Gerrard E) will close on Sunday March 30. They’ve had a very success life here - listed on blogTO for the best falafel in Toronto, applauded with very high reviews online and supported by enthusiastic customers. They’ve helped to perk up this strip along Gerrard Street and they’ll be missed. Best wishes to everyone for your future plans.
313 Night
Decoy Bar (370 Queen E) celebrates the music of Detroit, the Motor City with DJs Double Denim, Paris of the Midwest and Box Wine. They’re spinning all Detroit records, all night. From 6 pm, Thursday March 13.
East End Boogie
Four amazing DJs are having a party at Super Bargain (441 Parliament) from 10 pm on Saturday March 15 - Kaelo, Rad Pitt, Rey Gelato and Ricedreem.
Trivia at Lisbon
The Lisbon Hotel Bar (19 Lawren Harris Sq) is home to trivia nights every other Wednesday. Dana Schiemann is the host on March 19 at 7 pm.
Fireside in the Distillery
This is the last weekend to 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. 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 MARCH 13 TO SUNDAY MARCH 23
THURSDAY MARCH 13
Stout Irish Pub
St Patrick’s Day weekend
Decoy
6 pm, DJs Double Denim, Paris of the West and Box Wine
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, open mic with City Love
Zero Cocktail Bar
8 pm, Open mic
FRIDAY MARCH 14
Mill St Brew Pub
St Patrick’s Day weekend with live music from 1 pm and from 6 pm
Stout Irish Pub
St Patrick’s Day weekend
Alice’s Place
Karaoke night.
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, live entertainment with Jay Blues Trio
Los Gyros
7 pm, Decar Gascon
10 pm, DJ Vaenca
Super Bargain
8 pm, DJ Shamz
Zero Cocktail Bar
7 pm, Cocktail class
SATURDAY MARCH 15
Mill St Brew Pub
St Patrick’s Day weekend with live music from 1 pm and from 6 pm
Stout Irish Pub
St Patrick’s Day weekend celebrations with Irish dancers, Irish music and Guinness shots.
Los Gyros
7 pm, Luis Maldonado
9 pm, DJ Vaenca
Old Flame
2 pm, live entertainment with Murray Drive
Super Bargain
10 pm, East End Boogie with four DJs
Zero Bar
7 pm, Live music with John Ian
SUNDAY MARCH 16
Mill St Brew Pub
St Patrick’s Day weekend with live music from 1 pm and from 6 pm
Stout Irish Pub
St Patrick’s Day weekend celebrations with Irish dancers, Irish music and Guinness shots.
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live entertainment with Dave Daniel
Stout Irish Pub
5:30 pm, Sunday movie night - Sonic The Hedgehogs
Super Bargain
3 pm, Paint nite with Tayaba
MONDAY MARCH 17
Blake House
4 pm, Guinness giveaways, oyster bar and Irish dancers plus Irish beef stew.
Decoy
8 pm, Movie night - Extra Ordinary
Stout Irish Pub
St Patrick’s Day weekend celebrations with Irish dancers, Irish music and Guinness shots.
TUESDAY MARCH 18
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
WEDNESDAY MARCH 19
Golden Pigeon
8 pm, Trivia with Rachelle Lauzon
Lisbon
7 pm, Trivia night with Dana Schiemann
Old Flame
7 pm, Trivia night
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Euchre night
THURSDAY MARCH 20
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, open mic with City Love
Zero
7 pm, Open Mic night
FRIDAY MARCH 21
Alice’s Place
Karaoke night.
Los Gyros
7 pm, Decar Rascon
10 pm, DJ Vaenca
Old Flame Brewery
6 pm, live entertainment with DJ Sam
5 pm, Lager Lane Beer Fest
Super Bargain
10 pm, DJ Shamz
Zero Cocktail Bar
8 pm, Cocktail class
SATURDAY MARCH 22
Los Gyros
7 pm, Luis Maldonado
10 pm, DJ Vaenca
Old Flame
2 to 6 pm, live entertainment with Sarah Fazackerley
8 pm, line dancing
Zero Cocktail Bar
7 pm, Live music with John Ian
SUNDAY MARCH 23
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live entertainment with Roast Chicken Ramblers
Stout Irish Pub
5:30 pm, Sunday movie night - Toy Story
Super Bargain
3 pm, Paint nite with Tayaba
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
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
Los Gyros - 501 Queen E
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
