LOCAL NEWS
Wellesley Street row houses
Victoria Gibson describes the delays and frustrations involved with the houses on Wellesley Street just west of Parliament in a Sunday Star story. Click here to read about it. (Photo: Andrew Francis Wallace, Toronto Star)
The NDP is in business
Samantha Green, the Toronto Centre NDP candidate, has been busy for several weeks knocking on doors and introducing herself to local voters. Her campaign now has a headquarters at 655 Dundas E. It’s official opening ceremony happens on Sunday March 23 at 1 pm with special guests Kristyn Wong-Tam, Deborah Williams and Danyaal Rasa.
Updates about the Liberals
No news yet about the selection of a Liberal candidate for Toronto Centre. It’s a highly desirable, safe place for its Liberal nominee in the next federal election. Mark Carney’s name still pops up. We’re also told that Mr Carney has a lengthy list of highly qualified people whom he wants in his caucus. Two other local personalties are mentioned - George Smitherman who was a well-loved provincial MPP from this area and Councillor Chris Moise.
233 Carlton
The women’s 24-hour centre is back in the public eye. It’s scheduled to open in the Spring after numerous delays and a costly renovation. But apparently without the support that was promised for the community. Rick Matthews and John Rider have expressed concern over the absence of a community safety agenda. Rick has also said that there’s no advice for neighbouring businesses - he suggests shatterproof glass, lighting, cameras and gates. The Councillor’s office is pushing for funding for a community safety team. John’s interested in plans that will ensure both the success of the centre as well as protection for the community.
Forsythia Festival planning committee
Katie Tozier is looking for people who want to get involved in the planning for this year’s Forsythia Festival. It happens in Wellesley Park on Sunday May 4. It’s a great community event - it’s the launch pad for Spring in Cabbagetown. This is an exciting opportunity. If you’re interested, please email Katie, tozer.katie@gmail.com
Indigenous art in the West Don Lands
“In Equilibrium” created by Ludovic Boney has been installed in the plaza at Anishnawbe Health’s Indigenous Hub (Cherry and Mill Streets). The Waterfront Toronto press release says, “When the viewer looks up, instead of sky, they see their own world reflected to them, encouraging contemplation about how they fit into the surrounding landscape. The piece rekindles relationships to land, not just for Indigenous peoples, but for all the diverse people who call Toronto home.”
502 - 508 Parliament
Sewer repairs are underway for the homes next to the LCBO. Apparently, several of the places were ready for opening late last year. Then someone realized that these sewer repairs hadn’t been handled. We wish the best for both TCHC and Dixon Hall - when this project is finally done, it’ll be a huge improvement.
Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market
The Market’s organizers are recruiting volunteers to help with its operation during the summer. They have three slots. Market set-up happens between 1:30 and 3 pm. opening hours from 3 to 7 pm and take-down between 6:45 and 7:45 pm. If you’re interested, email Ellie at ellie@cabbagetownmarket.ca
Outdoor rinks - latest news
That’s it for the season. All three outdoor rinks in our area are now closed - Riverdale Park East (550 Broadview), Regent Park (480 Shuter) and Sherbourne Common (5 Lower Sherbourne). Moss Park Arena (140 Sherbourne) has an indoor rink that’s still open.
They’re back
These tough little snowdrops always pop up right away as the snow melts. They’re late this year. Last year, they were blooming on February 22. This year, a big pile of snow filled the front yard and the plants couldn’t get to the open air and sunshine until March 15.
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 23, it’s “Toy Story” and next week, it’s “Coco”. There’s free popcorn. Sundays at 5:30 pm. Please contact Erin to save your spot - (647) 344-7676 and erin@stoutirishpub.ca
Danny Marks at Castro Lounge
Danny has released his new song, I’m Ready - click here to listen to it. He’ll be appearing at Castro’s Lounge (2116 Queen E) on Saturday at 5 pm.
Whiskey Jack
Duncan Fremlin and his friends will be playing at the Paddling Film Festival in Parry Sound. Saturday March 22 in the Stockey Centre.
Allan Gardens Farmers’ Market
Vendors on March 15 will include Murray’s Farm, Oakridge’s Finest, Loco Fields, Fifth Town Cheese and St John’s Bakery. Specialty vendors include Nepali Momo. From Less Pantry, Creative 13 Dreams, Magic Oven and Spirited Tarts. (19 Hortilctural Ave).
Peter from Oakridge’s Finest will demonstrate how maple syrup is produced. 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).
Eid Bazaar
Local vendors will offer henna, jewellery, clothes and food at the Eid Bazaar. From 2 to 5 pm on Wednesday, March 26. In the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E).
Ramadan Iftar
On Wednesday 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).
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.
Katrina Couture
Ms Couture is showing her paintings in The Tasting Gallery (250 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.
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.
IN THE MEDIA
Lead in school pipes
Toronto Today reporter Pat Cain has written a story about lead in school pipes. A study by the Canadian Environmental Law Association has identified 66 schools in Toronto with higher levels of lead. “Federal government guidelines consider drinking water safe if its lead content is five parts per billion or less. The Province of Ontario has more lenient rules, which allow up to 10 parts per billion.” Sprucecourt Junior School showed over 10 parts per billion and one of the Mgsr Fraser schools has over 5 parts per billion. You can read his story here.
Chris Moise and Moss Park
In Spacing, a respected source of news and opinions about Toronto, John Lorinc examines the controversy between Chris Moise and the volunteers at Moss Park Arena. He concludes, “At a time of extreme social uncertainty, city councillors shouldn’t be power-tripping on the people who give their time to community institutions.” Ben Spurr did a lengthy article for the Sunday Star detailing the disagreement and Mr Moise’s role.
BUSINESS NEWS
Welcome Sequins
Sequins Studio will open at 552 Parliament on March 26. There’s an Opening Special - two weeks unlimited classes for $75. 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
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.
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
Bisou
Music and dinner, Friday March 28 at 6:30 pm. There’ll be DJs and a special a la carte menu. Email for your reservation - reservation@bisouto.com or text at 437-971-7150. 350 Berkeley at Gerrard.
Super Bargain
Brunch + bingo + drag = the perfect Saturday. Hosted by Messy Margaret. Noon on Saturday March 22. Your ticket includes brunch buffet, four rounds of bingo, Messy Margaret’s performances and prizes. 441 Parliament
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 20 TO SUNDAY MARCH 30
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
Super Bargain
Noon, brunch + bingo + drag with Messy Margaret
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
MONDAY MARCH 24
Decoy
8 pm, Movie night - To Die For
TUESDAY MARCH 25
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
WEDNESDAY MARCH 26
Golden Pigeon
8 pm, Trivia with Rachelle Lauzon
Old Flame
7 pm, Trivia night
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Euchre night
Super Bargain
9 pm, Karaoke with Braya Bryant
THURSDAY MARCH 27
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, open mic with City Love
Zero Cocktail Bar
8 pm, Open mic
FRIDAY MARCH 28
Decoy
DJ Kieran Petrasek
Alice’s Place
Karaoke night.
Bisou
6:30 pm, Conci’s music and dinner
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, live entertainment with Jammers Waffle House
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 29
Los Gyros
7 pm, Luis Maldonado
9 pm, DJ Vaenca
Old Flame
2 pm, live entertainment with Mark Villager
Zero Bar
7 pm, Live music with John Ian
SUNDAY MARCH 30
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live entertainment with Sean Bienhaus
Stout Irish Pub
5:30 pm, Sunday movie night - Coco
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
