March 6

LOCAL NEWS

King Charles III Coronation Medal

Marci Ien, our Member of Parliament, gave out over two dozen awards to people in our community. The group came from Regent Park, St James Town and Cabbagetown. She nominated people from youth services, community leadership, the arts, food supports and spiritual leaders. Across Canada, these medals are being given to individuals whose work has made their communities stronger. (Photo: Max Beck, Marci Ien and Barbara Hall)

A Personal Note

I’m one of the people included in the medal ceremony. I was honoured because of the contributions made by the Cabbagetown Neighbourhood Review. I’m really proud of this award. I’m also proud of the friendships and help that so many of you, my readers, have given me over the years. It’s not my medal - it’s ours.

Ilya in Inuvik

Ilya has travelling across northern Canada.  His trip took him to Tuktoyaktuk, Inuvik and Yellowknife.  He says that it was truly wonderful.  He took our flag and held it up proudly at the airport in Inuvik.  It’s our flag’s most northern exposure ever.  Thanks, Ilya.

City employees on strike

CUPE Local 79 has notified the City of Toronto that it intends to launch a strike on Monday morning.  These are “inside workers” - 30,000 people who work on a range on services like 311, children’s services, parks and recreation, bylaw enforcement and lots more.  Unless an agreement happens before 12:01 am, the strike will start.  Councillor Chris Moise has written an useful summary of the issues. He includes his own views on the impact and length of a likely strike.   Click here to read the Councillor’s report.

Congrats Kristyn Wong-Tam

Ms Wong-Tam was reelected in last Thursday’s Ontario election in Toronto Centre.  She worked very hard during her first term and deserved her victory. She earned 17,415 votes, 44.5% of the votes cast.  She says online, “I am overwhelmed with gratitude. “

Holly Rasky, the Liberal, was a strong second with 14,152 votes, 36%. Ms Rasky rescued the local Liberals who were floundering without a candidate or a campaign and within only a few days, she made a strong impression in our riding. Holly says on Instagram, “Liberals are alive and well in Toronto Center. I am so proud and grateful.”

The PC candidate was Ruth Farkas and she got 5,692 votes, 14.5%. The PC campaign was non-existent.  Judging from her bio, Ms Farkas is a well educated and presumably presentable person but she was hidden and three attempts to reach her campaign were ignored. 

Katrina Couture

Ms Couture will be showing her paintings in The Tasting Gallery (250 Carlton) on Saturdays and Sundays for three months until June 1.  Her opening party happens on Saturday March 8 from 3 to 5 pm. Click here to go to her Instagram page to see more of her work. 

Outdoor rinks - latest news

On Thursday March 6, all three outdoor rinks are open - Riverdale Park East (550 Broadview), Sherbourne Common (5 Lower Sherbourne) and Regent Park (480 Shuter). 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.

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 9, it’s “Turning Red” and next week, it’s “Sonic The Hedgehog”.  There’s free popcorn.  Sundays at 5:30 pm.  Please contact Erin to save your spot - (647) 344-7676 and erin@stoutirishpub.ca  

Eid Bazaar

Local vendors will offer henna, jewellery, clothes and food at the Eid Bazaar.  From 2 to 5 pm on Wednesdays, March 12, 19 and 26.  In the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E).

Allan Gardens Farmers’ Market

Vendors on Wednesday March 12 will include Murray’s Farm, Oakridge, Loco Fields, Fifth House Cheese and St John’s Bakery.  Specialty vendors include Nepali Mono, Magic Oven and Spirited Tarts.  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). 

March break at BGCToronto Kiwanis

For March Break, BGC Toronto Kiwanis will be open from 9 am to 5 pm at two local locations: Gerrard Club (101 Spruce) and the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster).  All children and youth in grades 1-8 are welcome to join us for some fun and engaging programming, March 10 to 14. Activities include an obstacle course, trivia tournament, Picasso portraits, lucky charm bracelets, freeze tag, movie time (watching “The Six Triple Eight”), supervised computer time, a basketball tourney, and more! Click here to learn more and to register.  $75 for the week (subsidies are available and donations are welcome).

March break at Allan Gardens

Green Thumbs Growing Kids and Friends of Allan Gardens have teamed up with four days of nature-based activities during March Break. Designed for children aged 3 to 12. Older and younger siblings are welcome. Parent or Guardian supervision is required at all times. Activities include seed starting, plant identification, arts and crafts, and scavenger hunts. 10 am to noon on Monday March 10 to Thursday March 13, in the Allan Gardens Children’s Conservatory (on the west side of the park at 19 Horticultural Ave.)

March break at the Children’s Book Bank

In Regent Park (585 Dundas E), there’ll be a watercolour workshop on Monday at 4 pm, on Wednesday, movie night and story time on at 4 pm and on Thursday, a sing ’n dance at 3 pm and a dance workshop at 3:50 pm. 

On Sherbourne Street (561 Sherbourne, P3), the watercolour workshop is on Tuesday at 4 pm, on Wednesday sing ’n dance at 3:30 pm and a dance workshop at 4:20 pm and on Thursday the movie night is at 5 pm.  

UPDATES ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

Applications are now open for three big events at the Festival.

A new call for Smartphone Shorts

The Cabbagetown Short Film Festival has a new $800 award for the best short filmed with a smartphone. Filmmakers are asked to submit a pitch package by April 1 2025. The winner will receive $400 for pre-production and then $400 more upon delivery, by August 1 2025,  It’ll be screened at the 34th annual film festival on Wednesday September 3 at the Winchester Street Theatre. Check out the details online.

Cabbagetown Art & Crafts

The big art show in Riverdale Park West has opened applications for artists  for the 2025 show.   The event happens on September 5, 6 and 7.  Submissions are welcome until the end of April - the early bird submission fee is $40 and the final fee is $50.  Click here to find out more and to get an application form.

Cabbagetown Festival

The Cabbagetown BIA has published its final report about the 2024 Festival.  It’s part of their invitation to Festival sponsors for 2025.  The data is impressive.  Click here to find out about the people who attended, the programs, the vendors and detailed reactions to each aspect of the event.

IN THE MEDIA

Joe Hester

Mr Hester was the visionary whose ideas are creating an Indigenous Community Hub in the Canary District.  He was the executive director of Anishnawbe Health Toronto - the first part of the overall project.  Anishnawbe Health Toronto integrates Western medicine and Indigenous practices.  Future parts of the Hub will include housing, employment services and the training organization Miziwe Biik.  Mr Hester died at the end of January from bladder cancer at the age of 77.  Diane Peters wrote his obituary in the Globe & Mail. (Photo: Globe & Mail)

Butter Chicken Factory

NOW has a remarkable story about the viral success of videos about Butter Chicken Factory (560 Parliament).  The owner, Bhuv Malik, and his daughter-in-law have created videos that attract thousands of followers.  It’s a great read. (Photo: Butter Chicken Factory)

A slimy blob 

This blob was found in the mouth of the new Don River by a team from the Toronto & Region Conservation Authority.  It’s a bryozoan and it’s a sign of improving water quality in the river.  Before the flood protection project was started, this area was almost devoid of fish - and in 2024, the same area is home for 29 different species.  Waterfront Toronto has an explanation for this progress. 

The data block

James Bradshaw and Fred Lum have written a photo essay in the Globe & Mail about the Equinix TR2 data centre at Mill Street and Parliament.  It’s a good look inside a dramatic facility. 

BUSINESS NEWS

And the winner is…

Congrats to Tony D.  He won the draw at Artisan Market (503 Parliament).  Ok Tony - drop into the store and collect your prize basket.

Cycle Solutions

It’s time now to book your Spring servicing for your bike.  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 time in the repair shop will be maintained.  By the way, this is a big week for the guys at the shop.  It’s Cycle Solutions’ 25th anniversary and they’re giving away treats for anyone who visits. 

Kendall & Co

The meticulous renovations are almost complete at Kendall (514 Parliament).  You’re invited to come into the store and check out the work in progress.  The store is now ready for a soft opening.

Penguin Pickup

The store at 459 Parliament is closing on March 21.  Customer drop-offs won’t be accepted after Friday March 7.  You can switch to the Penguin Pickup at 650 Dundas E.

Best wishes, Catherine

Catherine is closing Poa Studio (546 Parliament) next week, She’s having a Flash Sale on Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm. Up to 80% off. She’s also showing her new Spring collection.  She’ll keep her business going via Instagram and pop-ups in Toronto. She says,”I am devoted to my incredibly supportive and loyal clientele in Toronto. However, the market has changed so much that I no longer need the physical location in Toronto for my shopping clients.”

RESTAURANT NEWS 

New menu item at F’Amelia

For people with a taste for the finest traditional foods - F’Amelia has added steak and frites to its menu.  

March Mangia

Cafe Zuzu is offering. Three-course dinner throughout March.  $45.

Zakkushi

Zakkushi (193 Carlton) will be closed for maintenance from March 2 to 6.  It’ll reopen at 5:30 pm on Friday March 7.

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.

Stout’s contest

Derek Warfield and the Young Wolfe Tone are appearing at Lee’s Palace on 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 to read about it on Facebook.

Whiskey Jack at the Cameron House

Duncan Fremlin is really happy about the crowd and their response to Whiskey Jack last Friday night at the Cameron House (408 Queen W).  “The first verse in the first song set the tone …imagine a packed Cameron House in downtown Toronto, standing room only, everyone singing in full voice …The good ol’ hockey game is the best game you can name…For the next two hours, this unprompted outburst from the choir of patriotic Canadians happened time and time again.” 

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.  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 6 TO SUNDAY MARCH 16

THURSDAY MARCH 6

Blake House

6:30 for 8 pm, Opera edition of the Thursday Cabaret

Decoy

9 pm, Rob Michaluk (live sax) w/ Density Creep & DJ Record Detective

Old Flame Brewery

7 pm, open mic with City Love

Zero

7 pm, Open Mic night

FRIDAY MARCH 7

Alice’s Place

Karaoke night.

Decoy

10 pm, This must be the place with DJ Moe Funk

Los Gyros

7 pm, Decar Rascon

10 pm, DJ Vaenca

Old Flame Brewery

8 pm, live entertainment with Kalye Luna

Super Bargain

10 pm, DJ Shamz

Zero Cocktail Bar

8 pm, Cocktail class

SATURDAY MARCH 8

Los Gyros

7 pm, Luis Maldonado

10 pm, DJ Vaenca

Old Flame

2 to 6 pm, live entertainment with Madison Mueller

Zero Cocktail Bar

7 pm, Live music with John Ian

SUNDAY MARCH 9

Old Flame Brewery

2 pm, live entertainment with Genevieve Cyr

Stout Irish Pub

5:30 pm, Sunday movie night - Turning Red

Super Bargain

3 pm, Paint nite with Tayaba

MONDAY MARCH 10

Decoy

8 pm, Movie night - Heathers

Stout Irish Pub

7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

TUESDAY MARCH 11

Stout Irish Pub

7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

WEDNESDAY MARCH 12

Golden Pigeon

8 pm, Trivia with Rachelle Lauzon

Old Flame

7 pm, Trivia night

Stout Irish Pub

7 pm, Euchre night

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 13

Stout Irish Pub

St Patrick’s Day weekend

Decoy

9 pm, 313 Night with DJ Double Denim

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

Stout Irish Pub

St Patrick’s Day weekend

Alice’s Place

Karaoke night.

Old Flame Brewery

7 pm, live entertainment with Jay Blues Trio

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

Stout Irish Pub

St Patrick’s Day weekend

Los Gyros

7 pm, Luis Maldonado

10 pm, DJ Vaenca

Old Flame

2 pm, live entertainment with Murray Drive

Zero Bar

7 pm, Live music with John Ian

SUNDAY MARCH 16

Mill St Brew Pub

St Patrick’s Day weekend

Stout Irish Pub

St Patrick’s Day weekend

Old Flame Brewery

2 pm, live entertainment with Dave Daniel

Stout Irish Pub

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

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

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