April 3

A PERSONAL OPINION

Gas prices

The removal of the carbon gas tax has resulted in a 20 cent price drop.  That’s nice but who knows how long this will last? And how long will it take for a meaningful future federal plan to come along to combat climate change?

ELECTION NEWS

Coming next week - my talk with Evan Solomon, the Liberal candidate.  Over the next few weeks, I plan to sit down with our local candidates in the federal election.  I’ll write my reactions here.  Please note - these won’t be either endorsements or attacks.  They’re simply my reactions to our conversations.

Get on the voters’ list

Check out the official list to ensure that you’re properly registered.  This is important if you’ve recently moved, or if you’re a new citizen, or if you’re a first time voter.  The Elections Canada website will take you through a few questions and then confirm that you’re on the list - click here.  If not, then there’s a section where you can correct the information.  It’s an easy process.  The deadline for all of this is April 22. 

Find our candidates

The Conservative candidate is a magazine publisher, Luis Ibarra.  Click here for his website and for his Instagram page. Contact him by email at contact@luisibarra.ca 

luisibarra.ca 

The Green candidate is Olivia Iheme.  Her page on the Green Party’s website is here. Her email address is olivia.iheme@greenparty.ca 

Broadcast journalist Evan Solomon is the Liberal candidate.  His office is located at 555 Parliament. He has a website and Instagram page. His email is info@voteevan.ca and his phone number is (416) 631-6707.  

The NDP headquarters is located at 655 Dundas E.  Samantha Green has a  website, Instagram and Facebook.  You can phone her at (647) 558-9785 and email her at info@samanthagreen.ca 

LOCAL NEWS

Forsythia Festival volunteers

Forsythia Festival organizers are recruiting volunteers to help out on the Festival day, Sunday May 4.  They have a range of jobs and times - none very taxing.  1-2 hour shifts are available from 8:30 am for set up to 4 pm for tear down and everything in between. Volunteers will help run craft booths, the bouncy castles, face paint and more. Responsible tweens and teens welcome  This is an exciting opportunity.  If you’re interested, please send an email -  info@cabbagetowner.com   

Cabbagetown Tour of Homes

The organizers for the 2025 Tour are inviting homeowners to join.  It’s a prestigious way to showcase your home’s unique design and renovation features.  Homes with original Victorian features are always favourites.  This year, there’s also an emphasis on homes for people who are aging in place and homes that have been divided into multiple units or have an extra unit added on.  If your home is a possible candidate, please contact Christina Jackson, cjackson@bosleyrealestate.com 

Children’s Book Bank donations

Drop off your donations to the Warehouse (beside 344 Bleecker).  Saturday April 5, 11 am to 2:30 pm.  Please give new or gently used books for children and teens of all ages.

Dixonlicious is coming

The annual gala to support the food programs at Dixon Hall is coming on Thursday May 29.  It’s a great evening with specialty foods, fine wines, entertainment and a silent and live auction.  It’s a good idea to buy your tickets now.  The early bird price is $85 until April 30.  Click here.

An owl on Sumach Street

This little guy was spotted in a curbside tree, possibly hiding from a big hawk that was circling overhead.  (Photo:  Jo Lamberton)

COMING EVENTS

Marilyn’s grooming clinic

Marilyn from Diggity Dog Grooming is back for her monthly nail trimming clinic at Pet Valu (240 Carlton).  9 am to 4 pm, Saturday April 5.  $15, cash please.  Please call her for an appointment - (416) 920-6814.

More movies at Stout

Weekly free movie nights are happening at Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton).  The lineup features family movies - bring your kids.  On Sunday April 6, it’s “The Lion King” and on Sunday April 13 “Despicable Me”.  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 Saturday April 5 will include Murray’s Farm, Oakridge’s Finest, Loco Fields and St John’s Bakery.  Specialty vendors include Nepali Momo, Magic Oven, Lex’s Pantry and Spirited Tarts.  10 am to 2 pm, 19 Horticultural Ave.

YOUR ANNOUNCEMENTS

The HubTO

The HubTO (208 Gerrard East) is a two-storey industrial building with eleven self-contained, locking units, perfect for creatives and makers. Unit 2 is located on the first floor and is 650 square feet, with ten foot high ceilings, concrete floors, LED lighting, soundproofing, upgraded electrical and exposed ducts. Available starting May 1 for $2,395/month plus HST. To see more pictures, submit a rental application and learn leasing arrangements, click here. 

IN THE MEDIA

Toronto Centre candidates

Toronto Today is profiling the candidates in Toronto’s ridings for the federal election.  Katherine Mannie did her story about four people running in Toronto Centre and she gives a brief overview of the riding’s history.

BUSINESS NEWS

AAA Accounting

Owen at AAA Accounting (Parliament) is preparing tax returns for his clients.  It’s a busy year.  There have been changes to the tax regulations and filing dates.  He’s informed and can guide your decisions through the current confusion.  Check out his website and contact him when you’re ready to file your return.

Kendall & Co

Spring has arrived at Kendall & Co (514 Parliament). The latest collection is bursting with fresh, vibrant finds to brighten your space and delight your loved ones. Stop by and bring a little Spring refresh into your home. 

RESTAURANT NEWS 

Mill Street’s Spring Brewmaster’s Dinner

Enjoy the flavours of the season paired with unique Mill Street beer.  Four course dinner curated by Mill Street’s head chef, a beer pairing with each course picked by the brewmaster and a welcome beer.  Vegan and non-vegan options.  7 pm, Thursday April 10, $55.  Click here to reserve your tickets.

Easter dinner at Cranberries

Siva is producing another of his favourite three-course, prix fixe dinners on Sunday April 20.  To start, there’ll be butternut squash soup or organic green salad.  For your main course, you can choose between roast turkey with all the extras or lamb shank with mashed potato and seasonal veggies.  There’s sticky toffee pudding for dessert.  Two seatings - 5 pm and 7:30 pm, reservation sat (416) 925-6330.  $50.  

Good news about our restaurants

Rayah (507 Parliament) is the new French/Morrocan restaurant destined for the former Peartree site. They’ll open in about a month after extensive interior renovations.  The design, the furniture, the tiles on the walls are all promising.  I enjoyed a sample of their pastry offerings - amazing.

I also enjoyed a three-part taco kit at Luis H (556 Parliament).  Lovely - one chicken, one beef and one shrimp.  Light and delicious for a quick noon snack.

Live entertainment

Jeff Barnes and Noah Zaccharin are back for their monthly visit at The Wing House (420 Parliament).  Saturday April 5, 8 pm.

Danny Marks is performing at the SmokeShow (744 Mount Pleasant) at 3 pm on Sunday April 6.  

Duncan Fremlin and Whiskey Jack are at the Horseshoe Tavern (370 Queen W).  Wednesday April 16, 7 pm.  Tickets are available online - $15.  

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 APRIL 3 TO SUNDAY APRIL 13

THURSDAY APRIL 3

Decoy

8 pm, Karaoke with Corey

Old Flame Brewery

7 pm, open mic with City Love

Stout Irish Pub

7:30 pm, Wine & Social

Zero

7 pm, Open Mic night

FRIDAY APRIL 4

Alice’s Place

Karaoke night.

Decoy

9 pm, Pit Scum with DJ HDM

Los Gyros

7 pm, Decar Rascon

10 pm, DJ Vaenca

Old Flame Brewery

6 pm, Roast Chicken Ramblers

Super Bargain

10 pm, DJ Shamz

Zero Cocktail Bar

8 pm, Cocktail class

SATURDAY APRIL 5

Los Gyros

7 pm, Luis Maldonado

10 pm, DJ Vaenca

Old Flame

2 to 6 pm, live entertainment with Erin Blackstock

8 pm, line dancing

The Wing House

8 pm, Jeff Barnes and Noah Saccharin

Zero Cocktail Bar

7 pm, Live music with John Ian

SUNDAY APRIL 6

Old Flame Brewery

2 pm, live entertainment with Benji Crane

Stout Irish Pub

5:30 pm, Sunday movie night - The Lion King

Super Bargain

3 pm, Paint nite with Tayaba

MONDAY APRIL 7

Decoy

8 pm, Movie night - Top Secret

TUESDAY APRIL 8

Stout Irish Pub

7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

WEDNESDAY APRIL 9

Golden Pigeon

8 pm, Trivia with Rachelle Lauzon

Old Flame

7 pm, Trivia night

Stout Irish Pub

7 pm, Euchre night

Super Bargain

8 pm, Movie Night

THURSDAY APRIL 10

Decoy

8 pm, Mala Dub cast

Mill Street Brew Pub

7 pm, Spring Brewmaster’s Dinner

Old Flame Brewery

7 pm, open mic with City Love

Zero Cocktail Bar

8 pm, Open mic

FRIDAY APRIL 11

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

9 pm, DJ Shamz

Zero Cocktail Bar

7 pm, Cocktail class

SATURDAY APRIL 12

Decoy

A trip down the Rhine with Kolsch & Alter and Godspeed Brewery and Burdock Brewery

Los Gyros

7 pm, Luis Maldonado

9 pm, DJ Vaenca

Old Flame

2 pm, live entertainment with Dave Daniels

Zero Bar

7 pm, Live music with John Ian

SUNDAY APRIL 13

Old Flame Brewery

2 pm, live entertainment with Genevieve Cyr

Stout Irish Pub

5:30 pm, Sunday movie night - Despicable Me

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