May 1

A PERSONAL OPINION

Now that the election’s over, it’s possible to draw some conclusions. First of all, we were lucky to have three very good candidates - (from the left) Samantha Green, Evan Solomon and Olivia Iheme. Congrats and thanks to each of them. Regrettably, Luis Ibarra, the Conservative, ran a very subdued effort and it was difficult to figure out what he was trying to do. Olivia Iheme is an impressive newcomer and she’s planning on staying active - that’s good. Samantha Green joins a line of strong women who have spoken for the NDP in Toronto Centre. She ran a good campaign and she was an articulate candidate. She can be proud of her contribution. Evan Solomon was an exciting choice for the Liberals. No doubt, he’ll make his mark in Ottawa and here in Toronto Centre.

LOCAL NEWS 

Jocelyn Watchorn

Jocelyn Watchorn of Nasmith Avenue has died. Keith Lawrance, her spouse, wrote on Facebook, “Unfortunately, I have to share the sad news that my beloved, darling Jocelyn died in the early hours of Thursday, March 13. We had been together for over 32 years and married for 23 years.” She lived in Cabbagetown for 22 years, “I’d like to add that we were supported so well by friends, family and neighbours throughout all of this… Love has no bounds.” She was a friendly and familiar face. Jocelyn was a counsellor and later a director at the AIDS Committee of Toronto before retiring in 2018. A private memorial will be held.

Election results in Toronto Centre

The official results from 187 of 187 polls -
Evan Solomon (Liberal) - 37,847 (64.5%)
Luis Ibarra - (Conservative) - 12,135 (20.7%)
Samantha Green (NDP) - 7357 (12.5%)
Olivia Iheme (Green) - 664 (1.1%) 

Congrats, everybody

The turnout at our Advance Poll in Toronto Centre was high.  This photo shows the line waiting to vote on the first day. It stretched out for an hour and a half.  To everyone’s credit, people stayed and voted and the officials handled it all as well as they could.

Forsythia Festival on Sunday

It’s here.  Cabbagetown’s official celebration of the arrival of Spring takes place on Sunday May 4 in Wellesley Park. The Festival parade starts at 10:30 am in Riverdale Park West and heads up to Wellesley. Then there’ll be free children’s activities, live entertainment, a bbq and a beer garden. Wear something yellow to celebrate. It's always a fun event for the kids and their parents.

Volunteers needed

The Forsythia Festival still needs volunteers ro help in one-hour shifts.  Send an email if you can help - info@cabbagetowner.com 

Marilyn’s nail clinic

Get your pet tuned up for Spring.  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.  Call her for your appointment - (416) 920-6814.

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 May 4, it’s  “Luca” and on Sunday May 11, it’s “Super Mario Bros”. There’s free popcorn. Sundays at 5:30 pm. Please contact Erin to save your spot - (647) 344-7676 and erin@stoutirishpub.ca  

Shop2Win

Congrats to Annelies who won the first draw in the Cabbagetown BIA’s Shop2Win contest.  She wins $500. The other $500 goes to Cabbagetown Organics (499 Parliament) where she shopped and got her winning receipt. Annelies has decided to donate her prize to Dixon Hall “to help the less fortunate among us.” Click here to see how you can win as well - the contest goes until late May.

Forsythia Clothing Drive

Luca Simmons and Sebastien Lama are organizing a used clothing drive that will run through May.  They’re donating their collection to Double Take (310 Gerrard E).  They’re both grade 11 students at Northern Secondary School.  They’re offering free pickups right at your front door.  They have a website with a list of the eligible donations and a contact form for pickups.

Musicians at the Farmers’ Market

The Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market welcomes musicians to play during its weekly markets.  For info and for the application form, go to their Facebook page.

Peggy Kurtin Awards

The Cabbagetown Preservation Association is taking applications for its annual Peggy Kurtin Awards.  The deadline is May 7. These three awards are given for restorations that respect the historic character of their street.  The eligible winners must have completed the street-facing sides of their buildings within the past two years.  For more info and for the application form, go to the CPA website.

JANE’S WALKS

16 walks are close to our neighbourhood - Friday May 2, Saturday May 3 and Sunday May 4.  For more info about each walk and for the full list, click here.

Friday Walks

Corktown - Borders: create photos with PhotoMojo,  Friday 12:30 pm, start at 620 Dundas E 

Techno Walk - Castle Frank Station, Friday 7:30 pm, meet at Castle Frank Subway Station

Walk with the Transgressors, Friday and Sunday, 2:30 pm, start at Riverdale Park West (Sumach & Winchester)

Landscapes as Infrastructure: Welcome to Toronto’s Waterfront,  Friday, 5 pm, meet at Sherbourne Common Park (Lower Sherbourne & Queens Quay E)

West Don Lands Public Art Tour, Friday and Saturday, 11 am, start at Bayview & Mill (beside Yorktown Common)

Saturday Walks

Corktown Canary Butterfly Corridor,  Saturday 10 am, Sackville Playground (420 King E)

Justice in the Park, Saturday, 11 am and 12:30 pm, Allan Gardens (Jarvis & Carlton)

Legendary Houses,  Saturday, 11 am, meet at George & Dundas E

Ruins to Renewal: Story of the Brick Works,  Saturday, 1 pm, meet at Evergreen Brick Works (550 Bayview)

History Lesson of Riverdale Park,  Saturday, 2 pm, meet at Winchester & Sumach

Meet Toronto’s New Island, Saturday, 3 pm, meet on the new Cherry Street bridge

Scandalous Tour of Old Toronto,  Saturday, 3 pm, meet at the little clock tower in the Distillery (outside 7 Trinity)

Sunday Walks

Cabbagetown Walk with a Medical Twist, Sunday, 10:30 am, meet at NE corner of Parliament & Carlton

Walk with the Transgressors, Friday and Sunday, 2:30 pm, start at Riverdale Park West (Sumach & Winchester)

Walking with Death, Sunday, 2:30 pm, meet at the Necropolis (Winchester east of Sumach)

Canary in the Pan Am Nest, Sunday, 2:30 pm, meet at 434 Front E

COMING EVENTS

Rock & Roll Revival

The Distillery is launching an outdoor concert series highlighting rock & roll.  On Saturday, Mike T Kerr will pay tribute to Chuck Berry, Elvis, Buddy Holly and more legends.  2 to 5 pm, May 3.  On Sunday, Conor Gains will celebrate the rise of folk music with Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell and The Band.  2 to 5 pm, May 4.

Allan Gardens Farmers’ Market 

Special vendors on Saturday May 3 will include artisanal cheese maker Montfort Dairy and Lehang Trieu with culinary seeds from Viet Nam.  The Clown Reporters will wander through the Market to get our comments.   Vendors appearing this week include Murray’s Farm, Oakridge’s Finest, Loco Fields, Montfort Dairy, SonoBee Hills honey, Lehang Trieu and St John’s Bakery. Specialty vendors include Magic Oven and Spirited Tarts. Friends of Allan Gardens will be selling house plants and $5 volunteer propagated plants. The Market (19 Horticultural Ave) happens every Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm.

Flower illustration using collage

Alex Warrender will lead this class to help you create vivid floral illustrations.  In the Allan Gardens Children’s Conservatory (19 Horticultural Dr).  Sunday May 4, 1 to 3 pm.  Kids ages 7 and older are welcome.  Please register on Eventrite  to ensure that sufficient supplies are on hand.

Corktown Chamber Orchestra

The orchestra’s final concert for the 2024/2025 season features pieces by Ravel, Chopin, and Saint-Saens.  Friday May 9, 8 pm, Little Trinity Church (425 King E).  $25 suggested donation.

Yoga mornings at Soulpepper

Every Friday morning in the Spring, Soulpepper is offering free yoga classes to wake your body, breath and senses.  9 to 10 am, 50 Tank House Lane.  Click here for more info and to register.

YOUR ANNOUNCEMENTS 

A summer in France

Mary Spence-Thomas has a beautiful house in a charming French village. She rents it to visitors each summer.  She has space available in August. For more info and to contact her, click here.  You can reach her by email here - maisontortuefrance@gmail.com  

Paint your fence 

Lukas Lafazanis is again painting wrought iron and wood fences in the neighbourhood. He’s now adding handyman services as well. References are available. For a quote, you can give him a call at (647) 745-9086 or email him at lafazanislukas@gmail.com 

BUSINESS NEWS 

Kumon

Kumon is on the move.  On May 5, it’ll relocate to a new spot at 194A Carlton.  It’s still in our neighbourhood.  Enroll in May and earn an $80 discount.  To contact them. call (416) 939-2300 or send an email to vasudhachadha@ikumon.com  

Kendall & Co 

Stop by Kendall & Co (514 Parliament) for a fun and unique selection of disco ball planters and vases.Click here to shop.

MOTHER’S DAY

F’Amelia

F’Amelia (12 Amelia) is serving a special three-course Mother’s Day brunch. There’s a complimentary mimosa for all the Moms.  Then, start with a kale salad or steamed mussels, and for your main course, choose shrimp linguine, frittata or a Montanara pizza.  There’s chocolate hazelnut mousse or tiramisu for your dessert. $45. Kids ages 12 or under can enjoy a Margherita pizza or kid’s pasta followed by vanilla ice cream, $15.  For your reservation, call (416) 323-0666.

RESTAURANT NEWS

Trivia at Mill Street

There’s a new game every Thursday at Mill Street Brew Pub (21 Tankhouse Lane) with the Trivia queen, Quizmaster Jess.  7 pm.

Dinner at Bisou

Bisou’s (350 Berkeley at Gerrard) monthly dinner will feature a special a la carte menu, rare and vintage wines and music by gizaadaa. 6:30 pm on Friday May 2.   Reservations by email at reservation@bisouto.com  or by text at 437-971-7150.

Wing House

Jeff and Noah are back for their monthly visit to The Wing House (420 Parliament).  Saturday May 3, 8 pm.

Golden Pigeon

During all the Leaf’s playoff games with the Senators - a pint of lager and a pound of wings for $20. 424 Parliament

Zero Cocktail Bar

Shake, stir and mix your way through an evening of mixology magic at Zero (233 Carlton).  Class happens on Friday May 2 at 7 pm and again on every Friday in May.  $40.

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 MAY 1 TO SUNDAY MAY 11 

THURSDAY MAY 1 

Decoy 

6 pm, MiBoSo prose in focus launch party (6 pm) and after party (10 pm)

Mill Street Brew Pub

7 pm, Trivia with Quizmaster Jess

Old Flame Brewery 

7 pm, open mic with City Love 

FRIDAY MAY 2 

Distillery

9 to 10 am, Yoga mornings at Soulpepper

Alice’s Place 

Karaoke night

Bisou

6:30 pm, monthly special dinner

Decoy

10 pm, DJ Shadow Brown

Los Gyros 

7 pm, Decar Rascon 

10 pm, DJ Vaenca 

Old Flame Brewery 

7 pm, Matt & Sarah play 

Super Bargain 

10 pm, DJ Shamz 

Zero Cocktail Bar 

8 pm, Cocktail class

SATURDAY MAY 3

Distillery

2 to 5 pm, Mike T Kerr with The Birth of Rock & Roll

Old Flame Brewery

2 to 6 pm, Sarah Fazackerley plays  

Wing House

8 pm, Jeff & Noah

SUNDAY MAY 4

Forsythia Festival 

11 am to 3 pm, Wellesley Park

Distillery

2 to 5 pm, Conor Gains with the Rise of Folk

Old Flame Brewery 

2 pm, live entertainment with Zach Erickson 

Stout Irish Pub 

5:30 pm, Sunday movie night - Luca 

Super Bargain 

3 pm, Paint nite with Tayaba 

MONDAY MAY 5

Stout Irish Pub 

7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia 

TUESDAY MAY 6

Stout Irish Pub 

7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia 

WEDNESDAY MAY 7

Golden Pigeon 

8 pm, Trivia with Rachelle Lauzon 

Old Flame Brewery

7 pm, Trivia night 

Stout Irish Pub 

7 pm, Euchre night 

Super Bargain

9 pm, Karaoke

THURSDAY MAY 8 

Mill Street Brew Pub

7 pm, Trivia with Quizmaster Jess

Old Flame Brewery 

7 pm, open mic with City Love 

FRIDAY MAY 9

Distillery

9 to 10 am, Yoga mornings at Soulpepper

Alice’s Place 

Karaoke night. 

Old Flame Brewery 

7 pm, live entertainment with Jay Blues Trio

Super Bargain 

8 pm, Throwback 90s party 

Zero Cocktail Bar 

7 pm, Cocktail class 

SATURDAY MAY 10 

Distillery

2 to 5 pm, Krystoe with the Soulful Sounds for Momsl

Old Flame Brewery

2 pm, live entertainment with Siobhan Bodrug Duo

SUNDAY MAY 11 

Distillery

2 to 5 pm, Joel Lightman with the Keys to Mom’s Heart

Old Flame Brewery 

2 pm, live entertainment with Genevieve Cyr

Stout Irish Pub 

5:30 pm, Sunday movie night - Super Mario Bros 

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

Epos Coffee - 290 Gerrard E

F’Amelia - 12 Amelia, (416) 323-0666

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

Poopathi mess - 585 Parliament, (416) 923-4243

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

East Coast Donair - 314 Parliament 

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