May 15


LOCAL NEWS 


Aberdeen fire

One home has been completely destroyed and two others badly damaged by a three-alarm fire at 29 Aberdeen just after midnight on Monday May 12. The residents escaped unharmed.  Two firefighters were injured, one was hospitalized.  (Bottom photo: Linda Beatty)


Danny Marks

Danny Marks lives in one of the damaged homes and he’s been forced to move out.  He’s currently living in a BnB nearby but needs long term rental while his house is repaired - if he know a place for him, send him an email at dmarks@bluz.fm 

On Facebook, he says, “Our home has been severely impacted by this event. A fire that started next door and spread quickly. We need to stay out for a few months while the place is thoroughly gutted and cleaned. The smell of smoke and char is everywhere. Water damage is substantial. Our structure and belongings survive although a lot of stuff smells of smoke. We are physically unscarred, but emotionally, understandably, distraught.”

233 Carlton - Women’s Drop-in Centre

Two themes have regularly been raised by the community - neighbourhood safety and cleanliness.  Sean O’Donovan is a member of the Community Liaison Committee for the Centre and he’s reporting to us on progress there.   “As part of its program, Fred Victor, the community organization running the Centre, will provide Outreach and Community Engagement (OCE) teams from 233 Carlton. These teams will run regular patrols within two blocks of the Centre, responding to non-emergency issues, picking up needles, checking in with neighbours and businesses and responding to community queries and concerns. There will also be nighttime lighting on the front and back of the building plus CCTV cameras front and back, monitored 7/24 by Fred Victor Staff. Fred Victor has also confirmed that all garbage created by the Centre will be stored in an internal storage area and that Garbage pick-up will happen at the back of the building rather than on the sidewalk out front…”

Atlantic salmon

For the first time since 2012, an Atlantic salmon was caught in the mouth of the Don River in early May.  Waterfront Toronto used the fisheries monitoring program at the Toronto & Region Conservation Authority.

Congrats to Ruth Wagner 

Her painting, Aesthetics, has won an Award of Excellence in the Don Valley Art Club Spring Awards Show & Sale.  The show is taking place at the Papermill Gallery in Todmorden Mills (67 Pottery Road).  Wednesday to Sunday,  11 am to 5 pm until June 1. The website lists the artists on display.

Congrats Friends of Regent Park

Last Saturday, Friends held a free pancake breakfast for local residents.  Over 150 people attended and they enjoyed pancakes, maple syrup, fruit compote,  juice and Tim Horton’s coffee.  Suzette Vidale entertained the crowd on the steel pan.


Thanks, Sandra

Sandra and her friend Sidney recently travelled in southern France in Nice and Provence.  Of course, she took along our flag and unfurled it on the seaside.  Good shot.  Here’s a reminder - you may not be going overseas on a foreign trip but our flag will look just as good in Mississauga or Tobermory.


IN THE MEDIA


The Palm House

The Allan Gardens Conservatory’s Palm House is open again after a three-year construction project.  Its glass cladding, glazing and ventilation and air quality systems have all been renewed.  It “…features a wide array of palms, banana plants and other tall specimens. It showcases a variety of palm trees and other tropical plants like cycads, gingers, hibiscus and seasonal exotics.”  For a full description of the upgrades from CBC News, click here. (Photo: Britnei Bilhete/CBC) 

Evan Solomon’s job

Evan, our local MP, is the first-ever federal minister fully focused on artificial intelligence and digital issues.  His official title is Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation. Joe Castaldo has written about his job in the Globe & Mail, explaining its growing importance for Canada and for the Carney government. (Photo: Joe Castaldo/CP)


GARDEN NEWS


Sword Street tulips

The neighbours on Sword have planted 2000 bulbs and tended their boulevard gardens for the second year.  Congrats, everybody. 

Amelia’s Garden event

There’ll be a pollinator garden presentation at Amelia’s Garden (corner of Amelia and Parliament) on Sunday May 18 at 1 and 3 pm.  You’ll learn how to protect insect habitats and use plants that support insect life.  In addition, there’ll be a plant exchange between 1 and 3 pm.  Vendors are welcome to join the street market. 

Spring plant sale

Friends of Allan Gardens’ Spring sale happens on Sunday May 18 from noon to 5 pm in the Children’s Conservatory (19 Horticultural Ave).  There’ll be native plants, veggie starters, house plants and more.  It’s a fundraiser for the Friends.


COMING EVENTS


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 18, it’s  “Sonic the Hedgehog” and on Sunday May 25, it’s “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”. There’s free popcorn. Sundays at 5:30 pm. Please contact Erin to save your spot - (647) 344-7676 and erin@stoutirishpub.ca  

Community Environment Day

Our annual environment day happens from 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday May 17 at Allan Gardens (160 Gerrard E).  The City website says,”Drop off household items for donation, electronics for reuse or recycling and household hazardous waste for proper disposal.” There’ll also be free compost, trees and seedlings.  You can donate gently used household items, clothing and non-perishable food items for the Allan Gardens Food Bank.

Farmers’ Markets

The Markets are coming back.  The first day in Cabbagetown will be Tuesday May 20, 3 to 7 pm, in Riverdale Park West (Sumach and Winchester). Twenty vendors will be there and the visiting musician is Holly Clausius. Underpass Farmers Market (29 Lower River Street) will open from 4 to 7:30 pm on May 22. The Allan Gardens Farmers’ Market happens every Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm in the Children’s Conservatory (160 Gerrard E)

Winchester Park Residents Association

The Association’s annual meeting will take place at 6 pm on Wednesday May 21 at the Hugh Garner Co-op (550 Ontario). The guest speakers are involved with the Women’s Drop-in Service (233 Carlton) - Sylvia Braithwait the director of drop-ins at Fred Victor and Diane Janzen, the manager at 233 Carlton.

Cabbagetown Preservation Association AGM

The CPA’s annual meeting is scheduled for 7 pm on Thursday May 29 in the Meeting House in Riverdale Park (Sumach and Winchester).  Included on the agenda are presentations for the Peggy Kurtin Restoration Award.  The speaker is Claire Jansen-Faught, author of Heritage Toronto’s “The State of Heritage.”  

Rock & Roll Revival in The Distillery

The Distillery’s outdoor concert series celebrates rock & roll.  On Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 5 pm, until mid-June. From 2 to 5 pm on Saturday, it’s Kirt Godwin with Soul Supreme and on Sunday, Terrence the Pianoman, plays Piano Pop Revival. On Monday (for the long weekend), King Davis presents Decades of Pop.

Yoga mornings at Soulpepper 

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


YOUR ANNOUNCEMENTS 


Prince Edward County retreat

It’s located in the Milford area in the County, only 2 hours and 20 minutes from Toronto.  Bookings are available now either through the owners or through Airbnb - five star reviews across the board.  Some weekends are still open.  Enquire for the friends/family pricing for Cabbagetown neighbours. This country retreat sleeps eight in five bedrooms in exceptional comfort.  The rooms have king sized beds, blackout blinds, and luxury pillows, mattresses and bedding.  You’ll enjoy your own private yoga studio, outdoor sauna and Japanese soaker tub.  Pets are welcome. Check it out online here.


BUSINESS NEWS 


Shop2Win

Congrats to Abdullah Usman who won this week’s prize along with Lennie’s Whole Foods (485 Parliament).  Click here to see how you can win - the contest goes until late May.


RESTAURANT NEWS


Happy Hour at Bisou

Every Friday and Saturday from 4 to 6 pm, enjoy $12 cocktails and 20% off on food at Bisou (350 Berkeley at Gerrard).

Sober Bingo at Zero

Sanjina from Canada’s Drag Race is your host at Zero (223 Carlton) on Saturday night.  Saturday May 17.  Four rounds of bingo and lots of lip sync performances.  

Dusty & Friends at Decoy

The Market at Decoy (370 Queen E) includes multiple vintage vendors, sweet and savoury treats, tarot readings, a special Spring cocktail and live music.  Mo’s Diner with a BBQ special, and the Pastry Collective will be there on Saturday.  From 2 pm to late - Saturday May 17 and Sunday May 18.

Wines from Piemonte

Fusilli (531 Queen E) is hosting a wine tasting dinner at 7 pm on Tuesday May 27.  There’ll be shrimp to start, penne matriciana, veal saltimbocca and dark chocolate dessert.  Wines will include Chiaretto Valtenesi, Barbera d’Asti, and Reserve Leone.   Seating is limited - call (416) 214-5148 to reserve your spot. $89.  

Zero’s cocktail class

Every Friday evening at 7 pm, learn how to shake, stir and sip zero-alcohol cocktails.  $40.  Click here to register. 223 Carlton.

Golden Pigeon

The Leafs are on a playoff roll and The Golden Pigeon (424 Parliament) is rolling out its playoff special - a pint of lager and a pound of wings for $20.


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 15 TO SUNDAY MAY 25


THURSDAY MAY 15


Mill Street Brew Pub

7 pm, Trivia with Quizmaster Jess


Old Flame Brewery 

7 pm, open mic with City Love


FRIDAY MAY 16 


Distillery

9 to 10 am, Yoga mornings at Soulpepper


Alice’s Place 

Karaoke night


Old Flame Brewery 

7 pm, Jammers Waffle House plays 


Super Bargain 

10 pm, DJ Shamz 


Zero Cocktail Bar 

8 pm, Cocktail class


SATURDAY MAY 17


Distillery - Rock & Roll Revival

2 to 5 pm, Kirt Godwin, Soul Supreme


Decoy

2 pm, Dusty & Friends market


Old Flame Brewery

3 to 6 pm, Murray Drive plays 


Super Bargain

Noon, Messy’s Drag brunch and bingo

10 pm, East End Boogie with Kaelo, Rad Pitt, Rey Gelato and DJ Rice Dream


SUNDAY MAY 18


Distillery - Rock & Roll Revival

2 to 5 pm, Terrence the Pianoman, Piano Pop Revival


Decoy

2 pm, Dusty & Friends market


Old Flame Brewery 

2 pm, live entertainment with Dave Daniels 


Stout Irish Pub 

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


Super Bargain 

3 pm, Paint nite with Tayaba 


MONDAY MAY 19


Distillery - Rock & Roll Revival

2 to 5 pm, King Davis with Decades of Pop


Stout Irish Pub 

7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia 


TUESDAY MAY 20


Stout Irish Pub 

7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia 


WEDNESDAY MAY 21


Golden Pigeon 

8 pm, Trivia with Rachelle Lauzon 


Old Flame Brewery

7 pm, Trivia night 


Stout Irish Pub 

7 pm, Euchre night 


THURSDAY MAY 22 


Mill Street Brew Pub

7 pm, Trivia with Quizmaster Jess


Old Flame Brewery 

7 pm, open mic with City Love 


FRIDAY MAY 23


Distillery

9 to 10 am, Yoga mornings at Soulpepper


Alice’s Place 

Karaoke night. 


Old Flame Brewery 

7 pm, live entertainment with Fresh Breath Band


Zero Cocktail Bar 

7 pm, Cocktail class 


SATURDAY MAY 24 


Old Flame Brewery

2 pm, live entertainment with Ruby Tuesday


SUNDAY MAY 25 


Distillery

2 to 5 pm, UK Calling in 80’s alternative at its best


Old Flame Brewery 

2 pm, live entertainment with SJ Riley


Stout Irish Pub 

5:30 pm, Sunday movie night - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 


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