May 22

DOORS OPEN


This is Toronto’s annual tour of notable buildings and sites.  It’s a great way to satisfy your curiosity. Almost a dozen sites are open for our visits in our community.  Others - like the Don Jail and the original post office - are close.  There’s a complete online list of 155 locations across Toronto. At each place, click “View details” for times and other info.  


Here’s the list of sites in our area.  Descriptions of each is available online.  


St. James' Cemetery and the Chapel of St. James-the-Less National Historic Site - 635 Parliament - Saturday & Sunday


St Peter & St Simon Anglican Church - 525 Bloor E - Saturday & Sunday


Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre - 439 Dundas E - Saturday 


Jarvis Street Baptist Church - 130 Gerrard E - Saturday & Sunday


Daniels Spectrum - 585 Dundas E - Saturday & Sunday

Enoch Turner Schoolhouse - 106 Trinity - Sunday


Toronto Humane Society - 11 River Street - Saturday & Sunday

Young Centre for the Performing Arts - 50 Tank House Lane - Saturday & Sunday

Redpath Sugar - 95 Queens Quay E - Saturday & Sunday

Revelhouse - 139 Queens Quay E, Ste 922 - Saturday


LOCAL NEWS 


Winchester Fun Fair

Coming this weekend - one of our big Spring events.  Bring your kids and dive into the fun.  There’ll be bouncy castles, ice cream, face painting, music, family games, good food and lots more.  Rain or shine.  It happens at Winchester School (15 Prospect) from 11 am to 3 pm.  


Thanks to Domino’s Pizza 

The Winchester Fun Fair was short of money for this year’s event.  Domino’s (101-159 Wellesley E) has stepped up.  $5 spent on every meal in its Special Offer between May 26 and June 1 goes directly to the school.  Check out the illustration for the details.


Winchester Park Residents Association

The WPNA held its annual meeting on Wednesday night.  The group’s Board has worked steadily to fix irritating problems in the neighbourhood - the condition of Ontario Street just south of Parliament, replacement of the green planters on Aberdeen, problems with the bike lane at Ontario and Carlton, garbage in the lane behind Fudger House and loitering and disruptive behaviour on Flos Williams lane.  They participated in the annual spring cleaning in the neighbourhood.  The Board has paid particular attention to the new women’s respite centre (233 Carlton) and they’ve been in regular contact with Councillor Moise and his staff. Andre Bermon, the chair of the Community Police Liaison Committee invited the Association to send representatives - the second Wednesday every month at 6:30 pm at 51 Division (51 Parliament). 


233 Carlton

Diane Jansen and Kemar Brown talked to the Winchester Park residents about plans for the new women’s respite centre (233 Carlton).  The centre will welcome all women who want their help.  It isn’t a shelter and there won’t be beds or arrangements for long-term stays.  They’re planning a wide range of supportive activities for their clients - housing, medical help, ID clinics, cooking demos and more - all with the help of partner agencies.  There are surveillance cameras outside and 24-hour staff and security.  There will be regular walkabouts to clean dangerous litter and deal with outsiders hanging around.  


Amelia’s Garden

Amelia's Garden (Amelia and Parliament) organizers held a second community event last Saturday.  Jannette made a presentation about pollinator plants and ways to attract pollinators into home gardens. 


The volunteers’ efforts to clean up the lot, bring in new plants and create a community centre have been well received by local residents and businesses and by the BIA. Plans are now underway for future events here over the summer.  


Musicians wanted

The Cabbagetown BIA and the organizers at Amelia’s Garden are both looking for local musicians who want to perform outdoors during the coming summer months.  If you’re interested, you can email the BIA here and the Garden here.


A good opening day

The Cabbagetown Farmers Market (Winchester and Sumach) was launched into its 2025 season on Tuesday - two week’s earlier than usual.  Murray’s Farm and Thames River Melons each had lots of produce fresh from the farm. They’ll be back along with Oakridge Farm and vendors offering prepared food, breweries, wine and more.  


Duncan is the new manager at the Cabbagetown Farmers Market - he handles the daily setups and makes sure that everything runs smoothly.  Ellie is back for another year and this time, she’s doing the communication duties.


Thanks to Dairy Farmers of Ontario who sponsored the opening day and to Daniels Corporation for their season-long sponsorship of the musicians. 

 

Congrats Dixon Hall

Tickets for the 2025 Dixonlicious are sold out.  This is an important part of Dixon Halll’s fundraising for its food programs.  There’s still time to be part of the Silent Auction - there’s lots of great items for your bid.  Click here.  


Great flag photo

Gina and Paul are travelling along the Normandy coast.  Of course, they brought our flag and let it wave at Mont Saint Michel.


YOUR ANNOUNCEMENTS 


Apartment needed

Longtime Cabbagetown homeowner wishing to downsize, searching for local one or two bedroom apartment with patio or deck access for mid-summer occupancy.  Please contact thegreencottage@rogers.com 


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 25, it’s  “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”. The selection for next Sunday June 1 hasn't been announced yet - it's happening, so stay tuned here for the latest news.  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

Danny is playing at Castro’s (2116 Queen E) at 5 pm on Saturday.


Spring Celebration at Riverdale Farm

The Farm (Winchester at Sumach) is hosting its celebration on Saturday May 24 from 9 am to 5 pm.  There’ll be a sheep shearing demo at 11:30 am and 1:30 pm and a goat demo at 12:30 pm.  The Toronto Guild of Spinners and Weavers is back with its demos from 10 am to 3 pm.  Your kids can enjoy the crafts, the playroom and the refreshments.  


Cabbagetown Preservation Association AGM

The CPA is meeting at 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.”  


Bev Jenkins solo show

Bev’s art - sculpted oils on canvass - will be shown from May 23 to June 21 at the Arts & Letters Club (14 Elm).  She focuses on nature with its strengths of light, vivid colour and texture.  Her official opening night happens on May 30 from 4 to 7 pm.  Non-members can view her art by appointment at the Club - call (416) 597-0223, ext 3.  


Music in the Park

Student musicians from the Taylor Academy at the Royal Conservatory will perform in Corktown Common (155 Bayview) on Saturday May 31 from 2 pm.  Free.


Rock & Roll Revival in The Distillery


The Distillery’s outdoor concert series celebrates rock & roll on weekends from 2 to 5 pm, until mid-June. From 2 to 5 pm on Sunday, it’s UK Calling - 80s alternative at its best.


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.


BUSINESS NEWS 


Children’s Book Bank

It’s the Book Bank’s birthday and there’s a party.  Saturday May 24, 10 am to 3 pm, 585 Dundas E, Suite 260.  Everyone’s welcome for cupcakes and activities.  Free.


Double Take’s pop-up market

Saturday and Sunday, 11:30 am to 5:30 pm.  Special in-srore deals and promotions.  310 Gerrard E.


RESTAURANT NEWS


Ice cream season is back

Scoops (555 Dundas E) is open again.  Wednesday to Sunday from 1 to 9 pm.  Lots of flavours on a rotating line-up. Go to the side window beside Cafe Zuzu.


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.  


Dinner at Bisou

On Friday May 30, Conci Dinner with a special menu, rare wine and music with a DJ.  Every Friday and Saturday from 4 to 6 pm, enjoy $12 cocktails and 20% off on food. 350 Berkeley at Gerrard.


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


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 22 TO SUNDAY JUNE 1


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


Decoy

10 pm, DJ Shadow Brown


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 


MONDAY MAY 26


Decoy

8 pm, Movie night - Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas


Stout Irish Pub 

7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia 


TUESDAY MAY 27


Stout Irish Pub 

7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia 


WEDNESDAY MAY 28


F’Amelia

5 pm, Wine Wednesday


Golden Pigeon 

8 pm, Trivia with Rachelle Lauzon 


Lisbon Hotel Bar

7 pm, Trivia night with Quiz Master Jess


Old Flame Brewery

7 pm, Trivia night 


Stout Irish Pub 

7 pm, Euchre night 


THURSDAY MAY 29


F’Amelia

5 pm, Wine Thursday


Mill Street Brew Pub

7 pm, Trivia with Quizmaster Jess


Old Flame Brewery 

7 pm, open mic with City Love


FRIDAY MAY 30


Distillery

9 to 10 am, Yoga mornings at Soulpepper


Bisou

6:30 pm, Special a la carte dinner and wines, DJ


Decoy

10 pm, DJ 2008


Alice’s Place 

Karaoke night


Old Flame Brewery 

7 pm, Kanye Luna plays


Zero Cocktail Bar 

8 pm, Cocktail class


SATURDAY MAY 31


Distillery - Rock & Roll Revival

2 to 5 pm, Jennarie, Divas Live


Old Flame Brewery

2 to 6 pm, Cale Crow plays 


SUNDAY JUNE 1


Distillery - Rock & Roll Revival

2 to 5 pm, Sarah Fazackerley


Old Flame Brewery 

2 pm, live entertainment with Sarah Faz


Stout Irish Pub 

5:30 pm, Sunday movie night - TBA 


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