LOCAL NEWS
Good luck to Max Perren
Max is a seasoned lacrosse coach. His teams from Ontario and from Upper Canada College have regularly ranked at national championship levels. For the past 18 months, he’s also served as the head coach for the Swiss Men’s National Lacrosse Team. They’re travelling to Poland in mid-July for the European lacrosse championships. This event is also a qualifier for the 2027 world championships.
Forgotten Lawns & Gardens
Sean Clarke has been busy over the Spring. He’s creating new gardens and renewing existing ones across Cabbagetown. His company offers landscaping services, contracting and property maintenance. He does a great job. Check out his website here.
Mainstreet Walking Tour
This popular self-guided tour through Cabbagetown’s main streets uncovers stories about the architecture, historic figures and businesses along Carlton, Parliament, and Gerrard. A Scavenger Hunt encourages participants to solve clues at each stop. It takes from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on your pace. It’s free. Click here for the Driftscape app to start your tour.
A success for Shop2Win
The Cabbagetown BIA’s six week raffle has finished and the organizers have published their report. 1,744 unique participants submitted a total of 5,142 entries. 82 people sent in online reviews. 720 agreed to receive future marketing and 418 connected with Daniels Corporation, the contest sponsor. 80% were new participants. Receipts came from more than 50% of the BIA’s members. All of this is great news for the local business community - 73% of the participants said that the contest encouraged them to shop more often in local businesses and 59% said that this would have a lasting impact on their shopping habits. The economic impact of the contest was $309, 501.
Opening on Wednesday - Playground, a family musical
This new musical is written around Jack Grunsky’s award-winning catalogue of children’s music . The story follows Eliot who moves to a new school in a new town. He invents a schoolyard game that takes his new friends on a journey through the world of make believe. Suitable for kids 4 to 1 and their parents and grandparents. It’s playing from July 2 to 13 at various times in Soulpepper Theatre (50 Tankhouse Lane, Distillery) as part of the Fringe Festival. Click here for tickets and performance times.
Reacher in Riverdale Park West
Reacher, a television series about an ex-army police officer, is now into its fourth season. Filming for one episode took place in Riverdale Park West on Monday. As always wth big-time television and film productions, a lot of equipment and people were involved.
Sumach-Shuter Parkette
The petition opposing the renaming of this small parkette has now attracted almost 1000 signatures from residents who don’t like Councillor Chris Moise’s initiative to call it the Louis March Park. There’s also a website with a rebuttal to the Councillor’s claims that he has consulted widely. Residents are circulating contact info for the Mayor and links to the Council’s vote on the matter. The official ceremony for the renaming is July 20.
Farmers’ markets
Cabbagetown Farmers Market - Tuesday, 3 to 7 pm, in Riverdale Park West (Winchester and Sumach).
Underpass Farmers Market - every Thursday from 4 to 7:30 pm in Underpass Park (29 Lower River Street).
Allan Gardens Saturday Farmers Market - every Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm. In rhe Children’s Conservatory (160 Gerrard E ).
Kristyn Wong-Tam’s birthday
Kristyn’s birthday happened on Tuesday June 24. To celebrate, the Toronto Centre NDP asked her cat for a few comments and got plenty of enthusiastic purrs. They also used the occasion for a bit of fundraising - click here if you want to donate. She’s proven herself to be both passionate and hardworking - the kind of representative that we can admire.
Art show
Last weekend, Francois Danserean hung his art in the garden at Amelia and Parliament. It was a classic exhibition - the art flowed around the garden as people enjoyed the display. Cranberries provided munchies. Half of the proceeds from th sale went to support the garden.
Eric Morse
Eric regularly takes photos of Cabbagetown streetscapes and brings a unique view of our community. In this image, he’s captured the plants and flowers at Wellesley and Parliament.
PRIDE EVENTS
Zero Proof Cocktails
Zero (223 Carlton) has three days of Pride celebrations. On Friday for the Trans community, on Saturday for the Lesbian/Dyke community and on Sunday for the LGBTQIA+ community - enjoy a three course lunch/dinner with a paired complimentary cocktail.
Indie Queer Authors
Six queer authors talk about their work and read from their books. Hosted by Dorianne Emmerton. Super Bargain (441 Parliament), Thursday June 26, 7 pm.
CANADA DAY EVENTS
Taste of Canary
Canada Day weekend events happen from noon to 3 pm on Saturday June 28 along the Front Street promenade. The local merchants are offering free samples, coupons, raffle tickets and snacks.
The Distillery events
The Canada Day celebrations here will include the long weekend from Saturday through Tuesday. There’ll be patios and food specials at Pure Spirits, Cluny, El Catrin and Madrina with PEI oysters, Haida Gwaii halibut, Niagara ice wine and Ontario strawberries all on the various menus. The Kids Zone (Case Goods Lane, 10 am to 6 pm) will have face painting, temporary flag tattoos and special treats.
Entertainment at the Distillery
On Saturday from 1 to 4 pm, Jukebox Jordo plays the Great Canadian songbook. Joanne Morra and Eric St-Laurent blend jazz, blues and French folk on Sunday from 1 to 4 pm. Eunice Keitan performs her originals and Canadian legends from 2 to 5 pm on Monday. On Canada Day from 2 to 5 pm, Up To Here, the Tragically Hip tribute band, play fan favourites.
Keating Channel
You’re invited to a Canada Day backyard bbq on Tuesday July 1, starting at 3 pm. There’ll be live music by Unlimited - jazz, funk and reggae. 2 Villiers.
Mill Street Brewpub
There’s live music from noon to 4 pm at the Brewpub on Saturday. Enjoy great weather, fresh beer and good bites on the patio. 21 Tank House Lane.
IN THE MEDIA
Anishnawbe Health Toronto
Alex Bozikovic has written about Anishnawbe Health Toronto in the Globe & Mail. His story describes the building’s flowing architecture, its roots in Indigenous culture and its importance for Toronto’s Indigenous community.
FOR YOUR BODY
Fitness in the garden
Amelia’s Garden’s fitness class is back on Friday at 10 am, weather permitting. The exercises are designed for everyone regardless of age, ability or fitness level with a standard level and options to scale down or up. Jonathan is a certified trainer and proud Silver Fox. Free. (Amelia and Parliament)
Mondays at Sequins Studio
Dr. Erin Caplice, a chiropractor and certified Pilates instructor, handles Duck Comfit (comfy) at Sequins (552 Parliament) at 6:45 pm on Monday nights. It’s a 45-minute restorative mobility class designed to release muscular tension and support deep recovery. Ideal for anyone seeking a thoughtful reset. Suitable for all levels and all radiant vintages. Try it out for $15. Click here to see Sequins’ weekly schedule.
COMING EVENTS
Movies at Stout
Weekly free movie nights at Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton). The lineup features family movies - bring your kids. On Sunday June 29, it’s “ET” and on Sunday July 6, it’s “Mary Poppins”. There’s free popcorn. Sundays at 5:30 pm. Please contact Erin to save your spot - (647) 344-7676 and erin@stoutirishpub.ca
Outdoor movies
The season is starting for outdoor movies at Corktown Common (155 Bayview at Mill Street). Six films on six Thursday nights will be shown along with a short Canadian film. On Thursday July 6, it’s Dazed & Confused paired with The Fake Calendar and Chesterfield. Eats and treats at 7 pm. Screening starts at sundown - bring your own blanket and chairs. Free - pay what you can. (Photo: Nicola Betts)
Taste of Regent Park
Taste is coming back from 5 to 8 pm on Wednesday July 2 . It happens in The Big Park at the bbq area. It’s a popular weekly event running to September. There’ll be artisans, food vendors, community groups and live entertainment.
Community birthday party
Friends of Regent Park are hosting another fun day from 3 to 6 pm on Saturday June 28 in the Regent park Community Centre (402 Shuter). There’ll be games, music, activities and good food.
SUMMERLICIOUS
The big city-wide food festival runs from July 4 to 20. Reservations are open now. Enjoy the special menus at more than 220 restaurants. Lunches and dinners are three-course prix fixe with prices for lunch ranging from $20 to $55 and for dinner from $25 to $75. To see who’s participating, click here.
https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/summerlicious/
Local restaurants
Butter Chicken Factory - 560 Parliament, (416) 964-7585. $27 lunch & $35 dinner.
F'Amelia - 12 Amelia, (416) 323-0666. $55 dinner.
DIA Restaurant & Lounge - 387 Bloor E, (416) 921-3333. $48 lunch & $65 dinner
Maison Selby - 592 Sherbourne, (647) 943-1676. $48 lunch & $65 dinner.
Blake House - 449 Jarvis, (416) 975-1867. $34 lunch & $45 dinner.
Cafe Zuzu - 555 Dundas E, (416) 815-2660. $27 lunch & $35 dinner.
Pure Spirits - 17 Tank House Lane. (416) 361-5859. $34 lunch & $45 dinner.
Chef’s House - 215 King E, (416) 415-2260. $34 lunch & $45 dinner.
Mengrai Thai - 82 Ontario, (416) 840-2754. $35 dinner.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Messy’s drag bingo brunch
At Super Bargain (441 Parliament) on Saturday June 28, noon. Your ticket includes your brunch buffet. Hosted by Messy Margaret.
Jeff & Noah at the Wing House
Jeff Barnes reports that. “… thanks to your support, we are pleased to add a second monthly show at the Wing House on the third Saturday of each month.” The next one will be on Saturday July 5 and then on July 19, August 2 and August 16. 420 Parliament.
L’Avenue patio
The warm weather brought out patio people on the weekend at L’Avenue. (583 Parliament). The art show in Amelia’s Garden can been seen in the background.
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 JUNE 26 TO SUNDAY JULY 6
THURSDAY JUNE 26
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
Super Bargain
7 pm, Indie Queer Authors
FRIDAY JUNE 27
Alice’s Place
9:30 pm, Karaoke night
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, Kanye Luna plays
Zero Cocktail Bar
8 pm, Cocktail class
SATURDAY JUNE 28
Distillery
1 to 4 pm, Jukebox Jordo
Mill Street Brewpub
Noon to 4 pm, live music and DJ with brunch
Old Flame Brewery
8 to 10 pm, line dancing with Cheatin’ Hearts
Super Bargain
Noon, Messy’s Drag Bingo Brunch
SUNDAY JUNE 29
Distillery
1 to 4 pm, Joanne Morra and Eric St-Laurent
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live entertainment with Dave Daniel
Stout Irish Pub
5:30 pm, Sunday movie night - ET
MONDAY JUNE 30
Distillery
2 to 5 pm, Eunice Keitan
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
TUESDAY JULY 1
Distillery
1 to 4 pm, Up to here
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
WEDNESDAY JULY 2
F’Amelia
5 pm, Wine Wednesday
Golden Pigeon
8 pm, Trivia with Rachelle Lauzon
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, Trivia night
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Euchre night
THURSDAY JULY 3
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 JULY 4
Alice’s Place
Karaoke night.
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, live entertainment with Boat House Blues
Zero Cocktail Bar
7 pm, Cocktail class
SATURDAY JULY 5
Mill Street Brewpub
Noon to 4 pm, live music and DJ with brunch
Old Flame Brewery
2 to 6 pm, live entertainment with Benji Crane
Wing House
8 pm, Jeff & Noah
SUNDAY JULY 6
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live entertainment with Sean Bienhaus
Stout Irish Pub
5:30 pm, Sunday movie night - Mary Poppins
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
Falcha Fusion - upstairs, 568 Parliament, (416) 926-9141
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
Rayah - 507 Parliament,
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
Eataly - 21 Trinity
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