October 16

HALLOWE’EN NEWS

Pumpkin carving for your kids

Allan Gardens is hosting three family events.  On Saturday October 25, pumpkin carving happens from 10 am to 2 pm.  On Wednesday October 29 and Thursday October 30, it’s an after-school events from 4 to 7 pm.  Mini pumpkins and carving tools are supplied.  Parental supervision is required.  It’s free but a $5 donation will be appreciated.  Allan Gardens Children’s Conservatory (19 Horticultural Lane).  Online info is listed here. 


The Boo Barn

Riverdale Farm is again organizing its Boo Barn festivities from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm on Saturday October 25 and Sunday October 26.  There’ll be pumpkin carving (pumpkins and tools provided), Boo Barn tours, face painting, crafts and more.  It’s free and a $5 donation is requested.  Riverdale Farm, Winchester and Sumach).  Details online here.


Regent Park Funfest

Come for an afternoon with pumpkin carving, cookie decorating, music and dancing, treat bags and apple crisp. It happens in The Big Park (620 Dundas E) at the Bake Oven on Saturday October 25 from 1 to 3 pm. Click here for more info. 


Hallowe’en trick or treating

Kids are invited to go door-to-door to businesses along the Front Street promenade (between Bayview and Cherry) on Hallowe’en from 6 to 7:30 pm. Businesses will have goodies to give away. There’ll be a dog-costume parade with prizes at 5:45 pm and a parade at 6 pm - assemble at the Water Guardian (474 Front E). There’s lots of info online. 

  

Pumpkin walk

The Cabbagetown Residents Association is holding its annual pumpkin walk in Riverdale Park West (Sumach and Winchester).  Bring your pumpkin, wear your costume and make a food donation to Dixon Hall. Saturday November 1 from 6 to 8 pm. Details are online here.


Pumpkin parade

Sambain in Corktown - bring your pumpkin, wear a costume and enjoy your neighbours.  Saturday November 1 from 6:30 to 8 pm in the Sackville Playground (420 King E).  Click here for more info.


SPOOKY MOVIES


Movies at Stout 

Weekly free movie nights at Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton). The lineup features family movies - bring your kids. On Sunday October 19, it’s “Hocus Pocus” and on October 26, “Ghost Busters”.  There’s free popcorn. Sundays at 5:30 pm. Please contact Erin to save your spot - (647) 344-7676 and erin@stoutirishpub.ca 


Soulpepper’s spooky season movies

On Friday October 17, it’s Barbarian.  Doors open at 6:30 and the movie starts at 7.  Admission is free but registration is required - click here. Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane).  


Movie night at Decoy


On Monday October 20 at 8 pm, the movie is One Cut of the Dead. On Monday October 27, it’s What We Do in the Shadows.  370 Queen E


LOCAL NEWS


Be careful

Guideline Roofing has just distributed a flyer in our neighbourhood offering a wide range of home contracting services.  Some of its claims raise alarm bells. Its company address is apparently at 2967 Dundas, Unit 615 - that’s a three storey building with a discount store on the ground level and apartments above it.  There are three Instagram followers including one guy who might live in Louisiana and who likes food stories, a woman who definitely lives on the American east coast, and a guy who claims to be a whiz at some sort of Internet business consulting.  There are no links and no way to verify the people noted on the website who gave glowing recommendations.  The website also gives two other addresses, one in Windsor and the other in Mississauga.  


Memories of Mongolia

Lawrence Bernstein travelled to Mongolia earlier this year.  He highlighted his trip for us by waving our Cabbagetown flag in front of the statue of Genghis Khan - a remarkable image.  The Powell Gallery (587 Mount Pleasant) is exhibiting his photographs from that trip. October 18 to November 10.  He says that his photographs show “Windblown sand, towering curves, deep shadows, flat, shattered, flinty landscapes muted earth tones, deep valleys, high hills, proud, 
beautiful people.” The official opening happens on Monday October 20 from 5:30 to 7 pm - everyone is welcome. You can see his work on Instagram.

Crane at Stafford condo

Stafford Homes has told Rick at Cabbagetown South that they’ll be removing the building crane on their new condo, The Georgian (227 Gerrard E), on Monday October 20.  Ontario Street south of Gerrard will be closed for most of the day.


Road repairs

The Don Valley Parkway off-ramp at Richmond Street will be closed from October 15 to the Spring.  One eastbound lane on Eastern Ave and one westbound lane on Richmond will also be closed. 

Water and sewer replacements are happening on Ontario Street from Carlton to Wellesley. October 14 to July 31.  The work will take place from 7 am to 7 pm, Monday to Friday.


IN THE MEDIA


Punching back

Marni Jackson has written a personal and moving article in the Globe & Mail about her fight against Parkinson’s disease.  She’s training at the Cabbagetown Boxing Club (2 Lancaster) for part of her battle.  (Photo: Gabriel Hutchinson, Globe & Mail) 


The new Quayside community

The Globe & Mail’s Alex Bozikovic has written about plans for a new development with 1100 market homes and 550 affordable homes in Quayside (Parliament and Lakeshore).  It's the first development for this area and more will come in the future. He describes the project, its costs and the design features for the buildings and streets.


East Side Showdown

Andre Bermon in The Bridge has written about this 1990s documentary film and its continuing relevance today.  The film looks at life at Dundas and Sherbourne and the issues facing poor people at that time.  Bermon updates descriptions of these issues.  Click here to read his story.


FOR YOUR BODY


Bingo challenge at PSF

Parliament Street Fitness (488 Parliament) is holding a bingo contest for its members.  Its underway now to October 31.  Get a card at the front desk and the staff person will help you with your entries.  Get five in a row on your card to win a month’s membership.  Other prizes include free memberships for three, six and twelve months. Check out their schedule online.


Cycle Solutions

Autumn weather means darker streets.  Cycle Solutions (444 Parliament) has a big selection of lights to make your trips safer. There’s more info online. 


COMING EVENTS


Soulpepper’s Monologue Clinic

Soulpepper’s (50 Tank House Lane) leading artists will work one-on-one with you to refine your technique and give you fresh insights.  It’s free.  Apply by Wednesday October 22.  Workshops run from October 27 to November 24 from 7 to 9 pm.  Space is limited/. Click here for more info.


Metrolinx meeting

Two subway stations for the new Ontario Line are under construction - at Moss Park at Queen and Sherbourne and Corktown at Parliament and King.  Metrolinx is holding a public meeting to discuss progress on the work on Wednesday October 22 from 5:30 pm in the Regent Park Community Centre (402 Shuter).  To register, click here.


Enoch Turner on tap

New date - Thursday October 23 from 6:30 pm.  The Enoch Turner Schoolhouse (106 Trinity) features Ryan Manucha with his Donner Prize winning book, Booze, Cigarettes and Constitutional Dustups.  Enjoy the special tastes of custom-made beer from Granite Brewery and tunes from North Atlantic Drift.  Tickets are $33 - click here.


Farmers Markets

The season’s best produce is on sale now.  Two markets are finishing their season soon.

Cabbagetown Farmers Market  - only two more dates for the 2025 market, on Tuesday October 21 and 28, 3 to 7 pm, in Riverdale Park West (Winchester and Sumach).  

Underpass Farmers Market - the market finishes its 2025 season on Thursday October 16 from 4 to 7:30 pm in Underpass Park (29 Lower River Street). For weekly updates, click here.

Allan Gardens Saturday Farmers Market  - every Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm throughout the year. In the Children’s Conservatory (160 Gerrard E ).


RESTAURANT NEWS


Go Jays!

The Blake House (449 Jarvis) has playoff menus that are easy to eat while you’re watching the game.  Mill Street Brew Pub (21 Tankhouse Lane), Keating Channel (2 Villiers) and the Golden Pigeon (424 Parliament) have big screens and special offers every night while the Jays are playing.  


Momo Ghar

The Bridge has reviewed Momo Ghar (Lower level, 568 Parliament) in a lengthy profile of its menu and the people working there.  Click here to read it.


Achillian Night

Board and social games at The Golden Pigeon (424 Parliament).  Games of all levels along with organized social events.  $10 cover.  Click here for more details.


Wine and food pairing at Fusilli 

Fusilli (531 Queen E) is hosting a wine tasting with Azureau paired with a four-course dinner.  Wednesday October 22 from 6:30 pm.  Seating is limited, so please call (416) 214-5148 to reserve your spot. Check out the menu online.


Decoy Bar

On Friday night at Decoy (370 Queen E), it’s music to honour D’Angelo.  Sound provided by Trust The Process.  More info available online.


Cafe Zuzu

Tiny’s Zuzu session with live music and comedy.  Emerging artists will refine their material and connect with the audience in an intimate setting.  Uncle’s Afterparty follows.  Sunday October 26, 5:30 pm.  Click here for tickets. 555 Dundas E 



Lisbon Hotel

Every Thursday from 5 pm it’s Grapes & Grooves - funky disco and bottles of wine at half price.  Music by Bobby Play. 19 Lawren Harris Square.  More info here. 


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 OCTOBER 16 TO SUNDAY OCTOBER 26


THURSDAY OCTOBER 16


Lisbon Hotel

7 pm, Grapes & Grooves - funky disco and half price wine.


Mill Street Brew Pub

7 pm, Music Trivia with Quizmaster Jess


Old Flame Brewery 

7 pm, open mic with City Love


FRIDAY OCTOBER 17


Alice’s Place 

9:30 pm, Karaoke night


Bisou

4 pm, happy hour with DJ Antony


Decoy

10 pm, all vinyl set by DJ Trust the Process


Old Flame

7 pm, Live entertainment with Kanye Luna


Soulpepper

6:30 pm, Spooky movie night - Barbarian


SATURDAY OCTOBER 18


Bisou

4 pm, happy hour with DJ Antony


Old Flame Brewery

2 pm, live music with Sarah Faz


Zero

7 pm, Sober & Drag


SUNDAY OCTOBER 19


Old Flame Brewery 

2 pm, live music with Siobhan Bodrug Duo


Stout Irish Pub

5:30, Sunday movie night - Hocus Pocus


MONDAY OCTOBER 20


Decoy

8 pm, Movie night - One Cut of the Dead


Stout Irish Pub 

7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia 


TUESDAY OCTOBER 21


Stout Irish Pub 

7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia 


WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 22


F’Amelia

5 pm, Wine Wednesday


Fusilli

6:30 pm, wine and food pairing dinner


Golden Pigeon 

8 pm, Trivia with Rachelle Lauzon


Old Flame Brewery

7 pm, Trivia night 


Stout Irish Pub 

7 pm, Euchre night


THURSDAY OCTOBER 23


Lisbon Hotel

7 pm, Grapes & Grooves - funky disco and half price wine.


Mill Street Brew Pub

7 pm, Trivia with Quizmaster Jess


Old Flame Brewery 

7 pm, open mic with City Love


FRIDAY OCTOBER 24


Alice’s Place 

Karaoke night. 


Bisou

4 pm, happy hour with DJ Antony


Decoy

10 pm, DJs Matt & Matt Soul spin soul, funk and more


Old Flame

7 pm, Freddy on Guitar


SATURDAY OCTOBER 25


Bisou

4 pm, happy hour with DJ Antony


Mill Street Brewpub

Noon to 4 pm, live music and DJ with brunch


Old Flame Brewery

2 to 6 pm, live entertainment with Mark Villamore


Zero Cocktail Bar 

7 pm, cocktail class


SUNDAY OCTOBER 26


Cafe Zuzu

5:30 pm, Tiny’s Cafe Zuzu session with Live music and comedy


Old Flame Brewery 

2 pm, live entertainment with Sydney Riley


Stout Irish Pub 

5:30 pm, Sunday movie night - Ghost Busters


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 - 505 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