IN MY OPINION
Thanks to the BIA
During the impressive Remembrance Day ceremony held in the Chapel at St James Cemetery (635 Parliament) on November 11, I realized that the Cabbagetown BIA has been offering outstanding services and entertainment over the past year. Its projects are interesting and its social media presence is accomplished. Our businesses and our community are benefiting from their work. Many thanks to the BIA’s Board and staff.
LOCAL NEWS
Remembrance Day ceremony
The service was held in the Chapel at St James Cemetery (635 Parliament) on November 11. It was full of respectful remarks, good music and solemn reminders of the sacrifices made on our behalf.
Over 200 people crowded into the chapel for the service. James Kennedy, the piper, lead the procession into the chapel and then outside at the end. The BIA Chair, Bill Renieris, welcomed the audience. Silas Friesen, the trumpeter, returned for another year and played the mournful anthems skillfully. Canon Stephen Fields handled the litany. Representatives from the Toronto Police Service, Toronto Fire and the Queen’s Own Rifles laid wreaths. And our three political leaders gave short remarks about the meaning that they find in Remembrance Day. McDonalds and Daniel et Daniel provided snack after the service. Gilles Huot lead a tour of veterans’ graves in the cemetery.
It was, all told, very well done. Thanks to the BIA and its staff for their work organizing it.
Final tally for Blair’s Run
This year’s Run during the Cabbagetown Festival was a remarkable success. 372 people participated - 143 of them were under the age of 16. $71,365 was raised in 637 donations. Check out the Run’s photo album - click here.
Tap2Win
Win $5000 or double your prize if you purchased an item with Interac Debit. The draws will happen every week for the next six week with the prizes awarded at each deadline. The next deadline is November 16. To win, you must submit your receipt for your purchase from a Cabbagetown retailer or restaurant for more than $15. Check out the rules and make your submission online here.
Distillery’s Christmas tree
The big tree has arrived in the Distillery - the official lighting ceremony will happen on Thursday November 13 at 6 pm. Mo Guzman will entertain from 4 pm and after the tree ceremony, The Tenors will join Santa and his elves. It’s the start for the Distillery’s 2025 Winter Village. To see the daily programs and to buy tickets, click here.
A new homeless village
Tents have appeared in the vacant land between River Street and Gerrard. There’s a big pile of stuff as well as over a dozen tents. (Photo: John McLeod).
Fire on Carlton near Sherbourne
Toronto Fire reports that an explosion and fire happened on a 17th floor balcony in a building on Carlton near Sherbourne on Wednesday at 9 am. The fire may have involved an e-bike battery but that has not been officially confirmed yet. No one was injured. The apartment itself was damaged.
YOUR ANNOUNCEMENTS
Apartment for rent
Betty and Stephen have a second floor apartment for rent on Sackville near Spruce. 650 sq ft, one bedroom, private entrance, access to backyard garden. $1,850/month plus electricity. Free Wi-Fi, TV and internet. Contact (416) 960-6157 or send an email.
Furnished apartment for rent
Available January 1 2026: one-bedroom basement apartment in a prime Cabbagetown location near streetcar and shops. Fully equipped kitchen, washer/dryer, private entrance. Utilities, hi-speed wifi, bedding etc. included. One quiet reliable person with references please. $1800. Previous tenant Des Ryan wrote: “Fully furnished, all-in, Cabbagetown? Can’t lose. Perfect setup; everything one needs is here. Property owner exceptionally responsive. Garden an absolute oasis.” Email please to Kaplan2721@rogers.com.
FOR YOUR BODY
MOXA And the New Moon
SEQUINS (552 Parliament) is offering a 90-minute ritual of fire and renewal under the New Moon. Thursday November 20 at 7 pm. Join TCM practitioner Carinn and Mackenzie for a 90-minute passage into renewal. Beginning with the story of the New Moon 8-Day practice, followed by tending your own moxa. The session will close with a 30-minute Duck Comfit to coax calm. Wear comfy, warm clothes. Only two spots remaining, $55. Click here for more info and to register.
Get your flu shot
Vaccines are now available for flu and covid protection. Check your favourite neighbourhood pharmacy. Click here to see a list of local pharmacies offering these vaccines.
Morning yoga at Soulpepper
Start your day with some morning yoga to gently wake up your body, breath, and senses. Each class will explore some meditation, pranayama (breathwork), and other grounding techniques for the nervous system, as well as move through some movement and stretches to gently energise the body. Suitable for all levels including beginners. Class happens at 9 am on Friday November 14 in Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane).
COMING EVENTS
Movies at Stout
Weekly free movie nights at Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton). The lineup features family movies - bring your kids. On November 16, it’s “The Parent Trap” and on November 23, “It Takes Two”. There’s free popcorn. Sundays at 5:30 pm. Please contact Erin to save your spot - (647) 344-7676 and erin@stoutirishpub.ca
Eric Murphy’s new book
Blowback is Eric’s new spy thriller. He’s an accomplished writer and the early reviews say the he offers “breakneck pacing and unexpected twists.” He’s holding a book launch at 4 pm on Saturday November 22 at Cafe Zulu (555 Dundas E). Please RSVP at eric@eric-murphy.com.
Betty White’s exhibition
Betty’s paintings are on display at Dimensions (1626 Queen E). Now until November 22. To read more about her work and to see her catalogue, click here.
Allan Gardens Saturday Farmers Market
The Allan Gardens market continues on Saturdays into the winter. It’s moving inside the Children’s Conservatory during the cold months. 19 Horticultural Ave. Click here for more info.
Mirroring Nature
Art educator Alex Warrender will guide you while crafting delicate paper cut artworks inspired by the symmetry and beauty of Allan Gardens’ plants and flowers. Kids ages 7 and up are welcome with parental or guardian supervision. Register here. Sunday November 16, 1 to 3 pm, $15. Allan Gardens Children’s Conservator (19 Horticultural Ave)
BUSINESS NEWS
Congrats Artisan Market
Jenna is celebrating her first anniversary at Artisan Market (503 Parliament). She’s organized special prizes and a bonus gift basket. For every purchase over $35, you earn a scratch card and each card wins. And you’ll be entered to win a grand prize Holiday Gift Basket valued at $300. The special celebration continues to Friday December 5.
Free frames
When you buy a piece that’s hanging on Rapid Photo’s (434 Parliament) wall, you’ll earn a free custom frame that’s designed to match your new artwork.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Congrats Erin
Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) has reached its 15th birthday. Erin is organizing a party. She’s hosting Birthday Bingo with lots of prizes and there’ll be a free drink and free appetizer. Send her an email to RSVP - erin@stoutirishpub.ca
Jazz nights at Johnny G’s
Thursday from 7 pm is the start of Johnny G’s (478 Parliament) new jazz program. This week, Joel Harbens will play two sets - bebop infused with Caribbean sounds. Enjoy a complimentary drink when you reeve your spot - contact johnnygs478@gmail.com
Crescent Wreath workshop
At Cafe Zuzu (555 Dundas E), Saturday from 11:30 am. Build your own seasonal wreath. Stay after for Cafe Zuzu’s brunch.
Lisbon Hotel Bar
The Breakfast Club debuts on Saturday November 22 at 10 am. The classic ‘80s theme includes two screenings of the movie, brunch, and ’80-s tunes. 19 Lawren Harris Square.
Drinks & Drag at Zero
Sandy Joint and Melona present a sober drag show. Zero Cocktail Bar (223 Carlton), Saturday November 25, 6:30 pm, $10 cover. Click here for more info.
La Gloria
Brush up your Spanish at La Gloria (453 Parliament). Every Tuesday from 4:30 to 6 pm, the Language Exchange features Spanish to English. $15 includes a waffle, coffee/tea/chocolate. Click here for Instagram info.
Pizza at Cafe Zuzu
Cafe Zuzu (555 Dundas E) is launching its Pizzeria on Friday November 14. There’ll be 16” pies, pasta and other great goodies.
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 NOVEMBER 13 TO SUNDAY NOVEMBER 23
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 13
Johnny Gs
7 pm, Jazz Night with Joel Harbens
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
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, 15th anniversary party with Birthday Bingo
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 14
Alice’s Place
9:30 pm, Karaoke night
Bisou
4 pm, happy hour with DJ Antony
Old Flame
7 pm, Live entertainment with Jay Blues Trio
Zero
7 pm, Cocktail class
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 15
Bisou
4 pm, happy hour with DJ Antony
Cafe Zuzu
11:30 am, Crescent Wreath workshop
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live music with Jammers Waffle House
Zero
6:30 pm, Drink & Drag with Sandy Joint and Melina
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 16
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live music with Sydney Riley
Stout Irish Pub
5:30, Sunday movie night - The Parent Trap
MONDAY NOVEMBER 17
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 18
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 19
F’Amelia
5 pm, any bottle on the list at half price on 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 NOVEMBER 20
Cafe Zuzu
6:30 pm, Queer East social Holiday Market
Johnny Gs
7 pm, Jazz Night
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 NOVEMBER 21
Alice’s Place
Karaoke night.
Bisou
4 pm, happy hour with DJ Antony
Old Flame
7 pm, live entertainment with Jay Blues Trio
Zero Cocktail Bar
7 pm, cocktail class
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 22
Bisou
4 pm, happy hour with DJ Antony
Decoy
9 pm, Boogie Oogie Oogie with DJ Beurre Blanc
Lisbon
10 am, Breakfast Club
Mill Street Brewpub
Noon to 4 pm, live music and DJ with brunch
Old Flame Brewery
2 to 6 pm, live entertainment with Jammers Waffle House
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 23
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live entertainment with Sydney Riley
Stout Irish Pub
5:30 pm, Sunday movie night - It Takes Two
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
