LOCAL NEWS
Thanks Marilyn
For several years, Marilyn has run her monthly pet nail clinic from Pet Valu (240 Carlton). She’s decided that Saturday’s clinic will be her final one. She’s hanging up her nail clippers and picking up her paint brushes and devoting herself to her art. She’s grateful to Pet Valu for their constant hospitality and to all her clients with their lovely cats, dogs and other pals.
355 Sherbourne
Local residents object to the new proposal for redeveloping the Saint Luke’s Church site. Originally, the project involved a 12-storey building. Then a new project with 48 storeys was submitted and it appears to be fast-tracked by the City. Residents have prepared a five-point objection based on its impact in a heritage neighbourhood, its contravention of the Downtown Core Plan (specifically, Mixed Use Areas), its impact as a precedent for the entire Carlton, Sherbourne and Parliament Street areas, its misleading marketing and its receipt of undisclosed bonuses from the City of Toronto. To get our own copy of the letter, send an email here.
77 Howard Street
A development proposal has been sent to the City for a 38-storey building with 456 residential units. The existing 24- storey building at this site will be maintained. A community consultation meeting is scheduled for Tuesday December 9 at 6:30 in the Wellesley Community Centre (495 Sherbourne). The application details are posted on the City’s website.
Tap2Win
Win $5,000 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 December 7. 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.
David Allan March
David is showing his art every weekend in the Tasting Gallery at Daniel et Daniel (250 Carlton) until January 25. He’s holding an open house on Sunday December 7 from noon to 4 pm. You can see his work on Instagram.
Cabbagetown winter
Andreea snapped this image of a Cabbagetown street on early Sunday morning, right after our latest snowfall. If you have a favourite photo, email it to me and I’ll include it here. (Photo: Andreea French)
HOLIDAY CALENDAR
On-going events
Toy Drive
The police at 51 Division are collecting new, unwrapped toys for their annual Christmas drive. Please deliver them before December 15 to 51 Parliament Street.
Distillery Winter Village
Tickets are required for entry into the Distillery after 4 pm on December 4 to 7 and December 11 to 31. Entry is free between 10 am and 4 pm. The program at the Winter Village is now in full swing. Crane Creations Theatre Company puppets will perform every Sunday from 1 to 6 pm. The McGregor Carollers will stroll through the Village regularly. Performers from Toronto’s biggest shows will appear on Sunday December 7 at 7 pm for a very merry Mirvish concert. Artists from the Canadian Opera Company will perform on December 5 at 7 pm and December 6 at 3:30 pm. For more info on all of these events and about special vendors, click here.
Friday December 5
Ode to our grinch
The Corktown Chamber Orchestra’s annual Christmas concert. 8 pm on Friday in Little Trinity Church (425 King E). Among the tunes, soloist Ella Xu will play Elgar’s Cello Concerto and Kevin Walsh and Nichol Robertson will play seasonal Christmas music. $25 or pwyc.
Enoch Turner Founder’s Dinner
The Schoolhouse (106 Trinity) will hold its annual Christmas dinner on Friday from 6:30 pm. The evening includes a traditional Christmas dinner with wine, the award to the 2025 heritage champion and entertainment with Catherine McKinnon and the North Atlantic Drift. For program details and tickets, click here.
Saturday December 6
Holiday in the Patch
“A festive celebration of the people and businesses that make Cabbagetown a vibrant and welcoming neighbourhood”. Check out your favourite stores for raffles and special giveaways. Watch for a giant treasure hunt. Go to the Family Fun Zone at Carlton and Parliament. Photos with Santa, ornament making, community tree dressing, lawn games and more. Noon to 4 pm, Saturday December 6, Carlton and Parliament streets. For more info, click here.
Riverdale Farm Christmas Tree
The Farm (201 Winchester) will light its huge Christmas tree on Saturday with carollers, crafts, cookies and hot chocolate. The tree lighting happens at 7 pm.
Meet Santa
A Christmas party with Santa at Canary Dental (465 Front East) on Saturday 1 pm. There’ll be hot chocolate and music by Mo Guzman. Bring gifts for the food drive and the toy drive to go to the Yonge Street Mission. Free photos. Check out the website for more info online.
Sunday December 7
Allan Gardens Holiday Market
Friends of Allan Gardens have organized the Holiday Market with specialty vendors selling knitwear, getting cards, soaps, spreads and lots more. It happens along with the beautiful poinsettia show in the Conservatory. Sunday December 7, 10 am to 7 pm. There’s more info on Instagram. 19 Horticultural
GOOD FOOD FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Panettone at Terroni
Terroni’s chefs are baking five unique flavours for their 2025 panettone. Available now - quantities are limited. 22 Sackville.
St James Town Steak & Chops
Mark is taking orders for your Christmas dinners. Order now - turkey, ham, steak, roast beef.
Christmas from Bisou
The Christmas menu at Bisou (350 Berkeley) is posted online. It’s an impressive collection - everything from Christmas log cakes to chocolate truffles. They expect that sales will be brisk - so you should order yours online soon. The order deadline is December 20.
Christmas dinner from Daniel et Daniel
Once again, D&D (248 Carlton) have a fabulous three-course Christmas feast for you. Butternut squash soup, traditional roast turkey with all the sides, and vanilla bean creme anglaise for dessert. The order dates are December 15 to 24. Click here to read about it and to place your order.
IN THE MEDIA
Another big tower
CreateTO has altered its plans for its property at 405 Sherbourne. In 2021, a 26-storey tower was approved for 267 units and ground floor community space. The new plan calls for 301 units divided between a 26 storey and 25 storey tower - 117 one bedroom, 118 two bedroom and 66 three bedroom units. Urban Toronto has a detailed description of the project.
YOUR ANNOUNCEMENTS
Old Milford House
Monica has a four-bedroom home in Prince Edward County available for staycations and weekend escapes. It sleeps up to ten guests and blends historic charm with modern comfort. Book your stay between December and March and take advantage of her Winter Wellness Package. Old Milford House is listed on VRBO and on airbnb and there’s an Instagram page - check them out for the full description of the impressive features of this home.
Main floor office available
Office space in this attractive building at 211 Carlton is now available. 227 square feet - suitable for a professional person or a showroom. 3-year lease, $1,500/month, utilities included. Please contact Janelle at (416) 961-0065 or email here.
Apartment for rent - open house
Betty and Stephen have a second floor apartment for rent at 365 Sackville. 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.” Send her an email.
COMING EVENTS
Movies at Stout
Weekly free movie nights at Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton). The lineup features family movies - bring your kids. On December 7, it’s “Bad Santa” and on December 14, “Christmas Vacation”. There’s free popcorn. Sundays at 5:30 pm. Please contact Erin to save your spot - (647) 344-7676 and erin@stoutirishpub.ca
Jeff and Noah
Jeff Barnes and Noah Zacharin are playing at the Wing House (420 Parliament) on Saturday from 8 pm.
Danny Marks
Danny is making his regular appearance at The Smoke Show (744 Mount Pleasant) on Sunday at 3 pm.
Allan Gardens Farmers Market
The Farmers Market (19 Horticultural Ave) returns from 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday. Holiday-ready poinsettias are here.
FOR YOUR BODY
Gift certificates from PSF
Parliament Street Fitness (488 Parliament) has gift certificates for anyone on your list who’s looking forward to a gym experience. For more info, go online.
Outdoor skating rinks
Four rinks are operating nearby - Sherbourne Common (5 Lower Sherbourne), Regent Park (480 Shuter), Moss Park Arena (140 Sherbourne) and Riverdale Park East (550 Broadview). Check the City’s website for specifics about each rink - local conditions will affect rink openings.
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.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Table service at brunch
Bisou (350 Berkeley) has introduced table service for guests at the weekend brunch.
La Gloria
A unique paint nite - Brush & Bite. Enjoy a latte and dessert while you paint on a cake with buttercream. Saturday December 6, 3 pm, 453 Parliament
Jazz nights at Johnny G’s
Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 8 pm at Johnny G’s (478 Parliament). Last week’s sessions were a success - be sure to join them this week.
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 DECEMBER 4 TO SUNDAY DECEMBER 14
THURSDAY DECEMBER 4
Johnny Gs
8 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 DECEMBER 5
Alice’s Place
Karaoke night.
Bisou
4 pm, happy hour with DJ Antony
Johnny Gs
8 pm, Jazz Night
Old Flame
7:30 pm, live entertainment with Murray Drive
Zero Cocktail Bar
7 pm, cocktail class
SATURDAY DECEMBER 6
Bisou
4 pm, happy hour with DJ Antony
Johnny Gs
8 pm, Jazz Night
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
SUNDAY DECEMBER 7
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live entertainment with Daniel Humphreys
Stout Irish Pub
5:30 pm, Sunday movie night - Bad Santa
MONDAY DECEMBER 8
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
TUESDAY DECEMBER 9
Decoy
9 pm, DJ San Fran & Charm Reduction with ‘80s new wave, house and funk.
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 10
F’Amelia
5 pm, Wine Wednesday with half priced bottles
Golden Pigeon
8 pm, Trivia with Rachelle Lauzon
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, Trivia night
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Euchre night
THURSDAY DECEMBER 11
Johnny Gs
8 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 DECEMBER 12
Alice’s Place
Karaoke night.
Bisou
4 pm, happy hour with DJ Antony
Decoy
9 pm, Deeper Society with DJs Will Ehren and ronnie boom
Johnny Gs
8 pm, Jazz Night
Old Flame
7 pm, live entertainment with Jay Blues Trio
Zero Cocktail Bar
7 pm, cocktail class
SATURDAY DECEMBER 13
Bisou
4 pm, happy hour with DJ Antony
Johnny Gs
8 pm, Jazz Night
La Gloria
4:30 pm, Luminous Dreams
Old Flame Brewery
1 pm, live music with Murray Drive
SUNDAY DECEMBER 14
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live music with Genevieve Cyr
Stout Irish Pub
5:30, Sunday movie night - Christmas Vacation
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
