January 22

LOCAL NEWS

Cabbagetown and Canada

Despite the winter weather, we really warmed up for Mark Carney’s speech at Davos. 

509 Parliament

Concern about this development is spreading in Cabbagetown.  Amanda O’Donovan has raised concerns beyond the garbage issues - about the traffic load in the narrow Broadcast Lane, about exit issues for cars onto Carlton, about snow removal, about waste water flows from the project, about privacy for neighbouring homes, about the width of the curbs into the traffic area, about errors in the angular plane calculations and about the prospect of the property being flipped once approval is achieved.  Harry Black enlisted advice from Peter Sharp, a professional engineer, who has analyzed the developer’s claims and he is concerned about garbage disposal, about the plans for only one elevator, and about the likelihood that the project as presented is not financially viable. 

To contact Amanda O’Donovan, click here.  For Peter Sharp, click here. To reach Harry Black, click here.  To contact Councillor Moise, click here.

St Luke’s development

In its January 19 meeting, the Toronto Preservation Board rejected the radical changes for 353-355 Sherbourne and 157 Carlton at St Luke’s Church. The Board has recommended that City Council not accept the developer’s plans.  Toronto & East York Community Council approved the proposal on January 17 and Councillor Chris Moise voted in favour of it.  The final decision now rests with Toronto City Council. There's a petition circulating to oppose this development. 124 people have already signed - click here to add your support.

Ontario Street construction

Victoria Hadden has noted that sewer replacement work will start on Ontario Street between Wellesley and Carlton on February 2 - the starting date has been delayed by our bad weather.  The work will start on Carlton and move north to Aberdeen.  It’s scheduled for completion in July.  For more info, click here.

Warming centres

The City of Toronto has opened warming centres to help homeless people during extreme cold weather.  One of them is located in our area at 349 George Street.  It can handle up to 30 people. It’s pet friendly, open to all genders but not accessible for people with special mobility needs. There’s a surge facility at Jimmie Simpson Community Centre (870 Queen E) to help up to 30 people whenever temperatures drop below -15.  (Photo: Dixon Hall)

Piano lessons

Christina Litt Belch has openings for new students.  She’s offering piano lessons either in her home studio (near Berkeley and Gerrard) or in your own home and she’s specializing in lessons for young kids. Check out her website here.

Improv class at Soulpepper

Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane) is inviting experienced artists, enthusiasts and casual onlookers to learn more about improvisation.  Seven weekly classes at 6 pm from January 27 to March 10. Registration here.

Dance for non-dancers

Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane) is holding six dance classes from noon to 1 pm on Fridays from January 30 to March 13.  To find out more and to register, click here. 

Film festival preview

NOW just published its recommendations for five film festivals screening in Toronto in 2026.  The Regent Park Film Festival gets a big nod - watch for it in November. “Being a Toronto cinephile can be pricey, but the Regent Park Film Festival (RPFF) is all about making film accessible for everyone. As the city’s longest-running free film festival, RPFF champions marginalized voices and stories that deserve to be seen. And make no mistake: “free” doesn’t mean second-tier cinema. This is where you’ll find standout movies from around the world, many of which have played major festivals, including TIFF.”

David March

David is currently showing his paintings at The Tasting Gallery (250 Carlton).  This weekend will be his final day.  Don’t miss - Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm. 

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 January 25, it’s “Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan”.  On February 1, it’s “Young Frankenstein”.  There’s free popcorn. Sundays at 5:30 pm. Please contact Erin to save your spot - call her at (647) 344-7676 and send her an email. 

Allan Gardens Saturday Market

The Market is back - every Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm.  It’s located in the Children’s Conservatory (160 Gerrard E).  There’s always a selection of delightful vendors. For more details, check out the Facebook page. 

Art classes with Amelia’s Garden

There are three more art classes at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster).  They will concentrate on techniques for using acrylics in your art.  Each class is guided with clear professional instruction - useful for beginners and for experienced artists.  Topics include essential techniques, composition, perspective, colour mixing, and more.  10 am to noon, January 28, February 4 and 12.  $15/hour and $120 for the entire series.  Register by email here or call (416) 944-0163.

Danny Marks

Danny is back at Castro’s Lounge (2116 Queen E) on Saturday January 24 from 5 to 7 pm.  He returns to the SmokeShow BBQ (744 Mt Pleasant) on Sunday February 1 at 3 pm. Great shows in both places.

Whiskey Jack’s 2026 events

Duncan Fremlin has published the band’s itinerary for 2026 - nine events are scheduled so far, ranging from Toronto to Vancouver.  The shows will include appearances by Sean Cullen.  The Toronto visit on February 9 happens at the Horseshoe Tavern (370 Queen W) to celebrate Stompin’ Tom’s 90th birthday.  Everything starts on January 30 at the Moonshine Cafe (568 Kerr St) in Oakville. Click here for more info.

YOUR ANNOUNCEMENTS

Office space to share

The offices of Tony Lafazanis, 493 Parliament St, Suite 201 above the TD Bank have extra space to share and can suit up to three people.  This office is open and bright.  The common areas are available including a kitchen, a meeting room and seating in the entrance area. Also included are internet services, phone land line and a photo copier/scanner.There’s elevator access to the second floor.  It’s an ideal space for a lawyer or professional.  For more info and for a tour, call Tony Lafazanis at (416) 979-1770, extension 321.

Apartment for rent

650 sq ft, one bedroom, private entrance, access to backyard garden.  $1,750/month plus electricity.  Free Wi-Fi, TV and internet.  Contact (416) 960-6157 or send an email.

FOR YOUR BODY

Free yoga classes

Regent Park Community Centre (402 Shuter).  Classes are for women only and they’re open to practitioners at all levels.  1 to 2 pm on Wednesdays to March 25.  Presented by the Toronto Centre of Learning & Development.  Contact Sureya at (647) 493-2462, ext 112.

Outdoor skating rinks

Three nearby rinks are open on Thursday January 22  - Regent Park (480 Shuter), Riverdale Park East (550 Broadview) and Moss Park Arena (140 Sherbourne). Sherbourne Common (5 Lower Sherbourne) was closed on Wednesday for snow removal and may reopen soon.   Check the City’s website for specifics about each rink - local conditions and the weather will affect rink openings.

IN THE MEDIA

St Luke’s redevelopment

The CBC has reported on the details involved in the development of the St Luke’s Church site.  It's a good summary of the various views of the project.  The developer, Kindred Works, plans a 48-storey building with 440 rental units.  Heritage advocates and local residents don’t like it.  Councillor Chris Moise and Mark Richardson of HousingNowTo favour the project with its 140 affordable housing units. The application has passed Toronto & East York Community Council and will now go to the full City Council for the final decision. The CBC’s story provides insights into each side of the argument.

BUSINESS NEWS

Kumon’s special promotion

Enrol your child now and save up to $80.  At Kumon (194A Carlton), your child will strengthen their math and reading skills, develop independence and learn habits that last a lifetime.  This promotion continues to February 26.  To learn more, email Vasudha or call (416) 939-2300. 

RESTAURANT NEWS

Winterlicious

Toronto’s big food festival runs from Friday January 30 through Thursday February 12.  Reservations are now open.  There are six price levels for lunch from $20 to $55  and for dinner from $25 to $75.  

14 restaurants are conveniently located nearby. For prices, menus and contact info, click on the links for each restaurant.

On the waterfront -  

Simona (59 Merchants Wharf) - fabrestaurants.ca 

Irene (25 Dockside Dr) - fabrestaurants.ca 

In the Distillery - 

Pure Spirits (17 Tank House Lane) - www.purespirits.ca 

Mill Street Brewpub (21 Tank House Lane) - millstreetbrewery.com 

Cluny (35 Tank House Lane) - clunybistro.com 

In Corktown and the Canary District - 

Mengrai Thai (82 Ontario St) - www.mengraithai.ca

Muse Bistro + Bar (203 Jarvis) - musebistroandbar.com

Sukhothai (460 Front) - www.sukhothaifood.ca

Gusto 501 (501 King E) - gusto501.com

In Regent Park - 

Cafe Zuzu (555 Dundas E) - cafezuzu.com

Northwest of Cabbagetown -

Blake House (449 Jarvis) - www.theblakehouse.ca

Maison Selby (592 Sherbourne) - www.maisonselby.com

In Cabbagetown - 

Butter Chicken Factory (560 Parliament) - butterchickenfactory.ca

F’Amelia (12 Amelia) - famelia.com

Practice your Spanish

Every Tuesday from 4:30 to 6 pm, practice your Spanish at La Gloria (453 Parliament).  Whether you’re a beginner or fluent, you’r welcome to enjoy some delicious food and make new amigos.

Trivia at Cafe Zuzu

A trivia and live comedy night with Sayo Osikoya.  7 pm, Tuesday January 26, Cafe Zuzu (555 Dundas E).  Click here for tickets.

Jazz nights

Johnny G’s jazz program runs every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 8 pm. Cocktails and dinner are available.  No cover charges. Check the Weekly Calendar below for performer details. 478 Parliament.

Drinks & Drag sober party

Zero Cocktail Bar (223 Carlton) presents a sober drag show with Sandy Joint and special guest Lady Liz Taylor.  7:30 pm, Saturday February 7, $10.  Click here for tickets.

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 JANUARY 22 TO SUNDAY FEBRUARY 1

THURSDAY JANUARY 22

Johnny Gs

8 pm, Soul Jazz

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

Zero

7 pm, Trivia with Nathan Manning

FRIDAY JANUARY 23

Bisou

4 pm, happy hour with DJ Antony

Decoy

10 pm, DJ Lucky Star

Johnny Gs

8 pm, Jazz Nights

Old Flame

7 pm, live entertainment with Kanye Luna

Zero Cocktail Bar 

7  pm, cocktail class

SATURDAY JANUARY 24

Bisou

4 pm, happy hour with DJ Antony

Johnny Gs

8 pm, Jazz Groove

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

Super Bargain

10 pm, East end boogie with multiple DJs

Zero

8 pm, 2026 Luminous sober party

SUNDAY JANUARY 25

Old Flame Brewery 

2 pm, live entertainment with Benji Crane

Stout Irish Pub 

5:30 pm, Sunday movie night - Star Trek, The Wrath of Khan

MONDAY JANUARY 26

Cafe Zuzu

7 pm, Trivia and comedy night

Stout Irish Pub 

7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia 

TUESDAY JANUARY 27

La Gloria

4:30 pm, Practice your Spanish

Stout Irish Pub 

7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia 

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 28

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

Super Bargain

9 pm, Karaoke night

THURSDAY JANUARY 29

Johnny Gs

8 pm, Soul 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

Super Bargain

7 pm, All vinyl night

Zero

7 pm, Trivia with Nathan Manning

FRIDAY JANUARY 30

Bisou

4 pm, happy hour with DJ Antony

Johnny Gs

8 pm, Jazz Night

Old Flame

7 pm, live entertainment with Julien Kellend

Zero Cocktail Bar 

7  pm, cocktail class

SATURDAY JANUARY 31

Bisou

4 pm, happy hour with DJ Antony

Johnny Gs

8 pm, Jazz Groove

Old Flame Brewery

1 pm, live music with Dave Daniel

Zero

7 pm, Drinks & Drag sober party

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 1

Old Flame Brewery 

2 pm, live music with Sean Beinhausly

Stout Irish Pub

5:30, Sunday movie night

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