A PERSONAL VIEW
Corporal Ainsworth Dyer
On April 17, 2002, Corporal Dyer was one of the first Canadian servicemen killed in Afghanistan. President Trump recently first denied and then downplayed the role that NATO troops played in that combat. After the September 11 attack on the World Trade Centre, Canada agreed that it was an act of war by the Taliban in Afghanistan against a NATO ally, the United States. Cpl Dyer was sent to Afghanistan and he was one of the 158 Canadians killed there. He’s buried in the Necropolis. Mr Trump may have forgotten their sacrifice but we haven’t. You can read about Cpl Dyer’s service on the Canadian government’s website.
LOCAL NEWS
Vendors wanted
The Cabbagetown Farmers Market is accepting vendor applications for the 2026 season. It runs from May 12 to October 20. There’s an application form online here - the deadline is February 28.
The City’s snow removal
Small snow removal machines are working the residential sidewalks. They’re hit-and-miss but the end result is welcome.
A huge machine is grinding up the banks of snow on the roads and it makes a big difference. Without this effort, our roads are basically one-way streets and traffic gets snarled repeatedly.
Please clean your sidewalk
Local businesses are responsible for snow clearing in front of their stores. Most do it promptly. There are some big gaps, however. Businesses on a corner are also responsible for snow clearing along the sides. Meredith’s picture highlights NoFrills’ sidewalk along Spruce but this story gets repeated all along Parliament. Smart businesses are also cutting a path through the snow banks so people can walk from the sidewalk to the street. (Photo: Meredith Heron/X)
Save the date
Community Matters has a grant for a mural on the wall of the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster). It’ll be a big image - 120 feet long and 20 feet tall. The mural promises to clean up and enliven the laneway and it’ll benefit the whole neighbourhood. The organizers want lots of ideas from the community. They’re holding a design workshop on February 21 from 1 to 4 pm at the CYC. It’s your chance to add your insights into the final mural design. If you’re interested in participating, please send an email or call (416) 944-0163, or just drop-in..
509 Parliament - update
Harry Black has written to the Cabbagetown Preservation Association, city councillors and concerned local residents seeking their support in his efforts to stop the condo project at the dance theatre (509 Parliament). He lists several reasons for his opposition. He rejects the artist’s rendering of the finished building and says that the real building will be massive and overpowering. He uses a picture of the sidewalk in the snow to show how unrealistic it is to use that area for 30 garbage bins. His friend Peter Sharp is a professional engineer who noted that the building’s single elevator will normally fail on average four times each year; he also feels that the waste pickups will most likely happen every day, not once a week. Finally, he says that thousands of condo units of the size defined for this project are going unsold across the GTA. You can contact Harry by email if you agree or want more info.
St Luke’s development - petition
The final decision about the Kindred project at St Luke’s now rests with Toronto City Council. 500 people have signed a petition opposing this development - click here to add your name. 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. Despite this, Councillor Chris Moise voted in favour of it at the Toronto & East York Community Council who approved the proposal on January 17.
The CPA’s comments
The Cabbagetown Preservation Association has sent out an email blast to local residents and City officials about the two projects now working their way through City Council. The email includes model letters that you can use to oppose both the St Luke’s condo proposal and the dance theatre condo. If you want a copy, send them an email.
Artists are wanted
La Gloria Coffee (453 Parliament) regularly features works by local artists. You’re welcome to email samples or a portfolio and they’ll check whether it’s a good fit for their space.
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.
Toboggan runs in the park
Ron Reaman snapped this great photo of the hill in Riverdale Park West. The parks on both sides of the Don Valley are Toronto landmarks for winter fun seekers. Thanks, Ron
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 February 1, it’s “Young Frankenstein”. On February 8, it’s “The Bird Cage”. There’s free popcorn. Sundays at 5:30 pm. Please contact Erin to save your spot - call (647) 344-7676 or send an email.
Heritage plaques
Three heritage plaques will be unveiled at 4 pm on Monday February 2. They honour significant moments in Toronto’s Black history - Cy McLean, Henry Box Brown and North Star Way. The ceremony happens in the Graduation Room at Inglenook School (19 Sackville).
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 two 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, February 4 and 12. $15/hour and $120 for the entire series. Register by email here or call (416) 944-0163.
Danny Marks
Danny returns to the SmokeShow BBQ (744 Mt Pleasant) on Sunday February 1 at 3 pm. Great show.
Whiskey Jack
Duncan Fremlin, Sean Cullen and Whiskey Jack are performing at the Horseshoe Tavern (370 Queen W) to celebrate Stompin’ Tom’s 90th birthday. Monday February 9 at 7 pm. Click here for more info.
Improv class at Soulpepper
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane) is inviting experienced artists, enthusiasts and casual onlookers to learn more about improvisation. Six weekly classes at 6 pm will be held until March 10. Registration here.
Dance for non-dancers
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane) is holding dance classes from noon to 1 pm on Fridays from January 30 to March 13. To find out more and to register, click here.
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.
FOR YOUR BODY
Biidaasige Park
There’s plenty to do on the waterfront in the winter. Waterfront Toronto recommends Biidaasige Park (51 Commissioner St) for walking, skiing and enjoying the season. And after your excursion, you can drop in to The Keating Channel Pub & Grill (2 Villiers) or Cherry Street BBQ (275 Cherry) for a warm-up drink and a great meal.
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
All four nearby rinks are open on Thursday January 29 - Sherbourne Common (5 Lower Sherbourne), Regent Park (480 Shuter), Riverdale Park East (550 Broadview) and Moss Park Arena (140 Sherbourne). Check the City’s website for specifics about each rink - local conditions and the weather will affect rink openings.
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.
WINTERLICIOUS
Toronto’s big food festival starts on Friday January 30 and continues to 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. In our area, 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
RESTAURANT NEWS
Super Bowl Sunday
The big football game happens on Sunday February 8. So far, The Keating Channel (2 Villiers), Mill Street Brew Pub (21 Tank House Lane) and the Lisbon Hotel Bar (19 Lawren Harris Square) have listed special events for the game. More details next week.
Ramadan at Rayah
Rayah is calling all talented chefs and home cooks to celebrate Ramadan with them. They’re looking for people who cook Tunisian, Senegalese and Malian cuisines. Come to Rayah, design a menu, do a photo shoot and then your menu will be served to Rayah’s guests. If you’re interested, send a DM or email.
La Gloria’s third anniversary
Congrats to La Gloria (353 Parliament). On February 7, they’re bringing in a DJ from 1 to 6 pm and there’s a new local artist featured in the shop. You can enjoy a new blend “Horchata Latte” in the morning and special discounts all day long. And a quick reminder that every Tuesday from 4:30 to 6 pm, you can practice your Spanish - whether you’re a beginner or fluent, you’re welcome to enjoy some delicious food and make new amigos.
Slice to meet you at Cafe Zuzu
Queer House has organized this opportunity for singles to meet other people who are open to new friends. “Whether you leave with a date, a new friend, or simply a fuller sense of belonging, Slice to Meet You is an invitation to show up, be open, and connect.” 7 pm, February 3, Cafe Zuzu (555 Dundas E). Click here to register.
Achillean nights
Super Bargain (441 Parliament) - Blood on the Clocktower, a game of social deception and deduction where being eliminated does not remove you from the web of lies and mystery. Wednesday February 3, 6:30 pm.
Golden Pigeon (424 Parliament) - Board games for players at all levels and organized social events. 6 to 9 pm, Tuesday February 10.
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.
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 29 TO SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8
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 - Young Frankenstein
MONDAY FEBRUARY 2
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
TUESDAY FEBRUARY 3
Cafe Zuzu
7 pm, Slice to Meet You
La Gloria
4:30 pm, Practice your Spanish
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
Super Bargain
6:30 pm, Achillean nights - Blood on the Clocktower
WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 4
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 FEBRUARY 5
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 FEBRUARY 6
Bisou
4 pm, happy hour with DJ Antony
Johnny Gs
8 pm, Jazz Nights
Old Flame
7 pm, live entertainment with Jammers Waffle House
Zero Cocktail Bar
7 pm, cocktail class
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 7
Bisou
4 pm, happy hour with DJ Antony
Johnny Gs
8 pm, Jazz Groove
La Gloria
1 pm, Third anniversary celebration with DJ
Mill Street Brewpub
Noon to 4 pm, live music and DJ with brunch
Old Flame Brewery
2 to 6 pm, live entertainment with Ricky Driftwood
Zero
7:30 pm, Drink & Drag sober party
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8
Super Bowl events
6:30 pm, Keating Channel, Lisbon Hotel Bar, Mill Street Brew Pub
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live entertainment with JJ Thompson
Stout Irish Pub
5:30 pm, Sunday movie night - The Bird Cage
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
