LOCAL NEWS
Family Day skate
Saturday February 14 from 1 to 4 pm at the Regent Park rink (480 Shuter). There’ll be fun activities and games for the whole family. Free helmets and skates on a first come - first served basis. Presented by the Friends of Regent Park, the Regent Park Community Centre, Councillor Chris Moise and Toronto Police Services.
Update - 233 Carlton
Discussion at the Community-Police Liaison Committee earlier this week provided several details about the future of the women’s centre at 233 Carlton. Occupancy at the centre has been delayed due to construction problems with the elevator. It’s now scheduled to open at the end of the third quarter in 2026. It’ll have room for 22 women on reclining chairs to sleep overnight. This can expand to 32 women when a severe emergency like cold weather occurs. Security here will be similar to the system at the Adelaide Centre which this one replaces. A community open house will be scheduled once the elevator is installed.
Juan Chioran
Juan is back at the Stratford Festival for this year’s season. He’s playing Brother Jeremiah in Something Rotten and Big Jule in Guys & Dolls. It’s his 19th season at the Festival.
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.
Performers wanted
Organizers at the Cabbagetown Festival are looking for performers for the 2026 festival, September 12 and 13. Please respond before June 30. Details about the event and the entertainment are available online.
Sponsors wanted
The Cabbagetown BIA is inviting sponsors to support the 2026 Cabbagetown Festival. It’s a huge event and it offers plenty of exposure and rewards for its sponsors. Check out the data, the options, the benefits and the costs - click here.
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.
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IN THE MEDIA
233 Carlton
Andre Bermon at The Bridge has written about the issues that have plagued the new women’s centre at 233 Carlton. As his headline says, “Six years, millions spent … and not one woman served.” It's a disturbing story. He analyses the decisions that have caused this delay. Click here to read it.
VALENTINE’S
Bento cakes
Daniel et Daniel is featuring bento cakes available through the Food Shop (248 Carlton) until Sunday February 15. Two flavours - Strawberry & Cream and Chocolate Devil’s Food. Also available for online orders - click here. $25
Take it off
In the Distillery, Spirit of York (12 Trinity) presents a Valentine’s burlesque show with Top Shelf Temptation. There are no bad seats, no safe distance, just pure, intoxicating energy. Saturday, 8 pm. Tickets at $35, $65 and $120. Click here for more info and for tickets.
Bisou
Porcolino has joined Bisou (350 Berkeley) with a special a la carte menu for Valentine’s. You have four choices for starters. Your mains include beef tongue, ravioli or chicken tortellini. And for dessert, there’s cassis panna cotta or chocolate bars. Various prices. Saturday February 14, reservations online.
The Blake House
The Blake House (449 Jarvis) is offering its Valentine’s menu on Friday and Saturday. It’s a three course dinner. $55. Cassandra Warner returns for a special Valentine’s performance on Friday from 8 pm, tickets are available here, $35. To reserve for dinner, call (416) 975-1867 or email.
Cranberries
As always, Siva is preparing a special feast. It’s a three-course dinner with soup or salad to start, braised lamb shank, Atlantic salmon or chicken roulade for your main course and chocolate mousse cake for dessert. Two sittings - 5 and 7:30 pm. $50. Saturday February 14, reservations at (416) 925-6330. 601 Parliament.
F’Amelia
F'Amelia (12 Amelia) has a four-course dinner for Valentine’s - appetizers, salad and seared pork belly, three choices for your mains and lemon tart or tiramisu for dessert. Highlights include raised short ribs tagliatelle, squid ink risotto and vegetable lasagna. $80. Reservations at (416) 323-0666 or by email.
Fusilli
Wine paired with the main dishes is on the menu at Fusilli (531 Queen E). Cheese agnolotti with Sangiovese, breaded veal with Montepulciano, risotto with shrimp and a chardonnay. Soup, salad and desserts as well. Individually priced. Reserve your spot at (416) 214-5148 or by email.
Super Bargain
Super Bargain (441 Parliament) is making 16-servings Galentine’s cocktails - order your pre-made cocktails in advance. And check out their S’mores Boards. Three choices - S’Amour $49, Lovebird $68 and Sweet Escape $92. Available only from Friday to Sunday. Details online here.
Special menus
House on Parliament (456 Parliament), Lisbon Hotel (19 Lawren Harris Square) and Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) all have specials on their menus. El Catrin (18 Tank House Lane) and Cluny Bistro (35 Tank House Lane) are serving special Valentine’s features and cocktails all weekend. DJ Beurre Blanc is playing love songs at Decoy (370 Queen E) from 9 pm. Madrina Bar & Tapas (2 Trinity) has a five-course Spanish menu and wine pairing all weekend, $150.
COMING EVENTS
Family Day at The Farm
Riverdale Farm (Winchester and Sumach) is holding special Family Day events. There’ll be farmers’ demonstrations with sheep at 10:30 am, horses at 12:30 pm and goats at 1:30 pm in the Lower Francey Barn. Spinners and weavers will be working from 10 am to 3 pm in the Meeting House. The Farm is open from 9 am to 5 pm. Free.
Movies at Stout
Weekly free movie nights at Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton). The lineup features family movies - bring your kids. On Sunday February 15, it’s “Legally Blond” and on February 22, “How to Train Your Dragon”. There’s free popcorn. Sundays at 5:30 pm. To save your spot - send an email to Erin or call her at (67) 344-7676.
Hungry for Love
Toronto’s favourite carnivorous plant sale - now in the Palm House at Allan Gardens (19 Horticulture Ave). Sunday February 15, 11 am to 4 pm.
Heritage on Tap
The Cabbagetown Preservation Association and the Cabbagetown HCD Advisory Committee are hosting a social on Thursday February 19 from 7 to 9 pm to mark Ontario Heritage Week. Drop in to Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) and enjoy informal chats about the future of our community.
Corktown Chamber Orchestra
On Friday February 20, the program includes Sibelius’ Violin Concerto and Copland’s Appalachian Spring. 8 pm, Little Trinity Church (425 King E), $25 or pwyc.
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 their Facebook page.
Improv class at Soulpepper
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane) is inviting experienced artists, enthusiasts and casual onlookers to learn more about improvisation. Weekly classes at 6 pm will be held every Tuesday 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
Time for your tune-up
It’s hard to imagine cycling when the snow is up to the top of your wheels. Nevertheless, it’s a convenient time to get your tune-up. You can book your appointment at Cycle Solutions (444 Parliament) online. You’ll get a hassle-free date without a line-up.
Sequins’ Clubhouse Series
Yoga for young people ages 12 and up. Enjoy a five-day March break session in the Sequins clubhouse (552 Parliament). “Classes are moderately paced with a comfortable challenge, designed to build strength, balance, and coordination while encouraging body awareness and confidence.” Sign up soon - the group is limited to 10 persons. March 16 to 20, 10:45 to 11:45 am. $140 - save 15% if you register before February 20. Click here for more info.
Outdoor skating rinks
Three nearby rinks are open on Thursday February 12 - Sherbourne Common (5 Lower Sherbourne), Regent Park (480 Shuter) and Moss Park Arena (140 Sherbourne). A broken water pipe has caused a closure at Riverdale Park East (550 Broadview). Check the City’s website for specifics about each rink - local conditions and the weather will affect rink openings.
BUSINESS NEWS
St James Town Steak & Chops
It’s time for the annual holiday break at St James Town Steak & Chops (514 Parliament). The store will close for its annual holidays between Monday February 16 and Sunday February 22.
Valentine’s at Artisan Market
Jenna at Artisan Market (503 Parliament) has a special offer for her customers to celebrate Valentine’s. When you spend $25, you can choose a heart at the cashier and get a special treat and for $35, receive a Love Comes in Twos gift set.
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
Lost Craft Brewery
A third brewery has just arrived in our neighbourhood. Lost Craft is located in the site of the former Aviary at 484 Front Street in the Canary District. The grand opening happens on Thursday February 12. They join two Distillery-based brewers, Mill Street (21 Tank House Lane) and Old Flame (43 Tank House Lane). Click here to see their events over the opening weekend.
Jazz nights
Johnny G’s (478 Parliament) 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 21, $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 FEBRUARY 12 TO SUNDAY FEBRUARY 22
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 12
Johnny Gs
8 pm, Soul Jazz Night
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 13
Bisou
4 pm, happy hour with DJ Antony
Johnny Gs
8 pm, Jazz Night
Old Flame
7 pm, live entertainment with Jays Blue Trio
Zero Cocktail Bar
7 pm, cocktail class
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 14 - VALENTINE’S DAY
Bisou
6 pm, dinner by Porcolino
Decoy
9 pm, love songs with DJ Beurre Blanc
Johnny Gs
8 pm, Jazz Groove
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live music with Sarah Fazackerly
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 15
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live music with Noah Malcolm
Stout Irish Pub
5:30, Sunday movie night - Legally Blond
MONDAY FEBRUARY 16
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
TUESDAY FEBRUARY 17
La Gloria
4:30 pm, Practice your Spanish
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 18
F’Amelia
5 pm, Wine Wednesday with half priced bottles
Golden Pigeon
8 pm, Trivia with Rachelle Lauzon
Lisbon
7 pm, Trivia with Quizmaster Jess
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, Trivia night
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Euchre night
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 19
Johnny Gs
8 pm, Soul Jazz
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 20
Bisou
4 pm, happy hour with DJ Antony
Johnny Gs
8 pm, Jazz Nights
Old Flame
7 pm, live entertainment with Murray Drive
Zero Cocktail Bar
7 pm, cocktail class
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 21
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 Susan Fazackerly
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 22
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live entertainment with Benji Crane
Stout Irish Pub
5:30 pm, Sunday movie night - How To Train Your Dragon
CONTACT INFO
Alphabetical lists for restaurants in Cabbagetown, Canary District, Corktown, Distillery and Regent Park.
Cabbagetown
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
