February 5


LOCAL NEWS


Good advice from city hall

Hmmm - no parking?

Councillor Chris Moise’s updates

Regulations arising from the province’s Bill 60 have delayed the final work on the Gerrard Street reconstruction between Parliament and Sherbourne to 2027.  This time, the bike lanes aren’t the target.  The issues have risen because of the removal of two turning lanes.  
The Downtown East Action Plan delivers City of Toronto services into the downtown east area.  Clean Streets and Community Safety are two of its initiatives.  The 2026 budget allocates $1.4 million for the Plan - up from the original proposal for $756,000.  Petitions and submissions from local residents associations and community members helped to make this funding increase possible.


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

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. 

509 Parliament - update

Local residents met Councillor Chris Moise last week.  At the January meeting of the Toronto East York Community Council, he deferred approvals in order to get a clear picture of the plans for garbage bins on Parliament Street.  By last week, he had not heard from the developer.  He did not, apparently, say what he would do if the issue remains unresolved

St Luke’s development approval

The final approval of the Kindred project at St Luke’s by Toronto City Council happened on Wednesday February 4.  Unless someone with deep pockets decides to appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal, it will proceed.  Councillor Chris Moise voted against the project, the only Council member at the meeting to do so.  628 people signed the petition opposing this development.  Gilles Huot writes that “This was a great disappointment…there will be 48 storeys at Sherbourne and Carlton. I must say that the whole process was frustrating and obviously skewed.”

Jack Grunsky

Mackerel Sky is one of Jack’s latest pieces.  It’s a commissioned work of a Nova Scotia coastline - acrylic, 24” by 36”. Check out his website here.


IN THE MEDIA


Heating problems at Dan Morrison Complex

NOW reports that a resident in the Complex (251 Sherbourne) has been experiencing problems with the heat since January 17 and that the landlord, Toronto Community Housing, has been very slow to respond. Since Monday February 2, TCHC has distributed space heaters and workers are fixing problems with the boiler. Click here to read the story. (Photo: NOW)


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 8, it’s “The Bird Cage” and on February 15, “Legally Blond”.  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

Learning English through Song

Here’s a new community group that helps you o learn English and enjoy singing.  Saturdays from 10 am to noon until April 11 in the lobby at the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E).  Free.

Heritage plaques

Three heritage plaques were unveiled on Monday February 2 to honour significant moments in Toronto’s Black history - Cy McLean (201 Yonge), Henry Box Brown Lane (parallel to Bright and St Paul) and North Star Way (east off Sackville, south of Queen).  (Photo: Councillor Chris Moise

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

The final art class at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster) happens at 10 am, February 12.  It 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.   $15/hour.  Register by email here or call (416) 944-0163

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.  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


Time for your tune-up

It’s hard to imagine cycling when the snow is up to the top of your wheels.  But ... 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

Family Day skate

Presented by the Friends of Regent Park, the Regent Park Community Centre, Councillor Chris Moise, and the Toronto Police Services.  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. 

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

Free yoga classes

Classes are for women only and they’re open to practitioners at all levels.  1 to 2 pm on Wednesdays to March 25, Regent Park Community Centre (402 Shuter).  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 February 5  - Sherbourne Common (5 Lower Sherbourne), Regent Park (480 Shuter), Riverdale Park East (550 Broadview) and Moss Park Arena (140 Sherbourne).  Go to the City’s website for specifics about each rink - local conditions and the weather will affect rink openings.


BUSINESS NEWS


LCBO

The LCBO has no plans to expand its liquor store on Parliament (510 Parliament).  Despite an earlier arrangement with Daniels Corporation, they will not be putting a store into Daniels on Parliament. 

St James Town Steak & Chops

Chicken wings are now available.  But a warning - they may run out because of the high demand on Super Bowl weekend.  And here’s an early notice - the store will close for its annual holidays between Monday February 16 and Sunday February 22. 514 Parliament

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 is underway and it 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), Cafe Zuzu (555 Dundas E), Los Gyros (500 Queen E), the Golden Pigeon (424 Parliament), The Wing House (420 Parliament) and the Lisbon Hotel Bar (19 Lawren Harris Square) have listed special events for the game. Click on the names to see their menu and drinks specials

La Gloria’s third anniversary

Congrats to La Gloria (453 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

Achillean nights

Board games for players at all levels and organized social events.  6 to 9 pm, Tuesday February 10. Golden Pigeon (424 Parliament)

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 JANUARY 29 TO SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8


THURSDAY FEBRUARY 5


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 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

Third anniversary celebration with DJ in the afternoon


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


Super Bargain

10 pm, East end boogie with multiple DJs


SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8

SUPER BOWL SUNDAY


Super Bowl events

6:30 pm, Keating Channel, Lisbon Hotel Bar, Mill Street Brew Pub, Cafe Zuzu, Los Gyros, Golden Pigeon and The Wing House.


Old Flame Brewery 

2 pm, live entertainment with JJ Thompson


Stout Irish Pub 

5:30 pm, Sunday movie night - The Bird Cage


MONDAY FEBRUARY 9


Stout Irish Pub 

7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia 


TUESDAY FEBRUARY 10


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 11


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 12


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


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

4 pm, happy hour with DJ Antony


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


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