A PERSONAL OPINION
233 Carlton
The bad news about the City’s management of this project continues. In the latest edition of The Bridge, Andre Bermon points out that bureaucrats refuse to identify the alternate sites that were rejected when this location was chosen. There were, allegedly, a total of eleven potential places reviewed. They now claim that future negotiations will be compromised if the City reveals their identifies. This sounds like bureaucratic nonsense. In fact, they chose a location that required extensive renovations, in a small business district and vulnerable to effective local opposition. There were, as well, rumours of favouritism between the then-mayor John Tory and the owners of the building. All of these decisions need to be examined. And as Mr Bermon points out, we need to know the other locations and why they were rejected.
LOCAL NEWS
Congrats Cabbagetown Farmers Market
The Market is celebrating its twenty-fifth anniversary. They’re looking for photos that bring back great memories of your Market experiences. Check out your archives and send them along to Ellie. She may select them for their promotional pieces. ellie@cabbagetownmarket.ca
Garbage at 509 Parliament
The current proposal for this project (509 Parliament) includes using Parliament Street to store up to thirty garbage and waste recycling bins from the condos. At the January Toronto and East York Community Council, opposition arose to the idea of all these bins permanently lining the street and the developer was asked to review this suggestion. The Council’s next meeting is scheduled for April 1 but its agenda hasn’t been published yet. (Image: RAW Design)
Fires at 509 Parliament
Harry Black has studied the proposal to build a condo on the dance theatre site (509 Parliament). He approached the fire department to ask about their access to the building. The rear lane is too narrow for their trucks and so he focused on their access from Parliament Street. If the building’s owner has his way, there will be big garbage bins piled out front and fire trucks will have to park in the traffic lane. He showed this photo (the bus is slightly smaller than a garage truck) to the Captain at the fire station on Dundas and was told that this would effectively block fire trucks heading north. He’s asked the department for their assessment of the risks here.
230 Sherbourne
This vacant property has been the focus of an on-going struggle between a developer, Kingsett Capital, and a local residents group. The group rejects Kingsett’s plans for a condo there and has repeatedly organized protests to draw attention to their demands. They want the City of Toronto to reopen negotiations with Kingsett and purchase the land for development of social housing. They’re organizing another protest at the Scotia Plaza (40 King W) on March 19 to confront Kingsett.
Mural feedback
A mural will be placed on the building at the corner of Ontario and Gerrard. The work is supervised by STEPS, a public art agency. It will be a digital design painted on vinyl and installed on the upper floor of the building. The organizers want your ideas before March 31. They’ve developed a short survey asking about your preferences. Click here.
Dermott Place
This is a small one-way street that goes from Carlton to Spruce. Suggestions include lower speed limits, a permanent stop sign at Spruce, a pedestrian crosswalk over Spruce and calming measures for traffic. Click here to see the detail and to vote.
Drop-in Workshops
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane) is holding Curtain up, in creation lab, a six week free creative drop-in for youth in grades 10 to 12. Experiment with “storytelling through theatre, spoken word, performance and collaborative art.” Six Tuesdays from March 24 to April 28 at 5 pm. Youth can come for one session or all six. For more info and for registration, click here.
David Arathoon
David’s Spring collection includes this beauty. It’s called Pitcher of Spring - 30” X 20” X 1.5”, oil on canvas. It’s one of thirty from his Spring collection. Check out his Facebook page and Instagram here to see lots of examples of his recent work and links to contact him.
Christopher Dew
He’s proving the old adage - “You can take a boy out of Cabbagetown but you can’t take Cabbagetown out of …”. Christopher says hello from the peak of the La Souffriere volcano in St Vincent-in-the-Grenadines. He and his vintage Tee are standing in a 50-knot wind and driving rain. Thanks Christopher - that’s devotion!
YOUR ANNOUNCEMENTS
Monika needs an apartment
Monika is a senior on a budget. She’s looking for a bright one bedroom or a good sized studio with a kitchen and small balcony, for her and her pooch Paris. Perhaps in a private home or a small building in Cabbagetown or very close by. Budget: $1250 – $1400 ( if utilities not included) or up to $1550 all in. I am a quiet, neat tenant, and non-smoker. Looking for April 1st. Please send her an email if you have an apartment available. monikaostby@gmail.com
IN THE MEDIA
Bridge over the DVP
Metrolinx is building a bridge across the Don River and the DVP that will eventually carry the new Ontario Line subway. blogTO has written a story about the new bridge and the techniques used to get it up without disturbing the DVP traffic.
Cabbagetown problems
The Bridge has published an editorial about the on-going mess with three City of Toronto projects in Cabbagetown - the delays and cost over-runs at 502-508 Parliament, the delays and neglect of the empty houses at 265-275 Wellesley, and the refusal to be transparent about the women’s shelter at 233 Carlton.
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 March 22 , “It Takes Two” and on Sunday March 29, it’s “Planes, Trains & Automobiles”. . 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. erin@stoutirishpub.ca
Art Matters
Students at Winchester School (15 Prospect) are displaying and selling their art works. Thursday April 23, 5:30 to 8 pm. There’ll be a silent auction with proceeds going to the school’s funds. This year, there’ll also be works by local artists and live music along with tasty snacks and drinks. (Photo: Architectural Conservancy Ontario)
Nowruz at Allan Gardens
Nowruz is an ancient Persian festival that marks the arrival of Spring and the New Year. A celebration happens in The Palm House (19 Horticultural Ave) from 10 am on Saturday March 21. There’ll be music, dancing, kids’activities and more.
Allan Gardens Saturday Market
Open every Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm. It’s located in the Children’s Conservatory (19 Horticultural Ave). There’s always a selection of delightful vendors. For more details, check out the Facebook page.
Spring is in the air
Save the date. Green Thumbs Growing Kids is organizing a family friendly afternoon at Allan Gardens’ Children’s Conservatory (19 Horticultural Ave). Sunday April 26, 1 to 4 pm. There’ll be kids’ activities, a Spring plant sale, live music and a silent auction. It’s free.
FOR YOUR BODY
Outdoor skating rinks
Three local rinks are open on Thursday March 19 - Regent Park (480 Shuter), Riverdale Park East (550 Broadview) and Moss Park Arena (140 Sherbourne). Sherbourne Common (5 Lower Sherbourne) has closed for the season. Check the City’s website for specifics about each rink - local conditions and the weather will affect rink openings.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Pizza
I’ve been on a pizza binge lately. Two places stand out. Lost Craft (482 Front) in the Canary District. My friend Ron and I went there for lunch. I had a pepperoni (naturally) and he had a Mediterranean. Both were outstanding. Then, of course, Famelia (12 Amelia). After a day-long struggle with car trouble, Irene really wanted a pizza too. So two small ones did the job - pepperoni (again) and Margherita. They’re both on the happy hour list if you get them before 7 pm - eat-in only.
East End Boogie
Three DJs, one night. Super Bargain (441 Parliament) is bringing in three DJs for a night full of dancing. Friday March 20, 10 pm to 2 am. And don’t miss the monthly karaoke, Wednesday March 25, 9 pm. And on Thursday March 26, DJs are spinning for All Vinyl Night from 8 pm.
Magique Brunch
Spirit of York (12 Trinity) presents a magic show with your brunch. Noon on Sunday, March 22. Your ticket gets you a complimentary cocktail, a curated menu and close-up of the magic show. $45. Click here for more info and for your ticket.
bigBITE’s BIGfundraiser
A night of trivia and pizza and a fundraiser for bigBITE collective and their upcoming dance production Munchiez. Hosted by Nathan Manning. Every ticket supports independent dancers. Cafe Zuzu (555 Dundas E), Tuesday March 24, 6:45 for 7:30 pm. Tickets range from $18 to $50 - click here to register.
St Patrick’s Day celebrations
For three nights last week, Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) featured Irish dancers. Erin posted a short video on Instagram showing one girl’s remarkable skill. Click here to see it.
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 MARCH 19 TO SUNDAY MARCH 29
THURSDAY MARCH 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 MARCH 20
Johnny Gs
8 pm, Jazz Nights
Old Flame
7 pm, live entertainment with Jolie Anastasia Band
Super Bargain
10 pm, East End Boogie
Zero Cocktail Bar
7 pm, cocktail class
SATURDAY MARCH 21
Bisou
Noon to 4 pm during brunch, 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 Dan Young
SUNDAY MARCH 22
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live entertainment
Spirit of York
Noon, Magique Brunch
Stout Irish Pub
5:30 pm, Sunday movie night - It Takes Two
MONDAY MARCH 23
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
TUESDAY MARCH 24
Cafe Zuzu
6:45, bigBITE BIGfundraiser
La Gloria
4:30 pm, Practice your Spanish
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
Super Bargain
9 pm, Irish karaoke with Brayo Bryans
WEDNESDAY MARCH 25
F’Amelia
5 pm, Wine Wednesday with half priced bottles
Golden Pigeon
8 pm, Trivia with Rachelle Lauzon
Johnny Gs
Musicians’ hang night
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, Trivia night
Super Bargain
9 pm, Karaoke
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Euchre night
THURSDAY MARCH 26
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
Super Bargain
8 pm, All Vinyl Night
Zero
7 pm, Trivia with Nathan Manning
FRIDAY MARCH 27
Johnny Gs
8 pm, Jazz Night
Zero Cocktail Bar
7 pm, cocktail class
SATURDAY MARCH 28
Bisou
Noon to 4 pm during brunch, DJ Antony
Johnny Gs
8 pm, Jazz Groove
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live music with Mark Villamore
SUNDAY MARCH 29
Cafe Zuzu
Noon, Maker Matcha workshop
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live music with Shawn Steinhart
Stout Irish Pub
5:30, Sunday movie night - Planes, Trains & Automobiles
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
