A PERSONAL OPINION
$23,000 for Chris Moise
In January 2025, Councillor Chris Moise got into a public argument with Daniel Tate. The Toronto Star describes Tate as a controversial “online activist” who has argued with Moise in the past. Heated words were exchanged. Moise called Tate a racist. That eventually resulted in a complaint to the city’s Integrity Commissioner who agreed that it was a minor unethical utterance and that Moise broke Council’s code of conduct. Moise’s colleagues on City Council didn’t agree and let him off the hook. Now, he wants $23,000 from the City to cover his legal bills arising from this investigation. You can read all about it in Ben Spurr’s Toronto Star article.Frankly, I’m amazed. I think it’s okay that neither Tate nor Moise were given big reprimands by some official. But … Chris, you did yell at him in public. And now you want the taxpayers to foot the bill for your lawyers? Nope.
LOCAL NEWS
Forsythia Festival
Preparations for the Forsythia Festival are now underway. It happens on Sunday May 3 from 11 am in Wellesley Park. It’s my favourite event for the year. It means that we’ve survived winter and we’re ready for another beautiful Spring in our neighbourhood. Details about the schedule, the sponsors and the prizes will be available next week. For now - save the date. And make sure that you have something yellow to wear to the park.
Shop2Win
Congrats to David, the Week Two winner. He earned $500 and $500 more went to St Jamestown Steak & Chops (518 Parliament). The Week Three winner will be announced on Saturday. We’re into the fourth week covering April 20 to 26. When you spend $20 or more at a Cabbagetown business, save your receipts and send them in every week - click here to connect. If you win, you’ll split a $1000 prize with the store where you shop and you’ll be entered in the $1500 grand prize. Prizes are given out every week.
Free trees and shrubs
As part of the Hidden Gardens & Private Places tour, the CPA is giving away free trees and shrubs. You have a choice from ten different species. It’s part of a campaign to keep Cabbagetown green - sponsored by the City of Toronto. To sign up, visit the Cabbagetown Preservation Association tent at the Forsythia Festival in Wellesley Park. Register there and then get your tree during the garden tour on June 7.
509 Parliament
At its meeting on April 22 -23, City Council was being asked to rule on the application about the 509 project and to reject it. Council accepted this motion. As a result, City staff will go to the Ontario Land Tribunal to oppose this project. The City’s solicitor is instructed to negotiate with the developer to seek a solution. If that fails, the City solicitor may hire outside consultants to assist with the City’s case. If the Tribunal accepts the developer’s proposal, city staff are instructed to go over the plans to ensure full compliance.
Call for artists
STEPS Public Art, the Cabbagetown BIA and the City of Toronto are looking for artists to submit their qualifications for a two-stage art competition. This is th first stage in the selection of the artists and its deadline is May 24. The final creations will be placed in the boulevard area at Amelia and Parliament. Details and timetables are online here.
Bling fundraiser
Every year, Maggie sets up tables during the Cabbagetown Festival to sell bling and other used jewellery. She donates the proceeds to Blair’s Run and she’s phenomenally successful. She’s now collecting your used jewellery and accessories but please, no household items. She’ll get busy cleaning and preparing it for the September sale. If you have used jewellery, storage or display items, accessories like watches, scarves, belts and hats and vintage items, please consider making a gift. You can drop off your stuff at 286 Carlton on the side porch until August 1.
Cabbagetown flag
The BIA has posted a timely reminder. Flags are in stock at the BIA Store (237 Carlton) - they prefer online orders. Click here to check out the details. No doubt you’re thinking about your summer holiday plans. Take a flag with you and snap a photo in an interesting place. It could be Mississauga or Manitoulin or Mexico. Send us a copy and your picture will be posted here.
Wildlife in the harbour
Waterfront Toronto has recorded a remarkable surge in wildlife living at the mouth of the Don River. In 2024, they found 29 fish species. In 2025, 34 species. Before the flood protection work started, they found virtually none. The photo shows bryozoans, a blob-like colony of microscopic invertebrates. They filter the water to find their food and clean it as they do so. They’re an encouraging sign of a healthy environment.
CLEAN TORONTO TOGETHER
All across our neighbourhoods during this weekend, people are sweeping up the litter and winter debris on their streets and in the parks.
Aberdeen
The Aberdeen Ave Residents are cleaning the street on Saturday April 25 from 10 am to noon.
Canary District
The Canary District Neighbourhood Association is organizing its Spring cleaning campaign. Meet at Tannery and Front, Saturday April 25, 10 am. Gloves, bags and trash grabbers will be supplied. The Association will earn $5 for every bag collected and will donate those funds to “Don’t Mess with the Don”.
Corktown
Meet at the Sackville Playground (King and Sackville) on Saturday April 25 at 11 am. Supplies will be provided and you’ll be sent to the places most in need of a good sweep. Organized by the Corktown Residents & Business Association.
Regent Park
The Friends of Regent Park are cleaning the Big Park (600 Dundas E). 10 am to noon, Saturday April 25. Gloves and bags will be available.
Wellesley Park
Your help is needed. Volunteers will clean Wellesley Park from noon to 2 pm on Saturday May 2 to get it ready for the Forsythia Festival on May 3. Bags, gloves and some litter scoopers will be available. Meet at the splash pad in the north end of the park.
IN THE MEDIA
180 Sherbourne Street
This house at Sherbourne and Shuter is now on the market for $5,750,000. Purchased in 2015 for $2.7 million, it’s recently had a $3 million renovation. blogTO has written about its history and its interior, along with a number of photos. (Photo: realtor.ca/blogTO)
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 April 26, it’s “Shrek” and on Sunday May 3, “Star Wars Episode 2 - Attack of the Clones.”There’s free popcorn. Sundays at 5:30 pm. To save your spot - call Erin at (647) 344-7676 or send her an email to Erin at erin@stoutirishpub.ca
Jane’s Walks
The walks take place on Friday May 1, Saturday May 2 and Sunday May 3. There are the several walks in our neighbourhoods. Details will be listed next week. There are lots more - click here to see the full list.
Light & Beings
A fine art and photo exhibition by Leo Chen at Rapid Photo Studio (434 Parliament). It runs to Friday May 8. The opening reception will happen at 3 pm on Sunday April 26
Repair Cafe
Fix your broken household items - computers, small appliances, household electronics and housewares, bikes and toys, clothing and jewellery. Bring your stuff to 349 Ontario Street on Saturday April 25 from noon to 4 pm. Register there on the spot until 3 pm.
Spring flowers
The Distillery invites you to paint a flower on its mural in Tank House Lane. Get your free brush and paint supplies at the Info Booth daily from noon to 6 pm. The project runs until May 10. Click here to see a video of the project.
Spring is in the air
Green Thumbs Growing Kids is celebrating its tenth anniversary with “programs for children, youth and families, growing and preparing fresh garden foods, in local schools and public greenhouses”. They’re holding a free afternoon at Allan Gardens with a Spring plant sale, kids’ activities, live music and a silent auction. Sunday April 26, 1 to 4 pm, Children’s Conservatory (19 Horticultural Ave). Click here for the full program and click here to see the items in the silent auction.
Allan Gardens Saturday Market
Open every Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm. For the next two weeks, it’s located in the Children’s Conservatory (19 Horticultural Ave). After that, it moves outdoors. There’s always a selection of delightful vendors. And check out the $5 plant sale - every dollar supports the Market. For more details, click here for the Facebook page.
FOR YOUR BODY
Pickle ball
As soon as the weather turned warmer, the pickle ball people were back in Wellesley Park. Everybody was having a good game.
Mamma Mia or Papa Pia
Sequins presents yoga for parents and babies starting on Tuesday April 28 at 10:45 am. It’s a strengthening mat class for parents, with your little honey bunch along for the ride. Designed for pre and postnatal bodies, this small group class (max 8) supports a safe return to movement. Rebuilding stability, reconnecting to strength, and easing you back into your body with care. Babies are welcome (mobile, not yet walking). Bring toys, a changing mat, and take all waste with you please. $35. Click here for reservations.
YOUR ANNOUNCEMENTS
Wow - it works
Last week, Kate posted an announcement about a metal planter that was stolen from her front yard. Another Review reader saw it near the garden at Amelia and Parliament and moved it into the garden for safe keeping. She told Kate and now the planter is home again. Here’s Kate’s reaction -
“OMG I am so happy. I had sent an email about property theft to Doug Fisher (Cabbagetown Blogger) and he added a blurb in yesterday’s blog. Well my plant stand was stolen, then left on vacant property where a woman who volunteers with our small communal gardens found it and locked it up in the Amelia St Garden…. she read Doug’s blog and emailed me… Happy to report the plant stand dad gave me when I moved in (27+ years ago) will be back in my yard later tonight … I am thrilled beyond words…. even shedding a tear or two :-). So grateful to Doug and Alex xo”
RESTAURANT NEWS
The Culture Elective, Volume 5
Blueprint - “black culture has long been the blueprint of global advertising”. June Findlay, a brand, content, and cultural strategist, unpacks the paradox of Black influence in advertising with a real dialogue about representation, equity, and ownership. Tuesday April 28, 7 pm, free. From 9 to 10 pm, there’ll be a mixer with DJ Zena. Cafe Zuzu (555 Dundas E).
Wine tasting at Fusilli
Fusilli (531 Queen E) is hosting a wine tasting on Tuesday April 30. It’ll be a four-course meal with matching wines. Seating will be limited - reserve now at (416) 214-5148. $89. For more info, click here.
Spring Fling at Cafe Zuzu
An evening of Spring Fling fun at Cafe Zuzu (555 Dundas E) with the queer community, friends and allies. There’ll be good music, a flower bouquet station and community friendship. The menu includes pizza slices and full pies, seasonal cocktails, wine, beer and Spring Fling punch. April 23 from 6 pm. Tickets and more info - click here.
F’Amelia
Tanya’s Pour Decisions - great wines and great savings. Her pour this week is Villa Santera Primitivo di Manduria. Now open on Mondays. F’Amelia (12 Amelia)
Jazz at Johnny Gs
The jazz nights at Johnny Gs (Parliament) are getting positive reviews. This week’s shows feature the Jeremiah Cashore Trioon Thursday, Mike T Kerr on Friday and the Jacon Elsen Quartet on Saturday. All at 8 pm. Cover charge is $10 - all proceeds go to the musicians. Enjoy dinner while you’re there.
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 APRIL 23 TO SUNDAY MAY 2
THURSDAY APRIL 23
Cafe Zuzu
6 pm, Spring Fling
Johnny Gs
8 pm, Live Jazz with Jeremiah Cashore Trio
Mill Street Brew Pub
7 pm, Trivia with Quizmaster Jess
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, open mic with City Love
FRIDAY APRIL 24
Decoy
8 pm, Dub Loons DJ and live PA with Balso and Ombudsman
Johnny Gs
8 pm, Live Jazz with Mike T Kerr
Old Flame
7 pm, live music ith Freddy on Guitar
SATURDAY APRIL 25
Bisou
Noon to 4 pm during brunch, DJ Antony
Johnny Gs
8 pm, Live Jazz with Jacob Elsen Quartet
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live music with Mark Villamore
8 pm, karaoke
Spirit of York
8 pm, Proof of Spring burlesque
SUNDAY APRIL 26
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live music with Julien Kellend
Stout Irish Pub
5:30, Sunday movie night - Shrek
MONDAY APRIL 27
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
Spirit of York
7 pm, Movie night - The Devil Wears Prada
TUESDAY APRIL 28
Cafe Zuzu
7 pm, Culture Elective with June Findlay
La Gloria
4:30 pm, Practice your Spanish
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
WEDNESDAY APRIL 29
Golden Pigeon
8 pm, Trivia with Rachelle Lauzon
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, Trivia night
Spirit of York
7:30 pm, Comedy night
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Euchre night
Super Bargain
9 pm, Karaoke
THURSDAY APRIL 30
Johnny Gs
8 pm, Jazz
Mill Street Brew Pub
7 pm, Trivia with Quizmaster Jess
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, open mic with City Love
FRIDAY MAY 1
Decoy
7 pm, Opening party for CONTACT exhibit by Olivia Steinman
9 pm, DJ San Fran
Johnny Gs
8 pm, Jazz
Mill Street Brewpub
Noon to 4 pm, live music and DJ with brunch
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, live music
SATURDAY MAY 2
Bisou
4 pm, Fou de Joie with Prince Batrick and Blackman
Decoy
10 pm, DJ Lucky Star
Johnny Gs
8 pm, Jazz
Old Flame Brewery
2 to 6 pm, live music
8 pm, Karaoke
SUNDAY MAY 3
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live music
Stout Irish Pub
5:30 pm, Sunday movie night - Star Wars Episode 2, Attack of the Clones
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
Spirit of York - 12 Trinity, (416) 777-0001
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
