LOCAL NEWS
Forsythia Festival
The organizers have put out a call for volunteers to help with the Festival’s activities on the day. These are enjoyable jobs where you meet lots of your neighbours. Each shift lasts an hour. High school students can use the time toward their volunteer hours. The Festival happens on Sunday May 3 in Wellesley Park. There’s a parade through the neighbourhood, games for kids, rides, a beer garden and a bbq. If you’d like to help, sent Katie an email at tozer.katie@gmail.com
Harbour transit
Waterfront Toronto, the Port Authority and the City of Toronto have launched a commuter service that will cross the harbour from Biidaasige Park to Yonge Street and the Portland Slip near Billy Bishop airport. It’s a pilot project to test commuter interest. York Bay Marine Services will operate it between June and September. Schedules and fares will be announced in the next months. Click here for the official announcement.
Shop2Win
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 have a lot of receipts, send them all and increase your chances.The next draw is April 7 to 12 with the draw on April 13. 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.
Jane’s Walk
This popular festival of tours and walks across Toronto happens on the weekend of May 1 to 3. It always includes several that happen in our neighbourhood. If you have an idea for a walk, you can contact the organizers online here. Details about this year’s walks will soon be listed online as well.
Social service agencies
Winchester Park and Cabbagetown South each have a very large number of social services within their boundaries. 66 locations have been mapped between Parliament to Sherbourne and Wellesley to Dundas. Across Toronto whenever new services are added, it’s common for residents to ask whether the community can bear so many in one area. For our neighbourhoods, that’s an important question. In order to chart the numbers and their impact on our neighbourhood, the Winchester Park Residents Association has prepared an interactive map. Click here to view the map and click on individual locations to see the agency.
Best wishes, Jean
Jean was the longest serving employee at St James Town Steak & Chops (518 Parliament). She’s a familiar, friendly face for all her customers. She started there 26 years ago, one week after Mark’s youngest son Alex was born. She retired on March 31 and she’ll be missed.
Soulpepper’s programs
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.” Tuesdays at 5 pm until April 28. Youth can come for one session or all six. For more info and for registration, click here. 50 Tank House Lane
Improv. Experienced artists, enthusiasts and casual onlookers can learn more about improvisation. Weekly classes at 6 pm will be held every Tuesday to May 12. Registration here. 50 Tank House Lane
Dance for non-dancers. Dance classes from noon to 1 pm on Fridays from April 10 to May 15. To find out more and to register, click here. 50 Tank House Lane
FARMERS MARKETS
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. And check out the $5 plant sale - every dollar supports the Market. For more details, click here for the Facebook page.
Cabbagetown Farmers Market
The market needs volunteers for its summer 2026 season - May 12 to October 20. You can help to set up the market from 1:30 to 3 pm, support the market from 3 to 7 pm and take down the market from 6:45 to 7:45 pm. If you’re interested, click here for more info. Riverdale Park West, Winchester and Sumach.
Underpass Park Farmers Market
Musicians are invited to apply for performances at the weekly Underpass Market. Artists will receive $100 for solo acts and $200 for groups, plus a busking opportunity. Dates are open from May 14 to October 15. Click here to apply. 29 Lower River Street.
IN THE MEDIA
Hunting Matthew Nichols
Monica Amrein and Craig Oliver co-produced “Hunting Matthew Nichols”, a horror and crime movie set on Vancouver island. It’s just been released in over 1000 theatres across North America - an amazing release for a low budget indie film. In Toronto, it opens on Friday April 10 at Cineplex Odeon Eglinton Town Centre (22 Lebovic Ave) and Scotiabank Theatre (259 Richmond W) - click here for tickets. Barry Hertz has a Globe & Mail article about the film and the extraordinary promotion behind it.
YOUR ANNOUNCEMENTS
Prince Edward County retreat
Zach and Audrey have a beautiful B & B in Prince Edward County near Milford. It’s available now for Spring and Summer bookings - it’s filling up so you should reserve your vacation soon.. It sleeps eight in five bedrooms in exceptional comfort. Pets are welcome. Check it out online here.
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 12, it’s “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” and on April 19, it’s “Star Wars, The Motion Picture”. There’s free popcorn. Sundays at 5:30 pm. To save your spot - call Erin at (647) 344-7676 or send her an email at erin@stoutirishpub.ca
Butt blitz
Friends of Regent Park will host a clean-up morning on Saturday April 11 from 10 to 11 am. They’ll be collecting cigarette butts and then delivering them to the flagship event at Ripley’s Aquarium. It’s part of a nation-wide cleaning campaign called Unsmoke and its goal is to gather up 1 million butts across Canada during the blitz. Meet at the bake oven in The Big Park (620 Dundas E).
Service Canada
An information session by Service Canada. Tuesday April 21 in the community room at 50 Regent Park Blvd. The discussion will cover job search assistance, family benefits, employment insurance, social insurance and more. Lunch will be served at 1 pm and the session will start at 2 pm. Free.
RESTAURANT NEWS
F’Amelia
At F’Amelia (12 Amelia), Wine Wednesdays have now been discontinued. Tanya’s Pour Decisions will take its place and give you great wines and great savings.
Spring terrarium at Cafe Zuzu
Spend a morning and learn how to make your very own miniature terrarium world with live plants, river stones, and driftwood—all while sipping something bubbly and soaking up the weekend vibes. Jackson Carey is your guide. After your session, stay for an optional lunch. At Cafe Zuzu (555 Dundas E), Sunday April 12, 11 am. Click here for more info and for your reservation.
Jazz at Johnny Gs
The jazz nights at Johnny Gs (Parliament) are getting positive reviews. This week’s shows feature future stars on Thursday, blue jazz romance on Friday and soul, blues and swing on Saturday. All at 8 pm. Cover charge is $10 - all proceeds go to the musicians. Enjoy dinner while you’re there.
Keating Channel
The patio at Keating Channel (2 Villiers) is open. Good food and a great view of the city. And they’re excited about the new ferry service along the harbour.
Best wishes to Zero
Unfortunately, Zero Cocktail Bar (223 Carlton) is closing on Sunday. It was a great effort. Along with their range of non-alcoholic beverages, they offered interesting programming and lots of support for community events. Gail says that the combination of rising costs and low traffic has been too much for them.
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 9 TO SUNDAY APRIL 19
THURSDAY APRIL 9
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
FRIDAY APRIL 10
Johnny Gs
8 pm, Jazz Night
Old Flame
7 pm, live entertainment with Jolie Anastasia Duo
Zero Cocktail Bar
7 pm, cocktail class
SATURDAY APRIL 11
Bisou
Noon to 4 pm during brunch, DJ Antony
Johnny Gs
8 pm, Jazz Groove
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live music with Jordan Arnott
SUNDAY APRIL 12
Cafe Zuzu
11 am, Make your own Spring terrarium
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live music with Shawn Steinhart
Stout Irish Pub
5:30, Sunday movie night - Harry Potter & the Philosopher’s Stone
MONDAY APRIL 13
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
TUESDAY APRIL 14
La Gloria
4:30 pm, Practice your Spanish
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
Super Bargain
9 pm, Tequilla Tuesday and Karaoke
WEDNESDAY APRIL 15
Golden Pigeon
8 pm, Trivia with Rachelle Lauzon
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, Trivia night
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Euchre night
THURSDAY APRIL 16
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 APRIL 17
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 APRIL 18
Johnny Gs
8 pm, Jazz
Old Flame Brewery
2 to 6 pm, live music
7 pm, Karaoke
SUNDAY APRIL 19
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live music
Stout Irish Pub
5:30 pm, Sunday movie night - Star Wars, The Motion Picture
Old Flame
7 pm, live music
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
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
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
