LOCAL NEWS
230 Fightback
These guys never quit. They object to the construction of a condo tower on vacant land at 214-230 Sherbourne. They want the City of Toronto to buy the land and construct non-profit and affordable housing there. The City once bid on the property but lost out to KingSett Capital. Mayor Olivia Chow has refused to meet with the group so they’re chasing her. They plan to show up on Thursday at the Arcadian Court at the annual lunch for the Toronto Board of Trade - a sold out event at $400/ticket. Click here to visit their website. (Photo: The Bridge)
2026 Garden Tour
Hidden Gardens & Private Spaces takes place on Sunday June 7. This year, four community gardens will be highlighted. Expert gardeners will be stationed at each one to talk about the gardens and answer your questions. Tickets are scheduled for sale next week.
Shop2Win
Congrats to Anika, the Week Five winner. She earned $500 and $500 more went to Cycle Solutions (444 Parliament). The Week Six winner will be announced on Saturday. The weekly draws are now over and the $1500 grand prize announcement will come next. The raffle has been a big success - over 6400 receipts were submitted. The BIA says, “Thank you to everyone who shopped local and submitted their receipts and reviews. Your support for our small business community has been incredible.”
Workshop and yard sale
There’ll be a gardening workshop in Amelia’s Garden (Amelia and Parliament) on Sunday May 17 from 11 am to 4 pm. Gardening experts will talk about weeds, watering, pruning, staking, invasive species and other important topics. A yard sale will happen at the same time - all proceeds go to Amelia’s Garden.
2026 municipal elections
The 2026 campaign period is slowly warming up. In Ward 13, four people have registered as candidates for Councillor - Joe Cadeau, Walied Khogali Ali, Curran Stikuts and Nicki Ward. There’ll be more. The incumbent, Chris Moise, hasn’t officially registered yet. Curran Stikuts appears to be the strongest opponent to Chris Moise with a group of supporters and a campaign team in place. He held a campaign launch earlier this week.
Cabbagetown Preservation Association
The CPA is one of the most active groups in Cabbagetown. It holds meetings and special talks. It organizes the garden tours and the house tours. It offers guided walks and private tours through Cabbagetown. It pays for the Cabbagetown People project. It recognizes outstanding volunteer activities and gives awards for remarkable designs and construction on homes in the community. Click here to see the report from its 2026 Annual Meeting.
500 Dundas E
The City of Toronto has received an application to build a 35-storey mixed use building with 413 units and 246 square meters of retail on the ground floor. It’ll house “a mix of rent-geared-to-income (RGI) units, affordable housing rentals, and market condominiums.” The space is currently occupied by The Daniels Corporation’s sales office at the north east corner of Regent St and Dundas. There’ll be a public consultation meeting on Thursday May 21 from 6 to 8 pm in the community room at 150 River Street.
Sumac Community Food Centre
This new Food Centre (340 Gerrard) will serve people in Regent Park, Moss Park and St James Town. It has an emphasis on seniors, newcomers and families having trouble balancing their budgets. “Programs at the centre include cooking workshops, food education, gardening partnerships, and wellness activities for residents ranging from teenagers to older adults.” Click here for more info.
Congrats to the Children’s Book Bank
The Book Bank celebrates its 18th birthday in May. During this month, someone will receive the 2-millionth free book. The Book Bank says, “To help us celebrate, we invite you to share your birthday wishes and favourite memories of the Book Bank. Please email karlylynne@childrensbookbank.com—we'd love to hear what the Book Bank has meant to you!” Regent Park (555 Dundas E, Suite 260) and Sherbourne (561 Sherbourne, Level P3).
Enrolling now
Kumon (194A Carlton) is taking new students - book your free assessment. Call (416) 939-2300. Start between now and June 30 - save $80.
Flooding in the park
Lindsay wrote on Facebook asking about the flooding that happens in Riverdale Park West. Specifically, she refers to the water on the path and the grass at the foot of the stairs. Among the replies, people said that the City and Toronto Region Conservation Authority are trying to lower the level of the nearby ponds and the pond is being pumped out. Kevin has sent along a very helpful note, "...starting on May 1 of each year, the lower gate in Riverdale Farm is unlocked during the day. It leaves you beyond the flooding., If you enter the park from there, you can cross over to the east side of the park, which I often like to do, and others may as well."
Sword Street
Once again, Sword Street residents have planted over 500 tulips in the garden boxes lining the street. Lookin’ good! (Photo: Louise Koepfler)
OUTDOOR MARKETS
Cabbagetown Farmers Market
Despite a wet, cool day on Tuesday, the market got off to an impressive start. Shoppers braved these elements and were rewarded with good early season produce. It’ll continue to mid-October, every Tuesday from 3 pm in Riverdale Park West (Sumach and Winchester). Click here to see details about each vendor.
Underpass Park Market
The market opened on Thursday May 14 in Underpass Park (29 Lower River St). Another chilly day. There’s a big list of weekly vendors. Click here for info about the Market and its vendors.
Allan Gardens Saturday Market
From 10 am to 2 pm every Saturday outdoors at the Children’s Conservatory (19 Horticultural Ave). For more info, click here.
Allan Gardens Spring plant sale
Sunday May 17, 10 am to 4 pm, Children’s Conservatory (19 Horticultural Ave). Get your garden supplies here - perenniels for $5, including bee balm, coneflowers, worm wood, swamp milkweed, and more.
IN THE MEDIA
Lassonde Art Trail
This new trail (39 Commissioner) winds around Biidaasige Park for 4 kilometres, linking 60 different art sites on the island. The first section opens on June 4 on the east side of the Cherry Street bridge and the final section will open in September. Click here to read the story in blogTO. (Photo: Waterfront Toronto/blogTO)
COMING EVENTS
Doors Open
160 sites are open across Toronto during this popular tour. Several are located nearby in our neighbourhood - these details will be described next week. Saturday May 23 and Sunday May 24. For preliminary info, click here.
Movies at Stout
Weekly free movie nights at Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton). Sundays at 5:30 pm. The lineup features family movies - bring your kids. On Sunday May 17, it’s “Star Trek III - the Search for Spock”. On Sunday May 24, it’s “Spider Man: Into the Spider-Verse”. There’s free popcorn. To save your spot - call Erin at (647) 344-7676 or send her an email to Erin at erin@stoutirishpub.ca
Life drawing
Rapid Photo Studio (434 Parliament) is holding a nude life drawing session on Sunday May 17 from noon to 2 pm. $15. Your RSVP is required - click here.
Winchester Fun Fair
The annual Winchester School Fun Fair (15 Prospect) returns on Saturday May 23 from 11 am to 3 pm. There’ll be plenty of games, inflatables, crafts and activities for your kids. Food and drinks.
Distillery
The Spring Live Music Series happens every Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 5 pm on the Trinity stage.
Spring flowers. The Distillery invites you to paint a flower on its mural in Tank House Lane. Free brush and paint supplies at the Info Booth daily from noon to 6 pm. The project runs until May 18. Click here to see a video of the project.
Outdoor movies. Saturday May 16, Minons: The Rise of Gru and on Monday May 18, Migration. 11 am each day, on the Trinity Stage.
FOR YOUR BODY
Cabbagetown workouts
Body sculpt weights, boxing and boot camp aerobics. A certified instructor will guide you through your exercises. Body sculpting happens at 7 am on Monday, Wednesday and Friday in Riverdale Park West (Sumach and Winchester) There’s boot camp on Tuesday and Thursday - in Regent Park (500 Dundas E) at 7 am and in Riverdale at 5:30 pm. On Saturday in Riverdale, there’s boxing at 9 am and boot camp at 10:30 am. Boxing also happens in Riverdale at 5:30 pm on Monday and Wednesday. For more info and for booking, text/call (437) 241-2760. $25 per session, cash only.
Mamma Mia or Papa Pia
Yoga for parents and babies at Sequins (552 Parliament) 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. Babies are welcome (mobile, not yet walking). Bring toys, a changing mat, and take all waste with you please. $35. Click here for reservations.
RESTAURANT NEWS
F’Amelia
Tanya’s Pour Decisions - great wines and great savings. Every week, she selects a different wine and offers it at special prices. Now open on Mondays. F’Amelia (12 Amelia)
Jazz at Johnny Gs
The jazz nights at Johnny Gs (478 Parliament) are getting positive reviews. Thursday, Friday and Saturday 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 MAY 14 TO SUNDAY MAY 24
THURSDAY MAY 14
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 15
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 with Murray Drive
SATURDAY MAY 16
Distillery
2 pm, Spring Live Music with Murray Drive
Johnny Gs
8 pm, Jazz
Old Flame Brewery
2 to 6 pm, live music with Mark Villamore
8 pm, Karaoke
SUNDAY MAY 17
Distillery
2 pm, Spring Live Music with Eric Bolton & Jessie T
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live music with Sean Beinhaus
Stout Irish Pub
5:30 pm, Sunday movie night - Star Trek: Search for Spock
MONDAY MAY 18
Distillery
2 pm, Spring Live Music with Kirt Godwin & Jessie Labovitz
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
TUESDAY MAY 19
La Gloria
4:30 pm, Practice your Spanish
Spirit of York
7 pm, Movie night
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
WEDNESDAY MAY 20
Golden Pigeon
8 pm, Trivia with Rachelle Lauzon
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, Trivia night
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Euchre night
THURSDAY MAY 21
Johnny Gs
8 pm, Live Jazz
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
FRIDAY MAY 22
Decoy
7 pm, DJ Brendan Canning
Johnny Gs
8 pm, Live Jazz
Old Flame
7 pm, live music
Super Bargain
9 pm, DJ Shadow Brown disco dance party
SATURDAY MAY 23
Distillery
2 pm, Spring Live Music with Clerel & Nick Tateishi
Bisou
Noon to 4 pm, DJ Antony during brunch
Johnny Gs
8 pm, Live Jazz
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live music
8 pm, karaoke
SUNDAY MAY 24
Distillery
2 pm, Spring Live Music with Melanna Orr
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live music
Stout Irish Pub
5:30, Sunday movie night - Spider Man: Into the Spider-Verse
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
