LOCAL NEWS
New hydro poles
Toronto Hydro has been installing new poles along Wellesley Street this week. The work has been completed quickly. Workers report that there are a variety of complaints and demands that the poles go in other places and they’re trying to satisfy these homeowners. They will soon start on Sumach and Sackville. Anyone with questions or complaints can call Jeff Pozzobon at (416) 542-3366 or send an email to capitalprojects@torontohydro.com
Remember this date
Hidden Gardens & Private Spaces - the renowned garden tour - happens on June 7. Save the date.
Forsythia Festival
The annual Festival was a great success. Scores of people volunteered. The weather cooperated, the crowd was enthusiastic and the events were really popular. As always, the pub, sponsored by Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton), was a handy stop for parents and a great place for a quick gossip. Mark from St Jamestown Steak & Chops (518 Parliament) reports that his barbeque prepared over 350 hotdogs and burgers. Jet Fuel (519 Parliament) gave the volunteers free coffee. Congrats to everyone who helped make this a special day.
Community Environment Day
Allan Gardens (160 Gerrard E) from 10 am to 2 pm on Sunday May 10. Here’s your chance to get rid of old cell phones, electronics, hazardous waste, propane tanks, paints, glues, pesticides, unused medications, batteries and used cooking oils. Drop these items off and the City will dispose of them. It’s also a chance for you to get free loose compost and a free sapling. Your old documents and paper waste can be shredded. Register your bike with the police. And donate gently used household items and clothing. NOW has a good article about this service.
Shop2Win
Congrats to Perry, the Week Four winner. He earned $500 and $500 more went to Royal Home Hardware (485 Parliament). The Week Five winner will be announced on Saturday. We’re now into the final week covering May 4 to May 10. When you spend $20 or more at a Cabbagetown business, save your receipts and send them in - click here to connect. If you win, you’ll split the $1,000 prize with the store where you shop and you’ll be entered in the $1500 grand prize.
Closures
The Don Valley Parkway will be closed from the Jarvis exit to Highway 401 for maintenance from 11 pm on Friday May 8 to 5 am on Monday May 11.
The Sporting Life 10K Run happens on Sunday May 10 . 24,000 people are expected to participate. Several streets are affected - click here to see the list. (Photo: Sporting Life/blogTO)
We’re #2
The City of Toronto operates red light cameras at intersections across the city and it issues $325 tickets to people who drive through the red lights. In 2025, the intersection at Adelaide and Parliament chalked up the second highest number of ne’er-do-wells who sped through the light - 2,393. That’s about half the number of violators at the #1 spot at Hwy 401 and Kennedy Road - 5,505 tickets. In total, the City collected $45 million from the cameras in 2025. (Photo: CTV News)
Cabbagetown Farmers Market
The market starts at 3 pm on Tuesday May 12 in Riverdale Park West (Sumach and Winchester). Click here to see details about each vendor.
Underpass Park Market
The market opens at 4 pm on Thursday May 14 in Underpass Park (29 Lower River St). Click here for info about the Market and its vendors.
Allan Gardens Market
From 10 am to 2 pm every Saturday outdoors at the Children’s Conservatory (19 Horticultural Ave). Along with the market vendors, there’s a plant sale organized by Friends of Allan Gardens and an art show featuring works by Brennan Munshaw and Tara Behruz. For more info, click here.
CPA Newsletter
The Spring edition of the Cabbagetown Preservation Association’s newsletter is now available online. It’s always a good read about the issues that have bubbled up in Cabbagetown recently. Click here.
Winchester School raffle
Parents at Winchester School have organized a raffle that includes fantastic prizes - $2,000 in gift cards, a Prince Edward County getaway, a Tiffany necklace, an iPad and chocolate gift bag. Proceeds go directly to the school and students. It continues to May 14. To learn more and to buy tickets, click here.
Coyote in the park
Cathy saw this guy on Tuesday and she reports that it was curious but not at all aggressive. It happened in Riverdale Park West. There have been several sightings in Cabbagetown this week. (Photo: Cathy Davis)
Piano lessons
Christina Litt Belch has openings for a few more piano students for the Spring and Summer. She teaches from her home studio near Gerrard and Berkeley. For more info and for contacts, go to her website.
IN THE MEDIA
Lessons from Paris
Beth Kaplan is back from a trip to France and she’s written a Toronto Star story about the ways that Paris could be a model for Toronto. It’s an insightful article about the features in Paris that Doug Ford could study and usefully apply here. Click here to read it.
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 May 10, it’s “Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets.” On Sunday May 17, it’s “Star Trek III - the Search for Spock”. 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
Corktown Chamber Orchestra
Friday May 8 at 8 pm in Little Trinity Church (425 King E). It’s the last concert in the season. The orchestra presents Stravinsky's Firebird, Beethoven's 6th symphony, as well as Mahler's Adagietto and Fanfare no. 3 by our very own McGrath. $25.
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.
Cabbagetown Preservation Association
The CPA’s annual meeting will be held at the Golden Pigeon (424 Parliament) on Tuesday May 12 from 7 pm. Gilles Huot will speak about Parliament Street - Then, Now and Tomorrow. Everyone is welcome - Cabbagetown residents are eligible to vote on business issues.
Distillery
The Spring Live Music Series happens every Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 5 pm on the Trinity stage.
FOR YOUR BODY
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.
MOTHER’S DAY
F’Amelia
A cozy Italian brunch for your family on Mother’s Day. $45 for adults and $15 for the kiddos. 12 Amelia.
Bisou
A special cake for Mom - shortbread crust, raspberry and strawberry mousseline, red berry compote, madeleine sponge cake inside. And try the pain Suisse with dark chocolate, pistachio and sour cherry. 350 Berkeley.
Blake House
Mother’s Day Sunday brunch happens from 10 am to 3 pm. In the evening there’s a prime rib dinner with all the trimmings. 449 Jarvis.
Mill Street
Brunch happens on Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm. 21 Tank House Lane.
RESTAURANT NEWS
F’Amelia's wine
Tanya’s Pour Decisions - great wines and great savings. Every week, she selects a different wine and offers it at special prices. Her pour this week is Speri a Valpolicella ripasso and Greco di Tufo. Now open on Mondays. F’Amelia (12 Amelia)
Tempo team opener
Watch Toronto Tempo’s season opener at 7:30 pm on Friday May 8 at the Golden Pigeon (424 Parliament). You’ll be helping Team Canada go to the GAA World Games.
Patio time
The patios at House on Parliament (456 Parliament) were open earlier this week when the temperatures became more Spring-like. That’s good news. They may open or close as the weather changes.
Congrats to two Mexican restaurants
El Catrin (18 Tank House Lane) and Los Gyros (500 Queen E) have been mentioned in blogTO’s story about Toronto’s best Mexican restaurants. Click here to see the list and the mini-reviews.
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 7 TO SUNDAY MAY 17
THURSDAY MAY 7
Bisou
2 pm, Wine tasting with Weingut Beurer
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
FRIDAY MAY 8
Johnny Gs
8 pm, Live Jazz
Old Flame
7 pm, live music with Jammers Waffle
The Blake House
8 pm, Live comedy with Carla Collins
SATURDAY MAY 9
Distillery
2 pm, Spring Live Music with Sean Stanley & Kyle Tarder-Stoll
Bisou
Noon to 4 pm DJ Antony during brunch
Johnny Gs
8 pm, Live Jazz
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live music with Dave Daniels
8 pm, karaoke
The Blake House
8 pm, Live comedy with Carla Collins
SUNDAY MAY 10
Distillery
2 pm, Spring Live Music with Irene Torres & Eric St Laurent
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live music with Shawn Steinhart
Stout Irish Pub
5:30, Sunday movie night - Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets
MONDAY MAY 11
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
TUESDAY MAY 12
La Gloria
4:30 pm, Practice your Spanish
Spirit of York
7 pm, Movie night
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
Super Bargain
9 pm, Karaoke
WEDNESDAY MAY 13
Golden Pigeon
8 pm, Trivia with Rachelle Lauzon
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, Trivia night
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Euchre night
Super Bargain
6:30 pm, Achillean’s Blood on the Clocktower
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
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
8 pm, Karaoke
SUNDAY MAY 17
Distillery
2 pm, Spring Live Music with Eric Bolton & Jessie T
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live music
Stout Irish Pub
5:30 pm, Sunday movie night - Star Trek Episode 3, The Search for Spock
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
