July 16


A PERSONAL VIEW

The BIA responds

Last week, I noted the concern raised by local residents about the bench on Aberdeen.  I  didn’t contact the Cabbagetown BIA before writing this item.  Matthew Mohan, its executive director, has responded, “Our goal has never been to install infrastructure and ignore concerns; it's to create a more welcoming, accessible main street that supports the business community and drives economic development, while listening to the broader community and adapting where appropriate…As we continue rolling out seating throughout the neighbourhood, we'll be monitoring each location closely to understand what's working well and where adjustments may be needed. This Aberdeen location has certainly provided valuable lessons - such as the importance of having benches as clearly visible to the main street as possible - and we'll use those to inform future installations.”


LOCAL NEWS


Fraud alert

The Cabbagetown BIA is warning Cabbagetown Festival vendors about a fraudulent email asking for the 2026 payment.  As shown in the attachment here, there are several email addresses being used - don’t respond or send payments.  The only valid communication comes from fortheloveofmarkets.com 


Gardening volunteers wanted

Organizers at a garden in Drovers Lane near Parliament and Gerrard are recruiting volunteers.  They’re needed for a few hours monthly between July and November to do weeding, watering, cleanups and plant maintenance.  To volunteer, please send an email with the header “Drovers Lane Garden Steward”.


Blair’s Run

Sunday, September 13.  Notices have gone out - volunteers, a social media coordinator and race day volunteers are all needed.  Register now and collect runners for your team to take part in the 2 km race or in a freestyle event.  Click here for more details.


Cabbagetown Farmers Market 

Tuesday from 3 pm in Riverdale Park West (Sumach and Winchester). Thames Melons are bringing fresh corn.  As usual, there’s music in the park.  Click here to see details about the vendors.


Underpass Park Market 

Despite the awful air quality, Underpass Market will be open on July 16.  Organizers think that the effort made by vendors to prepare for the market warrants this decision. The Market is open every Thursday in Underpass Park (29 Lower River St).  Click here for info about the Market and its vendors.


Allan Gardens Saturday Market 

Open from 10 am to 2 pm every Saturday outdoors at the Children’s Conservatory (19 Horticultural Ave). For more info, click here.


Taste of Regent Park

The kitchen is busy again.  Every week starting at 5:45 pm before the movies, Taste of Regent Park serves freshly baked goodies at the pizza oven in the Big Park (620 Dundas E).  On Wednesday July 22 at 5:30 pm, it’s mac ’n cheese.  


Toronto Outdoor Picture Show

In Corktown Common (155 Mill St - at Bayview and Mill) on Thursdays from to August 6.  On Thursday July 16, the feature is Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and the short is Ballet Jazz. On Thursday July 23, the feature is It was Just an Accident and the short is Perfectly a Strangeness. On Thursday August 6, the feature is Wildhood and the two shorts are Anyway I Piss Sitting Down and 6 Minutes per Kilometer -these were postponed from July 9 due to bad weather conditions.  Click here for details.


Under the Stars

In Regent Park (620 Dundas E) on Wednesday July 22.  Short films will be shown before the feature.  On Wednesday July 22 at 7:30 pm, it’s My Father’s Shadow and the short film is Sea Star. Click here for program details.


Corktown-Canary Butterfly Trail

For several years, gardeners in Corktown and the Canary District have planted pollinator gardens to build a trail between Corktown Common and the Sackvile Playground.  They’re attracting bees, birds and butteflies.  They want to create a welcoming home with native plants in this corridor.


Raccoon alert

Last week, Andreea gave us her photo of a raccoon visiting her shed and I said that they had been missing for a while.  Apparently, they’ve settled at Sarah’s house.  This year, she has two resident families with a total of eight kits.  They’re messy and they eat her flowers and veggies.  She’s offering some to Andreea if needed!  (Photo: Sarah Dungan)


GRAND FINALE - AROUND THE WORLD


On Saturday July 18 from 2 pm, the Cabbagetown Community Arts Centre (424 Parliament) presents a musical storytelling from 2 pm and a kids’ karaoke party from 2:45 pm.


On Saturday July 18 from 3 pm, Dixon Hall (188 Carlton) has a Family DJ Show and face painting with DJ Jennifer Kruk. 


On Sunday July 19 from noon, the Cabbagetown Preservation Association hosts a walk through the history, architecture and stories that created Cabbagetown.  Meet at 483 Parliament.


On Sunday July 19 at 2 pm and 3 pm, two tours of Cabbagetown’s restaurants for yummy bites at each one.  23. This event is now sold out.


On Sunday July 19 from 3 pm, there’s Streetside Pop-ups with ET The Mime (245 Carlton), Messy Margaret (493 Parliament), Henna Yasir Art (Allan Gardens) and Taylor’s Toons (581 Parliament).


IN THE MEDIA


Billy Bishop airport expansion

Serious comments are now appearing about the potential damage caused by jets at Billy Bishop airport.  George Fallis, a professor emeritus in economics and urban studies at York, has written in the Globe & Mail about the balance between the costs and the benefits of the expansion. The City of Toronto has released a study on the potential harm to the harbour’s water and the impact on infrastructure investments - both the CBC and Toronto Today reported on this study. As mentioned last week, Ken Greenberg has commented in the Toronto Star on the economic cost of confusion over the expansion plans.  (Photo: Cole Burston/ Globe & Mail)  


COMING EVENTS


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 July 19, it’s “Star Trek V: The Final Frontier”. On Sunday July 26, it’s “Back to the Future, Part 2”.  There’s free popcorn. To save your spot - call Erin at (647) 344-7676 or send her an email.


Ceramics at Rapid Photo Studio

Colombian artist Sofía Loaiza and Vietnamese artist Robert Nguyen come together through one shared medium: ceramics. From Colombian roots, migration, and pre-Hispanic echoes to Vietnamese heritage and Biên Hòa ceramics, two distinct cultural perspectives meet in one space. To July 25 at Rapid Photo (434 Parliament).  


Music in the Distillery


It’s the last weekend for TO the Beat, a daily free outdoor concert series on Gristmill Lane in The Distillery.  On Friday from 1 to 4 pm, Marta Elena sings Latin jazz.  On Saturday at 1 pm, there’s reggae and ska from Reggaddiction. At 6:15 pm, the Canadian Asian Ensemble plays world music.  On Sunday at 1 pm, Mint Duo presents experimental jazz and at 6 pm, PubDaddy wraps up the festival.


Muddy Mercredis

A bilingual family drop-in at Allan Gardens.   You don’t need to speak both languages to attend. Kids ages 3 to 8 will get excited about urban agriculture and nature education.  Every week will be slightly different.  Different ages are also welcome.  From 10 am to noon every Wednesday to August 19 in the Children’s Conservatory (19 Horticultural Ave). 


RESTAURANT NEWS


Scoops & Slices

The side window at Cafe Zuzu is open.  They’re serving ice cream and pizza slices.  555 Dundas E


Summerlicious - the final weekend

The big summer prix fixe event goes until Sunday July 19.  This year’s lunch prices range from $20 to $55 and dinners from $25 to $75. 240 restaurants are participating - 8 are listed in our immediate area. For the full list, contact info and menus, click here.


Butter Chicken Factory - Indian, 560 Parliament, (416) 964-7585.  $34 lunch & $45 dinner.

F'Amelia - Italian, 12 Amelia, (416) 323-0666.  $55 dinner.

DIA Restaurant & Lounge - Canadian & global, 387 Bloor E, (416) 921-3333. $48 lunch & $65 dinner

Maison Selby - French, 592 Sherbourne, (647) 943-1676.  $48 lunch & $65 dinner. 

Blake House - Canadian, 449 Jarvis, (416) 975-1867.  $34 lunch & $45 dinner. 

Cafe Zuzu - Italian, pizza, 555 Dundas E, (416) 815-2660.  $27 lunch & $35 dinner.

Gusto 501 - Italian, 501 King E, (416) 477-5647, $34 lunch & $45 dinner.

Mengrai Thai - Thai menu, 82 Ontario, (416) 840-2754.  $35 dinner.


World Cup viewing


Distillery - five bars have viewings:  Madrina, El Catrin, Pure Spirits, Spirit of York and Mill Street. Click here to learn about times and specials.

https://www.thedistillerydistrict.com/distillerys-summer-of-soccer/

Blake House (449 Jarvis) - all the games on their TVs

Golden Pigeon (424 Parliament) - all the games every day with three TVs inside and more out on the patio.

House on Parliament (456 Parliament) - games will be shown every day.

Keating Channel (2 Villiers) - all the games will be shown

Lost Craft (482 Front) - the big screens will be turned on for all the games.

Mill Street Brewpub (21 Tank House Lane) - all the games.

Rayah (507 Parliament) - a big screen on the back patio

Spirit of York (12 Trinty) - nd happy hour every night from 5 pm.

Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) - big screens and lots of good beer choices.

Wing House (420 Parliament) - enjoy the games with wings and beer


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 JULY 16 TO SUNDAY JULY 26


THURSDAY JULY 16


Distillery TO the Beat

1 pm, Adrian Fross & Toronto Bluegrass All Stars

9:150 pm, Bel Canto to Billboard


Johnny Gs

7 pm, Live jazz


Mill Street Brew Pub

7 pm, Trivia with Quizmaster Jess 


Old Flame Brewery 

7 pm, open mic


FRIDAY JULY 17


Distillery TO the Beat

1 pm, Marta Elena


Johnny Gs

7 pm, Live jazz


Mill Street Brewpub

Noon to 4 pm, live music and DJ with brunch


Old Flame Brewery 

6 pm, live music


SATURDAY JULY 18


Distillery TO the Beat

1 pm, Reggaddiction

6:15 pm, Canadian Asian Music Beyond Silence

7:30 pm, Canadian Asian ensemble


Bisou

4 pm, DJ Antony


Johnny Gs

7 pm, Live jazz


Old Flame Brewery

2 to 6 pm, live music


SUNDAY JULY 19


Distillery TO the Beat

1 pm, Mint Duo

6 pm, PubDaddy Band


Johnny Gs

7 pm, Live jazz


Old Flame Brewery 

2 to 6 pm, live music


Stout Irish Pub 

5:30 pm, Sunday movie night - Star Trek V: The Final Frontier


MONDAY JULY 20


Stout Irish Pub 

7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia


TUESDAY JULY 21


La Gloria

4:30 pm, Practice your Spanish


Stout Irish Pub 

7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia


WEDNESDAY JULY 22


Golden Pigeon

8 pm, Trivia with Rachelle Lauzon


Old Flame Brewery

7 pm, Trivia night 


Stout Irish Pub 

7 pm, Euchre night


THURSDAY JULY 23


Mill Street Brew Pub

7 pm, Trivia with Quizmaster Jess


Old Flame Brewery 

7 pm, open mic


FRIDAY JULY 24


Johnny Gs

7 pm, Live Jazz


Old Flame Brewery

6:30 pm, live music


SATURDAY JULY 25


Bisou

4 pm,  DJ Antony


Johnny Gs

7 pm, Live Jazz


Old Flame Brewery

2 pm, live music


SUNDAY JULY 26


Johnny Gs

5 pm, Live jazz


Old Flame Brewery 

2 pm, live music


Stout Irish Pub

5:30, Sunday movie night - Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire


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

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

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