LOCAL NEWS
Happy Canada Day
Thanks to Evan Solomon for his nifty Canada Day signs. Brian and Jane added this one to their front yard to celebrate Canada Day.
Congrats Mari and Noah
They’ve announced their engagement. Their wedding is planned for October in Nova Scotia at the beautiful Lightfoot & Wolfville Winery. We can safely predict that a happy glow will be spreading around St Jamestown Steak & Chops.
A new mural
Esky, Poonam and Ryan are spearheading the painting at the mural on the laneway wall at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster). It’s a big wall and it’ll take a while. Everyone is welcome to join the painting party. It’s a chance to help with a beautiful mural, to meet your friends and neighbours, to add colour to our community and to have fun - no experience needed.
No Jets T.O.
Environmental Defence has developed a website and a petition to stop the expansion of Billy Bishop airport. They urge anyone opposed to contact their local Member of Parliament. In our neighbourhood, that person is Evan Solomon. You can reach him here.
Rayah is under attack
The Cabbagetown BIA is caught in the middle in this dispute. Both the landlord and Rayah (507 Parliament) are its members. So when asked about these events, Matthew Mohan replied, “Rayah Café has become a highly valued member of the Cabbagetown business community. Since opening, they have established themselves as an exceptional local business that contributes significantly to the vibrancy of our main street and enhances Cabbagetown's reputation as a dining destination. They have also created a unique cultural space that serves Toronto's Francophone community. Rayah Cafe represents Cabbagetown's diversity, innovation, and creativity. Our hope is that the parties are able to reach a positive and mutually beneficial resolution that allows Rayah Café to remain in Cabbagetown for many years to come. Businesses like Rayah play an important role in the continued success and vitality of our neighbourhood.”
Write in the garden
Beth Kaplan, an accomplished author and teacher, is hosting her annual writing workshop on Sunday July 19, from 10 am to 5 pm. It’s a great experience. You’ll spend the day in her garden “learning to trust your voice and tell your stories.” Lunch is included. For more info, click here. To register, send her an email at beth@bethkaplan.ca.
Toronto Outdoor Picture Show
In Corktown Common (155 Mill St - at Bayview and Mill) on Thursdays from July 2 to July 30. A short film will be shown before the main feature. On Thursday July 2, it’s Back to the Future and the short is Mixed Feelings. For more info, click here. On Thursday July 9, the feature is Wildhood and the two shorts are Anyway I Piss Sitting Down and 6 Minutes per Kilometer. Click here for details.
Under the Stars
In Regent Park (620 Dundas E) on Wednesdays from July 8 to July 22. Short films will be shown before the feature. On Wednesday July 8, it’s The Tower along with the short film, Is It War. The program starts at 7:30 pm. On Wednesday July 15 at 7:30 pm, it’s Fancy Dance and the short film is Niimi. Click here for program details.
NEXT WEEK - AROUND THE WORLD
On Thursday July 2 at 7 pm, it’s Comedy Night Cabbagetown at Super Bargain (441 Parliament) with some of Toronto’s best stand-up comics. It’s free. Save your spot - click here.
On Saturday July 4 and Sunday July 19 at 11 am and 3 pm, visit six local restaurants for the Global Bites of Cabbagetown food tour. Taste lively street foods and comfy classics. Meet at TD Canada Trust (Parliament and Carlton). Two separate 3-hour tours each day. Tickets are $22.50 - click here.
On Saturday July 4, noon to 2:30 pm, artists with all skill levels are welcome to an afternoon of open air sketching. Facilitated by Urban Sketchers Toronto. This week, the focus is Allan Gardens Conservatory. Bring your favourite sketching materials to the Palm House (19 Horticultural Ave). Click here to save your spot. Free.
On Sunday July 5 at noon, the Cabbagetown Preservation Association is offering a walk through Cabbagetown. This guided tour “will help you experience the culture, history and sights of one of Toronto’s oldest neighbourhoods.” Meet at the corner of Parliament and Carlton. Free.
On Wednesday July 8 from 6 to 8:30, Music Crawl. Matthew James at Sequins (552 Parliament), J.E. Lopez at Epicure (473 Parliament St), Cameron Rania is playing at Wing Machine (443 Parliament), Seu will be at Anniversary Park (Gerrard & Parliament) and Flo Olavarria is playing at Bluets (245 Gerrard E).
On Sunday July 12 from noon, Saba presents the rich traditions of East Africa with an authentic Eritrean and Ethiopian coffee ceremony at Shalom Ethiopian & Eritrean Restaurant (587 Parliament). Free. Click here to save your spot.
YOUR ANNOUNCEMENTS
Kawartha cottage for sale
The Bayshore Group is a cottage country developer founded by Cabbagetowners Paul Evans and Don Penfold that specializes in new cottages in the Kawarthas. Their latest project is a beautiful new cottage on Jack Lake with 4+1 bedrooms, 3 baths and 4100 square feet of elegant living space. 115 feet of west facing shoreline on Redmond Bay. The gourmet kitchen has custom white oak cabinetry, quartz countertops, a premium JennAir appliance package and a walk-in pantry with coffee bar. There’s an oversized laundry room, a theatre room and recreation space and a large entertaining deck overlooking the lake. Construction is almost finished. The cottage is for sale now, giving you the opportunity to secure this exceptional waterfront property ahead of the broader market. $2,995,000. Contact Bayshore Group - click here for more info, floor plans and photos.
OUTDOOR MARKETS
Cabbagetown Farmers Market
Tuesday from 3 pm in Riverdale Park West (Sumach and Winchester). Click here to see details about each vendor.
Underpass Park Market
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). Several new and interesting plants have been added to the Plant Market - Crown of Thorns, Devil’s Backbone, String of Turtles and many more. For more info, click here.
IN THE MEDIA
New library on the waterfront
Plans for the new neighbourhood in Quayside at the foot of Parliament Street are now rolling out. The City of Toronto is exploring the options for a new library in the district to add to its appeal. It will be paid from Section 37 funds from a new high-rise condo at 31 Parliament. Click here to read Toronto Today’s report. (Image: Waterfront Toronto)
Jets at Billy Bishop airport
Despite the efforts by the City to bring new ideas for a waterfront community in Quayside, the possibility of an expanded, noisy airport continues to threaten these developments. The CBC did a report on the impact of jet traffic on the housing and parkland planned for the foot of the Don River. (Photo: Evan Mitsui/CBC)
Dr O Lane
This lane runs parallel to the south side of Carlton between Parliament and Bleecker and is named after Oronhyatekha or Dr O. He was a 19th century physician, a Mohawk, the first Indigenous man to study at England’s Oxford University and he got his medical degree at U of T in 1866. He practiced medicine on the Six Nations and across southern Ontario, eventually becoming a major figure in Victorian society. He lived for a time at 209 Carlton and a plaque in Allan Gardens commemorates his life in Cabbagetown. TVO has published a biography - click here.
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 5, it’s “Star Wars Rogue One”. On Sunday July 12, it’s “Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire”. 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
Events in the Distillery
TO the Beat is a daily free outdoor concert series on Gristmill Lane in The Distillery. It features artists from a variety of styles and cultural backgrounds. Until July 19, there’ll be two concerts each day in the afternoon and early evening. Check the listing below for daily details.
Community environment day
The City of Toronto will set up a collection system for your difficult waste on Saturday July 4 from 10 am to 2 pm at 260 Sackville in Regent Park. Bring your paint cans, chemicals and batteries. Collect some bagged compost and free seeds. Get your documents shredded. Donate your gently used clothing and household items and bring some non-perishable food for the Allan Gardens Food Bank.
Jeff & Noah
They’re playing on Saturday night from 8 pm at the Wing House (420 Parliament). Jeff promises to provide musical fireworks to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.
Summer Arts Camp
The St James Town Community Arts are holding a two-week musical theatre intensive for kids 8+. Weekdays from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, July 6 to 17. The focus will be on singing, dancing and acting skills. To register, click here.
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 from July 8 to August 19 in the Children’s Conservatory (19 Horticultural Ave).
RESTAURANT NEWS
Fusilli
Meet your neighbour event - live music, drinks, hors d’oeuvres. 7 to 9 pm on Thursday July 9. Tickets at the door, $25. 531 Queen E
Rayah
Canada vs Morocco soccer at 1 pm on Saturday. Be sure to check future Morocco or Canada games on the big screen in the patio at Rayah (507 Parliament). And enjoy the soccer special - sandwich, drinks and the game.
Lost Craft
The Canada games are broadcast on the big screen. There’s specials on wings and pitchers, and jersey giveaways. 482 Front E.
Summerlicious is back
The big summer prix fixe event starts on Friday July 3 and 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. Menu - click here.
DIA Restaurant & Lounge - Canadian & global, 387 Bloor E, (416) 921-3333. $48 lunch & $65 dinner. For Instagram, click here.
Maison Selby - French, 592 Sherbourne, (647) 943-1676. $48 lunch & $65 dinner. The menus are online here.
Blake House - Canadian, 449 Jarvis, (416) 975-1867. $34 lunch & $45 dinner. Click here for the menu.
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
Here’s a list of some of our local pubs showing the games. We’ll check it out over the next week to make sure that everyone is included.
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 are playing here.
Rayah (507 Parliament) - a big screen on the back patio
Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) - big screens and lots of good beer choices.
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 2 TO SUNDAY JULY 12
THURSDAY JULY 2
Distillery TO the Beat
1 pm, Carlos Morgan
5:30 pm, Women in Song 2
7:30 pm, Sarah Jordan & Matt Von
Johnny Gs
7 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
7 pm, Comedy night Cabbagetown
FRIDAY JULY 3
Distillery TO the Beat
1 pm, Duende
7:30 pm, Burak Ekmekci Quartet
Johnny Gs
7 pm, Live jazz
Mill Street Brewpub
Noon to 4 pm, live music and DJ with brunch
Old Flame Brewery
6 pm, Fringe Hotseat
SATURDAY JULY 4
Distillery TO the Beat
5 pm, Doug Marban
5:30 pm, Lisa Silagan
6 pm, Do’s & Don’ts
6:30 pm, Rhett Dela Cruz
7:30 pm, Jeric Medina & Jinky Vidal
Bisou
4 pm, DJ Antony
Decoy
DJ Mazzz
Johnny Gs
7 pm, Live jazz
Old Flame Brewery
2 to 6 pm, live music - Jay Blues Trio
8 pm, Fringe burlesque show
SUNDAY JULY 5
Distillery TO the Beat
1 pm, KaiThee violinist
6:15 pm, Samantha Mora
7:30 pm, Aphrose
Johnny Gs
7 pm, Live jazz
Old Flame Brewery
6 pm, Fringe comedy
Stout Irish Pub
5:30 pm, Sunday movie night - Star Wars Rogue One
MONDAY JULY 6
Distillery TO the Beat
1 pm, Jess Lajner
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
TUESDAY JULY 7
Distillery TO the Beat
1 pm, Zack Erickson
La Gloria
4:30 pm, Practice your Spanish
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
WEDNESDAY JULY 8
Distillery TO the Beat
1 pm, Vincent Jamal
6:45 pm, B Knox
Golden Pigeon
8 pm, Trivia with Rachelle Lauzon
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, Trivia night
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Euchre night
THURSDAY JULY 9
Distillery TO the Beat
1 pm, Alan Zemaitis Trio
7:30 pm, Jesse Ryan Trio
Fusilli
7 pm, Meet your neighbour event
Mill Street Brew Pub
7 pm, Trivia with Quizmaster Jess
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, open mic with City Love
FRIDAY JULY 10
Distillery TO the Beat
1 pm, Rob Watts
6:15 pm, Jesvs
7:30 pm, Amadou Kienou
Johnny Gs
7 pm, Live Jazz
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, live music
SATURDAY JULY 11
Distillery TO the Beat
1 pm, Murray Drive
7:30 pm, Flo Olavarria
8:15 pm, Nishat Khair
Bisou
4 pm, DJ Antony
Johnny Gs
7 pm, Live Jazz
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live music
8 pm, karaoke
SUNDAY JULY 12
Distillery TO the Beat
1 pm, Sean Bellaviti
6:15 pm, J E Lopez Trio
7:15 pm, Jesse Greene Trio
Johnny Gs
5 pm, Live jazz
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live music Zach Erickson
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
