July 9



A PERSONAL VIEW


Why is this happening?

This scene has been repeated along Parliament Street throughout the warmer weather.  The sleeping people are obviously very poor and vulnerable.  When the tents spread out in Allan Gardens, the City eventually sent workers to offer homes, medical advice and addiction treatment.  Every municipal bulletin bragged about “wrap around services”.  None of that talk has reached us. These people need our help to lift themselves out of this despair and they need it now. (Photo: Emily Dawson)


LOCAL NEWS


Bench problems are back

The City of Toronto and the Cabbagetown BIA have installed a bench on Aberdeen just around the corner from Parliament.  This location is a poor choice. Although everyone can use it, the bench seems to be attracting men who are drinking, using drugs and performing all sorts of raw behaviour.  They do so because they’re away from the busy traffic on Parliament.  (Photo: Aileen Lim-Trotter)


There are a few easy steps to fix this situation.

First - get this bench out of there.  Quickly. 

Second - be sure that future locations are away from residential areas and out in the open on Parliament. 

Third - inform the local residents and businesses when a new bench is planned for their area.  

Fourth - once a bench is installed, keep it clean and monitor each location to stop inappropriate and criminal behaviour.


Benches are a good fixture.  They improve the experiences of shoppers in the BIA.  Some of us hope that this project succeeds.  Eventually, it will depend on the support and goodwill of the people who live here.  And the BIA must be ready to listen and adapt if a specific location upsets a nearby community. (Two photos above: Emily Dawson)


Art in the Necropolis

The Mount Pleasant Group is celebrating its 200th anniversary with art installations at its facilities.  In the Necropolis, “visitors will find Monoliths, a sculptural projection installation exploring memory as layered, shifting and imperfect. The stacked forms suggest how moments are held, changed or fade over time, bringing contemporary interpretation into dialogue with history.” Thanks to Keith for this story and the photo.


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.


Blair’s Run

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


Taste of Regent Park

The kitchen is busy again.  Every week before the movies, Taste of Regent Park serves their freshly baked goodies at the pizza oven in the Big Park (620 Dundas E).  On Wednesday July 15 at 5:30 pm, it’s pizza.  


Toronto Outdoor Picture Show

In Corktown Common (155 Mill St - at Bayview and Mill) on Thursdays from to July 30.  On Thursday July 9, the feature is Wildhood and the two shorts are Anyway I Piss Sitting Down and 6 Minutes per Kilometer. On Thursday July 16, the feature is Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and the short is Ballet Jazz. 


Under the Stars

In Regent Park (620 Dundas E) on Wednesdays to July 22.  Short films will be shown before the feature.  On Wednesday July 15 at 7:30 pm, it’s Fancy Dance and the short film is Niimi.   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.


Welcome Ihor

Ihor has joined Revolt Hairshop (244 Carlton).  He’s a colourist and stylist with over 15 years of experience, including ownership of his own salon in Ukraine.  The team at Revolt are thrilled to have him with them.  His expertise is precision cutting, balayage, blonding and personalized styling.  To celebrate, Revolt is offering a 20% discount on his services until August 1.   To contact Revolt, call (647) 748-2020 or send an email.  Click here to go to its website.

 

Thanks Jose

For years, Jose has wondered publicly about retiring.  He finally closed his shop at 202 Carlton.  The Cabbagetown BIA saluted his achievements, “As one of Toronto's last remaining cobblers, Jose's incredible craftsmanship and friendly presence will be deeply missed… Please join us in thanking him for everything and wishing him the absolute best in his next chapter!”  


More Cabbagetown wildlife

Andreea snapped this picture of a raccoon making itself at home on her back yard shed.  For several years, they’ve been missing but they seem to be returning now, although not in great numbers (yet).  Thanks, Andreea for this picture.


NEXT WEEK - AROUND THE WORLD


On Friday July 10 from 7 to 8 pm, the Seybu Music Experience brings soul, jazz and alt R & B to the Golden Pigeon (424 Parliament).


On Saturday July 11 from 2 to 4 pm, the Spirit Wind Hand Drum Collective presents the Indigenous Drum Circle at the northeast corner of Allan Gardens.


On Sunday July 12 from 1 to 2 pm,  enjoy the Reading Day for Kids with the Children’s Book Bank at Kumon (194a Carlton).


On Sunday July 12 from noon to 1 pm, Saba is offering an authentic Eritrean and Ethiopian coffee ceremony at Shalom Ethiopian & Eritrean Restaurant (587 Parliament). Free. Click here to save your spot.


On Saturday July 18 from 2 pm, the Cabbagetown Community Arts Centre (424 Parliament) has a storytelling hour from 2 pm and a kids dance party from 3 pm.


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

At the markets this week, watch for apricots, cherries,  raspberries, strawberries and blueberries. And there’s zucchini, new potatoes, asparagus and scapes.  Fresh produce is everywhere.


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


Two different views about jets at Billy Bishop airport

The Globe & Mail published a full editorial favouring the expansion in the Saturday edition.  It addresses both the critics and the positive views.   (Photo: Evan Mitsui/CBC)


Ken Greenberg wrote an article about the cost of confusion over the expansion in Thursday’s Toronto Star.  (Photo: Steve Russell, Toronto Star)


The World Cup is here

Rayah (507 Parliament) became a hub for Moroccan fans during the World Cup last Saturday when the team played Canada. The restaurant was packed by noon and a line formed outside.  After the game, fans stayed inside and celebrated at a dance party. Om Shanbhag wrote a nice review of the restaurant and its connection to World Cup soccer in the Globe & Mail. 

(Photo: Laura Proctor/Globe & Mail)


Biidaasige Park is expanding

The park is one of the city’s largest and it’s still growing. The Lassonde Art Trail will cover an additional ten acres.  It’s a series of 15 interconnected art sites - the first seven opened in June and more will come in July.  Kimia Afshar Mehrabi has a detailed story about the park and its new features in blogTO. (Photo: Drone Alone)


Mysterious Conservatives

Toronto Today has summed up the popular votes for federal Conservative candidates in downtown Toronto in the 2025 election.  In Toronto Centre, Luis Ibarra collected 20.7% of the votes cast - a second place finish ahead of the NDP’s Samantha Green. In 2015, 2019 and 2021, the Conservative candidates in Toronto Centre earned only 12%. Like Toronto Today, the Cabbagetown Neighbourhood Review was unable to get an interview with Mr Ibarra during the campaign despite repeated requests. Perhaps this kind of hidden campaign is a key to future successes. Click here for the full story. 


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 12, it’s “Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire”.  On Sunday July 19, it’s “Star Trek V: The Final Frontier”. There’s free popcorn. To save your spot - call Erin at (647) 344-7676 or send her an email.


Community watch party

Enjoy the soccer match between two semi-finalists. The teams have yet to be decided.   Tuesday July 14, 3 pm.  Light refreshments.  150 River Street party room.  Free.


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 to July 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 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


Summerlicious is back

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.

https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/summerlicious/


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.

https://www.famelia.com/_files/ugd/ef27d8_d1190e7ba9764fc4bba2709ab3b16f09.pdf

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

https://www.instagram.com/p/DaBc4ykEaxA/?img_index=1

Maison Selby - French, 592 Sherbourne, (647) 943-1676.  $48 lunch & $65 dinner. The menus are online here.

https://www.maisonselby.com/news/summerlicious/

Blake House - Canadian, 449 Jarvis, (416) 975-1867.  $34 lunch & $45 dinner. Click here for the menu.

https://www.theblakehouse.ca/menus

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.

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 9 TO SUNDAY JULY 19


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, Fringe open mic


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

6:30 pm, Fringe awards night and drag show


SATURDAY JULY 11


Distillery TO the Beat

1 pm, Murray Drive

6:15 pm, Nishat Khair

7:30 pm, Flo Olavarria


Bisou

4 pm,  DJ Antony


Johnny Gs

7 pm, Live Jazz


Old Flame Brewery

2 pm, live music with Benji Crane

8:30 pm, Fringe silent disco

8:30 pm, Fringe drag open stage


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


MONDAY JULY 13


Distillery TO the Beat

1 pm, Arlene Paculan


Stout Irish Pub 

7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia


TUESDAY JULY 14


La Gloria

4:30 pm, Practice your Spanish


Stout Irish Pub 

7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia


WEDNESDAY JULY 15


Distillery TO the Beat

1 pm, Eunice Keitan Duo


Golden Pigeon

8 pm, Trivia with Rachelle Lauzon


Old Flame Brewery

7 pm, Trivia night 


Stout Irish Pub 

7 pm, Euchre night


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 entertainment


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 

6 pm, comedy


Stout Irish Pub 

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



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