August 27

EVAN SOLOMON’S COMMENTS

When asked for a comment about trade talks with the Americans, our Member of Parliament, the Hon Evan Solomon,  gave us this statement.

“During the last month, Canada has been at the negotiating table, engaging intensively and constructively with the United States to reach an agreement that delivers for Canadian workers, businesses, farmers and families. Unfortunately, that agreement did not materialize. We have always been clear that Canada will not accept a bad deal. In that context, the United States’ decision to move forward with a 50% tariff on roughly $28 billion worth of Canadian goods is deeply regrettable… We will also keep focusing on what we can control: building strength here at home and diversifying our trade so Canada is no longer reliant on a single trading partner.”  (Photo: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld)

FESTIVAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Festival traffic plans

The official traffic plans for the Festival’s two days have now been posted.  Carlton from Sherbourne to Parliament and Parliament from Gerrard to Wellesley will both be closed for the entire weekend.  Streets that access them inside the closed routes will be redirected.  Click on the map image to enlarge it.  Click here to check it out.

Blair’s Run

The results are exciting - by Thursday morning, 170 participants have signed up. Over $21,500 has been raised to support the Cabbagetown Youth Centre.  There’s plenty of time before race day and it looks like a great crowd will be running - or walking, or strolling! There’s a link on the Blair’s Run website to register yourself and your team.  The race happens on Sunday September 13 from 8 am.  (Photo: The Winchester team in 2023) 

Cabbagetown Festival

We asked Matthew and the Festival organizers to list a few special features that’ll add to your enjoyment over the weekend. Here’s a good one - “Take a little Cabbagetown home: We’ll have some fun new Cabbagetown stickers available, and we’re also giving away hundreds of Cabbagetown flags throughout the weekend. They’re first come, first served, so grab one while you can!” September 12 and 13, along Parliament (from Wellesley to Gerrard) and Carlton (from Parliament to Sherbourne).

Art & Craft Show

“Elevating Crafts” is a major theme for the show this year. It’s the most affordable show for craft vendors in Toronto and it’s partnered with Crafts Ontario. The high number of applications and the very high quality of their exhibits have proved that point. Organizers are sure that visitors will see the quality. Check it out here. (Photo: Creatures, wire art by Daina Schreiber)

Cabbagetown Short Film Festival

Allegra Fulton, award winning Canadian Actress, will attend to receive the Best Drama prize for her Directorial debut - A Small Service. The 2026 live screening will happen at the Central YMCA Auditorium (20 Grosvenor St) on Wednesday September 9.  The virtual screening happens from September 10 to 12. $20/ticket for both screenings. If you go to the live event, you’ll automatically get a ticket for the virtual screenings as well.  Click here to buy your tickets.

Riverdale Farm Fall Festival

The Fall Festival is back.  It’s located at the Simpson House in Riverdale Farm at the east end of the park.  Enjoy fresh corn on the cob, hear some hog and chicken calling and start your day with a pancake breakfast. Children’s games, face painting and more.

Sprucecourt School festival spaces

10'x10' spaces around the Sprucecourt schoolyard (Sumach and Carlton) are available to rent during the Cabbagetown Festival. Funds go directly back to the school and parent council. Fees range from $160 to $220.  Set-up starts at 6 am and your booth can be left overnight at the vendor’s risk.  To register or to get more info, send an email to Dan.

FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

Wednesday September 9 to Sunday September 13

Cabbagetown Short Film Festival, Central YMCA, 20 Grosvenor St

Wednesday - gala live screening

Thursday to Saturday - virtual screening

Website click here.

Art & Craft Show, Riverdale Park West, Winchester & Sumach

Friday - opening day, 1 to 6 pm,
Saturday - 10 am to 6 pm
Sunday - 10 am to 5 pm
Website click here.

Sprucecourt School vendors, Sumach & Carlton

Saturday & Sunday - set ups start at 6 am.

Riverdale Farm Fall Festival

Saturday - 9:30 am to 3:30 pm

Sunday - 9:30 am to 3:30 pm

Website click here.

Cabbagetown Festival, Parliament & Carlton streets

Saturday - 11 am to 8 pm

Sunday - 11 am to 7 pm

Website click here.

Blair’s Run, corner of Parliament & Carlton

Sunday - 8 am

Website click here. 

LOCAL NEWS

Friends of Moss Park Arena

Duncan Fremlin is one of the organizers for a new group calling itself Friends of Moss Park Arena.  They’re inviting people to join and support the arena’s community-based programs. This approach has been under attack from Councillor Chris Moise and he’s been pushed back by community voices and by City of Toronto officials.  Now, the group wants to advance the programs offered by the arena for the surrounding community.  To learn more, check out the group’s new Facebook page.

GLOW

Be a part of Nuit Blanche.  GLOW is happening in the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E) on October 3 from 7 to 11 pm.  It’s a one-night marketplace for artists, illustrators, photographers, jewellers and other creators.   Visitors will see your work and you’ll have a chance to meet other artists.  Apply by August 31.  For online info, and for the application, click here.

Congrats Prospect residents

People on Prospect Street tidied up the road and nearby yards in a community blitz on Friday August 14.  (Photo: Tasha Kheiriddin)

Cabbagetown South garage sale

Daniel reports that the neighbourhood’s giant sale was a giant success. “The event was shared throughout the G.T.A with people coming from far and wide and it was a huge success. Neighbours were treated to a pizza lunch and many buyers found treasures and more. We were lucky with the weather.”

Cabbagetown Farmers Market - new times

The Market is opening and closing earlier for the rest of the season. Tuesday from 2:30 to 6:30 pm in Riverdale Park West (Sumach and Winchester). Click here.

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 

The Market is busy now - twenty vendors are scheduled for Saturday.  Open from 10 am to 2 pm every Saturday outdoors at the Children’s Conservatory (19 Horticultural Ave). For more info, click here.

BUSINESS NEWS

Anita Bostok & Norman Hathaway

They’ve recently joined Johnson & Daniel Brokerage and they’re continuing their generous support for Cabbagetown’s community events in their new role.  They’re silver sponsors at this year’s Festival.  Be sure to stop at their Parliament Street booth to enjoy the special activities that they’ll be bringing to the Festival. Click here for more info.

Kumon

Kumon (194A Carlton)  will give your child a head start in math and English.  Sign up between now and October 15 and get a $100 Amazon gift card.  It’s part of their Back to School promotion. 

Another cannabis store

A company called Eighth Cannabis has applied for a retail licence.  Click here to see its corporate website.  It’s aiming for the empty stores beside Cranberries at 601 Parliament.

Two studios for rent

The Hub (208 Gerrard E) has two studios for rent.  Both units include high-speed WiFi, heating and air conditioning, hydro, water, shared kitchen, shared washrooms, garbage removal, and 24/7 fob access. Inquiries are welcome - click here. For general info, click here.

Unit 6 is 186 sq ft on the second floor.  Recently insulated and sound proofed.  $1,075/month plus HST

Unit 11 has 260 sq ft on the second floor.  $1,400/month plus HST.

IN THE MEDIA

Municipal election

Normally, municipal election campaigns heat up after Labour Day.  This year’s race is already more intense.  Local Councillor Chris Moise is no longer the darling of the coalition that helped him four years ago.  MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam. our former Councillor,  has stated that Moise has “disappointed some folks in my community.” Newcomer Curran Stikuts has attracted support from that coalition.  He told Toronto Today that he’s “thrilled to have the support of Wong-Tam and has always looked up to (her) leadership.” Controversial podcaster Daniel Tate, community activist Nicki Ward and Regent Park activist Walied Khogali Ali are also running. Check out the complete story online here.

COMING EVENTS

Summer drum social

The Native Women’s Resource Centre is hosting a summer drum social.  Friday August 28, 11 am, in Allan Gardens.  

Community BBQ

Dixon Hall is celebrating on the front lawn of the homes between 504 and 508 Parliament with a community bbq.  Friday August 28, 2 pm, free.

Community clean-up

Presented by the Cabbagetown BIA, 51 Division community officers and Don’t Mess with the Don.  Sunday August 30, meet at Carlton and Parliament, noon to 2 pm.  Bags, gloves and pickers will be supplied.

Rock Steady boxing

Non-contact boxing is for people with Parkinson’s.  These boxing skills help to improve their quality of life.  Lessons are divided among four levels to match each boxer’s skills.  Classes are held at the Cabbagetown Boxing Club (2 Lancaster) on Mondays and Fridays from 9 to 10:30 am.  For more info, send an email to Chris.

Country Fest at the Distillery extended

It’s the final weekend for the Country Fest.  There’s free line dancing all wekend - on Thursday and Friday at 6 pm, on Saturday at 2:30 pm and on Sunday at 6 pm.  All lessons start at 6 pm. Live music happens daily from 1 to 4 pm and 5 to 8 pm.  On Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 to 10:30 pm, there’s Nashville Nights with a DJ.  Mechanical bull rides from 1 to 9 pm on Thursday and Sunday and 1 to 10 pm on Friday and Saturday.  Watch out for art carts and country markets, face painting, photo ops, cattle roping and carnival games from 1 to 9 pm daily.  Participating restaurants have a southern menu throughout the festival. 

Taste of Regent Park

The kitchen is busy again.  Every Wednesday starting at 5:45 pm, Taste of Regent Park serves freshly baked goodies at the pizza oven in the Big Park (620 Dundas E).  

RESTAURANT NEWS

Live entertainment

There’s live jazz at Johnny G’s (478 Parliament) every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night from 8 pm.  Jeff and Noah are back at The Wing House (420 Parliament) on Saturday September 5 at 8 pm. Danny Marks will perform at The Smoke Show (744 Mount Peasant) on Sunday September 6 from 3 to 6 pm.  Whiskey Jack’s next Toronto show is at Inter Steer (357 Roncesvalles) on Saturday October 5. 

Dress rehearsal for Thanksgiving

It’s a fun idea - The Blake House (449 Jarvis) is hosting a dress rehearsal for Thanksgiving.  They’re offering roast turkey, all the traditional trimmings and carrot cake for dessert for $37.  It’s happening next weekend, Friday August 28 to Sunday August 30. 

Pop-op paint day

Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) has a new Sunday event - Bonnie Devine will present pop-up paint days.  It’s a free drop-in event and she brings the supplies.  Kids are welcome.  Sunday August 30 from 1:30 to 5 pm.  Bonnie is an impressive artist - check out her Instagram here.

 

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 AUGUST 27 TO SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 6

THURSDAY AUGUST 27

Distillery Country Fest

1 pm, Rob Watts

5 pm, Propter Hawk

Johnny Gs

7 pm, Live jazz

La Gloria

4:30 pm, Practice your Spanish

Mill Street Brew Pub

7 pm, Trivia with Quizmaster Jess 

Old Flame Brewery 

7 pm, open mic

FRIDAY AUGUST 28

Distillery Country Fest

1 pm, Gregory Child’s & Heart Lung

8:30 pm - Nashville Nights with DJ Moody

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 AUGUST 29

Distillery Country Fest

1 pm, Conor Gains & Bucking Broncos

5 pm, Bree Taylor

8:30 pm - Nashville Nights with DJ Moski

Bisou

4 pm, DJ Antony

Johnny Gs

7 pm, Live jazz

Old Flame Brewery

2 to 6 pm, live music

SUNDAY AUGUST 30

Distillery Country Fest

1 pm, Stardust

8:30, Nashville Nights with DJ Moody

Johnny Gs

7 pm, Live jazz

Old Flame Brewery 

2 to 6 pm, live music

Stout Irish Pub 

1:30 pm, Bonnie Devine pop-up paint day

MONDAY AUGUST 31

Stout Irish Pub 

7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 1

La Gloria

4:30 pm, Practice your Spanish

Stout Irish Pub 

7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 2

Golden Pigeon

8 pm, Trivia with Rachelle Lauzon

Old Flame Brewery

7 pm, Trivia night 

Stout Irish Pub 

7 pm, Euchre night

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 3

Mill Street Brew Pub

7 pm, Trivia with Quizmaster Jess

Old Flame Brewery 

7 pm, open mic

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 4

Johnny Gs

7 pm, Live Jazz

Old Flame Brewery

7 pm, live music

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 5

Bisou

4 pm,  DJ Antony

Johnny Gs

7 pm, Live Jazz

Old Flame Brewery

2 pm, live music

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 6

Johnny Gs

5 pm, Live jazz

Old Flame Brewery 

2 pm, live music

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

Lost Craft Brewery - 482 Front E

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

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