LOCAL NEWS
Michael Cavanaugh
Michael died in April. His family and friends are now hosting a community Celebration of His Life. All of his friends are welcome. Friday, September 26, 6 pm onward, Bevy (738 Dundas E). He was the organizer for the Bell Box murals - a project to beautify scores of utility boxes across the GTA. His own murals are on our walls at the LCBO, at Zakkushi on Carlton and in St James Town. His paintings were displayed in our art show and on his website. He was accomplished in a quiet spoken way, always encouraging others. In its obituary about him, the Council of Canadians praised his art and its impact on Canadian expressions of our independence. He’s been missed since he passed away.
Protests at the Festival
Residents near the social housing project at 502 to 508 Parliament have protested the delays and cost overruns associated with the project. They put up a banner on the fencing at the site demanding an audit of the work and the budgets. It has been removed.
During Evan Solomon’s remarks at the Cabbage Cutting Ceremony, Stephen Foote started to call out his protest over Canada’s involvement in the war in Gaza. He was quickly and politely blocked (but not touched) by two police officers who gently walked him back away from the crowd. Mr Solomon ignored the protest.
Festival security
These barriers were across the main intersections into the Festival - at Wellesley, Sherbourne and Gerrard. They obviously stop any vehicle that might wish to enter the area improperly.
Updates - Cabbagetowners in the News
Sydney Payne, the Olympic gold and silver medalist in women’s eight rowing, is back in Cabbagetown. She helped at Blair’s Run and thrilled the race winners when she handed out their prizes. She says that she’s finished her rowing career and won’t be working toward a third Olympic appearance.
Jazz Shukla is in Tokyo for the 2025 World Athletics Championship. She’s racing once again at 800 metres. Her competition starts on Wednesday September 17 and continues to the finals on Sunday September 21. Once the information is available, results will be published here.
Kat Sandler is in Stratford. She’s directing her own adaptation of Anne of Green Gables. Tom Power of CBC Arts wrote a profile about her work, noting that she’s attracted rave reviews.
Rekai Centre at Cherry Place, Campus of Care
Construction has started at Cherry and Front Streets for this new long term care home. It’ll have 348 beds and wrap-around services. Together with the nearby Cooper Koo Family YMCA and the Anishnawbe Health care facility, it’s part of a three community facilities offering care to local residents. Waterfront Toronto has prepared a description of the facility.
Development at St Luke’s Church
A development proposal for the corner of Sherbourne and Carlton (353-355 Sherbourne) for a twelve storey building rising out of portions of the current church site was approved in 2022. A revised submission is now asking for a 48-storey building with 440 units, underground parking, event spaces and a cafe. An article in Urban Toronto describes the specifics of the proposed expansion.
Density in Cabbagetown
Urban Nation has summarized development proposals and construction in Cabbagetown, Moss Park and Regent Park. The links take you to specific details for each site. “The resubmission (at St Luke’s Church) is the tallest proposal among other intensification plans and projects in the area. To the north, towers are planned at 405 Sherbourne (25 storeys), 383 Sherbourne (39 storeys), and 410 Sherbourne (42 storeys). Southward, construction is underway on the 18-storey 307 Sherbourne and the 21-storey Hoem Sherbourne. Regent Park’s renewal continues to the southeast, with Daniels on Parliament adding 10- and 25-storey buildings now rising, alongside future phases proposing heights up to 26 and 39 storeys. To the west, a 22-storey tower is proposed at 280 Jarvis while the 34-storey JAC Condos is completing construction. More distant to the northwest, proposals include 110 Maitland at 57 storeys and 2 Cawthra Square at 63 storeys.”
Evan Solomon’s office
Evan has moved from the old office at 430 Parliament into new premises at 409 Parliament. It’ll be open officially on Monday September 15. You can phone him at (416) 972-2030.
Lookin’ good
Matt Mohan is the executive director at the Cabbagetown BIA. Although he had lots to do to prepare for the Festival, he took a little time off on Friday afternoon to check out the Art & Crafts Show. He certainly qualifies - “Lookin’ Good”!
CABBAGETOWN FESTIVAL REPORTS
Rave Reviews
Residents and business owners alike have been enthusiastic about this year’s Festival events. The art show, the street events, the short film festival and Blair’s Run all enjoyed big crowds. There were top-quality vendors, really good music and a wide range of food offerings. Congrats to everyone who made this a successful weekend.
Cabbagetown Short Film Festival
Congrats to Gina Dineen and her team for organizing this year’s Short Film Festival. Her screening in the Winchester Theatre is her live gala - it was sold out with 164 people attending. Gail Lynch from Zero Cocktail Bar brought along non-alcoholic beverages for the bar, “a wonderful addition to our intermission refreshments.” Cabbagetown resident, writer, director, actor, Pete Henderson was the recipient of the inaugural Smart Short Award for EVERY GODDAMN DAY and was awarded the Festival’s People’s Choice Award. Click here for more into.
Cabbagetown Art & Crafts Show
Gerald FitzGerald reports that, “Last weekend's Cabbagetown Art & Craft Show would not work without the passion and commitment of lots of people. The Board of Directors of the show and a long list of community volunteers contributed their time and their enthusiasm. Mike Hepburn, no stranger to Cabbagetown, and his team erected and took down those massive banners at the entrances to the park.” Ingrid Knutson also says, “Turnout was terrific and was nicely balanced between our loyal and local followers and people from afar coming to Cabbagetown for the first time. A dynamic social media campaign made a positive difference for artist sales. Bernard from Park Snacks who has been on the show scene for decades told us artists were exuberant with him this year about the Show.”
Cutting the cabbage
The traditional cutting ceremony for the Festival happened at Carlton and Parliament at 11 am on Saturday. Barbara Hall gave the opening remarks. Evan Solomon, Chris Moise, Kristyn Wong-Tam and Marci Ien did the chops. The band, MC & Company, was terrific - great singer, jazzy sound and a surprise appearance by their brass section.
Blair’s Run
Blair’s Run is both a 2km race and a fundraiser for the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster) and the Boys & Girls Club (101 Spruce). Donations are still rolling in. Over $59,100 has been raised so far. Three teams are already collecting impressive amounts - the Carlton Comets at $11,200, the Wellesley Wanderers at $7,000 and BGCTK Facilities at $6,500. For the list of teams and donors, click here.
Congrats to Scott for his first-place finish at 6 minutes and 5 seconds. Once again, the fastest female runner is a pleasant surprise - Vienna Jackson, the first-place female runner at 6 minutes and 53 seconds, Is 10 years old. Individual performances are listed online here.
Bling fundraiser
Maggie de Bruyne organized her annual bling sale on Saturday September 6 on Carlton Street. Her sales topped $14,500, double her 2024 results. It’s a fundraiser in support of The Children’s Book Bank and the Cabbagetown Youth Centre. Congrats, Maggie, for another success and another boost for your beneficiaries.
YOUR ANNOUNCEMENTS
A Gift to Cabbagetowners from Ron Hume
I publish The Pathfinder, a weekly newsletter offering a dose of wit and wisdom to help you find joy in the everyday. (It’s been called “a warm conversation with a wise friend.”) Normally, it’s $7 a month. But to celebrate my 92nd birthday, I’m offering my neighbours a complimentary subscription. At my age, the best possible gift is more readers! Claim your free gift. And if it’s not for you, you can unsubscribe anytime with a single click.
COMING EVENTS
Movies at Stout
Back after a pause for the Cabbagetown Festival - weekly free movie nights at Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton). The lineup features family movies - bring your kids. On Sunday September 14, it’s “Aladdin” and on Sunday September 21, it’s “The Little Mermaid”. There’s free popcorn. Sundays at 5:30 pm. Please contact Erin to save your spot - (647) 344-7676 and erin@stoutirishpub.ca
Canary District yard sale
Forty Canary District residents will be displaying and selling their treasures, their gently used items and their handcrafted goodies between 11 am and 3 pm on Sunday September 14. This big yard sale happens on Front Street between Cooperage and Bayview.
Believe in Your Country
Duncan Fremlin and his pals in Whiskey Jack are bringing their Stompin’ Tom show to the Cameron House (408 Queen W). Friday October 3, 6 pm. Cover charge is “pay what you can”.
Farmers’ markets
Cabbagetown Farmers Market - every Tuesday, 3 to 7 pm, in Riverdale Park West (Winchester and Sumach). Local chefs are raving about this year’s field tomatoes and peaches.
Underpass Farmers Market - every Thursday from 4 to 7:30 pm in Underpass Park (29 Lower River Street). Vendors have apricots, peppers, celery, garlic, tomatoes, green and yellow beans, raspberries and peaches.
Allan Gardens Saturday Farmers Market - every Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm. In the Children’s Conservatory (160 Gerrard E ).
FOR YOUR BODY
Step classes at the CYC
Brenda’s step classes have resumed after the summer break. Meet at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster) every Wednesday morning at 9:15 am for 9:30 am. Bring your mat and water. $5 per class or pwyc.
SMALL & YUMMY
Welcome Bluet
Yeva and James have opened Bluet Bakery (245 Gerrard E). They’re selling cookies filled with dark chocolate, lemon curd or cream fillings, cinnamon buns and quiche - all baked fresh each morning. Their jams are made from fruit they purchased at the farmers’ market. They renovated this space themselves - it’s a clean white room with benches just outside the door for snacking and people watching. It’s a great addition to this small strip of stores along Gerrard. You can see their goodies on Instagram and place an order through their website.
Renovations at Absolute Bakery
Absolute (589 Parliament) is one of our favourite bakeries. It’s been open in Cabbagetown for over fifteen years. They’ve done some renovations, added more cabinets and expanded their menu. You can now get a latte or cappuccino and homemade sandwiches.
Butter Chicken from Falcha
After visiting Absolute, I was ambushed by a delicious butter chicken dish from Falcha (568 Parliament). When I was there, I noticed the spiffy new table cloths and decorations - making this room much more comfortable
RESTAURANT NEWS
Five-course dinner at F’Amelia
F’Amelia is preparing a sumptuous dinner for Monday September 22. Each course will be paired with wines from Feudi Di San Gregorio and Stem Wine Group. Click on the image to expand the menu. $160. Save the date and make your reservations now - click here.
Whisky Fest 2025
Sponsored by the Distillery’s Pure Spirits, it’s a festival dedicated to the art of whisky. Tastings include rare bottles, masterclasses and whisky inspired dinners. It happens in the Pure Spirits courtyard, Friday September 12 from 4 pm and Saturday and Sunday from noon. Click here for menus, whisky samples and tickets.
Queer East Social
Queer art and voices. It’s a night of delicious food, refreshing drinks and the creativity of Queer and trans artists. DJ Thirdeye will provide the music. Guests arriving before 7:30 pm will receive a free drink. A film will be screened outdoors on the patio. Thursday September 18, 6:30 pm.
Autumn Terrarium Workshop
Build your own living, layered terrarium with live plants, river stones and drift wood. The workshop’s guide is Jackson Carey, a multidisciplinary artist. You can add on a brunch after the workshop. September 20, 11 am for the workshop ($89) and noon for brunch. ($30). For tickets and more info, click here.
Rayah update
Rayah (507 Parliament) opened in time to use her patio at the Cabbagetown Festival and Waya was very busy keeping everybody well fed and happy. Welcome back.
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 SEPTEMBER 11 TO SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 21
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 11
Mill Street Brew Pub
7 pm, Trivia with Quizmaster Jess
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, open mic with City Love
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 12
Distillery
4 pm, Whisky Fest 2025
6 pm, Free line dancing lessons
Alice’s Place
Karaoke night.
Bisou
4 pm, happy hour with DJ Antony
Los Gyros
8 pm, Noche de Despecho
Zero Cocktail Bar
7 pm, Cocktail class
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 13
Distillery
Noon, Whisky Fest 2025
2 pm, Fall music series with Jesse Whiteley trio
Bisou
4 pm, happy hour with DJ Antony
Los Gyros
7 pm, Mariachi night with Luis Maldonado and DJ Emilio Hrndy
Mill Street Brewpub
Noon to 4 pm, live music and DJ with brunch
Old Flame Brewery
2 to 6 pm, live entertainment with Dan Young
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 14
Distillery
Noon, Whisky Fest 2025
2 pm, Fall music series with Nick Campbell
Los Gyros
12:30 pm - Ment-I-Druak sing-a-long brunch
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live entertainment with Genevieve Cyr
Stout Irish Pub
5:30 pm, Sunday movie night - Aladdin
MONDAY SEPTEMBER 15
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 16
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 17
F’Amelia
5 pm, Wine Wednesday
Golden Pigeon
8 pm, Trivia with Rachelle Lauzon
Lisbon
7 pm, Trivia with Quizmaster Jess
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, Trivia night
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Euchre night
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 18
Cafe Zuzu
6:30, Queer East Social - Queer Art & Voices
Mill Street Brew Pub
7 pm, Music Trivia with Quizmaster Jess
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, open mic with City Love
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 19
Distillery
6 pm, free line dancing lessons
Alice’s Place
9:30 pm, Karaoke night
Bisou
4 pm, happy hour with DJ Antony
Los Gyros
DJ Emilio Hrndy
Zero Cocktail Bar
8 pm, Cocktail class
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 20
Distillery
2 pm, Fall music series with Tak Arikushi
Bisou
4 pm, happy hour with DJ Antony
Cafe Zuzu
11 am - Terrarium workshop followed by brunch
Los Gyros
7 pm, Mariachi night with Luis Maldonado and DJ Emilio Hrndy
Mill Street Brewpub
Noon to 4 pm, live music
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live music
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 21
Distillery
2 pm, Fall music series with Jesse Karat
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live music
Stout Irish Pub
5:30, Sunday movie night, “The Little Mermaid”. Free
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
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
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