Wow – this Blog is fun
For over four years, I’ve been churning out my most profound thoughts onto an innocent Cabbagetown audience through this Blog. My first edition went out over the world-wide web on April 11, 2007 and since then, 217 more have followed.
Google tells me that we’ve now reached 115,000 “page views”. Every week, we’re adding between 850 and 1100 more. If you’re reading this, you’re part of a big Blog army.Last winter, Cabbagetown’s Newsletter was honoured with TABIA’s first communications Award.
The business community here has been amazingly tolerant of the rants, digressions and personal opinions that have been fired out under their banner at this Blog.
Our success has been based on Cabbagetown itself. We’re a very close community. What happens at the Forsythia Festival interests people in Cabbagetown South. Central Neighbourhood House has a 100th anniversary and it’s supported by people on Wellesley Street. All of us are cheering for The Daniels Corporation and TCHC as they revitalize Regent Park.
Over these past four years, deep change has reached Parliament, Carlton and Gerrard. New people – young people – have arrived with a lot of energy and very good business sense. At the same time, the older favourites have continued to give great service and to be the centre of the BIA.
As a result, it’s never been hard for me to write this weekly report because I’ve always had lively stories about interesting people.
So – here’s what’s happening this week
On Saturday night – Reaching Out Through Music
An amazing concert evening is happening on Saturday April 28 at St Simon’s Church (525 Bloor). The program includes Ron Davis, Daniela Nardi, Mary Lou Fallis with Peter Tiefenbach, the Gryphon Trio, Emma Meinrenken, Patricia Parr and Kathleen Penny. A fantastic silent auction starts at 6:45 pm and the concert begins at 7:30 pm. All of this is a benefit for Reaching Out Through Music, a community group providing music and social opportunities for children from St James Town. Reserve your tickets at (416) 923-8714 (ext 205) or jamierotm@hotmail.com. Students $10, seniors, $30, regular $40 and patrons $100. Complimentary refreshments. To find out more, click here: www.reachingoutthroughmusic.org
Welcome Kumon
“On Time” by Eric Morse
MJG Gallery
The Forsythia Festival is a week away
Solar power at CCDT
About twenty people gathered last Saturday afternoon to hear several experts comment on the possibilities of solar power in Cabbagetown. The centre piece of the discussion was the solar roof at Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre. The event was organized by TABIA who were attracted here by the dance theatre’s innovations. Everything started off on a sunny note with coffee from Starbucks (492 Parliament) and cookies from Mylk Uncookies (253 Gerrard).
Wearable works of art by Dean Davidson
Dean Davidson’s wearable art is modern, striking and feminine. He relies on architectural design elements. His current collection at Labour of Love (242 Carlton) mixes textures and plays with different shapes and colours. Find out more at www.thelabouroflove.ca
Congrat’s Mylk Uncookies
Toni and Elaine were very nicely reviewed in a blog last September. I’ve just found this article. Although it’s now a few months old, the review is still worth quoting: “What a unique place … clean and simple but not pretentious. I ordered up an Americano which was bang-on delicious. … The service here was excellent and I’d happily return”. That was from Matthew Rahn at Espresso CoffeeLife, a Toronto blog about coffee experiences in the city (http://www.espressocoffeelife.com/) 253 Gerrard.
The courtyard room is still available
There’s a charming courtyard space at Weenen General Contracting (Carlton) that’s available for rent. It’s comfortable and impressive with built-in shelves, air conditioning, gas fireplace, carpeting and bright window light. The entrance is from the courtyard garden. 300 square feet, $1,000/month including utilities. Contact Diana Menzies at (416) 424-4900 and dmenzies@trebnet.com
Peanut butter at Epicure
Manhattan’s Peanut Butter & Co has made it to the big time here in our own Epicure Shop (473 Parliament). They produce seven varieties of peanut butter – all really yummy. Seinfeld has endorsed them. And Patty has them all – at $4.99 a jar.
Save this date – Garden Tour
Sunday June 3, 10 am to 3 pm. The annual tour of Hidden Gardens & Private Spaces takes place across Cabbagetown. This is a very popular event and it sells out every year. Tickets ($15) are available locally at Mi Casa (238 Carlton), Kendall & Co (227 Carlton) and Fairway Garden Centre (520 Parliament).
Luminato along Parliament Street
Luminato is Toronto’s annual celebration of the arts and this year, they’re coming here with an installation along Parliament Street. We’ll see a dozen pieces from Dan Bergeron. All of them are his response to the abundance of condo development in the city and especially to the revitalization of Regent Park. Watch for this in June. Image from www.luminato.com
Cabbagetown in Iceland
Our Tees have gone north. Ruth (in our Tee) and Kevin along with Bernie and Ruth had a quick and highly enjoyable trip to Iceland recently. They say that it’s an amazing place and they’ll be back there again. Their photo was taken on the Reykjanes Peninsula near Reykjavik in the southwest part of the country. Another spot on the globe where the C’town Tee has been proudly worn.
That’s it. Thanks!
Our friend Benoit is hosting his farewell party tonight at The Ben Wicks (424 Parliament). Tomorrow - hangovers permitting – he’s en route to Quebec City and a role in an opera. Jeff Barnes and the Irish Rogues start playing after 8:30 pm.
The Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre (509 Parliament) are holding a seminar about their solar roof panels. It’s co-sponsored by TABIA and it focuses on the ways that solar energy can be used in your home and business. This is a great opportunity to explore the dance theatre and to see their unique rooftop solar panels. Free admission. Saturday from 4:30 to 6 pm, refreshments.
It’s one of our favourite annual events – The Cobourg Sings. Everyone’s invited to warble out their tunes and the proceeds from the cover charge are donated to UforChange, an arts-based agency working with kids in St James Town. Saturday April 21 from 8 pm at The Cobourg, 533 Parliament
Loire Valley wines will be featured in JAM’s latest wine tasting evening, Wednesday April 25th at 6:30 pm. Chef Av Atikian is hosting the evening and he’s prepared hors d’oeuvres to match each selection. $30/ea. Reservations are a very good idea since these tastings often are a sell-out. (416) 921-1255. For more details, click here: 
What’s happening behind the brown paper at 464 Parliament? It’s a new optical store, opening next week. Al Cao, an optician with 8-years experience, and Tewfik Sherif, an optical technician who has 28-years experience, will be there to serve you. They will be featuring high-end and good quality glasses and service.
Work on renovations at the Winchester Street Theatre that will affect the neighbourhood will start on Monday. These include foundation work, brick repairs, work on the slate roof, reinforcing the stained glass windows and replacing the sash windows. The sidewalks around the building on Winchester and Metcalf will be closed. For more information, call Karen at (647) 439-3741.
An amazing concert evening is happening on Saturday April 28 at St Simon’s Church (525 Bloor) to benefit Reaching Out Through Music. It’s a community group providing music and social opportunities for children from St James Town. The program includes Ron Davis, Daniela Nardi, Mary Lou Fallis with Peter Tiefenbach, the Gryphon Trio, Emma Meinrenken, Patricia Parr and Kathleen Penny. There’ll be a fantastic silent auction starting at 6:45 pm and the concert happens at 7:30 pm. Reserve your tickets at (416) 923-8714 (ext 205) or 
On Wednesday May 2 at 6 pm and Wednesday May 9 at 6 pm. $20 per workshop – it covers all materials and a snack. Sign up at the store, 242 Carlton. For more details, 
Patty buys her cheddars from Maple Dale Cheese, an independent family-run operation that’s located just north of Belleville. This week, The Epicure Shop (479 Parliament) has three varieties for you – the 4-year old cheddar is on special and the 5-year old and 7-year olds are back in stock.
Mark’s current show is called “Spring”. He’s showing the work of 24 artists based on this theme. This week’s featured artwork is “Spring Loaded” by Rob Croxford. Drop in from Wednesday to Sunday, 11 to 6 pm. 555 Parliament.
On Sunday May 6 at 8 pm, the Hugh Garner Housing Co-op is showing the historic film, “Bleecker Street” about the blockbusting tactics that changed our neighbourhood forever and created St James Town. The evening’s special guest is John Sewell whose leadership helped to control these developments. Party Room – 8th Floor, 550 Ontario
Eric and Catherine are two of our favourite local artists. He’s taken hundreds of our photos, documenting Cabbagetown life over the past seven years. Catherine designed the LED lights in the “C” symbol that we used for several years on our lamp posts. They’ve organized a show of Eric’s photographs at the Parliament Street Library (269 Gerrard). The show starts on May 1 and runs to May 31.
Kendall & Co are regular contributors to our Newsletter. We’re amazed at their speedy and extraordinary transformation of their new building at 227 Carlton. It was a very wrenching experience for everyone – they had to clear out their Winchester store, clean up and design Carlton Street and then move all of their stuff. They made it all look effortless. 
The Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre has over ninety solar panels on its roof – and the sale of this electricity funds dance scholarships for kids from Regent Park. You can learn more about their project. On Saturday April 21 from 4:30 to 6 pm, CCDT and TABIA will host a seminar on solar energy possibilities. You’ll meet people from the industry who can explain their equipment and from CCDT who will tell you how it benefits their Theatre. Refreshments to start (from Mylk Uncookies) as well as a chance to enjoy a cocktail afterward at The Cobourg.
The Absolutely Vintage Sale features men’s and women’s clothing from the 1890s to the 1970s, all carefully collected from Ontario estates. Plus antique jewellery, accessories, textiles and ephemera. Leslie from Eclectisaurus (249 Gerrard) is joining with Gadabout and Angela McCool at Maple Cottage, 62 Laing Street (off Queen, east of Leslie) on Saturday April 14 from 10 am to 5 pm.
Cabbagetown Festival favourites, Trish Kerr & The Divas are returning here. They’re at the Winchester Kitchen & Bar tonight from 9 pm. Tonight is also time for Keith’s Kitchen Party – a pitcher of Keith’s with a pound of mussels, only $18. Tomorrow night’s All Funk Saturday features The Good Foots with Carrie Chessnut and on Sunday, Beau’s Brewery presents Open Mic with Porter from 9 pm.
Those of us who enjoy an adult beverage at The Ben Wicks (424 Parliament) are saddened to know that Benoit is leaving. He’s going home to Quebec City and a stint in the opera (his first love!). On Friday April 20 from 8:30 pm, we can bid him Bonne Chance in his new adventure. Entertainment by Jeff Barnes & The Irish Rogues. Complimentary appetizers.
On Saturday April 21 from 8 pm onward, The Cobourg (533 Parliament) is holding its annual evening full of song. Bring your pipes and show the world what you’ve got. Donations from the evening will be given to UForChange to support their work with youth from St James Town.
It’s a lot of work but these folks make it look easy. They’ve moved from their Winchester location to their new store at 227 Carlton. Gone is the old interior and the grungy exterior – now , they tell us, it’s inspired by French macaroons. As an opening special, they have fair trade, handmade, New Zealand wool rugs on sale at 10% off. As Eartha Kitt said, “C’est si bon”.
JAMcafe (195 Carlton) is hosting a tasting of six Loire Valley wines on Wednesday April 25 at 6:30 pm. As always, chef Av Atikian will guide the tasting and provide hors d’oeuvres that match each wine. Reservations are recommended – (416) 921-1255. $30. For more details, check the website at 
Ellen Murphy makes one-of-a-kind blank books from recycled materials. They’re hand stitched and hand bound. Her latest creation is a miniature blank journal made with recycled paper and reclaimed fabric. She’ll be hosting a workshop at Labour of Love (242 Carlton) on Wednesday May 2 to show us how to make these elegant little booklets. For more details, visit 
Chandra’s samosas are popular favourites at the Riverdale Farmer’s Market. She’s now offering them at The Epicure Shop (479 Parliament) as well. You can get them with spicy cilantro sauce or sweeter tamarind sauce. Patty also has homemade shepherd’s pie – two servings for $5.
An amazing concert evening is happening on Saturday April 28 at St Simon’s Church (525 Bloor) to benefit Reaching Out Through Music. It’s a community group providing music and social opportunities for children from St James Town. The program includes Ron Davis, Daniela Nardi, Mary Lou Fallis with Peter Tiefenbach, the Gryphon Trio, Emma Meinrenken, Patricia Parr and Kathleen Penny. There’ll be a fantastic silent auction starting at 6:45 pm and the concert happens at 7:30 pm. Reserve your tickets at (416) 923-8714 (ext 205) or 
Over 150 people visited MJG Gallery (555 Parliament) on Thursday night to view the new show. “Spring” is a collection of works by twenty artists and the show got raves from the people who came to the reception. It runs until Sunday Aril 29. The gallery is open Wednesday to Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm.
Last Saturday, The Easter Bunny toured Parliament Street as the guest of our BIA. Kids along the street got a big hello and chocolate eggs. The Bunny reports that Cabbagetown gave him a very warm welcome and he’s looking forward to another visit next year.
Cabbagetown’s Jim Heineman and his Dream Band have been nominated in the Independent Music Awards jazz category for his song, “RH Positive”. He’s featured in a video Q & A on the IMA’s website at 
Staff at the Winchester Street Theatre have announced construction projects that will affect the neighbourhood. These include foundation work, brick repairs, work on the slate roof, reinforcing the stained glass windows and replacing the sash windows. As a result, the sidewalks around the building on Winchester and Metcalf will be closed. The work will start on April 23. For more information, call Karen at (647) 439-3741.
Eric and Catherine are two of our favourite local artists. He’s taken hundreds of our photos, documenting Cabbagetown life over the past seven years. Catherine designed the LED lights in the “C” symbol that we used for several years on our lamp posts. They’ve organized a show of Eric's photographs at the Parliament Street Library (269 Gerrard). The show starts on May 1 and runs to May 31.
Saturday is another fun family day at Stout (221 Carlton). Erin has invited the Bunny to drop in from noon to 2 pm to visit all the kids who’ll be there. There’ll be an Easter egg hunt, a colouring contest, and face painting. Brunch is served and doors open at 11 am. This event is open for reservations only – please call 647-344-6767
Mark has plenty of ham, turkeys, lamb and other Easter specialties on hand for your big family events. He also has his new line of Bird Friendly coffee and Ace Bakery hot cross buns. Open on Saturday. Closed Good Friday and Easter Sunday. 516 Parliament.
The Epicure Shop (479 Parliament) has pastries and dessert for your big dinners – hot cross buns, Easter cupcakes, shortbreads, gingerbread, and Chocolates by Clare. Patty also has her usual good supply of pates and cheese from Quebec.
On Sunday, Cranberries (601 Parliament) will be hosting another of their special dinners. These are popular (and often sold-out) events. The food makes the evening very worthwhile. Dinner features a three course prix fixe at $24.99. Starters include caramelized butternut squash soup or organic green salad. Two choices for your main course: maple glaze ham or baked lamb shank. Dessert is apple pie with French vanilla ice cream. (416) 925-6330.
We’ve a wonderful variety of plants and flowers for Easter. Simmons (540 Parliament) has lots of seasonal blooms – tulips, freesia, iris, pussy willows and more. At Fairway Market (520 Parliament), Jamestown Milk (592 Parliament), Parliament Smokes (609 Parliament) and Mini Mart (460 Parliament) you can buy cut flowers and potted plants of all sorts – all in a nearby, convenient location.
There’s a new format and new events happening at the Winchester Kitchen & Bar (51A Winchester). They’re now open seven days a week to 1 am. Every Sunday evening, Beau’s Brewery presents Open Mic with Porter at 9:30 pm. Tuesdays are cult movie nights – dress up for extra fun! Wednesdays are devoted to Smart Ass Trivia from 7:30 to 9:30 pm. There’ll be jazz with the Ron Davis Trio on Thursdays, Keith’s kitchen party on Fridays (a pint of Keith’s and a pound of mussels for only $18) and the popular All-Funk Saturdays will continue every week. Click on this link to see the specific details: 
The Gallery’s new show, Spring, has launched. It runs from April 4 to 30th and it features works from over 20 artists. There’s a wine reception on April 12 from 7 to 11 pm. Please RSVP by April 10 to 
Kevin is hard at work in Kendall’s new location at 227 Carlton and he’s just part of a very energetic crew. The interior has been painted, there’s new lighting, the shelves are installed and filled and the rugs are on the floor. The store has come a long way from the days when it was home to a gazillion different ancient bathtubs. We’re neighbours and really happy to have them in our area. We'll tell you when the grand opening is scheduled - no news yet.
Regina has announced that she has lots of new jewellery and great gift ideas to share with you. Come by and she’ll give you a tour. If you can't make it, check out Facebook and "Like" Labour Of Love (Cabbagetown) – you’ll get first dibs on new products, coming events and in store promos. Closed on Good Friday. Open Saturday 10am - 8pm. Sunday 12pm - 5pm and Monday 11am - 8pm. 242 Carlton
The Cabbagetown Classical Youth Choir is sponsoring a competition for young singers between the ages of 11 and 20. First prize is $500, second $250 and third $125. Several bursaries of $120 will also be available. Contestants should prepare two contrasting songs or arias. Preliminary auditions begin on June 24 at 5 pm at 74 Pembroke. For more info, call Daniel Eby at (647) 701-5033 or email 
TABIA and the Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre (509 Parliament) are co-hosting a seminar on solar power and its potential for your home and your business. It’s open to everyone. The dance theatre has 96 solar panels on its roof and the income that they earn pays for a scholarship program for young dancers. Enjoy a tour, learn about the possibilities and ask questions to experts and to people who are already involved. Coffee and cookies. Save the date – Saturday April 21 from 4:30 to 6 pm.
Dancers from all three years of the Professional Training Program perform works by acclaimed choreographers Jennifer Dallas, Christopher House, Louise Laberge-Cote, Sharon B Moore, Jean-Pierre Perreault and Darryl Tracy. On May 9 at 7:30 pm, it’s a gala performance and fundraiser - $60. The other dates are May 3 to 5 and May 10 to 12 at 8pm, tickets at $19 and $15. School of Toronto Dance Theatre, 80 Winchester. Tickets at (416) 967-6887 and at