This month, we have Cabbagetown Residents Association Board Director Evelyn Sommers providing her views on the neighbourhood.

Best place in Cabbagetown for a bite to eat…
Merry Berry has very tasty well-prepared food and a lovely cafe atmosphere. 420 Smokehouse is good for family suppers.

Cabbagetown needs…
a really good greengrocer, a boulangerie and a chocolatier (with homemade ice cream).

Favourite block…
My favourite block is the one I live on, Sumach between Winchester and Amelia. As well as the chestnut tree canopy and friendly neighbours, there’s a wealth of Toronto history across the street in the Necropolis with its fascinating stories of early pioneers, soldiers, immigrants, and city movers and shakers not to mention just regular folks.

Best public space…
The best public space is Riverdale Farm. If I need a place of calm I can cross the street and mingle with the farm animals. It’s especially wonderful in spring with gorgeous flowers in full bloom, spring lambs and kids, piglets and just-hatched chicks. Where else can we witness a ewe going into labour in an urban space? It’s a place of all seasons, full of life. And my grandsons love the freshly baked cookies from the kitchen.

Favourite store…
My favourite store isn’t a store, it’s Claudia Salzman’s massage therapy studio where I go to feel pampered and get the knots out. As well, Shoppers’ Drug Mart has pharmacists and pharmacy staff who are tremendously helpful.

Cabbagetown pet peeve…
Thankfully, no place including C’town is perfect. How dull that would be. But I don’t have any pet peeves, I’m just happy to be here.

Cabbagetown’s best kept secret…
The coach houses that are sprinkled through the neighbourhood.

Best reason to join the Cabbagetown Residents Association
The best reason to join the CRA is to add another dimension of belonging in your neighbourhood.