Gina Dineen is long-time volunteer with the Forsythia Festival as our MC extraordinaire. Join her this year on May 5 at Wellesley Park!
Best place in Cabbagetown for a bite to eat … A very tough question! It used to be the House on Parliament, which is loved for its amazing atmosphere and awesome menu ( I used to devour the Steak’n Mushroom pie ) , but now that my husband and I have adopted a vegan diet… we need a vegan restaurant … perhaps called “Cabbagetown” … anyone?
Cabbagetown needs … see above plus a venue for Dancing to Live Music!
Favourite block … Sumach to Parliament, Carlton to Spruce… lived here 40 years and that’s where most of my friends are (OK, I know it’s technically more that one block).
Best public space … Tie: 1.Sprucecourt schoolyard – well protected from the street (safe for budding cyclists) and home to neighbourhood little leagues and 2. Riverdale West Flats where dogs and owners gather to run and play, rain or shine.
Favourite store … Hands down: No Frills! I shop daily and the specials help me decide what to cook for dinner … it’s also a great place to chat with neighbours and catch up on local news and Ambal Trading (favourite for curry leaves and spices).
Cabbagetown pet peeve … I can’t stand the concrete sonar tube memorials in our parks. They deteriorate badly, present a tripping hazard and are ugly! Why not bring back classic flat brass plaques? Easier to mow around and safer for everyone.
Cabbagetown’s best kept secret … KClub! Their Summer Camps rock, they have a fantastic party room for rent and offer before- and after-school programs during the school year and Cabbagetown Youth Centre that offers $2/class Step Wednesdays and Sundays for adults as well as tons of programming for local kids.