MICHAEL KAMINER writes in the Sunday New York Times, July 10/2016 – “Lower rents and uncommon architectural stock are drawing entrepreneurs to Corktown, on downtown TORONTO’s eastern fringes. For years the turbocharged growth of the city’s downtown bypassed the area.”

<The Old Dominion Brewery, now home to Vistek>

“Empty storefronts once outnumbered its well-preserved 19th century rowhouses, the remnants of working class Irish-Catholic immigrants who provided Corktown’s name.  Public housing in the neighbourhood’s Regent Park also seemed to inhibit newcomers.  But as condos sprout on Corktown’s edges, small businesses are setting up along King and Queen Streets. Corktown remains one of downtown’s quieter quarters, but the buzz around this historic patch keeps growing.” – MICHAEL KAMINER

<St. Paul’s Basilica on Power Street>

<Sumach Espresso and the Dominion Pub>

<Joyce Wieland, wife of artist Michael Snow, lived here for over 2 decades>

Where to eat in Corktown according to New York Times Travel – Cocina Economica, Mexican, family-run at 141 Berkeley Street; Roselle Desserts, jewel-box bakery, 362 King Street East; Impact Kitchen, superb coffee, paleo breakfasts, pastries, 573 King Street East; MADE Design, Canadian-designed objets, 394 King Street East; and <PHOTO BELOW by J. Adam Huggins/NYT> – Odin Cafe and Bar, inspired by Scandinavia, evening ‘Viking feasts’, 514 King Street East.

<PHOTO ABOVE – the new Corktown Common Park, is within the neighbourhood>