Howdy Y’all!

Hope everyone’s doing well and enjoying this slow fade into fall. Thank you to everyone who reached out supporting the idea of a West End Raccoon Dinner Party last week. Seems like there is a ton of interest in the idea which is awesome! We’re definitely going to make this happen, stay tuned for an formal announcement and sign up link in our next issue.

I have just one problem - based on the hundreds and hundreds who clicked “Yes” in the poll or reached out in support, there’s not a restaurant in the city that can fit us all. I think we’ll start with a small group our first dinner, and then we can run more in the future if all goes well.

Anyway, thanks again for all the kind words - and of course for reading and supporting this thing every week. Can’t wait to meet in person!

Also! Line 1 is closing this weekend between St Clair and College. Track work. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Just in time for this weekends Ukrainian Street Festival, Chebureky House, a Ukranian Bistro, has opened in Bloor West Village across from the Pet Valu(ish). It’s run by a husband and wife who moved to Canada from Ukraine and who hope to bring the flavours of their home country to Toronto in an affordable way.

The restaurant takes its name from its signature dish Chebureky, which is a crispy pastry with a meat/cheese filling. Kind of like an Eastern European patty or empanada. The menu also features borscht, perogies, cabbage rolls, and dessert.

More info here.

It’s an absolutely tragic day for people who like burgers that had a needle stuck into them. After years as an institution at the corner of Bloor and Bathurst, The Fancy Induced Burger announced they will be leaving the location and moving to a “surprise” location in Downtown Toronto. I don’t have any insider knowledge but I’d guess they’re taking over the lease for the 360 Restaurant in the CN Tower.

So long, The Fancy Induced Burger. I’ll always remember walking past your doors and wondering - who would ever eat that? And of course I’ll remember your catchy slogan that almost made sense: “Can we “F” compare?”.

Seriously, did any of you guys ever try this? I guess it must be pretty good as they’ve been in business for a while. The giant needle thing kinda scares me off. The announcement even has this big circle that says “Viral Injection” next to a burger. Viral and Injection are not two words that make me hungry.

Not Just Tourists are a group that ship medical supplies from Toronto to clinics in need of support all around the world. They’ve sent over 1,500,000 lbs. of medical supplies/equipment to Cuba, Honduras, Syria, Kenya, Cameroon and 80 other countries. They’re looking for volunteers to help them pack these supplies up to be shipped out. No medical background needed, just head down and help out! Details

Want your business to reach 10,000+ Toronto locals? Respond to this email!

Let’s change it up this week and check out a rental! This is on Symington Ave near Bloor, it’s a 2 bed 1 bath mainfloor apartment with a ton of bright windows, a separate entrance and its own deck. Plus its about an 8 minute walk to Gram’s Pizza, if you’re into that kind thing.

$2200, check it out.

Crystal Sun Catchers @ Parkdale Library - Thursday 330PM
After-school art workshop for teens. Details

Gallery Opening Reception @ Twist Gallery - Thursday 6PM
"Step into an immersive visual experience where texture becomes story and time unfolds in cycles." Details

Learn Face Reading @ 18 Stafford - Thursday 630PM
Learn the "ancient" technique of face reading, learning how to understand soneone's personality with a single look. Just don't forget the even more important skill of newsletter reading. Details

Queer Speed Dannecting @ 32 Lisgar - Thursday 730PM
Dannecting is when you have the option to either date the person you met or just connect with them. (obviously) Details

Let's Talk Comics @ Parkdale Library - Friday 6PM
A meet-up for comic book lovers to connect and chat. Details

CTRL+SHIFT VOL. 14 @ Liberty Village - Friday 7PM
Tech talks for people who like tech. Details

Shared Sailing Experience @ 415 Queens Quay - Friday & Saturday
What time is it? Mari-time. Details

The Open Owl @ Biidaasige Park - Friday 10PM
Wayy outside our area but there's a group who've started hosting summer camp style talent shows at Biidaasige Park. I think that's cool. Details

Bloor West Ukranian Street Festival @ BWV - Friday to Sunday
Lots of street festivals this weekend! This one will have more pierogi than the others. Details

Treasures Sale @ Toronto Reference Library - All Weekend
Giant book sale in support of the Toronto Public Library with all sorts of goodies up for grabs. "Thousands of special books including first editions, signed copies, and other rare finds at unbeatable prices" Details

Roncesvalles Polish Festival @ Roncesvalles Ave - Saturday & Sunday
North America's largest celebration of Polish culture! Take that Chicago's Taste of Polonia! Expect live music, vendors, and food. This is maybe one of the last major street festivals of the year - go enjoy! Details

Pin & Patch Show @ Parkdale Hall - Saturday 10AM
Exactly what it sounds like. A collection of Toronto artists selling cool patches and pins. Details (VIP tickets sold out but GA is free)

Chess in the Park @ Clarence Square - Saturday 11AM
A big outdoor chess gathering. Be careful that you don't end up in a crime movie helping outline the themes. Details

Giant Book Sale @ Roncesvalles United - Saturday 11AM
A second book sale has hit the city! One great sight to see during the Polish festival is the 16th annual Roncesvalled United book sale. This is a massive thing with like a bajillion books for sale, each for $3. Details

Resistance and Reconciliation in York @ Wells Hills Park - Saturday 3PM
A historical walking tour sharing Indigenous stories from the city. Details

Candlelight: 90s Unplugged @ Royal Theatre - Saturday 630PM
A jazz quartet playing 90's bangers by candle light. They really have these candlelight jazz musicians working overtime. Details

Saturday Swing Social @ Society Clubhouse - Saturday 7PM
Learn to swing dance and then Lindy-hop the night away. Details

Fall Into Style @ Parkdale Hall - Sunday 11AM
Fall fashion edition of the Parkdale Sunday Market. Details

Fall Witches Market @ Black Creek Pioneer Village - Sunday 11AM
This is outside of our usual area but there's a witchcraft and astrology market at the Pioneer Village. Just thought I'd include it because I know we have a lot of witches who subscribe. Details

Tree Identification Workshop @ High Park Nature Centre - Sunday 1PM
Learn how to look at a tree and call it by it's name. Hello.... Jeff? Details

Thanks for reading the West End Raccoon, please enjoy our West End Pet of the Week! Submit yours by responding to this email, with your preferred name/nickname/initials and neighbourhood for a chance to be featured. (Calling all bird, lizard and fish people — I like ‘em weird!)

As always, if you know a friend or family member who might be interested, please share the newsletter with them: www.westendraccoon.ca

Hope you folks have a fantastic weekend.

Cam Smonk & Xavier