Saturday 2 February 2008

This week, we're starting our Valentine's frenzy. But first ...

Cabbagetown Flags
For the third time in recent memory, our flag is flying proudly in the United States. This time, it’s part of an architectural design study at Lawrence Technological University near Detroit. Others are flying in Atlanta where another Cabbagetown district flourishes and in Ohio as part of an annual Coleslaw Festival.
When Spring rolls around here, you can buy your own flag ($25) at the BIA office – 237 Carlton Street.

Don’t forget –
There’s more news about our Cabbagetown neighbourhood at http://www.neighbourhoodevents.blogspot.com/

Don’t get depressed

Yes, winter’s really here. But you know that Spring is on its way when Home Hardware (485 Parliament) starts to sell seeds. It’s as reliable as a listing in the old Farmer’s Almanac.

And, The Epicure Shop (473 Parliament) is Beating the February Blues
There are new specials for you all through the week. On Wednesday, pop, water or coffee are free with every Lunch Special. On Friday, buy one brownie and get a second one free. On Saturday, spend $40 and get a flavoured oil free. And, on Sunday, buy one pound of Reunion Island coffee and get another pound at half price.

Restaurant news

“Bring ‘er Comedy” at Big Mamma’s Boy
Tuesday nights are again the time for Big Mamma’s Boy ever-popular comedy cabaret. On February 5 and February 12, Russell Roy gives you a great evening of laughs. New comics are welcome. 8:30 pm. No cover. Big Mamma’s Boy (554 Parliament).

Another Sunday jazz event
Big Mamma’s Boy is joining Cabbagetown’s jazz bonanza on Sunday afternoons from 3 to 5 pm. Jazz Buzz offers Juno award winners and jazz greats from Toronto, New York and New Orleans. (Each week, these performances will be listed in our Newsletter in our right hand column.) Big Mamma’s Boy (554 Parliament) 416-927-1593.

Chew Chew has arrived

A spiffy new diner has just opened at Carlton and Bleeker Streets. We’ve all seen their building with its new mural featuring an old-fashioned freight train. Inside, Tasho Vassiliou’s dining room has been completely refurbished and is bright, clean and welcoming. The food is just as good and straightforward in the classic diner tradition: all-day breakfast, the Big Tracker burger and a variety of pastas. Licenced for beer and wine service. Open from 7 am to 8 pm daily.

Sadly
The Town Grill’s time with Colin Gallagher has ended. Earlier this week, a sign was posted that his restaurant is now closed. We wish him well in his future endeavours and thank him for the fine quality that the Grill gave its customers and community while he was its chef. Future plans for this site are now under consideration.

Valentine’s
You’ll want to be ready when Valentine’s comes round again. To help you out, here’s the first of two listings that we’ll give you (next week, we’ll give you restaurant listings in detail to help you finalize your plans.)

Start at Simmons Flowers
(540 Parliament, 416-920-6580)
and
at Patty's Flowers
(589 Parliament, 416-964-0164)
These are the basic necessities. ‘Nuff said - both deliver.

Daniel et Daniel
(248 Carlton). Heart shaped cakes are now available: devil food cake, frasier and raspberry passion fruit mousse cake. A full Valentine's menu will be available in the coming week. Killer stuff.

St Jamestown Steak and Chops
(516 Parliament)
Strawberries dipped in chocolate. A perennial favourite – it sells out, for good reason.

Epicure Shop (473 Parliament)
It’s all pastries and desserts here for your deepest chocolate yearnings. Dufflet Valentine Cake specialties, homemade gingerbread heart cookies, Valentine cupcakes and heart cakelets, imported Baci chocolates and special chocolate-covered espresso beans.

This week on the neighbourhood Bulletin Board
The Winchester Dance Theatre, by-election announcements, crossing guards and lots more.
Check it out at http://www.neighbourhoodevents.blogspot.com/