Friday 17 October 2008

Thanks to a long list of nice people It’s overdue, but definite thanks to Marianne Mailer. She worked at the BIA office over the summer, concentrating mainly on preparations for the Cabbagetown Festival. Our parade and street vendors were her main focus and she also worked on liquor licenses, health department permits, street entertainers and a host of other details. She did a great job. She’s now back at school and we wish her the best for her final year at Ryerson.
More thanks go to John Jay (The Cobourg) and his volunteer committee. The Nuit Blanche night was a success here in Cabbagetown. It was our first and we’ve learned a lot for next year’s event.
More thanks for Nuit Blanche. A large group of very generous businesses in the area contributed during the fundraising for the evening events including:
AAA Accounting, Ben Wicks Pub, Cabbagetown Organics, Daniel et Daniel, Dragon Nails, Fairway Market, Ginger, The Healthy Whey, The House on Parliament, JamCafe, Jill Koplowitz from HomeLife/Realty One, Menagerie Pet Shop, Nettleship, Carl Orbach and Stonegrill on Winchester. As we collect more information, we’ll pass on extra names.

Hot buns Absolute Bakery & Café has just opened a new bakery at 589 Parliament and it’s full of baked delicacies. Raj and Nages have long been neighbourhood favourites at their old location and they report that their new spot is even better. The bank machine has moved along with them and is available for everyone inside the store. They’ve really expanded their dishes and kept the same tasty quality that’s made them so popular. They’re also offering sandwiches, lunches and catering services.

OMI Opens
The new OMI is open at 243 Carlton. More details will come next week. For anyone who loves sushi, tempura, sashimi and other Japanese entrees, OMI will be a welcome addition to our area. They’ve come to us from Church Street with a well-established reputation for quality. They’re open from Monday to Friday for lunch (noon to 2:30 pm) and Monday to Saturday for dinner (5:30 to 10:30 pm). Call 416-920-8991.

Clothing DrivePC Paul Nadeau from 51 Division (above left) is helping to organize a clothing drive to aid the Good Neighbours Club. The collection takes place over the next three weeks. Clothing for men over the age of 50 is badly needed. You can drop it off at 51 Division (51 Parliament St at Front).

ArtHeart at Jet Fuel Jet Fuel (519 Parliament) is hosting ArtHeart’s grand sale on Sunday, October 19 from 2 to 4 pm. The show has run from October 1 and will continue to October 31. Sunday’s sale looks at “Fashion” as it affects the lives of these young artists. Proceeds from the sale go directly to the artists. (During Nuit Blanche, ArtHeart had a display at the George Smitherman/Bob Rae Action Centre in Cabbagetown.) ArtHeart provides children, young people and adults from the inner city with art education and materials year-round, free of charge.

Menagerie Pet Shop In October, Menagerie (549 Parliament) has a bunch of specials available for cat and dog lovers. A 5lb bag of Fromm Four-Star Pork & Applesauce is free when you buy Fromm Four-Star Dry Dog Food and if you buy a Four-Star Dry Cat Food, you’ll get a 2.5lb Chicken a la Veg free.. All cat trees priced over $100 are 15% off. 40lb of Pestell Clumping Cat Litter is 10% off. There are more specials, just ask at the store.

Epicure’s Coffee ContestThe coffee contest ends this weekend. You’ll remember that all you have to do is pour yourself a 454g bag of Reunion Island coffee beans and you’ll get a second bag free. Impossible you say? Well, two people have already walked out winners this week.
While you’re at it, pick up a homemade pie. They’re on special – buy one and get a second one free. Free coffee, free pie – sounds okay.
Patty Junior also tells us that they’re switching from plastic to brown paper bags when you buy your lunches at Epicure. (473 Parliament)

A couple of quick announcements
On Sunday, October 26, St Peter’s Anglican Church (188 Carlton) is holding its “Leather Sunday” service in honour of Sts Crispin & Crispinian with special music by Forte, the Toronto Men’s Chorus. Wear your leather and show up at 10:30 am On Saturday, November 1, the Cabbagetown Preservation Association is hosting a guided Ghost Tour throughout the area. Tours start at 7 pm at Winchester and Parliament. There are spirits and ghosts everywhere and this Tour will shock and amaze you. Tickets are $10 (at the BIA office, 237 Carlton or at the start of the Tour.) Preliminary Hallowe’en Details
If you’re walking along Parliament near No Frills, you’ll see a wonderful display of Hallowe’en costumes on racks along the sidewalk. Reflections (453 Parliament) has all of these and plenty more for you. They’re open Tuesday through Sunday and they have a selection to satisfy all ages.