Congratulations OMI
NOW Magazine has just reviewed OMI (241 Carlton) and given John Lee and his staff a great boost: “remarkably luxe” and “if a recent dinner and lunch are any indication, the revamped OMI should be seeing Libretto-like lineups once word gets out that he’s back”.New at Stonegrill on Winchester
The Stonegrill (51A & 51B Winchester) has expanded, taking over the upstairs room that was once the home for the Laurentian Room. Now it’s Lounge 51 and it’s offering a great weekly program. Thursday will be a special community day. Friday offers live music (with Mae Cromwell back this week). Saturdays will be the DJ night with DJ Ronnie from Tom Katz Productions.
Downstairs, the Stonegrill is continuing its S&M Thursdays (Sushi & Martinis) under the guiding hand of chef Michi Tanaka.Both Stonegrill on Winchester and Lounge 51 have Facebook pages and you’ll be told about their special events regularly at their sites. Click on and become a Friend if you want their bulletins and announcements.
Big Mamma’s Boy
Michael Guenther has been traveling through Russia and Ukraine and now he’s back. Like every good chef, he’s brought a batch of new ideas home with him. So he’s cooking up a Russian Menu to celebrate – Saturday November 8, Sunday November 9 and Monday November 10. (554 Parliament)Gourmet Burgers
...coming soon to 482 Parliament.
JAMCafe
JAMCafe is now offering Christmas and New Year’s party menus and taking reservations. You can find out more at http://www.jamcafe.ca/ If you don’t want to wait until Christmas, you can try 100% organic beef Jamburgers and 100% organic roasted stuffed chicken, both from Beretta Farms. (195 Carlton, 416-921-1255 and av@jamcafe.ca)Cranberries is expanding.
They’ve taken over the space once used by their bakery neighbour and they’re building an extra room for parties and overflow crowds. Cranberries is one of our quiet success stories, consistently providing lovely meals at amazing prices. When they hold special events, they’re sold out. We’ll keep you up-to-date about their plans and their progress with the new room. (601 Parliament)Pear Tree
Pear Tree’s special Christmas party menu has also been posted. For years, this Cabbagetown favourite has been a destination for those who want good meals at reasonable prices. They have excellent facilities for groups and a cozy atmosphere for family events and special occasions. (507 Parliament)You can see the party menu at http://peartree.sites.toronto.com/specialevents.html
Barracuda
It’s the end of the summer season and Barracuda is clearing out stock to make way for next year’s supplies. Wood accessories are 25% off. Many glass vases are specially priced at two-for-$30. Jewellery is offered at 25 to 35% off. If you buy two cowhide cushions, you can either take a third one free, or get a 25% discount on your purchase of two. Barracuda is full of beautiful items so this sale is one you don’t want to miss. (527 Parliament)Regent Park Update
Alan Waterhouse, our community representative on the Regent Park Revitalization Design Review Committee, has reported on the progress of Phase 1 rebuilding. From Cabbagetown, we can see the towers rising and the impressive work underway at Dundas and Parliament. Construction on the rental tower is almost completed with occupancy aimed at March 2009. The condominiums at One Cole are on target for completion by November 2009 with sales starting in March 2009. Two more multi-storey buildings and the townhouses will be finished by the end of 2009 and early 2010.
