Friday 5 December 2008

A quick list of handy Christmas goodies

Stores across Cabbagetown have stocked up on basic supplies that you’ll need for your holidays.

Wayne at Royal Home Hardware (485 Parliament) is always ready to offer advice. His tips help the BIA stay on a steady course all year long. At Christmas for $4.99, he’s ready to put a bow on it. Home Hardware are holding their Christmas Gift Sale and Wayne will guide you through the complexities of it all.

Nearby at Loonie or Less (480 Parliament), Kyle has “the biggest roll at the best price” – 40 square-foot rolls of Christmas wrap for $1 each. Then for every dollar that you contribute to Red Door Family Shelter, he’ll make a matching gift of six toothbrushes.

At The Epicure Shop (473 Parliament), Patty has filled the store with seasonal treats like homemade shortbreads, ginger breads and Dufflet mincemeat pies. If you order one of her personalized Gift Baskets before December 12, you’ll receive a 15% discount. And if you order any three trays from her catering specials, you’ll get a free pastry tray with your order. And don’t forget the Italian ceramic plates and bowls – they make perfect gifts for your foodie friends.

Among our favourite seasonal displays are the flower arrangements that sprout up on street corners and bring colour even during gray December rainy days.

Fairway (520 Parliament and Winchester) has a wide range of trees, holly, mistletoe and decorative plants.

Gerry and Carl are back beside No Frills (Parliament and Spruce). Their Christmas trees come from lots in Muskoka and Orillia. Gerry and his father have sold trees in Cabbagetown for the past 56 years. Welcome back, guys.

Anh at Mini Mart (460 Parliament) has brought back her miniature trees.
Parliament Smoke (609 Parliament at Wellesley) has small Christmas trees and an assortment of seasonal decorations.

And at Jamestown Milk (592 Parliament at Wellesley), the amaryllis are selling for only $7.99 – a beautiful bargain.

If you’re mailing Christmas parcels and cards, Guru at the Canada Post desk in Shoppers Drug Mart (467 Parliament) is open from Monday to Saturday until 9 pm and on Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm.

Mark your calendars

Big Mamma’s Boy (554 Parliament) announces that the last She Dance for 2008 will happen on Saturday, December 6. The music starts at 10 pm. There’s no cover charge. Then, on Tuesday December 16, they’re holding their second (in a regular series) of Big Mamma’s Cabarets featuring Jennie Brooke and Michael Barber. Cabarets start at 8 pm with a $10 cover.
December 16 brings some relief from all that shopping and wrapping. Get over to JAMCafe (195 Carlton) for their scotch whiskey tasting – From Islands to Highlands features four single malts in a tutored experience with the Scotch Ambassador from Diaggio Limited. Please also bring a holiday food-bank donation and JAMCafe will forward your gift. $25 plus tax and gratuity. Call for reservations (416) 921-1255.

The Ben Wicks Pub (424 Parliament) holds its annual Christmas Sing-a-Long featuring the Sterling Brass on Sunday December 21 from 2 to 5 pm. We’ve been there before and can honestly testify that it’s a genuine treat to hear Silent Night played on a tuba.