Couch Toboggan, Chapter 2

Last week, we introduced the amazing downhill couch toboggan that had appeared on Riverdale Park hill. A few readers didn’t know (or believe) what we were talking about. So, for a good laugh and proof positive, here’s a one-minute video supplied by the racers themselves: http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=m_EX0AnSgQs
You gotta love Cabbagetown.

Introducing Kidist Designs Kidist Paulos Asrat is an associate member of the BIA and a freelance website designer with a background in graphic design, photography and new media certification from Ryerson. She’s built a number of different websites for non-profit groups, individuals and businesses.
She’s offering an introductory half-hour free consultation by phone or email to plan your needs and your future website.
Her own website is very straight forward and lists several good savings on her services: a January special with 15% discounts on her packages and a sale offering buy-one, get-one-free on her services. For Cabbagetown businesses, she also has a $50 bonus payable toward any of her services.
Telephone (416) 939-0585. Her website is at http://www.kidistdesigns.com/

Our new art gallery Gordon Daniels Gallery has opened at 460 Parliament (on the upper level above the House on Parliament) and the first show is scheduled for January 30 to February 15.
Duotoned features photographs by Sai Sivanesan. It opens January 29 at 7:30 pm. For more information, please contact the show administrator, Christina Butty at (416) 728-8728.

The Epicure Shop

Patty Junior reports that she’s developed a good relationship with a supplier who provides very high quality Quebec farmhouse cheeses. So she’s offering a seven-year old raw milk Quebec cheddar on special. Also from Quebec, she has a new line of pates that she says are really lovely: wild boar, duck with pistachio and peppercorn pates. This will all go well with her spinach dip (still on sale), buy one and get one free.

Winterlicious at Provence Delices Provence Delices (12 Amelia) is another new associate member of the BIA. Elie Benchitrit has just joined and we’re listing his menus and special events on one of our Cabbagetown Eats newsletters.
He’s got two great specials for us…
If you’re losing money and the recession is killing you and your spouse has stomped out the door in disgust and not even the dog will look at you – drop into Provence for a $2 Recession martini. I taste-tested two of them last Friday and can verify that they’re the real thing.
Provence is also Cabbagetown’s representative in the annual Winterlicious festival running from January 30 to February 12. Lunch (noon to 2 pm) is $20 prix fixe and dinner (6 to 10 pm) is $35 prix fixe. Brunch on Saturday and Sunday (noon to 2:30 pm) is $20.
Reservations are recommended, especially in Winterlicious. Call (416) 924-9901.
For menus, photos and prices, click here: Provence Delices

Is your cat stuck to the rug? Is your dog tap dancing across the floor? Pet Valu (240 Carlton) has a monthly nail clipping service to solve your problems. Marilyn Wilputte from Diggity Dog Walking visits on the first Saturday of each month. Saturday, February 7 from 11 am to 4 pm is her next stop. $10.

After that, head for a wash... At Menagerie Pet Shop (549 Parliament), the do-it-yourself dog wash is half-price until March 1. There’s also a range of Wellness pet foods, cat scratch equipment and other goodies on sale at great discounts. You can also visit here just to say hello to a fish or a parrot. Browsers welcome.

Renaissance Yoga “Implementing Ayurvedic Lifestyle” is Renaissance Yoga’s signature introductory course in Ayurvedic theory and practice. The first session starts on Thursday January 22 and runs for twelve weeks from 9 to 11:30 am. It’s also available remotely in mp3 form, with full lecture notes and email support.
“Ayurveda and Sexual Wholeness” starts Friday February 13 (6:30 to 9 pm) for 12 weeks.
For full details and fees, click on http://www.renaissanceyoga.ca/
While there, check the Winter/Spring schedule, especially for information about Kim Schwartz’s visit and his workshop on “Outer Body, Inner Body, Subtle Body.” Friday February 20, Saturday February 21 and Sunday February 22.
Renaissance Yoga (391 Ontario), 416-920-4520

The Year of the Ox For the coming week of January 24 to 29, Stonegrill on Winchester is celebrating the Chinese New Year with a special menu. The $40 prix fixe dinner has been specially prepared by chef Erin Martin for the celebrations.
Check the details here: Stonegrill on Winchester.

Coffee Wars Starbucks has taken the keys from the building owner and is starting to build its new store on the first floor at Aberdeen and Parliament. Estimates are that the first coffees will flow in mid-March.
Coffee Time on the northeast corner of Winchester and Parliament has reopened. The interior walls around the old smoking cubicle have been removed. It’s now a corporate store and the chain is accepting applications from anyone interested in buying a franchise here.
Meantime, bloggers across the internet continue to sing the praises of Jet Fuel (519 Parliament)and all its eccentricities.

Superbowl, February 1
The teams can be seen, heard and toasted at Ben Wicks (424 Parliament) and Brass Taps (221 Carlton). Click on the links for details.