It’s been a busy week so we’ll start with a very pleasant set of “thank you’s”. When you’re visiting your favourite stores, look for the 2008 Nuit Blanche certificate that many of them have earned. Our merchants supported our first Nuit Blanche effort held last October with considerable generosity and these plaques help to identify the ones who did so.
Arbab at Healthy Whey (250 Carlton) was one of more than a dozen businesses who helped out at Nuit Blanche.Thanks to Starbucks
Starbuck’s official opening last Thursday was a smashing success – the new store hosted a fundraiser on behalf of the Cabbagetown Youth Centre. At least $1500 was raised. For over three hours, a dozen staff served coffee and pastries to a packed house. Congratulations to everyone involved for a great community event and a successful launch. (492 Parliament)
Louisa is one of the new staff welcoming people to Starbucks.Gamblers Anonymous
Yes, for those of you with gambling compulsions, Patty Junior at The Epicure Shop (473 Parliament) is offering her Annual Coffee Contest. Pour yourself a bag of fresh coffee beans and if it weighs exactly 454g or one pound, you’ll get a pound free. The contest runs until Sunday, March 22. Once again, this event is attracting busloads of high rollers en route to Casino Rama.And more good news – Patty has all of her Quebec favourites back in stock, including wild boar, duck pistachio and cognac pates and 7-year-old cheddar, Riopelle and La Sauvigine cheese. On Saturday, drop by and sample her new fruit nectars from Spain.
St Patrick’s Day, Tuesday March 17
Check your favourite restaurant to learn their plans for this fine occasion. Ben Wicks Bar & Bistro (424 Parliament) has smiling eyes and cold beer. Big Mamma’s Boy (554 Parliament) is featuring a special Irish menu. House on Parliament (456 Parliament) will have corned beef with cabbage and organic Irish salmon. Brass Taps (221 Carlton) is featuring Irish food specials and great giveaways.
Mamma’s Deli
There’s a new restaurant, Mamma’s Deli, at 415 Parliament. The site has been given a pleasing redecoration and it’s now a very bright, inviting room. I enjoyed a falafel sandwich and lentil soup for lunch there during the week and can recommend it highly.
Breakfasts, particularly on Saturday and Sunday, are a specialty and a terrific bargain – bacon, eggs, home fries and coffee for just $3.99. Mamma’s Deli opens at 9 am on the weekend. Stop by for a great start to your day.
Sam, Georgi and Taghrad will welcome you to Mamma’s Deli.Kidist March Specials
Kidist at KPA Web Design Services tells us that she’s offering monthly specials for people who want her help with web site design. Check her list of available services at http://www.kidistdesigns.com/. When you order one of her services, you can also have a second one at half price. Her packages are priced at 15% off and there’s a $50 bonus for Cabbagetown businesses payable toward her services. Contact her at info@kidistdesigns.com or at (416) 939-0585.Mi Casa Spring Sale
This is an event worth waiting for. Lamps, furniture and accessories throughout the store are on sale at discounts up to 50% off. No wonder people look forward to this sale each year – as always the store is jammed full of beautiful offerings. (238 Carlton.)
Alex from Mi casa (left) and Svein discuss his new lamp interests.Business Plus Wireless
Victor is holding a grand opening sale to announce his new association with Bell and Solo wireless phones. The special promotion for Solo includes no activation fee, no system access fees, no 911 fees and some phones sold on monthly contract with no charge for the phone. (437 Parliament)Menagerie Pet Shop
Menagerie (549 Parliament) has a special sale on Mane & Tail shampoo and conditioners. Store staff have authoritatively assured us that this is a great product for horses, dogs and balding human males. (If, in fact, someone bought you a last minute, ill considered Valentines gift, you may want to reward him with a bottle of Mane & Tail.)Welcome to Krishna
We have a new restaurant at 585 Parliament. Krishna offers takeout and catering services, specializing in south Asian and Sri Lankan dishes. A takeout lunch, for example, with a sampling of eggplant, dhal, rice, spinach, turnip and chicken, fish or mutton is available for $6. Samosas, meat and fish rolls, fish patties and sweets are also available.
Palakrishnan Appachy (right) previously operated Tea Pot Chat in much smaller premises and now he’s located right on the street in his newly decorated restaurant.JAMCafe
JAMCafe (195 Carlton) is holding a special Spring Equinox Party on Saturday, March 21 from 6 pm to 2 am to celebrate the start of Spring and the arrival of warm weather. Its theme is “look high in the sky and feel the cosmic joy.” Mill Street brews for $3 may make the joy even more profound and Niagara’s Rosewood Estates will be sampling rose and merlot wines. Mini JAMburgers will be available free. Please bring a non-perishable food item as a donation to the food bank.
Brooke Manning will sing and there will be appearances by other special musical guests.
