Win! Win! Win!
Our thank-you to our loyal readers.
Today’s Newsletter marks a nice milestone – our 100th edition.
To celebrate, we’ve put together our Reader Loyalty Reward contest.
The rules are simple. When you get our covering email about this week’s Newsletter, send a reply to our address at doug@oldcabbagetown.com. Say anything. Tell us you’re feeling lucky. Or greedy. Or whatever. The first eleven people who reply will win (we were going to do ten but we got a bonus prize from our generous merchants). We’ll be using the clock on our computer’s email list to see who answers first.
If you’re a winner, we’ll email you a Gift Certificate. Just take it into the store to redeem your prize.

Sharon's prize is a fabulous pair of knee socks!

Nish at Ambal Trading shows off their best bag of basmati rice - the one that you can win!

Here's the list of goodies:
4.5 kg bag of Tilda basmati rice from Ambal Trading (583 Parliament)
$10 gift certificate from The Beer Store (534 Parliament)
A man’s hair cut from Cabbagetown Barber Shop (525 Parliament)
Neal Brothers tortillas and salsa from Cabbagetown Organics (499 Parliament)
A hand painted bicycle bell from Cycle Solutions (444 Parliament)
One dozen Eco Friendly light bulbs from The Deal Zone (480 Parliament)
A pound of Reunion Coffee from The Epicure Shop (473 Parliament)
$10 gift certificate from the LCBO (512 Parliament)
A manicure from Star Nails (442 Parliament)
A fabulous pair of knee socks from Sharon’s (503 Parliament)
A plain or stuffed chicken breast from St Jamestown Steak & Chops (516 Parliament)
Hit that reply button if you want to win. Good luck everybody!

Prizes from Cabbagetown Organics include tortillas and salsa.
Mark at St Jamestown is offering a stuffed or plain chicken breast.

Another Eclectisaurus bonanza

Don’t miss this – the November sale at Eclectisaurus (249 Gerrard St E) brings art, antiques and brocante at 25% discounts. The sale runs until Sunday at 7 pm. You’ll certainly find beautiful stuff for yourself here - if the whim strikes you and you can bear to part with it, you may even find something to give away. The store’s hours are noon to 7 pm. For a preview of their offerings, visit http://www.eclectisaurus.com/

JAMcafe presents...

A wine “Tour de France” featuring a seven-course all-Ontario tasting dinner accompanied by eight regional wines from France – champagne, Alsace, Provence, Burgundy, Bordeaux. Sunday, November 29. The wine selections are from Merchant Vintner and the food is expertly prepared by JAM’s chef Av Atikian. The evening begins with a champagne reception. $155/per person. Space is,limited so call for reservations: (416) 921-1255, 195 Carlton Street.

Epicure is ready for Christmas
The Epicure Shop (473 Parliament) is beautifully decorated for the season and offering you all kinds of gift baskets and Christmas baking. There’s homemade shortbread and gingerbread. If you order a gift basket before December 10, you’ll get a 15% discount. Order any three party trays and receive a pastry tray free. There are lots more specials listed on Epicure’s Christmas flyer so be sure to pick one up next time you’re in the store. As an added bonus, “The Best Cheese in the World” is now in stock – Cendrillon’s prizewinning goat cheese log is available at $5.99.

Cabbagetown Press book launch
The Ben Wicks (424 Parliament) is host for the launch party for the first title from the new Cabbagetown Press. The Press is a project of the Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum and this book is a significant event in the Museum’s growth. Congratulations to all involved. The party, featuring “Polly of Bridgewater Farm” by Catherine McKenty, takes place on Saturday December 5 from 3 to 6 pm. Dates to remember The Holiday Craft Show & Studio Sale happens this weekend in Cabbagetown South – Friday to 9 pm and Saturday from 11 to 5 pm. 130 Seaton Street. Featured artists include Victoria Hadden, Gerri Orwin, Tessa Ort, Ray Prince and Irina Rapoport.

Cabbagetown South families are invited to join a Victorian Holiday Decorating party at Ontario Parkette (south of Dundas between Milan & Ontario). Wednesday December 9 between 6 and 7 pm. Hot apple cider and Christmas caroling. The Ben Wicks 8th annual Christmas sing-a-long with the Sterling Brass. This event is always more fun than a tub full of tubas – save the date on your calendar. Sunday December 20 from 3 to 6 pm, 424 Parliament.

Thanks, Carl!
Carl always enjoyed himself thoroughly during the Festival Parade. For the first parade, he just gathered together a group of children and a band and marched through the neighbourhood. When a police officer stopped them and asked for their official permit, Carl pulled out a parking ticket, waved it in the air and the procession continued along. We're still doing it now, 35 years later.

Carl Orbach died suddenly after a brief illness last Wednesday. He was a wonderful neighbour, friend and community member. We’ll really miss his crazy energy, his warmth and enthusiasm for other people and his constant enjoyment of Cabbagetown.
Carl was a founding member of the BIA, one of the group who started the annual Festival and a lifelong member of our business community. He supported the Cabbagetown Youth Centre regularly and generously. He really loved the annual Festival parade - he came dressed as a leprechaun and lead the parade while throwing out candies to children at the curb. He did things for fun and ended up helping to turn Cabbagetown into the successful community that we now enjoy.

This is #99
Stay tuned next week when our Newsletter reaches #100! We’re holding our Reader Loyalty Reward contest.

The rules are very simple. At 5:30 pm next Friday November 27, my emails will blast out to all of you announcing that the Newsletter is online. The first ten people who email back will win one of our special prizes. All the prizes and the system for collecting them will be explained next week.
Just remember – when you get my email, don’t wait a moment – fire back your reply “I want to win”. That’ll do it.

Wine, wine and more wine at JAMcafe

November sees two outstanding wine events happening at JAM (195 Carlton), both filled with exciting possibilities:
On Saturday, November 21, there’s a diversified tasting of Ontario and international wines – all of them fine wines from The Vine Portfolio. Seven wines will be offered along with Av’s specially prepared hors d’oeuvres. This series of tastings is very popular (often selling out) so you’re advised to call ahead and make reservations. (416) 921-1255. $35/each.
On Sunday November 29, JAM hosts a Wine Tour de France. The evening starts with a champagne reception followed by a seven-course dinner matched with wines from eight regions in France. Space is definitely limited, so book now for reservations. $155/each.

On The Road
Winnipeg’s Contemporary Dancers with support from the Toronto Dance Theatre present two performances in support of the Dancer Transition Resource Centre. Choreography by Rachel Browne, Brent Lott and Lesandra Dobson. Friday November 20 and Saturday November 21, 8 pm, $25, 80 Winchester Street, (416) 967-1365.

Cabbagetown South Holiday Craft Show
They’re at it again in Cabbagetown South. This is a very lively neighbourhood and they're proving that they know how to host a fascinating event.
This time, it’s an amazing pre-Christmas craft sale featuring work from five artists: Victoria Hadden, Ray Prince, Gerri Orwin, Tessa Ort and Irina Rapaport. Many of us will recognize these artists and their work and we know that this show will feature some outstanding pieces. Friday December 4 (3 to 9 pm) and Saturday December 5 (11 am to 5 pm), 130 Seaton Street.

The Christmas season is coming quickly
The Daniel et Daniel gift card can be purchased at the Food Shop. It’s a wonderful gift for the foodies in your life.
Daniel et Daniel (248 Carlton) have two special treats for your enjoyment over the Christmas season.
As always, they’re offering their Yule logs in three delicious flavours: chocolate, mocha and hazelnut. Great for parties and for your family occasions. Contact the Food Shop for more information and for orders (416-968-9275).
And they can cater your holiday dinner right in your home. The menu includes roasted onion soup, fresh bread with whipped butter rosettes, arugula, mint and orange salad, roast turkey with traditional stuffing, mashed Yukon gold potatoes, Brussels sprouts, baby carrots, peppers, cauliflower and broccoli – all followed up by individual English toffee puddings. $39.95 per person. Please place your orders before Tuesday December 22 and pick-up before 3 pm on Thursday December 24.

The future of Riverdale Park
Councillor Pam McConnell and the staff at the city parks department are about to start a review of the facilities at Riverdale Park. Local residents at Friends of the Farm have organized a meeting and a survey so that we can express our views about the park’s future before the officials get started with their work. The official deadline for survey answers has passed but I’m sure that comments from latecomers will be welcome. Click here and give the group your views:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=p3B5P80nWanfb42xspz3mA_3d_3d

Daniel et Daniel serves the Prince of Wales

Photo courtesy Tom Sandler/Government of Ontario
During the royal visit to Toronto last week, Prince Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, were the guests of honour at an official reception hosted by the Ontario government at the Carlu. 400 people from the arts, science, academia, business and government attended. Since everyone wanted to enjoy the very best that Toronto has to offer, our own Daniel et Daniel catered the event.
Guests started off their meals with roasted tomato on crostini, blue cheese and caramelized pear tartlet with toasted walnuts, and carrot bread squares with peppercorn mousse pate and candied bacon. Main dishes included pork loin medallions on a warm Brussels sprout salad and braised lamb shank with root vegetable rosti and a Niagara Pinot reduction. Desserts featured pumpkin crème brulee with Niagara Stone fruit compote and mini pear tarts tatin with Ontario goats’ milk ice cream.
We didn’t want to startle the Prince so no one told him that Cabbagetowners eat like that every day. 248 Carlton.

Gourmet Burger is one year old

And to celebrate, they held a special lunch on Thursday – free burgers for everyone. The line of appreciative and hungry people stretched down the block from opening time at 11:30 am to the close at 2:30 pm. Over 400 people enjoyed their burgers … an inspired birthday party. 482 Parliament

The Epicure Shop
Patty is bringing back a sell-out favourite, six-year-old balsamic vinegar at the incredible price of only $3.99/each. As Christmas approaches, get one for your favourite chef – it’s a great gift. She also has specials this week on Quebec-made wild boar and apricot pates and she’s featuring homemade pies, cookies and cake squares for lunches, snacks and special desserts.

Sweet Creamery has a winter menu
Obviously, if you sell ice cream, then you need plan B for the winter. Emilio at Sweet Creamery (521 Parliament) has joined forces with Jose to develop a lunch, new pastries, cakes and specialty desserts. Every day, they’re opening at 8 am for breakfast: grab-and-go with a coffee and pastries. If you’re hungry at lunch, they have seven different panini and daily soups. For dessert, there are waffles with your favourite combo – whipped cream, gelato, ice cream, fruit salads and yogurt. Coming very soon – a special pastry service for parties, weddings and special dinners featuring cakes with decorative and seasonal icings. If you want a mouth-watering peek at their pastries, cakes and waffles, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEHXr8iGfXc&feature=player_embedded

Renaissance Yoga
Renaissance Yoga (391 Ontario) has made some changes to their Fall program schedule. The series, “Magic of the Moon, Part One: Menstrual Mayhem”, will now be held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, November 27-29. The Winter and Spring programs for budding Ayurvedists are now posted at http://www.renaissanceyoga.ca/Ayurvedic-Lifestyle-Course.html Click there to learn more and to register.

The Shop at Riverdale Farm is now open for Christmas.
Come for the annual Christmas Preview Party, Sunday November 15 from 2 to 4 pm. The Shop offers fine gifts, books, decorations, handcrafts, toys, cards, preserves, soaps, fine arts and much more. Operated by the Friends of Riverdale Farm, the Shop is located in Simpson House at Riverdale Farm (Winchester and Sumach) and is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm.

A couple of quick Cabbagetown “Classifieds”
For sale – three Sunar Uniwall 5-drawer filing cabinets. One cabinet has a lock and a set of keys. $100/ea. Call Carly at (416) 964-0021, ext 10.
For rent – 170 sq ft of professional office space. Furnished with parking, air conditioning, DSL, kitchen facility available. Gerrard and Ontario. $750/mo. Call (416) 962-7540.

Sharon’s
Sharon (503 Parliament) is currently featuring a beautiful brocade jacket at $49.99 along with handmade jewelry from Montreal’s Christophe Poly (from $29.99 to 39.99). She also has a sale happening with silver and gold plated Israeli rings at $44.99.

JAMCafe
Av and Joe Atikian are hosting another in their highly popular comparison tastings featuring wines from two different regions. On Saturday November 21, they’ll be pouring Ontario’s VQA region along with a diversified international offering, all from the Vine Agency’s Portfolio. The wines will be complemented by Av’s own hors d’oeuvres. Saturday, November 21, 6 pm, 7 wines, hors d’oeuvres, $35. This is now a sell-out event so reservations are recommended: (416) 921-1255

The CYC Anthem
The kids at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre have created their own anthem. We’ve heard them sing it at this year’s Cabbagetown Festival. Last Spring, they performed it as a special welcome to Premier Dalton McGuinty when he visited the CYC. It’s a great piece of music and an enthusiastic tribute to a wonderful organization. The kids were filmed singing it a few days ago at Number 9 Audio Group (222 Gerrard East) – click here to watch and enjoy it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_z-v0YJZHc

The deals at The Deal Zone
Kyle wants to remind you that good bargains can be found right here in Cabbagetown. No need for you to run across the city to some big box store when he has better pricing at The Deal Zone (480 Parliament). His packages of eight rolls of Christmas paper are only $5.99 – that’s 40 to 50% cheaper than the big guys are offering.

CNH euchre tournament
On Saturday, November 14, Central Neighbourhood House (349 Ontario) is holding its second Euchre Tournament Fundraiser. If you’re a euchre player, you have a chance to win $80, $60, $40, or $20 in prizes and a chance to win in the 50/50 draw. The registration fee is $20 and proceeds from the day help to support CNH clients who receive assistance in order to live independently in their own homes. Call Rob Butler at (416) 925-4363 ext 119 to register.

This is our Newsletter #98.
Watch for #100 – we’re planning a contest full of handy, desirable, greed-inducing goodies. Many thanks for your patience while we've struggled through October - our holidays, a switch from Bell to Rogers and a few other distractions have meant that our schedule was unreliable. Now we're back in full swing.