Attention Gamblers’ Anonymous

Patty Junior at The Epicure Shop (473 Parliament) is again launching her annual Coffee Contest. Just go into the store and fill up a bag of coffee. If it weighs exactly one pound (454 grams), then it’s free. Yes – it’s possible to do this. We speak from experience. Patty’s selection of Reunion Island coffees makes the contest worthwhile, even if you end up with 453 or 455 grams.
Epicure devotees know that Patty’s Breakfast Sandwiches are a real deal as well. She’s added another one to her menu – her Original Festival Sandwich, full of peameal bacon and grilled onions on a bun, $4.99. Previously, it was only available at Festival time but now it’s a regular, year-round offering. While you’re there, ask about Maple Farmer’s bacon and peameal bacon – both with no added preservatives.

Mi Casa has a sale
Lighting, furniture and art are among the lines being offered at incredible discounts (from 40 to 70% off). There are lamps from $40 and a glass and chrome Corbu dinette set for $399. Mi Casa provides free delivery for customers in the neighbourhood. 238 Carlton.

Congratulations are due …
To the Stonegrill (51B Winchester). Writing in his blog, Engaging Service, Samad Shirazie has lavished considerable praise on Cabbagetown’s Stonegrill. Check it out here: http://engagingservice.blogspot.com/2010/01/stonegrill-on-winchester-review.html

To Omi (243 Carlton). Two nice awards have arrived. In NOW Magazine’s Best of Toronto 2009, Omi has won the Best Sushi category. Well-deserved recognition. Omi is also a recommended restaurant in Toronto Life’s 2010 Eating & Drinking Guide.

Winterlicious is back
And two of our restaurants are taking part in this popular citywide food festival. It started on January14 and will run through mid-February. Reservations are definitely recommended.
JAMCafe (195 Carlton) has a $25 special three-course dinner on offer. The menu includes soup or your choice of an appetizer, four entrée choices and three dessert selections. Look for ‘licious items like muscovy duck breast salad, elk osso bucco, pan seared salmon and chocolate torte. For the full menu, click here: http://www.jamcafe.net/menu JAM opens at 6 pm and is closed on Mondays. (416) 921-1255.
Provence Delices (12 Amelia) has a $20 lunch and $35 dinner. There are vegetarian selections on both menus. Elie’s fine touches are obvious. You can see the Winterlicious menu and the recommended wine pairings at http://www.provencerestaurant.com/winterlicious.pdf (416) 924-9901.

Save this date
On Sunday January 31 from 2 to 4 pm, four Cabbagetown groups are again sponsoring an all-candidates’ election debate. This is your chance to meet and size up the people who want your vote in the provincial by-election in our area. Our thanks to the Cabbagetown Youth Centre for agreeing to host the event at 2 Lancaster, behind the Parliament Street Beer Store.
There will be speeches, a question-and-answer session and a supply of brochures so you’ll come away knowing each candidate’s ideas, background and abilities.
The vote takes place on Thursday February 4 – just days after our event.

New hours
Yeti Law (215 Carlton) now has extended hours to 8 pm on Wednesday evenings to provide more convenient times for people who want to see her after work. Yeti’s practice is focusing on forward planning with wills and estate planning, power of attorney and real estate. New clients are welcome. Visit her website at http://www.yetilaw.com/ Normal daily hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

JAMCafe hosts another wine tasting
Wines from Les Clos Jordannes are featured at JAM’s next tasting. Seven wines from two vintages are paired with Av Atikian’s hors d’oeuvres. Meet the winemaker. Friday, January 22, 6 to 8 pm, $45 per person. Reservations are recommended – these tastings sell out! (416) 921-1255. 195 Carlton.

Online flyers
Check out the right hand column on this Newsletter and you’ll see a link called Cabbagetown Online Flyers. This link gives you access to three regular weekly catalogues – each one updated and full of special offers - from Home Hardware, Luciano’s No Frills and Shoppers Drug Mart. We’ll keep this link permanently on our Newsletter so you can conveniently plan your shopping at these stores. For a sample, check it out here: http://cabbagetownflyers.blogspot.com/

Lennie’s Health Service Centre
Speaking of flyers, Carole Buss has her January flyer available now in store (489 Parliament). It lists the “Health First” line of vitamins and protein powders. Pick up a copy at the front counter and watch for updates each month.

Parking
Six spots are available at 205 Carlton Street. You can access them easily off the lane. For details, inspections and arrangements, call Allen at (416) 995-3399.