Cesar Millan, the internationally renowned dog whisperer, will be visiting Pet Valu (240 Carlton) and meeting people who drop by to say hello. He’ll be here on Sunday from 11:30 am. There’ll be souvenirs, samples and goodie bags for everyone. Be part of this exciting event – bring your pup and meet Cesar. Congratulations to Dale and his staff at Pet Valu – they’re one of only two Pet Valu locations all across Canada to earn this privilege.Feeling Witchy at Labour of Love
Remember that phrase. Go to Labour of Love (242 Carlton) on Saturday October 30 and tell them that you feel “witchy”. You’ll get a 15% discount on your purchase plus a festive Halloween gift. Bring your friends. In fact, bring a crowd. Everyone’s welcome. Regina is building her store’s email list and you should add your name to find out even more about her sales and her intriguing new inventory.Cabbagetown Ghost Tour
Back again – this popular, one-hour stroll through our scariest corners happens on Saturday night. The tour starts at Winchester and Parliament – you can buy your tickets there when you get started. Wear a costume. Tickets are $10 or $30 for a family.It’s a Halloween thank-you party
Charlene has sold Brass Taps and so she’s holding a last goodbye party. It’s happening on Saturday, October 30 from 9 pm at Brass Taps. Costumes are welcome. 221 CarltonCupcakes at Epicure
Patty is very pleased to be selling “Toronto’s best cupcakes.” The first shipment arrives on Saturday. They come in every flavour – vanilla, chocolate, strawberry and lots more – and they’re covered with delicious thick icings. It’s just another blow in our battle against thin people. 473 ParliamentGuess whodunit
The hunter? The captain? The gardener? The mechanic? Or maybe the librarian, the baker or the antique dealer? In fact – it’s Kendall & Co. These weapons of choice can be found in their store at 438 Parliament, across from Spruce.Kendall & Co got a very good write-up on blogTO this week. Check out the story here: http://www.blogto.com/design/kendall-and-co-toronto
Prince Edward County Wines
JAMCafe (195 Carlton) is hosting two of their popular tasting evenings in November and they’re featuring wines from the County at each one. Av Atikian wants to present these new wineries to us and give us a first-hand experience with their impressive products.The first tasting happens on Thursday, November 5 at 6:30 pm. Six wines from Huff Estates will be offered along with specially matched hors d’oeuvres. Frederic Picard is the winemaker and he’ll be there to talk about his wines. (Huff has a nice website and you can learn more about the winery at http://www.huffestates.com/ ) Tickets are $35. These events often sell out so reservations are recommended (416) 921-1255.
Congrat’s Holly
Holly is an active member of the Don Vale residents group and a familiar face in our neighbourhood. Now, she’s going national on “W” Network’s new show, Come Dine With Me. It’s for people who love food and have a passion for entertaining. She’s featured in the first episode airing on Monday November 1 at 7:30 pm.
A reminder – Mid-Toronto’s open house
Visit Mid-Toronto Community Services (192 Carlton) on Wednesday November 3 from 10 am to 6 pm and learn how they make a big difference in our community. Mid-Toronto is a non-profit organization that helps seniors and people with disabilities to find healthy and independent living. They’d love to have you visit and see the scope of their work and the impact that they have on people’s lives throughout Cabbagetown. You can learn more about their programs at http://www.midtoronto.com/The election is over
And everybody’s either cheering or weeping. One Toronto is a group that formed during the campaign to give a positive image of our city and to counter some of the negative campaigns that were flourishing. Their voice often wasn’t heard but their message was indeed worthwhile. So as the new Council takes shape (and we wish them well), here’s a dose of positive thinking to get everyone started. http://www.youtube.com/user/OneToronto#p/a/u/1/T-DxAcFLwU8
Visit Mid-Toronto Community Services (192 Carlton) on Wednesday November 3 from 10 am to 6 pm and learn how they make a big difference in our community. Mid-Toronto is a non-profit organization that helps seniors and people with disabilities to find healthy and independent living. They’d love to have you visit and see the scope of their work and the impact that they have on people’s lives throughout Cabbagetown. You can learn more about their programs at 
Jessica has reopened her yoga studio and that’s good news for her friends who have missed having a permanent home for her. She’s now located at the Soup Building (603-1/2 Parliament) and her new studio is appropriately called Hip Joint Yoga. She launched everything with a nice little party.
Gunnar at Church Street Winery (420 Parliament) has a long line of whites and reds ready for your attention. You’ve still got time to do your bottling for your Christmas gift needs and your celebrations. This season, his runaway favourite in his white wines is his Italian Pinot Grigio. He also has a new line of Govinio shatterproof glasses that are perfect for parties, outdoor picnics and backyard summertime sipping.
Toronto Dance Theatre (80 Winchester) is presenting Deborah Hay’s acclaimed Up Until Now as their first performance for the 2010/2011 season. It runs tonight and Saturday October 23 with tickets at $26 (students/seniors/CADA at $20). You can reach the Box Office at (416) 967-1365 or at 
Big Mamma’s Boy (554 Parliament) has recruited Yuki Yamazaki to create his signature cocktails every day for their new Happy Hour (Monday to Friday from 4:30 pm.) Yuki is a Tokyo cocktail champion and he was the cocktail designer for Whisky Magazine Live Tokyo 2009 & 2010. He knows how to do this stuff and he’ll amaze you with his ice balls and unique cocktails. This weekend, he’s competing in the finals at the Iron Bartender competition at Whisky Live – we’ll keep you informed of his prizes. Caroline also has proudly announced that their special benefit evening raised over $600 to assist fire victims from 200 Wellesley.
Michelle tells us that Foxy Boutique (251 Gerrard) is now on Facebook with “photos of gorgeous women modelling the latest hot pieces.” Check it out. Her 50% off sale continues to Sunday October 31.
The Don Vale Cabbagetown Residents Association has just introduced a lovely new line of souvenir Tees for your babies and kids. They come in white and in kelly green with a cute little slogan, “mon petit chou”. Only $15/each. To get more information and to order some for your family, contact Lindsay at 
We love it when the Toronto Star highlights a Cabbagetown personality, especially one as devoted to this neighbourhood as Danny Marks. We know Danny as a familiar face who makes his daily rounds through local stores and enjoys his face-to-face visits with his friends along the street. Of course, he’s one of our most popular Festival performers as well. He’s also a big-time guy with his own radio program and a devoted fan following. On Thanksgiving weekend, The Star did a story thanking “culture” and Danny was a very refreshing part of that article. Click here for more: 
At No Frills, Luciano’s got a good supply at amazing prices.
Jamestown Milk (592 Parliament), 
Fairway Market (520 Parliament) and 
Mini Mart (464 Parliament). 
For costumes, good used clothes and other vintage supplies, nobody can beat Double Take (310 Gerrard). Acres of great stuff.
Nain at The Bargain Store (429 Parliament) has loads of kids costumes at amazing prices. They’re also stocked right up with lots of packages of brand name candy to give away to your ghostly visitors.
At Dollar4U (405 Parliament), Rehana has plenty of adult and kids’ costumes. They’ve got all the supplies you need to decorate your house – ornaments, paints, decorations and toys.
Shopper’s Drug Mart (467 Parliament) has a big aisle full of good quality candy. Jesin is modeling the lovely line of plastic pumpkins that they’re offering as well. Just the thing for a fashionable front yard.
Cesar Millan, the internationally renowned dog whisperer, is on a cross-Canada tour and he’s making a special stop at Cabbagetown’s Pet Valu (238 Carlton). You can see and meet Cesar on Sunday October 31 from 11 am to 12:30 pm. Book the time and whisper the good news to your favourite furry pal. Don’t miss out!
Free the Children (233 Carlton) is a familiar name around Cabbagetown. We’ve all seen and enjoyed the groups of young people who work and visit here and we know about their work in other parts of the world. What we don’t always know is how big and powerful their message has become.
Gosia’s recent installation at Labour of Love (242 Carlton) was a great success so Regina is bringing in more of her art for Cabbagetown shoppers to enjoy. You can see a nifty sneak preview here: 
Start the day on Saturday, Sunday and Monday at Johnny G’s. They’re open from 8 to 5 pm for brunch. 478 Parliament
Across the street at PearTree, you can enjoy a three-course dinner for only $21.99. That includes butternut squash soup or salad, turkey with mashed potatoes and fresh vegetables and pumpkin pie. 507 Parliament
The House on Parliament is featuring their regular (and highly popular) prime rib dinner on Sunday. On Monday, they’re offering a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings followed by pumpkin bread pudding for dessert. Both days, dinner starts at 5 pm. 456 Parliament
At Big Mamma’s Boy, there will be a special Thanksgiving dinner with organic turkey, locally grown veggies and all the trimmings. Dessert will highlight a gluten-free pumpkin pie. 554 Parliament.
Cranberries’ special holiday dinners are always anticipated happily by their regular guests. This year, a three-course dinner includes soup or salad, turkey and the trimmings followed by pumpkin pie. Available on Sunday and Monday. 601 Parliament
Number 9 Audio Group have successfully launched their new two-disk album to support disaster relief for Haiti. The launch event at Hugh’s Room raised over $3800 in just one evening. The album is an amazing collection by outstanding talented musicians. Proceeds go to the Canadian Red Cross. You can pick one up for $25 at Number 9 (22 Gerrard) or at the BIA (237 Carlton). For more information about the artists and your contribution to Haiti relief, click here: 
Patty’s loaded up on goodies for you for the weekend. Of course, she has lots of pumpkin pies and she has plenty of other fruit pies and tarts as well. All homemade. While you’re there, check out her selection of cheese – Comfort Cream, Guernsey Girl and Niagara Gold from Niagara on the Lake and lots of Buffalo Mozzarella on sale at $7.99 each. 473 Parliament
Save up to 50% on Kendall’s hostess gifts, serving ware, wine accessories, glass ware, teapots, candles, lamps, party accessories and accent décor. A whole new selection of merchandise has just gone on sale in the store so drop in and take advantage of these great prices. 438 Parliament at Spruce.
Leslie at Eclectisaurus (249 Gerrard) has again joined forces with Gadabout and Angela McCool to host their annual sale. Their inventory features clothing from the 1890s to the 1970s, costume jewellery, textiles, curios and accessories. Saturday October 16, 10 am to 5 pm at Maple Cottage, 62 Laing Street (south of Queen east, one block east of Leslie.)
Geoffrey is the inimitable host at Albert Pimblett’s B & B (242 Gerrard). His views on tourism and its latest trends are featured in a Toronto Star article from October 1. Read about it here: 
Toronto Dance Theatre (80 Winchester) is presenting Deborah Hay’s acclaimed Up Until Now as their first performance for the 2010/2011 season. It runs from Wednesday October 20 to Saturday October 23 with tickets at $26 (students/seniors/CADA at $20). You can reach the Box Office at (416) 967-1365 or at 
Yeti Agnew (from Yeti Law at 215 Carlton) has always taken this motto seriously ever since her days in the Ski Patrol. She first picked up this poster (by the legendary cartoonist Ben Wicks) in the 1970s, eventually filed it away and then recently rediscovered it when checking her archives. She loves all of its Cabbagetown echoes – Ben Wicks and Yeti both live on here.
Cabbagetowner Charlie Smith works at Cineflix and he’s looking for people who want to host a dinner party and appear on television. He knows that Cabbagetown is home for lots of foodies and he’s hoping you’ll join the fun. Three couples will each prepare dinner for the others and compete for top honours. Your dinners will be broadcast later on The Food Network. Contact 
On Friday October 1, Big Mamma’s Boy (554 Parliament) is hosting a fundraiser for the people who are now stranded. They’re accepting gifts cards for food, drugs and department stores. They will also donate a percentage of their sales for the evening.
U4Change (517 Parliament) is a dynamic agency that works with young people from St James Town . They use the arts, culture and human rights to give them a strong start in their lives. They’re holding a fundraiser to help people left without shelter by the fire at 200 Wellesley. You can join them and watch performances by young artists and nibble on the goodies from their bake sale. All donations will be welcome. Friday October 8, 7 to 9 pm, 517 Parliament. 
Merion and Tina have announced that Simmons Flowers (540 Parliament) will stay open on Saturday October 9 so you can stock up on your flowers for the Thanksgiving weekend. Whether they’re a decoration for your own home or a gift for someone else, flowers are a beautiful part of the Thanksgiving holiday. As Merion says, “Flowers may not nourish our bodies but they certainly nourish our souls.”
Egale has announced that it’s moving into new offices at 185 Carlton. This space will enable them to strengthen the Safe School program. Despite legal and policy guarantees, Egale has found that up to 75% of LGBT youth report feeling unsafe at school. Egale works to make our schools safer and more tolerant and to empower students and adults in their efforts toward dignity and basic human rights. For more details, click here: 
These consoles are very popular. They’re perfect for small condos and narrow hallways. Only 6” wide, they come in two sizes – 42” by 29” and 34” by 32”. They’re available in polished chrome, dark grey and brushed finish. They’re made right here in Toronto and a new batch has just arrived. From October 1 to October 15, they’ll be on sale at 15% discounts. 238 Carlton
New carpets are featured in Kendall & Co’s front window display this week. These brilliant carpets are handmade in New Zealand. Step inside for more rugs and for a chance to browse through the sale items. Décor accessories, glassware, serving ware, gifts, lamps and furniture are all on sale now for 20 to 50% off. These are great bargains. 438 Parliament (across from Spruce.)
Every week, we list the coming topic at Elie’s Monday evening cooking classes at Provences Delices (12 Amelia). He says that he’s getting great compliments about his program. To help you plan ahead, here are his themes for October: lamb (October 4), appetizers (October 25) and duck (November 1). His evenings feature lots of hands-on experience followed by a meal where you can enjoy your own cooking together with a glass of wine. $99/session to a maximum of 7 people. Book your space at (416) 924-9901. 
Last Wednesday, the kids in the Regent Park Music School joined Chantal Kreviazuk during the official launch for the Pan Am Games. The games will take place in 2015 and the main focus for them will be at the foot of Parliament Street. These new facilities there will have a major impact on our community and will undoubtedly spur new growth and prosperity in our community. For a good video of the official ceremonies, click here: