Santa’s weekend in Cabbagetown
Bring your pooch, your cat, your sweetie and any other pet you have for a photo with him. He’ll spend the noon hour at Pet Valu and the later afternoon at Menagerie Pet Shop. Our friend Eric Morse will again be the man behind the lens. Don’t miss this chance to create your pet’s personal masterpiece.
Saturday, December 18
Pet Valu – 240 Carlton, 11 am to 2 pm
Menagerie Pet Shop – 549 Parliament, 2:30 to 5:30 pm
Your photos: $10/set of three.

Have a sweet with Santa
By a special miracle, Santa can be in two places at one time. On Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 2 to 4 pm, he’ll be at Sweet Creamery (521 Parliament). Stop by for a sweet, a hot drink and a special visit.

Tuba time at the Ben Wicks
This is it – a major landmark on Cabbagetown’s social calendar - the afternoon when the best of the best gather to sip a pint, to sing their favourite carols and to melt in the warmth of the dulcet tones from the Sterling Brass. The Brass will perform at the Ben Wicks (424 Parliament) on Sunday from 3 to 6 pm. No cover charge. Be part of it all.

Patty has help
She’s brought in her entire family to handle the Christmas rush. No wonder - how can you say “no” to a cupcake when Vanessa’s offering it to you? She’s escaping the snow in London where she goes to school to join her family here for Christmas. Drop in to The Epicure Shop (473 Parliament) and get an introduction. And while you’re there, get a Christmas Gift Basket (tax free), some Summerfresh dips (buy one, get one free) and some La Sauvagine (the #1 cheese in Quebec).

Congratulations to JAM’s Av Atikian
In November, Av (chef at JAMCafe, 195 Carlton) was asked to join a team who prepared a VIP luncheon for 90 guests at the new Tibetan Cultural Centre. The Dalai Lama was there to dedicate the centre and teach some classes. Among the other chefs were Art Smith from the Food Network and Tal Ronen, a noted BC vegan chef, and cookbook author. From the photos that Av has sent us, it looks like a yummy day for everyone.

Welcome Toni and Elaine
Milk Uncookies is a lovely new coffee shop that’s just opened at 253 Gerrard offering coffee, baked goods and vegan specials. My own taste-testings have proven that the coffee is outstanding and so are the butter tarts. Toni and Elaine have transformed a rundown, tired little corner into this bright, comfortable spot. Finally, there’s a convenient place for all the caffeine addicts living and working near Gerrard and over by Sherbourne.

Underdown Pub is open
While you’re on Gerrard, drop in for a drink at Underdown Pub (263 Gerrard at Berkeley). This is a very comfortable room. In the summer, they’ll have a patio outdoors. Reports about the food from people who have already visited are very approving. The room will feature a different musician every night . You can see lots of photos, the menu and the weekly entertainers on the website: http://www.underdownpub.com/

Kendall & Co
It’s the last weekend before Christmas, so Kendall & Co are extending their shop hours to 8 pm for Friday and Saturday. Just in time for last-minute buyers, they have a ceramic “Princess and the Pea” coaster set. Drop in to the store and see what you can find for your holidays – 438 Parliament across from Spruce

Christmas Day at Cranberries
Cranberries (601 Parliament) always hosts a special Christmas Day dinner and it’s always well attended. This year’s event happens from 5 to 11 pm. It’s a four-course feast featuring soup, choice of a salad, turkey with mashed potato, fresh veggies, stuffing, cranberry sauce (of course) and gravy, followed by fresh apple pie and ice cream. All of that at $24.99

New Year’s Eve
Of course it’s early. Christmas hasn’t happened yet, but even so our local restaurants are already planning New Year’s Eve events to tempt you out of your house. Special menus and holiday extras are all being prepared. So far, we’ve heard from JAM (195 Carlton), Peartree (507 Parliament), Big Mamma’s Boy (554 Parliament), Stonegrill (51B Winchester), Ben Wicks (424 Parliament), House on Parliament (456 Parliament) and Provence Delices (12 Amelia). We know that The Cobourg and Underdown will be having special events as well. Next week, we plan to give you a complete list and we also plan to distribute a brochure to our neighbourhood. If you’re planning an evening out, then call your favourite spot for a reservation now.

Win a Fiat 500
Baci is the Italian way to say ‘I love you’. Baci Chocolates are sponsoring a contest to win this lovely little car. Patty Junior from The Epicure Shop (473 Parliament) invited the Baci Ambassador to visit Cabbagetown on Friday to draw our attention to the contest. Just figure out how many Baci will fit inside the Fiat and then enter your estimate on-line at http://baciperugina.ca/contest.html The draw takes place on Valentines.