If you’re staying home…
Here are five businesses that will help you to enjoy New Year’s Eve at home.
Simmons Flowers (540 Parliament)
Absolute Bakery (489 Parliament).
Cabbagetown Organics (499 Parliament).
The Epicure Shop (473 Parliament)
St Jamestown Steak & Chops (516 Parliament)If you’re going out…
For your convenience, here’s a quick listing of the special events and menus planned by our restaurants. In each listing, only the meal prices are shown and all taxes and gratuities are extra.
The Ben Wicks
Regular menu with dinner specials for the evening. No cover charge. DJ John begins the party at 9 pm. For details, click here: http://www.benwickspub.com/ (416) 961-9425. 424 Parliament Street.The Cobourg
DJ urbansteve will be playing his best from 10 pm to closing. 533 Parliament Street.F’Amelia
Five course dinner (two seatings: 5 to 7 pm and 7:30 pm onward) with a complimentary glass of Prosecco. For complete menu details, click here: http://www.famelia.com/ $75 per person. Reservations at (416) 323-0666. 12 Amelia Street.The Flying Beaver Pubaret
A STARDUST evening. Three-course dinner with the McComedy Show (starring Shannon and Michael) followed by DJ Fawn to spin into 2012. For all the evening details, click here: http://pubaret.com/ The Casablanca VIP ticket includes dinner, the McComedy Shop and DJ Fawn, 7 pm to 3 am with champagne at midnight, $70. The Vertigo-B List ticket covers dinner and the McComedy Show from 7 to 10 pm, $60. The Rebel Without A Cause ticket includes DJ Fawn and the After-party from 10 pm to 3 am with champagne at midnight, $20. Ticket prices will increase after December 18. Purchase tickets at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/215609 and at The Pubaret. (647) 347-6567. 488 Parliament StreetHouse on Parliament
Three or four-course dinners (two seatings: 5:30 and 8:30 pm) with a complimentary glass of Prosecco. Dunc’s Dance Party will break out spontaneously. http://www.facebook.com/pages/House-on-Parliament/116426921766667 Three course dinner at $55. Four course dinner at $65. Reservations at (416) 925-4074. 454 Parliament StreetJAMCafe
Five course dinner highlighting Ontario foods and Niagara wines (two seatings: 6 and 8:30 pm). For complete menu details, click here: http://www.jamcafe.net/ $80 per person. Reservations at (416) 921-1255. 195 Carlton Street.Peartree
Three-course dinner with appetizers, mains and dessert. Prices range from $19.99 to $24.99. For complete menu details, click here: http://peartree.sites.toronto.com/ Be sure to check out their New Year’s Day brunch specials as well (from 10 am to 4 pm.) (416) 962-8190. 507 Parliament Street.Stonegrill
Regular service from 5 to 11 pm. No cover charges. For menu details and reservations, click here: http://www.stonegrillonwinchester.com/ Reservations at (416) 967-6565. 51B Winchester Street.Stout Irish Pub
The party starts at 8 pm, featuring party favours and midnight champagne. For all the details, click here: http://www.stoutirishpub.ca/ Tickets are $10 and they’re going fast so be sure to get yours quickly. Erin is also offering brunch from 11 am to 2:30 pm on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. (647) 344-7676, 221 Carlton Street.Winchester Kitchen & Bar
Come early to eat and stay late to play. The Shuffle Demons are back. http://www.winchesterkitchen.com/ Dinner & show, $100 per person. Show & party, $40 per person. Reservations at (416) 323-0051. 51A Winchester StreetBrunch and quick eats
Best Breakfast, 432 Parliament, 416-924-5266
Chew Chew, 186 Carlton, 416-924-7583
Johnny G’s, 478 Parliament, 416-928-1358Takeout and delivery
2-4-1 Pizza, 451 Parliament, 416-241-0241, http://www.241pizza.com/
Gourmet Burger, 482 Parliament, 647-344-5103, http://www.thegourmetburgerco.com/
Peter’s Cajun Creole Pizza, 415 Parliament, 416-368-8099, http://www.peterscajunpizza.ca/
Pizza Pizza. 560 Parliament, 416-967-1111, http://www.pizzapizza.ca/
Wing Machine, 443 Parliament, 416-961-1000, http://www.panzerottopizza.com/splash.htmlInternational foods
Asahi, 200 Carlton (at Ontario), 416-962-6565 - Japanese
Butter Chicken Factory, 556 Parliament (at Amelia), 416-964-7583 – IndianChina Gourmet, 235 Carlton, 416-515-0088 - Chinese
Ginger, 252 Carlton (at Parliament), 416-923-7979 – south Asian
Hamdi, 193 Carlton, 416-929-7355 – north African and halel, http://www.hamdirestaurants.com/
Margarita’s Mexican Fiesta, 229 Carlton, 416-929-6284 – Mexican
Omi, 243 Carlton, 416-920-8991 – Japanese, http://omisushi.weebly.com/Samsura, 587 Parliament – south Indian and Sri Lankan
Suruthi, 585 Parliament - south Indian and Sri Lankan
Tender Trap, 580 Parliament, 416-920-5147 - Chinese
Thai to Go, 452 Gerrard, 416-515-8424 – Thai, http://thaibyprasai.com/Young Thailand, 446 Parliament, 416-920-8424 – Thai, http://www.youngthailand.com/
The BIA sponsored winter decorations on the hydro poles along the street.
In early December, we held a party at Parliament and Winchester to launch the LED Christmas lighting on the Winchester building.
During the party, we collected toys to contribute to CP24’s annual Christmas toy drive.
Santa dropped in to Pet Valu (240 Carlton) and to Menagerie Pet Shop (549 Parliament) to take part in photo sessions with Cabbagetown pets.
Along the street, Santa also enjoyed a quick hello with Saturday shoppers.
Santa and Mrs Claus entertained young admirers at Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton)
The Ben Wicks (424 Parliament) was home once again to their wonderful annual musical extravaganza with The Sterling Brass.
On Christmas day, enjoy Peartree’s popular brunch from 10 am to 4 pm. They’re offering everything from classic eggs benedict to steak and eggs in an impressive menu. Call (416) 962-8190 for reservations. 
Siva and Ruth are again hosting their very popular Christmas Day dinner at Cranberries (601 Parliament). There are two seatings (5 pm and 7:30 pm). It’s a delicious three-course meal with an appetizer, then a turkey dinner with all the trimmings and finally dessert. All for only $24.99. Reservations are recommended at (416) 925-6330.
Patty has lots of Christmas desserts on hand – shortbreads, gingerbread, Dufflet’s mincemeat tarts and homemade mincemeat pies. This weekend, buy one of her Gift Baskets and save the tax. Over the holidays, Epicure Shop is closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day. On Christmas Eve, Patty is open from 7:30 am to 5 pm and next week from 8 am to 6:30 pm. 473 Parliament.
Barracuda (527 Parliament) is featuring handmade black ceramic cookware and pottery. Both are on sale at 40% off. Their popular line of Mexican glassware is also available at 20% off. And there are extra discounts on wine glasses and carafes. You can buy 4 wine glasses and a carafe at $50 (regularly $80) and 6 wine glasses and a carafe at $60 (regularly $100).
MJG Gallery's "Heroes" show continues through to the end of the month. Buy any original artwork created by owner Mark Gleberzon (up to December 31st) and receive a 20% discount with mention of this post! 416.923.4031. Wed-Sun 11-6. Closed Christmas Day. 555 Parliament St.
The design team at KENDALL & Co worked their holiday decorating magic to make sure that it’s looking a lot like Christmas in Cabbagetown. Click this link to see how the pros do it: 
The Ben Wicks – regular menu with dinner specials for the evening. No cover charge. DJ John begins the party at 9 pm. For details, click here: 
F’Amelia – five course dinner (two seatings: 5 to 7 pm and 7:30 pm onward) with a complimentary glass of Prosecco. For complete menu details, click here: 
The Flying Beaver Pubaret – a STARDUST evening. Three-course dinner with the McComedy Show (starring Shannon and Michael) followed by DJ Fawn to spin into 2012. For all the evening details, click here: 
House on Parliament –three or four-course dinners (two seatings: 5:30 and 8:30 pm) with a complimentary glass of Prosecco. Dunc’s Dance Party will break out spontaneously. 
JAMCafe - five course dinner highlighting Ontario foods and Niagara wines (two seatings: 6 and 8:30 pm). For complete menu details, click here: 
Peartree – three-course dinner with appetizers, mains and dessert. Prices range from $19.99 to $24.99. For complete menu details, click here: 
Stonegrill – regular service from 5 to 11 pm. No cover charges. For menu details and reservations, click here: 
Stout Irish Pub – the party starts at 8 pm, featuring party favours and midnight champagne. For all the details, click here: 
Winchester Kitchen & Bar – come early to eat and stay late to play. The Shuffle Demons are back. 
Johnny G’s, 478 Parliament, 416-928-1358
Wing Machine, 443 Parliament, 416-961-1000, 
Butter Chicken Factory, 556 Parliament (at Amelia), 416-964-7583 – Indian
Omi, 243 Carlton, 416-920-8991 – Japanese, 
Thai to Go, 452 Gerrard, 416-515-8424 – Thai, 
Friends and fans of The Cobourg (533 Parliament) are invited to tonight’s Cabbagetown Christmas – the best party east of Yonge Street. From 10 pm to closing. DJs Liem Bui and Tophey Caulfeld.
Once again, Santa is ready to pose with your pet. (Our photo shows him hard at work last weekend at Pet Valu.) This week, he visits Menagerie Pet Shop (549-553 Parliament) on Saturday from 1 to 4 pm. Pictures are only $10. Bring your pets. But be sure to bring your kids too - they’ll love Menagerie’s amazing collection of fish, birds and reptiles. It’s like a visit to the zoo.
Santa and Mrs Claus are at Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) on Saturday from noon to 2 pm. It’s a family event with lots of good activities for your kids. Be sure to bring a non-perishable food item for the food bank.
On Sunday, it’s the annual Christmas sing-a-long at The Ben Wicks (424 Parliament). The formal music is provided by the Sterling Brass. The lusty and loud singing comes from you, the audience. It’s a great time. 3 to 6 pm.
A Christmas Concert on Sunday from 3 pm at St Peter Anglican Church (188 Carlton). The concert is a fundraiser for the choir. Admission is $20.
St Jamestown Steak & Chops (516 Parliament) is now taking your orders for your Christmas turkeys. Tell Mark what you need and it’ll be ready by December 22. If you’re planning on alternative menus, check out his hams and his PEI prime ribs.
At Christmas, decorations play such an important part in our festivities. Order your table centerpieces for your own home and to take with you as a gift for your hosts. All sorts of fresh flowers are available for delivery in-town, out-of-town, or anywhere in the world. Simmons also has nice hostess gifts too! Open Christmas week, Monday to Saturday from 8:30 to 7:00 pm. 540 Parliament Street, 416.920.6580.
Shahina suggests Healthy Whey’s gift certificates (at $10, $20, $25 and $50) to introduce your family and friends to health supplements. She carries a wide variety for adults, children and pets. Popular names such as Genuine Health, Platinum, New Chapter, Flora and Sisu line the shelves. For all the boxers, dancers, cyclists, body builders and competitors out there, she has the Animal Line from Universal Products for nutrition for the serious athlete as well as Optimum Nutrition for strength and endurance. She’s recently added Omega Alpha’s natural pet care products for parasites, joint care, immune support, and stress relief. While you’re shopping, enter the draw to win a $150 gift basket full of pet care supplies. 250 Carlton.
Drop in to discover loads of bargains for your Christmas gifts. Denice (a life-long Cabbagetown resident who was born and raised here) can show you their specials and features. She particularly recommends the boots and footware currently in stock. 411 ½ Parliament
You’ll need lots of last minute supplies to finish your gift wrapping and your decorating. At Dollar4U (405 Parliament), they have a lot of choice at very reasonable prices.
Siva and Ruth are now preparing their annual Christmas Day feast. Cranberries (601 Parliament) has served a delicious three course turkey dinner annually and this year they’re doing it again. Understandably with this good food and cheery setting, they get a sell-out crowd, so reservations are needed for either the 5 pm or the 7:30 pm seating. $24.99. (416) 925-6330
Epicure Shop’s (474 Parliament) personalized baskets are a famous Christmas gift in Cabbagetown. You select your basket’s contents and Patty will create it for you – gourmet food items, cheeses, coffee and tea, gifts for children, and specialty desserts. On Saturday, one litre bottles of Frantoia Extra Virgin Olive Oil are on sale at $25 (save $7). Mini Pannettone are available, two for $5. And Patty has gourmet hot chocolate back in stock in four different flavours. It makes a great stocking stuffer or hostess gift.
The “Heroes” show continues at MJG Gallery (555 Parliament). There are 42 paintings based on the theme of Heroes: Real, Fictional & Close to Home, including Stev’nn Hall’s “Lee as Perseus”. It’s all original artwork with prices ranging from $149 to $4200. 11 am to 6 pm, Wednesday to Sunday.
Only 9 days until Christmas! To help you make things easy, check out our updated Online Holiday Guide highlighting our fantastic assortment of festive decorations, greeting cards, gift wrapping, fun stocking stuffers, secret Santa gift exchange, party hostess gifts, and the most spectacular must-haves. You’ll find servingware, glassware, coasters, platters, trays, cheese boards, carafes, wine buckets, wine accessories, ice holders, appetizer/desert dishes, teapots, tea towels, cocktail/dinner napkins, placemats, napkin holders and more, all in a fine selection of locally made and international designs. Beautiful to give and to keep. 541 Parliament 
On Thursday December 22 at 6:30 pm, Av is presenting a beer tasting and matching it with his specially prepared hors d’oeuvres. You’ll sample eight Belgian beers and a food suggestion with each. $30, reservations are recommended. JAMCafe, (416) 921-1255, 195 Carlton.
Only two weeks (9 business days!) left before Christmas, but there’s still time for you to squeeze in a project or two before the holiday season ends. A few spots are still available in the schedule for recording projects and CD/DVD duplication jobs and the staff will be more than happy to work with you to get your project done in time. Be sure to ask about the #9 Anniversary Sale and about the Price Match Guarantee. 
There’s a big clearance sale happening at the Shop (Winchester & Sumach) this weekend. 70% discounts available on most items. On Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm, fresh fruit pies are on sale at the Farm. There’s also a selection of gingerbread and sugar cookies plus handcrafts and Christmas decorations.