Big screens in C’town
Yup – Super Bowl is time for a fun crowd and a really big screen. So try The Ben Wicks (424 Parliament), Stout (221 Carlton), Athena (488 Parliament), House on Parliament (456 Parliament) and Cranberries (601 Parliament). All of them have great game-time munchies as well as a genial atmosphere and good brews. Yes, we all have favourite teams that we’re betting on – but here’s a harder question. What are your odds that the coin toss at the start of the game will come up heads?

Super Bowl this weekend
Patty’s got what you need for a great football party. Her baba ghanou and her spinach dip are both on sale at 99c/100g. She’s got lots more dips, spreads, pates, cheeses, nachos and desserts. You know that you can’t lose when you’re playing with Epicure Shop. 473 Parliament.

Musicent has a weekend workshop
Sharon Lee Williams at Musicent (555 Parliament) is holding a Hidden Treasure Weekend Workshop for musicians ages 16 and up on February 12 and 13. Musicent is a leading coaching facility specializing in pop, hip hop and R&B. They help to cultivate your skills for both live and in-studio performances. These workshops are small group experiences where students can safely open up, expand and advance in their skill development. For more information, visit http://www.musicent.com/ and click on the Workshop button.

Whiskey at Big Mamma’s Boy
Caroline’s hosting a whiskey tasting on Monday, February 7 at 7 pm. There’ll be three single malts and a bourbon to enjoy. Add on a four-course meal and it’s a must-attend event for all whiskey lovers. $65/each. (416) 927-1593 for reservations. 554 Parliament

New vegetarian sandwiches
They’re on the menu now at Mylk Uncookies (253 Gerrard). Toni and Elaine have had lots of requests for them. Stop in and try one, then wash it down with a glass of house-made organic almond mylk. They recommend that you try your mylk in a cappuccino, a latte or a hot chocolate.

Diggity Dog at Pet Valu
Marilyn is back at Pet Valu (240 Carlton) on Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm to do her nail trimming for your pets. She’s been doing some work on Don Taggart’s dog Dudley – he’s just had a bath and a pawdicure. (Anybody who’s visited Nettleship Hardware knows that Dudley is a real charmer.) She’s reminding us that our dogs need to have their nails neatly trimmed in winter when they’re wearing their boots outdoors. Marilyn also trims nails for cats, rabbits and guinea pigs. It’s a bargain at $10.

Congratulations Merryberry
Cyril must be pleased with the warm reception that he’s had as Merryberry opens its doors. Across Cabbagetown, people have been very complimentary of his playful décor, warm hospitality and satisfying menu. Merryberry has just had a great review in the Toronto Coffee blog, http://www.torontocoffeeshop.ca/merryberry-cabbage-town-gem/

The Health Service Centre
Carol reports that their line of juicers has become a popular favourite. You can see for yourself at http://www.juicers4life.com/. She recommends that you check out the info on the Hurom Juicers and there’s a Youtube video there for your enjoyment. 489 Parliament.

Neighbours for 100 Years
Central Neighbourhood House has been serving our community for a century. To celebrate, they’re holding events across eastern Toronto throughout the year. Their first free community event happens here in Cabbagetown. It’s a Winter Festival on Sunday February 13 in Riverdale Park from noon to 3 pm. There’ll be games, horse & carriage rides, toboggan rides and food and warm drinks. Save the date.

It must be Valentine’s. Things are getting sexier around here…

Kendall & Co have a love guide ...
It’s a Valentine’s Day Gift Guide – click here to view it http://kendallandco.ca/fyi/shop/love/ You’ll find heart shaped keepsake boxes, handmade jewelry, vases, candles, organic spa products, and lots more. All of it can be beautifully gift wrapped for you. 438 Parliament across from Spruce.

And Daniel et Daniel want you to have breakfast in bed with two French guys...
Just order their "Breakfast in Bed” Valentine’s special. Their menu tells the whole story. To order your own, visit the food shop at 248 Carlton.

And at Labour of Love ...
Valentine’s is a big day (of course – with a name like this!). Regina has a wide range of Valentines and anti-Valentines cards plus a “Love Me Tender” music box. 242 Carlton.

Make a reservation at your favourite place.
Valentine is a busy holiday. We’re gathering menus for the special evenings that our restaurants will be offering next weekend for your Valentine’s enjoyment. We’ll list them here next week. Watch for details.

What a holiday!
We mentioned several times that Mark from St James Town Steak & Chops enjoyed a well-earned holiday a few days ago. He went to Florida and then on a cruise through the Caribbean. Of course, he took along his Cabbagetown Tee shirt. And he wore it when his family toured NASA’s Florida facilities.