Friday, 25 February 2011

Saturday’s Cabbagetown Square Dance
The ROTM square dance at St Simon Church (Parish Hall, 525 Bloor) happens on Saturday, February 26 from 6 to 10 pm. A cash bar and food are available as well. Music and calling are provided by Al Calhoun and Whiskey Jack. Tickets are available at the door. Inside Toronto has done a very informative article on ROTM’s program and its importance for our community in St James Town: http://www.insidetoronto.com/community/education/article/956631--reaching-out-to-children-of-st-james-town For ten dollars, you can enjoy a great evening and lend a lot of support to this important initiative.

Just open – The Winchester Kitchen & Bar
Congrat’s to the new Winchester Kitchen & Bar – just opened at 51A Winchester, above the Stonegrill. This promises to be a great addition to our neighbourhood and the staff are already planning ways to welcome Cabbagetown groups for special events in their spacious room. There’s a great Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Winchester-kitchen-bar/149108431809108?sk=info and a handy website at http://www.winchesterkitchen.com/. The room has kept its classic Art Nouveau design while introducing modern features throughout. The same is true for its menu – comfort foods with a modern sensibility. You’re invited to drop in on Wednesday, March 2 from 7 pm when they host a Grand Opening party with complimentary nibbles and bites.

So, you want some quick and easy pasta
Patty at The Epicure Shop (473 Parliament) has everything you need. This weekend, she has virgin olive oil from Italy at $9.99 (save $5 litre) and a new supply of ready-made scrumptious tomato sauce at $2.99/bottle (save $2 each). Of course, you can also get a full range of pastas. And when you need something sweet, she has Ontario maple syrup from the memorable 2010 vintage at $7.99 (for more savings of $2 each).

Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum
Last week, the museum opened an exhibition about policing in our neighbourhood from Victorian to modern times. It’s located in the lobby of 51 Division (51 Parliament). The ceremony included an appearance by Chief Bill Blair who has deep personal roots in our area where he walked the beat as a young officer in the 1970s. The public is welcome to view the exhibit and to check out the amazing lobby space at 51 Division.

CNH’s Third Annual Scrabble Tournament of Words
Central Neighbourhood House (349 Ontario) is hosting its third annual Scrabble tournament on Saturday March 26. They’re giving lots of advance notice so you can gather up your team (4 people) and collect your pledges ($25 per person). There’ll be prizes for the highest score and also for the person who collects the highest pledges. For more info, go to the new CNH website at http://www.cnh.on.ca/

Fair Trade Jewelry
Ryan Taylor’s FTJco (523 Parliament) has been highlighted as a retailer of special note in NOW magazine. The current issue has a great story about Ryan’s “ethics and eco-friendliness” as a fair trade jeweler and his wonderful designs and craftsmanship. http://www.nowtoronto.com/lifestyle/stores-story.cfm?content=179316# He’s also been collecting attention for his unique status as the only fairtrade-certified jeweler in North America and he recently appeared on CBC’s Hear And Now to talk about the meaning of this approach to his business.

More fun at Labour of Love
Regina has turned her attention to our four-legged feline friends with lovely results. Created by two industrial designers from Montreal, her cat tepee features a little home that can be decorated with different features so you can select and change your favourites – a dream catcher, feather, tomahawk, eagle and a bull’s head. Only $29. More details at http://www.thelabouroflove.ca/ 242 Carlton.

Kendall & Co
This week, Kendall is featuring a Bergere chair that’s a beautiful marriage of form and function. Check out their upholstery services where you can adapt their design ideas or develop a style all of your own. For more ideas, go to their website: www.kendallandco.ca/fyi/design/custom. 438 Parliament, just across from Spruce.

Host your party at Mylk Uncookies
Toni and Elaine have plans for your special event. Their room is a very pretty space that’s ideal for small and medium sized gatherings. Special occasion liquor permits can be arranged for you as well. Some groups have already been booking their meetings here. For more info, drop in and have a coffee (and a brownie – personally tested and highly recommended) while you discuss your arrangements. 253 Gerrard

Foxy has a huge sale
Michelle has announced that her store will close in mid-March. It’s a sad move but she’s determined to leave with a big splash. Her inventory is now on sale at deep discounts – up to 75% off during her closing sale. There’s a lot of stuff in store right now so you’ll be sure to find lots of good bargains. Handbags, sexy heels, comfy flats, new jewelry and lots more. Foxy Boutique, 251 Gerrard.

Butter Chicken gets NOW’s nod
NOW Magazine has given the Butter Chicken Factory (556 Parliament) a favourable review in their recent issue. “Virtually every subcontinental kitchen in town does a version of butter chicken but only this Cabbagetown cantina prepares three different versions…” Read the whole article at http://www.nowtoronto.com/food/story.cfm?content=179185#