Friday 15 April 2011

Cabbagetown election debate
Four candidates in the federal election will debate the issues next Thursday night, April 21 at 8 pm at Central Neighbourhood House – 349 Ontario St (one-half block south of Gerrard). It’s a good opportunity to meet and assess our local representatives. They’ll speak briefly and then the floor will be open for your questions. These meetings are very lively and unpredictable and people tell us afterward that the event helps them to make a decision. Don’t miss this chance to put a personal face on the campaign. Coffee and cookies will be available. Thanks to our neighbours
Whenever an election happens here, four Cabbagetown groups get together to host a debate. The Cabbagetown BIA is proud to be a part of this – we work with the Aberdeen Ave Residents Group, the Cabbagetown South Association and the Don Vale Cabbagetown Residents Association. We hold our planning sessions at The Ben Wicks (424 Parliament) and we always appreciate Robert’s hospitality as well.

Thanks also to Central Neighbourhood House
This year, 2011, marks the 100th anniversary of CNH’s founding and for a century this remarkable agency has helped families, seniors, disabled people, people who need housing, young people and scores of others. People in need have always been able to count on CNH staff for support and encouragement. Our election meeting next week is in the gym at their headquarters at 349 Ontario St – come by, look around and say hello to a valuable and vital neighbour.

Saturday at Soup
On Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, Soup (603-1/2 Parliament, south of Wellesley) is holding its annual Spring sale. Lots of crafts, clothing, greeting cards, jewellery and more. This is becoming a favourite event in our neighbourhood. Several of the vendors are listed on the poster and you can get a good preview by going to their websites. While you’re at Soup on Saturday, grab some chocolate from Chocolate Clare – can’t be resisted.

Eclectisaurus is having a sale
Leslie’s annual spring event is happening this weekend. It’s a great occasion – you can save 30% on her art, antiques, housewares and other vintage goodies. Click here to see what she’s offering: http://www.eclectisaurus.com/ Saturday noon to 7 pm and Sunday noon to 6 pm. 249 Gerrard.

JAMcafe has another wine event
This tasting features seven lovely warm-climate wines from California’s Terra Valentine Winery and Rusden Wines from Australia’s Barossa Valley. They’re matched with seven of Av’s specially prepared hors d’oeuvres. JAM’s tastings frequently sell out so it’s advisable to make reservations (416-921-1255). You can see all the details about the wines and the food at http://www.jamcafe.net/ $50/person. 195 Carlton.

It’s Spring at Sweet Creamery
The weather is heating up and so is Emilio’s imagination. He’s produced three new flavours and we put them through our tough tasting test program. They’re delicious. So get over to Sweet Creamery (521 Parliament) and order your own: tres leches gelato cake, passion fruit with almond cream gelato cake, and fresh raspberry yogourt gelato.

Welcome to Ever Clean
Our landmark laundromat at 252 Carlton has been renovated, spiffied up and re-equipped. It’s open again for you with high efficiency Maytag 60 lb washers that can handle your largest duvets, sleeping bags and more. Open every day from 6 am to 10 pm.

Syrup at Epicure
The 2011 vintage maple syrup from Quebec has just arrived at The Epicure Shop (473 Parliament). Patty says it’s delicious and it’s a great gift for Easter and for parties. Just $9.99 for 550 ml. For the weekend, she also has brownies on special - buy one and get another at half price (guaranteed to have only one and a half calories as well!)

Easter and Passover flowers
Simmons (540 Parliament) has lovely, fresh seasonal blooms, all of which are a joy to receive at Easter and Passover. Tulips, iris, freesia, pussy willows and more. And you can give yourself a splash of seasonal colour at home as well. (416) 920-6580

Congratulations to three of our new restaurants
Merryberry (559 Parliament) has been getting rave reviews in local blogs. For a sample, check out what Toronto Coffee Shops said on February 2 - http://www.torontocoffeeshop.ca/merryberry-cabbage-town-gem/ Cyril and Nimmi have had a good start and there are even better things promising in their future with a nice back patio for the summer and a liquor licence coming soon. (Photo: Toronto Coffee Shops) Mylk Uncookies (253 Gerrard) had a very favourable mention in last week’s Toronto Star. “sweet, fresh, yummy” were the reviewer’s reactions. We agree. This agreeably bright spot is a refreshing addition to our Gerrard Street shopping strip. Click here for more: http://www.toronto.com/article/680018 (Photo: Colin McConnell, Toronto Star) Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) was also featured in The Star. They were especially happy with the food and the multitude of craft beers available to discerning sippers. http://www.toronto.com/article/681059 (Photo: Roger Carlsen)

The Cobourg sang…
Last Saturday, John Jay hosted his annual songfest at The Cobourg (533 Parliament). Revellers were invited to strut their stuff and the audience paid a modest $10 cover charge to enjoy the results. The funds earned that night were earmarked for a service agency that John feels makes a big contribution to Cabbagetown life.

This year, UforChange (517 Parliament) received $900. John made the presentation to them on Tuesday. UforChange believes that the experience of art and culture gives young people a better, stronger way to navigate into their future. They have a very impressive website at http://uforchange.org/

Display your treasures with style
Regina at Labour of Love (242 Carlton) is hosting a workshop on creative jewellery displays. It’s a one-hour, hands-on session where you’ll learn how to use random objects to show off your jewellery. The cost is $10 and this covers all the materials that you’ll use in your class. Wednesday, April 27, 6 to 7 pm. You can sign up in person or click on the website to send an email: http://www.thelabouroflove.ca/

Time matters at Kendall
Kendall has a clock to keep you in sync. The exposed gears move together in time. You can put one on a table or mount a series of them on a wall. This is just one item among the many featured in their current sale. Up to 50% off on housewares, accessories and garden décor. www.kendallandco.ca/fyi/shop/weeklyspecial/ 438 Parliament across from Spruce.

Temporada
Momentum Dance Toronto presents a collection of works and a special guest performance that use the four seasons as a metaphor for the seasons of a life. April 27 to 30 at 8 pm with a matinee on Saturday April 30 at 2 pm. Tickets are $25 and are available at the box office, at (416) 556-5449 and online at http://www.momentumdancetoronto.com/ Winchester Dance Theatre, 80 Winchester.