Chairman’s Awards winnersOur 2011 Chairman’s Awards evening was a success. The winners are listed below. But first, a few upcoming events and announcements …
Cabbagetown Block Party
It happens next weekend, Saturday June 18 from noon to 5pm along Prospect Street west of Parliament and in the Winchester School yard.It’s a big talent show and basketball shoot-out. A stage will be set up at Prospect and Parliament and kids in two age categories will compete in the talent show. Judges are Cabbagetown’s own Sharon Lee Williams (Musicent, 555 Parliament) and Zack Werner (regularly seen at Jet Fuel and Stout Irish Pub – and on Canadian Idol). Over at the school, 20 teams of girls and boys will compete in 3-on-3 basketball tournament. There’ll be prizes and glory for the winners and lots of fun for everyone.
The BIA is proudly joining the Cabbagetown Youth Centre and UforChange with this program.
A big beef tasting
Last Sunday, Mark at St Jamestown Steak & Chops (516 Parliament) hosted an unusual and very pleasant beef tasting. The challenge was to rate dry aged and wet aged prime roast beef. So, of course, he threw a big dinner complete with olive oil sampling, smoked salmon prepared in his own kitchen, wines from Niagara and Prince Edward County and a lovely cheesecake dessert. He invited about a dozen self-confessed “foodies” who blog about their experiences. 
Here’s what one of them, Stella, had to say (these are her photos-thanks): http://www.foodjunkiechronicles.com/2011/06/steak-tasting-at-st-jamestown-steaks.html
Dinner at MerryBerry
Cyril and Nimmi at Merryberry (559 Parliament) keep expanding. Now they’re offering dinner. On Tuesday and Wednesday, they’re open to 8 pm, on Thursday Friday and Saturday to 9:30 pm and on Sunday to 5 pm. Their patio is open at the back, their liquor license is in place, they have great weekend brunches and they’re serving dinners. They’ve been very careful about their progress since they opened, making sure that they have each step under control before advancing to the next one. That’s why they’ve kept such good quality in their food and service. The Epicure Shop has lots more cheese
Niagara Gold and Comfort Cream have just arrived back in stock from Niagara’s Upper Canada Cheese. They’re both proud products from happy cows. Patty also has her latest shipment of Buffalo Mozzarella. For the summer season, she’s offering her own grilled vegetables and fresh fruit salad. 473 ParliamentFather’s Day
Regina at Labour of Love (242 Carlton) has a nice line of gift items – last week we told you about her movie stars cufflinks. She has more. And she’s brought in a fresh line of Father’s Day cards as well. Check it all out at www.thelabouroflove.caWe Read
This is an exciting new cooperative program between the Cabbagetown Youth Centre, Free the Children and the Parliament Street Library. Volunteers from Free the Children are mentoring kids (in the grades 1 to 4 age range) who can benefit from a regular reading program. Each child gets a dedicated mentor. The Library is providing the space. The first event was held last Thursday night and it’ll continue every Thursday (5:30 to 6:30 pm) until August 18. To register a child, contact June Charles at june.charles@cabbagetownyouth.caSpace is filling up
Abraham Diles is the owner of the lovely renovated spaces at 550 and 552 Parliament, across from the gas station. He’s got tenants for some of the space and still has a ground floor location and upstairs offices available. If you’re interested in these spots, you can contact him at (416) 704-2625.Kendall has moved
They’re in 541 Parliament which is actually on Winchester across from the Tim Hortons. It’s great to have them in this space – it’s a natural for them and good for the neighbourhood to have it filled so beautifully. To celebrate, they’re offering a 20% discount on all their indoor and outdoor rugs. These are handmade and fair trade. For lots more information, visit http://kendallandco.ca/fyi/shop/outdoor-rugsNumber 9’s new C Bechstein Concert Grand Piano
A few weeks ago, we told you that Number 9 Recording Studio (222 Gerrard) had purchased a new piano. They’ve sent us a link to a great video by David Myers playing on it for his new album Genesis on Piano. Click hear to see and listen, http://www.number9.ca:80/genesis-on-number-9s-piano/And now, the Chairman’s Awards
Every year, Cabbagetown BIA members enjoy a sociable evening together. We gossip, eat and drink moderately, brag about ourselves and give out awards to a handful of members who have achieved noteworthy accomplishments in the past year. On Wednesday night, we got together in the Winchester Kitchen & Bar (51A Winchester) for this year’s edition.
Here’s a list of the 2011 winners and their fine deeds. They’re divided into two groups – those who have made significant renovations and those with outstanding business achievements:
Renovations
Outstanding new building – George Foulidis for the TD Bank building at Carlton and Parliament
Significant major renovations – Tania and Beau for House on Parliament, 454 Parliament
Street beautification – the Prospect Street Garden Team (Dave Johnston represented them) for the new garden at Prospect and ParliamentExcellent neighbourhood improvement – Toni and Elaine for Mylk Uncookies at 253 Gerrard (regrets that a family event conflicted with our evening.)
Business activities
Outstanding new restaurant – Cyril and Nimmi for Merryberry Café & Bistro, Parliament
Exciting new business – Erin for Stout Irish Pub, 221 Carlton
Excellent customer service – Levanna for Menagerie Pet Shop, 549 Parliament
Best window arrangements – Regina for Labour of Love, 242 Carlton
Attracting people to Cabbagetown – Megan (on behalf of Heather and Maggie) for The Flying Beaver Pubaret, 488 ParliamentBusiness Improvement of the Year – Young Thailand, 446 Parliament (regrets were sent)
Our hosts
Thanks to Anesti, Michael and the staff at Winchester Kitchen & Bar (51A Winchester) for the fine evening. This room works well for medium and larger parties (we had about 85 people there). Private events are an important part of their efforts.
