Introducing MJG Gallery
Mark Jeremey Gleberzon has opened his new gallery at 555 Parliament. He plans to use this space for his own art, for guest artists and for teaching and social events with Cabbagetown neighbours. Mark has been painting for twenty years and his work has been shown locally at One Of A Kind, Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition, The Artist Project, the Queen Street West Art Crawl and many other venues and he’s shown his work in Ottawa, New York, Chicago and Vancouver. You can see his paintings at http://www.markgleberzon.com/ and he’s on Facebook at MJG Gallery
It’s a Cabbagetown classic
This year marks the 20th anniversary for the Cabbagetown Short Film & Video Festival. Save the date – Friday September 9 at 8 pm, Winchester Street Theatre. Featuring 16 films from around the world and around the corner – from Canada, Israel, Slovenia, Spain, Poland, the UK and the USA. Tickets are $15. Advance tickets at the BIA Office (237 Carlton) and at the box office (80 Winchester) from 7 pm on September 9.
Fixing up Carlton Street
Daniel et Daniel are sprucing up their façade with fresh paint and more new colours. It’s part of a general renewal that they’re undertaking. They’ve already given the Food Shop (248 Carlton) an interior makeover. They’re also adding fresh paint to Reinhart MacMillan (244 Carlton) and Healthy Whey (250 Carlton). New benches and flower boxes are en route as well. All of this matches the appearance that they’ve given to their website, http://www.danieletdaniel.ca/
K & C Co
Ahmed Ktaech, Kimberley Gignac and Laurence MacSween are the core team at K & Co, our new neighbour at 179 Carlton. They have an experience design firm that creates, imagines and redevelops brand experiences for better customer engagements. Their client list is impressive, ranging from Delisle Youth Services, Second Clothing Company, the TTC, Sears, Modasuite, Zenporium Furnishings and Accessories, the Ontario NDP and the B & R Club. Last year, they contributed significantly to Joe Pantalone’s mayoralty campaign. You can check them out at http://www.kandco.ca/
Michael Caplan at The Underdown
The Underdown Pub (263 Gerrard at Berkeley) has one of the best music programs in Cabbagetown. Someone is featured every night. On Saturday August 27, Michael Caplan is there, singing his Sweet Hurtin’ Songs and accompanied by Steve Grant and Bill Coleman. 9:30 pm to 1 am. No cover.
Vintage and modern at Kendall
Kendall has hand picked vintage finds like these antique work lamps. They add charm and warmth to your home, especially when paired with modern new accents. Kendall and Co also have tickets for the 2011 Tour of Homes. As a special bonus, when you buy your ticket, you can enjoy a special 15% discount on all of their regularly priced accents and accessories. It’s also the store to buy your Cabbagetown Tee-shirt. 541 Parliament, entrance off Winchester.
It’s a busy weekend at The Flying Beaver
Paul Bellini returns with his Flatus Film Festival – see clips that have never before been seen and were never meant to be seen. On Saturday and Sunday, Jessica Kirson, the funniest comic on the planet, is here. On Sunday from 11 to 3, it’s brunch time. 488 Parliament. Info at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/
Double Take at the Cabbagetown Festival
Kathy Webster, the manager at YSM’s Double Take (310 Gerrard), has announced their Festival line-up. They’ll be part of the parade, offering clowns and free balloons along the way. At the store during the day on Saturday from noon to 4 pm, they’re planning a special sidewalk sale with lots of goodies available for just a buck or two. Since 1999, Double Take has earned a reputation as Toronto’s best outlet for gently used clothing, furniture and housewares.
Parliament Street Writers at the Festival The Parliament Street Writers meet every Monday at 6:30 pm at the Parliament Library (269 Gerrard) to encourage and work with each other along the road to publication. This year, they’re hosting a reading at The Flying Beaver (488 Parliament) during the Festival – Sunday September 11 at 7 pm. Novels, poems, memoirs and short stories are all on the agenda. New members are welcome.
2011 Tour of Homes
Mark this date on your calendars – Sunday September 18, noon to 4 pm. The Tour offers six exciting homes for your viewing. Ticket holders can also receive special discounts and offers from ten local restaurants and businesses. You can buy your tickets ($30) locally at Mi Casa (238 Carlton), Kendall & Co (541 Parliament) and the BIA Office (237 Carlton). Visit the website to learn about other ticket vendors and the Paypal system: http://www.cabbagetownpa.ca/Pages/08NewsEvents.html
Don’t forget to buy a Tee
Brenda and Kelly look terrific in their new shirts. You can too. Drop in to Labour of Love (242 Carlton), Kendall & Co (541 Parliament), Del Ray Cleaners (586 Parliament) and the BIA Office (237 Carlton). They’re available in green and brown, the usual sizes, $15/ea or two for $25.
Welcome, Aurelie
Aurelie Lasserre lives in Switzerland and last week, she visited family here in Cabbagetown. During her trip, she traveled to the shores of Lake Huron and modeled her new Cabbagetown Tee while there. Her new Tee is back home with her now and we’re left with this nice photo as a souvenir of her time with us. We hope she’ll be back soon.
The Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre (509 Parliament) is one of three finalists nominated for the prestigious Arts for Youth award from the Toronto Arts Foundation. It’s given to organizations that have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to engaging Toronto youth in the arts. The final selection will be announced in October.
These decorative handmade glass fish vessels are incredibly beautiful. You can fill them with long-stem flowers, put bath salts in them at the tub, stash your necklaces in them on your dresser or just let them be accents on a table. Check out the school of fish and other new arrivals at 
A lovely bride and a shy groom. Warm evening breezes. A welcoming drink and a irresistible buffet dinner. I once attended such an event – and every time the groom had to speak, including during the ceremony, he fainted dead away. Regina at Labour of Love (242 Carlton) has a new line of wedding cards for just such occasions. Go to 
Quebec’s Alex de Portneuf won this title. He makes the double cream brie that Patty is featuring this weekend at Epicure Shop (473 Parliament). She also has three new varieties of homemade gluten-free cookies available. Good reasons to stop by.
Michael McLean hosts the new WinJester Bucket of Comedy every Thursday night from 9 pm. This week, it’ll be followed by DJ Dr with dancing and Latin beats. There’ll be special guests, lots of drink specials and great food. No cover charge. 51A Winchester. 
The new restauarant at 12 Amelia has been undergoing extensive reno’s and the menu is being firmed up rapidly. John reports that the new executive chef is Maurizia Verga and he’ll be preparing six fresh pastas made daily, housemade sausages and charcuterie, fish and beef dishes. They’ve installed a Mugnaini wood burning pizza oven and it’s ready to go. A short while ago, they launched a pizza search – they want your favourite suggestion and if it’s chosen for the menu, they’ll give you a free pizza and name your item after your street. Go to the website to enter the contest – 
Don Taggart from Nettleship Hardware (576 Parliament) has just finished painting the exterior of the BIA Office (237 Carlton). Check it out – he’s done a great job. We had been delayed by lease negotiations in our plans to spruce up our office and so our exterior was getting really run down. Once the new lease was settled, we gave the work to Don. If you need advice about paint or a contact with someone to do the work, call Nettleship. Their specialty is paint and they’re very good at it.
Toni & Elaine are featured in a recent article in Torontoist.com. Mylk Uncookies is their lovely coffee shop at 253 Gerrard and it’s reviewed very favourably. You can check out the article here: 
People have been asking about buying our flag. We’re happy to announce that we've just received more inventory. They’re back and they’re here for you. (The photo shows Christopher Dew proudly waving it on top of Mount Kilimanjaro – this flag gets around.) Email us at 
As you can easily see, the building where Grasshopper and the House on Parliament used to be located is now under construction. The owners are repairing the damage done by the fire in October 2009 and they’re preparing to build new housing units at the back. Considerable effort will be made to preserve and improve the historic façade. When details are ready, we’ll publish them here.
The new construction at the former Grasshopper is under way. Unfortunately, we’re losing the Grasshopper so this work can be done. Gina has always been a good local business person. Her bar was funky and relaxed and for her customers, it was always a welcoming place. She’ll be traveling to China for a visit and after that, she’ll decide what she wants to do. Best wishes, Gina.
Last week, we told you about our new tasting event that launches the Cabbagetown Festival on Thursday, September 8.
Your ticket for the event is only $10 and it buys a tasting at four spots. Tickets, posters and flyers have been distributed to the participating restaurants. When you visit your favourite place, be sure to buy your tickets.
This year, the area from Parliament to Ontario along Gerrard will be added to the Festival. You won’t want to miss their events. Hands On Exotic will be displaying their exotic birds and animals. Cabbagetown Pet Clinic will have supplies for you. Eclectisaurus, Kiden’s Thrifty and the Children’s Book Bank will be on display.
Last year, dog owners from Cabbagetown brought their pooch and strutted their stuff in the parade. We had special souvenirs and a neighbourhood dog show at Pet Valu (240 Carlton).
Patty has two summer time favourites for you this week at The Epicure Shop (473 Parliament). Buffalo mozzarella has just arrived, fresh off the plane from Italy. And her roast beef from Montreal (no preservatives) is on special at $2.49/100g
Catherine Tammaro, Inge Vanderneulen and Clayton Langstaff will be showing their art at the Parliament Street Library (269 Gerrard) throughout September. Their opening reception takes place on September 17 from 1 to 3 pm. Their works include photographs, paintings, drawings, mixed media and assemblage.
Every Wednesday is Lobsterpalooza – one and a quarter pound dinner for only $19.95. Thursdays are Wing Ding night (only $5.99 for a full pound) and Sundays are mussels specials. On Sundays, from 11 am, try out the super yummy and affordable brunch. 488 Parliament.
The Ben Wicks (424 Parliament) has “an intimate feel…it’s a great place to relax away from the noise on the street”. You should “try the chocolate Guinness cake for dessert.”
As the summer winds down, enjoy every last hour of al fresco living with fragrant 3-wick candle vessels. Available in assorted colours. Each 10-oz candle burns for approx 65 hrs. And after the candles go out, pop the lid on and leave it out for another night of revelry. Check them out at 
Ana Espinosa (left) teaches at the University of Alicante in Spain. She’s in Toronto to do a study of BIA’s here. Of course, Cabbagetown is on her list. At the end of an hour-long discussion, we gave her a small Cabbagetown flag as a souvenir of her visit. She and her husband Stefan then toured the neighbourhood before setting out to the Distillery area. Patty Junior (right) joined us for the photo op.
Just to whet your appetite – here’s a list of our plans so far:
The Festival is a wonderful place to support our neighbourhood. Events throughout the day bolster the efforts made by volunteers and organizations working in St James Town, Regent Park and Cabbagetown.
Our new Tees are now available for you at two local stores – Labour of Love (242 Carlton) and Kendall & Co (541 Parliament). Our friends at Del Ray Cleaners (586 Parliament) are on holidays until next week and when they return, they’ll have a supply as well. Drop in and buy a few for yourself - $15/each.
Patty has a new supply of Kozlick’s Mustard – an all-Canadian product that comes in six delicious flavours. She also has new white cheddar bread sticks from Fred’s Breads – you can enjoy a free sampling throughout this weekend at the store. 473 Parliament.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of Central Neighbourhood House. To celebrate, the neighbours living around CNH are joining with them to host a street party on Sunday August 14. There’ll be lemonade, watermelon, iced tea, sandwiches and Popsicles. Ontario Street (south from Gerrard) will be closed for the event and artists and artisans will display and sell their goods. 1 to 6 pm
Omi (241 Carlton) has become a success in Cabbagetown’s restaurant scene and a favourite for everyone who loves John’s Gangster Sushi. Post City blog has just done an excellent review. Click here to read it: 
Kendall & Co’s designer James Fobert relaxes with Johnny Pearl from Cabbagetown Carpentry after a tough day working on the store’s new signage. They’re enjoying a Buffalo Leather Sadari Double Recliner with matching ottomans. Now available. 541 Parliament, just east on Winchester.
The Me to We Store (223 Carlton) sells sustainably produced, sweatshop-free fashions. They’re currently featuring lovely Africa Tees by Jessi Cruikshank. This is her third design for Me To We – it pays tribute to the traditional geometric beadwork and brilliant colours of Maasai design. For every Tee sold, Me To We will donate a tree to the Maasai Mari region in Kenya.
Toronto Dance Theatre and The School of Toronto Dance Theatre (80 Winchester) are working on their building as part of a long-term renovation that will see these facilities upgraded and improved over the next eighteen months. We’ve been asked to pass along the notice that Winchester Street will be closed next Wednesday from 7 am to 4:30 pm from Metcalfe to Sackville. A crane will be used to install HVAC equipment on the roof. Cars parked here will be towed.
Our pal, Eric Morse, serves as the official photographer for the Spitfires Wheelchair International Basketball Tournament with players appearing from Mexico, Japan, the USA and Canada. The event took place last weekend at Etobicoke’s Olympium. Everyone there was exposed to Eric in his splendid Cabbagetown Tee. Those who envy this Tee are out of luck – it’s now available only as an antique on eBay. Eric, however, isn’t available there.