Our newest restaurant, F’Amelia (12 Amelia), has been very favourably reviewed in Post City Magazine. It’s a real bonus for all of Cabbagetown - Post City’s coverage extends well north of us into Leaside, Rosedale and other north Toronto neighbourhoods. Congratulations to John, Todd and the other staff there. For reservations, call (416) 323-0666. Photo courtesy of Post City. Click here to read the full review: http://www.postcity.com/Eat-Shop-Do/Eat/September-2011/First-Look-FAmelia-bringing-northern-Italian-cuisine-to-Cabbagetown/index.phpTwo events at JAMcafe
JAM (195 Carlton) hosts a Professional Wine & Cheese Pairing with guest fromager Scott McKenzie. Wedenesday, September 28, 6:30 pm. It’s a guided tasting of fine domestic and international cheeses with expert help on wine pairings from Ontario, Spain and Italy. For lots more detail, check JAM’s website: www.jamcafe.net/events $50 (including tax and gratuity). Reservations are recommended at (416) 921-1255.
Through October, Cabbagetown author Paul Kropp is host at four evening conversations about the Italian renaissance art of Botticelli, Leonardo and Michelangelo. Along with the discussions, you can enjoy Italian wines and matching appetizers prepared by JAM’s Av Atikian. It’s a bargain - $50 for four evenings or $20 per session. October 4, 11, 18, and 25 from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. For reservations, call (416) 921-1255. For more details, visit http://www.renaissance-art.blogspot.com/Biko is back at Labour of Love
Toronto designer Biko has a new jewelry collection called “Girls Club”. Regina says that it’ll knock off your woolly socks this Fall. It features polished and raw pyrite, oversized tourmaline boulders and slices of naturally faceted quartz and agate, all in her signature juxtaposition of feminine/industrial or soft/hard. Regina is also prepping a clothing trunk show for October so stop by the store to get a catalogue and a sneak peak at the trunk. http://www.thelabouroflove.ca/ 242 Carlton.Fall rugs at Kendall & Co
Kendall & Co (541 Parliament) has stunning New Zealand wool, fair trade rugs in 4X6”, 6X6” and larger sizes. Purchase any one of them and receive a free 2X3’ rug of your choice. This offer expires at the end of September, so get to the store now. Check out the designs at http://www.kendallandco.ca/fyi/retail/newest-rug-collection/Small but pleasant fix-ups
We’ve seen several nice improvements along Parliament and Carlton during the summer and now that the Festival is over, I have a chance to mention them and congratulate the businesses.
The Ben Wicks (424 Parliament) did a very nice makeover earlier in the summer. They’ve placed a row of Ben Wicks cartoons around their front wall and added a nifty new sign at the sidewalk. As always, Robert also makes sure that the big Trudeau artwork is kept clean and free of graffiti.
Cabbagetown Organics (499 Parliament) has a new awning. It’s part of the general renovations that the building’s owner has been doing at this address for more than a year. It’s now a very handsome three-story structure with black trimmed windows, brickwork that matches the bank building next door and a pleasant retail façade.
Daniel et Daniel (248 Carlton) have finished their painting and added a new awning. Their neighbours at Reinhart Macmillan (244 Carlton) and The Healthy Whey (250 Carlton) have also been refinished. It’s a dramatic change.
Starbucks (492 Parliament) has a new side patio along Aberdeen. Although it only holds nine seats, it’s a welcome addition. There were several bureaucratic hurdles to clear which Starbucks handled well. They also made sure that the local neighbourhood supports the seating. In Cabbagetown, we’re handicapped by our narrow sidewalks which prevent local restaurants from adding patio space – so even a small area like Starbucks’ patio is important.We also have nice progress at a couple of other sites. HomeLife Realty will soon finish their work on their office expansion at 503 Parliament. The fire site (and the former home of the HOP at 456 Parliament) is stirring to life as well – the owners have been filing applications for building permits to renovate the basement restaurant area, fix the upper apartments and add new units along the rear lane.
Last minute reminder
Central Neighbourhood House is sponsoring the Jump Back Ball tomorrow night. Tickets are $110. It’s a fundraiser for a valuable community agency and it’s well worth your support. For more information, visit their web site: http://www.cnh.on.ca/Congrat’s to the Tour of Homes
Helen Coltrinari tells us that the 2011 Tour was a great success. Certainly the selection of homes and the preparations for the big day were well handled. The next big CPA event is the Ghost Tour on Sunday October 30 - watch here for details.
