We’re winnersIt’s time to brag shamelessly. Our Cabbagetown News has just been given the 2011 TABIA Communications Award. TABIA (Toronto Area BIAs) is the umbrella association for 72 BIAs across Toronto. It’s a real pleasure for us to receive this honour from people who are our peers and who appreciate the work that goes into a newsletter like ours. Thanks as well to our Board of Management, to the Cabbagetown BIA members and all our readers - your support has helped enormously.
The ceremony took place at St Lawrence Hall last Wednesday. Our award photo is a bit fuzzy, but so what – many people in the Hall were just as blurry by this time!
And here’s a quick reminder. We need your stories. To send us your announcement and pictures, just email us at doug@oldcabbagetown.com
Shop local for your Hallowe’en stuff …
This is the weekend to stock up for the big Monday night rush. Cabbagetown’s Hallowe’en is incredible – houses are decorated, pumpkins appear at every home and hundreds of little kids run from door to door collecting their goodies. For a couple of hours after sunset, the streets are full of magic and life. To help you get ready, here’s list of who’s got what.
Double Take (310 Gerrard) has the mother lode for all costume and decorating supplies. Whatever you want, it’s here.Start with your pumpkins
There’s a good supply of our favourite Hallowe’en decorations all along Parliament Street
Jamestown Milk (592 Parliament at Wellesley)
Parliament Smoke (609 Parliament at Wellesley)
Fairway Variety (520 Parliament at Winchester)
Mini Mart (460 Parliament just south of Carlton)Decorations, costumes and candy
Dollar4U (405 Parliament)
The Bargain Store (429 Parliament)
Shopper’s Drug Mart (467 Parliament)Not one, but two parties at Stout
Hallowe’en will be a special occasion at Stout (221 Carlton) . On Saturday afternoon, Erin is inviting kids of all ages to drop by for a special party. There’ll be loot bags and prizes for the best costumes and the funniest costumes plus a colouring contest and lots of games. Noon to 2 pm.
On Saturday night from 8 pm, there’ll be a grown-up party with costume prizes, iron stein contest, trivia contests and games. Craft beers will include $5 Devils Pale Ale, Pumpkin Ale and Golden Horseshoe. Tickets are $10 and the proceeds go to the Toronto SPCA.www.stoutirishpub.ca
Hallowe’en at The Ben Wicks
The Ben Wicks is holding its Hallowe’en party on Friday October 28 with live music by Anything Goes. It starts at 8 pm, there’ll be prizes for the best costume, good food and good drinks. Save the date. No cover charge. www.benwicks.com 423 Parliament.Desserts for little kids (and big ones)
Patty at Epicure Shop (474 Parliament) is loading up with dessert for Hallowe’en. She has cookies from Dufflet and tarts from Phipps and she has lots of her homemade gingerbreads as well..
Spook-tacular at Labour of Love
To celebrate Hallowe’en, Regina’s displaying jewellery by Elaine Ho. Drop by and browse (if you dare.) For more info, click on www.thelabouroflove.ca 242 Carlton.10th Absolutely Vintage Clothing Sale
Once again, Leslie from Eclectisaurus (249 Gerrard) is holding her vintage sale, together with her friends Angela McCool and Gadabout. It happens on Saturday (from 10 am to 5 pm) at the Maple Cottage, 62 Laing Street. They’re featuring men and women’s vintage clothing from the 1890s to the 1970s, pls costume jewellery, textiles and accessories. www.eclectisaurus.comIt’s haunted at Daniel et Daniel
The Food Shop (248 Carlton) is full of spooks, ghosts, skeletons, bats and pumpkins – all scary and really delicious. The Food Shop also has a wide selection of cakes and tarts in Fall flavours. MJG Gallery
Mark is still offering his life drawing classes. Every Thursday from 7 to 10 pm. Classes are limited to 8 people, $35, 416-923-4031 or email markaloo@yahoo.com. MJG gallery (555 Parliament)Kendall & Co
Limited edition, monogrammed accent pillows have just arrived. There’s only one for each letter of the alphabet, so get yours before it’s too late. They’re locally made from vintage fabrics and stuffed with comfy down. And a quick reminder – the rug sale continues on select styles at 20 to 50% off. 541 Parliament (just east on Winchester)Pteros Tactics at Toronto Dance Theatre
Choreography by Christopher House and ten TDT dancers. Performances on October 28 and 29 at 8 pm, on October 30 at 2 pm and on November 2 and 3 at 8 pm. Get your tickets at just $20 each - just quote “Cabbagetown Rate” when you buy either on the phone (416-967-1365 ext 28) or in person. Get your tickets online at http://www.tdt.org/buy/order.htm . 80 Winchester.Special offer at Jordano Skin Care
Throughout October, Rose has a special offer – a free eyebrow shaping with every facial – at her spa at 252 Gerrard. It’s a lovely space – light, airy and very welcoming. She offers facials, pedicures, manicures, waxing, electrolysis, and body treatments. For your appointment, call (416) 964-1794 and visit www.jordanoskincare.ca/services.html for a full list of her services.Detective Murdoch’s Cabbagetown
The Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum is hosting a fundraising evening with Maureen Jennings. She’s the author of the the Murdoch Mystery series that’s the basis of CityTV’s popular Murdoch Mysteries. The event happens at the Winchester Dance Theatre, 80 Winchester, on Tuesday November 1 at 7 pm. Tickets are $60/ea, two for $100. Generous tax receipts available. For more info, www.crpmuseum.comBook launch at the Ben Wicks
Cabbagetown author Robert Hawke has written about his fight against cancer. His book, Kicking Cancer’s Ass, is for anyone going through this struggle and he’s having a launch party at the Ben Wicks (424 Parliament) on Saturday, November 5 at 8 pm. He’s posted a short and charming youtube video about his book at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3onCPC5dAWcCabbagetown South Association meeting
The last meeting for 2011 is scheduled for Wednesday November 9 at 7 pm at the Ontario Restaurant on Dundas Street between Milan and Ontario. You’ll get an update on all the Community Action Groups.
Breakfast with Google
There’ll be a networking breakfast at the Centre for Education & Training (599 Parliament) on Thursday November 10, 8 to 10 am.. The guest speaker is Francois-Olivier Grisel from small business marketing at Google. Topics include local consumer behaviour, effective online marketing, attracting clients to your website and increasing your customer base. The Centre will also introduce its services during the breakfast. No cover charge. Please RSVP to skaur@tcet.com
The Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre (509 Parliament) has won the prestigious 2011 TAF Arts for Youth award. Their Community Residencies have engaged over 160,000 students and teachers with main stage dance performances aimed expressly at young people. Their appearance at the Princess of Wales Theatre for the Creative Trust Gala, their Asian tours, two appearances at Dancers for Life and five invitations to the Canada Dance Festival were also noted. Actor Graham Abbey made the award to Artistic Director Deborah Lundmark
And while we’re discussing awards and compliments. The House on Parliament (454 Parliament) has been listed as one of Canada’s top ten pubs (and the only one in Toronto) by Crave Online. You can read the article here: 
Melissa Nepton’s Clothing Trunk Show finishes its appearance at Labour of Love (242 Carlton) on Saturday. Don’t miss out – Regina reports that the show has been a big success. Drop in on Saturday because after that, you’ll have to go all the way to Montreal to enjoy it again. For more information, 
The Don Vale Cabbagetown Residents have teamed up with LEAF to offer a tree tour of our historic neighbourhood. You’ll see the gentle giants that add so much comfort to our lives. Register in advance at 
Patty tells us that her Montreal roast beef is finally back in stock. As always, it’s good and it’s preservative free. To welcome the beef back, she’s offering it on special for the coming week. For dessert, she has lots of brownies and squares, so she’s got them on special for the weekend. Buy one and get another at half price. The Epicure Shop (473 Parliament)
Mark is featuring a special painting every week and the first one is his own “A Chair is…”. Along with his own work, he’s got paintings by Marjolyn van der Hart, Laura Culic, Bev Jenkins and several other artists. He also has lots of original, one-of-a-kind works that cost less than $150. Drop in and browse. For artists, he’s continuing his Figure Life Drawing classes. He supplies the model, easels, chairs and refreshments and guests bring their own paper and drawing media. Space is limited (only eight people) so please RSVP. Thursdays, 7 to 10 pm, $35. 555 Parliament.
Choreography by Christopher House and ten TDT dancers. Performances on October 28 and 29 at 8 pm, on October 30 at 2 pm and on November 2 and 3 at 8 pm. Tickets are $20 to $26. Buy your tickets online at 
Erin has a long weekend planned for Hallowe’en. On Saturday afternoon October 29, she’s inviting kids of all ages to drop by for a special party. There’ll be loot bags and prizes for the best costumes and the funniest costumes plus a colouring contest and lots of games. Noon to 2 pm.
Then on Saturday night from 8 pm, there’ll be a grown-up party with costume prizes, iron stein contest, trivia contests and games. Craft beers will include $5 Devils Pale Ale, Pumpkin Ale and Golden Horseshoe. Tickets are $10 and the proceeds go to the Toronto SPCA.
Robert has announced his plans for a Hallowe’en Party on Friday October 28 with live music by Anything Goes. It starts at 8 pm, there’ll be prizes for the best costume, good food and good drinks. Save the date. No cover charge. 
The RBC branch at 480 Dundas has joined our BIA as an associate member. Jasmina, the manager, is organizing a seminar and networking opportunity for business people in our community. Paul de Francesca, the featured speaker, will discuss opportunities to purchase property and also the steps that he took to become a self-employed person. Wednesday October 26, 6:30 to 8:30 pm, Daniels Presentation Centre at 500 Dundas E. Please RSVP to 
Kendall & Co (541 Parliament at Winchester) have two featured products this week. Their unique grinder is made from naturally fallen branches and can handle peppers, sea salt, spices and coffee beans. You can select yours from three different types of wood. Ceramic grinders provide high quality and good control. They also have selected 2’ by 3’ hand hooked rugs at 25% discounts. Their interior design studio is open from Monday to Friday, 10 am to 6 pm.
Cabbagetown author Robert Hawke has written about his fight against cancer. His book, Kicking Cancer’s Ass, is for anyone going through this struggle and he’s having a launch party at the Ben Wicks (424 Parliament) on Saturday, November 5 at 8 pm. He’s posted a short and charming youtube video about his book at: 
The Centre for Education & Training (599 Parliament) is hosting a networking breakfast with Francois-Olivier Grisel from small business marketing at Google as the guest speaker. Topics include local consumer behaviour, effective online marketing, attracting clients to your website and increasing your customer base. The Centre will also introduce its services during the breakfast. No cover charge. Thursday, November 10, 8 to 10 am. Please RSVP to 
Emilio from Sweet Creamery dropped by the BIA office this week. He’s sorry that his efforts didn’t work at the ice cream store but he’s also grateful for the friendships and fun that he enjoyed during his stay there. He’s asked us to say hello to his friends and customers in Cabbagetown. He’s now the chef at 416 Community Support for Women.
Mark Gleberzon at MJG Gallery (555 Parliament) is hosting figure life drawing classes. The next one happens on Thursday October 20th from 7 to10 pm. Mark provides easels, chairs, drawing boards, some refreshments and a life (nude) model. Artists must provide their own paper and charcoal/pastels or pencils. Space is limited to only 6 people. Please RSVP at either 
Patty reports that San Marzano tomatoes are among her most popular offerings. She has customers who buy them by the case. She’s offering them on special at $2.50 each (save $1.50/can) and at $25 for a case. They make a great tomato sauce. Patty also has a special offer on her prepared salads – buy one and get a second one at half price. The Epicure Shop, 473 Parliament.
A reminder – the Feel Good Food seminar happens at Mylk Uncookies (253 Gerrard) on Tuesday October 25 from 6:30 to 8 pm. It features nutritionist Joy McCarthy. Her seminar focuses on our intimate connection with food and using this connection to your advantage. Topics will cover strategies to nix emotional eating and banish cravings, the best snacks and the ones to avoid during mid-afternoon and late night cravings, key vitamins and minerals. Check out all the program details at 
Robert has announced his plans for a Hallowe’en Party on Friday October 28 with live music by Anything Goes. It starts at 8 pm, there’ll be prizes for the best costume, good food and good drinks. Save the date. No cover charge. 
Regina reports that the opening night of Melissa Nepton’s Clothing Trunk Show was a great success! “Thanks for all your support. We had a blast and hope you did too.” Drop in on Saturday for more of her fine artisan teas. Melissa’s show continues until Saturday, October 22. For more information, 
Toronto Life has just named Fair Trade Jewellery (523 Parliament) one of the top 200 stylish stores in Toronto in their new Stylebook. Ryan and Robin are justifiably proud of this distinction, calling it a complete (but wonderful) surprise.
Throughout October, Rose has a special offer – a free eyebrow shaping with every facial – at her spa at 252 Gerrard. It’s a lovely space – light, airy and very welcoming. She offers facials, pedicures, manicures, waxing, electrolysis, and body treatments. For your appointment, call (416) 964-1794 and visit 
The Don Vale Cabbagetown Residents and LEAF are conducting a tree tour of our historic neighbourhood. You’ll see the gentle giants that add so much comfort to our lives. You’ll learn about the stress that they face and the dangers that are coming in the next few years. You can register in advance at 
The Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum is hosting a fundraising evening with Maureen Jennings. She’s the author of the the Murdoch Mystery series that’s the basis of CityTV’s popular Murdoch Mysteries. The event happens at the Winchester Dance Theatre, 80 Winchester, on Tuesday November 1 at 7 pm. Tickets are $60/ea, two for $100. Generous tax receipts available. For more info, 
The Cabbagetown Youth Centre is taking part, once again, in the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon on Sunday October 16. Four runners are championing the CYC and they’re the focus of a fundraising effort. Your help is needed as well. Join the crowd at Parliament and Front on Sunday October 16 from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm to cheer on our champions. The neighbourhood group with the best cheering section will win $6000. There’ll be free food and entertainment. For more info, call Brenda at (416) 960-1032 or email 
Rose has operated her spa at 252 Gerrard for over twenty years. It’s a lovely space – light, airy and very welcoming. She offers facials, pedicures, manicures, waxing, electrolysis, and body treatments. Throughout October, she has a special offer – a free eyebrow shaping with every facial. For your appointment, call (416) 964-1794 and visit 
Cranberries (601 Parliament) hosts an annual Thanksgiving dinner. Over the years, it’s been so successful they’ve decided to extend it to two days. You’ll enjoy butternut squash soup or your choice of a salad, oven roasted turkey with homemade stuffing, a dinner roll, fresh seasonal veggies, mashed potatoes, gravy topped with cranberry sauce (of course), and warm apple pie and ice cream or pumpkin pie with whipped cream. Your three course dinner is only $24.99. Sunday and Monday, reservations not required.
Mark at St Jamestown Steak & Chops (516 Parliament) has taken us deep into the secret vaults to show off his Thanksgiving turkeys. Whether you’ve placed an advance order or you want to pick one up at the last minute, he’s got what you need. He also has hams, steaks, roasts and other goodies ready for your holiday feast.
Simmons Flowers (540 Parliament) can help you celebrate your Thanksgiving with the beauty of the earth as well as its bounty. Merion and Tina remind you that your Thanksgiving table needs a centerpiece of traditional Fall flowers. Visit the store on Thanksgiving Saturday from 9 am to 3 pm or place your order by phone (416-920-6580).
Over the weekend, Peartree (507 Parliament) are offering a three-course dinner at $21.99. There’s butternut soup, turkey with apple, sage and onion dressing, mashed potatoes, fresh veggies, gravy and cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie for dessert. All of this for only $21.99 in one of our most popular and comfortable restaurants. For your reservations, call (416) 962-8190.
Serrano ham is available again at The Epicure Shop (473 Parliament). Also from Spain, Patty has stocked up on chorizo sausages. These are perfect choices for antipasto and charcuterie plates. And she has tortas, savoury for your cheese platters and sweet for your desserts. For Thanksgiving, she has pumpkin tarts and pies and lots of choices for fruit pies.
Regina at Labour of Love (242 Carlton) invites you to the grand opening for her Clothing Trunk Show on Thursday October 13 from 4 to 8 pm. Begin building your Fall wardrobe with Melissa Nepton’s beautiful designs. During the event, Regina will also be serving a selection of fine artisanal teas from the Sloane Tea Company. For more information, click here: 
Kevin reports that Kendall & Co (541 Parliament) are now stocking Cabbagetown Tea Towels. The first two in this series were designed by Steve Yeates and feature the bay-and-gable and workman’s cottage designs found throughout our neighbourhood. These are great gifts and souvenirs for friends and family. They also have table linen, distinctive serving ware, decorative candles and home accents to make your Thanksgiving home beautiful. They’ve extended their shopping hours and they’re open now to 8 pm on Thursdays. For more suggestions about your Thanksgiving decorations, click here: 
The Cabbagetown Youth Centre is taking part, once again, in the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon on Sunday October 16. Four runners are championing the CYC and they’re the focus of a fundraising effort. Your help is needed as well. Join the crowd at Parliament and Front on Sunday October 16 from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm to cheer on our champions. The neighbourhood group with the best cheering section will win $6000. There’ll be free food and entertainment. For more info, call Brenda at (416) 960-1032 or email 
Mylk Uncookies (253 Gerrard) is hosting a Feel Good Food seminar on Tuesday, October 25 from 6:30 to 8 pm featuring nutritionist Joy McCarthy. Her seminar focuses on our intimate connection with food and using this connection to your advantage. Topics will cover strategies to nix emotional eating and banish cravings, the best snacks and the ones to avoid during mid-afternoon and late night cravings, key vitamins and minerals. There’ll be handouts with healthy comfort food recipes. Check out all the program details at 
Av Atikian has announced a new Fall menu: 
There are still a few spaces open in Number 9’s modular recording courses. If you want to learn about audio engineering in a professional studio environment, then call now (416-988-0989). All courses are hands-on. They’re taught one-on-one in a real recording studio and the timing is very flexible. For more details, click here: 
The Don Vale Cabbagetown Residents have teamed up with LEAF to offer a tree tour of our historic neighbourhood. You’ll see the gentle giants that add so much comfort to our lives. You’ll learn about the stress that they face and the dangers that are coming in the next few years. You can register in advance at 
Hockey superstar Bobby Orr once owned a small group of pizza stores. One of them was located at 501 Parliament where HomeLife Realty One now has an office. The Torontoist has a good story about the store and about Orr’s hopes for it: