David Weenen
David Weenen passed away on Sunday, December 18.
We have lost a friend and an active leader in our business community. He was, of course, a very strong supporter of our BIA. He served as our Chair in the early 1990s. He initiated the BIA’s Chairman’s Awards program. He participated in our events, gave us lots of advice and always encouraged people whom he saw as worthwhile. Just two years ago, he resolved differences about design issues between the community and the developer at the TD Bank building. The handsome renovation at the House on Parliament is his most recent work on Parliament Street. Local residents know that there is hardly a single block in the neighbourhood without a "Weenen" sign announcing one of his projects. He was a founder of the mini-marathon held during the Cabbagetown Festival and his home was a popular stop in the annual Tour of Homes.
In November, he held a marvellous party to celebrate his 50th anniversary in his business. He attended a CPA meeting (where he was given their first annual Volunteer of the Year Award) and the BIA's Annual Meeting and he met friends and customers in both places.
On behalf of the Board and Membership, we extend our sympathies to his family for their loss.

Christmas fun on Parliament Street
In the past few weeks, we’ve enjoyed plenty of pre-Christmas events along Parliament Street.

The BIA sponsored winter decorations on the hydro poles along the street.

In early December, we held a party at Parliament and Winchester to launch the LED Christmas lighting on the Winchester building.

During the party, we collected toys to contribute to CP24’s annual Christmas toy drive.

Santa dropped in to Pet Valu (240 Carlton) and to Menagerie Pet Shop (549 Parliament) to take part in photo sessions with Cabbagetown pets.

Along the street, Santa also enjoyed a quick hello with Saturday shoppers.

Santa and Mrs Claus entertained young admirers at Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton)

The Ben Wicks (424 Parliament) was home once again to their wonderful annual musical extravaganza with The Sterling Brass.

Peartree’s Christmas brunch
On Christmas day, enjoy Peartree’s popular brunch from 10 am to 4 pm. They’re offering everything from classic eggs benedict to steak and eggs in an impressive menu. Call (416) 962-8190 for reservations. http://peartree.sites.toronto.com/ 507 Parliament.

Cranberries Christmas dinner
Siva and Ruth are again hosting their very popular Christmas Day dinner at Cranberries (601 Parliament). There are two seatings (5 pm and 7:30 pm). It’s a delicious three-course meal with an appetizer, then a turkey dinner with all the trimmings and finally dessert. All for only $24.99. Reservations are recommended at (416) 925-6330.

Christmas goodies at Epicure
Patty has lots of Christmas desserts on hand – shortbreads, gingerbread, Dufflet’s mincemeat tarts and homemade mincemeat pies. This weekend, buy one of her Gift Baskets and save the tax. Over the holidays, Epicure Shop is closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day. On Christmas Eve, Patty is open from 7:30 am to 5 pm and next week from 8 am to 6:30 pm. 473 Parliament.

Barracuda sale
Barracuda (527 Parliament) is featuring handmade black ceramic cookware and pottery. Both are on sale at 40% off. Their popular line of Mexican glassware is also available at 20% off. And there are extra discounts on wine glasses and carafes. You can buy 4 wine glasses and a carafe at $50 (regularly $80) and 6 wine glasses and a carafe at $60 (regularly $100).

The Heroes show at MJG Gallery
MJG Gallery's "Heroes" show continues through to the end of the month. Buy any original artwork created by owner Mark Gleberzon (up to December 31st) and receive a 20% discount with mention of this post! 416.923.4031. Wed-Sun 11-6. Closed Christmas Day. 555 Parliament St.

Design magic at Kendall & Co
The design team at KENDALL & Co worked their holiday decorating magic to make sure that it’s looking a lot like Christmas in Cabbagetown. Click this link to see how the pros do it: http://kendallandco.ca/fyi/design/christmas-by-kendall-co/Only 2 days til Christmas! Get your last minute gifts and servingware atKENDALL & Co, from fun & novelty to the most spectacular must-haves. Just in time! KENDALL & Co 541 Parliament St on Winchester.


Get ready for New Year’s Eve
For your convenience, here’s a quick listing of the special events and menus planned by our restaurants. Check back with us next week for any late breaking changes. In each listing, only the meal prices are shown and all taxes and gratuities are extra.
The Ben Wicks – regular menu with dinner specials for the evening. No cover charge. DJ John begins the party at 9 pm. For details, click here: http://www.benwickspub.com/ (416) 961-9425. 424 Parliament Street.
F’Amelia – five course dinner (two seatings: 5 to 7 pm and 7:30 pm onward) with a complimentary glass of Prosecco. For complete menu details, click here: http://www.famelia.com/ $75 per person. Reservations at (416) 323-0666. 12 Amelia Street.
The Flying Beaver Pubaret – a STARDUST evening. Three-course dinner with the McComedy Show (starring Shannon and Michael) followed by DJ Fawn to spin into 2012. For all the evening details, click here: http://pubaret.com/ The Casablanca VIP ticket includes dinner, the McComedy Shop and DJ Fawn, 7 pm to 3 am with champagne at midnight, $70. The Vertigo-B List ticket covers dinner and the McComedy Show from 7 to 10 pm, $60. The Rebel Without A Cause ticket includes DJ Fawn and the After-party from 10 pm to 3 am with champagne at midnight, $20. Ticket prices will increase after December 18. Purchase tickets at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/215609 and at The Pubaret. (647) 347-6567. 488 Parliament Street
House on Parliament –three or four-course dinners (two seatings: 5:30 and 8:30 pm) with a complimentary glass of Prosecco. Dunc’s Dance Party will break out spontaneously. http://www.facebook.com/pages/House-on-Parliament/116426921766667 Three course dinner at $55. Four course dinner at $65. Reservations at (416) 925-4074. 454 Parliament Street
JAMCafe - five course dinner highlighting Ontario foods and Niagara wines (two seatings: 6 and 8:30 pm). For complete menu details, click here: http://www.jamcafe.net/ $80 per person. Reservations at (416) 921-1255. 195 Carlton Street.
Peartree – three-course dinner with appetizers, mains and dessert. Prices range from $19.99 to $24.99. For complete menu details, click here: http://peartree.sites.toronto.com/ Be sure to check out their Christmas Day and New Year’s Day brunch specials as well (from 10 am to 4 pm each day.) (416) 962-8190. 507 Parliament Street.
Stonegrill – regular service from 5 to 11 pm. No cover charges. For menu details and reservations, click here: http://www.stonegrillonwinchester.com/ Reservations at (416) 967-6565. 51B Winchester Street.
Stout Irish Pub – the party starts at 8 pm, featuring party favours and midnight champagne. For all the details, click here: http://www.stoutirishpub.ca/ Tickets are $10. Erin is also offering brunch from 11 am to 2:30 pm on Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. (647) 344-7676, 221 Carlton Street.
Winchester Kitchen & Bar – come early to eat and stay late to play. The Shuffle Demons are back. http://www.winchesterkitchen.com/ Dinner & show, $100 per person. Show & party, $40 per person. Reservations at (416) 323-0051. 51A Winchester Street

Two of our favourite places have decided to close for New Year’s Eve. Cranberries will stay open until 4 pm and Merryberry Café is open until 3 pm. Regular lunch service is available at both of them.

Brunch and quick eats
Best Breakfast, Parliament, 416-924-5266
Chew Chew, 186 Carlton, 416-924-7583
Johnny G’s, 478 Parliament, 416-928-1358


For takeout and delivery
2-4-1 Pizza, 451 Parliament, 416-241-0241, www.241pizza.com
Gourmet Burger, 482 Parliament, 647-344-5103, www.thegourmetburgerco.com
Peter’s Cajun Creole Pizza, 415 Parliament, 416-368-8099, www.peterscajunpizza.ca
Pizza Pizza. 560 Parliament, 416-967-1111, www.pizzapizza.ca
Wing Machine, 443 Parliament, 416-961-1000, http://www.panzerottopizza.com/splash.html

International foods
Asahi, 200 Carlton (at Ontario), 416-962-6565 - Japanese
Butter Chicken Factory, 556 Parliament (at Amelia), 416-964-7583 – Indian
China Gourmet, 235 Carlton, 416-515-0088 - Chinese
Ginger, 252 Carlton (at Parliament), 416-923-7979 – south Asian
Hamdi, 193 Carlton, 416-929-7355 – north African and halel, http://www.hamdirestaurants.com/
Margarita’s Mexican Fiesta, 229 Carlton, 416-929-6284 – Mexican
Omi, 243 Carlton, 416-920-8991 – Japanese, http://omisushi.weebly.com/
Samsura, 587 Parliament – south Indian and Sri Lankan
Suruthi, 585 Parliament - south Indian and Sri Lankan
Tender Trap, 580 Parliament, 416-920-5147 - Chinese
Thai to Go, 452 Gerrard, 416-515-8424 – Thai, http://thaibyprasai.com/
Young Thailand, 446 Parliament, 416-920-8424 – Thai, http://www.youngthailand.com/