Friday 2 December 2011


It’s happening tonight
Our 2011 Cabbagetown Christmas Party happened on Friday December 2 at Winchester and Parliament. We’ve purchased some lighting to decorate the corner and it was officially turned on. Danny Marks was our master of ceremonies. The Outputs, a marvellous band from the Cabbagetown Youth Centre, along with a performer from U4Change were our featured artists. Free coffee and hot chocolate, plus candies for your kids.
We're happy to report that it was a wonderful success. A good crowd turned out, lots of kids showed us how to sing, and our Christmas season got off to a spirited start.

Labour of Love
Regina’s holding a Customer Appreciation Event to start the holiday season on a light and easy note. Visit her store and enjoy some bubbly and some munchies (from Daniel et Daniel) and you’ll also have first dibs on her newest holiday products. It happens today from 3 to 8 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm, 242 Carlton. For more information, http://www.thelabouroflove.ca/.

An exclusive sale at Mi Casa
Alex is holding a special in-store sale of all Joanathan Adler products, 20% off on lighting, Christmas ornaments and accessories, as well as special orders. The offer is limited to our gang, the readers of our Cabbagetown News blog (and that’s a very good idea - because we’re all such lovely, rich and upscale folks!) Saturday December 3 and Sunday December 4. 238 Carlton. http://www.micasatoronto.com/

Tomorrow – for your family at Stout
Join Erin for her special tree trimming time at Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton). Bring your kids. They can join the reading circle and everyone can enjoy some eggnog and ginger cookies. Be sure to bring an ornament to put on the tree. Noon to 2 pm, Saturday December 3.

Marilyn’s grooming service
Fix up your pet for Christmas. Marilyn offers nail trimming tomorrow from 10 am to 3 pm at Pet Valu (240 Carlton). Only $10. It’s a great price and a very nice convenience.

Congrat’s Merryberry
It’s been a year since Merryberry (559 Parliament) first opened their doors. To celebrate, they’re offering a complimentary beverage for all guests on Sunday. A lot of people in Cabbagetown have enjoyed themselves there over the past year. They had a successful evening in the “One Night” event and a popular, comfy patio at the Festival. They’re home for the weekly BNI business meetings. Lots of young moms are bringing their babies for a Thursday morning gatherings. And they have plenty of catering assignments for George Brown College. That’s a good start for their business. Congrat’s to Cyril, Nimmi and the team for a remarkable year.

More attractions from our Christmas Catalogue

Christmas at Cranberries
Siva and Ruth are now preparing their annual Christmas Day feast. Cranberries (601 Parliament) has served a delicious three course turkey dinner annually and this year they’re doing it again. Understandably with this good food and cheery setting, they get a sell-out crowd, so reservations are needed for either the 5 pm or the 7:30 pm seating. $24.99.

Rose gold at Fair Trade Jewellery
Custom designer Julie Dyck has been busy designing some jewellery for holiday gifts. "We got in some Fairtrade Certified 18K French rose gold that shows an amazing colour. We didn't get much of it. I wanted to make earrings and pendants so that more people could enjoy it." The collection, made entirely from this special gold, includes chain rings, pendants and earrings set with Canadian diamonds. Pieces range from $195-$495. You can stop by any time to view the collection. If you can't decide, Fair Trade has started offering gift cards as well. 523 Parliament. http://ftjco.com/

Food gifts at HomeLife Realty One
Drop off a food gift at HomeLife’s office (501 Parliament) at your convenience through the holiday season. Their food drive is a part of an effort across the company to combat hunger in Toronto. It’s a great idea and you can be part of the campaign easily.


Santa at Pet Valu
One of our most popular Christmas events. Bring your pet – your cat, dog, hampster or rabbit – and get a photo with Santa. At Pet Valu (240 Carlton), they’re ready for you. Santa knows how to bring out the best. Photos are $10. Saturday December 10, 10 am to 3 pm. (If you can’t make it on December 10, Santa will appear the next week at Menagerie Pet Shop.)

Greaves Jam at Epicure
Greaves from Niagara on the Lake have a lovely line of jams and marmalades. If you’re a fan, then get to Epicure for their special this weekend, 3 for $10.99. These little jars make very nice hostess gifts. Patty also has mincement tarts from Dufflets and homemade shortbread and mincemeat pies. 473 Parliament.

JAMCafe has space
Private parties are a popular feature at JAM (195 Carlton). They happily handle small groups and crowds up to 50 people. Menu choices can be designed to your tastes – from cocktails and hors d’oeuvres to full dinner parties. You can customize the menu, the wine list and the music. There’s no charge for anything except your food and drinks. For more information, call Joe at (416) 921-1255 and visit http://www.jamcafe.net/

Number 9’s December Anniversary Specials
It’s time now to do your recording work at Number 9 Audio (222 Gerrard). Book five hours of recording time and get a sixth hour free. It’s a great deal for independent artists and bands on a budget. Plus, from now until December 21st, Number 9 will match or beat the published rate from any competing studio in Toronto. If you’re going to pay the same amount everywhere, then take advantage of their exceptional nine-foot C Bechstein Concert Grand Piano, the best one available in the city. http://www.number9.ca/

Soup’s moving …
Soup (603 ½ Parliament) has sold its building and they’ll be moving soon. That’s a real loss for all of us. Soup is a collection of local designers, web specialists and social activists. Their contributions have been very important for the festival, the Cabbagetown BIA and a list of local businesses who’ve used their services. They promise that they won’t be moving far away and we really hope they can find another home here.

Soup’s last sale
It happens next weekend, Saturday and Sunday, December 10 and 11, 11 am to 4 pm. As always, the sale offers an amazing range of greeting cards, pet portraits, knitware, paintings, natural soaps and skin care, jewelry and lots more. You’ll find plenty of gift items, stocking stuffers and goodies for yourself here. 603 ½ Parliament.

Kendall has something chic and extra special
Their Christmas cards and holiday stationary are a perfect way to say hello to the people you love. They’re made with Nepalese and Tibetan handmade papers in a variety of sophisticated colours. On Sunday, be sure to visit Kendall’s Textile Art & Show sale by the Toronto Spinners & Weavers Guild to support Riverdale Farm – please RSVP to indicate whether you are attending the 1 pm or 3 pm show. 541 Parliament, just east on Winchester.

Save these dates
Meet Santa and Mrs Claus on Saturday, December 17 at Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton). It’s another family day at Stout and your kids are welcome to visit and talk about their Christmas wish list with Santa. Bring a non-perishable for the Daily Food Bank. Noon to 2 pm.

The Sterling Brass will offer their annual Christmas concert at the Ben Wicks (424 Parliament) on Sunday December 18. The combo of their fine instrumentals along with the clear piping voices from the crowd always guarantees a great time for all. 3 to 6 pm.

Cabbagetown Classical Youth Choir are holding their annual Christmas concert on Sunday December 18. It happens at St Peter’s Church (188 Carlton) at 3 pm. It’s a fundraiser with donations going to the choir’s scholarship fund. $20 admission. For more info about the school and the choir, http://www.nscvs.com/

Impulse at TDT
The School of Toronto Dance Theatre presents an ambitious main-stage performance of ensemble works that showcase dancers from each year of the professional dance training program. This is your chance to see tomorrow’s dance stars today. Performances take place on December 1, 2 and 3 and on December 8, 9 and 10. For tickets, call (416) 967-6887 or email tickets@schooloftdt.org. 80 Winchester

The School at TDT survey
Our friends at The School of Toronto Dance Theatre need your help. They want to know about your experience, or lack thereof, with recreational dance. Give them 5 minutes of your time and you could win tickets to a Toronto Dance Theatre or School performance! http://bit.ly/dance-survey

A reminder about Riverdale Farm
On Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm, fresh fruit pies are on sale at the Farm (Winchester & Sumach). There’s also a selection of gingerbread and sugar cookies plus handcrafts and Christmas decorations. On Saturday at 6 pm, drop by for the annual Christmas carol singing.