Every Christmas, Soup (603 ½ Parliament, just south of Wellesley) stages a special sale with intriguing items by artists and artisans. The 2012 edition is happening this weekend. It’s a great time to buy handmade greeting cards, knitware, jewelry, ornaments, pet portraits, handmade chocolate, children’s books and toys and lots more. Saturday and Sunday, 11 am to 5 pm.Holiday Sale
This weekend, Gerri Orwin (ceramics), Irina Rapaport (jewelry) and Lousje & Bean (designer clothing) are joining together for their Holiday Sale at 133 Seaton Street. It happens on Friday from 1 to 9 pm and Saturday from 11 am to 6 pm.Christmas supplies at Epicure
Be sure to talk to Patty about your needs for Christmas baskets. She has a wide range available and can customize them for you. This weekend, you can order any three trays from Epicure’s special flyer and receive a free pastry tray as well. For cheese lovers, Patty has five new arrivals: a seven-year old white cheddar, Alpindon from British Columbia, buffalo mozzarella, C’est Bon chevre and Devil’s Rock. Epicure Shop, 473 Parliament.Santa’s here
It’s time for our annual photo opportunity with Santa and your pet. Bring your dog, cat, mouse, gerbil and hamster to Pet Valu (240 Carlton ) this Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm. Or schedule a visit to Menagerie Pet Shop (Parliament) next weekend on Saturday from 1 to 4 pm. Eric Morse handles the photography and your pictures are ready later that day or on Sunday for your pick-up. $10/each.HO HO Holiday Lighting Sale
Mi Casa (238 Carlton) is continuing its holiday sales with a special on lighting – Jonathan Adler, Global Views, Arteriors and many more are on sale from 20 to 70% off, including special orders. The sale runs from Friday December 9 to December 18.Thanks, Guru
Guru operates the Canada Post kiosk at Shopper’s Drug Mart (467 Parliament). His calm manner, friendly style and efficient service caught the eye of Susan Siddely and she decided to acknowledge his good work with a gift of chocolates and a thank-you note. Anyone who has used our Canada Post outlet will certainly agree with Susan.The Queen at Labour of Love
Here’s a fun gift from Regina at Labour of Love (242 Carlton). Just place Her Majesty in the sunlight and watch her trademark wave begin. For more gift ideas, go to http://www.thelabouroflove.ca/Keeping the holiday warmth
Kendall & Co (541 Parliament) have been working with their longtime drapery supplier to develop a drapery collection of quality fabrics and styles. Choose from lush faux silk, soft cotton-linen or breezy poly sheer. Top the curtain with either modern grommets, classic pleats or contemporary flat panels. Available in any length and width to dress up those windows and doorways. Complement it with our drapery rods, finials and tie backs. Click on this link for more info: http://kendallandco.ca/fyi/design/draperyMJG gallery
"Heroes: Real, Fictional & Close To Home" have arrived at MJG Gallery (555 Parliament)! See the show that includes work by artist/owner Mark Gleberzon as well as 16 other artists including painting, photography and mixed media. Wed-Sun, 11 am to 6pm. markaloo@yahoo.comSave these dates – only a week away
Santa at Stout
Mr & Mrs Claus are visiting Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) next Saturday December 17 from noon to 2 pm. It’s a family event and your kids are welcome to talk to Santa about their Christmas wish lists. Bring a non-perishable food item as a gift for the Daily Bread Food Bank.Sterling Brass at the Wicks
Anticipation is building for next week’s annual date with the Sterling Brass at the Ben Wicks (424 Parliament). Don’t miss it – it’s a good time with plenty of carol singing and good company. Sunday December 18 from 3 to 6 pm.Cabbagetown Classical Youth Choir
The annual concert takes place on Sunday December 18 from 3 pm at St Peter’s Anglican Church (188 Carlton). Admission is $20. This is a fundraiser for the choir’s scholarship fund. For more information, http://www.nscvs.com/Beer tasting at JAMCafe
On Thursday December 22 at 6:30 pm, Av is presenting a beer tasting and matching it with his specially prepared hors d’oeuvres. You’ll sample eight Belgian beers and a food suggestion with each. $30, reservations are recommended. JAMCafe, (416) 921-1255, 195 Carlton.Thai to Go
Prasai and Dale have been renovating their restaurant at 452 Gerrard Street for quite a while. Thai to Go is well known across Cabbagetown for outstanding food and good home delivery. Their dining area is now finished and we can stay to enjoy a meal on site. The latest change is a big improvement for the streetscape – their awning has been placed across the front of their new sit-down dining area.From our Christmas Catalogue
Save your Christmas memories
Jim at Superfoto (434 Parliament) has all the equipment that you need to make paper prints from your digital images. Just drop in and he’ll take you through the steps quickly and easily. He provides one-hour service if you need to leave your card for printing. He’s been in Cabbagetown for 35 years and his service and advice are always reliable. 4” X 6” prints are 29 cents each and 8” X 10” prints are $6.99.Barracuda has glassware
At Barracuda (527 Parliament), they’re recommending their line of beautiful Mexican glassware as Christmas gifts. The glasses come in eight different colours and they’re available for wine, martinis, highballs, margaritas, water and shot glasses. While you’re there, check out the winter decorations in front. Several businesses have added these touches to their facades and they make our street much more pleasant through grey winter months.Don’t forget your bike rider
Just because it’s chilly outside, don’t neglect your bike or your bike lover. Kale at Cycle Solutions (444 Parliament) has a lot of handy stocking stuffers – pumps, lights, grips, bells, socks, computers, tool kits and plenty more. You can see all of these choices at http://www.cycle-solutions.com/And don’t forget your wine maker
Gunnar at Church Street Winery (420 Parliament) always has wine making kits ready for you. Right now, he has a great offer for first time buyers – 30 clean bottles at no charge (a savings of $30). Wine making kits come in a wide range of grapes and wine styles and they cost from $140 to $185. Each one makes 30 bottles of wine. Gunnar will prepare a custom gift certificate for you to meet your budget.Computers on Parliament Street
If you’re looking for computers and supplies, we have good outlets right here. No need to shop with a big box store – our stores offer competitive prices, lots of choice, convenient nearby shopping and reliable servicing.Hi-Tech Seven Plus (453 Parliament) has two holiday specials featured now. A new HP laptop with 15.6” LED screen and fully loaded RAM, hard drive, web cam, wifi and genuine Windows 7 Home Premium at only $399, including a free HP laptop bag. There’s also a brand new HP desktop with 1500 GB hard drive, genuine windows 7 Home premium – only $599 with a free keyboard and mouse. For a stocking stuffer, pick up a pair of Logitech speakers at only $39.99
Our Christmas Tree Party
Last Friday, we held an outdoor street party at Winchester and Parliament to light our LED Christmas tree. Danny Marks was our Master of ceremonies and music was provided by the Outputs and by UforChange. People warmed up with hot chocolate and coffee from Tim Hortons and the kids each got packages of candies prepared by Carol Buss at Lennies. For adults, there was a hot toddy to provide warmth and encouragement upstairs at the Winchester Kitchen & Bar. It’s a good start to our Christmas season in Cabbagetown.The Shop at Riverdale Farm
Save 50% on all inventory at the Shop – handicrafts, toys, books, gift cards, decorations and lots more. Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm until Christmas. Winchester and Sumach.
They’re back
For the 59th year, Christmas trees are again available at the corner of Spruce and Parliament. Welcome back guys and best wishes for a successful season.It never fails
Innocent travelers passing through Cabbagetown have frequently fallen into a bewildering experience. They’re set upon by an enthusiastic local geezer who tells them to stand still and hold a flag. It happened again this week to Bob and Gail who wandered into the neighbourhood from Tilden Lake in the Temagami area. Fortunately, they have a sense of humour and they played along.
