456 to 460 Parliament is the site of the old House on Parliament. It was damaged by a fire in the Fall of 2010. Since that time, the owners have been repairing it and preparing for new occupants. They’re planning to reopen the restaurants and the patio in the lower level with small retail above that. The top two floors will be residential. Although the site is still in rough shape, it’s available now for prospective tenants who want to customize its end use. Hilary Browning and Nick Humphries at HomeLife/Realty One (501 Parliament) have detailed plans and they’re handling the rentals. You can contact them at 416-922-5533.Meet Irish people
On Friday from 5:30 to closing, there’s an Irish Meet-up Party at Stout (221 Carlton). Whether you’re new and Irish or old and Irish or Irish-Canadian or just wish you’re Irish, then come to Stout Irish Pub for a monthly Meet-up Party. If you don’t make it this week, ask Erin for details. Free admission.Don’t forget that Tuesday is Pub Stumpers Trivia Night from 7:30 pm sharp. And Sunday from 5 pm is prime rib night - prime rib dinner, a loaded baked potato, seasonal veggies, Yorkshire pudding and home-made gravy, all for $19. Listed by NOW Magazine as one of Toronto’s top-20 beer bars. http://www.stoutirishpub.ca/
Almond twists and challal at Absolute
Raj has been baking lots of his featured almond twists. He uses his own recipe with raspberry jam, almond powder and cinnamon. Very popular. He’s also got lots on challah on hand – we had some lately as a toasty bottom on some chicken a la king. Highly recommended. Absolute Bakery, 589 Parliament.The Underdown’s schedule for this week
The Underdown Pub (263 Gerrard at Berkeley) welcomes Kevin Myles Wilson on Friday (10 pm). On Saturday, it’s the Whitney Rose Band (10 pm) and on Sunday, Open Mic with Porter (9:30 pm.) On Tuesday, Eric Underdown and Noah Jones sing their folk, bluegrass, rock and acoustics from 9 pm. Wednesday has Smart Asss Trivia from 8 to 10 pm, followed by Rita’s Parlour at 10 pm. On Thursday, it’s Jeff Barnes and Noah Zacharin at 9 pm. http://www.underdownpub.com/Viva Mexico
Omar and Brissett recently opened their cozy little Mexican restaurant at 568 Parliament. The specials are listed on the blackboards along with a bigger list on the regular menu. The prices are very reasonable, brunch costs $7.50 and the entrees range from $9.50 to $13.50. A great spot for both lunch and takeout service. They’re open from noon to 10 pm.One-stop shipping centre
Hi-Tech Seven Plus (453 Parliament) is now offering Purolator and UPS shipping. They’ve added these services to their DHL and FedEx accounts. They can now reach out right across the world for you and give you all of these convenient shipping choices. While you’re there, ask Nural about servicing for your computer or about new equipment for either your home or business.Labour of Love
Even though Regina is busy now in the Orient, she’s still managed to feature lovely new jewellery and get a prominent mention in NOW magazine. As she says, the Nebula necklace ($96) by Toronto’s Biko looks a lot more expensive than it really is but “there’s no need to let anyone in on that secret!” To read more, check NOW’s site at http://www.nowtoronto.com/lifestyle/take5-story.cfm?content=184786 Labour of Love, 242 Carlton, http://www.thelabouroflove.ca/Kendall & Co
Kendall & Co (541 Parliament on Winchester) is introducing a custom upholstered furniture program. Choose from their collections of sofas, love seats, sectionals, chaises, ottomans, arm chairs, dining chairs, bar stools and headboards - locally made with years of professional quality. From contemporary to traditional fabrics and finishings. See some sample designs on their website http://kendallandco.ca/fyi/design/custom/A reminder – the Landscapes show at MJG
Mark at MJG Gallery (555 Parliament) is continuing the Landscape show until the end of the month. It features works by twelve artists including Mark’s framed photograph, “Alone”. The gallery is open Wednesday to Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm.A busy weekend at The Flying Beaver
On Friday, Maggie and Heather have two visiting shows. On Saturday, there are three shows. On Friday, Jessica Kirson appears at 7 pm and Carla Collins at 9 pm. Tickets for both are $20/advance and $25 at the door. On Saturday, Jessica (7 pm) and Carla (9 pm) are back and they’re followed at 10:30 pm by Kendall Partingdon, no cover. Sundays are now time for the FB’s new Boardgame Brunch at 11 am. In the evening, Chris Tsujiuchi is on stage at 8 pm, $10. As always, dinner is available during and after these shows. For lots more information, check it all out the Beav’s website at http://pubaret.com/There’s musical history at Number 9
The guys at Number 9 were thinking about their customers recently. They realized that their mikes have been used by 50 Cents, Joni Mitchell, Usher and The Bare Naked Ladies. John McDermott and Holly Cole have been there. And this is the anniversary of the earthquake in Haiti. Number 9 produced their CD, World Jazz for Haiti and donated the proceeds to the Canadian Red Cross for their relief work. 89 musicians, dozens of staff and media all contributed to these 23 songs. http://www.number9.ca/our-microphones-have-been-used-by-50cent-usher-joni-mitchell-the-bare-naked-ladies-and-many-more-how-about-you/ 222 Gerrard East.Parliament Street News
Pete has published (and delivered) several editions of his new newspaper and it’s an encouraging success. He’s focused on the people, neighbourhoods and businesses lining Parliament north from the lake. He’s put out a request for articles, photos and advertising for his next edition. He’d appreciate stories that are 150 to 200 words and a couple of photos to go with them. Contact him at parliamentstnews@gmail.com and check his web site at http://www.pstreetnews.com/Mnemonic Theatre at the Winchester Theatre
Mnemonic Theatre presents Patrick Marber’s Closer at the Winchester Theatre (80 Winchester). Dan loves Alice and he also loves Anna. But Anna’s married to Larry who has cheated on her with Alice. It’s complicated. Wednesday February 1 to Saturday February 4 (8pm Wednesday to Friday and 2 pm and 8 pm on Saturday.) Tickets are $20 advance and $25 at the door. For a quick preview, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=562LLwlznTE
