This weekend marks the 20th anniversary for Jet Fuel (519 Parliament) That’s an amazing achievement for a small independent business in a really tough market. Not only has John Englar survived for this time, he’s managed to turn his shop into a landmark. People across Toronto know all about Jet Fuel. It’s one of a handful of local businesses that’s always mentioned in magazine articles, newspapers, blogs and travel guides. For many of his customers, Jet Fuel is a daily destination. Congratulations, John and best wishes for twenty more good years.Cabbagetown South candlelight walk
On Saturday, residents in Cabbagetown South are hosting their 4th annual Community Walk & Stargazing Event. It’s a celebration of Earth Hour – the time when everyone is encouraged to turn off their lights as part of a climate change initiative. The walk starts at the southwest corner of Seaton and Gerrard. Bring a candle or a lantern. Enjoy our beautiful neighbourhood in a brand new way. At the end of the walk, there’ll be a free hot chocolate or a cold beverage and a gift to take home and plant.Make it a regular stop
Toni and Elaine at Mylk Uncookies (253 Gerrard) had a great response last weekend to their first weekend brunches. Many thanks to all who came by and enjoyed a morning meal. It’s now a regular event – every Saturday and Sunday morning from 10 am to 2 pm, Chef Pascal Poilbout will serve his sweet and savoury crepes.More compliments for F’Amelia
Todd and John at F’Amelia (12 Amelia) have just earned another big review – this time from Toronto Life Magazine. They’ve been listed among the top ten Best New Restaurants for 2012. Joanne Kates in the Globe & Mail had earlier listed them as one of her top ten choices for 2011. They’ve only been open since September and they’ve already built a solid reputation as one of Toronto’s best places to eat. You can read the Toronto Life article here: http://www.torontolife.com/daily/daily-dish/from-the-print-edition-daily-dish/2012/03/26/best-new-restaurants-2012-7-famelia/Easter flowers from Simmons
Simmons (540 Parliament) has lovely fresh seasonal blooms, all of which are a joy to receive at Easter. Tulips, iris, freesia, pussy willows and more. Give your home a splash of beautiful colour. (416) 920-6580.Easter egg hunt
Regina is holding an Easter egg hunt at Labour of Love (242 Carlton). The bunny left the eggs scattered around the store. Anyone who can find all of them will get a 10% discount on their purchase. And, for an extra bonus, she’s offering a free scented hand soap from Lothantique with every purchase. http://www.thelabouroflove.ca/Easter at The Epicure Shop
Patty is having an Easter contest. She has a jar of jelly beans - you guess how many beans are in there. Apparently, some people give an instant number and others measure the jar very scientifically. It’s a fun contest. The winner gets her big Easter basket. Drop by and tell her your best estimate. While you’re there, pick up some Easter shortbread, Easter chocolates by Clare and Easter cupcakes and gingerbread. The Epicure Shop, 473 ParliamentEaster meals at St Jamestown
Mark at St Jamestown Steak & Chops (516 Parliament) has a wide selection of your favourites for your Easter dinner – bone-in ham, fresh lamb and turkeys. He’s also carrying Ace Bakery hot cross buns and he has a new line of Bird Friendly coffees. He’ll be open to serve you on Saturday during Easter weekend, closing for Good Friday and Easter Sunday.Easter flowers
Our corner variety stores are once again offering some amazing choices of cut flowers and fresh plants. As mentioned here before, their storefront displays are a colourful and pleasant addition to our street.
Parliament Gift & Smokes (609 Parliament). Several beautiful orchids highlight their offerings.
Jamestown Milk (592 Parliament). They’ve got lots of daffodils and lilies.
Fairway Market (520 Parliament). Our garden centre has started back into action. With this unusually warm Spring weather, you’ll want to start your garden now. For Easter, they have some beautiful orange lilies.
Mini Mart (460 Parliament). Their new storefront has a lot of extra space and they’re using it to good advantage – lots of new plants and floral choices.The Easter bunny at Stout
Erin is bringing in the big bunny to assist with her Easter-weekend family event on Saturday, April 7 from noon to 2 pm. Kids of all ages are welcome. There’ll be an Easter egg hunt, a colouring contest and face painting. You need a reservation, so please call 647-344-7676. Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) http://www.stoutirishpub.ca/Thanks to alert neighbours
At about 8 am last Sunday morning, the gentleman shown in this picture decided to rob a local business. He threw a chair through the front window, climbed in, grabbed a bag full of goodies and strolled off down the street. Neighbours in an apartment across the street heard this racket, called 911 and snapped off a series of revealing pictures. At most, he managed to go just a few feet away from the scene when two police officers nabbed him. Many thanks to the witnesses – their quick action stopped the guy in his tracks.The Premier visits the CYC
Dalton McGuinty visited the Cabbagetown Youth Centre last Sunday. It was the perfect backdrop for his pre-budget announcements on family benefits and social assistance. While he was in the gym, he showed everyone how to drop the ball into the basket on the first try.MJG Gallery
Mark is presenting a new show “Spring” for April. It’ll run from April 4 to 30th. The gallery is open from Wednesday to Sunday, 11 am to 6 pm. MJG Gallery, 555 Parliament.
Kendall & Co
Kendall and his crew have a very busy time ahead of them this weekend. They’re moving to a new shop at 227 Carlton from Winchester Street. We can all expect that this spot will become another of their beautiful gems. They want to thank Johnny Pearl at Cabbagetown Carpentry for his help in the renovations.
Help needed
Planning is now in the early stages for the 2012 Forsythia Festival. Volunteers are needed. The event happens on Sunday May 6. It’s a Cabbagetown institution. The parade starts at 10:30 am in Riverdale Park and winds north to Wellesley Park. From 11 am to 1:30 pm, there’s entertainment, singers, food and fun for little kids and their families. If you can help, please contact Shibani and Heather at hemmadis@hotmail.com
Toni and Elaine are starting their weekly vegetarian brunches this weekend at Mylk Uncookies (253 Gerrard). Every Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm, Chef Padcal Poilbout will serve sweet and savoury crepes – organic, vegan, vegetarian and gluten free.
Leslie at Eclectisaurus (249 Gerrard) has a romantic 1930's Art Deco dresser box. The lid is adorned with cherubs, birds and flowers. It’s made in Czechoslovakia from green malachite glass, 4" diameter x 2" high. Click on 
UforChange is an arts and civic engagement project for at-risk, low-income and newcomer youth from St James Town. This weekend, they’re hosting a three-day art showcase called Vivacity where their youth share the skills they’ve learned and the art they’ve created. On Friday, Film Premieres & Live Acts at the Ing Direct Café (221 Yonge) from 7 to 9:30 pm – tickets are pay as you can. On Saturday, Live Acts, Fashion & Theatre are the focus at the Kiwanis Boys & Girls Club (101 Spruce) from 7 to 9:30 pm – tickets $10. On Sunday from 2 to 5 pm, Multimedia Gallery & Live Acts happen at 517 Parliament – free admission.
Kendall & Co (541 Parliament east along Winchester) have to leave their Winchester Street location to make way for renovations happening in their building. They’re moving over to 227 Carlton and their new store is now being fixed up and prepared for their arrival. To make life easier, they’re holding their storewide Grand Moving Sale. Save up to 50% off on rugs, lamps, furniture and accent décor. The sale happens on Friday from 10 am to 6 pm and on Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm. Don’t miss out.
To celebrate our warm weather, Regina at Labour of Love (242 Carlton) has used beautiful new paper flowers to decorate her store window. The result is really stunning. She also tells us that the Easter Bunny made a secret stop here and left tons of goodies. To see the window and to find out about the goodies, drop by and say hello. Our visit 
On Wednesday April 4, Av and Joe at JAMcafe (195 Carlton) are holding another of their very popular wine tasting evenings. This time, they’re featuring six wines from one of their favourite regions – Bordeaux’s controlled Appelations. Av will explain the wine choices and the secrets with successful food pairings. 6:30 pm. Tickets are $30 and reservations are strongly suggested (they sell out) at (416) 921-1255. Find out about the specific wines at 
This weekend, Patty has San Marzano tomatoes on special – buy a tin for $2.75 (and save a dollar) or a case of twelve for $27. She also has Italian extra virgin olive oil on sale at $9.99 each, regularly $14.99. The Epicure Shop (479 Parliament).
Erin at Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) has invited the Easter Bunny to visit on Saturday, April 7 from noon to 2 pm. Kids of all ages are welcome! There’ll be an Easter egg hunt throughout the pub as well as a colouring contest and face painting. You need a reservation for this event – please call (647) 344-7676. 
Justin Skinner has written about UforChange and its forthcoming Vivacity celebrations. It’s a good overview of the group and its weekend events. 
Av is hosting another in his successful series of wine and food tastings. This one features six California versions of French varietal grapes together with matching hors d’oeuvres. Thursday, March 15, 6:30 pm. $25. For all the details, click on 
Porter has moved her act to the Winchester Kitchen & Bar (51A Winchester). You’ll catch up with her on Sunday at 8 pm. On Friday, it’s BTH, a soul, afro band. Check the details at 
Start St Paddy’s Day early. On Thursday, March 15 at 8 pm, the Gilchrist-Canavan Irish Dancers return for an encore performance. Watch them while you enjoy some oysters and Guiness. They’ll be back on Saturday at 8 pm as well. For regular announcements from the HoP, click on their Facebook page: 
Erin has a big weekend planned. You can start with a her party on Friday night, St Paddy’s Eve. On Saturday, celebrations continue from 11 am with Celtic Dancers, green beer, a heated tent on the patio and specially priced jello shots and Jameson’s whiskey. 
Robert has a special menu and entertainment waiting for you. There’ll be cheddar & ale soup, corned beef & cabbage stew and Irish coffee cake. The One Shot Band is providing the entertainment. Saturday March 17 from 8:30 pm. For info about the band, click on 
St Patrick’s party planned. Details to be announced. Check their website at 
Open for lunch on Mondays. New hours: Monday from 11 am to 3 pm, Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm and Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm. 
Sunday at 9 pm. Every week, jazz giants perform here. Beautiful music in a beautiful room. 533 Parliament
Customer Appreciation Month throughout March. New York sirloin for $12.99 (regularly $17.99) and grilled Atlantic salmon for $11.99 (regularly $14.99) Weekly draw to win a dinner for two. Check out the menu and specials at 
MJG Gallery (555 Parliament). It’s a collection of works by 18 artists. Wednesday to Sunday, 11 am to 6 pm.
It’s still under way with lots of specials worth seeing. 541 Parliament. 
Mylk Uncookies (253 Gerrard). Starting on Saturday March 24. Sweet and savoury crepes by Chef Pascal Poilbout - organic and vegetarian with vegan and gluton free options. Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm. (Regulars at the Riverdale Farmers Market will recognize Pascal – he makes his crepes there.)
Vibrant works of art on traditional subjects. Cranberries (601 Parliament) on Friday March 23 from 7 to 10 pm.
The School of Toronto Dance Theatre. Works by five acclaimed choreographers. March 28 to 31, 9 pm, Winchester Street Theatre (80 Winchester). Tickets are $15 and $19. Call (416) 967-6887 and 
Inside Toronto has a good article on the new English as a second language school being started at the Cabbagetown Community Arts Centre (424 Parliament). 
French grapes dominate much of the world’s wine production but their treatment varies widely in wine-growing centres across the globe. At JAMcafe (195 Carlton), Av and Joe Atikian are pouring six robust California-grown French varietals and matching them with specially prepared hors d’oeuvres: McMurray Ranch pinot gris, Scott Estates Dijon clone chardonnay, Bogle Vineyards cabernet sauvignon, Tandem “Auction Block” pinot noir, Melville “Verna’s” pinot noir and Melville “Verna’s” syrah. Thursday March 15 at 6:30 pm. Tickets are $25. These events sell out so reservations are recommended at (416) 921-1255. 
Erin at Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) has a big weekend planned. You can start with a big party on Friday night, St Paddy’s Eve. On Saturday, celebrations continue from 11 am with Celtic Dancers, green beer, a heated tent on the patio and specially priced jello shots and Jameson’s whiskey. 
Robert at The Ben Wicks (424 Parliament) has a special menu and entertainment waiting for you. There’ll be cheddar & ale soup, corned beef & cabbage stew and Irish coffee cake. The One Shot Band is providing the entertainment. Saturday March 17 from 8:30 pm. 
You’re invited to Pear Tree (507 Parliament) to take part in their Customer Appreciation Month. During this celebration, you can enjoy a New York sirloin for $12.99 (regularly $17.99) and grilled Atlantic salmon for $11.99 (regularly $14.99) While you’re there, enter the weekly draw to win a dinner for two. Check out the menu and specials at 
Heather and Maggie are celebrating their first anniversary this weekend. They’ll be opening at noon on Saturday with giveaways, specials and all kinds of party events. On Sunday, they’re highlighting the Rosemary Galloway Trio at their Jazz Brunch (tickets are $20 including brunch) and in the evening, it’s time for their official Anniversary Party. Find out more at 
Over the winter, Cyril closed Merryberry (559 Parliament) on Mondays but his customers kept stopping by. So he got the message! He’s reopening for lunch on Mondays. His new hours are Monday from 11 am to 3 pm, Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm and Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm. And don’t forget the weekly young mothers’ gathering that happens every Thursday at 10:30 am. 
Elaine and Toni at Mylk Uncookies (253 Gerrard) are joining up with Chef Pascal Poilbout to create weekend vegetarian brunches. They’re starting on Saturday March 24. Their sweet and savoury crepes will be organic and vegetarian with vegan and gluton free options. Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm. (Regulars at the Riverdale Farmers Market will recognize Pascal – he makes his crepes there.)
Mobilicity (439 Parliament) is one of three neat phone shops that have opened on Parliament south of Spruce. Ashfak explained the specials that they’re offering for a limited time. All their phones are currently on sale at prices from $49.99. Then, for $25 a month, you’ll get unlimited data, talk and text – all with no contract and no credit check. For more details, call him at 647-760-6624.
Mark at MJG Gallery (555 Parliament) continues to show Olio Part II in the gallery. It’s a collection of works by 18 artists, including Mark. The show runs from Wednesday to Sunday, 11 am to 6 pm. Every week in our Newsletter, we show a “Painting of the Week” from MJG in the right-hand column – and this idea has prompted wider coverage of other shows being presented in galleries and restaurants across Cabbagetown.
AAA Tax (462 Parliament) is ready now with tax filing that doesn’t tax your patience. Owen offers you personalized service and a wealth of tax experience. To learn more about his services, visit 
Regina is always happy to stock up on CBC memorabilia and souvenirs. It’s a reminder of the days when a CBC studio was located on Parliament Street, here in Cabbagetown. She’s now featuring CBC Radio-Canada Tee shirts and messenger bags. You can see more at 
It’s now or never. Kendall & Co (541 Parliament on Winchester) has big markdowns in their storewide moving sale! Up to 30% off their beautiful rugs and up to 40% off exquisite handmade furniture. Save also on lamps and accent décor. One of their designers, James, will also be on hand this Saturday to offer decorating advice to help with your selection. 
Our regular day rates are more than fair (everyone says so) but it still surprises us how few know that our studio runs 24/7… just like your creativity. Take advantage of our “late 8″ special – book the block of 8 hours between 6pm and 2am and pay only $520.00. Want to watch the sun come up? Book the studio from 2am-8am and pay only $360.00. Or just come in through the day – we won’t say no. 222 Gerrard. 
The School of Toronto Dance Theatre is again hosting Acceleration. Works by five acclaimed choreographers will be performed. March 28 to 31, 9 pm, Winchester Street Theatre (80 Winchester). Tickets are $15 and $19. Call (416) 967-6887 and 
Last week, we told you about the feature article and cover story in Panoram Italia featuring Jimmy and Frank at Cabbagetown Barber Shop (525 Parliament). At that time, we didn’t have the magazine’s pictures but now we’ve been able to download one from their website. Their photographer, Gregory Varano, has created very amusing images. Check out the full story here: 
Mary Spence Thomas has been visiting her friends Carrie and Charlie in New Zealand and touring the country with them. These pictures were taken at the geyser at Rotorua on the North Island. Charlie is a former Cabbagetowner and so he kept his Tee for its fond memories.