Congrat’s to Jet Fuel
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 Parliament

Easter 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