Music on Parliament Street
Our first two weekends have been pleasant successes. This week, one of our favourite groups, Ian Hamilton’s Trio, will make their third annual appearance in Cabbagetown with jazz at Winchester and Parliament. Saturday June 12, 1 to 4 pm.

Construction at the Ben Wicks
Robert assures us that it’s business as usual at The Wicks (424 Parliament) even though it looks from the outside as if the whole place is under construction. In fact, the work is progressing nicely. The upper railings, sidewalks and stairs are being repaired. The front windows (which have long plagued Robert) are being replaced. When that work is finished, the flooring on the patio will be restored. Gonna be nifty – as usual. For now, drop in for a pint and dinner, both inside and out.

The World Cup
The Wicks is planning several dates when early opening hours will apply so that you can enjoy an entire game broadcast live from South Africa. Robert is studying the schedule and watching the final rounds to decide actual dates. We’ll keep you informed.

Our first new garden
The community garden at Prospect and Parliament is now underway. The asphalt has been removed and the gardeners will arrive on the scene next week. This is the start of the summer landscape projects that will add bright patches of colour and beauty to our business area. This garden is the twin to one across Prospect beside the Pizza Pizza. It promises to be another award-winning effort. People living nearby will water, tend and cheer along the plants as a labour of love.

Foxy has a 50% sale
When we visited Foxy Boutique (251 Gerrard E) this week, Michelle reminded us that she has a 50% sale happening on many items throughout her store. This is a fun, funky spot full of vintage clothing and jewellery – well worth a visit.

Bagel lovers rejoice
Cabbagetown Organics (499 Parliament) has Western cream cheese in stock as well as a whole freezer full of their other products. This weekend, they’re offering a 250g tub at $4.99 (regularly $5.49). And throughout this weekend as well, organic strawberries are on sale at $4.99 (regularly $5.99). Drop in on Saturday – Amar is hosting a tasting of olive oil.

Wine aerators at Kendall
Kendall & Company (438 Parliament) have a perfect Father’s Day gift suggestion. This aerator has been endorsed by wine connoisseurs and sommeliers all over the world. It’s simply the best. Specially engineered to mix wine and air perfectly as they’re poured, it creates a better bouquet, improved flavour and a smoother finish. (At the BIA, our wines don’t get an opportunity to age in the bottle or to breathe once opened, so something like this will be a major improvement.) It’s packaged in a beautiful box and travel pouch. One more reason to visit this beautiful new store.

Sharon has a summer sale
Sharon (503 Parliament) is making room for new merchandise. Dresses are on sale from $34.99 and men’s pants from $19.99. Summer hats are listed from $12.99. She also wants you to check out her new $19.99 rack.

Italian ceramic dinner ware
Patty at the Epicure Shop (473 Parliament) sells more than good cheese, coffee and pastries. This week, she has an Italian ceramic pasta dinner set for four at the amazing price of $19.99/set. Pizza plates at $9.99/each. She recommends them as great gifts. She’s also promoting her brownies (good idea!) – buy one and get another at half price. And fresh buffalo mozzarella has just arrived from Italy, a great addition for your summer salads and with fresh tomatoes, basil, olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Cooking with Elie
Monday June 14 is Elie’s final class for the Spring session and he’s ending with a lovely menu, “Working with Poultry”. Chicken drummettes (appetizers), duck confit with sautéed potatoes and sauteed mushroom persillade (main course). We can only imagine that the after-class dinner is really yummy. For more details, go to Provence Delices website and follow the links, http://www.provencerestaurant.com/ 12 Amelia Street, (416) 924-9901.

Number 9 office space
Here’s a golden opportunity for a media professional looking for a Toronto home base. Number 9 has an office available upstairs in their multimedia production facility. For more information, call (416) 348-8718. Located in the heart of Cabbagetown at 222 Gerrard E.

Lookin’ Good
Our federal Member of Parliament, Bob Rae (514 Parliament) dropped into the BIA last week, no doubt in search of lots of earthy wisdom. Instead, it turned into a fun photo-op. Outside our front door, he met Tom and the two of them qualified for our latest “lookin’ good” entry.