Henry of Pelham at JAMcafe
Henry of Pelham is a favourite winery for many people and this event promises to be an exciting evening. Proprietor Daniel Speck will introduce six of his wines and Av Atikian will prepare a special menu to match each one. The wines include Cuvee Catherine Rose, 2008 Sauvignon Blanc, 2005 Riesling Reserve, 1999 Cabernet/Merlot Reserve, 2005 Baco Noir Reserve and 2002 Riesling Icewine. Smoked rainbow trout, Upper Canada’s Niagara Gold cheese, organic chicken curry, braised elk short ribs, potato gnocchi, and lavender honey and ricotta crepe. It all sounds very yummy indeed. $40/each. Reservations recommended (416) 921-1255. Wednesday, December 1st, 6:30 pm, 195 Carlton Street.

Simmons has your Christmas flowers
Christmas is a time when flowers complete your celebrations - whether it’s a gift or a special decoration for your own home. Merion and Tina are happy to arrange your flowers in your own personal vase (just bring it to the store and they’ll use it for your selections.) A few days’ notice always is appreciated and ensures that you get the flowers of your choice. From now until Christmas, open from Monday to Saturday. 540 Parliament.

Home for the holidays at Riverdale Farm
Next Saturday December 4 from 10 am to 7 pm, the Farm has a full day of special events planned for you and your family. There’ll be displays in the Museum, treats from the baking oven, gifts at the Shop, crafts and activities in the Meeting House. A special guest and his reindeer will make an appearance throughout the day in the Farm. And to finish everything off, there’ll be a singing and the lighting of the Simpson House Tree at 6:45 pm in the Drive Shed. Riverdale Farm, Riverdale Park, Winchester and Sumach.

Daniel et Daniel
When Mount Sinai Hospital held a fundraiser hosted by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, they chose Daniel et Daniel to cater the event. 500 guests enjoyed their meal and watched the chef’s challenge. Held in the Carlu, it was a glittering evening and a major launch for this annual event. Congratulations to the staff at D+D for another successful evening. To find out more, click here: http://www.bizbash.com/toronto/content/editorial/19540_inaugural_mount_sinai_gala_puts_guests_in_the_kitchen_with_gordon_ramsay.php

A reminder
El muerto que no es visto no es adorado. This is Fernando Lara’s night at Jet Fuel. Many of us know Fernando from Cabbagetown Organics. Now we’ve learned that he has a life in the theatre as a director and an actor. He’s presenting his play at Jet Fuel (519 Parliament) next Friday night, November 26 at 8:30 pm. There are only 50 seats, so don’t delay – call (647) 458-6262. Tickets also at the door, $15/each.

Cabbagetown Spaw Four Paws
Diane Cole’s new grooming service opened in September at the corner of Ontario and Carlton. She’s had lots of previous experience grooming our pals. She operated a store in the Beaches previously and her customers from that location have followed her to Cabbagetown (where they appreciate her bright storefront and the convenient parking.) She offers complete grooming including show grooming to CKC standards. She welcomes pedigrees and pooches, puppies and seniors. (416) 420-0678. 204 Carlton.

Me To We Store
Me To We is a social enterprise and a partner for Free the Children. 50% of the profits are reinvested in Free the Children. They’ve just opened a beautiful new store at 223 Carlton. The manager is Emily and she says that her mandate is to stock socially conscious products that are made in Canada and are fair trade goods. You can read about the store at http://www.metowe.com/shop/store. Drop in and see their clothing, jewelry, accessories, travel accessories, books, CDs and DVDs. You can get more information about Free the Children’s overseas trips and leadership programs as well.

Congratulations to Salon 214
Nicky, Ginger and Dennis have been working in their new space at 214 Carlton for a while now. Their salon is a beautiful room with new floors, lots of mirrors and a very comfortable waiting area.

Hey Beauties, it’s that time again
Foxy’s monthly bargain blitz is on now. 50% savings on most inventory. The store is bursting with spectacular evening and party wear, outdoor wear, amazing sweaters and blazers, tops, bottoms and oodles of accessories. Michelle says “get your booty down here sisters and check it out …at half the price, it’s gonna be wild.” 251 Gerrard.

Christmas baskets from Lennie’s
Carol is creating special Christmas baskets designed just for your personal tastes. She’s got selected seasonal specials that she’s offering only during the Christmas period. You can look through these selections and build your own customized baskets. These are great gift ideas full of goodies that will fit perfectly for the person who receives them. 489 Parliament.

Patty’s Christmas specials
Watch for the flyer from Epicure Food Shop – it’s being delivered to homes throughout Cabbagetown right now. It has lots of news about Patty’s gift baskets, party platters and catering specials. This weekend, Epicure has a special offer on Stash Teas – buy one package at $3.89 and get a second one free. For Hanakkuh, she has packages of twelve milk chocolate Gold Coins for $1.50/each, another great holiday bargain. Quebec’s Cendrillion has been judged the best cheese in the world and Patty is featuring it this weekend at $6.99 each. 473 Parliament

Easy shopping at Kendall & Co
At Kendall & Co, Christmas shopping is easier than ever. Take advantage of their new online holiday gift guide at http://kendallandco.ca/fyi/holiday/holiday-gift-guide/. Enjoy their personalized Gift Basket service – they’ll create your gifts and they offer free local deliveries as well. From now until Christmas, the shop is open for extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays until 8 pm. Three new ways to avoid the crush at the malls and still get the best for your gifts. 438 Parliament across from Spruce Street.

Don’t miss it
Kendall & Co have a Christmas party planned for Sunday December 5 from noon to 5 pm. In the store at 438 Parliament. Ring in your holiday with drinks, treats and festive music. Please RSVP at holiday@kendallandco.ca

Whiskey tasting at Big Mamma’s Boy
Caroline has announced her plans for her first whiskey tasting, happening on Wednesday December 1. Please reserve at (416) 927-1593 or at caroline@bigmammasboy.ca There’s a four-course meal plus 2 whiskeys and 2 bourbons for your tasting, $65. 554 Parliament. 554 Parliament

Update on the fire at 454 Parliament
So far, only the House on Parliament has reopened. Graham from Capability Brown is still working for his customers at the House on Dumont (200A Carlton at Ontario). There’s no word yet about Superstein or Grasshopper.