Join us to launch our Christmas tree
On Friday December 2 from 7 to 9 pm, you’re invited to the corner of Winchester and Parliament. It’s the official lighting and launch of our 2011 Christmas tree. There’ll be goodies for kids of all ages, hot chocolate and coffee, and musical entertainment by the Outputs and by U4Change. Our headliner and chief dispenser of goodwill and high spirits will be Cabbagetown’s own Danny Marks. Dress warmly – we’ll be outdoors under the stars.
When you come to our event, bring an unwrapped toy. We’re joining with CP24’s toy drive to bring some joy into a child’s life.
Our Christmas Catalogue
Ben Wicks (424 Parliament Street)
The Ben Wicks Christmas Sing-a-Long is THE big annual social event for serious Cabbagetown warblers, a time when everyone sips a pint and melts into the beauty of the music. The Sterling Brass provides the music and the audience joins in with the tunes. Undeniably, this occasion puts even the most determined grouch into the Christmas spirit. Save the date – Sunday, December 18 from 3 to 6 pm. No cover. http://www.benwickspub.com/
Daniel et Daniel (248 Carlton Street)
Long known as Toronto’s premier caterer, Daniel et Daniel also provide very convenient prepared meals for special occasions in your home. They’ve just announced their 2011 Christmas dinner. It includes soup, salad, turkey with traditional stuffing, mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables, a bread plate and poached pear for desert. On orders for ten or more, delivery service is available. $45 each. The final day for orders is Wednesday December 21. http://www.danieletdaniel.ca/
JAMCafe (195 Carlton Street)
JAMCafe now has a new mid-week Prix Fixe menu, available from Tuesday to Thursdays. It includes your choice among three appetizers, three entrees and two desserts plus a glass of wine. It’s a real attraction - $19.95 each. JAM also accepts private parties (up to 60 people for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres and 50 people for full course meals.) To reserve, call 416-921-1255. http://www.jamcafe.net/
The Epicure Shop (473 Parliament Street)
Epicure’s personalized baskets are a famous Christmas gift in Cabbagetown. You select your basket’s contents and Patty will create it for you – gourmet food items, cheeses, coffee and tea, gifts for children, and specialty desserts. Prices depend on your selection. Epicure’s baskets make great corporate gifts as well. Save 20% on all orders placed before December 10.
Labour of Love (242 Carlton Street)
Stunning, handmade jewellery is the centre of attention at Labour of Love for this season – like this gorgeous handmade, botanical line by artist Michael Michaud. The choices are constantly changing and updating. There are lots of other holiday choices in stock as well – cards, wrap and gift bags. http://www.thelabouroflove.ca/
Regular News
Grey Cup weekend
Get over to The Ben Wicks (424 Parliament)
Enjoy the Grey Cup game on big screen television. You can chomp down Robert’s special chilli or his traditional beef stew along with any item from the pub’s regular menu. Sunday at 6 pm. No cover charge.
Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton)
Game-day chicken wings on special for the evening. Erin has several big screen TVs and, of course, plenty of craft beers on draft.
Weekend Sale at Mi Casa
From Friday to Sunday, Mi Casa (238 Carlton) is having a store-wide weekend sale. Everything is available at 20% off, including special orders. It’s a chance for a great bargain. The store is open on Friday to 6 pm, on Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and on Sunday from noon to 4 pm.
For your family at Stout
On Saturday December 3, Erin is having Stout’s 1st Annual Tree Trimming party from noon to 2 pm. At noon, there’ll be a children’s reading circle. Bring an ornament and enjoy some eggnog and ginger cookies.
On Saturday, December 17 from noon to 2 pm, Santa is visiting and he’s bringing Mrs Claus with him. Bring along a non-perishable item for the Daily Bread Food Bank.
Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton)
Cheese at Epicure
Quebec’s Alpindon raw milk cheese is now in stock. It won a 1st prize at the American Cheese Awards. Devil’s Rock is back in stock as well. It’s just been featured in the LCBO’s magazine. Patty also has her homemade gingerbread and shortbreads available for you. Watch for her Holiday Flyer with lots of special offers. It’s being delivered to your home next week and copies will also be in the store. The Epicure Shop (473 Parliament)
Pop some bubbly
Regina is having a customer appreciation event at Labour of Love (242 Carlton) on Friday December 2 from 3 to 8 pm and all day on Saturday December 3. There’ll be bubbly and munchies and (while they last) first choice of the new Christmas arrivals. For more info, check here: http://www.thelabouroflove.ca/
Merryberry is catering
Merryberry (559 Parliament) has recently provided catered meals for the George Brown School of Design (as the picture shows) at a Saturday evening dinner for 150 people. They’ve done a variety of business-related events lately including the Google seminar at the Centre for Education. Cyril reports that enquiries are now arriving regularly. They’re doing it for all sizes of events – from ten to 300 people. They can come to your home or arrange a private function at the Café (for groups up to 30 people.) You can review the menu (and lots of attractive pictures) on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/MerryBerryCafe
Flowers for the Duchess
This week, Simmons Flowers (540 Parliament) provided centerpieces for the luncheon that Ontario’s Lieutenant Governor held for the Duchess of Wessex. This was a sparkling event (read details here: http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/501482 ) It took place in the Lieutenant-Governor’s suite at Queen’s Park. Simmons can provide the same beautiful designs and high quality for your home.
Kendall & Co
Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and ....nope, it isn’t Rudolf but Kendall’s white porcelain reindeer lamp. It can also light up a foggy Christmas Eve and add a warm glow by the Christmas tree, on the mantle or anywhere in your home during those wintry nights. Sunday holiday hours 12-5pm. Check out their updated Online Holiday Guide at http://kendallandco.ca/fyi/shop-holiday/ 541 Parliament St on Winchester.
Christmas toys at Number 9
Christmas is just around the corner and once again Number 9 is launching its annual toy drive in collaboration with the Yonge Street Mission. Not sure what to get? The Yonge Street Mission has compiled an extensive gift guide that you can take a look at right here. As a general note, toys should be for kids 12 and under and cannot promote violent or otherwise adult themes. No toy guns or weapons! Gifts should not be wrapped. Number 9 employees often lean towards donating “classic” holiday toys such as blocks, books and balls; things that any child can enjoy!
Impulse 2011 at the Winchester Dance Theatre
The School of Toronto Dance Theatre presents an ambitious main-stage performance of ensemble works that showcase dancers from each year of the professional dance training program. This is your chance to see tomorrow’s dance stars today. Performances take place on December 1, 2 and 3 and on December 8, 9 and 10. For tickets, call (416) 967-6887 or email tickets@schooloftdt.org. 80 Winchester
Married in the ring
Ibrahim Kamal and Miranda Jollymore got married a week ago in the ring at the Cabbagetown Boxing Club. He’s a professional boxer who’s been competing for Canada since he moved here nine years ago. She’s a retired amateur boxer who now operates a boxing-based charity for at risk kids. They married in the gym where they met three years ago. For a lovely video clip and the full story, click here: http://toronto.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20111120/couple-marry-boxing-ring-111120/20111120/?hub=TorontoNewHome
When you come to our event, bring an unwrapped toy. We’re joining with CP24’s toy drive to bring some joy into a child’s life.Our Christmas Catalogue
Ben Wicks (424 Parliament Street)
The Ben Wicks Christmas Sing-a-Long is THE big annual social event for serious Cabbagetown warblers, a time when everyone sips a pint and melts into the beauty of the music. The Sterling Brass provides the music and the audience joins in with the tunes. Undeniably, this occasion puts even the most determined grouch into the Christmas spirit. Save the date – Sunday, December 18 from 3 to 6 pm. No cover. http://www.benwickspub.com/Daniel et Daniel (248 Carlton Street)
Long known as Toronto’s premier caterer, Daniel et Daniel also provide very convenient prepared meals for special occasions in your home. They’ve just announced their 2011 Christmas dinner. It includes soup, salad, turkey with traditional stuffing, mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables, a bread plate and poached pear for desert. On orders for ten or more, delivery service is available. $45 each. The final day for orders is Wednesday December 21. http://www.danieletdaniel.ca/JAMCafe (195 Carlton Street)
JAMCafe now has a new mid-week Prix Fixe menu, available from Tuesday to Thursdays. It includes your choice among three appetizers, three entrees and two desserts plus a glass of wine. It’s a real attraction - $19.95 each. JAM also accepts private parties (up to 60 people for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres and 50 people for full course meals.) To reserve, call 416-921-1255. http://www.jamcafe.net/The Epicure Shop (473 Parliament Street)
Epicure’s personalized baskets are a famous Christmas gift in Cabbagetown. You select your basket’s contents and Patty will create it for you – gourmet food items, cheeses, coffee and tea, gifts for children, and specialty desserts. Prices depend on your selection. Epicure’s baskets make great corporate gifts as well. Save 20% on all orders placed before December 10.Labour of Love (242 Carlton Street)
Stunning, handmade jewellery is the centre of attention at Labour of Love for this season – like this gorgeous handmade, botanical line by artist Michael Michaud. The choices are constantly changing and updating. There are lots of other holiday choices in stock as well – cards, wrap and gift bags. http://www.thelabouroflove.ca/Regular News
Grey Cup weekend
Get over to The Ben Wicks (424 Parliament)
Enjoy the Grey Cup game on big screen television. You can chomp down Robert’s special chilli or his traditional beef stew along with any item from the pub’s regular menu. Sunday at 6 pm. No cover charge.Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton)
Game-day chicken wings on special for the evening. Erin has several big screen TVs and, of course, plenty of craft beers on draft.Weekend Sale at Mi Casa
From Friday to Sunday, Mi Casa (238 Carlton) is having a store-wide weekend sale. Everything is available at 20% off, including special orders. It’s a chance for a great bargain. The store is open on Friday to 6 pm, on Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and on Sunday from noon to 4 pm.For your family at Stout
On Saturday December 3, Erin is having Stout’s 1st Annual Tree Trimming party from noon to 2 pm. At noon, there’ll be a children’s reading circle. Bring an ornament and enjoy some eggnog and ginger cookies.On Saturday, December 17 from noon to 2 pm, Santa is visiting and he’s bringing Mrs Claus with him. Bring along a non-perishable item for the Daily Bread Food Bank.Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton)
Cheese at Epicure
Quebec’s Alpindon raw milk cheese is now in stock. It won a 1st prize at the American Cheese Awards. Devil’s Rock is back in stock as well. It’s just been featured in the LCBO’s magazine. Patty also has her homemade gingerbread and shortbreads available for you. Watch for her Holiday Flyer with lots of special offers. It’s being delivered to your home next week and copies will also be in the store. The Epicure Shop (473 Parliament)Pop some bubbly
Regina is having a customer appreciation event at Labour of Love (242 Carlton) on Friday December 2 from 3 to 8 pm and all day on Saturday December 3. There’ll be bubbly and munchies and (while they last) first choice of the new Christmas arrivals. For more info, check here: http://www.thelabouroflove.ca/Merryberry is catering
Merryberry (559 Parliament) has recently provided catered meals for the George Brown School of Design (as the picture shows) at a Saturday evening dinner for 150 people. They’ve done a variety of business-related events lately including the Google seminar at the Centre for Education. Cyril reports that enquiries are now arriving regularly. They’re doing it for all sizes of events – from ten to 300 people. They can come to your home or arrange a private function at the Café (for groups up to 30 people.) You can review the menu (and lots of attractive pictures) on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/MerryBerryCafeFlowers for the Duchess
This week, Simmons Flowers (540 Parliament) provided centerpieces for the luncheon that Ontario’s Lieutenant Governor held for the Duchess of Wessex. This was a sparkling event (read details here: http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/501482 ) It took place in the Lieutenant-Governor’s suite at Queen’s Park. Simmons can provide the same beautiful designs and high quality for your home.Kendall & Co
Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and ....nope, it isn’t Rudolf but Kendall’s white porcelain reindeer lamp. It can also light up a foggy Christmas Eve and add a warm glow by the Christmas tree, on the mantle or anywhere in your home during those wintry nights. Sunday holiday hours 12-5pm. Check out their updated Online Holiday Guide at http://kendallandco.ca/fyi/shop-holiday/ 541 Parliament St on Winchester.Christmas toys at Number 9
Christmas is just around the corner and once again Number 9 is launching its annual toy drive in collaboration with the Yonge Street Mission. Not sure what to get? The Yonge Street Mission has compiled an extensive gift guide that you can take a look at right here. As a general note, toys should be for kids 12 and under and cannot promote violent or otherwise adult themes. No toy guns or weapons! Gifts should not be wrapped. Number 9 employees often lean towards donating “classic” holiday toys such as blocks, books and balls; things that any child can enjoy!Impulse 2011 at the Winchester Dance Theatre
The School of Toronto Dance Theatre presents an ambitious main-stage performance of ensemble works that showcase dancers from each year of the professional dance training program. This is your chance to see tomorrow’s dance stars today. Performances take place on December 1, 2 and 3 and on December 8, 9 and 10. For tickets, call (416) 967-6887 or email tickets@schooloftdt.org. 80 WinchesterMarried in the ring
Ibrahim Kamal and Miranda Jollymore got married a week ago in the ring at the Cabbagetown Boxing Club. He’s a professional boxer who’s been competing for Canada since he moved here nine years ago. She’s a retired amateur boxer who now operates a boxing-based charity for at risk kids. They married in the gym where they met three years ago. For a lovely video clip and the full story, click here: http://toronto.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20111120/couple-marry-boxing-ring-111120/20111120/?hub=TorontoNewHome 
Eclectisaurus has a remarkable collection of unique vintage and antique gifts for your Christmas list. This picture shows a Machine Age art deco tea set from England in the 1930s along with a 1970s task lamp, a silver bead necklace and a 1980s Wochtmeister metallic print.
This small display highlights the wide range of eclectic home décor and design merchandise on offer at Green’s. The serving pieces are silver plate. The brass picture frames in the background are Victorian vintage. The wrought iron table, chairs and Tiffany style lamp are modern.
Your holiday gift central and your go-to for festive décor, Kendall & Co will make your Christmas gift giving easy, merry and bright. You can hang your coat, hat or dog leash on these whimsical teapot wall hooks. Recommended by CBC television’s Steven and Chris. To see all of their special offers, go to 
This beautiful store is a wonderful source for your Christmas home furnishing gifts. This year, they’re promoting a Radinka Frosted Table for the holiday season. Tempered glass and steel, 31” high and 18” wide, light weight and easily moved – it’s perfect as a side table in your livingroom. To see more, visit 
Gregory Harris is a criminal lawyer who’s just set up practice at 219 Carlton. He’s a graduate from McGill (where he was on the Dean’s Honour List) and he articled at Heenan Blaikie LLP. After being called to the Bar, he decided to focus exclusively on criminal law. You can contact him at 647-522-4404 and at 
In their November 17 program, CBC television’s Steve and Chris use Kendall & Co décor to highlight effective ways to liven up small spaces in a room. You can see their show here: 
Regina reports that Artech Studio have created beer glasses made from recycled bottles of our favourite brews. They’re great gifts for beer-loving guys (like me!) Check out her blog for more exciting gift ideas: 
The Friends of Riverdale Farm operate the Shop at the Farm and every year, they present a marvelous selection of Christmas gifts and decorations. On Sunday, they’re holding their annual preview party and sale. Don’t miss it – there’ll be refreshments and good shopping all day long from 10 am to 4 pm. The Shop will now be open every weekend until Christmas for your convenience. Riverdale Farm, Winchester & Sumach.
MJG Gallery (Parliament) is showing a collection of 70 photographs from the archives at Central Neighbourhood House and the Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum. Don’t miss these amazing pictures of life in Cabbagetown and downtown Toronto over the past 100 years. The show been extended to Thursday November 24.
Number 9 Audio (222 Gerrard) still has a few spots open in their modular recording course. Each module covers one important aspect about audio recording and every class is a hands-on experience in a real recording studio. Bookings and payments are flexible. For more information, click here: 
The School of Toronto Dance Theatre presents an ambitious main-stage performance of ensemble works that showcase dancers from each year of the professional dance training program. This is your chance to see tomorrow’s dance stars today. Performances take place on December 1, 2 and 3 and on December 8, 9 and 10. For tickets, call (416) 967-6887 or email 
On Sunday, drop in to The Flying Beaver (488 Parliament) at 4:30 pm. Susan will be launching her latest book, Home First, A Memoir in Voices. Don’t miss this event.
New moms have started to gather informally every Thursday morning at 10:30 am at Merryberry Café (559 Parliament). Cyril is happy to welcome you – no rules, no cover charges, just a relaxed atmosphere and a chance to compare notes and admire your babies together. All moms are welcome.
Every Saturday from 9 pm, the Winchester Kitchen (51A Winchester) presents the great bands that will relive the experiences that we all enjoyed in the old Winnie. This week, the Break Down Band is performing. They’re a Toronto-based dance/funk/hip hop ensemble. These guys know how to have a good time, so come out and enjoy yourself with them. 
Central Neighbourhood House and the Cabbagetown Regent Park Community Museum have joined together to present fifty memorable pictures from CNH’s work in our community over the past 100 years. They’re on display at MJG Gallery (555 Parliament) from November 17 to 20. Former Toronto mayors David Crombie and Barbara Hall will help to launch the show on Thursday November 17 from 7 to 10 pm. For more info, 
Throughout November, Rose has a special 10% discount on all her skin care products. These high quality biological, organic lines are imported from France and Belgium. They’re available now at her lovely spa at 252 Gerrard.
For Christmas this year, take a trip down memory lane. Labour of Love (242 Carlton) has gifts that will last forever and their inventory is being renewed daily. 
Kevin reports that Kendall & Co have published their online holiday guide. It’s now available at 
The Centre (595 Parliament) held a business breakfast last Thursday to introduce guests to their services. The special speaker was Francois Grisel from Google. It was a fascinating hour-long talk about the powerful data that Google can provide for small businesses. Merryberry catered the event. Congratulations to everyone for a well run occasion.
Save 10% on all of Number 9’s services – studio time, CD/DVD duplication, graphic design, A/V transfers and much more - throughout November. It’s best to put some time aside now for your music projects and avoid all the hectic rush later. Call 416-348-8718 or visit the studio at 222 Gerrard.
Daniel Koepfler has been volunteering at the BIA office for a couple of weeks and expects to be back for more. He’s a native son of Cabbagetown and a Grade 11 student at Jarvis CI. He’s sorting out the information that we gathered during the 2011 Festival and he’ll be entering that data into our computers. It’s an important job for us – these names and addresses will be added to our Newsletter mailing list.
A week ago, we mentioned that the Ben Wicks (424 Parliament) is hosting a book launch for Kicking Cancer’s Ass. It happens on Saturday November 5 at 8 pm. The book was written for anyone who’s battling cancer. The author, Robert Hawkes, was interviewed by Inside Toronto and they’ve posted their article on their site for you: 
Very nice changes are coming to our LCBO store (512 Parliament). Kelly Smith is our new store manager and she’s already set lots of plans in motion. She wants to open it up and make it more inviting. She removed the cupboards from the front to let light in from the windows. The cash lines are now wider so people with strollers and buggies can use them easily. The Vintages section is at the back and it’ll be bigger than ever. Watch for new signage, floor cleaning and fresh paint as well. And she’s happy to hear your suggestions about new products to stock in the store.
Business people across Cabbagetown will want to attend a networking breakfast at the Centre for Education & Training (599 Parliament) on Thursday November 10, 8 to 10 am. The guest speaker is Francois-Olivier Grisel from small business marketing at Google. Topics include local consumer behaviour, effective online marketing, attracting clients to your website and increasing your customer base. The Centre will also introduce its services during the breakfast. No cover charge. Please RSVP to 
Last week, Michelle wrote to us about Samsara (587 Parliament) to recommend their buffet. We tried it ourselves this week. It’s a small, clean and recently renovated space. The buffet offers a dozen veggie, chicken, fish and lamb dishes, all fresh and delicious. Lunch is $7.99 (a great bargain) and dinner is $9.99 (another bargain). Not licensed.
From November 7 to 28, you can save 10% on all of Number 9’s services – studio time, CD/DVD duplication, graphic design, A/V transfers and much more. It’s best to put some time aside now for your music projects and avoid all the hectic rush later. Call 416-348-8718 or visit the studio at 222 Gerrard.
Jeff has a refurbished Dell 20” desktop computer available now. If you’re interested, get there quickly because he only has one. It’s got Bluetooth, television and dvd capacity, wifi, Windows 7 professional, 2 gb memory and 320 gb hard drive. It’s covered by Unistar’s 3-month warranty. Only $499. There are lots more bargains in store now – desktops, laptops and supplies. 517 Parliament.
Meet encaustic artist Laura Culic and enjoy a demonstration of her work on Wednesday Nov 9th, 7-10. $20. Please RSVP as this is limited to 20 people. Life Drawing classes continue on Thursdays from 7-10pm, $35 - RSVP required. 555 Parliament St. 416.923.4031
Regina has started to gather Christmas gifts, cards and supplies and she says that they’re attracting lots of interest. Don’t delay. She’s got napkins, cards, ribbons, gift tags, wrapping and lots more. Her website has details about the latest arrivals: 
The Fall season is here. It’s time to prevent your skin from looking dull, dry and flaky. A daily cleaning and moisturizing is very important. Rose has a 10% discount on all her skin care products. She carries high quality biological, organic products from France and Belgium. Don’t miss this special. (416) 964-1794. Feel free to drop in and say hello to her at her beautiful serene salon at 252 Gerrard.
Patty has Serrano ham available again and she’s featuring it this week (save $1/100g). And she also has the famous Tontas from Spain on her shelves again. She recommends the new coffees from 23 Degrees Roastery, a Toronto-based company that uses organic and fair trade beans. Her favourite is Mug Shot – it’s great for a mug of coffee or a shot of espresso. The Epicure Shop, 474 Parliament.
Choreography by Christopher House and ten TDT dancers. Performances on Friday November 4 and Saturday November 5 at 8 pm. Get your tickets at just $20 each - just quote “Cabbagetown Rate” when you buy either on the phone (416-967-1365 ext 28) or in person. You’ll want to reserve a seat because the tickets are selling quickly. Go online at 
In late October, the Don Vale Cabbagetown residents together with LEAF conducted an educational tree tour of Cabbagetown. The day was a great success. More than 50 people joined Amanda Gomm who discussed the diversity and maturity of our trees and the stresses that they face. The Association will be focusing on these issues over the next year. Anyone who’s interested can contact 
Next Sunday November 13 at 4:30 pm, Susan Siddeley will launch her latest book, Home First, A Memoir in Voices. It happens at The Flying Beaver (488 Parliament.) Don't miss it.