Twenty kids from the Cabbagetown Youth Centre will carry the Torch when it travels through the Toronto area next week. Their route covers a portion of the Newmarket area next Friday.Of course, Newmarket isn’t really part of Cabbagetown.
So, to launch the kids on their exciting journey, the CYC is hosting an Olympic Relay Team Breakfast on Friday December 18 from 8 to 9:30 am (2 Lancaster Ave, behind the Parliament Beer Store.) This is our chance to wish them well for their great day. The youth who will represent the CYC were selected because of their commitments to active lives and Olympic values. It’s a real honour for all of us to have these young people carrying the Torch for part of its journey across Canada.
By the way, the CYC is in the middle of serious renovations. They need some support from all of us at this time. So when you come to the breakfast, bring your wallet and make a nice donation to the Centre so they can continue their outstanding work on our behalf.
Speaking of carrying the torch …
Do you believe this picture? Gerry Gold from Barracuda says he had the special thrill of being a torch bearer last summer during a visit to Harbourfront. He said it was a once in a lifetime experience.
Or was it?Sometimes, when he’s not racing with a torch, Gerry has great bargains in his beautiful shop. At the moment, he has bronze bookmarks on sale - perfect stock stuffers for a reader in your family. Barracuda (527 Parliament)
Simmons Flowers
Ginny, Merion and Tina are very busy this week preparing the floral presentations for the latest dinner party at the Lieutenant-Governor’s. Simmons Flowers (540 Parliament) have long been suppliers for him and they’re making sure now that all his Christmas and seasonal events are beautifully decorated. They can give you just as much care and attention for your home and for your gifts to friends far away.Soup has a sale
Saturday it's happening - the annual Christmas craft sale at Soup (6031/2 Parliament, just north of Cranberries). There are lots of goodies for everyone – Branch Out! greeting cards, handmade ornaments, Allie Oop bags, jewelry, knitted wares, silk screened clothes and bags, paintings, fun buttons, Green Thumb salve and much much more. This year’s sale takes place on Saturday, December 12 from 10 am to 4 pm. Don’t miss it.Our pets love us at Christmas
Matt is right at home among the waves in the new Fish Department at Menagerie.At Menagerie Pet Shop (549 Parliament), there’s a whole new row of freshwater tanks in the Fish Department. After twenty-five years, those guppies finally have new homes. Apparently, when they removed the old tanks, there weren’t any surprises. No hidden money or old newspapers. In this store, it’s a surprise when there are no surprises! While you’re there admiring these finny wonders, wander into the Cat & Dog Department and pick up some Orijen or Acana food - it’s on sale until December 15.
Dorothy has the treats, so Bosley and Boston are paying close attention.Meanwhile, at Pet Valu (240 Carlton), there’s a whole wall of cat and dog toys that your pals will love to find in their stockings on Christmas morning.
At Hair Lift Group (503B Parliament), Sophie and Randy stand back while Romeo greets the customers
And just next door at Sharon’s (503 Parliament), Jessie gets a well-deserved hug from SharonRick McCarthy at Jet Fuel
Rick is right at home at his Jet Fuel spot beneath his own paintings.Rick is a Cabbagetown’s artist whose work now spans over fifty years. You can see samples of his art hanging on the walls at Jet Fuel (519 Parliament). His show, entitled “Flowers”, began with a highly successful party on December 3 and continues there until December 30. For more info, click here and go to his attractive and easy-to-use website: http://www.rickmccarthytheartist.com/
Maggie Cassella & Lea DeLaria at Big Mamma’s Boy
For a two-week stretch, Maggie and Lea will appear at Big Mamma’s Boy (554 Parliament) presenting their latest variety show collaboration, You Better Watch Out. It’s on Thursday, Friday and Saturday (December 10, 11 & 12 and December 17, 18 & 19) with showtime at 9 pm and then on Sundays (December 13 and December 20) for a matinee at 5 pm. $50 includes the show and a three-course organic dinner; $25 for the show.Cranberries Christmas
Once again, Cranberries (601 Parliament) has unveiled its Christmas dinner menu and as always, it’s a wonderful meal. This year’s three-course dinner is a prix fixe at $24.99. You can enjoy butternut squash soup or a salad, then go on to roast turkey with all the trimmings served up with seasonal veggies, mashed potatoes, gravy and cranberry sauce (of course) and finish your meal with apple pie and ice cream. There will be two seatings (5 and 8 pm). It’s always a crowded event so book now: (416) 925-6330.This week at The Epicure Shop
Patty is pleased to have Cendrillon, The World’s Best Cheese, back in stock and to continue her great offer on Summerfresh Dip (buy one, get one free). Her sales of Christmas gift baskets are now in full swing and she’s offering all of them with “No tax”. This week’s specials include balsamic vinegar and virgin olive oils in decorative bottles – usually $12.99 each, on sale at $8.99. 473 Parliament.Additions and subtractions
We’ve got new postal boxes. Thanks to Canada Post – these look interesting, they fight graffiti and posters and they add considerable charm.
But we’ve subtracted the garbage disposal bins. Remember those dingy square things covered by lots of advertising and little holes at the top with doorways that snapped down on your knuckles? They’re toast. In the normal scheme of things, something new would arrive in their place. But not yet. Maybe soon. It’s gratifying to see that we’ve still got clean sidewalks. Thanks everyone for resisting the temptation to toss your stuff into the ghostly remains of the old cans.
It’s time again for the annual Christmas craft sale at Soup (6031/2 Parliament, just north of Cranberries). There are lots of goodies for everyone – Branch Out! greeting cards, handmade ornaments, Allie Oop bags, jewelry, knitted wares, silk screened clothes and bags, paintings, fun buttons, Green Thumb salve and much much more. This year’s sale takes place on Saturday, December 12 from 10 am to 4 pm. Don’t miss it.
You’re invited to the reception to open Bijouxbead Holiday at Fair Trade Jewellery Company (523 Parliament). Darlene Martin's beadwork is the first featured display. These intriguing mannequins have been visible through the front window for the past week. Saturday December 5 from 3 to 6 pm.
All through the weekend, Epicure (473 Parliament) has gift baskets on sale “tax free”. You can combine a gift basket with a pound of Reunion Island coffee for a real gourmet highlight. While you’re there, buy a box of Baci chocolates for $4.99 and save $3 – Baci translates as “kisses” and each chocolate has a special message of love. For cheese lovers, Patty has Black Burn non-pasteurized cheese from Quebec at $3.99/100g and she’s offering a free Summerfresh dip with any purchase of her humus dips.
The season has started for Sharon as well (503 Parliament). She wants to remind us that she carries men’s fashions as well as women’s. She has, for example, men’s shirts from Arrow, Calvin Klein and Geoffery Beene from $34.95. For women, she has party dresses starting at $39.99. Her store is full of wonderful gift items including silver jewelry, scarves and animal hats.
The beautiful room at The Stonegrill (51B Winchester) makes a wonderful location for your Christmas events and parties. They’re offering custom designed prix fixe menus, cocktail receptions, a well-rounded, affordable wine list and the services of their experienced, friendly staff. For large corporate gatherings or intimate dinners for two, this is a festive success that won’t be forgotten. If you’re interested, call Mukul or Dobby at (416) 967-6565.
The new bank building at Carlton is making great progress. Friday is the day when the last big batch of concrete is being poured. After that, scaffolding will go up for the first steps in laying the exterior brickwork. The building’s owner, George Foulides, reports that the proposed “white roof” will increase its cooling efficiency by up to 40% over conventional roofing techniques, creating very big energy savings for the building’s future operations. For more information on this kind of roof, please visit 
The holiday craft and studio show takes place on Friday and Saturday over this weekend. (Last week, we listed the wrong dates – so if you think you missed it, rest assured that there’s still a chance to attend.) Five outstanding artists – Victoria Hadden, Tessa Ort, Gerri Orwin, Ray Prince and Irina Rapoport – will have their paintings, ceramics, woodworking and jewelry available for your Christmas shopping. Friday from 3 to 9 pm and Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm at 130 Seaton Street.
Whenever you see these faithful, hardworking BIA workers with their ladder and wreathes, then you know that Christmas is just around the corner.
Mark at St Jamestown is offering a stuffed or plain chicken breast.
Don’t miss this – the November sale at Eclectisaurus (249 Gerrard St E) brings art, antiques and brocante at 25% discounts. The sale runs until Sunday at 7 pm. You’ll certainly find beautiful stuff for yourself here - if the whim strikes you and you can bear to part with it, you may even find something to give away. The store’s hours are noon to 7 pm. For a preview of their offerings, visit 
A wine “Tour de France” featuring a seven-course all-Ontario tasting dinner accompanied by eight regional wines from France – champagne, Alsace, Provence, Burgundy, Bordeaux. Sunday, November 29. The wine selections are from Merchant Vintner and the food is expertly prepared by JAM’s chef Av Atikian. The evening begins with a champagne reception. $155/per person. Space is,limited so call for reservations: (416) 921-1255, 195 Carlton Street.
The Epicure Shop (473 Parliament) is beautifully decorated for the season and offering you all kinds of gift baskets and Christmas baking. There’s homemade shortbread and gingerbread. If you order a gift basket before December 10, you’ll get a 15% discount. Order any three party trays and receive a pastry tray free. There are lots more specials listed on Epicure’s Christmas flyer so be sure to pick one up next time you’re in the store. As an added bonus, “The Best Cheese in the World” is now in stock – Cendrillon’s prizewinning goat cheese log is available at $5.99.
The Ben Wicks (424 Parliament) is host for the launch party for the first title from the new Cabbagetown Press. The Press is a project of the Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum and this book is a significant event in the Museum’s growth. Congratulations to all involved. The party, featuring “Polly of Bridgewater Farm” by Catherine McKenty, takes place on Saturday December 5 from 3 to 6 pm. 
Dates to remember 
The Holiday Craft Show & Studio Sale happens this weekend in Cabbagetown South – Friday to 9 pm and Saturday from 11 to 5 pm. 130 Seaton Street. Featured artists include Victoria Hadden, Gerri Orwin, Tessa Ort, Ray Prince and Irina Rapoport. 
The Ben Wicks 8th annual Christmas sing-a-long with the Sterling Brass. This event is always more fun than a tub full of tubas – save the date on your calendar. Sunday December 20 from 3 to 6 pm, 424 Parliament.
November sees two outstanding wine events happening at JAM (195 Carlton), both filled with exciting possibilities:
Winnipeg’s Contemporary Dancers with support from the Toronto Dance Theatre present two performances in support of the Dancer Transition Resource Centre. Choreography by Rachel Browne, Brent Lott and Lesandra Dobson. Friday November 20 and Saturday November 21, 8 pm, $25, 80 Winchester Street, (416) 967-1365.
They’re at it again in Cabbagetown South. This is a very lively neighbourhood and they're proving that they know how to host a fascinating event.
The Daniel et Daniel gift card can be purchased at the Food Shop. It’s a wonderful gift for the foodies in your life.
Councillor Pam McConnell and the staff at the city parks department are about to start a review of the facilities at Riverdale Park. Local residents at Friends of the Farm have organized a meeting and a survey so that we can express our views about the park’s future before the officials get started with their work. The official deadline for survey answers has passed but I’m sure that comments from latecomers will be welcome. Click here and give the group your views:
And to celebrate, they held a special lunch on Thursday – free burgers for everyone. The line of appreciative and hungry people stretched down the block from opening time at 11:30 am to the close at 2:30 pm. Over 400 people enjoyed their burgers … an inspired birthday party. 482 Parliament 
Patty is bringing back a sell-out favourite, six-year-old balsamic vinegar at the incredible price of only $3.99/each. As Christmas approaches, get one for your favourite chef – it’s a great gift. She also has specials this week on Quebec-made wild boar and apricot pates and she’s featuring homemade pies, cookies and cake squares for lunches, snacks and special desserts.
Obviously, if you sell ice cream, then you need plan B for the winter. Emilio at Sweet Creamery (521 Parliament) has joined forces with Jose to develop a lunch, new pastries, cakes and specialty desserts. Every day, they’re opening at 8 am for breakfast: grab-and-go with a coffee and pastries. If you’re hungry at lunch, they have seven different panini and daily soups. For dessert, there are waffles with your favourite combo – whipped cream, gelato, ice cream, fruit salads and yogurt. Coming very soon – a special pastry service for parties, weddings and special dinners featuring cakes with decorative and seasonal icings. If you want a mouth-watering peek at their pastries, cakes and waffles, click here: 
Renaissance Yoga (391 Ontario) has made some changes to their Fall program schedule. The series, “Magic of the Moon, Part One: Menstrual Mayhem”, will now be held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, November 27-29. The Winter and Spring programs for budding Ayurvedists are now posted at 
Come for the annual Christmas Preview Party, Sunday November 15 from 2 to 4 pm. The Shop offers fine gifts, books, decorations, handcrafts, toys, cards, preserves, soaps, fine arts and much more. Operated by the Friends of Riverdale Farm, the Shop is located in Simpson House at Riverdale Farm (Winchester and Sumach) and is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm.
Sharon (503 Parliament) is currently featuring a beautiful brocade jacket at $49.99 along with handmade jewelry from Montreal’s Christophe Poly (from $29.99 to 39.99). She also has a sale happening with silver and gold plated Israeli rings at $44.99.
Av and Joe Atikian are hosting another in their highly popular comparison tastings featuring wines from two different regions. On Saturday November 21, they’ll be pouring Ontario’s VQA region along with a diversified international offering, all from the Vine Agency’s Portfolio. The wines will be complemented by Av’s own hors d’oeuvres. Saturday, November 21, 6 pm, 7 wines, hors d’oeuvres, $35. This is now a sell-out event so reservations are recommended: (416) 921-1255
The kids at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre have created their own anthem. We’ve heard them sing it at this year’s Cabbagetown Festival. Last Spring, they performed it as a special welcome to Premier Dalton McGuinty when he visited the CYC. It’s a great piece of music and an enthusiastic tribute to a wonderful organization. The kids were filmed singing it a few days ago at Number 9 Audio Group (222 Gerrard East) – click here to watch and enjoy it: 
Kyle wants to remind you that good bargains can be found right here in Cabbagetown. No need for you to run across the city to some big box store when he has better pricing at The Deal Zone (480 Parliament). His packages of eight rolls of Christmas paper are only $5.99 – that’s 40 to 50% cheaper than the big guys are offering.