Every Christmas, Soup (603 ½ Parliament, just south of Wellesley) stages a special sale with intriguing items by artists and artisans. The 2012 edition is happening this weekend. It’s a great time to buy handmade greeting cards, knitware, jewelry, ornaments, pet portraits, handmade chocolate, children’s books and toys and lots more. Saturday and Sunday, 11 am to 5 pm.Holiday Sale
This weekend, Gerri Orwin (ceramics), Irina Rapaport (jewelry) and Lousje & Bean (designer clothing) are joining together for their Holiday Sale at 133 Seaton Street. It happens on Friday from 1 to 9 pm and Saturday from 11 am to 6 pm.Christmas supplies at Epicure
Be sure to talk to Patty about your needs for Christmas baskets. She has a wide range available and can customize them for you. This weekend, you can order any three trays from Epicure’s special flyer and receive a free pastry tray as well. For cheese lovers, Patty has five new arrivals: a seven-year old white cheddar, Alpindon from British Columbia, buffalo mozzarella, C’est Bon chevre and Devil’s Rock. Epicure Shop, 473 Parliament.Santa’s here
It’s time for our annual photo opportunity with Santa and your pet. Bring your dog, cat, mouse, gerbil and hamster to Pet Valu (240 Carlton ) this Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm. Or schedule a visit to Menagerie Pet Shop (Parliament) next weekend on Saturday from 1 to 4 pm. Eric Morse handles the photography and your pictures are ready later that day or on Sunday for your pick-up. $10/each.HO HO Holiday Lighting Sale
Mi Casa (238 Carlton) is continuing its holiday sales with a special on lighting – Jonathan Adler, Global Views, Arteriors and many more are on sale from 20 to 70% off, including special orders. The sale runs from Friday December 9 to December 18.Thanks, Guru
Guru operates the Canada Post kiosk at Shopper’s Drug Mart (467 Parliament). His calm manner, friendly style and efficient service caught the eye of Susan Siddely and she decided to acknowledge his good work with a gift of chocolates and a thank-you note. Anyone who has used our Canada Post outlet will certainly agree with Susan.The Queen at Labour of Love
Here’s a fun gift from Regina at Labour of Love (242 Carlton). Just place Her Majesty in the sunlight and watch her trademark wave begin. For more gift ideas, go to http://www.thelabouroflove.ca/Keeping the holiday warmth
Kendall & Co (541 Parliament) have been working with their longtime drapery supplier to develop a drapery collection of quality fabrics and styles. Choose from lush faux silk, soft cotton-linen or breezy poly sheer. Top the curtain with either modern grommets, classic pleats or contemporary flat panels. Available in any length and width to dress up those windows and doorways. Complement it with our drapery rods, finials and tie backs. Click on this link for more info: http://kendallandco.ca/fyi/design/draperyMJG gallery
"Heroes: Real, Fictional & Close To Home" have arrived at MJG Gallery (555 Parliament)! See the show that includes work by artist/owner Mark Gleberzon as well as 16 other artists including painting, photography and mixed media. Wed-Sun, 11 am to 6pm. markaloo@yahoo.comSave these dates – only a week away
Santa at Stout
Mr & Mrs Claus are visiting Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) next Saturday December 17 from noon to 2 pm. It’s a family event and your kids are welcome to talk to Santa about their Christmas wish lists. Bring a non-perishable food item as a gift for the Daily Bread Food Bank.Sterling Brass at the Wicks
Anticipation is building for next week’s annual date with the Sterling Brass at the Ben Wicks (424 Parliament). Don’t miss it – it’s a good time with plenty of carol singing and good company. Sunday December 18 from 3 to 6 pm.Cabbagetown Classical Youth Choir
The annual concert takes place on Sunday December 18 from 3 pm at St Peter’s Anglican Church (188 Carlton). Admission is $20. This is a fundraiser for the choir’s scholarship fund. For more information, http://www.nscvs.com/Beer tasting at JAMCafe
On Thursday December 22 at 6:30 pm, Av is presenting a beer tasting and matching it with his specially prepared hors d’oeuvres. You’ll sample eight Belgian beers and a food suggestion with each. $30, reservations are recommended. JAMCafe, (416) 921-1255, 195 Carlton.Thai to Go
Prasai and Dale have been renovating their restaurant at 452 Gerrard Street for quite a while. Thai to Go is well known across Cabbagetown for outstanding food and good home delivery. Their dining area is now finished and we can stay to enjoy a meal on site. The latest change is a big improvement for the streetscape – their awning has been placed across the front of their new sit-down dining area.From our Christmas Catalogue
Save your Christmas memories
Jim at Superfoto (434 Parliament) has all the equipment that you need to make paper prints from your digital images. Just drop in and he’ll take you through the steps quickly and easily. He provides one-hour service if you need to leave your card for printing. He’s been in Cabbagetown for 35 years and his service and advice are always reliable. 4” X 6” prints are 29 cents each and 8” X 10” prints are $6.99.Barracuda has glassware
At Barracuda (527 Parliament), they’re recommending their line of beautiful Mexican glassware as Christmas gifts. The glasses come in eight different colours and they’re available for wine, martinis, highballs, margaritas, water and shot glasses. While you’re there, check out the winter decorations in front. Several businesses have added these touches to their facades and they make our street much more pleasant through grey winter months.Don’t forget your bike rider
Just because it’s chilly outside, don’t neglect your bike or your bike lover. Kale at Cycle Solutions (444 Parliament) has a lot of handy stocking stuffers – pumps, lights, grips, bells, socks, computers, tool kits and plenty more. You can see all of these choices at http://www.cycle-solutions.com/And don’t forget your wine maker
Gunnar at Church Street Winery (420 Parliament) always has wine making kits ready for you. Right now, he has a great offer for first time buyers – 30 clean bottles at no charge (a savings of $30). Wine making kits come in a wide range of grapes and wine styles and they cost from $140 to $185. Each one makes 30 bottles of wine. Gunnar will prepare a custom gift certificate for you to meet your budget.Computers on Parliament Street
If you’re looking for computers and supplies, we have good outlets right here. No need to shop with a big box store – our stores offer competitive prices, lots of choice, convenient nearby shopping and reliable servicing.Hi-Tech Seven Plus (453 Parliament) has two holiday specials featured now. A new HP laptop with 15.6” LED screen and fully loaded RAM, hard drive, web cam, wifi and genuine Windows 7 Home Premium at only $399, including a free HP laptop bag. There’s also a brand new HP desktop with 1500 GB hard drive, genuine windows 7 Home premium – only $599 with a free keyboard and mouse. For a stocking stuffer, pick up a pair of Logitech speakers at only $39.99
Our Christmas Tree Party
Last Friday, we held an outdoor street party at Winchester and Parliament to light our LED Christmas tree. Danny Marks was our Master of ceremonies and music was provided by the Outputs and by UforChange. People warmed up with hot chocolate and coffee from Tim Hortons and the kids each got packages of candies prepared by Carol Buss at Lennies. For adults, there was a hot toddy to provide warmth and encouragement upstairs at the Winchester Kitchen & Bar. It’s a good start to our Christmas season in Cabbagetown.The Shop at Riverdale Farm
Save 50% on all inventory at the Shop – handicrafts, toys, books, gift cards, decorations and lots more. Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm until Christmas. Winchester and Sumach.
They’re back
For the 59th year, Christmas trees are again available at the corner of Spruce and Parliament. Welcome back guys and best wishes for a successful season.It never fails
Innocent travelers passing through Cabbagetown have frequently fallen into a bewildering experience. They’re set upon by an enthusiastic local geezer who tells them to stand still and hold a flag. It happened again this week to Bob and Gail who wandered into the neighbourhood from Tilden Lake in the Temagami area. Fortunately, they have a sense of humour and they played along.
Our 2011 Cabbagetown Christmas Party happened on Friday December 2 at Winchester and Parliament. We’ve purchased some lighting to decorate the corner and it was officially turned on. Danny Marks was our master of ceremonies. The Outputs, a marvellous band from the Cabbagetown Youth Centre, along with a performer from U4Change were our featured artists. Free coffee and hot chocolate, plus candies for your kids. 
Regina’s holding a Customer Appreciation Event to start the holiday season on a light and easy note. Visit her store and enjoy some bubbly and some munchies (from Daniel et Daniel) and you’ll also have first dibs on her newest holiday products. It happens today from 3 to 8 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm, 242 Carlton. For more information, 
Alex is holding a special in-store sale of all Joanathan Adler products, 20% off on lighting, Christmas ornaments and accessories, as well as special orders. The offer is limited to our gang, the readers of our Cabbagetown News blog (and that’s a very good idea - because we’re all such lovely, rich and upscale folks!) Saturday December 3 and Sunday December 4. 238 Carlton. 
Join Erin for her special tree trimming time at Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton). Bring your kids. They can join the reading circle and everyone can enjoy some eggnog and ginger cookies. Be sure to bring an ornament to put on the tree. Noon to 2 pm, Saturday December 3.
Fix up your pet for Christmas. Marilyn offers nail trimming tomorrow from 10 am to 3 pm at Pet Valu (240 Carlton). Only $10. It’s a great price and a very nice convenience.
It’s been a year since Merryberry (559 Parliament) first opened their doors. To celebrate, they’re offering a complimentary beverage for all guests on Sunday. A lot of people in Cabbagetown have enjoyed themselves there over the past year. They had a successful evening in the “One Night” event and a popular, comfy patio at the Festival. They’re home for the weekly BNI business meetings. Lots of young moms are bringing their babies for a Thursday morning gatherings. And they have plenty of catering assignments for George Brown College. That’s a good start for their business. Congrat’s to Cyril, Nimmi and the team for a remarkable year.
Siva and Ruth are now preparing their annual Christmas Day feast. Cranberries (601 Parliament) has served a delicious three course turkey dinner annually and this year they’re doing it again. Understandably with this good food and cheery setting, they get a sell-out crowd, so reservations are needed for either the 5 pm or the 7:30 pm seating. $24.99.
Custom designer Julie Dyck has been busy designing some jewellery for holiday gifts. "We got in some Fairtrade Certified 18K French rose gold that shows an amazing colour. We didn't get much of it. I wanted to make earrings and pendants so that more people could enjoy it." The collection, made entirely from this special gold, includes chain rings, pendants and earrings set with Canadian diamonds. Pieces range from $195-$495. You can stop by any time to view the collection. If you can't decide, Fair Trade has started offering gift cards as well. 523 Parliament. 
Drop off a food gift at HomeLife’s office (501 Parliament) at your convenience through the holiday season. Their food drive is a part of an effort across the company to combat hunger in Toronto. It’s a great idea and you can be part of the campaign easily.
One of our most popular Christmas events. Bring your pet – your cat, dog, hampster or rabbit – and get a photo with Santa. At Pet Valu (240 Carlton), they’re ready for you. Santa knows how to bring out the best. Photos are $10. Saturday December 10, 10 am to 3 pm. (If you can’t make it on December 10, Santa will appear the next week at Menagerie Pet Shop.)
Greaves from Niagara on the Lake have a lovely line of jams and marmalades. If you’re a fan, then get to Epicure for their special this weekend, 3 for $10.99. These little jars make very nice hostess gifts. Patty also has mincement tarts from Dufflets and homemade shortbread and mincemeat pies. 473 Parliament.
Private parties are a popular feature at JAM (195 Carlton). They happily handle small groups and crowds up to 50 people. Menu choices can be designed to your tastes – from cocktails and hors d’oeuvres to full dinner parties. You can customize the menu, the wine list and the music. There’s no charge for anything except your food and drinks. For more information, call Joe at (416) 921-1255 and visit 
It’s time now to do your recording work at Number 9 Audio (222 Gerrard). Book five hours of recording time and get a sixth hour free. It’s a great deal for independent artists and bands on a budget. Plus, from now until December 21st, Number 9 will match or beat the published rate from any competing studio in Toronto. If you’re going to pay the same amount everywhere, then take advantage of their exceptional nine-foot C Bechstein Concert Grand Piano, the best one available in the city. 
It happens next weekend, Saturday and Sunday, December 10 and 11, 11 am to 4 pm. As always, the sale offers an amazing range of greeting cards, pet portraits, knitware, paintings, natural soaps and skin care, jewelry and lots more. You’ll find plenty of gift items, stocking stuffers and goodies for yourself here. 603 ½ Parliament.
Their Christmas cards and holiday stationary are a perfect way to say hello to the people you love. They’re made with Nepalese and Tibetan handmade papers in a variety of sophisticated colours. On Sunday, be sure to visit Kendall’s Textile Art & Show sale by the Toronto Spinners & Weavers Guild to support Riverdale Farm – please RSVP to indicate whether you are attending the 1 pm or 3 pm show. 541 Parliament, just east on Winchester.
Meet Santa and Mrs Claus on Saturday, December 17 at Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton). It’s another family day at Stout and your kids are welcome to visit and talk about their Christmas wish list with Santa. Bring a non-perishable for the Daily Food Bank. Noon to 2 pm.
The Sterling Brass will offer their annual Christmas concert at the Ben Wicks (424 Parliament) on Sunday December 18. The combo of their fine instrumentals along with the clear piping voices from the crowd always guarantees a great time for all. 3 to 6 pm.
Cabbagetown Classical Youth Choir are holding their annual Christmas concert on Sunday December 18. It happens at St Peter’s Church (188 Carlton) at 3 pm. It’s a fundraiser with donations going to the choir’s scholarship fund. $20 admission. For more info about the school and the choir, 
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 
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.
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. 
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. 
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. 
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.
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. 
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.
Game-day chicken wings on special for the evening. Erin has several big screen TVs and, of course, plenty of craft beers on draft.
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.
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.
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)
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: 
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 
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: 
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 
Christmas is just around the corner and once again Number 9 is launching its annual toy drive in collaboration with the 
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 
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: