Edwin (House of Dumont) and Graeme (Capability Brown) are enjoying their newly renovated salon at 200 Carlton. They’ve refreshed their space completely – new lights, new flooring, drywall, a dark tile rear wall and fresh new paint. They managed all of this work in just two weeks and now they’re back in business. The end result is an elegant gem. You’re invited for a visit or to book an appointment. Just call Edwin at (416) 324-9022 and Graeme at (416) 966-2637.Cabbagetown Barbers in the media
Panoram Italia is a glossy magazine that highlights Italian living styles in Toronto. This month, our very own Cabbagetown Barbers, Frank and Jimmy, are on the front cover and they’re the subjects of a great story inside the magazine. To read more and to view the very amusing photographs that accompany the story, click here – http://www.panoramitalia.com/en/magazine/current-issue/ Cabbagetown Barber Shop, 525 ParliamentCabbagetown in Frommer’s
Frommer’s guide to Toronto has listed Cabbagetown as a tourist destination – “the best that Toronto’s east end has to offer.” They’ve suggested tours of Allan Gardens, Riverdale Farm and the Necropolis. To top it off, they recommend a visit to the food shop at Daniel et Daniel (248 Carlton) http://www.frommers.com:80/destinations/toronto/0034020197.html
Bianca Perren at Jet Fuel
Jet Fuel (519 Parliament) rotates the artwork that’s displayed in the coffee shop every month. For March, the featured artist is Cabbagetowner Bianca Perren with her watercolours of Greenland and Georgian Bay. Bianca is a geologist with a strong interest in Arctic environmental change. Her scientific interest is reflected in her art. You can see her work throughout March. Her launch party happens on Wednesday March 7 at 7 pm. www.biancaperren.comOlio Part II
Mark at MJG Gallery (555 Parliament) has put together this second stage in his presentation of various artists who are represented in the gallery. The show is open from Wednesday to Sunday, 11 am to 6 pm. Winchester Kitchen & Bar
Mike and Anesti are celebrating their first anniversary. As part of their celebration, they’re bringing a new menu and new format to the club. Along with its strong entertainment program, they’re introducing affordable menu items that include bar foods and comfort food. It’s all prepared here – you won’t find any frozen chicken fingers from the corner grocery. For more details, http://www.winchesterkitchen.com/ 51A WinchesterMore new arrivals at Eclectisaurus
Leslie has two pairs of vintage curtains in a vivid Op-Art pattern of circles within squares. The fabric is a heavy cotton weave that would also work well for upholstery or for framed display on a wall. The drapes are lined and have a strip at the top for drapery hooks, and are in very good pre-owned condition. The first pair of panels measure 37" x 43" - $100. The second pair of panels measure 31" x 43" - $80. Wednesday to Saturday, noon to 7 pm. Sunday noon to 6 pm. More pictures and info at http://www.eclectisaurus.com/textiles_linens_drapery_03.html 249 GerrardFour at the Winch Quebec
This weekend marks the final two days when you can catch this show at the Winchester Dance Theatre (80 Winchester.) Four at the Winch Quebec presents new works by Estelle Clareton, Lina Cruz, Deborah Dunn and Jean-Sébastien Lourdais. Tickets are $20 and $26 and available at (416) 967-1365. Friday and Saturday at 8 pm. There’s a very good website about the performances at http://www.tdt.org/4AWQ/index.htmlSpring is coming
As the warm weather inches forward and the days get longer, Spring and Easter are definitely approaching. Regina at Labour of Love (240 Carlton) is bringing new inventory to welcome the season. For more details, click on www.thelabouroflove.caSpain at The Epicure Shop
Patty has new supplies of Serrano Ham back in stock. Along with it, she’s brought in sweet and savory Spanish Tortas, great for serving with pate and cheese. She also has four-year-old white cheddar on special this week at $4.25/100 grams. http://www.theepicureshop.ca/ 473 ParliamentHelp the CCAC
The Cabbagetown Community Arts Centre (422 Parliament) has given thousands of young people professional instruction in music and the arts over its history. They’re now embarking on a project that will put the Centre on solid financial footing. They’re launching the Toronto English Language Academy to provide English language training. The school will use the CCAC space in the day and the arts training will continue in the evenings. The CCAC needs your help to fund the initial publicity and advertising for the school. For full details, visit http://www.cabbagetownarts.org/ and click on the Donate button.Update on the Boys and Girls Club
The old building at the corner of Sumach and Spruce has been fully refurbished. It’s the home of the Kiwanis Boys and Girls Club. The renovations are finished and the Club has held its official launch. You can see the new club in action on this YouTube video, http://www.youtube.com:80/watch?v=h9DpbPTdGdI&feature=emailTees in Switzerland
Ian lives in the Wellesley Cottages area and he’s long been a fan of our Tee shirts. They’re very fashion-forward for him and he can’t decide whether the black cabbages or the brown houses are the best choice. So he took both with him on a ski trip to Zermatt and his friend Boris (in brown) helped out with the modeling, on the mountain facing the venerable Matterhorn.
Everyone wonders what to do with old computers, printers, monitors, phones and other electronic stuff. We vaguely know that they’ve still got life in them and we don’t want to waste the equipment. The Ontario Electronic Stewardship is an industry-funded, non-profit group who have developed a system for recycling electronics. On behalf of OES, Sean Magee spoke to almost fifty people at a BIA luncheon on Thursday, outlining their ideas. You can learn more about them at 
Leslie at Eclectisaurus (249 Gerrard) has a handsome set of six Mid-Century Modern bent plywood chairs, Scandinavian in origin. The wood is finished in a dark espresso that reveals the grain of the wood. The legs are chromed metal and they are quite comfortable. The chairs are 32" high x 17 3/4" wide x 18" deep, and are in very good pre-owned condition. They’re available as a set of 2, 4 or 6 only - $125 each. Click here to see more pictures: 
A few weeks ago, we told you about the programs at the Jarvis Collegiate swimming pool. They’re organized by Community Matters, a community group active in St James Town. Justin Skinner has written an extensive story about their work in Inside Toronto. Click here to read it: 
Inside Toronto did a quick story about food-writer Sara Graham’s favourite Toronto restaurants. Three of ours made the list: F’Amelia (12 Amelia), Omi (241 Carlton) and Young Thailand (446 Parliament). 
Congratulations everyone. 
Toronto Dance Theatre (80 Winchester) presents the world premiere of works by Montreal-based choreographers Estelle Clareton, Lina Cruz, Deborah Dunn and Jean-Sébastien Lourdais. February 23-25 & 29 and March 1-3 at 8pm and February 26 at 2 pm. Special $20 tickets for Cabbagetown residents! (Quote the "Cabbagetown Rate" when you book tickets.) Click here to see videos and for more information: 
The Garden of Eden is blooming at Kendall & Co (541 Parliament, Unit C). This handmade Roxborough rug is inspired by nature's lush and exotic. Like a Creemore rug, this Roxborough is a stunning work of art for your floor and your wall. Just one of the gorgeous new patterns that Kendall now has available. Plush New Zealand wool. Click here for more information - 
Congratulations to Cabbagetown Mini Mart. They’ve just opened the doors to their new store location at 450 Parliament. It’s a bright clean spot just south of the House on Parliament. They’re continuing with their successful fresh flower sales and they’ve added a line of quick sandwiches and snacks. Drop by and check it out.
Justin Skinner at Inside Toronto has written regularly about our local efforts to keep the Riverdale Farm alive. This week’s editions of The Mirror and Inside Toronto offer his report about the group’s mid-February community meeting at 
The Don Vale Cabbagetown Residents Association is co-hosting an open house at Sprucecourt Public School (70 Spruce St) for parents of children born 2008 or after. There will be a speaker from the Toronto District School Board talking about full day Kindergarten. Parents will have a chance to tour the classrooms and meet the Principal. Thursday March 1, 3:15 to 4 pm. For more information, email Lindsay at 
Andrea at Fair Trade Jewellery Company (523 Parliament) has listed several display items for sale on Kijiji. There’s a silver tea light holder, a marble plate set and a wooden pedestal listed now with more items to come. Click on 
Last year, we watched Ken fulfill a lifelong dream to cycle his way around the outer circumference of France. It was a 3500 km epic bike ride and he wore his Cabbagetown Tee all the way. This year, he’s in India and his Tee shirt is there again, proudly, with him.
As we know, the Farm’s future has been cast into doubt and it was spared this year by the willingness of active volunteers to look at ways to support it and make it financially independent. The Farm’s volunteers need your advice. Join the community in a public meeting to talk about ways to help. Wednesday February 15, 6:30 pm, Cabbagetown Youth Centre (behind the Parliament Street Beer Store, 2 Lancaster) 
Susan Dineen has become the liaison between the Cabbagetown South Association and the BIA. It’ll be her job to figure out what we’re doing! Susan has been an effective advocate and organizer for community events for several years. We’re looking forward to her work with us.
This week, Labour of Love (242 Carlton) is featured in the Life-Design section of The Grid. Here’s a quick link to the news item. The story includes great photos of the eclectic mix of delightful trinkets available at this lovely store.
If you’re having a party, a meeting or some other private function, contact Anesti and Mike at (416) 323-0051 or through their website at 
The lower room off the downstairs patio at Weenen’s landmark building (211 Carlton) is available for rent. It’s a comfortable, impressive space with built-in shelves, air conditioning, gas fireplace, carpeting and bright window light. The entrance is in a lovely courtyard garden area. 300 square feet, $1000/month (including utilities). For more information, please contact Diana Menzies from Royal Lepage at 416-424-4900 and 
The “Olio show” continues at the gallery this week. It’s a fun, hodge podge collection of the works that are in inventory. Drop by and browse through the collection. Wednesday to Sunday, 11 am to 6 pm. 555 Parliament.
Join this award winning repertory company. Experience performance and technique training. Students gain advanced access to post secondary programs, secondary school credits, performance and touring experience. Auditions happen on February 26 with call-backs on February 27 and March 30. The audition fee is $30. For more information, click on 
New works by Estelle Clareton, Lina Cruz, Deborah Dunn and Jean-Sebastien Lourdais. February 23-25 and 29, March 1-3, 8 pm. On February 26, 2 pm. $20 to $26. Toronto Dance Theatre, 80 Winchester. Box office: 416-967-1365, 
That’s the theme at the Me to We Store (223 Carlton) this year. When you purchase a gift from the Artisan Collection, you’ll be sharing with your loved one and sharing with the Maasai artisans who creates your gift, adding to the income of the women who beaded the work.
Red roses are always a great choice as an expression of your love on Valentine's Day. Simmons (540 Parliament) buys only the best roses from Ecuador - they have excellent longevity and they’re available in lots of colours. Please order well ahead of the 14th to ensure availability (orders requiring delivery must be placed before the 14th). Open 7 days/week before Valentines. This weekend hours: Saturday 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday noon to 4 pm. Monday Feb 13th and Tuesday Feb 14th - open until 7 pm. (416) 920-6580.
Fair Trade Jewellery (523 Parliament) is featuring earrings this year. They have them in three styles – white pearls, balck pearls and diamond. The diamond studs are classics, made from European white gold and Canadian diamonds. These are gifts that can’t go wrong. 
Celebrate the Queen of your heart. Give her these beautiful Diamond Jubilee notebook sets. Honour her natural beauty like these nested fine porcelain bowls embossed with hand-painted blossoms, made by Cabbagetown potter Viola Michalska. Spark some romance with this gold branch tealight holder centrepiece. For more gift suggestions, click on 
This is a great Valentine’s gift – whether it’s for your sweetie or yourself. Rose at Jordano’s Skin Care (252 Gerrard) will help you beat the winter blues with her facials and free LED photo-rejuvenation of dermis epidermis. You’ll reduce your wrinkles, pore sizes and saggy jaw line. It’s a wonderful way to become relaxed, rejuvenated and better looking.
Valentine’s Day is coming and it’s time to get yourself looking gorgeous! Join Labour Of Love (242 Carlton) this Saturday February 11, 11 am to 4 pm, to meet Melanie Cruickshank, owner of DaLish Cosmetics. Melanie will be offering complimentary make-up applications and lip touch-ups, giving winter skin care tips and demonstrating her all-natural, Canadian-made products. And while you’re there, you can enter to win a “For My Valentine” lip gloss kit, valued at $48 with any purchase over $100.
Mark is well-known for his high quality meats and fish. Now, you can also add lots of zing to your meal with some of his new lines. He’s now got Sarafino olives, spreads, sundried tomatoes, mixed mushrooms. His blends of Bird Friendly coffee feature beans from locations that respect the winter habitat of migratory birds. On valentines, come by for chocolate dipped strawberries.
Cake and cookies are the theme this year at Absolute. Heart shaped cookies filled with raspberry. Heart shaped truffle cakes. The cookies will be baked fresh on Saturday. Warning – once you’re in the bakery, you won’t escape without a sweet.
This is a great place to shop for delicious extra touches that make a dessert special. They have chocolates from Chocolate Clare, cookies and macaroons in Valentine colours. For a full listing of their many menus, check the Daniel et Daniel website at 
Carol at Lennie’s (489 Parliament) has tons of chocolate. It’s fair trade, organic and of course, healthy. (We all know that it’s healthy again to eat chocolate.) White chocolate, dark chocolate, flavoured chocolates. You may not expect it, but one taste of the Maca chocolate and you’ll know what libido really is. And Carol will tell you all about it when you drop in.
Patty has lined up a very attractive list of sweets for your Valentines Day party. She’s got chocolate candy by Chocolate Clare, boxes of hearts and lollipops, Baci boxes, red velvet boxes, Dufflet’s cupcakes, and homemade sugar and gingerbread heart cookies. Next week, she’s holding her customer appreciation week with a new feature offered up daily – breakfast sandwiches, prepared salads, lunch specials, ham, brownies and coffee beans. 473 Parliament
Erin and her staff have planned a night for singles to relax and have real fun meeting other singles. Here’s how it works: if you’re a single, straight gal, you must bring a single, straight guy (and vice versa) and if you’re a single, gay gal, you must bring a single, gay guy (again, vice versa). Get it? This keeps all the numbers even for a great party. Champagne is $5, Devil’s Pale Ale is $5 and classic martinis are $10. Games and prizes. Saturday, February 11, 8 pm to close. Tickets are $20. 
Crab cakes, Roquefort pear salad or tapenade brushcetta will start your three-course dinner at the FB (488 Parliament.) Cruise along to a Rowe Farms NY striploin, pasta carbonara, red snapper or mushroom and blue cheese risotto. For dessert, there’s a white chocolate brownie or a NY cheesecake. All of this for only $34.99.
On Tuesday evening, Cranberries (601 Parliament) hosts another of their scrumptious three-course dinners. Start off with cream of oven roasted beets and rosewater soup or arugula salad. For a main course, choose grilled swordfish, chicken roulade or grilled beef tenderloin. Finish up with raspberry cheesecake. Prix fixe for $39.99.
Once again, Peartree (507 Parliament) has a wide selection of appetizers, entrees and desserts for you for their Valentines three-course prix fixe. Start with a salad or your choice of two soups, then enjoy steak and lobster, roasted rack of lamb, seafood fettuccini, Atlantic salmon, Bombay butter chicken or stuffed angolati. For dessert, there’s cakes and pie. All for only $20.99 to $25.99.
This year, Merryberry (559 Parliament) are celebrating couples – each course will have one ingredient featured two ways. For the appetizers, the ingredient will be shrimp. Coconut milk will be used for the main course. Pomegranate is the dessert ingredient. The whole meal will have an exotic, tropical feel. It’s a prix fixe at $25/each. 
On Valentines, the kitchen at the House on Parliament (454 Parliament) will be creating extra special specials. The menu includes harlequin soup, smoked duck breast salad, grilled shrimp, beef tenderloin with foie gras, seared sea scallops, rack of lamb and tarte au chocolat café with cognac crème fouette. You can also select a three course prix fixe with a champagne cocktail at $45. Now that’s romantic.
Your blog will return in two weeks. Next week, the call of the wild wins out! See you soon…