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Dealicious – Madame Gateaux

If you’ve been thinking about trying out the Madame Gateaux at Danforth and Woodbine, check out today’s Dealicious.ca deal for $80 worth of mini cupcake classes for $40.

The fine art of cupcake baking and decorating is perfected through hands on practice and expert instruction. Learn how to create your cupcake masterpiece with today’s Dealicious Deal: For $40 You Get $80 Worth Of Mini Cupcake Classes With A Red Seal Certified Pastry Chef At Madame Gateaux

Madame Gateaux offers a wide range of classes in the edible arts.  Whether you are a hobbyist or someone who wants to upgrade their skill, there are classes that will suit you.  Their private or group classes are taught by professional pastry chefs. Madame Gateaux also carries large selections of baking utensils, accessories and ingredients at affortable prices.

Noel Yim is a Red Seal Certified Pastry Chef who is totally in love with the pastry arts. As a pastry chef in Windsor Arms Hotel and Head Pastry Chef in the Humber College, she gained years of experiences in the baking industry. Being a product of George Brown College, and taught by well known chocolatier, Noel will teach you the why and how to. You’ll find that she enjoys putting some oriental essence to her creations

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DECA’s Bike Tune-Up Day and More

DECA Learns is alive and well and bringing you a terrific event this Saturday at Main and Danforth.

Free (or nearly free) Bike Clinic

Have your bike fixed and learn how to fix your bike at the DECA Bike Tune Up Day!  Saturday, June 11 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Main Square near the corner of Main and Danforth.  There will be half a dozen tents, each with a bicycle repair station and someone to help.

This event is pay what you can.  And free is just fine.  If you happen to have any old bikes or parts that you don’t need, bring those along too.  Our fabulous team including Ray and Jamie would love to have them.

DECA Gem – Legacy Cycling

Speaking of cycling.  If you’re into the kind of bicycles that don’t move, you may want to stop in and talk to Andy at Legacy Cycling (1506 Danforth at Coxwell).  I (Natasha) have been taking Andy’s boot camps and spinning (stationary bikes) classes for about six months.  Andy is the owner and he’s terrific, but there are a number of other great instructors teaching spinning, boot camps, yoga and personal training.

Andy worked as a trainer and instructor for years at Goodlife and decided in 2009 to open up his own studio here in Danforth East.  He said he looked at a few different locations, but really liked this neighbourhood and loves being beside Cyclepath.

How is Legacy different from other fitness studios?  “We know all of our members by name,” says Andy.  “We keep in touch weekly and we customize all of our packages and workouts to our members.  We also want to see results so we discount our members for the weight that they have lost.”  I would have to agree that it does feel a bit like getting a personal trainer for the price of a group class.

After two years in the neighbourhood, Andy says he’s come to love the family community in the Danforth East area.  “Many of the residents come here because they love to support local businesses,” he says, “but also because they are prepared to work hard.”

Legacy offers personal training in studio or in your home, boot camp classes with weights, Birkram hot yoga including prenatal options, morning, evening and weekend spinning.

There is a deal right now; you can buy 6 months of unlimited spin for $400 + HST or a summer pass which includes any 12 classes for $150.  Psst… If you decide to do a weekend morning boot camp and stay for the spin class, he’ll only charge you for one class.  You can also just drop in any time and pay per class. These offers are available until the end of June.  What I like about buying the passes is that you’re not paying when you’re not using the class.

If you’ve been looking for something local that will kick your butt and get you looking and feeling better, check out Legacy.  And if you’re worried that you’re not fit enough, not hip enough, not dressed in the coolest clothes enough, I can tell you there are all kinds of people there with all kinds of fitness levels.  And clearly if I go there, you don’t have to be hip, cool or trendy.

Danforth Mosaic Business Improvement Association (BIA)

A few people have been asking why DECA hasn’t planted the flowers in the flower boxes along the Danforth this year.  While I would love it if DECA had the kind of money that is required for that, alas we run on volunteers and good thoughts.  It is, however, the BIA that is responsible for such things.  Earlier this year, they had opted not to do the flowers this year and have apparently changed their collective mind because the flowers started going in this weekend.  Yay!

For the record, DECA had formally asked the BIA to reconsider its earlier decision.  We said that the flowers are very important to the residents and that we believe they are an important tool to draw people to the Danforth.  We had even suggested that we do some ‘guerilla gardening’ in the some of the planters, but we were delighted that it didn’t come to that and that the flowers have returned.

The BIA is also hosting a family fun fest this weekend including entertainment  and activities on Saturday, June 11th at East Lynn Park.  There will be free activities for all ages, carriage rides on Saturday and Sunday, a sidewalk sale all weekend and prizes.

Town Hall on City Services

The City of Toronto is reviewing its services over the next few months to determine which services will continue, which will be privatized or contracted out and how the city will pay for the services it offers.  It is also developing a new plan for recreation services.

Councillor Janet Davis is hosting a town hall meeting this Wednesday, June 8th at 7 p.m. at East York Civic Centre (850 Coxwell) to give you the chance to have your say. If you can’t make the meeting you can also contribute your thoughts online at www.torontservicereview.ca or here to do the survey on recreation and parks services. 

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DECA Gem – Amathyst Spa

Susan S. is great for sending over little tidbits here and there.  She recently sent over a profile of Amethyst Spa (on the north side of Danforth, west of Coxwell) as a DECA Gem.  Today, as luck would have it, Amethyst is offering a fabulous Groupon. So act now, there are only a few hours left.

“I’ve been going there for facials for a couple years now.  Never knew she was there if it weren’t for a trusted friend.  She’s had this location for over 10 years (but has also practised in the States and Europe too) and she lives in the neighbourhood.  She is a miracle worker, who takes her gifts very seriously.  She uses only top spa cosmetic brands (ie Dermatelogica) and really treats every body like a queen and a friend.  She greats you warmly with pristine slippers, robes,etc…  literally bundles you up like a baby and spends at least an hour and a half gently but thoroughly cleaning, exfoliating and hydrating your face, and in my case, decollete.  At the end she gives a strong arm, neck and shoulder massage that turns you too a pool of jelly (my favourite part).  I’ve sent my 18 year old son to her for an acne breakout.  Even my husband has had a few man facials with Yvonne (went kicking and screaming, but came home looking young,  rested and clean as a whistle!)  She also does waxing, full body exfoliation, massage and nails etc… ( as a certified podologist, she cured my friends’ serious toenail condition!).

I was in for a facial to-day and she gave me a tour of her newly expanded service of a combo T-zone vibration machine, full table massager, infrared sauna, and la piece de resistance, a new room which is a halotherapy salt cave.  These are well known in Europe for treatment of overall health (respitory conditions, fatigue, immune system, and skin issues).  The room is literally 360 degrees of this specific salt, and does in fact feel like being in a salt cave. (There was a story on this treatment on CNN last week).  I haven’t tried these new services,  meant to be used in tandem, but I think it would be fun to come with a couple of friends and make a spa morning of it  (you are served beverages and there is a relaxing lounge with fireplace involved and robes etc…).  Just wanted you and everyone else to know about my decadent pleasures on the Danny.”

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What’s In What’s Out

It’s spring and there are a whole lot of new things popping up on the Danforth.  Yes there is this place called ‘Retro Burger‘ beside Shopper’s Drug Mart near Coxwell.  Its menu of deep fried food includes Mars Bars.  No I’m not kidding.  Then there is the ‘Circus Coffee House’ beside Carter’s Ice Cream on Woodmount at Danforth.  Rumour is it’s owned by this guy, but I haven’t verified that with three sources.

Speaking of coffee shops, you read here that the owner of True Brew coffee shop and cafe had sold the business.  The new owner has painted and done some work inside to brighten it up.  Susan L. (not the former owner) wrote to tell me that “people are not making the effort to cross Woodbine and discover this gem in our neighborhood!!!!  Great coffee, all homemade soups, sandwiches, quiche, and desserts!!!!!! Absolutely fabulous food. Please advertise this place so the owner does not have to close down due to poor attendance!”

Up for lease is the former Ethiopian community centre at Danforth and Woodbine.  Cuts by the federal government last year have meant this agency is consolidating its services in one location in the west end.  Columbo’s Pizza is under new ownership. Columbo’s serves pizza, pastas, sandwiches and the much-loved rice balls.  The new owner, Charlie, tells me he has done some work to open up the kitchen and fix up the front of the restaurant (a new paint job etc).  He also told me he is renovating the basement and will be making it available for parties – including make-your-own-pizza birthday parties!

Treasure Land used furniture has opened at 2038 Danforth. They are selling gently used home and office furniture and offer free pick up and free delivery and a seniors discount.  The owner of the business did quite a bit of work on the shop – which had been a crumbling eyesore – painting and generally fixing up the shop.  He makes an effort to make his front window look inviting and that earns praise from deca diaries.

O.k. I know I’m forgetting some things.  Post your updates on the Danforth here or send me a note and let me know the latest happenings on the Danforth.

DECA Safety and Self Defense

Early in April, more than a dozen people participated in the self defence class at the DragonZ Martial Artz Centre – hosted by DECA’s safety team.  Sir Marvin Prashad spent two hours teaching safety and self-protection techniques.  Not only was the class educational it also provided a fitness component in a fun and enjoyable environment.  The event was such a success that Marvin wants to make this a reoccurring event by offering self-defence classes every first Sunday of the month for all to attend.  For more information visit www.dragonz.ca

DECA Executive Meetings

If you’re interested in attending a DECA executive meeting (and you should, we eat and drink and are merry!) mark these dates on your fridge.  We meet at 7:30 p.m. in the back room of Sarah’s pub on the Danforth.

  • May 31
  • September 13
  • October 25

But if you just want to be a fly on the wall, check out the minutes from the last meeting on our shiny new website! 

Earl Beatty Fun Fair

This year the 7th annual Earl Beatty Public School Fun fair will be held on Saturday, May 28th from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at 55 Woodington Avenue (two blocks north of Danforth, east of Coxwell).  In partnership with the Earl Beatty Community Centre, this event provides a day of family fun including a ball hockey tournament, inflatable games, face painting, auctions, raffles, a barbeque, bake sale and some live entertainment.

Coleridge Ave. Break-Ins

Kathy sent me a note to let me know about some break-ins happening on her street, which is one block east of Woodbine.

“Early Monday morning (9:00) I discovered that someone had riffled through our car. We immediately assumed that we’d forgotten to lock it the night before. As near neighbours emerged from their homes, they, too, discovered that someone had been through their cars. It would appear that we all did not forget to lock our cars, but rather that someone using a slim jim got in, and was even able to by-pass a car alarm. Fortunately there was no damage, nothing of value seems to have been stolen (except a pack of smokes that were smoked whilst breaking into the other cars). We did, though, discover that a few items like sunglasses and a hand tool ended up being left in other people’s cars, and we believe all was recovered. Reminder to all: do not leave valuables in your car/trunk regardless of how secure it appears to be!  My husband did notify the police and advised that many vehicles had been broken into, though I don’t believe that any other neighbours did contact them. Other than knowing what occurred at our end of the block, we don’t know how many others might have been affected. We do know that six cars were accessed.”


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Danforth Gems

I promised this post (ahem) a little while ago so here is what I know about what is going on in our little world.

First  – I don’t know what is happening with the former CIBC building on the corner of Woodbine and Danforth.  It’s been sold.  And I believe it is available for lease.  All rumours you’ve heard about random coffee chains do not seem to be true.

Career Fit Mom – The spring sessions of these mom and babe group fitness classes begin next week.  Beth is running programs at Eastminster Church at Chester and Danforth, in East Lynn Park at Woodbine and Danforth, in Cassels Park at Woodbine and Gerrard and in Taylor Creek Park at Woodbine and Cosburn.  There are a number of different types of classes from drop-ins to stroller fit to play fit.  Learn more about the fitness coaching and the job coaching at careerfitmom.ca

Patisserie La Cigogne – This Bayview Ave. bakery is opening a second location at Danforth and Monarch Park.  From the website: At Patisserie La Cigogne, we strive to bring the quality and freshness of Alsatian delicacies to you each day. French master pastry chef Thierry Schmitt crafts traditional French desserts, croquembouches, wedding cakes, pastries, breads, chocolate and other sumptuous French fare . These delicacies, combined with the cafés friendly atmosphere and service, keep La Cigogne’s devoted clientele coming back for more. It is set to open mid-May and offers an array of yummy things from sandwiches and quiches for lunch to wedding cakes,  truffles and pate. Yay!

Cyclepath – Jennifer tipped me off about the Patisserie La Cigogne and she sent me this note about the wonderful bike store on the Danforth just west of Coxwell:

I bought a new bike from The Cyclepath on Danforth this past weekend (before the snow).  The staff and service there are fantastic!  Carlos and Christine, the owners have made a real investment in our community by buying their building and setting up an amazing new store.  I hope that DECA members and the rest of the community will repay that loyalty.

Bistro Camino – Last fall I wrote about Bistro Camino at Danforth and Dawes Road.  Lillian wrote me to tell me she tried it out and here’s her review…

If you haven’t hiked along the Danforth to Dawes Road for fine dining of late, hike now.   Dinner at Bistro Camino is always good, but last weekend was the first time I enjoyed their ‘four hors d’oeuvres’ plate.  If I counted correctly, it actually worked out to be seven types of appetizers all artfully arranged.  It included an absolutely delicious parsnip soup, wonderful smoked salmon, wonderful beef carpaccio, tomato and bocconcini on a skewer, escovitch fish, a tiny spring roll filled with duck and mini pot-stickers that were (I think?) filled with shrimp.  This fabulous presentation was part of a $25 set-price meal that also included a main entree of shrimp Americano with rice and a really nice assortment of vegies, and then a beautiful Pear Helene for dessert.  I have a feeling that that appetizer plate alone would go for $25 in some places downtown.  Good wine as well.  This place is a true neighbourhood gem.


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Go Green Go Local

If you’re looking to go local for St. Paddy’s Day, look no further than Wise Guys Bar at 2130 Danforth (east of Woodbine). March 17, 2011, starting at 7:30 p.m.  Irish music will be provided by The Blues Butcher and Kanuckistan.  For more info contact  Tak at artattack(at)total.net.

Your Mission, should you choose to accept it….put forward a retail store that is for rent or will be soon.  Ideally it would be on Danforth between Woodbine and Jones.  700-1000 square feet for a perfectly delightful local business.  You can contact the would-be tenant at jelias30@hotmail.com or if that’s a little too James Bond for you, send your virtual brown envelope to me and I’ll pass along the information.  And remember – I have vays of making you talk.

With all this talk of spies and intrigue, I ask you to save the date for DECA’s Self Defence Class, courtesy of DECA’s safety committee and DragonZ Martial Arts Centre. Sir Marvin Prashad will provide this two hour class on April 3rd from 1-3 p.m.  It will include a warm up, situation enactment, proper technique and a fitness component.  DragonZ is at 1998 Danforth.  Those interested can RSVP to rachel.jolicoeur(at)yahoo.ca.  The cost of the workshop is yet to be finalized, but will be in the neighbourhood of $5.

Also, if you’re interested in being part of our new safety committee (it took a short hiatus for a while), also send a note to Rachel.

Ten Feet Tall Jazz – Join jazz band – Steve Cole Quartet 0n Sunday night (March 20th) at Ten Feet Tall (1414 Danforth) from 3:30 – 6.

Relish – In celebration of Earth Hour, Relish (2152 Danforth – just east of Woodbine) is featuring a 4 piece jazz band – The Laura Hubert Band – from 8 – 11 p.m.  Lights go out from 8-9 p.m.  Mill St. Brewery will be providing candle light and prizes to illuminate the restaurant.  Mill St. pints of Organic Lager and Tankhouse just $5.75.  Relish is popular so be sure to make a reservation if you want to eat dinner.