Melanie’s Bistro – Page 2 – Danforth East Community Association

January 21, 2014

Local events to warm you up

Beating the January Blues

So it’s really winter. With no sign of spring, and no warm vacation in the calendar, what is a Danforth East resident supposed to do? Luckily, our awesome local businesses have offers galore. Here are some…

Melanie’s Winter Special

Melanie’s Bistro at 1870 Danforth Avenue is offering a winter special! $25 3-course prix fixe menu during the week, ($28 on weekends) or a $6 weekday lunch. Oh, and don’t forget, they offer free corkage on Wednesdays if you want to bring your own wine, or $20 corkage any other day. If that’s not enough, did you know that they also do takeout? And, if you ask nicely, someone will even deliver it to you curbside, with the credit card machine and everything. A-mazing!

Pilates Anyone?

A new business has opened just west of East Lynn Park at 1911 Danforth Avenue. Come and see Counterbalance Studio Pilates for yourself, this January 25 from 2:00-5:00 p.m.! www.counterbalancestudiopilates.com

PA Day Fun at Monarch Park Stadium

From their website: www.monarchparkstadium.com

Same great FUN as Toddler Playtime for Ages 13 and Under

MPS is opening two fields for open play this PA Day. Featuring bouncy castles, soccer activities and obstacle courses, the kids won’t be bored this P.A. Day.

Date: Friday, January 24
Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Cost: *$6 per child| $10 per family
1 Hansen Street

*Toddler Playtime Passes/Memberships are Valid

May 9, 2013

A Danforth East Mother’s Day

Forget all those department store flyers that you get in the mail this week, Danforth East has your Mother’s Day needs covered. Whether she’s partial to the traditional gifts, prefers the gift of time or the gift of silence, there is something local for everyone.

Picnic in the Park: Put the little ones in the wagon with a large blanket, soccer balls and sunscreen and head down to Better Bulk (2044 Danforth Ave.). You can get some organic cookies, fruit and juice boxes, and some chocolate covered espresso beans might not hurt either. You also need to check out the fridge by the cash counter where there is a selection of fancy cheese that is a true hidden gem of the neighbourhood! Next, swing by Royal Beef (1968 Danforth Ave.) for some of their house-made-all-natural-nitrite-free sliced roast beef, some havarti cheese (can there ever be too much cheese?), kaiser buns, garlic stuffed olives and some of that delicious chocolate stuff they have on the top of the deli counter. (Bring extra freezer packs because you’re unlikely to leave without some meat for dinner too.) Pack it all up the cooler bag and roll the gang over to East Lynn Park for an afternoon of slides, swings, sandwiches and snacks. And if you were to drink wine out of a water bottle while you’re there, who would know? Not that we would ever suggest such a thing.

BackYard Oasis: Clean off the outdoor furniture and freshen up the back yard with some bright outdoor pillows from the Pillow Shoppe (1434 Danforth Ave). Conveniently, they have a buy 2 get 1 free promotion going on right now. Make sure to set out a icy cool pitcher of lemonade and some fresh fruit prepared in a bowl and some snacks from Plank Road Market (1716 Danforth Ave.) DECA fun fact: Plank Road Market was our first business revitalization project.

Green Thumb: If she views gardening as a relaxing and enjoyable activity and not a taxing chore, then have the kids tell her she’s loved by spending the day gardening together. You could pick up a flat of flowers from one of many local garden shops and wrap up some Gardener’s Hand Repair Lotion available at Len (698 Coxwell Ave.). And if she’s in need of gardening gloves, tools or gardening pots you’d better stop by Home Hardware (2154 Danforth Ave.).

The Simple Snooze Button: For many mothers an extra hour of sleep is literally a dream come true. So when the little ones start making noise on Sunday morning let mom sleep in. Take the kids out. It does not matter where, just not within earshot. Don’t return home until 11:00 a.m. and don’t dare walk in the door without a latte from Seb’s Cappuccino (1928 Danforth Ave. ) and a croissant from Celena’s Bakery (2036 Danforth Ave.).

Traditional Day: Treat her to a lovely brunch at Melanie’s Bistro (1870 Danforth Ave.). I recommend the eggs florentine. There you can present her with a gift card for some pampering – like a simple mani or pedi from Metro Nails (1985 Danforth Ave.) or services from SUGARMOON (1509 Danforth Ave.), who happen to have a Mother’s Day promotion on now too. Melanie’s is also a lovely spot for dinner, and they also rock the late-night dessert as well.

See? There are so many options to spoil and spend time with mom this weekend. Let’s be clear, if you can’t choose between these great options, it is possible to do all of these if you really want to hit it out of the park! We have so many wonderful businesses, so if you need more ideas please scroll through our posts. Feel free to leave a comment if you have other thoughts.

January 16, 2013

news for a chilly night

Here are a few tidbits to distract you from that Visa bill that recently showed up.

Happy 5th Birthday to Melanie’s – $25 prix fixe menu!

How much do we love having this superb little bistro in our neighbourhood? A lot, that’s how much. Melanie’s Bistro is turning 5, and to celebrate, they are offering a special $25 prix fixe menu, $2 off sandwiches and wraps at weekday lunches, AND half off desserts during the week. I’d say these are some pretty good reasons to stop in to celebrate right along with them!

Artisans at Work: Call-out for Teachers

Renos are under way at one of the neighbourhood’s new businesses, Artisans-at-Work, and owner Tara has asked us to post this message:

Artisans At Work, 2071 Danforth, is almost finished construction.

We will be open in February to the public for classes, workshops and events, whilst we continue to stock our shelves with Toronto artist’s work!

We would like to take this opportunity to invite all local art, music, dance, and theatrical teachers in the neighbourhood and beyond, to submit proposals to hold classes for children, teens and adults.

We are looking to fill many series of classes in time slots, but also single classes here and there. March break classes are also ready to be planned and booked!

Please submit your proposed class, time and day(s) preference, cost, and any other information to us by clicking here.

Thank you,

Tara

PS – Website coming soon: www.artisans-at-work.com; in the meantime you can “like” us on Facebook to keep in touch!

Monarch Park Stadium Info Night with Trustee Cathy Dandy – January 22nd

Trustee Cathy Dandy is holding a community meeting on Tuesday, January 22nd at 7pm at Monarch Park Collegiate (enter at the front doors of the school). The event is described as “an opportunity for the community to come together and discuss the new Monarch Park Stadium.”

DECADiaries Fun fact: You can call 3-1-1 to order a new recycling bin and/or second green bin – FREE! Garbage bins can also be exchanged, but remember that the larger the bin, the more you will have to pay for pick-up on your bill.

January 31, 2012

Want A Vibrant Commercial Strip? Shop Local

Not too long ago someone suggested that we have ‘DECA Friendly’ stickers to showcase businesses that have supported DECA in one way or another through the years. Because we have so many great business owners on our strip, we have lots. I’m not sure if we’ll make the stickers, but a bunch of them (definitely not all) are referenced below.

Pegasus Studios – Dances of Offering Benefit Concert

Each year Pegasus faculty and students bring members of the Toronto dance community together to celebrate and give back to our city through an evening of dance. This year they are raising money for the Paediatric Ambulatory Clinic at Toronto East General Hospital. The event is at the Betty Oliphant Theatre on Jarvis Street on Sunday February 12th at 5:00 pm.

The unique event combines the talents of students and professionals. This year’s show features, two-time Dora award winner, Nicola Pantin, up-and-coming choreographer Jessica Houghton, the wonderful students of Earl Haig/Claude Watson and Father Redmond performance arts schools and much more.

For tickets, visit http://www.dancesofoffering.myevent.com. For more information, visit http://www.thepegasusdancebag.blogspot.com

Reminder – Public Swimming at Monarch Park Collegiate Institute

Tuesday 7p.m. – 8 p.m. female only $1/person

Friday 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. all ages $1/person

These community swims are booked until June 2012.

Self Defence For Women

On Friday, February 24th from 4 – 6 p.m., Dragonz Martial Artz owner and 5th degree black belt taekwondo, Marvin Prashad is offering a self-defence seminar for women. Hosted by St. John Elementary School, it is pay-what-you-can and all proceeds will be donated to Hope4Help, a non-profit that supports the Tumani Community Orphan School in Kenya. To confirm your attendance and request additional information, contact Liane Paixão at liane.paixao(at)sympatico.ca.

Melanie’s Bistro 4th Anniversary

To thank local diners for their business during the first four years, Melanie’s Bistro is offering at $25 prix fixe menue from Jan. 25th – Feb 8th. Yum.

The AWARD WINNING Better Bulk

Now Magazine has decreed that our very own Better Bulk is the “Best Bulk Food On The Danforth.” We already knew that, but we’re glad that Now everyone else knows too.

The AWARD WINNING Wag On The Danforth

Not to be outdone, Wag On The Danforth was voted the 2012 Best Pet Food and Supply Store by Toronto Pet Daily. Wag also hosted two cat adopt-a-thons last year and placed 24 cats into new homes. That success is spurring them on to host another one this year. Also – if your dog is a great big muddy mess because of the great big muddy weather, you might want to stop by the wash-your-own-dog tub and wash your big muddy dog.

LucSculpture

Did you know you can buy a membership to the LucSculpture School & Studios at Danforth and Greenwood? It gives you access to the pottery studios and wheels, events and library as well as discounts off glazes, classes and workshops throughout the building.

Ciraco Framing

Fernand Ciraco wants you to know they’re having a sale on custom framing. 15% off at the store at 1946 Danforth, across from East Lynn Park.

Contractor Wanted

And, finally – speaking of businesses we want to support, I’ve received a request for some recommendations for a contractor to do a major basement reno and a minor stairs reno. Step up DECA-ites and post your suggestions to the blog or send them to me and I’ll do it (natasha.granatstein(at)gmail.com.