Over the past year, we welcomed a number of new businesses to the neighborhood, not as many as in 2010, but quite a few! We hope they’ll grow and succeed, so to help, we’ll remind you of these restaurants, stores and art galleries. If you haven’t visited them, you can add them to your “check out” list for 2012.
More than Pasta opened it’s doors officially at 121 Ossington in March 2011, but we got an advance look at the delicious pastas, sauces and prepared foods they make in-house.
Fishbaropened in May, serving happy hour and dinner at 217 Ossington Ave, and since then they’ve added a lunch menu for all the fish lovers around. Also in May, the Lakeview Storehouse opened, selling produce and groceries, along with poutine, adjacent to the Lakeview Restaurant on Dundas.
Just in time for summer, Eagle’s Nest Espresso and Ice Cream opened at 1199 Dundas Street West.
November was a busy month for openings: we noted the return of Lennox Contemporary, now at 44 Ossington, and the opening of The Dog Bowl at 984 Dundas West. Also new is G Gallery in the back at 134 Ossington.
In December we welcomedtwo of the newest businesses on the street: Yours Truly is now open 6 nights a week (closed Tuesday) for dinner at 229 Ossington, and Don’t Tell Mama is a gallery and art space.
There are also a lot of places we’ve been talking about opening but are still waiting for - like Amaya, The Saint and Bellwoods Brewery. More to look forward to in the new year!
We sadly convey the news of the loss of Gabriella Carmena Micallef, known to our community as the friendly and approachable owner of More than Pasta, at 121 Ossington Avenue.
Gabriella passed away on Tuesday, December 13. She was diagnosed with advanced, non-small cell lung cancer in 2006, but continued to run marathons and set up businesses while fighting the disease.
Since opening More than Pasta last March, Gabriella embraced our community, throwing open houses and donating to local schools and charities. She quickly became a respected presence, and we will notice her loss.
A memorial service will be held at St. Alphonsus Church, 540 St Claire Avenue West, on Saturday, December 17th at 11:30am.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you generously support Lung Cancer Canada
1896-A, Avenue Road, Toronto ON, Canada M5M 3Z8
We continue our gift guide series for Ossington Village with a cute and affordable gift.
The gift: A piggy bank. These adorable little ceramic pigs with painted flowers come in various sizes and colours, and even different animals – we spotted some cute cows too!
Where to get it: Papelaria Portugal, 200 Ossington Avenue
Price range: Ranging in price from $6.99 to $18.99
Who would like it: Lovers of adorable animal artifacts, and people who want to store their coins in a cute receptacle.
In today’s edition of our Ossington gift guide, we go back in time to some classic memories of childhood.
The gift: A classic children’s book
Where to get it: Frantic City, 123 Ossington
Price range: Starting at $10
Who would like it: Children, their parents for encouraging their children to read, and adults who would like to be reminded of a simpler time when they read books instead of tablets. Frantic City has a fantastic range of titles for kids and adults, so you’ll be able to find a classic for everyone on your shopping list.
Word on Ossington is that a new tenant is coming soon to 132 Ossington, formerly home of Virgina Johnson, which moved this fall. We’ve heard it’s being taken over by Ottawa Good Time, a purveyor of motorcycles, ATVs, scooters and watercrafts, and related items. From what we hear, this spot on Ossington will focus on the accessory side of bikes, so more likely gear, helmets, etc.
There may be some renovations required before they open. We’ll keep you posted, and if you know anything, pass it along.
The latest edition to our Ossington Village “buy local” gift guide is a very durable backpack.
The gift: The Fjallraven Kanken backpack, imported from Sweden. An old staple in Sweden, these are very popular amongst the staff at J&O, who love them for their durability and adaptability. Some even serve as laptop bags. And they come in a great colour assortment. (not all colours are pictured)
Where to get it: Although local business Academy of Lions helped facilitate the creation, you can only get the shirt at Roots.com or select Roots retail outlets. Because it is for such a good cause, we still recommend it.
Price range: $29.95
Who would like it: Philanthropists and people who wear t-shirts.
We continue our ”buy local” gift guide for Ossington Village with an item that reflects the heritage of many in our neighborhood.
The gift: Team Portugal Football Jersey
Where to get it: Papelaria Portugal, 200 Ossington Ave. This store, just south of Dundas Street West, is one of the best stocked local spots for all things Portuguese.
Price range: $30-$50
Who would like it: A footie fan, a Team Portugal loyalist, or someone who just wants to fit in at the local bakery, sports bar or street festival.
Over the past year, we welcomed a number of new businesses to the neighborhood, not as many as in 2010, but quite a few! We hope they’ll grow and succeed, so to help, we’ll remind you of these restaurants, stores and art galleries. If you haven’t visited them, you can add them to your “check out” list for 2012.
Word on Ossington is that a new tenant is coming soon to 132 Ossington, formerly home of Virgina Johnson, which 
