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.

Fishbar opened 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 welcomed two 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!

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

The gift: A bouquet of flowers

Where to get it: Jaiden’s Petals, 130 Ossington

Price range: Varies. Go in, tell Dani your budget, and she’ll make you something to fit!

Who would like it: Your mom, wife, sister, girlfriend. Flowers also make a great hostess gift, and we all have parties to attend this time of year.

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.

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.

Where to get it: Philip Sparks, 63 Ossington Ave.

The gift: The bow tie. Toronto designer Philip Sparks just recently opened shop on Ossington and his preppy style is well represented in his bow ties.

Price range: starting at $80

Who would like it: Men who like bow ties, and men who want to look dapper. Fans of Philip Sparks and supporters of local Toronto fashion.

There may be some renovations required before they open. We’ll keep you posted, and if you know anything, pass it along.

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: Jonathan & Olivia, 49 Ossington Ave.

Price range: starting at $65

Who would like it: City dwellers who transport their belongings around town. People with laptops who want a sporty and durable bag.

The gift: This Shirt.  Proceeds from sales of this shirt goes to The Pinball Clemons Foundation to meet the goal of building schools in Africa through Free the Children’s Adopt a Village Program.

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.

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.