Here’s an update on some businesses that have closed or are about to close or move from their Ossington locations.
The restaurant Paramour is currently closed; their voice mail message says they are closed for renovation and will be reopening next month. Based on a recent article, the space is now called “94 Ossington,” after it’s address. At this time, all the space is being used for is some “pop up” shops in the next few weeks.
We also just learned that retailer and designer Virginia Johnson is closing up her Ossington shop and moving to a space at 970 College St, just west of Dovercourt. Her last day on Ossington will be Saturday, October 22. She will be throwing her semi-annual sample sale on Ossington on November 18-19, at 76 Ossington. Otherwise, head on up to College after November 1.
EDIT: A commenter to our site says Beau Lieu Bistro (59 Ossington) was open on Saturday, October 15. We don’t know the status of the restaurant, and are trying to find out, because it is a bit unusual. We have walked by a couple of nights when they should have been open but were not, so as they write on their website, call ahead:
Our restaurant may no longer be in operation.
Please call in to see whether we’re open or closed.
Thank you and sorry for the inconvenience.
Meanwhile, we will keep you posted when new businesses come in to replace these. Have any news of your own? Please post in the comments.
If you’ve sat outside and enjoyed an iced latte at I Deal coffee in the last couple months you may have noticed a trellis structure with vines growing up construction line strung to the ground. Those vines are, in fact, hops, which are part of a new brewery project called Bellwoods Brewery, founded by Mike Clark and Luke Pestl, both former brewers at Amsterdam brewery. They are hoping to encourage those hops to grow to their potential – over 40 feet in a season – and extend those wires to allow the hops, which seem to be thriving in this little urban farm, up to the wall of the cafe. The project is part of something they call City Hops where they are also growing hops in 3 other parts of the city, two private residences as well as the rooftop garden of Parts and Labour. Check out pictures on their flickr page.
The brewery will be going into the former Meta Gallery and Rolly’s Garage space just north of Argyle. Mike and Luke plan to start a wholesale brewing operation in the location and over time, and as permits permit, grow into a small retail location and then add a small restaurant. Guy Rawlings, who until recently was at Brockton General, is helping them out on the menu. According to Mike they plan on keeping the food simple, in a picnic style with gourmet cheeses, pickles, and meats. It will still take 4-6 months at least to get all the permits they require.
They also plan on building relationships with more of the local businesses. They plan to evolve their partnership with I Deal to include a coffee beer, made with some of the hops grown on the Foxley garden. Mike is also a big fan and regular of the Crooked Star, which always has a great selection of beers, so certainly look out for their beer to be served there.
As they build and develop their recipes, they are looking for official tasters. (check the link for details on how to apply) I applied and am excited to try out some of the beer before it gets out on the market.
Clearly the city media is excited about having a new brewery come to the area. Mike and Luke seem to have had little difficulty getting written up in many of the local publications including BlogTO, Toronto Life, Post City, and Toronto.com. It’s a fantastic feat of PR for a launch a few months away. It could also be that people in Toronto are more receptive to beer and brewers than ever before. With the Beer Festival and Toronto Beer Week coming in the next months, we expect more anticipation for Bellwoods Brewery.
Our local restaurants and food shops are abuzz with news, special offers, and special events, so for your convenience, we’re rounding up all those deals in one place.
We’ve tweeted about this one, but it’s worth repeating here: The much lauded new restaurant, Fishbar, offers a weekly special each Tuesday called #flexyourmussels. This is one for the tech-savvy – you need to check in on Foursquare to get a big bowl of mussels for $8. They are also doing an oyster special called UncleWillyWednesday on Wednesdays: pay for 9, get a dozen.
Another weekly deal is Delux‘s $1 oyster Tuesdays – lasting through the end of July. That’s right, all oysters for $1 all Tuesday at Delux.
More Than Pasta is expanding their offerings, with a special event coming on July 28 from 6-8:30PM. World renowned Culinary Olympic Gold Medalist, Executive Chef Roderick Strike will be cooking a special prix fixe 4 course dinner including wine showcasing their wholesome product and healthy ingredients. Cost per person is $75. Contact gabriellaAThollywood-foodsDOTcom
In a city that loves the stuff, BQM Burger’s “Poutine Throwdown” is sure to attract hungry mouths and curious onlookers. This event is scheduled for July 27 at 7PM. Wear a bib! (?)
Summerlicious started on Friday, and Watusi at 110 Ossington is participating in the $25 dinner. See the menu here.
More prix fixe menus: Bohmer is beginning a summertime prix fixe tonight which will run Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. It’s a three course $35 menu: there’s a sample one posted here. This is in addition to their previously mentioned 5-7 menu of drinks and nibbles. Toronto’s favorite pizza place does a mean prix fixe too: Pizzeria Libretto now offers a $25 locally inspired 4 course menu for dinner, and a $15 3-course lunch, both with pizzas!
New chefs have been announced or begun work at two Dundas Street West restaurants: Enoteca Sociale announced that Chef Matthew Demille is joining their team, and nearby Brockton General may have lost Chef Guy Rawlings (he’s not going far!), but they’ve gained Alexandra Feswick, most recently of Earth.
See what I mean about lots going on? Now all that’s left is to decide where to eat!
Crafted by Te Aro celebrated it’s first birthday this Saturday, July 9, with balloons, free cupcakes and reduced price iced drinks. We remember when their doors first opened, and we’re also remembering the other local businesses which celebrate similar milestones.
The good news is that most of the businesses which opened a year ago are still going strong.
Goed Eten also opened this time last summer, and has changed quite a bit from a late night spot to it’s current status as a popular brunch and lunch eatery. Telegramme Prints and Salt Wine Bar will also celebrate a year on Ossington later this summer.
So Happy Birthday, Crafted, and many more to come!
We were happy to introduce the community to More Than Pasta when it opened early this year. This take-out emporium for healthy, freshly cooked Italian fare has thrown open houses, donated food to charity, and plans to do a lot more to serve the neighbourhood.
I spoke with Gabriella, the passion behind the growing enterprise, and she answered the questions for our Business Profile series.
If the photos are whetting your appetite, More Than Pasta is located at 121 Ossington, just south of Argyle.
What’s your business?
PRODUCING A FRESH, UNIQUE PASTA PRODUCT
• High Protein;
• Low Calories;
• Low Carbs;
• Diabetic Friendly (Low Glycemic); and
• High fibre content;
• Premium High End Packaging & Product;
• Using only the finest, all natural ingredients.
*All our raw materials are purchased in Ontario
“It’s a win-win for all: fresh food for our customers and support for Ontario Suppliers
How is your business unique?
More Than Pasta is produced the old fashioned way – artisan style with an original Italian pasta machine. This beautifully crafted process kneads and works the dough to create a truly homemade pasta experience.
More Than Pasta is lovely textured pasta that is porous and absorbs the “gusto” – the flavour of the sauce.
How long have you been in business here?
Opened in March 2011
What drew you to be here on Ossington?
The eclectic group of businesses tucked into this distinctive and diverse neighbourhood
What changes have you seen on Ossington since your business has been here?
More diversity in terms of new businesses. Lots of weekend ‘visitors’ to the community.
How do you see your business and Ossington five years from now?
As part of the neighbourhood. Supporting community events, welcoming new businesses, active in Business Associations.
What is your favorite spot on Ossington, other than your own? and why?
PARAMOUR – THE SERVICE IS EXCEPTIONAL, THE FOOD IS SPECTACULAR, AND CHEF LAURA MALIN IS FABULOUS. SHE ONCE USED OUR MORE THAN PASTA PRODUCT TO CREATE A WONDERFUL DISH FROM HER GRANDMOTHERS RECEIPES AND BOTH OF US BEING ITALIAN, WAS ONE OF OUR FAVORITES, PASTA CON IL TONNO EH POMIDORO DI LA NONNA (GRANMOTHER’S TOMATO BASED TUNA & PASTA)
Good news! On Monday, June 20, More Than Pasta at 121 Ossington Street, will extend their hours for the summer. Do you need some fresh pasta? Some prepared lasagne or cannelloni that’s ready except for the heating up? Or perhaps a pasta salad would be perfect for you on a hot summer’s eve? Now you can get all of that and more at More Than Pasta. Extended hours are Monday-Sunday from 11am-8pm. So now those of us who work late can still get in on the good cooking.
Every morning while waiting for the bus I drool over the weekly specials. Now at the end of the day, I can get my hands on them. The other week it was a lasagna with lobster or something, and just reading the sign made me hungry for it. Sounds good, doesn’t it? More Than Pasta continues to change their menu based on their customers’ preferences. They are in the process of adding hot take-out items to the menu, a line of sauces, and you can also pre-order lasagnes, cannelloni or salads with assorted stuffing choices – lobster/crab/veal/grilled veggies, etc. for 6-10 servings.
We were saddened to see the departure of Ministry of the Interior this week. The great shop with some of the funkiest and most unique home products in the city is now locked tight. We featured some of their products in giftguides over the last couple years, and they brought some unique design to the neighbourhood. We do still have OneTwenty Modern on the northeast corner of Argyle and Ossington bringing us great design products, and on top of that they have a sale going on with 40% off stock items and 15% off new items.
However we are also excited to see that a new Espresso and Ice Cream Bar called Eagles Nest will be moving in along Dundas in a space previously held by an import kitchen housewares shop right close to The Garrison. Our research suggests that it’s the same owner as the kitchen shop, but they have decided to go in a different direction.
We will keep an eye on both spaces and let you know how they evolve.
Other Rumours and Notes:
There is discussion about a small brewery looking to locate in one of the local Ossington spaces. Nothing is set yet, as it’s early stages.
Gallery 129 Ossington is closed for the summer for renovation. Looking to be open again in the fall.
City Store Grocery on Dundas closed their doors and the space is now for lease.
Head over to the northwest corner of Trinity Bellwoods Park tomorrow afternoon for the reopening of the Trinity Bellwoods Farmers Market.
That’s right, the weekly treat returns tomorrow, May 11 at 3PM, and every Tuesday from 3-7PM.
We are excited for fresh fruits and vegetables, and from their website, it looks like we can expect asparagus and fiddleheads! Also available at the market: Lovell Springs Trout Farm offers fillets and whole “dressed” trout, Monforte Dairy has cheeses, and St. John’s Bakery sells bread and other fresh baked goods. All of the vendors are listed on the site, as well as opportunity to be on the email list, and some visitor tips:
MARKET TIPS
* Bring reusable shopping bags.
* Try to arrive by foot, bike, TTC.
* Parking on E. curb of Shaw, from the church to Dundas W. is reserved for Vendors.
* Have your pet on-leash (Public Health).
* Do not smoke in market area proper.
* Please do not litter anywhere.
* Cyclists, roller-bladers please slow down or dismount going through market.
* IMPORTANT: If you drive, please do not block the driveways to north & south of church on Shaw – a huge no-no, you’ll get towed or ticketed.
It’s been a long time coming, but the Lakeview Storehouse, which resides beside the 24/7 Lakeview Restaurant, finally opened their doors. It brings a place to the neighbourhood where one can ‘buy a damn tomato’, as well as a number of other vegetables, fruits, spices, dry goods, candies, chips and other supplies.
The Lakeview is reminiscent of an old, classic grocery store with bulk bins and fresh vegetables laid out on a centre table. In the back there is a service counter and, up in the front windows, seating for those who choose to eat their purchases on location. Prices for the produce are written on chalkboards around the room.
In the back of the new Storehouse location is the prep kitchen for the Lakeview, and they will be expanding their merchandise to include in-house produced salsa, pesto, and other sauces to sell retail rather than as restaurant offerings. This week, while they are preparing and building up their inventory, they are only open until 11pm, but they plan on being open 24 hours per day as of next week.
This place should be a blessing to many of the local restaurants who often need to buy ingredients after normal work hours, and will have a place to run and grab supplies, including a wide variety of bulk spices. It will also please the local school-children with many types of candy in jars along the center aisle for after-school treats.
They are also offering a catering menu with both platters and full-service meals, which can include many of their Lakeview signature dishes including their specialty poutines.
More than Pasta is planning another open house in one week! Next Sunday, April 10, you are invited to stop by 121 Ossington to try some of their fresh made pasta, pesto, and now sauces, balsamic vinegars, olive oils and more! The Open House runs from 12-3PM.
For those of you who haven’t read the articles, More Than Pasta has low-carb, healthy pasta. You don’t need to wait until next Sunday to go buy some goods, either. More Than Pasta has been open for business for about a month already.
Here’s an update on some businesses that have closed or are about to close or move from their Ossington locations.
