New restaurant Yours Truly opened quietly this week at 229 Ossington, just south of Dundas. The menu is posted in the window, and it starts with a prix fixe card offering seasonal meat and veggie options. There is also a section of small plates. When we dropped by and spoke to a hostess, she told us they will soon show their menu online as it will change often.
We took some photos of the menu for your reference. You can also stop in and taste for yourselves! Let us know if you do go: we have some holiday parties this weekend, so won’t be able to try right away.
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.
It’s that time of year – but don’t stress about what to buy everybody! Our guide highlights things to buy locally, so hit the shops and buy well for your friends and family (and maybe even yourself).
The gift:Holiday Blend Coffee. Te Aro makes delicious coffee, and this coffee will be more than just tasty! Every bag sold sends a gift of one dollar to Coffee Kids, a non-profit organization that works with coffee-farming families in Latin America to improve their lives and livelihoods.
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.
It’s only a few weeks away, and you still don’t have plans for New Year’s? No matter how cold it is, at least on Ossington you know you’ll find a cab home! Here are some great ways to celebrate the start of 2012.
Bohmer Restaurant is holding a Speakeasy New Year’s Eve, with a 5 course tasting menu with a glass of bubbly, for $75 pp.
At this year’s Dakota Tavern New Year’s party, CATL will have everyone dancing with a show starting at 10PM.
The Painted Lady sticks to what it does best, with music by Salazar and burlesque from Anastasia Burlesque.
The Ossington is planning an 80s boogie funk New Year with “Love Handle NYE Edition” with DJs starting at 10PM.
Opera Bob’s is hosting their 3rd Annual New Year’s Eve-Stravaganza, with live music from The Unknown Culprits and guests. Admission is $20 but go buy tickets in advance as they sold out well before the big night last year.
The Garrison‘s Annual New Year’s Eve party features Chronologic and Shit la Merde and tickets are available at Soundscapes and Rotate This for $20.
Lower Ossington Theatre‘s new event space, LOT, is hosting a New Year’s party for $10 with dancing all night. Tickets on sale now and the party starts at 10p.
UPDATE: Fishbar has announced their dinner menu for New Year’s (scroll down) and for $55 pp they are offering a 4 course meal, drinks not included.
People will be dancing at Levack Block. Featuring DJ Dougie Boom in the backroom with special guests in the front. Entry is $20 in advance, $30 at the door, plus there’s a $40 VIP wristband = entry to second floor & champagne toast at midnite. Doors open @ 10pm, serving till 3AM.
Tickets available at the bar from Thursday to Saturday from 5pm or through PayPal via levackblock@yahoo.com
We’ll keep updating this post as we learn of more happenings in the neighborhood.
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.
New restaurant Yours Truly opened quietly this week at 229 Ossington, just south of Dundas. The menu is posted in the window, and it starts with a prix fixe card offering seasonal meat and veggie options. There is also a section of small plates. When we dropped by and spoke to a hostess, she told us they will soon show their menu online as it will change often.
Word on Ossington is that a new tenant is coming soon to 132 Ossington, formerly home of Virgina Johnson, which 
