The first round of news focuses on bars and restaurants, reflecting where Torontonians spend their time in the winter.

We may have been the first to note the opening of restaurant Yours Truly, but we are not the last. Many are lauding the food and the men behind it, and liking the bar scene – check it out yourself at 229 Ossington.

Singer Emily Haines listed The Dakota Tavern as her favorite go-to for live music in Toronto.

Blogto has been profiling bartenders, starting in our area with The Garrison and The Ossington.

We were there when they were, and now you can read and watch a behind-the-scenes look at new GlobalTV series Bomb Girls when they were on location at The Dakota Tavern last fall.

Soon-to-open new restaurant The Grove, next to Churchill on Dundas at Lakeview, is already getting preview attention for its English menu.

The local art scene is also getting some coverage, starting with a story about art which mentions some street art on Queen near Ossington. It’s a cool picture – definitely want to check it out!

Liss Platt’s exhibit at MKG127 just opened and received a nice write-up for her photography in constant.

Last week, Toronto Life recommended Pinkalicious, the children-targeted musical which has been running every Sunday at Lower Ossington Theatre.

 Did we miss any news about the neighborhood? Let us know in the comments.

PostCity.com seems to have the scoop that the Ossington moratorium has been lifted.  This story claims that’s the reason for the re-opening of Salt Wine Bar, scheduled for tonight.

This is the only source of this information, and they were unable to get confirmation from City Hall, so we will continue to pursue the news, and update here when we can. In the meantime, head out to dinner on Ossington. It’s been an uphill battle, and hopefully this means it’s over.

UPDATE: Today’s blogTO and Torontoist are confirming reports that the ban on new restaurants on Ossington was lifted on the weekend. Funny how the same way this whole mess started (without consulting the public) is how it ended (no public notice). Now that Joe Pantalone is no longer our city councillor, we hope for more communication with our local council.

When one door closes, another opens maybe? There has been lots of activity right next door to Semolina, but no word yet what is being built behind the papered windows.

BlogTO wrote up on the night markets happening at Rolly’s Garage, an fascinating space just north of Argyle St. We actually stopped by and checked out the market over the weekend and they had a great selection of interesting products from local artists. And the cupcakes looked good!