A few sources mentioned the soft opening of  Bohmer last week during the Interior Design show. We peeked in on the weekend, and the space looks large and luxe. Some art on the walls made us think it was a gallery at first, but then we saw the bar. Don’t know when it’s opening, so if you do, please tip us off!

Second thing we noticed, a little north from there, was an awning is out for Salt, next to Libretto. Signs were up last summer noting an early fall launch, which never materialized. A wine bar with small plates, meats and cheeses? We were really upset when it looked like it wasn’t happening. Now it looks like it is! According to an article last year in Martini Boys (PR dreams, but they’re right sometimes!), Salt should open in February. Have you seen today’s date? February is this weekend! So, keep us posted and we’ll do the same for you.

More rumours: a grocery store maybe opening soon on Ossington?

More truths: one art gallery closes, another moves in. More to come.

The crowd seemed to be friends and local foodies who had also and already heard about the opening as well as a few people who just walked by and poked their head in the door. It’s a small room, with seating for only about 30 people, and a bar near the front – which I’m certain will be crowded with people – offering room for about 10-12 more. I also poked my head out the back door and checked out a decent sized space, currently littered with trash from opening, which could be used for about 30-40 more seats. (We’ll see whether our rather dictatorial city councilor will allow that)

The appetizers I tried were excellent – elk sliders which had a delicate oil to them, crisp fries with a flavoured mayo, some local cheeses with fresh bread and other good things. The wine they were serving was good too; I believe a local Tawse Reisling. I’m not a restaurant reviewer, so we’ll leave it up to the local foodies to get more detailed, and I know they will.

I saw a copy of the menu, which I assumed was a ‘start-up’ menu, as it only had about 10 items on it. The price range was wide with appetizers at a reasonable $8 up to entrees at as high as $45.

Union will be a worthy addition to the neighbourhood. It’s the kind of place I like to go to – a local atmosphere with friendly staff. It doesn’t look too expensive to stop by for a drink and some munchies, without being too ‘elite’ to feel like I’d be breaking the bank. I’m just worried that this will be my last chance. It’s going to be packed!

(Unfortunately I didn’t bring my camera, but here’s a quick Blackberry shot – I’ll try and head back for more)

Update: Union is now getting real restaurant reviews. Martini Boys visited there and offered their take.

Update #2: Teo Paul updated the Toronto Life Blog!