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.

Starting at Angell Gallery, the tour will make stops at XPace, MKG127 and O’born Contemporary. At each stop, participants will taste a  featured wine chosen by Angela Aiello from iYellow Wine Club and inspired by the art on display. This sounds like an informative and fun way to experience the art of Ossington Village. Price is $30, or bring a friend at 2 for $25.

If you like (or don’t like) Bears, Scotch, Typograghy, and just good funky installation art, you should definitely stop by. It’s even air conditioned – despite the title of the exhibit.

Adam David Brown has exhibited before at MKG127 for a show called White Noise during February & March, 2009 as well garnered international attention with coverage on Artforum.com. He has also been awarded the 2009 Toronto Friends of the Visual Arts Artist Prize.

Dean Drever has also shown at MKG127 in an exhibition called Bear Minimum in August 2008. We understand Dean likes Bears, and that show featured a life sized fluorescent yellow fuzzy Kodiak. Dean’s Kodiaks have made appearance’s at the Toronto Sculpture Garden, the Vancouver Olympics and the Prime Minister’s office at the G8 summit in Huntsville. Steven Colbert will not be attending.
Dave Dyme exhibited at MKG127 in January 2008 in a show called Room Tone. After that. he was invited to participate in the prestigious residency program at the Glenfiddich distillery in Scotland. It was at this program that Dave created his 100 year old whiskey edition, A Drink To Us (When We’re Both Dead) which has proven to be popular with both collectors  of art and whiskey.

Sky Glabush last exhibited at MKG127 in a show called Renting during January & February, 2009. He’s recently been commissioned by the Bank of Montreal to produce two new paintings. His next solo exhibition at MKG127 is scheduled for May, 2011.

Ken Nicol developed quite a following during his first solo exhibition at MKG127, A Room Full of Stuff I Made (And Collected) which took place during March & April, 2009 . Ken’s next solo exhibition at MKG127 is scheduled for October 2011.

The opening is August 7th from 2-5pm and the show will be on until September 4th from Wednesday to Saturday from 12 to 6 PM or by appointment.

Our profile today is of art gallery MKG127. Located on the east side of Ossington at Argyle Street, MKG127 is a contemporary art gallery which showcases artists from Canada and around the world.

And now, 8 questions with Michael Klein of MKG127.

What’s your business?

art gallery

How is your business unique?

I’ve had people come in and ask “what is this place ?”
I often show work that challenges people’s idea about what “art” should look like.

How long have you been in business here?

Opened June 2007

What drew you to be here on Ossington?

I thought the strip between Queen & Dundas felt like a unique, self contained little village. There were a few galleries that had located there too.

What changes have you seen on Ossington since your business has been here?

Many more places to eat & drink.

How do you see your business and Ossington five years from now?

Probably the opposite of what I would predict.

What is your favorite spot on Ossington, other than your own? and why?

I have a lot of favourites but here’s a couple I’ve been frequenting recently.
Superior Dry Cleaners, they do a great job , quick and  very reasonable, recently even did a little repair job for me for free. I had the same hair stylist for about 20 years and when he retired last year I didn’t have to look very far for his
replacement, I tried Viva Hair, got a great cut, nice price & incredibly convenient.

MKG127 is located at 127 Ossington Street.