State of The Village (Victoria Park)

Not yet open a full year, the Ginger Pig is doing well after a bang-up Christmas. Cheech Miller has settled in well near Sublime and is a great addition to the neighborhood. Spot-on business for the neighborhood, too. Across the street its family-friendly neighbor, Victoria Park Books, remains busy and engaging. Loafing seems to be doing well. I don't much go there. I've not yet gotten over my disappointment that it's not a real bakery. I was hoping for a proper boulangerie when they were in the building phase on the storefont. I would have settled for a patisserie. Early on, they mentioned something about ovens getting fitted, so maybe they did plan to make something there, but seems to me like they just resell (good quality) baked goods. But it's a pleasant space and everyone was nice the two times I've been in there. For cafes, I much prefer Elbows. They make their own food, including some nice cakes. The non-dessert foods are nothing special, but the coffee's good, the prices are reasonable, it's a cosy and charming space, and the folks who run it are incredibly welcoming and kid-friendly. Great neighborhood cafe.

Sadly, Frock's restaurant has closed down. There was a note from Andy briefly saying they'd sold it, but so far, nothing's opened up in its place, and the space is now for rent. Shame. But Fish House is doing well. Great cod and other battered fish. Restaurant side has comically lax service and really needs to be improved, but the takeaway side is really nicely done! (except for the chips...) Directly south of the Fish House is The Empress of India, which is doing well and generally ok, but overpriced and a bit poncy I think. I rarely go there. South of that is Chili's, surprisingly still in business, and next to that the longtime mysterious "just postcards" building has finally been converted into something useful -- a stylish new Sardinian deli & restaurant, Su Sazzagoni. The interior's been done nicely -- elegant but informal. We ate there the other night and the food was fantastic. Service was spotty but they just opened and are still figuring things out, and the proprietress was very welcoming and enthusiastic. Was a bit rough on the wallet, but everything we had was excellent. And I was excited to see Sardinian fare rather than a cut&paste Italian menu. Will definitely go back.

There have been a few new pub openings this past year. The misguided tapas restaurant just south of the park finally gave up and was converted back into a pub, a fine-looking one now called The Crown. Have not yet had a chance to try it, but looking forward to it. West on Victoria Park Road, a slightly run-down pub has gotten a big spruce-up and a revamp into Garbo's. Looks worth a visit. Eastward, right on the park just south of Well Street Common, another renovation has been effected, this one yielding the Britannia. Seems like they want to be all things to all people, but at least so far even on just the eyes it's been a big improvement over its predecessor. Of the pubs I actually have been to, The Royal Inn remains its reliable self, and I think The Lauriston now qualifies as a fixture.

Finally, there are a couple brand-new stores. Bill Hall opened up, a small "fruiterer and green grocer" shopfront. Too early to tell. Seems like he rushed to get opened before Christmas. Hopefully he'll fill up with high-quality stock and be a great addition to the neighborhood. And apparently a new bike shop just opened up on Victoria Park Road. Gutsy call. Hope to stop by soon.