Dooney's Is Changing Hands

I didn't realize that local brunch hotspot, Dooney's, was changing ownership until I read a National Post article on councillor Adam Vaughan's website.

The article contains this intriguing tidbit: "Dooney’s Café is another casualty of the Annex’s slow drift from a functional bohemian neighbourhood to an upscale student ghetto populated by bars, fast-food outlets, and stubbornly resilient futon stores." (The article failed to mention sushi restaurants, which were outlined in a Toronto Life article that the author has posted here in unabridged form.)

I can't say that I disagree with The Post's take on our stretch of Bloor. While I love our neighbourhood for many reasons, shopping/dining on Bloor is not one of them and the retail/housing lining Bathurst, Spadina and other major arteries seems uninspired, at best, with a few notable exceptions. While local institutions such as Grapefruit Moon and Annapurna draw crowds, there are stretches that look like slums.

I was reminded of that recently when I visited Roncesvalles Village (kick ass BIA site, BTW. Here's ours: Bloor Annex BIA.) I bought my first home there and lived there from '94 to '98. Strolling Roncesvalles is a lovley endeavour, as is window shoppping and dining.

Other than supporting local business by frequenting them, how does a resident affect the face of the local streetscape?

Cheers,
Vanessa

Dooney's Unveiled

Some of you may have noticed that The Annex Institution, Dooney's, has been closed up for a little while, a sign declaring "Restaurant Makeover" in the window.
Well, the new look is visible now, although the cafe doesn't appear to be open just yet.
At quick glance, the place looks quite elegant... let us know about the new menu if you dine there! (Restaurant Makeover also overhauls menus, too.)
Vanessa
PS Restaurant Makeover tackled Central in Mirvish Village awhile back, though the show hasn't aired yet. Has anybody dined there recently? Want to share your thoughts about it?