Dear Grain

Project: 46-54 Ossington
Neighbourhood: Ossington

What's Your Name And Title?
Christina D'Angela, GM of Dear Grain.

How Long Have You Been At Your Current Location?
Dear Grain moved into Ossington in November 2021. 

How Has The Neighborhood Changed Around You In The Time? What Are You Most Excited About?
60cm of snow, another lockdown and Queen Street streetcar construction were not the merriest of Christmas gifts that Ossington has received - HOWEVER, the community spirit was and is still bustling under a few extra layers of clothing! We're looking forward to warmer weather, patio season on this wonderful street and being able to see everyone's smiles again. :)

What's The Best Time To Visit Your Neighborhood?
Everyday - there is always something to do, see, shop and most importantly, eat!

Go-to Food Spot?
Pho Tien Thanh - it hits the spot in all seasons :). A close runner-up would be the Staff Room at Dear Grain: it's hard to go wrong with fresh bread, one of our many delicious canned fish, and great people.

3 Best Things About Working In Your Neighborhood?
1. Being in great company! The comradery among the business owners and employees is unparalleled and we definitely feel the neighborly love. It's comforting to be around such supportive and wonderful people lifting each other up in hard times.

2. The amazing local community and clientele - everyone has been so welcoming, friendly, and eager to try our menu.

3. Ossington is such a hub for both the local community and anyone visiting from out of town, so it's a great spot to meet people who are just passing through! We love being part of their Toronto experience, and hopefully, they leave with something delicious to take back home.

Any Other Tips/Tricks as an entrepreneur like yourself?

A good meal always ends with a scarpetta (literally means "little shoe" in Italian - but I promise this is actually edible). The correct way to perform a scarpetta? Take a piece of bread, hold it between your thumb, index and middle fingers and use it to collect and scoop all of the yummy sauce/oils left on the plate. Keep wiping until the plate is clean! You're welcome ;) If you're ready to start practicing, we have plenty of bread at Dear Grain that will do just the trick!