Here is this week's Shopportunity.

50-70% Most stores right now have fantastic sales.  The trick is to find the sale rack at the back of the store and then DIG!  Stores very cleverly promote spring merchandise and put all the winter stuff at the back.  But, in case you have not noticed.... IT'S STILL COLD! Danier has at leat 50% off sale stuff, I have found winter coats for less than $50.00.  Now, they may not all be brand names, but certainly some great buys.  I actually found a pair of jeans for $11.00 at Dynamite. $11.00! How can you go wrong and they look fantastic. 

COZY WINTER DINNER
The Local Company (www.localco.ca) located at 511 Danforth Ave (just east of Logan Ave) is celebrating its one year anniversary. Get your taste buds ready as Chef Steven Wilson has crafted a new mouth-watering contemporary Canadian cuisine menu plus a special prix fixe winter menu. Diners will also be treated to the sultry sounds of bossa nova while they dine in a stylish loft ambience. A perfect package for a night-on-the-town.

The Local Company's menu reflects Chef Steven Wilson's dedication to contemporary Canadian cuisine while emphasizing his commitment to support local food growers and producers. Chef Wilson prepares everything in-house, even condiments, garnishes and ice creams. Each menu item is crafted to tickle your taste buds and awaken your food palate. The new menu is comprised of nine starters and eight mains all reasonably priced from $5-$25. Starters include:  maple butternut squash soup (with rosemary corn fritters), three onion soup (with aged Ontario cheddar), herb-roasted beets with fresh cabbage slaw (served with Canadian feta & horseradish dressing).  Some mains include: house-made sage gnocchi in a white wine cream (with roasted butternut squash), red wine braised Ontario veal cheeks (with wild mushroom risotto) and herb-crusted Ontario pork chop (with sweet potato mash & roasted root vegetable). Delish!  Dessert lovers won't be disappointed.  Chef Wilson crafts a couple of special daily desserts so good you might have to indulge in both. 

For February and March, Chef Wilson has added a special prix fixe dinner menu, available every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening. For just $30 patrons are treated to a delectable three-course meal.  Some of the special menu highlights include: oven roasted wild mushroom broth with herbed gnocchi and chives, tagliatelle with salmon, mussels and shrimp in a basic cream and maple rice pudding with sun-dried cranberries under a brulée crust. Every Saturday evening from 8p.m. to 10p.m. patrons will be treated to smooth bossa nova sounds from singer Suzana Da Camara (www.suzanadacamara.com). This sexy jazz completes the elegance of the weekend dining experience for a night-on-the-town.  

Mom-We're Bored:
Here is something fun to do on a Saturday morning with your kids.  It only costs $1.50.  Head out to your local Michaels craft store this Saturday and take part in Make It-Take It. Most stores run an easy craft program in the mornings, mostly geared towards kids.  It's usually drop in and a fun craft you can do.  This weekend the project is a heart-shaped picture frame. Check out www.michaels.com for location details.  

 











Wishing you sunshine always, Nalini