"2012-09-09T00:00:00"^^ . "5"^^ . "Still on the fence about the Ossington strip. This neighbourhood is going through major changes (revitalized CAMH, new condos galore+Gentrification) and there seems to be a bit of an identity crisis. Intimidatingly slick and posh retail and restaurants I can't afford, rubbing shoulders with tired looking convenience-cum-takeout joints I feel uninclined to go buy gum. Should the future be more places like this, I may have to move closer.\n\nCrooked star straddles this divide well. A cozy (you know this is code for small), no-frills (beauty's in simplicity), relatively new (read: clean), UNpretentious, affordable yet full of character... where everybody knows your name~ ... actually I don't know, but feels like it could definitely happen.\n\nIt's nice. It's comfortable. Which is so v. important when you're having a shit day and just wanna have a damn drink. \n\nI believe they have a limited menu. No real cooking going on but it's more than fine to go with a drink. I go for beer and liquor- straight up. I wouldn't say this is a cocktail kinda place. Smoking patio. \n\nDo go. It's lovely."^^ . "2"^^ . . . "0"^^ . . "0"^^ .