Doppio Zero to open on Eglinton West

Just down the street from Homefront on the north side of Eglinton Ave W west of Shields Ave. is a new restaurant about to open. It's called Doppio Zero, which as amateur Italian speakers may know means Double Zero.   Don't ask us why. But if you order a Doppio Espresso at Starbucks you get two espressos in one. But back to zero, so to speak. Work is going on furiously at this location next door to Gelato Hotel. So far as we can tell, Doppio Zero is an upscale franchised Italian-Western casual dining spot with roots in both the  Republic of South Africa and Hong Kong. We thought their logo was a real eye catcher and easier to say than the name of the business in that store before. It sold furniture under a name posted in, we think, Greek. Tough to tell your friends about it when the name is in Greek.  At least for most of us. 

Lampe Berger lights Homefront daily

At Homefront today

Lampe Berger is well stocked at Homefront. The unique room sanitizer and freshener is lit every day in the shop. Today was no  exception, The preliminary flame (shown) is extinguished after a minute and the aroma cap is placed over the wick to permit the invisible burn to clean the air and freshen the room.  The first Lampe Berger lamp was created in 1898 by Maurice Berger, a pharmacy dispenser, to purify the air in hospital wards.  

"Bob's Your Uncle" birthday cards on sale

Those who know about the hilarious birthday card line Bob's Your Uncle will want to take this chance to stock up. Bob's Your Uncle and all Homefront greeting and birthday cards are on sale for a short time. Buy four cards and get 20% off all of them.  Hurry if you want one of the wicked Age Unknown cards.  (416) 488-3189

Escape to Paris for Haute Couture Week

The who's who of the fashion world came out to toss flowers at the feet of Christian Dior's new creative director on Monday, applauding the fresh and modern approach Raf Simons has brought to the feminine extravagance of a grand French atelier.The Belgian couturier greeted oversized expectations for his first Dior collection with a decidedly architectural look that revelled in sumptuous understatement. The house has been without a permanent designer since former star John Galliano fell from grace over a drunken, racist tirade.

Oh you wonderful Canadian Target, you

The federal government has given Target Stores its marching orders for getting into Canada. The cabinet decision announced yesterday says Target must invest $3.5-billion in its Canadian stores, which includes hiring up to 25,000 people by 2015, or about 100 to 200 employees at each store. Target will also have to sell “uniquely Canadian cultural products.”  National Post

Barbecues that are built like locomotives

You won't find barbecues like this  just anywhere. In fact, you won't find them at Homefront. But, you will find them at the Fireplace Shop. right next door to us  on Eglinton Ave West. They are made by Vermont Castings and known as the Signature Series. And they're built like locomotives. Worth a look if you come by.  

Willow hampers for cottage and pool

Hefty and smart looking Willow woven hampers for any job with lots of stuff to move. Sturdy and fully articulated wheels on all four corners Two sizes (29x19x19 and 25x14x17)  $190 and $160 respectively. Homefront (416) 488-3189