Meet Anna May. She tends bar at The Ossington. Anna May keeps it tidy and tight during the weekend but fast and loose during the week when things are a bit more local. This stretch of Ossington has seen much change of late from neighbourhood bars to an out-of-towner destination. I was able to sit down with her over a pint or two (much).

Photo by SnapHappyExpat in the blogTO Flickr pool

If there were any half dozen points at which the Junction began to change from a sleepy retail dead zone into an up and coming neighbourhood it would probably have to include the opening of Crema, which has not only helped revive street life on this stretch of Dundas West but survived the opening of a Starbuck's right across the road. Its youthful staff has probably been part of its key to success, which has spread into a mini-chain of cafes across the city, staffed by baristas like Liam, interviewed during a lull on a rainy Tuesday morning.

Meet Pam, the hurried gal tending bar at The Garrison. Even at such a frenetic pace, her wry sense of humour still engages the bar goer. She's got more kick then the drinks she pours. Pam welcomes with no pretension and sparks up a conversation with ease. When she's not slinging pints, she's spinning records at Unlovable. And her music selection at The Garrison was awesome the night I stopped by for a chat. I asked this gal about town some get-to-know-you questions.

Jet Fuel has a bit of a reputation. I've worked in Cabbagetown, right around the corner from the coffee shop, for almost three years now. I've known people that have left the local cafe just about in tears. When I went in before the holidays for our scheduled interview, I was told that Ami wasn't in. When I inquired a little further as to when she would be in, I was brushed off, coldly. The shop isn't for everyone, but the regulars, especially cyclists, absolutely adore Jet Fuel - and for good reason. It's a calm atmosphere with some damn good coffee. When I was able to catch up with Ami the following week, we had the following conversation in the back of Cabbagetown's Jet Fuel.

Michael Cubero is one of the nicest guys you'll meet. The guy is patient, calm, considerate and unabashedly nice. He also cares about his trade and the people he serves on a daily basis. It's a great equation in making an adept barista, by any standards. It also doesn't hurt that he grew up in Costa Rica, surrounded by coffee. Grabbing a couple makeshift seats in the back room at Manic, surrounded by miscellaneous bins and whatnot, we chatted about Costa Rica, caring customers, Delaware Ave. and Motown. Obviously.