Something wicked (good) is coming to the old La Paloma location. So I take a trip to the corner of Lansdowne and St.Clair to see for myself. The venerated La Paloma has turned into El Palomar.
La Paloma was the gelato place to go in the west end. When it went under, it was a shock. But since then, the story of landlords not wanting to extend leases with long time tenants has become common place. The city’s runaway commercial rents mean only the biggest shops survive.
So, it is good to see El Palomar. It’s selling ice cream and empanadas. And a coffee bar is in the works. There’s a fair number of customers in the place already, including moms with kids sitting at two tables, and teenagers making orders at the counter.
After getting an empanada, I go canvassing on local streets to sign up people for this newsletter. They’re aware that there’s two new shops nearby. But there’s skepticism. Two people on two different streets tell me the same thing. Shops are opening and closing on St.Clair between Lansdowne and Dufferin like a revolving door. Will Palomar make it where other shops have failed?
El Palomar has a lot of pluses on its side. First, perfect location. Everyone knows that corner for La Paloma. It’s right beside Piccininni rec centre that’s packed with kids in summer camps, and parents that need a snack afterwards. And it offers more than just ice cream. There’s empanadas to fill the belly, cakes for birthdays, and coffee for tired parents.
But what might make this place succeed in the long run is their partnership. Four partners have joined together as founders, which will help pay the high costs of rent and food. By pooling their resources together, they have a much better chance than a single owner in these days of per capita recession and big chain mainstreets.
Let’s hope La Paloma has found its Palomar: the dove in its dovecote.
