Big Tony Fires up Great Pizza on Walker Road

You may recall Big Tony as the front man and chef at Walkerville Pizza on Wyandotte and Chilver. He has moved his operation to 917 Walker Road on the eastern beachhead of Old Walkerville. The doors officially opened last Wednesday. Over the past few months Tony and friends have painstakingly remodelled and retrofitted the new restaurant to become a welcomed and well used feature of this upscale neighbourhood. Even before you enter the front door your olfactories are schmoozed by the waft of burning oak which is a bi-product from the wood fired pizza oven. Once inside you will be greeted by cozy earthtones and a touch of terra cotta. A tasteful decor with a generous allocation of tables and lots of historic pictures from the the hay days of Old Walkerville. A perfect spot for large or intimate gatherings. The best part, as we all know, is the food. Love is the first ingredient in all of Tony's creations and it definately romances the taste buds. If you prefer, you can eat at the bar; take in the master chef and his wood stoked oven and enjoy his craft and conversation. If a drink or two is all you crave, the restaurant boasts a long bar which has a nice 60's feel to it. Good martinis too. The music: Jazz. Thelonius Monk, Stan Getz, Oscar Peterson and Steffan Grapelli seem to know this place. If you don't feel like dining out but still have a craving for some upscale grub no problem. Take out is available. Just call in your order, ask for an ETA and Tony will have it ready when you get there. Want to have some fun? Big Tony's Grand Opening party is spread over two days. March 15 and 16. This is going to be a big food event with live jazz. Big Toy's Original Wood Fired Pizza Company is definately a welcomed addition to Old Walkerville. Be sure to try it out. Oh yeah...Tony's is open for lunch too.

Federal Elections Uncover a Local Gem in Catherine Pluard

You probably noticed Ms. Pluard during our recent federal election. She was highly visible as the local Green Party candidate. What makes her stand out is her high energy and dedication to her causes. A community activist, she is often involved with women's and environmental issues. She has helped organize the December 6 memorial vigil, "Take Back the Night" marches, and City Street Celebration. She joined a group called "Actiongirls", that works to support other community organizations and services for women. She is currently a student representative on both the Women's Studies Curriculum Committee and the Women's Studies Advisory Committee at the University of Windsor. All of this on top of being a single mom, a university student and an educator at a local day care facility. Catherine Pluard has been a smart asset to the local Greens. Definately someone to watch for in the future.