We're all very excited over here in East Tosa. We opened North Avenue Grill in late April and can feel the energy in talking to our customers. Perceptions are definitely forming quickly that East Tosa, anchored by this stretch of North, is becoming a destination. Thanks to everyone who has worked tirelessly to get the ball rolling.

I do caution you, Mr. Price, that when you run down all of your favorite businesses like an advertisement section that you don't leave a few out such as Cosmos and Ono Kine Grindz or even No.1, all of which are as much a part of an improved North Ave as the ones that you mentioned.

The larger commercial spaces on North Ave have always been fine with regard to picking up replacement businesses, but this series of upgrades is a very positive thing. They bring a new level of money to the table.

The true test of North Avenue as a destination is when someone buys the business blocks that have all the small-space shops that constantly turn over or are always vacant. It will take some vision and cash to make them into something that an anchor business would want to move into.

It's too bad more isn't being done in the city of Milwaukee between 60th and 55th. That would make a nice gateway into Wauwatosa. Unfortunately, lack of significant activity there makes it harder for North Ave west of 60th to reach its full potential.

Best of luck to the Red Dot folks.

This is so aweseome! I've lived in the Enderis Park neighborhood just North of East Tosa for over 8 years - only Cranky Al's was open when we moved into our neighborhood. To see all of these great places open within walking distance of our house has just been amazing, and looks like it will soon really take off!

Yes, don't forget about Ono Kine Grindz and Cosmos. I'd like to add U-Turn consignment shop too!

Admonishment accepted. I wasn't trying to give a comprehensive directory of businesses on North Ave., or play favorites, but was giving a sampling of the businesses that I think have been most transitional, transformational and innovative in reviving East Tosa. Certainly Ono Kine Grindz should have been included among those – how many neighborhoods in the Midwest can boast a Hawaiian gift and snack shop? As for places we like and respect, Cosmos, No. 1, U-Turn and many more would rate mention. I shouldn't have left out Ted's! Talk about pioneers – in business for 70 years.

And all these are only among restaurants, cafes, bakeries and the like. We should also thank the dozens of solid businesses that have come and stayed on North Avenue. O'Gorman's Auto springs to mind.

The point is simply that good thing are happening, but so as not to leave anybody out, and since I can't name them all, here is the link to the East Tosa Business Directory: http://easttosa.org/directory/

That sounds good for the north ave folks but how about the corner of wauwatosa and clarke street. There sits an eyesore that was once a going business because of the busy corner that it is on. I'm sure that would be profitable for some other business. Right now it is a poor advertisement for Wauwatosa. Take a look at it. There was a fire there, tarp blowing all over. Give us our neighborhood back again.

I'm partial to Chinese Pagoda - the oldest Chinese restaurant in the region and one of few businesses in the area that isn't new. They don't seem to do a great job of self-promotion, since I've never seen anyone mention them anywhere except for myself.

Maybe I'll see you at Walter's some time - I practically have my own stool. ;-)

And that's what makes Walter's great: they make everyone feel welcome. Plus they have an awesome staff and their bar food is classic and always tasty. LOVE their BLTs.