Welcome to Extreme Makeover: Cafe Edition, in which inspiring entrepreneur Michelle Strum’s cafe and hostel Alteregos (2193 Gottingen Street, 431-3170) gets a serious facelift. Thanks to some hard work (by an entirely north end crew) the already homey-feeling hangout has become ever more inviting, with a bright and expanded space, a new chef and summer-ready patio. “As the street starts to develop there’s the ability for us to really zone in on what we’re good at and we’re pretty excited about that,” says Strum, who opened Alter Egos in 2001. The neighbourhood hub welcomes not only a new look, but new menu, extended hours (it’ll open until 10pm starting in May) and evening events like spoken word performances and DJ nights. “What I love about this place its that it represents what’s on its exterior on Gottingen. Often what you see n the streetscpae is what you see inside. We have a really diverse mix of people working here and using the space,” says Strum. “We’re not interested in changing to a new market, we’re interested in educating a new market on what Gottingen Street is. I think the essence of Alter Egos is the realness and the accessibility and the integrity of what we do in terms of the community.” Celebrate the first of many evenings at the cafe by cashing in on this deal: two Propeller draught and nachos for $15.
This article appears in Apr 11-17, 2013.
The last time I graced her door step I was treated extremely bad, if this is the way that she celebrates community, she can keep her celebrations to herself. It’s too bad really because when I moved to the neighbourhood I wanted to support local business, but with the attitudes here and the Pharmasave forget it.
Whoa, GC123, you surprise me! I have always been treated just fine at Alteregos, and please believe me when I tell you I am far from being part of the in crowd. And everyone at Pharmasave, from the pharmacists at the back to the smart kids at the front of the store are always great to deal with. Uh… maybe it’s you?
I popped in for a pint and bite earlier in the week and love the new space! Great mix of people and a perfect ambience for getting a bit of work done, having a conversation, or meeting new people. Can’t wait for the extended hours in the summer!