Oh a short bus ride away is California Fruits and Casa de Fruita, if they are still there. My family has been going to Cal. Fruits for a few generations now...good store.
I agree that the Bay groceteria is pretty useless because of the hours. The place is closed more than it's open. I'm surprised they never came up with a separate entrance to allow it (or even the whole basement) be open regular hours.
I went to Blu Fish last week and it was decent. Great decor and dishware, but the sushi was only average. My fav off the list, by far, is the yam tempura maki. They also had another special which was outstanding...so if you go, make sure to ask what their specials are.
Admittedly I tried their more unique rolls, as I try and do at any sushi joint. Let's see if I can recall what else I've tried:
White Truffle Tuna Carpaccio - it was alright, but if they used a higher quality tuna it would have been better. B.E.N. - the smoked salmon was something I'd rather not have as the taste was overwhelming, but that is purely a personal choice (not a hug fan) Caterpillar - good standard, but nothing "wow" Tokyo Roll - this was another favorite I forgot about. Unique combination
I'd certainly go there again to try some standard rolls and the Tokyo and Yam. But I'd still rate Kenko as one of the better sushi places in town.
Another thing I forgot to add on the list of Exchange shops is the photography places:
Prairieview school of photography - great place for wanting to take a class or two www.prairieview.ca Studio 448 http://www.studio448.com/ Lab Works - one of the best places to develop high quality digital prints http://www.thelabworks.com/ Technicare - another more affordable place to develop digital prints http://www.technicare.ca/
You'd be pretty hard pressed to find too many decent sized ground level retail spaces in that area now. The Fairchild building - what is meant to be on the main floor there ? Retail or part of the residential block ?
Did I see Penthouse selling out ? Is it a clearance sale or a closure sale ?
Don't forget that there is the Giant Tiger just off Notre Dame by the Burt. That works for your basic grocery needs if you live / work down in this area. As long as you are ok with generic brand products.
About a month ago walking down McDermot towards Main I noticed that one of the shops was going out of business, now for the life of me I can't remember for sure which one it was but I think it was Hoopers Bazarre, the shop with all the vintage clothing. That space won't be empty long........guaranteed.