New kids on the block.. (Silver Spring)

First off, the Whitefish Bay Holiday Stroll 2009 was a giant success.   Credit goes to the WFB BID, who did a great job running the show.

I was surprised by the size of the crowd for the parade and festivities .. I think Silver Spring's renewal .. and the good weather had something to do with the great turnout.

I galactically miscalculated the candy requirements for the parade.   Sorry, pint sized people.

Villagers in attendance would have seen three "new" businesses that opened their doors just in time for the Stroll.

Berkeley's closed on Sunday, and re-opened as El Guapo's on Friday.   Same owners, new fresh Mexican menu, and interior.   I checked in today, and they said business was great this weekend, with crowds big enough to generate 5-10 minute waits for tables. 

It's amazing they did so well their first weekend with zero advertising.  Shows the power of word of mouth.  Will write more details about El Guapo's later.

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I wrote "Silver Spring Strikes Oil" a few months ago, and I like the line so much, I'm using it again. Oro di Olivia also opened on Friday, selling oil and vinegar.   The store was packed on Friday night after the Stroll, and they said they did good business on Saturday as well.

Here's a picture of their store:

So if you have a hankering for some oil or vinegar .. now you know where to go.    They give out samples in little plastic shot glasses.   I hammered mine back like a shot of tequila, which apparently was not the way to go.  Hello Breadsmith?  Got any scraps?

Prices range from $12-25, but you figure the 6 bottle sampler for $35 will be the big Christmas seller.

Website: http://www.orodioliva.com

Simon Oliver also opened up in the last week.   Here's their ribbon cutting:

Simon Oliver is “a sophisticated men’s retail destination with high-quality sportswear and formalwear for discriminating shoppers.”

The store’s lines include Corneliani, Angelo Nardelli, Gimos Leathers, and Breuer Neckwear. The store is named after their two teen-aged sons, Simon and Oliver.

Simon Oliver is the first store to receive a grant from WFB's "Retail Incentive Program" which aims to fill Silver Spring with new merchants.