Viral pasta sauce, art, live performances, a new florist, a new menu, a date night idea, sales, giveaways, promotions… whatever you are looking for, Old Town Toronto has it! Scroll on to discover all this and more.
As always, thanks for supporting local. 🙂
TO Live Presents Amadeus Live!
Our friends at TO Live present Amadeus Live!
Experience this 1984 multi-Academy Award winning motion picture on a vast HD screen and immerse yourself in the glorious music of Mozart performed live by the TO Live Orchestra and Amadeus Choir.
The film tells the story of Vienna court composer Antonio Salieri, and the envy that consumes him upon discovering that the divine musical gifts he has so longed for all his life have been bestowed on a bawdy, vulgar, and impish young composer, Mozart.
Milos Foreman’s sumptuous Amadeus is an aural and visual treat for all the senses, you don’t want to miss it!
Happening at Meridian Hall on March 8 & 9.
TO Live
1 Front St E, 416-366-7723
Ticket Info: https://tolive.com/Event-Details-Page/reference/Amadeus-2024
Instagram: @tolivegram
New Valentine’s Day collection
from Dean Davidson
Come see our new Valentine’s Day collection available in store now! Using our newest Cranberry stone. The Signature Midi Heart Knockout Pendant features a multi-faceted, brilliant-cut gemstone suspended on a fluid box chain. Our silicone slide closure allows you to gently pull the chain and adjust it to your desired length.
Metal: DD Signature Brushed 22-Karat Gold Finish Over High-Quality Brass.
Dean Davidson
145 Berkeley St, 416-203-8222
www.deandavidson.ca
Instagram: @deandavidson
Wed-Sat: 10am-6pm.
Sun: 12pm-5pm.
Toronto’s St. Lawrence Market TikTok Viral Pasta Sauce
Have you tried the viral Toronto pasta sauce available at St. Lawrence Pizza and Pasta? Click here to watch and meet Aziz Hosseini, the man behind the pesto-alfredo- tomato craze. He and his family have been making fresh pasta, sauces, and pizzas at St. Lawrence Market for 28 years! Order a hot plate to go, or grab a bag of fresh daily made pasta and a container of the sauce to cook at home!
St. Lawrence Pizza and Pasta
93 Front St. East Toronto, main level, southwest corner
Instagram: @stlawrencemarket
Introducing Flowers & Flowers: New flower studio at King Edward Hotel
Exciting News! Flowers & Flowers Toronto Floral Studio is now open at 37 King St E, inside the historic King Edward Hotel.
We’re happy to be part of this vibrant neighbourhood and offer a range of floral delights, from stunning bouquets and dried arrangements to exquisite event flowers and wedding decorations.
Also, enjoy the convenience of same-day FREE delivery within 5 km from our studio. Check our website’s delivery page: https://flowersandflowers.ca/pages/delivery for delivery conditions and the address validation map.
Complimentary features for each bouquet include a stylish, branded carrying bag for easy transport, a water pack to maintain bouquet freshness throughout delivery, and a complimentary hand-written greeting card.
Stop by to say hello or discuss your floral needs with me, Julia, proud owner and professional florist. Your special moments deserve special blooms. See you soon!
Flowers & Flowers
37 King St E, 1-800-213-9050
www.flowersandflowers.ca
Instagram: @flowersandflowers.ca
11am-7pm
Young People’s Theatre (YPT) Presents: Truth
WORLD PREMIERE
On the Ada Slaight Stage Jan. 29 – Feb. 23, 2024
Recommended for Ages 10+ | Grades 5+
Run time: approx. 70 minutes
It’s 1858 on a Virginian tobacco plantation. Deep in a forest, a young Black girl named Phoebe sits in the hollow of a tree, a notebook in her pocket and a harrowing choice ahead. Truth is adapted from the Governor General’s Award-winning novel “The Gospel Truth“, and tells the story of a courageous 16-year-old, the arrival of a stranger from the north, and a trail of secrets that could change everything. From the American South to St. Catharines, Ontario, Truth chronicles the fierce strength and resilience of a community as it struggles to find freedom.
Young People’s Theatre
165 Front St E, 416-862-2222
www.youngpeoplestheatre.org
Instagram: @ypttoronto
Introduction to Traditional Thai Massage Workshop
Indulge in the ultimate relaxation experience, perfect for a date night since Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! 💆♀️💖 Discover the art of touch, learn new techniques, and create lasting memories together in this workshop, Saturday, February 17th from 6:30pm-9pm. Limited spots are available, so secure your spot now! 🌹🕯️
Bahn Thai Spa
136 Adelaide St E, 416-594-3406
www.bahnthaispa.com/our-school
Instagram: @bahnthaispa
12pm-8pm
Pilates Self-Care Giveaway
Rebalance Pilates is giving away TWO self-care packages to two lucky winners!
Our self-care giveaway includes:
– a 3-class Pilates package
– Owala water bottle
– Massage therapy ball
– Resistance band kit
Everything you need feel strong and centered in your body.
To enter:
1. follow @rebalancepilatestoronto
2. Like and share the giveaway post
3. Tag a friend (one tag is one entry- do as many as you want!)
Giveaway runs from Feb 5-9, 2024 with the winners being announced via instagram on Feb 9, 2024.
Rebalance Pilates
366 Adelaide St E, Unit 226, 416-894-8553
www.rebalancepilates.ca
Instagram: @rebalancepilatestoronto
By appointment only.
The Children at Alumnae Theatre
Originally premiered at the Royal Court Theatre in London and later gracing Broadway, this acclaimed play has earned two Tony Award nominations, including Best Play. The Guardian ranked it third on their list of the greatest theatrical works since 2000.
This compelling story revolves around Hazel and Robin, a retired married couple of nuclear physicists residing in a remote coastal cottage. As the world grapples with a major nuclear power station disaster, their tranquil existence is disrupted when Rose, a fellow physicist they haven’t seen in 38 years, unexpectedly reappears. The play draws inspiration from the 2011 Fukushima nuclear explosion in Japan, adding a poignant layer of reality to the narrative.
As the characters delve into themes of morality, guilt, and accountability, Lucy Kirkwood’s three-hander presents a very vivid story of a post-nuclear society through complicated intimate relationships. ‘The Children’ runs March 8 – March 23, 2024
Alumnae Theatre
70 Berkely St, 416-364-4170
www.alumnaetheatre.com
Instagram: @alumnaetheatre
With the touch of a remote…AN INCREDIBLE NEW INTRODUCTION!
INTRODUCING…The Belton Power Sofa Bed by Luonto Furniture…The Chesterfield Shop’s newest sofa bed for those who want an elevated and easy-to-open sofa bed. Complete automation, comfort and ease… makes this a must-have! Click here for video.
What’s different?
This sleeper sofa opens seamlessly in 15 seconds at the press of a button with the wireless remote to reveal a medium dense high resilience foam that offers just the right balance of support, comfort and longevity. It’s truly a sofa bed where function meets design – thanks to the beautiful Scandinavian craftsmanship.
Available in 2 colours – in a Queen or King size mattress.
Come in – 275 King St. E – it’s definitely worth checking out if you are looking for a premium sofa bed!
Or email Stephan at stephan@thechesterfieldshop.com for a FaceTime demo!
The Chesterfield Shop – since 1948
275 King St E, 416-667-1150
www.thechesterfieldshop.com
www.instagram.com/thechesterfieldshop
Altitude Member Spotlight
Meet Elizabeth, one of our extraordinary Altitude Athletic Training members with big goals and big results! Despite having no climbing experience, Elizabeth came to us with the goal of climbing Aconcagua, South America’s tallest peak. Since starting her training at Altitude with Altitude Coach Martina in September 2023, Elizabeth has seen truly incredible progress:
– VO2 Max increased by 66.4% from 25.4 in September to 42.2 ml/min/kg in January
– Bodyweight has gone down by an incredible 40 lbs!
– Physically and mentally stronger going into the climb
Congratulations to Elizabeth and her coach Martina for the incredible progress, dedication and hard work.
Now, Elizabeth is geared up for climbing Aconcagua! Follow her ascent on our Instagram account @altitudeathletic and be inspired by the strength and determination that defines an Altitude athlete. Elizabeth – we can’t wait to see what you do next!
Whether you’re looking to conquer your first mountain, run a marathon or simply want to feel stronger, healthier and fitter – our team of coaches at Altitude can help. Book a complimentary coach consult to tour the facility and discuss your specific training goals. We’ll help you learn about the best training options for you and plan next steps.
Altitude Athletic Training
56 Colborne St, 416-366-3838
www.altitudeathletictraining.com
Instagram: @altitudeathletic
Mon-Fri: 6am-9pm.
Weekends: 7am – 1pm.
Celebrating 25 Years of Teeing Up for a Cause!
Join Us at the 25th Annual Golf Tournament on June 4th, 2024!
Get ready to swing into action and mark your calendars, as we proudly announce a quarter-century of excellence, camaraderie, and philanthropy!
In the heart of Toronto, the lush greens of Royal Woodbine await you on Tuesday, June 4th, 2024, for a golfing experience like no other. This year, our Annual Golf Tournament is not just an event—it’s a celebration of 25 years of unwavering support for New Visions Toronto, a non-profit dedicated to championing the lives of those with complex and developmental disabilities.
New Visions Toronto
222 The Esplanade, Lower Level , Unit 10, 289-834-4248
www.newvisionstoronto.ca
Instagram: @newvisionstoronto
9-5 Office Hours
Ready to workout, get fit, and be happy?
Join us at 6S, a fitness community of like-minded individuals committed to supporting your journey.
We offer group classes, personal training, and nutrition services.
Our 90 day Intro program is designed to set you up for success. Including personal training to get you started, Coach-led structured group classes with a fun and supportive community, and a holistic approach to nutrition with our Registered Dietitian, it will help you build consistency and develop a strong fitness and health foundation.
Take it from Jordana, “I definitely feel much stronger since joining 6S. Even though I am a beginner in the gym and have only been a member for a few months, I feel much more confident inside and outside of the gym!”
You’re worth it. Get stronger, healthier and happier. Let our Coaches help you get there.
Book a 15 minute intro to learn how you can get started with us on your path to 6S!
6SFitness+
209 Adelaide St E, 416-518-5746
www.6sfitness.ca
Instagram: @6s.fitness
6:30am – 8:30pm
Original artwork by Cynthia Coulombe Bégin
at Beauchamp Art Gallery
Cynthia Coulombe Bégin is an artist of dual citizenship, born in Miami in 1984, and grew up in Quebec where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in visual arts at Laval University. She uses various artistic techniques taught to her by her parents at a young age, in order to develop her own visual language.
Her heart paintings are created using a combination of modelling paste, acrylic and aerosol paints, and varnish. This series is a pop-art reflection of the human condition and her unique, sculptural interpretation of this universally recognized symbol.
Beauchamp Art Gallery
167 King St E, 416-599-2244
www.beauchampartgallery.com
Instagram: @galeriebeauchamp
7 days a week: 9:30am – 5:30pm
Treat yourself with Wildlife Thrift Store
as we celebrate 2 years in Old Town Toronto!
Mirror mirror on the wall, who has the best styles and best deals of them all? Wildlife Thrift Store of course! February marks the 2 year anniversary of our Toronto location opening! Let us show you our appreciation by giving you the best deals out there, with new red line discounts and new products being put out everyday! Tis the season of love, so why not treat yourself?
Wildlife Thrift Store
67 Front St E, 416-861-9080
www.Wildlifethriftstore.com
Instagram: @wildlifethriftstore
Daily: 10am-8pm
Core Mastery Workshop with Scott Fournier: Unveiling the Power Within
at PlaceMade
Join us for an immersive Core Mastery Workshop by renowned fitness expert Scott Fournier. This transformative event will elevate your understanding of your core and help you unlock its full potential for strength, stability, and overall well-being.
The workshop is open to all health and fitness professionals, including personal trainers, practitioners, and other professionals looking to increase their understanding.
Learn more here: https://lu.ma/u0e93v0v
PlaceMade
78 Richmond St E Suite 150, 416-703-1686
www.placemade.co
Instagram: @placemade.co
By appointment only
Sash + Bustle Sample Sale
Don’t miss this chance to find your dream dress at a steal! Shop from over 100 sample gowns from $500-2500. We’re dropping our prices down-low with everything from $500- $2500. Sizes range from 6-12 (most are size 10), and there are limited samples sized 18-24 This sample sale is highly recommended for brides on a budget or who have a tight timeline!
The Sample Sale runs from February 6-8th and is by appointment ONLY! Book your spot in store, by phone or email or online! sashandbustle.com • 647.340.5850 • appointment@sashandbustle.com.
Sash + Bustle
111 Berkeley St, (647) 340-5850
www.sashandbustle.com
Instagram: @sashandbustle
Tues-Fri: 10 am–7 pm.
Sat & Sun: 8:30am–7 pm.
Mon: Closed.
Love is In the Hair
10% off All February 2024
Receive 10% off any hair products or any services. Including haircuts, hair colours, balayage, highlights, waxing, threading fusion silk press any Moroccanoil hair products, Kevin Murphy hair products or Verb hair products, and hair appliances.
Hair Market Salon
125 Front St E, 416-864-9999
www.hairmarket.ca
Instagram: @hairmarket125
Mon-Fri: 10am-7pm.
Sat: 10am-4pm.
Pilates 4 Physio has moved to a new clinic
Pilates 4 Physio has moved to a new location in St Lawrence Market. A bigger and more beautiful space ! We offer pilates-based rehabilitation, physiotherapy and massage.
We are also looking for either an RMT, chiropractor or osteopath to join us. This would be a shared room rental. The room is 120 Sq ft, spacious with tall ceilings and hardwood floors.
Lots of availability and options with hours.
Contact Damian Wyard MSc. PT. for more information. Email: info@pilates4physio.ca
Phone: 647-499-6685
Pilates 4 Physio
56 The Esplanade Suite 307, 647-499-6685
www.pilates4physio.ca
Instagram: @pilates4physio
Mon-Thurs: 12pm-7pm.
Fri:12-5pm.
New Year New Benefits
The new year is here and brings with it renewed insurance benefits. Our overall eye health also changes yearly so take advantage and schedule your annual eye exam today! Our comprehensive eye exam is a thorough ocular health check that includes an updated prescription.
St Lawrence Eyecare
12 Church St, 416-504-7532
Instagram: @stlawrenceeyecare
Tues-Sat: 10am-5pm.
🌟 Pravda Vodka Bar’s February Fling: Sip, Socialize, and Savor the New Vibes!
🍹✨A menu overhaul, expanded operational hours, and LOVE…is in the air at Pravda Vodka Bar this February!
🎉 Pravda Vodka Bar Unveils Exciting Changes for 2024! 🎊
As the calendar turns to 2024, Pravda Vodka Bar gears up for a thrilling month of February with major announcements that promise to enhance the overall experience for patrons.
We are extending operational hours to include WEDNESDAYS: Starting Wednesday, February 14th, the doors swing open wider, inviting guests to immerse themselves in an extended celebration of sophistication and style.
But that’s not all! In a gastronomic evolution, Pravda Vodka Bar is set to delight taste buds with a menu overhaul. Prepare for a culinary journey that marries innovation with classic elegance. From enticing appetizers to signature cocktails, the revamped menu promises an exquisite symphony of flavours that will tantalize and satisfy even the most discerning palates.
As if the excitement couldn’t get any higher, Pravda is capping off this spectacular month with a Valentine’s Day Special. Join us for a night of romance alongside our specially tailored three-course meal (includes cocktail) at $45 + HST p.p. where love is celebrated amidst the backdrop of new operational hours and a revamped menu. Get ready to fall in love with the all-new Pravda Vodka Bar experience in 2024! 🍸🍽️💘
Pravda Vodka Bar
44 Wellington St E, 416-366-0303
www.pravdavodkabar.com
Instagram: @pravdavodkabar
Wed-Sat:5pm onwards.
Love is in the Air: February Specials and Lunar New Year Celebration
at the Omni King Edward Hotel
Love is in the air #AtTheOmni, and we’re excited to share our February specials at Mokara Spa to make your month even more exceptional. Plus, we’re gearing up for the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Dragon, with an exclusive Afternoon Tea menu. Read on for all the details!
Mokara Spa – Seasonal Specials for February
Seal it with a Kiss – $325 | $345
Book a Platinum HydraFacial and receive a complimentary Lip Perk enhancement (value $80).
Touch by the Cupid’s arrow – $270 | $295
This package begins with a Couples’ 60-minute Swedish Massage then toast with a glass of Prosecco and indulge in chocolate covered strawberries. Price is per person.
Girls and Guys Just Want to Relax – $300 | $335
Enjoy a 60-minute Swedish Massage, Mokara Manicure, and finish with a glass of Prosecco. Receive a gift with service, CND Cuticle Oil.
Terms and Conditions: No substitutes, no cash value, and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers. The promotion expires on February 29, 2024.
Lunar New Year Afternoon Tea
As we usher in the Year of the Dragon, join us for an enchanting Lunar New Year celebration on February 10th and February 11th, 2024. Be prepared for a feast for the senses with our exclusive Afternoon Tea menu, specially curated to honour this auspicious occasion. To ensure you don’t miss out on this unique experience, reservations can be made via phone call (416 863-4125) or OpenTable. Priced at $88.00 per person, this immersive celebration runs from 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm. Let the spirit of the dragon infuse your afternoon with joy and indulgence.
Don’t miss out on these exclusive offers to pamper yourself and celebrate the Lunar New Year with us at Omni King Edward Hotel. We look forward to making your next visit truly special!
Omni King Edward
37 King St E, 416-863-9700
www.omnihotels.com/hotels/toronto-king-edward
Instagram: @omnikingedward
New Programs Start on March 25, 2024
The internationally recognized leader in music industry education offers one-year programs in audio production and arts management. Courses are taught by active award winning leaders and start in March, July and November. Harris Institute achieved a 90.91% ‘Employment Rate in the Field of Study’.
Harris Institute
118 Sherbourne St, 416-367-0178
www.harrisinstitute.com
10am-9pm
Chatime Lunar New Year Campaign
The Lunar New Year campaign is an iconic annual promotion that encourages customers to engage with us & celebrate an important holiday.
2024 marks the Year of the Dragon and is our 10th year in-market and this year we will continue to include a digital component to the campaign to help funnel customers to Societea Rewards by using grand prizes as an incentive to join our program. This year’s grand prizes are centered around key themes including vitality, growth and prosperity.
Prizes include:
★ 6-month subscription to HelloFresh (Growth)
★ 2 Night Weekend Getaway (Vitality)
★ $500 Gift Card of your choice (Prosperity)
★ Limited Edition Chatime Year of the Dragon Pin (bonus
branded item)
Chatime
163 King St E, 416-223-9871
www.order.chatime.ca/2819/flow/pickup
Instagram: @chatimecanada
Sun-Wed: 11am-11pm.
Thurs-Sat: 11am-12am
Premium Ethiopia Dogo Sodu roasted Coffee
Experience the rich and aromatic flavors of Ethiopian coffee with our Dogo Sodu Kebele selection. Cultivated at high altitudes ranging from 1,900 to 2,200 MASL, this Grade 1 Heirloom varietal undergoes a natural process on raised beds, sun-dried to perfection. The privately run Dogo Sodu mill sources cherries from over 200 small farmers, ensuring a premiu for selectively harvested ripe cherries. With notes of red raspberry, strawberry, honeydew melon, and a hint of Earl Grey tea, our light to medium roast profile enhances the coffee’s fruit salad medley. Elevate your at home coffee experience with this exceptional offering.
Third Wave Coffee Inc
42 Church St
www.thirdwavecoffeeinc.com
Instagram: @thirdwavetoronto
Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm.
Sat & Sun: 9am-6pm.
XO Bisous has turned 8!
Eight years ago, XO Bisous opened its doors and we just wanted to say a huge THANK YOU to all of our staff, customers, friends & family for helping us reach this milestone. Running a small business is one of the most challenging and yet simultaneously rewarding things you can do and it truly takes a village.
The last 4 years in particular have been quite an adjustment and it is truly important now more than ever to support small businesses. Every small business owner puts so much love and effort into what they do and just want to share it with you all.
Here’s to the next 8 years ! We can’t wait to continue to serve you and be a part of your family functions
XO Bisous
60 Adelaide St E, 416-306-0660
www.xobisous.com
Instagram: @xobisous
Mon-Fri: 8:30am -4:30pm.
Saturday: 9am-3:30pm.
Experience Bindia’s delicious food
in @mysuppli reusable takeout containers!
We are thrilled to announce you can NOW experience our delicious food in @mysuppli reusable takeout containers! We cannot wait to see how much single-use takeout waste we can save from landfills together. ♻️
We’re incredibly passionate about reducing plastic, and we hope you’ll join us in our sustainability approach by using reusable containers for takeout!
How does it work? Good question!
✨ Order from us on UberEats OR stop by in person!
✨ Scan the QR code and pay 75 cents per container (refunded once returned).
✨ Enjoy Bindia Indian Bistro without waste!
✨ Return your @mysuppli containers to one of their many drop-off locations (washed or unwashed).
Bindia Indian Bistro
16 Market St, 416-863-0000
www.bindia.ca
Instagram: @bindiaindianbistro
Sun-Thurs: 11am-9pm.
Fri & Sat: 11am-9:30pm.
10 Best Coffee Shops to Work From in Toronto
If you are looking for the best coffee shops to work from in Toronto then you may want to check out this list of destinations compiled by Diary of a Toronto Girl. While we here in Old Town Toronto love ALL of our coffee shops, Diary of a Toronto Girl included Versus Coffee and Balzac’s in their round up.
Next time you share a post or story on instagram while visiting one of our local coffee shops, be it for work or pleasure, tag @OldTownToronto and let us know what you are sipping and snacking on.
Want More?
Discover more local businesses in our Business Directory by clicking here. Everything from sushi to pet care, fitness gyms and tranquil massages… we have it all!
Submissions:
Are you an owner/manager/staff member of a local business located in a commercial property within the boundaries of Old Town Toronto / St Lawrence Market Neighbourhood Business Improvement Area? If you are not receiving an invitation to submit to this monthly blog post, please email stephenm@stlawrencemarketbia.ca and ask to be added to our contacts list. You will need to provide the name of your business, email, and address. Click here to check if you are within our boundaries.
What is a Business Improvement Area?
A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is made up of commercial and industrial property owners and their non-residential tenants who join together under a volunteer Board of Management (BIA Board) to carry out improvements and promote economic development within their designated area…(click here to continue reading.)
