Pat yourself on the back. You made it through January and February, which personally, are our least favourite months of the year. No offence to those who love wintry blasts, but we are always glad to flip our calendar from February to March as we start to think about, dare we say it…. spring!? Fingers crossed, we hope spring arrives with blue skies, rainbows and a warm breeze. Ok, we might be overly optimistic, but a neighbourhood can dream!
If you are planning to visit the Old Town Toronto ‘hood, or if you have the honour of calling us a neighbour, we hope you will visit our local businesses. In this monthly roundup for March we have a list of things to see, do, taste and experience. These include new and experimental one act plays, chocolate bunnies, date night deals, St. Paddy’s Day celebrations, fitness coaches to whip you into shape, flowers to toss at your wedding, some devilishly good lunch dishes, and you guessed it, a whole lot more!
Scroll on to discover everything, and as always, thank you for supporting local.
35th Annual New Ideas Festival – #NIF2023 is Coming!
Proudly entering its 35th year, the New Ideas Festival is Alumnae’s annual showcase of new and experimental one-act plays. Witness theatrical history in the making with bold premieres from both emerging and established theatre artists.
Week 1 (March 15 – 19) audiences will see:
Director Peron Directs by Kat Meads, directed by Sungwon Cho
And One More Thing… by Lonnie McGuire, directed by Erin Jones
Inflections in Greatness by Barry Eitel, directed by Sophi Murias
Spell by Barbara Blatner, directed by Marijke Reinink
Week 2 (March 22 -26) audiences will catch:
Back Mirror by Sandra Castillo, directed by Ethan Joshua
Joyce and Florence by Pat Cochrane, directed by Grace Lamarche
Recipe for a Riot Grrrl by Melanie Stevenson, directed by Ian Prinsloo
Genieology by Jean Ciampi, directed by Emma Jo Conlin
Alumnae Theatre
70 Berkeley St, 416-364-4170
www.alumnaetheatre.com/new-ideas-festival-2023.html
Instagram: @alumnaetheatre
New Visions 24th Annual Golf Tournament
Mark your calendars and save the date for New Visions Toronto’s 24th Annual Golf Tournament on September 13th, 2023! This tournament is a great way to help raise money, create community awareness, and provide a memorable day for our guests and sponsors.
New Visions Toronto is a remarkable organization that provides support to unsung heroes with developmental and physical disabilities. We understand that progressive agencies must explore additional support to maintain their visions of community inclusion and full citizenship for people relying on their valued services.
By participating in this tournament, you are not only having a great time, but you are also affirming the ideal that quality services are important and necessary. So don’t miss out on this opportunity to make a difference and join us for a day of fun and competition!
New Visions Toronto
222 The Esplanade, 416 868 1493
www.newvisionstoronto.ca
Instagram: @newvisionstoronto
Mon – Fri: 9am – 5pm.
Health & Fitness For Everyone with 6SFitness+
Looking to find a consistent health and fitness routine that is fun and effective? At 6S, we thoughtfully design fitness programming and nutrition plans to get you feeling stronger, more fit and, and capable of just about anything. Our coaches aren’t just experts though, we’re friends. We cheer our clients on, helping you stay committed to your fitness journey, whatever that looks like. Book a 15 minute intro with one of our coaches to learn more and get started today! EVERYONE IS WELCOME!
BOOKING LINK: https://kilo.gymleadmachine.com/widget/appointment/service/free-intro?group=6sfitness
6SFitness+
209 Adelaide St E, 416-518-5746
www.6sfitness.ca
Instagram: @6s.fitness
Devilishly Good Lunch Specials at St. Louis Bar and Grill
We have 9 Devilishly good lunch entrees starting at $11.99 that includes our signature wings, famous wings poutine and other great items. Pairs great with our Devils size of cold Draught Beers. We look forward to seeing you soon! Don’t forgot to ask about our Lunch Club!
St. Louis Bar and Grill
92 King St E, 416-840-0268
www.stlouiswings.com
Mon – Wed: 11:30am – 11pm
Fri: 11:30am – 12am
Sat: 12pm – 12am
Sun 12pm – 11pm
It’s our 75th Anniversary!
How many family-owned companies can say that they have been serving Toronto and the GTA for over 75 years? We can…and we are really thrilled to announce it!
Monthly seating specials are rolling out from now until May 18th – and while you are in the store, fill out a ballot (no purchase necessary), to win 1 of 75 amazing prizes from a 75″ flat screen TV, to tablets, gift certificates and so much more!
This month… the Comfort Sleeper is 10% off!
Experience No Bars / No Springs / Pure Comfort.
Functional, durable, incredibly comfortable for sitting and sleeping, with a perfect mattress, choose your size from a single to a queen. You can customize your fabric from our curated in-store selection, with a short 4-6 week delivery time.
And we have stock for immediate delivery- including cottage country!
Selection, Savings and Credibility.
No one does HOME better than The Chesterfield Shop!
Since 1948.
The Chesterfield Shop
275 King St. E., 416-457-4200
www.thechesterfieldshop.com
Instagram: @thechesterfieldshop
Mon – Sat: 10am – 6pm. Sun: 11am – 5pm.
Altitude Coach Profile – Josh Downer
Meet Altitude Coach Josh!
Josh’s passion for fitness and high performance sport began at an early age with martial arts training and later expanding into training and competing in bobsleigh.
Driven to learn how to improve his own training and help others, Josh graduated from the University of Guelph-Humber with a Bachelors of Kinesiology and a Diploma in Health and Fitness Promotion.
Over the past few years Josh has spent numerous hours continuing to further his understanding of respiration, GAIT (locomotion achieved through movement), and functional anatomy.
Now, Josh uses an extensive battery of tests to assess client and athletes physical capabilities. Using these tests and an in-depth understanding of human movement, functional anatomy and high performance athletics Josh develops individualized programs to help clients and athletes improve their movement quality, reduce risk of injury and improve their performance.
Josh is currently a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist with the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and an Eleiko Certified Olympic Weightlifting Strength Coach.
Work one-on-one with a coach at Altitude to train smarter and get results faster. Book your Complimentary Personal Training Trial Session at Altitude today.
Altitude Athletic Training
56 Colborne St, 416-366-3838
www.altitudeathletictraining.com/personal-training-trial
Instagram: @altitudeathletic
A journey of hope
If you have visited the St. Lawrence Market in Toronto, Canada, over the years, you may have had the pleasure of meeting Girma at Seafront Fish Market. Since arriving from Ethiopia, almost 20 years ago, Girma has been serving customers with his friendly and informative approach to seafood selections.
It is with heavy hearts that we inform you that Girma has been diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s disease), a rare and life-altering condition. ALS is a neurological disease that affects the motor neurons; motor neurons are the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement. This diagnosis means that Girma can no longer work and provide for his family as he once did. It also means he can no longer continue his volunteer work as a graphic designer for the Oromo Community Center or pursue his passion for photography. Girma’s photography skills were evident in his coverage of the Toronto Waterfront Marathon, Afrofest Toronto and African Fashion Week Toronto.
Merchants at St. Lawrence Market have joined Seafront Fish Market, The Corner Shop Gardens and Urban Fresh Produce along with customers to rally support for Girma and his family through this difficult time. By providing financial assistance, the aim is to alleviate some of the financial burden and allow Girma to focus on his treatment and being present for his 7-year-old son.
Let’s join together and help Girma through this battle against ALS. Please consider donating what you can and sending your prayers and strength to Girma and his family.
Thank you for your support.
-Friends of Girma
Merchants at St. Lawrence Market, including Seafront Fish Market, The Corner Shop Gardens, Urban Fresh Produce and others, along with many customers, invite you to support via this Go Fund Me Page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/6gjqfh-a-journey-of-hope-please-help-girma-his-family
(Submitted by The Corner Shop Gardens)
St. Paddy’s Day at C’est What?
Your favourite craft beer on your favourite day to drink! Come celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with us!
We have live music by Tempting Murphy and Emerald Bay and we’ll dancing and drinking the night away! The party starts at 9pm! See you soon!
C’est What
67 Front St. E, 416-867-9499
www.cestwhat.com
Instagram: @cestwhatto
Sun & Mon: 4pm-12am
Tues & Wed:12pm-12am
Thurs, Fri & Sat: 12pm-1am
Stop customers in their tracks
or better yet, lead them right to your door
with custom signage and displays from TPH
Being able to stand out in the crowd is what all great brands strive for. One way to do that is with custom signage.
From highlighting your company logo to promoting a special offer, when people can’t miss it, they have no choice but to take notice. Whether you are starting a new business or looking to make a big splash, visual communications will help bring your brand to life!
Its time to make an impression. Let’s get started today!
TPH
26 Wellington St. E. Suite 104, 416-788-8594
Instagram: @tphcanada
Mon – Fri: 8:30am – 5pm
Andy Wolf Collection!
Check out our Andy Wolf collection, an independent handmade eyewear line from Austria. They will plant 1 square meter of wildflowers for every frame purchased to add to the beauty of Austria. They have a wide range of dainty, simple pieces to wild, crazy bold looks! Book a time to see them now!
St. Lawrence Eye Care
12 Church St, 416-504-7532
Instagram: @stlawrenceeyecare
Tues – Sat: 10am – 5pm
Getting Married?
Wedding flowers are the heart of the decor for your special day. We’re here to help you create your picture perfect setting with multiple styles including romantic, modern, whimsical, rustic—the list goes on and on. Head over to our website to book your complimentary consultation. Looking forward to hearing from you!
Stôk Floral & Design
54 Church St, 416-214-4664
www.stokfloraldesign.com
Instagram: @stokfloral
Mon – Sat: 10am – 6pm
Duke’s Date Night Mondays
Monday is for lovers at Duke’s Refrsher, with the new Duke’s Date Night Menu! Get two courses of delicious shareables and two cocktails for just $70.
Share an appetizer together, then scheme the best combination of mains to share or to solo on, all washed down with a choice of our most popular cocktails; then hit the games floor together and find out who’s got the skills!
Head down to Duke’s Refresher every Monday with whoever you love the most and start the week off with the perfect date night.
Duke’s Refresher
73A Front St E., 416-603-8826
www.dukesrefresher.ca
Instagram: @dukesrefresherslm
Mon – Fri: 4pm – late.
Sat & Sun: 12pm – late.
New Products at Noda Design
This month we are featuring some super cute new products! Looking for a little gift for a friend? Look no further! We’ve got your covered.
Blind date with a book is a super fun way to take a chance on new literature. Prefect to expand your realm of reading or a great gift for a fellow book lover!
Lover of quirky candles? How about our 4 pack of our twist & dip candles.
Need a quick funny card for a birthday or anniversary? Sweet cards are sure to get a laugh and make them smile.
Light it up with our mini concrete match and striker.
Noda Design
11 King St E, 416-867-9153
www.nodadesigns.com
Instagram: @nodadesigns
Mon – Fri: 11am – 6:30pm
Salad can be delicious when it is from AAamazing Salads
A highly recommended place for yummy and healthy meal! Nutritious menu, fresh ingredients and friendly service. Just 3 minutes walk from the Holiday Inn Express downtown hotel!
Since 2014, AAamazing Salad started serving fresh and yummy salads with house made salad dressing which mixed with love and no sugar added. Our salads are fusion style and nutritious. Since we started, all the salad greens are hand picked before serving customer and all the ingredients are fresh prepped. We really care about you!
You know we are not just serving salads. We also have keto friendly options, wraps, warm bowls, soups and real fruit smoothies.
AAamazing Salad
82 Adelaide St E, 647-342-6888
www.aaamazingsalad.ca
Instagram: @AAamazing
Premium Coffee Beans Collection at Third Wave Coffee Inc.
Thoughtfully curated collection of single origin (not blend) coffees. Featuring some of the most celebrated regions around the globe, from South and Central America to Africa. Roasted lightly to highlight fresh, fruity notes and unique processing methods. This coffee would make excellent home espresso and unique filter options guaranteed to please the pickiest coffee lover. Available at our store and online.
Third Wave Coffee Inc.
42 Church St
www.thirdwavecoffeeinc.com
Instagram: @thirdwavetoronto
March Special at Nami Restaurant
Nami Japanese Restaurant celebrates its 39th anniversary this year.
Thank you for your support. We truly appreciate your business and look forward to serving you again.
In Japan, the number 39 is sometimes used to mean “Thank You”.
As a token of our appreciation to all our customers, we are offering our dishes for $39. (Available on Monday to Thursday)
LUNCH
Sushi Special $39 (Regular price $56)
Chef’s Special Appetizer Set $39 ($60 value)
DINNER
Sushi Special $39 (Regular price $66)
Premium Assorted Tempura $39 (Regular Price $48)
Nami Restaurant
55 Adelaide St E, 416-632-7373
www.namirestaurant.ca
Instagram: @namirestaurant
Mon – Fri: 11:30am – 2pm & 5pm – 9pm
Sat: 5pm – 9pm
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at Omni King Edward Hotel
You’re in luck with Consort Bar’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Join us March 11–19, inside the historic Omni King Edward Hotel, as we stir up Irish inspired cocktails and prepare classic favorites like Shepard’s Pie, Irish Poutine and more. We look forward to welcoming you to our King Street bar!
Omni King Edward Hotel
37 King St E, 37 King Street East, 416-863-9700
www.omnihotels.com
Lunch Service Mon – Fri: 11:30am – 3pm.
Dinner Service Daily: 4pm – 11pm.
Bar Service: Mon – Fri: 11:30am – 11:45pm
& Sat – Sun: 3pm – 11:45pm.
$39 Winter Prixe Fixe Menu at Mengrai Thai
Due to popular demand we are extending our 3 course Prix Fixe dinner that was offered during Winterlicious which includes a choice of Aappetizer Platter: Non-Veg (Golden Flower w/ Chicken, Mango Salad, Coconut Shrimp) or Vegan (Golden Flower w/ Tofu, Mango Salad, Bangkok Dumpling) choice of Main Entree: Filet of Striped Bass, Red Chicken Curry with Lychee, Basil Chicken, Original Pad Thai w/ Tofu, Vegetarian Delight, and Green Curry w/ Tofu. Choice of Dessert: Mango Sticky Rice, Vegan Mango Cheesecake, or Red Velvet Cupcake.
Mengrai Thai
82 Ontario St, 416-840-2754
www.mengraithai.ca
Instagram: @mengrai_thai
Tues – Thurs: 4pm – 9:45pm.
Fri & Sat: 3:30pm – 10:30pm.
Sun: 3:30pm – 9:45 pm.
Monday Closed
Let us help you decorate your home
with finds from Wildlife Thrift Store
With Spring cleaning comes Spring redecorating! Drop off your preloved goods anytime we’re open and be sure to peruse our selection of homewares. With new items being put out on our store floor daily, you’re bound to find the treasure you’ve been looking for!
Wildlife Thrift Store
67 Front St E, 416-861-9080
www.Wildlifethriftstore.com
Instagram: @wildlifethriftstore
10am – 8pm
Spring Easter Bunnies at ChocoSol Traders
Our lovable Easter Bunnies are back just in time for the Spring season! Available in both our classic Vanilla Sea Salt 65% or Jaguar Pure 75% chocolates. Pre-wrapped in a reusable and compostable packaging making the perfect sweet treat to share.
ChocoSol Traders
93 Front St E (St. Lawrence lower level market), 416-551-6670
www.Chocosoltraders.com
Instagram: @chocosoltraders
Tues – Fri: 9am – 7pm.
Sat: 7am – 5pm.
Sun: 10am – 5pm.
Mon: closed.
Music Bingo at Shoeless Joe’s
We’ve partnered up with Black Sheep Entertainment to bring you another night of fun with Music Bingo every Friday night! No music knowledge is needed to have a good time, whether you come solo or with friends we guarantee you’ll be smiling all night. There’s fun prizes, classic tunes and of course delicious food and drinks served up all night!
Shoeless Joe’s
38 The Esplanade, 416-901-4329
www.shoelessjoes.com
Instagram: @shoelessjoesesplanade
Onion Tower, Best Burgers, Milk Shakes, Salads and Poutines
at The Works Craft Burger and Beer
March specials:
-Your lunch will be covered by $14.97.
-Happy hour menu – Monday to Thursday until 5pm for burger and beer = $19.99.
-Pump your energy with any Salad with cheese stuff patty for $19.99.
-New poutines and shakes and new elk Burger is on the fire.
The Works Craft Burger and Beer
60 Wellington E, 416-594-9675
www.theworksburger.com
Instagram: @theworksburger
Sun – Thurs: 11am – 9pm.
Fri & Sat: 11am – 10pm.
Our Monday and Tuesday Specials at Hothouse Restaurant
are a great way to start the week!
Lunch Feature:
Jerk Chicken Sandwich:
Jerk chicken thigh meat, spicy mango aioli, creamy citrus poblano slaw, toasted brioche bun with fries $21++.
Tiramisu
HOTHOUSE SIGNATURE TIRAMISU – $9
Sponge cake drenched in espresso, Kahlua, brandy, Frangelico and Baileys Irish Cream. Covered with layers of sweetened Mascarpone cheese and lightly dusted with cocoa powder.
Hothouse Restaurant
35 Church St, 416-366-7800
www.hothouserestaurant.com
Instagram: @hothouserestaurant
Mon – Thur: 11:30am – 8:30pm
Fri: 11:30am – 9:30pm
Sat: 9:30am – 9:30pm
(Sat A la carte brunch menu 9:30am to 3:00pm)
(Sat Dinner menu 3:30pm to 9:30pm)
Sun: 10am – 8:30pm
(Sun Buffet 10am – 3pm)
(Sun Dinner Menu 3:30pm to 8:30pm)
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.)
