Spring is in full swing, and there’s no better time to explore all that Old Town Toronto has to offer! Take the kids to see Wicked Nix at Young People’s Theatre, grab a Pasadena burger combo at Slab Burger, or crush your spring fitness goals at Altitude Gym. Foodies can experience award-winning Italian fare at Piano Piano Colborne or indulge in a special 10th Anniversary Menu at CC Lounge. Design enthusiasts can get expert advice at Candace & Basil’s showroom event.
Looking for something unique? Explore local art at Beauchamp Art Gallery or host a networking event at Lauft Workspace. Plus, don’t miss Toronto’s 191st birthday celebration with Banned & Brewed organized by Toronto’s First Post Office | Town of York Historical Society.
There’s something for everyone this month—read on for all this and more! Thanks for supporting local!
It’s Maple Season At Au Pain Doré
Winter is almost done and, this means that our favourite season is back … Maple! Our pecan and maple tarts and tartlets are 100% made of pure Canadian Maple syrup. Your sweet tooth will be totally satisfied. And let’s not forget about our new apple and maple bread. A delicious combination of the sweetness of apples and the rich taste of maple syrup.
Offer valid for a limited time only.
Au Pain Doré
81 Front St E, 416-367-2738
www.atelier.aupaindore.com/en/
Instagram: @aupaindorecafe
Mon-Sun: 7am-8pm.
Wicked Nix At Young People’s Theatre
Apr. 28 – May 15, 2025
For Ages 8-13
Run Time: approx. 75 mins. plus Q&A
Nix is the foulest of the fairies. With the Faerie Queen away, this mischievous sprite is tasked with safeguarding their forest from a most dangerous enemy – humans. When one such foe settles into a cottage in the woods on the eve of the Queen’s return, Nix conjures a few wicked tricks to drive him away. His efforts fail, and Nix is faced with difficult choices and an even more dangerous truth.
Based on the award-winning book by acclaimed author Lena Coakley (CBC’s 2018 Best Book of the Year), this whimsical romp explores the timeless bonds of family and the joy of finding home in unexpected places.
Young People’s Theatre
165 Front St E, 416-862-2222
www.youngpeoplestheatre.org
Instagram: @ypttoronto
9am-5pm.
Celebrate Spring With bomba!
bomba is excited to celebrate spring and Easter this year with an array of chocolate eggs, bonbons and confections to get you in the mood! Whether they are for yourself or a gift, these treats will leave you speechless!
Gio’s famous Basque cheesecake is also available for purchase as a slice or whole (6” in-store, 9” by request). It goes perfectly with our mind-blowing Gelato, which is made in Muskoka, and can be purchased in 500ml jars.
Come and experience Gio’s creativity with taste at bomba.
bomba
St Lawrence Market, Lower Level by Market Street entrance, 647-338-9894
www.bombagelato.com
Instagram: @bombatoronto
Tues-Fri: 9am-7pm.
Sat: 7am-5pm.
Sun: 10am-5pm.
Piano Piano Colborne Named One Of The Best Italian Restaurants In TO
blogTO is renowned for its extensive array of listicles guiding readers on where to eat, play, and shop in Toronto. Recently, the online publication unveiled a curated list of the top nine Italian restaurants the city boasts. Among these culinary gems is Piano Piano Colborne, a restaurant that promises an unforgettable dining experience.
At Piano Piano, diners are treated to a harmonious blend of traditional Italian flavors and contemporary flair. Signature dishes like the canestri alla vodka and the sweet hornet pizza showcase the kitchen’s dedication to both innovation and authenticity. The restaurant’s ambiance is equally captivating, with its bold, exterior mural on its east wall inviting guests into a warm and vibrant space that enhances the overall dining experience.
To explore the complete list of Italian eateries that every food enthusiast should visit, delve into blogTO’s comprehensive guide here: www.blogto.com/toronto/the_best_italian_restaurants_in_toronto.
Piano Piano
55 Colborne St, 416-216-0295
www.pianopianotherestaurant.com
Instagram: @pianopianotherestaurant
Sun-Wed: 12-10pm.
Thurs-Sat: 12-11pm.
Design Experts At Candace & Basil April 12th
Candace & Basil is a proudly Canadian, family-owned furniture brand that specializes in Canadian-made custom furniture. We have partnered with award winning interior designers who are sharing their expertise in our Toronto showroom on Saturday, April 12th from 12:30 to 4:00PM at 75 Ontario St.
Join us to meet top design experts Evelyn Eshun and Jessica Cinnamon! Whether you’re tackling a single room or reimagining your entire space, bring your design dilemmas and let their expertise guide you toward the perfect solutions. With personalized advice, fresh ideas, and a wealth of experience, we’ll help you bring your vision to life.
Come explore our latest collections, get inspired, and discover how to transform your home into a true reflection of your style!
Candace & Basil Furniture
75 Ontario St, 1-800-468-9067
www.candb.ca
Instagram: @candaceandbasil
Mon-Fri: 11am-7pm.
Sat & Sun: 11am-5pm.
Annual Fundraiser: Banned & Brewed
Join us for a captivating evening of exploration and celebration at the Town of York Historical Society’s annual fundraiser in celebration of Toronto’s 191st Birthday. This event not only commemorates the incorporation of the city of Toronto but also serves as a significant opportunity to support the preservation of our rich historical heritage.
Delve into the exciting history of beer, brews, and temperance in the City of Toronto, with a chance to sample up and coming local craft beers. Enjoy guest keynote speaker, Jordan St. John and our famous Old Town Silent Auction.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to dive into the history of beer and temperance in Toronto and connect with the City’s vibrant past that has shaped it into the cultural hub it is today. Secure your tickets now for this hybrid event and be a part of this enriching experience!
Toronto’s First Post Office | Town of York Historical Society
260 Adelaide S E, 416-865-1833
www.TownofYork.com
Instagram: @TOs1stPO
Mon-Fri: 9am-5:30pm.
Sat: 10am-4pm.
Sun: 12pm-4pm.
April At The Omni King Edward
Spring Into Luxury with Mokara Spa! 🌸💆♀️
Indulge in self-care with a Mokara Spa Insider Membership and enjoy monthly treatments, including massages, facials, and body wraps. Plus, get exclusive perks like dining discounts, savings on additional services, and access to spa amenities.
Prices:
6️⃣ 6-Month Contract: $195 per month + HST + Gratuity
🗓️ 12-Month Contract: $180 per month + HST + Gratuity
📞 Call 416-863-3131 or email MokaraSpaToronto@omnihotels.com to sign up.
A Fresh Take on Tradition: Spring Afternoon Tea
Experience the elegance of our new Spring Afternoon Tea, featuring delicate pastries, seasonal flavours, and classic teas curated for the season.
🫖 Saturdays & Sundays | 12:30 PM – 5:00 PM
🕰️ Last seating at 4:00 PM
Reserve your table by calling (416) 863-4125 and celebrate the flavours of spring in the heart of Toronto!
Omni King Edward
37 King St E, 416-863-9700
www.omnihotels.com/hotels/toronto-king-edward
Instagram: @Omnikingedward
Art Consultation At Beauchamp Art Gallery
Looking for the perfect artwork?
At Beauchamp Art Galleries we offer a range of services to help you visualize the perfect artwork in your space. Whether it’s your home, office, or cottage we offer free consultations, photomontage services and 24 hour home trials.
Contact us today for more details and discover a stunning collection of artworks to pick from!
Beauchamp Art Gallery
167 King St E, 416-599-2244
www.galeriebeauchamp.com/en
Instagram: @galeriebeauchamp
7 days a week: 9:30-5:30pm.
Pasadena Burger Combo & Pizza Special At Slab Burgers
Craving big flavour? Try our Pasadena Combo—Toronto’s best smashed burger with double 3oz patties cooked to crispy perfection, served with your choice of fries, onion rings, or sweet potato fries and a pop for just $13.99. Or grab any of our handcrafted personal pizzas with a drink for only $12.99. It’s the perfect lunch or dinner deal whether you’re team burger or pizza. Come hungry and leave happy!
Slab Burgers
19 Richmond St E, 437-766-5583
www.slabburgers.com
Instagram: @slabburgers.richmond
Mon-Sun: 11:30am-9pm.
40% Off 2nd Lenses For Friends & Family At St. Lawrence Eye Care
Book an eye exam for you and your loved one and get 20% off your first set of lenses and 40% off your second! Do you know any family or friends that need new glasses? This is the perfect promo for you! Our lenses are manufactured by Hoya, a Japanese lab that produces the highest quality lenses with the latest technology. Come visit us this April!
St. Lawrence Eye Care
12 Church St, 416-504-7532
www.stlawrenceeyecare.com
Instagram: @stlawrenceeyecare
Tues-Sat: 10am-5pm.
True North Strong & Free Sale At The Chesterfield Shop
Oh Canada!
The Chesterfield Shop has been a VERY PROUD Toronto family-owned and operated company since 1948!
Introducing- The Sterling, a real show-stopper.
A stunning silhouette with soft curves, sleek bench seating, and defined channel tufting.
This piece effortlessly blends bold design with contemporary elegance – style and comfort at its finest. Made in a terrific Toronto factory.
PAY NO TAX on ALL CANADIAN SEATING, and let’s celebrate our great country!
Come in to see the best Sales Consultants in the business- Stephan, Karen, Binal and Gizelle at 275 King St. East!
The Chesterfield Shop
275 King St E, 416-667-1150
www.thechesterfieldshop.com
Instagram: @thechesterfieldshop
Mon-Sat: 10am-6pm.
Sun: 11am-5pm.
Spring Goals? Train Smarter At Altitude
Whether you’re preparing for a summer race, tackling a challenging hike, or simply looking to boost your endurance, Altitude Athletic Training can help you get there – faster and stronger.
Our expert coaches will design a personalized training program tailored to your specific goals. Whether you’re a runner, cyclist, climber, or just looking to improve overall fitness, training at altitude gives you a performance edge by enhancing your endurance, strength, and recovery. By combining the science of altitude training with expert coaching, you’ll maximize your progress, train smarter, and reach your goals more efficiently.
Take your training to new heights. Book a complimentary coach consult today and start building towards your best season yet! https://altitudeathletictraining.com/coach-consult/
Altitude Athletic Training
56 Colborne St, 416-366-3838
www.altitudeathletictraining.com
Instagram: @altitudeathletic
Mon-Fri: 6am-9pm.
Sat: 7am-2pm.
Sun: 7am-1pm.
Schnitzel Dinner Special On Mondays At Cafe Landwer
Come dine with us on Monday evenings and enjoy a discount on our schnitzel dishes, including Landwer’s Famous, Veal, and Chicken Parmesan!
$4 off all Schnitzel Entrees
$6 Beers
Available Monday after 5:00 p.m. Available at all of our locations.
Cafe Landwer
33 Yonge St (entrance near Front St W & Scott St), 437-562-8555
www.landwer.ca/branch/front/
Instagram: @cafelandwercanada
Mon-Sun: 8am-10pm.
Host Your Next Networking Event At Lauft Workspace
Are you looking for the perfect venue to host your next networking event or board meeting? Say goodbye to uninspiring meeting spaces and hello to a stylish, modern, and centrally located setting on King Street in the heart of downtown Toronto!
Our co-working space is thoughtfully designed to meet the unique needs of professional and membership associations. From engaging networking events to impactful board meetings, we provide an environment that fosters collaboration, creativity, and connection.
4 Reasons to choose Lauft Workspace for your association’s next event:
1) Flexible Spaces: Fully equipped meeting and boardrooms that can be tailored to your needs.
2) High-Speed Connectivity: Stay connected with our reliable Wi-Fi to ensure smooth discussions and presentations.
3) Professional Atmosphere: Impress members, and partners with a modern and vibrant setting.
4) Central Location: Accessible by public transit and surrounded by various amenities
At LAUFT, we understand that professional associations thrive on meaningful interactions and innovative ideas. Our spaces provide the perfect backdrop for creating lasting impressions and driving your organization’s goals forward. Whether it’s a brainstorming session, a strategy meeting, or a networking event, we’re here to support your success.
Special Offer Alert! Use discount code BIA10 to enjoy an exclusive deal for your first booking. 🎉
📅 Don’t wait—reserve your spot today and elevate your association’s events with a venue that matches your aspirations.
LAUFT
95 King St E, 1-844-935-2838
www.lauft.work
Instagram: @lauftworkspace
6pm-9pm
Easter With Dacasto: Colomba & Biscuits!
This April, as Easter approaches, Dacasto Gran Pasticceria invites you to celebrate with a true taste of Italian tradition: the Colomba di Pasqua and our brand-new handmade biscuits!
Much like Panettone at Christmas, the Colomba di Pasqua is an essential part of Easter in Italy. This delicately crafted, dove-shaped cake is made using a slow, artisanal process to ensure a soft, airy texture and an incredibly rich flavor.
Our Colomba is prepared with:
• Premium Italian flour for the perfect softness
• Fresh eggs and butter for a rich, authentic taste
• Candied orange peel for a delicate citrus aroma
• Natural yeast that ferments for hours to create a light, fluffy texture
• A crunchy almond glaze topped with whole almonds and pearl sugar, adding a delightful contrast to each bite.
Each Colomba takes over 48 hours to prepare, ensuring a moist, flavourful, and beautifully risen Easter delicacy. It’s the perfect way to bring a piece of Italy to your table this season!
At Dacasto Gran Pasticceria, we believe in the art of handcrafting authentic Italian pastries. We are excited to introduce our brand-new handmade biscuits, created with the same dedication and passion as all our baked goods.
Baked fresh daily, our cookies feature:
• All-natural ingredients, free from preservatives
• Traditional Italian recipes, inspired by our heritage
• A variety of flavours, from rich chocolate to delicate almond or coconut.
Dacasto Gran Pasticceria
37 King St E, 416-214-0986
www.dacasto.com/it
Instagram: @dacastogranpasticceriacanada
Daily: 7am-7pm.
COBS Bread St. Lawrence X Second Harvest
Join COBS Bread St. Lawrence for Doughnation Day on Saturday, April 5 where $2 from every 6-pack of hot cross buns will be donated to Second Harvest. For every $2 donated, Second Harvest can provide six healthy meals for those who need them!
COBS Bread and Second Harvest are partnering to rescue unsold bread, reducing food waste and providing fresh, nutritious food to communities facing food insecurity across Canada.
If you’re unable to join us on April 5th, we hope you’ll consider supporting Second Harvest and the work they do in our community by making a donation of $2 or more at https://www.secondharvest.ca/donate#donate-funds-form
COBS Bread St. Lawrence
#114C – 158 Front St E, 416-395-2482
Instagram: @cobsbreadstlawrence
Mon-Sun: 6am-8pm.
Spring Sale At Bahn Thai Spa and School
Relax and recharge this April with 10% off massages! Book with one of our skilled practitioners from Tuesday to Thursday all month long and enjoy a well-deserved break. Whether you need to ease tension or simply unwind, don’t miss this limited-time offer—schedule your appointment today!
Bahn Thai Spa and School
136 Adelaide St E, 416-594-3406
www.bahnthaispa.com
Instagram: @bahnthaispaschool
Mon-Fri: 11am-8pm.
Sat & Sun: 10am-6pm.
Spring Has Officially Sprung At Wildlife Thrift Store
Spring is finally here, and it’s time for a big seasonal switch over at our thrift store! We’re shaking off the winter chill and bringing in all the vibrant, breezy finds you need to refresh your wardrobe and home. Whether you’re swapping out your heavy winter layers or looking to add some spring flair to your space, we’ve got just what you need.
It’s time to transition into lighter, brighter days! We’ve been busy switching out our winter stock and replacing it with fresh spring finds. We saved our best spring treasures for this new season and we’re putting out fresh finds daily!
Wildlife Thrift Store
67 Front St E, 416-861-9080
www.Wildlifethriftstore.com
Instagram: @wildlifethriftstore
10am-8pm.
CC Lounge – 10-Year Celebration & New Menu
Celebrating a decade of exceptional cocktails, curated whisky selections!
Join us for our 10-Year Special, featuring handcrafted cocktails for just $10.25, and indulge in a one-of-a-kind whisky experience. Enjoy our exclusive 10th Anniversary Menu, crafted specially for this milestone celebration. Whether you’re here for a casual drink, a gourmet meal, or an exclusive tasting, CC Lounge is where history, flavour, and great company come together!!
Check out our Cocktail Menu here & find our Food Menu here.
CC Lounge & Whisky Bar
45 Front St E, 416-362-4777
www.cconfront.com
Instagram: @cconfront
Wed: 5pm-11pm.
Thurs-Fri: 5pm-2am.
Sat: 6pm-2am.
Sun-Tues: Closed.
Support Canadian Voices: FireWorks Festival At Alumnae Theatre
Get ready for three weeks of groundbreaking theatre! Alumnae Theatre’s FireWorks Festival returns April 23 – May 11, 2025, showcasing three powerful, brand-new plays by talented Canadian women writers. Experience the energy of emerging artists and inventive staging in this celebration of new Canadian stories. For more info and tickets, please click here.
Alumnae Theatre
70 Berkeley St, 416-364-4170
www.alumnaetheatre.com/fireworks-festival-2025.html
Instagram: @alumnaetheatre
8am-6pm
What is Old Town Toronto 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.)
What Are The Boundaries Of Old Town Toronto?
Interested in learning what the boundaries of Old Town Toronto Are? Click here to view the official map.
How To Submit To This Newsletter
Are you an owner/manager/staff member of a local business located in a commercial property within the boundaries of Old Town Toronto Business Improvement Area (formerly St Lawrence Market Neighbourhood Business Improvement Area)? If you are not receiving an invitation to submit to this monthly blog post, please sign up by clicking here or email stephenm@oldtowntoronto.ca and ask to be added to our contacts list. Be sure to provide the business name and address. Click here to check if you are within our boundaries.
