Everything is finally melting and spring has arrived in Old Town Toronto. (With our luck we will press publish on this post and one last snow storm will hit the OTT, but we are crossing our fingers that is not the case.)
If you read our newsletter often you know we love highlighting different things our local businesses are offering and this month’s edition is packed with all sorts of goodies you will want to discover.
Foodies will be delighted by the 5 course Omakase dinner and the keto chicken avocado salad, but they are reminded to save room for dessert! We suggest the sakura shortcake or some delicious gelato in one of many flavours. Looking for the perfect decadent Easter Brunch that is sure to impress? We have that too and we hear it is approved by the big bunny himself, although nobody knows if he managed to get reservations…
In need of a night out? Well hold onto your hats, The Vibrator Play is coming to OTT and it is a must see according to our in house theatre critic. So get off the sofa and get out of the house for some live entertainment. Speaking of sofas, if you need a new one, one that you can sink down into, well we have a special discount just for you below!
Need an afternoon break? Stroll down to one of our coffee or bubble tea shops to grab either a Hojicha Latte or a Fruitee Bloom Tea. Both are sure to make those rainy April afternoons feel (and taste) just a little better, guaranteed! Later on in the day, or maybe earlier (who are we to judge?) grab a whiskey or rye or tip back a can of “Berry the Bias.”
Ready to start working on your outdoor warm weather space? Come find the perfect balcony furniture and get those empty pots planted with greenery from a little shop, around the corner 😉 (When it comes to the blooms, we highly recommend going for colour and lots of it!)
For those of you who enjoy art, be sure to check out the Art n About series for your art fix and for wearable art, well how about eyeglass frames from Barcelona that are moderately priced, but high quality? Yeah we thought you would like that.
Ok this intro is getting a little out of hand, but we are just so excited to share with you all we have to offer here in OTT. Scroll on to discover more and make a plan to support local as often as possible this month in Old Town Toronto 😀
Spring Specials at Neo Coffee Bar
From April 1 – June 30, 2022, enjoy NEO’s Spring Specials featuring our Sakura Shortcake, Gluten Free Matcha Raspberry muffin, Sakura Latte and Genmaicha White Chocolate Latte.
Our Sakura Shortcake is a haricot bean sponge cake layered with salted cherry blossom cream and homemade white azuki paste while our Gluten Free Matcha Raspberry muffin is Matcha infused muffin w/ raspberry and white chocolate chunks. Our Sakura Latte is a delicate, Japanese-inspired latte w/ white chocolate infused w/ the essence of cherry leaf while our Genmaicha White Chocolate Latte is creamy and nutty, made w/ organic milk, genmaicha and white chocolate.
Neo Coffee Bar
161 Frederick St, 647-348-8811
Mon-Fri: 7am-7pm. Sat-Sun: 8am-7pm.
www.neocoffeebar.com
Instagram: @neocoffeebarto
Be Summer Ready With Elba Outdoor Chairs from BoConcept
With summer coming soon there is no better time to choose the outdoor setting you always wanted. Now in stock, come in store to order your Elba outdoor lounge or dining chairs. Get your garden or balcony summer ready!
BoConcept
230 Adelaide St E, 647-352-8802
Mon-Sat: 10am-6pm. Sun: 12pm-5pm.
www.boconcept.com/en-ca/search?q=outdoor&lang=en_CA
Instagram: @boconcept_toronto
Tickets for In The Next Room (Or The Vibrator Play) on sale NOW at Alumnae Theatre
In The Next Room (Or The Vibrator Play) By Sarah Ruhl is taking the Alumnae Theatre Mainstage April 8 – 23!
In late 19th century America, an enterprising physician takes advantage of the dawn of electricity to employ a new mechanism to ease female “hysteria.” Meanwhile, his devoted but desperately unhappy wife takes charge of her own fulfillment and awakening.
This daring play explores the subjugated world of women of the time with humour, compassion, and enlightenment.
Come join us LIVE at Alumnae to find out what all the ‘buzz’ is about!
Tickets are $25 (PWYC Sundays, 2 for 1 Wednesdays)
Alumnae Theatre Company
70 Berkeley St, 416-364-4170
Open daily during performances
www.alumnaetheatre.com/in-the-next-room-or-the-vibrator-play.html
Instagram: @alumnaetheatre
The Luxe Experience + The Luxe Finale at Sash + Bustle
Want to make your wedding dress shopping journey even more magical? Spoil yourself with a Luxe Experience Appointment; a 150 minute appointment to help you find your dream dress. Looking to put the finishing touches on your wedding day look or pick-up your wedding dress in style? Indulge in a 90 minute pick-up and/or styling appointment. Both appointments are $385 and feature bubbly, a delicious charcuterie spread, and more! Book your Luxe Appointment with us today!
Sash + Bustle
111 Berkeley St, 647-340-5850
Tues-Fri: 10am-7pm. Fri-Sun: 8:30am-6pm.
www.sashandbustle.com/luxe-appointments
Instagram: @sashandbustle
Nami Omakase Dinner at Nami Restaurant
Five course dinner $88 per peson.
1. Zensai (Assorted 3 Small Appetizers )
2. Mushimono / Wanmono (Steamed Dish or Soup)
3. Yakimono (Grilled Dish)
4. Nigiri (Sushi)
5. Kanmi (Dessert)
Nami Restaurant
55 Adelaide St E, 4163627373
Tues-Fri: Lunch 11:30am-2pm. Dinner 5pm-9pm. Sat Dinner 5pm-9pm.
www.namirestaurant.ca
Instagram: @namirestaurant
The Corner Shop Gardens is back at St Lawrence Market!
End of season – Saturday June 11th
We’re excited to announce, The Corner Shop Gardens will be returning to the St.Lawrence market for a second season! Bringing a wide variety of classic herb and vegetable seedlings, along with a selection of specialty varieties.
Come see us for advice on how to brighten any outdoor space with colorful perennial and annual flowers, or go TROPICAL! (We also have unique and exotic plants.) Don’t forget your soil!
PS. We love dogs! Bring your furry friends by for a free treat and rub!
The Corner Shop Gardens
93 Front St E, thecornershopgardens@gmail.com
Tues-Fri: 9am-5pm. Sat: 5am-4pm.
Instagram: @thecornershopgardens
Easter Brunch at The Omni King Edward Hotel
Celebrate Easter Sunday with your family at our annual brunch from 10:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. From our seafood station to our buffet favorites such as Traditional Beef Wellington & New Zealand leg of lamb, our brunch will leave you satisfied and ready to return for Mother’s Day!
Sunday, April 17
$129 for adults and $65 for children 6-12.
Children 5 and under eat free.
Please call (416) 863-3228 or email to-festive@omnihotels.com to make a reservation.
The Omni King Edward Hotel
37 King St E, 416-863-3228
Open Daily – Please visit website for specific outlet hours.
www.omnihotels.com/hotels/toronto-king-edward/dining
New Can Can Shelves at Noda Designs
Inspired by the cabaret – let your décor do the dancing with the acrylic Take a Pill – CanCan Shelves. Keep your guilty pleasures hidden behind the fringe that adds sensual movement to the piece. Hand finished with brass detailing and made in Europe these shelves are sure to have you dancing. Available in Black, Blue, Pink, Green & Clear. Made in Turkey.
Noda Designs
11 King St E, 416-867-9153
Mon-Fri: 11am-6:30pm
www.nodadesigns.com/blogs/home
Instagram: @nodadesigns
GoodGood has extended our hours & offerings!
We are excited to share GoodGood has extended our hours and will now be open 8am – 8pm! While we have your attention we also want to mention we have launched draft beer, wine by the glass, and hot pizza! We hope you stop by to check out our new offering, as well as take advantage of our patio as the weather (hopefully) warms up!
GoodGood
140A The Esplanade, 847-414-7069
8am-8pm
www.goodgood.co
Instagram: @makeitgoodgood
Celebrate 420 & Tokyo Smoke’s Belated First Birthday (Finally)!!
It’s finally SPRING, we can finally hang out IN PERSON, and with April comes the HIGH HOLIDAY – what more reason could we have to celebrate? Oh, yeah! We turned ONE back in January but it wasn’t safe to have a proper celebration then so what better time to do it than now! Come party with us for all of these reasons and more on 420!!
Featuring live music, deep discounts, refreshments, and you know we’ll have the best swag from your favourite brands on hand with giveaways happening all day long. But wait, did someone say SURPRISES? Let’s just say we’ve been desperate for an opportunity to thank you, our amazing community, for all of your support over the last year and now we finally have the chance to do that so we are going ALL OUT! Mark your calendar now for the only holiday with a date that’s impossible to forget: 420! And we’ll see you in store then (if not sooner)
Don’t forget every Tuesday is Seniors Day with 15% off for guests 55+
Every Thursday is Students Day with 15% off for guests with proof of enrollment
Tokyo Daze happens every week from Wednesday – Sunday with stellar deals for everyone
Must be 19+ to visit and shop with us
Tokyo Smoke
250 King St E, 416-943-9692
Sun-Thurs: 10am-10pm. Fri & Sat: 9am-11pm.
www.facebook.com/TS250King
Instagram: @kingandprincessbuds
Tropical Beverages to Welcome Spring at Urban Cova
Spring is on its way! There’s no better way to enjoy it than grabbing a cold drink from us. Our Fruitée Bloom Tea Collection is the perfect option while in the mood for something nourishing & refreshing. Handcrafted with juicy fresh fruits and aromatic tea base, take a sip, let the tropical flavour and sweet exotic fruit scent instantly send you to your favourite spot for spring vacation!
Urban Cova
16 Church St, 416-867-1616
Mon-Sun: 12pm-8pm
www.urbancova.com
Instagram: @urbancovacanada
Gigi Studios – New Collection at St. Lawrence Eye Care
We are highlighting our newest collection with Gigi Studios. Gigi Studios is moderately priced, but high quality handcrafted frames designed in Barcelona. The line features Japanese beta titanium frames which are durable, and flexible. The fit is comfortable around the ears and extremely lightweight. Book a shopping appointment now to view the frames!
St. Lawrence Eye Care
12 Church St, 416-504-7532
Tues-Sat: 10am-5pm
www.stlawrenceeyecare.com
Instagram: @stlawrenceeyecare
New Hojicha Latte at The Black Canary Espresso Bar
Just in time for spring, introducing our new Hojicha Latte! Made with specially roasted powdered green tea, hojicha has a nutty, roasted flavour that tastes amazing on a nice rainy spring day. Try it hot or iced with a little bit of vanilla or maple syrup for a delicious coffee alternative!
The Black Canary Espresso Bar
61 Sherbourne St, 416-301-7633
Mon-Fri: 7am-6pm. Sat & Sun: 8am-6pm.
www.blackcanarycoffee.com
Instagram: @blackcanarycoffee
It’s Spring- Take an extra 10% off with this newsletter at
The Chesterfield Shop Ltd.
Deep-seat, soft, comfortable and perfect!
We did it…Spring is official! What a winter…time to hit the refresh button!
The Chesterfield Shop is thrilled to introduce a new deep, comfortable “sink-into-the-cushions” Canadian seating program!
There are so many ways to order – sectionals, sofas, sofa-chaise (available in both right and left hand directions). Modular pieces to fit all condo/apartment/loft spaces in City-Size Seating!™ Customize your fabric or leather from a stunning palette of choices.
And…in honour of Spring (and the High Park Cherry Blossoms!), bring in a screenshot of this St. Lawrence Neighbourhood BIA April Old Town Blog – with this *KINGSTPROMO10% – for an additional 10% off your purchase of all in-stock or custom-order seating, accents and accessories
*THIS OFFER IS ONLY AVAILABLE AT The Chesterfield Shop- 275 KING ST. EAST location
*EXPIRES APRIL 30, 2022.
The best combination of deep seating, function, selection, comfort and value. The Chesterfield Shop, family owned and operated since 1948.
The Chesterfield Shop Ltd.
275 King St E, 416-457-4200
Mon-Sat: 10am-6pm. Sun: 11am-5pm
www.thechesterfieldshop.com
Instagram: @thechesterfieldshop
Life is better with gelato from Cafe Oro di Napoli
Lemon Cheesecake, Pistachio, Hazelnut Crunch, Ferrero Rocher, Peach Cobbler, Chocolate Mint…and so many more wonderful flavours! Have you found your favourite, yet? Come try them here at Cafe Oro di Napoli.
Cafe Oro di Napoli
75 Jarvis St, 416-315-7979
Mon-Sun: 12pm-10pm
www.cafeorodinapoli.ca
Instagram: @cafeorodinapoli
Keto chicken avocado salad at AAamazing Salad
Come try our healthy and yummy new Keto chicken avocado salad. It is made with romaine, spring mix, chicken, bacon, avocado and variety ingredients along with homemade yogurt wasabi sauce. Hope you enjoy!
AAamazing Salad
82 Adelaide St E, 647-342-6888
Mon-Fri: 11am-4pm
www.aaamazingsalad.ca
Instagram: @aaamazingsalad
St. Lawrence Juice Bar can help start your journey to healthy living
If you are looking for a full system reboot that will rejuvenate the body, try our juice cleanse! Our cold-pressed juices are made with a hydraulic press that utilizes pressure to extract the maximum amount of liquid from vegetables. In this process, unlike your basic juicer, no nutrients are lost. 👩🏻🌾 👨🏽🌾
Give us a visit from Tuesdays to Saturdays 🕰 at the lower level, St. Lawrence Market, Front Street East and try our different juice combinations!
St. Lawrence Juice Bar
Lower level, 93 Front St E, 416-304-0061
Tues-Fri: 9am-5pm. Sat: 5am-4pm. Sun & Mon: CLOSED.
www.stlawrencejuice.com
Instagram: @stlawrencejuice
Get your body ready for spring and book an AT-HOME appointment for massage, physio, chiropody or orthotics
Spring is here and we’re all ready to get out and enjoy the nicer weather. Make sure your body is ready too. Address those nagging aches and pains in the most convenient way possible … IN YOUR OWN HOME
This month we wanted to highlight for you our physio services, which can help all types of patients with anything from injury prevention or rehab, recovery from surgery, and getting to the root cause of those nagging aches and pains you keep ignoring. If you’ve been ignoring that pain for too long, want to kickstart your recovery, or just make sure everything’s in balance to prevent injuries … physio can help! Our experience team of physiotherapists specialize in a variety of conditions and techniques and have helped hundreds of patients across Ontario.
Contact us today!
HealthCasa
200 – 47 Front St E, 647-691-5150
8am-8pm
www.HealthCasa.com
Instagram: @health.casa
Celebrating the complimentary art of Canadian Rye Whiskey at Woods Restaurant & Bar
Woods, approaching its 10th year of celebrating Canadian protein from the County of Nova Scotia to the seasonal North Pacific sockeye salmon of British Columbia, hardly forgetting the Bison of Alberta and the locally culled wild boar of our own province of Ontario.
Woods Restaurant & Bar is soon to be amended to Woods Restaurant and Rye Garden. With the same vocation that we gave to Canadian Produce, The Rye Garden will be celebrating the rye story with classic cocktails and rye tastings.
Our guests will get to enjoy a Green like atmosphere with an informed rye staff and the sound of the Baby Grand piano celebrating some of our Canadian music artists.
Woods Restaurant & Bar
45 Colborne St, 416-214-9918
Wed-Sat: 5pm-11pm
www.woodsrestaurant.ca
Instagram: @woodstoronto
Goose Island Releases “Berry The Bias” on April 11th
Last month, we celebrated International Women’s Day here at Goose Island by brewing a new Hazy Session IPA called Berry The Bias! Berry The Bias is brewed to honour women working in the beer industry and is named in tribute to the 2022 International Women’s Day theme #BreakTheBias
A portion of the proceeds from each sale will go to the Pink Boots Society – an organization committed to assisting, inspiring and encouraging women working in beer through education. Show your support and help a great cause when you enjoy Berry The Bias. Available at the Brewhouse and online as of April 11th!
Goose Island Brewhouse
70 The Esplanade, 416-862-7575
Sun-Wed: 11am-10pm. Thurs-Sat: 11am-12am.
www.gooseislandtoronto.ca
Instagram: @gooseislandca
Spiritleaf Adelaide’s “Art n About” Series Continues
There’s lots going on in April in our local Spiritleaf store!
Easter: Customize your own chocolate, from 1-5pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (April 15-17), while supplies last. (no purchase necessary)
April 20 (“4/20”): Come celebrate with us and our surprise activation!
Art ‘n’ About:
During the month of April we are featuring the work of MJ, the local artist behind 1510 (find them on Instagram and Twitter as @1510art). Meet the artist 1510 on Sunday April 10th, from 2-5pm.
We are also very excited to announce that, as part of our continuing “Art ‘n About” series in support of our local artist community, the month of May will see Gary Allen showcased from May 1- 31 inclusive.
In addition to being one of our neighbours, Gary is a renowned hairstylist at World Salon, a few doors east of us – he uses his art and illustration background to create colourful works that are both rich and masterful.
Come in and meet Gary on Sunday, May 8th from 2-5pm and enjoy his art on display in our space for the entire month.
*Any displays of art are strictly exhibitions only; Spiritleaf is not acting as an agent or participating with selling 1510 or Gary’s art in any way. To purchase anything from the artists please contact them directly.
*Please also note that, as we are an age-gated store, guests must be 19+ to enter.
Spiritleaf Adelaide
142 Adelaide St E, 416-36109333
Mon-Thurs: 10am-10pm. Fri-Sat: 10am-11pm. Sun: 11am-7pm.
www.spiritleaf.ca/locations/adelaide
Instagram: @spiritleaf_adelaidejarvis
Locals Only Promotion
Welcome neighbour, we here at MedX Precision Fitness want to get to know you!
For a limited time we are offering St. Lawrence Market locals a chance to experience our Proven Process personal training philosophy commitment-free, and at a special rate that includes a complimentary Introductory Session!
For over a decade we have helped our clients navigate their fitness journey by creating a sustainable proven routine they can commit to and thrive with. Our Proven Process is evidence-based providing you with personalized measured results and meaningful feedback.
Our Locals Only promotion includes a complimentary Introductory Session with a Viiv-Rx strength test and an InBody570 body composition analysis. After your intro and assessment, you’ll then have the option to purchase our MedX Method Introductory Package at a steeply discounted price.
MedX Precision Fitness
8 Church St, 416-360-1450
7am – 7pm by appointment only
www.medxpf.com
Instagram: @medxpf
Artik Brings Out The Athlete In You!
Come to Artik for customized athletic gear for all types of sports! Now that everything is starting to open back up, it’s time to get active and healthy by returning to your sport of choice. Whether it’s a team from your school, a rec league, or just among friends, we have jerseys and other athletic wear ranging across all types of sports, including hockey, baseball, basketball, soccer, or most any sport you can think of. We’ll customize your choice of sports jersey and other gear with your logo, brand, or artwork. Because we all know that ultimately, it’s not how well you play, but how good you look!
Artik
314 Adelaide St E, 416-815-7770
Mon-Fri: 9am-6pm
artik.com
Instagram: @artiktoronto
New in: Petite Thuet Baked Goods at Runner Market
Swing by the market and enjoy our newest addition to the lineup. We are now stocking fresh-baked Petite Thuet goods daily. Reminiscent of the bustling Parisian boulangeries and patisseries, Petite Thuet is a local staple. From baguettes to cookies to beignets and muffins, these fresh baked goodies are bound to put a smile on your face!
Runner Market
141 Berkeley St, 647-360-8262
8am-9pm daily
www.getrunner.io
Instagram: @runner.market
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.)
