The tulip tips are reaching for the warm spring sun and we are itching to get out and explore Old Town Toronto. With so much to do, taste and see, OTT has everything you need to make May a great month!
In this edition of Where To Support Local we have rounded up things to do with or give mom for Mothers’s Day, highlight a new art exhibition and tell you about a hot new restaurant you will want to check out stat!
Looking to work in the arts management world or become an audio pro? Dream big and scroll down to learn about the best place in Toronto to attain the necessary skills. Want to work on that beach body? You’re perfect the way you are, but if you are determined to fit into your itsy bitsy teeny weeny yellow polka dot bikini then we have just the place! Does your teen love the theatre? We have a streaming event they will want to check out.
Find all this and much more below and come see us in Old Town Toronto soon!
New Promo Alert at Mangia&Bevi
We have got a special deal for you! Post your best photo from your visit at Mangia&Bevi + tag us on Instagram for a FREE FRESH SEALED PIZZA with your next dinner with us! Book table at https://mbresto.com/essentials/
Mangia&Bevi
260 King St E, 416-613-1236
www.mbresto.com
Instagram: @mangiabevii
Mon-Sun: 4pm-9pm. Wed-Fri: 12pm-2pm.
Information Session/Tour of Harris Institute
Harris Institute’s founder will present a 2 hour information session/tour on Wednesday, May 4th at 6:00PM and Thursday, May 13th at 12:30PM. The session includes an overview of the school and its programs, a presentation on the future of the music industry and a tour of the facilities. Parents are encouraged to attend. The Arts Management Program and Audio Production Program start on July 18 and November 14. 2022.
Harris Institute
118 Sherbourne St, 416-367-0178
www.harrisinstitute.com
10am-9pm
Art ‘n’ About Continues at Spiritleaf Adelaide
Our continuing “Art ‘n About*” series will feature local artist and neighbour (@WorldSalon), Gary Allen. Gary’s work, relying on his art and illustration background, can be described as both “rich and masterful” and will be on display for all of May. Also, Gary will be in-store on Sunday afternoon, May 15th, so please join him and us.
For our June instalment of “Art ‘n About*”, we are happy to be showcasing artist Hasti Rayramesh. Hasti is a Toronto-based Electic painter. Born and raised in Tehran, Hasti’s first artistic aspirations were shaped by her homeland’s art and culture. She is inspired by human emotions and the inherent struggles that result. These struggles of self-expression form the origins of her work, creating a sense of foreboding and darkness in her art, while also allowing viewers to empathize, understand and connect with the artist.
While working with different media, including digital art, she predominantly creates using oil paints on canvas. Self-taught originally, Hastu later studied under Hooman Derakhshandeh. In February 2022, paintings from the series “Mania” were showcased by the Scarborough Arts. The goal of her work is giving her art the ability to tap in the viewers emotions and allow them to experience a sense empathy and understanding of what the painting is feeling, to achieve a personal level of connection with her viewers.
*This is strictly an exhibition only; Spiritleaf is not acting as an agent or participating with the selling of any art in any way. To purchase anything from the artists, kindly 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, 416-361-9333
www.spiritleaf.ca/locations/adelaide
Instagram: @spiritleaf_adelaidejarvis
Mon-Thurs 10am-10pm. Fri-Sat: 10am-11pm. Sun: 11am-7pm.
Eco Friendly Hair Services and Local Market Artistry
worldSALON, the only salon in Canada that heats its water from the sun and has received many accolades for sustainable practices offers eco-friendly hair services with its own 100% all natural product line @worldhairskin. Now offering local community artistry from all around Ontario.
Take a break from your busy day and come get groomed, pampered, and be blown away with the selection of art shown in this green salon space.
worldSALON
132 Adelaide St E, 416-594-1402
worldsalon.ca
Instagram: @worldsalon
Monday-Sat:10am-7pm
Treat Mom this Mother’s Day at The Omni King Edward Hotel
Moms deserve recognition for all they do. Impress her by making reservations now at The Omni King Edward Hotel.
Celebrate Mom with a decadent brunch on Sunday, May 8 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Vanity Fair Ballroom featuring all her brunch favourites including New Zealand leg of lamb, classic beef wellington, crème brulee and so much more. $129 for adults and $65 for children 6-12. Children 5 and under eat free.
Treat mom like a queen and indulge in an English garden afternoon themed tea on Saturday, May 7. $81 for adults. Upgrade to our botanical gin cocktail or a flute of prosecco for $91.
Now is the time to think about how to show her some love this Mother’s Day. Reserve your celebration today!
The Omni King Edward Hotel
37 King St E, 416-863-3228
www.omnihotels.com/hotels/toronto-king-edward/dining
Open Daily – Please visit website for specific outlet hours.
IN Store GBC Reopening!
Highlighting a special design collaboration between three George Brown College alumni: Rene DeSantis, Emily Giroux and Heather Carlson inspired by the Toronto Flag. Check out this series of Toronto products featuring the unofficial Toronto mascot: the pesky yet lovable raccoon!
IN Store GBC
3 Lower Jarvis St, 416-415-5000 x 2029
www.instoregbc.com
Instagram: @instoregbc
Mon-Thurs: 10am-6pm
New Business Amano Trattoria offers a delicious & tender Hanger Steak which might be one of the most tender and satisfying steaks you can find!
Gather with your friends together this evening to start the weekend right! Our popular Assaggini Board for two is a collection of small bites, cured meats and cheeses. Many rich flavours to compliment your taste buds to reach new heights. Join us for dine-in and drink specials every Tuesday-Friday from 4-7. Looking forward to sharing an amazing dining experience together alongside a curated wine list and fully stocked cocktail bar!
Amano Trattoria
9 Church St, 647-349-7297
www.eatamano.com/trattoria
Instagram: @amano.trattoria
Tues-Thurs: 4–10pm. Fri-Sat: 4-11pm.
YPT Presents “The In-Between” for Teens – Available On Demand
This spring, Young People’s Theatre presents The In-Between for teens, written by playwright Marcus Youssef and produced by Montreal’s Geordie Theatre. The In-Between is a realistic exploration of the conflicts that arise between friends when the sharing of racist, anti-Muslim memes leads to a high school lockdown. Written by Governor General’s Award-nominated playwright Marcus Youssef (writer of the international hit Jabber), The In-Between tackles hard questions with humour, sensitivity and a deft ear for how young people negotiate adult-size problems. Available on Demand until May 14. Recommended for ages 13 & up.
Young People’s Theatre
165 Front St E, 416-862-2222 x2
www.youngpeoplestheatre.org/shows-tickets/the-in-between/
Instagram: @YPTtoronto
Fully Stocked and Ready to Serve!
Whether it’s inside the brewhouse, on our beer garden or to go, Goose Island is fully stocked and ready to serve. From cans and bottles to Growlers and Howlers, this month we’re offering 11 different beers to go at our retail store. One of our top picks from these 11 would be Between The Pipes – both an in-house and fan favourite. Stop by and say hello.
See you soon!
Goose Island Brewhouse
70 The Esplanade, 416-862-7575
www.gooseislandtoronto.ca
Instagram: @gooseislandca
Get $25 OFF your first At-Home Massage from HealthCasa
Mother’s Day is just around the corner. We still have some spots available for Mother’s Day massages.
Get 25% OFF your 1st At-Home appointment
Book your appointment today!
🎁 Gift Cards Available 🎁
HealthCasa
200 – 47 Front St E, 647-691-5150
www.healthcasa.com
Instagram: @health.casa
8am-8pm
Get Fit With Placemade!
Are you struggling to find a personal trainer or a different health professional to get you to achieve your best? Look no further! Hire one of our highly qualified personal trainers and get back on track today!
Placemade
78 Richmond St East Unit 150, 416-703-1686
www.placemade.co
Instagram: @placemade.co
By Appointment
Bar Stools – Limited In-Stock OR Customize!
Covid is kind-of over (or…. we all have it ☹). Does this mean Mom & Aunt Alex are coming over on May 8th for brunch? Time to act fast!
The Chesterfield Shop carries the newest in swivel chairs! Choose in-stock or special order with your choice of tons of gorgeous materials and wood or metal finishes. AND Canadian-made!
Offer code KINGPROMO (available at 275 King St. E. location only) with your in-store purchase for an additional 10% off EVERYTHING…seating and accessories. (Promotion ENDS MAY 30/2022.) *Please cite the May feature of the St. Lawrence Market BIA BLOG! Or bring in a screenshot.
The best combination of form and function – and the best selection of seating. The Chesterfield Shop (with 6 great locations in the GTA & Newmarket)
The Chesterfield Shop
275 King St E, 416-667-1150
www.thechesterfieldshop.com
Instagram: @thechesterfieldshop
Mon-Sat: 10am-6pm. Sun: 11am-5pm.
Don’t Forget Mom!
Toronto’s First Post Office is celebrating parental love and guidance this month! Pop in to browse cards and gifts for mom and dad, or search the shop at TownofYork.com for an even greater selection. Until the end of June, choose a greeting card for free when you spend more than $30 on almost anything in the shop – use code LUV 2B UR KID at checkout. Thank you for your support. It helps to keep the museum doors open!
Toronto’s First Post Office
260 Adelaide St E, 416-865-1833
www.TownofYork.com
Instagram: @TOs1stPO
Mon-Fri: 9am-5:30pm. Sat: 10am-4pm. Sun: 12noon-4pm.
Multifocal Contact Lenses from St. Lawrence Eye Care
Now available, daily disposable contact lenses for progressive wearers!
With innovative technology, these contacts provide crisp and clear vision at all distances. With Aquaform technology, MyDay Multifocal has great water content and also locks in moisture for comfortable wear. Fun fact: these contact lenses contain UV blocking material! Not only do you get a fresh new pair daily, but your vision will not be compromised.
Think you might need multifocal lenses? Book an eye exam today!
St. Lawrence Eye Care
12 Church St, 416-504-7532
Instagram: @stlawrenceeyecare
Tues-Sat: 10am-5pm.
Feel refreshed with Urban Cova’s Fruit Teas!
The weather is getting warmer. Need something to quench your thirst? Our Fresh Fruit Teas taste like summer in a cup! They are handcrafted with premium tea leaves and a wide variety of fresh fruits including slices of mango, watermelon, honeydew, passion fruit, lime and many more. The super refreshing and perfectly balanced flavours will make you come back for more!
Urban Cova
16 Church St, 416-867-1616
www.urbancova.com
Instagram: @urbancovacanada
Mon-Sun: 12pm-8pm
Mother’s Day Gift Bundles
Introducing exclusive gift bundles for Mother’s Day. Find the perfect gift for Mom and make her day as special as she is. Whether she’s a self care guru or a wine connoisseur, there is something for everyone.
Pictured above is our Glow Up bundle which includes a 750ml bottle of Southbrook Skin Fermented Vidal Orange, a BKIND Jade Roller and Wildcraft Regenerate Face Serum.
Shop in-store or send same-day gifts across Toronto with the Runner app or website. Cheers to Mom!
Runner Market
141 Berkeley St, 647-360-8262
www.getrunner.io
Instagram: @runner.market
8am – 9pm daily
Asian Salad at Aaamazing Salad
Asian salad is one of our best sellers. It is mixed with our homemade Asian sesame vinaigrette and love. It’s fruity, sweet and delicious. It contains spring mix, spinach, avocado, some tofu as toppings, cherry tomatoes, corn, sesame seeds and other fresh ingredients! You can definitely try it!
AAamazing Salad
82 Adelaide St E, Unit C, 647-342-6888
www.aaamazingsalad.ca
Instagram: @aaamazingsalad
Mon-Friday: 11am-4pm
NAMI May Promotion
Celebrate Mom at Nami on Mother’s Day! We will be open for dinner from 5pm to 9pm on Sunday, May 8th. PLUS we are also offering special pricing on different days of the week during May.
Tuesdays
◆50% Off Sushi Pizza (Lunch & Dinner)
◆50% Off Wagyu Beef Tataki (Dinner Only)
Wednesdays
◆50% Off All Rolls (Lunch & Dinner)
Thursdays
◆50% Off Sapporo Draft Pint (Lunch Only)
◆50% Off Wagyu Steak (Dinner Only)
Fridays
◆Double the Oyster (Lunch Only)
We hope you stop by and enjoy our delicious food!
Nami Restaurant
55 Adelaide St E, 416-362-7373
www.namirestaurant.ca
Instagram: @namirestaurant
Tues-Fri: Lunch 11:30am-2pm. Dinner 5pm-9pm.
Sat: Dinner 5pm-9pm.
Be Bold Buying Branded Backpacks
With Canada reopening, Artik has customized backpacks for your employees returning to work, for students returning to school, or for members of your hiking club. Whatever the use, we have all types of backpacks available to decorate with your logo or artwork. You can see our selection of backpacks at artik.com/totes-and-bags/backpacks.html . To see all of the products we can customize, visit our website at artik.com, or contact us at info@artik.com or 416-815-7770.
Artik
314 Adelaide St E, 416-815-7770
www.artik.com
Instagram: @artiktoronto
Mon-Fri: 9am-6pm
Frozen Pizza Bundle with Wine Pairing by Noble Estates!
Announcing an exciting collab with Noble Estates Wines & Spirits. 4 Frozen Mercatto Pizzas plus 4 bottles of specially curated wine for only $125! Order by Thursday for weekend pickup and delivery. This collab runs until May 14th. New feature pies and collabs announced regularly–make sure to follow us on Instagram to be in the loop!
Cantina Mercatto
20 Wellington St E, 416-304-0781
www.cantina.mercatto.ca
Instagram: @mercatto.to
Mon-Wed: 11:30am-10pm. Thurs & Fri: 11:30am-11pm. Sat: 4pm-11pm.
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.)
