The Little Paper

With Mother’s Day afoot, there’s bound to be tea, and lots of it. If your kids are older, relatively docile or napping infants, this might be just the thing. And while the laid-back comfort of your local regular might do for just any Sunday, on this one you might want to try something really special.

With Mother’s Day afoot, there’s bound to be tea, and lots of it. If your kids are older, relatively docile or napping infants, this might be just the thing. And while the laid-back comfort of your local regular might do for just any Sunday, on this one you might want to try something really special.

For over the top charm it’s pretty hard to beat The Windsor Arms Hotel within walking distance of the ROM, the Bata Shoe and the shops of Bloor and Hazelton Lanes. The tearoom, clad in purple velvet, gilt and crystal, is delightful, as are the scones, sandwiches, and petit fours.

Quirky, intimate and casual, The Red Tea Box reflects its Queen West location and offers a bento-box tea in a secluded garden coach house.

Check out some of Toronto’s indie designers while you’re in the area and hip retailers like Magic Pony, Fresh Collective and Kol Kid are always worth a visit.

The King Edward, The Royal York and The Four Seasons are great choices and Casa Loma has a Royal Brunch on offer as well.

If Mother’s Day doesn’t seem like, well, Mother’s Day, without a little more hustle and bustle, Dim Sum is a great choice. The element of surprise as the cart comes around is particularly appealing. And the general din of background noise can effectively cover a less than accommodating youngster. The large tables are perfect for a sizeable clan or a get together of friends and family. Downtown Chinatown has many options. A few well worth trying are Bright Pearl’s big banquet-style room for a very authentic experience, Rol San’s back room (across the street from Bright Pearl) for a more intimate café feel, and Skydragon, on the top floor of Dragon City for a no-nonsense interior, reliable dim sum and a nice view. If you (and your pocketbook) are looking for something very special, Lai Wah Heen is generally considered to have the best Dim Sum in the city.

Perhaps you’d rather languish in bed with a side of pancakes and a carnation, but still fancy an outing after breakfast... The High Park Nature Centre is hosting a Mother Earth’s Day on Sunday. Bask in the natural beauty of The Park, help plant trees, have fun with water and mulch, make a Mother’s Day Nature Craft and enjoy a family nature walk, snack and drinks provided, registration required. Or you could just head to the park for a walk amongst the spectacular cherry blossoms, which should be in full bloom- the perfect backdrop for a family portrait.

Both Lula Lounge and Bunch offer a chance to kick up your heels family style. On 10 May, Lula Lounge offers a Mother’s Day Bossa Nova Brunch, with live entertainment and a samba lesson. On9 May, Bunch is hosting a Glam Rock Mother’s Day Edition Family Dance Party. Pay tribute to moms that rock, Gwen Stefani and Madonna to name a few, go glam with bowie-inspired face painting and create some wearable art. There will also be a cash bar, snack bar and swag bags. For more inspiring ideas, have a look at The Mother’s Day Guide on our website or pick up a copy of The Little Paper!

TEA

Four Season’s Hotel

21 Avenue Rd Saturday: 5:30pm, Sundayy: 3:45pm, 5:30pm $35/person, Special child’s menu for 12yrs & under

King Edward

37 King St E, 416-863-4125 Saturday and Sunday: 2:30-5pm $30/adult, $16/under 12yrs

The Red Tea Box

696 Queen St W 416-203-8882 Saturday & Sunday: 12-3:30pm

Royal York Hotel

100 Front St W 416-860-6949 Saturday: 1-4pm $26/adult, Half price 6-12yrs, Free/5yrs & under

Windsor Arms Hotel

18 St Thomas St 416-971-9666 Saturday & Sunday: 6pm $38-$45/person

Mother’s Day Royal Brunch at Casa Loma

1 Austin Terrace
 416-923-1171 Sunday: 10:30am, 11am, 12:30pm, 1pm $43.35/adults, $21.60/4yrs+, $11/1-3yrs, Free/under 1yr


DIM SUM

Bright Pearl

348 Spadina Ave 416-979-3988

Rol San

323 Spadina Ave 416-977-1128

Skydragon

280 Spadina Av 416-408-4999

Dynasty Dim Sum and Fine Chinese Dining

131 Bloor St W, 2nd Flr 416-923-3323

Lai Wah Heen, Metropolitan Hotel

108 Chestnut St 416-977-9899

Pearl Harbourfront

207 Queens Quay W 416-203-1233

Events

Saturday, May 9

Glam Rock Mother’s Day Edition Family Dance Party

The Courthouse, 57 Adelaide St E www.bunchfamily.ca $12.50/adults, $10.50/kids

Sunday, May 10

Mother Earth’s Day

High Park Nature Centre 430 Parkside Dr 416-392-1748x6 1-4pm, $20/family

Mother’s Day Bossa Nova Brunch

Lula Lounge 1585 Dundas St W 416-588-0307 $30/adult, $8/12yrs & under;