The Distillery, Toronto’s trendiest time capsule, has just been named one of the 10 best places in Toronto to propose this Valentine’s by the Toronto Star.
There’s no denying that the neighbourhood is a romantic and picturesque backdrop for lovers, but there’s no need for singles to stay away either; the Distillery has something for everyone if you know where to look–Valentine’s Day included.
From The Potting Shed, left, fashions arrangements that mix simplicity with classic elegance, seen in their Christmas wreaths, popular in the 2011 holiday season.
These days, the florist is hard at work preparing specially made bouquets for Valentine’s that present the same sort of tasteful elegance. For $85 (delivery extra): “A Gorgeous Bouquet! Hydrangeas, Roses & Tulips, French-style Market Bundle (rather than those over-priced, over-done, and likely overly-pesticized, long stem red roses).”
After you’ve ordered your bouquet, walk approximately twenty paces to Soma Chocolatemaker and you’ll be taking two Valentine’s clichés to a new level–this isn’t tacky red-roses-and-baby-breath and a Pot of Gold–this is a passionate florist and an artisan chocolatemaker at the top of their game. 
Any chocolate product from Soma is a worthy outlet for expressing your love, but they’ve put a ‘Crazy Love box’ ($55) together if you’re low on shopping time. Each box contains:
Lacy chocolate heart on chocolate mulch, heartnut butter crunch, pomegranate caramel, spicy pecans, spiced butter toffee, wild cherries tumbled in dark Venezuelan chocolate and ruby red bar.
The Distillery’s restaurants, with their exposed brick interiors and wooden accents, are beautiful settings for a candlelit supper, and
some of them, like Tappo Wine Bar, are offering a special Valentine’s Day menu.
Be sure to make reservations as soon as possible as restaurants (especially those in one of the top proposal sites of the city) fill up fast on the feast day of love and devotion.
For the Singles
It’s not the most ideal day to be a single gal or guy, but you can console yourself knowing that you’ve escaped the pressure of creating the perfect night–at least for another year. You’d be surprised how many couples argue and even break up on Valentine’s Day due to great expectations thwarted by poor planning or failure to communicate the desired outcome.
After you’ve convinced yourself you’re better off single anyway, head to the Mill St. Brewpub for great beer and comfort food–as much as you want! Or treat yourself to a gift from Bergo like the soothing Voodoo Knife Block ($150, knives included), which is apparently so popular these days they only have blue men left.
Distillery District’s Toronto Christmas Market officially opens. Hosted by Citytv’s Frank Ferragine, the opening ceremonies start at 6 p.m. and feature appearances from Santa Claus, the Christmas Angel and a special performance from Steven Page.
stuffers like pine scented candles or decorative sticky notes to contemporary jewelry designs.
space packs a powerful punch; Distill is a trendsetter, popularizing items like owl pillows and Toronto-themed charm bracelets.
wine for 2011. This traditional winter brew ($11.95) originates from England and has a malty flavour accented with hints of dried fruit and toffee. This long-aged brew also has a long shelf life, so you can buy a couple and store–why not? You may find yourself craving another taste of 2011 in ten years!
ranging from $1.50 – $6, 000. From watches to stainless steel purses to photo albums made out of bent up California license plates, this is a store where you’ll be able to find something interesting for men, women and children.
wreath requests. Their 2011 wreath designs are a simple and understated–yet stylish–take on the traditional Christmas wreath ($75).
host a decadent holiday party. Specializing in artisan cheeses, terrines, oils and other delicacies, A Taste of Quebec is Toronto’s source for the very best terroir products of Quebec. Its worth discussing the business of selling things to shoppers at Christmas and what the consumer expects from retailers in this historic venue. Several 
the trick. This chain with leather tassels ($110) is a quality piece which can be styled into countless incarnations.
The medicine pouch necklace ($130) is another stunning, one-of-a-kind piece.