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Let’s Get Ready for the 2025 Riverside Antler Breakfast!

Who’s excited for the Riverside Antler Breakfast?!

The 14th Annual Riverside Antler Breakfast is happening TOMORROW, Dec 12th on the 2nd Floor of Ralph Thornton Community Centre (765 Queen St E) from 8am to 10am.

This year, we’re raising funds for Fontbonne Ministries’ Food Program at their Mustard Seed location in Riverside AND Ralph Thornton Community Centre’s community programming.

Are you interested in supporting this year’s fundraiser? Here’s a few reminders for the 2025 Riverside Antler Breakfast:

Learn about the beneficiaries.

Fontbonne Ministries’ Mustard Seed location, in Riverside since 2000, operates is free meal program which is open to any community member in need – last year over 25,000 meals were served. The Ralph Thornton Community Centre has been a cornerstone in the Riverside community for nearly 45 years and offers a variety of free programming for low income seniors and youth.

Bring your family and friends.

Whether you’re a Riverside community member or a local from another part of the city, the Riverside Antler Breakfast is a great way to connect with a community and meet new people — all while supporting good local causes.

Get ready to bid.

There will be an array of fabulous silent auction items donated by local businesses, organizations and residents. Get a sneak peak of what’s on offer by scrolling down to the Silent Auction Donors section HERE.

Come with an appetite.

The highlight of the Riverside Antler Breakfast is the sumptuous buffet spread prepared by talented chefs at Fontbonne, generous event sponsors and volunteers. From freshly baked pastries to beloved breakfast classics, you’re in for a treat.

Make a donation.

If you can’t make it, you can still show your support for Fontbonne Ministries at Mustard Seed and the Ralph Thornton Community Centre through the donation pages hyperlinked. They’re open year-round too so you can access the links anytime.

RSVP.

Everyone is welcome!! Aside from the buffet, you’ll also get to participate in a silent auction, take part in festive sing-alongs, hear more about the community programming we are supporting, and more. Click on the button above to get your tickets!

Check out @riverside_bia on Instagram and the Riverside Blog for updates on exciting events in the neighbourhood like this one. We look forward to joining together with you on Dec. 12th!

Festive Food and Beverage Offerings in Riverside This Holiday Season

‘Tis the season to treat yourself and your loved ones! Whether it’s bonding with family or catching up with friends, you can never go wrong with good food and drinks! 

If you’re not yet sure where to go locally and open to suggestions, check out these delicious offerings in Riverside for the holidays from our BIA members:

Photo credit: Eastbound Brewing Company

“A Little Wit of Good for the Holidays” by Eastbound

Address: Eastbound Brewing Company (700 Queen St E)

Brewed as always in collaboration with Sawdust City Brewing Co., Eastbound presents “A Little Wit of Good for the Holidays”, a Belgian Imperial Wit created with a festive blend of bright citrus and warming spices. Now available on tap at the pub and in cans!

Photo credit: ēst Restaurant

ēst Restaurant’s Sunday Brunch

Address: ēst Restaurant (729 Queen St E)

ēst Restaurant is bringing back the special brunch menu every Sunday, 10am-2:30pm! In other news, they’ve also opened their newly renovated second floor that’s perfect for your holiday get-togethers! For reservations and private events, head over to their website.

Photo credit: Dark Horse Espresso Bar

Dark Horse’s Winter Specials

Address: Dark Horse Espresso Bar (630 Queen St E)

As we usher in a new season, you know what that means: new specials from Dark Horse! This winter, they’ve got two fun drinks: the Cherry Mocha for the coffeeholics and the Spiced Chai Matcha for the matcha lovers! Both can be served hot or iced.

Photo credit: Amber Kitchen and Coffee

Amber Kitchen’s New Menu

Address: Amber Kitchen and Coffee (4 Boulton Ave)

Amber Kitchen just rolled out a new day menu, which includes favourites like the Amber Eggs and Avocado Toast as well as fresh additions like the Steak Hache and an updated Pulled Beef Sandwich. For catering and events, shoot them an email or give them a call!

Photo credit: Chez Nous

Mulled Wine at Chez Nous

Address: Chez Nous (798 Queen St E)

It’s mulled wine season at Chez Nous! Be sure to get your fix ASAP because there’s a limited amount available every day and only until Christmas. As usual, happy hour is at 5pm-7pm every day and half-price bottles after 11pm until closing and all day on Sunday.

If you want to be updated on exciting offerings from businesses in Riverside, be sure to check out @riverside_bia on Instagram and the Riverside Blog regularly!

Exciting Events Happening in Riverside This Holiday Season

With the Riverside Holiday Market in the books and the Riverside Window Wonderland in full swing, Riverside is officially in the holiday season! 

Aside from programming by the Riverside BIA, there are also events by local businesses and organizations that you can participate in and get into the festive spirit.

Check out these holiday happenings in the neighbourhood this season:

Photo credit: Eastbound Brewing Company

Feastbound Annual Christmas Dinner 2025

Date & Time: Thursday, November 27th | Starts at 6:30pm
Location: Eastbound Brewing Company (700 Queen St E)

It’s that magical time of year when Sam and Dave come together once again with the 2025 edition of the Sam & Dave Series Christmas beer. Last chance to get your tickets for Feastbound (TODAY!) and be one of the first to try “A Little Wit of Good for the Holidays” Imperial Wit. Each ticket includes a welcome drink and a four-course dinner, with the main course being paired with this year’s special release. Get your tickets HERE.

Photo credit: Eastbound Brewing Company

Holiday Needle Felting Workshop

Date & Time: Sunday, November 30th | 3pm-5:30pm
Location: Eastbound Brewing Company (700 Queen St E)

Get into the holiday spirit with a cozy, creative afternoon of needle felting your own Christmas ornaments! Whether you’re looking to make a one-of-a-kind gift or simply want to try something new, this workshop is the perfect way to relax, create and connect. Check out @eastboundbeer on Instagram for the event link.

Riverside Antler Breakfast

Date & Time: Friday, December 12th | 8am-10am
Location: 2nd Level, Ralph Thornton Community Centre (765 Queen St E)

With every ticket to this fundraiser, you get to partake in a delicious buffet breakfast, enjoy festive entertainment, and get a chance to bid on items from local businesses in the silent auction. This year’s beneficiaries are Fontbonne Ministries at Mustard Seed and the Ralph Thornton Community Centre. Get your tickets to Riverside Antler Breakfast HERE.

Photo credit: Amber Kitchen and Coffee

Amber Christmas Craft Night

Date & Time: Saturday, December 13th | 6:30pm-9pm
Location: Amber Kitchen and Coffee (4 Boulton Ave)

Two workshops in one night! Choose your activity: decorate ginger cookies made in-house at Amber OR create your own Christmas wreath or table centerpiece. Both workshops include an appetizer buffet and a non-alcoholic drink of your choice. DM @amberkitchento to reserve your slot.

Winter Craft

Date & Time: Saturday, December 20th | 2pm-3pm
Location: Toronto Public Library Queen/Saulter Branch

Bring your little ones to the Toronto Public Library Queen/Saulter Branch for an hour of fun holiday-themed arts and crafts. All craft supplies will be provided. The appropriate audience is pre-school and school-age children. Click HERE to see more programs happening at TPL Queen/Saulter.

Photo credit: The Broadview Hotel

Warm Welcome Winter Package

Promo Period: November 13th – January 4th

Location: The Broadview Hotel (106 Broadview Ave)

The Broadview Hotel’s Warm Welcome package comes with everything you need for a cozy city retreat as the weather cools. Aside from the best available rate, you also get winter cocktails to enjoy on The Rooftop, tickets to The Distillery Winter Village and MORE! Book the Warm Welcome Winter Package HERE.

Check out @riverside_bia on Instagram and the Riverside Blog for regular updates on exciting happenings in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood!

Dine for a Cause: Riverside Antler Breakfast on December 12th!

Now in its 14th year, the Riverside Antler Breakfast is our annual community fun-draiser! This year we are raising funds for Fontbonne Ministries’ Food Program at their Mustard Seed location and Ralph Thornton Community Centre programming!

The Riverside Antler Breakfast will take place at the Ralph Thornton Community Centre (765 Queen St E) on Friday, December 12th (8am-10am).

Last year’s Riverside Antler Breakfast was a huge success! The outpouring of support was truly phenomenal that we managed to not only reach our initial goal of $10,000 — in fact, we raised over double that amount all thanks to YOU!

Are you ready to break last year’s record? Here’s what you need to know about this year’s Riverside Antler Breakfast:

  • Each ticket includes a delicious holiday buffet breakfast prepared by Fontbonne chefs and volunteers.
  • Guests will be able to participate in a silent auction featuring items donated by local businesses and residents.
  • Festive entertainment and fun awaits!

OTHER WAYS YOU CAN HELP

Make a donation: Can’t make it on Dec. 12? Our beneficiaries have donation links active year-round: Fontbonne Ministries | Ralph Thornton Community Organization

Donate auction items: You can still contribute items to our silent auction. If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch with us!

Become a sponsor: We are seeking several more Santa’s Helpers, Reindeer and Elf supporters. Read our sponsor letter with more details HERE.

Join us for Riverside Antler Breakfast on Dec. 12 and help us reach our goal!

Check out @riverside_bia on Instagram and the Riverside Blog for regular updates on exciting programming in the neighbourhood like this one!

Riverside Window Wonderland: Meet The Artists (Part 2 of 2)

If you’ve been in the neighbourhood lately, you’ve probably noticed storefronts looking extra festive. That only means one thing: Riverside Window Wonderland is ON! 

The Riverside BIA has collaborated again with local artists and local businesses and organizations to usher in the spirit of the holidays with a showcase of festive window art.

Get to know the talented artists who animated the windows of 25+ businesses for Riverside Window Wonderland (part 2 of 2):

Daria Domnikova

Website | Instagram

Daria Domnikova is a muralist, illustrator and graphic designer. After immigrating to Canada, she earned her BDes in Illustration from OCAD University and since then has collaborated with local and international businesses, editorial publications and non-profits. Inspired by community, the buzz of the city, movement, nature and how we relate to one another, Daria’s work visually represents diverse communities and the joy of living through vibrant, compelling, playful and sophisticated narratives.

You’ll find Daria’s art at these businesses:

  • Il Ponte Cucina Italiana
  • Dark Horse Espresso Bar
  • Tim Hortons

Marg Cresswell

Website | Instagram

Marg is an award-winning muralist with a career spanning over two decades. She’s painted dozens of public murals in Canada, exhibited internationally and completed residencies in France. Her works appear in collections in Canada, the USA and France, as she continues to expand her public art presence through her murals.

You’ll find Marg’s art at these businesses:

  • Oma Chiropractic & Wellness
  • Butchers of Distinction
  • Dirty Pawz Dog Wash

Ella Mazur

Website | Instagram

Ella is a multidisciplinary artist based in Toronto, Canada. Her work explores the beauty of nature and the power of the human imagination through visual art, poetry and murals. The endless depths of the ocean waves, the enchantment of the forests, and the mysteries of the stars all inspire her intricate dreamworlds.

You’ll find Ella’s art at these businesses:

  • AURA
  • ēst Restaurant
  • Irish Design House

Yen Linh Thai

Website | Instagram

Yen Linh Thai is a multidisciplinary artist, illustrator and muralist. Her work explores the whimsical and is largely inspired by stories and storytelling. In recent years, Linh has expanded her practice to public art projects, creating artworks inspired by the communities they live in.

You’ll find Linh’s art at these businesses:

  • Gossip/Nomad Toronto
  • La Carnita

Catch Riverside Window Wonderland until Dec. 31, 2025! Go on an art walk at your own pace with our online map or by grabbing a physical copy at any of the participating businesses.

Visit. Vote. Enter.

Don’t forget to scan the QR code on the windows to join the Riverside Window Wonderland contest. You have until Dec. 7th to vote for your favourite windows and enter our raffle and winners will be announced on Dec. 10th, but the window art will be up for you to enjoy Dec. 31st!

Check @riverside_bia on Instagram and the Riverside Blog for updates on Riverside Window Wonderland. For PART ONE of the artists’ features, click on the link below!

BLOG: Riverside Window Wonderland: Meet The Artists (Part 1 of 2)

We acknowledge and thank the City of Toronto, Government of Canada and FedDev Ontario for support of this campaign as part of the ‘Riverside Ramps it Up’ project through the Transit Expansion Construction Mitigation Fund 2025.