Getting Ready for the Riverside Antler Breakfast

The Riverside Antler Breakfast is back for its 13th year. This year, we’re raising funds for Fontbonne Ministries’ Food Program at their Mustard Seed location in Riverside.

It’s all happening TOMORROW and it’s not too late to get your tickets: the 2024 Riverside Antler Breakfast will take place at the Ralph Thornton Community Centre (765 Queen St E) on Friday, Dec. 13, 8am-10am.

Are you interested in being involved in this year’s fundraiser? Here’s a few reminders before we bond over breakfast tomorrow:

Photo credit: Fontbonne Ministries

Learn about the cause.

Through their Food Program, Fontbonne Ministries aims to provide meals to individuals experiencing homelessness and food insecurity due to rising costs. The goal this year is to raise at least $10,000. With your help, we can make this happen!

Photo credit: Riverside BIA

Bring your family and friends.

Whether you’re a Riverside resident 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 a good cause.

 Photo credit: Riverside BIA

Get Ready to Bid!

There will be a array of fabulous silent auction items donated by local businesses, organizations and residents. Get a sneak peak or 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 and generous event sponsors. 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’ Food Program at their Mustard Seed location through the donation page on their website. It’s open year-round too so you can access it anytime. You can find more information here.

Photo credit: Riverside BIA

 

Buy your tickets.

It’s quite an intimate event so slots are limited. Make sure to secure a seat before Friday. Aside from the buffet, you’ll also get to participate in a silent auction and witness the commemoration of Riverside Antler Breakfast founder and chef Scott Savoie. Get your tickets here.

Follow @riverside_bia on Instagram for updates on exciting events in the neighbourhood like this one. We look forward to having you on Dec. 13!

The 13th annual Riverside Antler Breakfast is organized by the Riverside BIA, Ralph Thornton Community Centre and Fontbonne Ministries.

Let’s Get Ready for the Riverside Vintage Crawl – Holiday Edition!

We’re the gift that keeps on giving. We’ve got one more vintage crawl before we wrap it up for 2024. Who’s excited for the holiday edition of the Riverside Vintage Crawl?

Join us on December 12, 2024 (6pm-9pm) for a fun night of vintage shopping and cheery, holiday fun featuring your favourite vintage stores in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood.

If you’re new to the Riverside Vintage Crawl or just need a refresher, here’s a few reminders before the event:

Photo credit: Riverside BIA

Plan your time well.

You’ve got six locations to check out within three hours. Make sure to come early so you have ample time at every stop. If you need a break, you can head to Queen Garden Centre, get toasty in front of a fire pit and treat yourself to a warm beverage and s’mores from the cafe.

Photo credit: Common Sort

Prepare a list.

Whether you’re shopping for yourself or your loved ones, it’s always helpful to have ideas on what you’re looking for beforehand. In case you didn’t know, HST on all purchases made during the event will be shouldered by the stores, so take advantage of this deal.

Photo credit: Second Voyage Vintage

Dress strategically.

By this, we mean plan an outfit that you can easily try clothes in. Wear a fitted top as a base layer under your coat so it’s not a cumbersome process when you’re in the fitting room. Another tip: use a crossbody bag so you can browse and shop hands-free.

Photo credit: Riverside BIA

Tell your family and friends.

Spread the word! Racks of stylish and unique vintage goods await you and the whole gang. Worried about leaving your pups? Fret not, all participating businesses are pet-friendly so you can bring them along.

RSVP.

Give us a heads up that you’re coming. When you pre-register, you can get event deets and other important updates straight to your inbox. There will be a raffle too where you can enter to win gift cards to the shops! Sign up here to get your FREE tickets!

Participating Locations:

Follow @riverside_bia on Instagram so you’re always updated on exciting happenings in the neighbourhood. See you on December 12!

Queen East Winter Windows Showcase: A Peek Behind The Windows (Part 4 of 4)

This holiday season, Queen Street East has come alive with festive window art by local artists on 45+ storefront businesses in Riverside and Leslieville.

Read on to know the inspiration behind the window designs of this year’s Queen East Winter Windows Showcase. The Queen East Winter Windows Showcase is a joint program of the Riverside BIA and Leslieville BIA, thanks to funding support from the City’s Transit Construction Mitigation Grant Program.

“Flaunt Flake”

Artist: Victoria Day (IG @artistvictoriaday) | Location: UNTITLED by Flaunt Boutique (792 Queen St E)

Victoria embraced the theme of winter by tapping into her love of symmetry and pattern through the snowflake. Fine line work fills the flake creating whorls reminiscent of hair and woodgrain, inspired by UNTITLED’s dedication to sustainability.

“Snowflake Snowy Owl”

Artist: Ella Mazur (IG @ecmazurart) | Location: Thyme Studio (779 Queen St E)

The art features a dreamy snowy owl sitting on a branch, surrounded by snowflakes gently falling. The intricate floral details of the snowflakes are a nod to Thyme’s whimsical floral arrangements and a commitment to celebrating the beauty of nature.

“Flaky Pastries”

Artist: Victoria Day (IG @artistvictoriaday) | Location: Tim Hortons (800 Queen St E)

Victoria embraced the theme of winter by tapping into her love of symmetry and pattern through the snowflake. Playfully adding in classic Tim Hortons donuts was inspired by a nostalgic activity: catching snowflakes on your tongue!

“The Dogs’ Dance”

Artist: Square (IG @squarepopsicle) | Location: Dirty Pawz Dog Wash (804 Queen St E)

Inspired by the Toy’s Dance from “The Nutcracker” and the furry friends at Dirty Pawz, “The Dogs’ Dance” highlights the charm and humour of the wintertime by imagining a duo of dancing and dapper dogs.

“Festive Flourishes”

Artist: Asli Alin (IG @aslialin) | Location: Tabule Middle Eastern Cuisine (810 Queen St E)

This art captures the warmth and beauty of the holiday season through intricate, ornamental patterns inspired by Middle Eastern artistry. The design brings a sense of celebration and elegance, inviting passersby to experience a joyful and welcoming ambiance.

“White Winter: A Fractal Symphony”

Artist: César Alonso Rodriguez (IG @cesar_neuromantix) | Location: Hooked Inc. (888 Queen St E)

The art is an exploration of how snow, as it falls gently to the ground, mirrors the fractal patterns that appear both in the natural world and in abstract mathematics. The white canvas of winter represents purity and silence, a quiet space where these fractal patterns unfold — each snowflake, unique and yet bound by the same set of universal rules. I aim to evoke the paradox of the endless repetition and the fleeting nature of each individual snowflake, creating an experience that invites both awe and contemplation. Through the fractal lens, winter is not just a season — it becomes a symphony of form, pattern and infinite possibility, woven into the fabric of a white, snow-covered world.

“Vintage Holiday Scene”

Artist: Christine “Chris” Kilfoil (IG @c.tinfoil) | Location: Philistine (1179 Queen St E)

This design depicts funny, ‘rubber hose-style’ characters interacting in Philistine’s window display. They reflect the timeless, vintage aesthetic of the store. This work aims to remind viewers of the nostalgic holiday times of old, while reminding them that there’s no time like the present to recreate those memories!

“Together”

Artist: Daria Domnikova (IG @domnikova.design) | Location: Jules Bistro (1290 Queen St E)

This mural brings the cozy interior of Jules Bistro to the outside by capturing the patrons enjoying great food and each other’s company during the wintry months in the warm, comfortable and elevated atmosphere of the restaurant. The mural invites the passersby to come in and connect over a meal.

“First Snow, Last Radish”

Artist: Talie Shalmon (IG @talshal_) | Location: Raise the Root Organic Market (1164 Queen St E)

The art depicts three Eastern Cottontail rabbits wearing scarves, surrounded by snowflakes. Eastern Cottontail rabbits are prevalent in North America and they love eating fresh vegetables, like the ones available at Raise the Root. One of the rabbits in the artwork is leaping towards the delicious radish in Raise the Root’s logo.

“White Winter: A Fractal Symphony”

Artist: César Alonso Rodriguez (IG @cesar_neuromantix) | Location: Leslieville Cheese Market Inc. (891 Queen St E)

The art is an exploration of how snow, as it falls gently to the ground, mirrors the fractal patterns that appear both in the natural world and in abstract mathematics. The white canvas of winter represents purity and silence, a quiet space where these fractal patterns unfold — each snowflake, unique and yet bound by the same set of universal rules. I aim to evoke the paradox of the endless repetition and the fleeting nature of each individual snowflake, creating an experience that invites both awe and contemplation. Through the fractal lens, winter is not just a season — it becomes a symphony of form, pattern and infinite possibility, woven into the fabric of a white, snow-covered world.

The Queen East Winter Windows Showcase will run until Dec. 31, 2024, with our friendly contest to vote for your fave designs and enter our local raffle on until Dec 13th (click below!). You can scan the QR code on any of the participating locations. View all the locations on our online map or by grabbing a physical copy at participating businesses.

Follow @riverside_bia  and @leslievillebia on Instagram for updates on our holiday programming!

The Queen East Winter Windows Showcase is a joint program of the Riverside BIA and Leslieville BIA, thanks to funding support from the City’s Transit Construction Mitigation Grant Program.

Queen East Winter Windows Showcase: A Peek Behind The Windows (Part 3 of 4)

This holiday season, Queen Street East has come alive with festive window art by local artists on 45+ storefront businesses in Riverside and Leslieville.

Read on to know the inspiration behind the window designs of this year’s Queen East Winter Windows Showcase! The Queen East Winter Windows Showcase is a joint program of the Riverside BIA and Leslieville BIA, thanks to funding support from the City’s Transit Construction Mitigation Grant Program.

“Santa Hitchhiking to the Gig”

Artist: Erin McCluskey (IG @mcclusk) | Location: The Opera House (735-737 Queen St E)

Rock ‘n’ roll Santa stands in the snow with his electric guitar, looking for a ride to his next gig. A band van pulled by flying reindeer gives him a lift.

“Sleighing Joy”

Artist: Wandy Cheng (IG @wandy_cheng) | Location: Slayer Burger (739 Queen St E)

Situated at an intersection with constant streetcar traffic, burgers are reimagined as hefty presents to be delivered to your loved ones as an expression of love.

“Warm Wishes!”

Artist: Marg Cresswell (IG @muralsbymarg) | Location: Ran’s Closet (747 Queen St E)

Once upon a wintery night, the neighbourhood came alive with window murals and twinkling lights. The chill of the season was settling in, painting the world in frosty hues, and mittens, hats and scarves of all shapes and sizes would soon be needed! Just like the ones depicted on the window at Ran’s, they are more than just a cozy accessory, they are symbols of love and tradition. Wishing you the warmth of the holiday season!

“Ten Winters of Wonder”

Artist: Asli Alin (IG @aslialin) | Location: Irish Design House (756 Queen St E)

“Ten Winters of Wonder” celebrates the joy of the holiday season and a decade of cherished memories with the community. The artwork embodies warmth, connection and the spirit of togetherness year after year.

“Cozy Tea Time”

Artist: Wandy Cheng (IG @wandy_cheng) | Location: Lemon Lily (747 Queen St E)

Bundle up in the cold! This cozy atmosphere with soft carpet welcomes passersby to have a cup of hot, steamy tea in the snowy winter.

“Stylish Snow Angels”

Artist: Ella Mazur (IG @ecmazurart) | Location: Common Sort (760 Queen St E)

The art features men and women enjoying the winter weather by making snow angels, all fabulously dressed. The design emphasizes Common Sort’s commitment to making fashion more accessible and sustainable while also encouraging people to be creative and unique with their style.

“Winter Foliage”

Artist: Talie Shalmon (IG @talshal_) | Location: Blitz Facial Bar (1133 Queen St E)

The art depicts branches and cones of flora that thrive in Canadian winters. These trees and shrubs include fir, spruce, pine, larch, yew and winterberries. This artwork expresses Blitz Facial Bar’s dedication to wellness and helping people thrive in all seasons like evergreens.

“Yeti Run”

Artist: Christine “Chris” Kilfoil (IG @c.tinfoil)| Location: Eye Studio (1137 Queen St E)

This artwork depicts a family of silly Yetis — a.k.a. abominable snow people — taking advantage of a snow day in the hills! The layout of the design incorporates Eye Studio’s lovely logo as the centerpiece, while ensuring that everyone has their proper PPE: stylish goggles and shades.

“Seasonal Garland”

Artist: Erin McCluskey (IG @mcclusk) | Location: Scout (1140 Queen St E)

A magical garland laden with fruits, pinecones and seasonal flowers hangs over the window of Scout.

“Winter’s Messenger”

Artist: Talie Shalmon (IG @talshal_) | Location: Love Me Do Baby (1142 Queen St E)

The art depicts a stork braving the winter skies with a special gift delivery. The stork often symbolizes new life, and is associated with delivering babies in folklore. As winter is a gift giving season, who better to deliver gifts for babies and new parents than a stork?

“Peaceful Wishes!”

Artist: Marg Cresswell (IG @muralsbymarg) | Location: Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming (1151 Queen St E)

Once upon a peaceful and snowy winter night, all the neighbourhood dogs gathered to wait for Santa. They were dreaming of all the wonderful gifts he would bring to each good boy and girl! The dogs were all looking paw-sitively perfect as they had visited Woof Gang earlier, where the wonderful people there help all pets feel and look their best!

“White Winter: A Fractal Symphony”

Artist: César Alonso Rodriguez (IG @cesar_neuromantix) | Location: Toronto Scuba Centre (1175 Queen St E)

The art is an exploration of how snow, as it falls gently to the ground, mirrors the fractal patterns that appear both in the natural world and in abstract mathematics. The white canvas of winter represents purity and silence, a quiet space where these fractal patterns unfold — each snowflake, unique and yet bound by the same set of universal rules. I aim to evoke the paradox of the endless repetition and the fleeting nature of each individual snowflake, creating an experience that invites both awe and contemplation. Through the fractal lens, winter is not just a season — it becomes a symphony of form, pattern and infinite possibility, woven into the fabric of a white, snow-covered world.

The Queen East Winter Windows Showcase will run until Dec. 31, 2024, with our friendly contest to vote for your fave designs and enter our local raffle on until Dec 13th (click below!). You can scan the QR code on any of the participating locations. View all the locations on our online map or by grabbing a physical copy at participating businesses.

Follow @riverside_bia  and @leslievillebia on Instagram for updates on our holiday programming!

The Queen East Winter Windows Showcase is a joint program of the Riverside BIA and Leslieville BIA, thanks to funding support from the City’s Transit Construction Mitigation Grant Program.

Queen East Winter Windows Showcase: A Peek Behind The Windows (Part 2 of 4)

This holiday season, Queen Street East has come alive with festive window art by local artists on 45+ storefront businesses in Riverside and Leslieville.

Read on to know the inspiration behind the window designs of this year’s Queen East Winter Windows Showcase. The Queen East Winter Windows Showcase is a joint program of the Riverside BIA and Leslieville BIA, thanks to funding support from the City’s Transit Construction Mitigation Grant Program.

“Gingerbread Cheers”

Artist: Ella Mazur (IG @ecmazurart) | Location: Eastbound Brewing Company (700 Queen St E)

This art captures the spirit of the holidays with two gingerbread men clinking their glasses together. Eastbound Brewing provides a place for people to come and enjoy spending time with the people they love — something we want for the holidays and for always.

“Sparkling Moments”

Artist: Wandy Cheng (IG @wandy_cheng) | Location: Duke’s Refresher + Bar (709 Queen St E)

A lively environment with regular event nights that friends can gather over comfort food and a wide selection of beer to create new memories during the holidays.

“No Place Like Home”

Artist: Fernanda Bocanegra Cantuarias (IG @lynenickart) | Location: Korman & Company (721 Queen St E)

“No Place Like Home” captures the harmony of nature and city life in Toronto, with a beaver character symbolizing trust and reliability; qualities that nod at Korman & Company’s dedication to supporting the local community navigate through real estate and legal transactions with safety and ease.

“Four Calling Birds”

Artist: Erin McCluskey (IG @mcclusk) | Location: ēst Restaurant (729 Queen St E)

From the old carol The Twelve Days of Christmas, four songbirds sing amongst a background of festive branches covered in fruit and pinecones. 

“FlaKey”

Artist: Victoria Day (IG @artistvictoriaday) | Location: Real Greek Gyros (731 Queen St E)

Victoria embraced the theme of winter by tapping into her love of symmetry and pattern through the snowflake. This design combines the snowflake motif with the classic Greek Key pattern, also known as the Meander pattern.

“The Rabbit’s Dance”

Artist: Square (IG @squarepopsicle) | Location: Dresden Vision (733 Queen St E)

Inspired by the Toy’s Dance from “The Nutcracker” and the charming designs at Dresden Vision, “The Rabbit’s Dance” captures the movement and wonder of winter and the holidays through a simple solo dance by a well-spectacled rabbit.

“First Impressions Matter”

Artist: Fernanda Bocanegra Cantuarias (IG @lynenickart) | Location: Maral Salon (936 Queen St E)

“First Impressions Matter” captures the magic of a small boutique experience where a friendly team transforms an everyday visit into something exceptional. This cozy display, inspired by Canadian nature, embodies the salon’s commitment to quality and connection, bringing out the best of each client’s hair.

“Canadian Winter Animals”

Artist: Christine “Chris” Kilfoil (IG @c.tinfoil)| Location: Culture Athletics (972 Queen St E)

Each of these Canadian winter animals reflects a core value of Culture Athletics. The wolf embodies the communal nature of running and yoga; the moose represents strength; the hares, speed; and the lynxes, determination to thrive under harsh conditions. Don’t let the cold hold you back from your fitness goals!

“The Gift of Nature”

Artist: Asli Alin (IG @aslialin) | Location: Garden’s Path Floral Design (983 Queen St E)

This art symbolizes the warmth, love and renewal of the holiday season. It reflects the beauty of giving, celebrating the joy and connection that nature brings during the winter months.

“Joy in Movement”

Artist: Daria Domnikova (IG @domnikova.design) | Location: Leslieville Chiropractic and Wellness (989 Queen St E)

This festive window mural reflects on the services provided at Leslieville Chiropractic and Wellness. The design has nutcrackers as its main characters. Having received treatments at Leslieville Chiropractic and Wellness, the nutcrackers are enjoying moving freely and without pain. This mural reminds neighbours to come in for their end-of-year gift of health and self-care.

“White Winter: A Fractal Symphony”

Artist: César Alonso Rodriguez (IG @cesar_neuromantix) | Location: The Flamingo (991 Queen St E)

The art is an exploration of how snow, as it falls gently to the ground, mirrors the fractal patterns that appear both in the natural world and in abstract mathematics. The white canvas of winter represents purity and silence, a quiet space where these fractal patterns unfold — each snowflake, unique and yet bound by the same set of universal rules. I aim to evoke the paradox of the endless repetition and the fleeting nature of each individual snowflake, creating an experience that invites both awe and contemplation. Through the fractal lens, winter is not just a season — it becomes a symphony of form, pattern and infinite possibility, woven into the fabric of a white, snow-covered world.

“Nutcracker Dreams”

Artist: Ella Mazur (IG @ecmazurart) | Location: Black Rooster Decor (1075 Queen St E #1)

The art features two larger-than-life nutcrackers, standing at the ready to greet you as you enter Black Rooster Design. A classic symbol of the season, the Nutcrackers are a perfect complement to the elegant and classy collection of home decor thoughtfully curated by the Black Rooster team.

The Queen East Winter Windows Showcase will run until Dec. 31, 2024, with our friendly contest to vote for your fave designs and enter our local raffle on until Dec 13th (click below!). You can scan the QR code on any of the participating locations. View all the locations on our online map or by grabbing a physical copy at participating businesses.

Follow @riverside_bia  and @leslievillebia on Instagram for updates on our holiday programming!

The Queen East Winter Windows Showcase is a joint program of the Riverside BIA and Leslieville BIA, thanks to funding support from the City’s Transit Construction Mitigation Grant Program.