“Riverside Pollinator Mural” Coming to 777 Queen E

Riverside is getting a mural on the west-facing wall of Elbers Antiques at 777 Queen Street East. Long a neglected spot targeted by graffiti, this mural will help revitalize and brighten this area of the Riverside BIA, thanks to a City of Toronto mural grant.

Let us know what you think of the mural design here

Riverside Pollinator Mural

About the Design

Bees as Pollinators:

The theme for this mural is bees and or urban pollinators. We have chosen this theme because Riverside has a lot of hidden green spaces that maintain wildflowers. In addition to this, there are also a number of local hives in the east-end, and a bee-keeping culture that has been shared with the community through Riverside’s guided walking tours. It further ties into Riverside’s sustainability approach, since urban hives are good for the city’s ecosystem, while also being unexpected oases of calm in the urban bustle. This is reflective of Riverside’s character: a neighbourhood that maintains a calmer small-town atmosphere in the middle of a busy urban centre. This theme enables us to provide an impactful and arresting imagery, while also covering up unsightly graffiti tagging.

Clocks and Time:  

Time and watches is an homage to Riverside veteran board member and clockmaker Albert Edelstein, who had a huge impact in founding the Riverside BIA. It is also a symbolic reference Riverside’s Time Public Art series, created by artist Eldon Garnet. Riverside maintains two iconic clocks on the bridge and on the Ralph Thornton Centre, and this further connects to the historical significance of Riverside, which has strong historical legacy, while continuing to move forward in time as a vibrant neighbourhood. Edelstein as a jeweler and clockmaker is a great metaphor for the pollinator – someone working hard on tiny things with thousands of tiny moving parts, largely out of sight, just quietly working, but the things they produce, their work, has enormous effects outside the workshop. The gears represent small things working together to make big things happen – like bees in a hive or a neighbourhood community. Like clockmakers, pollinators are an important member of society and their toils must be given proper respect, because they play an essential role in the community in allowing it thrive and exist.

About the Artist

Artist Nick Sweetman:

Nick Sweetman is an independent, multidisciplinary artist from Toronto. He holds an MFA from OCAD University’s Interdisciplinary Art, Media and Design program as well as a certificate from the Mural Routes Leadership Training in Mural-Making program. He has gone on to lead and contribute to numerous mural projects around the city from East to West, collaborating with many of Toronto’s best artists in the public realm, as well as partnering with several non-profit organizations on community projects and events. His studio practice has always been based in painting, but over the years his work has explored photography, video, installation, and a wide array of mixed media. He is interested in drawing attention to physical and conceptual sites of fracture and intersection between natural forces and human-designed objects and spaces. By this, he hopes to encourage consideration of our relationship with the planet and its non-human inhabitants. www.nicksweetman.ca

Let us know what you think here

 

 

FOCUS on the Businesses of Riverside’s Health & Wellness Walk July 9th

On Saturday, July 9th, starting at 11am, take a walk and get an inside look at many of Riverside’s health and wellness-promoting businesses. The Riverside Health and Wellness Walk, part of the 2016 free Riverside Walks series, will be led by Registered Dietitian and Family Nutritionist Nishta Saxena MSc. RD.

Learn more about the businesses offering great demos, talks and samples during the walk:


GYMS/FITNESS STUDIOS

All four gyms/fitness studios will be leading a 15-minute workout at their stop on the walk

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 Framewrk

9 Davies Avenue

Framewrk offers functional fitness and mindful practices to improve the body and mind. They are focused on unique classes that challenge traditional ideas of what fitness can be and give people new ways to explore health and wellness. They teach a variety of creative, inspiring, effective classes and all of our teachers are experts in their fields.

During the walk, they will be running through a class called Essentrics which is a unique, full body workout that rapidly changes the shape of your body through a dynamic and fluid combination of strengthening and stretching. The technique develops lean, strong and flexible muscles with immediate changes to your posture. The program rebalances the body, prevents and treats injuries and unlocks tight joints. This body weight, equipment-free workout leaves you feeling energized, youthful and healthy.

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   FORME Fitness

100 Broadview Avenue

FORME Fitness specialize in small group and semi-private training. Housed in a custom-built, 5,500 sq. ft. facility, FORME cultivates a community of supportive, like-minded individuals and includes nutritional and lifestyle coaching in all their programs.

On the walk, they will showcase their philosophy and techniques over a 15-minute talking session.

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JAM FITNESS

9 Davies Avenue

They are a group of passionate health leaders that are bringing Physical Literacy & Movement Culture to Toronto. Physical Literacy is the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding to value and take responsibility for engagement in physical activities for life. The Movement Culture is a community of people interested in learning more about body, health, wellness and human performance.

For the walk, they will take to the outdoors for a 15-minute workout in Riverside’s Joel Weeks Park.

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The Chi Junky Studio

70 McGee Street

Chi Junky is a private yoga studio that offers classes of no more than 6 people & Full Service Wellness Concierge. It is Toronto’s  wellness retreat located in Riverside. Designed for busy people looking for a healthy change, Chi Junky makes achieving total wellness simple, accessible and realistic. Think of them as your one-stop shop for clean living. No more commuting, guesswork, stress or excuses when it comes to your health.

For the Riverside Health and Wellness walk, the Chi Junky Studio will be leading a 15-minute guided meditation and refreshments to end off the walk.


CYCLING
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Switchback Cyclery

651 Queen Street East

Opened in June 2013, Switchback Cyclery is Riverside’s cycle shop with a wide selection of bikes and accessories for sale in a warm and welcoming service environment. Switchback has its origins in Sanctuary, a Christian charitable organization that welcomes people who have known mostly only rejection and abuse. They offer relationships and a chance to rediscover the joy and dignity that comes from having a meaningful and purposeful occupation.

As a stop on the Health and Wellness walk, they will talking about their bicycles, the Switchback Philosophy and their involvement with the community.


  HEALTHY FOOD
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The Healthy Whey

740 Queen Street East

The Healthy Whey is Riverside’s health supplement store and local destination for affordable, natural health supplements, such as: vitamins and minerals, proteins, omegas, sports nutrition, diet and weight loss, probiotics, superfoods, and more. They also carry a large assortment of vegan products.

On the walk, they look forward to getting to know you better and answering your questions!

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Pulp Kitchen

717 Queen Street East

Pulp Kitchen specializes in fresh juice elixirs and smoothies. Their mission is to make healthy food more available to everyone, and to help educate on the benefits of healthy eating. Their juices are from freshly pressed fruits and vegetables, and they offer over 30 unique smoothies and juice blends. Their solid food items are free of all animal ingredients, and can be made gluten-free upon request. They use local and/or organic ingredients whenever possible.

During the walk, Pulp Kitchen will provide a talk on healthy eating and taste test of three of their popular fresh juices!!


HEALTH/MEDICAL

 Riverside-Health-Wellness-Walk-Get-Healthy

Oma Chiropractic

1 Munro Street

Dr Karen Jongedijk, the founder of this wonderful clinic, had a grandmother and they called her Oma. An Oma is caring, wise and someone you go to for advice. Oma Chiropractic & Wellness Centre’s enjoyment comes from playing the role of your Oma, and witnessing what you can accomplish when your body is functioning at its best.

They will be discussing self care during the walk. Think about self care as the art of giving to oneself in a way that refreshes, sustains, and strengthens. It helps to reset our perspective, energy and purpose.


 

It’s not too late to join in for this walk!! Sign-up here for this free walk and get your limited edition Riverside reusable bag! (filled with amazing swag items on the day of the walk)

Share your experiences with us via Twitter and Instagram #RiversideTO and #RiversideTOwalks

Riverside Walks is a series of local walking tours throughout May to October that invite you to come and explore the vibrant Riverside neighbourhood. Our neighbourhood is located along Queen Street East from the DVP to Empire Avenue in Toronto. Sponsored by Team Sheppard Re/MAX, our 2016 walks showcase Riverside’s diverse culture and cater to a wide variety of interests.  All walks are led by local residents and Riverside personalities. Check out the website for more walks coming up!

Riverside Eats & Shops | Your Dinner and Late Night Spots on Queen Street East

Enjoy this guest blog by Chef Scott Savoie (@TOfoodTourGuy)

With so many great places to eat in Toronto’s Riverside, along historic Queen Street East between DVP and Degrassi Street, it’s hard to pick just one. Here are my top picks for dinner and drinks:

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il Ponte

I can’t say enough good things about this place. Giancarlo Catalona is the ultimate “Gentleman Restauranteur and consummate Italian host.” The restaurant has a modern feel and a greatvibe combined with some killer pizzas and pastas.

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Some of my favorite dishes include the CALAMARI FRITTI, which is lightly dusted in chick pea flour, deep fried till golden brown and served with house aioli but the GRILLED 16OZ. VEAL CHOP with seasonal vegetables is my go to dish. Italians “own” veal and while most restaurants play it safe and serve a traditional veal parmigiana, Giancarlo chooses to go the Chop route and get it right every time; perfectly seasoned, and grilled to your liking. A healthy alternative to steak if you happen to be watching what you eat. The pizza of course is to die for. I think the true test of every Italian restaurant is the Margherita Pizza. Let me tell you they pass with flying colors. My fav however is the DON STEFANO with mozzarella, sliced potato, quanciale and shaved black truffles. The pastas are a generous portion and full of flavor.

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The MEZZE MANICHE ALLA NORCINA is artisanal pasta, shallots and ground sausage in a white wine, pecorino and nutmeg sauce. They offer gluten free, spelt and whole wheat pasta options as well. Can you say delizioso? I love how they take local ingredients and combine them with imported Italian items to create a unique Italian cuisine that can only be found in the kitchens of Il Ponte.

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Sushi Bar

This casual neighborhood spot has been around since 2009 serving classic Japanese dishes, including sushi, tempura, udon, teriyaki & bento boxes. Although I have never dined in, I have picked up takeout on many occasions. The SUSHI is very fresh and flavorful and I must say, I really enjoyed it. Friends who eat there regularly tell me that the service is great.

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Prohibition GastroHouse

Any Restaurant that uses Duck Fat as a staple is my kind of place. They don’t even try to hide it. They proudly display it on the menu. Well done my friends…Well done! Fat is flavor. The other thing that impresses me about this place is that they run a scratch kitchen, use local ingredients and smoke their own meats and bake their own breads. Pretty impressive considering the age of convenience that we live in. I am sure it would be a lot less work and more cost effective if they cut corners, but they don’t. This says a lot about what the owners and the chef believe in. As a chef myself, I admire that. I have eaten here on several occasions and have always been quite satisfied.

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Dinner offerings include pub favorites, as well as CHICKEN & WAFFLES, STEAK FRITES, LAMB SHANK CONFIT and SMOKED BEEF SHORT RIBS. The kitchen is open late with a special late night menu and they have a pretty famous HOOCH HOUR that runs from 5 till 7 and 10 till 11 PM with all draught, bottle beers, house wines and high end liquor brands for $5.09 plus tax. You really need to check this place out if you haven’t already.

Don’t miss their Summerlicious menu on during the Sounds of Leslieville/Riverside (July 8 to 24th).

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Hi Lo Bar

Some of you may remember Gavin from his time at Table 17, well he teamed up with the former owner Eric & Chef John Sinopoli and together the 3 amigos started Hi Lo. A great neighborhood bar that filled a much needed void in the hood. It’s unpretentious and totally chill. Vintage concert posters adorn the walls and reclaimed wood tables and arcade games give the room a throwback feel. The food menu is a little light, so come for drinks before dinner or light snacks and cocktails afterward. All in all it’s a great place with great vibe. If you want to drink where the locals drink… this is the place!

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Boots & Bourbon

If country music is your thing be sure to check out Boots & Bourbon while you’re in the hood. Be prepared to line up to get in because, yes, this place is that popular! They offer live country bands on Friday and Saturday nights and a mechanical bull so if you feel like showin’ off a bit or making a fool out of yourself, take that bull for a ride. Riverside-Eats-Shops-Dinner-Boots-bourbon

Trust me after a couple of cold beer and a few shots of Bourbon you’ll be line dancing to the Boot Scootin’ Boogie

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Ruby Watchco

The flagship in celebrity chef Lynn Crawford’s Empire since 2010. Chef Lynn is Canada’s best loved female chef. She has earned international culinary accolades as the executive chef of the Four Seasons in both Toronto and New York City. She is a cookbook author and has appeared on the television show “Restaurant Makeover” as well as her own hit television series “Pitchin’ In” She has been a judge on “Top Chef Canada and “Chopped Canada” and has competed on “Top Chef Masters” and “Iron Chef America” against Bobby Flay. The menu at the restaurant changes daily (see this week’s menu here) and is served family style at your table. Sometimes by Chef Lynn herself—if you’re lucky and she happens to be at the restaurant that night.

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Being the rock star chef that she is and with her hectic schedule of TV Shows, Cooking Demos and Guest Appearances she leaves the kitchen in the hands of her partner Chef Laura Kirk. Let me just tell you Laura is one talented chef! She has worked with Gordon Ramsey and has been invited to cook in Kitchen Stadium on Iron Chef America. Together Chef Lynn and Chef Laura are the culinary forces behind a restaurant whose core beliefs are rooted in supporting the locally grown food movement and local farmers. As a chef, I think it is such a great thing to be able to know exactly where your food comes from, how it was raised, and how it was harvested. This is what they do! The food is absolutely wonderful and you owe it to your taste buds to eat here. If not this weekend then sometime soon. Your Tummy will thank you.

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I’ll Be Seeing You

A bar owed by two sisters with a dollar and a dream, it’s a great place for you to check out for drinks and nibbles after Jazzfest or any other time for that matter. Located in the former 747 Wine Bar/Picnic space, the sisters have done a great job of redecorating to create a cozy atmosphere. The menu is small but offers some great choices and while I must admit I have not tried the food I do know people who rave about it. The baked SPINACH & ARTICHOKE DIP, the FLAT BREADS and the MAC & CHEESE get particularly high praise and I like the fact that they offer BAKED WINGS rather than the deep fried version that is the industry standard. While one sister is in the kitchen, the other is tending the bar. Now I have had drinks there and I can tell you, this sister mixes up a wicked cocktail! They also offer craft beers, ciders and a good selection of wines by the glass. Be sure to stop by and say hello! I hope I’ll be seeing you there!

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Lan Vietnamese Restaurant 

Riverside’s newest restaurant. We were lucky enough to take a group of VIP food tour guests there for opening night and let me tell you it was delicious. Despite a few minor hiccups that every restaurant experiences on opening day, we all thoroughly enjoyed every dish and the service was wonderful. The place was jam packed but Lan and her staff went out of their way to make sure we had a wonderful experience.’Riverside-Eats-Shops-Dinner-lan-restaurant

This is real authentic Vietnamese food. The restaurant brings you back to old Hanoi with its French architecture and hand carved furniture. The menu is inspired by dishes and recipes from Lan’s husband Denny and his family in Northern Vietnam. The PHO, pronounced “FUH” is a dish that originate in the northern city of Hanoi and is served in true northern style without lime, bean sprouts or the usual Thai basil or cilantro. It is delicious. The broth is very flavorful and slightly spicy as a true PHO should be. Other dishes that we enjoyed were the Vietnamese crispy pancake (BANH XEO) and the (MANG XAO TOI) Stir-fried bamboo shoot with garlic. All in all, this is a great addition to the Riverside restaurant scene.

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The Comrade

Every ‘hood needs a good brown liquor bar and the Comrade does a great job of living up to that. Cocktails are the order of the day in this old world inspired lounge. Whether you’re a cocktail aficionado or don’t know a bitter from a cordial, you will feel right at home as you sip on the bartender’s latest creations.

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Enjoy your drink while sitting in a cool space decorated with Chinese lanterns and propaganda posters. As odd as this may seem, this room works and the friendly vibe from the staff set the tone for a relaxing time. The kitchen is open till 1:00 AM and the menu is definitely focused on small plate sharables. The STEAK TARTAR, DUCK RILLETTE and the BONE MARROW are all excellent choices. It is one of the few places in the area to serve OYSTERS and even better is that they are half price from open till 7:00 PM.

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Tabule

This is another one of my favorite restaurants… Diana and Ronnie her chef husband do a fabulous job. If you love Middle Eastern cuisine you are going to fall in love with Tabule! What started out as one restaurant on Yonge near Davisville, has spawned into a little empire with Queen St being restaurant #2.  With restaurant 3 almost set to open in the former Pan Am athletes village, they have already started construction of #4 in Bayview Village shopping center. To get started you will need to order a platter of the COLD MEZZE to share and might I suggest washing that down with a HABBIBI Cocktail.

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If you’re Gluten Free, Vegetarian or Vegan there are lots of options for you to try including the FALAFEL, the FLASH FRIED CAULIFLOWER, the EGGPLANT. If you eat meat, the LEBANESE SPICY SAUSAGE and the CHICKEN KABOB are delicious as is the GRILLED LAMB and the RED SNAPPER. It is all so good! No wonder I am shaped like a pear… every day I eat and drink professionally.

I hope you have enjoyed reading these blog posts as much as I enjoyed writing them. A big thanks to the Riverside BIA for letting me share some of my fav places to eat + drink + explore in the hood and hopefully we will see some of you on our Riverside/Leslieville Food Tour that runs every Wednesday and every Saturday mornings at 11:30am. We would love to have you join us.


Chef ScottAbout the Author | Chef Scott is the Founder and Chief Eating Officer of Toronto Food Tours Inc. He is a World Traveled Chef + Culinary Instructor + Toronto Lover + Story Teller + Stroke Survivor. He has been leading food tours in the GTA since 2010 and is a staunch supporter of the Riverside community, local events and charities. Follow him on Twitter @TOFoodTourGuy

Toronto Food Tours #foodtoursTO 

tofoodtours.com

Twitter and Instagram: @foodtoursTO

 


With all these great options (and more!) available it’s definitely hard to pick just one, but not to worry, you’re always welcome back for more! Be sure to snap and share a picture of your experience in any of our neighbourhood spots with hashtag #‎RiversideTO.

The Riverside Eats & Shops Blog series is your handy everyday guide to some of Riverside’s best, including:

Get Healthy in your Hood July 9th | Riverside Health and Wellness Walk

Have you ever been curious about how you can get healthier in your own hood? healthy

Riverside holds a wealth of sources to help you feel better, stronger, sexier and more connected to whatever is important to you. On Saturday, July 9th, starting at 11am, take a walk and get an inside look at many of Riverside’s health and wellness-promoting businesses. The Riverside Health and Wellness Walk, part of the 2016 free Riverside Walks series, will be led by Registered Dietitian and Family Nutritionist Nishta Saxena MSc. RD.

About our Walk Leader | Nishta Saxena

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Nishta Saxena has been working as a registered dietitian in the public and private sectors since 2005. Her expertise includes paediatric nutrition, along with chronic disease management, weight and cholesterol regulation, and cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes prevention. Nutrition can transform lives, Nishta believes, and it is her goal to share her passionate worldview that nutrition is truly the best medicine. She is also known as a “nutrition myth buster,” promoting evidence-based nutrition rather than food trends.

A frequently invited speaker at conferences, she presents up-to-date clinical nutrition concepts to physicians and the general public, her ease in front of audiences, stemming from her experience as an athlete and former dancer, clearly visible. Skilled at distilling science-based nutrition research into practical tips that the public can easily incorporate into their lives, Nishta is also a food and nutrition expert with Global National News, and makes regular contributions to the Globe and Mail, CBC.ca, and UHN News.

Health is about certainly about more than avoiding disease; its about getting your body and mind to a place of nourishment so that you have resources to function and pursue all the goals that are important to you in your life.” says Nishta, “As life steamrolls forward, we sometimes lose the connection with ourselves that helps nurture our bodies; let this engaging and fun Health Walk reconnect you to yourself! Whether it’s body work, yoga, chiropractic treatments, or good sweaty workout or bike ride, or perhaps a detailed look at what you are putting in your body, and counseling around how to strategize to change those negative patterns, Riverside can help!”

“Let this be your first introduction or a great reminder, to the amazing health resources available in Riverside. Let’s talk and walk in the sunshine! I can show you how to get healthy and re-connect in a few easy steps.”

This month’s walk will be covering all things Health and Wellness in Riverside: from fitness gyms to nutrition to health products and foods, this walk on Queen Street East – from the DVP to just past the world famous Degrassi St – will be highlighting all of them. Businesses will be leading fitness demos, providing samplers, giving out prizes, and talking about health and wellness promotion.

Check out all that’s in store for you on the walk:


GYMS/FITNESS STUDIOS

Gyms/fitness studios will be leading complimentary 15-minute workouts

Chi Junky

70 McGee Street

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 Framwrk

9 Davies Avenue

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   FORME Fitness

100 Broadview Avenue

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JAM FITNESS

9 Davies Avenue

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 CYCLING

Switchback Cyclery

651 Queen Street East

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HEALTHY FOOD

Enjoy sample demos: 

The Healthy Whey

740 Queen Street East

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 Enjoy a complimentary sample from:

Pulp Kitchen

717 Queen Street East

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HEALTH/MEDICAL

 Oma Chiropractic

1 Munro Street

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So come out and join us for this fitness and health filled walk lead by Nishta Saxena MSc, RD.. Register here and get your limited addition Riverside swag bag on the day of the walk!

‘Riverside Walks’ is a series of local walking tours throughout the spring, summer and fall (May-Oct) that invite you to come and explore the vibrant  Riverside neighbourhood, located along Queen Street East from the DVP to Empire Avenue, Toronto. Sponsored by Team Sheppard Re/MAX, our 2016 walks  will showcase Riverside’s diverse culture and cater to a wide variety of interests.  All walks are led by local residents and Riverside personalities. Check out our website for more walks coming up!

Share your experiences with us via Twitter and Instagram #RiversideTO and #RiversideTOwalks

Welcome to Riverside, BRIKA!

Riverside TO is excited to announce the arrival of BRIKA in our community, calling 768 Queen Street East (at Saulter Street) home. Opening the doors of its second permanent location, BRIKA is a gift concept shop that sells high quality, well-crafted goods by the most talented artisans and designers. From birthdays and graduations to baby showers and bridal parties, BRIKA offers a highly curated selection of beautiful pieces for every occasion.
Riverside BRIKA

“We’re thrilled to be joining the diverse mix of exciting retail shops and restaurants in the Riverside community,” said Kena Paranjape and Jen Lee Koss, BRIKA’s Co-Founders. “The overwhelmingly positive reception we have received has already made us feel welcome in this fantastic neighbourhood.”

Riverside BRIKA

BRIKA was founded by Kena and Jen in 2012 when Jen reached out to Kena after reading her lifestyle blog. After a series of coffee dates, the two realized they complemented each other’s skills perfectly – and both wanted to start a creative business. Within a year they had launched BRIKA, beginning as an online business before opening its first retail space at 642 Queen Street West, at Palmerston, in 2015.
Riverside BRIKA
BRIKA carries pieces that range from home goods and art to jewelry, accessories and gifts for little ones, including a selection of goods you won’t find anywhere else. From Charlotte & Castel marbled soaps to Avril Loreti tabletop textiles and adorable baby onesies, BRIKA’s modern, heirloom quality pieces (many of which are designed by Canadian artisans) speak for themselves when seen in person. In addition, the store will soon feature a balloon bar, which offers a fun and exclusive selection of balloons fit for celebrations of any kind.

For a more in-depth glimpse of what’s on offer, following along on TwitterInstagram and Facebook @shopbrika.

Here is store info for the directory:

Phone number: 1-800-BRIKA-HQ

Hours: Mon to Wed 10-6pm, Thurs to Fri 10-7pm, Sat 11-7pm, Sun 12-6pm

Email: service@brika.com