It is a well-kept secret.
One rooted in family lore, tradition and love. One that Denise Paquette holds close to her heart – a secret ingrained in centuries of French Canadian tradition, one she shares with those who venture through Kingston’s winding labyrinth of limestone alleys to feast at her table.
Tourtière, the iconic meat pie and the jewel in the crown of the Delightfully Different Tea Room, following a simple recipe: pork, beef, onion, mashed potatoes and spices.
And a secret, trademark ingredient: carrot.
“Carrot adds colour and sweetness – which might be why I’m selling so many!” laughs Denise, the owner and curator of the Delightfully Different Tea Room’s bright and beautiful foodie experience.
A seasonal delight offered only from November to February, Denise’s memories of tourtière are rooted in memories of Christmas past.
“There were six children in our French Canadian family. Every year we attended midnight mass at Christmas, and then would return home to enjoy my mother’s tourtières. It is such an important part of our culture and this is a big part of why I distinguish this offering at the Delightfully Different Tea Room.”
“I also make and sell a delicious homemade tomato chutney to accompany my tourtières,” she adds. “It is a family recipe that my dad used to make – he wasn’t allowed in the kitchen very often, because the kitchen was my mother’s domain!”
The Delightfully Different Tea Room shares a whimsical courtyard with Martello Alley, a colourful art gallery, at the end of one of Kingston’s classic limestone alleys, its walls brightened with works of a nearby art gallery – “a jewel!” says Denise.
“My patio really comes alive in the summer,” she continues. “Many patrons love sitting and having breakfast or lunch on their own, or coming in with friends, to enjoy the experience. Because of the shade, it’s quite comfortable even in those very hot summer months, especially with a nice gazpacho.”
Yet it is perhaps her vast collection of tea pots that inspire the most Insta-worthy moments, making the Delightfully Different Tea Room one of Kingston’s most photographed restaurants.
“The Tea Room offers many ‘delightfully different’ experiences,” explains Denise. “I think the most distinguishable part of the Tea Room experience is being able to select your teapot from a wall of assorted pots. There are roughly 55 tea pots on the shelf and many more decorated throughout the dining room. They range in theme, size, and even cultural background – most notably there is one that is from Afghanistan with seven spouts!”
“I am not the sole collector of these gems,” she adds. “Many of them have actually been donated from various generous and kind individuals looking to honour their loved one’s favourite teapots. So, almost every pot has a story, and I love being able to share that with my visitors.”
But while the teapots are a charming draw, it is Denise’s luscious menu of soups, salads, and sandwiches – with gluten-free and vegan options – that entices her clientèle to the Delightfully Different Tea Room.
“All of our dishes are made on the premises, fresh, daily by me and my colleagues,” she says. “We take pride in the ingredients we use, and the way we make these dishes is always with love and integrity.”
“I’m known for my quiches and soups, particularly my quiche Lorraine and spicy Moroccan peanut tomato soup,” she says. “Likewise, one of our lovely fresh salads is the Israeli couscous salad, a true staple at the Tea Room. However, in the summer, our menu accommodates the season and as such we offer more of a variety, like the Moroccan quinoa.”
The Delightfully Different Tea Room also offers a mystery plate – a melange of various popular items on the menu. In a light-hearted spirit of pleasure and exploration, Denise revels in delivering something palatable and delicious to her unsuspecting clientèle.
“The fun thing is that the patron doesn’t actually know what soup, or what salad, or what sandwich or dessert they are receiving! They put their trust in me and I deliver what I think is most palatable together on the plate.”
“The Delightfully Different Tea Room also offers high tea – a lovely opportunity to dress up, connect with a friend or loved one, and enjoy the atmosphere and experience – especially on the terrace in summer!” continues Denise.
Available by reservation, the Delightfully Different Tea Room’s high tea experience includes bottomless tea, a traditional three-tier tower filled with finger sandwiches, mini desserts, and scones with cream and jam at an affordable price point.
In addition to serving fine fare and tempting teas, Denise is also deeply ensconced in Kingston’s francophonie.
“I truly enjoy being able to speak French with my clientèle,” says Denise. “It gives me great pleasure to delight people who walk in my door knowing they can feel comfortable speaking this beautiful language with me.”
“French is a universal language – Kingston, which also has a French colonial history and a thriving military base, welcomes people from all over the country, and even the world, who make a point of engaging with us because of the French language.”
“As francophones in Kingston, we look for opportunities to connect and speak French whenever we can. I feel lucky – to speak this language, in this city and at the Delightfully Different Tea Room – and to share all of it with my neighbours and with visitors to Kingston.”
The Delightfully Different Tea Room is a true testament to the power of culture, cuisine and community, believes Denise.
And as she spills the tea, connecting family lore and recipes for tourtière and tomato chutney, Denise’s story reminds us that it is possible to create an authentic visitor experience.
One that revels in the beauty of culture and language.
