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Kingston’s west-end food gems

Updated August 2024

Yes, we all know that downtown Kingston has quite a plethora of incredible food options – and while the spotlight sometimes shines a little brighter on them, if you’re willing to venture beyond the confines of downtown, you’ll discover a world of talented chefs and incredible food waiting for you in the city’s west end. Below are some of our favourites!

Days on Front

730 Front Road 

Open: Thu–Fri (11:30 am–8 pm), Sat–Wed (5–8 pm)

Owned by Matt Day (son of local Kingston chef Clark Day), Days on Front is an exquisite addition to the city’s west-end dining scene. Serving up contemporary  cuisine reflective of a simplified, yet refined approach to taste, Days on Front proudly uses locally sourced ingredients from the likes of St. Albert Cheese Factory, Freedom Farm, and many others.

Chef Jay Legere has been dazzling foodies for years, having cooked in Kingston’s best restaurants including Le Caveau, Le Chien Noir, and AquaTerra – and strives to maintain Days’ menu with the most interesting and intriguing seasonal ingredients. Known for his consistency and uncomplicated yet intense flavours, you’ll absolutely love your dining experience.

Must-try: Steak & frites (Enright Cattle Co. picanha steak, chimichurri, frites, and beef tallow butter)

Bella Bistro

4050 Bath Road

Open: Tues–Thu (4–9 pm), Fri–Sat (11:30 am–9 pm)

A friendly, casual neighbourhood bistro known for its pizza, pasta, and panini, Bella Bistro is another west-end gem and local favourite. With a deep commitment to serving local food, owners and chefs Paul Muller and Kevin Lapeer work directly with local farmers and suppliers to source naturally raised, hormone- and antibiotic-free beef, pork, and lamb. They bake their bread and make their own (delicious) pizza dough, while their arsenal of sauces, dressings, and desserts are (of course) homemade.

With an impressive selection of local craft beers, Ontario (and international) wines, and creative, original specials offered each night, Bella Bistro promises good food that’s good for you.

Must-try: California pizza (smoked chicken, pesto, sun-dried tomato tapenade, feta, parmesan, oyster mushrooms, and red onion)

Bread + Butter Bakery

1530 Bath Road

Open: Wed–Fri (8 am–5 pm), Sat (8 am–4 pm), Sun (8 am–3 pm)

Seen by many as the best bakery in Kingston, Bread & Butter has been a local favourite since 1998 when its concept and establishment began. Since then, owner and founder Wendy Whitall has been whipping up home-cooked meals and baked goods for Kingston families just like her mother did for her – to much acclaim and fanfare.

From a smorgasbord of sinfully delicious, legendary sweets to savoury options like mac and cheese, pizza, and sandwiches, Bread + Butter is the go-to spot for unparalleled quality, flavour, and selection in the west end.

Must-try: Butter tarts, vegan apple pie, croissant pecan sticky buns, squares, sourdough loaf… you know what? Just try everything.

Toast + Jam

1530 Bath Road

Open: Wed–Sun (8 am–3 pm)

Wendy Whitall of Bread & Butter fame is the creative force behind Toast & Jam. The restaurant itself is beautiful, modern, and cozy, featuring couches and a fireplace. They’re open for breakfast and lunch daily (with all-day breakfast available on weekends). You can also join an online real-time waitlist and be notified exactly when your table is ready.

Everything at Toast & Jam is made from scratch – they don’t serve any prepared products whatsoever (besides the Heinz ketchup, as per several customer requests) – an impressive feat in the hectic world of restaurants. Customers rave about Toast & Jam’s extensive offerings. Excellent service and friendly vibes mean you’ll be coming back for seconds.

Must-try: Chorizo breakfast sandwich (Seed to Sausage chorizo served on a toasted Bread & Butter potato bun with caramelized onion aioli, fresh tomato, lettuce, a fried egg, and a slice of Wilton cheddar. Served with your choice of daily soup, house greens, or roasted potatoes)

Mesa Fresca

1347 Gardiners Road, Unit 2

Open: Tues–Sat (11:30 am–9 pm), Sun (noon-7 pm)

Mesca Fresca proudly proclaims itself as an “authentically inauthentic fresh table” serving Mexican fusion cuisine. This locally owned and operated restaurant offers a unique menu of Latin- and Mexican-inspired dishes as well as some twists on classics. Dive into some homemade masa flour tortilla tacos, empanadas, hand-rolled flautas, and more.

The atmosphere here is casual, fun, and fully accessible. Mesa Fresca works with local suppliers to provide you with the freshest meals and beverages. Anyone with dietary restrictions or plant-based preferences is welcome here – just let your server know of any food allergies or preferences before ordering.

You certainly can’t go wrong with their salsa, sauces, and guacamole made fresh in-house daily. Their bar selection also highlights local craft beers, signature margaritas, and delicious wines.

Must-try: Coconut shrimp for an appetizer and the ranchero burger for a main (6oz grilled local patty, smoked bacon, jack cheese, shredded lettuce, tomato, red onion, house pickles, jalapeno, 1000 Islands dressing, and a choice of side)

Smoke ‘N’ Barrel

627 Fortune Crescent

Open: Daily (11 am–11 pm)

This just might be the best barbecue north of the border. The founder of Smoke ‘N Barrel spent 2019 travelling the seven BBQ regions of the Southern U.S. to discover the meat, wood, smoke, seasoning, spices, and culture that make up the best barbecue.

The menu offers shareables like cornbread cheese biscuits and smoked peach salad. You can choose from a family-style BBQ or a plate with a variety of meat options like smoked Alabama chicken, Texas dry-rub ribs, and Texas-style brisket. They have several sides to hit every craving such as beer-battered fries, creamy slaw, and their wildly popular mac ‘n’ cheese.

Smoke ‘N’ Barrel is also a great place to spend your west-end lunch break! With their “express lunch menu,” your food is guaranteed to be at your table in 15 minutes. If you’re looking for some lighter options, they offer sandwiches, wraps, and tacos.

Must-try: Southern Fried Chicken Sammy (pickle-brined fried chicken, lettuce, tomato, and sweet creamy dill sauce on a toasted pretzel bun) with banana pudding for dessert.

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25 things to do in March 2022

Spring is just around the corner and with it comes plenty of fun and activities and Kingston events for the whole family. March is coming in hot (and then cold, and then warm, and then cold again, as it does) with a full list of events including Maple Madness, the Kingston Canadian Film Festival, Kingstonlicious events, and more.

This list has a mix of in-person experiences and at-home activities. Please be sure to view our COVID-19 and the Kingston community page for the latest updates.

Do you have a Kingston event you’d like featured on our monthly list? Add it to our events calendar for consideration or email lexy@tourismkingston.com to add it under the ‘Events Just In’ section at the bottom of the list.

Make sure you click each image for even more event details.

1. Kingston Canadian Film Festival

Kingston Canadian Film Festival

2. Kingstonlicious: $45 prix fixe menus

Kingstonlicious: $45 prix fixe menus

3. Maple Madness

Maple Madness

4. Experience Kingston Illuminated

Experience Kingston Illuminated

5. Vogue Charity Fashion Show

Vogue Charity Fashion Show

6. Kingstonlicious events

Kingstonlicious events

7. Meet The Wheel Workshop

Meet The Wheel Workshop

8. Drag show: Icesis Couture in Kingston

Drag show: Icesis Couture in Kingston

9. Harlem Globetrotters

Harlem Globetrotters

10. Breaking In: starting a career in film and media

Breaking In: starting a career in film and media

11. Jatiwangi art Factory Collective

Jatiwangi art Factory Collective

12. Marine Museum: Nautical Nights Speaker Series

Marine Museum: Nautical Nights Speaker Series

13. The Abrams

The Abrams

14. Kingston WritersFest Winter Writers Retreat

Kingston WritersFest Winter Writers Retreat

15. Kingston Frontenacs Games

Kingston Frontenacs Games

16. Music in the movies: panel discussion

Music in the movies: panel discussion

17. Escape rooms

Escape rooms

18. Comic art workshop

Comic art workshop

19. March of the Museums

March of the Museums

20. Sadaf Amini livestream

Sadaf Amini livestream

21. African & Caribbean Students’ Association Culture Show

African & Caribbean Students’ Association Culture Show

22. The Kingston Potters’ Guild: Odds & Ends, & Imperfection Sale

The Kingston Potters' Guild: Odds & Ends, & Imperfection Sale

23. Staycation in Kingston with up to $500 on us

Staycation in Kingston with up to $500 on us

24. Marine Museum guided tour

Marine Museum guided tour

25. Treat yourself to an at-home spa kit

Treat yourself to an at-home spa kit

Events just in

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The history behind Kingston’s historic inns

You may be familiar with some of Kingston’s historic inns, which combine vintage charm with modern comfort for visitors. But what do you know about the origins of these inns? Some of these grand Victorian- (and one Georgian-) era buildings were once single-family homes, and one was a bank!

All Suites Whitney Manor

8 Starr Place

The history of All Suites Whitney Manor goes back to 1817, the year this majestic limestone home was built for James McKenzie. A captain in the British Navy, he had originally come to the Kingston area to serve in the War of 1812. He returned to the area in 1816 and bought the land on which his home would stand. In 1817, the year the home was built, McKenzie became captain of the steamship Frontenac, the first steamship on Lake Ontario.

McKenzie had his home, then named “Greystone Manor,” built to evoke an English manor. The 8,000 square-foot farmhouse boasted large rooms with 16-foot ceilings, nine fireplaces, and hand-hewn beams supporting the limestone structure. The manor included a second-floor ballroom and an on-site chapel. The home’s south-facing windows have exquisite views of the nearby St. Lawrence River. The property had few neighbours; over the years, Barriefield and Pittsburgh Township slowly developed around Greystone Manor.

Over the manor’s 204-year history, it went through a few name changes, and a number of notable owners. Bill Cook bought the property in 1936, after he retired from the NHL. The famed hockey player and coach farmed on the property, which was then named Sopwell Hall. There, Cook planted apple trees and wheat.

The Whitney family purchased the property in 1973. Thomas King Whitney was a well-known Kingston business owner (Whitney Fine Furnishings). A few years later, his wife, Norma, wrote in an article about the property’s history, “[w]e marvel every day at Mr. James McKenzie who dared to build in the woods of Upper Canada. I hope he knows that we care about [the home] in every possible way.” The home remained in the Whitney family for two generations and is now named Whitney Manor in their honour.

Today, All-Suites Whitney Manor offers five luxury suites for short- and longer-term stays. Among the suites are the former chapel and former ballroom. In each suite, guests are surrounded by both modern amenities and 200 years of history.

Frontenac Club

225 King Street East

In 1845, the Bank of Montreal opened its first purpose-built branch in Kingston. Previously, the bank had relied on bank agents, who operated out of post offices or retail stores in different communities. There had been a bank agent in Kingston since 1817, the first in Upper Canada. This new branch, at the corner of King and William streets, was designed by architect Edward Crane.

The bank was on the first floor. (Today, the Bank Gastrobar is on the footprint of the original bank floor: the bar is where the teller’s cage would have been, and the vault is now a private dining room that seats eight.) The bank manager and his family lived on the second floor. The bank tellers lived on the third floor, and the security staff lived in the basement.

In 1906, the building was sold and in 1908 it became a private club, called the Frontenac Club. The Bank of Montreal moved to a new location, just two blocks away at King and Clarence Street.

The Frontenac Club was a members-only club for men: its membership, which totaled up to 250 local men, included politicians, businessmen, professors, and military officers. Here, they dined, talked shop, and played cards or billiards. Club staff lived next door in another limestone building on William Street. This house, dating back to 1826, was originally owned by Richard Cartwright, who settled in Kingston in 1784.

A 1908 purpose-built structure between the two buildings included a bowling alley for members. This William Street building was constructed from limestone quarried on site.

The club was sold in 1935 and later became apartments.

In its newest iteration as a boutique inn, the three buildings have been renovated and connected to create a seamless structure. The bowling alley space is now filled with a guest lounge and a suite. Part of the old bowling alley floor has been preserved as a large coffee table in the lounge.

The Rosemount Inn

46 Sydenham Street

This mansion was built in 1848–1850, the design of noted architect William Coverdale. Coverdale also put his stamp on a number of other Kingston buildings, including the Sydenham Street United Church, Kingston Penitentiary, and the Prince George Hotel.

Coverdale’s client for this project was Edward Hardy, a dry-goods merchant in Kingston. (A dry-goods store sold consumer items that wouldn’t be found in grocery or hardware stores. Hardy would have sold things like stationery, magazines, and textiles in his Princess Street store.)

Coverdale’s design followed the Georgian style, with a central hall and main rooms off the hall on each side, and a tower over the entrance. The square tower and other design features – balconies, windows, and chimney stacks – are reminiscent of a medieval Tuscan villa. Coverdale took inspiration from a property of Queen Victoria’s, Osborne House in the Isle of Wight, which had been built a few years earlier. A Regency-style verandah once wrapped the house on two sides. While it is gone, the original cast-iron fence surrounding the property remains.

The Hardy home was completed in 1850 at a cost of 1,155 pounds. The architect was paid just over 46 pounds for his work. (The Province of Canada would continue to use the British currency system exclusively until the 1850s.)

The Hardy family lived in the front section of the spacious mansion, with servants living and working in the back of the house. The house remained in the Hardy family for a second generation before passing on to other families. Later on, the building was turned into apartments.

Today, the Rosemount Inn boasts nine guest rooms in the main house. There is an on-site limestone coach house on the property that has been turned into two guest suites. The building retains its original pine floors from the 1850s.

 

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Hochelaga Inn

24 Sydenham Street

This mansion was built in 1879 by architect Joseph Power for John MacIntyre, a Kingston lawyer and former mayor, and his wife, Harriet (Macpherson), a niece of Sir John. A. Macdonald. (John MacIntyre was also later a member of the Frontenac Club.)

Joseph Power was the son of John Power, the architect of Macintosh Castle, just down Sydenham Street from the MacIntyre home. This new building was made from red brick, increasingly in fashion in Kingston homes in the 1870s and 1880s. Just as local limestone was used in many of Kingston’s buildings, the bricks used to construct the MacIntyre home may have also been locally sourced; there were clay deposits throughout the community. Clay bricks provided a less expensive – and more colourful – alternative to limestone for new buildings. And as seen in the MacIntyre home, brick can be used as decorative embellishments on building exteriors.

 

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Like the Rosemount Inn design, this house features a prominent central tower, but in a much different shape. The tower here is octagonal at its top, reminiscent of a church steeple.

Inside, many of the house’s original decorative and functional elements have been preserved, including an elaborate “M” for MacIntyre in the stained-glass door panel in the entranceway. To the left of the entranceway, the dining room features the original ornate mantelpiece and a unique double fireplace. Sharing a chimney in the centre, one fireplace would have heated the MacIntyres’ dining room, the other the adjacent study.

 

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In 1907, the building was purchased by the Bank of Montreal Hochelaga Foundation. The building served as accommodation for travelling bank employees staying in Kingston. It was converted into apartments in 1933 and first became a bed and breakfast in the 1980s.

Secret Garden Inn

73 Sydenham Street

In 1888, Joseph Power designed another Kingston home: 73 Sydenham Street, now the Secret Garden Inn. Actually, in 1888, there were so few houses on Sydenham Street that the house didn’t have a street number. Even 30 years later, the house built for John McKay was listed as 61 Sydenham in local directories. Its street number changed later as houses were built on previously empty lots.

John McKay was a merchant, dealing in hides, furs, and wools. He had followed his father in this trade, and after John’s death in 1904, his son, also named John, took over the business, growing it into a well-known wholesale and retail fur company with a storefront on Brock Street. The motto of McKay Furs was “From trapper to wearer.”

Like the MacIntyre home, the McKay home was constructed in red brick. Additional details on this house include terra cotta panels, which were incorporated into the second story of the building. The terra cotta work was designed by Michael J. Hynes. Joseph Power would have chosen the floral panels from an architectural catalogue from Hynes’ company, the Canadian Terra Cotta Company of Toronto, and had them integrated into the brickwork. The floral motif in the exterior terra cotta panels is echoed inside the house, in the stained-glass panels in the entranceway door and on the second-floor landing.

In design, the McKay house echoed that of another Joseph Power project completed in 1886: 95 King Street East, then known as the Hendry house. It is fitting that these two properties now have the same owners. The greenhouse at 95 King Street provides herbs and flowers for the freshly prepared dishes at the Secret Garden Inn. The King Street property itself is being revitalized for corporate meetings and retreats.

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A short history of street names in Kingston

From Union to Division, Princess to Earl: what are the origins of Kingston street names? Some were named after military battles, royalty, town boundaries, or the businesses found in the area. Here are the stories behind some of Kingston’s oldest streets.

Kingston Street Names

Streets in Kingston named for current affairs

A number of Kingston streets were named in the 1800s to commemorate significant events. Union Street was most likely was named in honour of the Commemoration of the Union Act, passed July 1840, uniting Upper and Lower Canada. Alma and Balaclava streets commemorate two battles of the Crimean War in 1854.

Places to visit near Union Street:

Princess Street in Kingston, Ontario

Streets in Kingston named for their use

Other streets were named for their use. Clergy Street gets its name from a section of land known as the Clergy Reserves. These were tracts of land in Upper Canada and Lower Canada reserved for the support of Protestant clergy by the Constitutional Act of 1791.

Places to visit near Clergy Street:

As Kingston grew, street names reflected the types of activity there: Rideau Street was once called Brewery Street, in recognition of the businesses there. The northern end of Wellington Street was once called Quarry Street: it was renamed in 1842 to honour the Duke of Wellington. And Princess Street was once called Store Street, due to its cluster of shops. It was renamed in 1842 to honour Princess Victoria Adelaide Mary Louise, Queen Victoria’s first child. (Queen’s Crescent was once called Alice Street, after Victoria’s second daughter.)

Places to visit near Rideau Street:

King Street in Kingston, Ontario

Streets in Kingston named for royalty

While a number of Kingston streets are named for members of Victoria’s family (like Albert, her husband, and Alfred, her son), Kingston (“King’s town”) and King Street were named earlier, to honour Victoria’s grandfather, King George III. Queen Street was named after his wife, Queen Charlotte.

Places to visit near King Street and Queen Street:

Streets in Kingston named for residents

With all the regal street names in Kingston – King, Queen, Princess – you might think that Earl Street is named after some long-forgotten titled dignitary. In fact, Earl Street was named after Hugh Earl, a commander of the provincial navy. But it was his wife, Anne Earl, who actually owned the plot of land bounded by West, Johnson, and Bagot streets. Anne Earl was the daughter of Molly Brant (Degonwadonti) and Sir William Johnson. Two Kingston streets are named after Anne’s father: William and Johnson.

Sydenham Street in Kingston, Ontario

Streets in Kingston defining the town’s boundaries

Division Street once marked the division between the town and countryside. Similarly, West Street marked the western boundary of the town, and North Street, its northern boundary.

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Kingston Canadian Film Festival 2022: what to watch

The curtain is opening for the first time since 2020 on the world’s largest festival dedicated exclusively to Canadian Film – and with in-person screenings or at-home digital streaming, attending has never been easier. The Kingston Canadian Film Festival (KCFF) takes place March 3 – 13 and offers a whirlwind of movies and special events celebrating Canadian film. This year, the hybrid event is one of the most accessible, customizable KCFF experiences yet.

Tickets are on sale now. You can purchase a digital pass, in-person tickets, or digital streamings from the comfort of your own home. We spoke with Marc Garniss, Festival Director, about how fresh the 2022 film line-up is. It includes a variety of powerful stories from across Canada that will make you laugh, cry and reflect.

“Because our angle is that we’re an all-Canadian film festival, our theme is inherently built into what we do. That definitely makes us unique among other festivals. Last year we saw people attending from around the world…Every year we’re showcasing the best Canadian films of the year – some have won awards at TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) and some people haven’t seen before.”

Une Révision

Although KCFF has been working to diversify its audience for a long time, this year’s in-person/online hybrid format makes it even easier for new attendees to dive into the world of Canadian film.

“We want to dispel the notion that you need to be a film nerd or a cinephile to attend and understand what we’re doing. That’s not it at all. We certainly have some films that might be more experimental and challenging in the line-up, but we also just have some simple comedies, so you can turn your brain off and just enjoy what’s on the screen. We try to provide films of all genres; you can pick and choose what you want to do at the festival. We want to show audiences why they can love Canadian movies – a lot of the films they wouldn’t normally get to see on Netflix.”

In-person screening events will take place at the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts and The Screening Room. This year, KCFF is selling tickets to events directly through the venues – just remember to purchase your passes and tickets online as in-person box office sales won’t be provided. KCFF will only be selling to 50% capacity in each of the theatres. Guests must show proof of vaccination, wear a mask, and comply with all COVID-19 regulations and mandates. No food or beverages will be served at venues. You can find more in-person screening information on the KCFF website.

The on-demand streaming option gives you a customizable KCFF experience. Once a film premieres on the platform, you’ll have until 11:59 p.m. on March 13 to stream it. If you’re interested in watching six or more films, you can consider purchasing a digital pass to save on regular box office prices. Digital passes can purchase six, nine, or 12 films. These passes are limited to digital screenings and aren’t available for in-person screenings. Even with a digital pass, selections are subject to availability, and some may sell out. If you have any tech questions, check out the handy digital FAQ and guide. You can find more digital screening information online.

While many of the films are available online both nationally and internationally, some are only available in certain regions. Each film page will list any restrictions, or you can view a full list of the geo-restricted films.

Many of the films include a post-show Q&A session, and digital viewers aren’t left out of this experience. KCFF has integrated Q&A sessions into the online platform. So, you can enjoy an an in-depth conversation about the filmmaking process from your comfy couch.

“I love having a hybrid version,” says Marc. “It’s accessible – people don’t have a reason not to attend. If they’re halfway across the world or caught in a Kingston snowstorm, they can attend. If we stay on a good course and we’re back to full capacity next year, I’m not sure if the distributors will want to put their films onto these digital platforms. So, there’s a chance this could be the last hybrid version that we do.”

If you’re wondering what to watch, Marc is particularly passionate about this year’s short films. Sometimes shorts are overshadowed by feature films, but often the only time you get to see a curated list of excellent short films is at a film festival. Marc recommends The Shaman’s Apprentice by Zacharias Kunuk from the Canadian Shorts Program. Kunuk is an Indigenous filmmaker known for one of the best Canadian films of all time, The Fast Runner. His new short was shortlisted for the Oscars.

KCFF has curated two different programs for its Canadian Shorts which includes filmmakers from all over the country, as well as a category of Local Shorts featuring filmmakers that either live in Kingston or have a significant connection to the city. Within Local Shorts, there’s a Youth Shorts program that largely showcases the work of Kingston high school students.

“Within each program there’s generally between six and ten films,” says Marc. “It just gives you a snapshot of everything kind of rolled into one in each of those programs. The nice thing about the local shorts is Kingstonians love seeing local landmarks or people on screen. If you watch ten of those films, odds are you’ll see somebody that you know and recognize a few of the downtown streets or local landmarks, which is fun.”

Wildhood

As for feature films, Drunken Birds by Ivan Grbovic is at the top of Marc’s recommendation list. The French-Canadian film was Canada’s submission to the Oscars this year. Marc is also excited about Learn to Swim by Thyrone Tommy and Wildhood by Bretten Hannam. The film opening this year’s festival, All My Puny Sorrows, is also generating a lot of conversation. Although no local filmmakers submitted feature films this year, Sleeping Warrior features two Queen’s alumni: actress Janet Wells and producer, Peter Raymont.

Learn to Swim

KCFF is also offering special events presented online this year, including the popular “Breaking In: Starting a Career in Film and Media”, presented with the Kingston Film Office and a Comic Art Workshop with instructor Chris Cochrane. Keep an eye on new workshops and events here.

Marc and the KCFF team are planning more programming even after the festival wraps up on March 13.

“As things hopefully open up this year, we intend on staying busiThe 2022 Kingston Canadian Film Festival runs from March 3 to 13. With so many customizable options this year, you can build a one-of-a-kind KCFF experience that fits a dreamy night out, a solo night in, or a cozy screening party with friends. er throughout our off-season and working with the Kingston Film Office on additional workshops and panels throughout the year.”

The 2022 Kingston Canadian Film Festival runs from March 3 to 13. With so many customizable options this year, you can build a one-of-a-kind KCFF experience that fits a dreamy night out, a solo night in, or a cozy screening party with friends.

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Jay Dearborn: his drive for the Olympics

Jacob (Jay) Dearborn has moved around a lot – from his hometown of Yarker north of Kingston to Prince Edward Island to Vancouver – and many places in between. His next stop? The Beijing 2022 Olympic Games. Jay, a Saskatchewan Roughrider with the Canadian Football League (CFL), qualified to be a brakeman on Canada’s third sled in the four-man bobsleigh in 2020. We spoke with Jay about what it means to see every game as the game, and how his Kingston-area roots have prepared him for the world stage.

Originally from Yarker, Jay spent his childhood going into the “big city” of Kingston for groceries, dentist appointments, and a variety of sports practices.

“I went to school in Harrowsmith and then eventually high school over in Sydenham. I think just growing up in those small towns and near Kingston throughout a huge part of my sports career gave me a deeper connection to – not just playing the sport – but understanding the atmosphere around the team. I was going to school with a lot of those teammates and had been to their birthday parties for my entire life. When I join a team, I try to bring that same kind of connection amongst my teammates.”

 

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Jay spent three seasons playing football for the Holland College Hurricanes (in Charlottetown, PEI) and another three years on the Carleton University Ravens football team in Ottawa. He set an all-time combine record with a broad jump of 11 feet, one inch at the CFL regional combine. In 2019, he was signed to the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Unfortunately, the 2020 season was cancelled due to COVID-19, but Jay quickly found a way to challenge himself as a dynamic athlete:

“Through a strength coach at Carleton I was working with, I got in touch with the bobsleigh team. Two or three weeks after the 2020 CFL season was cancelled, I got the email from Bobsleigh Canada to prospective athletes who would like to come out to Calgary to try out for the team. It was kind of this perfect timing.”

 

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Several things fell into place, allowing Jay to head out to Calgary and Whistler for bobsleigh training. In 2021, he returned to Saskatchewan for the football season and within three days after the season wrapped up, he was back to Lake Placid to join the Bobsleigh Canada team. Luckily, football and bobsleigh training are very similar, meaning Jay can focus on building the skills necessary for both sports at the same time.

“Bobsleigh and football, they go hand-in-hand…[In both] you’re trying to train that strong, explosive movement. You want to be able to move a heavy weight really, really quickly… A four-man sled (including athletes and equipment) weighs 630 kilograms. Once you get the sled moving, you now become a sprinter, a track-and-field athlete. We spend a lot of time working on running mechanics, watching film about your knee drive and every detail about the sprint aspect of the push.”

There’s a lot of pressure put on athletes, whether they’re in the CFL or at the Olympic Games. But Jay sees every game – no matter the perceived stakes by the public – as something he must give his all to. That’s been his attitude for as long as he can remember:

“I’ve played tons of different sports and they all felt big at the time. In high school, there were these big important, stressful games. And then I went to college, I felt the same thing. At the time, they feel like they’re the only things that matter, and they were the only things that mattered at the time. I feel like I’ve had a pretty good lifetime of being tested.”

He admits that joining the CFL offered an additional learning curve, due to the media attention and the business side of the sport. It helped prepare him for the global stage of the Olympic Games. But strangely enough, the Olympics don’t feel any more overwhelming than any of the games he’s played in the past.

 

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The bobsleigh events will take place at the Yanqing National Slide Centre. The track is the first of its kind as it includes a 360-degree turn. Based on Dearborn’s athletic career though, he seems more than capable of switching directions. Leading up to event day, he hopes to avoid mental fatigue by revelling in the excitement of seeing the Beijing athlete village and enjoying the opening ceremonies.

“I’m just trying to take in those experiences. Even though they’re external to why I’m going there, I think it’s important to not get myself too wound up too early. I’m just trying to enjoy the excitement leading up and take in as much as I can before I have to flip the switch and really start focusing.”

Kingston is where Jay returns to take a little weight off his shoulders in the brief moments of off-season between his two sports. Almost his entire family has been Kingston-based for the last couple of years, providing a comfortable place for connection.

While speaking with us just one day before his flight departure for China, Jay reminisced about childhood cross-country meets at Fort Henry and his five years spent working at the Gould Lake Outdoor Centre. Now, Trailhead Kingston is sponsoring him on his Olympic journey.

Jay Dearborn is an example of where life can take you when you dare to try something different.

The Olympic Games run February 4 to 20, 2022. Follow along with Jay’s Olympic journey and view his event schedule. 

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Lavish love on your valentine

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, so we’ve created a list of things to buy, eat, drink, and do in Kingston to celebrate love. This is the time to treat your sweetie, your bestie, or yourself!

Accommodation packages

With rates starting at $119 per night, you can book a Valentine’s Day Package for any two nights at Courtyard by Marriott Kingston from February 11 to 15. You’ll be welcomed with chocolates at check-in and, depending on COVID-19 restrictions, you may also prebook pool and hot tub time. For more information, email jrebelo@courtyardmarriottkingston.com directly.

The “Couples staycation” at Confederation Place Hotel includes a continental breakfast box for two, a bottle of champagne, and a sweet box of chocolates. You can also choose to add a $75 flower and chocolate bouquet for your special someone. This package is $189 per night and can be booked by calling the hotel.

Celebrate date night at Residence Inn Kingston Water’s Edge with a bottle of wine and chocolates. The package begins at $169 a night with a minimum two-night stay to a maximum five-night stay. Receive a $100 VISA gift card for each room night. More information can be found on the Residence Inn website.

Delta Hotels Kingston Waterfront is celebrating Valentine’s Day by offering a package starting at $369 per night. From February 11 to 14, guests can enjoy sparkling wine upon arrival, local gourmet chocolates from CocoaBistro, and a succulent plant from Loyalist Flowers. Enjoy fine dining at AquaTerra with a $100 gift card, then have breakfast for two before a late check-out in the morning.

Eat and drink

AquaTerra is offering a $75 per person takeout Valentine’s Day tasting menu. This is a locally sourced, five-course menu featuring a shrimp and lobster bisque, blood orange salad, skrei cod, beef striploin, and a sweet molten chocolate cake. Looking for something plant-based? A vegan tasting menu is also available. The deal gets even sweeter with an additional wine pairing for $36. Make sure to pre-order their prep-at-home kits and accompanying wine for pick-up February 10 – 14 from 4 to 8 pm.

Treat yourself or yourself and another with Knifey Spooney’s takeout Valentine’s deluxe menu. This menu includes beet gnocchi, spinach salad, and strawberry chocolate baked cheesecake for $100 plus tax per couple. Simply heat and finish at home; instructions are provided. Pick-up will be downtown between 3 and 6 pm on Valentine’s Day, but feel free to reach out to see if an alternate time can be arranged that suits you better. Further details will be provided via email.

Gifts

Refresh your wardrobe with a piece from the Valentine’s Day collections at the Fancy That & The Roundstone online store. Matching heart T-shirts to celebrate Galentine’s Day with your bestie, anyone?

Show your sweetie just how sweet they are with some artisan chocolates from local chocolatier Cocoa Bistro. Our favourites include chocolate-dipped strawberries and the “Indulge” box of 24 chocolates. You can also order a beautiful gift basket full of specially curated goodies. Stop by their location at 840 Development Drive or place an order online for pickup or delivery.

Nothing says “treat yourself” like a spa date. Spend the day solo at Symphony Spa, or even bring a few of your besties along for a group booking. With a variety of packages and gift cards available, you can give the gift of relaxation. Make it a joint experience with their 60- minute couple’s massage for $90 per person.

Bring the spa ambiance home with a luxurious bathrobe. Onderbroeks is a female-founded, Canadian-made brand specializing in robes and loungewear. They have several designs that make staying home cozy and stylish.

Shop for a Valentine’s Day floral bouquet from Pam’s Flower Garden or browse their “Love and Romance” selections. You can have these fresh blooms delivered right to your door or choose curbside pickup at their back door. Make sure to order early!

Maybe your valentine is more of a succulent person than a long-stemmed rose person. Swing by The Jungle downtown at 82 Brock Street for a cute new plant and pot. They also sell other lifestyle products like candles, Turkish beach towels, and beautiful soaps. You can shop in-store or online with pick-up and delivery options.

To do

Treat yourself and your loved one to a virtual couple’s cooking class on February 16. You will receive a shopping list from Knifey Spooney via email one week prior, and a Zoom link and recipes list the week of. In this romantic cooking class for two, you’ll be making creamy polenta with roasted oyster mushrooms and jus sauce, paired with pomegranate roasted Brussels sprouts and finished with chocolate mousse for dessert.

Bring your Valentine’s Day to a whole other level with a virtual escape room. Improbable Escapes offers several virtual games that are all live-hosted and fully interactive. Grab your partner or a crew of friends for a video call with one of their game masters who will be physically inside the game as your teammate.

Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s, Galentine’s, or Palentine’s Day, use this list to help show your love for Kingston by supporting local businesses this year.

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Meet the Maker: EronOne

You might not have known the artist, but you’ve probably admired some of EronOne’s art if you’ve explored Kingston. He often makes buildings his canvas – transforming them into vivid, energetic pieces of art. EronOne – also known as Aaron Forsyth – is a full-time artist whose work has made the city a little brighter. Focusing on large-scale residential, institutional, and commercial art projects, bright custom murals and design work are his specialty. He’s done murals for Daft Brewery and Frontenac Cycle. His most recent murals are two complementary pieces, at the waterfront pedestrian walkway at Delta Hotels by Marriott Kingston Waterfront and at the old coal dock in Portsmouth Village. We spoke with EronOne about his creative journey and what artistic expression means in Kingston. He’s humble and happy to share his design process – which most often starts with pencil and paper.

“[A project] always starts with sketching, just pencil to paper and I take lots of pictures when I see stuff that catches my eye for influence. I usually draw from there or try to put ideas to paper. I’ll always take a picture of the blank space, and then I superimpose my artwork onto that to show the client what it can look like and really help them visualize the end product.”

EronOne was a local store co-owner for ten years who finally made the transition to being a full-time artist. His interest in art started young though:

“Growing up I always liked Saturday morning cartoons and I would try and draw the characters that I’d see in the shows that I liked. Skateboarding and music has always been a big influence so I would try and draw skateboard-graphic styles I liked or band logos and album covers.”

It wasn’t until after several family trips to Toronto and Scarborough in high school, where Aaron witnessed eye-catching graffiti, that he began considering an art career. By taking arts-focused programs, specifically illustration and animation, in high school, he was able to study animation in college.

But for EronOne, spray painting was self-taught. He continues to nurture younger artists to get creative and have fun with the medium, holding a variety of art workshops within the Limestone District School Board and Kingston community.

“I’m always grateful when I have the opportunity to and just to spark an interest in a kid and then maybe they’ll be influenced the way I was. It’s nice to be able to share my background a little bit and I don’t mind public speaking, so I’m pretty comfortable doing that. It’s just fun. I like working with the youth, seeing what they come up with. And, if they get to use spray paint in those workshops, they definitely love it.”

EronOne has recently been focused on illustrating iconic Kingston, with his two newest murals. He was commissioned to add his artistic touch to the waterfront pedestrian walkway at Delta Hotels by Marriott Kingston Waterfront, adjacent to Confederation Park and Basin, and the coal dock turned deep-water dock on Lake Ontario, near the former Rockwood Asylum.

EronOne had access to Tourism Kingston’s photo library where he gathered photo inspiration for the project, but he already had ideas in mind for honouring his hometown. The collage-like mural reveals limestone city landmarks such as City Hall, the train located at the Visitor Information Centre, and the “Time” statue at Gord Downie Pier. His choice of colours – steely grey, a variety of blues, and black and white – tie the two murals together, evoking Kingston’s waterfront and limestone foundations.

EronOne describes the art he’s currently loving as “bright and busy,” mirroring his own work ethic. Despite his job not looking like a traditional 9-to-5, EronOne is pretty good at staying busy. You might find him practising distinctive styles of letters in his sketchbook or picking up a comic book at a downtown thrift store for inspiration. Perhaps you might see him skateboarding – an activity he embraces whenever he gets stuck in a rut.

“It’s like writer’s block. I just try and do something different – even just get outside, ride my bike, try and ride my skateboard. Just focus on one of the other hobbies that I have for a day or half a day to wait until I get inspired again.”

EronOne continues to live, work, and create in Kingston, alongside his wife, son, and extended family. And for an artist, it’s simply a good place to be:

“What I like about Kingston is its proximity to Toronto and Montreal too, so I like to attend events and see friends and not have to live in the big city, which I always thought I wanted to do when I was younger. But as I got older and had my son – Kingston’s been great. I appreciate it more.”

EronOne emphasizes that every project is different. Clients can be very specific with their requests or give him a large amount of creative freedom. But all of EronOne’s art is similar in at least one way: spaces previously overlooked are transformed, brought to life, and add more ways to discover Kingston.

Aaron in front of his mural at the coal dock site in Portsmouth Village

***

EronOne’s mural at the former coal dock site in Portsmouth Village is part of a Tourism Kington project that is supported by the My Main Street Community Activator program. This program, funded by the Government of Canada through FedDev Ontario, supports local community placemaking projects. The welcoming mural and the “KINGSTON” sign at this site are the first steps in revitalizing this property: stay tuned for further improvements in 2022.

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A breath of fresh air: Kingston’s heated patios

Take a look at this list of some of Kingston’s patios and expand your dining experience by visiting one of them this season. Don’t worry – all these patios are heated. Simply remember to dress appropriately for the weather and BYOB (bring your own blanket) as needed.

 

Harper’s Burger Bar

93 Princess St. 

Find your “happy place” at Harper’s. Kingston’s local burger joint is ready to keep you warm as the cool weather begins. Stay toasty by their heaters, tuck yourself into their blankets, and satisfy your food cravings all on their heated patio.

Open: Every day, 11:30 am – 9 pm

 

Whiskey and Rosé

125 Brock St.

Check out this fun, elevated comfort food restaurant! New to Kingston, their mouth-watering meals and innovative cocktails are sure to make a great first impression. While considering food options, you’ll find many gluten-free options on their menu.

Open: Every day 11 am – late (9 pm – midnight)

 

Chez Piggy

68R Princess St.

Tucked away in the heart of downtown Kingston, Chez Piggy is heating up its beautiful patio for you to enjoy this season. At Chez Piggy, you will find menu items inspired by locally sourced produce, as well as the perfect afternoon cocktails.

Open: Monday to Saturday, 11:30 am – 9 pm and Sunday 10 am – 9 pm

 

AquaTerra

1 Johnson St.

Cozy up on Kingston’s waterfront with a fuzzy blanket beside a warm fire table. Taste AquaTerra’s fall-inspired and locally sourced dishes as you relax in their Adirondack chairs. Reserve your table now on their website.

*Now closed for the season

 

Black Dog Tavern

69 Brock St.

Snuggled at the back of Black Dog Tavern’s historic alleyway is the restaurant’s heated patio. Here you will find elevated classic tavern dishes in a relaxed atmosphere.

Open: Hours vary (see website for details)

 

 

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Amadeus Cafe

170 Princess St.

Did you know that the Biergarten at Amadeus is open for happy hour? Give yourself an end-of-week treat by grabbing some warm beverages and appetizers on the patio. You can book a reservation for this little oasis on their website.

Open: Monday to Thursday, 4 pm – 8 pm, Friday, 4 pm – 10 pm, and Saturday noon – 10 pm

 

Red House Downtown

369 King St. East (downtown) 

If you’re a fan of Red House, you’re in luck. Their downtown location is heating up their patio and is ready to warm and serve you. Try one of their many delicious dishes and explore their selection of local beers and other beverages. local flavours.  

Open: Every day, 11:30 am – 2 am

 

Skeleton Park Brewery

675 Arlington Park Place, Unit 3

While you can grab some beer to go from Tuesday to Sunday at Skeleton Park Brewery, they also have a cozy patio waiting for you if weather conditions are appropriate. Braving the cold is worth it when you can bundle up with some local brews!

Open: Tuesday to Thursday, noon – 7 pm, Friday & Saturday noon – 8 pm, and Sunday noon – 5 pm

 

 

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Tango Nuevo

31 King St. East

Stay cozy on the patio of Tango Nuevo while enjoying tapas with friends. Reservations are recommended: you can book on their website for a 90-minute seating.

Open: Sunday to Thursday, 11:30 am – 11 pm, and Friday & Saturday 11:30 am – midnight

 

The Merchant Tap House

6A Princess St.

The Merchant Tap House patio is a welcoming spot for hot cocoa or cocktails and yummy food while staying warm around some cozy fire pits. As a bonus, if you are out and about with your canine friend, dogs are welcome on the patio.

Open: Every day, 11 am – 2 am

 

Kingston Brewing Company

34 Clarence St.

It’s never too cold for a pint, right? Sip on some beer and enjoy yummy comfort food at Kingston Brewing Company’s patio. Their inviting space is perfect for those looking to embrace the winter while staying cozy.

Open: Sunday to Thursday, 11:30 am – midnight and Friday & Saturday, 11:30 am – 1 pm

Getting outside for some fresh air has been proven to improve concentration, memory, and attention. It can also reduce stress levels, so why not brave the cold and satisfy your cravings?

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Reelout 2022: What to Watch

Over a thousand submissions were reviewed by the Reelout Arts Project Inc. programming committee to curate this year’s outstanding line-up of LGBTQ+ indie cinema – that’s seven times more submissions than 2019. Cozying up and celebrating LGBTQ+ films has never been easier. Kingston’s 23rd annual queer film and video festival has been re-branded as ReelOutario Virtual Queer Film Festival this year. The all-virtual festival takes place January 27 to February 7. It’s full of short and feature-length narratives and documentaries that focus on sexual orientation, gender, age, ability, health, race, culture, class, and religion around the world. Over the eight days of the festival, the films can be accessed through Reelout’s Eventive page.

We spoke with Matt Salton, the director of Reelout, who’s excited about the upcoming line-up.

“We’re all thrilled to offer Ontario audiences a chance to escape winter and the pandemic with 60-plus films from 18 different countries and diasporas.”

Wildhood by Bretten Hannam

The Three Things Consulting/Reelout Opening Gala Selection this year includes not one, but two, amazing Canadian films: Stupid for You directed by Jude Klassen, a music-infused rom-com shot in Toronto, and the emotionally charged, Two-Spirit, Mi’kmaq road trip drama Wildhood by Bretten Hannam.

Salton explains that the programming committee didn’t know which films or filmmakers were local while reviewing, so as not to sway their selections:

“So, it was an unexpected surprise to see an experimental short work called An Ode to Queer Friendship so enthusiastically embraced by our team as it was directed by Megan Ingram who is currently a master’s student at Queen’s University. What impressed us the most was Ingram’s choice to tell an original story about friendship in an exciting and unique way that also explores disability and neuro-divergent relationships.”

Another happy surprise included discovering that Caylin Turner, one of the lead actors from the first opening gala selection, Stupid for You, is from Wolfe Island.

Anyone viewing from within Ontario can purchase an all-access pass to view all 19 programs, or they can buy individual tickets for specific programs. Tickets are $15 per program, $69 for five films, and $139 for all 61 films.

Since 1999, Reelout has been promoting queer media arts and encouraging discussions about diversity in the Kingston community. This new year, grab some popcorn and enjoy a selection of unique films from near and far.

You can view the Reelout catalogue now.

Megan Ingram | An Ode to Queer Friendship
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12 gifts of Kingston

Kingston makers and merchants have some truly wonderful gift ideas this year. Give a unique #ygk gift to someone special (or treat yourself). Here are twelve of our favourites:

1. A Grinch tree from Chartreuse Flower Works

Every holiday needs a little Grinchyness to remind us to spread holiday cheer. These fresh Grinch trees from Chartreuse Flower Works are the perfect mix of fresh botanicals and the very best of holiday kitsch.

2. Cocoa Bistro chocolate candy canes

Dazzling chocolate candy canes from CocoaBistro make the perfect edible tree ornament or gift topper. Choose from solid milk, dark, or white Belgian chocolate sprinkled with crushed peppermint candy canes. 

3. The Tragically Hip tree ornament

What sums up “Christmas in Kingston” like a Tragically Hip tree ornament? Find it at Whit Kingston, which carries a number of other Kingston-centric winter gift ideas, including mugs, pillows, and clothing.

4. Cooke’s Fine Foods gift basket

With an All-Canadian gift basket from Cooke’s Fine Foods, you can give the gift of an abundance of tastes from across the country, including a pound of Cooke’s own coffee.

5. The Bath Lover’s Gift Set from Shiva’s Delight

The Bath Lover’s Gift Set from Shiva’s Delight holiday collection contains an assortment of four bars of soap and four bath bombs. Shiva’s Delight offers handcrafted, vegan skincare products, all made in Kingston.

6. Military Communications and Electronics Museum

Mercury Shop
95 Craftsman Blvd.

The Mercury Shop offers a wide selection of jewelry, household items, flags, prints, and toys. Among its unique items is this customizable Christmas tree ornament. Submit your own high-resolution image or choose one from the shop’s military crests and other designs.

7. The PumpHouse

Craft holiday magic with your family with your very own All Aboard for the Holidays Carry Home Craft Kit from The PumpHouse. Each kit includes instructions and craft materials for making 12 of your own winter, nature, and train-themed crafts. Recommended age is 6+. Kits are $20 plus HST.

8. Greeting cards from Found and Lost Art

Put a smile on someone’s face with one of these adorable greeting cards from Found and Lost Art, based on original watercolour and ink illustrations.

9. Seasonal tea from Cha Cha Tea

Warm up with a seasonal tea from Cha Cha Tea. Favourites include Nutcracker Rooibos (with hints of marzipan and papaya); German gingerbread (black tea with ginger, cinnamon, star anise); and wintery walnut (black tea with walnut pieces, hazelnut brittle, and orange peels). Pair your choice(s) with a beautiful Yuzen Washi-decorated tea canister.

 

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10. Treats from General Brock’s Commissary

General Brock’s Commissary offers a number of unique treats from Kingston and Ontario makers. Pick up a box of caramel-filled chocolate mice from Mrs. B’s Country Candy (from Brighton) or build a custom “carnivore box” with items like Wagener’s salami (Toronto); MissFortunes hot sauce (Sydenham); Harvest Brinery pickles (Napanee); Cressy mustard (Waupoos); and General Brock’s own Upper Canada Epicure line of sweet and hot jellies.

Cataraqui Conservation Area Purple Finch toque
Cataraqui Conservation Area Purple Finch Toque

11.Toques and mittens from Cataraqui Region Conservation Area

Warm up someone’s winter with a bright woolen toque and mittens available from Cataraqui Region Conservation Area. Choose from a variety of colour palettes reminiscent of bird plumage: options include scarlet tanager, blue jay, hummingbird, and painted bunting.

12. Aquaterra’s “Chef’s Favourites” holiday gift box

AquaTerra’s “Chefs’ Favourites” holiday gift box features a specially curated assortment of the restaurant’s favourite recipes, ingredients, and local goodies. This year’s gift box includes all the makings for both a decadent charcuterie board (including AquaTerra’s own apple cranberry chutney) and a delicious mulled wine.

Bonus: Winter merch from the Visitor Information Centre

From winter wear to hockey pucks and ornaments, show off your love for Kingston with one-of-a-kind merchandise. Check out our online store.

Read more: winter in Kingston

The sights and sounds of the holidays

25 things to do in December in Kingston

Together at Home for the Holidays

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North Roast Coffee Roasters: the craft of coffee 

North Roast Coffee Roasters | 721 Progress Ave, Unit 3 | Website

When I enter the Zoom call with Richard Ottenhof, specialty coffee leader and owner of North Roast Coffee Roaster, I can hear the roaster whirring in the back room. I’m glad I can’t smell the coffee beans through my computer, otherwise it might distract me. By the end of our conversation, Ottenhof will have (virtually) shown me the grinder and roaster that churns out the fresh-roasted microlot and fair trade coffee that North Roast Coffee Roaster is known for.

Ottenhof explains how it’s the team’s passion and professionalism that has allowed the business to be so successful.

“Everyone here is a coffee professional or aspiring to be a coffee professional. So, when the orders come through, everyone takes it very seriously. We have so many products and so many variations that you have to know your product and you have to know how to prepare properly.”

The team here understands why the first few sips of your morning cup isn’t the beginning of the coffee experience. With 25 years of experience in sourcing and selecting coffee for customers, this Ontario Craft Roaster is mindful of every step of the coffee process.

No matter how you prefer to brew, they’ve got it for you. On their online shop, you can select the bean and the grind (whole bean, French press, percolater, Chemex/Melitta, drip, home espresso, commerical espresso, Turkish) for a custom 454-gram bag experience. While they sell to wholesale customers with larger bags, they’re also available for purchase by anyone.

Giving customers the ability to customize their coffee is key, says Ottenhof:

“If you can imagine across a broad spectrum of customers, people have many different ways of preparing coffee…It’s important to meet the customer where they are, not where we want them to be… The reality is, when we’re selling coffee online, we’re competing with Amazon whether we like it or not. So, there’s an expectation from customers that when they click ‘buy’ they want the same level of service. It’s our job to make sure they get it.”

Customers can also choose the secure pick-up option, something that was perfected over the COVID-19 pandemic. Customers come to the front door of 721 Progress Avenue, unit 3, and quote their order number to receive their order. During the early days of the pandemic, the pick-up option (where customers stayed in their car and team members put their order in a box for them) or home delivery proved an excellent way to brighten a customer’s day.

“A lot of people wanted their coffee delivered to their front door and a lot of other people wanted to get out of their house, get into their car, and go somewhere that they knew the transaction was safe…The people here know our customers; they know their children’s names and so you could see when they would come pick up their coffee that, emotionally, they wanted a connection. It was important for us too. Despite all the things that the pandemic threw at us, we were still able to connect with people in a way they wanted.”

While customers can customize their cup, there are a few standards at North Roast Coffee Roaster, and Ottenhof says one of them is sustainability.

“The business is built on sustainability. That’s why it’s an electric vehicle doing the deliveries, that’s why it’s compostable bags and fair trade and organic and we’re involved in the community and supporting local projects.”

The other non-negotiable is focusing on the local. Although they courier shipments anywhere in Canada, serving Kingston the freshest coffee is North Roast Coffee Roaster’s priority. At one time, they were supplying all of Parliament Hill with coffee — they dropped the contract because when Parliament is not in session, the coffee waits and loses freshness. They’ve also turned down Costco who approached them with an offer to supply Eastern Canada.

“So, we took a big risk and said, ‘We are not going to supply those companies anymore. We are only going to focus locally, where I can roast.’”

“When we roast,” he continues, “we put the roast date on the back of very bag, one, two, three days old, and customers have it in their kitchen. That is something no one can displace. If you offer that level of freshness, it’s impossible to beat. That’s why we stay local, plus, there’s the service we’re able to offer local companies, local restaurants, and cafes…Here in our wheelhouse, this is where we truly operate.”

North Roast also offers live stream roasting events. You can tune in every Tuesday and Thursday on their website at 12:05 pm to learn more about special roasts, see exactly how the roasting process happens, learn about the shipping process, the bean history, and exactly how roasting equipment is used.

By visiting their website homepage, you can also subscribe to their newsletter to receive event reminders or watch previous roasting events such as the Ethopia Misty Valley or Colombia El Norteñdo Arabica beans.

The idea of livestreaming (or what Ottenhof calls an integral part of the future of business: live selling), came about through his involvement in Shopify’s Merchant’s Council. Another founding member was live selling and became fascinated with the idea of livestreaming coffee roasting. His excitement inspired Ottenhof to get the camera rolling.

“People can see in real time the progress and the sounds. I think for people to see how their coffee’s roasted, to know the people who are roasting it – I just think it’s a neat thing and we’re going to continue doing it, 100%, every Tuesday and Thursday. It’s been a lot of fun.”

Ottenhof also adds they have a few coffee bean growers in Brazil who are itching to come onto the screen with them and share their wisdom.

It’s clear Kingston has a team of coffee professionals dedicated to making your morning cup of joe an unforgettable experience. This is more than coffee. It’s artisanship.

“I decided I was going to roast coffee I wanted to drink,” says Ottenhof. “And that’s been the recipe for success. People say do what you love and it sounds like a cliché, but I love our coffee. I love the green coffee, I like that the bags weigh 152 pounds, I like the feel of the green beans, I like the smell and the noise of the roaster: every day. There’s nothing I’m tired of. It’s not hard for me to stay in the business because it would harm me to leave.”

North Roast Coffee Roaster turns your morning mug into a daily ritual; knowing where and how your coffee was made makes the first sip even sweeter.