Posted on

9 Kingston Eats You Need To Try For Under $10

10 Kingston Eats You Need To Try For Under $10

Kingston is a culinary gem; there is no doubt about that. What’s even more impressive than the sheer number of options to satisfy your taste buds is the quality of all these restaurants. Take a ten-minute walk downtown, and you’ll pass a dozen restaurants serving mouth-watering, unique dishes.

With so many restaurants to drop in on, how can you possibly satisfy your inner foodie without breaking the bank? That’s where we come in. Thankfully, Kingston can be as frugal as it is delicious — all it takes is a little digging. Here are the best places offering up delicious eats all under ten dollars.

Brass Pub

403 Princess Street

If you’re looking for classic eats with a laid-back atmosphere, look no further than The Brass. There’s a reason that students and locals alike flock here year round, and it’s not just for the live music and bumping atmosphere. Sometimes you just need to indulge in a greasy meal that satisfies all your cravings. Whether it’s breakfast or late at night, these guys have got you covered.

What to get: Fresh Belgian Waffles made to order! Get them fully loaded with Strawberry compote, whipped cream and chocolate syrup for $10.

Smores waffles😍 dessert for breakfast!

A post shared by SYD + MADS (@temptingtastes) on

The Pilot House

265 King Street East

The Pilot House is known for their legendary fish and chips, but their other gastro offerings prove that they aren’t just a one trick pony. Located in the heart of downtown K-Town, it’s a cozy spot to relax and treat your buds (taste and people).

What to get: The Pilot Poutine. Known for amazing fries, why not add gravy, mozzarella, St. Albert Curd and Bacon? All for 10 dollars.

Northside Espresso + Kitchen

281 Princess Street

If you haven’t seen this recently opened, Melbourne, Australia inspired cafe + kitchen in person, you’ve definitely seen it on Instagram. It’s home to not only some of the nicest brunch aesthetics in Kingston but also meals inspired by the iconic cafe culture in Melbourne. All this to say, you’re going to get amazing coffee (get the flat white), and a rare, slower paced atmosphere to soak up all the flavour.

What to get: The Croissant + Sweet is freshly baked and paired with Nutella or Henderson Farms jam, paired with some of the best coffee in the city, this cheap eat makes for a perfect morning.

Bread & Butter Bakery

1530 Bath Road

The cliche, “the simple things in life are better” may have been created exactly for this charming bakery. As a family run business, this little bakery serves up some of the best sweet and savoury pastries you can imagine, with everything made fresh and in-house.

What to get: Bread Pudding. Let them show you what love is with this mouthwatering dish for only $5.50, and for $5.95 you can get it with the Butter Rum sauce.

Wok In

30 Montreal Street

Blink and you’ll miss this tiny takeout spot. A favourite among Kingston locals for years, this family-owned business serves up some of the most mouthwatering Thai, Vietnamese and Cambodian dishes in Kingston. With huge portions and exceptionally tasty food, you’ll be doing your stomach and wallet (nothing costs more than $11) a favour.

What to get: Asian Style Chicken with red curry, basil, peanuts, coconut and rice. A classic that tastes like a delicacy, only $9.50.

Harper’s Burger Bar

93 Princess Street

Sometimes you want the basics, and then there are the times you’re craving a burger decked out with caramelized everything, aiolis galore, and cheese so fancy you’ll eat with your pinkies up. Whatever your mood, Harper’s is there. This downtown fan-favourite serves up customizable burgers, awesome hot dogs, and unique poutines — try the coconut-red curry sauce with cilantro.

What to get: Boozy Floats are the perfect sidekick to your burger or stand alone treat. For $8 you can get a generous scoop of ice cream with the perfectly paired brew. We love the Bartenders Root Beer Float with Galliano, Frangelico, Pepsi & vanilla ice cream.

Sally’s Roti Shop

203 Wellington Street

Just thinking about Sally’s made-from-scratch dishes makes our mouth water, so it’s no surprise they made our list! All the dishes, from curries to roti, are made fresh to order, and all the flavours really give you an authentic Caribbean dining experience.

What to get: The Dhalpuri Roti is made in-house, so how can you not? Vegetarian options start at $5, but there are also chicken, goat, lamb and shrimp available too. Each roti comes with curry potatoes.

View this post on Instagram

Give me all the roti. 😛

A post shared by Keep up with Kingston (@keepupwithkingston) on

Juniper Cafe

370 King Street

Stepping into the Juniper Cafe is like entering a little enclave of paradise. Perched on the shores of Lake Ontario at the Tett Centre, the Juniper Cafe serves local food all artfully made in-house. Find a selection of healthy salads, mouthwatering sandwiches, and pastries to pair with a glass of wine or cup of coffee while you sit out on the patio and take in the view!

What to get: Breakfast Sandwich for $7.95. A sandwich worth every penny and then some. You’ll get double smoked bacon, aged cheddar, Bekings poached egg, and tomato jam on a fresh buttermilk biscuit.

Posted on

Get Curious: 5 Inspiring Events at the PumpHouse Museum

All events listed below are took place in 2018. For up-to-date information, please visit Kingston Pumphouse Museum’s website.

The PumpHouse Museum is just one of Kingston’s many connections to the past. It’s the city’s original waterworks and provided the first running water to Kingston way back in 1851. Today, it brings history and science together to encourage our curiosity. You don’t want to miss out on this month’s lineup of programming inspired by one of history’s greatest artists and inventors: Leonardo da Vinci.

Fall hours and admission information can be found here.

Fall Forts challenge at the PumpHouse

Fall Forts

October 13 and 20, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm

After overwhelming success over the summer, the PumpHouse has brought back Fort Night, now on Saturday afternoons.

You have all the supplies but none of the direction. Work alone or in teams to create the best fort and win the challenge. This isn’t your classic chairs and blankets fort building either, each Fall Forts challenge pushes your creativity to the limit for the chance to win great prizes.

Leo After Hours – Body Snatching

Thursday, October 25, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Come down to the PumpHouse in the evening and unleash your inner child-like curiosity. This untraditional after-hours event lets you explore the exhibit at your leisure with special “dark” activities just in time for Halloween. Bring your friends and let your imaginations run wild. Plus, there’s a cash bar at the event so you can really make a night of it! Play a giant, anatomically correct game of Operation, create a creepy hand in the Discovery Centre, and learn about the gruesome history of Body Snatching.

Ages 19+ and tickets are $10

The PumpHouse, an original waterworks from 1851
Inside the Pumphouse Museum, an original steam powered waterworks from 1851

HalLEOween — Curator Tour

Saturday, October 27, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Let the museum’s curator lead you on a creepy, spooky, Leo Tour through the PumpHouse this Halloween. You’ll learn behind the scenes details of this nearly two-centuries-old waterworks, and uncover a few unsettling secrets about da Vinci’s research methods.

Leonardo da Vinci Relentless Curiosity exhibit at the PumpHouse

Leonardo da Vinci — Relentless Curiosity

Open Thursday, Friday and Saturday until November 24

This is the headliner event you don’t want to miss. We know a lot about da Vinci’s legacy as a renowned painter (you’ve heard of the Mona Lisa, right?) but often less well known are his skills as an ambitious inventor.

So many of the big name inventions we rely on today have a basis in da Vinci’s attempts to solve Renaissance-era problems like human flight, and underwater breathing. You’ll have a chance to explore them in the exhibit. “We’ve commissioned a local Kingston woodworker to recreate several of Leonardo’s engineering designs as models for the show,” says exhibition curator Paul Robertson.

da Vinci to Galileo

October 12, 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Visit the exhibit early on October 12 to brush up on your Renaissance geniuses before heading over to the St George Cathedral for a performance inspired by the Relentless Curiosity exhibit. Hear period music and listen to readings from Italy’s most inquiring minds.

Get your tickets to the performance here.

Posted on

Kingston’s Coffee Culture

The Common Market latte and raspberry scone

Kingston is quickly becoming a beacon for coffee lovers who want something unique. Proudly brewing fair trade roasts, and loading down tables with classic cafe fare made from scratch with fresh, local ingredients, each coffee shop brings something special to the city. There’s a spot for every type of caffeine connoisseur in the heart of Kingston: by the water, along bustling main streets, or tucked alongside the city’s most historical landmarks.

Juniper Cafe counter

Juniper Cafe

370 King Street

Co-owned and operated by a couple passionate about local ingredients and direct trade coffee, Juniper Cafe boasts an ever-rotating menu of delicious seasonal food, pastries and beverages, all made in-house.

A cafe for creatives looking to unwind with an expertly crafted Juniper Hot Chocolate and watch the waves roll in on Kingston’s only patio with unobstructed views of the waterfront.

Northside Espresso and Kitchen latte

Northside Espresso + Kitchen

281 Princess Street

Located on bustling Princess Street, Northside is inspired by the thriving cafe culture of Melbourne, Australia. Come in for made-to-order breakfast and pastries using fresh, local ingredients wherever possible or host a private party on their trendy patio.

A cafe for a laidback lifestyle. Soak up the authentic Aussie atmosphere in this bright cafe and expect unrivalled breakfast and flat whites with an international kick.

The Elm Cafe counter

Elm Cafe

303 Montreal Street

Committed to the Kingston community, this family-run cafe in the trendy north-end Inner Harbour neighbourhood hosts poetry and live music nights in between brewing delicious lattés and crafting a unique menu using local and seasonal ingredients.

A cafe for reconnecting with friends (or a favourite book) over a classic latté in a warm, comfortable atmosphere.

Crave Coffee House macchiato

Crave Coffee House

166 Princess Street

This hip coffeehouse whips up some of the city’s most unique cakes and pastries, like the decadent caramel pecan cinnamon bun paired with an equally sweet and comforting caramel macchiato.

A cafe for Kingston’s young and young at heart to catch up or get to work in front of the fireplace.

Posted on

5 Reasons to Visit Fall for Kingston Festival

What better way to say farewell to summer than a Fall festival? From the best sampling of local restaurants and breweries to a unique tattoo booth experience – here are 5 reasons to attend Fall for Kingston Festival on September 29th at City Park.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BnT-W9dlvWV/

1. Delicious Local Eats + Drinks

With Kingston having more restaurants per capita than almost any other city in Canada, it’s safe to say we have this “food” thing under our belt. Fall for Kingston will bring in local favourites like tapas from Tango Nuevo, authentic Italian food from Olivea, comfort food from Bella Bistro, burgers from Otter Creek Farms, and the Black Dog Hospitality Group (Chien Noir, Atomica, Dianne’s, and Harper’s Burger Bar). After sampling some of the best eats of Kingston, wash it all down with craft beer from our local breweries or delicious dessert from Mio Gelato.

Full list of food & drink vendors

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bik9TDuF6Fh/

2. Artisans, Makers, and Vendors

From portable escape rooms and fashion trucks to tarot card readings and hand-crafted jewelry, this festival is a wonderful way to support and celebrate local business owners and artisans. Try your luck with a mobile escape room and puzzles from Improbable Escapes, find your new favourite clothing piece at The Loft Girls mobile fashion truck, get a head-start on holiday shopping from local artisans, and even try out a psychic reading! With a roundup of over 30 vendors, there is sure to be something for everybody.

Full list of vendors and artisans

 

3. Local Bands

If there’s one thing to remember about Kingston, it’s live music. Music acts will perform throughout the day, appealing to all types of musical taste.  Musical acts are mostly local, highlighting the talent of Kingston’s up and coming artists.  The day will culminate in a performance by the headliner band, ‘Busty and the Bass’. Live entertainment throughout the day will be by The Dan Taylor Band, Kasador, The Wilderness, Monowhales and Ralph.

Full Music Lineup

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BlOjliFnWnN/

4. Unique Tattoo Booths

Presented by Painted Lady Fitness, there will be a unique tattoo booth experience. From 12 PM – 8 PM, tattoo artists will be offering $75 palm size pieces on a first come, first serve basis. Tattoo Artists include Jesse James of New Moon Tattoo, Jarrett Montgomery of Little Sister’s Tattoo Studio, and Cameron Roach of Dark Tides Kingston. All proceeds raised from tattoos will be in support of Hospice Kingston.

All Festival Artisans

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bm_d2HrgXLb/

5. All in Support of Hospice Kingston

100% of the proceeds from this event are being donated to Hospice Kingston to help them reach their fundraising goals. Hospice Kingston’s programs and services are provided at no cost to the individuals and families supported. Hospice Kingston fundraises 88% of operating costs annually through the generosity of community-minded citizens, service clubs, corporations, foundations and special events such as Fall for Kingston.

Fall for Kingston will be held in City Park Cricket Field on September 29th, at the corners of Bagot and Barrie, from noon-10:00 pm. Tickets are $25 at the gate or $20 in advance at FallforKingston.ca.

Posted on

A Kingston Outdoor Autumn Adventure

Ah…the sights and smells of autumn!  Hard to believe that yet another summer has flown by, but there are still so many great reasons to take a break from the back-to-school routine and enjoy the fresh fall air with some outdoor adventures.  

Head out of your hotel and take a stroll downtown Kingston, walking through the market, and taking in the first signs of red and orange leaves against the grey limestone walls.  Grab a latté from Crave Coffee House and Bakery, along with some fresh baked goodies, and get ready for a memorable and fun day.

Skywood_2

Head east about a 45-minute drive to Skywood Eco Adventure Park, an amazing outdoor adventure centre tucked along the Thousand Islands Parkway. Just finishing up its third year in operation, Skywood is a unique and exciting experience for the entire family. With lots of options for all ages and skill levels, Skywood ensures that all participants truly enjoy themselves and leave wanting more.

The forest has been transformed and sectioned off into four unique areas: zip line tour; adventure courses, children’s discovery courses; and the tree walk village. Each distinctive zone is geared towards different ages and ability levels, to get your adrenaline pumping!

The zip lining and adventure courses are for adults and older kids, with age and height requirements listed on the website. Climbing, swinging, engaging in unique games and zip lining to the next adventure will be the highlight for anyone who takes on these courses. From beginner and expert, there is something for everyone here!

The discovery courses are geared towards kids aged 5 years and older. These three individual courses allow kids to explore with obstacles, tightropes, rope bridges, and zip lines with confidence, all while only a few feet above the forest floor. The instructors ensure that the harnesses and helmets are well-fitting and secure and that the kids are well equipped and able to safely connect their tethers to the lines on the various courses. Parents, while standing on the forest floor you will see your child experience this course with excited eyes and big smiles on their face!

The tree walk village allows kids to run, climb and discover amazing treehouses while using ramps, rope bridges, zip swings and slides to navigate. There is also an “on ground” obstacle course that allows kids to engage their balance and coordination without the need for helmets and harnesses. The village is for ages 3 and older, and allows for more imaginative play than other areas of the park.   

Be sure to check out the website to find out more about Skywood while planning your visit. Here you will find waivers, frequently asked questions, and will be able to book your day and time to enjoy this amazing place! Note that the fall schedule offers fewer days than their normal summer hours, so book now to avoid disappointment.

Also, while out along the Thousand Island Parkway, take in some more great options before heading back to Kingston for a well-deserved dinner out! Head west on the Parkway for just a few minutes before coming to Browns Bay, the oldest of all the parks of the St. Lawrence. Enjoy some great scenery overlooking the water, dip your toes in the water, let the kids explore the playground area, or throw a blanket under the mature trees spotted throughout the large grassy area and enjoy the autumn sunshine.  

Still have energy to burn?  Pack your bikes for some of the best paths around!  Over 45km of paved paths offer amazing views of the Thousand Islands, each one different from the last.  With endless options for where to start and stop along the way, spend some time planning your route to truly enjoy this memorable biking adventure.  

Finally, head back to Kingston to enjoy some amazing wood oven baked pizza at Wooden Heads, or a heaping plate of pasta at Frankie Pestos.  Enjoy some local beer (or root beer for the kids), and chat about the day’s great outdoor adventure!  

Posted on

West End Kingston Favourites

West End Bella Bistro desserts

Kingston’s West End is filled with great places to visit and eat but it doesn’t get nearly enough love. Downtown Kingston is incredible but don’t forget to take a trip to the west! Just in case you’re unfamiliar, here is a little guide for places to visit when you find yourself in West End Kingston.

Pho Kingston

627 Fortune Crescent

Located in the new developments on Gardiners road south of the 401, Pho Kingston is an authentic Vietnamese restaurant that serves delicious noodle dishes with very flavourful broths. The restaurant is brand new and beautiful —and the menu is affordable with plentiful offerings. My last order of beef rice noodle soup lasted me three filling meals. It’s a perfect rainy-day meal, so cozy and delicious.

West End Pho Kingston take out

Days on Front

730 Front Road

The name of this special spot makes it easy to remember the location, located at the corner of Days and Front Road, Days on Front has one of my favourite menus in Kingston. It’s the perfect place to celebrate a milestone or birthday with a thoughtfully prepared dishes. They support our local farmers and make everything in-house. My favourite dishes are the scallops and the short rib — so good!  

DaysOnFront_5

Immerse Spa

1347 Gardiners Road

This place offers a unique experience on Gardiners Road called Float Therapy. The concept is to float in a 7 x 4 foot Epsom salt bath dome, and that provides the equivalent of a 4 to 6-hour sleep to rid you of all of your stress. It also helps detoxify the body, increases blood circulation, and helps manage chronic pain, among other benefits. If you’re looking to find your zen, this is the spot for you. Follow up your float with the oxygen bar for a full rejuvenating experience.

West End Immerse Spa

Go Italian

2815 Princess Street

Do you love Italian food? Go Italian is right at the corner of Princess and Bayridge and they have a great menu with classic dishes like cheese tortellini and chicken parmesan. If you’re having a busy week, you can pick up a take-and-bake for the family! There are a variety of options that come in small, medium and large — vegetable and meat lasagnas, rigatoni with sausage and pepper, parmesan or meatballs, and cheese tortellini. Yum.

West End Go Italian pizza

Cher-Mère Day Spa

68 Brock Street

With its first location downtown, Cher Mère has recently spread their wings to the West End to offer a variety of day spa treatments in their newly renovated space. Located on Taylor Kidd Boulevard, west of Gardiners Road, Cher Mère doesn’t just offer great treatments from facials to massages, they use natural products that they make themselves. There’s no need to worry about unnecessary and harmful chemicals.

West End Cher Mere Day Spa

Bella Bistro

4050 Bath Road

This is West End favourite, found on the corner of Bath Road and Collins Bay, is for family dinners and date nights alike. Bella Bistro supports local farmers, so their menu items stay fresh, and everything on the menu is fantastic. Their specials are exceptionally tasty. You can’t go wrong with a trip to Bella. To top it off they have a market that offers fresh baked goodies and frozen meals you can take on the go. Make sure to save room for dessert.

West End Bella Bistro desserts
Posted on

8 Kingston Restaurants Serving up the Best Seafood

Bella Bistro - 8 Kingston Restaurants Serving up the Best Seafood

Lobster, oysters, scallops, mussels, tuna, crab — have I missed anything? I’m talking seafood. If you can’t get enough of it, that delicious, delicious seafood, and you’re in Kingston (or planning a trip), read on. I’ve got a few recommendations for you that cover the entire aquatic spectrum. Learn about some of the tastiest dishes this beautiful, foodie city has to offer.

Bella Bistro

4050 Bath Road.

This cute spot in the West End (Bath Road and Collins Bay) does a wonderful job with their fish specials — they feature a different one every day, and they stay as local as possible so you can find dishes featuring fish like Ontario Rainbow Trout or perch cooked to perfection every time

Tango Nuevo

331 King Street East

Do you like a good mussel broth? I do. You can find a perfect one at this tapas hotspot, Tango Nuevo. Of course, the mussels alone are delicious, but the garlicky, lemony broth that you sop up with fresh bread is easily the best part in my opinion! Tango Nuevo is located right in the hub of downtown across from Springer Market Square, so it’s a great date night location.

Dianne’s Fish Shack & Smokehouse

195 Ontario Street

The classic lobster roll: buttered, toasted bun, succulent, juicy lobster. You can’t go wrong. Dianne’s version of the lobster roll includes tarragon, lemon, chives, celery, mayo and pickled red onion. Is your mouth watering yet? Mine is. Dianne’s is so good it’s been featured on “You Gotta Eat Here!”  

AquaTerra

1 Johnson Street

Sticking with the lobster theme, how would you like it folded into a creamy, buttery risotto? If your answer is “very much,” visit the elegant, gourmet AquaTerra in the Delta Hotel. The lobster risotto is currently being featured on their Chef’s Kitchen Menu and can be enjoyed best paired with their beautiful waterfront view.

Days on Front

730 Front Road

Named one of the top 100 Best Restaurants in Canada by OpenTable, Days on Front does every dish well. I especially love their scallops. The perfectly seared scallops appetizer is served with leek and brown butter puree as well as bacon jam and pine nuts. That’s right, I said bacon jam. It’s a must-order if you find yourself at the West End restaurant.

Pan Seared Scallops + Leek & Brown Butter Purée + Bacon Jam + Pine Nuts

A post shared by DaysOnFront (@daysonfront) on

Woodenheads

192 Ontario Street

Woodenheads is a classic go-to for locals. They serve consistently delicious food right downtown near the waterfront with a great patio. One of my favourite dishes to share as an appetizer is the Coco Shrimp. It’s black tiger shrimp fried in a spiced beer and coconut better with Vietnamese nuoc cham sauce on the side.

Chien Noir

69 Brock Street

This downtown French bistro serves up a ton of great dishes, one of them being their Yellowfin Tuna Tartare. The flavours feature Asian influences with avocado, sambal, soy, sesame seeds, green onions and wonton chips to scoop up all of the goodness.

Olivea

39 Brock Street

If you’re a fan of oysters, Olivea is the place to eat. Located beside Springer Market Square, this Italian fine dining spot serves up East Coast oysters that are ice cold and delicious. Plus, they have different daily selections to choose from.

Posted on

25 Things to Do in Kingston in October

For the most recent 25 things to do list for October, please visit this list. 

We’ve pulled in a great crop of things to keep your autumn days full of fun and adventure including some new terrors at Fort Fright, a variety of walking tours to get you out and about, and rock legend John Mellencamp.

Make sure you click the pictures for more details about each event.

 


Fort Fright — Thursday – Sunday, October 4–14 & nightly October 18–31
Fort Fright at Fort Henry


1000 Islands Cruise — October 1–28
1000 Islands Cruise


City Hall free guided tours — October 1 – 11
Free City Hall Guided Tours


DIY Charcuterie Board Workshop Series — October 10
DIY Charcuterie Board Workshop Series


John Mellencamp live at the Leon’s Centre — October 4
John Mellencamp at the Leon's Centre


Kingston Fall Public Market at Springer Market Square — All month long
Kingston Fall Public Market


Elvis Superstar Showcase at The Grand Theatre — October 6
Elvis Superstar Showcase at The Grand Theatre


Dear Rogue at The Mansion — October 10
Dear Rogue at The Mansion


Kingston Food Tours — All month long
Kingston Food Tours


Try the new “Beyond Burger” at Harper’s Burger Bar — All month long
New burger at Harper's Burger Bar


The Wolfe Island Corn Maze — All month long
Wolfe Island Corn Maze


Kingston Walks — All month long
Kingston Walks


Serena Ryder at The Grand Theatre —October 18
Serena Ryder at The Grand Theatre


Haunted Walk at Fort Henry — All month long
Fort Henry Haunted Walk


Rubies and Rhinestones Retreat — October 19
Rubies and Rhinestones Retreat


The Original Haunted Walk Tour — All month long
Haunted Walk Tour


Kingston Veg Fest at St. Lawrence College — October 20
Kingston Veg Fest


Kingston Zombie Walk starting at McBurney Park — October 20
Kingston Zombie Walk


Cirque Éloize Saloon at The Grand Theatre — October 20
Cirque Éloize Saloon at The Grand Theatre


Julie Fowlis at The Isabel — October 4

Julie Fowlis live at the Isabel


The Tett Centre Creativity Series — October 25
Tett Centre Creativity Series


Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market — All month long
Memorial Centre Farmers' Market


Kingston Comic Con at Queen’s University — October 28
Kingston Comic Con


Bahamas with special guest Tim Baker at The Grand Theatre — October 28
Bahamas at the Grand Theatre

 

Book an Escape Room at Sherlock’s Escapes — All month long
Sherlock's Escapes

Do you have an event you’d like featured in our monthly list? Add it to our events calendar (scroll down to the bottom and look for the button on the right) for consideration!

Posted on

Kingston’s Burger Bucket List

Bella Bistro must-try burger

You can’t really go wrong with a good burger, especially when you know where to find the tastiest patties in Kingston. And vegans, don’t worry, there are a couple of recommendations in here for you, too! From traditional to non-traditional, you’ll find your next favourite.

Otter Creek

City Park and Spearhead Brewing Company

You can find this food truck parked in City Park during lunch hours on weekdays or at Spearhead Brewing Company! They use the best of the best when it comes to their beef — it’s wagyu! That means their cattle is given the best possible life with plenty of space to roam and fed only local hay. And the proof is in the product. These burgers are by far my favourite served between a soft and doughy brioche bun, Yum.

Bella Bistro

4050 Bath Road

Wednesday Burger Night at west end restaurant, Bella Bistro, is one of my favourite things to enjoy mid-week. They support local farmers and curate as much as they can locally so everything tastes so fresh. What I especially love about Burger Night are the veggie options. Every week is different but they’re always delicious and range from veggie patties that include mushrooms and barley to sweet potato, cauliflower or quinoa. They also make their own milk buns in-house and words can’t express how delicious they are! Plus, you don’t need to wait until Burger Night to get your hands on a classic burger at Bella, their main menu patties is also delicious.

Red House

369 King Street and 629 Fortune Crescent

Red House does a good job at elevating the classic burger with condiments like tomato relish, mustard mayo, aged cheddar, and an added crunch with crispy onions. If you want a traditional pub burger, Red House is your spot. They are located downtown and in the west end for your convenience.

Harper’s Burger Bar

93 Princess Street

The best part of Harper’s is the fact that you can eat here with a group of people with completely opposite tastes in burgers and everyone will leave happy. There is such a variety from the size of the patty to the different types of buns — pretzel, white, brown, gluten-free or lettuce for those carb-free burger lovers. They even carry the vegan Beyond Burger patties for meatless burger lovers — looks like meat, tastes a lot like meat but is made up of ingredients like beets and peas. And don’t get me started on the variety of toppings. Onion rings on my burger? Yes, please! I bought an out-of-towner here for a burger once and they said it tasted so good they would consider moving to Kingston just for regular trips to Harper’s.

Pan Chancho

44 Princess Street

A Kingston favourite. Pan Chancho is known for its delicious baked goods but should also be noted for its tasty burger. They use Enright Cattle Co. ground beef with Montreal steak spice and top it with classic ingredients like tomato, lettuce, pickles and red onion and then take it to the next level with a chive aïoli. I love a saucy burger so the aïoli is right up my alley!  

Chez Piggy

68 Rear Pricess Street

If Pan Chancho is on the list then, of course, we need to include Chez Piggy. They have the same owner and therefore the same level of top quality food and service. Chez Piggy brings a special spin to the regular burger by using lamb. They have a burger with Enright Cattle Co. beef as well, but why not go for the lamb? It has a roasted red pepper aïoli, minted chèvre and local greens a top a spicy lamb patty. Served on a pretzel bun from Pan Chancho bakery with a side of frites and carrot salad — gourmet!

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp19ic2AYG_/

Days on Front

730 Front Road

I am going to call this one the “bougie burger.” If you’re especially fancy and like prime ingredients like truffles but also love burgers, Days on Front in Kingston’s west end is the place for you. The patty is bacon and onion infused and topped with butter lettuce, tomato, aged cheddar, caramelized onions and yes, truffle mayo. No need to pass the ketchup for this burger.

Thank you Days on front for my lunch 😊 #daysonfront #supportlocalbusiness

A post shared by Heather Halladay (@hhalladay_) on

AquaTerra

1 Johnson Street

AquaTerra has a reputation for producing the best of the best — I consider it a place to go when celebrating a milestone!  If you want the most elevated version of a basic burger, go to this high-end restaurant with waterfront views. They use prime cuts and condiments like tomato jam and roasted garlic aïoli as well as dijon mustard served on a brioche bun with butter lettuce and tomato. All that’s missing is its dramatic reveal on a shining silver platter.

Posted on

25 Things to Do in Kingston This September 2018

Hey, don’t be sad that summer’s over — summer is a state of mind. That’s why we’ve decided it isn’t over until we say it’s over. September’s lineup of Kingston events is just as red-hot as the last few months’ and includes Kingston Writersfest, a poutine party, the long-awaited return of Fort Fright, and a special visit by rock n’ roll legends Chicago.

Make sure you click each image for more event information

1. Music in the Park: Sounds on Sydenham — September 1
25 Things to do in Kingston September 2018

2. Chef Cooking Demos at Springer Market Square — September 1
25 Things to do in Kingston September 2018

3. Limestone City Car Classic at Lake Ontario Park — September 1
25 Things to do in Kingston September 2018

4. Relax at Immerse Spa — Monday–Tuesday, Thursday–Sunday
25 Things to do in Kingston September 2018

5. Kingston Food Tours — Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays
25 Things to do in Kingston September 2018

6. Kingston Walking Tours — September 1–28
25 Things to do in Kingston September 2018

7. Movies in the Square at Springer Market Square — September 6
25 Things to do in Kingston September 2018

8. Celtic Kitchen Party at Riverhead Brewing Company — September 7
25 Things to do in Kingston September 2018

9. Kingston Ribfest & Craft Beer Show at Memorial Centre Park — September 7–9
25 Things to do in Kingston September 2018

10. Kingston Family Fun Festival at CFB Kingston — September 9
25 Things to Do in Kingston This September 2018

11. Multicultural Arts Festival at Confederation Park — September 9
25 Things to do in Kingston September 2018

12. Limestone Century Tour — September 9
25 Things to do in Kingston September 2018

13. An Evening with Chicago at Leon’s Centre — September 11
25 Things to Do in Kingston this September 2018

14. Kingston Fall Fair at Memorial Centre — September 13–16
25 Things to Do in Kingston this September 2018

15. The Isabel Quartet & Double Bass with Joel Quarrington at The Isabel — September 15
25 Things to Do in Kingston this September 2018

16. Cancer Bats & The Flatliners live at The Mansion — September 20
25 Things to Do in Kingston this September 2018

17. Poutine Feast at City Park — September 21–23
25 Things to Do in Kingston this September 2018

18. CORK Fall Regatta & Ontario Sailing Combine at Portsmouth Olympic Harbour — September 20–23
25 Things to Do in Kingston this September 2018

19. McGill Symphony Orchestra at The Isabel — September 23
25 Things to Do in Kingston this September 2018

20. Kingston Writersfest — September 26–30
25 Things to Do in Kingston this September 2018

21. Fall For Kingston at City Park — September 29
25 Things to Do in Kingston this September 2018

22. Art After Dark in Downtown Kingston — September 28
25 Things to Do in Kingston this September 2018

23. Fort Fright at Fort Henry — September 29–October 14
25 Things to Do in Kingston this September 2018

24. Fall Princess Street Promenade — September 29
25 Things to Do in Kingston this September 2018

25. Gino Vannelli at The Grand Theatre — September 29
25 Things to Do in Kingston this September 2018
Do you have an event you’d like featured in our monthly list? Add it to our events calendar (scroll down to the bottom and look for the button on the right) for consideration!

Experience the sights, sounds and colours of fall in Kingston with perfect accommodation packages, so you can stay and play in style. Check out our Packages page for more details or to book your fall getaway now.

Posted on

Meet the Maker: Constantin Mugenga of the Kingston Multicultural Arts Festival

Kingston Multicultural Arts Festival

People dream of travelling the globe to experience different ways of life, but sometimes you just need to look outside your door. A world of cultural diversity, a rainbow of backgrounds and traditions, and a medley of international delicacies can be experienced right here in Kingston, at the annual Kingston Multicultural Arts Festival.

From 11:30 am – 5:30 pm on September 8th, Confederation Park will transform into a miniature global village, alive with the sights, sounds, and tastes of 21 different regions of the world. The Kingston Multicultural Arts Festival (KMAF) invites Kingston’s various ethno-cultural associations to share the beauty of their unique cultures through dance, song, art workshops, and pavilions featuring educational displays and traditional delicacies. Constantin Mugenga, the new Co-lead, works through the Kingston Immigration Partnership (KIP) to bring this yearly event together.

“This event is an opportunity for the residents of Kingston from various ethnicities to say, ‘This is what our food is, this is what our art is, and this is how we celebrate,’”

Kingston Multicultural Arts Festival
Participants of all ages come together to celebrate and share their folklore. Photo via Kingston Multicultural Arts Festival

The driving force behind the creation of KMAF was each cultural group’s desire to share their culture with the local community. For newcomers who have recently arrived in the Kingston area, it’s an opportunity to celebrate the diversity they bring with them while getting to know their neighbours in a festive atmosphere.

“The ethnocultural associations are an integral part of this festival,” says Constantin. “Without their involvement, this festival wouldn’t be what it is.”

“It’s hard to put into words, but it creates a sense of belonging, as if one is part of something bigger,” he says. “It’s bright, colourful, everybody’s smiling, and there’s a buzz in the air.” This welcoming, vibrant event will feature musical and dance performances, including Chinese dancers, African singers and dancers, a Scottish band and Highland dancers, world drumming, Ollin Drum Circle, Remesha Drums from Ottawa, Fussian Music Kingston, Traditional Neapali folksongs, Irish Dancing, and the ever popular Wesli Band from Montreal. Hour-long workshops will also take place, teaching traditional forms of creative expression.

Kingston Multicultural Arts Festival
Beautiful costumes, dazzling dance moves, and more will be on display at KMAF. Photo via Kingston Multicultural Arts Festival

This year, visitors can expect to attempt screen printing, Irish dancing, water colour painting, Mayan worry doll making, Chinese painting, Arabic Calligraphy and Rock painting. Young and old alike will find so much to enjoy at KMAF, from the lively music and performances to the kids’ tent that features face-painting and other activities for little ones.

And then there’s the food, “Nothing brings us together like food,” says Constantin. For foodies with a palate for exotic eats, this festival is the stuff of dreams. Savoury samosas, plump pupusas, incomparable dishes of butter chicken, shawarma, falafel, and more will tempt your taste buds as you wander from pavilion to pavilion. “The traditional recipes and homemade style will be unlike anything else you could find on a restaurant menu, it’ll be just like having dinner in the home of a local community member, this food truly is unique” says Constantin. Follow your nose to the Filipino pavilion, where the aroma of fresh frying spring rolls will draw you in and make your mouth water. Even better, wallet-friendly prices make it easy for visitors to sample the offerings of multiple regions. Constantin’s advice for experiencing the festival fare: “Come hungry.”

Kingston Multicultural Arts Festival

Aside from the food and handicrafts for sale, admission to KMAF is completely free, and the various associations aren’t charged anything for their space. Constantin explains that the festival isn’t about making money, but is instead an endeavor to build community. “Given the tensions that we live with in this day and age, it’s really important that we learn from one another, and promote dialogue,” he says. “Diversity is important. If we can help make these groups more visible and show what a rich multicultural community we live in, we can facilitate education and understanding, preventing the ignorant messages we see all too often. Newcomers bring diversity in skills, ideology and culture that make us a richer community. We can learn so much from one another.”

In the ten years since its inception, Mugenga has seen the diversity of Kingston grow, and with it, the success of the KMAF. “Each year, this feeling of warmth and community seems to grow and deepen,” he says. “We always hope that this spirit of celebrating others will continue long after the festival is over.”

Find more information on the Kingston Multicultural Arts Festival, here.

Posted on

Kingston’s BYOW Restaurants You Need to Know About (Part 2)

Kingston's Bring Your Own Wine Scene

In our first post covering Kingston’s fabulous BYOW scene, we gave you a taste of the spots you need to hit up with your favourite vintage in hand. Now we’re pouring you a whole glass of options for an amazing meal out!

Far from the frat boy calls of a BYOB party, Bring-Your-Own-Wine has a unique luxurious quality that we can’t resist. You don’t have to cook but you can bring that bottle of sauvignon blanc you’ve been saving for a fancy occasion. It’s a winning combination. More and more restaurants are catching on to the growing trend and offering BYOW.

So grab that bottle from your wine rack, and enjoy!

Tango Nuevo

331 King Street East

Tango Nuevo knows the power of a special meal to bring people together. Tapas is literally centred around the idea of using food to create connection and conversation. Using local ingredients, Tango Nuevo has gained a fan following for their amazing tapas recipes in Kingston which fuse local and international ingredients.

$25 corkage fee for one 750ml bottle per reservation.

AquaTerra

1 Johnson Street

You’re sitting overlooking beautiful Lake Ontario eating an amazing meal, you have your favourite people with you, and you’re in the heart of downtown Kinston at the Delta hotel. The only thing that could make this better? Finally having that special bottle of wine you’ve been saving. AquaTerra is the perfect place to finally raise a glass, especially with such a delicious menu to back it up. The kitchen always produces a delicious rotating menu featuring dishes with locally sourced ingredients.

$25 corkage fee

Sushiya Zen

49 Princess Street

Not feeling Sake? Not a problem at one of Kingston’s best sushi restaurants. Sushiya Zen was opened in 2008 and ever since has been drawing in fans for their Korean and Japanese fusion menu. Pop the cork on a dry rosé or Riesling and pair it with their classic sashimi and sushi or Donburi, Udon noodles, tempura, bulgogi, dorayaki and more.

$15 corkage fee

Casa Domenico

35 Brock Street

Going to Casa for a meal out is like entering your own little bubble of Italian bliss. Chef David Faroldi and his kitchen use only fresh ingredients to produce classic yet modern Italian fare. Add in the elegant, sleek atmosphere — not to mention a bottle of your favourite red or white — and you have an amazing night ahead of you.

$25 corkage fee, one bottle of wine per group.

Gnocchi al Gorgonzola with a view of my dream wine cellar 👌🏼🍷

A post shared by MACKENZIE LEMMON (@foodvinosoul) on