Page 62 – Visit Kingston

December 12, 2013March 27, 2023

Spotlight On: Tango Nuevo

It’s 7:30 on a cold Friday night in Kingston. The atmosphere in Tango Nuevo, however, is far from the frigid conditions outside; it’s warm, lively and inviting.
I’m immediately greeted with a smile by the lovely hostess and ushered to my table, but it instantly becomes clear that she thinks I’m waiting for someone – I’m not. Admittedly, I’m a little insecure about dining alone; I have always admired the kind of person who can sit down to enjoy a great meal unaccompanied while reading a book or doing a crossword puzzle, since this social skill falls beyond my own perceived competencies.

“Can I get you a drink while you wait?” My server asks.

Panic. Not wanting to correct her (or verify that I’m hopeless and eating alone on a Friday night with nary a book, crossword puzzle or activity to my name), I order a drink and decide to confess when it arrives. However, my server returns far too swiftly with my beer for me to have built up the necessary courage to own the fact that, yes, I was here alone – so what? – and was only able to exchange an awkward smile before she left to look after less socially-inept patrons.
As I sip my drink in isolation, I survey the area. It’s decidedly beautiful and European-feeling, brimming with both unique charm and character. The furniture and décor have obviously been given meticulous consideration – from the exposed limestone walls to the long, rustic table accented with a vintage sewing-machine base. Classic black and white movies are played continuously on a projection screen adding to Tango Nuevo’s unique ambiance, and assorted books line the shelves at the front of the restaurant for patrons looking for some escapism while they enjoy a beverage or two.

Chalkboard artists have painstakingly adorned the walls with everything a customer could want to know: wine listings, upcoming events, daily specials, local shout-outs and perhaps surprisingly – prominent thank you’s to everyone who has helped with the newly revamped Tango Nuevo’s resurgence.

Since reopening its doors in July 2013 as Tango Nuevo (Nuevo, of course, being Spanish for ‘new’) under Gokhan Cifci’s management, the restaurant appears to be thriving. In keeping with the Spanish tradition of sharing small plates of food, Tango Nuevo embraces the concept of tapas in the hopes of bringing Kingston together and encouraging conversation. Complimented with an excellent selection of local and international wines, the menu is an eclectic blend of local flavours and transnational recipes prepared with locally grown fruits and vegetables, and locally procured meats and artisan cheeses.
After coming clean about my dining situation with minimal embarrassment, I ordered the Nuevo Cesar Salad with roasted chicken and was blown away after the first bite. Served with fresh Parmesan, homemade croutons, prosciutto and a mouthwatering house-made dressing, it became clear on the onset that this was one of the best salads I had ever eaten. Whatever unease I initially felt about dining solo had quickly dissipated as I devoured my meal.
After receiving word that I had only ordered a salad (a meek attempt to counteract the fast food I had eaten all week), my server informed me that Gokhan was sending over his favorite item: pan-fried scallops.
Panic. Again. A seafood lover I am not. Can I endure the odd beer-battered fish and chip platter? Sure. But my limited palette doesn’t extend far beyond sea-fare that hasn’t been deep-fried. Not wanting to offend Gokhan in what was an extremely generous display of hospitality, I accept the inevitable and begin mentally preparing for how I will handle this turn of events.
Again, my server arrives long before I’ve had enough time to plan a course of action. Presented on a charcuterie board on bed of warm potato salad vinaigrette and accented with more prosciutto, the scallops placed before me actually look rather appealing – even to someone who doesn’t enjoy them. I reluctantly cut one into four equal pieces, and as I slowly lifted the fork to my mouth I closed my eyes and thought of England.

To my shock and amazement – this scallop was enchanting. It was sweet and savory at the same time with barely a hint of the fishiness that I had so desperately avoided all of my life. I take another bite to confirm what my taste buds are telling my brain – this is seafood, and it’s amazing – before picking up my phone to message my father.

“I just ate scallops!” I texted, beaming with pride. “Really??” He responds with profound disbelief – “And??”

Despite my inherent need to uphold a twenty-eight-year-run of maintaining that seafood for the most part is disgusting, I told him the truth – they were delicious, and the next time he visits Kingston he surely needs to try them. I quickly finished the remaining scallops and sincerely thanked Gokhan for opening my naïve eyes to a world of flavors I never even knew existed in such a capacity.
As I left the restaurant, I reflected on my experience. If a socially awkward, finicky eater like myself can have such an enlightening and enjoyable experience – imagine how the rest of the Kingston could fare? It’s obvious that the newly revamped Tango Nuevo strives to provide the best dining experience for their guests – through their diverse menu, exceptional service and inviting atmosphere – so if you haven’t already, I highly encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and to try something nuevo.

December 12, 2013March 30, 2023

Heel Boy Kingston: A Shoe Treasure Trove

The promise land of all shoes galore, Heel Boy Kingston is your one stop shop for every occasion. A shoe treasure haven, the hunt for a new pair of shoes is as simple as strolling downtown on Princess Street. Owner Chloé Raincock is the brains and mastermind behind Heel Boy, but Heel Boy Kingston is in the trusty reins of Manager Sarah McLaren. McLaren’s knowledge of shoes far surpasses the average persons’. Her counterpart may just be Jane Aldridge of Sea of Shoes.

Heel-Boy---1_980 — Rows upon rows of shoes calling you name.

This footwear boutique offers a unique shoe shopping experience and a wish list that may magnify upon leaving. Heel Boy Kingston caters to both men and women of all tastes and ages. They carry everything from well-known brands like Nine West, Steve Madden, Toms and Hunters to more unique companies like Schutz. Don’t let the name fool you though, along with a great selection of heels, this store also carries flats, boots and fabulous accessories. These range from Daniel Wellington watches for him and her, wallets and Melie Bianco purses. Heel Boy is the spot for classic and cute footwear for both sexes.

Heel-Boy---2_980 — Men are allowed to have fun with their foot attire as well!

Heel Boy is a stylish boutique that resembles one you would find in Soho. With the exposed brick to one side, high ceilings, spotlights and open-faced front windows, you are simply drawn into the store. Featuring helpful staff whom themselves sport spectacular foot attire; they cater to your every need making sure you walk out with shoes you absolutely adore. I may have been drooling just a tad over a pair of Schutz Amaya black suede pumps with gold detailed heels along with a pair of Nine West Lavalou flat loafers with Peacock print. Styles are of the moment at Heel Boy and it definitely has shoes to add spark with accessories to match.

A family of welcoming staff who offer exceptional customer service where being inclusive is of utmost importance; uniqueness is what Heel Boy is all about. With a sleek and modern vibe, the sales associates each bring their own personality to the store, conjuring up great conversations and style. As a member of the Kingston community, “Heel Boy is always open to collaborate with local charities, groups and projects as they love the Kingston community” said Sarah Sarah McLaren.

So get noticed in a pair of unique shoes from Heel Boy, as they offer a mix of casual, chic and the latest styles now available online via shop.ca. Embracing social media and the online market, Heel Boy truly caters to everyone and anyone. Whether you’re a budding fashionista or desperately need some Wellies to keep your socks dry this winter, this is your place. The staff at Heel Boy will help add that final touch to any outfit.

Heel-Boy---5_980 — Hello my pretty. These heels were definitely made for walking!

Staff favourite brands: Sam Edelman, Schutz and Rudsak. Good pick girls!
Be sure to stop by Heel Boy Kingston at 212 Princess, Kingston. You will not regret it.

December 12, 2013July 4, 2024

Kingston’s Gluten-Free Dishcrawl: A Foodie Start Up

Let Dishcrawl introduce you to what Kingston’s local food scene has to offer.

A foodie start up founded on the premise that people can be brought together through good food and good company. Four restaurants are visited in one night, where you get insider scoops from local chefs, managers and owners, while tasting a menu specialized just for you. Seems all fine and dandy, but there’s a twist! The names of the participating restaurants are kept secret as part of the fun. It isn’t until two days prior to the event commencing that the first name of the Kingston Dishcrawl is announced. However, hints are revealed for the other restaurants in the days leading up to the event, which still leaves an element of surprise.

But you may ask, what is gluten-free?

Christine McCullough, Kingston Dishcrawl Ambassador explained the movement tries to change how people engage with local eateries and expand their taste buds making dining a truly social and memorable experience. With todays on the go generation, savoring each bite and appreciating where food comes from is sometimes forgotten, Dishcrawl changes that.

Dishcrawl---1_980 — Dishcrawlers at the first stop of the night, The Grizzly Grill.

With a background in culinary management, event management and over eight years in the hospitality industry, Christine was empowered by the concept of Dishcrawl and her love of food. So joining Dishcrawl seemed like the perfect move in the right direction.

On November 19th, celiac’s and gluten-free dieters strapped on their walking shoes and tasted their way through four of Kingston’s shining stars and best-kept secrets that surprisingly were all accommodating. But you may ask, what is gluten-free? Being a celiac means an individual cannot consume the substance of gluten found in grains such as wheat, barley and rye as it will damage their small intestine. Dealing with this dietary challenge is getting easier though as more grocery stores carry gluten-free foods. However, eating out can still be a tricky proposition. Fortunately, that’s getting easier too and Dishcrawl Kingston has illustrated how accommodating the restaurants can be.

Dishcrawl---2_980 — Plate served by The Grizzly Grill, you wouldn’t think it was gluten free!

As the evening commenced at The Grizzly Grill over laughter, a warm fire and a drink in hand to let loose in a cozy ski lodge atmosphere, Chef Ryan Pitt prepped our first meal in the kitchen. As each plate was brought out to guests, oohs and awes could be heard then complete silence as first bites were taken and a slight food coma took over. Each plate showcased three feature items:

Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
Sliced beets, pecan crusted goat cheese, maple pepper bacon, arugula and persevered red onions dressed with a citrus vinaigrette.

Grilled Lamb Chop
Mixed greens with a citrus vinaigrette, honey Dijon mustard sauce, simple grilled lamb chop.

Yellow Fin Tuna
Grilled yellow tuna served on a delicious tomato arugula quinoa.

With an older crowd, no smartphones were in site instagraming but rather chitter chatter about the delightful variety of food presented was all to be heard. The Works Gourmet Burgers was the next spot of the night with General Manager Evan Cheetham dubbed “Easy Cheesy Cheetham” who graciously greeted the group with gluten-free Magnum’s Cider and stimulating their spirits of what was to be served. Drum roll please! Two delicious portion burgers with gluten free buns and an avocado salad served in an old school diner type metal tray. Don’t forget to try their shakes, as they are flavorful and served in a measuring cup.

Waldork Salad
Leafy spring mix, red onions, chopped beets, ripe avocado, walnuts, grilled pear, crumbly blue cheese, balsamic vinaigrette.

Tony Nirvana
Fresh avocado, beach house sauce, sun dried tomatoes and feta cheese on all beef patty with a gluten free bun.

Growler Five-0
A chicken burger with field mushrooms, smoky BBQ, cheddar and double smoked bacon on a gluten free bun.

Two locations crossed off the list, there still remained two more mystery spots to discover. The brisk ten-minute walk led us to Frankie Pestos Italian Eatery on Ontario Street to sample authentic Italian food. Yes Italian and gluten free dishes do go hand in hand and it is a matter of asking. While it may be cumbersome, as a Celic or an individual with an allergy, you learn to always ask your servers for substitutions. So don’t be shy and enjoy a night out.

Dishcrawl---3_980 — Smiles and good food at Frankie Pestos Italian Eatery.

Caesar Salad
House made dressing with romaine lettuce and fresh parmesan shavings.

Penne Pasta
Gluten free penne tossed in a house tomato sauce, white wine, garlic, chopped basil, mussels.

Pizza
Gluten free pizza dough with basil pesto, roasted red peppers, kalamata olives, balsamic onions, goat cheese.

Dining out and being gluten-intolerant does not have to be a tricky combination anymore. The trends for restaurants catering to special diets is strengthening and a strong highlight for Downtown Kingston with numerous restaurants offering gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options as there is high level of understanding of special dietary needs. The gluten-free Dishcrawl brought together a community of Celiac’s and their knowledge. No icebreakers necessary as everyone in attendance had the communality of an allergy.

With themed Dishcrawls each month, participants always leave with full tummies and well satisfied.

Next events:

January 28, 2014 – Winter Wonderland Kingston Dishcrawl
February 9, 2014 – Battledish Kingston
Cost: $60
Follow Dishcrawl Kingston, @DishcrawlKin!
Visit Dishcrawl Kingston, www.dishcrawl.com/kingston

December 12, 2013March 27, 2023

Kingston’s Nighttime Santa Claus Parade Kicks Off The Holiday Season

**NOTE: This article was created in November 2013. For a list of current events, please visit our events calendar.

Every year for the past decade there has been one event that’s ushered in the holiday season for Kingston residents: the Nighttime Santa Claus Parade.
On Saturday, November 23^rd, Kingstonians lined both sides of Princess Street to watch as almost sixty floats made their way downtown in a seasonal procession of lights, sound, and colour. It was easy to tell from the smiling parents and children in the crowd that the Santa Claus parade is something that they look forward to watching every year.

Collapsible chairs lined the parade route, with many of them having been set up hours before the parade was even scheduled to begin. For some, the parade is an all-day event, complete with shopping, the exploration of the downtown core, and a hot meal prepared by one of the many restaurants in the area.

The Santa Claus parade is very much a family-friendly event: parents could be seen scurrying around in search of hot chocolate, and younger siblings could be seen dragging their older brothers or sisters around to try and secure the best vantage point for the floats. It was also a huge draw for many of Kingston’s college and university students.

The floats and vehicles in the parade were all meticulously decorated. Some were wrapped almost completely with lights, while others had elaborate mechanical contraptions which brought them to life as they passed by amazed onlookers.

Cruickshank’s flatbed was adorned with two gingerbread figures and long strings of lights, while TD Bank’s old, red tractor was more traditional in appearance. The Food Bank had a well, lit float as well, complete with candy canes, Christmas trees, and presents.

Cruickshank's-float_980 — Cruickshank’s Gingerbread figures drew a lot of cheers from the crowd!

The-Food-Bank_980 — The Kingston Food Bank was collecting donations throughout the parade.

While many local businesses had floats in the event, the City of Kingston certainly had a significant presence, too. Speaking with some of the onlookers it became apparent that one of the crowd favourites this year was the Kingston Transit bus that was decked out to look like the Polar Express. They even had elves who were handing out candy!

Kingston-Transit's-Polar-Express_980 — Here’s Kingston Transit’s Polar Express, complete with an elf handing out candy.

Aside from all of the floats, there were also numerous dance troupes, cheerleaders, and performers. There were dancers, musicians, and even a group from the BMX club who were performing stunts.

One family suggested that the most exciting part of the parade was seeing groups of dogs from the Kingston Humane Society and the Agility on the River dog training club dressed up in miniature jackets, boots, and Christmas lights. It’s difficult to compete against something so adorable.

Kingston’s mayor, Mark Gerretsen, made an appearance early on in the parade accompanied by the Town Crier. He also had the privilege of lighting the city’s tree alongside Santa and Mrs. Claus later, to wrap up the evening in Springer Market Square.

Mayor Mark Gerretsen and the Town Crier_980 — Mayor Mark Gerretsen and the town crier greet guests along the parade route.

Kingston’s Santa Claus Parade was a huge hit, providing something for everyone. If you haven’t been to one yet, it’s something to check out next year. This was my first parade, but it won’t be my last!

December 12, 2013March 20, 2023

The Hunt For Kingston’s Best: Poutine

Kingston is home to a wide range of great restaurants, many of which have a long history in the city. Having established themselves on the basis of quality, atmosphere, and affordability, there are restaurants to suit every taste. A foodie’s experience wouldn’t be complete without trying some ultra-Canadian comfort food: Poutine.
While there are a great number of restaurants that serve poutine in Kingston, there are three that stand out as being the best. From long-standing staples of downtown Kingston, to one of the newest entries into the poutine marketplace, these are the three top contenders for the title of “Kingston’s Best Poutine”:
The honour of having the best poutine in Kingston is reserved for Smoke’s Poutinerie, which opened its doors three years ago. While not uniquely Kingstonian, Smoke’s offers so many varieties of poutine that it would be a mistake to exclude it from the list.

Kingston's-Best-Poutine-(2)_980 — Smoke’s Poutinerie at 183 Division Street.

Smoke’s claim to fame is that they use their poutine as a base for various meats, cheeses, and vegetable options. For example, they have Steak Fajita poutine that is topped with beef, sautéed onions, salsa, red peppers, and sour cream. This is all piled on top of a delicious base of thick-cut fries and curds straight from the birthplace of poutine: Quebec. It’s worth a visit (or two, or three).

Kingston's-Best-Poutine-(3)_980 — Smoke’s Steak Fajita Poutine is the vision of a guilty pleasure.

Number two on the list of great poutines in Kingston is the Copper Penny. Since 1981, the Copper Penny’s downtown location has been dishing up delicious, home-style meals. While their entrees are delicious, and the desserts are amazing, their poutine also stands out as one of the best in town.

Kingston's-Best-Poutine-(1)_980 — Since 1981, the Copper Penny has been serving it up in downtown Kingston.

Using thick, ripple-cut fries is a great base for poutine, but the secret to the Copper Penny’s delicious poutine lies in the special seasoning that they use on their legendary fries. The gravy is thick and the flavor permeates each bite. Unlike some poutines, the Copper Penny opts to use a blend of shredded cheese to top their masterpiece. For poutine purists, this might seem like a bad choice, but I urge you to reconsider. The gravy and cheese sinks into the ripples, ensuring that each bite is as tasty as the last.
Thirdly, we have Bubba’s Poutine and Pizzeria, whose claim to fame is being “Kingston’s number one poutine” as voted by Queen’s University. Out of all the poutine-serving restaurants in Kingston, Bubba’s is the one most often mentioned by post-secondary students.

Kingston's-Best-Poutine-(4)_980 — Bubba’s Poutine at 401 Princess Street.

Reasonably priced and generously portioned, Bubba’s poutine is a great place to get your cheese and gravy fix at any time of day. They’re open until 2am, and are a popular destination for people who enjoy a side of poutine while enjoying Kingston’s nightlife. Bubba’s is like a gravy-soaked, curd-bursting nightcap after a night on the town.
Whether a Kingston resident, or an out of towner, there are enough poutines in town that even the hardcore poutine enthusiast will have a difficult time trying them all. The three that made it onto this list are all worth checking out, especially if you’ve got a craving for hot, delicious, Canadiana.

December 11, 2013July 4, 2024

Holiday Spotlight: This Season, Try Shopping Local

Looking to get away from flyers and the big box stores? Downtown Kingston offers a great selection for all price points – if you know where to look.

Amalgamating sister stores Cybil Scott Boutique and Catwalk Boutiques at 65 Brock Street, House of Angelis captures the spirit of global runways with its carefully selected collections of both Canadian and European designers.
Their regular best sellers in semi-formal and formal wear include pieces by Canadian darlings Nadya Toto, Jeffer Caoc and Franco Mirabelli – signature pieces worn by celebrities, clothes for the everyday and perhaps an indulgent gift of sorts for that special lady. If you are looking for something on a smaller scale, House of Angelis also carries a great offering of gloves, purses, and even colourful long socks and the line of Hanky Panky underthings are, I am told, popular as stocking stuffers.

Within minutes of talking to Joanne and Maria Angelis, their passion for fashion and care for their customers is evident. Their impeccable taste is reflected in their eclectic offerings that are sure to make a statement for work or for the night out.
Focused on the professional woman who wants a one-shop-stop and stylish choices, House of Angelis combines attentive customer service with impeccable taste. Whether you need recommendations for gift ideas or know exactly what you need, this is definitely a go-to for the fashionista on your Christmas wish list.

Walking by their windows, it is easy to see why children drag their parents in by the hand to The Rocking Horse. I was welcomed with great enthusiasm, with the only pause is when Jasmine and Liz, the two salespeople, debate what to show me first.

For babies, Sophie the Giraffe remains a popular choice, because of its natural rubber and paint and functionality for babies, there were also other toys to encourage textile touch and motion. For toddlers and younger children, there are also kid-friendly versions of collaborative games like “The Great Cheese Chase” in which players have to work together to achieve a goal, as well as real life applications such as the game “The Shopping List” where players have to remember which items were flipped over, in order to place in a “shopping cart” (their playing card). For those with a dramatic flair, The Rocking Horse has costumes as well as puppets which also function as stuffed animals.

According to Jasmine, who reiterates one of the hottest items flying off the shelf is the Rainbow Loom, an uncomplicated bracelet making set that comes with a variety of patterns, perfect for those with creative hands. For the kids in your life who are curious about how things work and putting things together, there is Playmobil, Lego, and a wide offering of puzzles.

For those who like to hunker down to read, The Rocking Horse carries some classics, like Peter Rabbit and Good Night Moon, and recently started bringing in some pre-teen titles, in response to customer requests.
Dover’s Men’s Wear also prides itself on its personalized customer service, which is what separates them from department stores. There is something for any of the gents on your Christmas list, complete with a quick and efficient tailoring service for those looking to get a new fitting.

In addition to Hugo Boss suits and wool jackets, Robert Graham shirts are also a big hit because of its versatility. Classic dress-shirts from Copenhagan’s Bruun & Stengard are soft to the touch and come in a variety of colours. If you are just looking for accessories, they also carry warm gloves, scarfs, ties, cufflinks, and even dress shoes, in addition to the standard shirts and suits.

Those at Dover’s have a quick eye and quick to let you know what will work or not work, and keen to find you exactly what you need.

And perhaps for that individual who has it all or you don’t quite know their preferences, you can venture into the well-known Minotaur Games & Gifts on just down the street from Dover’s. Though usually known the “games store,” because of the wide selection on its shelves as well as their Games Nights, Minotaur also offer funky and surprisingly useful little gifts for the modest budget. From mugs for the creatively curious to the comic books for the hardcore collector in your life, they also offer an outlet for local artists, such as Denise Arsenault, to showcase and sell their craft. Minotaur also carries the biggest selection of Lego, including the Star War sets. Be cautious, because you may very well end up getting something for yourself instead!

This holiday season, take advantage of free Saturday parking in City of Kingston municipal lots or take a meander down to the local retailers and shops to shop!