Author: keepupwithkingston

Dianne’s Brunch Has Crunch, Try The Chicken and Waffles

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Welcome to Dianne’s
Fresh hot buns.
The Smokehouse Skillet
Soul Waffles
Brunch!

Every weekend we wake up saying, “What are we going to eat for breakfast?” On the ambitious weekends, the kitchen gets put to good use. On the do-we-even-have-eggs-I-don’t-want-to-cook weekends, we venture. Last Sunday, after a solid half hour of trying to determine what we are craving, I turn to my husband with wide eyes, “I think Dianne’s has chicken and waffles?” Decision made. I make a reservation on Open Table (just incase!) for the moment they open their doors and we arrive just after 11:30. When they bring the buns they are literally fresh out of the oven and piping hot with big chunks of sea salt on top. Continue reading →

J’ Adore Le Chien Noir

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I’ve arrived!
The oysters – so fresh and ice cold. Yum!
So much escargot in that bowl. Delicious.
Trout on top of sweet potatoes.
Rack of lamb. I felt like a Flinstones’ character eating this.
Dessert.

When I receive a message from Rachel and Joanna of Black Dog Hospitality, the local company that owns Atomica, Harpers, Dianne’s Fish Shack and Smokehouse and Le Chien Noir, I am pleasantly surprised that they would like to treat me to a meal at Le Chien Noir. I’ve happily (and on my own terms) written about my love for all of Black Dog’s other vendors, so why not?

Le Chien Noir is a Kingston staple and is known in this town and beyond for its fine french dining. I would happily treat myself to a meal here any day. Continue reading →

Why Casa is More than Pasta

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Appleby, sauvignon blanc,
Biasali, braised beef short rib, roasted garlic asiago cheese risotto with pizzaiolo.

Casa Domenico has been home to many girls nights. Located on Brock street, Casa’s diverse menu, fantastic cocktail and wine selection, friendly servers and low-key ambiance is a perfect spot to share a meal.

Most recently, I arrive early and wait at the bar for a friend and her many birthday guests. After an espresso rum shot to warm up and a glass of white (Appleby Sauvignon Blanc), everyone arrives and I can’t wait to get my hands on all the carbs.* Continue reading →

Back to Basics: Why I Love Carmelinda’s

~ keepupwithkingston ~ 5 Comments
Carmelinda’s.
Two eggs and bacon with the most delicious homefries.

Breakfast is a wonderful thing. And sometimes there is nothing better than a good ol’ fashioned plate of eggs, bacon and buttered toast. Enter, Carmelinda’s. Carmelinda’s Family Diner has been around for years and has been a favourite of mine for a cheap, cheerful, classic breakfast. This diner is what slow saturday mornings are made of. *Seriously, I wouldn’t visit if you’re in a rush to get somewhere as it really inhabits the laid back vibe of an old school diner. Continue reading →

Have you Heard of Juniper?

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Right this way to Juniper Cafe.
Juniper’s Menu
Treats!
Squash on Fresh Focaccia. Say no more.
Arugula, Fennel, Parsley, Carrot, Lemon and Oil
The charming Juniper
Look at this view! Wait until Patio season.
The Tett in all its glory.

Juniper Café has been the  talk of the town lately and for good reason! This charming breakfast and lunch spot located in the Tett centre provides locally-sourced products and bakes a majority of their menu items fresh onsite. So you can understand why I couldn’t wait to stop in for lunch. Continue reading →

Toast and Jam’s Breakfast Game is Strong

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Toast and Jam Menu
Breakfast at Aunt Sophie’s
T&J Sandwich: t&j sandwich: avocado + arugula + peppers + egg + goats cheese in a housemade griddle cake.
Lovely surprise at the end of our meal: gingerbread cookies with the bill.

Saturday morning is my absolute favourite time of the week. It usually means coffee and tea in bed followed by a delicious breakfast somewhere in town. Today, that somewhere is Toast & Jam, Bread and Butter Bakery’s new breakfast and lunch café. We arrive around 10 AM at the busiest time – it feels like a large percentage of Kingston pulled into the parking lot with us (note to self, leave earlier next time). Continue reading →

A+ For Atomica

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IMG_5536Atomica. This dimly-lit, wooden-oven pizza spot is one of my favourite places in town for a number of reasons (which I will explain shortly). That’s why I suggested it for a dinner date last week with a few of my favourite Kingston lifestyle bloggers – check out these talented ladies! Chelsey of With Love and Wild Photography, Nikki of Niche Photography, Brooke of Just Add Stripes  and Steph of Taylor Clark Photography joined me for a delicious meal and our visit confirmed why I love Atomica so much. Continue reading →

My Blissful Facial at the Annex Spa

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My first experience at The Annex Spa is a successful one that leaves me relaxed and looking rested.the_annex_spaWhen I get an email notification for my 60 minute customized facial, I say to my husband, “what can she possibly do to my face for an entire hour?”

I have been invited by one of The Annex Spa’s aesthetician’s Heidi for a facial and I am pretty excited. Who doesn’t love a spa treatment? Continue reading →

Kingston Christmas Gift Guide: For the Family

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‘Tis the season to hit the stores for all sorts of gifts – whether it be for kids, friends, colleagues or bosses – we’re all searching for the perfect present. Thoughtful but not trying and affordable but not cheap. What better way to celebrate Kingston’s wonderful local businesses than by allowing them help you finish your holiday shopping.

I’ve picked a few of my favourite places in town and listed them under categories for Christmas shopping inspiration.

This edition is for that wonderful family you know who deserve a thoughtful gift, a night free of cooking or a day free of chores.

See more local gift ideas!


With Love and Wild Photography: This gift is perfect for the family who need to update their photos or just love to be photographed. With Love and Wild  is incredibly talented and offers mini-sessions that capture a families love and quirks perfectly. Buy a session as a gift that will help them fill their homes with beautiful photographs. Or, better yet, book a session for them before Christmas and they will have something for their Christmas cards! Continue reading →