Author: keepupwithkingston

Treat Yourself at Sipps Coffee and Dessert Bar

~ keepupwithkingston ~ Leave a comment

There’s a quaint little coffee and dessert shop on Brock street called Sipps that I kept walking by but didn’t take the time to try until just recently when I met three friends for coffee and dessert. The patio is small – it fits about four round tables that seat two to three people – but if you’re lucky enough to grab a spot (which we were) it’s a nice place look out at the adjacent market, especially during movie night (which it was). Continue reading →

Hurray for Harper’s Burger Bar

~ keepupwithkingston ~ 3 Comments

harpers
After much consideration, we are ready to order.

“Yes, I’ll have the chickpea burger, on a whole wheat bun with roasted garlic and rosemary mayo, avocado, ‘seed to sausage’ bacon, havarti cheese and waffle fries, please.” – me.

“I’ll have the six ounce beef patty on a pretzel bun, with monterey jack cheese, ‘seed to sausage’ bacon, a fried farm egg, jalapenos and kansas city bbq sauce. ” – him.

Where else could we order such wildly different burgers? We’re at Harpers Burger Bar. One of my favourite burger spots downtown. After introducing it to my in-laws recently, I think it’s safe to say they love it, too! Continue reading →

Up Your Drive-In Game

~ keepupwithkingston ~ Leave a comment

One thing I discovered this summer is that the drive-in is by far the most underestimated summer experience. Going to the drive-in is like being on the set of a 1960s movie – the “set your radio station” signs, the dusty lane ways, the smell of buttery popcorn floating in the open air.It probably helps that Kingston Family Fun World hasn’t been updated in about 50 years (that’s what makes it so charming). Continue reading →

Step Up Your Cardio Game at Apex Indoor Cycling

~ keepupwithkingston ~ 2 Comments

We open the door and we’re greeted by the most bright-eyed, enthusiastic little blonde smiling from ear to ear. “WELCOME!” she yells, “You’re going to love it here.”

Where’s here? Apex Indoor Cycling, the one-year-old spin studio located downtown Kingston in the Smith Robinson Building (Ontario and Princess street). My mom and I are trying our first class and we’re eager to see this modern space. The perky blonde greeter’s name is Gillian. She’s the manager. Continue reading →

Get Your Butt to Bath for the MacKinnon Brothers’ Beer and Music Festival

~ keepupwithkingston ~ Leave a comment

Do you like beer? Do you like music? What about food trucks? Last question, do you have plans this Sunday? I’ve got an idea for you! The MacKinnon Brothers Brewing Company (sponsored by 98.9 The Drive) is hosting “Back to the Farm” this Sunday. “Back to the Farm” is the ultimate summer event filled with great beer, great bands and delicious food located at the MacKinnon Brothers’ farm in Bath on County Road 22. That’s too far, you say? Red House realizes it’s a bit of a drive so they’ve sponsored shuttles running from their downtown and west end locations with pick-up times at 5:00 pm and 6:30 pm and drop offs at 9 pm and 10:30 pm. Problem solved! Continue reading →

Get Your Fill at this Food Fiesta

~ keepupwithkingston ~ Leave a comment

food_fiestaGuys! I found out the most exciting food news today at work. Some of you might have already heard that Thursday night (Aug 20) Loving Spoonful is hosting their third annual Food Fiesta at Lake Ontario Park Pavilion. What is a Food Fiesta? It’s a congregation of talented chefs serving the tastiest bites from their food trucks. Thursday’s event is featuring Mission Street North, Two Nuts in a Truck, The Big Smoke, La Hacienda, Pan Chancho to name a few! Continue reading →

All About Pan Chancho’s Pizza Dough

~ keepupwithkingston ~ 1 Comment

Pan Chancho bakery is a favourite for many Kingstonians. It’s nearly impossible to visit and leave with just one item. While waiting in line, it’s easy to convince yourself that you should maybe grab a chocolate croissant for the road, a side salad for lunch and a sweet for after dinner. They have everything! And it’s all delicious. But one thing I recently discovered is their frozen pizza dough. So incredibly random considering all of the other mouth-watering items they offer. Continue reading →

Rolling Into Dianne’s Fish Shack

~ keepupwithkingston ~ 4 Comments

dianne's_lobster_roll
Located downtown Kingston at the very busy intersection of Ontario and Clarence street and recently featured on You Gotta Eat Here! Dianne’s Fish Shack and Smokehouse already has plenty of locals saying, “I’ve been meaning to go there!” Well, I did. During Buskers – one of Kingston’s busiest weekends – I made a reservation on Open Table for Dianne’s. We showed up very hungry and very eager to see what the fuss is all about. Continue reading →

Sippin’ at Stone City Ales

~ keepupwithkingston ~ 2 Comments

A co-worker came into the office gushing over this new hipster brewery so I had to give it a try for myself. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised. Located on Princess street in between Clergy but north of Sydenham, the space has good vibes and a beautiful open atmosphere. It’s lack of patio is made up by the open front garage door that lets in a nice breeze. If you’re a people-watcher, you can sit at the high top at the front and watch strangers stroll up and down Princess street. I’m into it. Something about this place reminds me of a spot I would find on Toronto’s Queen west – très trendy – but the wholesomeness of Kingston brings it down a notch (in a good way). Continue reading →