Eats

Aquaterra’s Winemaker’s Event Pairs Food and Philanthropy

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Kingston views.
A glimpse at the menu.
second course: wild nova scotia halibut with asparagus hazelnut salad with goat cheese mousse and cider gastrique. paired with Charles Baker 2014 Reisling Ivan Vineyard.
Charles Baker 2014 Reisling Ivan Vineyard.
confit cornish hen with du puy lentil cauliflower pakora, savoury cabbage and currant reduction paired with Stratus 2014 Gamay
leek ash crusted venison with potato pave, parsnip puree, baby chioggia beets, demi glace paired with Stratus 2012 Red
chocolate torte with white chocolate chiffon, ganache, florentine, cocoa oil paired with Stratus 2012 Botrytis Semillion.
Who would I be if I didn’t capture the sunset?
Evan Sharma’s painting the in silent auction.

I was recently invited to the holy grail of foodie indulgence. An evening filled with course after course of meticulously planned meals paired with top-notch wine: The Winemaker’s Event at Aquaterra, featuring Stratus Winery’s Charles Baker. Continue reading →

New Discovery: Bee Pollen at Hogans’ Honey

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“You should never buy honey in a grocery store.” I overhear as I wander through  Hogans’ Honey located in Bath. This charming little spot produces a number of honey products as well as maple syrup. To name a few: raw honey, buckwheat honey, honey comb,  beeswax candles, “bee” lotion and last but not least: bee pollen line the shelves. Though I am fascinated by the abundance of honey products surrounding me in this modest shop, the bee pollen catches my attention. Continue reading →

Crave Coffee House Leaves Me Wanting More

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The countdown to the brand new Crave Coffee House through their social media campaign left me anxiously awaiting the day they finally opened their doors to the public.

“Im going to Crave at 6:30 tomorrow before work.” I say to my husband, “6:30 AM?” he gawks. “Yes.” I confirm. The next morning I don’t quite make my goal time. But I park on Bagot street and greet a Big Dig construction worker at around 7:15 am before opening the doors to this shiny new spot on the south side of Princess street and I am wowed. “It’s big! Beautiful layout. There’s a fireplace!” are the first few thoughts that enter my head. Continue reading →

Delicious Donuts, Right This Way

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Hawaiian fruit. Sprinkles galore!
What’s better than a bag of donuts?$6.95 for half a dozen.

In the words of Homer Simpson, “Hmmm donuts.” I basically embody the gluttonous character after a Sunday morning trip to Kingston’s iconic donut shop, Coffee Way Donuts. I hesitated posting about these scrumptious delights as I felt everyone had made a trip to this down-to-earth spot on the corner of Concession and Division, however, after posting a photo last Sunday a few people wanted to know more! Continue reading →

Why You Should Try Dong Nai

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#34. Pad Thai with tofu and shrimp.
#13. Combination of fish balls, squid, shrimp, and crab meat in egg noodle soup

You know in the dead of winter when it’s cold and you avoid going out at all costs – even to get groceries – so when it comes to lunch you’re down and out and want something hot and comforting to eat? I’ve got a spot I think you would like. Dong Nai is a quaint Vietnamese restaurant that is perfect for a quick out-of-office lunch or takeout. Friends of mine have been fans for years and now it’s been added to my list of favourites. Let me tell you why I like it. Continue reading →

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

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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 →