Dear Kingston, Let's Support Local

⁣Kingston has come to a standstill. A silence like no other as we #stayhome. A once-bustling city with people out and about, laughter in the air, restaurants bumping... is no more. While there is a lot of uncertainty around the world, there is also a lot of hope. And as places open back up with precautions and attempt to return to 'normal', it'll take time. As a city with the most restaurants per capita in Canada and as a proud locavore and foodie, our local restaurant and food scene need our support. This is a time where we need to come together as a community to rebuild and slowly recover.

This is our home. This is our happy place that brings us joy. 

The culinary community has been adapting to this new reality by offering online stores, deliveries, curbside pick up and more, so let's support the people and places that make our hometown a wonderful place to live. Whether it’s doing takeout, supporting a local farm by signing up to a CSA or buying locally made products such as milk, eggs or cheese, it is our time to regain our strength as a community. Until the dust settles, we will get through this together!

Be a tourist in your own city and #SupportLocal!

So please do me a favour. If there’s a local spot you love, go show them some love.

My heart goes out to family, friends and other entrepreneurs that have had their worlds turned upside down during the past few weeks. Kingston is an amazing place and we know darn well the value and importance of community. So let's try our best to support our local businesses in any way we can. ❤️

Here are a few ways you can help a local business while social distancing:

Order meals for takeout or delivery.

Buy a gift card now to spend later.

Give them a shout out on social media.

Write a positive review via email, Facebook or Google Business.

Like, share or comment on their social channels.

Share your favourite stores in your social networks.

Talk about your love online or with your friends.

Send messages of support on social media.

Recommend friends to them if they are looking for a particular product.

Order your supplies from local businesses online.

Better yet, plan your next staycation in Kingston. While travel is not possible now, it doesn’t mean you can’t plan for adventures later when restrictions are lifted. Take this time to dream up your next local adventure.

But Why Support Local?

Plain and simple, it shows you care about the local community that you live in. You’ll be able to put dollars back into it and the other people who call it home, too. Every purchase made from these businesses helps the owner provide dollars for their workers, keep the lights on, and put food on the table for their families. Your support gives our local economy a chance to thrive and hopefully, fingers crossed, recover in time. But know that for many, this may not be a reality and they will be forced to close their doors.

Remember that our community of passionate people keep our city alive and gives it its unique flavour. So by supporting those businesses, you also ensure that uniqueness is preserved as a part of our community. Also, in some shape, way, or form, we are personally invested as our friends, family and neighbours are local business owners or are employed by those owners. We celebrate when our favourite local business succeeds and we mourn when they're forced to shut their doors. Sadly this was the case for The Alibi in downtown Kingston who did not survive. Give this article a read!

On a personal note, Kingston is why I am a locavore - a statement that rings true to my time living in the city. I didn't know it at first but with the proximity to local farms, farmers' markets and best of all restaurants, the city of Kingston is a haven for foodies craving true local cuisine.

And in true foodie fashion, I have to share a few of my Kingston favourites:

Mio Gelato

Pan Chancho
Woodeanheads
Sapporo Sushi
Sima Sushi
Bella Bistro
Aquaterra
Olivea

Miss Bao
Silly Yak
Baltic Deli
Pilot House
Red House
Bubba’s Poutine
Rustic Spud
Mesa Fresca
Amadeus Cafe
Tango Nuevo
The Everly
The Pasta Shelf
Sally's Roti Shop
Mamma Mia Pizza
Shawarma El Mina
Coffee Way Donuts
North Roast - Coffee
Kingston Coffee House

Smoke 'N' Barrel Kingston

Chinese Palace
Rose & Crown
Copper Penny Grill N' Home
Peter's Place Restaurant
CRAVE Coffee House & Bakery
Dianne’s Fish Shack & Smokehouse
NORTHSIDE espresso + kitchen
Kingston Brewing Company
Iron Duke on Wellington
Namaste - Indian Food
Cards Bakery
Bread & Butter Bakery
Brothers Quality Meats
Enright Cattle Company
Limestone Organic Creamery
Memorial Centre Farmers' Market

Next on my list to try:

Pisanos: Old School

And obviously, even though this post was directed at foodie spots, I can't leave out a few of my favourite retailers as well:

Whit Kingston
Agent 99
Fancy That
Plant Shelf
LSP Designs
Potter's Nurseries

Cooke's Fine Food
Atkinson Home Hardware
Wonderland Escape Rooms and Board Game Lounge
and the list goes on!

Let's keep the heart of our city going!