tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88123188686195852442024-03-06T00:32:56.039-05:00The StaycationerA daydreamer, a foodie, a thrill-seeker, an explorer - Rosalyn Gambhir is the woman behind the lifestyle blog The Staycationer. Whether it's exploring the local food scene with her foodie partner-in-crime or taking in the view from her favourite cafe, Rosalyn is a tourist in her own city and beyond. The days of daydreaming about escaping to far-off places are over, The Staycationer allows you to rediscover hidden gems in your own backyard.Rosalyn Gambhirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171517612399020748noreply@blogger.comBlogger569125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8812318868619585244.post-60368524385550773122024-01-23T00:00:00.002-05:002024-01-23T00:00:00.132-05:00Roll into Action with BSE Skateboard Shop & Coffee Bar<p style="text-align: center;">Downtown Kingston is known for its charming streets, historic buildings, and a laid-back vibe that captures the essence of this beautiful city. Nestled within this community is BSE Skateboard Shop & Coffee Bar on Princess St, a gem that perfectly embodies downtown Kingston's eclectic spirit, and a place where skateboarding and coffee unite to build a vibrant hub. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="BSE Skateboard Shop t-shirt merchandise on left side and owner Jay Bridges on right side smiling." border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyb_ZlpuPqfZM9CulUAH_SCLuw-ZWJZaYsiIkvHBzzme2BkTn6UOWDW5akxYeeKza5f0nooqcMNz0jMO1rFhid9fpvax5f1otl_8GFeCB4avCdjnpjQeo5WfOSp-AwcJjAfxZa4tfamKfsOAu-ImyI6ZT1Pt54AwTYfjox3x90D0tnD6FSd_DIYiWJOwMS/s16000/BSE_Skateboarding_CoffeeBar_PhotoCredit_JayBridges_1.jpg" title="BSE Skateboard Shop & Coffee Bar in Downtown Kingston" /></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><b>Get Geared Up & Fuel Up for the Ride</b></h4><p style="text-align: center;">If you're a skateboarder or enthusiast, you've hit the jackpot. BSE has an impressive selection of decks, wheels, trucks, bearings, and accessories to fulfill all your skateboarding needs, as well as apparel, and shoes. But it's not just a place to buy gear. It's a hub for the skateboarding community, a place where novices can learn the ropes and experts can share tricks and stories.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Skateboarding can be an energy-draining pursuit. That's where the coffee bar at BSE comes in. Crafting the perfect brew, they offer a variety of coffee options, from espresso shots to creamy lattes. Don't miss out on their specialty drinks – if you visit, you must try the popular "Lemon Drop," a unique concoction of lemonade and espresso. It perfectly complements the energetic and vibrant atmosphere of the shop. Pair your coffee with a locally made baked treat, and you've got yourself a complete meal.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Exterior of BSE Skateboard Shop & Coffee Bar in Downtown Kingston" border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5nITr9ODsXAM6auAS64MEB2oQYnKgrk742ltgy1HmoLr_R3K0dd7jpBJwuWltqlsYBRzLe0FIx7DEF8QTAYsA6T_WVZyvKiop_K5AC2V_plLg5VcpP6J2SBFqRrQBdrLg7BOdxj3txQyNFYt3hAVA3Iq2_RAJNCBVg7zJ4iTZ32wrPhCs5hq0haZjlccl/s16000/BSE_Skateboarding_CoffeeBar_PhotoCredit_JayBridges_2.jpg" title="BSE Skateboard Shop & Coffee Bar in Downtown Kingston" /></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><b>Kickflip into the Past</b></h4><p style="text-align: center;">Partners in both life and business, Jay Brides and Jenna Richmond have a unique story that's intertwined with the evolution of BSE Skateboard Shop. The tale began on Princess Street in Kingston, where Jenna used to work at Hip Kids, and BSE Skate shop was located at its previous spot. Fate brought them together, and they found themselves at the center of Kingston's skateboarding culture.</p><p style="text-align: center;">The year 2020 brought its fair share of challenges as many businesses faced closures and uncertainty. BSE Skateboard Shop, like many others, took a break. However, Jay and Jenna saw an opportunity amid adversity. They decided to make a bold move during the pandemic by relocating their shop. It was a serendipitous moment, as Jay’s previous lease ended just as a more spacious and inviting space next door became available.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Latte cup being filled on the left side and female store owner making drinks on right side." border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjonE-zwa0K7rmYNutZI_Y6j0BDd-4ylbqxyIKEQ5xNf8VfeOAOTRq0Se0OXJN6jw6YNjvrLzx90xffZwUJvwSqBdO4IdCsm7ooVbPIxHoVlAXYcqwpERxtNEgn-6bhjxVeNhBoz59C2k2AeWV1d9EsN4gtcM_3AKIFEZzYbXp-l3j5DhSzJhIQr26uZ7cN/s16000/BSE_Skateboarding_CoffeeBar_PhotoCredit_JayBridges_3.jpg" title="BSE Skateboard Shop & Coffee Bar in Downtown Kingston" /></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><b>Dropping into the Present</b></h4><p style="text-align: center;">The new location is brighter, wider, and welcoming, reflecting the spirit of the skateboarding culture it champions. With a serving counter already built in, it was a win-win situation that allowed them to reinvent the store while keeping its roots intact.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Jay's deep connection to the skateboarding world and Jenna's retail and coffee expertise were a perfect match. Together with the support of the community around the skate shop, they reopened in their new and bigger location. And that's not all; they also have a hidden gem – an intimate private back courtyard that has now hosted several events such as Art After Dark. It's a place that captures the essence of Downtown Kingston while providing an escape from the bustling streets. But perhaps the most exciting addition is the coffee bar, making BSE Skateboard Shop & Coffee Bar more inclusive and welcoming to all ages.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Interior of BSE Skateboard Shop with rack of skateboards and wall of shoes plus merchandise." border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCnLA-k0ycK0dskvmmCwWkrNJt7ntVF2mlsGa04EcFx7WwSHWu-1RA9DeN7g341Zrsfd9pmcTL164RAjPuoNxUMvDywVvO1bCUp756soodNe0Z-oYSkOrO0JPSFNH-gP5gg4kMyn1Tm-qcYAeInGImiddbEwRUxmqVSdOMwAmgiinryTqTAAILOYz5SihX/s16000/BSE_Skateboarding_CoffeeBar_PhotoCredit_JayBridges_4.jpg" title="BSE Skateboard Shop & Coffee Bar in Downtown Kingston" /></div><p style="text-align: center;">A particularly neat aspect of this shop's story is Jay's deep passion for the skateboarding world. It was his love for the sport that inspired him to open his shop back in 1997. In those early days, the shop was more of a mobile affair, operating out of a van. Jay would roll up to skate parks and various locations, sharing his love for skateboarding. He eventually found a brick-and-mortar location in Belleville, but his journey didn't stop there.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Before settling down in Downtown Kingston in 2013, Jay made a name for himself in the skateboard world as a senior photographer for SBC Skateboard Magazine. His job took him to skateboarding hotspots around the globe with some of the top legends, capturing the essence of the sport and sharing it with the world.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Today, BSE Skateboard Shop & Coffee Bar is not just a place to buy skateboarding decks, gear, apparel, and shoes - it's a spot where people can come together, connect, and celebrate their shared passion. It's a testament to the power of resilience, creativity, and the spirit of skateboarding.</p><p style="text-align: center;">With a rich blend of skateboarding, caffeine, and community spirit, it's more than just a shop - it's a lifestyle. Roll on down to BSE and experience the thrill for yourself!</p><h4 style="text-align: center;"><b>Fun Fact</b></h4><p style="text-align: center;">Did you know that at BSE, they offer a unique and extensive selection of Nike shoes, making it a sneaker lover’s dream come true? Not only do they carry a wide range of Nike footwear, but they also offer a diverse array of merchandise and gear, ensuring that you can find everything you need to up your style and performance game in one place. Whether you're looking to ride in style or spice up your outfit, BSE has you covered!</p><h4 style="text-align: center;"><b>Favourite Local Spots</b></h4><p style="text-align: center;">When Jay and Jenna take a break from the hustle and bustle of their shop, they take the opportunity to stroll through the lively heart of downtown Kingston. Among their favourite spots is the Montreal Street Collective, a treasure trove of thrift clothing, vintage gems, and antique finds. But when the sun sets, it's Olivea that calls to them for the ultimate date night. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Where: 225 Princess St, Kingston, Ontario </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://downtownkingston.ca/blogs/discover/bse-skateboard-shop" target="_blank"><i>Previously published on Downtown Kingston's The Downtown Dish blog.</i></a></p><h4 style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Jay Bridges</h4>Rosalyn Gambhirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171517612399020748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8812318868619585244.post-64555111441382997652024-01-22T00:00:00.035-05:002024-01-22T00:00:00.124-05:00New Foodie Brunch Spot: Lay Low Cafe in Downtown Kingston <p style="text-align: center;"> Nestled on the vibrant intersection of Princess St and Sydenham St in downtown Kingston, Lay Low Cafe has burst onto the Kingston foodie scene, promising a laid-back atmosphere, chic interiors, and a menu that'll leave your taste buds dancing. Opened in mid-November 2023 by Erica Braunstein, this brunch spot is destined to become a favourite for brunch enthusiasts of all ages.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Eggs benny on the left side and interior coffee counter at Lay Low Cafe." border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXhAMF0h2ZRJVoGLT6gK_rgUtAvZDR0hgFMgdodeLK8-gdjaKEj5DZmNMBu2mj8ZBjg1Da3edStDoFjm0FMPcvgQRJB9ZzC3X9OQxKgV-MRMZdCry5exl6EeyBvXCr8EzY3F5KV6cmgOYvo4xoNAEPD1_v2c-0yrjRkCx5CLN0GNuK8J3Tzd8RPaXLxCpy/s16000/LayLowCafe_DowntownKingston_RosalynGambhir_1.jpg" title="Lay Low Cafe in Downtown Kingston" /></div><p style="text-align: center;"></p><blockquote>Picture this: sleek mid-century modern vibes adorned with lush greens and rich browns. As you step inside, don't miss the dazzling disco ball that sets the tone for the groovy experience that awaits you. It's the kind of place where time seems to slow down, and every moment feels like a lazy Sunday morning.</blockquote><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Interior of Lay Low Cafe with sleek mid-century decor with lush green booth seating and rich brown tones." border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9PeJtebSbtU0jpv7WxC3i07eftOqqPmeeWcKooC1WX57VRZLijH5pCmjfmTVcQOeULJ3yb6FUmoKtnn_FLfrts4aorv5PgdORSiB8F9TmId78J_Ge_yXC8Br7WFnOFLN-Q4Ib0JUPjizlNWvzbHjVK7CDRMmH5cDaQdDASHxl3s5l-0Bsgb5mR5ELufS/s16000/LayLowCafe_Interior_DowntownKingston_RosalynGambhir_4.JPG" title="Lay Low Cafe in Downtown Kingston" /></div><p style="text-align: center;">Lay Low Cafe offers an array of beverages to kickstart your day, from lattes and cappuccinos to refreshing smoothies, freshly squeezed juices, and playful cocktails like mimosas and espresso martinis. Whether you're catching up with friends or treating yourself to a solo brunch date, Lay Low Cafe beckons to everyone, young and old alike.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Erica Braunstein, the brains behind this brunch haven, brings with her a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry, spanning 14 years. With a family history rooted in running restaurants, Erica's journey led her to pursue her passion by attending school for hospitality and tourism. After graduating, she teamed up with her father to open a restaurant, honing her skills and gaining insights into the intricacies of the business.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Exterior of Lay Low Cafe on the left side and a cup of latte with heart design on the right side." border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV2vBIF3ZEPoZufPmKZ7160MTzE9lkkTUMD3nT20P9yxN4-EIQwK1GlP0fbpGs7RcHyu3wCtCCujwiOuzEeqSL4jwyb-6mfIQ4bn5-saC7DXP65ZGCmh-XxalfHdxzZnYBc8RGnI9Y4fAQUXlGq6_SooF3mibV4qRke2-zov5UNCqeiWXZ4ba8m9taN7LD/s16000/LayLowCafe_DowntownKingston_RosalynGambhir_2.jpg" title="Lay Low Cafe in Downtown Kingston" /></div><p style="text-align: center;">Lay Low Cafe is a manifestation of Erica's wanderlust, reflecting her travels and the diverse culinary experiences she encountered along the way. The name itself, 'Lay Low,' is Erica's personal mantra, embodying the essence of chilling out, casual vibes, and laid-back living, all of which you'll sense as soon as you step through the door. </p><p style="text-align: center;">The interiors are a blend of modern simplicity with vibrant pops of colour, creating a welcoming environment where friends can relax and unwind. The casual breakfast and lunch spot offers upscale and fresh cuisine, with a variety of options for gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan preferences.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Speaking of the menu, don't miss Erica's top pick – The Nest. This dish features a potato nest cradling a perfectly poached egg, accompanied by porcini and cremini mushrooms and sautéed kale. Another standout is the Brekkie Board, a tantalizing combination of smashed avocado on sourdough with goat cheese, coconut yogurt granola with seasonal fruit, and the supreme house fries that are a must-try! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="breakkie board with bacon potatoes plus avocado toast on left side and waffles with fruit on right side." border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYmFmenzkXTUddHKXgx5_OEtYpI6BrtRjIs9K0Zd3WJjuMLg3T0pZoTIyKYIwSiHPYucJcc6ScCfsPkWKGs5y8HH8yNTMetGPMa9glNvNUMuC1xpXEX9yQEIndy5n4A4jm_x-FN3Nplyz2pi6d1v1bxCUN6_NIQ_vfbhDY8_orpOVrrzQo2-sitRBlxz4/s16000/LayLowCafe_DowntownKingston_RosalynGambhir_3.jpg" title="Lay Low Cafe in Downtown Kingston" /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Lush green booth seating at Lay Low Cafe on the left side and chorizo breakfast wrap on the right side." border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGPzLCTtE81CgV69NSXBt9HYidqtIK1ykym8ohZT1HGOxLOc3gcOPziwVBg1rhYjqNHHUVhJ8jwXIXNsgguiesipkWsjKC5gehJLZnxdC3bmViWiMjShpbWlStxMTyuSyVPew59dfB2x-fVGcSDnM9t3WWh6dCZFRQet_jeHRYyou-cAdeTClOkGLk7px-/s16000/LayLowCafe_DowntownKingston_RosalynGambhir_4.jpg" title="Lay Low Cafe in Downtown Kingston" /></div><p style="text-align: center;">Lay Low Cafe is open seven days a week, ensuring you can satisfy your brunch cravings any day from 7 am to 5 pm. And if you're on the lookout for the perfect venue for your next event or party, look no further – Lay Low Cafe has got you covered with its inviting ambiance after hours.</p><p style="text-align: center;">So, whether you're a Kingston local or just passing through, make sure to make Lay Low Cafe your next brunch destination. It's not just a meal; it's an experience, and it's waiting for you to come and lay low for a while.<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><h4 style="text-align: center;">Featured Must-Try Dishes</h4><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Eggs Benny</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">Poached eggs with maple glazed bacon and house-made hollandaise on an English muffin with supreme home fries.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Chorizo Breakfast Wrap</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">Scrambled eggs, chorizo, cheddar cheese, romaine lettuce and garlic aioli in a wrap with supreme home fries.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Waffles</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">House-made waffles with seasonal fruits, whipped mascarpone cream and pure maple syrup.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>The Nest</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">Poached egg with porcini and cremini mushrooms and sautéed kale. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Brekkie Board</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">Smashed avocado on sourdough with goat cheese, coconut yogurt granola with seasonal fruit, and the supreme house fries. <span></span></p><!--more--><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://downtownkingston.ca/blogs/food-drink/lay-low-cafe" target="_blank"><i>Previously published on Downtown Kingston's The Downtown Dish blog.</i></a></p>Rosalyn Gambhirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171517612399020748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8812318868619585244.post-27702156851076600512023-08-14T00:00:00.192-04:002023-08-14T18:22:39.988-04:00An Evening in a Crop Circle: Dining at Enright Cattle Company<p style="text-align: center;">Picture this: a mesmerizing evening nestled in a crop circle's embrace and the allure of the unknown. Bae and I had the lovely opportunity to be hosted by the incredible Enright Cattle Company this past weekend at their annual dinner in a crop circle event in Tweed, Ontario, just an hour away from Kingston. The evening was so lovely, and I couldn't wait to share it with you all!</p><p style="text-align: center;">As we stepped onto the site, strolling amidst the towering corn stalks, a heartwarming scene unfolded before us. Imagine being welcomed by a stunning dinner setup featuring expansive wooden tables, cozy seating on hay bales adorned with lovingly crafted handmade quilts, and bouquets of freshly picked flowers. It was truly a sight that brought smiles to our faces.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"></span></p><blockquote>A celebration of family, local food, and community.</blockquote><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><div>Taking its root back in 2018, this one-of-a-kind event is all about embracing community, highlighting the essence of family-run businesses, and cherishing the farm-to-table connection. It's a delightful showcase that puts Enright beef and exceptional locally sourced ingredients in the spotlight, creating an experience that's nothing short of amazing!</div><div><br /></div><div>But before I dive deeper into the wonderful delights of the evening, let’s take a moment to give appreciation to our hosts – Kara and Darold Enright!</div><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Guests seated at long family style tables in a crop circle." border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibiwrz8qUilPdcI_3ovOx6OioKdC4-gstHrOJb-B8jzJxqSapDQdYIl4dXePGFzkOFZhUd19FydgPa31fhzijKZn74g18OH83ZPACNuMVOHhMQuvNVmgMEqMjLaweys-sK85EdMyeKV980vm-HTLj5tfGgAczlJ-qOdDORKCC0R9VB6HLONj7K-xe7RAD9/s16000/Enright-Cattle-Co-Dinner-In-A-Crop-Circle-11.jpg" title="Enright Cattle Company Dinner in a Crop Circle" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Two side by side images of a cornfield path and Enright Cattle Co ribeye topped chimichurri and a morel and trumpet mushroom sauce." border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis2K5nWlx4nPfMSGQq-NLQXKo8mOiCc0Ru4LrnJPuUFrjztz4ROL_424FuRFexMlJZSilvZIg65AFiAn8iQK3gzHMhnVDL895qSZ93ugAbZoZFjeh2Fm_aHPXEHfDP8CGG8U8ioy2_CEOr_ly2--v93tLYAAoMokvNBm-QPIjvkxTWvQr42eAVTrlWEQVj/s16000/Enright-Cattle-Co-Dinner-In-A-Crop-Circle-1.jpg" title="Enright Cattle Company Dinner in a Crop Circle" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h4 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">ABOUT ENRIGHT CATTLE COMPANY</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Enright Cattle Company stands tall as a fourth-generation family-owned farm, beaming with pride in their commitment to sustainability. Their focus on ethically raising purebred Simmental cattle shines brightly, resulting in the finest quality beef gracing the tables of Kingston's most esteemed restaurants and beyond, spanning across the vibrant province of Ontario. Among these culinary spots are some of my personal favourites, including the delightful likes of Bella Bistro, Tango Nuevo, Olivea, Chez Piggy, and a host of other cherished establishments!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">What truly sets this business apart is its remarkable approach – at Enright, every resource is valued and utilized to the fullest. Their commitment to minimizing waste is truly inspiring. While beef holds a special place in their operations, their ingenuity shines as they offer bones perfect for soups, transform fats into soap, repurpose offal for gourmet dog food and treats, and fashion exquisite leather goods from the hides. And here's the cherry on top: even the animals' manure finds purpose, enriching their fields as a natural fertilizer. It's an exceptional cycle of sustainability and creativity!</div><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Two side by side images of black coloured cattle with barn in the background and rock facade with Enright Cattle Company branding." border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji-NWORcs4g63axuW_fmhP_EI0AC63I4O8MlmSzKOdVWSWrqI5z37k2h9HDglfakim0_eOz45udz6fWNiI9rS5F1pxbMDXu0E8aoDsKRUfUleM6LsytSj0FUQpdlHLeKA2CkY-75Fxg3thxEkf74iCKc4K0kLgulTGwk3fIlKbX4reQeJMe57Lau0lawtH/s16000/Enright-Cattle-Co-Dinner-In-A-Crop-Circle-2.jpg" title="Enright Cattle Company Dinner in a Crop Circle" /></div><h4 style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Two side by side images of home mailbox and light brown coloured cattle." border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHVzhm_J-ZQ07vVGKrO8_Cmw6HGFsZPwdwGSMt4TXlTcMIAJdlLAOGeOlhtOkc_y-MmCAZjeTf78SZoOHjFqnk09JX9w6W9k7q0HoX1O6AVbsJ_m4ims0mJO5eU5ga6P_xItKgSory3QZPa2A0M_8eHHnhrHE8U1mo-_Fw9le6C-wlc5s5f3QUSSkZl-ew/s16000/Enright-Cattle-Co-Dinner-In-A-Crop-Circle-10.jpg" title="Enright Cattle Company Dinner in a Crop Circle" /></div></h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Let's set the scene and get into the evening! The air was filled with a mix of excitement and anticipation, as guests came together for an extraordinary culinary experience. And who better to spearhead this gastronomic adventure than the talented chef Étienne Cuerrier of the former Meat Press in Ottawa.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Cooking over an open fire, Étienne and his wife Myriam worked their magic to create a spectacular feast. From farm-fresh ingredients to innovative flavours, each bite was amazing and left taste buds in a state of sheer euphoria!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But the night didn't stop at good food and good company. Tweed & Company Theatre stepped onto the field, filling the evening with wonderful acoustic music!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><h4 style="clear: both;"><b>WELCOME APPETIZER</b></h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Stepping into the enchanting crop circle, we were met with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The culinary journey commenced with a delightful welcome appetizer: <b>thinly sliced rib lifter meat from Enright Cattle Company</b>. Served alongside a crisp and flavourful slaw, and accompanied by <b>pastrami</b>, it was a true treat for the senses. This appetizer set the stage for the evening!</div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Étienne and his wife Myriam preparing dishes." border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjByDfIXYdhB5oKbyZXU6_JJ881T9fKxfO7NYIj6sTartWzqMfH5YRqB4LY939tPtOOi2aEl_ue8bdCNA-PB-RfDOuoqWBtywMl5l6bEHtn1sTT2kHbcEAaPdGrJTuFuSsls47W5AFvTT_MnJy9YXWKqS27mnSobg3WIDqb0VBi1pJ0wmXLbGtZ8C5qTyfB/s16000/Enright-Cattle-Co-Dinner-In-A-Crop-Circle-3.jpg" title="Enright Cattle Company Dinner in a Crop Circle" /></div><h4 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">DINNER IS SERVED</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Kicking off the evening's culinary journey was a delightful first course that brought a touch of rustic charm to the table. A grilled Caesar salad, adorned with the <b>flavourful Enright bresaola</b> – a delectable air-dried, salted beef. The pairing was a true masterpiece, coming together in perfect harmony to tantalize the taste buds.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The centerpiece of the meal was a succulent <b>fire-roasted</b> <b>Enright ribeye </b>topped with a vibrant chimichurri and a velvety morel and trumpet (mushroom) sauce, rich and earthy elevating every bite.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And let's not forget the drool-worthy sides - smoked cheddar and garlic-infused potatoes, grilled zucchini and local sweet corn to offer a delightful contrast – a medley of freshness and charred perfection.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Wrapping up the evening on a sweet note, guests were treated to a truly refreshingly delicious blueberry cheesecake served in jars. What made it even more special was the use of locally sourced Wilson's organic blueberries, adding a burst of local flavour to every bite. This splendid dessert was the perfect finale, a delightful ending to a memorable evening that had already showcased a wonderful array of Enright beef dishes.</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Two side by side images of Enright Cattle Company dinner in a crop circle menu and fire-roasted Enright Cattle Co ribeye topped chimichurri and a morel and trumpet mushroom sauce." border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKuMdMPnOhYUx_q4l8qi8itnGkNtXVt8Wn8RkivNnJQ-D7ERjYyX6jI-Z0hpau-ZJn3qg_vJCgedOalqYhqZs9zVnas8NNBqiKufiwzTf2vvdAWQmDz7nqc6XozmtUFngCwquKVBEAF3jxxmeSqKwD_vhIvKZDVGcJ5nuNGs9eddxJoOywpzgG1IlKOAf_/s16000/Enright-Cattle-Co-Dinner-In-A-Crop-Circle-4.jpg" title="Enright Cattle Company Dinner in a Crop Circle" /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Two side by side images of a grilled Caesar salad with Enright Cattle Company bresaola and blueberry cheesecake in a jar." border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0hM1qXbMahbeeQU1lJSFT_B_RT2WX8xU3_S0_n-D9gO_7appsj4ArjX4U8OsvIUds3bHssuR--Jlt98gr6UZ2rMFXxhkV2y_i20e8CA4yO5yptcjG37VOjHo1lxoSW-SRcRrSx4OjjN3Q7grwWOkX51lRXyifCQ4C1DF7aIN-SvWTCqh4Xs6530oOcwSU/s16000/Enright-Cattle-Co-Dinner-In-A-Crop-Circle-5.jpg" title="Enright Cattle Company Dinner in a Crop Circle" /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Two side by side images of smoked cheddar and garlic-infused potatoes, grilled zucchini and local sweet corn." border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWpFfW21_tK4CQUuZqao2nqHNMz6xEaDWeTPtCbakacFlgNqrEGBUtg-JjI5Z0-n01kq_3FUE35JtP8DHI5mxodeyqopPO7W5VmBWjuZx5BBFhta-YWJ9u6P8plM4ZZ6mEzF6CTRYdCEGqoEFxQvG9h9wKVYl6Y_Jn7XkHf0xb7DhJ1JjiUtCYtBXbw65/s16000/Enright-Cattle-Co-Dinner-In-A-Crop-Circle-6.jpg" title="Enright Cattle Company Dinner in a Crop Circle" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><h4 style="clear: both;">CHEERS TO TOAST-WORTHY BEVERAGES</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Of course, no dinner is complete without a glass of something special to raise in celebration. MacKinnon Brothers Brewing Co. and Closson Chase brought their A-game, offering a delightful selection of local beverages that perfectly complemented the culinary journey. The local beverages perfectly matched the flavours of the night, making every sip even more special.</div></div><br style="text-align: left;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><img alt="Two side by side images of beverage vendors MacKinnon Brothers Brewing Co. and Closson Chase." border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIbGUMOnqWV2esOLWZTvZzQ-jWC4THQWiBJxLaDMKR3lRAkEi9CT7R_w1UdI4j9kDfphqmKqW9BOd7D8-HiOwO3ROtWpe6bDVNa4yJYpf9bXUQBbUuLwX8pO5dutlUwGFYyHMQYsvh_QZvGxqjhShgA6iKUrPXqJpy-8DWtM76FHzRIUy1bnYm1ttJSqeV/s16000/Enright-Cattle-Co-Dinner-In-A-Crop-Circle-8.jpg" title="Enright Cattle Company Dinner in a Crop Circle" /></div></div><h4 style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;">FASHION SHOW AND FARM-TO-FASHION LEATHER</div></h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As the evening progressed, fashion took center field, thanks to local boutiques Chris James and Curate Social – both of which are located in downtown Kingston. A dazzling fashion show showcased the latest trends while showcasing <a href="https://enrightleather.com/ " target="_blank">Enright Cattle Co leather bags</a> that are all beautifully handmade using their cattle hides!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Did you know you can visit the Grain Bin featured below on Saturdays between 10am and 2pm for a chance to explore their fantastic range of leather goods and top-quality beef?!</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Two side by side images of converted grain bin and Chris James and Curate Social clothing being modelled with Enright Cattle Company leather purse." border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGei4xoGFx2fVvEvPZtHPlKrJm-QZ3XjyPgGxq89lzZnscdAwTlfE22DPNXsWTA9uV-BlA-LfnOJIPQZpVnffRyzDP4saCGnIJpHQGm2aSm4Farty58ZfMsfaxv67y9WQmYUGKHiu1YpgVx3wLQmSoqJnL_ibuEOqt4Uo8bOmwh40Zbx-Avw5VS4lkI-p4/s16000/Enright-Cattle-Co-Dinner-In-A-Crop-Circle-7.jpg" title="Enright Cattle Company Dinner in a Crop Circle" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><h4>CHAKA CHIKODZI VOLCANIC ROCK CREATIONS</h4><div>And, saving the best for last – the absolutely stunning artwork by Chaka Chikodzi. He's a talented Zimbabwean-Canadian Stone Sculptor residing in Kingston, and his creations are truly something to behold. </div><div><br /></div><div>We admired his beautiful creations as we walked through the cornfield path to dinner, all crafted from volcanic rock sourced all the way from Zimbabwe. It's like encountering a gallery of wonders right in the midst of nature, a magical touch that added an extra layer of enchantment to the experience.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Two side by side images of artwork by Chaka Chikodzi, Zimbabwean-Canadian Stone Sculptor." border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijnmdfZnwcLTop_rjiywQQncn1fol1_eILSL9KsXESL9LU9fb_zVEnCtHpM4S6oXdT6VAcShnbr5EKBATOWWegPh7O1NXuspYkVbhAsOz5ROCRHqaV4WdwtbAzv-SDjoawNQwpzU1C0po0Y__9ShmeMGslaoeVcvQltaNCCegrBtW8GL8PoPyIgS2G0M5N/s16000/Enright-Cattle-Co-Dinner-In-A-Crop-Circle-9.jpg" title="Enright Cattle Company Dinner in a Crop Circle" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">So, there you have it – an unforgettable evening in a crop circle! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Thank you once again to Enright Cattle Company for a wonderful hosted experience! </span>To learn more about this passionate and dedicated family-operated business as well as its online offerings including their boxes delivered right to your doorstep, <a href="https://qrco.de/beEvVl" target="_blank"><b>click here.</b></a></span></div>Rosalyn Gambhirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171517612399020748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8812318868619585244.post-80480412715955732372023-06-14T00:00:00.255-04:002023-08-14T12:38:49.969-04:00Foodie Spots to Visit in Belleville and Quinte West in Ontario<p style="text-align: center;">Buckle up, fellow foodies! Get ready to join me as I recap my mini overnight foodie road trip to Belleville and Quinte West in Ontario. Located just about an hour and a bit away from Kingston, prepare to drool over some amazing culinary spots and discover why this region is a hidden gem for food lovers. And let's not forget to mention my wonderful stay at the TownePlace Suites by Marriott Belleville, where comfort and convenience met my foodie needs. So, grab your virtual fork and let's dive into this delicious journey!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Female in black pyjamas holding Bay of Quinte guide over her face in bed and box of donuts and cronuts on the right side." border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtnEG8athpHcOtyizH6sAqsMI53myms9ggsb1x4oQXw7Ux4INJjOIcselRxodSYNUYPfYLXPq0GW0QzSLSmMXt4wd28rpYKoftTiQX6QmOnh3lprp326lxrrHAqxVfE_ZIRHGcr3kOngk27QbJ06jIOvXIBPqARix9atLKl079VQQnbNvthvZ2VYVoV-Pz/s16000/Bay_of_Quinte_Belleville_Ontario_Foodie_Spot_Rosalyn_Gambhir.jpg" title="Favourite Foodie Spots in Belleville and Quinte West in Ontario" /></div><h4 style="text-align: center;">CHECKING IN</h4><div style="text-align: center;"><div>Our foodie adventure began with an overnight stay at the TownePlace Suites by Marriott Belleville. With kitchenettes in each room, it provided the ideal opportunity to stock up on local goodies and indulge in late-night snacks. And oh, did I mention the indoor pool? It offered a refreshing break after a day of exploration, while the hot breakfast in the morning fuelled us up for the adventures ahead. And of course, the free WiFi was a must for documenting our culinary adventures on social media!</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Where: 400 Bell Blvd, Belleville, ON</span></div><div><h4>THE BRAKE ROOM</h4><div>Our first stop in Belleville was The Brake Room, a delightful café known to be a hub for community, coffee, and cycle culture. It served up a heavenly flat white and savoury breakfast sandwich made by the fine folks at Flossie’s Sandwich. The combination of the perfect caffeinated beverage and sandwich set the tone for the day, leaving us eager for more culinary delights!</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Where: 34 Dundas St E, Belleville, ON</span></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Young adult female seated outside sipping on a flat white and interior of the Brake Room coffee ship." border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia37vxqrSC53AmikZCXotHJX_l6P_uIdIODKiSZeASI21_k19t4MGEzD9xdiwNF5o8nDgi2igsH87FVYVbJUcOuxwLzdZM56Ym2hTAqoibcH2lz-8v9y9V_vpHlZfPGAaM-MHQoMRpTZMv-AdG-k8leaNt9tyZX0KaIuyhx2BkQlgej2rKEVn-HiujMw0j/s16000/Bay_of_Quinte_Belleville_Ontario_Foodie_Spot_Rosalyn_Gambhir_The_Brake_Room.jpg" title="Favourite Foodie Spots in Belleville and Quinte West in Ontario" /></div><h4>SMALL SCALE BREAD </h4>Next up, we discovered Small Scale Bread, a hidden gem known for its delectable treats. From mouthwatering pastries to artisanal bread. The aroma alone was enough to draw us in, and we left with a few goodies to savour later.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Where: 14 Front Street North Unit C, Belleville, ON</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Display of baked goods including croissants and a bakewell tart." border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkAfEN04o3gR6mApVo7FQuBm_X1wolbAVXbs1f5VuNjb859FPdpZNB22u4yonHme1UiCkRfc1FcEBaOi79aJGW1QNCwOLpxn-zTO24kp44Mj5XwB3YTnxv0vZQoAUUerT2eRP652RYNYtzPxu3d7GGKU3_ZmmRYNgzs6UFx3VWaqdqEtyE2-CG-i0oZaKg/s16000/Bay_of_Quinte_Belleville_Ontario_Foodie_Spot_Rosalyn_Gambhir_Small_Scale_Bakery.jpg" title="Favourite Foodie Spots in Belleville and Quinte West in Ontario" /></div><h4 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">THE LARK</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For dinner and cocktails, The Lark stole the show. With its cozy ambiance and innovative menu, it was a feast for both the eyes and our bellies. From creative appetizers to flavourful mains, each dish was a true masterpiece. The cocktails were equally impressive, adding an extra touch of sophistication to the evening. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We savoured the braised short rib with creamy polenta, relished in the brown butter gnocchi, and ended with the decadent dark chocolate pudding with salted dulce de leche. Each dish was wonderful, a symphony of flavours that left us in awe of The Lark's culinary ingenuity. Prepare to be captivated by Belleville's gastronomic wonders at this remarkable eatery!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Where: 199 Front St #104, Belleville, ON</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Young adult female sipping on a cocktail with a side of creamy brown butter gnocchi to the side." border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc7zBw1QWLdqw7nsSAk7ZuarE63kCehLqQt8o7-U54vlkNaxJBrmRFWYMpR2QYdWs2zjzSwo4ZWn_suki6qF3KNaISl9p03Qt4ocG9o_WF1tf4vmPXL1ohb4RXjwX943Per5ZzRfCef2lEMZareCISnD0h--RXz1duEwI6qnxnYAez-08bQ8K5IrZ-NwJh/s16000/Bay_of_Quinte_Belleville_Ontario_Foodie_Spot_Rosalyn_Gambhir_The%20Lark.jpg" title="Favourite Foodie Spots in Belleville and Quinte West in Ontario" /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Braised short ribs with a creamy polenta and a plate of poached egg with asparagus." border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuUjhiSthpFEViMDkKJjv3t8FcUTwK7srfwp_0v_KneA2sW13GP7BlxTwF8D5caXyylFBTmq0DRsga43VAU-VaAxN3fuWacl_SUTJ7iogs-P40o1eoj8aBGQSbNsCqWGNyoQwsLyVJP6sOiJ4X7HlievhH-fj8zDgsibbfz8KFw4Rx92jDMcMTcm-eRaHh/s16000/Bay_of_Quinte_Belleville_Ontario_Foodie_Spot_Rosalyn_Gambhir__The%20Lark_Dinner.jpg" title="Favourite Foodie Spots in Belleville and Quinte West in Ontario" /></div></div><h4 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">THE LOCAL SOCIAL HOUSE</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">No foodie adventure is complete without brunch, and The Local Social House provided the perfect setting. This brand new foodie spot in downtown Belleville offers a charming atmosphere as you walk in and delicious brunch fare, it was a delightful spot to start the day. The menu offered a variety of mouthwatering options, from classic eggs Benedict to unique twists on traditional favourites.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;">Where: 211 Coleman St, Belleville, ON</span></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="French toast topped with a chutney and poached egg with avocado toast to the other side." border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3wfK9dMw6GXAq6-EJTae7pxQkXguybEthWXJlyX9bbMqcwgqAwCbLIJQy69MzkjbARe5ciKGf_gAvCEM56jfE1GmWI9lWd3KqDRvKUHRszWDPl2Z4ltKcGtjIg0wjubN0_rBd5zniq7TmbEQZUFdo-g2NSBVXPtSTxAM5sLiUJBO_CyPnyzHu3nj7GrF1/s16000/Bay_of_Quinte_Belleville_Ontario_Foodie_Spot_Rosalyn_Gambhir_The_Local_Social_House.jpg" title="Favourite Foodie Spots in Belleville and Quinte West in Ontario" /></div><h4 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">BENJI'S AT POP-UPS ON THE BAY</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">No foodie adventure is complete without a stop at Benji's Waffle Hut & Beverage Bar, part of Pop-Ups on the Bay in Belleville located at West Zwick's Island Park. This spot offers a sanctuary for coffee lovers seeking a refreshing beverage. From indulgent lattes, frappes, fruit chills and iced caffeinated creations, Benji's had it all. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://popupshop.discoverbelleville.ca/" target="_blank">Pop-Ups on the Bay</a> offers a wide variety of unique flavours from Royal Haveli for Indian, Souvlaki Ville for traditional greek cuisine, Brick Oven Pizza Truck for Italian wood fired pizza and much more!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Where: West Zwick's Island Park | 10 Bay Bridge Rd, Belleville, ON</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Young female wearing hot pink linen blouse with black pants and tank top sipping on iced coffee beverage." border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhsCeCx0cUqdrM8f_N9QWhw6quTwIYrkZZR9dEC2YpuRuwX9-qphoGXYWc8RU5HgbZz_4NHKLhkR5Dk6fYjfOD2M0u6fhpv1qeTMNzRXVFjvDZHU7_Fa7fz3vR7WnQhOxufIiTp9R21CKl-UsZL3wPSdJHcUdYHK1S9nfHjALotsvsqlZeEc9mXDkSIQsq/s16000/Bay_of_Quinte_Belleville_Ontario_Foodie_Spot_Rosalyn_Gambhir_Benjis.jpg" title="Favourite Foodie Spots in Belleville and Quinte West in Ontario" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you find yourself with more time to explore the Belleville area, there are a few additional foodie spots that are worth a visit: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Capers</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">L'Auberge de France </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Burger Revolution </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tropical Blends Cafe </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Boathouse Seafood Restaurant And Waterfront Patio</div><h4 style="text-align: center;">WANNAMAKER'S BAKESHOP</h4><div style="text-align: center;"><div>In Quinte West, I had the opportunity to cross off a spot from my foodie bucket list: Wannamaker's Bakeshop. This place was a haven for donut lovers, with an impressive array of flavours and eye-catching treats. Each bite was a heavenly experience, and I couldn't resist trying a few extra to take home for later. Highly recommend the maple bacon donut and cronut filled with strawberry jelly!</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Where: 391 Dundas St W, Quinte West, ON</span></div></div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Box of donuts including maple bacon, strawberry jelly filled cronut and apple fritter with exterior shot Wannamakers Bakeshop in Quinte West Ontario." border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj62UjpvNlOe32Xf3ZsrhvC5I_KOrV49uSEeTkh1Bs-RZwVNa5Nl4i3xEsBt19jC5f6aCBkKvAENmJxoDItupZAEqlNme1J_WjENaKzcCz-Q9R2NbLMFcPQ4Vxs7GNcooh5TwMY33sbKGHjMpyXsvphqbOax1eJM93k1Ulon6la3mSt0ZDGl-XVr_Tym9Ze/s16000/Bay_of_Quinte_Quinte_West_Ontario_Foodie_Spot_Rosalyn_Gambhir_Wannamakers_Bakeshop.jpg" title="Favourite Foodie Spots in Belleville and Quinte West in Ontario" /></div></div><h4>TOMASSO'S ITALIAN GRILLE</h4><div><div>Tomasso's Italian Grille was another gem we discovered in Quinte West. It offered authentic Italian cuisine that left us craving for more. From classic pasta dishes to mouthwatering pizzas, it was a true culinary delight. It had the most perfect waterfront views of the Trent River, while sipping on sangria and enjoying the summer sunshine. We indulged in their seafood manicotti with shrimp, scallops, and a creamy mozzarella sauce. Prepare to be captivated by the flavours that will make you drool!</div></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Where: 35 Front St, Trenton ON</span></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Young female sipping on sangria with waterfront view of the Trent River in Quinte West Ontario." border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhamOtFl402EXFpbxMCo6effZpCnjga9KNZd5u980cTafg07ayhSyYlRjDCrRuHVMXATlKYcijrKo_3x6AM7VTZ_PGRKyCHj_o2zkboAW4ufws_Zwt9XuYe1M-mcAbVP9S9QP_d4xP_w-E-zbV1lHyBASzi9R1MVr6XtLWxZLHxlQiC-ElDuvwvPNCLWF6E/s16000/Bay_of_Quinte_Quinte_West_Ontario_Foodie_Spot_Rosalyn_Gambhir_Tomassos_Italian_Grille_Patio.jpg" title="Favourite Foodie Spots in Belleville and Quinte West in Ontario" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Glasses of sangria and plate of seafood manicotti." border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgidoTmFWIo8RuylnnjdBos5c3k5sP4jkYJEFBu-ijUkrKBB4p_NhSSEz5dIKDHfdjH-geqTeJ5Y7hEzAcvdxBp_U6Rb7-HTpirGX4jLBi_UPt4tIEheQV92nuzGfAOWRe2Y8DHEomFnfsLRWS4WVypZsXN_OuWcT3oV2aZlYReEdsYKvFkzhRnrLpjtYW1/s16000/Bay_of_Quinte_Quinte_West_Ontario_Foodie_Spot_Rosalyn_Gambhir_Tomassos_Italian_Grille.jpg" title="Favourite Foodie Spots in Belleville and Quinte West in Ontario" /></div></div></div><h4 style="text-align: center;">THE GRIND & VINE</h4><p style="text-align: center;">To end our foodie journey in Quinte West, we visited The Grind & Vine just a short walk away down the street, a charming café that served up lattes and wine. It was the perfect spot to relax and reflect on the incredible culinary adventure we had just experienced!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Where: 45 Front St, Trenton, ON</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Interior of The Grind & Vine a cute coffee shop in Quinte West Ontario." border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0P-r14twpwY0NufXlZUPKgFG19W4jnwbTaN1a3-DRDrfxhMeOccdjJT6udcCoRHPQZjuVofbj0OkZPioB4mp0e7_pqLMisy4mA1kthu4MYA9H_WQzmb6006E_zOWeYepyQ_TYb-X5Ic4A11QDZR5gho2zweZb0cGobGs4uxkYDD56keLeiFBh3IKhPAe/s16000/Bay_of_Quinte_Quinte_West_Ontario_Foodie_Spot_Rosalyn_Gambhir_Grind_Vine.jpg" title="Favourite Foodie Spots in Belleville and Quinte West in Ontario" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><div><br /></div></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thank you to Bay of Quinte for a lovely experience!</span></span></div><p></p>Rosalyn Gambhirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171517612399020748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8812318868619585244.post-42825040690347353772023-02-26T00:00:00.000-05:002023-02-26T00:00:00.181-05:00 New Foodie Spot: House of Donair in West End Kingston<h4 style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Mixed plate of chicken shawarma and donair plate and House of Donair restaurant sign." border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfa8kySSqSZ1OzWqehDmFefFqB_EGF0Ih_weVXaXJMke188Ij2acKfcOWT08zOqeXJChbeMUfNBXD31fCckNJ6Y1Is51ORd5R77eJTW5wFXY5DXEuubyQs5EubPO8b29ZaQwbkuH-DXk06HM9nX5O8iVoL2AyRptvPW5Yq67EIUzaXOSnNZ7ryg_Yzsw/s16000/House%20of%20Donair_Kingston_Ontario.jpg" title="House of Donair in Kingston Ontario" /></h4><p style="text-align: center;">Congratulations to House of Donair for opening their fourth and newest location in the west end of Kingston on Bath Rd! Serving up Lebanese cuisine from tabouli, falafel, kibbeh, pitas and shawarma, as well as dishes with a twist from donair poutine and donair pizza! Bae and I stopped in recently for lunch for his and her meals. My absolute favourite was the intensity of the flavours of the chicken and sauces served on the potato aka you best like garlic. We enjoyed the below meals and will certainly be returning soon!</p><h4 style="text-align: center;">MIXED PLATE</h4><p style="text-align: center;">Mixed plate of chicken shawarma & donair served with salad, rice, hummus, garlic paste, pickled turnips, pickles + pita bread.</p><h4 style="text-align: center;">CHICKEN SHAWARMA PLATE </h4><p style="text-align: center;">Chicken shawarma plate served with salad, rice, hummus, garlic paste, pickled turnips and pickles.</p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Where: <span style="text-align: left;">1755 Bath Rd, Kingston | </span>Corner of Bath rd & McKewan Dr</span></div>Rosalyn Gambhirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171517612399020748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8812318868619585244.post-27139668810833823922023-02-25T00:00:00.087-05:002023-02-25T20:47:57.599-05:00My Favourite Kingston West End Restaurants You Have To Try<p style="text-align: center;">As we know, Kingston is a city that is renowned for its thriving culinary scene. While many have associated downtown Kingston with the city's most notable culinary offerings, the west end of Kingston is often overlooked when it comes to foodie destinations. However, those who have taken the time to explore Kingston's west end have discovered that it is truly a unique area with several hidden culinary gems and having moved to the area a few years ago, I've discovered quite a few special spots.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">So whether you're in the mood for takeout, a special night out, authentic ethnic cuisine, or something in between, there are plenty of options to choose from. Below you'll find my list of favourite local drool-worthy spots:</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Macaroni and cheese burger and iced latte beverage on table." border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOkN_7Ihqtc4X9NjkJiurkD1CrQZGwubo6H94qyLZ-9UjFKv26GwfaTyCvhHQMtQwJlZS35sHN-33f483GTHYqd7rnof97UVdVqGrpmIjOzv4ROeDSgwgt4ipenr3xGj7VZ85-qKSORGsmiEPCKMDWtF2KrzMy4IP9xIJCBr3TIKFY3IIBCaH9VzJm9A/s16000/West_End%20_Kingston_Ontario_Restaurants.jpg" title="Favourite Kingston West End Restaurants" /></div><p></p><h4 style="text-align: center;">LUNCH & DINNER SPOTS</h4><p style="text-align: center;">Bella Bistro</p><p style="text-align: center;">GO Italian Restaurant</p><p style="text-align: center;">Days on Front</p><p style="text-align: center;">Ottercreek Kitchen</p><p style="text-align: center;">The Pasta Shelf</p><p style="text-align: center;">Mesa Fresca</p><p style="text-align: center;">Red House West</p><p style="text-align: center;">Smoke N Barrel </p><p style="text-align: center;">Golden Damrei</p><p style="text-align: center;">Shawarma El Mina</p><p style="text-align: center;">Pita Land</p><p style="text-align: center;">House Of Donair</p><p style="text-align: center;">Bustini’s Food Truck</p><h4 style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Mozzarella cheese bites and fully loaded chimichanga." border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUNIZGQTS0WQRI6zQYLXgSDTW6-Q1DNrTW4gpW0smmgf3vKSQj7r3Ho0n6PkG08Xwm1MEs6qHFTcHtOHf9dBP2J_qTAKqxfNlI8kkAlOi4giupbCK7FGaMgTP8wTRrPsKxm-5Ycgj6pqABUV7FNuT_ox_JO87xqfKUGY6yxSl1Lr4Mpdj1OICcpoM5QA/s16000/West_End%20_Kingston_Ontario_Restaurants_4.jpg" title="Favourite Kingston West End Restaurants" /></div></h4><h4 style="text-align: center;">GREEK FOOD</h4><p style="text-align: center;">Greektown Grill & Takeout</p><p style="text-align: center;">Minos Take Out West</p><h4 style="text-align: center;"></h4><h4 style="text-align: center;">PIZZA</h4><p style="text-align: center;">Mamma Mia Pizzeria</p><p style="text-align: center;">Riverhead Brewing Company</p><p style="text-align: center;">Score Pizza</p><h4 style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Arancini rice balls and all dressed pizza." border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvOpZeZi6gcXRjBoVZr5p6j0v39ACMu93bnrUD6yZtPIyx4e6RHrvZurym68uLz1SNttRRrVTVU63KmfvtlwXdK-pot7BLl0SDx--00hNGcs_xaOyNaFGGW9QY2ksYAhn9f_SgUr9DbOsq_ngOaVPVj7x_-tmkwZ--OeaLK_ti8Ahi9v_uCX2SuhlLcw/s16000/West_End%20_Kingston_Ontario_Restaurants_5.jpg" title="Favourite Kingston West End Restaurants" /></div></h4><h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">BRUNCH & CAFÉ</span></h4><p style="text-align: center;">Toast & Jam</p><p style="text-align: center;">Juniper Cafe</p><p style="text-align: center;">Patriam Coffee</p><p style="text-align: center;">Nora's Coffee + Sandwiches</p><p style="text-align: center;">Carmelinda's</p><h4 style="text-align: center;">FISH & CHIPS</h4><p style="text-align: center;">Rose & Crown</p><h4 style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Gourmet donuts and breakfast avocado croissant." border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCyW19FYApVtxbnlv0X0ghJCgE150aZwqg0iVWTDkoUQr5hzmJvB_xOxucb529fl3CzLkGTHKmif_4I8mYQ_nO28I4fz6Coss8If2vR8zDqeoK0z1tWbk5k9zlEjKS-FAyfxfyIji3DrOITvctyStbm7gIVTnkoxwJG6c0QEW9jsOga_EtsOfSDZECjw/s16000/West_End%20_Kingston_Ontario_Restaurants_2.jpg" title="Favourite Kingston West End Restaurants" /></div><div><br /></div><div>BAKERIES & DELI</div></h4><p style="text-align: center;">Bread & Butter Bakery</p><p style="text-align: center;">MAC'S Chocolate & Bakeshop</p><p style="text-align: center;">Baltic Deli</p><h4 style="text-align: center;">SUSHI</h4><p style="text-align: center;">Kino's Sushi</p><p style="text-align: center;">Akira Sushi</p><p style="text-align: center;">Sapporo Sushi</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Chicken shawarma plate and a variety of sushi." border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYlE9PgWCneqHgyGNMaN4lQB2bz19k4BFEc0WCMZy4aez7HXrRMkke9oE_5ORuMkN6xIz3bbU6S0nlahEW1G930wM9_4wa9Lzk8H0qZ0YX8Xf592d3Sfw6rxqVO8X9Qltmhw2A2kZkZehbVQTSlZal5eJFS9U-BzHhlPpBhVn7SlxNKLYtkUbLazP5iQ/s16000/West_End%20_Kingston_Ontario_Restaurants_3.jpg" title="Favourite Kingston West End Restaurants" /></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">What are your favourite spots? Leave them in the comments.</span></div><p></p>Rosalyn Gambhirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171517612399020748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8812318868619585244.post-24946067799466153092023-02-24T00:00:00.071-05:002023-02-24T18:21:39.763-05:00Napanee Foodie Spot: Fool's Kitchen<p style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEierF1aj4cYwsmrL0aBoD6BUkN_fHUwVYYhZP6c1enV-GmLfut3UlI7cWOUROccC7xJSVlaCuxFpOR4oJDghzj-oHXY8uScqwCgPSdn6Wbik8zmLCM4uW6WIIsJ0zjsY0Z4S8qDkVFxmG0g77zMJAvhXy9BZF83sb1lg39x2dcffDt-IGJAqbo3dpXeCQ/s16000/Fools_Kitchen_Napanee_Ontario_1.jpg" /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Say hello to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fools.kitchen/" target="_blank">Fool's Kitchen</a> - a new Asian fusion restaurant located just 30 minutes from Kingston in Napanee, Ontario and is an absolute must-try! It’s already booking up quite quickly so definitely call for reservations and takeout orders.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>You won’t be disappointed as the dishes are so dang flavourful from dim sum, Vietnamese pho, Chinese bbq pork + chicken and so much more. Prep work starts as early as 3am in the morning and it certainly shows! So if you’re wanting to head out for a scenic foodie day trip, add Fool’s Kitchen to your foodie bucket list. Bae and I were thoroughly impressed and bellies full afterwards. Drool-worthy indeed!</div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Also, the service is just amazing and the staff are so friendly!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Scroll down to see a few of the dishes we sampled:</span></p><h4 style="text-align: center;">SUI MAI (PORK & SHRIMP DUMPLING)</h4><p style="text-align: center;">Chinese canton-style open-wrapped dumpling with pork.</p><h4 style="text-align: center;">CHICKEN PHO</h4><p style="text-align: center;">Vietnamese noodle soup with a homemade broth filled with spices like roasted star anise, noodles, grilled bbq chicken thigh and served with lots of mix-and-match toppings. A perfect dish to share.</p><h4 style="text-align: center;">SESAME MAPLE RIBS</h4><p style="text-align: center;">Half rack of fall off the bone ribs marinated overnight, grilled, baked and glazed with the sweetest organic maple syrup. Served with house-made Japanese sweet potato chips with a spicy mayo and Japanese-style salad.</p><h4 style="text-align: center;">HAR GOW</h4><p style="text-align: center;">Steamed translucent dumplings filled with shrimp.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Sesame maple ribs with har gow dumplings." border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnWZ4ioRfA8msiZg9fD724J1w9-edS6NtoYyisF_262Oj8tmDQmWwqlJ2tpoLBKMvAnxcctBF3bXn0J6xRhCYRgnj88iwJoxAfX5OZ_dj-Vi5H4IILZWRnsaES8qi40MfQnwopt3f7AI4_Zufaflb_OSm7syzCOL-MmBzNoIZpgqlORoCRgGrTelNjBw/s16000/Fools_Kitchen_Napanee_Ontario_2.jpg" title="Sesame maple ribs with har gow dumplings." /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><h4>VIETNAMESE FRIED SPRING ROLLS</h4><p>A crispy and crunchy entrée bursting with flavours. Minced pork, shrimp, wood ear mushrooms and vermicelli wrapped in rice paper and then fried to a golden brown.</p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Vietnamese fried spring rolls with tea." border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4XCLgYEKWqWAZ0GA4OS-uy9XwgaowGHb7J1vVLY4AKDLNbtr9eDlzeqoWtpT8o0ZKIMRFYEOrjD8WKZv8bdfA4kvQR6smryXKoDlai7NVIEnS3ocXD1b-HANqaPVUtxGFF7yKV97Cm1rDA4tMkCKoymFlOzrgEZY-QAAteikHk1s24d7rimxn8VsTw/s16000/Fools_Kitchen_Napanee_Ontario_3.jpg" title="Vietnamese fried spring rolls with tea" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h4 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">SHANGHAI SOUP DUMPLINGS</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This appetizer is bursting with deliciousness and is a must-try! It consists of a paper-thin steamed wrapper enveloping a dup of seasoned pork filling and hot flavourful soup. </div><h4 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">JAPANESE SWEET POTATO CHIPS</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These housemade chips are a purely addictive snack!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Shanghai soup dumplings with Japanese sweet potato chips." border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4d-9j7kIUNluluLPZK1-FoyZvE4uH9TPDPKxoqijcZcugk78X5m4uAoH--3tLdqRsh-xfyNqlZRL4HnyTfYUgcStioEDjM4_0vNu0yWQcuabzQLtHabunCWsTjTLCTns62g_zilw7nDHIvVUlXRLawq64htegpS9j3q42WtaPrd5BjRqi4cKCTR3hsg/s16000/Fools_Kitchen_Napanee_Ontario_4.jpg" title="Shanghai soup dumplings with Japanese sweet potato chips" /></div><p style="text-align: center;">Open 11am-2pm for lunch and 4pm-7pm for dinner. Closed Sunday and Monday.</p><p style="text-align: center;">For reservations and takeout, call 613-354-9888</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Where: 19A Market Square, Napanee, ON</span></p>Rosalyn Gambhirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171517612399020748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8812318868619585244.post-15097783001438774832023-02-23T00:00:00.000-05:002023-02-23T00:00:00.199-05:00New Winter Wellness Outdoor Experience: Stoked Sauna Co.<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Stoked Sauna Co. and cheese fondue." border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDjqc8iCTtNkdUB_56zYf0olKWGAQRdB6c_NPAdcIXPd-Bmm6m9MDPVOluAprH-ngorMvADqHeudsI--52gtwypaL8fJ9xkyr_jZj4v7KqqaWB6PjniE4e5ba8lHL9EuoXBsKOdOnQjHiyOdOtAisJ9xXRVe_ygJMvQQ8Wo4F7WLd7urF--hcOspcPw/s16000/Winter_Experience_Stocked_Sauna_Co_Kingston_Ontario.jpg" title="Stoked Sauna Co." /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There’s a new steamy winter wellness outdoor experience called <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CmAeKCaAgiG/" target="_blank">Stoked Sauna Co.</a> at the Frontenac Club! This gem of an oasis is the perfect wellness moment you need this season for your mind and body to unwind, and feel relaxed and refreshed. And it’s right in downtown Kingston.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Stoked Sauna Co in Kingston Ontario." border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8FE_E268-l-5Zf_a1Zl7appzWziwsJ6FoOHrNJb1o-Kyf4-h7c4LUy6g1u-bVskQ7yEr9iG-yFrsl2_oPfzsb35swnYwL3oOeiBFVimyyAi2wi75BcPF2Gg-DiCjEXh-Xwywh2--nuAboL8n-uX7HVpzWSk-ijgzlC0CtAlHrk5L9nWygClTHBRm_cA/s16000/Winter_Experience_Stocked_Sauna_Co_Kingston_Ontario_3.jpg" title="Stoked Sauna Co" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Each 75-minute guided session uses the natural nordic practice of sauna bathing. With three rounds within the sauna, while also enjoying time on the patio in between by the fire, you also have the opportunity to try the ice baths if you're brave enough!</div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><blockquote> Did you know it offers so many health benefits from soothing sore muscles, to improving your heart health and boosting your mood?!</blockquote><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"> It’s a must-try experience whether you go solo, with a friend or as a group.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Non alcholic cocktail and Frontenac Club restaurant menu." border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTWe1L1gKIBdLZ5_RLCubz2Wek9aT-piUwd2hfOigTtoQMUDeujyuuOPRRs5U3lHIEw3885NZgp_2zvInqa53-An45PocELiuFMk1Fjpgup6kDx9PjWr6auFk7jkezr0DD_vFo-lCCfUTbVBNA5BSkAUn0oQoNDx9dHtqacfgy8E5wvROgfyavzdEYrg/s16000/Winter_Experience_Stocked_Sauna_Co_Kingston_Ontario_2.jpg" title="Frontenac Club Apres Sauna Experience" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And once you’re all good to go, you can head inside the Bank Gastrobar at the Frontenac Club for an après spa menu to end your experience with an amazingly curated drink and a delicious meal from a cheesy fondue, split pea soup or candied salmon.</div><h4 style="text-align: center;">WHAT TO BRING?</h4><p style="text-align: center;">Swimsuit, flip flops, water bottle and your favourite winter hat or headband.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Book your session online: <a href="https://www.stokedsaunaco.com/" target="_blank">www.stokedsaunaco.com</a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Where: 225 King St E, Kingston, ON</span></p>Rosalyn Gambhirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171517612399020748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8812318868619585244.post-72011899891833475222023-02-22T00:00:00.056-05:002023-02-22T00:00:00.204-05:00New Restaurant: Heist Restaurant and Wine Club in Downtown Kingston<h4 style="text-align: center;">The wait is officially over!</h4><h4 style="text-align: center;">📍: Kingston, Ontario</h4><p style="text-align: center;">The brand new and most anticipated spot in downtown Kingston has officially opened its doors and I had the pleasure of being invited for a sneak peek of Heist Restaurant + Wine Club with bae and my mum. This foodie adventure was truly unique and a spectacular experience. From pasta, and pizzas to seafood and classic dishes, this restaurant is absolutely stunning - having been a bank before, the CaraCo Homes family ventured into the restaurant space to plan the most perfect culinary destination with the most beautiful space. It’s so warm and inviting.</p><p style="text-align: center;">p.s. online reservations are available, <b><a href="https://www.opentable.ca/r/heist-restaurant-and-wine-club-kingston#reserve" target="_blank">click here</a></b>!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Tagliatelle bolognese and restaurant menu." border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWwDhQCJtCZGUTuRgC28-dZX7eT7OtO9VnbjLy8RCAINKQXs4WanZ8CtGr8SOhLcvRQu3_eOzttKL8hT2hX9PALZXVO_U1-ijoNbZRLYQEmBZ-u0_KEcXXoRltL8p9w8xu4RL2OZC6ilLC1CnunEKA1ZTOZf6BGXZHJPF7kafvU0oOwxuMoLPB-hDxDQ/s16000/Heist_Restaurant_Wine_Club_Downtown_Kingston_1.jpg" title="Heist Restaurant and Wine Club" /></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Scroll down to see a few of the dishes we sampled:</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Beef carpaccio and arancini." border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4uceBt6OE9Y5tvbF8-B8S8OTLQAsxR1rxRfsse0UIdl-ZHQ-qHeypaw7OZjbEKk4ca8tcYat8zNsUWj9zVON4E3hgI4ZA1TriRGSv7B4c5MCHIQm5UeQAZq3f3g45zlf1CE9ZX5vYZb7fv8TBbzvQLjoykVKjZI15ylGnc0h812W-udCM-shVj47LMA/s16000/Heist_Restaurant_Wine_Club_Downtown_Kingston_2.jpg" title="Heist Restaurant and Wine Club" /></div><p></p><h4 style="text-align: center;">BEEF CARPACCIO</h4><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Baby arugula, grana padano, truffle aioli, crouton. Simply melts in your mouth!</p><h4 style="text-align: center;">ARANCINI </h4><p style="text-align: center;">Crispy saffron, lemon + sweet pea rice balls, homemade tomato sauce + grated grana padano. The flavours are so complimentary of one another!</p><p></p><h4 style="text-align: center;">PAN SEARED DEEP SEA SCALLOPS</h4><p style="text-align: center;">With grilled corn, leek crema + toasted pistachio. Highly recommend!</p><h4 style="text-align: center;">GRILLED LAMB SAUSAGE</h4><p style="text-align: center;">Creamy polenta, charred rapini with a grainy mustard demi.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Pan seared deep sea scallops and grilled lamb sausages." border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlKBJZPZdPK_CRDsv_yj-lbILNugIpNQCEK0Pig8Vy_botgY4eF_3gcYUWp0RW4Bp8DI6YzFcO6iEbpIvRBgbSOcqzzzXlFsRhBzYq1YmeDGkU_KWYh87PCquD59HuIUfAWJ1SdB9hxFtg6IeR5RK1yYREA1ppKZf_fpy1TOEl_xVs1L-AzT88EM6Cg/s16000/Heist_Restaurant_Wine_Club_Downtown_Kingston_3.jpg" title="Heist Restaurant and Wine Club" /></div><p></p><p></p><h4 style="text-align: center;">MEZZA RIGATONI VODKA</h4><p style="text-align: center;">Made with pancetta, scallion, chillies in a vodka-tomato-cream sauce. You might have to wear your stretchy pants as portions are quite generous and the dish itself is so nice, especially in the winter.</p><h4 style="text-align: center;">TAGLIATELLE BOLOGNESE</h4><p style="text-align: center;">Slowly braised ragout of pork, beef + veal with sweet onion, fresh basil, shaved grana padano, d.o.p. tomato sauce. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Tagliatelle bolognese and mezza rigatoni vodka pasta." border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCtMnC3-5qoFy1fm4FFmSmduffo9xGfGZtP5CiI8vKue9YQ4a7Qkgc4Lgnx9uE4vwZ0z_LudiS3dBIXcIufDIhnrxdQwHVZloPwNKQ8qNKD2o6OmmyyjQfj8cdBbAq9GWyKjnqH3bx7ux8Nlb__VZf2sBXmhsN_0YGA0dOaK3WxNWOqca6eiaPrwevqA/s16000/Heist_Restaurant_Wine_Club_Downtown_Kingston_4.jpg" title="Heist Restaurant and Wine Club" /></div><p></p><h4 style="text-align: center;">CHICKEN PARMESAN</h4><p style="text-align: center;">Pan-roasted chicken cutlet with tomato sauce + buffalo mozzarella. Such a perfect dish to share</p><h4 style="text-align: center;">DESSERT </h4><p style="text-align: center;">As our meal was coming to an end, our bellies were filled with so much goodness that we decided to share a tiramisu. The dessert menu aka the getaway included other wonderful options such as fruit + sorbet, banana toffee pudding, vanilla crème brûlée, flourless chocolate torte and vegan cheesecake. So many drool-worthy sweet treats to try! 🤤</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Outdoor sign of Heist Restaurant + Wine Club in Downtown Kingston next to tiramisu cake" border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggUsYmfs4SoOMsHI20kftafM-nzw-CwpPxYrsacVLQfxL1yOLZ7yMx5c8_BSeqLs8YAbt-_V3FY_FM87rbnVyMD3VqLVNZVs5QIyNiSNwC9SxPXgWO_kePhFL1RqugakVx4cWCvNaucnS7_6YgnAIgbj749R_mjoj9SZRZuC27DOKmOse_FJZcFbLMhg/s16000/Heist_Restaurant_Wine_Club_Downtown_Kingston_5.jpg" title="Heist Restaurant and Wine Club" /></div><p></p><h4 style="text-align: center;">NEXT UP</h4><p style="text-align: center;">I’m already thinking of my next visit - I’ll definitely be ordering the lobster and prawn dumplings, pan roasted potato gnocchi, and Australian lamb!</p><p style="text-align: center;">Congratulations to the entire HEIST team! Our dining experience was truly wonderful from the food, service and ambience. Kingston is so lucky to have this great new addition to its culinary scene! 🎉</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Where: 168 Wellington St, Kingston, ON</span></p>Rosalyn Gambhirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171517612399020748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8812318868619585244.post-87732355726932653522023-02-21T00:00:00.007-05:002023-02-21T19:17:23.397-05:00Let Me Reintroduce Myself<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">Hi, I’m Rosalyn! 👋</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0oYkX3WAPFRtwVyHrCxbIq1Wue_yuf0vwkkHDk274KJOeool8EDq-wGYvb4W2f5zuf9Z8PUxU5JV9vm8FsciE8F5TgqeHqnGbRwRjKsZkdG27NfVs8uIVd0ZeACUSjaRZ_D_6m9g1_nOZuiMVBs-EJGXJtE9-N0dqCXoZ4Qo3TVvkwWOrVhnEzp3Mcg/s5184/Rosalyn%20Gambhir_The%20Staycationer.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dozen donuts from Coffeeway and portrait of Rosalyn Gambhir smiling" border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0oYkX3WAPFRtwVyHrCxbIq1Wue_yuf0vwkkHDk274KJOeool8EDq-wGYvb4W2f5zuf9Z8PUxU5JV9vm8FsciE8F5TgqeHqnGbRwRjKsZkdG27NfVs8uIVd0ZeACUSjaRZ_D_6m9g1_nOZuiMVBs-EJGXJtE9-N0dqCXoZ4Qo3TVvkwWOrVhnEzp3Mcg/s16000/Rosalyn%20Gambhir_The%20Staycationer.jpg" title="Dozen donuts from Coffeeway and portrait of Rosalyn Gambhir smiling" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">For those of you who are new here, I thought I’d reintroduce myself. Originally from Montréal, Québec, I moved to Kingston to attend Queen's University as a Queen's Engineer back in 2008 and well, I’ve stayed ever since. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I met my other half who completed me in every way possible. Together for over ten years now - this Kingston native, my partner-in-crime and foodie accomplice has brought out the best in me one day at a time. Our passion for cooking and trying new things led me to creating a foodie bucket list in 2012 of restaurants to try out in Kingston and document my experiences on my blog, which was well before Instagram was super popular. (I may have just aged myself LOL 🫣🤣)</p><p style="text-align: center;">Whether it's exploring the local food scene, going to amazing local events or taking foodie road trips to nearby towns, I'm all about being a tourist in my own city and beyond. This site and my social channels are all about allowing you to discover hidden gems in your own backyard and supporting our truly wonderful restaurants, businesses and passionate individuals behind the scenes, while also sharing who I am as a person, my likes, my life, my adorable pup Dakota and more.</p>Rosalyn Gambhirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171517612399020748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8812318868619585244.post-33094483789319398912021-09-12T00:00:00.010-04:002021-09-12T00:00:00.193-04:00How to Make An Easy Cheesy Egg Breakfast Sandwich<p style="text-align: center;">If you've been following my Instagram Stories lately you'd know that I am slightly obsessed with starting my morning with my go-to cheesy egg sandwich on the weekends, which literally takes me less than 5 minutes to make, and if I'm feeling spicy, I'll cook up some bacon as well but not today.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIRtN2orDr6RnpbR3xTVAloNxnAovU4JnWshFDIGUQkdzjg6TrZw1hoVm526LbfQVvrdHA17r4_dWXf2SDsMJ0NZiW5hrI1cuJIZZ8f5MzcLccNMg-wO6RBBGGtapexAEXLqKWLBve7MRh/s2048/How-To-Make-An-Easy-Egg-Sandwich-Rosalyn-Gambhir-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How to Make An Easy Cheesy Egg Breakfast Sandwich" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIRtN2orDr6RnpbR3xTVAloNxnAovU4JnWshFDIGUQkdzjg6TrZw1hoVm526LbfQVvrdHA17r4_dWXf2SDsMJ0NZiW5hrI1cuJIZZ8f5MzcLccNMg-wO6RBBGGtapexAEXLqKWLBve7MRh/s16000/How-To-Make-An-Easy-Egg-Sandwich-Rosalyn-Gambhir-3.jpg" title="How to Make An Easy Cheesy Egg Breakfast Sandwich" /></a></div></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here’s how to make it:</span></p><h4 style="text-align: center;">WHAT YOU'LL NEED:</h4><p style="text-align: center;">2 eggs </p><p style="text-align: center;">A pinch of black pepper</p><p style="text-align: center;">A pinch of parsley</p><p style="text-align: center;">2 slices of cheddar cheese</p><p style="text-align: center;">English muffin, bun, or bread</p><p style="text-align: center;">A few stripes of bacon</p><p style="text-align: center;">Butter </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgto7yLl7A8y6Gnj7K1jDaVi8fcGGdYKrS8CzS-6qWydhdAwNhyMlLfpwNrIorJa_7nYue9HwdR4xDbXjMQmv31Gaqbsw-V9LzzBwxiQpad8z-W9IE88yGM2MpFufObiFU2Pcb4YsJZdO4h/s2048/How-To-Make-An-Easy-Egg-Sandwich-Rosalyn-Gambhir-2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How to Make An Easy Cheesy Egg Breakfast Sandwich" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgto7yLl7A8y6Gnj7K1jDaVi8fcGGdYKrS8CzS-6qWydhdAwNhyMlLfpwNrIorJa_7nYue9HwdR4xDbXjMQmv31Gaqbsw-V9LzzBwxiQpad8z-W9IE88yGM2MpFufObiFU2Pcb4YsJZdO4h/s16000/How-To-Make-An-Easy-Egg-Sandwich-Rosalyn-Gambhir-2.JPG" title="How to Make An Easy Cheesy Egg Breakfast Sandwich" /></a></div><p></p><h4 style="text-align: center;">HOW TO MAKE AN EASY EGG SANDWICH:</h4><p style="text-align: center;">1. Pop your bread of choice in the toaster</p><p style="text-align: center;">2. Crack the eggs in a bowl, slightly whip, add pepper and parsley on top </p><p style="text-align: center;">3. Microwave the egg mixture for 40-45 seconds and keep a close eye!</p><p style="text-align: center;">4. Once toasted, spread a generous amount of butter on the toast</p><p style="text-align: center;">5. Assemble your sandwich</p><p style="text-align: center;">👉🏼 cheese on the bottom then the eggs and then cheese again; it’s that easy! </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_66KIeUbXdFnhYjjdYkzBUzxjTOQkaVUX-5qJU2R8E7DcB8ppXQYGhXW5p-5o-dr17yIghJkC2jr7nLG0l3_Wy2gImQ9GER77niuPxnlNv0ta-wWOGGNAqTO-HPEPR0AvycYk18HsMNw/s2048/How-To-Make-An-Easy-Egg-Sandwich-Rosalyn-Gambhir-1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How to Make An Easy Cheesy Egg Breakfast Sandwich" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_66KIeUbXdFnhYjjdYkzBUzxjTOQkaVUX-5qJU2R8E7DcB8ppXQYGhXW5p-5o-dr17yIghJkC2jr7nLG0l3_Wy2gImQ9GER77niuPxnlNv0ta-wWOGGNAqTO-HPEPR0AvycYk18HsMNw/s16000/How-To-Make-An-Easy-Egg-Sandwich-Rosalyn-Gambhir-1.JPG" title="How to Make An Easy Cheesy Egg Breakfast Sandwich" /></a></p><h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Enjoy! 🤤</span></h4>Rosalyn Gambhirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171517612399020748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8812318868619585244.post-3953836806478697812021-09-08T00:00:00.004-04:002021-09-08T00:00:00.230-04:00How To Make An Iced Chai Latte<p style="text-align: center;"> Kicking it off this morning with a homemade iced chai latte because sometimes you just need a little extra oomph to get the day started! I have been obsessed with this drink because it’s so dang easy to make when I’m half awake. I’ve really been trying to step up my at home coffee and tea game during the lockdown and finding this Tazo chai concentrate just hit the spot!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="How to make a homemade iced chai latte" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN7FiaB1V7tbqqIXIqihDaS3ZFyEyFxKEUlsSewh-KspNRVGHUsz1dTNpZz4aRjgKlgvBrXgNBmdfx-HSB1DlJJkOItJn3442CQIPlDYdoHsBnQCrn4TKxTS1k0MSIFa5NPOuIFrnEj8Px/s16000/How-To-Make-An-Iced-Chai-Latte-Rosalyn-Gambhir-The-Stacationer.jpg" title="How to make a homemade iced chai latte" /></div><h4 style="text-align: center;">HOW I MAKE AN ICED CHAI LATTE:</h4><p style="text-align: center;">1. Start off with a glass half-filled with ice</p><p style="text-align: center;">2. Pour 1 cup of the Tazo chai concentrate</p><p style="text-align: center;">3. Add your desired amount of milk. I usually do a quarter cup of 1% regular milk</p><p style="text-align: center;">4. Stir to combine and enjoy!</p><h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Cheers! ☕️</span></h4>Rosalyn Gambhirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171517612399020748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8812318868619585244.post-32331007183881180212021-09-07T00:00:00.016-04:002021-09-07T00:00:00.194-04:00Things I've Learned During the Pandemic<p style="text-align: center;">It truly has been quite some time since I last posted on the blog - almost nine months. I cringe seeing that number - primarily because my blog has always been my creative outlet and for some reason, things changed. During my time off, I was busy with my day job where I was in an acting role, figuring out life, obviously dealing with the pandemic, and spending time with my partner and dog. It's hard to explain because every day, I'd have different emotions, moods, and thoughts. Now that I've reprioritized what is important to me, I'm officially back and wanted to share a few things I've learned.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Things I've Learned During the Pandemic" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVYGInzg4ADKboZSBNiuB06bJ7bAgxXWdqol-u_j-bkWgCqe0EdVztCQWJszcX_83JqNBOP8ijkCDDG6HE0FRM39IA9zkSvWFIFz2UWvTivxvVCHx5BusKDSrczY4BmcNgFRJvf2XrDnlu/s16000/things-ive-learned-from-the-pandemic-kingston-ontario.jpg" title="Things I've Learned During the Pandemic" /></a></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Time & Slow Living</span></h4><p style="text-align: center;">Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, we lived in a fast-paced world that was obsessed with prioritizing productivity. But once the lockdowns hit, the pace of life slowed dramatically overnight for everyone. I'm not going to lie but it felt nice. Choosing to intentionally slow down and pausing allowed me to realize and re-evaluate what was truly important. Rather than having the mentality of being stuck at home, I was safe at home. Pausing from a full calendar and long to-do lists, taking a moment to simply be.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Bae and I didn't take this for granted but more so as a blessing. I reminded myself that this is life, right here and right now. Life is so precious and we sometimes forget about it being so caught up with our lives and careers that we miss what is right in front of us.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Thanks to the pandemic:</p><p style="text-align: center;">We redecorated our living room. We enjoyed our backyard a lot more in the summer. We lounged around in our backyard. Roasted marshmallows by the fire pit enjoying cool summer nights. Made a whole ton of pizzas using our Ooni Karu. Bae did phenomenal with this vegetable and flower garden. We had tons of adventures with the dog. And so much more!</p><p style="text-align: center;"> We created some awesome memories of being home together while being in the moment.</p><h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Validating Your Feelings</span></h4><p style="text-align: center;">After almost a year and a half of living during a pandemic - it's safe to say that a lot of us are experiencing fatigue and burnout. We're emotionally exhausted. That adrenaline we all had at the beginning when working from home was amazing and then, well, it slowly faded. From uncertainty to stress to dealing with the never-ending changes to restrictions and news cycle, know that you aren't alone in your feelings. </p><p style="text-align: center;">We all need to recognize that we dealt with are still dealing with some hard stuff. We are making things up as we go along. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I know for myself as I write this even after all this time, I'm tired, have lost passion in things I once loved to do, I am disappointed in others, burnt out, and feeling meh. I know some people have bounced right back with the lowering of restrictions but we're all different in how we approach life from feeling lost, confused, anxious, or being worried.</p><p style="text-align: center;">With all that being said, we need to have patience and compassion for ourselves. We need to take care of ourselves - our feelings are valid and normal. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG-WP2_N-JHApVmlUOxsVFT7dkw0QYxhEX6Dm4sBGn45_ZBZEe_TDXdBbyQxO4SxcxaY7LxR2rbURryvhvDTUZDVSs57ooEB4MeRb8FiT_1ocI3RAtNuG0wHDlO8cgO9PoNhtZvYw04WTn/s2048/things-ive-learned-from-the-pandemic-kingston-ontario-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Things I've Learned During the Pandemic" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG-WP2_N-JHApVmlUOxsVFT7dkw0QYxhEX6Dm4sBGn45_ZBZEe_TDXdBbyQxO4SxcxaY7LxR2rbURryvhvDTUZDVSs57ooEB4MeRb8FiT_1ocI3RAtNuG0wHDlO8cgO9PoNhtZvYw04WTn/s16000/things-ive-learned-from-the-pandemic-kingston-ontario-2.jpg" title="Things I've Learned During the Pandemic" /></a></div><p></p><h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Be Kind To Yourself</span></h4><p style="text-align: center;">Living through this pandemic has been tough and we all know it by now. So let's not try to push away our feelings to the side because facing the reality of our current experience is key to getting through this. A key item that I learned from this pandemic was to carve out some uninterrupted 'me time' to just be. Whether that was a simple morning enjoying tea and watching Netflix or sitting outside enjoying the sounds of nature, it brought a sense of calm. </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><blockquote style="text-align: center;">Self-care is a priority, not a privilege.</blockquote><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">It helped me disconnect for a short period of time - it was a moment of peace especially in a time where we're all glued to our phones, endlessly scrolling and consumed by the digital sphere.</p>Rosalyn Gambhirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171517612399020748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8812318868619585244.post-40041644545461467502021-01-01T00:00:00.654-05:002021-01-01T17:31:56.812-05:00Hello 2021<p style="text-align: center;">2020 was certainly a heck of a year and that's putting it lightly. These past few months have taught us to be even more grateful especially for our health and our families. This pandemic caused quite the disruption to our daily lives, while also adding uncertainty, fear, anxiety and lifestyle changes. Needless to say, this has been an extremely challenging year for us with lows and highlights.</p><p style="text-align: center;">While it's time to turn the page on 2020 and welcome 2021, I wanted to take a moment to celebrate all the significant moments we've accomplished and should be proud of - they certainly have brought us together in so many ways! On a global level, we developed a vaccine in record time, started to show more appreciation for local and small businesses, have put more of a focus on mental health and supporting those in need, learned to be grateful for those close to us and our health, spent more time at home and outdoors, witnessed incredible feats with social and racial injustice, found the silver lining in the little things and the list goes on!</p><p style="text-align: center;">While I didn't post as much as I had hoped for on my blog this year, I couldn’t let the year go by without publishing my annual end-of-year post where I share a recap on the year and my goals for the upcoming year. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Hello 2021 By Rosalyn Gambhir The Staycationer" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtm8nHB7BCUtvWRkSCU9dx4EyKnIzq951YM_Vryy76xKGImcIyLwJn1ZVeVbdIrdCG_JI2aTQkPRHfECpC6GnWCw6AkuO7vbfJX4ea0AhObg86tGQxnCnAQmqipwmvc6O21cjFIzBgUnWc/s16000/Hello-2021-Rosalyn-Gambhir-The-Staycationer.jpg" title="Recap of 2020 - Hello 2021 By Rosalyn Gambhir The Staycationer" /></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></h4><h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Recap</span></h4><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I wanted to share something I wrote on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B-CxsPEg3tQ/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> on March 22, 2020 - a week after we went into our first official full lockdown:</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Truth: It’s been a long and tiring week staying up to date during these challenging times. This weekend I finally took a moment to let everything sink in and reflect. ❤ I've been avoiding talking about what's happening (publicly) as it adds to my anxiety and positive thinking lets me coast and avoids stress (I know I’m not alone).⠀</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">During this difficult time, my feed and stories will be a place of </span><u>positivity<span> </span></u><u>for our community</u> <span style="font-weight: normal;">and I look forward (with you all!) to share practical yet </span><u>inspiring ways to uphold our #YGK spirit in the face of this global challenge</u>. As always, I’ll be continuing to share my love of local businesses/restaurants, recipes, bae and his gardening (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/rootswithryan/" target="_blank">@rootswithryan</a>), our pup Dakota and more! And leave a comment below to let me know what YOU would like to see, hear and learn more about!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></p><blockquote style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">We will get through this together.</span> </blockquote><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">The response I received from this <span style="color: black;"><b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B-CxsPEg3tQ/" target="_blank">post</a></b> </span>made my cheeks hurt from smiling as I do what I do online for the love of my community! The words I wrote above still ring true to the type of content I hope to share and the feelings still linger as well even as we welcome a new year. This emotional rollercoaster of a year had us feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, helpless and exhausted, but most importantly we persevered. We were hopeful, resilient and strong! Even though we were six feet apart, it brought us closer together as a community more than ever.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Personally, it definitely allowed me to spend more time with my fiancée and pups Dakota!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Rosalyn Gambhir, Dog, Fiancee, Home Sweet Home Doormat" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU_-oAKSbxszlJjcFdaXjEPqDSh4kr6zrCSJhxXvA1xAQg3DZr6oyNJ8udqMi5uxITwW5jHHpdIoNd17dnJX0X9Kh2PLQH9JUGQpYv3nTi4lblnzMGou6dslyLLyHza1Z6n9l9gXQy5_lH/s16000/Hello-2021-Rosalyn-Gambhir-The-Staycationer-3+copy.jpg" title="Recap of 2020 - Hello 2021 By Rosalyn Gambhir The Staycationer" /></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">2020 was filled with...</span></h4><p style="text-align: center;">A global pandemic. A vaccine. Unprecedented times. Staying home. Quarantine. Face masks. Flattening the Curve. Social distancing. Endless amounts of hand sanitizer. Lockdowns. A new norm. Essential workers and front line staff. Unemployment. Chaos. Struggle. Black Lives Matter movement and racial reckoning. Grief. Climate change. A presidential impeachment. A monumental election. Transformation. Supporting local and small businesses. Work from home. Zoom calls. FaceTime. Microsoft Teams meetings. No makeup days. Loungewear. Baking bread.</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Working from Home</span></h4><p style="text-align: center;">On March 11th, the World Health Organization officially declared that COVID-19 was a pandemic and thus, the new norm of working from home was set upon my colleagues and I on March 16, 2020. While many thought this to be temporary, we were wrong. We're now almost 11 months in and no end in sight. Working, sleeping, eating, breathing and trying to decompress all in the same space has become exhausting. Pair all of that with an increase in screen time and well I don't need to tell you what that does to someone's mental health.</p><p style="text-align: center;">In 2020, the lines between home life and work were very much blended. While the luxury of working from home was appealing to many, what we’re forgetting is that, for most of us, an office wasn't just an office, it was a place where we spent most of our time. A place to eat lunch with our peers, vent about the frustrations of work and life. An office provided a routine, a structure and above all, a community.</p><p style="text-align: center;">But now, our computers and our screens act as barriers as we sit at home. We don't get to see our peers every day like we use to. We might have check-ins, team meetings and mental health resources but at the end of the day, there is no substitute for seeing and interacting with people. We no longer have the spur of the moment meetings or casual hallway chats that lead to creative ideas or to simply catch up.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Personally, the work from home process was fine and dandy at the start, but I did get into a major rut. I was feeling unmotivated, anxious, tired and unable to sleep well. I was groggy when I woke up. My mind was foggy. While I juggled pretty much two roles and gave 110% to my day job, my personal life was lacking. Work-life balance was non-existent some days. My workspace at home became my office for my day job when it was originally dedicated as my creative zone.</p><p style="text-align: center;">While I did have workplace flexibility with my work schedule, this also hindered me as I'd sometimes do work at night when I knew I'd get bursts of energy or sparks of motivation or have my creative juices going to get work done for the social media aspect of my role. I was more focused and present, primarily due to it being silent with no distractions of my dog barking (love Dakota but she can be loud!), notifications, video calls or meetings. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Overall, this work from home situation is still an adjustment. 🤷🏻♀️</p><h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Social Media & Its Consumption</span></h4><p style="text-align: center;">With news of lockdowns and measures to stay home, it's no surprise people took to social media to keep busy and entertained this year. But 2020 was no joke for communications and social media managers as the start of the new decade brought on a whole new set of challenges with trying to stay afloat with the overload of information.</p><p style="text-align: center;">The positive to 2020 was the incredible community on Twitter that came together! There are some true gems out there in the industry that simply shined the light on the hard work we do as professionals and it was refreshing. Go follow these amazing folks on Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/jsstansel" target="_blank">@jsstanse</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AnthonyYepez" target="_blank">@AnthonyYepez</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/jenncrim" target="_blank">@jenncrim</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/HashtagHeyAlexa" target="_blank">@HashtagHeyAlexa</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SippinSocialTea" target="_blank">@SippinSocialTea</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/chvrlesjr" target="_blank">@chvrlesjr</a> and introduce yourself using #MarketingTwitter.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I know for myself that friends and colleagues sometimes underestimate my responsibilities and assume my job in social is fun and easy. At the end of the day, we are digital bodyguards to a brand - we take all the hits and avoid situations from escalating up the chain. We know first hand the voice of the customer as we interact with our audiences on a daily basis, so we will certainly know how they'll react to information that is shared. We have crafted engaged and insightful communities where ultimately we have set a tone for the page. </p><p style="text-align: center;">You might be asking yourself, why the heck is she going on about this stuff? The reason is that social media managers were online front line staff as well during 2020. Many suffered from burnout and were constantly exhausted by the bombardment of information, trolls, angry customers but also the consumption of evolving news while keeping up with the demand of their jobs.</p><p style="text-align: center;">One of the things I wanted to focus on during 2020 was to not have my work be my identity aka as a social media manager and communication lead, I am not the brand I work for aka I don't take anything personally when people comment, tweet or message. So when I finally close my laptop or put down my phone and disconnect from work at the end of the day, it’s my personal happiness, values and fulfillment that matter most.</p><h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Social & Racial Injustice</span></h4><p style="text-align: center;">In June, I shared on the blog (<b><a href="https://www.rosalyngambhir.com/2020/06/be-umcomfortable-use-your-voice.html" target="_blank">read here</a></b>) about how we need to use our voice with everything that still continues to happen even if it makes us uncomfortable. Taking the risk to speak up rather than staying silent. We showed that discomfort leads to bigger things. If we want to instill change, we need to do our part. We need to listen. We need to do our research. We need to start advocating for change in politics. We can't just plainly ignore what is happening. We need to have the willingness to learn. We need to open our hearts and our minds. If we have the capacity to speak out, respect boundaries and do so. I reminded people to have a conversation to “call-in” others rather than “calling out.” Our voices are powerful. We are a strong community that can make a difference. We need to be unified when it comes to injustices and continue this journey well into 2021 and further.</p><h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Supporting Local & Small Businesses</span></h4><p style="text-align: center;">2020 allowed us to show our appreciation for local and small businesses more than ever! As we know, Kingston is a wonderful city and we know darn well the value and importance of community. With the news of the lockdown in Ontario, this year I focused on spreading the message of local love and supporting local, not just today but every day, as small businesses are the backbone of our community.</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><blockquote style="text-align: center;">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.</blockquote><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">So please do me a favour. In 2021, let's continue to show our love for local! 💕</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Supporting local and small businesses" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBb2PDM3eSic-lWbvzVF6g2xy4K5HGfn2PMioUTrQj_M5hqB_QkWSGsbEFNjdE9ItsTVCbEzVPkfMzWU0q9PicgBAcYxMPxXZpWNhPDMUuaaHz-yQiAqjm1_0qb2IWfG_kc9cPipnA4vBr/s16000/Hello-2021-Rosalyn-Gambhir-The-Staycationer-4.jpg" title="Recap of 2020 - Hello 2021 By Rosalyn Gambhir The Staycationer" /></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Staying Home with Bae</span></h4><p style="text-align: center;">If you asked my fiancée aka foodie partner in crime what he thought of 2020, he honestly would say that it had its silver lining. With all the chaos and disruption 2020 presented us with, he shifted his mindset to be more positive but in a manner where the tasks and projects he took on allowed him to have control in what seemed like an uncontrollable world. As he spent more time at home, he focused on our backyard, expanded his garden yield allowing us to be more self-sufficient in our eating habits, allowed us to become healthier (he's great in the kitchen!) and made our backyard a true zen zone.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Staying home brought about a newfound appreciation for the things that made us feel alive and finding joy in small things. While I was working from home, my escape from my desk was the outdoors and our backyard. Our evenings were filled with walking our dog Dakota, bonfires and roasting marshmallows, dinners on our deck, making homemade pizzas using our Ooni Karu (wood chip pizza oven!) and enjoying each other's company. Sounds cheesy and old couple like but we'd also bird watch as well! 😂</p><p style="text-align: center;">Lastly, along with the vegetables that Ryan grew this year, a highlight to each start of my work week was the fresh cut flowers from our garden on my desk along with my morning breakfast of toast with homemade jams that he made with the fresh black raspberries from our garden as well as local blueberries, strawberries and apples. Honestly, I think he needs to open his own shop!</p><p style="text-align: center;">p.s. go follow <b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/rootswithryan/" target="_blank">@RootsWithRyan</a></b> on Instagram!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Backyard zen zone with tall trees and garden fresh tomatoes" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBKWdUE4-OKSt-0fqRbZar_FbqtiGd1i1FtIgnmfYTBUhZvZRlXhDV_VI5XBVcj6tYvUmkhhW_qnbqO9ltYy439fN4ZSRYRehIau5F6hfG4fq6B0h9MYEelW6COi0AlsZXpqrfZI9eIgCX/s16000/Hello-2021-Rosalyn-Gambhir-The-Staycationer-2.jpg" title="Recap of 2020 - Hello 2021 By Rosalyn Gambhir The Staycationer" /></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">In 2021, I hope to...</span></h4><p style="text-align: center;">In an effort to try and end the year on a positive note, here are a few items I want to focus on in 2021:</p><h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">1. Slow Down & Be Present</span></h4><p style="text-align: center;">I'm committing to setting healthy boundaries in my life to prioritize and valuing my well-being. I've realized that I need to take moments to slow down, rest and recharge. It’s so easy to get caught up in the cycle of never sitting down, trying to cross off items on your to-do list and always feeling like you should be doing something. I’m quite guilty of this and taking a much-needed break is definitely needed if I want to perform and give my best to those around me.</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><blockquote style="text-align: center;">Self-care is a priority, not a privilege.</blockquote><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">As social media and communications professionals, we are part of an “always-on” culture. Always responsive. Always listening. Always plugged in 24/7/365 to our news feeds and consuming information even if we're not on the clock.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Like a pendulum, sometimes slowing down can feel like you’re moving backwards, but as I see it your stepping back to reflect so you can be pushed forward to grow even more. So today and moving forward, I'm going to allow myself to slow down a little. Remember that taking time for yourself is not selfish or lazy. We need to commend ourselves for getting through 2020 and knowing when I need to refocus to make space for mental breaks and protect my mental health is key to my well-being.</p><h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">2. Stay Positive</span></h4><p style="text-align: center;">Like I said in my post for 2020, this isn't a new goal whatsoever but a reminder. Having a positive mindset has played a huge role in my life for a few years now. Learning the ability to stay resilient when times are tough in life or work has held me together. If you're struggling to shift your mindset, don't worry, honestly, it takes baby sets and doesn't happen overnight. Simply know and say to yourself that this is a moment in time that you will get through and get past it. Celebrating the small happy moments and the little joys in a day.</p><p style="text-align: center;">In a previous post, I said the following and it certainly still applies,</p><h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Staying positive leaves us more motivated, productive, improve our mood and of course likely to succeed. Remember to fuel your passion and go that extra mile - blogging and work can be quite demanding with struggles of burnouts and criticism. So keep your head held up high and rock what you've got!</span></h4><p style="text-align: center;">We made it! Cheers to a new year!</p><p style="text-align: center;">Let’s look forward and hope for the day where we may see our loved ones who we have missed so much, travel again and not live in fear for our well-being.</p>Rosalyn Gambhirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171517612399020748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8812318868619585244.post-33324065768566978302020-12-17T00:00:00.064-05:002020-12-19T13:00:05.048-05:00Kingston Foodie Holiday Gift Guide<p style="text-align: center;"> The holiday season is officially here! If you’re shopping for a foodie, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve curated together this guide to make your holiday shopping a tad easier with a collection of some of my favourite Kingston foodie items that will make the perfect gift. And! Since I'm a practical gift giver, what better way to cheer someone up than with food. But most importantly since 2020 has been a year filled with uncertainty, we need to come together to show our love for our local businesses, restaurants and shops now more than ever.</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><blockquote><a href="https://www.rosalyngambhir.com/2020/05/dear-kingston-lets-support-local.html" target="_blank">Kingston is home to so many amazing local businesses, artisans and producers, so let’s do our best to support local!</a></blockquote><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.rosalyngambhir.com/2020/12/kingston-foodie-holiday-gift-guide.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kingston Foodie Holiday Gift Guide, Charcuterie Box, Chocolate Covered Strawberries, Olive Oil, Brunch Plate, Chocolates" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiohjjxrZkCtrBNoY6Rz8vGwmpZrtkxq_7VGrjyasT_WFRy5TDrOVNgv2DQ6r5LMisDFdgOgmcPEfzOu1_M7Gj05HvT6eBzgnTW2-ePM95ghYapSDPdJO4ElUsZ1-OE2OOSa7497zzubl8H/s16000/Kingston-Foodie-Holiday-Gift-Guide-Ontario-Support-Local.jpg" title="Kingston Foodie Holiday Gift Guide" /></a></div><h4 style="text-align: center;">Festive Treats by Festa Kitchen </h4><p style="text-align: center;">Festa Kitchen makes the most delicious treats in Kingston and offers gourmet gluten-free items too! This burnt basque cheesecake would make the perfect holiday treat for friends and family. So if you’re craving something sweet, definitely message via Instagram for an order of cupcakes, cookies or cakes this holiday season!</p><p style="text-align: center;">Follow on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/festakitchen_gf/" target="_blank">@festakitchen_gf</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.rosalyngambhir.com/2020/12/kingston-foodie-holiday-gift-guide.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kingston Foodie Holiday Gift Guide" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMdXS4y27yMMeqwwpj2JMdd_zPTiRDqWEQCDTYoXhZVadXtnSqOoX_FPaBDmrBlDEiOI3Yu7fqqVN3RKQbsr61aRuspUqoe8-Rzmn9c0cc3kltxmrHQm33TtMupONlGp8G9aw-bQWBKPdR/s16000/Festa-Kitchens-Kingston+Foodie-Holiday-Gift-Guide.jpg" title="Kingston Foodie Holiday Gift Guide" /></a></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><b>Indulge in Mio Gelato</b></h4><p style="text-align: center;">If you’re looking for a sweet treat, Mio Gelato is a great option. As their doors closed for the season on December 13th, head to their website to order online and bonus, they offer free delivery in Kingston this coming week! So hurry and order now! Also, be sure to get their holiday flavours or else you’ll have to wait for a whole year! My favs include gingerbread and egg nog!</p><p style="text-align: center;">Update: Officially closed for the 2020 season! </p><p style="text-align: center;">Follow on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/miogelatokingston/" target="_blank">@miogelatokingston</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.rosalyngambhir.com/2020/12/kingston-foodie-holiday-gift-guide.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="gelato containers for holiday gift guide foodie edition" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxWMtf_kzs6_LT7R3BATUXX7p1uNBV3B1xs49MK4_pe9nYCn8I1wk21ArH984Xs17JJ-NVwHN0RtoNX8fsb-GYDHbBWVGBshDdY-gJPECd8s5jHplsh3-tvLWV14VMkByhQQPU7L3-HKLT/s16000/Mio-Gelato-Kingston+Foodie-Holiday-Gift-Guide.jpg" title="Kingston Foodie Holiday Gift Guide" /></a></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><b>Sweet Treats by Cocoa Bistro</b></h4><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.cocoabistro.ca/" target="_blank">Cocoa Bistro</a> in the west end of Kingston carries a variety of gourmet hand made chocolate that would make a great gift. They also have chocolate bombs that are all the rage this season when making hot chocolate! Perfect for all ages!</p><p style="text-align: center;">Follow on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/chocolatewithlove/" target="_blank">@chocolatewithlove</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.rosalyngambhir.com/2020/12/kingston-foodie-holiday-gift-guide.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kingston Foodie Holiday Gift Guide" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyFxkdWxcBJ2eocznCPzRbdZ-uSlVmbJHQcPh91QGKNnYNIE6lUQ-JVVuZmR2-ztYmjmX9bYiiT8DTrD8EwvwL6ml5l9xvOTtHBsmUPXMs-Lk3TSEsXMOqsN7uNO8BA0j1Eu0wT7eIblQ9/s16000/Cocoa-Bistro-Kingston+Foodie-Holiday-Gift-Guide.jpg" title="Kingston Foodie Holiday Gift Guide" /></a></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><b>Charcuterie Box </b></h4><p style="text-align: center;">While officially booked up for the holiday season until December 31st, the amazing ladies behind The Cheesy Pear are offering gift cards to de redeemed in the new year! You definitely want to try one of the custom-curated charcuterie boxes! </p><p style="text-align: center;">Follow on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thecheesypear/" target="_blank">@thecheesypear</a></p><p style="text-align: center;">BUT! Don’t worry ‑ if you’re still craving a box, check out the online shops for Pan Chancho Bakery and <a href="https://blackdoghome.square.site/" target="_blank">Black Dog Home</a> as they’ll both deliver charcuterie to your door or a friend's! Makes for the perfect gift paired with some vino!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.rosalyngambhir.com/2020/12/kingston-foodie-holiday-gift-guide.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kingston Foodie Holiday Gift Guide" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY_ot7Wa2BgOSVGO6bbVjJU_65bt5Wz7BLMQqljt2uZxSWR03azQxi-Z8hg08vyC5tkwzNNQZu89jkwfAirG3myERrOASWj-qfkVb0wT016LcQfuvphcHQETciV-kj_ZY8iWpw4ACKypy3/s16000/The-Cheesy-Pear-Kingston+Foodie-Holiday-Gift-Guide.jpg" title="Kingston Foodie Holiday Gift Guide" /></a></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><b>Kingston Olive Oil Company</b></h4><p style="text-align: center;">This foodie gift may be odd but if you have someone special who truly enjoys cooking then olive oils will go over well especially from <a href="https://kingstonoliveoil.com/" target="_blank">Kingston Olive Oil Company</a>. My recommendations: If you're looking for a bread dipping combo, my favourite include Black Mission Fig Balsamic Vinegar with Nocellara Extra Virgin Olive Oil or the Hojiblanca Olive Oil. Though my favourite cooking oils the Lemon Infused Oil and Garlic Oil.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Follow on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kingstonoliveoilco/" target="_blank">@kingstonoliveoilco</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.rosalyngambhir.com/2020/12/kingston-foodie-holiday-gift-guide.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kingston Foodie Holiday Gift Guide" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG-gj7sdMDBk6WozSr4VA7j60CiafhyJddvRk8K8NsVM9b66yMQIthwiHDdz3pcA0uNRSno4mflBN62VAuGyC_XOLFYs0V6GDrzX8KbzJ0Ic06Npj6IrrRidDmBEjlQiIBWpWCZoGPv40N/s16000/Kingston-Olive-Oil-Company-Kingston+Foodie-Holiday-Gift-Guide.jpg" title="Kingston Foodie Holiday Gift Guide" /></a></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><b>Chocolate Covered Strawberries</b></h4><p style="text-align: center;">While sold out for the holiday season, I simply had to include Love and Berries as you deserve to simply treat yourself or someone special in the new year! That lucky person will certainly be surprised!</p><p style="text-align: center;">Follow on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/loveandberries_/" target="_blank">@loveandberries_</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.rosalyngambhir.com/2020/12/kingston-foodie-holiday-gift-guide.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="chocolate covered strawberries, kingston holiday foodie gift guide" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf9r2_tP9jGzwYe8MBHr3rWLmajqUfrR_jpO4Xa8sHGtCCoaWoRq37tA2-5Bi1f7oih345An2mQw7zCjycXquVdjxs1IlQpALc8dtply9wp25Ou2dqAatM2ertscB2DmHDWTN2gGsePczN/s16000/Love_and_Berries-Kingston+Foodie-Holiday-Gift-Guide.jpg" title="Kingston Foodie Holiday Gift Guide" /></a></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><b>Decadent Cupcakes</b></h4><p style="text-align: center;">How cute are these cupcakes?! They're available on Dessert Indulgence's online shop along with several other sweet treats like cheesecakes, mousse cakes and more! OHH and if you’re vegan or gluten-free, don’t worry, they’ve got you covered! They also have chocolate coffee and red velvet yule logs for the holiday season.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Follow on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dessertindulgence/" target="_blank">@dessertindulgence</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.rosalyngambhir.com/2020/12/kingston-foodie-holiday-gift-guide.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kingston Foodie Holiday Gift Guide" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhika5myLfWI0CCE7e75Zt9_gvi62HWsKZzjT4xiTRVAo1YAm0N4ynf7046DLl_bjwFoCgCBL0rfdwRNxNQ8QIfG7RhWxPV-GdwXcKfY9HKuhCbdHKAg7GXLFTRAa8ANIJiqgWAGKKoj2wg/s16000/Dessert-Indulgence-Kingston+Foodie-Holiday-Gift-Guide.jpg" title="Kingston Foodie Holiday Gift Guide" /></a></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><b>Date Night at The Everly</b></h4><p style="text-align: center;">Treat someone special with a gift card to <a href="https://theeverly.ca/" target="_blank">The Everly</a>! Dishes range from handmade pasta, pork belly, oysters and so much more goodness! Order online or pick up at the restaurant. 💃🏻🍷</p><p style="text-align: center;">Follow on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/theeverlykingston/" target="_blank">@theeverlykingston</a></p><h4 style="text-align: center;"><b>Weekend Brunch</b></h4><p style="text-align: center;">Did you know <a href="https://www.northsideespressoandkitchen.com/" target="_blank">Northside Espresso + Kitchen</a> offers gift cards?! So give your friend who dreams about weekend brunch all week the gift of an amazing brunch experience in downtown Kingston.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Follow on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/northsideespresso/" target="_blank">@northsideespresso</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.rosalyngambhir.com/2020/12/kingston-foodie-holiday-gift-guide.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="brunch dish featuring eggs benny with hollandaise sauce, Kingston Foodie Holiday Gift Guide" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpff98n9r3-BSEirCFa7P1ze18kbdkEa9nRNEvZQww3uJ4sOm-4RjQPsb1pwqHlXACVhwFzQnHnuGmDVEOCl1_Dm6Q3jVFth_kRm88C-geVBXX0U8o56MCMYEH9jR0TI1q-vKwu9cvToss/s16000/89EF497A-159D-4769-9D30-FFC65D45B2C7-BC8377EE-9DE0-42DD-8286-2770FB9056B1.jpg" title="Kingston Foodie Holiday Gift Guide" /></a></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><b>Cheesecake in a Jar</b></h4><p style="text-align: center;">For that someone who always needs a sweet midnight snack or a treat on the go, <a href="https://cheesecakerybakery.ca/" target="_blank">Cheesecakery Bakery</a> has got you covered. The best part, these jars of wonders are available at several shops in Kingston. Also, I'd recommend getting a trio of cheesecakes in a jar so your friend or loved one can indulge and sample a few flavours. Getting just one jar shouldn't be allowed, they're that good!</p><p style="text-align: center;">Follow on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cheesecakery_bakery/" target="_blank">@cheesecakery_bakery</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.rosalyngambhir.com/2020/12/kingston-foodie-holiday-gift-guide.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kingston Foodie Holiday Gift Guide" border="0" data-original-height="2047" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoSZIPuILSw4dfQbwgPn-FkMokVBl1Q_0c5pdNqc1c0GyLVIGGusQQbIkirjyTIXun3ZS_9SC9913-AFc6COg8t5MHICqYHdnjJ-08bs1wd1T-s69KkhJLBiCMa5A_P4aye4uR1t1iTrOZ/s16000/Cheesecakery-Bakery-Kingston+Foodie-Holiday-Gift-Guide-1.jpg" title="Kingston Foodie Holiday Gift Guide" /></a></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><b>Charcuterie Boards</b></h4><p style="text-align: center;">This might just be THE perfect gift for a foodie! Nick Allinson Creative offers the most unique charcuterie boards in town. All you need is a variety of cheeses and crackers from Cookes Fine Food and you’re good to go! My fav includes these boards with brass handles! Head on over to his Insta page and be sure to message if you’re interested!</p><p style="text-align: center;">Update: Officially out of wood for the 2020 season aka completely booked!</p><p style="text-align: center;">Follow on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nickallinsoncreative/" target="_blank">@nickallinsoncreative</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.rosalyngambhir.com/2020/12/kingston-foodie-holiday-gift-guide.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kingston Foodie Holiday Gift Guide" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH02iwFls4AdWresKZuI2qeyHjUPRoqebq53qSIxHD4dzqn6ZGfJIHY7aBLUGHKmD5lMiQtl9em9qRGcwfkOy3DWrATGExzVNwzcd67pcDtA71QuTlesXI2lgcns_RMdDnhjWXw8wCtl61/s16000/Nick-Allinson-Kingston+Foodie-Holiday-Gift-Guide.jpg" title="Kingston Foodie Holiday Gift Guide" /></a></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><b>Calling All Coffee Lovers!</b></h4><p style="text-align: center;">Head to Northside Espresso + Kitchen as they have the cutest and most unique gifts for that coffee lover in your life. Limited stock, so be sure to hurry!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.rosalyngambhir.com/2020/12/kingston-foodie-holiday-gift-guide.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Kingston Foodie Holiday Gift Guide" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIjwW6btgs-E5Js0wc0NAaKdW3shAeP1pkvIU5N73GYKya7WVEfz5-UoJpB2C37-5bG3hNABp_PFoHKkzs3wZye4H3QGVnJ6F_jEkchLiphIE05_DsN2fNWInbToDHEcmE769eswDDeovn/s16000/Northside-Kingston+Foodie-Holiday-Gift-Guide-1.jpg" title="Kingston Foodie Holiday Gift Guide" /></a></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><b>A Brew‑tiful Day</b></h4><p style="text-align: center;">So have someone on your Christmas list who is serious about their coffee? Well, chances are they have all the basic items they need to make their favourite brew. So you definitely don’t want to get them something they already have or won’t ever use, so what should you do? Get them the Christmas blend or YGK blend from North Roast ‑ a fair trade organic coffee roaster located in the west end of Kingston! While I'm a single cup of coffee in a day type of gal, I appreciate each sip and this blend gives me just the right amount of energy to get me going in the morning with a smooth taste. ☕️</p><p style="text-align: center;">Follow on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/northroast/" target="_blank">@northroast</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.rosalyngambhir.com/2020/12/kingston-foodie-holiday-gift-guide.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kingston Foodie Holiday Gift Guide" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFEOxxgB1cXOpgJeXY0hWCqk9oIHcBOdH46ipgCm6apI5pu9tmv7l4udMvCb_WUQM6P_wqrs6P6Plm93sQffOFPmN1-y16exyIhETs8T072VlZsD8Pw501r0AdltFENQB5bw19EeC4LBJk/s16000/North-Roast-Kingston+Foodie-Holiday-Gift-Guide.jpg" title="Kingston Foodie Holiday Gift Guide" /></a></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><b>Cheers to Local Brews</b></h4><p style="text-align: center;">Check out this sweet gift bag thanks to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/redhousekingston/" target="_blank">Red House</a> loaded with goodies ‑ toque, t‑shirt, $25 gift card, beer nuts, face mask and growler of Mackinnon Brewing Brothers Ale! </p><p style="text-align: center;">Cost: $80 ($105 value) and limited quantity. 🍻 </p><p style="text-align: center;">Available downtown as well as at the west end location.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.rosalyngambhir.com/2020/12/kingston-foodie-holiday-gift-guide.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kingston Foodie Holiday Gift Guide" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9kPeTjtuUKV-wYQGTljc63-3_6I2IQhaehpug6-yuzgdCKG8CjoeLGKraGjmW3UelO3bTyeNdhh_S9ozzDMal1x6ctOnhkpiV9f8sjEuCHYIPlvmvM2Gamv6o2D92b0cdG4M-0oVhE_2b/s16000/Red-House-Kingston+Foodie-Holiday-Gift-Guide-1.jpg" title="Kingston Foodie Holiday Gift Guide" /></a></div><h4 style="text-align: center;">Best Local Maple Syrup </h4><p style="text-align: center;">Flights of maple syrup for the food lover on your list! Salt of the Earth Farm offers a trio of amber, dark, and very dark for $25! Highly recommend! 🍁 DM them directly via Instagram to place your order!</p><p style="text-align: center;">Follow on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/saltofkingston/" target="_blank">@saltofkingston</a></p><h4 style="text-align: center;"><b>For the West End Foodie</b></h4><p style="text-align: center;">Gift cards are back <a href="https://www.instagram.com/goitalian_restaurant/" target="_blank">Go Italian Restaurant</a>! For every $50 in gift cards you purchase, they’ll give you a $10 gift card for FREE! Who doesn’t love pasta, pizza and everything in between! 🍕🍝🍷</p><p style="text-align: center;">Follow on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/goitalian_restaurant/" target="_blank">@goitalian_restaurant</a></p><h4 style="text-align: center;"><b>Pan Chancho Bakery</b></h4><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/panchanchobakery/" target="_blank">Pan Chancho Bakery</a> in downtown Kingston is the one-stop-shop for all things foodie related! This holiday season, they are offering sweet and savoury items as well as holiday feasts, complete with turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes and more! Head to their online store to order! </p><p style="text-align: center;">Follow on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/panchanchobakery/" target="_blank">@panchanchobakery</a></p><h4 style="text-align: center;"><b>New Shop in the Neighbourhood</b></h4><p style="text-align: center;">Say hello to Daughters General Store ‑ a new store in the North of Princess neighbourhood. It carries a great selection of locally made goodies along with gluten-free and vegan-friendly products. Bonus: They now carry gift cards as well!</p><p style="text-align: center;">Follow on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/daughtersgeneralstore/" target="_blank">@daughtersgeneralstore</a></p><h4 style="text-align: center;"><b>The Best Maple Syrup with a Twist</b></h4><p style="text-align: center;">Whiskey barrel-aged maple syrup by <a href="https://www.kinsip.ca/maplesyrup" target="_blank">Kinsip Spirits</a> ‑ YUM! This is by far the best maple syrup I’ve tried and you can find it at Bella Market in the west end of Kingston.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Follow on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thebellamarket/" target="_blank">@thebellamarket</a></p><h4 style="text-align: center;"><b>Seasonal Gift Baskets at Olivea</b></h4><p style="text-align: center;">Olivea has gotten creative this season and is offering wonderful gift baskets! See below for a great selection and be sure to call 613‑547‑5483 to place your order. I’m definitely eyeing the afternoon tea and wine and cheese basket!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/olivearestaurant/" target="_blank">Follow on Instagram: @olivearestaurant</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.rosalyngambhir.com/2020/12/kingston-foodie-holiday-gift-guide.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kingston Foodie Holiday Gift Guide" border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ2d7PzeQVU6KGnKQ78kVdkCPpXzWiVoAqgrKowOmkpw87Pob0Er7eOblkwS2Cvl55LexgUfffjJ_fTTXQvbq-5_7E4zOf6OBsxTZ-r7wQ3uAd4zv-J9-KOmQWckVbkcZM4DNBwCZNtgfz/s16000/Olivea-Kingston+Foodie-Holiday-Gift-Guide.jpg" title="Kingston Foodie Holiday Gift Guide" /></a></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><b>Kingston Coffee House</b></h4><p style="text-align: center;">If you know someone who is on the go and just doesn’t have time to make a cup of coffee at home, a gift card to Kingston Coffee House might be the perfect option! Bonus, they are also stocked with amazing local goodies ranging from chocolates to coffee beans, organic teas to plants, coffee equipment to delicious cookies and lots more! 🍪🍫</p><p style="text-align: center;">Follow on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ygkoffeehouse/" target="_blank">@ygkoffeehouse</a></p><h4 style="text-align: center;"><b>The Perfect Ceramic Pieces for a Foodie</b></h4><p style="text-align: center;">Though not in Kingston, I simply had to include this County favourite! Mary Wood is a lady of many talents and one of those is Lyle Ceramics (along with One Hundred Acre wood + Roadside Burger). Her pieces are handcrafted and simply amazing that every foodie (including myself) has her ceramic pieces on a wish list! Head to her online shop to order now!</p><p style="text-align: center;">Follow on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lyle.ceramics/" target="_blank">@lyle.ceramics</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.rosalyngambhir.com/2020/12/kingston-foodie-holiday-gift-guide.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kingston Foodie Holiday Gift Guide" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3yIlkumwyfZoXdVdSflrcOmKr2pta57LWZ3sxKV14kW0RTh6iej6XzHOwTwl76Jc1lfc8a2S3IwCJGCDgslg2iQsXvMPHki0PxVf1zBYgBSEUDwOIhyphenhyphentCsGYpl9wHsCADvk3de89UE_4D/s16000/Lyle-Ceramic-Kingston+Foodie-Holiday-Gift-Guide.jpg" title="Kingston Foodie Holiday Gift Guide" /></a></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><b>Keep Your Coffee Warm</b></h4><p style="text-align: center;">If you’ve got someone on your list that complains about their coffee getting cold 🙋🏻♀️, a Yeti product is a MUST especially a Yeti Rambler that’ll keep any beverage warm (or cold... hello wine!) for hours. But if you’re working from home, these mugs are amazing so you don’t have to keep microwaving your cup of coffee.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Head to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/trailheadktown/" target="_blank">Trailhead</a> in downtown Kingston or <a href="https://www.instagram.com/atkinsonhomehardware/" target="_blank">Atkinson Home Hardware</a> in the west end!</p><h4 style="text-align: center;"><b>Pizza Oven </b></h4><p style="text-align: center;">Everyone deserves a great pizza! This summer I gifted my fiancée an Ooni Karu wood‑fired pizza oven and it’s been the best purchase! You can make a pizza in less than 2 minutes and did I mention that it’s portable as well! Locally in Kingston, you can head to <a href="https://friendlyfires.ca/" target="_blank">Friendly Fires</a> online store to order!</p><h4 style="text-align: center;"><b>Box of Goodies from Bread & Butter Bakery </b></h4><p style="text-align: center;">Looking to spread some local love this holiday season? Check out these gift boxes from Bread and Butter Bakery filled with amazing holiday treats! Be sure to head to their online store to order and pick up in-store! Or better yet, have it delivered to a friend! 🍪</p><p style="text-align: center;">Follow on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/breadandbutterbakery/" target="_blank">@breadandbutterbakery</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.rosalyngambhir.com/2020/12/kingston-foodie-holiday-gift-guide.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kingston Foodie Holiday Gift Guide" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkOg5-7yCe_R11mvmaDUiBOQ38LmTta6fRvMmCMs_mgBfyJFMtB9j-cGCmN5Z1UfB-QvKzN6DLEe9ByON0erLXFoHYvbDmym3gB4OdB_LlIn6WhpAjSNANsAfMo7YaANdaSZRjgr4Amef6/s16000/Bread-and-Butter-Bakery-Kingston+Foodie-Holiday-Gift-Guide-1.jpg" title="Kingston Foodie Holiday Gift Guide" /></a></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><b>Local Farmers’ Market</b></h4><p style="text-align: center;">There’s no better gift for a foodie who regularly visits the farmers’ market than a gift certificate to Memorial Market! Available in increments of $10, $20, or $50 on their online store. Or better yet, sign up for an account, order some goodies to make your very own foodie gift basket all while supporting local producers and artisans! 💚</p><p style="text-align: center;">Follow on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/memorialmarket/" target="_blank">@memorialmarket</a></p><h4 style="text-align: center;"><b>Fresh Produce Right to Your Door</b></h4><p style="text-align: center;">If you’re looking for a unique gift idea, Joe Deo Family offers great produce boxes of fruit and veggies! Customize your own box or pick one of the pre‑designed boxes! 🎄 These gift baskets are a perfect holiday gift that can be delivered within the city of Kingston to a loved one, an essential worker to say thank you, seniors and anyone on your list looking to start the new year on a healthy note. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Head to <a href="http://www.joedeo.com" target="_blank">www.joedeo.com</a> to order now!</p><h4 style="text-align: center;"><b>Donate to a Foodie Cause</b></h4><p style="text-align: center;">When it comes to giving back to your community, any action big or small can make a real difference and have a positive impact. I’m a huge advocate of giving back to those less fortunate since I was young and during my time in Kingston, the following are a few organizations that hold a special place in my heart especially this holiday season ‑ Lionhearts, Kingston's Partners in Mission Food Bank, Martha's Table, and Loving Spoonful. So please donate if you can! ❤️</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.rosalyngambhir.com/2020/12/kingston-foodie-holiday-gift-guide.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="volunteers in kitchen serving meals" border="0" data-original-height="1351" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix50ELxvK9aBq5lrcWwushhZcPdvJS3pe5kYb9yiMboWZfIyMe599y7Wn4t6YyAiGIQPQi0iSBOTm__f6DpJAKBIBN3Deo4OrjeajGLHRNA7y_vJsI-isPeDB0rigTFQ1PjxXroDWmXst1/s16000/Lionheart+Kingston.jpg" title="Kingston Foodie Holiday Gift Guide" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">Happy Holidays!</h3><p style="text-align: center;">AND! Since we're an amazing community of locals in Kingston, let me know what other spots I should include in this holiday foodie gift guide by leaving a comment!</p>Rosalyn Gambhirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171517612399020748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8812318868619585244.post-33636534323997193972020-10-11T00:00:00.178-04:002020-10-11T11:29:48.767-04:00Scenic Fall Drive & Foodie Adventure in Napanee, Ontario<p style="text-align: center;">Well, folks, fall is officially here! While the season is quite short and bittersweet, it sure is the prettiest and has me craving all the comfort food with that slight chill in the air. With sights and good food, our region has amazing fall foliage, especially during these times where spending time outside is a safer alternative.</p><p style="text-align: center;">So if you're looking for a safe and physically-distanced activity with the family or perhaps a solo trip, you have to go for a scenic fall drive to Napanee, Ontario and stop by to take in the charm of its surroundings. Hop in your car, take county road 2 from Kingston and you're in for a real treat. This is the best time of year to enjoy the joys the region has to offer. After being cooped up in our homes during quarantine and winter quickly approaching, 😢 let's make the best of it this season!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Scenic Fall Drive to Napanee, Ontario" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGzqSXZXZTkZrTG7ee_wem_dyWd2Z4gVxDa3d3hYjCI4Ph0xSBzW9C0kx7VQQKoKyoNINh4a5mbL3Y4IxchDo304WkHBqg1uC0GjOGXsgu9CVU7bmSq5Qt_VEnsKjwB7cws41IGzDhPah3/s16000/Napanee-Ontario-Scenic-Fall-1.jpg" title="Scenic Fall Drive to Napanee, Ontario" /></div><h4 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">SPRINGSIDE PARK</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Springside Park is a must during the fall in the Greater Napanee area, especially for its charming waterfront trail. Don't miss the opportunity to take a stroll alongside the Springside Parks Falls and the Napanee River. The view is simply breathtaking, so get your cameras ready. This truly is a hidden gem tucked away where you can sit back to enjoy a picnic, throw a line in to do some fishing or simply enjoy the view.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Did I mentioned that there's free parking, a picnic area and a great food truck! (Scroll down!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Where: 8460 County Road 2, Napanee, Ontario</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Scenic Fall Drive to Napanee, Ontario" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZIPtO-Pygbry2hNbl8rTmCklgVbXDrgDZhY2YNUF0apxAqex4MQVrubbKfnfHfo9IwTstrZDtfhBXZsIn_fI2eBW_U02ZtpM6TaKvkVrYJRVv9ioKFqaKhKCXg6shZGUvSzCcsAXGdJnA/s16000/Napanee-Ontario-Scenic-Fall-2.jpg" title="Scenic Fall Drive to Napanee, Ontario" /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Scenic Fall Drive to Napanee, Ontario" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmsYeq1EHog82CjNQysfCdEXAwNVC33vR98YdAqth_3lbOYjtm_IqdDP_Jbl6aiMyDUB_t911p_Idp5NA6cGN9MK7MzXyGu2qVpEGY9ZAH70-5Xj3PKqcf8P0MIqPEh58W4_JRvHEdWJD1/s16000/Napanee-Ontario-Scenic-Fall-4.jpg" title="Scenic Fall Drive to Napanee, Ontario" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The most beautiful scenery as you end your walk along the boardwalk.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Scenic Fall Drive to Napanee, Ontario" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6q5xedpP97-aXEpIF-mg18OKlqfEUZyvyyT5tv9xnLS8VtAXhropVrDVDpLeb02x7eLpLrKp2AJ9JT0mHyR2qdYWqeStllJSCtVysoRr_Gm9AVWCMofJsvTGZtYhHtHu4aFVen05jEm9/s16000/Napanee-Ontario-Scenic-Fall-3.JPG" title="Scenic Fall Drive to Napanee, Ontario" /></div><h4 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">THE CATERING COMPANY FOOD TRUCK</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is a case of don't judge a book by its cover. We've driven by Springside Park in Napanee numerous times and yet we never stopped for a bite at this local food truck. Along with the standard fare of traditional poutine and cheeseburgers, the Catering Company offers so much more.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bae and I indulged in cheesy mac n cheese bites along with crispy fish tacos and blackened shrimp tacos, both topped with mango salsa. The portions were quite satisfying and overall, I really have to give this spot a major thumbs up!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Just a FYI - while normally stationed at Springside Park, sadly it is now closed for the season. Though be sure to follow them on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thecateringcompanynap" target="_blank"><b>Facebook for</b> <b>updates</b></a> as they will offer takeout from their downtown location.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Where: 5 Water Street Napanee, Ontario</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Foodie Adventure to Napanee, Ontario" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTPKy9mONhmupyZUepVyKFkQcvwx8DIadMUlQmq0YOlsqOdP1chG09Ur6kZMXijSo58TOBjLYEDIzyjwrQq0Kb0vGxuhvk6WCQMyI4Bw7xT87l665ZPM-UnLSiBwuecw3hJGlXWgaBbICe/s16000/Napanee-Ontario-Scenic-Fall-Mac-n-Cheese-Bites.jpg" title="Foodie Adventure to Napanee, Ontario" /></div><h4 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">THE DUNDAS STREET BAKERY</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is another spot that you have to try! If you haven’t tried The Dundas Street Bakery in Napanee, you’re missing out! And urgh I feel as though I’m cheating on Coffeeway Donuts in Kingston but I just had to being the foodie I am. Donuts aren't just the perfect morning snack, they also are a worthy treat after a long work week. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Located in the heart of Downtown Napanee, this bakery makes all their donuts from scratch along with bread and other awesome treats! 🍩 You won’t regret it and definitely worth the short drive of 30 minutes from Kingston along scenic county road 2, especially with all the fall colours!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Where: 37 Dundas St E, Napanee, Ontario</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><img alt="Scenic Drive for Donuts in Napanee, Ontario" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYSxrsTGD8xz6AEpuvB2R1rNY9czEyyUzykhw31vjjkVzwdbrRR70PP4DGiIP29CzpQbwmo1wB3GFRhKhBnZH-9Q5gKHdZWsvmFpg7qHymard_llA-JmJfq-v40TDNZVh1HkZ9OwBGedB8/s16000/Napanee-Ontario-Scenic-Fall-3-Donuts.jpg" title="Scenic Drive for Donuts in Napanee, Ontario" /></div><h4 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">THE WATERFRONT RIVER PUB AND TERRACE</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I couldn't write a post about Napanee and not include this restaurant! They offer outdoor patio dining overlooking the water and their food is delicious. Bonus: If you have a boat, you can simply tie it up in the canal and walk right up to the restaurant.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Where: 22 Water St W, Napanee, Ontario</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Enjoy your fall scenic drive!</div>Rosalyn Gambhirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171517612399020748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8812318868619585244.post-56370729362625827472020-09-13T00:00:00.300-04:002020-09-13T13:11:17.598-04:00New Restaurant: Wharf & Feather<h4 style="text-align: center;">Say hello to the Wharf & Feather restaurant in downtown Kingston!</h4><div style="text-align: center;"><h4>📍: Kingston, Ontario </h4></div><p style="text-align: center;">Formerly known as The Dox, this new spot is part of the rebrand under the Holiday Inn Kingston Waterfront renovations, which is now fully complete. Let's just say that this restaurant is back and better than before. With delicious food, unique shareable plates, craft cocktails, and the best waterfront views in Kingston, the outdoor patio at the new Wharf and Feather has it all.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Wharf & Feather Restaurant and Patio in downtown Kingston - Holiday Inn Waterfront" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOhHZc7Bb_3vHtQkM6zkBRry626OVjf5tf5rUg_7nCs1GZHs0Z3s-fTwtqgjDwoICJCCo8JRUWSnc2_9Af9qKuKF5h9V3RgaYo3acrgRZCkjxBcY5ZkaT4EiNukmxkrFi4tMyIdClXCJcH/s16000/wharf-and-feather-kingston-restaurant-patio-holiday-inn-hotel-7.jpg" style="text-align: left;" title="Wharf & Feather Restaurant and Patio in downtown Kingston - Holiday Inn Waterfront" /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Whether you're looking to enjoy breakfast, a casual lunch, after-work cocktails, or relaxing dinner, this restaurant is definitely a must-visit this season. And don't worry, they also offer indoor dining if the weather doesn't cooperate (now that it is allowed again.)</p><p style="text-align: center;">It has a fully revamped menu, which now features several local ingredients and suppliers which makes me so incredibly happy! They include Mackinnon Brothers Brewing Company, Otter Creek Farms, The Fungi Connection, Patchwork Gardens, Seed to Sausage and more. With new executive chef Jeff Ryan, the team has certainly elevated the dining experience as Wharf & Feather now offers a unique pub-gastronomy feel, that is also contemporary and welcoming.</p><p style="text-align: center;">And if you were wondering, pricing is very reasonable!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Wharf & Feather Restaurant and Patio in downtown Kingston - Holiday Inn Waterfront" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFUh66d_4Ql1Eme2V-OQRZCGl2fcjKCQc009GOy_QYHamBQgat6oQ89gREKa2Sy5O6MHtVa3E82Sd_aLUIQn4RXb6pmmeh8PhaRSIgZ_oHc1qD13SFX7Y8TJsuz2C0RxXmhxHX6sfdJ0dG/s16000/wharf-and-feather-kingston-restaurant-patio-holiday-inn-hotel-6.jpg" style="text-align: left;" title="Wharf & Feather Restaurant and Patio in downtown Kingston - Holiday Inn Waterfront" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My foodie partner-in-crime aka bae and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves even amidst our current situation. We felt quite safe dining on the patio, had to wear our masks when we got up and of course, came ready with our own bottle of hand sanitizer. Honestly, you can never be too safe these days.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Scroll down to see a few of the dishes we sampled:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Wharf & Feather Restaurant and Patio in downtown Kingston - Holiday Inn Waterfront" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2wO2CPGlzXh5Jsd3OZP40-tSG7JB70quRqyuUjb6hcxvSfjmlANbm-oZLrrY4hqBs1tcoxpj_4xNR99LfFg56VJ2dEQUXBdLapmGtOs4RB5HKdA4WsO3-XeGHWG0t0OKam60PsKK8aqls/s16000/wharf-and-feather-kingston-restaurant-patio-holiday-inn-hotel-4.jpg" title="Wharf & Feather Restaurant and Patio in downtown Kingston - Holiday Inn Waterfront" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><h4 style="clear: both;">CHOWDER</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The perfect dish to warm right up! Be sure to save the buttery biscuit for after to dish up the remaining chowder!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Fresh mussels, baby clams, shrimp, fresh fish, lobster, cream.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Wharf & Feather Restaurant and Patio in downtown Kingston - Holiday Inn Waterfront" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9wUuH5iQaZdXE7r4TtBOl-iuUVxX4G2KvQ36KOqMtTjEeO-ZP0swFO1cmhYHN01zxigX5onzXDolapkikfggKZ3-8nDrSwyV50cWM9Ym9nR5nQ22N87zq5UB-6BRnrpLPfRQ-6Sd8wUcu/s16000/wharf-and-feather-kingston-restaurant-patio-holiday-inn-hotel-13.jpg" title="Wharf & Feather Restaurant and Patio in downtown Kingston - Holiday Inn Waterfront" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><h4 style="clear: both;">PATATA BRAVA OUR WAY</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The perfect shareable dish packed with flavour that will fill your appetite.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">House cut fries, salsa Brava with aioli, scallions topped with queso fresco cheese.</div><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Wharf & Feather Restaurant and Patio in downtown Kingston - Holiday Inn Waterfront" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYMvK5_Fx6WWqhAux5lrIGyT-UoJN7D7-7QV-c9fjHV4n_-ES1AGJqeDQmVgc8oGlF2pkinWu-1Syu1fjPxFTimaQE6dS297nev7pX-VDhk6sImLfNTigOBu3D52fAuq6A3hcyhMSv1dOI/s16000/wharf-and-feather-kingston-restaurant-patio-holiday-inn-hotel-15.jpg" title="Wharf & Feather Restaurant and Patio in downtown Kingston - Holiday Inn Waterfront" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><h4 style="clear: both;">ZESTY CONFIT DUCK WINGS</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">These were sweet but not too sweet with a nice crispy crunch. We will certainly be reordering these again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Honey glazed duck wings with scallions on crispy rice noodles.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Wharf & Feather Restaurant and Patio in downtown Kingston - Holiday Inn Waterfront" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5nLVWF211Vf5RVyuXtHXzl8gNd4CAdYu8qWOI_sxAwl_r48jjbpo7kZHN6AG82tb1aPG04Z01IfxQi2IuZQktVeNCUyjzaepVEXh9ArPcAzd3_DBXOwnlCyNhckEJTDE1Nqdx1e8UFYIy/s16000/wharf-and-feather-kingston-restaurant-patio-holiday-inn-hotel-2.jpg" style="text-align: left;" title="Wharf & Feather Restaurant and Patio in downtown Kingston - Holiday Inn Waterfront" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><h4 style="clear: both;">CRISPY FISH TACOS</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Probably my favourite dish that we sampled, these fish tacos were the perfect afternoon dish paired with the white sangria I ordered - battered fish with crunchy kale slaw, crumbled cheese drizzled with a creamy sauce. 🤤</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Ontario yellow perch served on corn tortillas with kale slaw, pickled onions, grilled corn, cotija cheese and remoulade sauce.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Wharf & Feather Restaurant and Patio in downtown Kingston - Holiday Inn Waterfront" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinwdulUf1Jo78TA8qa83ugTqQRk2DWgSnZsmc0GvqbZeOJibB5XgCZL2m9odQVVE3fSGMAU7ozxJSDw-IEvo6RH616YNhYGI2ZKhBf7YleRKIZBmPadXD8jbitWHy6ujIl8-2yqgBBE6OU/s16000/wharf-and-feather-kingston-restaurant-patio-holiday-inn-hotel-5.jpg" style="text-align: left;" title="Wharf & Feather Restaurant and Patio in downtown Kingston - Holiday Inn Waterfront" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Enjoy your visit!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="http://wharfandfeather.com/" target="_blank">www.wharfandfeather.com</a></div><p style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Where: Holiday Inn Kingston Waterfront<br />2 Princess St, Kingston, Ontario</span></p><div style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Thank you to the team at Wharf & Feather for the gifted experience!</span></span></div></div>Rosalyn Gambhirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171517612399020748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8812318868619585244.post-9264842647326353482020-08-22T00:00:00.028-04:002021-02-24T00:06:13.009-05:00The Inn Thing: The Frontenac Club<h4 style="text-align: center;">Here's your exclusive look at the newly renovated historic Frontenac Club!</h4><h4 style="text-align: center;">📍: Kingston, Ontario </h4><p style="text-align: center;">Only steps away from Market Square and City Hall, this boutique hotel is officially redefining luxury in Kingston. As a limestone landmark, this building features a rich sense of history and recently underwent renovations that led to a major transformation from a traditional bed and breakfast to a luxury getaway in the nation's first capital.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="The Frontenac Club in Kingston, Ontario" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGn_J_BLTrGTsnEhLqJiNAHikoCJoYf8gIOU79ML2Ph7zbrpYUJjnUz_CpyLSEkowPCXDkTUwxPt6wHygxydrXteODodIM21jwyr2nJOUfz5rnrtAqbnBJvdkXSk4iVM8dlNfUsES7Sckq/s16000/the-frontenac-club-kingston-boutique-hotel-26-.png" title="The Frontenac Club in Kingston, Ontario" /></div><p style="text-align: center;">As a boutique hotel with a strong backstory, the building has been standing for close to 175 years aka since before Confederation. From a bank to a gentlemen's club, a strong emphasis was placed on preserving the storied history of the building and elements of times past found within the walls including stunning stonework, love letters, old coins, magazines, and more items that have been displayed throughout the site. The changes reflect a contemporary yet elegant style with influences of what makes Kingston special. Each space within the Club is a curated experience with a story - a window to the past and a chance to create new memories.</p><p style="text-align: center;">The Frontenac Club now offers a sense of grandeur that Kingston has not seen before, you'd think you were in Toronto or Montreal perhaps. No detail was left untouched as the renovations and restoration took place. A perfect blend between maintaining the historic look and feel and including modern amenities that guests come to expect. Kington is truly the perfect backdrop as it resonates with the mix of old and new.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="The Frontenac Club in Kingston, Ontario - Boutique Hotel" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7LTH5nyBdSU_l6RwInMvWgP0nXxbhsZZWAr9vK147Tq_w2SkOOFlD5h32G7dzTc3rkRZtBt-ul-hPV_hXQVuSguQotK2ghJSsYzbXRDVRUe2iZbWBYzmTmJoFL0StkH9jr6QIQDYiMKmM/d/the-frontenac-club-kingston-boutique-hotel-3.jpg" title="The Frontenac Club in Kingston, Ontario - Boutique Hotel" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><h4><b>PERKS OF YOUR STAY</b></h4><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">From complimentary private parking onsite to gourmet breakfast to start your day, the Frontenac Club is also pet-friendly, so bring your furry friend with you on your next getaway or staycation!</span><br /></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="The Frontenac Club in Kingston, Ontario - Boutique Hotel" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUweVZFm2mv0WRmFHm2gYL_R_DNyIQr28LG-zjTNT9fdaUAU3JToik3XFxzgra1sarz1WrV6tIRqxIbMfjZQZBsnyqqN5SpGHUPRAdzfKBJ4qu27Dr2mEda3_2WzyUa-VxZtuXcnDlfYRW/d/the-frontenac-club-kingston-boutique-hotel-25.jpg" title="The Frontenac Club in Kingston, Ontario - Boutique Hotel" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><h4>THE BANK</h4><p>Did you know the Frontenac Club was once the home of the Bank of Montreal Branch? Well, it only seemed fitting that the bar and lounge take on the name of its previous establishment.</p><p>This certainly makes this space quite unique as you sip on a handcrafted cocktail, whisky or glass of wine while enjoying locally sourced creative food dishes. So toast to the end of the day, a special occasion or just because, sit back and relax in the Bank.</p><p>Honestly, this space gave me all the Sex and the City vibes! Cheers!</p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="The Frontenac Club in Kingston, Ontario - Boutique Hotel" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSUdwyBBbWxwXztIgTP3khcsUS8hml3F33SsXKlT7Wtt1bptKrPG2bZNdf7xKpKaDqufV_zWLPvP2ujTJuRRrUY_JeN5yOzBkRUUGi_AZHoQEsssv_PqLixsOjG9-MEE__4ozrRkMwCCJN/d/the-frontenac-club-kingston-boutique-hotel-22.jpg" title="The Frontenac Club in Kingston, Ontario - Boutique Hotel" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="The Frontenac Club in Kingston, Ontario - Boutique Hotel" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijm_mG73kjIBDqmqlVkDc09T4O5v0NiR9IdPXtapJbvYJkiRSD1Q6fILXCJQxF8I8kTRuBOmrYF7K_4BentBN9TwiMElk3a5gvNhBlYeSD3l3gC8Lkx6NUn1EsdTMuUWYUGDq1V1LyuDb5/d/the-frontenac-club-kingston-boutique-hotel-4.jpg" title="The Frontenac Club in Kingston, Ontario - Boutique Hotel" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><h4>THE VAULT</h4><div>The most amazing part is that the bank vaults within the Frontenac Club were kept intact and now one of them plays host to a spectacular dining area that allows for private tastings or dinner parties.</div><div><div><br /></div><div>An unforgettable dining experience awaits!</div></div><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="The Frontenac Club in Kingston, Ontario - Boutique Hotel" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8njhu6dIOVh8_Pf2DC2v7Yv5xfletWlUwqhPlOxQgFnZsAXEJUnZXbiNyySZ2qsi1j60S7U0DsK1Msr_ZlW3rKHubEh4AOcbG5zngzHEoBxNVB_bhEyFEEw0ioqjNkZmPnm5P06oM990N/d/the-frontenac-club-kingston-boutique-hotel-23.jpg" title="The Frontenac Club in Kingston, Ontario - Boutique Hotel" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><h4>THE ROOMS</h4><p>Each key unlocks a unique experience. This boutique hotel expanded from 16 rooms to 20 distinct rooms, that are anything but standard. Each room is uniquely designed with elegance, contemporary flair and sophistication. From limestone walls, private patio, deep soaker tubs to great views, every room immerses you in a different story of Kingston, our nation, and travel experiences of the owners.</p></div><div><img alt="The Frontenac Club in Kingston, Ontario - Boutique Hotel" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiARzyUwyieKZUtSOmvDP1Q0SU5Cq2pOLIK0TSZAvLQ_APz9vV_b_2L-O6sXM5uZt98Q4SqJU8U1paKSEP6dwp2oVAvQzXaoEOsFeuMgAahfh5EVPY8uXTGVcPGi6IXxcQIf6BrGxl8s5cP/d/the-frontenac-club-kingston-boutique-hotel-27.jpg" title="The Frontenac Club in Kingston, Ontario - Boutique Hotel" /></div><h4 style="text-align: center;">MACKENZIE-KING ROOM</h4><div style="text-align: center;"></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: center;">You will have plenty of room to unwind in this spacious junior suite. With a luxurious king-bed and a sitting room around your fireplace, you will be able to entertain friends and family before heading out to explore Kingston. This is a large bright space with room for up to 4 guests.</div><div></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: center;">This room is inspired by none other than Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King and you may come across an Ouija board as King had a bit of a spiritualist side and enjoyed conducting séances.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img alt="The Frontenac Club in Kingston, Ontario - Boutique Hotel" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-JYH6Gof587v-Dsok1eW1IZw39o8fzfQWqryBFusWbDQW8CTRnmgPJxILU36qQpjrdUkjtuFRvC1wYsGFX1YDZr-61ATLiBG3LSqyILN-yTpkLQxZCy9-Tc115OfqQmCbut5gWk4jj_w7/d/the-frontenac-club-kingston-boutique-hotel-20.jpg" title="The Frontenac Club in Kingston, Ontario - Boutique Hotel" /><h4 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">BACKSTAGE ROOM</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dubbed the Backstage room, this room celebrates Kingston musical artists such as The Tragically Hip. It features high ceilings and large windows with a king bed, fireplace, a fabulous 4-piece bath and guests can also listen to a curated collection of Kingston music on vinyl.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><blockquote> This spacious junior suite has high ceilings and large windows. Your king bed is framed by exposed brick and you can be the DJ spinning Tragically Hip records on the turntable by the fire. Your bathroom boasts a soaker tub and a large walk-in shower. We can guarantee there’ll be no knock on the door!</blockquote></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="The Frontenac Club in Kingston, Ontario - Boutique Hotel" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhshW4zHdfRtyyiqS2LZDgIZq2d0kiK9obyuKb5j2k98CXkCWHc_zkkn16cAHcZZjCfk2HlheSr_2ZJoACrNu23pY1OLdB51MYSLwbevCyE_E04j5ia0uc5WPJ0gBHXVgrEATQgKJu4tjgt/d/the-frontenac-club-kingston-boutique-hotel-24.jpg" title="The Frontenac Club in Kingston, Ontario - Boutique Hotel" /></div><h4 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">BUBBLE BATH</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The large bathrooms are modern and sleek - everything about the room lends itself to a comfortable stay especially with a soaker tub that is begging for you to linger and enjoy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Featured below is the Churchill Suite.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="The Frontenac Club in Kingston, Ontario - Boutique Hotel" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAx4tj2m_KOlnwD1zNUeYNbKeRKtVdu_YH7vqjSSGp9oJA3TDafb4S5FhDBDiys1aoYB1iRltXA5olWDFxoCN8xWiW3gbhI2EqiE79_no0DcwiXJJdh6ZHWm_0yz5uQ3rtmIE1rv3AS2pH/d/the-frontenac-club-kingston-boutique-hotel-14.jpg" title="The Frontenac Club in Kingston, Ontario - Boutique Hotel" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><h4>THE ROOFTOP</h4><p>In case you thought I was done, nope. Welcome to the new private rooftop terrace reserved for guests aka Kingston's coolest rooftop with stunning waterfront views! This sure is a hidden gem of the Club.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Rooftop patio in Kingston, Ontario" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0ueb_ymxMhLML-BwuyZ5VxgT7FMhuB642m1vWBvH6ngP0JGM_gnWKR3bAEkoAuimEzm37uCByfyCL0ma55yH3TYz9kDTZgFgTHmXJHcWNcwGKcfUGWn5t3wGFELMeHAq6lYb8AUFG5iW/d/the-frontenac-club-kingston-boutique-hotel-29.jpg" title="The Frontenac Club in Kingston, Ontario - Boutique Hotel" /></div><h4><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://www.frontenacclub.com/" target="_blank">Enjoy your stay at The Frontenac Club</a>!</span></h4><div><a href="https://www.frontenacclub.com/" target="_blank">www.frontenacclub.com</a></div></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Where: 225 King Street E, Kingston, Ontario<br /></span></p></div>Rosalyn Gambhirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171517612399020748noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8812318868619585244.post-88424007635568921382020-08-10T00:00:00.000-04:002020-08-10T00:00:05.456-04:00Paddling with Ahoy Rentals in Kingston, Ontario<div style="text-align: center;">
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Hard work, perseverance and a challenge are what encouraged proud Kingstonian Andrew Kelm to establish <b><a href="https://www.ahoyrentals.com/" target="_blank">Ahoy Rentals</a></b>, located just steps away from the Pump House Steam Museum on Ontario Street.</div>
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It all began in 1997 with only a few sailboats and bikes, that a modest business grew into being Kingston’s sole source for “on the water” rental equipment. Originally from Aylmer, Quebec and with over 15 years of sailing experience, owner Andrew makes it his mission to create a rewarding and happy experience for all who walk through his doors.</div>
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A visit to Ahoy Rentals is a chance to unplug, disconnect and spend a leisurely day on the water. From kayaks and canoes to stand-up paddleboards, there’s something for everyone at Ahoy Rentals.</div>
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Paddling along Kingston’s waterfront is soothing and spectacular, but easy to take for granted. From time to time, it’s important to put down your iPhones or Androids and just disconnect and get back to nature. Try surrounding yourself with friends or like-minded people to take the plunge and support a local business!</div>
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If you haven’t quite yet developed your sea legs, Ahoy also offers bicycle rentals and instructional programs tailored just for you! Their convenient waterfront location makes it easy for anyone to get out on the water for an hour or two. The staff at Ahoy Rentals are available to help customers learn how to securely maneuver their equipment and make their experiences safe and enjoyable!</div>
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If biking is your more your speed, cruising along the Waterfront Trail or touring Kingston’s beautiful downtown has all the makings for an active and fun-filled day. Other options include packing a lunch or visiting the Kingston Public Market for some healthy snack options before taking the 20-minute ferry ride over to Wolfe Island and cycling to Big Sandy Bay (closed for 2020 season)! Don’t forget your bathing suit!</div>
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Aside from rentals, Ahoy Rentals also provides tourists and locals with skippered sailing charters that include a leisurely sail and delicious picnic catered by Pan Chancho Bakery & Café. Let your skipper Andrew take you out on a personalized sailing trip and enjoy an afternoon or sunset sail aboard a 24-foot sailing sloop – no experience necessary!<br />
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Visit them online at <a href="https://www.ahoyrentals.com/">www.ahoyrentals.com/</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Where: 21 Ontario St, Kingston, ON</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Previously published on <a href="https://www.visitkingston.ca/on-the-waters-of-kingston-ahoy-rentals/" target="_blank">VisitKingston.ca</a></span></div>
Rosalyn Gambhirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171517612399020748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8812318868619585244.post-82634907164400009912020-07-23T00:00:00.001-04:002020-08-18T21:00:12.162-04:00Explore Kingston's Amazing Waterfront<div style="text-align: center;">
The Kingston waterfront might not see much traffic during the colder months, but when spring and summer hit, one of Kingston’s favourite attractions starts to comes alive!</div>
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<img alt="Explore Kingston's Amazing Waterfront" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8hn-l-9Q3_33WR1dZzrw7EJu0tE0z9wotXn_Zt1W331MQFc14Rxbg_LrlddpnDfRGtnX7TDVLoMTcoI5V32OvMIE0qTDvvlnhwi9TuC0_4dstRCjytcjJOqqoWF58BKgjEXNjTHRNHAG3/s1600/Kingston-Waterfront.jpg" title="Explore Kingston's Amazing Waterfront" /></div>
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Spanning over 8km, the possibilities are endless! You can hop on a <a href="https://www.kingstontrolley.ca/" target="_blank"><b>Kingston Trolley Tour</b></a>, enjoy a <a href="https://www.1000islandscruises.ca/" target="_blank"><b>boat cruise around the 1000 Islands</b></a>, or take in a free ride on the <a href="http://www.wolfeisland.com/ferry.php" target="_blank"><b>Wolfe Island Ferry</b></a>! Don’t underestimate a leisurely stroll along the Waterfront Trail or along the streets of Kingston, either! Enjoy the historic buildings and settle down afterwards at one of the many downtown patios for a refreshing beverage while looking out onto the water.</div>
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Consider the waterfront an opportunity for self-discovery and an outlet for entertainment. Whether you want to learn how to stand up paddleboard or just enjoy the warm glow of an evening sunset, Kingston’s waterfront is for young and old with many breathtaking spots.</div>
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There are plenty of opportunities for water sports along the waterfront: try your hand at boating, canoeing or kayaking! If you left your equipment at home, <a href="https://www.ahoyrentals.com/" target="_blank"><b>Ahoy Rentals</b> </a>is located a quick 10 minutes away on Ontario Street and will rent you whatever you need to hit the water! Paddle your way along the shore or glide along on one of their many sailboats, taking in the beautiful, historic views of Kingston from the water.</div>
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Given its picturesque views, it’s no wonder that Kingston’s shores are home to the Kingston Rowing Club, Yacht Club and Canadian Olympic-training Regatta. The city’s numerous water sports and events are considered a crown jewel of the city, fostering community involvement and participation from the most affluent sailor, to the newest enthusiast.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="890" data-original-width="889" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Q2V9yVgapFSTOXloGEkTADYAbqFxTy8squ71TONjlhlZTGX-lNEb2eNBsOv4kqqLzWRmor9Fm6Pt0aFgSOMAvdJb0l62tAwctyBsn6cJVavMssgdlYj4yj7-fmd2ZWoJZNXEe2wovGYj/s1600/Kingston-Waterfront-1.jpg" /></div>
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If you’re an avid biker or enjoy walking, then the Waterfront Trail is for you – a pathway connects downtown Kingston to the newly renovated Lake Ontario Park and beyond. Pack a picnic and you’re ready for a day of adventure and exploring in town! Start your journey at one of the many coffee shops in downtown Kingston to enjoy a cool beverage. No bike? Don’t worry! Bike rentals are also available at Ahoy Rentals!</div>
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On a warm summer afternoon, Kingston's youthful self comes out to play amidst its historic backdrop. Students, professionals, retirees and tourists are all out admiring the stunning views from the shore or cruising along on water. Step outside your door and the Kingston Waterfront awaits you – fish, sail, swim, or waterski! </div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
THE SIGHTS</h4>
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Rideau Trail</div>
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Portsmouth Olympic Harbour</div>
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Kingston Penitentiary & Museum</div>
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The Tett Centre</div>
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Bellevue House National Historic Site</div>
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Murney Tower</div>
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Newlands Pavilion</div>
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Pump House Steam Museum</div>
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Marine Museum of the Great Lakes</div>
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City Hall</div>
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Springer Market Square</div>
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Fort Frontenac</div>
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The Woolen Mill</div>
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The Waterfront Pathway can be entered at various points and parking may be found at the following locations: </div>
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ACCESS POINTS </h4>
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Lake Ontario Park</div>
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Portsmouth Olympic Harbour *</div>
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Macdonald Memorial Park</div>
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An Gorta Mor Park</div>
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Confederation Park *</div>
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Downtown Parking Lots *</div>
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Wolfe Island Ferry Dock</div>
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Douglas Fluhrer Park</div>
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Emma Martin Park</div>
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* Accessible Parking and Pathway Access Available</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Previously published on <a href="https://www.visitkingston.ca/splish-splash-the-kingston-waterfront/" target="_blank">VisitKingston.ca</a></span></div>
Rosalyn Gambhirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171517612399020748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8812318868619585244.post-84740202787032177122020-06-12T00:00:00.073-04:002020-07-23T13:13:48.626-04:00It's Patio Season as Kingston Enters Phase 2 of Reopening<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">☀️ PATIO SEASON ☀️</span></h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Exciting news as Kingston, Ontario has been given the green light for phase 2 of reopening and that means, patios are opening up throughout the city starting on Friday, June 12th. With the most restaurants per capita, I'm sure Kingstonians are itching to get outside to enjoy a meal with friends and grab a cold bevy on a local patio. But, within the limits of physical distancing aka at least 2 metres or 6 feet away!</div>
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Remember that patio season will look a little different as we welcome our new normal. </blockquote>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZER3l7U89PYvABD786jrCcyN4ppLB9OdfvsKlRuFfvvwobb5C1Pq5LFM7umkmGNXzHkUhJ92YOWASYAdQ4IJy-R0TljtTgaFvBilPoD5-eB6u_ZOVT8pDQMBkGzgNuzTcrXJxIBSq1qzr/s1600/Kingston-Patios.jpg" /></div>
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<h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Here is a list of some of the places where outdoor dining and drinks will be available starting Friday, June 12th:</span></span></h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Olivea</span><br />
Namaste Kingston</div>
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Riva (Gananoque)</div>
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Northside Espresso + Kitchen</div>
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Amadeus Cafe</div>
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Woodenheads
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Chez Piggy</div>
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Casa Domenico</div>
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Tango Nuevo</div>
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Atomica<br />
Dianne's Kingston<br />
Harpers Burger Bar<br />
Black Dog Tavern (Chien Noir)</div>
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Kingston Brewing Company</div>
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Pan Chancho Bakery & Café</div>
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Redhouse Downtown Kingston</div>
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Redhouse Westend</div>
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Union Kitchen + Cocktails</div>
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The Public House Kingston
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Delightfully Different Tearoom</div>
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The Mansion</div>
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CRAVE Coffee House & Bakery</div>
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Mesa Fresca Kingston </div>
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MacKinnon Brewing</div>
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Boston Pizza Gardiners Road</div>
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The Queen’s Inn Hotel</div>
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Merchant Tap House</div>
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The Grizzly Grill<br />
Go Italian Restaurant<br />
The Toucan<br />
Score Pizza<br />
Rose and Crown<br />
The Loyal Oarsman<br />
Tommy's Kingston<br />
Smoke 'N' Barrel Kingston<br />
The Duchess Pub</div>
</div>
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Jack Astors Kingston<br />
Tir Nan Og<br />
Daft Brewing<br />
Juniper Cafe<br />
Wolfe Island Grill<br />
Montana's<br />
Kelseys<br />
Musiikki Café<br />
The Waterfront River Pub and Terrace (Napanee)</div>
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...and more to follow.</div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Check back as I'll be updating daily!</span></h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMqDe9BjqZjU6I5FOe4Q3kkKt5ba32yxMeQtsunL-sNNyGn7z3dZxJkO-jGz2js_dK8yJNhHiyiJhYxkY-j3Q-nAp_L8_-Fg62qvf790o92BKYvOX10xo9UM5PfSfzQL0isVoSgqi0aVU/s5184/Kingston-Patio-Season-Phase-2-Ontario-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Patio Season in Kingston, Ontario during Stage 2" border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMqDe9BjqZjU6I5FOe4Q3kkKt5ba32yxMeQtsunL-sNNyGn7z3dZxJkO-jGz2js_dK8yJNhHiyiJhYxkY-j3Q-nAp_L8_-Fg62qvf790o92BKYvOX10xo9UM5PfSfzQL0isVoSgqi0aVU/d/Kingston-Patio-Season-Phase-2-Ontario-1.jpg" title="Patio Season in Kingston, Ontario during Stage 2" /></a><br />
<h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">So if you’re planning on going out to a restaurant that has outdoor seating and serving food, definitely read the following to make your experience much more enjoyable:</span></h4>
Call ahead and reserve a spot.<br />
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Keep your distance.
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Order everything you need at once.<br />
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Be kind to the staff.
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Respect all the new procedures.<br />
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Be patient, be kind, and tip.
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Don't overstay your welcome.<br />
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Avoid sharing utensils, condiments, or drinks.
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Avoid touching your face.<br />
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Stay home if you're sick.<br />
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Avoid public restrooms if you can.<br />
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Practice physical distancing.<br />
(At least 2 metres or 6 feet away)<br />
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Bring your own personal protective equipment.</div>
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(Hand sanitizer, mask, gloves)</div>
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<br /></div>
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Practice good hygiene.</div>
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(Handwashing and coughing into your sleeve)</div>
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<h4>
<span style="text-align: start;">Now let's get this summer started! </span></h4>
<h4>
<span style="text-align: start;">But please remember, if you aren't comfortable going out at this time, you can always order takeout instead to support your local businesses and restaurants.</span></h4>
And in all seriousness, if you need more information on how to protect yourself during these times, head on over to the Ontario Government website below.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.ontario.ca/page/covid-19-stop-spread" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;">www.ontario.ca/page/covid-19-stop-spread</span></a></div>
Rosalyn Gambhirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171517612399020748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8812318868619585244.post-79721014485519908262020-06-01T00:00:00.001-04:002021-02-24T00:03:43.444-05:00It's Time to Be Uncomfortable, Use Your Voice & Take Action<div style="text-align: center;">
It’s been about almost ten weeks now of quarantine and honestly, it’s still an adjustment. I'm not going to lie and say it's rainbows and sunshine, because it's not. Some days have been good but others have been not so great. I guess you can say that I have been coasting and slowly adapting to our new normal. I've been more tired than the past few weeks and I can't really put my finger on it.</div>
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<br /></div>
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It's not just an off day but in this present moment, I feel exhausted. I'm exhausted with the stress and fear of COVID-19. But now I wake up with such a heavy heart with recent events of social and racial injustices, the murder of George Floyd and racism in our world. Yet this is not the first time.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm slowly finding my words to articulate my thoughts. I struggled to find the right ones for the unfairness that has occurred. I'm not one to usually be outspoken. I've been tuned into Twitter non-stop, keeping up with what's happening and processing everything but also my emotions are of anger, sadness and despair. I'd rather take the risk of speaking out than staying silent and saying nothing.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Straight up, I’m uncomfortable even speaking to this. I feel pressured and that if I don’t speak out (especially being a content creator/influencer), that there’s a target that we don’t care. Yes. It feels awkward. It’s uncomfortable. BUT, <u>discomfort leads to bigger things. </u>Our growth is where discomfort is. We need to spread our wings aka we need to unleash our potential to educate others and ourselves as part of the path of change for our community. <u>This goes far beyond me and you.</u><br />
<br />
If we want change, we need to do our part. It's an ongoing process. We need to do better. We need to listen. We need to do our research. We need to start advocating for change in politics. We can't just plainly ignore what is happening. We need to have the willingness to learn. We need to open our hearts and our minds. If you have the capacity to speak out, respect boundaries and please do so. Have a conversation to "call-in" others rather than "calling out." We don’t need to knock down others. Have compassion for those navigating their thoughts. Give others like influencers, friends and family time to gather their thoughts as well, to speak, to voice their opinions and take action on their own. Encourage them and accept feedback.<br />
<br />
It's a matter of speaking up with words that are impactful. The impact will happen when individuals use their true voices to guide others in the right direction. From fighters, peacemakers to changemakers, everyone will have a part to create impact. People like myself will use the language of passion for community building to spread the message of unity in our city and encourage others to promote anti-racism. But refusing to have a conversation about race will not resolve the issues we are facing, it will only perpetuate them. Our community has flaws and it needs to be addressed.<br />
<br />
Education is necessary. Conversations along with awareness are key. But it has to go beyond this. Don't let your actions be limited to the next 24 hours. Honestly, seeing others including myself speak out now for the first time has been great but we need to do better. We need to be uncomfortable. <u>We need to be unified.</u> Simply posting on social media isn't enough.<br />
<br />
Your voice needs to go beyond just the now of current events or an Instagram post. Our voices are powerful. We are a strong community that can make a difference. Reflect on your own privilege. Your own bias. It starts in our households, your daily life, our friends and family, raising our children, supporting businesses owned by people of colour, signing petitions and donating to organizations but also writing to our local politicians, creating public forums or round table discussions and speaking up to our community leaders to activate real change.<br />
<br />
<u>This is a collective fight. The Black community needs our support.</u><br />
<br />
I'll admit, I'm still learning and always open to conversations.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img alt="It's Time to Be Uncomfortable, Use Your Voice & Take Action - Rosalyn Gambhir - Black Lives Matter" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11jZO54G9wBMJt5cv2abkQEU7FPF8FBDxTex7SQ-i69xBGaME1vINDjdUjXYrSQFIpqBcGPJvq8OaNe6vyZme4shqn-IeKx61G35Kmy3k1pVaQjseL6l8-Aj8_Q54qVaWs_MN5GKkdAhs/s1600/Rosalyn-Gambhir-Kingston-Ontario-The-Staycationer.jpg" title="It's Time to Be Uncomfortable, Use Your Voice & Take Action - Rosalyn Gambhir - Black Lives Matter" /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
I am a person of colour. I am a minority. I am South Asian and Indo-Canadian.</blockquote>
<div>
This is important to say because we're raised to be a "model minority". This was a term I wasn't actually aware of until this weekend. It's individuals like <a href="https://www.instagram.com/deepica/" target="_blank"><i>Deepica Mutyala</i></a> of <a href="https://www.livetinted.com/" target="_blank">Live Tinted</a> and as of recent <i><a href="http://jenny%20jay/" target="_blank">Jenny Jay</a> </i>who allowed myself to be proud of my Indian heritage over the past few years. As a first-generation Canadian Indian, we have been raised to stay quiet and keep our heads down. To not disturb or speak out.<br />
<br />
<u>This is not fair to our peers or our black community.</u><br />
<br /></div>
We need to move past this as it goes beyond just us. Let's recognize our privilege, use our voice and take action.<br />
<div>
<h4>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Here are some actionable things you can do to educate yourself further thanks to Komal Minhas:</b></span></h4>
<a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IUCACxNCXTF6bkq9n10r6Xdr03MIzqjnCzK_7q7imcs/edit" target="_blank">Click Here to View Resource</a></div>
<div>
<h4>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Resources to support Black communities in Canada:</span></b></h4>
</div>
<div>
<a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rvVbCG-7ubJDBISQGy02fQjFmUm2gWHJ08x1nDwoTcc/mobilebasic#heading=h.z37yw78203qm" target="_blank">Click Here to View Resource</a><br />
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<h4>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">How to Take Action in Canada</span></b></h4>
</div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.quakelab.ca/blog/welcome-to-black-canada-a-resource">Click Here to View Resource</a></div>
<h4>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Kingston Vigil: Black Lives Matter</span></b></h4>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/257321368687529/" target="_blank">Click Here to View Event</a><br />
Happening on Tuesday, June 2 at 4:30PM</div>
<h4>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Kingston: Let's Talk Race </span></b></h4>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/649403045612690/" target="_blank">Click Here to Attend Virtual Event</a><br />
Happening on Friday, June 5th at 2PM</div>
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<h4>
<span style="font-size: large;">Here are a few Instagram accounts that are worth following:</span></h4>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/iamjamgamble/" target="_blank">@iamjamgamble</a><br />
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/komalminhas/" target="_blank">@komalminhas</a><br />
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/justaskjenny/" target="_blank">@justaskjenny</a><br />
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/itsviviankaye/" target="_blank">@itsviviankaye</a><br />
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/rachel.cargle/" target="_blank">@rachel.cargle</a><br />
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/seekwisdompcw/" target="_blank">@seekwisdompcw</a><br />
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/itsviviankaye/" target="_blank">@itsviviankaye</a><br />
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/chasingdenisse/" target="_blank">@chasingdenisse</a><br />
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/edenthefoodie/" target="_blank">@edenthefoodie</a><br />
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/blackfoodie.co/">@blackfoodie.co</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h4>
<span style="font-size: large;">To end, I wanted to share these words thanks to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/justaskjenny/" target="_blank">@justaskjenny</a> around privilege right now that she shared on Instagram:</span></h4>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<blockquote>
....these conversations around understanding how to get to equality and navigating our privilege is a lot like the stages of grief.<br />
<br />
First comes the denial. We don’t want to admit that there is work to be done because it’s painful to see, so we deny it. Eventually, we hear it enough times, one anecdote hits too close to home, and suddenly we’re ANGRY. WE SEE IT. And we’re FURIOUS and we want to do something about it.<br />
⠀<br />
And so we start to try, but without always knowing the place to start, it can end up being frustrating.<br />
<br />
Eventually, between bargaining and sadness, we finally get to acceptance.<br />
<br />
And so here we are.<br />
⠀<br />
If you’ve been navigating these feelings for the first time — I’m glad you've gotten here.<br />
When it comes to seeing your privilege there is inevitably guilt and shame around never realizing it before. And that’s valid too — because it can feel like an entire part of society that just wasn’t apparent to you.<br />
⠀<br />
But in conversations around privilege, the important thing really isn’t for you to feel shitty as a person, or wrong for having the privileges you have.<br />
<br />
Instead, it’s about finding the ways you can use that to empower those around you. It’s about learning how we can do our individual parts to make a difference. It’s about #passingthemic when you can, creating healthy spaces for conversation, listening, and about learning how we can collectively be better.<br />
<br />
Privilege doesn’t mean you didn’t navigate hard things. It doesn’t mean parts of your life weren’t unfair.<br />
<br />
It just means some things weren’t HARDER for you because of factors that often have to do with race, ability, gender, sexual orientation, or socio-economic class.<br />
<br />
And I know it’s a lot sometimes.<br />
<br />
But we’re here.<br />
<br />
And so, I’d love to welcome you to what I call stage six of this process — Action: where the work begins, and continues. </blockquote>
<h4>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/justaskjenny/" target="_blank">- Jenny Jay</a></h4>
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Rosalyn Gambhirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171517612399020748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8812318868619585244.post-75470777745950131022020-05-25T00:00:00.000-04:002020-05-25T10:47:08.635-04:00Kindness Rocks in Kingston<div style="text-align: center;">
As businesses start to re-open, I wanted to share an incredible project I stumbled upon while scrolling through my Twitter feed.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
A local Kingston woman and her family have made it their goal to spread positivity and hope during these times through 'Kindness Rocks'. As many are struggling, these uplifting hand-painted vibrant rocks provide a smile while also offering a simple reminder to support our local businesses.</div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">"The idea to start the shoutout to local businesses, was our way of showing a little love and support during quarantine. We were hoping to encourage people to shop local and help out the many amazing little businesses around town."</span></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">- Mel Baker</span></h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As we face a new normal, it's small gestures like this one and many others that have been popping up within our community that are sparking joy in a creative way to support those in our city. I wanted to share a few of these rocks as they have such an amazing message behind them and showcase a few of my favourites spots in Kingston:<br />
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<img alt="Kindness Rocks in Kingston" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWoi86ETDsAtr66XhDOJR80dX-QOI-r3wcnvS2KzcgrbPXy7GaK8XHnOJLfSZfwTNILj6VrOI4H2xa-nXkyAiiEewSmGjKu7OvWcrqILIQBakcOwO7BWaoAR6oQu9v5oqqwHrUOLo5CoZN/s400/Kindness-Rocks-Kingston-10.jpg" title="Kindness Rocks in Kingston" width="400" /></div>
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<img alt="Kindness Rocks in Kingston" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6z3tvJDuHi1nm4F-HAcu2-CDT3izM_wn2tlg9qaC6JwP-NzVOog3rIHmNlvpkr4d4X2MUyemL7L0t9ahlaiBQNNceU7YhgPYtyCDqQtHW4ljW5IzNB8Yc5eAPtShGOHgaO8jRGKeAVQpr/s400/Kindness-Rocks-Kingston-1.jpg" title="Kindness Rocks in Kingston" width="400" /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image thanks to @MelB44 via Twitter</td></tr>
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<span style="font-weight: 400;">We will get through this together!</span></h4>
Rosalyn Gambhirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171517612399020748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8812318868619585244.post-64409899728540419652020-05-19T00:00:00.002-04:002021-02-24T00:03:48.706-05:00Dear Kingston, Let's Support Local<div style="text-align: center;">
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.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">This is our home. This is our happy place that brings us joy. </span></h4>
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!<br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Be a tourist in your own city and #SupportLocal!</span></h4>
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So please do me a favour. If there’s a local spot you love, go show them some love.<br />
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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. ❤️<br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Here are a few ways you can help a local business </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">while social distancing</span>:</h4>
Order meals for takeout or delivery.<br />
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Buy a gift card now to spend later.<br />
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Give them a shout out on social media.<br />
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Write a positive review via email, Facebook or Google Business.<br />
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Like, share or comment on their social channels.<br />
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Share your favourite stores in your social networks.<br />
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Talk about your love online or with your friends.<br />
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Send messages of support on social media.<br />
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Recommend friends to them if they are looking for a particular product.<br />
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Order your supplies from local businesses online.<br />
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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.<br />
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<img alt="Dear Kingston, Let's Support Local" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVTuO1QFxqzAWjlocp4OpE8POcFLhHFtphVOssDgUtXB2pXqrXpL8Qhw9QtzqDri1dwJinsEWUmi2okc-dOaKXp5sww21i2BWm7hXECSZLKVcsTlU65yC8l1h9KeqcDg4HLowX3HoVsAwq/s1600/Dear-Kingston-Let%2527s-Support-Local.jpg" title="Dear Kingston, Let's Support Local" /></div>
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<h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">But Why Support Local?</span></h4>
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.<br />
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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<a href="https://thealibikingston.com/oetkb/f/the-forest-fire-approached-our-town-and-the-town-survived" target="_blank"><i> this article</i></a> a read!<br />
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On a personal note, Kingston is why I am a <i><a href="https://www.rosalyngambhir.com/2017/08/locavore.html" target="_blank">locavore</a></i> - 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.</div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">And in true foodie fashion, I have to share a few of my Kingston favourites:</span></h4>
Mio Gelato</div>
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Pan Chancho<br />
Woodeanheads<br />
Sapporo Sushi<br />
Sima Sushi<br />
Bella Bistro<br />
Aquaterra<br />
Olivea</div><div style="text-align: center;">Miss Bao<br />
Silly Yak<br />
Baltic Deli<br />
Pilot House<br />
Red House<br />
Bubba’s Poutine<br />
Rustic Spud<br />
Mesa Fresca<br />
Amadeus Cafe<br />
Tango Nuevo<br />
The Everly<br />
The Pasta Shelf<br />
Sally's Roti Shop<br />
Mamma Mia Pizza<br />
Shawarma El Mina<br />
Coffee Way Donuts<br />
North Roast - Coffee<br />
Kingston Coffee House</div><div style="text-align: center;">Smoke 'N' Barrel Kingston</div><div style="text-align: center;">
Chinese Palace<br />
Rose & Crown<br />
Copper Penny Grill N' Home<br />
Peter's Place Restaurant<br />
CRAVE Coffee House & Bakery<br />
Dianne’s Fish Shack & Smokehouse<br />
NORTHSIDE espresso + kitchen<br />
Kingston Brewing Company<br />
Iron Duke on Wellington<br />
Namaste - Indian Food<br />
Cards Bakery<br />
Bread & Butter Bakery<br />
Brothers Quality Meats<br />
Enright Cattle Company<br />
Limestone Organic Creamery<br />
Memorial Centre Farmers' Market<br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Next on my list to try:</span></h4><div style="text-align: center;">Jade Garden</div>
Pisanos: Old School<br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">And obviously, even though this post was directed at foodie spots, I can't leave out a few of my favourite retailers as well:</span></h4>
Whit Kingston<br />
Agent 99<br />
Fancy That<br />
Plant Shelf<br />
LSP Designs<br />
Potter's Nurseries</div><div style="text-align: center;">Cooke's Fine Food<br />
Atkinson Home Hardware<br />
Wonderland Escape Rooms and Board Game Lounge<br />
and the list goes on!</div>
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<h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Let's keep the heart of our city going!</span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">And if you're reading this and you live in another city, the message is the same, please support your local economy during these times.</span></div>
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Rosalyn Gambhirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171517612399020748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8812318868619585244.post-17776893317312291842020-05-03T00:00:00.000-04:002020-05-03T17:59:40.026-04:00Homemade Bread The Easy Way at Home<div style="text-align: center;">
Are you slightly bored or going stir crazy at home? Well, you're not the only one. Since we've been in quarantine, it seems like everyone and their mom's are suddenly baking bread. Yup, even so, that grocery stores are facing flour and yeast shortages - it's crazy. Obviously, for me and many others, nothing beats delicious, homemade bread. But the smell of freshly baked bread, now that's on a whole other level - it's inviting and oh, so comforting!<br />
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So while we all try to find creative ways to stay busy while social distancing, making baking has been quite a popular hobby. And you guessed it, I hopped on the bandwagon but more so because neither bae or I wanted to do another trip to the grocery store.<br />
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I'm sharing one of our favourite recipes so far below. We ended up with a bit more dough than anticipated after it had risen. Our solution was to obviously get another pan, roll the dough into balls, glaze the top of the dough with some butter and crush up garlic for added taste. It was uber good and our version of Jack Astor's cheese garlic pan bread which now that I'm thinking about, has me drooling!<br />
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<h4>
LOAF OF CITY BREAD</h4>
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Recipe by: Chef Michael Smith<br />
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<b>INGREDIENTS</b><br />
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5 cups of all-purpose or bread flour<br />
1/2 heaping teaspoon of active dry yeast<br />
2 teaspoons of salt<br />
2 1/2 cups of warm water</div>
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<b>DIRECTIONS</b></div>
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<b>Step 1</b><br />
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In a large bowl, whisk the dry ingredients together, evenly distributing the salt and yeast throughout the flour. Pour in the warm water and stir with the handle of a wooden spoon until a moist dough forms. Continue stirring until the dough incorporates all the loose flour in the bowl, 1 or 2 minutes in total.<br />
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<b>Step 2</b><br />
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Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rest in a warm place for 12-14 hours. The dough will double in size and bubble, and long elastic gluten strands will form without laborious kneading.<br />
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<b>Step 3</b><br />
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Dust the dough lightly with a bit of flour. Oil hands lightly and, with your fingertips, gather the dough from the outside edges to the middle, knocking it down into a loose ball. Turn out onto a lightly floured board and knead for a few moments until tight ball forms. Toss the ball back in the bowl and lightly coat with a splash of vegetable oil, turning to evenly cover.<br />
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<b>Step 4</b><br />
Gently roll the dough into a thin log that fits end to end in a lightly oiled 9 x 5 inch loaf pan and, without covering, rest it a second time. In 2 to 3 hours it will double in size once more.<br />
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<b>Step 5</b><br />
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Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 425 °F. When the dough is ready, bake for 45 minutes.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfd1ICSjidUt-YF4gvceQkW8M8mSLqBkAxlDzrbE-KJqiU0YCvzay1b64AIuhkmANgDYdUDo7VaBH3jIGEs0D8K-QkijHIz1FiHp3wKO9qHcCKupVqyfcjWjmVdw93qTctyKQAgNMbnzMO/s1600/Making-Bread-5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our version of Jack Astor's cheese garlic pan bread.</span></td></tr>
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Bon appetit!</div>
Rosalyn Gambhirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171517612399020748noreply@blogger.com0