If you’re hosting a holiday meal this season, you’re likely deciding what dishes will take centre stage at your table. Navigating the whirlwind of dietary restrictions and food preferences can make hosting a difficult task. Whether you’ve been inspired by five-star recipes on Pinterest or prefer taking a more traditional approach with tried-and-true family recipes, we’ve compiled a list of local favourites to help you gather all the essentials for crafting the perfect holiday feast.
The main course
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Enright Cattle Company
326 Hunt Rd.
If you’re planning to whip up a dish that features quality, dry-aged beef, then Enright is the perfect option for you! Enright is a fourth generation-run cattle farm that is devoted to its community. Sustainability comes first, along with doing what it takes to provide top-quality meat and little to no waste. It’s a no-brainer! Enright also sells beef bones, if you want to venture into making your own stock for the best homemade gravy. Learn more and order online.
Recommended: filet mignon, brisket, and prime rib
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Barriefield Meat Market
760 Highway 15. Unit 7
Barriefield Meat Market is known for their holiday turkey hotline, but they have more than just turkey. They are a grade A butcher shop that specializes in top-quality Ontario meats and prepared goods. Everything is sourced exclusively from local Ontario farms. They offer prime grade dry-aged ribeye, all local AAA cuts of beef, air-chilled chicken, fresh Ontario pork, local lamb, certain game meats, as well as eggs, and deli products. One of the most appealing parts of this meat market is that they will source anything you need. Take a look at their featured holiday items.
Recommended: AAA Black Angus prime rib roast, rack of lamb, and whole turkey or turkey breasts
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Haanover View Farms
4062 Blessington Rd, Marysville
When it comes to pork products, Haanover is the choice! They are a family farm, producing ecologically raised pork, grass-fed beef, and rabbit. Value, flavour, and peace of mind are what they provide.
Find them at the Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market. Pick-up orders can be placed at the market every Sunday from 9 am to 2 pm, and delivery options are available on Thursdays. You can also find Haanover products at a wide range of local grocers in Kingston.
Recommended: smoked bone-in ham, pork belly slab, frenched pork chops, pork butt roast, and pork loin
The farms that bring you side dishes
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Patchwork Gardens
4649 Milburn Rd, Battersea
When you think of side dishes, there is nothing better than locally grown produce.Patchwork Gardens began with the idea that food should be grown locally, sustainably, and without the use of toxic chemicals. Nothing feels better than crunching into a carrot that is 100% good for you. During this time of year, there isn’t a lot in terms of seasonality, but you can still enjoy some heartier side dish options. Find products from Patchwork Gardens at a variety of locations in Kingston including Tara Natural Foods, Pan Chancho, and Daughters General Store.
Recommended: red fingerling potatoes, onions, carrots, beets (red, candy and orange), and coleslaw mix
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Forman Farms
4040 Brewers Mills Rd.
Forman Farms is located in Seeley’s Bay and offers top-notch produce. They grow fresh, nutritious vegetables and herbs. Pick up seasonal produce, from potatoes to squash, to add to your holiday menu. Order online.
Recommended: rosemary, thyme, fingerling potatoes, garlic bulbs, heirloom carrots, and radishes
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Collective Joy Farm
477 MacDonnell St.
New to Kingston is Collective Joy Farm. This is a new kind of farm – a small, indoor farm that provides high-quality, sustainable produce in midtown Kingston. Their produce would be great for any holiday salad; they offer nutrient-rich microgreens for garnishes, fresh herbs for entrées and side dishes, as well as edible flowers, if you are really looking to make your food pop.
Recommended: lettuce, micro greens, and fresh fruit juices
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Joe Deodato and Family
598 Cataraqui Dr.
Joe Deodato is a local market that provides great options in terms of ordering produce for your dinner. They also deliver your order right to your door!. Joe Deodato & Family continue their family tradition of being a quality produce supplier. They have more than just produce; they also offer fresh baked goods and decadent sweets. So, feel free to order dessert at the same time! Order online.
Recommended: russet potatoes, green beans, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, a variety of mushrooms, and their holiday produce boxes (ranging between $70 – $85)
Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free
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Knifey + Spooney
89 Colburne St. & Memorial Market (select days only)
Expecting vegan guests for dinner? Knifey + Spooney offers a delicious holiday meal, featuring vegan entrées, sides, and dessert: choose a meal for one or a full spread for four to six people. You can also purchase à la carte items. View the full list of holiday meals for 2023.
Stay informed with detailed information on pickup times through their website or Order online.
Recommended: the holiday meal: tourtière, truffled parmesan Brussels sprouts, fennel grapefruit almond salad, and tiramisu
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Daughters General Store
63 John St.
Daughters General Store is the go-to destination if you’re looking to satisfy a variety of food preferences. In addition to offering prepared gluten-free and vegan options, this is a great place to get niche brands and products. Daughters is a family-owned small business curating a thoughtful selection of comfort foods and necessities that are sourced locally, from the GTA, and beyond. Daughters is a welcoming store that is deeply connected to the local community.
Recommended: vegan smoked bacon, ginger snaps, a large assortment of non-alcoholic beers, vegan meats and cheeses, and gluten-free pastas and sauces.
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Tara Natural Foods
81 Princess St.
Tara Natural Foods is another great resource for all your diners with dietary preferences or restrictions. Located in the heart of downtown Kingston, Tara opened in 1972 and has been serving the community with healthy and hard-to-find local products ever since. As Kingston’s original natural foods store, Tara is and remains a staple in the Kingston community. Order online for pickup.
Recommended: gluten-free bread, flours, baking items, plant-based butter and baking items, vegan meats, cheeses, and produce from local farmers.
For those looking for vegetarian fare, Kingston is a well-known destination. Explore this selection of vegetarian and vegan friendly options.
The baked goods
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Bread and Butter Bakery
1530 Bath Rd.
Bread & Butter is a family-run bake shop that has been providing Kingston with amazing bread and baked goods for over 20 years. Don’t stress about making your own dessert; stop by and get some amazing baked goods and spend the extra time with your family. View the full assortment of holiday treats.
Recommended: Scottish shortbread, fruitcake, charcuterie board, sourdough bread, dinner rolls
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Panchancho Bakery
44 Princess St.
Pan Chancho is a staple in downtown Kingston. Their bread is a real treat, and their pastry chefs serve up some of the best desserts in the city. Pan Chancho always has holiday goods and deals available to be purchased online. It’s a great spot to go if you are looking to purchase a premade or ready-to-cook meal for you and your family. Online orders need to be placed 48 hours before pickup is requested. Order online.
Recommended: candy cane shortbread, sliced roasted turkey breast with dried fruit chutney, apple spice pie with oat crumble, apricot and rosemary glazed ham, and their olive and rosemary sourdough bread.
