Page 45 – Visit Kingston

June 13, 2017April 3, 2023

11 Festivals to Hit in Kingston This July

The festival lineup in Kingston this July kicks off with a massive birthday bash for Canada’s 150th and doesn’t quit for the next 30 days. Expect everything from annual classics like Buskers Rendezvous and Taste of Kingston to newer gems like the Tall Ships Regatta and the One-Act Play Festival. In other words, peak festival season is finally, thankfully, here.

Canada Day in Kingston

Saturday, July 1
Downtown
Canada turns 150 this year, so it’s no wonder the first capital of a united Canada is hosting one of the biggest birthday parties in the city’s history. The action takes place downtown near the waterfront and includes The Limestone Mile running race, the Red & White Parade down Princess Street, the Mayor’s Sail past Crawford Wharf, and live music all day and night on Ontario Street. At 10 pm get ready for what should be the most spectacular fireworks display in recent memory. Wagon rides, a Ferris wheel, and a public market round out the day’s lineup.
Admission: Free
visitkingston.ca

Artfest Kingston

Saturday, July 1 – Monday, July 3, 10 am – 6 pm daily
City Park
This annual outdoor fest is back for its sixth year of showcasing the work of over 150 artists and artisans from Ontario and Quebec. Their mediums range from pottery and glass to wood and jewelry, to theatre and poetry. Live music, art workshops, and gourmet food are on the lineup too, as are a new First Nations pavilion and a new craft beer and wine tent.
Admission: Free

Kingston Buskers Rendezvous

Thursday, July 6 – Sunday, July 9
Downtown
The knife jugglers, acrobats, musicians, and contortionists return to Kingston this month, here to take over downtown streets for the 29th time. New performers this year will include Chris Blaze, an Australian with a fire ninja act; Dyna Mike, a multi-talented Londoner who can juggle chainsaws; and ACE-K, a Japanese artist with a talent for the most insane balloon manipulation you’ve probably seen. Check the website for the most up-to-date festival map.
Admission: Free, but tips welcome

One-Act Play Festival

Friday, July 7, 7:30 pm
Domino Theatre
One night, three original short plays, three Kingston authors trying to move on to the Eastern Ontario one-act play finals. Three judges and the audience will have the unenviable task of choosing one of these three plays to move on: “A Tale Told,” by Christine Harvey and the Not so Amateur Amateurs; “Tea With Enid and Pearl,” by Gretchen Huntley and Lynn McCauley; and “Binding Bridges,” by James Gow.
Admission: Adults – $17.70 Kids and Students – $8.85
dominotheatre.com

Rendez-Vous 2017: Tall Ships Regatta

Friday, July 7 – Sunday, July 9
Bath, Ontario
From June 30 until August 20, more than 40 tall ships will sail Canadian waters to honour the country’s 150th. The fleet will make its Southeastern Ontario port of call in the historic village of Bath, just west of Kingston. Head to the waterfront in front of the gorgeous grounds of the Fairfield-Gutzeit House to tour 11 of these majestic cathedrals of the sea. Afterward, check out the live music, historic naval demonstrations, kid’s activities, craft beer garden, evening naval battle and more.
Admission: $12 in advance, $15 at the gate. Kids under 10 – free

Chill on the Hill MusicFest

Saturday, July 8, 6:15 pm
Fort Henry
This year, country music legends Rascal Flatts headline this yearly waterfront hill party overlooking Lake Ontario. You probably know them, but here’s a quick recap: 10 albums, 16 number one hits, over 23 million records sold. They’ll be joined Canadian country star Aaron Pritchett and other special guests to be announced closer to the date. Barbecue-style food vendors will be there, as will two large beer tents offering pints, ciders, and wines. Gates open at 5 pm.
Admission: $84.99
forthenry.com

Fort Henry Annual Tattoo

Saturday, July 22, 7:30 pm
Fort Henry
Fort Henry’s parade square is set to be filled with the sounds of fife, brass, pipe and drum bands from Canada and around the world. This annual showcase of drill and musical skills has become one of the Fort’s most popular fests of the year. A big reason is the promise of a massed band grand finale capped off with a huge fireworks display.
Admission: Adult – $25. Seniors (65+) – $20. Kids under 6 – free.
forthenry.com

Canadian Guitar Festival

Friday, July 28 – Sunday, July 30
Loughborough Lake Holiday Park
Every year some of the best fingerstyle guitar players in the world gather just north of Kingston near the banks of Loughborough Lake. Throughout three days they play concerts inside the open-air hall, while at other times there are open mics, guitar workshops, a guitar competition and this year even a film premiere.
Admission: Day pass – $17.50 – $35. Full weekend pass – $37 – $75. Full weekend pass with camping – $62.50 – $125
canadianguitarfestival.com

Kingston Show ’N Shine

Saturday, July 29, 12 pm – 5 pm
Ontario Street
If you have even a slight interest in motorbikes, head to Ontario Street in front of City Hall on the 29th for this annual charity fundraiser. You’ll find a wide variety of custom bikes on display, plus a few special shows, including one from Canadian freestyle motocross legend Jason Thorne (pictured). Feel free to bring your own ride to show off, and remember to check out the live music, vendor village, and food area. This year, all proceeds go to Almost Home, a non-profit that provides comfort and respite for families whose children receive medical treatment at Kingston area hospitals.
Admission: Donation
facebook.com

Taste of Kingston

Sunday, July 30, 9:30 am – 3:00 pm
Confederation Park
Another charity fundraiser, Taste of Kingston brings some of the city’s top chefs to the waterfront to show about 5,000 of us what they’ve got. Each restaurant will have bite-sized creations on offer, and you choose which is best during the public voting competition. Tasting tickets are $1 apiece, but each restaurant “bite” could require up to five tickets. Generally, 10 tickets will get you a three-course lunch. Proceeds support Diabetes Canada.
Admission: Free, tasting tickets $1/each
diabetes.ca

CORK Sailing Regatta

Ongoing
Portsmouth Olympic Harbour
Kingston’s waters are filled with hundreds of sailboats again, most here for the annual freshwater sailing festival known as the Canadian Olympic-training Regatta, Kingston (CORK). It’s a multi-class competition and training event with one thousand-plus boats and crews expected throughout the summer. The races this month continue with the Etchells Canadian Championship and the Olson 30 North American Championship. Hit the waterfront or head to Portsmouth Olympic Harbour to see who wins.
Admission: Free
cork.org

June 9, 2017March 20, 2023

Meet the Maker: Nick Allinson

When you look at a piece of wood, what do you see? Nick Allinson perceives more than just a chunk of maple or a slab of walnut—he sees form, function, and ultimately art. For the last two years, the Kingston woodworker has been busying himself making stunning charcuterie boards and bespoke home items from local lumber. We spoke with him to find out how he combines raw materials with talent, vision, and lots of elbow grease to create his sleek and beautiful signature pieces.

Allinson’s foray into the creative arts began early. “From a very young age, I was always into making things. I was always playing with Lego, egg cartons, and recycled plastic bottles,” he says. His passion for crafting things by hand went through many phases throughout his life.

“Fine woodworking is sort of the latest chapter,” says Allinson. “When I went to university I took woodworking, and I’ve been doing it now for about 6 years.”

Now with his own workshop in Kingston, Allinson spends his days skillfully crafting wooden home accessories and furniture. In addition to his signature charcuterie boards, “I’ve done countertops, dining tables, entranceway tables, desks, wine racks… it’s really an open book,” he says. Instead of simply churning out identical pieces, he prefers to meet with clients to discuss their vision in order to create something truly original. “They can come to me with any size or description or project they have in mind, and we work together to make it happen.”

Once a plan has been formulated, his creative process begins in a nearby town, where Allinson sources his high-quality materials.

“I go to a guy who mills wood in Mallorytown,” he says. “Then I’ll strap it to the roof of my little Volkswagen and take it to the shop. I take some time to measure and get to know the raw piece before I start working on it.”

Hours are spent cutting, planing, sanding, and rounding the item until he’s satisfied with it. “I just keep working it and working it, until I end up with an almost porcelain-smooth piece.” He describes the unpredictable nature of wood as part of the excitement of his work. “I love the challenge—wood is such a basic medium to use, but it’s also so complicated, and so varied. Every piece is unique and full of character,” he says.

Finished pieces that aren’t for custom orders often go with him to Kingston maker markets and craft fairs. “Maker markets are the best way to meet new customers, and also to connect with other makers who connect you to other resources,” he says. “For example, I’ve met people who are metalsmiths, so I can source metal bases for a lot of my tables. It’s so great to be able to say ‘This entire table was made locally!’ instead of having to order parts from a website online from an unknown factory.”

Keeping his operation close to home is important to Allinson, who has lived in Kingston all his life. “I went to school in Toronto for a little while, but every time I came back home I just thought ‘This is so much better’,” he says. “It’s the perfect place to be. I love how locally-focused everything is, and it’s just such a beautiful city.”

In addition to contributing to Kingston’s creative community with his products, Allinson has plans to give back to his hometown through a new venture. “My partner Melissa Eapen (of the Kingston Collective and Improbable Escapes) and I are putting together membership-based woodshop here in town,” he says. “People will have a monthly membership, and get access to a full professional workshop, with knowledgeable technicians onsite to help them.” The shop will also offer classes on woodworking, installations, and other home projects. He explains that part of his motivation is to make woodworking more accessible and approachable to budding makers—regardless of gender, orientation, or level of experience.

“I know going to a workshop, where there are lots of guys who know more than you, can be intimidating,” he says. “So we will work hard to make sure it’s open to everyone.”

With this kind of space available to local makers and guidance from pros like Allinson, Kingston might soon become a city known for its phenomenal woodworkers.

June 9, 2017March 21, 2023

Chefs Daniel Cholewa and Andrew Smyth: It Takes Two to Tango Nuevo

Update: Chef Daniel Cholewa is no longer with Tango Nuevo, and Andrew Smyth is now head chef.

Co-chefs Daniel Cholewa and Andrew Smyth head up the busy kitchen at Tango Nuevo, working alongside a team of thirteen cooks. When I contact one of them for an interview—I get both. They come as a pair. Not only do they work together, they also socialize together, and sometimes finish each other’s sentences. The pair of chefs who have worked together, day in and day out, since Tango Nuevo opened its doors, use one word over and over: team.

“We’re not hierarchical in the kitchen,” says Daniel, “We can’t afford to be, this is an incredibly fast-paced kitchen and it takes a team.” On a busy night, the kitchen at Tango turns out as many as eight hundred, beautifully crafted, individual tapas plates. That’s a lot of food and a lot of attention to detail, especially given that almost everything is made on site and prepared to order.

Lindy Mechefske: Tell me a bit about your backgrounds—where you came from and where you developed your passion for food.
Andrew Smyth: I’m originally from Montreal and came to Kingston about ten years ago. My first job in a restaurant was a part-time dishwasher position that I took to support my musical aspirations. I worked my way up the ladder and soon realized that I was very drawn to the creative side of cooking. I studied culinary management at St. Lawrence College. After graduating I spent some time working in Prince Edward County and then worked at Aqua Terra under Chefs Clark Day and Jason Legère for two years, before starting at Tango, and eventually, at Tango Nuevo. I’ve been here since before the doors opened four years ago, helping to build the place from the ground up.

Daniel Cholewa: I grew up in Aurora, in a family of nine children. My Mom was always in the kitchen cooking big family dinners. Food was a huge part of our existence. We grew up helping Mom in the kitchen. This had an important impact on me and apparently also on the rest of my family because two of my brothers are also chefs. I studied computer science but realized soon after I graduated that what I really wanted to do was get back into a kitchen. I worked at Casa Domenica, and then Red House, before coming to work at Tango Nuevo. Like Andrew, I was here helping to prepare and paint the place prior to its opening and I’m a better cook than painter! Essentially I’ve been cooking all my life.

LM: What drives you forward in your career? Are there important influences or things that inspire you?
DC: I am really driven to create new dishes. I love experimenting with flavours and new ingredients. I was just at the Asian market on Princess Street picking up sambal, miso paste, and pickled ginger. I’m working on a miso reduction.

One of the things I like about working here is our chef’s tasting menu dinners. We have a private room downstairs where we’ll do a special menu for up to eight guests. We put a lot of effort into planning the menus—developing something really special, catering to customers’ taste preferences and allergies, etc. It’s a unique opportunity to be creative as a chef.

AS: I’ve always been inspired by fine dining. I’m interested in molecular gastronomy. And I’m very drawn to Spanish cooking. I’ve fallen in love with tapas/small plates. But I’d have to say I’m inspired by British Chef Marco Pierre White, the first British chef (and the youngest chef anywhere) to be awarded three Michelin stars. He trained Gordon Ramsay and Curtis Stone and was notorious for his bad behaviour and fantastic food. In 1999 Marco Pierre White got fed up and gave his Michelin stars back so that he could reinvent himself. He’s a character and I find that pretty inspirational.

Tapas from Tango Nuevo — Photo via Tango Nuevo

LM: How do you see Canada’s culinary identity?
AS: I think Canada is lagging behind world food culture. But it’s starting to happen. We’re a huge country and so multicultural that it’s hard to define our culinary identity. I think it’s very cool that our cultural and culinary identity is starting to emerge—our awareness is growing. We’re moving away from a meat and potatoes culture into something much more adventurous. I think we’re starting to trust chefs and recognize the fundamental importance of food.

DC: I think what we’re doing at Tango Nuevo reflects what’s happening to our culinary identity. It’s shifting. We’re more aware of the importance of food. We know more about ingredients and the foods of other cultures. When Tango Nuevo opened, we purposefully stopped serving lunches and dinners and shifted to tapas and small plates that can be shared. Our menu is incredibly diverse. That’s typical of tapas menus. Sharing food is important and it facilitates a different relationship to both the food and the people at the table. It makes eating a bigger part of the conversation and I think that’s important.

LM: What are your favourite off-duty, go-to-meals at home or out?
DC: Beer and wings at the [Iron] Duke. A curry from Curry Original and late night poutine from Bubba’s.

AS: Beer and wings with Daniel at the Duke (a special nod to Tony the bartender). Late night pizza at Bubba’s. Woodenheads. And charcuterie at Le Chien Noir.

LM: What’s in your refrigerator right now?
DC: I live with a girl so my fridge is fully stocked! It’s fabulous.

AS: Fixings for grilled cheese. Beer. Way too many condiments. And usually some leftover takeaway containers.

LM: If you could cook for anyone at all, who would you choose?
AS: I think working as a chef, I have really learned to appreciate other chefs. I’d love to cook for Chef Marco Pierre White. I like how honest and real he is and I admire his passion for food and life and his commitment and creativity.

DC: I’d love to cook for my Mom and my whole family. My mom doesn’t share her kitchen easily but I’d love to take over and cook her a really big, fabulous Christmas dinner. And I’d love to watch her reaction because as chefs, we’re working in the back, we rarely get to see how people react to the food we’ve just cooked for them.

LM: What do you value most in life?
DC: Family. My coworkers are also like family. We don’t make a lot of money in this business and we work hard, long hours and late nights—so teamwork and respect are paramount. We treat each other well. I value the opportunity to work with cooks and see them grow.

AS: Family. Friends. The opportunity to be creative in my work. To be a cook or a chef is very big—it’s to be generous, to care. To really, really care about what you’re doing and put your heart into it – that’s something I truly value.

LM: And lastly, who are some of your favourite local suppliers?
DC and AS:
Asian Market
Forman’s Farm
Glengarry Cheese
Seed to Sausage
Tara’s Natural Foods
Wendy’s Mobile Market – with a special shout out to Rick who makes deliveries!

Tango Nuevo, 331 King St E, Kingston, Kingston, is open for 12pm-12am, seven days a week for a wide variety of tapas and desserts made on site. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available. Fully licensed.

For more information please visit www.tangonuevo.ca or call 613.548.3778.

June 8, 2017March 29, 2023

Canada Day 150 Weekend in Kingston

Canada’s special day has finally arrived in our nation’s First Capital, and Kingston has pulled out all the stops for Canada’s 150! The full weekend line-up will keep you busy from dawn til dusk with movies in the Square, live music, markets, and of course, fireworks. All events are free to attend, so put the sunscreen on and don your red and white best—it’s time to celebrate Canada’s birthday.

Day #1: Thursday, June 29

Movies in the Square
Thursday, June 29th, Dusk
Springer Market Square
The weekend kicks off with Movies in the Square. Starting at dusk (or 9:15 PM, whichever comes first) in Springer Market Square bring the lawn chairs and blankets and get comfy for an outdoor screening of The Great Outdoors starring John Candy and Dan Aykroyd. All Movies in the Square are free, but be sure to bring your own seating and snacks!

Day #2: Friday, June 30

Music in the Park
Friday, June 30, 5:00 PM–10:30 PM
Sesqui Stage, Ontario Street
Concerts in Kingston stop for no holiday. In fact, enjoy more live music than ever at the Sesqui Stage this weekend. Nick Babcock takes the stage at 5 PM on Friday to kick off a night of great Music in the Park with local artists.

5:00 PM – Nick Babcock
6:00 PM – Taylor Angus
7:00 PM – Oscar Evans Quintet
8:00 PM – The Relative
9:00 PM – Dirty Radio

Illumination of City Hall
Friday, June 30, 10:00 PM
Sesqui Stage, Ontario Street
The festivities will truly be underway once the switch has been flipped illuminating City Hall with a full LED light show to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday.

Day #3: Saturday, July 1

Kingston Public Market
Saturday, July 1, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM
Springer Market Square
Almost as old as the country itself, the Kingston Public Market will be business-as-usual on Saturday bringing the produce and products you’ve come to expect in celebration of Canada’s 150th.

Limestone Mile
Saturday, July 1, 8:30 AM
TBD
The 3-race-in-one Limestone Mile is a Canada Day tradition. For some, a 4 day holiday celebration doesn’t truly begin until you’ve run a mile at 8:30 in the morning, and that’s just fine! The event includes a kids race, a women’s race, a men’s race all of which can be run solo or as a team.

Art Fest
Saturday, July 1–Monday, July 3, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
City Park
Art Fest is a three-day Kingston arts and culture event for the whole family. This year featuring a new craft beer & wine tent!

Red and White Parade
Saturday, July 1, 11:00 AM
Princess Street & Barrie Street to Ontario Street
You’ve been planning your Canada Day parade outfit all year and now the day has finally arrived! Wear your red and white best and join the Town Crier and civic dignitaries—and your fellow Kingstonians—in a parade from Princess and Barrie Street to Ontario Street.

Civic Ceremony
Saturday, July 1, 12:00 PM
Sesqui Stage, Ontario Street
The 2017 First Capital Award Winners will be guests of honour for the parade and will be recognized during the Civic Ceremony on the steps of City Hall at noon. The ceremony will be kicked off with a singing of our national anthem.

Mayor’s Sail Past
Saturday, July 1, 1:00 PM
Confederation Park/Basin
Watch a parade of boats dressed in their red & white—crew as well!— sail past Crawford Wharf.

Family Programming
Saturday, July 1, 1:00 PM–6:00 PM
Confederation Park
Inflatables, wagon rides, vintage Ferris wheel, and more! There’s going to be lots to keep you and the kids busy today at Confederation Park.

Ferris Wheel
Saturday, July 1, 1:00 PM–6:00 PM
Ontario Street
Don’t miss our very own heritage Ferris wheel that will be offering free rides to one and all! Take in the day’s celebrations from the top of this vintage Ferris wheel!

Music on Stage
Saturday, July 1, 1:00 PM–10:00 PM
Sesqui Stage, Ontario Street
Another full day of great local music takes over the Sesqui Stage.

1:00 PM – The Savannah Shea Band
2:00 PM – Little California
4:00 PM – Lisa Vee & the VIP
5:00 PM – Lotus Shaker
7:00 PM – Spencer Evans
8:00 PM – Kim Pollard Band
9:00 PM – Still Standin’

The Dream Catchers Musical Performance
Saturday, July 1, 2 performances 3:00 PM & 6:00
Sesqui Stage, Ontario Street
This young Canadian dance troupe will have you on your feet as they share the hopes and dreams of future Canadians. The live theatre and music show has been travelling across the country and will bring its passion and energy to Kingston’s 150th celebrations. Admission is free.

Fireworks
Saturday, July 1, 10:00 PM
Confederation Park/Basin
This year’s fireworks display is promised to be bigger and better than ever before! Confederation Park is the best place to view the Canada Day Fireworks Show.

Day #4: Sunday, July 2

Kingston Antique Market
Sunday, July 2, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM
Springer Market Square
The Kingston Antique Market is the best place to stroll through after a busy day celebrating Canada’s 150th. Unwind and browse the wide range of antiques, collectibles, art, vintages pieces and more.

Busty & the Bass with special guest Lost Cousins
Sunday, July 2, 7:00 PM
Sesqui Stage, Ontario Street
Busty & The Bass is a nine-piece from Montreal blend hip-hop, dance, and electrosoul and bring it all on stage in a powerful, energetic set that will have you dancing ‘til you drop. Kingston’s own psychedelic rock group Lost Cousins will open.

Come and celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday with us in Kingston—we can’t wait to see you!

May 23, 2017March 27, 2023

Juniper Cafe: A Food Love Story

Restaurateur Amber Thom lives, eats, and breathes food. She’s the kind of person that people call on late at night with wild produce. One night this spring, her doorbell rang unexpectedly at 10pm. She answered to find a forager with ten pounds of freshly picked fiddlehead ferns. She took the lot and spent the entire night sorting, cleaning, preparing, and preserving fiddleheads before leaving for work first thing the following morning.

Amber and her partner, Chef Jamie Hodges, a New Zealander, co-own both the gorgeous, ultra-stylish Juniper Café at the Tett Centre and Epicurious Catering. The pair met while working in Vancouver in 2010, before returning to Kingston with their daughter. They’ve spent their lives working in the food industry and amongst other things, they once ran the Red Brick Supper Club, a small dinner-party style private restaurant where reservations were hotly sought after.

Amber Thom cares deeply about food and all that care is amply evident in the gorgeous food she and Jamie create.

Lindy Mechefske: Where did you find your love of food?
Amber Thom: I come from a family who takes food seriously and understands the importance of eating well. My grandmother and mother are both wonderful cooks. I learned to love food when I was very young, kind of like our own six-year old daughter who is already a foodie. I sometimes say that I can’t do anything else – food is all I’ve ever known. Yet at the same time, it’s such a conscious choice because food is at the heart of everything.

LM: How did you get into the restaurant business?
AT: I grew up in Kingston and my first job was in a restaurant. After I left high school I did a Bachelor of Commerce in Food and Hotel Administration and interned at the Banff Springs Hotel where I met my partner, Jamie, who did his chef training in London, England and has worked in New Zealand, Australia, Whistler, and Vancouver. We spent some time working in high-end Vancouver restaurants and we started a catering business there, before returning to Kingston.

Jamie and I have endless visions for new restaurants and new food-related ventures. We’re passionate about what we do. And we’re in it together. But being in this industry is a labour of love – with the same margins as farming and the same long hours. You have to love it or you wouldn’t survive the long days and nights, the weekends on, the relentlessness of starting again every day. For Jamie and me – food is our passion and our life.

LM: How would you describe your food style? Who or what do you consider important influences?
AT: I like classic pairings. Things like great charcuterie and cheese and the highest quality produce along with beautiful wines and craft beer. We’re conscientious about using only local, seasonal produce and ethically sourced meat and fish. For example, we serve tomatoes for the three months of the year when we can source fresh, local tomatoes. The rest of the year – we won’t serve them because they aren’t worth eating. And we don’t serve shrimp ever, even when asked, because of the many ethical issues connected to shrimp fishing. There’s a strong New Zealand influence in our kitchen, thanks to Jamie. We make everything on site at the Juniper Café. All the bread is baked fresh daily, as are the buttermilk biscuits for the breakfast sandwiches. The pastries are all made on site and Jamie cures our own bacon using Hanover View Farms pork. We have vegetarian and homemade gluten-free options too.

LM: What misconceptions are there about Canadian food?
AT: I think we struggle with culinary identity in Canada. We’re a melting pot of cultures old and new, and our food reflects that. But I do think Canadian food culture is evolving. We’re starting to get the hang of using what’s in season, regional, and good.

LM: When are you happiest at work?
AT: When everything is running smoothly, when there is flow, a synergy between staff and customers, the environment, there’s a buzz, a barista steaming milk, customers chatting, kids laughing, a timer going off in the kitchen, good energy. Sitting back after a busy service, going over the day’s events with a glass of Tawse chardonnay, feeling tired but happy.

LM: What’s your favourite off duty, go-to-meal at home?
AT: Jamie and I live in an old house in downtown Kingston, North of Princess, and our neighbours feel like family. They routinely feed us. It’s not uncommon for there to be ten of us, kids and adults, all jammed in someone’s small place, eating together. Last night for example, our neighbours fed us spaghetti Bolognese. It was awesome!

LM: What do you value most in life?
AT: Family. Simple pleasures. Taking time to slow down and see all the blessing in our life. Feeding family. Feeding others.

LM: If you could eat with anyone at all, who would you choose?
AT: Anthony Bourdain. I’d serve him grilled heart. Or heart tartare. Or maybe roasted marrow bones, crusty bread, and an acidic parsley salad.

LM: Who are some of your favourite local suppliers?
AT:

Beimond Yogurt
Black River Juice
Burt’s Greenhouse
Glengarry Cheese
Halls Apple Cider
Hanover View Farms
Hogans Honey
Ironwood Organics
MacKinnon Brothers Beer
Mensen Farms
Patchwork Gardens
Pilot Coffee Roasters
Reids Dairy
Salt of the Earth Farms
Sonset Farm
Sterling Creamery butter
Stone City Ales
Suntech Greenhouses
Tara Natural Foods
Wallace co-op beef
Wendy’s Mobile Market
Wilton Cheese Company
Yorkshire Valley Farms
Tribute Décor – for many of the antiques in the Juniper café including the 1920s Spanish Chandelier that hangs over the counter.

The Juniper Café is located on level 1 of the Tett Centre. Hours: Monday to Saturday 8am – 6pm and Sunday 9am – 5pm for coffee, breakfast, lunch, a wide variety of baked goods, and drinks (fully licenced). Beginning in June the café and waterfront patio will be open for evening service including charcuterie platters. Local on-street parking or paid parking behind the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts. For more information including the full menu please visit their website.

For information on Epicurious Catering, please visit their website.

May 16, 2017March 30, 2023

25 Things to do in Kingston in June 2017

For the most recent June 25 things list, please visit this link.

Boasting Bob Dylan, Pride, the YGK Craft Beer Fest, Beat Beethoven Run, Cannonball Crush, #DKShopfest, Movies in the Square, Music in the Park, and more, Kingston in June is a hotbed of exciting events and activities!

‘

Do you have an event that you’d like considered for our monthly 25 list? Add it to our events calendar!

Are you looking for more upcoming events? Check out Kingston upcoming events!

May 15, 2017April 5, 2023

10 Can’t-Miss Concerts in Kingston This June

Summer finally arrives this month, and live music lovers know what that means: bands big and small are hitting the road again. This June in Kingston take your pick from travelling troubadours like Spencer Burton, up-and-coming pop stars like Scott Helman, the most legendary singer-songwriter of all time (hint: the answer may be blowin’ in the wind), and more.

Miss Emily Sings Kingston

Friday, June 2, 7:30pm
Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts
As The Tragically Hip’s Rob Baker put it, Emily Fennell has “an angelic voice with just a hint of sultry devilishness. This gal is a rocket ready to take off.” And he’d know, since he and fellow Hip-mate Gord Sinclair have played on two albums with her. Her performances move from rhythm and blues to jazz to rock and back again. At this one, expect a foot-stomping good time featuring songs written by Emily and her favourite Kingston artists, some of whom will join her onstage.
$24
theisabel.ca

Road Apples

Saturday, June 3, 10pm
The Merchant Tap House
The next best thing to seeing The Tragically Hip live is getting down with this iconic tribute band. From Kingston themselves, Road Apples formed in 1992 and quickly became the busiest and most sought after Hip tribute band in the country. This show will bring the fab Kingston’s five’s now iconic rock songs back to where they were first heard: a low-ceilinged, beer-stained bar packed with locals just needing a little a little liquid courage to keep going.
merchanttaphouse.com

Fluffy Little Cowboys

10 Can’t-Miss Concerts in Kingston, Ontario This June — Photo via Fluffy Little Cowboys.

Thursday, June 8, 8pm
Musiikki Café
The name Fluffy Little Cowboys is more than a little tongue in cheek for this alt-Americana female trio from PEI. They aren’t fluffy, they aren’t cowboys and their sound isn’t little. Think country, roots, folk and blues with spoken word and punk rock mixed in. They recently debuted their LP No Angel, and now Shelley, Maureen and Keelin are hitting the road, making a stop at this gem of a tiny whiskey bar on Brock Street.
musiikkicafe.com

YGK Craft Beer Fest

Saturday, June 10, 12pm – 8pm
Fort Henry
The fresh, local suds may be what draws you to the YGK Craft Beer Fest, but the full day of live music should keep you there. Bands are still being added to the lineup, but so far The Stares, Ambush and five-piece indie rock band Kasador are set to play. Kasador (pictured) released their self-titled debut just last year, but already they’ve appeared on the same bill as Canadian greats like Arkells, July Talk, Lights and Wintersleep. Catch what could be the next big Kingston band on the outdoor stage overlooking Lake Ontario.
$15
forthenry.com

Spencer Burton

Saturday, June 10, 5pm – 7:30pm
The Mansion
Southern Ontario singer-songwriter Spencer Burton first made his mark with Attack in Black and City and Colour before going solo in 2014. He brought the goods on his acoustic-driven LP Don’t Let the World See Your Love, and now he’s stepping up his game. His latest, Songs Of, was cut in Nashville and given the full-band treatment. It’s a sweeping follow-up that moves effortlessly between country-gospel weepers, gentle rustic odes and string-filled haunters. The Mansion’s Living Room should be the perfect soundstage for Burton’s deep resonant vocals.
$10
mansion.rocks

Supernatural Buffalo

Saturday, June 10, 8pm
Musiikki Café
When I first heard the song “Dime a Dozen” from this psychedelic four-piece, I thought instant summer jam. The layered, groovy dreamscape it creates — like many of Supernatural Buffalo’s tunes — is probably best enjoyed on your back on a dock. Or on a beach, watching the surf roll in. The band itself was formed in the town of Crystal Beach on the shores of Lake Erie and today plays across the country. Their promise: to “take you on a musical trip somewhere between earth and ethereal, grit and grace.”
musiikkicafe.com

The Pick Brothers Band

Wednesday, June 14, 8pm
The Mansion
The Pick Brothers are known as one of the hardest-working indie rock bands going, so it’s not surprising they’re finally getting the buzz they deserve. The three bros are from Toronto, but since 2013 they’ve been criss-crossing the country with, as they put it, a “familiar yet strange blend of high energy rocking with introspective creativity.” They’ve opened for The Sam Roberts Band, The Arkells, Houndmouth and others, and are now headlining their own shows with ease.
$10
mansion.rocks

Neon Dreams

Saturday, June 17, 9pm
The Mansion
This Halifax band has been one of the most successful fully independent Canadian acts in recent memory. Last year, their track “Marching Bands,” made with Kardinal Offishall, hit number 15 on the Canadian top 40 chart, and to date their EP To You has been streamed over 5 million times. You’ll definitely want to get up and move at this show if you’re any fan of electronic pop, especially if you like your EDM mixed with live instrumentation.
mansion.rocks

Scott Helman

Saturday, June 24, 7pm
The Mansion
Singer-songwriter Scott Helman is only 21, but he’s already an industry vet. When he was 15, he blew away a room full of Warner Music Canada executives. Four years later he had his first platinum-certified single with “Bungalow.” He went on to earn two Juno nominations, tour the U.S. and Europe, and play the 2015 MMVAs and 2016 Junos. His sound is rooted in guitar-driven pop and classic alternative rock.
$15
mansion.rocks

Bob Dylan and His Band Live

Tuesday, June 27, 8pm
Rogers K-Rock Centre
What can you say about an artist who has influenced music more than The Beatles? Who has won a Nobel Prize for Literature? Who has remained an original for over 50 years? Who never stops touring? Book loads, it turns out. So just go see him. You’ll hear new hits and classics like “Highway 61 Revisited” and “Tangled Up in Blue” — but probably not how you know them. Dylan plays what he wants how he wants, and that’s always changing. Thankfully that’s also always electrifying to watch.
$55 – $85
rogersk-rockcentre.com

Five weekly concert series also begin this month. Here are the details:

Music in the Park
Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, 12:30pm – 1:30pm
Confederation Park
downtownkingston.ca
Country Music in the Park
Thursdays, 7pm – 8pm
Confederation Park
downtownkingston.ca
Big Band Friday
Fridays, 7pm – 8pm
Courtyard in Market Square
downtownkingston.ca
Sounds on Sydenham
Saturdays, 1:30 – 2:30pm
Sydenham Street (between Menchies & Balzacs)
downtownkingston.ca
St. George’s Cathedral Summer Concerts
Thursdays
St. George’s Cathedral
stgeorgescathedral.ca

May 15, 2017March 27, 2023

Meet the Maker: John Clark of the Kingston Sail Loft

Even when the sky is cloudy, John Clark dreams in bright blues and whites. A lifelong boat enthusiast and sailmaker for almost 30 years, John has been providing quality handmade sails to Kingston’s boating community since 1988. With summer almost upon us, he’s been working harder than ever to outfit local sailors for the 2017 season.

John wasn’t always a Kingstonian, but was plenty aware of our rich sailing community from an early age.

“I’ve been coming to CORK (Canadian Olympic Regatta, Kingston – an annual regatta hosted in town) since I was about seven years old,” he says. “I’ve always loved Kingston, and it’s such a windy spot.”

He got his sailmaking start at Toronto’s North Sails in 1983, learning the ropes in a fast-paced, high-production environment. “When I worked in Toronto, it was the largest production loft in the world at the time,” he says. “It was a good way to learn, but it’s not what I wanted to do in the end.” In 1988, he made the move to K-town in search of a smaller, more hands-on experience, and set up shop as JC Sails, before partnering with Andy Soper to open the Kingston Sail Loft in 1999. “Andy is now semi-retired, and I’m running the shop on my own,” he says.

Some of John’s designs in action. Photo via Kingston Sail Loft.

John hard at work. Photo via Kingston Sail Loft.

An important characteristic of John’s operation is that every sail is handmade with care and passion, by someone who truly understands and loves sailing. While technology has created more convenient means of production, he prefers to stick to tried-and-true methods.

“I am not a computer guy. I learned to make sails using a stick on the floor, and I still make all my sails using a stick on the floor,” he says. “After fifty years of sailing, and thirty years of sailmaking, you become a pretty confident sailmaker.”

John says that the art of sailmaking is what keeps him passionate about his work. “I love building sails. It’s really a creative thing,” he says. “They’re all a little bit different – you get to pick your own materials, and change little things here and there, and you go through stages of making them just like an artist would. Every day here is different.”

He also shares his excitement for being able to help sailors stay on the water. “People come in here with damaged sails, and they’re really appreciative of the fact that I can fix them up, turn them around, and get them back out on the water,” he says. “I love that.” With so few other shops in the area – John is the only sailmaker in Kingston – he is single-handedly helping to keep Kingston’s sailing community afloat.

Sail bags, ready to go. Photo via Kingston Sail Loft.

His decision to build a sailmaking business in K-town was certainly no accident. “I definitely chose this city to set up shop,” says John. “The sailing community is huge, and it stretches out really far – there’s so many people from Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal who take up space here, as well as locals.” With the price of nearby cottages and waterfront properties on the rise, John predicts that the local boating community will only continue to grow. “There’s a lot more people getting into it – you can get a really decent boat for $10,000.”

The growing market, combined with his reputation for quality work, means that John is rarely sitting idle. But his other passion – actually getting out on the water himself – is never far from his mind. “Business is great right now, and I’m having fun! But I’m working 6 days a week, and hope to change that,” he says. He’s currently in the process of training an apprentice, with the hopes of having a bit more free time for himself.

“Hopefully soon I can get to a point where it’s blowing 17 knots from the southwest and I can get out and go kiting.”

May 10, 2017March 20, 2023

Kingston’s Tastiest Summer Food Events

The sun is beginning to shine down and the snow is finally gone, and we know that warmer, happier days lie just ahead. As you wind down the winter, don’t just dream about a summer full of fun – start planning now to make it happen! Kingston’s lineup of delightful and delicious summer food and drink events are the perfect starting point for mapping out your warm weather plans. These events will provide the perfect, mouthwatering basis for a day in YGK.

The Great Canadian Cheese Festival

Smooth, gooey, crumbly, sharp, mild, funky, or all of the above? Whatever your favourite kind of cheese, you’ll find it at the Great Canadian Cheese Festival. Situated in picturesque Picton, Ontario (just an hour from your hotel doorstep in Kingston!), this fest has everything a fromage fan could ask for. Sample and stock up on delicious Canadian-produced cheeses, meet the cheesemakers who craft your favourite products, take in a pairing or cooking seminar, or check out a live chef competition. And don’t forget to wash down all that cheesy indulgence with a few samples of local beers, wines, and ciders!
June 3-4

YGK Craft Beer Festival

There’s nothing like a frosty brew with friends. But add amazing music, finger-licking food, and a cool outdoor setting, and you’ve got a recipe for the perfect summer evening – which is exactly what you’ll find at the YGK Craft Beer Festival. This year’s event promises a staggering lineup of unique brews (including ciders!), delicious dining options from local food trucks and vendors, and tons of music to suit everyone’s tastes. It’s also the official after-party of Fort Henry’s Cannonball Crush obstacle race, and participants get free entry to the fest. Whether you’re a sweaty athlete looking to score a serious cheat meal, or a brew lover who just wants to chill in the grass and take in the sights, sounds, and tastes, the YGK Craft Beer Festival is a guaranteed good time.
Saturday, June 10 from 12pm – 8pm. This event is 19+.

Prepare your palate for fun, friends, and more beer than you can shake a stick at. Photo via pixabay.com/SchilderSchool

Chef Cooking Demos

Don’t miss downtown’s Chef Cooking Demos, where Kingston’s chefs pair with local producers to inspire delicious creativity in the kitchen. Each demo will feature a local chef talking about locally-sourced, in-season foods, and demonstrating a simple recipe that can be recreated at home. When you’re done being inspired, purchase everything you need to concoct these amazing meals from the farmer’s market – also located right in Springer Market Square!
Saturday, July 8 to Saturday, August 26

Check out live cooking demos you can make at home. Photo via pixabay.com/Pexels

150 Years of Canadian Culinary

To coincide with our country’s sesquicentennial, Sir John’s Public House has cooked up an event that celebrates Canada’s food heritage. Enjoy a dinner of small plates featuring venison, buffalo pemmican, gourmet poutine, and a dish from the first cookbook ever published in Canada. Savour these traditional delights as you listen to stories about the country’s past and watch live cooking demos. Your meal will also be complemented by local libations, and a fascinating lecture on Kingston’s brewing history.
Monday nights – July 10 to August 21

Indulge in heritage delights as you learn about Canada’s rich food history.
Photo via: Flickr.com/Daniel Lee

Taste of Kingston

Sample local delights – and help support Diabetes Canada – at Taste of Kingston. This family-friendly event draws city-dwellers and visitors alike to the scenic Confederation Basin to celebrate some of the city’s best and most creative fare. Over 20 food vendors, live entertainment, demonstrations, and contests will provide the perfect venue for a fun outing for the whole family. Taste of Kingston draws over 5,000 visitors each year, so make sure to plan your summer travels around this must-visit event!
Sunday, July 30 from 9:30am to 3pm

Kingston Food Tours

All summer long, you’ll have the chance to walk the streets of historic downtown Kingston, taste some of the fantastic local fare, and get an insider’s look at what makes this city so unique. Focusing on local restaurants, shops, artisans, and producers, Kingston Food Tours are a perfect way to experience the magic of Kingston.

Stroll the street and savour local fare on a Kingston Food Tour. Photo via flickr.com/Benjamin Thomas

Bayview Farm “Celebrate Local” Series

For an exclusive taste of Kingston’s thriving and collaborative local food community, make sure to visit Bayview Farm for one (or more!) instalments of their Celebrate Local series.

For the week of May 2 – 6, they will partner with the Ontario Water Buffalo Company to feature both meats and cheeses sourced from this humanely-run local farm, paired with local craft beers.
From June 6 – 10 they will welcome delectable Kingston-raised Wagyu beef from D.J. Cook’s Otter Creek Farm, served alongside a selection of wines from Prince Edward County.
July 4 – 8 will feature wood-fired breads and pizzas made from Against the Grain Farms’ organic barley and non-GMO purple corn, as well as Haanover farm-raised pork and rabbit terrine. These mouthwatering dishes will be complemented by tart and tasty Ontario ciders.
August 1 – 5 has been dubbed “Cheese-a-palooza”! Bayview’s menu will feature a variety of local cheeses in the company of distinctive reds and whites from Niagara wineries.

May 9, 2017July 15, 2024

9 Festivals to Hit This June in Kingston

Kingston’s festivals lineup this month includes real gems, plenty of cold craft beer and five days of solstice celebrating with people like Sarah Harmer and Fred Penner. Here are 9 of them to check out across the city in calendar order.

#1: Limestone Genre Expo

Saturday, June 3 – Sunday, June 4
St. Lawrence College

Calling all literary fans of fantasy, horror, mystery, romance and science fiction — this two-day Canadian genre fiction fest is back. Expect panel discussions and workshops, readings and pitch sessions, and more books to buy than your car’s suspension can probably handle. Over 50 authors will be there for you to meet, and there will be special events, too, like a Q&A with a forensic investigator from Kingston Police. $25 – $60. limestonegenreexpo.ca

#2: Beat Beethoven

Sunday, June 4, 10:30am
Downtown

Beat Beethoven Run at Fort Henry — Photo via Peter Stokes

Definitely one of the more original marathons in the province, Beat Beethoven challenges you to finish an 8 kilometre race or 4 kilometre fun run before the Kingston Symphony finishes playing 50 minutes of Ludwig’s best. Start at Confederation Park in front of City Hall and then head to the route around City Park or the course that goes to Sir John A. Macdonald Blvd. and back. More of a relaxer than a marathoner? Stay at the starting line and hang with the symphony. $30 – $45. kingstonsymphony.ca

#3: Cannonball Crush

Saturday, June 10, 9:30am – 12pm
Fort Henry

Cannonball Crush at Fort Henry — Photo via St. Lawrence Parks Commission

If Fort Henry wasn’t already difficult enough to attack, it definitely will be at this 5 kilometre run with 15 obstacles. Complete the course alone or with a team of at least four, but be prepared for running, climbing, crawling, swimming and more. The reward at the end will be free entry into the YGK Craft Beer Fest and the satisfaction of knowing you were one of the rare ones to conquer Fort Henry. $70 – $75 per person. forthenry.com

#4: YGK Craft Beer Fest

Saturday, June 10, 12pm – 8pm
Fort Henry

There are few better places to kick off Ontario Craft Beer Week than at this brew fest on Fort Henry Hill. Sip on special collaboration brews, exclusives and mainstays from breweries across the province, including five from the Kingston area. Pair with sweeping views of Lake Ontario, fresh local eats and live music from Kasador, a five-piece indie rock band from the city. $15. Free for kids. $7 for youth. Beer/food tickets extra. forthenry.com

#5: First Capital Day

Thursday, June 15, 9:30am – 2:30pm
City Park

First Capital Day in Kingston Ontario — Photo via Queens University Flickr CC

Kingston was named the first capital of a united Canada on June 15, 1841, and now this annual free fest brings that era back with hands-on historical displays and activities. Mayor Paterson and the Town Crier will kick things off at 9:45am, and then feel free to explore everything from early medicine to broadsword demos, woodworking to military drills, rope making to a puppet journey through the Great Lakes. Pack a picnic or enjoy the local eats you’ll find onsite. Free. cityofkingston.ca

#6: Doors Open Kingston

Saturday, June 17
Citywide

While many of the 25-plus doors on this festival’s list are open all year, Doors Open is always the best way to find out more about what’s inside. Think special guided tours of the Islamic Centre. Or a new exhibition at the Pump House Steam Museum focusing on bizarre objects from Kingston’s past. Or a walk through the Queen’s Solar Education Centre, which is used to test and create sustainable housing technologies. Free. doorsopenontario.on.ca

#7: DK Shop Fest 2017

Saturday, June 17
Downtown

DK ShopFest in Kingston — Photo via The Great Waterway

You may actually drop at this annual sidewalk sale, but it’ll be worth it because you probably won’t find as many specials and deals downtown on one day all year. Most businesses will have tables out on the sidewalks, and as usual it should be a great way to meet the local merchants who continue to make downtown such a vibrant place to work, live and play. Free. downtownkingston.ca

#8: Gemstorm 2017

Saturday, June 17 – Sunday, June 18
Cararaqui Arena

Gemstorm 2017 in Kingston — Photo via Kingston Lapidary And Mineral Club

Now in its 48th year, this annual gem and mineral show will feature over 45 dealers from Ontario and Quebec. They’ll display and sell everything from unique jewellery and crystal treasures to exotic fossils and gemstone carvings. There will also be a children’s mine and a jewellery workshop, as well as a food truck onsite. $5. Free for kids under 12. mineralclub.ca

#9: Skeleton Park Arts Festival

Wednesday, June 21 – Sunday, June 25
McBurney Park

Skeleton Parks Arts Festival in Kingston, Ontario — Photo via Christopher Canning

This summer solstice celebration is always one of the best fests of the year in Kingston, and that should hold true again in 2017. Sarah Harmer, Fred Penner, Justin Rutledge, Hidden Cameras, Minotaurs, Old Man Luedecke and many others are on the lineup for the all-day outdoor festivities on Saturday and Sunday. During the rest of the week, look forward to free morning yoga, a porch jazz parade, an artisan fair and way more. Everything takes place in and around McBurney Park (aka Skeleton Park). Free. skeletonparkartsfest.ca

May 4, 2017March 27, 2023

Chef Ian Arthur: Life at The Pig

If there’s one thing that Chez Piggy’s executive chef Ian Arthur exudes, it’s decency. He’s also humble and deeply reverent about the importance of food. “Food is the universal language,” he says. “It’s fundamental to everything. To our memories, our health, our relationships, our travels, and the future of the planet.”

Ian grew up homeschooled, on the land, on a small, organic market garden farm near Lyndhurst. His mother, Janette Haase (author of From the Seed to Table, 2009) was a server at Chez Piggy and also supplied the restaurant with produce from their farm. As a toddler, Ian would help with the deliveries up the back stairs of Chez Piggy to the kitchen. The very same kitchen where he’s now in charge. Though he’s strayed from home to travel to far flung bits of the world, Chez Piggy has featured prominently in Ian Arthur’s life.

Lindy Mechefske: Where did you find your love of food?
Ian Arthur: In Spain. Some winters when my parents shut our family farm down, we went to Spain. My father was a great cook and I learned young about food – about the incredible importance of quality ingredients and simplicity. In Spain, we’d eat fresh rabbit and duck and local oranges plucked straight from the trees. I still remember those exquisite tastes.

LM: How did you train to be a chef?
IA: My training probably began at a very young age, growing up with parents who were passionate about food. At university, I did a degree in International Development and worked part-time in a vegetarian co-operative café. When I graduated in 2008, I went to cook in Iceland for a year and learned to clean and cook fish properly. Unfortunately, while I was there, the Icelandic economy crashed and I lost everything. I had to come home and start again. Incredibly for me, I came back home to Chez Piggy. A full circle.

LM: How would you describe your cooking style?
IA: I like simple flavours. Not overly complicated food. I like to leave things alone – let them show off their own glory. I like seasonal foods. At the moment it’s ramps. I also love fish. But my style is very definitely influenced by my early days – the market garden and those winters spent in Spain. Unlike the French, who like fantastic but quite complicated food, the Spanish are the opposite: simplicity is paramount.

LM: Is there a chef you admire or a food book that inspires you?
IA: I think if I had to name a single chef, I’d say Dan Barber (Chef and co-owner of Blue Hill in Manhattan and Blue Hill at Stone Barns, in Tarrytown, NY). He’s at the forefront of a whole new movement that blurs the lines between dining, education, and farming. His book, The Third Plate, is the best food book ever written. I’m also an admirer of Gabrielle Hamilton, chef and owner of Prune Restaurant and author of Blood, Bones, and Butter.

LM: What misconceptions are there about Canadian food?
IA: I think the greatest misconception is that there is nothing novel happening in Canadian cooking. That’s not true. There are some fantastic changes afoot. Like Fogo Island Inn, perched at the edge of the earth off the remote Northeast Coast of Newfoundland, where diners sit looking out floor to ceiling plate glass windows to the iceberg-littered Atlantic Ocean, from where dinner has just been caught. And then there’s Chef Michael Smith’s team in his Prince Edward Island restaurant, FireWorks, named for the 25-foot-long, brick-lined, open wood burning fireplace where everything is cooked and then served family-style at long tables.

LM: What would you like to see change about Canadian food and cooking?
IA: This is a big question with a complex answer. I’d like to see a Canadian restaurant finally break the Top 100 Restaurants in the World list. Currently we have two honourable mentions but no Canadian restaurant has made the list recently. It’s not because of a lack of talent. We have the talent and resources to cook better food than people are generally willing to buy. Compared to other countries around the globe, we spend considerably less of our income per capita on groceries and food. And unlike France, for example, where people seek the very best quality food that money can buy, Canadians are more reluctant to spend money on very high quality food. I think that is slowly beginning to change and palates are evolving. Just as an example, we try make 100 percent of everything from scratch at Chez Piggy EXCEPT things like ketchup. People want Heinz not homemade! I’m hopeful though, that things are shifting in new directions and we’re going to see a lot of change ahead in how much we care about quality food and cooking. I think we’re going to see growing support of Canadian food producers and Canadian cuisine.

LM: When makes you happiest at work?
IA: Sous Chef, Matt Allen, is a great part of my happiness in the kitchen. He’s young and creative and fun to work with. But in general, I’m happy when the team is happy.

LM: What’s your favourite off duty, go-to-meal at home?
IA: Halibut. A good burger. And on a hot summer night – oysters and wine.
LM: If you could cook with anyone at all, who would you choose?
IA: Chef Francis Mallman, of Patagonia, who does all these intense burnt flavours by cooking with fire and clay. Because of all the things I’d learn.

LM: What do you value most in life?
IA: First up: family. Mother, brother, young cousin Derek. All my family. I like setting goals and working towards things and I’m incredibly pragmatic so I like fixing up houses and of course, making food. Also, playing hockey. But ultimately, I’d like to do practical things on a bigger scale so I’m running for the NDP nomination for Kingston and the Islands because I care deeply about this community and worry about our future.

LM: Who are a few of your favourite local suppliers?
IA:
Enright Cattle Company
Forman Farms
Honey Wagon Farms
Patchwork Gardens
Reinink Family Farms
The Kitchen Garden
The Whalesbone Sustainable

Chez Piggy Restaurant, 68 Princess street, Kingston, is open for lunch (brunch on Sunday) and dinner, seven days a week. For more information please visit www.chezpiggy.ca or call 613.549.7673

Lindy Mechefske is the award-winning author of Sir John’s Table and A Taste of Wintergreen. You can find her blogging about her adventures in the kitchen at lindymechefske.com

April 28, 2017April 4, 2023

15 Can’t-Miss Concerts in Kingston This May

When a month’s live music lineup kicks off with Tanya Tagaq and ends with a tribute to Johnny Cash, you know it’s going to be a prime month for concerts. Especially when legends like Sam Roberts and Charley Pride are peppered in between along with stellar up-and-comers like Close Talker and Lost Cousins. Such is the case for the concert lineup in Kingston this May. Here’s the lowdown on 15 to check out.

Tanya Tagaq Accompanies the Silent Film Nanook of the North

May 3, 7:30pm
The Grand Theatre
Seeing Inuk throat singer and Polaris Prize winner Tanya Tagaq live is unlike any concert experience you’ve probably had. Her intense, evocative vocalizations create a powerful emotional soundscape, and on this night she’ll use them to help reclaim the controversial 1922 film Nanook of the North. Tagaq, along with percussionist Jean Martin and violinist Jesse Zubot, perform a live accompaniment to the film’s silent images of life in an early 20th-century Inuit community in Northern Quebec. $19.50 – $39.50. kingstongrand.ca

A Tribute to Elvis in Concert

May 4, 7:30pm
The Grand Theatre
Since The King’s death in 1977, tens of thousands of impersonators have tried to recreate his music and magic. Few have truly succeeded, but two that have are Toronto’s Pete Paquette and the UK’s Chris Connor. Backed by and eleven-piece band, this world-renowned duo has played to thousands of Elvis fans across the country. Now it’s your turn to put on your blues suede shoes and see what all the fuss is about. $49. kingstongrand.ca

Battle of the Bands

May 5, 7:30pm
Ale House & Canteen
The Juvenis Festival’s band battle is always a highlight of the week-long youth arts celebration. This year six local youth bands will play their hearts out on the Ale House’s stage for the coveted title of best band. The four judges include Paul Langlois (The Tragically Hip), Emily Fennell (Miss Emily recording artist), Michael George (Broken Charts Records) and Zane Whitfield (North of Princess Studios). $10. All ages. juvenisfestival.ca

Mark Herman Performs on Canada’s Largest Theatre Organ

May 5, 7:30pm
Kingston Korean Church
Since 1981, some of the world’s best organists have visited Kingston to see and play Canada’s largest theatre pipe organ. Now it’s Mark Herman’s turn. Hailing from Indianapolis, Indiana, Herman is one of the one of the busiest young theatre organists playing today, performing more than 30 concerts and silent film presentations each year across the world. $8 – $25. ktos.ca

The Mikado, Unstaged

May 6, 7:30pm
Sydenham Street United Church
The Mikado is a comic opera in two acts and one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most loved operettas. Set in the 1880s in the imaginary Japanese town of Titipu, the satire offers sharp commentary on contemporary English society. This concert version of the opera will be performed by Orchestra Kingston and the Kingston Choral Society. $5 – $25. kingstonchoralsociety.ca

HomeGrown Live Music Festival

May 6
Citywide
Now in its ninth year, this one-day live music fest is all about celebrating the local music scene while supporting local charities and causes. As usual each of the 13 participating venues this year will feature performers in a similar genre. Sir John A’s Pub is all about folk music, for example, while at The Mansion expect psychedelic, at Blu Martini rock and at Musiikki electroacoustic. This year’s proceeds go to the Joe Chithalen Memorial Musical Instrument Lending Library. All-access bracelet: $10. homegrownlive.ca

Melos Presents “Da Roma a Venezia”: Baroque Music of Italy

May 7, 3pm
St. George’s Cathedral
This afternoon of choral, solo and instrumental works from the 17th and 18th centuries should be a fantastic tribute to Italy’s Baroque musical traditions. Expect to hear Allegri’s Miserere mei, Handel’s Dixit Dominus and the works of Marcello, Scarlatti and Vivaldi. Kingston’s renowned Melos Choir and Period Instrumental Ensemble will be your guide. St. George’s Cathedral, with its incredible acoustics and architecture, will be your setting. $5 – $25. melos-earlymusic.org

Hollerado

May 10, 9pm
Ale House & Canteen
Formed in 2007, Ottawa indie rockers Hollerado have gone on to tour the world, get nominated for three Junos and release three albums, including their latest, Born Yesterday, which came out in April. Expect a high-energy, power-pop show that, with the Ale House’s intimate but rollicking vibe, will make you feel like you’re rocking out onstage with the four-piece band. $20. thealehousekingston.ca

SaDunya Kingston Arts Festival Experience #001

May 10, 9pm
The Mansion
Think of this show as a teaser for the SaDunya Festival, a world music and arts fest set to take place in Kingston in 2018. One performance will feature Sengalese guitarist UMARO and Kingston percussionist Dough van der Horden. Another, a Latinos concert with the Son Latino Band and artists from Kingston and Latin America. The third, a drums and painting collaboration with Yessica Rivera Belsham and Ndate Sylla. $15 – $20. sadunyaartsfestival.com

Close Talker with Lost Cousins

May 10, 9pm
The Grad Club
The Grad Club’s stage area almost feels like a living room, so psychedelic soul rockers Lost Cousins should feel right at home. The four-piece band played their first shows in the living room of their Kingston student house before going on to reach the top 10 in the CBC’s Searchlight competition. Close Talker is an indie rock trio from Saskatoon with two releases under their belt and numerous tours throughout North America and Europe. Since becoming a trio in 2015, the band has honed their craft, creating a more vast and iconic sound that is turning heads and drawing crowds. $13. queensgradclub.wordpress.com

Sam Roberts Band

May 12, 8pm
Springer Market Square
This free outdoor concert should be the perfect closing to The Breakout Project, a three-day social innovation festival at Fort Henry. Like the cross-disciplinary nature of the fest, Sam Roberts Band has universal appeal for almost any rock fan. Since bursting onto the Canadian music scene in 2002, the Montreal-based band has won six Junos and five Much Music Video Awards. Translation: get to this show early — it’s going to be a big one. Free. thebreakoutproject.com

Charley Pride

May 15, 7pm
The Grand Theatre
Country music legend Charley Pride has been performing his own special brand of country music for over 50 years. He has 36 number one hits to his name, and his most memorable tunes include “Kiss an Angel Good Morning,” “Just Between You and Me” and “Is Anybody Goin to San Antone.” Pride has always loved touring Canada, saying this country has some of the greatest, most loyal fans in the world. Over 700 of them will likely be waiting for him at the beautifully restored Grand Theatre. $93.17 – $129.17. kingstongrand.ca

Songs from Les Misérables and Miss Saigon

Les Miserables in Kingston — Photo via FlickrCC: StevenPisano

May 26, 7:30pm
The Grand Theatre
Whether you’ve seen Les Misérables and Miss Saigon or not, you won’t want to miss this tribute to two of the most popular Broadway musicals ever. It’s rare that this calibre of world-class musical performers grace the same stage, and it’s even rarer that that stage is in such an intimate, acoustically-sound space as The Grand Theatre. $54.50. kingstongrand.ca

Kingston Community Strings Celebrate Canada’s 150th Birthday at The Isabel

May 26, 7:30pm
Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts
This community-based string group meets weekly for the pleasure of making music together. In celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday, this concert will feature an all-Canadian program, including works by three Kingston composers: Cliff Crawley, John Palmer and Danielle Lennon. The performance of the Crawley piece, A Group of Seven, will include projections of paintings by the seven Canadian artists. $15. theisabel.ca

The Man in Black

May 27, 7:30pm
The Grand Theatre
Though Johnny Cash died almost 14 years ago, you’d be forgiven for thinking he was still alive after seeing this show. Shawn Barker is considered the pre-eminent Johnny Cash tribute artist today, and he’s a dead ringer to a young Cash. Expect to hear tunes from the Man in Black’s full library, including his early hits, those made famous with June Carter Cash and those he was making right up to his death in September 2003. $45. kingstongrand.ca