Kingston’s Culinary Culture and the Rosemount Inn an Spa

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 Kingston’s Culinary Culture and the Rosemount Inn an Spa


BY BRYAN LAVERY

 With a diversity of annual festivals and events year-round, Kingston is known to celebrate its renowned culinary culture. In downtown Kingston, history comes alive in the architecture and distinguished limestone buildings that have been preserved and enhanced and now house numerous stylish cafes and unique restaurants. The downtown has over 100 restaurants in a 9 block area. In fact, I have been told that there are more restaurants per capita than anywhere else in Canada.
Rosemount Inn and Spa




 A get-away to Kingston is made all the more appealing and relaxing when you stay at Innkeeper, Holly Doughty’s welcoming Rosemount Inn and Spa, an 1850’s Tuscan-style villa located in the heart of the downtown. The Rosemount is the personification of hospitality and comfort. Flare magazine once referenced the Rosemount Inn the “best B&B experience in Canada.” The inn’s 11 rooms and chalet-style coach house, all with ensuite baths and comfortable beds —are well- appointed with period antiques, decorative castings and arched, leaded windows. The recently restored ornate cast iron fence on limestone base, frames the villa and the extensive gardens. Interlocking paths and driveway are in tumbled stone.

A good gourmet breakfast at the Inn might comprise a selection of fresh fruit, seasonal salad and perfectly-done omelettes or a seasonal quiche served in the dining room. The signature house speciality of Welsh toast with fresh berries, warmed local maple syrup and crème fraîche will help fortify you to discover the nearby 1000 Islands and Kingston’s many cultural venues. Doughty and her team also serve an afternoon tea in the dazzling front parlour.  http://www.rosemountinn.com/RosemountDining.htm

Kingston's Farmers' Market




In the summer, Kingston by Fork offers two culinary walking tours or they will customize one for 12 participants or more. On Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, to coincide with the days the Market Square open-air market is open, (established in 1801 it is the oldest continuous market in Canada) it guides guests on a tour of the market and a few other local venues. http://www.kingstonbyfork.com/

 Le Chien Noir Bistro

What draws us to Le Chien Noir (besides a knowledgeable recommendation from Holly Doughty and front of house manager, Gary Rowsell) is its idiosyncratic take on farm- to-table cuisine, accompanied by a sturdy list of VQA wines, many from nearby Prince Edward County. Located steps from the Kingston's historic Market Square (established in 1801) just a few blocks from the waterfront, the Le Chein Noir is located on the Brock Street Common. Lower Brock Street has been an established commercial area since the 1820's. Le Chien Noir is situated in stylishly refurbished and renovated Victorian premises. A diverse clientele frequents the vibrant, engaging, comfortable restaurant with faux tin ceiling, retro art deco lighting fixtures, exposed brick walls, wood surfaces and mirrored accents. The long and spacious zinc bar at the entrance is a focal point with its large crystal chandeliers.
 Chef Derek MacGregor has a reputation for referencing both the local terroir and the quintessence of French county fare for inspiration. MacGregor is a proponent of Kingston's Local Food - Local Chefs initiative which raises awareness of regional food products, producers and farm-to-table chefs in the area.


Read my review here: http://ethicalgourmet.blogspot.ca/2014/01/kingston-ontario-modern-farm-to-table.html




Chez Piggy's Courtyard 
Rose Richardson and Zal Yanovsky (formerly of the rock band, “The Lovin’ Spoonful”) restored an abandoned limestone livery stable, tucked away behind old brick buildings off a quaint courtyard and launched the iconic Chez Piggy, a dining experience that helped make Kingston a  culinary destination. "the pig," as it is known locally, plus its nearby bakery: Pan Chancho, with its hospitable staff attracts an enduring, faithful clientele. We love al fresco dining on the private courtyard.
Cooke’s Fine Foods and Coffee
No visit to downtown Kingston would be complete without a visit to Cooke’s Fine Foods and Coffee a local culinary landmark. This gourmet food specialty shop and coffee roastery, founded in 1865, retains its old world ambience with its original wooden counters, pressed metal ceiling and intelligent staff.

Close by, Prince Edward County with its proximity to Kingston makes for a perfect day trip. Travellers from Kingston can access Prince Edward County by way of Glenora Ferry on picturesque Highway 33 East. A stunning island adventure, Prince Edward County is a mecca for artists, nature enthusiasts, wine lovers and culinary tourists.

Rosemount Inn & Spa, 46 Sydenham Street South, Kingston, Ontario
Celebrating 25 years in business with the best guests in town!
Founding member of the Historic Inns of Kingston 2003
1- 613-531-8844  /   1-888-871-8844
http://www.rosemountinn.com/



Chez Piggy, 68R Princess St, Kingston ON 613-549-7673 http://www.chezpiggy.com

Cooke’s Fine Foods and Coffee, 61 Brock Street, Kingston, ON 613-548-7721 http://www.cookesfinefoods.com/


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