Food Truck Travels: Kelly’s
On my journey through Kingston sampling food at a variety of food trucks, I have tasted some delicious meals, and some wonderful snacks. There was always one food truck I saw and wanted to try, but I never had the chance until my car needed an oil change at the Canadian Tire on Princess and Bath.
As I dropped the car off, I noticed Kelly’s Food Truck setting up, and thought 11:00 a.m. was too early. However, my car would be done in an hour, and I would then be ready to eat. As I left to take the kids to the YMCA for an 11:00 a.m. swim, I checked to make sure Kelly would be there when I got back, and I was assured that the food truck was there every day of the week from 11a.m. to 2 p.m.
Our swim ended, and by the time we left the YMCA, Canadian Tire called saying the car was ready. My wife picked us up and dropped me at Canadian Tire, taking the kids home. I was alone, and free to enjoy my meal. I picked up my car keys, and then headed for the parking lot for lunch.
Ordinarily I would rarely dine in the parking lot of a big box store, but I couldn’t help myself – they had poutine on the menu.
I was met by a friendly man, whom I presume is Kelly, and scanned over the menu. I thought about getting a sausage, but was politely informed that it was sold out. Then I saw a poutine, and I knew that was a definite purchase. As filling as poutine is, I knew I would want more, so I ordered a hot dog and a drink.
Then I waited for my order. You might expect a quick turn around at a food truck with pre- cooked meals being reheated in a microwave. In some cases, you will find that, and truthfully, that was what I expected from Kelly’s. I was so happy to be waiting. This let me know that they were taking the time to prepare the meal. Care with the preparation of the food must mean that they care about the taste, which meant lunch was going to be delicious.
When my order was finally served to me, I couldn’t have been happier. While I waited, several people stopped and ordered as well, and I was about 2nd in line. My hot dog was a large size wiener, sliced down the middle, and grilled to perfection.
My poutine was a mountain of fries, coated with ample amounts of gravy, and multitudes of cheese curds spread out through the stack. I was very happy with my meal and left for my car. I wanted to sit down and enjoy my lunch.
The hotdog was gone in minutes and didn’t disappoint. I could have and should have ordered a second. The poutine was really the main course, and with the ample amounts of fries, I knew it would take some time to digest.
Biting into the poutine, I was met with delectable crunchy fries, covered in the medium-thick gravy. It was one of the best poutines I’ve had this summer. I loved the variety of tastes and ate much of my meal in the car looking out onto Bath Road from the car. I thought at the start of the summer, food trucks usually came to locations like parks, and part of the joy I had from dining at food trucks was not only discovering good food, but the nice views that came along with them.
I was wrong. The view is a bonus, but ultimately the appeal of food trucks is the food. I was pleasantly surprised by Kelly’s Food Truck and will make a trip back to try their sausages. I never thought getting an oil change could be so delicious.
Kelly’s Food Truck is usually at the Canadian Tire on Bath and Princess Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 2p.m. If you get a chance, check them out. They have more than enough food to meet anyone’s appetite.
It’s been a fun summer driving around Kingston and checking out the Food Truck scene. Though I wrote about only a few, there are many more out there, which I will have to get to next summer.
Bill Gowsell was born and raised in Kingston. With an interest in history, food, wine, and all things Disney, Bill has been writing for the last eight years on a variety of topics. During the summers he can be found at the family cottage north of Kingston, or at the bottom of Lake Ontario… scuba diving.