Continuing my tradition of indulging at @martinpicard epic @cabaneaupieddecochon, this year`s harvest season happened to be their ALL STAR EDITION!!๐คฉ๐คฉ
This meant they would be `reviving some of their old and most beautiful harvest dishes ever conceived.` And they didn`t disappoint!! ๐๐ Indulgence taken to new heights!!
Here is the incredibly tasty lineup that was feasted on: ๐ Scallop with mushrooms and corn coulis ๐ฆ Duck tartar with shiso leaves ๐ Pizza: tomato pie with Dijon bechamel sauce ๐ฅ Burrata fruit salad: cucumbers, plums, mint leaves, melon coulis, and croutons ๐ Salt cooked Trout with leek, tomato, and lobster bisque ๐ Squash soup: squash, Foie Gras, Amaretti biscuits, gruyรจre cheese, and honey crisp apples ๐ Lamb saddle with pork fat, sausages, and creamy polenta with a pepper sauce ๐ Stuffed eggplant with smoked ham and tomato vodka sauce ๐ฆ๐ Shepherds pie with duck and pork ๐ฅ๐ฐ Carrot cake: Classic staple recipe. Sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, and pumpkin seeds served with a carrot juice jelly ๐ฅง Apple pie with maple syrup, Foie Gras and cheddar cheese crรจme fraรฎche ๐ซChoux pastry and chocolate ganache with raspberry cream and mint. Berries and herbs were picked directly from the on-site garden
It is an incredible feast for those who enjoy ingredients cooked and elevated in the most creative way!!
"Cook with love always, and people will feel it" - Chef @antonyannick70
It was a pleasure and honour to witness Chef Yannick Anton from @lecordonbleuottawa receive the Chevalier de L`Ordre du Mรฉrite Agricole.
This award, bestowed by the French Ministry of Agriculture, recognizes his contribution to promoting French culture in Ottawa and across Canada through his work as a chef and culinary instructor. ๐จ๐ต ๐จ๐ฆ๐งโ๐ณ
Read about his extraordinary career in my article published in the Fall issue of @luxeottawamagazine
A lifelong passion for his craft - Congratulations again, Chef!!๐ ๐คฉ
It`s been a busy couple of weeks, but I wanted to share the love on this `must visit` eatery.๐๐
It was a treat to discover and dine at @amusekanata! This charming restaurant delivers BIG on flavourful dishes. It`s perfect for sharing and discovering new ingredients. A true gem! ๐ฅ๐
Here is the list of the tasty dishes that my table enjoyed: ๐ง TORCHED BRIE ๐ TUNA AND SCALLOP TARTARE ๐ฅฉ STEAK TARTARE ๐ฅฉ BISON CARPACCIO ๐ MUSHROOMS ON TOAST ๐ง HALOUMI ๐LAMB SHANK
Both the restaurant ambiance and hospitality were top-notch...A must try! ๐๐
Vegas wouldnโt be complete without visiting Freemont Street and taking in breathtaking sunset views from @stratvegas Tower. ๐๐
Experiencing a ride to the top of the Tower, at 1,149 feet tall - the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States for a 2nd time, did not disappoint!! ๐ฑ๐
Several years ago I experienced the thrill of the X-SCREAM roller coaster - it "teeter totters you over the edge of theย Tower from 866 feet high,ย propellingย riders head first 27 feet over the edge of theย tower. After being shot over the edge, passengers are dangled weightlessly above the Las Vegas Strip before being pulled back and propelled again. " ๐ฑ๐ฑ๐ข It was a BLAST, but this time around, I was a viewer... perhaps on my next visit ๐
Seeing the Vegas views and watching the incredible visual display of the @spherevegas was incredible.
Indulgence of any kind is a good one in my book, and indulging in a carnivorous feast at the award-winning Bazaar Meat by Josรฉ Andrรฉs, Las Vegas was EPIC!!๐คฉ๐คฉ๐
The attention to detail from both the back and front of the house was beyond exceptional. It was a true celebration of meat! ๐ฅฉ๐ฅฉ
I was in a very addictive meat trance - I loved every dish.๐ฆช๐ฅฉ๐๐
For the outstanding carnivore feast, these are the dishes that I feasted on:
โณ๏ธ Buttered Potato Purรฉe: butter, butter, more butter, some potatoes.๐ฑ๐ So silky smooth, it should be illegal!!
It was a bucket list item of mine to eat at this award-winning restaurant by this outstanding chef and humanitarian. ๐๐
Chef @chefjoseandres is founder of @wckitchen World Central Kitchen - first in the frontlines providing fresh meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises. A real inspiration ๐
Hello Arizona, and your jaw-dropping natural wonders! ๐๐
I didn`t think I could make the long bus ride from Vegas to Arizona to see the beautiful Canyon "X" in 40ยฐ degree heat... but I made it. It was hot, BUT it was sooo worth it!!
Light peaking through the incredibly beautiful and surprisingly smooth Canyon X was just spectacular. It`s amazing what nature can create. Canyon X is a hidden treasure in the heart of the Navajo Nation.
The 2nd photo displays why the canyon is called Canyon "X" - the opening of the canyon with the sky in the backdrop naturally forms the "X" formation.
Overall, the canyon trip surpassed all of my expectations, and I`m happy that I had the opportunity to see the canyon up close and be in the moment, on the sacred land. ๐๐
From Nevada โก๏ธ Utah โก๏ธ Arizona to visit and explore incredible natural sights, including the famous Horseshoe Bend.
It was an incredible day seeing this sight up close.๐๐
The stunning Horseshoe Bend in @visit_arizona also referred to as the "east rim of the Grand Canyon". A geologic masterpiece sculpted by the Colorado River. I must admit that I was nervous taking these photo, as there are no rails or gates to prevent any accidents...and it`s very slippery. ๐ฑ
It was the perfect day to explore and get away from the glitz and bright lights of Vegas...atleast for a brief time๐๐
A getaway at the stunning @resortsworldlv, specifically Crockfords Hotel, made for a great trip to disconnect, have fun, and discover new things!๐น๐ธ๐ฐ
Nightlife on the strip is a sensory overload... but that`s part of the fun๐
Delicious mojitos by the Crockfords pool made the scorching 40ยฐdegree weather bearable.๐ฅต๐ฅต๐น๐น
The mind-blowing @spherevegas is a literal driving distraction - its graphics are simply amazing!!๐ฑ๐ฑ
Love seeing the Venetian gondolas in action.
Stay tuned for some tasty activities, including some beautiful desert sights! ๐
An evening out to @anabellaskitchenandlounge was exactly what I needed...friendly hospitality, tasty flavourful dishes, and the perfect ambiance to enjoy a beautiful outing. ๐๐
Amongst the appetizers, I chose their HIGHLY addictive zucchini crisps, which were the bomb!! This is one dish where you wish they had endless offerings!! ๐๐
Another tasty appetizer was their arancini - simply flavourful. And the piece de rรฉsistance was their refreshing grilled Halloumi Salad. It was watermelon sweet and Halloumi salty...Simply perfect! They nailed this salad with all the different flavours.
Yesterday afternoon, I had the privilege of attending the "buffets des chefs," a delicious gathering at the French Embassy @franceaucanada in partnership with the Disciples dโEscoffier Canada. @disciples_escoffier_canada ๐จ๐ต๐จ๐ฆ
This tasty celebration included Disciples dโEscoffiers, chefs from @lecordonbleuottawa and @maisonoddo ๐จโ๐ณ๐ฉ๐ผโ๐ณ
The culinary event also included @veroniquerivest renown sommelier and owner of @soifbaravin being awarded as Knight in The Order of Agricultural Merit (Ordre du Mรฉrite agricole) for her constant promotion of oenology and French wines and terroirs. It is an order of merit bestowed by the French Republic for outstanding contributions to agriculture and food/gastronomy. Bravo!! ๐ท๐ท๐ ๐
Another special moment included the induction of Ambassador Michel Miraillet as a new Disciple. When a new Disciple is inducted, he then undertakes to respect the Escoffier Spirit by taking this oath: "I vow to pass, serve and honor the cuisine, its culture and its continuing evolution".๐๐
Guests were spoiled with an endless assortment of French appetizers and delectable sweets, all with whom were created by talented chefs who are driven by passion. ๐๐ฉ๐ผโ๐ณ๐จโ๐ณ
Those who know me know I`m weak for tasty popcorn and @fromfarmtotablecanada spoiled me with theirs!! ๐ฟ ๐
Proudly Ontario-made and woman-owned, From Farm to Table Canada has debuted their limited-edition CNE Kettle Corn in collaboration with the Canadian National Exhibition @letsgototheex for the 2024 season.Their beautiful package illustrations captures the fun that we have, when at the CNE ๐ข.
It`s the perfect blend of sweet and salty - my favourite!! ๐
They are available in two sizes: Family Bag and Grab & Go. Sold online as well as in retail chains and many independent stores.
This must-have snack for the summer is available until Labour Day.
A couple of evenings ago, I had the pleasure and honour of being invited by my alma mater, @lecordonbleuottawa to witness Chef @antonyannick70 be awarded France`s L`Ordre du mรฉrite agricole, the highest civilian honour from the embassy @franceaucanada ๐
This distinction recognizes the contributions of Chef Yannick to promote French culture in Canada and Ottawa specifically - through his work as a chef and instructor at Le Cordon Bleu Institute in Ottawa.
Special moments of the evening included Ambassador of France to Canada, Michel Miraillet sharing with guests the numerous accomplishments that Chef Yannick Anton has accomplished over the years. Simply remarkable!!๐๐ A very touching and inspiring moment came when Chef Yannick Anton gave praise and gratitude to his mentors, who helped him attain his dream in the culinary industry. He also reminded the graduating class of chefs to always have a vision and to never let it go.๐จโ๐ณ๐ฉ๐ผโ๐ณ๐
And it wouldn`t be a celebration without some tasty treats that exude French flare! They even had chocolate graduation hats - very cute and apropo ๐๐
I had the pleasure this week to dine at @raphaelperuviancuisine AND what an experience!! ๐
Fresh exotic ingredients combined with warm hospitality made for a great evening out.๐ฅ๐ฅ
The Mahi Mahi`s flavours and interesting crunch texture by the chulpe (Peruvian dried corn kernels) was my favourite!!๐ The causa de pulpo ๐ and the anticuchos ๐ฅฉ were also just as tasty. And to wash it all down, I tried the Ica cocktail with its flaming sugar cube - strong but equally addictive ๐
Looking forward to tasting more of their dishes! ๐
It helps when an interesting destination is discussed and tasty dishes are shared!โ๏ธ๐ฝ
Big thanks to @phillydiscover for informing me on the unique attractions that Philadelphia has to offer and to @playfoodwine for their exceptional hospitality!๐
A delicious fish cake followed by the braised beef cheek and ramp gnocchi hit all the right notes. However, I couldn`t help myself from indulging on their grilled Sourdough Bread With Caramelized Butter...Ridiculously ADDICTIVE ๐ฅ ๐๐
A recipe for tasty success - this is what A Taste for Life Ottawa is all about.
Last evening, generous restaurants like @faunaottawa opened their doors to patrons who dined and donated to support people living with HIV in our communities.
What more could you ask for?! Stellar dishes while supporting a great cause!!โบ๏ธ
Fresh meaty Malpeque oysters ๐ฆช๐ฆช and tasty tempura mushrooms ๐ as appetizers to a mouth-watering meat fest. Say hello to a 80 day dry aged ribeye for 2 and the tastiest duck breast I`ve ever had!!๐ฒ๐๐๐
Because those dishes weren`t indulgent enough, a basque style cheesecake had to be tasted!!๐๐
A great cause and annual tradition that I`m proud to support and be a part of! โค๏ธ
Learning about new destinations and different cultures is always a blast! ๐
Several evenings ago, I had the pleasure of being invited to the Embassy of the Czech Republic๐
Learning about their culture, their unique travel experiences, and surprisingly, how inexpensive this country is, when compared to other European destinations, is always good๐ฐ๐ฐ
To start the Czech Tourism event, guests had the pleasure to hear from Czech Republic Ambassador of Canada, Martin Tlapa.
Tasty libations and Czech dishes were enjoyed by the guests. Even though I enjoy my ๐พ bubbles, I enjoyed tasting Czech`s prized beer ๐๐ป