By admin on April 26, 2013
POWDERING THE NOSE
No, I’m not talking about the 1980’s lingo of enjoying some ‘nose candy’ when referring to powdering the nose. I’m referring to the one place where it can make or break an eating experience…the bathroom.
As more and more restaurants are show casing their open concept kitchens it gives the patrons a false illusion that there is nothing to hide, this is somewhat true however many fail to remember the importance of a clean stocked bathroom. What we can easily take for granted when going to a restaurant like having accessible rolls of toilet paper can quickly turn a normal restaurant experience to one of sheer nightmare (remember the old classic Seinfeld episode where Elaine famously said “can you spare a square”). As a patron, we shouldn’t have to think of these types of details. We shouldn’t have to think about toilet paper rolls, if there’s enough paper towels, enough hand soap to be used and so on. These basic details should be a given to those responsible of the restaurant. Cleanliness of the bathroom (bathroom stalls, counters, sinks, mirrors, toilets, doors and floors) says a lot about the eatery.
As a woman if should feel confident to walk in the washroom knowing that everything is clean and kept clean throughout the service. One pet peeve that still blows my mind regarding women’s bathrooms (sorry men, I can only speak for our bathrooms) is the lack of hooks for our purses and coats. If owners just took one moment to think about where us women will have to place our purses if there are no available hooks, I am sure they would take the whole five minutes it takes to drill 2 screws and install one. Women are left to place their purses on their laps, at the back of the toilet and god forbid the unmentionable of all places….the godforsaken floor! I don’t care how clean you say your floor is – just the mere thought of placing my purse on a bathroom floor makes me want to hurl. What’s scarier and more disturbing is the fact that thousands of women have no issues doing this practice as they also have no qualm placing that very same purse on the table after the fact. Can you start envisioning the transmittal of germs? I digress…
Many restaurants have taken the time to really set themselves apart when it comes to toiletry details. It’s amazing what some freshly scented hand soap and hand lotion can do to a patron. Having said that there is also a well thought out thought process that must go with it as you don’t want to risk offending patrons with a heavily perfumed soap that will numb your senses or god forbid have that generic foam soap that we all have experienced (most big food chains have them in their bathrooms). The smell of that foam soap is utterly disgusting to me. Aside from soap and hand lotion – what sets apart some restaurants from others is the attention to detail that us women are so appreciative too. We are talking about a smorgasbord of toiletries to use at our disposal should you want and more importantly need them. Such toiletries include hair sprays, deodorants (spray on of course), Q-tips and an array of personal hygiene products.These restaurants show that they really have put thought and attention to detail for their patrons.
So the next time you happen to use the washrooms, just take a moment to notice if the owners of the restaurant have put any thought in regards to you and your needs.
Sincerely,
FT
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
Bravo to you all!!๐๐
#foodblogger #travelblogger #foodphotography #foodporn #escoffier #disciplesescoffier #knighted #culinary #induction #frenchcuisine #frenchfood #culinaryevent #buffets #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodtease #celebration #ifwtwa1 #tmac
Jun 28
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.
Get yours today and enjoy!!๐ฟ๐ฟ
Jun 27
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
Bravo Chef!!๐
Jun 22
Muy Caliente!!๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐
With the insanely hot weather, nothing is more refreshing than this tasty Brazilian lemonade with some @bacardi Gold
Rum for the win!!๐คฉ๐
And let me tell you, a pitcher was made...as it`s THAT delicious!!
At this rate, I will finally start to enjoy the summer heat...providing I have my `special` lemonade!๐
Cheers!
#foodblogger #travelblogger #cocktails #cocktailporn #brazilianlemonade #braziliandrink #summerdrinks #bacardi #rum #summerheat #summerheatwave #lemonadeforadults #thefoodteasedrinks #ifwtwa1 #tmac #enjoylife #enjoythemoment
Jun 17
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
#foodblogger #travelblogger
#foodphotography #foodporn #peruvian #peruvianfood #peruviancuisine #supportlocal #localrestaurant #mahimahi #peruviancorn #newexperiences #diningout #thefoodtease #thefoodteaseeats #ifwtwa1 #tmac
Jun 2
After a long day, a rich and tasty avocado, egg and bacon salad was the way to go!!๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐
And the piรจce de rรฉsistance, triple-cream Brie with @artisinbakery baguette - the perfect match for such a meal.
At this rate, indulgence should be my nickname ๐
#foodblogger #foodporn #travelblogger #foodphotography #indulgence #longday #avocado #triplecream #baguette #frenchcuisine #enjoylife #luxelife #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodtease #ifwtwa1 #fwt #tmac
May 16
Always a student and always learning๐
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
Looking forward to discovering new regions! ๐
#travelblogger #foodblogger #discovering #discoverphiladelphia #philadelphia #philadelphialove #play #playrestaurant #supportlocal #travelmediaca #tmac #ifwtwa1 #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodteasedrinks
Apr 20
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
#foodblogger #travelblogger #foodporn #tasteforlife #greatcause #hivcharity #fauna #support #supportlocal #ottawarestaurants #supportlocal #donation #aidscharity #aidsawareness #hiv #thefoodteaseeats #ifwtwa1 #tmac #travelmediaca
Apr 19
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
On the bucket list to discoverโ๏ธโ๏ธ
#foodblogger #travelblogger #tourism #czech #czechrepublic #czechbeer #czechembassy #passportready #destination #solotravel #solotraveler #luxurytravel #thefoodteasedrinks #bucketlist #ifwtwa1 #travelmediaca
Apr 7
Sophistication, opulent decor, and beautiful luxury desserts - this is @delyseesottawa ๐ฐ๐ฎ
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Read The Food Tease column in the Spring/Summer issue of @luxeottawamagazine on how Delysees`s Creative Director, Fred Naggar, successfully left awe-inspiring footprints in the fashion world to embark on a new adventure with his wife - the world of high-end desserts.๐๐ฐ๐
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Sweets for the sweets... Enjoy!
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#foodblogger #foodporn #travelblogger #dessert #dessertsofinstagram #luxury #luxurydesserts #delysees #creativedirector #parisienne #frenchsweets #frenchdesserts #published #thefoodteaseeats #ifwtwa1 #travelmediaca #tmac
Apr 5
Happy Easter, everyone!!๐ฃ ๐ฐ
Enjoying my family`s Easter tradition of our colourful egg fight...I didn`t win, but there`s always next year ๐
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#foodblogger #travelblogger #foodporn #easter #eastereggs #easterdecor #familytradition #annualtradition #europeanstyle #potofgold #familytime #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodteasetravel
Mar 31
Play golfโณ๏ธ?
Planning a wedding๐?
Enjoy live jazz ๐ท๐น?
And let`s not forget, enjoy spa services๐๐ผโโ๏ธand tasty dishes?๐
Then the @brookstreetott is worth experiencing!๐คฉ
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Whether it be for business and/or for pleasure, the @brookstreetott has you covered.
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During my recent stay, I was informed that all guests` rooms will be renovated in the next couple of months. By September 2024, the renovation project will be completed. ๐คฉ๐คฉ
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Now lets talk about the tssty dishes: veal ribeye, Beef carpaccio, tuna sushi and a tasty breakfast of poached eggs Benedict poutine...and let`s not ignore my tasty libation...an extra dirty martinis with extra olives!!๐ธ๐ธ๐๐
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Weekend getaways are perfect for some R&R!!๐
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#foodblogger #travelblogger #foodporn #foodpornshare #hotel #getaway #indulge #brookstreet #brookstreethotel #weekendvibes #jazzlounge #hotelexperience #beingatourist #supportlocal #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodteasedrinks #thefoodteasetravel #travelmediaca #tmac #ifwtwa1
Mar 27
I had the pleasure of experiencing @kathaottawa with their exclusive 8 course tasting menu of progressive Indian cuisine. What a treat!๐๐
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Kathฤ means story in Sanskrit, and with each course, a story about the dish was shared with the guests. This interactive approach provided a cultural and personal background for each dish.
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Everything from the scallop ceviche, the cod with chili and coriander oil to the delicious lamb chop and duck - all made for a unique cultural dining experience. ๐๐
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Props to Chef/Owner Sarath Teegavarapu and his talented brigade on this creative endeavor!!
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#foodblogger #travelbloggers #foodpornshare #foodphotography #blindtasting #indiancuisine #katha #progressiveindiancuisine #ottawaeats #ottawarestaurants #supportlocalbusiness #supportlocal #newexperience #ifwtwa1 #tmactravel #tmac #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodteasedrinks
Mar 5
Calling all sweet tooth lovers๐ฃ๐ฃ
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@delyseesottawa = Decadent sweet indulgences with a luxurious vibe!!โจ๏ธโจ๏ธ๐ฐ๐ฎ
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Parisienne inspired desserts โ
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Luxury vibe โ
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Stunning tasty sweets โ
๏ธ
When all boxes are checked, a visit to @delyseesottawa at Lansdowne & @delyseestoronto is needed.๐ฐ๐ฎ๐พ๐ฅ
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Chic ambiance and tasty desserts make for a sweet indulgent experience!! ๐
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The tasty best sellers at Delysees are the following:
Hugo: Sicilian pistachio mousse
Frasier: fresh strawberries and cream๐
Le Verdi: passion fruit cheesecake
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Go and get your sweet tooth fix and ENJOY๐
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#foodblogger #travelblogger #foodpornshare #foodphotography #dessertlife #desserts #dessertsofinstagram #delysees #supportlocalbusiness #ottawaeats #ottawatourism #dessertporn #luxurydesserts #frenchdessert #thefoodteaseeats #ifwtwa1 #fwt #tmac
Feb 9
Friday night, I had the privilege of attending the 2024 Canadian Culinary Championships - Mystery Wine Challenge - People`s Choice Award๐ฅ๐ฅ@greatkitchenparty
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Congratulations to all the chefs involved in this intense competition. The chefs needed to create a dish to pair with the mystery wine. Each chef was given a tricky budget of $550 for the 250 guests. I was witnessing creativity at its best!!๐
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The winning dish๐ฅ (centered in the middle of the photo) was created by JP Dublado: Red Deer Resort and Casino, Red Deer AB
Dish: beet & soy cured albacore tuna - ponzu gel - tomato water - puffed wild rice - beet green oil
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Amazing talent from all the chefs as they paired with the mystery wine (a 2021 Lailey Vineyard Zweigelt)๐ท๐ท
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#foodblogger ##foodgram #foodcompetition #travelblogger #CCC2024 #greatkitchenparty #peopleschoice #peopleschoiceawards #underpressure #foodandwine #underbudget #onbudget #culinarycompetition #thefoodteasedrinks #thefoodteaseeats #ifwtwa1 #tmac
Feb 5
A classic is always a classic!๐คฉ
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@alssteakhouse has been serving food lovers steak, seafood, and tantalizing martinis since 1967!!! Just incredible! ๐ฅฉ๐ค๐ธ
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As an appetizer, I must say their calamari was outstanding, and believe it or not, their portion was unlike any other eatery - there was so much!! ๐ฎ
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And now, for the main attraction - their 14oz Rib-eye steak. The flavour of this steak was a melt-in-your-mouth gift! I couldn`t stop eating it. I forgot how delicious their steaks are. With their sides and salad with their signature garlic dressing, it was a real feast, to say the least.๐
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I`m already looking forward to my next visit...like I said, when a classic is this tasty, any excuse to visit is a good oneโผ๏ธ
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#foodblogger #foodlovers #foodgram #travelbloggers #alssteakhouse #steakhouse #steak #oldschool #oldschoolclassic #finedining #supportlocalbusiness #ottawaeats #ottawarestaurants #ribeyesteak๐ฅฉ #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodteasedrinks #ifwtwa1 #tmac #foodie #wantmore
Jan 28
Planning for your BIG wedding day๐ and looking for something different than the traditional bachelorette party? ๐๐
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Then you need to read my solo Montreal getaway article featured in the latest issue of @ottawawedding magazine.
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Special thanks to @montreal for the beautiful experiences.
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Amongst the amazing activities:
โ High Tea at the Ritz-Carlton ๐พ๐ฅ
โ Pampering at the Scandinave Spa ๐๐ผโโ๏ธand at Le Germain Hotel
โ Visiting the beautiful light show at the Botanical Gardens โ๏ธโจ๏ธ
โ Culinary experiences at the Foxy restaurant and discovering local restaurants during a food tour๐๐
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Solo getaway or with a friend or two, any reason to visit and experience Montrรฉal is a good one!! ๐๐ค
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With its countless cultural activities and experiences, one can easily enjoy this beautiful city! And let`s not forget their food scene... that alone is reason enough to visit!!๐๐
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I think it`s time for you to discover, and for some, REDISCOVER Montreal! ๐คฉ๐คฉ
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#travelblogger #foodblogger #travelgram
#mtlmoments #mtl #mtlfoodies #published #presstrip #passportready
#alwaysexploring #travellikealocal #localbusiness #ifwtwa1 #tmactravel #thefoodteasetravel #exploremontreal #touristattractions #solo #solotravel
Jan 23
Explore and savour! ๐
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Exploring different regions of the beautiful island of Antigua๐๐๐๐
Breathtaking panoramic views from Shirley Heights, a restored military lookout, and gun battery was such a visual treat!๐
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Afterward, a tasty seafood lunch at the Mainbrace restaurant, located at the @copperandlumberstorehotelanu was needed. We are talking about delicious conch fritters, spicy shrimp and avocado sushi stack, and Mahi Mahi trio seafood salad - YUMMY!! ๐๐
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And if that wasn`t enough, the view of the mind-blowing luxury yachts in front of us as we dined was simply perfect!๐ณ๐ฅ๐คฉ
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These activities made for a great island day!๐๐
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#foodblogger #foodpornshare #travelgram #travelbloggers #antigua #antiguabarbuda #loveantiguabarbuda #islandlife #exploring #shirleyheights #seafoodlover #conch #yacht #yachtlife #vacationdestination #vacaymode #tmactravel #tmac #ifwtwa1 #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodteasetravel
Dec 30
The Devil made me do it! ๐น๐
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Antiguaโs rich history and spectacular topography provide a variety of popular sightseeing opportunities.
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One of those stunning sightseeing opportunities is the Devil`s Bridge. The sight and sounds of this natural wonder are something else. ๐น๐
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Natural blowholes around the arch shoot up water and spray, caused by the Atlantic Ocean waves. Simply beautiful and capitavating and yet dangerous if too close to the blowholes.๐ฒ๐
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#foodblogger #travelbloggers
#antiguaandbarbuda
#loveantiguabarbuda #passportready
#naturalwonders #devilsbridge #antigua #naturalphenomenon #ocean #sightseeing #mustsee #mothernature #touristattraction #thefoodteasetravel #tmactravel #tmac #ifwtwa1 #blowhole #adrenaline
Dec 24
To discover any new destination, I need to explore and experience their local dishes and eateries. ๐๐
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Big thanks to @eat_n_lime_food_tours and to the @antiguaandbarbuda tourism board for providing me such a tasty treat!!๐ค
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Eat N Lime`s motto resonates with me so much...`We are hanging out and chilling, enjoying eachothers company with good food` - This is my happy place!๐๐
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The delicious food tour started in Saint John, the capital of Antigua and Barbuda, at the Heritage Quay Complex, where one can easily see all the cruise ships coming in and offloading their passengers.
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I had the pleasure of tasting these local treats during the food tour:
1) Island Bhive: shrimp fritters with garlic sauce - so delicious ๐ ๐ฆ
2) Quin Farara Liquor Store: Rum tasting and learning how to make an Antiguan Old Fashioned cocktail with their 5-year-old English Harbour Rum.๐น
3) Roti King: a very generous roti that was packed with flavour: chickpea bread, potatoes, chicken, Indian curry, turmeric, and ginger.
4) Brownies Bakery: well-known for its unique bread offerings. Fun fact: it`s also a well-known hangover dish.๐๐Tracey Ann, our informative and engaging Eat n Lime Food Tours guide, showed us Brownies Bakery`s famous bread - cinnamon butter and cheese.
5) Patti Delight: Jamaican patties with a twist. Jamaican beef patty with bacon, cheese, tomatoes, and lettuce. More please!!๐๐
6) To wash down all this delicious food, we stopped at One Stone Ital Shack - a Jamaican rasta shop known for their fresh fruit juices. Passion fruit for the win!! Tasted amazing and truth be told, I mixed my leftover juice with some local Rum as my afternoon cocktail.๐น๐
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I highly recommend taking part in food tours when discovering new destinations as you not only learn about the culture but also learn how food plays an integral role in the history of the specific region. Eat N Lime`s food tour was exceptional - great memories from this excursion. ๐๐ค
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#foodblogger #foodlovers #foodphotography #foodtourism #foodtour #travelbloggers
#loveantiguabarbuda #eatnlime
#antiguabarbuda #antigua #tmactravel #ifwtwa1 #thefoodteasedrinks #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodteasetravel #alwaysexploring
Dec 23
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