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
Where`s my rubber ducky π€π?!
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A year ago this week, I was enjoying some bath time while in @discoverdominica πππ
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Dominica`s lush scenery is extraordinary, and I`m grateful to have been invited to visit their beautiful islandππ
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Visiting Wotten Waven Sulphur Springs was perfect to relax and rid of some unwanted stress. And the outdoor bath surrounded by all that green landscape was simply the BEST! An unforgettable experience! π€©
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Dominica`s adventure activities - diving, snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, swimming - are just some of the many ways to enjoy this tropical island.π€Ώπ
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Put Dominica on your travel list. You`ll love it!!β€οΈβ€οΈ
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#foodblogger #travelgram #travelblogger #passportready #presstrip #discoverdominica #dominica #sulphursprings #lush #bubblebath #outdoorbath #newdestination #newexperiences #tmactravel #ifwtwa1 #thefoodteasetravel #tmac #tropical #zen #wottenwavenhotsprings
Nov 15
What goes better together than Champagne and lobster?! Nothing, except MORE Champagne...hence the magnum of Veuve!πΎπ₯π¦
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This is the definition of indulgence. π
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Why wait for special occasions?! Enjoy what makes you happy whenever the mood strikes!
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Carpe diem!!πΎπ₯π
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#foodblogger #foodlovers #travelbloggers #travelgram #champagne #champagnelover #lobsters #lobsterlover #carpediem #indulgence #anyoccasion #seizetheday #lobsterdinner #splurge #thefoodteasedrinks #thefoodteaseeats #bubbles #more #moreplease #specialoccasions #anyday
Nov 8
When you taste a meal that makes you sit back and wish you could have it more often, then you know it`s a real culinary gem! π
π
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Special thanks to @pti_casque from @co.makerfeed and his brigade for an amazing evening out. π π
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I was spoiled with the most amazing dishes!!
β PEI oysters for the win! Love the presentation!!π¦ͺπ¦ͺ
β Auntie Jo`s Wagyu corndogs with honey mustard...So, so tasty!! I couldn`t resistπ
β Chef`s risotto: roasted squash with Osso Bucco beef and goat cheese. So rich and insanely flavourful!!ππ
β Osso Bucco at its best...melt-in-your-mouth tender and a sauce that makes you want to spoon it all up.ππ
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Always a great time eating Chef`s creations in the beautiful `Alice In Wonderland` room - my favourite!!π
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A must try for any occasion!!π
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#foodblogger #foodpornshare #foodgram #foodlovers #travelblogger #restaurant #ossobuco #risotto #oysters #chefschoice #chefsspecial #supportlocalbusiness #ottawarestaurants #ottawaeats #diningout #specialoccasions #thefoodteaseeats
Nov 3
No trip would be complete without a delicious food tourππ
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I had the pleasure of taking part in @tours_de_la_table
guided walking tour - exploring MontrΓ©al`s Chinatown. Engaging host, interesting cultural facts, and my favourite, tasty dishes made for a great afternoon.ππ
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Having a very engaging and informative guide is key to any successful tour, and MΓ©lissa Simard, founder of Round Table Tours/Tours De La Table nailed it. Melissa has a wealth of knowledge regarding both Canadian and Chinese history and its connection to Montreal.
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During the tour, I learned that the Chinese Holiday Inn, the only Chinese Holiday Inn in Canada other than China, all the rooms and decor in the hotel are done in respect to the Feng Shui practice. Additionally, I also learned, amongst many other interesting facts regarding Montreal and its beloved Chinatown, that 50% of businesses in MontrΓ©al`s Chinatown are Vietnamese owned.
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Now to the foodππ
β The classic Vietnamese dish, BΓ‘nh mi (Vietnamese sandwich), was perfect to start off this yummy culinary tour!π₯π
β @dobeandandy restaurant: BBQ pork, BBQ duck, chicken, and crispy pork. πYES!!!
β @chezchili_mtl: Traditional Hunan and Sichuan dishes are their specialty. I devoured their tofu with spicy blackbean sauce!! AND their spicy lotus was amazing! I was pleasantly surprised as to how much I enjoyed this dish! π Plus, their stir-fried Cumin lamb...I could have eaten all of it!!!ππ
β Kim Fung eatery: dim sum dishes of rice noodles, dumplings, cuttlefish, and Shumai (Chinese dumplings). π₯π₯
β For drssert: Dragons beard candy dessert: Similar to cotton candy, but with some saltiness from peanuts and sweetness from coconut...super tasty!π
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I highly recommend this style of food tour as it`s very interesting and ridiculously TASTY π ππ
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#foodblogger #foodlovers #foodgram #foodphotography #travelgram #travelbloggers #mtlmoments #mtl #foodtour #foodtourism #chinatown #montrealchinatown #discoveringnewplaces #mtlresto #supportlocalbusiness #smallbusiness #presstrip #tmactravel #tmac #ifwtwa1 #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodteasetravel
Oct 25
Labeled as `hunting lodge meets speakeasy`, the @foxymtl restaurant perfectly executes each dish with their wood-fire cookingπ₯π₯π
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All aspects of this dining experience were spot on - warm hospitality, tantalizing cocktails, and dishes that pop with flavour. π₯πΈπ₯
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Foxy`s head chef, Catherine Couvet Desrosiers and her talented brigade made exceptional wood-fire dishes, that left me wanting for more!!
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Sabrina master mixologist at Foxy, made several tantalizing libations for me, but one stood out like no other - the New Delhi.ππΈπ₯ The New Delhi Cocktail was by far the best cocktail I`ve had in a very, very long time! Exotically addictive! π
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Dishes that I was spoiled with: Homemade feta and pita: 1) burnt eggplant, blueberry, walnut and honey. 2) Radicchio: garlic confit, anchovy, olive and sourdough bread. 3) Cappelletti: corn, chanterelle and nasturtium. 4) Ontario walleye: porcini, lobster mushroom, sherry and chevril. Stunning dishes!!π
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Take your tastebuds on a culinary adventure and experience Foxy!!
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#foodblogger #foodlovers #foodpornshare #foodgram #travelbloggers #presstrip #montreal #montrealrestaurant #foxy #awardwinning #griffintown #griffintownmontreal #huntinglodge #speakeasy #thefoodteasedrinks #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodteasetravel #ifwtwa1 #tmac #tmactravel
Oct 19
This time of year is perfect for an illuminated adventure.β¨οΈβ¨οΈ
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I had the pleasure of taking in the immersive sensory experience of the Gardens of Light at the MontrΓ©al Botanical Gardens
@espacepourlavie
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Hundreds of silk lanterns in the Chinese Garden light up the night sky!
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Walking through the Garden of Lights, displays are dramatic and eye-catching with their vibrant colours. π²ππ€©
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The Chinese Gardens share the legend of the Butterfly Lovers. It`s the story of two lovers, separated by fate, and yet, not even death could separate them. Death transforms them into two marvellous butterflies whose wings will beat together forever. Simply gorgeous to see!!π¦π¦π
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There`s still time to enjoy this incredible display, as it`s available till October 31st.
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#travelgram #presstrip #travelbloggers #passportready #mtlmoments #montreal #montrealbotanicalgarden #gardensoflight #illumination #japanesegarden #chinesegarden #legend #butterflylovers #montrealactivities #tmactravel #tmac #ifwtwa1 #thefoodteasetravel
Oct 18
When my two weaknesses merge together, it`s a beautiful thing - Bubbles and tasty treats. πΎπ₯π
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The @ritzcarltonmontreal and its glamorous hotel bar & restaurant, The Palm Court, where I enjoyed my Afternoon Tea experience, was luxuriously spectacular!! π«πΎπ€©
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The Afternoon Tea experience is a tradition at the iconic Ritz-Carlton Montreal since 1912. When something is THIS good, you don`t dare change it! π
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Champagne bubbles with a selection of homemade sandwiches, scones, and pastries in front of a roaring fireplace... I could get used to this!π₯π
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The famed Palm Court is in collaboration with Dom PΓ©rignon....Another reason for me to LOVE it ππΎπ₯
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Life is too short...Go and enjoy these luxurious moments!
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#foodblogger #travelbloggers #travelgram #freelancewriter #ritzcarlton #luxelife #luxetravel #teatime #afternoontea #champagne #champagnelover #domperignon #palmcourt #mtlmoments #montreal #thefoodteasedrinks #thefoodteaseeats #tmactravel #tmac #ifwtwa1 #lifeistooshort #seizetheday #seizethemoment
Oct 17
What weekends are all about - experiencing epic and luxurious activities thanks to
@montreal ππ
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Desiring a boutique downtown hotel that was both intimate and hip in its vibe, I had the pleasure of staying at @legermainhotels
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The warm hospitality and attention to detail from the staff were exemplary. A great start for my Montreal stay.ππ
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A beautiful surprise in my room. Bubbles and flowers are my favourite!!
@legermainhotels knows how to spoil!π₯πΎππ
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A chic room to ensure my stay in MontrΓ©al is a great one. I couldn`t get enough of the swinging suspended chair... very interesting π
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Continental breakfast in bed...croissants and pain au chocolat were perfection!! ππ
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Let the Montreal fun beginπ
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#foodblogger #travelbloggers #travelgram #montreal @mtl_moments_ #mtlmoments #mtl #legermainhotel #boutiquehotel #weekendgetaway #presstrip #tmactravel #tmac #ifwtwa1 #thefoodteasetravel #thefoodteaseeats #freelancewriter #veuveclicquot #champagnemoments #champagnelover
Oct 15
Light tasty bites to start an evening on the right foot is exactly what @aloraottawa delivered, and then some. ππ
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The appetizers were perfect for an evening out. Don`t take my word, go and try them for yourself.
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Yummy and highly addictive CRISPY CRAB BITES: Atlantic Wild Crab, Crispy Rice, Avocado Mousse, Spicy Mayo, Red Chili, Ginger Soy Glazeπ¦π¦
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SEARED TUNA: Chill Soy Tuna, Whipped Avocado, Cucumber Salad, Cripsy Taro, and Nori.
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SMASH BURGERS: Canadian Angus Beef, Maple Prosciutto Jam, Smoked Cheddar, Garlic Aioli, and Toasted Brioche. So tasty!!πππ
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And tasty Parmesan fries!!ππ
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Alora`s staff and ambiance were ideal for an evening of indulgenceππ
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#foodblogger #travelblogger #foodpornshare #foodporn #nomnom #alora #alorarestaurant #supportlocalbusiness #ottawaeats #ottawarestaurants #appetizers #tastybites #newrestaurant #thefoodteaseeats #ifwtwa1 #tmac
Oct 8
Perfect way to start the weekend, picking up my contest winnings - a dozen delicious and authentic Pastel de Nata from @casadenata π΄ππ
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They are simply irresistible with the right amount of crunch to them, and their custard is next level!ππ
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I had the pleasure of meeting the owners of Casa De Nata, husband and wife Amer and Huda, who welcomed me in their production kitchen.
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Casa De Nata prides themselves on making their Natas from scratch. They are inspired by the same ingredients and methods used in Portugal.
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These highly addictive portuguese desserts are being sold at the @portobakery
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A MUST TRYπ€π
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#foodblogger #foodpornshare #foodie #foodgram #pasteldenata #portuguesedessert #winning #contestwinner #ottawaeats #ottawabakery #supportlocalbusiness #supportsmallbusiness #bakery #portuguesefood #dessertlife #dessertporn #thefoodteaseeats #tmac #ifwtwa1 #fwt #tmactravel
Sep 23
When you have a craving for a tasty Peking duck dinner, @pekingduckottawa delivers on quality, hospitality, and flavour!! π¦π
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I loved the fact that you could see chefs slicing tasty Peking ducks in the beautiful dining room, as patrons waited with anticipation for their dishes.
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Aside from the tasty Peking duck experience, I thought it was a nice touch that the restaurant staff explained and demonstrated how to properly assemble the duck pancakes. Talk about excellent hospitality and perfect for those not familiar with the peking duck experience!!ππ
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To accompany the Peking duck, we also feasted on some tasty marinated jellyfish, Mapo tofu, fried yellow croaker fish, and date filled desserts.
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It should be noted that patrons need to call in advance for their Peking duck order.
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I`m already looking forward to my next visit.ππ
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#foodblogger #foodpornshare #travelblogger #foodlovers #pekingduck #pekingduckpancakes #ottawaeats #ottawarestaurants #supportlocalbusiness #supportlocal #diningout #duck #ducklover #greathospitality #wantmore #thefoodteaseeats
Sep 19
Any excuse to have a beautiful evening out @lesfougeres
is a good one in my book.ππ
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Inviting ambiance, stellar dishes, and top-notch hospitality... What more could you ask for?!!
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The duck tartar was exquisite with the use of Indian spices - a real treat! For the main course, and since I was craving some pasta, I chose their scarpinocc dish with my favourite...le @lecoprin_mushrooms with brown butter!! If that wasn`t enough, it was seafood time!π¦π¦ We are talking about scallops, shrimps, salt cod ravioli, and smoked PEI mussels.
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Regardless if you enjoy lunch or dinner at Les Fougeres, you won`t be disappointed. An all-time favourite of mine.ππ
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I am looking forward to my next visit already!!π€©
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#foodblogger #travelblogger #foodlovers #foodgram #foodpornshare #lesfougeres #chelsea #chelsearestaurant #supportlocalbusiness #diningout #supportlocal #supportrestaurants #amust #highlyrecommended #thefoodteaseeats
Sep 8
Last week, I had the pleasure of attending a culinary workshop at my alma mater, @lecordonbleuottawa
for an upcoming project.
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It had been 20yrs since I last stepped foot in their production kitchen, and I was immediately flooded by so many beautiful memories, and it felt like time stood still. π©πΌβπ³π
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Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa Culinary Arts Institute offers a variety of culinary short courses ranging from demonstrations with tasting, practical workshops, and multiday courses. During this particular workshop, I had the pleasure of seeing students pursue their culinary passions, be it as a hobby and, for some, as a career aspiration.π¨βπ³π©πΌβπ³
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Chef Arnaud DeClercq was the instructor chef during this workshop, where braised trout with Riesling wine sauce and spΓ€tzle noodles were being taught... absolutely DELICIOUS π π
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Do you have a passion for cooking? If so, then perhaps a culinary workshop at Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa would interest you... Food for thoughtπ
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#foodblogger #travelblogger #foodie #foodlovers #lcb #lecordonbleu #workshop #culinaryexperience #cookingclass #pursuingyourdreams #hobby #careerchange #lovetocook #cheflife #culinaryinstitute #goafteryourdreams #settinggoals
Sep 1
Tapas, tapas, and more delicious tapas!!ππ
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When in Kingston, Ontario food lovers should make it a MUST to have some delicious and over-the-top tapas at Tango Neuvo.
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Everything from the tuna poke nachos, scallops, ceviche, potatoes, poke belly to their insanely tasty lamb tacos - EVERYTHING WAS A HIT!!
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This is what summer indulgence is all about!! Check it out!!ππ
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#foodblogger #travelblogger #visitkingston #kingstonontario #tapas #tapasbar #kingstonrestaurants #ontarioyourstodiscover #summereats #newdiscoveries #diningout #wantmore #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodteasetravel
Aug 27
@discoverdominica was incredible, and I am happy to share with you some of my adventures in the latest issue of @ottawawedding.
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Experience limitless adventures unforgettable beauty, thanks to lush rainforests, breathtaking waterfalls, and volcanic peaks. π π
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In addition to other exciting activities, I had loads of fun snorkeling with @wanderlustcaribbean and with @mrweskayak from @soufriereoutdoorcentre π€Ώπ πͺΌπͺΈπ
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And the pampering services in Dominica are beyond NEXT level!! ππΌββοΈπ
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Special thanks to @junglebaydominica
@wanderlustcaribbean and
@coulibri_ridge for their exceptional hospitality!!π₯π₯
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Dominica, the Nature Island that leaves you wanting more, couldn`t be more true.
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#travelblogger #travelwriter #dominica #discoverdominica #presstrip #published #honeymoondestination #pampering #pamperingtime #thenatureisland #junglebaydominica #wanderlustcaribbean #coulibriridge #5star #luxelife #luxurytravel #weddingdestination #lovemyjob #tmactravel #tmac #ifwtwa1
Aug 18
Who doesn`t love fireworks?! π π
With a view like this, im completely on boardππ
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Year after year, @grandsfeuxducasino puts on an incredible show, where various countries compete in the juried pyromusical show.
On this particular evening, I happen to be at the right place to watch Italy perform their magic!β¨οΈπ
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What more could you ask for when you have breathtaking fireworks displayed in the backdrop of the stunning @natgallerycan as it illuminates the night sky? And let`s not forget to mention Ottawa`s famous spider sculpture, which adds that extra something to any photo. π·πΈ
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Here`s to enjoying more summer evenings!
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#foodblogger #travelblogger #travelgrams #ifwtwa1 #tmactravel #tmac #fireworks #lesgrandsfeuxducasinodulacleamy #fireworkcompetition #italy #rightplacerighttime #summerevening #ottawaphoto
Aug 11
A beautiful evening out at @nac.cna flagship restaurant
1 Elgin.
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Sublime dishes, exemplary hospitality, and picture-perfect views. I`m already looking forward to my next visit!!ππ
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I can`t rave enough about their exemplary hospitality. The service was off-the-chart amazing. And the food...well, I was practically licking the sauce off the plate from my poached halibut. I wanted to try something different, and this spectacular dish still has me craving for more!!πππ
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In addition to my halibut dish, their tuna crudo, house caesar salad, and their tender beef dish were all spot on.
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1 Elgin is the ideal venue for taking in some of Ottawa`s beautiful vistas.
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Go and experience this sensory overload venue!
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#foodblogger #travelblogger #travelgrams #foodpornshare #nac #nacrestaurant #1elgin #ottawaeats #ottawarestaurants #supportlocalbusiness #ottawatourism #ottawaphoto #eveningout #summer #summervibes #thefoodteaseeats #ifwtwa1 #tmac
Aug 7
After some fun on the water, the
@ontherockscalabogie
restaurant delivered with its unique setting and tasty dishes.π€ππ
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Their Watermelon cosmo was a DEFINITE hit with yours truly π πΈπ
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Everything from their fried calamari and carpaccio to their Wagyu burger and pickerel dish - they hit all the right notes.
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Guests can enjoy eating outside and take in the serene view of Calabogie lake (unfortunately, the mosquitoes were liking me a bit too much π).
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Looking forward to experiencing their Polar Bar in the winter monthsπ»ββοΈβοΈ
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#foodblogger #travelblogger #foodpornshare #ontario #ontarioyourstodiscover #calabogie #ontherocks #supportsmallbusiness #tmac #tmactravel #ifwtwa1 #calabogielake #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodteasedrinks #thefoodteasetravel #explorecalabogie
Jul 26
When you`re in need of a sensory overload blind tasting experience @blacktartankitchen delivers with stellar results!!
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I had the pleasure of experiencing their Summer Fare Games 4-course tasting menu. Everything from the highly addictive cocktails to the `want more, need more` tasting experience were next level!!
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The 4-course blind tasting menu had me swooning from the start with their refreshing gazpacho, which was simply fitting on this very hot summer evening. Next was their exemplary scallop dish, which gave a muliti-sensory experience, with the contrast of textures and flavoursπ
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Now my favourite course, Beef time!! ππ Their sous-vide striploin with Dijon potato croquettes were ridiculously tasty!! The piΓ¨ce de rΓ©sistance...a chocolate and raspberry mousse on a lemon honey crumble with a side of raspberry semifreddo. This was the perfect way to end this extraordinary meal!!πππ
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I am already looking forward to my next visit, with their 7-course blind tasting.ππ
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Go and experience this outstanding eatery, your taste buds will thank you!!
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#foodblogger #travelblogger #foodpornshare #foodporn #blindtasting #carletonplace #carletonplaceontario #supportsmallbusiness #supportlocal #culinaryexperience #sensoryoverload #musttry #musttryfood #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodteasetravel
Jul 9
After several years (and many obstacles), I am happy to share that my East Asia adventure to Hong Kong and Taiwan was recently published in the @fwtmagazine
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Special thanks to Discover Hong Kong Tour Taiwan - TTB America and Hong Kong Airlines ι¦ζΈ―θͺη©Ί for this incredible experience, filled with once-in-a-lifetime opportunities and lasting memories.π
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I relished every moment: β
οΈ Hong Kong`s endless and impressive skyscrapers
β
οΈ The majestical Tian Tian bronze Buddha in the mountains (walking up the endless stairs to see the Buddha upclose was worth it)
β
οΈ The famous Shilin Night Market, the largest and most famous night market in Taiwan ππ
β
οΈ Learning survival skills from their renowned Cidal Hunter School in the mountains
β
οΈ And so much more!!
= This adventure can only be described as EPICβΌοΈ
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I`m looking forward to the next chapter!!πβοΈ
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#foodblogger
#travelblogger
#published
#travelwriter #fwt #ifwtwa1 #taiwan #taiwanfood #nightmarket #hongkong #hongkongfood #hongkongairlines #epic #passportready #lovemyjob #foodwriter #thefoodteasetravel #tmac #asia #discoverasia #gratefulfortheopportunity
Jul 6
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