A blue and white snowflake with white text.

Since we can’t hibernate…Enjoy the activities that go along with the cold weather

By on February 2, 2014

 
Winterlude in Ottawa, Canada, skating on the Rideau Canal 

As many Ottawa natives know, we have been experiencing some rather cold temperatures this year (-40ºC/-40ºF) with the windchill factor. Having said that I find it hard at times to get motivated when in order to brave the cold elements you tend to be dressed like the Michelin Tire man – layers upon layers of clothing to avoid Mother Nature nipping at any square inch of flesh that is exposed…but I digress. So to turn lemons into lemonade so to speak, I try to focus on the pleasures that the winter season brings with it.

Ottawa celebrates winter with one of the biggest festivals around that attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over to take part and embrace winter: Winterlude. Aside from the endless fun activities that Winterlude has to offer like skating on the Rideau Canal (the world’s largest skating rink) you can also enjoy the breathtaking and spectacular ice sculptures at the Crystal Garden at Confederation Park. Ice carvers from around the world turn blocks of ice into stunning works of art. At night, coloured lights reveal the magical beauty of the ice sculptures. And for those that really enjoy snow, the Snowflake Kingdom at Jacques-Cartier Park in nearby Gatineau, Québec has a multitude of snow activities to partake in. Deemed as North-America’s biggest snow playground, Snowflake Kingdom, features giant snow mazes, ice slides, snow sculptures, obstacle courses, kicksleds, horse-drawn sleigh rides, live entertainment and more!

Ice sculpture at Crystal Garden at Confederation Park

Now to the part I love the most…the food!!! You simply cannot and I repeat CANNOT skate or walk on the Rideau Canal without having a BeaverTail. In my opinion, eating a BeaverTail is the quintessential part of enjoying the Canal. This warm deep fried wonder is perfect when you are cold and in need of some TLC in form of food. For those of you not familiar with a BeaverTail (poor you), let me educate and entice you. BeaverTails are fried dough pastries that are hand stretched to resemble a beaver’s tail. Now there are several toppings to select from and they vary from the sweet (hazelnut and chocolate, maple and chocolate, cinnamon sugar with lemon juice (my favorite) to the savory (garlic and cheese) just to name a few. Regardless of your topping, BeaverTails and Winterlude go hand in hand or in this case hand to mouth perfectly!

A “Killaloe Sunrise” BeaverTail 
(melted butter, cinnamon, sugar and fresh lemon juice)

To commemorate Winterlude, some local restaurants are incorporating the winter theme in their menus. One of those restaurant is Eighteen, located in the heart of the downtown market. Eighteen is having their 5 course tasting menu aptly called Fire and Ice on Tuesday February 4th. 

Being a romantic at heart, I can can already envision the ‘perfect’ Winterlude evening… Enjoying a sumptuous meal at one of Ottawa’s great restaurants in the downtown core since its very close to the Winterlude festivities. From there proceed to walk to Confederation Park to take in the impressive and magnificent ice sculptures that light up the park. And if that wasn’t enough to put romance in the air, a beautiful night’s stroll on the canal where you can savor and share some hot coco (and if you have some room left, a shared BeaverTail) as you sit in front of the many fire pits along the canal…now that my friends sounds to me like a memorable Winterlude experience.

Enjoy!
FT

The perfect marriage - garlic escargots and @moetchandon Ice Imperial Champagne 🍾 🥂😍😍

If you haven't had the pleasure of tasting this incredibly refreshing Champagne, then I'd suggest you do it and do it now!! You'll thank me for it😉😋

What is unique about this Champagne is the fact that it was created to be served over ice, hence its name - Ice Imperial. It is the perfect accompaniment to any dish or simply alone...sheer perfection!!

Here's to more 'occasions' or 'simply because' 😉

Cheers🥂

#foodblogger #travelblogger #foodphotography #foodporn #champagne #champagnelover #icechampagne #moet #moetchandon #anyoccasion #justbecause #escargot #luxelife #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodteasedrinks #ifwtwa1 #tmac #tmacontario
"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 Mérite 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. 
🇨🇵 🇨🇦🧑‍🍳

Read about his extraordinary career in my article published in the Fall issue of @luxeottawamagazine 

A lifelong passion for his craft - Congratulations again, Chef!!🏅🤩

#travelblogger #foodblogger #travelwriter #foodwriter #chef #cheflife #chevalier #meriteagricole #prestigious #accolades #frenchculture #promoting #published #luxelife #tmac #tmacontario #ifwtwa1 #frenchchef
The @brookstreetott hotel is a dreamy setting for couples embarking on their marital journey, especially with their all-in-one location. 🤩🤩

Discover their exclusive curated services in my recently published article featured in the Fall/Winter issue of the @ottawawedding magazine.

● Premiere wedding venue 💍✅️
● 18-hole championship golf course ⛳️✅️
● Exceptional cuisine 🍽 ✅️

Make your next stay a memorable one with the Brookstreet Hotel! 

#foodblogger #travelblogger #traveldestination #weddingvenue #ottawa #championshipgolfcourse #golfcourse #curated #awardwinning #getaway #ottawawedding #ottawaweddings #travelwriter #ottawaweddingmagazine #published #lovemyjob #ifwtwa1 #tmactravel #tmac #tmacontario
Those who know me know I'm weak for tasty popcorn and @fromfarmtotablecanada
 spoiled me with theirs!! 🍿 😋

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 🎢.

It's the perfect blend of sweet and salty - my favourite!! 😍

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!!🍿🍿
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 mérite agricole, the highest civilian honour from the embassy @franceaucanada 😃

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!!👏👏
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.👨‍🍳👩🏼‍🍳😍

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 🎓🎓

Bravo Chef!!😊
Muy Caliente!!🔥🔥🌞🌞

With the insanely hot weather, nothing is more refreshing than this tasty Brazilian lemonade with some @bacardi Gold
Rum for the win!!🤩😋

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!😉

Cheers!

#foodblogger #travelblogger #cocktails #cocktailporn #brazilianlemonade #braziliandrink #summerdrinks #bacardi #rum #summerheat #summerheatwave #lemonadeforadults #thefoodteasedrinks #ifwtwa1 #tmac #enjoylife #enjoythemoment
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