A red ribbon with the words hope made delicious.

A Taste For Life 2016 – Making Hope Taste Delicious!

By on April 15, 2016

Nothing tastes better in my opinion, than knowing your delicious tasty meal is contributing towards a worthy cause.  A Taste for Life is one those worthwhile events. An event that brings awareness to a virtuous cause, all the while providing diners with an enjoyable time at one of your local restaurants.

The A Taste for Life event embraces the love of food and more importantly, the dining-out experience at local restaurants. All participating A Taste for Life restaurants will donate 25% of their evening sales to AIDS Service Organizations in the community.

A Taste for Life, which is in its 18th year, started in Ottawa in 1999 in support of Bruce House and The Snowy Owl AIDS Foundation.  Since then A Taste for Life has been joined by 21 communities from Hamilton to Saskatoon, Toronto to Sudbury and London to Calgary.

I had the pleasure of attending the A Taste for Life launch event held at Urban Element this week, where guests learned about the amazing medical advancements developed for those affected with HIV.

One particular progress is the fact that pregnant women no longer transfer the disease to their children, which is a phenomenal achievement. Knowing that there are over 80,000 HIV positive individuals in Canada, the support and comfort given by Bruce House and The Snowy Owl AIDS Foundation plays an integral role in these peoples’ lives.

Jill Woodley, Fund Development and Community Relations Manager of Bruce House explained that the event “showcases the generosity of the restaurant community, both in Ottawa and nationally.  In 21 communities all  over Canada, Taste brings together thousands of diners and restaurants and truly demonstrates the support for those living with and impacted by HIV.  In Ottawa, TD’s support ensures that 100% of all funds raised goes directly to our core programs”.

(Left to Right) Lynne Cioppa (Chair of the Board, Bruce House), Linda Truglia (Coordinator of Volunteer Services, Bruce House), Lise Turpin (Executive Director, Snowy Owl AIDS Foundation), Nicole Turpin (Board of Directors, Snow Owl AIDS Foundation), Jill Woodley (Fund Development and Community Relations Manager, Bruce House) and Rob Alexander (Acting Executive Director, Bruce House).

We are so grateful for the kindness we receive.  It truly is Hope made Delicious.” – Jill Woodley, Fund Development and Community Relations Manager of Bruce House

The A Taste for Life launch wouldn’t be complete without having showcased some delectable nibbles from several Ottawa restaurants that will be participating in this year’s event. Guests were spoiled by Siam Bistro, Jak’s Kitchen, The East India Company and Ottawa’s very own “Steph the Grilling Gourmet”.

(Back to Front) Montha McGinnis owner of Siam Bistro; Steph the Grilling Gourmet; Chef Ben Breitler and John Armstrong, owner of Jak’s Kitchen and Anish Mehra, manager of the East India Company.

 

BBQ braised pork belly with jalapeno slaw from Jak’s Kitchen.

 

Gol gappa: pastry shell with spiced chick peas and potatoes with mint water from the East India Company.

 

Maple cured salmon with sous-vide egg shavings and dill yogurt from Steph the Grilling Gourmet.

Guests were treated to the beautiful sounds of the cello played by Alexis Castogiovanni as attendees mingled and tried the various tasty offerings. Heartwarming speeches from sponsors and organizers made the event launch very touching as many attendees have been affected one way or another by this incredible event.

It is absolutely a fantastic way to raise awareness and build community while having a fun night out”

Support for the A Taste for Life event has been coming from all areas, including Canada’s very own television personality, Rick Mercer.

Information to know

Date and Time: Wednesday, April 20th, 2016

Where: To find your local participating restaurants, click here.

Over the years I have participated and volunteered my time at various charity fund raising events, all with the hopes that one day there won’t be a need for them. Until that day comes, I feel proud that communities such as the one I live in, take an active approach in creating awareness with such causes. But also for being proactive with the fight and determination to raise funds until there comes a day when they are no longer needed.

So mark it in your calendars…on April 20th grab your friends and loved ones and enjoy an evening out knowing it’s going to an amazing cause!

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🥂

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"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!!🏅🤩

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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.

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

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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!

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