By The Food Tease on September 4, 2016
Whoever coined the proverb ‘the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach’ clearly never met me! As a diehard foodie, I love everything tastily satisfying!
Truth be told, I adore this time of year as summer and fall conjure up images of BBQ fantasies. How can one not fall in love with the ever so distinct smell of charcoal that just epitomizes savoury goodness?! A fragrance foreshadowing carnivorous pleasures! Hello BBQ season!!
Growing up, barbequing wasn’t just reserved for the summer months; it was a year-round affair in my family. I can still remember my parents brushing off the freshly fallen snow off of the old BBQ so that we could enjoy some mouth-watering grilled steaks or marinated pork shoulders in the dead of winter.
What barbequing is all about, regardless of the season!
For me, one of the favorite parts of barbequing was the ‘BBQ dessert’. After the BBQ was turned off and cooling down, we would place some freshly sliced bread on the grill to soak up all of the yummy goodness the main meal had left behind. How could you go wrong with the likes of charcoal grilled bread with melted butter to bring out the flavours?!
This turned out to be a family favourite and a BBQ ritual. If you love barbequing, you will love the unique taste that a BBQ gives to bread. Imagine having your favourite cup of coffee, eggs and bacon with toasts that have been blessed with the charcoal flavours of your fire god…simply delicious!
With my love of all things grilled, I decided not too long ago to step out of my comfort zone and dive right into something that I fully admit knew little about other than eating it, barbequing.
Like the old saying goes…’sink or swim’. And with that, I definitely swam my way through the ‘in’s and out’s’ of barbequing as I registered myself to become a certified BBQ judge for the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS).
Over the course of six hours, I gained so much knowledge as to what it takes to be an official judge at a BBQ competition. And let me tell you, those barbequing shows on the Food Network make it look all too exciting and easy, but what they don’t show you are all the rules and regulations that play into the grading system.
The Food Tease becomes a Certified Judge with the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS).
The smell of the grilled chicken and ribs that the class were about to grade during our mock BBQ competition had many of us salivating and waiting to be given the green light to sink our teeth into the offerings. Yet, we were reminded that the objective was to grasp the golden rules that were taught throughout the day.
Basic four categories in a KCBS BBQ competition:
• Chicken
• Pork ribs
• Pork Shoulder
• Beef Brisket
KCBS basic four categories (chicken, pork ribs, pork shoulder and beef brisket) at the Fatboys Classic BBQ Competition. (Photo courtesy of Fatboys Classic and Jeff Lowe)
Scoring criteria for each “turn-in” entries are based on the following:
•Appearance
•Taste
•Tenderness
Students at the BBQ course quickly learned that all three scoring criteria were not at all left to be subjective. We had to learn that as KCBS Certified Barbeque Judge, we are not judging by what we like but rather judging by the standards defined by KCBS. These are two completely different things.
It was like I was back in school, needing to remember so much information. I haven’t even told you about all the rules and regulations that one must not only remember but adhere too when judging a piece of grilled meat.
Every rule has its reasoning and in most part I understood and agreed with them; however, one rule just blew me away and I wasn’t alone in my reaction.
NO FINGER LICKING!!!
I was convinced I had heard wrong. How can that be?! How can one eat something so delicious and not be able to lick their fingers was mind blowing to say the least.
Alas, it too had its reasoning but I can’t seem to recall what it was because I was in such a state of shock. So the use of paper towels and unscented towelettes were the appropriate way to discard any remaining sauce on my fingers….so so sad.
And with that I am very happy to say that I am now a Certified Judge with the KCBS, which permits me to judge in any BBQ competition in Canada and the US.
Flash forward twenty-four hours and now it was time to put my judging skills to the test as I was invited to be a judge at the second annual Fatboys Classic Canadian BBQ Competition.
John Thomson, President of the Canadian BBQ Society and BBQ competitor (Team Eatapedia) alongside with Shawn Dawson (owner of Fatboys Southern Smokehouse located in the Byward Market in Ottawa) created The Fatboys Classic based upon their shared vision and love for barbequing and BBQ competitions.
The union of Shawn’s great business, media, marketing and promotions sense, and my passion for competition BBQ, my desire to establish an event in 2015 and to be partnered up with Ottawa’s best BBQ restaurant, well, it was just like Bourbon & BBQ. – John Thomson, President of the Canadian BBQ Society and BBQ competitor.
For its first year, Thomson informed me that the Fatboys Classic brought in 23 teams from all over Ontario, Quebec, New York and 2 teams came from far-away British Columbia. It was the largest inaugural event in Canada, and it was already the largest sanctioned BBQ competition in Ontario.
With such a successful competition, word spread quickly of the Ottawa competition in the BBQ community, thus brought with it its second year of the Fatboys Classic.
One of the BBQ competitors grilling away at the Second Annual Fatboys Classic BBQ competition. (Photo courtesy of Fatboys Classic and Jeff Lowe)
And what an event it was! I’m not sure who was more anxious, the competitors or me. I couldn’t wait to get the day started and start judging.
After I was assigned my table, I took my spot alongside my fellow judges and waited patiently for the Table Captains to present us with the first meat category to be judged.
I should explain that KCBS uses a blind system of judging wherein judges do not know which team prepared the entry to be judged and teams do not know who judged their entries. It is the most respected form of judging and scoring in the world of barbeque competitions.
Contest representatives and captains numbering the entries during the BBQ competition. (Photo courtesy of Fatboys Classic and Jeff Lowe)
And so it began…sitting patiently under the judging tent, I could smell the entry meals making their way in as each team was trying to make its entry ‘turn in’ time and avoid facing penalties.
As I sat waiting, the more experienced judges offered tips on how to place the judging plate. This even included a crafty way to convert my napkin into a mini holding basket for my soda crackers. Soda crackers and bottles of water are provided so that judges can cleanse your palate in between entries.
Well let me tell you when you’ve conveniently not eaten breakfast knowing that you’ll be eating all day, these crackers were quickly disappearing and all for the wrong reasons, which was something I was going to pay for at the end of the competition. But I digress.
When you get caught eating most of the crackers right before the competition starts! (Photo courtesy of Fatboys Classic and Jeff Lowe)
For each of the four categories, judges are given six entry meals to judge and in some fortunate cases, happily judged and devoured.
With each entry, I felt more and more comfortable filling out my judging slips (judging cards that grade each food category separately). I remembered the rules of the competition and applied them to the best of my ability; except I may have slipped up once (or maybe twice) as I caught myself licking my fingers…I am a diehard foodie after all.
We started with the chicken category and let me tell you, when you are hungry and you’ve smelt BBQ goodness for a couple of hours it’s hard to not savagely eat a piece of chicken especially when it’s utterly delicious.
I was told that after each category has been graded and slips have been submitted to the Table Captains, what you do with the entry meals is entirely up to you. Now this would explain why some judges brought their own coolers! I personally just ate the tasty entries right there and then and discarded the rest.
The Fatboys Classic BBQ competition in full effect! (Photo courtesy of Fatboys Classic and Jeff Lowe)
With three remaining categories to grade you can imagine I was pretty much full. Think about it, for every category, we had six entries to judge. That’s 24 pieces of meat that we took bites out of and, in some cases, I may have eaten the whole thing. I was getting pretty full to say the least, but happy that it was over. Or so I thought.
There I was wiping my hands, proud of my judging abilities and the fact that I held my own in a predominantly male oriented event that we heard that there were two ‘wild card’ categories that still needed to be judged.
Wild card categories are categories where rules do not necessarily apply to the entries. The “wild card” term means any meat or dish that is not sanctioned by the KCBS.
While we usually only see 4 meats at KCBS events (Chicken, Ribs, Pork and Brisket), we added the extra categories of “Hot Dogs” and “Maple Syrup” because we wanted to encourage more fun, more creativity and excitement for all involved, both the teams and the judges. – John Thomson, President of the Canadian BBQ Society and BBQ competitor.
The hotdog ‘wild card’ category during the Fatboys Classic BBQ competition. (Photo courtesy of Fatboys Classic and Jeff Lowe)
Ok, so a hotdog category sounded like it could be interesting and it would make sense that they would also have a ‘sweet’ category like maple syrup (especially for us Canadians) to finish up the day. The high note quickly went away as our table didn’t fare so well in the wild card categories.
The hotdog entries were good (I couldn’t exactly have much enthusiasm at this point, as I was beyond full). Then the maple syrup entries started coming in the tent. And all of a sudden I could feel a tiny area in my precious tummy making room for the sweet concoctions that were about to be presented.
Well I was wrong, dead wrong. Most of us ASSUMED that with a category like maple syrup we would be receiving entries of imaginative desserts, and in some cases we did and others we didn’t.
So, remember when I said that each category had six entries well it turns out that our ‘lucky’ table had entries divvied up half savoury and half sweet…all using maple syrup in one manner or another.
The BBQ gods must have had a field day as I couldn’t hide my look of despair in my eyes when I saw before me maple syrup rice krispies, maple syrup salmon fillet and maple syrup pork. As for the remaining three entries, I blocked them out as I couldn’t believe what I had to eat. And to top it off, we had to eat them in the order that they were presented.
Some examples of the maple syrup ‘wild card’ category during the Fatboys Classic BBQ competition. (Photo courtesy of Fatboys Classic and Jeff Lowe)
But like a hard core BBQ veteran I survived! Believe me when I say that I didn’t want to see anything grilled for quite some time….Ok, I lied. I think that feeling only lasted 24 hours. But who can get tired of grilled meats?
The Food Tease after a long day of judging and eating during the 2nd annual Fatboys Classic BBQ competition. (Photo courtesy of Fatboys Classic and Jeff Lowe)
Now that the judges’ stomachs were nice and bloated, it was awards time…the moment competitors were looking forward to!
Chicken Competition Winners
Rib Competition Winners
Pork Shoulder Competition Winners
Brisket Competition Winners
Hotdog Competition Winners
Maple Syrup Competition Winners
Grand Champion: SMOKIN HOGGZ BBQ – MA
Reserve Champion: Q’n Canucks
It was the largest BBQ competition east of Calgary (and that event is in its 24th year!)
• $12,500 Purse, largest purse in Canada!
• 38 new Certified BBQ Judges were trained
• 42 teams registered, nearly doubled last year’s 23. Including: 7 teams from the USA, 8 teams from Quebec and a record 27 Ontario teams!
Winner received: Automatic entry to the World Series of BBQ (American Royal in Kansas City)
• Points towards the Canadian Points race for tickets to the World Food Championships (Alabama)
• A bung in the draw for one of 3 Canadian sites at the Jack Daniels International Invitation BBQ Championship in Lynchburg. The Jack is deemed the “holiest of holies” in BBQ competitions. This is the goal all serious competitors have: To get to The Jack. And it’s VERY hard. Thousands of teams compete, less than 100 get to go.
Group photo of the judges, organizers and BBQ competition representatives during the Fatboys Classic BBQ competition. (Photo courtesy of Fatboys Classic and Jeff Lowe)
As a Competitor myself, I have long wanted to see KCBS here in Canada and specifically Ottawa, and wanted my friends to come to Ottawa, enjoy our beautiful city and create some gorgeous BBQ. – John Thomson, President of the Canadian BBQ Society and BBQ competitor.
What an experience I had learning to be a certified BBQ judge and then to actually follow through with my training at a successful BBQ competition was very unique to say the least.
With the ever growing popularity that has been generated by the success of the Fatboys Classic BBQ Competition, it will no doubt carry forward for the years to come. And I for one will be there for future events, judging my way through the entries and trying not to lick my fingers!
Oui, Oui Paris!! 🇨🇵🗼
My City of Love adventure, thanks to @uniworldcruises, was simply AMAZING!!
Discovering Monmartre and other famed locations that Paris is known for during my @retro_tour_paris was a thrilling bucketlist experience!!🇨🇵🗼🏍🥰
This was the ultimate way to see Paris and all its magnificent beauty - a Retro Sidecar adventure.🇨🇵🗼😍
I enjoyed switching from being in the Sidecar to riding back of the motorcycle. What a rush!!🏍
The crowds in Monmartre were sureal and loved taking photos of the Retro Sidecar. My skilled driver, Max, handled driving on the cobblestones with ease, especially as we drove at the famous Arc de Triomphe. I was a bit scared being low to the ground in the Sidecar, but felt safe even though cars were very close!🫣🏍
The Retro Sidecar experience brought me to many unforgettable sights, including the stunning Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre - such beauty!
Beauty + Adrenaline = My Paris souvenir, that will last me a lifetime!!🇨🇵🗼🏍 🥰
When in Paris, this adventure is HIGHLY recommended! 👌 😍
#travelblogger #traveldestination #uniworld #ParisNormandy #DreamVacation #ExploreUniworld #retrocar #retrotour #presstrip #paris #monmartre #adrenaline #sidecar #passportready #bucketlist #luxelife #onceinalifetime #alwaystryingnewthings #outdoorfun #parisbyday #ifwtwa1 #tmac #tmactravel #tmacontario #thefoodteasetravel #lovemyjob #pinchme
Nov 3
All things luxurious and gold, this
is @chateauversailles 🏰👸🏼🤩
I had the opportunity to visit this magnificent palace during my S.S. Joie de Vivre voyage thanks to @uniworldcruises🛳🇨🇵
Château de Versailles cheat sheet:
🏰 Louis XIV (Sun King) created it
🏰 Louis XV (The Beloved) enjoyed it
🏰 Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette died in it.
The Palace is absolutely STUNNING!! The decor, fabrics, artistry, and much, much more can easily leave any person in awe! I loved walking through the most famous room of all, The Hall of Mirrors.. such richness and extravagance!! 🪞 😍
What was once a humble hunting lodge is now the opulent Château de Versailles. A time where lavish French royalty and luxury was a must, to becoming a symbol of inequality that incited the French Revolution.
Today, the Château de Versailles contains 2,300 rooms spread over approximately 63,154 square meters. It is one of the most visited palaces in France and a celebrated work of the 17th century. I`m in love with all the gold touches!!😍
Does the photo with the horse look familiar? This is Zeus, the mythical metal horse of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony at the Château de Versailles. 🦄
I learned that Marie-Antoinette is the only Queen that influenced Château de Versailles with her own taste and what a distinctive and glamorous taste she had. The photo of the bedroom is actually Marie Antoinette`s room with all the glitzy gold touches that she was known for, especially rich fabrics and draperies.👸🏼🏰
It is an incredible excursion that I recommend to anyone who enjoys history, royalty, art, gardens, and all things beautiful.😍😍
#UniworldCruise #ParisNormandy #DreamVacation #ExploreUniworld #travelblogger #traveldestination #versailles #versaillespalace #versaillesgardens #presstrip ##tripofalifetime #bucketlist #france #francetourisme #rivercruising #highlyrecommended #queenforaday #feelinglikeaprincess #lovemyjob #thefoodtease #thefoodteasetravel ##ifwtwa1 ##tmactravel #tmac
Oct 31
An art lover`s dream as I visited the founder of impressionism, Oscar-Claude Monet`s house, and famed gardens. 🎨🌺✨️
A day of exploration as we cruised along the Seine River, and I couldn`t wait!
@uniworldcruises S.S. Joie de Vivre had me exploring the region of Giverny, Normandy to Monet’s house and gardens. What a historical and artistic treat!! 🎨 🌺🤩
This was the second time I`ve had the pleasure of visiting the painter`s house, and let me tell you, the magic was still there and so much still to discover. The endless flowers throughout the gardens were breathtaking and left me in awe! 😍😍
For a food lover, Monet’s kitchen was truly impressive...I can only imagine the dishes that were made and happily devoured. 😋
Picture perfect afternoon with Monet. My S.S. Joie de Vivre journey continues... 🤩🤩
#UniworldCruise #ParisNormandy #DreamVacation #ExploreUniworld #foodblogger #traveldestination
#travelblogger #monet #monetgarden #giverny #cruising #rivercruising #francetourisme #normandie #thefoodteasetravel #lovemyjob #ifwtwa1 #tmac #tmacontario #tmactravel #normandie
Oct 26
I am absolutely thrilled to share that I was invited by @uniworldcruises as their special guest to experience their luxurious Paris & Normandy river cruise!!
🇨🇵🛳😍
I couldn`t wait to indulge in their finest amenities, explore the stunning sights of France, and create unforgettable memories.
The stunning S.S. Joie de Vivre is such a beauty, and there is so much to share. She was my floating hotel for a week, and I was open to all the adventures she was going to give. Staying in the Deluxe French Balcony stateroom spoiled me with the option of opening the grand window to take in the fresh air while enjoying the river views. What more could you ask for in terms of luxury?!🤩🤩
Everything from the opulent French inspired glitzy decor of the ship (inspired by 20th-century Parisian design) to the attention to detail to pamper guests like their handcrafted Savoir Beds of England was topnotch. To add more pampering, their impressive marble bathroom had everything to spoil your body, including a rainfall shower, heated floors, and heated towel warmer. Attention to detail from start to finish.
A heartfelt thank you to Uniworld for this amazing opportunity - I am truly grateful!
Let the Joie de Vivre adventure begin! 🇨🇵🛳😍🗼
#travelblogger #foodblogger #rivercruising #traveldestination
#presstrip #uniworld
#ssjoiedevivre #UniworldCruise #ParisNormandy #DreamVacation #ExploreUniworld #waunderlust #passportready #bucketlist #france #francetourisme #thefoodteasetravel #ifwtwa1 #tmactravel #tmac #luxelife #cruising #thefoodteasedrinks #lovemyjob #luxury #luxurylifestyle
Oct 22
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
Oct 12
Continuing my tradition of indulging at @martinpicard epic @cabaneaupieddecochon, this year`s harvest season happened to be their ALL STAR EDITION!!🤩🤩
This meant they would be `reviving some of their old and most beautiful harvest dishes ever conceived.` And they didn`t disappoint!! 😋😋 Indulgence taken to new heights!!
Here is the incredibly tasty lineup that was feasted on:
🍄 Scallop with mushrooms and corn coulis
🦆 Duck tartar with shiso leaves
🍕 Pizza: tomato pie with Dijon bechamel sauce
🥗 Burrata fruit salad: cucumbers, plums, mint leaves, melon coulis, and croutons
🐟 Salt cooked Trout with leek, tomato, and lobster bisque
🍛 Squash soup: squash, Foie Gras, Amaretti biscuits, gruyère cheese, and honey crisp apples
🐑 Lamb saddle with pork fat, sausages, and creamy polenta with a pepper sauce
🍆 Stuffed eggplant with smoked ham and tomato vodka sauce
🦆🐖 Shepherds pie with duck and pork
🥕🍰 Carrot cake: Classic staple recipe. Sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, and pumpkin seeds served with a carrot juice jelly
🥧 Apple pie with maple syrup, Foie Gras and cheddar cheese crème fraîche
🍫Choux 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!!
Till next year 😋
#foodblogger #foodphotography #foodporn #foodwriter #travelwriter #feastagram #feast #gluttony #classicrecipe #harvest #martinpicard #tradition #thefoodteaseeats #ifwtwa1 #tmac #thefoodteasetravel #thefoodtease
Oct 10
"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
Oct 1
It`s been a busy couple of weeks, but I wanted to share the love on this `must visit` eatery.😍😋
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! 🔥🙌
Here is the list of the tasty dishes that my table enjoyed:
🧀 TORCHED BRIE
🐟 TUNA AND SCALLOP TARTARE
🥩 STEAK TARTARE
🥩 BISON CARPACCIO
🍄 MUSHROOMS ON TOAST
🧀 HALOUMI
🐑LAMB SHANK
Both the restaurant ambiance and hospitality were top-notch...A must try! 😋😍
#foodblogger #foodporn #foodphotography #newexperiences
#sharingplates #sharing #ottawarestaurants #supportlocalbusiness #newdiscovery #amuse #amusekitchen #musttry #wantmore #thefoodtease #thefoodteaseeats #tmac #tmactravel #ifwtwa1 #indulgence #livetoexplore #livetoeat
Sep 26
Vegas wouldn’t be complete without visiting Freemont Street and taking in breathtaking sunset views from @stratvegas Tower. 😍😍
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!! 😱😍
Several years ago I experienced the thrill of the X-SCREAM roller coaster - it "teeter totters you over the edge of the Tower from 866 feet high, propelling riders head first 27 feet over the edge of the tower. After being shot over the edge, passengers are dangled weightlessly above the Las Vegas Strip before being pulled back and propelled again. " 😱😱🎢 It was a BLAST, but this time around, I was a viewer... perhaps on my next visit 😉
Seeing the Vegas views and watching the incredible visual display of the @spherevegas was incredible.
All must do`s when in Vegas!!
#traveldestination #travelblogger #vegas #travelwriter #travelphotography #thrillingrides #vegastrip #strat #sphere #vacation #thrill #awesome #funtimes #getaway #tmactravel #tmac #ifwtwa1 #thefoodteasetravel #freemontstreet #mustsee #mustdotravels
Sep 15
Indulgence of any kind is a good one in my book, and indulging in a carnivorous feast at the award-winning Bazaar Meat by José Andrés, Las Vegas was EPIC!!🤩🤩😋
The attention to detail from both the back and front of the house was beyond exceptional. It was a true celebration of meat! 🥩🥩
I was in a very addictive meat trance - I loved every dish.🦪🥩😋😍
For the outstanding carnivore feast, these are the dishes that I feasted on:
✳️ Caviar Cone: crème fraîche, classic Ossetra caviar. 🤩🤩
✳️ A5 "Philly Cheesesteak": airbread, cheddar, Wagyu beef. 🔥🔥😋😋
This dish was HEAVEN in your mouth, that a second order was needed.
✳️ Sloppy Joe: beef Bolognese, steamed bun, straw potatoes.
✳️ First time tasting Shigoku oysters from Samish Bay, Washington, and they didn`t disappoint. 🦪🦪
✳️ Bone-In Strip Loin, Washugyu/Angus Blend. 🥩😋
✳️ Chateaubriand, Tenderloin, Holstein: (Brandt Beef, CA) Périgordine sauce and straw potatoes.
✳️ Buttered Potato Purée: butter, butter, more butter, some potatoes.😱😍
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. 😊😊
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 🙌
#foodblogger #foodphotography
#foodporn #travelblogger #carnivore #feastagram #feast #joseandres #vegas #lasvegas #bucketlist #indulgence #epicfood #awardwinning #humanitarian #thefoodtease #thefoodteaseeats ##ifwtwa1 #tmactravel #tmac #meat #meatlover #meatporn #caviar #wagyu
Sep 13
Hello Arizona, and your jaw-dropping natural wonders! 😍😍
I didn`t think I could make the long bus ride from Vegas to Arizona to see the beautiful Canyon "X" in 40° 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. 😍😍
A must-see!!
#travelblogger #foodblogger #nature #hiddentreasures #naturephotography #naturalphenomenon #canyon #canyonx #navajonation #mustsee #tourist #bucketlist #desert #hiking #hikingadventures #tmac #tmactravel #ifwtwa1 #thefoodtease
Sep 11
From Nevada ➡️ Utah ➡️ Arizona to visit and explore incredible natural sights, including the famous Horseshoe Bend.
It was an incredible day seeing this sight up close.😍😍
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. 😱
It was the perfect day to explore and get away from the glitz and bright lights of Vegas...atleast for a brief time😉😂
#travelblogger #foodblogger #traveldestination #travelwriter #arizona #horseshoebend #sightseeing #naturalphotography #nature #naturephotography #getaway #tmactravel #tmac #ifwtwa1 #thefoodtease #playingtourist #coloradoriver
Sep 8
Hello Sin City, it`s been a while😈😉
A getaway at the stunning @resortsworldlv, specifically Crockfords Hotel, made for a great trip to disconnect, have fun, and discover new things!🍹🍸🎰
Nightlife on the strip is a sensory overload... but that`s part of the fun😉
Delicious mojitos by the Crockfords pool made the scorching 40°degree weather bearable.🥵🥵🍹🍹
The mind-blowing @spherevegas is a literal driving distraction - its graphics are simply amazing!!😱😱
Love seeing the Venetian gondolas in action.
Stay tuned for some tasty activities, including some beautiful desert sights! 😃
#travelblogger #foodblogger
#vegas #lasvegas #lasvegasstrip #longweekend #disconnect #recharge #vegasbaby #onthestrip #friendsvacation #sphere #crockfords #ifwtwa1 #tmac #tmactravel #thefoodtease
Sep 5
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
Aug 24
An evening out to @anabellaskitchenandlounge was exactly what I needed...friendly hospitality, tasty flavourful dishes, and the perfect ambiance to enjoy a beautiful outing. 😊😋
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!!
😍😍
Another tasty appetizer was their arancini - simply flavourful. And the piece de résistance was their refreshing grilled Halloumi Salad. It was watermelon sweet and Halloumi salty...Simply perfect! They nailed this salad with all the different flavours.
The perfect summer outing!😊😋
#foodblogger #travelblogger #foodphotography #foodporn #ottawa #ottawarestaurants #supportlocalbusiness #diningout #summervibes #summerouting #thefoodteasedrinks #thefoodteaseeats #ifwtwa1 #tmac #tmactravel
Aug 17
Summer means...
BBQ time ✅️
Gardening ✅️
Relaxing ✅️
🪻🌺🐝🥩😍😋
Summer love...BBQ season in full effect!! 😋😍 These marinated pork blade steaks were delicious!!🥩😋
Basil, Thai basil, tarragon, and parsley... my little garden is growing!
Green thumb in full effect!! 🌺🪻
Love my lavender, and so do the 🐝 🐝
#foodblogger #foodphotography #foodporn #travelblogger #summer #summervibes #bbq #bbqlovers #garden #herb #herbgarden #greenthumb #lavender #summerrelax #timewellspent #thefoodtease #thefoodteaseeats #ifwtwa1 #tmac #goodtimes
Jul 28
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 d’Escoffier Canada. @disciples_escoffier_canada 🇨🇵🇨🇦
This tasty celebration included Disciples d’Escoffiers, chefs from @lecordonbleuottawa and @maisonoddo 👨🍳👩🏼🍳
The culinary event also included @veroniquerivest renown sommelier and owner of @soifbaravin being awarded as Knight in The Order of Agricultural Merit
(Ordre du Mérite 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!! 🍷🍷👏 👏
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".🎖🎖
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. 😍👩🏼🍳👨🍳
Bravo to you all!!👏👏
#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!! 🍿 😋
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!!🍿🍿
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 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!!😊
Jun 22
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
Jun 17
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