By The Food Tease on December 4, 2016
First class dining in award-winning establishments, endless activities to enjoy in the beautiful sun and a majestic tapestry of cultures woven into one state…Welcome to Florida!
For those of us that live in Canada, the harsh reality that winter is upon us is something that we can all do without. To complain about sand in between my toes sounds much better than complaints of trying to scrape off a thick layer of ice on my windshield.
A warm getaway vacation to Florida is something that thousands of Canadian snowbirds do each and every year. And who can blame them? With Florida’s endless array of activities and sights to be discovered, it is unmistakably a place for everyone – for both the young and the young at heart!
True to form, like a kid at Walt Disney World, I wanted to do everything once I arrived in Florida. I wanted to see and do absolutely all that I could in the time that was permitted. As for the activities that I’d miss…there’s always next time!
Fort Lauderdale and Miami were the destinations onto which I laid my focus. Specifically, fun in the sun in Fort Lauderdale and culinary indulgence in Miami. It would result in the perfect blend of both scenic and satiating pleasure.
Fort Lauderdale will always conjure up images of everything beach and spring break related…and for good reason! Fort Lauderdale’s beaches are world renowned. Visitors can enjoy eight Blue Wave certified beaches, spanning over 23 miles (37 kilometres) of land, each one having its own distinct appeal.
Sun bathers who enjoy people watching will take fancy to the beautiful and newly transformed ‘beach chic’ Fort Lauderdale beach. This beach haven is steps away from the luxury shopping area of Las Olas Boulevard. Deemed as a ‘sophisticated mile of fashion, art and sidewalk cafes’, it is not only beautiful during the day but stunningly impressive at dusk. Perfect for a night stroll after a wonderful evening out.
The beautiful shopping area of Las Olas Boulevard. (Photo courtesy of Greater Fort Lauderdale).
A family favourite is the well-known Pompano Beach with its fishing pier, dive shops, boat charters and my favourite…Jet Ski rentals! And for those seeking something more private, a less crowded stretch of shoreline, Dania Beach is the place to go. I was informed that it happens to be a local gem of a spot for both kayaking and picnicking.
After some time spent relaxing at the beach and enjoying long strolls down Beachfront Promenade, I was in need of some retail therapy, especially if I was going to enjoy Miami’s infamous nightlife later on. The Sawgrass Mills Mall is exactly what the Fashion Doctor prescribed!
Every high-end luxury fashion store you can imagine is there and eagerly waiting to swipe your plastic. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of savings to be had and that was the driving force behind my shopping expedition. A piece of advice if you visit, allow yourself a minimum of four hours to experience this shopping mecca and make lots of room in your vehicle for all your purchases!
Generally speaking, Miami is known for its culturally rich diversity, especially with its ever so present Cuban influence that is seen and felt in cafes and cigar shops in Little Havana.
Being the food lover that I am, I wanted to take in all the exotic and extravagant flavours that Miami had to offer my taste buds. And with limited time, I decided to indulge in one of Miami’s Culinary Tours.
To say that I was excited to take part in the South Beach Miami Food Tour is to underestimate my level of enthusiasm. I chose the South Beach Tour because I wanted to learn more about South Beach and its famed, and at times, controversial history.
With the food tour, not only are you treating your taste buds to the exotic flavours that the eateries are offering, you are also immersing yourself in the rich culture and history that South Beach is notorious for.
“Taste the best of Miami Beach’s global (“melting-pot”) cuisine with its predominantly Latin, European, and American comfort food. Uncover the hidden hotspots for ceviche, empanadas, homemade Cuban dishes, Refajo drink and much more. -Miami Culinary Tours
Even with the hot humid weather that Miami was gracing the culinary tour with, nothing could dampen the enjoyment that the group was about to embark on. Walking through the historical Art Deco Historic District and learning about Miami’s rich history made the culinary tour that much more engaging.
The Art Deco Historic District
For a culinary tour that lasts no longer than 2 and half hours, it packs the most delicious of meals and gives participants the opportunity to casually walk about and take in all the sights.
There’s no waiting in lines, or feeling hungry – the group, including myself, were very satisfied to say the least. Casually, the culinary tour takes you to five incredible restaurants to discover and try some of their signature meals and learn about their background.
The South Beach Miami Food Tour spoiled us right from the start. We were treated to warm, crunchy Spanish churros that were enveloped with the best of both worlds – a sweet and salty coating, filled with dulce de leche that made them absolutely delicious!! The Manolo restaurant nailed these treats! I have tasted plenty of churros during my travels and these were hands down one of the best!
Delicious Churros made at the Manolo eatery.
The culinary tour and the dishes that were so eagerly consumed by yours truly acted as a culinary voyage. Each restaurant was serving one of their signature dishes. These were not only representative of the eatery, they also strived to highlight the country of origin or its genre of cuisine.
The food tour brought us to what has been hailed as the ‘best Columbian Restaurant in Miami’, Bolivar. True to form, a South American staple and one of my favourites was presented before us, ceviche with passion fruit and canchita (pan roasted corn). And to wash down this delicious dish, a Columbian beer and soda cocktail. On a rather hot and humid day, the ceviche and cocktail were the perfect accompaniments to my trip so far.
Bolivar’s passion fruit ceviche served with a Columbian beer and soda cocktail.
Adding to the tour was the award-winning Cuban restaurant owned by Cuban & Miami sensation, Gloria Estefan. Her famed restaurant, Larios On The Beach is a swanky upscale restaurant showcasing Cuban’s comfort food. The tour group was fortunate to taste some true Cuban classics such as Larios’ minced beef cooked with Cuban spices served with some homemade ‘mojo’. Mojo is a dipping sauce consisting of garlic, oil and vinegar…insanely addictive when dipping in the freshly fried mariquitas (plantains chips) that accompanied the beef dish.
Cuban classic dish at Larios On The Beach: minced beef with Cuban spices served with some mojo and fried mariquitas.
Walking along the Art Deco District, the tour group learned many amazing facts about Miami, the famed ocean drive and tidbits of Hollywood sensational stories that contributed to the famous Miami area.
And now it was time for some Naked Taco, as that is the name of the Mexican influenced gem where we inhaled their mouth-watering chicken empanadas with caramelized onions and cilantro. This funky Mexican taco bar is all about high energy and having a great time.
Naked Taco’s chicken empanadas with caramelized onions and cilantro and their signature sauces.
Before making our way to walk through Española Way, a historic Spanish village that spans two blocks where one can shop, dine and people watch from the varied European restaurants and boutiques that line the village, we indulged yet again.
This time Italian cuisine was the resounding theme. Blocks Pizza Deli had the group saying ‘manga manga’ as we learned about the eatery’s ancient Italian dough recipe. Here we enjoyed their Sundried Hippy meal. A pizza pocket-like sandwich consisting of sundried tomatoes, baby spinach, Kalamata olives, feta cheese and basil pesto on their famous “Mother Yeast” dough.
Blocks Pizza Deli Sundried Hippy sandwich.
I must admit that at this moment during the tour many of us were feeling rather full and couldn’t think of eating another crumb…until the word GELATO was uttered!
Milani Gelateria was something else and it didn’t matter how full you were feeling or how much food you had just consumed. This, after all, was gelato we were talking about! Hailed as the best gelato in Miami – it definitely earned its title as this was the perfect end to the culinary tour.
Milani Gelateria
South Beach Food Tour Video
On barrier islands across the turquoise waters of Biscayne Bay is Miami Beach, home to South Beach. This glamorous neighborhood is famed for its colorful art deco buildings, white sand, surfside hotels and trendsetting nightclubs.
Miami has endless award-winning restaurants and cozy ‘mom & pop’ gems which merit accolades for their delicious meals that evoke memories of comfort. However, there is one establishment that clearly stood out for me for both its gastronomy scene and for its hospitality. The Forge is an experience within itself.
The Forge Restaurant (Photo courtesy of The Forge restaurant)
Since the roaring 1920’s, this high-end wine bar known for their grilled steaks, has become a staple for those from Hollywood as ‘the place to eat’ and be seen. Over the years, The Forge’s wine cellar has become one of the finest rare-wine collections in the world.
Upon request, guests can be given a tour to the many rooms that hold the rare wine collection (there are 8 rooms in total) within the restaurant. To walk amongst the rooms where the likes of Sinatra and Elizabeth Taylor dined was surreal. More than 300,000 vintages are stored in the cellar. Given the pleasure of seeing such rare bottles of wines and Champagnes made me feel special.
The spectacular library dining room at The Forge Restaurant in Miami (Photo courtesy of The Forge restaurant).
The dishes presented by The Forge were beyond spectacular. The crisp and refreshing flavours of their dishes awaken your senses to the point where you naturally gravitate to ordering another dish… so that the feeling doesn’t dissipate. The hospitality and old school dining traditions where certain dishes are finished tableside add to the whole dining experience.
During the grand tour of the restaurant, you discover several dining rooms, from their elaborate wine cellar dining room to the renaissance-like themed ‘library’ decorated with beautiful stained glass, which fit almost any occasion or mood.
My favourite, the bubbles, with its tables that are adorned by what could only be perceived as Champagne bubbles and its elegant captain chairs, made me feel like a true princess. Just simply exquisite.
The Food Tease at The Forge Restaurant in Miami.
Miami being Miami has come to be known as one of the world’s most popular vacation destinations; thus giving tourists and locals alike, a nightlife like no other!
Just like the saying goes ‘When in Rome…’, I needed to experience what was behind all the attention surrounding Miami’s nightlife. So, if I was going to do this I was going to start with one of the most famous nightclubs around, Story.
Miami’s famous Story nightclub.
Story is a mind-blowing 27,000 square foot nightclub that offers over 60 exclusive VIP tables and five full-service bars. To see this in person is off the charts and I am not even referring to their sound system and production team.
I was fortunate enough to have friends who were able to grant me access via the club promoter Avenue. That being said, for those that are watching their pennies, this is a very costly establishment and everything and I do mean everything, is very expensive. All in all, it was all worth it as Story is known for their high caliber DJs like David Guetta to Kaskade just to mention a few.
Another nightclub with a different twist is Mango’s Tropical Cafe. It was suggested that if you happen to find yourself in South Beach Miami then you need to see this nightclub firsthand as it is one of the longest running Cabaret shows in Florida.
Mango’s Tropical Café in Miami.
Mango’s Latino vibe is ever-present with its live performances atop of the bar – mere feet from your table. The energy and heat of the Latin culture is electric and very contagious. Performers singing and dancing in traditional costumes executing Salsa and Bachata routines are breathtaking! It’s something different for sure and I can see why it resonates with many people.
Florida as a whole has numerous amazing sites and activities to offer and engage tourists. I had the pleasure of taking part in several in both Fort Lauderdale and Miami. However, there are many other cities within this beautiful state that are left to be discovered.
More activities to experience, more dining establishments to savour and more importantly …more memories to create!
Till next time…Bon Appétit!
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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