I like my martinis extra dirty with olives; my mojitos with freshly squeezed lime juice as opposed to lime cordial; and my gin with a splash of St. Germain. I know what I like in my drinks, just like you do!
We all have our preferences when it comes to our favorite drinks; a key ingredient to having a superb drink starts with a mixologist who knows how to perfectly execute our tasty libations!
The very interactive and engaging Canadian mixology competition, Made With Love, is back again for its third year!
Made With Love is an international event for cocktail enthusiasts and food epicureans. It has become an annual celebration of the craft cocktails industry. The public, along with a panel of renowned judges, are invited to witness this interactive competition by savouring exclusive and extravagant creations and vote for their favourites.
Founded in 2009 in Montreal, MADE WITH LOVE has gained popularity through its mixology competition where passion and excellence bring the bartending community together to push the limits of creativity. Today, MADE WITH LOVE is active in 2 countries (Canada and Spain), and continues to develop internationally. – Made With Love
The two crowned winners of each category,
Public’s Choice and Judges’ Choice, will represent Ottawa at the National Finals
taking place in the Spring. The finalists will try to win the coveted title of
best Barchef in the country, and have a chance to win one of 10 trips to one of
the Made With Love affiliated distilleries :
–
2 trips to Italy with Campari
–
2 trips to Nicaragua with Flor de Cana
–
2 trips to New Orleans with Sazerac
–
2 trips to Kentucky (USA) with Woodford Reserve
–
2 trips with MADE WITH LOVE
Vying for Ottawa’s top mixologist are five finalists that have taken the time to answer some of my questions as they get ready for the big event next week:
What cocktail have you submitted for the competition?
WARREN FREDERICK: I decided to make my cocktail for a few reasons. One being I wanted to incorporate the different flavour profiles of Woodford Reserve and make a cocktail highlighting the key flavour notes and tell a story while you sip my cocktail and we are a coffee shop so there will be some coffee element to my cocktail to match the profile of my spirit.
SHANNON BLUE NANIBUSH: For Made with Love this year, I was appointed Southern Comfort, and my immediate thought was “how do I balance the sweetness?” So for my cocktail I chose to do a stirred cocktail, with citric acid, black cherry juice and black sesame syrup. I wanted to keep it simple as far as ingredients go and something that came out very dark in colour. I think a stirred Southern Comfort cocktail would stand out!
MIKE CAMPBELL: My drink will have Campari, a faux vermouth syrup made from scratch and ten infused with Korean gochuchillies and finished with house made spiced-orange bitters. I think my use of traditional Korean ingredients will help my cocktail stand out and not being afraid to use very over the top flavours while still maintaining a balanced drink.
MATTHEW AZEVEDO: I love a great gimlet. Love. So the drink I decided to make was heavily influenced by that, while I tried to put the heaviest Canadian spin on it possible. Ungava has such unique flavours that makes it stand out even amongst other pronounced flavours, so its given me some beautiful breathing room to play with.
DRAKE ROSS EVANS: The drink I’ve made for ‘Made with Love’ is a type of Tiki cocktail, Rum being the more predominant flavour with a juicy and silky finish. I personally love Tiki cocktails because there are so many neat and creative rum forward drinks.
What was the inspiration behind your creation?
WARREN FREDERICK:
My
inspiration behind my drink is the flavour wheel of Woodford Reserve and also coffee because we
are a coffee shop.
SHANNON
BLUE NANIBUSH: My theme for my cocktail was stemmed from my love
of westerns and goth culture, so think gothic western!
MIKE CAMPBELL:I decided
to make a cocktail inspired by some of the unique flavors I experienced in
Korea, and same goes for my food pairing. Because I am not representing any
restaurant I feel like it would be the most authentic thing to just make what I
know and I what I believe will be a very new flavor profile for most people
attending the event.
MATTHEW
AZEVEDO: My number one inspiration was everything Canada. Ungava is a
beautiful testament to the great botanicals this country has to offer, and that
made me want to showcase the possibilities that can come from utilizing what
this great country has to offer.
DRAKE ROSS EVANS:The
inspiration for my theme and flavours came from Nicaragua, a place of lakes and
volcanoes. When the cocktail came to be a vibrant orange colour it brought me
to Danakil Ethiopia and their volcanic lakes. I knew from the beginning I
wanted to make a drink using Horchata, a refreshing rice milk drink that’s very
popular in central America. Horchata will be my stand out ingredient in this
drink. Orange and lime as a classic citrus that will bring familiarity to the
guests, fresh carrot juice which I hope to bring a “wow factor”.
What accompanying appetizer will you be serving with your cocktail?
WARREN FREDERICK:
That’s
a secret. Lol!
SHANNON BLUE NANIBUSH: To go with
my theme I will be serving a chili style hodge podge with sesame elements. I
wanted something rustic and not sweet this year.
MIKE CAMPBELL: I’ll be pairing my drink with a
traditional Kimchi-Jiggae which is a spicy Korean soup, very common in Korean
restaurants and bars.
MATTHEW
AZEVEDO: My chef and I are still in the process, so food pairing will
have to be a surprise!!
DRAKE ROSS EVANS: My food pairing is a combination
of fresh Nicaraguan flavours. Serving a pork meatball with a achiote and sour
orange sauce. Topped with a spiced carrot and beet slaw all served on a
plantain chip. This savoury, spicy, herbal appetizer hits the flavour palate
that my cocktail doesn’t. Lake Citrine (the cocktails name) brings the citrus,
sweet, and silky all to life. With these two combinations, your mouth will be
listening to a symphony of flavours hitting each note on the tongue.
Vital information:
Where: Horticulture Building at Lansdowne Park
When: Monday, April 1st, 2019
Time: 6pm – 11pm
Tickets: $65 general
admission at each participating bar or $75 at the door. For groups of 10 or more, contact us at
info@enjoymadewithlove.com 19 years+
Ticket prices include a complete tasting of all showcased cocktails, a selection of food-pairings, and the privilege to vote for your favourite cocktail creation, and favourite Barchef!
Now buy your tickets and get ready to be entranced and
seduced by the talents of the cocktail competitors!
It helps when an interesting destination is discussed and tasty dishes are shared!✈️🍽
Big thanks to @phillydiscover for informing me on the unique attractions that Philadelphia has to offer and to @playfoodwine for their exceptional hospitality!😋
A delicious fish cake followed by the braised beef cheek and ramp gnocchi hit all the right notes. However, I couldn`t help myself from indulging on their grilled Sourdough Bread With Caramelized Butter...Ridiculously ADDICTIVE 🔥 😋😍
A recipe for tasty success - this is what A Taste for Life Ottawa is all about.
Last evening, generous restaurants like @faunaottawa opened their doors to patrons who dined and donated to support people living with HIV in our communities.
What more could you ask for?! Stellar dishes while supporting a great cause!!☺️
Fresh meaty Malpeque oysters 🦪🦪 and tasty tempura mushrooms 🍄 as appetizers to a mouth-watering meat fest. Say hello to a 80 day dry aged ribeye for 2 and the tastiest duck breast I`ve ever had!!😲😋😋😍
Because those dishes weren`t indulgent enough, a basque style cheesecake had to be tasted!!😂😋
A great cause and annual tradition that I`m proud to support and be a part of! ❤️
Learning about new destinations and different cultures is always a blast! 😃
Several evenings ago, I had the pleasure of being invited to the Embassy of the Czech Republic😍
Learning about their culture, their unique travel experiences, and surprisingly, how inexpensive this country is, when compared to other European destinations, is always good💰💰
To start the Czech Tourism event, guests had the pleasure to hear from Czech Republic Ambassador of Canada, Martin Tlapa.
Tasty libations and Czech dishes were enjoyed by the guests. Even though I enjoy my 🍾 bubbles, I enjoyed tasting Czech`s prized beer 😉🍻
Sophistication, opulent decor, and beautiful luxury desserts - this is @delyseesottawa 🍰🍮 . Read The Food Tease column in the Spring/Summer issue of @luxeottawamagazine on how Delysees`s Creative Director, Fred Naggar, successfully left awe-inspiring footprints in the fashion world to embark on a new adventure with his wife - the world of high-end desserts.😋🍰😍 . Sweets for the sweets... Enjoy! . #foodblogger #foodporn #travelblogger #dessert #dessertsofinstagram #luxury #luxurydesserts #delysees #creativedirector #parisienne #frenchsweets #frenchdesserts #published #thefoodteaseeats #ifwtwa1 #travelmediaca #tmac
Play golf⛳️? Planning a wedding💍? Enjoy live jazz 🎷🎹? And let`s not forget, enjoy spa services💆🏼♀️and tasty dishes?😋 Then the @brookstreetott is worth experiencing!🤩 . Whether it be for business and/or for pleasure, the @brookstreetott has you covered. . During my recent stay, I was informed that all guests` rooms will be renovated in the next couple of months. By September 2024, the renovation project will be completed. 🤩🤩 . Now lets talk about the tssty dishes: veal ribeye, Beef carpaccio, tuna sushi and a tasty breakfast of poached eggs Benedict poutine...and let`s not ignore my tasty libation...an extra dirty martinis with extra olives!!🍸🍸😋😋 . Weekend getaways are perfect for some R&R!!😊 . #foodblogger #travelblogger #foodporn #foodpornshare #hotel #getaway #indulge #brookstreet #brookstreethotel #weekendvibes #jazzlounge #hotelexperience #beingatourist #supportlocal #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodteasedrinks #thefoodteasetravel #travelmediaca #tmac #ifwtwa1
I had the pleasure of experiencing @kathaottawa with their exclusive 8 course tasting menu of progressive Indian cuisine. What a treat!😍😋 . Kathā means story in Sanskrit, and with each course, a story about the dish was shared with the guests. This interactive approach provided a cultural and personal background for each dish. . Everything from the scallop ceviche, the cod with chili and coriander oil to the delicious lamb chop and duck - all made for a unique cultural dining experience. 😋😋 . Props to Chef/Owner Sarath Teegavarapu and his talented brigade on this creative endeavor!! . #foodblogger #travelbloggers #foodpornshare #foodphotography #blindtasting #indiancuisine #katha #progressiveindiancuisine #ottawaeats #ottawarestaurants #supportlocalbusiness #supportlocal #newexperience #ifwtwa1 #tmactravel #tmac #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodteasedrinks
Calling all sweet tooth lovers📣📣 . @delyseesottawa = Decadent sweet indulgences with a luxurious vibe!!✨️✨️🍰🍮 . Parisienne inspired desserts ✅️ Luxury vibe ✅️ Stunning tasty sweets ✅️ When all boxes are checked, a visit to @delyseesottawa at Lansdowne & @delyseestoronto is needed.🍰🍮🍾🥂 . Chic ambiance and tasty desserts make for a sweet indulgent experience!! 😋 . The tasty best sellers at Delysees are the following: Hugo: Sicilian pistachio mousse Frasier: fresh strawberries and cream🍓 Le Verdi: passion fruit cheesecake . Go and get your sweet tooth fix and ENJOY😊 . #foodblogger #travelblogger #foodpornshare #foodphotography #dessertlife #desserts #dessertsofinstagram #delysees #supportlocalbusiness #ottawaeats #ottawatourism #dessertporn #luxurydesserts #frenchdessert #thefoodteaseeats #ifwtwa1 #fwt #tmac
Friday night, I had the privilege of attending the 2024 Canadian Culinary Championships - Mystery Wine Challenge - People`s Choice Award🥇🥇@greatkitchenparty . Congratulations to all the chefs involved in this intense competition. The chefs needed to create a dish to pair with the mystery wine. Each chef was given a tricky budget of $550 for the 250 guests. I was witnessing creativity at its best!!😋 . The winning dish🥇 (centered in the middle of the photo) was created by JP Dublado: Red Deer Resort and Casino, Red Deer AB Dish: beet & soy cured albacore tuna - ponzu gel - tomato water - puffed wild rice - beet green oil . Amazing talent from all the chefs as they paired with the mystery wine (a 2021 Lailey Vineyard Zweigelt)🍷🍷 . #foodblogger ##foodgram #foodcompetition #travelblogger #CCC2024 #greatkitchenparty #peopleschoice #peopleschoiceawards #underpressure #foodandwine #underbudget #onbudget #culinarycompetition #thefoodteasedrinks #thefoodteaseeats #ifwtwa1 #tmac
A classic is always a classic!🤩 . @alssteakhouse has been serving food lovers steak, seafood, and tantalizing martinis since 1967!!! Just incredible! 🥩🍤🍸 . As an appetizer, I must say their calamari was outstanding, and believe it or not, their portion was unlike any other eatery - there was so much!! 😮 . And now, for the main attraction - their 14oz Rib-eye steak. The flavour of this steak was a melt-in-your-mouth gift! I couldn`t stop eating it. I forgot how delicious their steaks are. With their sides and salad with their signature garlic dressing, it was a real feast, to say the least.😋 . I`m already looking forward to my next visit...like I said, when a classic is this tasty, any excuse to visit is a good one‼️ . #foodblogger #foodlovers #foodgram #travelbloggers #alssteakhouse #steakhouse #steak #oldschool #oldschoolclassic #finedining #supportlocalbusiness #ottawaeats #ottawarestaurants #ribeyesteak🥩 #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodteasedrinks #ifwtwa1 #tmac #foodie #wantmore
Planning for your BIG wedding day💍 and looking for something different than the traditional bachelorette party? 🎉🎉 . Then you need to read my solo Montreal getaway article featured in the latest issue of @ottawawedding magazine. . Special thanks to @montreal for the beautiful experiences. . Amongst the amazing activities: ● High Tea at the Ritz-Carlton 🍾🥂 ● Pampering at the Scandinave Spa 💆🏼♀️and at Le Germain Hotel ● Visiting the beautiful light show at the Botanical Gardens ⚘️✨️ ● Culinary experiences at the Foxy restaurant and discovering local restaurants during a food tour😋😋 . Solo getaway or with a friend or two, any reason to visit and experience Montréal is a good one!! 😍🤗 . With its countless cultural activities and experiences, one can easily enjoy this beautiful city! And let`s not forget their food scene... that alone is reason enough to visit!!😍😋 . I think it`s time for you to discover, and for some, REDISCOVER Montreal! 🤩🤩 . #travelblogger #foodblogger #travelgram #mtlmoments #mtl #mtlfoodies #published #presstrip #passportready #alwaysexploring #travellikealocal #localbusiness #ifwtwa1 #tmactravel #thefoodteasetravel #exploremontreal #touristattractions #solo #solotravel
Explore and savour! 😋 . Exploring different regions of the beautiful island of Antigua🏝🏝🐚🐚 Breathtaking panoramic views from Shirley Heights, a restored military lookout, and gun battery was such a visual treat!😍 . Afterward, a tasty seafood lunch at the Mainbrace restaurant, located at the @copperandlumberstorehotelanu was needed. We are talking about delicious conch fritters, spicy shrimp and avocado sushi stack, and Mahi Mahi trio seafood salad - YUMMY!! 😋😋 . And if that wasn`t enough, the view of the mind-blowing luxury yachts in front of us as we dined was simply perfect!🛳🛥🤩 . These activities made for a great island day!🏝😊 . #foodblogger #foodpornshare #travelgram #travelbloggers #antigua #antiguabarbuda #loveantiguabarbuda #islandlife #exploring #shirleyheights #seafoodlover #conch #yacht #yachtlife #vacationdestination #vacaymode #tmactravel #tmac #ifwtwa1 #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodteasetravel
The Devil made me do it! 👹😉 . Antigua’s rich history and spectacular topography provide a variety of popular sightseeing opportunities. . One of those stunning sightseeing opportunities is the Devil`s Bridge. The sight and sounds of this natural wonder are something else. 👹🌊 . Natural blowholes around the arch shoot up water and spray, caused by the Atlantic Ocean waves. Simply beautiful and capitavating and yet dangerous if too close to the blowholes.😲😍 . #foodblogger #travelbloggers #antiguaandbarbuda #loveantiguabarbuda #passportready #naturalwonders #devilsbridge #antigua #naturalphenomenon #ocean #sightseeing #mustsee #mothernature #touristattraction #thefoodteasetravel #tmactravel #tmac #ifwtwa1 #blowhole #adrenaline
To discover any new destination, I need to explore and experience their local dishes and eateries. 😋😋 . Big thanks to @eat_n_lime_food_tours and to the @antiguaandbarbuda tourism board for providing me such a tasty treat!!🤗 . Eat N Lime`s motto resonates with me so much...`We are hanging out and chilling, enjoying eachothers company with good food` - This is my happy place!😍😋 . The delicious food tour started in Saint John, the capital of Antigua and Barbuda, at the Heritage Quay Complex, where one can easily see all the cruise ships coming in and offloading their passengers. . I had the pleasure of tasting these local treats during the food tour: 1) Island Bhive: shrimp fritters with garlic sauce - so delicious 😋 🦐 2) Quin Farara Liquor Store: Rum tasting and learning how to make an Antiguan Old Fashioned cocktail with their 5-year-old English Harbour Rum.🍹 3) Roti King: a very generous roti that was packed with flavour: chickpea bread, potatoes, chicken, Indian curry, turmeric, and ginger. 4) Brownies Bakery: well-known for its unique bread offerings. Fun fact: it`s also a well-known hangover dish.🍞😉Tracey Ann, our informative and engaging Eat n Lime Food Tours guide, showed us Brownies Bakery`s famous bread - cinnamon butter and cheese. 5) Patti Delight: Jamaican patties with a twist. Jamaican beef patty with bacon, cheese, tomatoes, and lettuce. More please!!😋😋 6) To wash down all this delicious food, we stopped at One Stone Ital Shack - a Jamaican rasta shop known for their fresh fruit juices. Passion fruit for the win!! Tasted amazing and truth be told, I mixed my leftover juice with some local Rum as my afternoon cocktail.🍹😉 . I highly recommend taking part in food tours when discovering new destinations as you not only learn about the culture but also learn how food plays an integral role in the history of the specific region. Eat N Lime`s food tour was exceptional - great memories from this excursion. 😍🤗 . #foodblogger #foodlovers #foodphotography #foodtourism #foodtour #travelbloggers #loveantiguabarbuda #eatnlime #antiguabarbuda #antigua #tmactravel #ifwtwa1 #thefoodteasedrinks #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodteasetravel #alwaysexploring
Christmas came early🎅🎁!! . When relaxation and disconnection are needed, The @verandahantigua Resort and Spa (an all-inclusive adults-only resort) delivers!! 🏖🩴 . It was paradise enjoying the tropical scenery at one of the two beautiful white-sand palm-lined cove beaches that the Verandah Resort & Spa offers its guests.🏝🏖 . Stay tuned for stunning island attractions and tasty local dishes as I share my Antiguan adventure... which may include some Rum inspiration. 🍹😋 . #foodblogger #travelbloggers #travelgram #loveantiguabarbuda #antiguaandbarbuda #vacationdestination #antigua #disconnect #vacay #vacaymode #passportready #luxelife #luxurytravel #xmastrip #familytime #memories #tmactravel #tmac #ifwtwa1 #beach #villas #allinclusive #thefoodteasetravel
Home cooking calls for a smoked salmon Dutch baby!!😋💕 . This uber light yet rich at the same time meal is nothing but DELICIOUS! . This savoury Dutch baby with garlic butter, parmesan, and plenty of herbs can be a versatile vessel for other proteins or on its own. However, the smoked salmon and sour cream spread takes it to another level. . Here`s to weekend meals👩🏼🍳😋 . #foodblogger #foodlovers #foodpornshare #travelbloggers #nomnom #homecooking #dutchbaby #cookingwithlove #decadent #smokedsalmon #wantmore #recipes #cookingathome #overthetop #ifwtwa1 #thefoodteaseeats #castiron #castironcooking
I am very proud to share my culinary "observer" perspective regarding @lecordonbleuottawa culinary workshops in the latest issue of @luxeottawamagazine 😊 . Visiting my alma mater and watching the culinary workshop from a different lens reinforced the rationale as to why I pursued my culinary education…the pleasure of savouring the fruits of your labour. 😋 . It is this journey that ignited my passion for cooking, helped hone my skills, and introduced me to a world of flavours and techniques that continue to inspire me to this day. And perhaps it will inspire you as well!👨🍳👩🏼🍳 . Check out the article and the new culinary workshops being offered. Enjoy the adventure!!😊🤗 . #foodblogger #travelbloggers #foodlovers #foodgram #culinaryinstitute #workshop #lcb #lecordonbleu #lecordonbleuottawa #alwaysexploring #alwayslearning #published #luxemagazine #ifwtwa1 #tmac #tmactravel
Where`s my rubber ducky 🐤😉?! . A year ago this week, I was enjoying some bath time while in @discoverdominica 🏖🏝😍 . Dominica`s lush scenery is extraordinary, and I`m grateful to have been invited to visit their beautiful island😊😊 . 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! 🤩 . Dominica`s adventure activities - diving, snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, swimming - are just some of the many ways to enjoy this tropical island.🤿🙂 . Put Dominica on your travel list. You`ll love it!!❤️❤️ . #foodblogger #travelgram #travelblogger #passportready #presstrip #discoverdominica #dominica #sulphursprings #lush #bubblebath #outdoorbath #newdestination #newexperiences #tmactravel #ifwtwa1 #thefoodteasetravel #tmac #tropical #zen #wottenwavenhotsprings
What goes better together than Champagne and lobster?! Nothing, except MORE Champagne...hence the magnum of Veuve!🍾🥂🦞 . This is the definition of indulgence. 😉 . Why wait for special occasions?! Enjoy what makes you happy whenever the mood strikes! . Carpe diem!!🍾🥂😍 . #foodblogger #foodlovers #travelbloggers #travelgram #champagne #champagnelover #lobsters #lobsterlover #carpediem #indulgence #anyoccasion #seizetheday #lobsterdinner #splurge #thefoodteasedrinks #thefoodteaseeats #bubbles #more #moreplease #specialoccasions #anyday
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! 🏅🏅 . Special thanks to @pti_casque from @co.makerfeed and his brigade for an amazing evening out. 😍 😋 . I was spoiled with the most amazing dishes!! ● PEI oysters for the win! Love the presentation!!🦪🦪 ● Auntie Jo`s Wagyu corndogs with honey mustard...So, so tasty!! I couldn`t resist😋 ● Chef`s risotto: roasted squash with Osso Bucco beef and goat cheese. So rich and insanely flavourful!!😍😍 ● Osso Bucco at its best...melt-in-your-mouth tender and a sauce that makes you want to spoon it all up.😋😋 . Always a great time eating Chef`s creations in the beautiful `Alice In Wonderland` room - my favourite!!😍 . A must try for any occasion!!😋 . #foodblogger #foodpornshare #foodgram #foodlovers #travelblogger #restaurant #ossobuco #risotto #oysters #chefschoice #chefsspecial #supportlocalbusiness #ottawarestaurants #ottawaeats #diningout #specialoccasions #thefoodteaseeats