By The Food Tease on January 11, 2023
The famous adage ‘to acquire wisdom one must observe’ couldn’t be more fitting as I watched Chef Jason Laurin, owner of Essence Catering, create flavourful and stunning dishes for his clients. If truth be told, witnessing Laurin work in the kitchen with meticulous precision and incredible ease was brilliant!
A Cordon Bleu Cuisine and Pastry graduate, Laurin’s ingenuity, creativity and thinking outside the box with an enthusiasm to do better, are key traits that embody this chef and his 32-year career in the culinary industry.
Great catering is expensive, but if it’s an important day in your life, do you want to leave it to just anyone to cater? I wouldn’t – Jason Laurin, Chef/Owner of Essence Catering
Having attended numerous Ottawa-based culinary and charity events over the years, I have had the distinct pleasure of tasting Chef Laurin’s offerings. And, I can attest that he always delivers outstanding flavourful dishes. Case in point, on the day of the interview, I watched Chef Laurin infuse a labneh dish with smoke in order to elevate its flavour profile. This type of ingenuity and creativity is exactly what clients desire when seeking out a reputable caterer. However, it should be noted that Essence Catering isn’t your typical catering business. Essence is a full-service caterer that takes care of ALL your party and event needs. Everything from staffing of servers and bartenders, rentals, floral arrangements, and entertainment to the main attraction, the exceptional food. For these reasons, Essence is very much-sought after for weddings and private engagements.
In fact, Essence averages approximately 25 weddings a year and could easily take on more, but in order to provide the impeccable bespoke service that they are known for, they would rather stay within that range. Laurin explained that one of his favourite clients are those planning their second wedding since they know exactly what they DON’T want when it comes to meeting their needs. As such, Laurin always strives to ensure the focus is on the needs of the client as well as the level of execution.
Our bites are little plates in a bite, that’s the view of our canapes – Jason Laurin, Chef/Owner of Essence Catering
For this fellow Cordon Bleu graduate, I appreciated seeing this chef in his element, working on his craft and seeing first-hand his passion come to life. At present, I wanted to know more about Chef Laurin and Essence Catering.
I began working along my current path in 1990 with a job at a cafe. Essence was founded in 2005 and opened our doors in early 2006. I trained with chefs before ever considering culinary school. I did a hotel hospitality management program in Dallas, Texas in ’95-’98 and then came to Ottawa in ’99 to attend the Cordon Bleu. At that point, I had already achieved the role of Chef but really wanted to hone my skills even further.
The biggest lesson? Hmmm. Be flexible. I don’t do buffets, breakfasts, or drop offs. We do events, big and small. But always with staff and beautiful, thoughtful food and service. I left the restaurant industry because I no longer wanted to be a slave to a door. Meaning, I am open when the signs says I am, which is near always.
There is no place in particular that I get inspiration for food. Inspiration in any profession that inspires creativity, requires one to be present in all situations in order to get inspiration from everywhere. For me inspiration can be for a plate of food, or the plate itself. I love to create and don’t restrict myself to just food.
That catering can somehow bring fine food and all that entails to your house for the cost of a happy meal per person. Great catering is expensive, but if it’s an important day in your life, do you want to leave it to just anyone to cater? I wouldn’t.
We stand out because we are really very good at what we do. My team has been working together for a long time. All staff are empowered to do whatever is necessary to elevate a guest’s experience. We have an incredible amount of attention to the small details be it food or service. I am certainly a different kind of biz owner. I say it like it is, at least as it is to me. I don’t promise anything we cannot deliver.
Talking with Chef Laurin as he made fagottini pasta stuffed with lemon ricotta – think cute pasta purses filled with deliciousness – was very mesmerising and fitting of a sophisticated palate. Actually, during her Ottawa visit for the start of the Tulip festival, HRH Princess Margriet of the Netherlands enjoyed Essence’s catering, which included the highly coveted fagottini purses.
Laurin’s biggest takeaway lesson that he learned early in his career is also a powerful sentiment that speaks volumes about Laurin’s work ethic, ‘Anybody that walks in the front door should be treated like they’re walking through your living room – treat them that way’. Whether it’s catering for a regular client or for royalty, for Chef Laurin, it’s about fulfilling and satisfying his client’s needs to the highest degree.
**This article was first published in the lifestyle magazine Luxe Ottawa Magazine and was given permission to post on the author’s site.
Always a student and always learning😃
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 🔥 😋😍
Looking forward to discovering new regions! 😊
#travelblogger #foodblogger #discovering #discoverphiladelphia #philadelphia #philadelphialove #play #playrestaurant #supportlocal #travelmediaca #tmac #ifwtwa1 #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodteasedrinks
Apr 20
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! ❤️
#foodblogger #travelblogger #foodporn #tasteforlife #greatcause #hivcharity #fauna #support #supportlocal #ottawarestaurants #supportlocal #donation #aidscharity #aidsawareness #hiv #thefoodteaseeats #ifwtwa1 #tmac #travelmediaca
Apr 19
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 😉🍻
On the bucket list to discover✈️✈️
#foodblogger #travelblogger #tourism #czech #czechrepublic #czechbeer #czechembassy #passportready #destination #solotravel #solotraveler #luxurytravel #thefoodteasedrinks #bucketlist #ifwtwa1 #travelmediaca
Apr 7
Sophistication, opulent decor, and beautiful luxury desserts - this is @delyseesottawa 🍰🍮
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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.😋🍰😍
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Sweets for the sweets... Enjoy!
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#foodblogger #foodporn #travelblogger #dessert #dessertsofinstagram #luxury #luxurydesserts #delysees #creativedirector #parisienne #frenchsweets #frenchdesserts #published #thefoodteaseeats #ifwtwa1 #travelmediaca #tmac
Apr 5
Happy Easter, everyone!!🐣 🐰
Enjoying my family`s Easter tradition of our colourful egg fight...I didn`t win, but there`s always next year 😉
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#foodblogger #travelblogger #foodporn #easter #eastereggs #easterdecor #familytradition #annualtradition #europeanstyle #potofgold #familytime #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodteasetravel
Mar 31
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!🤩
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Whether it be for business and/or for pleasure, the @brookstreetott has you covered.
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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. 🤩🤩
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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!!🍸🍸😋😋
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Weekend getaways are perfect for some R&R!!😊
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#foodblogger #travelblogger #foodporn #foodpornshare #hotel #getaway #indulge #brookstreet #brookstreethotel #weekendvibes #jazzlounge #hotelexperience #beingatourist #supportlocal #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodteasedrinks #thefoodteasetravel #travelmediaca #tmac #ifwtwa1
Mar 27
I had the pleasure of experiencing @kathaottawa with their exclusive 8 course tasting menu of progressive Indian cuisine. What a treat!😍😋
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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.
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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. 😋😋
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Props to Chef/Owner Sarath Teegavarapu and his talented brigade on this creative endeavor!!
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#foodblogger #travelbloggers #foodpornshare #foodphotography #blindtasting #indiancuisine #katha #progressiveindiancuisine #ottawaeats #ottawarestaurants #supportlocalbusiness #supportlocal #newexperience #ifwtwa1 #tmactravel #tmac #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodteasedrinks
Mar 5
Calling all sweet tooth lovers📣📣
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@delyseesottawa = Decadent sweet indulgences with a luxurious vibe!!✨️✨️🍰🍮
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Parisienne inspired desserts ✅️
Luxury vibe ✅️
Stunning tasty sweets ✅️
When all boxes are checked, a visit to @delyseesottawa at Lansdowne & @delyseestoronto is needed.🍰🍮🍾🥂
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Chic ambiance and tasty desserts make for a sweet indulgent experience!! 😋
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The tasty best sellers at Delysees are the following:
Hugo: Sicilian pistachio mousse
Frasier: fresh strawberries and cream🍓
Le Verdi: passion fruit cheesecake
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Go and get your sweet tooth fix and ENJOY😊
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#foodblogger #travelblogger #foodpornshare #foodphotography #dessertlife #desserts #dessertsofinstagram #delysees #supportlocalbusiness #ottawaeats #ottawatourism #dessertporn #luxurydesserts #frenchdessert #thefoodteaseeats #ifwtwa1 #fwt #tmac
Feb 9
Friday night, I had the privilege of attending the 2024 Canadian Culinary Championships - Mystery Wine Challenge - People`s Choice Award🥇🥇@greatkitchenparty
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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!!😋
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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
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Amazing talent from all the chefs as they paired with the mystery wine (a 2021 Lailey Vineyard Zweigelt)🍷🍷
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#foodblogger ##foodgram #foodcompetition #travelblogger #CCC2024 #greatkitchenparty #peopleschoice #peopleschoiceawards #underpressure #foodandwine #underbudget #onbudget #culinarycompetition #thefoodteasedrinks #thefoodteaseeats #ifwtwa1 #tmac
Feb 5
A classic is always a classic!🤩
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@alssteakhouse has been serving food lovers steak, seafood, and tantalizing martinis since 1967!!! Just incredible! 🥩🍤🍸
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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!! 😮
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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.😋
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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‼️
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#foodblogger #foodlovers #foodgram #travelbloggers #alssteakhouse #steakhouse #steak #oldschool #oldschoolclassic #finedining #supportlocalbusiness #ottawaeats #ottawarestaurants #ribeyesteak🥩 #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodteasedrinks #ifwtwa1 #tmac #foodie #wantmore
Jan 28
Planning for your BIG wedding day💍 and looking for something different than the traditional bachelorette party? 🎉🎉
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Then you need to read my solo Montreal getaway article featured in the latest issue of @ottawawedding magazine.
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Special thanks to @montreal for the beautiful experiences.
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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😋😋
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Solo getaway or with a friend or two, any reason to visit and experience Montréal is a good one!! 😍🤗
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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!!😍😋
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I think it`s time for you to discover, and for some, REDISCOVER Montreal! 🤩🤩
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#travelblogger #foodblogger #travelgram
#mtlmoments #mtl #mtlfoodies #published #presstrip #passportready
#alwaysexploring #travellikealocal #localbusiness #ifwtwa1 #tmactravel #thefoodteasetravel #exploremontreal #touristattractions #solo #solotravel
Jan 23
Explore and savour! 😋
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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!😍
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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!! 😋😋
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And if that wasn`t enough, the view of the mind-blowing luxury yachts in front of us as we dined was simply perfect!🛳🛥🤩
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These activities made for a great island day!🏝😊
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#foodblogger #foodpornshare #travelgram #travelbloggers #antigua #antiguabarbuda #loveantiguabarbuda #islandlife #exploring #shirleyheights #seafoodlover #conch #yacht #yachtlife #vacationdestination #vacaymode #tmactravel #tmac #ifwtwa1 #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodteasetravel
Dec 30
The Devil made me do it! 👹😉
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Antigua’s rich history and spectacular topography provide a variety of popular sightseeing opportunities.
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One of those stunning sightseeing opportunities is the Devil`s Bridge. The sight and sounds of this natural wonder are something else. 👹🌊
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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.😲😍
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#foodblogger #travelbloggers
#antiguaandbarbuda
#loveantiguabarbuda #passportready
#naturalwonders #devilsbridge #antigua #naturalphenomenon #ocean #sightseeing #mustsee #mothernature #touristattraction #thefoodteasetravel #tmactravel #tmac #ifwtwa1 #blowhole #adrenaline
Dec 24
To discover any new destination, I need to explore and experience their local dishes and eateries. 😋😋
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Big thanks to @eat_n_lime_food_tours and to the @antiguaandbarbuda tourism board for providing me such a tasty treat!!🤗
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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!😍😋
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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.
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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.🍹😉
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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. 😍🤗
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#foodblogger #foodlovers #foodphotography #foodtourism #foodtour #travelbloggers
#loveantiguabarbuda #eatnlime
#antiguabarbuda #antigua #tmactravel #ifwtwa1 #thefoodteasedrinks #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodteasetravel #alwaysexploring
Dec 23
Christmas came early🎅🎁!!
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When relaxation and disconnection are needed, The @verandahantigua Resort and Spa (an all-inclusive adults-only resort) delivers!! 🏖🩴
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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.🏝🏖
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Stay tuned for stunning island attractions and tasty local dishes as I share my Antiguan adventure... which may include some Rum inspiration. 🍹😋
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#foodblogger #travelbloggers
#travelgram
#loveantiguabarbuda #antiguaandbarbuda #vacationdestination
#antigua #disconnect #vacay #vacaymode #passportready #luxelife #luxurytravel #xmastrip #familytime #memories #tmactravel #tmac #ifwtwa1 #beach #villas #allinclusive #thefoodteasetravel
Dec 22
Home cooking calls for a smoked salmon Dutch baby!!😋💕
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This uber light yet rich at the same time meal is nothing but DELICIOUS!
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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.
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Here`s to weekend meals👩🏼🍳😋
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#foodblogger #foodlovers #foodpornshare #travelbloggers #nomnom #homecooking #dutchbaby #cookingwithlove #decadent #smokedsalmon #wantmore #recipes #cookingathome #overthetop #ifwtwa1 #thefoodteaseeats #castiron #castironcooking
Dec 11
I am very proud to share my culinary "observer" perspective regarding @lecordonbleuottawa culinary workshops in the latest issue of @luxeottawamagazine 😊
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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. 😋
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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!👨🍳👩🏼🍳
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Check out the article and the new culinary workshops being offered. Enjoy the adventure!!😊🤗
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#foodblogger #travelbloggers #foodlovers #foodgram #culinaryinstitute #workshop #lcb #lecordonbleu #lecordonbleuottawa #alwaysexploring #alwayslearning #published #luxemagazine #ifwtwa1 #tmac #tmactravel
Dec 1
Where`s my rubber ducky 🐤😉?!
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A year ago this week, I was enjoying some bath time while in @discoverdominica 🏖🏝😍
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Dominica`s lush scenery is extraordinary, and I`m grateful to have been invited to visit their beautiful island😊😊
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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! 🤩
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Dominica`s adventure activities - diving, snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, swimming - are just some of the many ways to enjoy this tropical island.🤿🙂
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Put Dominica on your travel list. You`ll love it!!❤️❤️
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#foodblogger #travelgram #travelblogger #passportready #presstrip #discoverdominica #dominica #sulphursprings #lush #bubblebath #outdoorbath #newdestination #newexperiences #tmactravel #ifwtwa1 #thefoodteasetravel #tmac #tropical #zen #wottenwavenhotsprings
Nov 15
What goes better together than Champagne and lobster?! Nothing, except MORE Champagne...hence the magnum of Veuve!🍾🥂🦞
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This is the definition of indulgence. 😉
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Why wait for special occasions?! Enjoy what makes you happy whenever the mood strikes!
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Carpe diem!!🍾🥂😍
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#foodblogger #foodlovers #travelbloggers #travelgram #champagne #champagnelover #lobsters #lobsterlover #carpediem #indulgence #anyoccasion #seizetheday #lobsterdinner #splurge #thefoodteasedrinks #thefoodteaseeats #bubbles #more #moreplease #specialoccasions #anyday
Nov 8
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! 🏅🏅
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Special thanks to @pti_casque from @co.makerfeed and his brigade for an amazing evening out. 😍 😋
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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.😋😋
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Always a great time eating Chef`s creations in the beautiful `Alice In Wonderland` room - my favourite!!😍
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A must try for any occasion!!😋
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#foodblogger #foodpornshare #foodgram #foodlovers #travelblogger #restaurant #ossobuco #risotto #oysters #chefschoice #chefsspecial #supportlocalbusiness #ottawarestaurants #ottawaeats #diningout #specialoccasions #thefoodteaseeats
Nov 3
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