A bathroom with two sinks and a mirror.

By on April 26, 2013

POWDERING THE NOSE

No, I’m not talking about the 1980’s lingo of enjoying some ‘nose candy’ when referring to powdering the nose. I’m referring to the one place where it can make or break an eating experience…the bathroom.

As more and more restaurants are show casing their open concept kitchens it gives the patrons a false illusion that there is nothing to hide, this is somewhat true however many fail to remember the importance of a clean stocked bathroom. What we can easily take for granted when going to a restaurant like having accessible rolls of toilet paper  can quickly turn a normal restaurant experience to one of sheer nightmare (remember the old classic Seinfeld episode where Elaine famously said “can you spare a square”). As a patron, we shouldn’t have to think of these types of details. We shouldn’t have to think about toilet paper rolls, if there’s enough paper towels, enough hand soap to be used and so on. These basic details should be a given to those responsible of the restaurant. Cleanliness of the bathroom (bathroom stalls, counters, sinks, mirrors, toilets, doors and floors) says a lot about the eatery.
As a woman if should feel confident to walk in the washroom knowing that everything is clean and kept clean throughout the service. One pet peeve that still blows my mind regarding women’s bathrooms (sorry men, I can only speak for our bathrooms) is the lack of hooks for our purses and coats. If owners just took one moment to think about where us women will have to place our purses if there are no available hooks,  I am sure they would take the whole five minutes it takes to drill 2 screws and install one. Women are left to place their purses on their laps, at the back of the toilet and god forbid the unmentionable of all places….the godforsaken floor! I don’t care how clean you say your floor is – just the mere thought of placing my purse on a bathroom floor makes me want to hurl. What’s scarier and more disturbing is the fact that thousands of women have no issues doing this practice as they also have no qualm placing that very same purse on the table after the fact. Can you start envisioning the transmittal of germs? I digress…

Many restaurants have taken the time to really set themselves apart when it comes to toiletry details. It’s amazing what some freshly scented hand soap and hand lotion can do to a patron. Having said that there is also a well thought out thought process that must go with it as you don’t want to risk offending patrons with a heavily perfumed soap that will numb your senses or god forbid have that generic foam soap that we all have experienced (most big food chains have them in their bathrooms). The smell of that foam soap is utterly disgusting to me. Aside from soap and hand lotion – what sets apart some restaurants from others is the attention to detail that us women are so appreciative too. We are talking about a smorgasbord of toiletries to use at our disposal should you want and more importantly need them. Such toiletries include hair sprays, deodorants (spray on of course), Q-tips and an array of personal hygiene products.These restaurants show that they really have put thought and attention to detail for their patrons.

So the next time you happen to use the washrooms, just take a moment to notice if the owners of the restaurant have put any thought in regards to you and your needs.

Sincerely,
FT

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
"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
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
Those who know me know I'm weak for tasty popcorn and @fromfarmtotablecanada
 spoiled me with theirs!! 🍿 😋

Proudly Ontario-made and woman-owned, From Farm to Table Canada has debuted their limited-edition CNE Kettle Corn in collaboration with the Canadian National Exhibition @letsgototheex for the 2024 season.Their beautiful package illustrations captures the fun that we have, when at the CNE 🎢.

It's the perfect blend of sweet and salty - my favourite!! 😍

They are available in two sizes: Family Bag and Grab & Go. Sold online as well as in retail chains and many independent stores.

This must-have snack for the summer is available until Labour Day. 

Get yours today and enjoy!!🍿🍿
A couple of evenings ago, I had the pleasure and honour of being invited by my alma mater, @lecordonbleuottawa to witness Chef @antonyannick70 be awarded France's L'Ordre du mérite agricole, the highest civilian honour from the embassy @franceaucanada 😃

This distinction recognizes the contributions of Chef Yannick to promote French culture in Canada and Ottawa specifically - through his work as a chef and instructor at Le Cordon Bleu Institute in Ottawa. 

Special moments of the evening included Ambassador of France to Canada, Michel Miraillet sharing with guests the numerous accomplishments that Chef Yannick Anton has accomplished over the years. Simply remarkable!!👏👏
A very touching and inspiring moment came when Chef Yannick Anton gave praise and gratitude to his mentors, who helped him attain his dream in the culinary industry. He also reminded the graduating class of chefs to always have a vision and to never let it go.👨‍🍳👩🏼‍🍳😍

And it wouldn't be a celebration without some tasty treats that exude French flare! They even had chocolate graduation hats - very cute and apropo 🎓🎓

Bravo Chef!!😊
Muy Caliente!!🔥🔥🌞🌞

With the insanely hot weather, nothing is more refreshing than this tasty Brazilian lemonade with some @bacardi Gold
Rum for the win!!🤩😋

And let me tell you, a pitcher was made...as it's THAT delicious!!

At this rate, I will finally start to enjoy the summer heat...providing I have my 'special' lemonade!😉

Cheers!

#foodblogger #travelblogger #cocktails #cocktailporn #brazilianlemonade #braziliandrink #summerdrinks #bacardi #rum #summerheat #summerheatwave #lemonadeforadults #thefoodteasedrinks #ifwtwa1 #tmac #enjoylife #enjoythemoment
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