jam being poured on dessert plates large

A Touch of France at Ottawa’s Fauna with Bonne Maman

By on September 20, 2017

One of Ottawa’s well-known restaurants has been using a product that is pretty much synonymous, not to mention delicious, with all things French.

Last week Fauna teamed up with Bonne Maman, France’s famous preserves and leading brand of high quality jams. Fauna created several delectable dishes incorporating the jams…what a tasty success they were! For someone who only knew a few of Bonne Maman’s products, this was the perfect opportunity for me to experience the diversity of this company’s flavours as they would be married with Fauna’s savoury dishes.

The Bonne Maman line is justifiably considered one of the best known and successful food brands in the world. Their recipe for success is based on an extensive range of high quality products and unique know-how. With a high fruit content (50% min.), no colourings, no preservatives and no artificial flavourings, they are made with only the most perfect fruit that are intensely flavoured and rich in natural fruit sugars.

With only four ingredients in their jams (fruit, sugar/cane sugar, concentrated lemon juice and fruit pectin), Bonne Maman jams and preserves serve up high quality products while producing lasting memories.

For decades, Bonne Maman has created special preserves following traditional, cherished recipes. Our long time customers have wonderful memories of family get-togethers when grandma was generous in sharing Bonne Maman’s luscious flavours. Bonne Maman is a favourite in every generation and a delicious addition to life everyday! – Bonne Maman

For those of you not familiar with Fauna, Ottawa patrons can attest to the delicious dishes that Fauna has been providing their guests for sometime now. This Centertown eatery is all about being local where enjoying great food and drinks with friends and family in what they refer to as their “fun space” is the norm.

We serve both small and full sized plates so you can try more than one dish. We use local ingredients wherever possible. We’re inspired by where we live, places we’ve been and things we’d like to do. – Fauna

Fauna’s Chef Billy Khoo plating one of his dishes using France’s high quality jams, Bonne Maman. (Photo by Jen Bernard Photography courtesy of Bonne Maman).

It’s not every day that guests have the opportunity to discuss products such as Bonne Maman with a chef, but to also hear how they envisioned their dish utilizing the product. Fauna’s chef Billy Khoo showed his warm demeanor as he took the time to answer questions that the invited influencers asked him about the products and dishes.

Chef Khoo explained to me that he designed the menu from his inspiration of the food that they serve at the restaurant. “We try to incorporate seasonal and local flavours into the menu with a bit of fun with modernist techniques. The Bonne Maman brand definitely competes with other jams and jellies.” And I couldn’t help but ask which jam was his favourite seeing that they all tasted amazing and we all have our favourites! “I like the red currant one the best. It’s a tad less sweet than the others and the currants carry themselves nicely.”

Fauna’s menu for the Bonne Maman event:

  • Elk Carpaccio
  • Maple Foie Gras Torchon
  • Spicy Duck Prosccuitto
  • Sous vide Pork Shoulder
Fauna’s menu with Bonne Maman jams: (left to right) Elk Carpaccio: Rosemary and Juniper rub, Bonne Maman Fig jam, Potato crackers, Parmesan; Maple Foie Gras Torchon: Smoked Salt, Crostini, Bonne Maman Red Currant Pearls; Spicy Duck Proscuitto: Soeur D’Angele Cheese, Forest honey, Toasted Baguette, Bonne Maman Cherry jam; and Sous vide Pork Shoulder: Farro, Pickled Fennel, Fennel Pollen, Mustard jus, Spiced Bonne Maman Peach Jam Gelee.

The Food Tease enjoying one of Fauna’s dishes using Bonne Maman jams. (Photo by Jen Bernard Photography courtesy of Bonne Maman).

All of Chef Khoo’s dishes fully integrated the products perfectly. Both the carpaccio and prosciutto were crowd favourites as the fig and cherry jams complemented the protein dishes flawlessly. Huge compliments to Chef Khoo’s pork shoulder as it was “melt in your mouth goodness”. The seasoning and tenderness left many of us wanting more.

The Bonne Maman event at Fauna was a perfect time to try different dishes as they mingled with the distinctive and delightful flavours that this French company has to offer. You will be pleased to know that Bonne Maman products can be found at many local shops and bistros in Ottawa.

Bon Appétit!

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
After a long day, a rich and tasty avocado, egg and bacon salad was the way to go!!🥑🥚🥓😍😋

And the pièce de résistance, triple-cream Brie with @artisinbakery baguette - the perfect match for such a meal. 

At this rate, indulgence should be my nickname 😉

#foodblogger #foodporn #travelblogger #foodphotography #indulgence #longday #avocado #triplecream #baguette #frenchcuisine #enjoylife #luxelife #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodtease #ifwtwa1 #fwt #tmac
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
Happy Easter, everyone!!🐣 🐰
Enjoying my family's Easter tradition of our colourful egg fight...I didn't win, but there's always next year 😉
.
#foodblogger #travelblogger #foodporn #easter #eastereggs #easterdecor #familytradition #annualtradition #europeanstyle #potofgold #familytime #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodteasetravel
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
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

Follow Us On Instagram