By admin on April 27, 2013
With the popular trend of restaurants having ever so changing menus – taking advantage of the seasonal vegetables being harvested, I at times have issues with this. Let me explain before I start offending some vegetable lovers out there. At the rate that I frequent restaurants, I do my best to order a different meal at every chance I get but should a plate blow me away and begs me to order it again and again…I fall victim to the changing menus where now the odds of me getting my yummy goodness is no longer available. That’s not to say that I wont find another worthy meal on the menu but it’s just that it wouldn’t be the same.
What makes matter worse (well at least for me anyways), it hurts even more if you’ve made a special trip or gone out of your way to satisfy that food hunger that has been gnawing away at you and only that special dish will do the job. My solution to this, is rather simple and I often do this should I find myself to be in such a predicament: order it regardless if its on the menu or not! I realize not many people will opt for this option but for me it’s the only way to satisfy my food whore needs. Notice that I said ‘needs’ and not ‘wants’ that’s because there are certain meals or treats that take that role, where I need it to be happy and fulfilled at that very moment.
If you are ballsy enough to place such an order knowing full well that it’s not on the menu, then I will make 2 suggestions to you:
1) always have an alternative food selection in mind, in case your request doesn’t materialize
2) always, always, always ask with a smile….believe me a smile is the most underrated gesture that can open so many doors for people and yet people still manage to forget it.
A worthy restaurant that cannot accommodate your request will no doubt try to come up with an alternative solution to try and please you. I was fortunate enough that the restaurant that I was visiting that evening was ever so accommodating. I was visiting Juniper Kitchen and Wine Bar, a sophisticated establishment that focuses on creating a distinctive New Canadian cuisine, except what makes this situation even more interesting is the fact that I placed an order that wasn’t on the menu AND I had never eaten this meal from this restaurant before. I just happened to be in a mood that called for some comfort food and I needed it bad. I had eaten at Juniper’s several times before so I knew the caliber of the food and I thought – well I have nothing to lose by asking (I carry that train of thought in every aspect in my life..nothing to lose and everything to gain). So when I requested a rich risotto from the server, I was told that they would confer with the chef and see if they could accommodate me…well my friends, let me tell you from the moment they informed me that the chef could fulfill my risotto wish…a beautiful evening of me being in bliss had started. I was spoiled by an ever so rich and insanely mouth watering risotto which was accompanied by an array of vegetables (normally I don’t fancy vegetables unless they are drowning in a thick uber rich cheese sauce or gravy) but in this case the vegetables were heavenly and perfectly seasoned. The piΓ¨ce de resistance was a beautiful thick beef sauce…sheer perfection as it married the risotto ever so well!
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| Art on a plate |
Still salivating for some more of that risotto…
Where`s my rubber ducky π€π?!
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A year ago this week, I was enjoying some bath time while in @discoverdominica πππ
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Dominica`s lush scenery is extraordinary, and I`m grateful to have been invited to visit their beautiful islandππ
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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! π€©
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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.π€Ώπ
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Put Dominica on your travel list. You`ll love it!!β€οΈβ€οΈ
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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!πΎπ₯π¦
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This is the definition of indulgence. π
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Why wait for special occasions?! Enjoy what makes you happy whenever the mood strikes!
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Carpe diem!!πΎπ₯π
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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! π
π
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Special thanks to @pti_casque from @co.makerfeed and his brigade for an amazing evening out. π π
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I was spoiled with the most amazing dishes!!
β PEI oysters for the win! Love the presentation!!π¦ͺπ¦ͺ
β Auntie Jo`s Wagyu corndogs with honey mustard...So, so tasty!! I couldn`t resistπ
β Chef`s risotto: roasted squash with Osso Bucco beef and goat cheese. So rich and insanely flavourful!!ππ
β Osso Bucco at its best...melt-in-your-mouth tender and a sauce that makes you want to spoon it all up.ππ
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Always a great time eating Chef`s creations in the beautiful `Alice In Wonderland` room - my favourite!!π
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A must try for any occasion!!π
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#foodblogger #foodpornshare #foodgram #foodlovers #travelblogger #restaurant #ossobuco #risotto #oysters #chefschoice #chefsspecial #supportlocalbusiness #ottawarestaurants #ottawaeats #diningout #specialoccasions #thefoodteaseeats
Nov 3
No trip would be complete without a delicious food tourππ
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I had the pleasure of taking part in @tours_de_la_table
guided walking tour - exploring MontrΓ©al`s Chinatown. Engaging host, interesting cultural facts, and my favourite, tasty dishes made for a great afternoon.ππ
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Having a very engaging and informative guide is key to any successful tour, and MΓ©lissa Simard, founder of Round Table Tours/Tours De La Table nailed it. Melissa has a wealth of knowledge regarding both Canadian and Chinese history and its connection to Montreal.
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During the tour, I learned that the Chinese Holiday Inn, the only Chinese Holiday Inn in Canada other than China, all the rooms and decor in the hotel are done in respect to the Feng Shui practice. Additionally, I also learned, amongst many other interesting facts regarding Montreal and its beloved Chinatown, that 50% of businesses in MontrΓ©al`s Chinatown are Vietnamese owned.
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Now to the foodππ
β The classic Vietnamese dish, BΓ‘nh mi (Vietnamese sandwich), was perfect to start off this yummy culinary tour!π₯π
β @dobeandandy restaurant: BBQ pork, BBQ duck, chicken, and crispy pork. πYES!!!
β @chezchili_mtl: Traditional Hunan and Sichuan dishes are their specialty. I devoured their tofu with spicy blackbean sauce!! AND their spicy lotus was amazing! I was pleasantly surprised as to how much I enjoyed this dish! π Plus, their stir-fried Cumin lamb...I could have eaten all of it!!!ππ
β Kim Fung eatery: dim sum dishes of rice noodles, dumplings, cuttlefish, and Shumai (Chinese dumplings). π₯π₯
β For drssert: Dragons beard candy dessert: Similar to cotton candy, but with some saltiness from peanuts and sweetness from coconut...super tasty!π
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I highly recommend this style of food tour as it`s very interesting and ridiculously TASTY π ππ
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#foodblogger #foodlovers #foodgram #foodphotography #travelgram #travelbloggers #mtlmoments #mtl #foodtour #foodtourism #chinatown #montrealchinatown #discoveringnewplaces #mtlresto #supportlocalbusiness #smallbusiness #presstrip #tmactravel #tmac #ifwtwa1 #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodteasetravel
Oct 25
Labeled as `hunting lodge meets speakeasy`, the @foxymtl restaurant perfectly executes each dish with their wood-fire cookingπ₯π₯π
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All aspects of this dining experience were spot on - warm hospitality, tantalizing cocktails, and dishes that pop with flavour. π₯πΈπ₯
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Foxy`s head chef, Catherine Couvet Desrosiers and her talented brigade made exceptional wood-fire dishes, that left me wanting for more!!
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Sabrina master mixologist at Foxy, made several tantalizing libations for me, but one stood out like no other - the New Delhi.ππΈπ₯ The New Delhi Cocktail was by far the best cocktail I`ve had in a very, very long time! Exotically addictive! π
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Dishes that I was spoiled with: Homemade feta and pita: 1) burnt eggplant, blueberry, walnut and honey. 2) Radicchio: garlic confit, anchovy, olive and sourdough bread. 3) Cappelletti: corn, chanterelle and nasturtium. 4) Ontario walleye: porcini, lobster mushroom, sherry and chevril. Stunning dishes!!π
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Take your tastebuds on a culinary adventure and experience Foxy!!
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#foodblogger #foodlovers #foodpornshare #foodgram #travelbloggers #presstrip #montreal #montrealrestaurant #foxy #awardwinning #griffintown #griffintownmontreal #huntinglodge #speakeasy #thefoodteasedrinks #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodteasetravel #ifwtwa1 #tmac #tmactravel
Oct 19
This time of year is perfect for an illuminated adventure.β¨οΈβ¨οΈ
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I had the pleasure of taking in the immersive sensory experience of the Gardens of Light at the MontrΓ©al Botanical Gardens
@espacepourlavie
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Hundreds of silk lanterns in the Chinese Garden light up the night sky!
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Walking through the Garden of Lights, displays are dramatic and eye-catching with their vibrant colours. π²ππ€©
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The Chinese Gardens share the legend of the Butterfly Lovers. It`s the story of two lovers, separated by fate, and yet, not even death could separate them. Death transforms them into two marvellous butterflies whose wings will beat together forever. Simply gorgeous to see!!π¦π¦π
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There`s still time to enjoy this incredible display, as it`s available till October 31st.
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#travelgram #presstrip #travelbloggers #passportready #mtlmoments #montreal #montrealbotanicalgarden #gardensoflight #illumination #japanesegarden #chinesegarden #legend #butterflylovers #montrealactivities #tmactravel #tmac #ifwtwa1 #thefoodteasetravel
Oct 18
When my two weaknesses merge together, it`s a beautiful thing - Bubbles and tasty treats. πΎπ₯π
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The @ritzcarltonmontreal and its glamorous hotel bar & restaurant, The Palm Court, where I enjoyed my Afternoon Tea experience, was luxuriously spectacular!! π«πΎπ€©
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The Afternoon Tea experience is a tradition at the iconic Ritz-Carlton Montreal since 1912. When something is THIS good, you don`t dare change it! π
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Champagne bubbles with a selection of homemade sandwiches, scones, and pastries in front of a roaring fireplace... I could get used to this!π₯π
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The famed Palm Court is in collaboration with Dom PΓ©rignon....Another reason for me to LOVE it ππΎπ₯
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Life is too short...Go and enjoy these luxurious moments!
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#foodblogger #travelbloggers #travelgram #freelancewriter #ritzcarlton #luxelife #luxetravel #teatime #afternoontea #champagne #champagnelover #domperignon #palmcourt #mtlmoments #montreal #thefoodteasedrinks #thefoodteaseeats #tmactravel #tmac #ifwtwa1 #lifeistooshort #seizetheday #seizethemoment
Oct 17
What weekends are all about - experiencing epic and luxurious activities thanks to
@montreal ππ
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Desiring a boutique downtown hotel that was both intimate and hip in its vibe, I had the pleasure of staying at @legermainhotels
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The warm hospitality and attention to detail from the staff were exemplary. A great start for my Montreal stay.ππ
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A beautiful surprise in my room. Bubbles and flowers are my favourite!!
@legermainhotels knows how to spoil!π₯πΎππ
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A chic room to ensure my stay in MontrΓ©al is a great one. I couldn`t get enough of the swinging suspended chair... very interesting π
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Continental breakfast in bed...croissants and pain au chocolat were perfection!! ππ
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Let the Montreal fun beginπ
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#foodblogger #travelbloggers #travelgram #montreal @mtl_moments_ #mtlmoments #mtl #legermainhotel #boutiquehotel #weekendgetaway #presstrip #tmactravel #tmac #ifwtwa1 #thefoodteasetravel #thefoodteaseeats #freelancewriter #veuveclicquot #champagnemoments #champagnelover
Oct 15
Light tasty bites to start an evening on the right foot is exactly what @aloraottawa delivered, and then some. ππ
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The appetizers were perfect for an evening out. Don`t take my word, go and try them for yourself.
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Yummy and highly addictive CRISPY CRAB BITES: Atlantic Wild Crab, Crispy Rice, Avocado Mousse, Spicy Mayo, Red Chili, Ginger Soy Glazeπ¦π¦
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SEARED TUNA: Chill Soy Tuna, Whipped Avocado, Cucumber Salad, Cripsy Taro, and Nori.
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SMASH BURGERS: Canadian Angus Beef, Maple Prosciutto Jam, Smoked Cheddar, Garlic Aioli, and Toasted Brioche. So tasty!!πππ
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And tasty Parmesan fries!!ππ
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Alora`s staff and ambiance were ideal for an evening of indulgenceππ
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#foodblogger #travelblogger #foodpornshare #foodporn #nomnom #alora #alorarestaurant #supportlocalbusiness #ottawaeats #ottawarestaurants #appetizers #tastybites #newrestaurant #thefoodteaseeats #ifwtwa1 #tmac
Oct 8
Perfect way to start the weekend, picking up my contest winnings - a dozen delicious and authentic Pastel de Nata from @casadenata π΄ππ
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They are simply irresistible with the right amount of crunch to them, and their custard is next level!ππ
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I had the pleasure of meeting the owners of Casa De Nata, husband and wife Amer and Huda, who welcomed me in their production kitchen.
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Casa De Nata prides themselves on making their Natas from scratch. They are inspired by the same ingredients and methods used in Portugal.
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These highly addictive portuguese desserts are being sold at the @portobakery
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A MUST TRYπ€π
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#foodblogger #foodpornshare #foodie #foodgram #pasteldenata #portuguesedessert #winning #contestwinner #ottawaeats #ottawabakery #supportlocalbusiness #supportsmallbusiness #bakery #portuguesefood #dessertlife #dessertporn #thefoodteaseeats #tmac #ifwtwa1 #fwt #tmactravel
Sep 23
When you have a craving for a tasty Peking duck dinner, @pekingduckottawa delivers on quality, hospitality, and flavour!! π¦π
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I loved the fact that you could see chefs slicing tasty Peking ducks in the beautiful dining room, as patrons waited with anticipation for their dishes.
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Aside from the tasty Peking duck experience, I thought it was a nice touch that the restaurant staff explained and demonstrated how to properly assemble the duck pancakes. Talk about excellent hospitality and perfect for those not familiar with the peking duck experience!!ππ
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To accompany the Peking duck, we also feasted on some tasty marinated jellyfish, Mapo tofu, fried yellow croaker fish, and date filled desserts.
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It should be noted that patrons need to call in advance for their Peking duck order.
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I`m already looking forward to my next visit.ππ
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#foodblogger #foodpornshare #travelblogger #foodlovers #pekingduck #pekingduckpancakes #ottawaeats #ottawarestaurants #supportlocalbusiness #supportlocal #diningout #duck #ducklover #greathospitality #wantmore #thefoodteaseeats
Sep 19
Any excuse to have a beautiful evening out @lesfougeres
is a good one in my book.ππ
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Inviting ambiance, stellar dishes, and top-notch hospitality... What more could you ask for?!!
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The duck tartar was exquisite with the use of Indian spices - a real treat! For the main course, and since I was craving some pasta, I chose their scarpinocc dish with my favourite...le @lecoprin_mushrooms with brown butter!! If that wasn`t enough, it was seafood time!π¦π¦ We are talking about scallops, shrimps, salt cod ravioli, and smoked PEI mussels.
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Regardless if you enjoy lunch or dinner at Les Fougeres, you won`t be disappointed. An all-time favourite of mine.ππ
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I am looking forward to my next visit already!!π€©
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#foodblogger #travelblogger #foodlovers #foodgram #foodpornshare #lesfougeres #chelsea #chelsearestaurant #supportlocalbusiness #diningout #supportlocal #supportrestaurants #amust #highlyrecommended #thefoodteaseeats
Sep 8
Last week, I had the pleasure of attending a culinary workshop at my alma mater, @lecordonbleuottawa
for an upcoming project.
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It had been 20yrs since I last stepped foot in their production kitchen, and I was immediately flooded by so many beautiful memories, and it felt like time stood still. π©πΌβπ³π
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Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa Culinary Arts Institute offers a variety of culinary short courses ranging from demonstrations with tasting, practical workshops, and multiday courses. During this particular workshop, I had the pleasure of seeing students pursue their culinary passions, be it as a hobby and, for some, as a career aspiration.π¨βπ³π©πΌβπ³
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Chef Arnaud DeClercq was the instructor chef during this workshop, where braised trout with Riesling wine sauce and spΓ€tzle noodles were being taught... absolutely DELICIOUS π π
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Do you have a passion for cooking? If so, then perhaps a culinary workshop at Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa would interest you... Food for thoughtπ
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#foodblogger #travelblogger #foodie #foodlovers #lcb #lecordonbleu #workshop #culinaryexperience #cookingclass #pursuingyourdreams #hobby #careerchange #lovetocook #cheflife #culinaryinstitute #goafteryourdreams #settinggoals
Sep 1
Tapas, tapas, and more delicious tapas!!ππ
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When in Kingston, Ontario food lovers should make it a MUST to have some delicious and over-the-top tapas at Tango Neuvo.
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Everything from the tuna poke nachos, scallops, ceviche, potatoes, poke belly to their insanely tasty lamb tacos - EVERYTHING WAS A HIT!!
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This is what summer indulgence is all about!! Check it out!!ππ
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#foodblogger #travelblogger #visitkingston #kingstonontario #tapas #tapasbar #kingstonrestaurants #ontarioyourstodiscover #summereats #newdiscoveries #diningout #wantmore #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodteasetravel
Aug 27
@discoverdominica was incredible, and I am happy to share with you some of my adventures in the latest issue of @ottawawedding.
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Experience limitless adventures unforgettable beauty, thanks to lush rainforests, breathtaking waterfalls, and volcanic peaks. π π
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In addition to other exciting activities, I had loads of fun snorkeling with @wanderlustcaribbean and with @mrweskayak from @soufriereoutdoorcentre π€Ώπ πͺΌπͺΈπ
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And the pampering services in Dominica are beyond NEXT level!! ππΌββοΈπ
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Special thanks to @junglebaydominica
@wanderlustcaribbean and
@coulibri_ridge for their exceptional hospitality!!π₯π₯
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Dominica, the Nature Island that leaves you wanting more, couldn`t be more true.
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#travelblogger #travelwriter #dominica #discoverdominica #presstrip #published #honeymoondestination #pampering #pamperingtime #thenatureisland #junglebaydominica #wanderlustcaribbean #coulibriridge #5star #luxelife #luxurytravel #weddingdestination #lovemyjob #tmactravel #tmac #ifwtwa1
Aug 18
Who doesn`t love fireworks?! π π
With a view like this, im completely on boardππ
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Year after year, @grandsfeuxducasino puts on an incredible show, where various countries compete in the juried pyromusical show.
On this particular evening, I happen to be at the right place to watch Italy perform their magic!β¨οΈπ
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What more could you ask for when you have breathtaking fireworks displayed in the backdrop of the stunning @natgallerycan as it illuminates the night sky? And let`s not forget to mention Ottawa`s famous spider sculpture, which adds that extra something to any photo. π·πΈ
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Here`s to enjoying more summer evenings!
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#foodblogger #travelblogger #travelgrams #ifwtwa1 #tmactravel #tmac #fireworks #lesgrandsfeuxducasinodulacleamy #fireworkcompetition #italy #rightplacerighttime #summerevening #ottawaphoto
Aug 11
A beautiful evening out at @nac.cna flagship restaurant
1 Elgin.
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Sublime dishes, exemplary hospitality, and picture-perfect views. I`m already looking forward to my next visit!!ππ
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I can`t rave enough about their exemplary hospitality. The service was off-the-chart amazing. And the food...well, I was practically licking the sauce off the plate from my poached halibut. I wanted to try something different, and this spectacular dish still has me craving for more!!πππ
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In addition to my halibut dish, their tuna crudo, house caesar salad, and their tender beef dish were all spot on.
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1 Elgin is the ideal venue for taking in some of Ottawa`s beautiful vistas.
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Go and experience this sensory overload venue!
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#foodblogger #travelblogger #travelgrams #foodpornshare #nac #nacrestaurant #1elgin #ottawaeats #ottawarestaurants #supportlocalbusiness #ottawatourism #ottawaphoto #eveningout #summer #summervibes #thefoodteaseeats #ifwtwa1 #tmac
Aug 7
After some fun on the water, the
@ontherockscalabogie
restaurant delivered with its unique setting and tasty dishes.π€ππ
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Their Watermelon cosmo was a DEFINITE hit with yours truly π πΈπ
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Everything from their fried calamari and carpaccio to their Wagyu burger and pickerel dish - they hit all the right notes.
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Guests can enjoy eating outside and take in the serene view of Calabogie lake (unfortunately, the mosquitoes were liking me a bit too much π).
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Looking forward to experiencing their Polar Bar in the winter monthsπ»ββοΈβοΈ
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#foodblogger #travelblogger #foodpornshare #ontario #ontarioyourstodiscover #calabogie #ontherocks #supportsmallbusiness #tmac #tmactravel #ifwtwa1 #calabogielake #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodteasedrinks #thefoodteasetravel #explorecalabogie
Jul 26
When you`re in need of a sensory overload blind tasting experience @blacktartankitchen delivers with stellar results!!
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I had the pleasure of experiencing their Summer Fare Games 4-course tasting menu. Everything from the highly addictive cocktails to the `want more, need more` tasting experience were next level!!
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The 4-course blind tasting menu had me swooning from the start with their refreshing gazpacho, which was simply fitting on this very hot summer evening. Next was their exemplary scallop dish, which gave a muliti-sensory experience, with the contrast of textures and flavoursπ
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Now my favourite course, Beef time!! ππ Their sous-vide striploin with Dijon potato croquettes were ridiculously tasty!! The piΓ¨ce de rΓ©sistance...a chocolate and raspberry mousse on a lemon honey crumble with a side of raspberry semifreddo. This was the perfect way to end this extraordinary meal!!πππ
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I am already looking forward to my next visit, with their 7-course blind tasting.ππ
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Go and experience this outstanding eatery, your taste buds will thank you!!
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#foodblogger #travelblogger #foodpornshare #foodporn #blindtasting #carletonplace #carletonplaceontario #supportsmallbusiness #supportlocal #culinaryexperience #sensoryoverload #musttry #musttryfood #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodteasetravel
Jul 9
After several years (and many obstacles), I am happy to share that my East Asia adventure to Hong Kong and Taiwan was recently published in the @fwtmagazine
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Special thanks to Discover Hong Kong Tour Taiwan - TTB America and Hong Kong Airlines ι¦ζΈ―θͺη©Ί for this incredible experience, filled with once-in-a-lifetime opportunities and lasting memories.π
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I relished every moment: β
οΈ Hong Kong`s endless and impressive skyscrapers
β
οΈ The majestical Tian Tian bronze Buddha in the mountains (walking up the endless stairs to see the Buddha upclose was worth it)
β
οΈ The famous Shilin Night Market, the largest and most famous night market in Taiwan ππ
β
οΈ Learning survival skills from their renowned Cidal Hunter School in the mountains
β
οΈ And so much more!!
= This adventure can only be described as EPICβΌοΈ
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I`m looking forward to the next chapter!!πβοΈ
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#foodblogger
#travelblogger
#published
#travelwriter #fwt #ifwtwa1 #taiwan #taiwanfood #nightmarket #hongkong #hongkongfood #hongkongairlines #epic #passportready #lovemyjob #foodwriter #thefoodteasetravel #tmac #asia #discoverasia #gratefulfortheopportunity
Jul 6
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