By The Food Tease on October 20, 2016
Dia de los Muertos, also known as The Day of the Dead had been something I was drawn to the moment I heard its name.
As macabre as it sounded, there was something about the annual celebration that drew me in and I was not alone, as thousands of visitors each year take part in this amazing event.
In order to get the full experience, you must immerse yourself completely in the Mexican culture and be open to their beliefs.
Much like Halloween, Dia de los Muertos is often depicted by images of skulls, graveyards and costumed individuals with elaborate face paintings.
Graveyard in the Tres Reyes Community in Southern Mexico. (The far right purple grave is separated from the other graves because the individual had committed suicide. The Hispanic culture on death and dying believes that when a person passes, he or she has moved onto a different phase of life. However for those that have taken their own lives, they will not be able to move forward).
The big difference though, lies in the meaning behind this annual event. Unlike Halloween, Dia de los Muertos is derived from the love and honour for those that have died and left their loved one’s all too soon.
It’s about showing respect for the deceased’s lives and remembering them and their personality in the most beautiful manner possible.
On Dia de los Muertos, the dead are awakened from their eternal slumber to become a vibrant part of the community. They are celebrated with objects and activities they enjoyed in life, such as food, drink, and music. – National geographic society
A loved one’s altar during the Day of the Dead Festival.
Having had the pleasure of working with the Riviera Maya Tourism board in the past, I expressed my interest in knowing more about the festival and to my surprise I was treated to experiences that were literally once-in-a-lifetime!
I quickly learned that Dia de los Muertos is actually Dias de los Muertos, since the holiday is spread over two days to honour both children and adults who have passed on.
Honouring the dead with festivals and lively celebrations, Dia de los Muertos is a Latin American custom that combines indigenous Aztec rituals with Catholicism.Its belief system of commemorating and reconnecting with the dead, attracts thousands of visitors to Mexico each year to be part of the festivities and traditions.
November 1st is Dia de los Inocentes, honouring children who have died. During this time, graves can be seen decorated with white orchids and baby’s breath. Whereas November 2nd, is Dia de los Muertos, honouring adults. Their graves can been seen beautifully decorated with bright orange colours from the cempazuchitl flower (marigolds).
These flowers are also often referred to in Mexico as flor de muertos, which means flower of the dead, because they figure prominently during the Day of the Dead celebrations.
It is of belief that the cempazuchitl flower is used during this time due to its very fragrant scent. Tradition has it that the smell is supposed to guide the beloved dead relative back to their family.
The Food Tease surrounded by hundreds of cempazuchitl flowers (marigolds). It is believed that the smell of the flower will guide the dead to their loved one’s.
I also wanted to learn the significance behind the beautiful Catrina dolls that I had fallen in love with. These haunting skeleton ladies can be seen pretty much everywhere you go during the month of the Day of the Dead.
The Day of the Dead Catrina dolls. (The left Catrina is made completely of fish bones, typically found in local markets).
As the story goes, the “Lady of the Dead” la Catrina was once worshipped as a powerful goddess. As time has marched on, the Catrina figurines are now viewed as a play on death. To make light of the dark situation.
Catrina dolls and her male suitors are often depicted wearing the finest of garments. Catrina’s can be seen in people’s homes and store fronts wearing elegant gowns with the most lavish of headpieces. They are stunningly beautiful!
Relatives and loved one’s can be seen celebrating the festival both publicly and at home. Everything from street parties, parades to festivals take place to remember those who have passed.
In the privacy of their homes, relatives make altars to honour the deceased. Flowers, food, photos and drinks that were favoured by the departed are often placed on display at the altar. Family and friends get together to share stories and personal anecdotes of the person being remembered.
The famous theme park Xcaret, honours the Day of the Dead Festival by offering theatre, dance and gastronomy to commemorate the festival to locals and tourists alike.
Xcaret’s “Festival of Life and Death Traditions” (declared a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO), is something to be seen and felt during the Day of the Dead Festival festivities (October 30 to November 2nd).
Xcaret’s Hanal Pixan ritual. A time where communities from all regions in Mexico come together and celebrate with food, art and music during the Festival of Life and Death Traditions.
During Xcaret’s “Festival of Life and Death Traditions”, I had the great pleasure of taking part in the Hanal Pixan ritual. Hanal Pixan, Mayan for food for the souls was literally a feast of both culture and food.
When I visited Xcaret, they hosted 50 Mayan communities to share their Hanal Pixan rituals as well as how they celebrated this special time in Southern Mexico.
Enjoy this celebration of the Mayan World dedicated to the memory and coexistence with our deceased. -Xcaret Park
Just walking into the park, Xcaret was a sensory overload. Both eyes and nose could not help but notice the sea of cempazuchitl flowers. They were literally everywhere. It was a beauty to see, especially when the sun was starting to set and candles took over every available space imaginable. Their glow intensified the magical feeling of the festival!
And before I knew it, I started to see the smoke of the Mayan meals that were being prepared by the numerous Mayan communities that were taking part in the festival. It was a food lover’s dream come true!
To smell food being cooked underground covered in layers of banana leaves and hot amber stones was something else. Seeing the men and women prepare their culinary offerings in what some may think were with primitive tools was extraordinary. Their tools may have looked primitive and basic but their flavours were nothing but.
Tamales and other culinary treats being cooked underground buried by banana leaves and hot coals during the beautiful Hanal Pixan rituals.
Guests, including myself, were spoiled with the bounty that these Mayan communities brought with them. The aromas and flavours from the meals were truly delicious! I almost felt guilty eating so much, but how could I ever say no to such flavours?! And the best hibiscus tea that I have ever tasted washed the food down. It was both refreshing and invigorating.
Having spent several hours at Xcaret learning about the Hanal Pixan rituals, I learned “how Mayan people indulge the souls of their loved ones through theater, dance and gastronomy”.
A beautiful Catrina-like doll and her suitor performing for guests at the Xcaret Park during the Day of the Dead Festival.
On Dia de los Muertos, the dead are also a part of the community, awakened from their eternal sleep to share celebrations with their loved ones.
While I was at the park, several families were invited to make their altars at the park so that guests and locals alike could see exactly how the altars look like in real life.
To see the toys, photos and food offerings that truly depicted the person who had deceased was something else. It was a time of joy for them to talk and reminisce about their departed loved one. It was an honour to see this in the making.
Since Dia de los Muertos is not about feeling sorry or mournful but rather the opposite, there are many fun traditions associated with the festival that I not only learned but also took part in.
Pan de muerto Day of the Dead bread
During the festival, families and restaurants cook and bake traditional Dia de los Muertos offerings.
The most common and most associated with the festival is pan de muerto (Day of the Dead bread). It is an essential element of a deceased’s altar and is typically seen almost everywhere during Dia de los Muertos.
Pan de muerto, Day of the Dead bread.
Pan de muerto, a sweet egg rich bread varies from region to region; however, it is typically round with shapes on top that depict the look of bones, often either sprinkled with sugar or sesame seeds.
Calaveras de Azucar – Sugar Skulls
Skulls in every format can be seen throughout the Day of the Dead Festival including sweets. Skull figurines in cookies, chocolates and even skulls made of pure sugar can be found everywhere.
Tradition has it that sugar skulls with the name of the person who made them are more prized.
I was lucky enough to be invited to take part in a sugar skull decorating class. I don’t think they realized how poor my artistic skills were, but nonetheless I prevailed and created my little skull! I later found out that sugar skulls are often used as gifts during this festival, and they are deemed more prized if the skull has one’s own name written on it with icing…so that’s what I did!
Tamales
Tamales or tamalli in the Aztec language means to be ‘wrapped’. The very popular dish consists of corn-meal dough filled with various proteins (chicken, vegetables and pork) and wrapped in either corn husk or banana leaf, and steamed. Tamales are a favourite food for the Day of the Dead Festival.
Members of several Mayan community made the most delicious and authentic tamales during Hanal Pixan rituals.
During the Hanal Pixan celebrations, large tamales called Mucbipollo were cooked in the underground ovens…I couldn’t eat enough of them. I have had tamales in the past but that paled in comparison to those I tried during the Hanal Pixan rituals.
As much as I wanted to learn and be part of Mayan ceremonies and traditions celebrating those who have passed on, I ever imagine that I would be part of a genuine Shaman ceremony.
I was spoiled by the opportunity of being a witness too and actually take part in a Shaman ceremony thanks to both the Maya Riviera Tourism Board and Alltournative.
One of many altars being displayed at the altar competition at the Tres Reyes Community for their Hanal Pixan celebrations.
The excursion had us travel to a remote part of the Maya Riviera region deep in the jungle. We were invited to the Tres Reyes Community for their Hanal Pixan celebrations where we saw locals from different communities taking part in an altar competition.
A competition where Shaman priests selected the altar that best represented the festival as its winner. The competition was the perfect way to bring children and elders from different communities to come together before the actual Shaman ceremony took place.
Shaman priests blessing altars at the Tres Reyes Community during their Hanal Pixan celebrations.
Preparations for the altar competition being made at the Tres Reyes Community for their Hanal Pixan celebrations
As we were led down the endless makeshift stairs into what seemed like a huge hole in the middle of the jungle, the only light that one could see was the moonlight and the light casted by our candles.
The spiritual Shaman ceremony that I was honoured to be a part of at the Tres Reyes Community during Hanal Pixan.
Gone were the lights of the city and with it, the noise of the traffic. All that was there right at that moment, were dozens of men, women and children sitting around this cave like setting surrounded by a pond. And ironically enough as we sat there in the jungle close to still water….not one mosquito was present.
The Shaman priests performed their ceremony to which I was in awe. The cave like setting in which we were all part of illuminated in the most beautiful manner. I was fortunate to have friends translate the ceremony for me seeing that it was performed in Spanish. But like all good things, some messages don’t need a translation…it’s universal.
My experiences during the Day of the Dead Festival, the beautiful Dia de los Muertos will always stay with me and I hope that others will be encouraged to make the same discoveries as I did.
It’s an enlightening moment when you embrace a new culture and understand their traditions. A fond new appreciation was had and many more to come!
Oui, Oui Paris!! 🇨🇵🗼
My City of Love adventure, thanks to @uniworldcruises, was simply AMAZING!!
Discovering Monmartre and other famed locations that Paris is known for during my @retro_tour_paris was a thrilling bucketlist experience!!🇨🇵🗼🏍🥰
This was the ultimate way to see Paris and all its magnificent beauty - a Retro Sidecar adventure.🇨🇵🗼😍
I enjoyed switching from being in the Sidecar to riding back of the motorcycle. What a rush!!🏍
The crowds in Monmartre were sureal and loved taking photos of the Retro Sidecar. My skilled driver, Max, handled driving on the cobblestones with ease, especially as we drove at the famous Arc de Triomphe. I was a bit scared being low to the ground in the Sidecar, but felt safe even though cars were very close!🫣🏍
The Retro Sidecar experience brought me to many unforgettable sights, including the stunning Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre - such beauty!
Beauty + Adrenaline = My Paris souvenir, that will last me a lifetime!!🇨🇵🗼🏍 🥰
When in Paris, this adventure is HIGHLY recommended! 👌 😍
#travelblogger #traveldestination #uniworld #ParisNormandy #DreamVacation #ExploreUniworld #retrocar #retrotour #presstrip #paris #monmartre #adrenaline #sidecar #passportready #bucketlist #luxelife #onceinalifetime #alwaystryingnewthings #outdoorfun #parisbyday #ifwtwa1 #tmac #tmactravel #tmacontario #thefoodteasetravel #lovemyjob #pinchme
Nov 3
All things luxurious and gold, this
is @chateauversailles 🏰👸🏼🤩
I had the opportunity to visit this magnificent palace during my S.S. Joie de Vivre voyage thanks to @uniworldcruises🛳🇨🇵
Château de Versailles cheat sheet:
🏰 Louis XIV (Sun King) created it
🏰 Louis XV (The Beloved) enjoyed it
🏰 Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette died in it.
The Palace is absolutely STUNNING!! The decor, fabrics, artistry, and much, much more can easily leave any person in awe! I loved walking through the most famous room of all, The Hall of Mirrors.. such richness and extravagance!! 🪞 😍
What was once a humble hunting lodge is now the opulent Château de Versailles. A time where lavish French royalty and luxury was a must, to becoming a symbol of inequality that incited the French Revolution.
Today, the Château de Versailles contains 2,300 rooms spread over approximately 63,154 square meters. It is one of the most visited palaces in France and a celebrated work of the 17th century. I`m in love with all the gold touches!!😍
Does the photo with the horse look familiar? This is Zeus, the mythical metal horse of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony at the Château de Versailles. 🦄
I learned that Marie-Antoinette is the only Queen that influenced Château de Versailles with her own taste and what a distinctive and glamorous taste she had. The photo of the bedroom is actually Marie Antoinette`s room with all the glitzy gold touches that she was known for, especially rich fabrics and draperies.👸🏼🏰
It is an incredible excursion that I recommend to anyone who enjoys history, royalty, art, gardens, and all things beautiful.😍😍
#UniworldCruise #ParisNormandy #DreamVacation #ExploreUniworld #travelblogger #traveldestination #versailles #versaillespalace #versaillesgardens #presstrip ##tripofalifetime #bucketlist #france #francetourisme #rivercruising #highlyrecommended #queenforaday #feelinglikeaprincess #lovemyjob #thefoodtease #thefoodteasetravel ##ifwtwa1 ##tmactravel #tmac
Oct 31
An art lover`s dream as I visited the founder of impressionism, Oscar-Claude Monet`s house, and famed gardens. 🎨🌺✨️
A day of exploration as we cruised along the Seine River, and I couldn`t wait!
@uniworldcruises S.S. Joie de Vivre had me exploring the region of Giverny, Normandy to Monet’s house and gardens. What a historical and artistic treat!! 🎨 🌺🤩
This was the second time I`ve had the pleasure of visiting the painter`s house, and let me tell you, the magic was still there and so much still to discover. The endless flowers throughout the gardens were breathtaking and left me in awe! 😍😍
For a food lover, Monet’s kitchen was truly impressive...I can only imagine the dishes that were made and happily devoured. 😋
Picture perfect afternoon with Monet. My S.S. Joie de Vivre journey continues... 🤩🤩
#UniworldCruise #ParisNormandy #DreamVacation #ExploreUniworld #foodblogger #traveldestination
#travelblogger #monet #monetgarden #giverny #cruising #rivercruising #francetourisme #normandie #thefoodteasetravel #lovemyjob #ifwtwa1 #tmac #tmacontario #tmactravel #normandie
Oct 26
I am absolutely thrilled to share that I was invited by @uniworldcruises as their special guest to experience their luxurious Paris & Normandy river cruise!!
🇨🇵🛳😍
I couldn`t wait to indulge in their finest amenities, explore the stunning sights of France, and create unforgettable memories.
The stunning S.S. Joie de Vivre is such a beauty, and there is so much to share. She was my floating hotel for a week, and I was open to all the adventures she was going to give. Staying in the Deluxe French Balcony stateroom spoiled me with the option of opening the grand window to take in the fresh air while enjoying the river views. What more could you ask for in terms of luxury?!🤩🤩
Everything from the opulent French inspired glitzy decor of the ship (inspired by 20th-century Parisian design) to the attention to detail to pamper guests like their handcrafted Savoir Beds of England was topnotch. To add more pampering, their impressive marble bathroom had everything to spoil your body, including a rainfall shower, heated floors, and heated towel warmer. Attention to detail from start to finish.
A heartfelt thank you to Uniworld for this amazing opportunity - I am truly grateful!
Let the Joie de Vivre adventure begin! 🇨🇵🛳😍🗼
#travelblogger #foodblogger #rivercruising #traveldestination
#presstrip #uniworld
#ssjoiedevivre #UniworldCruise #ParisNormandy #DreamVacation #ExploreUniworld #waunderlust #passportready #bucketlist #france #francetourisme #thefoodteasetravel #ifwtwa1 #tmactravel #tmac #luxelife #cruising #thefoodteasedrinks #lovemyjob #luxury #luxurylifestyle
Oct 22
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
Oct 12
Continuing my tradition of indulging at @martinpicard epic @cabaneaupieddecochon, this year`s harvest season happened to be their ALL STAR EDITION!!🤩🤩
This meant they would be `reviving some of their old and most beautiful harvest dishes ever conceived.` And they didn`t disappoint!! 😋😋 Indulgence taken to new heights!!
Here is the incredibly tasty lineup that was feasted on:
🍄 Scallop with mushrooms and corn coulis
🦆 Duck tartar with shiso leaves
🍕 Pizza: tomato pie with Dijon bechamel sauce
🥗 Burrata fruit salad: cucumbers, plums, mint leaves, melon coulis, and croutons
🐟 Salt cooked Trout with leek, tomato, and lobster bisque
🍛 Squash soup: squash, Foie Gras, Amaretti biscuits, gruyère cheese, and honey crisp apples
🐑 Lamb saddle with pork fat, sausages, and creamy polenta with a pepper sauce
🍆 Stuffed eggplant with smoked ham and tomato vodka sauce
🦆🐖 Shepherds pie with duck and pork
🥕🍰 Carrot cake: Classic staple recipe. Sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, and pumpkin seeds served with a carrot juice jelly
🥧 Apple pie with maple syrup, Foie Gras and cheddar cheese crème fraîche
🍫Choux pastry and chocolate ganache with raspberry cream and mint. Berries and herbs were picked directly from the on-site garden
It is an incredible feast for those who enjoy ingredients cooked and elevated in the most creative way!!
Till next year 😋
#foodblogger #foodphotography #foodporn #foodwriter #travelwriter #feastagram #feast #gluttony #classicrecipe #harvest #martinpicard #tradition #thefoodteaseeats #ifwtwa1 #tmac #thefoodteasetravel #thefoodtease
Oct 10
"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
Oct 1
It`s been a busy couple of weeks, but I wanted to share the love on this `must visit` eatery.😍😋
It was a treat to discover and dine at @amusekanata! This charming restaurant delivers BIG on flavourful dishes. It`s perfect for sharing and discovering new ingredients. A true gem! 🔥🙌
Here is the list of the tasty dishes that my table enjoyed:
🧀 TORCHED BRIE
🐟 TUNA AND SCALLOP TARTARE
🥩 STEAK TARTARE
🥩 BISON CARPACCIO
🍄 MUSHROOMS ON TOAST
🧀 HALOUMI
🐑LAMB SHANK
Both the restaurant ambiance and hospitality were top-notch...A must try! 😋😍
#foodblogger #foodporn #foodphotography #newexperiences
#sharingplates #sharing #ottawarestaurants #supportlocalbusiness #newdiscovery #amuse #amusekitchen #musttry #wantmore #thefoodtease #thefoodteaseeats #tmac #tmactravel #ifwtwa1 #indulgence #livetoexplore #livetoeat
Sep 26
Vegas wouldn’t be complete without visiting Freemont Street and taking in breathtaking sunset views from @stratvegas Tower. 😍😍
Experiencing a ride to the top of the Tower, at 1,149 feet tall - the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States for a 2nd time, did not disappoint!! 😱😍
Several years ago I experienced the thrill of the X-SCREAM roller coaster - it "teeter totters you over the edge of the Tower from 866 feet high, propelling riders head first 27 feet over the edge of the tower. After being shot over the edge, passengers are dangled weightlessly above the Las Vegas Strip before being pulled back and propelled again. " 😱😱🎢 It was a BLAST, but this time around, I was a viewer... perhaps on my next visit 😉
Seeing the Vegas views and watching the incredible visual display of the @spherevegas was incredible.
All must do`s when in Vegas!!
#traveldestination #travelblogger #vegas #travelwriter #travelphotography #thrillingrides #vegastrip #strat #sphere #vacation #thrill #awesome #funtimes #getaway #tmactravel #tmac #ifwtwa1 #thefoodteasetravel #freemontstreet #mustsee #mustdotravels
Sep 15
Indulgence of any kind is a good one in my book, and indulging in a carnivorous feast at the award-winning Bazaar Meat by José Andrés, Las Vegas was EPIC!!🤩🤩😋
The attention to detail from both the back and front of the house was beyond exceptional. It was a true celebration of meat! 🥩🥩
I was in a very addictive meat trance - I loved every dish.🦪🥩😋😍
For the outstanding carnivore feast, these are the dishes that I feasted on:
✳️ Caviar Cone: crème fraîche, classic Ossetra caviar. 🤩🤩
✳️ A5 "Philly Cheesesteak": airbread, cheddar, Wagyu beef. 🔥🔥😋😋
This dish was HEAVEN in your mouth, that a second order was needed.
✳️ Sloppy Joe: beef Bolognese, steamed bun, straw potatoes.
✳️ First time tasting Shigoku oysters from Samish Bay, Washington, and they didn`t disappoint. 🦪🦪
✳️ Bone-In Strip Loin, Washugyu/Angus Blend. 🥩😋
✳️ Chateaubriand, Tenderloin, Holstein: (Brandt Beef, CA) Périgordine sauce and straw potatoes.
✳️ Buttered Potato Purée: butter, butter, more butter, some potatoes.😱😍
So silky smooth, it should be illegal!!
It was a bucket list item of mine to eat at this award-winning restaurant by this outstanding chef and humanitarian. 😊😊
Chef @chefjoseandres is founder of @wckitchen World Central Kitchen - first in the frontlines providing fresh meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises. A real inspiration 🙌
#foodblogger #foodphotography
#foodporn #travelblogger #carnivore #feastagram #feast #joseandres #vegas #lasvegas #bucketlist #indulgence #epicfood #awardwinning #humanitarian #thefoodtease #thefoodteaseeats ##ifwtwa1 #tmactravel #tmac #meat #meatlover #meatporn #caviar #wagyu
Sep 13
Hello Arizona, and your jaw-dropping natural wonders! 😍😍
I didn`t think I could make the long bus ride from Vegas to Arizona to see the beautiful Canyon "X" in 40° degree heat... but I made it. It was hot, BUT it was sooo worth it!!
Light peaking through the incredibly beautiful and surprisingly smooth Canyon X was just spectacular. It`s amazing what nature can create. Canyon X is a hidden treasure in the heart of the Navajo Nation.
The 2nd photo displays why the canyon is called Canyon "X" - the opening of the canyon with the sky in the backdrop naturally forms the "X" formation.
Overall, the canyon trip surpassed all of my expectations, and I`m happy that I had the opportunity to see the canyon up close and be in the moment, on the sacred land. 😍😍
A must-see!!
#travelblogger #foodblogger #nature #hiddentreasures #naturephotography #naturalphenomenon #canyon #canyonx #navajonation #mustsee #tourist #bucketlist #desert #hiking #hikingadventures #tmac #tmactravel #ifwtwa1 #thefoodtease
Sep 11
From Nevada ➡️ Utah ➡️ Arizona to visit and explore incredible natural sights, including the famous Horseshoe Bend.
It was an incredible day seeing this sight up close.😍😍
The stunning Horseshoe Bend in @visit_arizona also referred to as the "east rim of the Grand Canyon". A geologic masterpiece sculpted by the Colorado River. I must admit that I was nervous taking these photo, as there are no rails or gates to prevent any accidents...and it`s very slippery. 😱
It was the perfect day to explore and get away from the glitz and bright lights of Vegas...atleast for a brief time😉😂
#travelblogger #foodblogger #traveldestination #travelwriter #arizona #horseshoebend #sightseeing #naturalphotography #nature #naturephotography #getaway #tmactravel #tmac #ifwtwa1 #thefoodtease #playingtourist #coloradoriver
Sep 8
Hello Sin City, it`s been a while😈😉
A getaway at the stunning @resortsworldlv, specifically Crockfords Hotel, made for a great trip to disconnect, have fun, and discover new things!🍹🍸🎰
Nightlife on the strip is a sensory overload... but that`s part of the fun😉
Delicious mojitos by the Crockfords pool made the scorching 40°degree weather bearable.🥵🥵🍹🍹
The mind-blowing @spherevegas is a literal driving distraction - its graphics are simply amazing!!😱😱
Love seeing the Venetian gondolas in action.
Stay tuned for some tasty activities, including some beautiful desert sights! 😃
#travelblogger #foodblogger
#vegas #lasvegas #lasvegasstrip #longweekend #disconnect #recharge #vegasbaby #onthestrip #friendsvacation #sphere #crockfords #ifwtwa1 #tmac #tmactravel #thefoodtease
Sep 5
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
Aug 24
An evening out to @anabellaskitchenandlounge was exactly what I needed...friendly hospitality, tasty flavourful dishes, and the perfect ambiance to enjoy a beautiful outing. 😊😋
Amongst the appetizers, I chose their HIGHLY addictive zucchini crisps, which were the bomb!! This is one dish where you wish they had endless offerings!!
😍😍
Another tasty appetizer was their arancini - simply flavourful. And the piece de résistance was their refreshing grilled Halloumi Salad. It was watermelon sweet and Halloumi salty...Simply perfect! They nailed this salad with all the different flavours.
The perfect summer outing!😊😋
#foodblogger #travelblogger #foodphotography #foodporn #ottawa #ottawarestaurants #supportlocalbusiness #diningout #summervibes #summerouting #thefoodteasedrinks #thefoodteaseeats #ifwtwa1 #tmac #tmactravel
Aug 17
Summer means...
BBQ time ✅️
Gardening ✅️
Relaxing ✅️
🪻🌺🐝🥩😍😋
Summer love...BBQ season in full effect!! 😋😍 These marinated pork blade steaks were delicious!!🥩😋
Basil, Thai basil, tarragon, and parsley... my little garden is growing!
Green thumb in full effect!! 🌺🪻
Love my lavender, and so do the 🐝 🐝
#foodblogger #foodphotography #foodporn #travelblogger #summer #summervibes #bbq #bbqlovers #garden #herb #herbgarden #greenthumb #lavender #summerrelax #timewellspent #thefoodtease #thefoodteaseeats #ifwtwa1 #tmac #goodtimes
Jul 28
Yesterday afternoon, I had the privilege of attending the "buffets des chefs," a delicious gathering at the French Embassy @franceaucanada in partnership with the Disciples d’Escoffier Canada. @disciples_escoffier_canada 🇨🇵🇨🇦
This tasty celebration included Disciples d’Escoffiers, chefs from @lecordonbleuottawa and @maisonoddo 👨🍳👩🏼🍳
The culinary event also included @veroniquerivest renown sommelier and owner of @soifbaravin being awarded as Knight in The Order of Agricultural Merit
(Ordre du Mérite agricole) for her constant promotion of oenology and French wines and terroirs. It is an order of merit bestowed by the French Republic for outstanding contributions to agriculture and food/gastronomy. Bravo!! 🍷🍷👏 👏
Another special moment included the induction of Ambassador Michel Miraillet as a new Disciple. When a new Disciple is inducted, he then undertakes to respect the Escoffier Spirit by taking this oath: "I vow to pass, serve and honor the cuisine, its culture and its continuing evolution".🎖🎖
Guests were spoiled with an endless assortment of French appetizers and delectable sweets, all with whom were created by talented chefs who are driven by passion. 😍👩🏼🍳👨🍳
Bravo to you all!!👏👏
#foodblogger #travelblogger #foodphotography #foodporn #escoffier #disciplesescoffier #knighted #culinary #induction #frenchcuisine #frenchfood #culinaryevent #buffets #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodtease #celebration #ifwtwa1 #tmac
Jun 28
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!!🍿🍿
Jun 27
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!!😊
Jun 22
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
Jun 17
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