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For The Love of Lentils: FunDeLentil Tour, A cross-Canada Lentil Restaurant Competition

By on June 19, 2015

Typically I am not one to be known for my love of all things healthy and nutritious and I’m okay with that. Yes, I should be mindful of what I consume and be more informed of the nutritional ingredients I digest, but if I’m being totally honest…I really don’t give it much thought. I really enjoy great tasting food and IF they happen to also be nutritious then BONUS for me. But this devil-may-care approach changed after I spent an afternoon eating my year’s worth of lentils in a span of 4 hours!

I had the pleasure of being part of  Canadian Lentils FunDeLentil Tour restaurant competition, which is taking place for the entire month of June. And what a competition it is and with that said, the lentil competition has taken off!

FunDeLentil Tour, a cross-Canada lentil restaurant competition. The 24 restaurants from seven cities have created signature dishes using the world’s best lentils grown right here in Canada and have added those dishes to their menus for customers to order throughout the month of June. Participating restaurants are located in Vancouver, Calgary, Halifax, Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg, and Saskatoon.

Each participating chef was invited to use one or any combination of lentils grown in Canada to create their signature dish. I was amazed to learn that in Canada we produced a varied range of lentils: green lentils, split red lentils, black or beluga lentils and French Green lentils.

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Not realizing the significance of this integral ingredient, I was like a sponge trying to absorb as much information as I could. I never realized the important role that this little pod has on Canadians let alone the impact that it has on an international platform.

During my Lentil Tour I had the pleasure of meeting Anita Stewart, Canadian food advocate, Food Day Canada founder and Canadian Lentils campaign ambassador. “Stewart was instrumental in bringing on board the 24 restaurants, which are also Food Day Canada participants committed to using Canadian ingredients”.

Canadians are going to love the signature lentil dishes created by our incredibly talented chefs,” says Stewart. “Just watch the videos online and you’ll see their passion for this humble ingredient; their creativity is astonishing. The resulting dishes are as varied as our Canadian landscape, which speaks to versatility of lentils. Putting considerable thought into the dish they hope will win over Canadians, the chefs used lentils to reflect their restaurants’ viewpoint, seasonality, and their personal culinary roots.

Oh, how I was getting excited to try the signature dishes from these very well known Ottawa restaurants as I knew the calibre in which each eatery has strived and attained. This was going to be good!

First stop: Atelier with Chef Marc Lepine

Chef Marc Lepine from Atelier

ATELIER: Red Lentil Fritter with Duck, Carrots and Beluga Lentils

Second stop: Wellington Gastropub with Chef Chris Deraiche

Chef Chris Deraiche from Wellington Gastropub

WELLINGTON GASTROPUB: Stuffed and Roasted Saddle of Rabbit, Lentils Braised with Beau’s Lugtread, Pickled Carrot and Mustard Sauce

Third Stop: Absinthe with Chef Patrick Garland

Chef Patrick Garland from Absinthe

ABSINTHE: Moroccan Hararira with a Bacon-wrapped Quail Stuffed with Dried Fruits and Pistachios

Final stop: Murray Street Kitchen with Chef Steve Mitton

Chef Steve Mitton from Murray Street Kitchen

MURRAY STREET KITCHEN: Lentil Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie

As you can tell from the meals that I had…I was definitely spoiled! Spoiled in so many ways. After this very educational and of course it goes without saying, very satisfying and extremely tasty experience my outlook on lentils let alone other vegetables has changed dramatically. Each and every meal that was presented and served was unique and deserving of a prize in their respective element…but there can only be one winner! And that is where you can make the difference.

The FunDeLentil Tour Contest Details

During the month of June, visit participating restaurants to taste their signature lentil dish.Visit fundelentil.ca to view short videos about each restaurant and to vote for your favourite for a chance to win airfare for two and three nights accommodations in the choice of city (from cities with participating restaurants) with gift cards to each of the participating restaurants in that city.

Don’t forget to Love Lentils Vote and Good Luck!

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🥂

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"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!!🏅🤩

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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.

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Make your next stay a memorable one with the Brookstreet Hotel! 

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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!

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