By The Food Tease on November 14, 2019
Want to indulge in tantalizing dishes by local and international chefs, and enjoy some local wineries, breweries, and distilleries? Now add some authentic Bahamian body vibing steel drumming music and an incredible list of items that will be auctioned during their silent and live auction. That my food-loving friends, are the pleasures waiting for you at Hope for Bahamas fundraising event.
The busy mastermind behind this incredible charity soirée, Neil Mather, Executive Chef at Ottawa’s Lord Elgin Hotel & former Executive Chef at the British Colonial Hilton Nassau, shared with me his personal thoughts and involvement regarding this amazing humanitarian fundraising cause.
Why is this charity event so important to you?
The hurricane devastated this area of the Bahamas (Hopetown) and they need so much help to rebuild. People are generously donating from all over the world to help them. The chefs and industry partners in Ottawa have always stepped up to help when needed!
What is your personal connection to the Bahamas?
I lived and worked in Nassau for over 3 years, I still have many friends living there with families that were affected.
What prompted this type of venue as opposed to sending cash donations?
We used to do an event called food for thought in Kanata as a fundraiser for the Kanata food cupboard that was very successful, we used that format for the event.
How did you go about selecting the chefs involved?
I just reached out to the chefs that have done this type of thing in the past, all who were free said YES!
Many of local celebrity and well-known chefs will be on hand and preparing delicious dishes.
What are the dishes guests will have the pleasure of eating at the event?
So many amazing items!
Chef Cheryl T. McKenzie, Executive Sous Chef of the British Colonial Hilton Nassau – conch chowder
Coconut lagoon – pork masala
Boulton House – foie gras torchon
Canadian Culinary Federation (CCF) – vegan samosa cone
Grill 41 – cowboy steak with Roquefort butter
NAC – seared scallops
Chef Legari – a Bahamian inspired slider
Graffiti’s – Bahamian dishes
NeXt – surprise dish
Perspectives – an amazing chocolate story dessert
Pasticceria Gelateria – French pastries
And more!
Local vintners, breweries, and distilleries include:
KIN Vineyards
Gary Starmer Wines
Liam Wines
Inniskillin
Jackson Triggs
Vintage Ink
Top Shelf Distillers
Ashton Brewing Company
Cartwright Springs Brewery
Brew Revolution
Tuque de Broue Brewery
What items are being auctioned during the charity event?
– Bahamian resort stays
– Local hotel getaways
– Sens box on a Saturday for 18 people
– Chefs dinner with wine and suites at the Lord Elgin Hotel
– An amazing high-end BBQ by Crown Verity
– Fur from Pat Fletcher
And so much more!
What are your thoughts regarding how the Ottawa community alongside local and international chefs, have come together for such a great humanitarian cause?
It’s amazing to see the good that people do in the face of something like this in our community and in the world. I mean no one has time to spare this time of year, yet we have a bunch of very busy people stepping up to do this for a great cause!
Is there anything you would like to add regarding this incredible charity event?
If your a diner in the city, don’t go out on Nov 21st, all the best chefs are at our event! Where can you ever get something like this for $100? All the food sampling of over 20 wines, 5 craft breweries and signature cocktails by local distillers! We even have a barista from equator coffee on-site doing her magic!
What: A tasty and fun charity event in support of Hopetown, Elbow Cay, Abaco, Bahamas
When: Thursday, November 21, 2019, 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM EST
Where: Holiday Inn & Suites, 101 Kanata Avenue, Kanata, ON K2T 1E6
Tickets: Purchase your tickets here.
**Take Note** Holiday Inn & Suites is offering a reduced room rate for attendees of the event, please request the “Hope for Bahamas” special room rate when booking.
Take part in this amazing charity event…great food, delicious libations, and plenty of fun are waiting for you.
See you there!
Always a student and always learning😃
It helps when an interesting destination is discussed and tasty dishes are shared!✈️🍽
Big thanks to @phillydiscover for informing me on the unique attractions that Philadelphia has to offer and to @playfoodwine for their exceptional hospitality!😋
A delicious fish cake followed by the braised beef cheek and ramp gnocchi hit all the right notes. However, I couldn`t help myself from indulging on their grilled Sourdough Bread With Caramelized Butter...Ridiculously ADDICTIVE 🔥 😋😍
Looking forward to discovering new regions! 😊
#travelblogger #foodblogger #discovering #discoverphiladelphia #philadelphia #philadelphialove #play #playrestaurant #supportlocal #travelmediaca #tmac #ifwtwa1 #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodteasedrinks
Apr 20
A recipe for tasty success - this is what A Taste for Life Ottawa is all about.
Last evening, generous restaurants like @faunaottawa opened their doors to patrons who dined and donated to support people living with HIV in our communities.
What more could you ask for?! Stellar dishes while supporting a great cause!!☺️
Fresh meaty Malpeque oysters 🦪🦪 and tasty tempura mushrooms 🍄 as appetizers to a mouth-watering meat fest. Say hello to a 80 day dry aged ribeye for 2 and the tastiest duck breast I`ve ever had!!😲😋😋😍
Because those dishes weren`t indulgent enough, a basque style cheesecake had to be tasted!!😂😋
A great cause and annual tradition that I`m proud to support and be a part of! ❤️
#foodblogger #travelblogger #foodporn #tasteforlife #greatcause #hivcharity #fauna #support #supportlocal #ottawarestaurants #supportlocal #donation #aidscharity #aidsawareness #hiv #thefoodteaseeats #ifwtwa1 #tmac #travelmediaca
Apr 19
Learning about new destinations and different cultures is always a blast! 😃
Several evenings ago, I had the pleasure of being invited to the Embassy of the Czech Republic😍
Learning about their culture, their unique travel experiences, and surprisingly, how inexpensive this country is, when compared to other European destinations, is always good💰💰
To start the Czech Tourism event, guests had the pleasure to hear from Czech Republic Ambassador of Canada, Martin Tlapa.
Tasty libations and Czech dishes were enjoyed by the guests. Even though I enjoy my 🍾 bubbles, I enjoyed tasting Czech`s prized beer 😉🍻
On the bucket list to discover✈️✈️
#foodblogger #travelblogger #tourism #czech #czechrepublic #czechbeer #czechembassy #passportready #destination #solotravel #solotraveler #luxurytravel #thefoodteasedrinks #bucketlist #ifwtwa1 #travelmediaca
Apr 7
Sophistication, opulent decor, and beautiful luxury desserts - this is @delyseesottawa 🍰🍮
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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.😋🍰😍
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Sweets for the sweets... Enjoy!
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#foodblogger #foodporn #travelblogger #dessert #dessertsofinstagram #luxury #luxurydesserts #delysees #creativedirector #parisienne #frenchsweets #frenchdesserts #published #thefoodteaseeats #ifwtwa1 #travelmediaca #tmac
Apr 5
Happy Easter, everyone!!🐣 🐰
Enjoying my family`s Easter tradition of our colourful egg fight...I didn`t win, but there`s always next year 😉
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#foodblogger #travelblogger #foodporn #easter #eastereggs #easterdecor #familytradition #annualtradition #europeanstyle #potofgold #familytime #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodteasetravel
Mar 31
Play golf⛳️?
Planning a wedding💍?
Enjoy live jazz 🎷🎹?
And let`s not forget, enjoy spa services💆🏼♀️and tasty dishes?😋
Then the @brookstreetott is worth experiencing!🤩
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Whether it be for business and/or for pleasure, the @brookstreetott has you covered.
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During my recent stay, I was informed that all guests` rooms will be renovated in the next couple of months. By September 2024, the renovation project will be completed. 🤩🤩
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Now lets talk about the tssty dishes: veal ribeye, Beef carpaccio, tuna sushi and a tasty breakfast of poached eggs Benedict poutine...and let`s not ignore my tasty libation...an extra dirty martinis with extra olives!!🍸🍸😋😋
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Weekend getaways are perfect for some R&R!!😊
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#foodblogger #travelblogger #foodporn #foodpornshare #hotel #getaway #indulge #brookstreet #brookstreethotel #weekendvibes #jazzlounge #hotelexperience #beingatourist #supportlocal #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodteasedrinks #thefoodteasetravel #travelmediaca #tmac #ifwtwa1
Mar 27
I had the pleasure of experiencing @kathaottawa with their exclusive 8 course tasting menu of progressive Indian cuisine. What a treat!😍😋
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Kathā means story in Sanskrit, and with each course, a story about the dish was shared with the guests. This interactive approach provided a cultural and personal background for each dish.
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Everything from the scallop ceviche, the cod with chili and coriander oil to the delicious lamb chop and duck - all made for a unique cultural dining experience. 😋😋
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Props to Chef/Owner Sarath Teegavarapu and his talented brigade on this creative endeavor!!
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#foodblogger #travelbloggers #foodpornshare #foodphotography #blindtasting #indiancuisine #katha #progressiveindiancuisine #ottawaeats #ottawarestaurants #supportlocalbusiness #supportlocal #newexperience #ifwtwa1 #tmactravel #tmac #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodteasedrinks
Mar 5
Calling all sweet tooth lovers📣📣
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@delyseesottawa = Decadent sweet indulgences with a luxurious vibe!!✨️✨️🍰🍮
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Parisienne inspired desserts ✅️
Luxury vibe ✅️
Stunning tasty sweets ✅️
When all boxes are checked, a visit to @delyseesottawa at Lansdowne & @delyseestoronto is needed.🍰🍮🍾🥂
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Chic ambiance and tasty desserts make for a sweet indulgent experience!! 😋
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The tasty best sellers at Delysees are the following:
Hugo: Sicilian pistachio mousse
Frasier: fresh strawberries and cream🍓
Le Verdi: passion fruit cheesecake
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Go and get your sweet tooth fix and ENJOY😊
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#foodblogger #travelblogger #foodpornshare #foodphotography #dessertlife #desserts #dessertsofinstagram #delysees #supportlocalbusiness #ottawaeats #ottawatourism #dessertporn #luxurydesserts #frenchdessert #thefoodteaseeats #ifwtwa1 #fwt #tmac
Feb 9
Friday night, I had the privilege of attending the 2024 Canadian Culinary Championships - Mystery Wine Challenge - People`s Choice Award🥇🥇@greatkitchenparty
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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!!😋
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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
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Amazing talent from all the chefs as they paired with the mystery wine (a 2021 Lailey Vineyard Zweigelt)🍷🍷
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#foodblogger ##foodgram #foodcompetition #travelblogger #CCC2024 #greatkitchenparty #peopleschoice #peopleschoiceawards #underpressure #foodandwine #underbudget #onbudget #culinarycompetition #thefoodteasedrinks #thefoodteaseeats #ifwtwa1 #tmac
Feb 5
A classic is always a classic!🤩
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@alssteakhouse has been serving food lovers steak, seafood, and tantalizing martinis since 1967!!! Just incredible! 🥩🍤🍸
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As an appetizer, I must say their calamari was outstanding, and believe it or not, their portion was unlike any other eatery - there was so much!! 😮
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And now, for the main attraction - their 14oz Rib-eye steak. The flavour of this steak was a melt-in-your-mouth gift! I couldn`t stop eating it. I forgot how delicious their steaks are. With their sides and salad with their signature garlic dressing, it was a real feast, to say the least.😋
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I`m already looking forward to my next visit...like I said, when a classic is this tasty, any excuse to visit is a good one‼️
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#foodblogger #foodlovers #foodgram #travelbloggers #alssteakhouse #steakhouse #steak #oldschool #oldschoolclassic #finedining #supportlocalbusiness #ottawaeats #ottawarestaurants #ribeyesteak🥩 #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodteasedrinks #ifwtwa1 #tmac #foodie #wantmore
Jan 28
Planning for your BIG wedding day💍 and looking for something different than the traditional bachelorette party? 🎉🎉
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Then you need to read my solo Montreal getaway article featured in the latest issue of @ottawawedding magazine.
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Special thanks to @montreal for the beautiful experiences.
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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😋😋
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Solo getaway or with a friend or two, any reason to visit and experience Montréal is a good one!! 😍🤗
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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!!😍😋
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I think it`s time for you to discover, and for some, REDISCOVER Montreal! 🤩🤩
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#travelblogger #foodblogger #travelgram
#mtlmoments #mtl #mtlfoodies #published #presstrip #passportready
#alwaysexploring #travellikealocal #localbusiness #ifwtwa1 #tmactravel #thefoodteasetravel #exploremontreal #touristattractions #solo #solotravel
Jan 23
Explore and savour! 😋
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Exploring different regions of the beautiful island of Antigua🏝🏝🐚🐚
Breathtaking panoramic views from Shirley Heights, a restored military lookout, and gun battery was such a visual treat!😍
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Afterward, a tasty seafood lunch at the Mainbrace restaurant, located at the @copperandlumberstorehotelanu was needed. We are talking about delicious conch fritters, spicy shrimp and avocado sushi stack, and Mahi Mahi trio seafood salad - YUMMY!! 😋😋
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And if that wasn`t enough, the view of the mind-blowing luxury yachts in front of us as we dined was simply perfect!🛳🛥🤩
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These activities made for a great island day!🏝😊
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#foodblogger #foodpornshare #travelgram #travelbloggers #antigua #antiguabarbuda #loveantiguabarbuda #islandlife #exploring #shirleyheights #seafoodlover #conch #yacht #yachtlife #vacationdestination #vacaymode #tmactravel #tmac #ifwtwa1 #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodteasetravel
Dec 30
The Devil made me do it! 👹😉
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Antigua’s rich history and spectacular topography provide a variety of popular sightseeing opportunities.
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One of those stunning sightseeing opportunities is the Devil`s Bridge. The sight and sounds of this natural wonder are something else. 👹🌊
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Natural blowholes around the arch shoot up water and spray, caused by the Atlantic Ocean waves. Simply beautiful and capitavating and yet dangerous if too close to the blowholes.😲😍
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#foodblogger #travelbloggers
#antiguaandbarbuda
#loveantiguabarbuda #passportready
#naturalwonders #devilsbridge #antigua #naturalphenomenon #ocean #sightseeing #mustsee #mothernature #touristattraction #thefoodteasetravel #tmactravel #tmac #ifwtwa1 #blowhole #adrenaline
Dec 24
To discover any new destination, I need to explore and experience their local dishes and eateries. 😋😋
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Big thanks to @eat_n_lime_food_tours and to the @antiguaandbarbuda tourism board for providing me such a tasty treat!!🤗
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Eat N Lime`s motto resonates with me so much...`We are hanging out and chilling, enjoying eachothers company with good food` - This is my happy place!😍😋
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The delicious food tour started in Saint John, the capital of Antigua and Barbuda, at the Heritage Quay Complex, where one can easily see all the cruise ships coming in and offloading their passengers.
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I had the pleasure of tasting these local treats during the food tour:
1) Island Bhive: shrimp fritters with garlic sauce - so delicious 😋 🦐
2) Quin Farara Liquor Store: Rum tasting and learning how to make an Antiguan Old Fashioned cocktail with their 5-year-old English Harbour Rum.🍹
3) Roti King: a very generous roti that was packed with flavour: chickpea bread, potatoes, chicken, Indian curry, turmeric, and ginger.
4) Brownies Bakery: well-known for its unique bread offerings. Fun fact: it`s also a well-known hangover dish.🍞😉Tracey Ann, our informative and engaging Eat n Lime Food Tours guide, showed us Brownies Bakery`s famous bread - cinnamon butter and cheese.
5) Patti Delight: Jamaican patties with a twist. Jamaican beef patty with bacon, cheese, tomatoes, and lettuce. More please!!😋😋
6) To wash down all this delicious food, we stopped at One Stone Ital Shack - a Jamaican rasta shop known for their fresh fruit juices. Passion fruit for the win!! Tasted amazing and truth be told, I mixed my leftover juice with some local Rum as my afternoon cocktail.🍹😉
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I highly recommend taking part in food tours when discovering new destinations as you not only learn about the culture but also learn how food plays an integral role in the history of the specific region. Eat N Lime`s food tour was exceptional - great memories from this excursion. 😍🤗
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#foodblogger #foodlovers #foodphotography #foodtourism #foodtour #travelbloggers
#loveantiguabarbuda #eatnlime
#antiguabarbuda #antigua #tmactravel #ifwtwa1 #thefoodteasedrinks #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodteasetravel #alwaysexploring
Dec 23
Christmas came early🎅🎁!!
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When relaxation and disconnection are needed, The @verandahantigua Resort and Spa (an all-inclusive adults-only resort) delivers!! 🏖🩴
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It was paradise enjoying the tropical scenery at one of the two beautiful white-sand palm-lined cove beaches that the Verandah Resort & Spa offers its guests.🏝🏖
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Stay tuned for stunning island attractions and tasty local dishes as I share my Antiguan adventure... which may include some Rum inspiration. 🍹😋
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#foodblogger #travelbloggers
#travelgram
#loveantiguabarbuda #antiguaandbarbuda #vacationdestination
#antigua #disconnect #vacay #vacaymode #passportready #luxelife #luxurytravel #xmastrip #familytime #memories #tmactravel #tmac #ifwtwa1 #beach #villas #allinclusive #thefoodteasetravel
Dec 22
Home cooking calls for a smoked salmon Dutch baby!!😋💕
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This uber light yet rich at the same time meal is nothing but DELICIOUS!
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This savoury Dutch baby with garlic butter, parmesan, and plenty of herbs can be a versatile vessel for other proteins or on its own. However, the smoked salmon and sour cream spread takes it to another level.
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Here`s to weekend meals👩🏼🍳😋
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#foodblogger #foodlovers #foodpornshare #travelbloggers #nomnom #homecooking #dutchbaby #cookingwithlove #decadent #smokedsalmon #wantmore #recipes #cookingathome #overthetop #ifwtwa1 #thefoodteaseeats #castiron #castironcooking
Dec 11
I am very proud to share my culinary "observer" perspective regarding @lecordonbleuottawa culinary workshops in the latest issue of @luxeottawamagazine 😊
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Visiting my alma mater and watching the culinary workshop from a different lens reinforced the rationale as to why I pursued my culinary education…the pleasure of savouring the fruits of your labour. 😋
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It is this journey that ignited my passion for cooking, helped hone my skills, and introduced me to a world of flavours and techniques that continue to inspire me to this day. And perhaps it will inspire you as well!👨🍳👩🏼🍳
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Check out the article and the new culinary workshops being offered. Enjoy the adventure!!😊🤗
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#foodblogger #travelbloggers #foodlovers #foodgram #culinaryinstitute #workshop #lcb #lecordonbleu #lecordonbleuottawa #alwaysexploring #alwayslearning #published #luxemagazine #ifwtwa1 #tmac #tmactravel
Dec 1
Where`s my rubber ducky 🐤😉?!
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A year ago this week, I was enjoying some bath time while in @discoverdominica 🏖🏝😍
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Dominica`s lush scenery is extraordinary, and I`m grateful to have been invited to visit their beautiful island😊😊
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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! 🤩
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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.🤿🙂
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Put Dominica on your travel list. You`ll love it!!❤️❤️
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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!🍾🥂🦞
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This is the definition of indulgence. 😉
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Why wait for special occasions?! Enjoy what makes you happy whenever the mood strikes!
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Carpe diem!!🍾🥂😍
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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! 🏅🏅
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Special thanks to @pti_casque from @co.makerfeed and his brigade for an amazing evening out. 😍 😋
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I was spoiled with the most amazing dishes!!
● PEI oysters for the win! Love the presentation!!🦪🦪
● Auntie Jo`s Wagyu corndogs with honey mustard...So, so tasty!! I couldn`t resist😋
● Chef`s risotto: roasted squash with Osso Bucco beef and goat cheese. So rich and insanely flavourful!!😍😍
● Osso Bucco at its best...melt-in-your-mouth tender and a sauce that makes you want to spoon it all up.😋😋
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Always a great time eating Chef`s creations in the beautiful `Alice In Wonderland` room - my favourite!!😍
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A must try for any occasion!!😋
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#foodblogger #foodpornshare #foodgram #foodlovers #travelblogger #restaurant #ossobuco #risotto #oysters #chefschoice #chefsspecial #supportlocalbusiness #ottawarestaurants #ottawaeats #diningout #specialoccasions #thefoodteaseeats
Nov 3
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