By admin on April 2, 2014
This upcoming Thursday (April 3, 2014) at 10 pm on the Food Network Canada, Norman Aitken will be representing Ottawa in this weeks episode of Chopped Canada.
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Over the course of his career, including a position as Chef of the award-winning Delphi Resort & Spa, Norm continually pushes the boundaries of creating distinctive but simple regional, seasonal and sustainable cuisine. Passion drives his dedication to delivering the best of house-made quality dishes for the pure love and ultimate goal of satisfying his customers. Chef Norm is committed to doing his part to ensure Ottawa stays a vibrant culinary destination, supporting camaraderie among peers on the Ottawa food scene and giving back to his community through many fundraising efforts. He has worked among Canada’s top names including Ned Bell, Vikram Vij, Susur Lee, Robert Clark, Michael Howell, and Anita Stewart and has been recognized in Gold Medal Plates and Food Day Canada competitions. ABC Good Morning America & LA Entertainment profiled him for bringing “Le Whaf” vaporizing innovation to North America from Europe.
Ottawa patrons, including myself have had the pleasure (repeatedly I may add) to taste the creativity and innovative techniques that Aitken continuously delivers to his customers. Join me in cheering on local talent that will no doubt be showcased in such a unique and competitive manner.
FT
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
No trip would be complete without a delicious food tour😋😍
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I had the pleasure of taking part in @tours_de_la_table
guided walking tour - exploring Montréal`s Chinatown. Engaging host, interesting cultural facts, and my favourite, tasty dishes made for a great afternoon.😋😍
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Having a very engaging and informative guide is key to any successful tour, and Mélissa 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 Montréal`s Chinatown are Vietnamese owned.
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Now to the food😋😋
● The classic Vietnamese dish, Bánh mi (Vietnamese sandwich), was perfect to start off this yummy culinary tour!🥖😋
● @dobeandandy restaurant: BBQ pork, BBQ duck, chicken, and crispy pork. 😍YES!!!
● @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! 😍 Plus, their stir-fried Cumin lamb...I could have eaten all of it!!!😋😍
● Kim Fung eatery: dim sum dishes of rice noodles, dumplings, cuttlefish, and Shumai (Chinese dumplings). 🥟🥟
● For drssert: Dragons beard candy dessert: Similar to cotton candy, but with some saltiness from peanuts and sweetness from coconut...super tasty!😍
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I highly recommend this style of food tour as it`s very interesting and ridiculously TASTY 👌 😋😍
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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 cooking🔥🔥😍
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All aspects of this dining experience were spot on - warm hospitality, tantalizing cocktails, and dishes that pop with flavour. 🥃🍸🔥
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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.😍🍸🥃 The New Delhi Cocktail was by far the best cocktail I`ve had in a very, very long time! Exotically addictive! 😋
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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!!😋
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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.✨️✨️
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I had the pleasure of taking in the immersive sensory experience of the Gardens of Light at the Montréal 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. 🐲🐉🤩
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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!!🦋🦋💕
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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. 🍾🥂😍
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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!! 🫖🍾🤩
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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! 😍
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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!🔥😋
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The famed Palm Court is in collaboration with Dom Pérignon....Another reason for me to LOVE it 😉🍾🥂
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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 😍😍
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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.😍😍
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A beautiful surprise in my room. Bubbles and flowers are my favourite!!
@legermainhotels knows how to spoil!🥂🍾💐😍
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A chic room to ensure my stay in Montréal is a great one. I couldn`t get enough of the swinging suspended chair... very interesting 😉
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Continental breakfast in bed...croissants and pain au chocolat were perfection!! 😋😋
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Let the Montreal fun begin😉
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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. 😋😍
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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 Glaze🦀🦀
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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!!🍔🍔😋
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And tasty Parmesan fries!!🍟🍟
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Alora`s staff and ambiance were ideal for an evening of indulgence😉😋
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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 😴😍😋
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They are simply irresistible with the right amount of crunch to them, and their custard is next level!👌😍
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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 TRY🤗😋
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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!! 🦆😋
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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!!👏👏
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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.😍😋
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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.😍😍
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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!🦐🦐 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.😋😍
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I am looking forward to my next visit already!!🤩
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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. 👩🏼🍳😍
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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.👨🍳👩🏼🍳
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Chef Arnaud DeClercq was the instructor chef during this workshop, where braised trout with Riesling wine sauce and spätzle noodles were being taught... absolutely DELICIOUS 😋 😍
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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 thought😉
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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!!😍😋
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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!!😋😍
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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. 🏝 🏞
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In addition to other exciting activities, I had loads of fun snorkeling with @wanderlustcaribbean and with @mrweskayak from @soufriereoutdoorcentre 🤿🐠🪼🪸🐚
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And the pampering services in Dominica are beyond NEXT level!! 💆🏼♀️😍
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Special thanks to @junglebaydominica
@wanderlustcaribbean and
@coulibri_ridge for their exceptional hospitality!!🥇🥇
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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?! 🎆 🎇
With a view like this, im completely on board😍😍
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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!✨️🎆
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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. 🕷🕸
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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!!😋😍
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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!!🐟😋😍
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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.🚤🌞😋
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Their Watermelon cosmo was a DEFINITE hit with yours truly 😋 🍸🍉
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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 😉).
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Looking forward to experiencing their Polar Bar in the winter months🐻❄️❄️
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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 flavours😍
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Now my favourite course, Beef time!! 🐂🐂 Their sous-vide striploin with Dijon potato croquettes were ridiculously tasty!! The pièce de résistance...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!!👌👌😍
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I am already looking forward to my next visit, with their 7-course blind tasting.😍😋
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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 香港航空 for this incredible experience, filled with once-in-a-lifetime opportunities and lasting memories.😊
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I relished every moment: ✅️ Hong Kong`s endless and impressive skyscrapers
✅️ The majestical Tian Tian bronze Buddha in the mountains (walking up the endless stairs to see the Buddha upclose was worth it)
✅️ The famous Shilin Night Market, the largest and most famous night market in Taiwan 😋😋
✅️ Learning survival skills from their renowned Cidal Hunter School in the mountains
✅️ And so much more!!
= This adventure can only be described as EPIC‼️
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I`m looking forward to the next chapter!!🌏✈️
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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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