By admin on April 6, 2015
After several press conferences at the Wine and Food Festival, my stomach started to grumble something fierce. Patience I told myself, patience. Don’t get me wrong, there was an array of delicious finger foods for those attending the conferences but I wanted and craved more…it was after all, a Wine and Food festival! Alas, the food gods heard my pleas and spoiled me as I was about to embark on a culinary journey of enjoying Techno-emotional cuisine (term preferred by Chef Ferran Adria, King of molecular gastronomy). And there was only one place that could deliver such a quest…at the famed Benazuza Restaurant located at the beautiful Oasis Sens Hotel. Having worked under the guidance of Ferran Adria, Chef Rafael Zafra has brought with him skills that have earned him several prestigious awards, including 2 Michelin Stars when he worked at the Benazuza Hacienda in Seville, Spain.
Benazuza Restaurant
Talk about being a kid in a candy store, I couldn’t wait! Aren’t gifts even better when they are least expected?! Now for total disclosure: truth is, in the past as much as I have been intrigued by the concepts that is so intricately involved in molecular gastronomy, I must confess it was never well received in the past…from my end. Like everything, I realize that it all depends who is at the helm of the cooking and the facet in which it’s delivered. Luckily for me I had no idea at the time what Techno-emotional cuisine was because if I had, I am afraid I would have entered this epicurean journey with a tainted view based on my previous experiences.
Sitting in the private dining room amongst other journalists, the realization quickly hit me that everyone was speaking in Spanish and my token “hablan muy poco espaรฑol” was not going to suffice in this setting. Don’t get me wrong, I can understand the basics and ask for the bare necessities. But how on earth do I even begin to converse let alone understand the language when we are talking about molecular gastronomy?! Good grief, even in English it’s pretty hard for me to wrap my head around the mechanics involved in this jaw dropping, sensory overload cuisine. Having been in similar situations like this one (where Iย didn’t know anyone or know little of the language) I have always managed and enjoyed myself. And I thought this situation was going to be the same, I was there to enjoy a beautiful meal and that’s what I was determined to do – regardless if I didn’t understand everything being said.
Oh, I forgot to mention a little detail that needs mentioning…that Murphy’s Law and I are best buddies! He only shows up when I think all is good and he somehow has an knack to hear my ever so faint whispers of “what could possibly go wrong?”. It’s a love-hate relationship that we have….I hate how he shows up in the most inopportune moments and he loves to see me squirm and turn every facet of red humanly possible that one can turn…but I digress.
Sitting down in the plush chair after introducing myself to those sitting around me, I felt relaxed in the ambiance that the private dining room gave and was ready for the techno-emotional cuisine to start! Little did I know, but the first amuse bouche was right in front of me the whole time…a beautiful vase that held a handful of luscious red roses were part of the meal. Having been given some tweezers to ‘pull out a petal’ and eat it seemed easy enough…or so I thought. As I plucked one of the delicate rose petals, I was immediately blocked from eating it just as I was about to put it in my mouth – I was told that the ‘petal’ that was to be eaten was hidden ever so cleverly in the actual rose. So, not only did I feel embarrassed of the near mishap (classic on my art) but there was a positive spin to this embarrassing incident…it broke the ice and relaxed the air in the room as we all tried to communicate more with one another.
So my fellow food lovers, let me take you on my food voyage of techno-emotional cuisine…enjoy the ride!
As Benazuza’s motto states:
“Dinner, Nice concept, is the meal that precedes dreams… but inย the case of the Benazuza kitchen, It need not be in that order”
The Rose that broke the ice for the Food Tease
The rose petal and beet…see how I could get confused when hidden in the flower ๐
Cactus juice and cream in liquid nitrogen
Cold and hot Margarita
Zafritas (dehydrated mashed potatoes with spices)
ย Moet & Chandon Imperial Brut
Shizo caramel: japanese seaweed with tuna and cucumber
Shizo caramel
Cod: cod and salmon caviar
Cod
Crab flute: crab and guacamole taco
Crab flute
Eel volcano: eel fish with apple, foie gras and caviar
Eel volcano
Taco de canasta: steamed taco with foie gras and tuffle
Taco de canasta
Avocado tempura: avocadoย with tequila and orange
Avocado tempura
Corn: baby corn with vanilla mayonnaise
Baby corn with vanilla mayonnaise
Mushroom โgorditaโ: mushroom brioche
Gordita
Duck tamale: duck confit tamale with green sauce
Duck confit tamale
ย Rincรณn del Barรณn Double Blanc 2011
Black jungle foie: foie gras, passion fruit jelly, calamari ink and praline on top
Black jungle foie
Egg: potato foam with Valladolidโs (Mayan) spicy pork sausage and chilli oil
Artichoke nest: cheese foam with beef reduction, caviar eggs and fresh truffle
Artichoke nest
ย Doรฑa Dolores Cuatro Regiones 2011
Fish roasted on a hotplate: (tatemado is a pre-Hispanic technique) sole, black sesame, shrimp potato foam with calamari ink phyllo pastry
Tatemado fish
Lamb burrito: lambย with sacred leaf and marinade: tortilla, lamb, lamb juice, pumpkin flower, guajillo chile with a pistachio vinaigrette on top
Lamb burrito
Pre-dessert:
Soursop mollusk: (soursop: tropical sweet and sour fruit) with mussels and limes
Soursop mollusk
Mandarin: Mandarin orange cheesecake
Mandarin cheesecake
The cherry: cherries with chocolate mint
Sinful cherries
Shot: margarita and lime jelly
Margarita shots
Not only was the multicourse lunch an experience in which I will no doubt remember and cherish for years to come, but it was also one of different flavours, textures and intriguing concepts of how food can be manipulated and reinvented by science. Zafra’s interpretation of certain edible items amazed me as to how it kept the integrity of the item regarding its true flavour and in some cases how it accentuatedย its subtleties.
Chef Rafael Zafra and The Food Tease
Funny how one meal can change your outlook on things. Even the most faint of flavours can be transformed and become the highlight of the feast…in the right hands that is!
When you have a craving for a tasty Peking duck dinner, @pekingduckottawa delivers on quality, hospitality, and flavour!! ๐ฆ๐
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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!!๐๐
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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.๐๐
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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.๐๐
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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!๐ฆ๐ฆ 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.๐๐
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I am looking forward to my next visit already!!๐คฉ
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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. ๐ฉ๐ผโ๐ณ๐
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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.๐จโ๐ณ๐ฉ๐ผโ๐ณ
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Chef Arnaud DeClercq was the instructor chef during this workshop, where braised trout with Riesling wine sauce and spรคtzle noodles were being taught... absolutely DELICIOUS ๐ ๐
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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 thought๐
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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!!๐๐
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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!!๐๐
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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. ๐ ๐
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In addition to other exciting activities, I had loads of fun snorkeling with @wanderlustcaribbean and with @mrweskayak from @soufriereoutdoorcentre ๐คฟ๐ ๐ชผ๐ชธ๐
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And the pampering services in Dominica are beyond NEXT level!! ๐๐ผโโ๏ธ๐
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Special thanks to @junglebaydominica
@wanderlustcaribbean and
@coulibri_ridge for their exceptional hospitality!!๐ฅ๐ฅ
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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?! ๐ ๐
With a view like this, im completely on board๐๐
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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!โจ๏ธ๐
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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. ๐ท๐ธ
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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!!๐๐
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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!!๐๐๐
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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.๐ค๐๐
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Their Watermelon cosmo was a DEFINITE hit with yours truly ๐ ๐ธ๐
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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 ๐).
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Looking forward to experiencing their Polar Bar in the winter months๐ปโโ๏ธโ๏ธ
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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 flavours๐
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Now my favourite course, Beef time!! ๐๐ Their sous-vide striploin with Dijon potato croquettes were ridiculously tasty!! The piรจce de rรฉsistance...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!!๐๐๐
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I am already looking forward to my next visit, with their 7-course blind tasting.๐๐
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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 ้ฆๆธฏ่ช็ฉบ for this incredible experience, filled with once-in-a-lifetime opportunities and lasting memories.๐
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I relished every moment: โ
๏ธ Hong Kong`s endless and impressive skyscrapers
โ
๏ธ The majestical Tian Tian bronze Buddha in the mountains (walking up the endless stairs to see the Buddha upclose was worth it)
โ
๏ธ The famous Shilin Night Market, the largest and most famous night market in Taiwan ๐๐
โ
๏ธ Learning survival skills from their renowned Cidal Hunter School in the mountains
โ
๏ธ And so much more!!
= This adventure can only be described as EPICโผ๏ธ
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I`m looking forward to the next chapter!!๐โ๏ธ
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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
What holiday mornings should be all about, right?!
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Blueberry and lemon Dutch baby...simply divine!! ๐ ๐
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This delicious dish was the perfect start to the day. Nothing complicated, and the flavour profile was spot on.
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Here`s to waking up late and indulging!!๐๐
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#foodblogger #travelblogger #foodpornshare #foodporn #dutchbaby #dutchbabypancake #holiday #holidaymorning #brunchtime #brunch #thefoodteaseeats #wantmore
Jul 3
Oui, oui Paris!!๐ซ๐ท ๐จ๐ฆโ๏ธโ๏ธ
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending the inauguration of
@airfrance direct flights from Ottawa to Paris, operating 5 times a week!! ๐ฑ๐คฉ๐คฉ
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The beautiful soiree was hosted by @franceaucanada
where guests celebrated the exciting news and did it in style, with French indulgences ๐พ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ง
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French Ambassador of Canada Michel Miraillet and the Air France crew, including Ottawa`s mayor, Mark Sutcliffe, celebrated the first day of having direct Ottawa flights to Paris. Air France is the only airline connecting Ottawa to Europeโ๏ธโ๏ธ๐๐
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Rain or shine, the French Embassy spoiled guests with their tasty treats and libations๐พ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ง
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When are you going to Paris ๐ซ๐ท?
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#foodblogger #foodpornshare #travelblogger #travelgrams #airfrance #frenchembassy #directflight #viveparis #inauguration #ottawaairport #ottawatourism #ottawatoparis #ottawatoeurope #passportready #jetset #jetsetter #luxelife #luxetravel #thefoodteasetravel #tmac #ifwtwa1
Jun 29
Well, hello there, beautiful!!๐๐ This is what the perfect brunch meal looks like for me ๐ณ๐ณ๐
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@fraserrestaurant knows what it takes to make food lovers swoon....their eggs Benedict with pancetta, and pimento cheese sauce were absolutely tasty!!๐คฉ๐คฉ
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If only I could start my day this way...everyday!!๐ฑ๐๐
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#foodblogger #foodpornshare #foodgram #travelblogger #brunch #brunchtime #ottawarestaurants #ottawatourism #supportsmallbusiness #weekend #weekendvibes #egg #eggsbenedict #wantmore #needmore #thefoodteaseeats
Jun 26
Who says treats and indulgences need to happen at the end of the work week?
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Dinner at the @dineriviera starts the week on a delicious note! ๐ค๐
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Appetizers like the fresh tuna crudo and steak tartar make for perfect starters to any meal. And just for added indulgence, the mushrooms on toast couldn`t be resisted. Now for the main attraction: a beautiful and tender dry aged Alberta striploin steak frites with Bordelaise sauce....YUMMY!!๐๐๐๐
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Go and treat yourself, regardless of the day of the week - live your life and enjoy your indulgences to the fullest!!
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#foodblogger #foodblogger #foodie #foodiegram #startoftheweek #indulge #indulgence #rivierarestaurant #supportlocal #ottawarestaurants #ottawaeats #ottawatourism #steaklover #mondayvibes #thefoodteaseeats #fwt
Jun 19
Enjoyed some quality time in Montreal. Discovering Mont Royal Park, then savouring the tasty dishes at Le steakhouse @ribnreef - a perfect outing!๐ค๐
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Tableside service is my absolute FAVOURITE and Montreal does it so well!!๐ค๐
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Tableside caesar salad to the flambรฉ crepe suzettes are always crowded pleasers!!๐ฅ๐
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I specifically selected this Montreal eatery for their top-notch hospitality and for their melt-in-your-mouth roast beef and trimmings... Simply delicious ๐ ๐
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Love weekends taking in the sights and enjoying delicious meals!
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#foodblogger #foodpornshare #travelblogger #travelgrams #montreal #monmontreal #montroyalpark #ribnreef #steakhouse #tableside #roastbeef #weekendgetaway #takinginthesights #playingtourist #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodteasetravel #fwt #ifwtwa #tmactravel #tmac
Jun 11
Back to the grind and wish I was on the beach again, enjoying my coconut Rum drink๐น๐๐
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Mini getaways are great to recharge the self-care batteries... beach and poolside service always helps too๐๐
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Here`s to taking a breather and enjoying quality time with friends, as you recharge๐๐ค
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#travelblogger #foodblogger #travelgrams #minigetaway #recharge #rechargeyoursoul #cubatravel #cuba #rumtime #ruminthesun #postcard #beachlife #beaches #sunburnt #waterbaby #disconnect
Jun 6
A long weekend getaway called for some fun in the sun, along with some Rum!!๐น๐๐
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`Time to disconnect` was exactly what was needed!!๐ค๐
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Laughter, beach time, and some good old-fashioned R&R made for a memorable Cuban trip!
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#foodblogger #drinks #travelblogger #travelgrams #cuba #cubatravel #beachlife #pinacolada #beaches #postcardplaces #rumtime #longweekend #getaway #spontaneous #ruminthesun #thefoodteasetravel #thefoodteasedrinks
May 26
We are truly spoiled by Ottawa`s scenery, case in point at the beautiful @laterrasseottawa located at the stunning @fairmontlaurier ๐
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How can you possibly go wrong with tantalizing cocktails and mouthwatering dishes?! And if that wasn`t enough, postcard-like views of the sun setting, as you take it all in!! ๐
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Thanks to @amnaabdennour for making the grand opening event at La Terrace a memorable one. And special thanks to @rolandbast for taking the photo of me and my bubbles ๐พ๐ฅ๐
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Treat yourself... go and enjoy this stellar venue! โจ๏ธ
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#foodblogger #travelblogger #foodie #grandopening #fairmonthotel #laterrasse #sunset #sunsets #sunsetphotography #champagne #champagnelover #champagnemoments #cheerstothegoodlife #bubbles #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodteasedrinks #lovemyjob
May 18
I had so much fun at the grand opening of @laterrasseottawa
at @fairmontlaurier ๐๐
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This venue provides the perfect location to take in the sights while enjoying mouthwatering dishes and tantalizing libations!!๐น๐ฅ
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Started the evening off right, with La Terrace`s "What-a-Melon Sangria" (Rosรฉ Wine, Soho Lychee Liquor, Peach Schnapps,Watermelon juice)๐๐๐น
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Their "Surf & Turf Caesar" served with its famous beef sliders, and shrimps were quite the sight!! Mind blown!!๐ฑ๐น๐๐ค
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Now let`s talk SEAFOOD!! Their platter was pretty enough to eat, and that`s exactly what I did!๐ฆช๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐
Seafood Platter: steamed snow crab, salmon candy, clams, mussels, crawfish, scallop ceviche, tuna tartar, wild shrimp, hot sauce, brandy sauce, spicy mayo and cocktail sauce.
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And if that`s wasn`t enough, I also thoroughly enjoyed their Truffled pork sausage with Foie Gras and their East Coast lobster roll!!YUMMY!!๐ฆ๐ฆ
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Go and enjoy the stunning venues and tasty dishes... You can thank me later๐๐
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#foodblogger #travelblogger #chateaulaurier #laterrasse #iconicview #ottawarestaurants #tmactravel #tmac #ifwtwa #ottawatourism #patio #patiogarden #seafoodplatter #caesar #watermelondrink #grandopening #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodteasedrinks #fairmont #fairmonthotel
May 7
When you want to know how tasty things are done, you go straight to the source and dive in. This is what I do best!! ๐
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What a privilege it was to not only be given access to Pinsa Romana Canada production facility but also literally try my hands with their light and delicious Pinsa dough. This was a real treat!!๐๐๐ฉ๐ผโ๐ณ๐๐
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Learning how the dough is made, understanding the importance of delicately forming, then stretching the dough was absolutely interesting!! All the steps involved were very much a learning experience for me.
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Seeing the men and women in the production facility work in complete harmony, focusing on the end result = a golden airy dough that tastes delicious AND without all that typical pizza heaviness, that often leaves me in a food coma๐ด was amazing!!
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Don`t forget, customers can purchase the Pinsa dough at most Independent Grocers, @officialfarmboy
and of course, enjoy the varied pinsa products at all the @joesitalkitchen locations.
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It`s time to treat yourself to a new pizza experience๐๐๐
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#foodblogger #travelblogger #foodie #foodporn #pinsa #pinsaromana #pizza #handsonlearning #specialaccess
#healthierchoices #pizzadough #indulge #healthyfood #ottawarestaurants #supportlocal #thefoodteaseeats #production #productionfacility #assembly
May 3
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