Night market 2016 winter edition.

The Ottawa Asian Fest: The 2016 Lunar New Year Night Market

By on December 10, 2015

With the new year around the corner, it typically signifies celebrating old traditions, creating new resolutions and hopes of making more lasting memories and experiences.

For food lovers, it also means enjoying the The Lunar New Year Night Market, hosted by the stunning Hilton at Casino du Lac-Leamy!

With the overwhelming support and demand from people who attended the summer Night Market at Lansdowne Park, organizers of the Ottawa Asian Fest thought that it only made sense to bring back what the people wanted and asked for: Great tasting Asian food!

Ottawa Asian Fest is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing Asian culture and cuisine to the Ottawa-Gatineau area. Their goal of the night markets and festivals, is to give Ottawa a taste of something truly unique and memorable at every event.

Simon Huang, organizer of the festival, was generous enough to answer some questions pertaining to the festival.

Significance behind the New Year celebration

Lunar New Year is a 5,000 year tradition celebrated across majority of Asian Cultures. Last year, we focused mainly on the Chinese theme. This year we have expanded to include China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand to celebrate this cultural event.

Lunar New Year is the most important holiday for the Asian culture; at this time of year, people travel far and wide to be “home”. What we are doing is sharing this unique cultural event with everyone, provide a feeling of home for those of us who cannot be there.

You’ll think you’re walking the streets of the Hong Kong market!

What will be different with this fest compared to the Asian night market and any similarities?

This event is mostly indoors, but there will also be an outdoor portion complete with ice bar and heated patio. Some of our most popular vendors from the night market, including stinky tofu and BBQ squid, will be on the patio.

A night market with the Lunar New Year theme; food and entertainment with a New Year flavor.  The similarities you can say is more great street food.

(front-back) Stinky tofu, BBQ squid, Tang Hu Lu (traditional Chinese snack of candied fruit), Thai oyster pancake and Rou jia mo (popular ‘meat burger’ in China).

Will there be any special or different food offerings? (Like stinky tofu that was in such high demand for the summer night market)?

Of course, we always try to introduce new Asian street food, this time the vendor to watch for is the Bubble Waffle. Crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside.  Have it plain or with fruit toppings. It is the number 1 street snack in Hong Kong.

Strawberry bubble waffle

How is it that now, the event will be held at the casino?

Due to scheduling conflicts and the need for both indoor and outdoor space, Hilton Lac-Leamy was the best choice for this year’s event.

Will there be any special opening shows or events to commemorate the special occasion?

There will be an opening ceremony to commemorate the event on Saturday, January 23rd at 3pm. We will have our popular lion dance followed by an exciting Asian fashion show. Also in attendance will be embassy representatives from China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand.

And one of the main highlights of the show will be the noodle pulling demonstration.

Are you still bringing chefs and vendors from only Ottawa and Toronto? Or other regions?

Majority of our vendors are from the GTA and Ottawa.  We brought back some of the most successful food vendors from the Asian night market both from Toronto and local such as: stinky tofu, twisted potato, BBQ Squid on a stick, and bubble tea.

Is there one vendor in particular that you’d like people to try because it’s something different – like the stinky tofu from the Asian night market this past summer?

Bubble Waffle. I can’t wait to try it myself.  For those who want a little bit of western, cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory will also be on site.  My wife’s first stop as soon as we cross into the US.

2016 will be the year of the monkey – known for its playfulness. To celebrate this year we will have plenty of fun and amazing surprises including an outdoor heated patio with ice bar, tons of door prizes and much more!

Beautiful venue, delectable Asian dishes and great entertainment…what more could you ask for to celebrate the new year?!

Date and Time: Friday, January 22 – 7 p.m. to midnight
Saturday, January 23 – 12 p.m. to midnight
Sunday, January 24 – 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Where: Hilton Lac-Leamy Casino, 1, boulevard du Casino
Gatineau, Québec

Admission: Only $5 in advance (purchased through Eventbrite), $10 at the door. Free admission for children under 10 yrs when accompanied by an adult.  FREE PARKING!

For more information regarding the entertainment schedule and specific entertainers, please refer to: ottawaasianfest.

See you there!

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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After a long day, a rich and tasty avocado, egg and bacon salad was the way to go!!🥑🥚🥓😍😋

And the pièce de résistance, triple-cream Brie with @artisinbakery baguette - the perfect match for such a meal. 

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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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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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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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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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