By The Food Tease on March 12, 2018
Shaken, stirred or neat?! We all have our preferences when it comes to enjoying our favourite libation. Much to the delight of die-hard cocktail aficionados, cocktails have radically evolved over the years! In fact, some Barchefs have as much of a following as that of some of the most notable culinary chefs.
I am very pleased to announce that the extravagant Canadian mixology competition, Made With Love, is back again for a second year in a row!
The Toronto, Montreal and (I am happy to add) Ottawa cocktail scenes have proven themselves to be truly something else. Barchefs have taken on the creativity and competitiveness of making the most flavourful and unique cocktails with the hope of being crowned Canada’s best Barchef.
Ottawa’s talented Barchefs will be vying for the Public’s Choice and Judges’ Choice awards. The crowned winners from each category will represent Ottawa at the National Finals held in Ottawa in May 2018. The finalists will try to win the coveted title of best Barchef in the country, and have a chance to win one of 11 trips to one of the Made With Love affiliated distilleries: 2 trips in Italy with Campari, 3 trips in Nicaragua with Flor de Cana, 2 trips in France with Grand Marnier, 2 trips in Kentucky with Woodford Reserve and 2 trips in Spain with Made With Love.
Martin Pinealt’s (2018 Made With Love Ottawa ambassador) cocktail @ Made With Love
Connor Currie – CHARLOTTE OTTAWA
Jason Frederik – COMMON EATERY
Cory Contin – ZOE’S LOUNGE – FAIRMOUNT CHATEAU LAURIER
Mark McLachlan – ATARI
Julien Forrester – STEAK & SUSHI
Natalie Sole -INDEPENDENT
Jesse Baillie – INDEPENDENT
Chris Howell – EVOO GREEK KITCHEN
Stan Reyes – DATSUN
Josh Schweyer – BAR LUPULUS
Jennifer Gwynne – TOMO
Christopher Vachon – THE CLOCKTOWER BREW PUB
Eric Romolock – FAUNA FOOD +DRINK
Jovan Morales – KINKI LOUNGE KITCHEN
Jeremy Gaulin – FOREIGN CINÉMA
Jeff Taylor – SOUTH BLOCK WHISKEY BAR
Cody Nicoll – LOCAL PUBLIC EATERY
Jonah McPherson – E18HTEEN
Martin Pinealt, 2018 Made with Love Ottawa ambassador @ Made With Love
I was fortunate to acquire some inside information from last year’s Ottawa Regional Finals winner (Public’s Choice) Jayson Frederick as well as from Mati’s Bar Manager, a 2017 Ottawa Regional finalist and Made With Love’s 2018 Ottawa Ambassador, Martin Pinealt.
Both talented Barchefs shared their insights on several topics related to the competition and Ottawa’s cocktail scene.
Jayson Frederick, last year’s Ottawa’s Regional Finals winner (Public’s Choice) @ Made With Love
Jayson: The Ottawa bartending scene is becoming something to be aware of. We are young in experience compared to other cities, but the talent is nothing to take lightly. There are a lot of bartenders like myself who have come to Ottawa from other cities to help develop the bartending scene. My prediction is that in 5-7yrs, Ottawa will be a well-known cocktail city like Montreal and Toronto!
Martin: I will describe it in a few words: young, creative, thriving, growing, family
Jayson: Current trends in spirits from what I see is Mezcal, Bourbon & Scotch-based cocktails. People love to see cocktails being smoked but I think 3D ice is the next big thing.
Martin: Well here in Ottawa, I’ve noticed that we love our stirred down high ABV (Alcohol by volume) cocktails such as the “old fashion” or “Manhattan” and have a strong love for egg white sours “whisky sour” “tequila sour” and so on. I predict that for summer 2018 we are going to see a huge spike in “spritz” style cocktails with a more modern twist as opposed to the classic style.
Jayson: I used to bartend for my dad when he had parties in our basement. I wasn’t making cocktails like today with syrups and multiple bitters but that’s where I learned a lot of bar lingo like splash, neat, easy rocks, twist. I was only 11 but I’ll never forget the goalie of my dad’s soccer team yelling “Jay, another rum and water and one turn of the Angostura”.
Martin: I can’t remember that far back….but seriously it was a long time ago anything from nightclubs to pubs to pretty much anything that had alcohol.
Last year’s Ottawa’s Regional Finals winner (Public’s Choice) Jayson Frederic’s cocktail @ Made With Love
My biggest challenge this year is the fact that the bartenders competing in this year’s event are much stronger as a whole, which makes me become more creative. The only thing I can share about my concept is that a childhood staple meets present urban culture.
Well, my main role as the Ottawa ambassador is recruiting local cocktail bartenders “mixologist” to push themselves to compete for the Crown as Ottawa’s best and hopefully defend our National title that just so happens to be in the nation’s capital this year. However, with that being said, over the last 5 months or so I have been so privileged to get to know so many talented and dynamic people in Ottawa’s bartending community, its a privilege and an honour to be the ambassador for Ottawa!
There you have it my cocktail lovers…let’s support our Ottawa Barchefs and enjoy their intoxicating labours of creativity!
Where: Horticulture Building at Lansdowne Park
When: Monday, March 19, 2018
Time: 6pm – 11pm
Tickets: $65 (pre-sale) at each participating bar or $75 at the door. 19 years+
Ticket prices include a complete tasting of all showcased cocktails, a selection of food-pairings,
a Red Bull cocktail, and the privilege to vote for your favourite cocktail creation, and favourite Barchef!
Need I give you more reasons to attend this fun and of course tasty competition? Guests will be entranced and seduced by the talents of the cocktail competitors, all vying for the top spot!
See you there, Cheers!
Continuing my tradition of indulging at @martinpicard epic @cabaneaupieddecochon, this year`s harvest season happened to be their ALL STAR EDITION!!🤩🤩
This meant they would be `reviving some of their old and most beautiful harvest dishes ever conceived.` And they didn`t disappoint!! 😋😋 Indulgence taken to new heights!!
Here is the incredibly tasty lineup that was feasted on:
🍄 Scallop with mushrooms and corn coulis
🦆 Duck tartar with shiso leaves
🍕 Pizza: tomato pie with Dijon bechamel sauce
🥗 Burrata fruit salad: cucumbers, plums, mint leaves, melon coulis, and croutons
🐟 Salt cooked Trout with leek, tomato, and lobster bisque
🍛 Squash soup: squash, Foie Gras, Amaretti biscuits, gruyère cheese, and honey crisp apples
🐑 Lamb saddle with pork fat, sausages, and creamy polenta with a pepper sauce
🍆 Stuffed eggplant with smoked ham and tomato vodka sauce
🦆🐖 Shepherds pie with duck and pork
🥕🍰 Carrot cake: Classic staple recipe. Sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, and pumpkin seeds served with a carrot juice jelly
🥧 Apple pie with maple syrup, Foie Gras and cheddar cheese crème fraîche
🍫Choux pastry and chocolate ganache with raspberry cream and mint. Berries and herbs were picked directly from the on-site garden
It is an incredible feast for those who enjoy ingredients cooked and elevated in the most creative way!!
Till next year 😋
#foodblogger #foodphotography #foodporn #foodwriter #travelwriter #feastagram #feast #gluttony #classicrecipe #harvest #martinpicard #tradition #thefoodteaseeats #ifwtwa1 #tmac #thefoodteasetravel #thefoodtease
Oct 10
"Cook with love always, and people will feel it" - Chef @antonyannick70
It was a pleasure and honour to witness Chef Yannick Anton from @lecordonbleuottawa receive the Chevalier de L`Ordre du Mérite Agricole.
This award, bestowed by the French Ministry of Agriculture, recognizes his contribution to promoting French culture in Ottawa and across Canada through his work as a chef and culinary instructor.
🇨🇵 🇨🇦🧑🍳
Read about his extraordinary career in my article published in the Fall issue of @luxeottawamagazine
A lifelong passion for his craft - Congratulations again, Chef!!🏅🤩
#travelblogger #foodblogger #travelwriter #foodwriter #chef #cheflife #chevalier #meriteagricole #prestigious #accolades #frenchculture #promoting #published #luxelife #tmac #tmacontario #ifwtwa1 #frenchchef
Oct 1
It`s been a busy couple of weeks, but I wanted to share the love on this `must visit` eatery.😍😋
It was a treat to discover and dine at @amusekanata! This charming restaurant delivers BIG on flavourful dishes. It`s perfect for sharing and discovering new ingredients. A true gem! 🔥🙌
Here is the list of the tasty dishes that my table enjoyed:
🧀 TORCHED BRIE
🐟 TUNA AND SCALLOP TARTARE
🥩 STEAK TARTARE
🥩 BISON CARPACCIO
🍄 MUSHROOMS ON TOAST
🧀 HALOUMI
🐑LAMB SHANK
Both the restaurant ambiance and hospitality were top-notch...A must try! 😋😍
#foodblogger #foodporn #foodphotography #newexperiences
#sharingplates #sharing #ottawarestaurants #supportlocalbusiness #newdiscovery #amuse #amusekitchen #musttry #wantmore #thefoodtease #thefoodteaseeats #tmac #tmactravel #ifwtwa1 #indulgence #livetoexplore #livetoeat
Sep 26
Vegas wouldn’t be complete without visiting Freemont Street and taking in breathtaking sunset views from @stratvegas Tower. 😍😍
Experiencing a ride to the top of the Tower, at 1,149 feet tall - the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States for a 2nd time, did not disappoint!! 😱😍
Several years ago I experienced the thrill of the X-SCREAM roller coaster - it "teeter totters you over the edge of the Tower from 866 feet high, propelling riders head first 27 feet over the edge of the tower. After being shot over the edge, passengers are dangled weightlessly above the Las Vegas Strip before being pulled back and propelled again. " 😱😱🎢 It was a BLAST, but this time around, I was a viewer... perhaps on my next visit 😉
Seeing the Vegas views and watching the incredible visual display of the @spherevegas was incredible.
All must do`s when in Vegas!!
#traveldestination #travelblogger #vegas #travelwriter #travelphotography #thrillingrides #vegastrip #strat #sphere #vacation #thrill #awesome #funtimes #getaway #tmactravel #tmac #ifwtwa1 #thefoodteasetravel #freemontstreet #mustsee #mustdotravels
Sep 15
Indulgence of any kind is a good one in my book, and indulging in a carnivorous feast at the award-winning Bazaar Meat by José Andrés, Las Vegas was EPIC!!🤩🤩😋
The attention to detail from both the back and front of the house was beyond exceptional. It was a true celebration of meat! 🥩🥩
I was in a very addictive meat trance - I loved every dish.🦪🥩😋😍
For the outstanding carnivore feast, these are the dishes that I feasted on:
✳️ Caviar Cone: crème fraîche, classic Ossetra caviar. 🤩🤩
✳️ A5 "Philly Cheesesteak": airbread, cheddar, Wagyu beef. 🔥🔥😋😋
This dish was HEAVEN in your mouth, that a second order was needed.
✳️ Sloppy Joe: beef Bolognese, steamed bun, straw potatoes.
✳️ First time tasting Shigoku oysters from Samish Bay, Washington, and they didn`t disappoint. 🦪🦪
✳️ Bone-In Strip Loin, Washugyu/Angus Blend. 🥩😋
✳️ Chateaubriand, Tenderloin, Holstein: (Brandt Beef, CA) Périgordine sauce and straw potatoes.
✳️ Buttered Potato Purée: butter, butter, more butter, some potatoes.😱😍
So silky smooth, it should be illegal!!
It was a bucket list item of mine to eat at this award-winning restaurant by this outstanding chef and humanitarian. 😊😊
Chef @chefjoseandres is founder of @wckitchen World Central Kitchen - first in the frontlines providing fresh meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises. A real inspiration 🙌
#foodblogger #foodphotography
#foodporn #travelblogger #carnivore #feastagram #feast #joseandres #vegas #lasvegas #bucketlist #indulgence #epicfood #awardwinning #humanitarian #thefoodtease #thefoodteaseeats ##ifwtwa1 #tmactravel #tmac #meat #meatlover #meatporn #caviar #wagyu
Sep 13
Hello Arizona, and your jaw-dropping natural wonders! 😍😍
I didn`t think I could make the long bus ride from Vegas to Arizona to see the beautiful Canyon "X" in 40° degree heat... but I made it. It was hot, BUT it was sooo worth it!!
Light peaking through the incredibly beautiful and surprisingly smooth Canyon X was just spectacular. It`s amazing what nature can create. Canyon X is a hidden treasure in the heart of the Navajo Nation.
The 2nd photo displays why the canyon is called Canyon "X" - the opening of the canyon with the sky in the backdrop naturally forms the "X" formation.
Overall, the canyon trip surpassed all of my expectations, and I`m happy that I had the opportunity to see the canyon up close and be in the moment, on the sacred land. 😍😍
A must-see!!
#travelblogger #foodblogger #nature #hiddentreasures #naturephotography #naturalphenomenon #canyon #canyonx #navajonation #mustsee #tourist #bucketlist #desert #hiking #hikingadventures #tmac #tmactravel #ifwtwa1 #thefoodtease
Sep 11
From Nevada ➡️ Utah ➡️ Arizona to visit and explore incredible natural sights, including the famous Horseshoe Bend.
It was an incredible day seeing this sight up close.😍😍
The stunning Horseshoe Bend in @visit_arizona also referred to as the "east rim of the Grand Canyon". A geologic masterpiece sculpted by the Colorado River. I must admit that I was nervous taking these photo, as there are no rails or gates to prevent any accidents...and it`s very slippery. 😱
It was the perfect day to explore and get away from the glitz and bright lights of Vegas...atleast for a brief time😉😂
#travelblogger #foodblogger #traveldestination #travelwriter #arizona #horseshoebend #sightseeing #naturalphotography #nature #naturephotography #getaway #tmactravel #tmac #ifwtwa1 #thefoodtease #playingtourist #coloradoriver
Sep 8
Hello Sin City, it`s been a while😈😉
A getaway at the stunning @resortsworldlv, specifically Crockfords Hotel, made for a great trip to disconnect, have fun, and discover new things!🍹🍸🎰
Nightlife on the strip is a sensory overload... but that`s part of the fun😉
Delicious mojitos by the Crockfords pool made the scorching 40°degree weather bearable.🥵🥵🍹🍹
The mind-blowing @spherevegas is a literal driving distraction - its graphics are simply amazing!!😱😱
Love seeing the Venetian gondolas in action.
Stay tuned for some tasty activities, including some beautiful desert sights! 😃
#travelblogger #foodblogger
#vegas #lasvegas #lasvegasstrip #longweekend #disconnect #recharge #vegasbaby #onthestrip #friendsvacation #sphere #crockfords #ifwtwa1 #tmac #tmactravel #thefoodtease
Sep 5
The @brookstreetott hotel is a dreamy setting for couples embarking on their marital journey, especially with their all-in-one location. 🤩🤩
Discover their exclusive curated services in my recently published article featured in the Fall/Winter issue of the @ottawawedding magazine.
● Premiere wedding venue 💍✅️
● 18-hole championship golf course ⛳️✅️
● Exceptional cuisine 🍽 ✅️
Make your next stay a memorable one with the Brookstreet Hotel!
#foodblogger #travelblogger #traveldestination #weddingvenue #ottawa #championshipgolfcourse #golfcourse #curated #awardwinning #getaway #ottawawedding #ottawaweddings #travelwriter #ottawaweddingmagazine #published #lovemyjob #ifwtwa1 #tmactravel #tmac #tmacontario
Aug 24
An evening out to @anabellaskitchenandlounge was exactly what I needed...friendly hospitality, tasty flavourful dishes, and the perfect ambiance to enjoy a beautiful outing. 😊😋
Amongst the appetizers, I chose their HIGHLY addictive zucchini crisps, which were the bomb!! This is one dish where you wish they had endless offerings!!
😍😍
Another tasty appetizer was their arancini - simply flavourful. And the piece de résistance was their refreshing grilled Halloumi Salad. It was watermelon sweet and Halloumi salty...Simply perfect! They nailed this salad with all the different flavours.
The perfect summer outing!😊😋
#foodblogger #travelblogger #foodphotography #foodporn #ottawa #ottawarestaurants #supportlocalbusiness #diningout #summervibes #summerouting #thefoodteasedrinks #thefoodteaseeats #ifwtwa1 #tmac #tmactravel
Aug 17
Summer means...
BBQ time ✅️
Gardening ✅️
Relaxing ✅️
🪻🌺🐝🥩😍😋
Summer love...BBQ season in full effect!! 😋😍 These marinated pork blade steaks were delicious!!🥩😋
Basil, Thai basil, tarragon, and parsley... my little garden is growing!
Green thumb in full effect!! 🌺🪻
Love my lavender, and so do the 🐝 🐝
#foodblogger #foodphotography #foodporn #travelblogger #summer #summervibes #bbq #bbqlovers #garden #herb #herbgarden #greenthumb #lavender #summerrelax #timewellspent #thefoodtease #thefoodteaseeats #ifwtwa1 #tmac #goodtimes
Jul 28
Yesterday afternoon, I had the privilege of attending the "buffets des chefs," a delicious gathering at the French Embassy @franceaucanada in partnership with the Disciples d’Escoffier Canada. @disciples_escoffier_canada 🇨🇵🇨🇦
This tasty celebration included Disciples d’Escoffiers, chefs from @lecordonbleuottawa and @maisonoddo 👨🍳👩🏼🍳
The culinary event also included @veroniquerivest renown sommelier and owner of @soifbaravin being awarded as Knight in The Order of Agricultural Merit
(Ordre du Mérite agricole) for her constant promotion of oenology and French wines and terroirs. It is an order of merit bestowed by the French Republic for outstanding contributions to agriculture and food/gastronomy. Bravo!! 🍷🍷👏 👏
Another special moment included the induction of Ambassador Michel Miraillet as a new Disciple. When a new Disciple is inducted, he then undertakes to respect the Escoffier Spirit by taking this oath: "I vow to pass, serve and honor the cuisine, its culture and its continuing evolution".🎖🎖
Guests were spoiled with an endless assortment of French appetizers and delectable sweets, all with whom were created by talented chefs who are driven by passion. 😍👩🏼🍳👨🍳
Bravo to you all!!👏👏
#foodblogger #travelblogger #foodphotography #foodporn #escoffier #disciplesescoffier #knighted #culinary #induction #frenchcuisine #frenchfood #culinaryevent #buffets #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodtease #celebration #ifwtwa1 #tmac
Jun 28
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!!🍿🍿
Jun 27
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!!😊
Jun 22
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!
#foodblogger #travelblogger #cocktails #cocktailporn #brazilianlemonade #braziliandrink #summerdrinks #bacardi #rum #summerheat #summerheatwave #lemonadeforadults #thefoodteasedrinks #ifwtwa1 #tmac #enjoylife #enjoythemoment
Jun 17
I had the pleasure this week to dine at @raphaelperuviancuisine AND what an experience!! 😋
Fresh exotic ingredients combined with warm hospitality made for a great evening out.🔥🔥
The Mahi Mahi`s flavours and interesting crunch texture by the chulpe (Peruvian dried corn kernels) was my favourite!!😍
The causa de pulpo 🐙 and the anticuchos 🥩 were also just as tasty.
And to wash it all down, I tried the Ica cocktail with its flaming sugar cube - strong but equally addictive 😉
Looking forward to tasting more of their dishes! 😋
#foodblogger #travelblogger
#foodphotography #foodporn #peruvian #peruvianfood #peruviancuisine #supportlocal #localrestaurant #mahimahi #peruviancorn #newexperiences #diningout #thefoodtease #thefoodteaseeats #ifwtwa1 #tmac
Jun 2
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.
At this rate, indulgence should be my nickname 😉
#foodblogger #foodporn #travelblogger #foodphotography #indulgence #longday #avocado #triplecream #baguette #frenchcuisine #enjoylife #luxelife #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodtease #ifwtwa1 #fwt #tmac
May 16
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
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