By The Food Tease on October 16, 2021
Ottawa area gastronomes are fortunate to have access to some of the best culinary products on the market, many of which are game-changers for an at-home dining experience. Picture refined olive oils imported from Italy, boundless cheese selections that would make any turophile swoon, and baked goods that transport your senses to a Paris café. The piece de résistance? Melt-in-your-mouth Japanese A5 Wagyu beef. Welcome to my world of indulgences—in the comfort of your home.
Highly touted in home and restaurant kitchens around the world, olive oil reigns supreme for its versatility and distinctive taste.
As an importer of exclusive artisanal olive oils and balsamic vinegar from small artisan producers in Italy, Aurelius owner Mike George has achieved a solid following amongst food lovers. Naturally, and to the delight of fine dining patrons, many top Ottawa restaurants use Aurelius’ exclusive products. Located at 1283b Wellington Street West, this unique olive oil and balsamic vinegar tasting boutique stands out for its dedication to the craft of high-quality artisan products that enhance any dish. If you’re anything like me, and you enjoy dipping fresh bread into olive oil and balsamic followed by sea salt, this is where you stock up. aureliusfoodco.com
What really sets us apart from other stores like us is our exclusive line. Our Early Harvest extra virgin olive oil is sourced from the small village in Italy where my family lives, Sacrofano. Mike George, owner of Aurelius Food Co.
At La Bottega Nicastro, it’s the story of five generations of brothers, cousins, aunts, and uncles with a passion for sharing great food with loved ones. A family dinner mentality has enabled this Italian grocer to not only continue in business for many years but also to grow and prosper. Since 1972, the Nicastros have been importing the finest goods from Italy, starting from a store on Gladstone Avenue. Since 1995, La Bottega has been a delectable presence in the ByWard Market, offering products made with integrity and infused with the spirit of the people who produce them. From pasta, sauces, and meatballs to olive oils, cheeses, cured meats and wine, the shop at 64 George Street provides patrons with all of Nonna’s pantry “must-haves” along with gourmet treats. This is classic comfort food for people who wish to eat to their heart’s content. Mangia! Mangia! labottega.ca
With lack of travel, everyone wants to enjoy the ingredients and meals they might be eating in Florence, Sicily, Barcelona or Paris. It’s nice to see people cooking great meals at home. Pat Nicastro, Owner of La Bottega Nicastro
Ah cheese! The adored, multifaceted kitchen staple is so versatile there are no limits on how it can be served. Whether baked, grilled, melted or flambéed, its sole purpose is to be enjoyed. This leads us to two local boutiques that have cheese aficionados storming their counters in droves.
With enthusiasm and a quest for new and interesting products, especially from local vendors, Kanata’s Grace in the Kitchen, at 442 Hazeldean Road, excels in being current and relevant while catering to customers’ culinary needs. Indeed the cheese shop, Serious Cheese, offers some of the best cheeses from around the world. One of the signature products, made in-house by Grace in the Kitchen’s cheesemongers, is the best-selling Serious Cheese Truffle Brie. This insanely decadent soft cheese oozes truffle flavour and is the definite star on any cheese board. graceinthekitchen.ca
Our store is really dedicated to helping our customers in every aspect of their kitchen, whether it be finding that difficult ingredient for a new recipe, to having quality cookware, to even making a weeknight meal easier with one of our frozen entrees. Bert Plomer, owner of Grace in the Kitchen
Moving east to 103 Beechwood Avenue, Jacobsons is a family-run gourmet food shop specializing in fine foods and artisan cheeses. The shop exemplifies the friendships the Jacobsons have cultivated with artisans and producers alike. Each product on the shelves is meticulously chosen for its quality, ingredients and provenance. Many of the cheeses, selected as the most flavoursome and highest-quality of their kind, are exclusive to this shop. Over the years, the Jacobsons have shared their passion for fine foods by providing customers with curated care packages filled with gourmet goodies that provide a perfect way to connect with those we love.
For me, a trip to Jacobsons is an adventure. I know that no matter the occasion, my basket will be filled with wonderful local and international products to discover and savour. jacobsons.ca
We have remained committed to doing everything we can to care for our community in the ways we know best—ensuring our guests and community members have access to comforting, nourishing food. Jacobsons family
Bringing with him flavours of Paris cafés and continuously striving to develop and improve products and procedures, Kevin Mathieson, co-owner of Art Is In Bakery has found his niche in the Nation’s capital. With the unique taste of their original Dynamite bread and their bountiful selection of sourdoughs, Art Is In Bakery has managed to seduce a whole city. Ever evolving, Kevin has meticulously crafted and launched a savoury menu at their City Centre location that has quickly become customers’ favourite comfort food mecca offering specialty sandwiches, homemade soups, gourmet burgers, sourdough pizzas and an endless array of incredible sweets. In my opinion, this is the most beloved bakery in Ottawa and a definite destination for any gourmand!
Customers are looking for comfort foods and we make ours from scratch without compromising quality of ingredients… from the bun to the ketchup made in house… from the dough made 48 hours in advance to develop tastes and the meticulous procedures that make our products stand out. – Kevin & Stephanie Mathieson, Owners of Art Is In Bakery
Steak devotees head to The Finch Market, south east of Ottawa, to stock up on incredible beef delicacies, Northern Gold premium meat (an upper 2/3rd AAA program from the foothills of Alberta) and the melt-in-your-mouth umami goodness of Japanese A5 Wagyu. This is a place, at 17 Main Street in Finch, where steak lovers’ dreams come true.The Japanese A5 Wagyu has become the talk of the town for The Finch Market. Chef and co-owner Luc McCabe has much to be happy about, as he knows this delicacy is not easily accessible.
I became certified by the Japanese government and, now with my knowledge and education, I have been able to educate our customers in all that makes [Wagyu] a true delicacy. Chef Luc McCabe, co-owner of The Finch Market
Along with other tasty products, McCabe has been offering customers access to the Spiceology spice brand. McCabe describes the brand as “spices that are chef driven and chef inspired.” Spiceology, with its flavour profiles from around the world, has grown in popularity and is now an anchor in the store’s spice line. thefinchmarket.ca
The passion the purveyors have for their products and customers is the integral ingredient that binds all these amazing gourmet stores together. Like us, they are seeking pleasure moments from memorable flavours and mouthwatering bites. Trust me when I say you’ll want to spend a small fortune in these stores, as everywhere you look you’ll discover another indulgent ingredient to take home and savour.
**This article was first published in the lifestyle magazine Luxe Magazine and was given permission to post on the author’s site.
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
What holiday mornings should be all about, right?!
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Blueberry and lemon Dutch baby...simply divine!! 😋 😍
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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!!😋😍
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#foodblogger #travelblogger #foodpornshare #foodporn #dutchbaby #dutchbabypancake #holiday #holidaymorning #brunchtime #brunch #thefoodteaseeats #wantmore
Jul 3
Oui, oui Paris!!🇫🇷 🇨🇦✈️✈️
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending the inauguration of
@airfrance direct flights from Ottawa to Paris, operating 5 times a week!! 😱🤩🤩
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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 🍾🥂🥖🧀
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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 Europe✈️✈️😍😍
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Rain or shine, the French Embassy spoiled guests with their tasty treats and libations🍾🥂🥖🧀
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When are you going to Paris 🇫🇷?
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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!!😍😍 This is what the perfect brunch meal looks like for me 🍳🍳😋
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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!!🤩🤩
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If only I could start my day this way...everyday!!😱😍😉
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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! 🤗😋
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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!!😍😍😋😋
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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!🤗😋
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Tableside service is my absolute FAVOURITE and Montreal does it so well!!🤗😋
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Tableside caesar salad to the flambé crepe suzettes are always crowded pleasers!!🔥😍
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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 😋 😍
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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 drink🍹😋🏖
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Mini getaways are great to recharge the self-care batteries... beach and poolside service always helps too😉🏖
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Here`s to taking a breather and enjoying quality time with friends, as you recharge😊🤗
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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!!🍹🏖🌞
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`Time to disconnect` was exactly what was needed!!🤗😉
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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 😍
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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!! 🌇
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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 🍾🥂😉
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Treat yourself... go and enjoy this stellar venue! ✨️
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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 😊😋
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This venue provides the perfect location to take in the sights while enjoying mouthwatering dishes and tantalizing libations!!🍹🥂
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Started the evening off right, with La Terrace`s "What-a-Melon Sangria" (Rosé Wine, Soho Lychee Liquor, Peach Schnapps,Watermelon juice)🍉🍉🍹
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Their "Surf & Turf Caesar" served with its famous beef sliders, and shrimps were quite the sight!! Mind blown!!😱🍹🍔🍤
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Now let`s talk SEAFOOD!! Their platter was pretty enough to eat, and that`s exactly what I did!🦪🦐🦀🦞😋
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!!🦞🦞
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Go and enjoy the stunning venues and tasty dishes... You can thank me later😉😋
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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!! 😊
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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!!😊😍👩🏼🍳🍕🍕
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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 coma😴 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 experience🍕😋😋
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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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